cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Facility Age and Attendance in Major League Baseball

Previous research on spectator attendance has shown that there is a “honeymoon effect” for new facilities in Major League Baseball. Little research, however, has been conducted examining the relationship between facility age and attendance throughout the life span of Major League Baseball facilities. In this study, social psychology literature covering marital satisfaction throughout the marital life cycle was used as a theoretical framework in an attempt to explain a potentially similar relationship between facility age and attendance in Major League Baseball. An economic demand model was created to examine the relationship between facility age and seasonal attendance in MLB from 1962 to 2001 (N = 950). Data indicated a statistically significant curvilinear relationship existed between facility age and attendance throughout the life span of a Major League Baseball facility. Highest attendances were found during the first years of the new facility, supporting previous studies’ findings of a honeymoon effect, with the curve at its lowest attendance point in the 48th year in the facility, followed by rising attendance in the subsequent later years of the facility life span. Thus, there was statistical support for the hypothesis that attendance in Major League Baseball facilities was relatively similar to satisfaction levels of individuals over the life cycle of a marriage.
Collecting free-response data via computers: effects of technology on responses to hypothetical scenarios

This study compared pen-and-paper and computer administrations of free-response instruments. Two-hundred-and-fifty-seven subjects were assigned to either a computer or pen-and-paper condition and were administered two free-response instruments, one a diagnostic for message design logic, the other a hypothetical scenario depicting a group decision-making situation. Findings revealed no difference in proportion of cases assigned to each level of message design across mode of administration. However, contrary to predictions, women were not more likely to be classified at the rhetorical level of message design. Although not statistically significant due to low power, examination of message design within mode of administration revealed that more women from the pen-and-paper administration were classified as rhetoricals than men, but more men were classified at that level than women in the computer administration. Some differences in message content from the group situation were found across mode of administration or by gender within mode. Discussion addresses the cognitive processes associated with message production in mediated circumstances as well as gender differences in attitudes toward computing.
Networks Matter: Male Mexican Migrants’ Use of Hospitals

Using the behavioral model for health care use and unique data from the Mexican migration project, we explore the factors associated with hospital use among Mexican male migrants to the US. Twenty-eight percent of the respondents reported receiving healthcare from a hospital. In addition to established enabling factors of time in the US and English language ability, this research points to the importance of family social networks as enabling hospital health care use among migrants. Migrants with more ties to family members with migration experience have an increased likelihood of using emergency room healthcare. The research adds to the body of literature by providing evidence that ties to individuals with US migration experience increases migrants’ probability of accessing healthcare at hospitals.
Liquid poly(ethylene glycol) and supercritical carbon dioxide: a benign biphasic solvent system for use and recycling of homogeneous catalysts.

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), having a molecular weight of 900 or 1500, is a solid at room temperature but a nonvolatile liquid at 40 °C under CO2 pressure. Homogeneously catalyzed hydrogenation can be performed in the molten PEG, followed by extraction of the product by supercritical CO2. The catalyst-containing PEG phase which remains in the vessel can be reused for hydrogenation without addition of further catalyst or PEG.
Resynchronization Therapy in Dilated Cardiomyopathy Confirmation of Hemodynamic Improvement With Real-Time Three-Dimensional Echocardiography

A 66-year-old woman, with a history of severe idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and an implantable cardioverter defibrillator for ventricular tachyarrhythmia, presented with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV congestive heart failure (CHF). Her medical regimen had been optimized with maximally tolerated doses of ACE inhibitors, β-blockers, loop diuretics, spironolactone, and digoxin. Initially, her ECG showed a first-degree atrioventricular block (PR …
Assignment of Nucleoside Phosphorylase to D-14 and Localization of X-linked Loci in Man by Somatic Cell Genetics

SOMATIC cell populations can be used for genetic analysis because of the occurrence of parasexual events1. Genetically dilferent genomes can combine into a single cell by spontaneous2 or virally induced3 cell fusion. In the interspecific hybrid combinations so far studied, the parental chromosomes are lost to a variable extent4. Human/mouse hybrids are particularly favourable for genetic analysis because they preferentially segregate the human chromosomes5. The mouse and human enzymes can be distinguished and the mouse and human chromosomes can be identified by the application of recently developed cytological techniques6,7. Linkage relationships can be inferred by the concordant or discordant segregation of human markers. If positive correlation exists between human phenotypes, it can be presumed that the genes are linked to the same chromosome (they are syntenic); and similarly, if positive correlations exist between chromosomes and phenotypes, this provides strong support for the assignment of gene loci for particular phenotypes to particular human chromosomes.
Morphological control of particles generated from the evaporation of solution droplets: Experiment

Abstract An experimental test of using controlled homogeneous nucleation and crystal growth to control aerosol particle morphology was carried out. The controlling parameters tested included the temperature, evaporating rate of the solvent, crystal habit, solubility and mass of the solute. The qualitative aspects of the morphology of particles obtained were consistent with the predictions of a previously developed qualitative model. The experiments demonstrated that limited control of particle size, density and shape for a given compound can be achieved through the temperature and humidity of the carrier gas used in generating the aerosol.
Structure, function and regulation of Na-K-ATPase.

Abstract 1. 1. The Na-K-ATPase consists of a large chain (α) and a small chain (β) and possibly a proteolipid chain (γ), of molecular weights 100,000, 45,000 and about 13,000 respectively. 2. 2. Various fluorescent-labelled probes when incorporated into purified lamb kidney Na-K-ATPase, reveal important conformational changes that appear to be modified by cations, including calcium. 3. 3. The regulation ofouabain binding to the Na-K-ATPase involves interaction of both Na+ and K+ at an “external” site. 4. 4. Vanadate may be involved in regulation of the sodium pump, by interaction with an “internal” site. This produces modification of an “external” K+ site. Both ATPase activity and ouabain binding are affected by this trace metal. 5. 5. A search is ongoing for endogenous factor(s) that specifically interact with the digitalis receptor and the Na-K-ATPase.
Advocacy and managed behavioral health care.

A major new element for managed behavioral health care companies in administering the Medicaid benefit is the presence of mental health and substance abuse advocacy groups, for whom dealing with private sector companies brings a new dimension to their efforts to ensure adequate, accessible services.
Study on New Extrusion Route of Equal Channel Angular Processing in High Purity Aluminium

The new extrusion route of ECAP which is called route 135 was put forward in this paper. The grain refinement of the traditional extrusion route BC and the new route of ECAP process in 99.9995% (5N5) high purity aluminum was compared using a die with a channel-intersection angle 90°. It was found through experiment that, the grain was very coarse in the cast ingot of 5N5 high purity aluminum, and the average grain size is about 60mm. High purity aluminum processed by one pass ECAP was refined notably, and average grain size is about 1000 μm. After two ECAP passes, the average grain size is 200μm with route BC, while it is less than 50μm with route 135. The refinement of two passes of route 135 is equivalent to the refinement of eight passes of route BC. It indicates that the route 135 is more effective than route BC. TEM micrograph of 5N5 high purity Al with different ECAP pass under route BC and route 135 was studied.
Cup product structure for symplectic K2

For a field F with trivial involution we have the Karoubi L-groups ±1Ln(F). For 0≤n≤2 these groups are intimately related to subgroups of the classical Witt ring of quadratic forms. -1L 2(F) also has a presentation by symbols due to Matsumoto. In terms of this data we make explicit calculations for two cup product maps that appear in the L-theory of fields.
Using periodic metallic nanostructure for compact optical sensor to detect refractive index change

We demonstrate a compact optical transducer (~50μm) based on a gold film perforated with a square array of square holes. The lattice constant (separation between nearest holes) is chosen to be a ~ 1μm to detect refractive index change around ( n~ 1.4) with resonant wavelength (λ~1.5μm). Both reflectance measurement and finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulations are performed to evaluate the performance of the sensors. The responsivity of the resonant wavelength is measured to be Δλ/Δ n ~835nm RIU -1 (RIU= refractive index unit). The linewidth and contrast of resonance are compared with different size of holes from experimental measurement and FDTD simulations. Coupled mode theory analysis is also used to understand the change reflectance spectrum as a function of hole width.
Brain–Computer Interface With Language Model–Electroencephalography Fusion for Locked-In Syndrome

Background. Some noninvasive brain–computer interface (BCI) systems are currently available for locked-in syndrome (LIS) but none have incorporated a statistical language model during text generation. Objective. To begin to address the communication needs of individuals with LIS using a noninvasive BCI that involves rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) of symbols and a unique classifier with electroencephalography (EEG) and language model fusion. Methods. The RSVP Keyboard was developed with several unique features. Individual letters are presented at 2.5 per second. Computer classification of letters as targets or nontargets based on EEG is performed using machine learning that incorporates a language model for letter prediction via Bayesian fusion enabling targets to be presented only 1 to 4 times. Nine participants with LIS and 9 healthy controls were enrolled. After screening, subjects first calibrated the system, and then completed a series of balanced word generation mastery tasks that were desig...
Special health care needs of homeless pregnant women

As women and families join the ranks of the homeless in increasing numbers, many women find themselves confronting both pregnancy and homelessness.When pregnancy accompanies the precarious state of homelessness, the need for adequate shelter is not being met during one of the most critical periods of a woman's life. This article focuses on the unique health needs of homeless pregnant women. Detailed accounts of the daily life experiences of African American, Anglo, and Latina homeless pregnant women were derived from an ethnographic study conducted in a large metropolitan area in southern California. Their pregnancies were difficult because normal physiological changes of pregnancy often became pathological, signs of potential complications went unnoticed or unattended, and minor discomforts of pregnancy were exacerbated by the women's invironment. Nursing therapeutics that support health maintenance and coping strategies of the women while on the streets or in shelters were explicated.
Mechanical properties of porous combustion synthesized Ni3Ti-TiCx composites

Abstract Combustion synthesis has been employed to produce porous Ni3Ti–TiCx composites for utilization as bone-replacement orthopedic implants or high temperature filters. The level and extent of porosity and TiCx content has been shown to affect the modulus and ultimate strength of the composites. Experimental mechanical properties obtained from micro- and nano-indentation analysis and quasi-static compression tests were shown to agree with predicted mechanical properties. SEM photomicrographs of the fractured samples and surfaces are provided. The composites possess mechanical properties that are close to those of femur bone and are superior to commonly used metallic and ceramic systems in biomedical applications.
Phase sensitive heterodyne receivers with SIS quasiparticle mixers

It is noted that it is possible to operate a mixer as a phase-sensitive linear amplifier by pumping with two local oscillators (LOs) separated in frequency by twice the IF (intermediate frequency) and symmetrically located about the signal frequency. In principle a phase-sensitive amplifier can detect a signal without adding any noise. The authors present a formalism developed to describe two-LO mixers, and extend the quantum mixer theory to calculate expressions for the gain and noise of a two-LO mixer. The full quantum mechanical formulation used here enables an analysis of the mixer noise for general input states, for example, a squeezed state. It is demonstrated that a two-LO mixer is phase-sensitive. The results are pertinent to the design of phase-sensitive heterodyne receivers with SIS (superconductor-insulator-superconductor) quasiparticle mixers. >
Modeling and simulation of a stepping motor

This short paper presents equations and mathematical models of a variable-reluctance stepping motor. These models can be used for the analysis and design of motor performances involving single or multiple stepping. The principle of operation of the stepping motor is also discussed.
Patient tolerance of craniotomy performed with the patient under local anesthesia and monitored conscious sedation.

Objective Craniotomy and brain mapping performed with the patient under local anesthesia and monitored sedation is an important technique to allow optimal resection of brain tumors or other lesions in close apposition to eloquent cortex. The subjective experience of patients undergoing this procedure has not been addressed in the literature. Methods This study formally, intensively, and prospectively assessed the subjective experience of 21 consecutive patients undergoing this procedure. Assessment involved structured interviews at 2 to 3 days postoperatively by a member of the surgical team and at 1 month postoperatively by a psychiatrist, supplemented by pre- and postoperative assessments of the patients' moods using the brief Profile of Mood States questionnaire. Results At the 1-month interview, all patients were entirely comfortable with the experience and there were no indications of adverse psychological sequelae of the event. In the early postoperative interview, approximately one-half of the patients reported that the experience was entirely satisfactory, without any intraoperative discomfort or pain. One-third of the patients recalled minor difficulties at some stage of the experience, and one-fifth recalled moderate difficulties. An operating room score was devised to quantify the data. Minor technical changes are suggested to improve the patients' subjective experience. Conclusions This series confirmed that this technique is a very useful and safe technique for resection of lesions involving eloquent cortex that might otherwise be considered inoperable. This procedure involves a level of stress that remains within the tolerance level of the average adult.
Enzymic and immunochemical properties of lysozyme—V derivatives modified at lysine residues by guanidination, acetylation, succinylation or maleylation

Abstract Modification of the amino groups in lysozyme was carried out by guanidination, acetylation, succinylation or maleylation. The specificity of each reaction for amino groups was carefully determined and the enzymic and immunochemical properties of all derivatives studied. Reaction of lysozyme with 1-guanyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazole nitrate gave an electrophoretically homogeneous derivative in which five amino groups were guanidinated. No other amino acids were modified and the derivative exhibited no conformational changes and suffered no loss in enzymic activity, relative to native lysozyme. By acetylation of lysozyme with different amounts of acetic anhydride, two electrophoretically homogeneous derivatives were prepared. Both derivatives were acetylated at all seven amino groups, but one had seven and the other had all fifteen hydroxy amino acids esterified. Reaction of lysozyme with succinic or maleic anhydride resulted in electrophoretically heterogeneous preparations even when all amino groups were modified. There was also a non-uniform esterification of aliphatic hydroxy amino acids. The acetylated, succinylated, or maleylated derivatives showed small, but measurable conformational changes. The enzymic activity was completely eliminated upon acylation of four or more amino groups and this loss was attributed to changes in electrostatic interactions between the modified enzyme and the negatively charged bacterial cell wall. With antisera to lysozyme, the guanidinated derivative possessed full (100 per cent) antigenic reactivity, relative to lysozyme. The two acetylated preparations retained substantial, and comparable, antigenic reactivity with these antisera. In succinylated or maleylated derivatives, the electrophoretic heterogeneity was not accompanied by immunochemical heterogeneity. A considerable amount of cross-reactivity was retained, even when all amino groups were succinylated or maleylated. Partially or completely succinylated lysozymes were antigenic in rabbits and antibodies to the completely succinylated derivative exhibited (a) a specificity against lysozyme, (b) a specificity against antigenic regions containing succinyl groups and showing carrier specificity and (c) a haptenic specificity against succinyl groups attached to unrelated carrier proteins. From these findings it was concluded that retention of the charge of certain amino groups is essential for intact antigenic reactivity. Some amino groups (possibly four) and at least eight aliphatic hydroxyl groups are not located within antigenic sites of lysozyme. Furthermore, succinyl and maleyl groups are immunochemically distinct.
An unexpected cyclization discovered during the synthesis of 8-substituted purines from a 4,5-diaminopyrimidine

Abstract Attempted conversion of 4-chloro-5-(N-4-bromobutanoyl)amino-6-phenethylaminopyrimidine (2) to 6-chloro-8-[1-(3-bromo)propyl]-9-phenethylpurine (1) under standard cyclization conditions did not give the targeted product. Instead, an unexpected cyclization occurred to give 6-chloro-5-[1-(3-hydroxy)propyl]-9-phenethylpurine (3), which can be viewed as a hydrolysis product of the resulting halide. The cyclization reaction was optimized and compound 3 was prepared in excellent yield. A mechanism involving transient generation of a spiro-tetrahydrofuran is also proposed.
Signal Transduction: Bringing the eukaryotes up to speed

'Two-component' signalling systems have long been known to be used very generally in bacterial signal transduction; at last, related proteins have been discovered in eukaryotes.
Fluoroscopy based accuracy assessment of electromagnetic tracking

Tracking organ motion due to respiration is important to enable precise interventions in the regions of the abdomen and thorax. Respiratory induced motion in these regions may limit the accuracy of interventions which do not employ some type of tracking. One method of tracking organ motion is to use a predictive model based on external tracking that is correlated to internal motion. This approach depends on the accuracy of the model used for correlating the two motions. Ideally, one would track the internal motion directly. We are investigating the use of electromagnetically tracked fiducials to enable real-time tracking of internal organ motion. To investigate the in-vivo accuracy of this approach we propose to use stereo-fluoroscopy. In this paper we show that stereo-fluoroscopy is accurate enough to serve as a validation method, displaying sub-millimetric accuracy (maximal error of 0.66mm). We study the effect of the bi-plane fluoroscopes on the electromagnetic systems' accuracy, and show that placing the bi-plane fluoroscopes in a typical intra-operative setup has a negligible effect on the tracking accuracy (maximal error of 1.4mm). Finally, we compare the results of stereo-fluoroscopy tracking and electromagnetic tracking of needles in an animal study, showing a mean (std) difference of 1.4 (1.5)mm between modalities. These results show that stereo-fluoroscopy can be used in conjunction with electromagnetic tracking with minimal effect, and that the electromagnetic system is accurate enough for motion tracking of internal organs.
Oxipurinol and orotic aciduria: Effect on the orotidine-5′-monophosphate decarboxylase activity of cultured human fibroblasts

Abstract Growth in certain pyrimidines or in oxipurinol, whose respective ribotides inhibit the final enzyme in the synthetic sequence leading to UMP, causes cultured cells to develop similar increases in activity for that enzyme. The increase is independent of the genotype of the cells for the known Mendelian mutations affecting the basal level of enzyme activity.
Horizontal path laser communications employing MEMS adaptive optics correction

Horizontal path laser communications are beginning to provide attractive alternatives for high-speed optical communications. In particular, companies are beginning to sell fiberless alternatives for intranet and sporting event video. These applications are primarily aimed at short distance applications (on the order of 1 km pathlength). There exists a potential need to extend this pathlength to distances much greater than a 1km. For cases of long distance optical propagation, atmospheric turbulence will ultimately limit the maximum achievable data rate. In this paper, we propose a method of improved signal quality through the use of adaptive optics. In particular, we show work in progress toward a high-speed, small footprint Adaptive Optics system for horizontal path laser communications. Such a system relies heavily on recent progress in Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) deformable mirrors as well as improved communication and computational components. In this paper we detail two Adaptive Optics approaches for improved through-put, the first is the compensated receiver (the traditional Adaptive Optics approach), the second is the compensated transmitter/receiver. The second approach allows for correction of the optical wavefront before transmission from the transmitter and prior to detection at the receiver.
Non-Destructive Evaluation of Synthetic Tissue Scaffolds With NMR

Proton magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is applied to determine non-destructively the open porosity of biodegradable scaffolds of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate—3-hydroxyvalerate) in vitro and tissue infiltration in vivo. Porous matrices with copolymers having 12% and 24% 3-hydroxyvalerate (HV) are prepared using a solvent casting technique. The results of open porosity P(%) measured by MRI (PMRI) show good agreement with those obtained by gravimetry analysis (PGA). Thus, for scaffolds with 12% HV, PMRI = 91.0 ±1.0 (mean ± s.d.) and PGA = 88.0 ± 0.75; and for those with 24% HV, PMRI = 89.4 ±1.3 and PGA = 88.8 ± 1.0. Also, the extent of tissue infiltration in these scaffolds determined by MRI in vivo was similar to that observed by histology. These results illustrate the potential of MRI methods for investigating the behavior of biodegradable scaffolds non-invasively in applications for tissue engineering.
On some properties of the semigroup of a machine which are preserved under state minimization

Some results on special types of semigroups of transformations of a set (including permutation groups) are developed and combined with the fundamental results of Paull and Unger on state minimization of incompletely specified sequential machines to obtain some properties of the transformation semigroup of such a machine which are preserved in all minimum state machines (strong preservation), or in at least one (weak preservation) minimum state machine. The principal results are that for permutation machines (those whose states are permuted by every input) there is strong preservation and for simple machines (those whose semigroups have no proper ideals) there is weak preservation. A number of further properties of permutation machines in the satisfaction and minimum state relations are developed.
Estimation of Genetic Trends from Cow and Sire Evaluations

Abstract Milk production records of Ayrshire, Guernsey, Holstein, Jersey, and Brown Swiss in the Northeast were used to estimate trends in transmitting ability of sires and genetic merit of cows. Genetic trends in the transmitting ability of Artificial Insemination sires for the Ayrshire, Guernsey, Holstein, Jersey, and Brown Swiss breeds averaged 23.7, 14.6, 17.9, 18.3, and 34.7kg per year. Genetic trends in the AI cow populations averaged 36.1, 25.4, 26.1, 25.0 and 38.1kg. The genetic trends of cow populations were less than twice the contribution of sires to genetic trends, indicating that estimating genetic trends in cow populations by doubling the trend in transmitting ability of sires is biased upwards.
Intermolecular Interactions in π-Stacked Conjugated Molecules. Synthesis, Structure, and Spectral Characterization of Alkyl Bithiazole Oligomers

Syntheses are reported of new 4,4‘-dialkyl-2,2‘-bithiazole oligomers that have alkenoxy side chains that are capable of easy conversion to oligomers with functionalized side chains, e.g., terminally substituted hydroxy chains. The crystal structures of two representative oligomers (4,4‘,4‘ ‘,4‘ ‘‘-tetra-(2-propenoxymethyl)-2,2‘,5‘,5‘ ‘,2‘ ‘,2‘ ‘‘-quaterthiazole (3P2) and 4,4‘,4‘ ‘,4‘ ‘‘-tetra-(3-hydroxypropyloxymethyl)-2,2‘,5‘,5‘ ‘,2‘ ‘,2‘ ‘‘-quaterthiazole (3H2)) were determined; 3P2 crystallizes in a π-stacked motif with two molecules per unit cell, whereas 3H2 forms π-stacks that are linked with hydrogen bonds to form infinite two-dimensional sheets with one molecule per unit cell. A comparison of the UV−vis spectra of the compounds in solution and in the solid state provides unequivocal evidence for the presence of a Davydov splitting, WD ≈ 0.2 eV, in solid 3P2. The spectra are interpreted in the framework of molecular exciton theory to extract a value of the intermolecular transfer integral, J ≈ 0.2 ...
Differential influence of sadness and disgust on music preference

Studies investigating the effects of negative affect on selective exposure to music have produced conflicting findings. In an effort to delineate whether this could be due to the common conceptualization of affect and related constructs as a 1-dimensional function of valence, the current study sough
Advances in environmental and occupational respiratory disease in 2010.

This review of key articles appearing in the Journal in 2008 represents significant advances in the understanding of the interrelationships between the environment and allergic respiratory diseases. New allergens have been identified and characterized. Improvements in diagnostic techniques and methods to assess environmental allergen exposure have been developed. The novel therapeutics and refinements of allergen avoidance approaches will improve patient care. A fuller appreciation of the complexities of environmental factors in allergic diseases can lead to better preventative measures. Lastly, the increasingly important role of pollutants on inflammatory processes is evolving. The articles discussed will add to our increasing knowledge base and advance the ability to more effectively treat patients with allergic respiratory diseases and expand research opportunities.
Molecular Layer Deposition of Alucone Polymer Films Using Trimethylaluminum and Ethylene Glycol

Polymeric films can be grown by a sequential, self-limiting surface chemistry process known as molecular layer deposition (MLD). The MLD reactants are typically bifunctional monomers for stepwise condensation polymerization and can yield completely organic films. The MLD of organic–inorganic hybrid polymers can also be accomplished using a bifunctional organic monomer and a multifunctional inorganic monomer. In this work, the growth of a poly(aluminum ethylene glycol) polymer is demonstrated using the sequential exposures of trimethylaluminum (TMA) and ethylene glycol (EG). These hybrid polymers, known as alucones, were grown over a wide range of temperatures from 85 to 175 °C. In situ quartz crystal microbalance and ex situ X-ray reflectivity experiments confirmed linear growth of the alucone film versus number of TMA/EG reaction cycles at all temperatures. The alucone growth rates decreased at higher temperatures. Growth rates varied from 4.0 A per cycle at 85 °C to 0.4 A per cycle at 175 °C. In situ Fo...
1-chloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethyl radical: Formation from halothane by human cytochrome P-450 in reconstituted vesicles and binding to phospholipids

Abstract We report the first complete structural characterization of a metabolically-produced halocarbon radical bound to a phospholipid. Human cytochrome P-450 and NADPH cytochrome P-450 reductase were reconstituted into vesicles composed of dioleoylphosphatidylcholine and egg phosphatidylethanolamine. The vesicles were incubated under argon with NADPH and [ 14 C]-halothane (1-[ 14 C]-2-bromo-2-chloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane), the dioleoylphosphatidylcholine fraction was isolated and subjected to transesterification. Separation of the resulting fatty acid methyl esters resulted in one radioactive fraction which gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed to be a mixture of 9- and 10-(1-chloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-stearate methyl ester.
On the Reluctance to Communicate Undesirable Messages (The MUM Effect): A Field Study

The present study generalized a previously observed reluctance to transmit bad news to a field situation in which the conveying of bad news is a natural, recurring phenomenon. In a sample of 27 app...
Design of GaN and SiC 5–20kV vertical superjunction structures

We report on the design, simulations and optimization of 5–20kV GaN and SiC vertical superjunction structures. The space charge in the GaN and SiC superjunction pillars have been optimized using superjunction p-n diode, and the best trade-off between breakdown voltage (BV) and specific on-resistance (R on, sp ) have been obtained by varying the pillar dosage, length and width.
Flame flow tagging velocimetry with 193-nm H 2 O photodissociation

In a new nonintrusive, instantaneous flow tagging method called hydroxyl tagging velocimetry (HTV), a molecular grid of hydroxyl (OH) radicals is written into a flame and the displaced grid is imaged at a later time to give the flame’s velocity profile. Single-photon photodissociation of vibrationally excited H2O, when a 193-nm ArF excimer laser is used, produces a tag line of superequilibrium OH and H photoproducts in a high-temperature flow field that itself may contain ambient OH. The tag line OH concentration is composed mostly of direct OH photoproducts, but OH is also indirectly produced through H photoproduct reactions with oxygen-bearing species. For lean and modestly rich flames the OH tag lifetime is of the order of 1 ms. For very rich H2-air flames (equivalence ratio of 4.4) the lifetime drops to 200 ns. After displacement the position of the OH tag line is revealed through fluorescence caused by OH (A–X) (3 ← 0) excitation by using a 248-nm tunable KrF excimer laser. A HTV grid of multiple tag lines, providing multipoint velocity information, is experimentally demonstrated in a turbulent H2/N2–air diffusion flame.
Word unitization examined using an interference paradigm

A “same”-“different” interference paradigm was utilized to investigate the differential nature of word nonword processing. Eight subjects viewed tachistoscopically presented pairs of letters and made speeded comparison judgments on the basis of name identity. When present, noise trigrams composing words or anagrams were positioned directly between the target letters. The results supported a word unitization hypothesis of word recognition. Anagrams increased RTs for “same” responses more than their counterpart words when used as noise items. The data are interpreted in terms of selective attention, response competition, and models of word recognition.
The role of radium implants in cancer of the oral cavity and oral pharynx

Abstract Eighty-five patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity tonsillar region or base of the tongue received a radium implant. Implants were done as a supplement to external irradiation except in three patients in whom it was the sole form of treatment. The median dose was 8500 rad given in about 8 weeks, 6000–6500 rad given by opposing lateral fields using 60 Co radiation; 25% of the patients received doses higher than 8600 rad. The implant boosted the dose to the primary. Most of the patients who had radium implants had advanced disease. The overall control rate of the primary was 45.9%, the highest control achieved with smaller lesions. Surgery was performed in 26 patients for recurrence at the primary; five developed osteonecrosis of the jaw bone. The survival at 4 and 5 years was approximately equal for Stages I and II (80%); it was 40% for Stages III and IV.
Conflict and Resolution in Primates--All Too Human?

In his review “Primates—a natural heritage of conflict resolution” (“Violence” special issue, 28 Jul., p. [586][1]), Frans de Waal provides three examples of conflict resolution involving third parties: policing and pacification, triadic reconciliation, and third-party mediation. He
Sexual potency following interactive ultrasound-guided brachytherapy for prostate cancer.

Abstract Purpose: The effect of a therapeutic modality on sexual potency is often an important consideration for patients choosing a treatment for prostate cancer. We prospectively assessed patient's penile erectile function before and following interactive ultrasound-guided transperineal permanent radioactive seed implantation to determine its effect on sexual function. Methods and Materials: Eighty-nine patients underwent permanent radioactive seed implantation from June 1990 to April 1994 for localized prostate cancer (T1–T2) and were followed for a median of 15 months (1.5–52 months). 125 I seeds were implanted in 73 patients with a combined Gleason grade of 2–6, and 103 Pd seeds were implanted in 16 patients with higher grade lesions. The sexual potency of these patients was assessed prior to, at 3 and 6 months, and every after implantation. Erectile function was graded using a numerical score of 0 to 3 (0 = impotent), 1=ability to have erections but insufficient for vaginal penetration, 2=erectile function sufficient for vaginal penetration but suboptimal, 3=normal erectile function). The pretreatment potency scores were as follows: 0 in 24 patients, 1 in 6 patients, 2 in 22 patients, and 3 in 37 patients. Results: The actuarial impotency rates (score = 0) following implantation for those patients possessing some degree of erectile function prior to implantation (65 patients) were 2.5% at 1 year and 6% at 2 years. The actuarial decrease in sexual function rates (a drop in score of at least one point) were 29% at 1 year and 39% at 2nd years. Only two patients became impotent following treatment and this occurred at 1 year and 16 months. The time period for a decrease in erectile function to occur ranged from 1.8 months to 32.7 months, with a median of 6.8 months. Patients with higher grade tumors showed a greater decrease in potency score compared to patients with lower grade tumors. Conclusion: Interactive ultrasound-guided transperineal brachytherapy for the treatment of localized prostate cancer is associated with preservation of erectile function in vast majority of patients, although a minor decrease in potency is not uncommon.
Clinical outcomes of molecularly confirmed clear cell sarcoma from a single institution and in comparison with data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry

BACKGROUND: The authors compared disease-specific survival (DSS) in stage-specific subgroups of patients with clear cell sarcoma, including those with lymph node metastases (N1M0) and those with distant metastases (N0M1). METHODS: Clinical data regarding soft tissue sarcoma patients were obtained from The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) (1980-2007) and the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry (1988-2004). When possible, clear cell sarcoma diagnoses were confirmed using fluorescence in situ hybridization or reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Kaplan-Meier estimates were used to calculate DSS, and Cox multivariate analysis was performed to identify prognostic factors. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients at MDACC and 130 SEER patients were diagnosed with clear cell sarcoma. Five-year DSS for the MDACC and SEER cohorts were 67% and 62%, respectively. Patients with N1M0 and N0M1 disease demonstrated significant differences in 5-year DSS: 74% versus 14% at MDACC (P = .014) and 52% versus 0% in SEER (P = .014). After adjustment, the hazards ratio (HR) for dying was 2.79 for N1M0 disease (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.32-5.91) and 11.37 (95% CI, 5.19-24.91) for N0M1 disease compared with stage II disease (P < .001). Non-Caucasian ethnicity (HR, 3.99; 95% CI, 2.27-6.99 [P < .001]) and truncal tumor site (HR, 2.41; 95% CI, 1.15-5.05 [P = .02]) were also found to be predictors of decreased DSS. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the current study suggest that patients with N1M0 clear cell sarcoma have 5-year DSS that is more similar to that of patients with stage III than stage IV soft tissue sarcoma. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Influence of heterotopic ossification of the hip on bone densitometry : a study in spinal cord injured patients

Objective: To evaluate (1) the magnitude of falsely elevated bone density results caused by heterotopic ossification (HO) around the hip and (2) effect of age of patients when the measurement was taken, age of patients at injury, and age of injury (time since event) to the prevalence of HO. Subjects and methods: We blindly analyzed plain radiographs of the hip [(obtained within 1 month of dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA)] in 107 spinal cord injured (SCI) patients for HO and matched the result to the three regions of interest (ROI): the femoral neck, Ward's triangle, and the trochanter. The influence of HO on bone densitometric values was determined by the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc analysis. Results: Nineteen (18%) patients had HO; overlying the femoral neck (79%), trochanter (74%) and Ward's triangle (37%), respectively. Significant elevation of densitometric values (P<0.05 or less) was observed in a various magnitude at each ROI, with the greatest elevation at Ward's triangle. The prevalence of HO was high when the patients were injured at age range of 20–39 years. Conclusions: HO around the hip can cause significantly elevated bone densitometry results at all ROIs, which can obscure underlying osteoporosis, leading to underestimation of fracture risk. Determination of bone density in this region with corresponding plain radiographs would be of help. In SCI patients, prevalence of HO was high when the age of patients at injury was 20–39 years.
The effect of human beta-defensin 2 on innate immunity of CaCo-2 colonic and MCF-7 breast epithelial cells☆

Abstract Rationale Breast-feeding mothers significantly decrease their risk of developing breast cancer; their infants have fewer infections, allergies and inflammatory diseases. The antimicrobial and immunomodulatory protein, human beta-defensin-2 (HBD-2), found in breast milk, may provide these benefits via direct effects on the innate immune system of epithelia. Methods CaCo-2 and MCF-7 were cultured for 16-48 hours in RPMI 1640 with and without HBD-2 at 0.1, 0.5, 1.0 μg/ml and cells harvested for RNA extraction (Qiagen), followed by semiquantitative RT-PCR for toll-like receptor (TLR) pathway proteins, and gel electrophoresis. Primers were designed using http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov and Primer 3. Based on RT-PCR, cells were selectively stained by immunohistochemistry using anti-TLR and anti-LL37 antibodies (Zymed) and DAKO EnVision Plus kits. Supernatants were analyzed for cytokine production using ELISA (Biosource). Results In Caco-2, TLR-7, IRAK-1, and alpha defensin (HNP 1-3) mRNA were downregulated; p65 and cathelicidin/LL37 were upregulated, LARC was unchanged and detected only after 48 hours. In MCF-7, LL37, IκBα, p65, Tollip, MyD88 and IRAK-1 were upregulated; LARC mRNA was turned off. Beta-defensins 1,2, alpha-defensins 5,6, TLR's 1,2,3,4,5,6,8,9,10, NOD-2, IL-8, and CCR6 mRNA were not affected in either line. In both, LL-37 protein was profoundly upregulated and IL-8 remained unchanged. CaCo-2 expressed high amounts of TLR-7 protein with or without HBD-2. Conclusions HBD-2 profoundly alters the innate immune response of breast and intestinal epithelial cells, affecting production of antimicrobial peptides, and multiple TLR pathway proteins. Protection may be provided and tolerance promoted. The unknown mechanism may be via the CCR6 signaling pathway.
Chiroptical properties, binding affinity, and photostability of a conjugated zinc porphyrin dimer complexed with left-handed Z-DNA and right-handed B-DNA

We have studied the UV-vis absorption and chiroptical properties, binding affinity and photostability of a conjugated positively charged butadiyne-linked Zn(II) porphyrin dimer bound to DNA sequence poly(dG-dC)2. Right-handed B-DNA, spermine-induced Z-DNA and Co(III)-induced Z-DNA have been explored. Resonance light scattering (RLS) spectra showed formation of porphyrin aggregates in the presence of all DNA forms with the largest aggregates formed with B-DNA. The porphyrin dimer gave rise to induced bisignate circular dichroism (CD) signals in the presence of the left-handed Z-DNA conformations. On the other hand, the dimer stayed nearly chiroptically silent when complexed with the B-form of poly(dG-dC)2. Our results indicated that the conjugated Zn(II) porphyrin dimer can be used as a sensor for the chiroptical detection of Z-DNA in the visible (400–500 nm) and near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum (700–800 nm). The helicity of DNA had little effect on the dimer binding affinities. The photostability of the porphyrin dimer complexed with any form of DNA was higher than that of the free molecule. The porphyrin dimer bound to Z-DNA exhibited slower photobleaching than the B-DNA dimer complex.
Rasmussen encephalitis: a clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical study of seven patients.

We retrospectively reviewed the clinicopathologic features and immunohistochemical profiles of 7 patients with Rasmussen encephalitis (age range, 3.5-15 years at surgery). All had medically intractable seizures (6 months' to 7 years' duration); all but 1 developed unilateral hemiparesis. Histologically, all cases were characterized by leptomeningeal and parenchymal perivascular chronic inflammation consisting primarily of T lymphocytes (CD3+, CD5+, CD7+). in all but 1 case, a predominance of CD8+ T-cytotoxic/suppressor lymphoid cells over CD4+ cells was observed. All cases had rare B lymphocytes (CD79a+, CD20+). Rare CD10+ and no CD56+ cells were noted. All cases were marked by diffuse proliferation of microglial cells, highlighted on CD68 immunostaining. Focal microglial nodule formations were observed in 4 cases and focal cortical atrophy in 5 cases. Viral inclusions were not noted. There was no evidence of Epstein-Barr virus by LMP-1 antibody immunostaining. The histologic findings of Rasmussen encephalitis resemble those of viral meningoencephalitis. The pathologic findings may be only focally present, and missed, if diagnosis is made or confirmed with biopsy alone. Most lymphoid cells have a T-cell immunophenotype, with a predominance of CD8+ cells in most cases.
Observations of high rotational CO lines in post-asymptotic giant branch stars and planetary nebulae

We have observed bright emission in high rotational CO lines (J = 13-12, 17-16, and 22-21) in the post-AGB object GL 2688 and the planetary nebulae, GL 618 and NGC 7027. These stars represent different evolutionary stages, as reflected by their effective temperatures. The observations reveal copious amounts of warm, dense molecular gas (n ~ 107 cm-3; T ~ 103 K), implying that the AGB is terminated by a short-lived phase of high mass-loss rate. We investigate heating mechanisms for these objects. For NGC 7027, UV photons from the central star produce a photodissociation region and the gas cools via CO rotational transitions, as well as via fine-structure atomic lines. A shock is thought to heat the gas in GL 2688, which cools mainly via the [O I] 63 μm line and molecular rotational lines. For GL 618, both mechanisms may coexist.
Laughing Matters: understanding film, television and radio comedy

Laughing Matters is an ambitious undertaking, an effort to synthesize an enormous amount of material on film, radio and television comedy in both the US and the UK in a textbook-like volume aimed a...
On the total coloring of certain graphs

In this paper we investigate the total chromatic number of certain graphs. In particular, we show that every cubic graph is totally colorable in five colors.
Some determinants of maturation in brook trout, Salvelinus fontinalis

Abstract Size, age, growth rate and photoperiod were examined for their effects on the timing of maturation and the proportion of mature male and female brook trout ( Salvelinus fontinalis ). Photoperiod completely entrained the gonadosomatic index and the timing of functional maturation (spermiation and ovulation). High feed and delayed photoperiod conditions resulted in a greater proportion of mature individuals of each sex in their first year, with percent maturation higher for males. The results indicated that (1) given a positive growth rate, age and growth rate are less improtant than size in determining maturation of brook trout, and (2) the maturation response to size is sexually divergent. A conceptual model depicting the effects of environmental factors on size and the initiation of maturation is presented.
Solid-state NMR studies of cadmium: 113Cd1H cross polarization and magic-angle spinning

Abstract A combination of 113Cd1H cross polarization and magic-angle spinning (≈2.4 kHz) is used to obtain high-resolution solid-state NMR spectra of 113Cd in the hydrated cadmium salts CdCl2·xH2O, Cd(OH)2·xH2O, 3CdSO4·8H2O, Cd(OAc)2. 2H2O, and Cd(NO3)2·4H2O. The high-resolution spectra of 3CdSO4·8H2O and CdCl2·xH2O both display two resonances. Measurements of the chemical-shift anisotropies show axially symmetric tensors (Δσ from 100 to 190 ppm). The chemical-shift dispersion is 300 ppm.
Non-Uniform Dependence on Initial Data of Solutions to the Euler Equations of Hydrodynamics

We show that continuous dependence on initial data of solutions to the Euler equations of incompressible hydrodynamics is optimal. More precisely, we prove that the data-to-solution map is not uniformly continuous in Sobolev H s (Ω) topology for any $${s \in \mathbb{R}}$$ if the domain Ω is the (flat) torus $${\mathbb{T}^n=\mathbb{R}^n/2\pi\mathbb{Z}^n}$$ and for any s > 0 if the domain is the whole space $${\mathbb{R}^n}$$ .