cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tribological study of high bearing blended polymer-based coatings for air-conditioning and refrigeration compressors

Abstract Deposition by spray techniques has made possible to coat different substrate materials found in engineering applications, such as air-conditioning and refrigeration compressors, with blended soft polymeric coatings based on polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and fluorocarbons (FC). In this study, the tribological performance of four polymeric coatings (PEEK/PTFE, PTFE/MoS 2 , FC, and PEEK/Ceramic against 52100 steel) was evaluated using a specialized tribometer simulating aggressive compressor conditions. Experimental results showed that PTFE/MoS 2 , and PEEK/PTFE coating systems performed better in terms of their tribological performance compared to the other polymeric coatings under starved lubricated conditions (mixture of R-134a refrigerant and polyalkylene glycol lubricant). Under aggressive unlubricated conditions, scuffing was observed for all the coatings except PEEK/PTFE. By using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), it was found that the good performance of PEEK/PTFE was related to the formation of chemical species from the fragmentation of PTFE, PEEK, and its favorable interaction with the substrate, along with an increase in crystallization of PEEK during testing.
The role of antibody in enhancing dengue virus infection.

Abstract Dengue virus has four distinct serotypes whose cross-reactive immune responses contribute to increased disease severity following heterologous infections. It was proposed that non-protective cross-reactive antibodies may play a role in disease enhancement. In this study we develop a mathematical model of host–virus interaction and predict the mechanisms responsible for virus expansion and loss during primary and secondary dengue infections. We use the model to determine the role of cross-reactive antibodies during dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever-inducing secondary infections, and then compare the model to published patient data. We predict that the cross-reactive antibodies interfere with the non-neutralizing antibody effects by reducing the phagocyte-mediated removal of antibody-virus immune complexes.
Yielding Unexpected Results: Precipitation of Ba3(PO4)2 and Implications for Teaching Solubility Principles in the General Chemistry Curriculum

Precipitation of barium phosphate from aqueous solutions of a barium salt and a phosphate salt forms the basis for a number of conclusions drawn in general chemistry. For example, the formation of a solid white precipitate is offered as evidence that barium phosphate is insoluble. Furthermore, analysis of the supernatant is used to illustrate the concept of limiting reagent. In this paper, we present X-ray diffraction and gravimetric evidence that nabaphite is the species formed when aqueous solutions of barium and phosphate are mixed. In addition, our evidence suggests that nabaphite converts to barium apatite before barium phosphate is ultimately observed. This barium phosphate chemistry has implications when teaching solubility principles in general chemistry.
Importance of the alkylaminoethoxy side-chain for the estrogenic and antiestrogenic actions of tamoxifen and trioxifene in the immature rat uterus

Abstract The estrogenic and antiestrogenic properties of tamoxifen and trioxifene were compared with their phenolic derivatives (ICI 77949 and LY 126412, respectively) without the alkylaminoethoxy side-chain. Trioxifene was a more potent antiestrogen than tamoxifen in immature rat uterine weight tests and both compounds were partial estrogen agonists. Removal of the side-chain from tamoxifen to produce ICI 77949 converted the compound from a partial estrogen agonist to a full estrogen agonist. Tamoxifen, trioxifene and ICI 77949, produced an estradiol-like increase in uterine progesterone receptor concentrations (as determined by sucrose density gradient analysis) and a dose-related, estradiol-like, increase in the size and shape of uterine luminal epithelial cells. In contrast, removal of the side-chain from trioxifene to produce LY 126412 converted the compound from a partial estrogen agonist, with antiestrogenic properties, to one with a very low affinity for the estrogen receptor and no biological activity in vivo at the daily doses tested (1–64 μg). This was established by uterine wet weight tests, histological examination of luminal epithelial cells and determination of progesterone receptor concentrations. The alkylaminoethoxy side-chain is not only necessary for the antiestrogenic properties of both tamoxifen and trioxifene but also essential for the effective estrogen receptor binding and pharmacological actions of trioxifene.
Corrosion Behavior of Some Transition Metals and 4340 Steel Metals Exposed to Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria

Microbial colonization of metals (zirconium, chromium, niobium, tantalum, molybdenum, tungsten, and type 4340 steel [UNS G43400]) and susceptibility of these metals to microbiologically influenced corrosion by sulfate-reducing bacteria was investigated. Environmental scanning electron microscopy characterization after 12 months and 21 months showed patchy biofilms on all metals except tungsten. Weight loss after 24 months for zirconium and niobium were either nonexistent or negligible, indicating that these metals did not experience MIC under the test conditions.
Shades of gray: an autoethnographic study of race in the academy

The study is an autoethnographic case study of one Black man’s experiences, both within and outside academe. Two strands of vignettes – one personal, the other professional – run throughout the paper. The two strands are presented in a format similar to parallel editing used in film editing. The overarching goal of the piece is to offer a view of the author’s experiences involving race in higher education. The study uses reflexive writing as a method of revisiting and interrogating the author’s experience and illustrating how this process of reflexivity impacts on his own in notions of race. The result of these writings ranges from reinforcing relatively simplistic views of race to disrupting his preconceived ideas. While some themes that arise from this piece may resemble previous works on race, racial identity and racial politics, there are unique perspectives and interpretations presented in this paper that are attributable in no small measure to the fact that the author is a Black man who was raised b...
Therapeutic communication training in long-term care institutions: recommendations for future research.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this review is to critique contemporary experimental research and to recommend future directions for research interventions on nursing aides’ therapeutic communication with older adults who have cognitive impairment and/or dementia in institutional long-term care settings. Methods This literature review covers 13 journal articles (1999–2006) and focuses on the strengths and weaknesses of experimental research interventions to improve nursing aides’ therapeutic communication with older adults who have cognitive impairment and/or dementia in long-term care settings. Results Based on this review, recommendations for improved experimental designs include a minimum of two groups with one being a control and randomization of subjects at the care unit level, an average 3–5 h of total training, a minimum of a 6-month total evaluation period, and objective outcomes relevant to both nursing aides and residents. Findings from studies in this review indicate that the following therapeutic communication techniques can be taught and can benefit staffs and older adults’ quality of life: verbal and non-verbal communication behaviors including open-ended questions, positive statements, eye contact, affective touch, and smiling. Conclusions Some evidence exists to support that nursing aides can improve their therapeutic communication during care. Practice Implications Nursing aides need not only more training in therapeutic communication but also ongoing, dedicated supervision in psychosocial aspects of care.
Cetuximab therapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review of the data.

Objective. To review the current state of the data on the use of cetuximab in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).Data Sources. The National Center for Biotechnology Information’s PubMed and the Cochrane collection.Review Methods. Search terms included cetuximab and head and neck cancer. These results were reviewed, and a second search was performed using limits: meta-analysis, randomized controlled trial, and clinical trial.Results. The literature search yielded 412 articles. Fifteen were identified for analysis. For patients with recurrent/metastatic disease who received combination chemotherapy in phase I/II trials, the overall response (OR) was 18.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 10.4%-27.0%). Phase III trial data for combination chemotherapy in recurrent/metastatic disease showed OR to be 17.0% (95% CI, 12.6%-21.4%) for platinum-based regimens and 34.2% (28.6%-39.7%) for platinum-based regimens with cetuximab. For this same group, the estimated aggregate hazard ratio comparing platinum-bas...
Detection and identification of benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide adducts to DNA utilizing capillary electrophoresis-electrospray mass spectrometry.

Capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) coupled with negative ion electrospray mass spectrometry (ES-MS) is used for the detection and identification of adducts formed from the reaction of DNA with (±)-anti-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene-7,8-diol 9,10-epoxide (BPDE), an active metabolite of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP). Results presented in this paper demonstrate low nanogram detection limits (<10 ng or <15 pmol) for normal scan spectra and collision-induced dissociation spectra of the main nucleotide adduct formed from this reaction. (BPDE reacts predominantly with the exocyclic amino group of guanine.) Exploitation of selective reaction monitoring (SRM) produces detection limits in the low picogram range (<85 pg or <130 fmol). The application of sample stacking significantly increases the concentration detection limit (to approximately 10-8 M). Nucleotide adducts are negatively charged at most pHs and are therefore ideally suited to the stacking process used in this research. These techniques have been applied ...
Asymptotic efficiency of the chi-square test for heterogeneity of proportions in some sparse-data cases

We consider the problem of testing for heterogeneity of K proportions when K is not small and the binomial sample sizes may not be large. We assume that the binomial proportions are normally distributed with variance σ2. The asymptotic relative efficiency (ARE) of the usual chi-square test is found relative to the likelihood-based tests for σ2=0. The chi-square test is found to have ARE = 1 when the binomial sample sizes are all equal and high relative efficiency for other cases. The efficiency is low only in cases where there is insufficient data to use the chi-square test.
Rate-dependent behavior of Sn3.8Ag0.7Cu solder over strain rates of 10 −6 to 10 2 s −1

Solder joints are subjected to different loading conditions depending on the application environment. Desktop and server applications for example, involve thermomechanical fatigue loads at low-strain rates and the dominant mode of failure is creep fatigue. Mobile electronics applications on the other hand, are subject to dynamic stresses on the solder joint during impact. In our previous work, we developed a constitutive model based on mechanical test data at low strain rates. Experiments were carried out using double-lap shear test specimens of specially prepared solder assemblies over strain rate regimes of 10-6 to 10-3 s-1 [D. Bhate et al.]. In this work, the previous experimental results are augmented with tests performed at higher strain rates (10-3 to 102 s-1) at room temperature. These experiments were performed using two different experimental setups: a MTS 810 uniaxial compression tester and a Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB). The experimental results demonstrate a remarkably consistent relationship between the yield stress and the strain rate over eight decades of strain rate! We also fit the data to viscoplastic constitutive models popularly available in commercial finite element programs. Although the constitutive models are built using data at low strain rate regimes, the model is shown to be a reasonable fit to the experimental data over the entire strain rate regime under consideration (10-6 to 102 s-1). The differences in observed behavior under compression and tension are discussed, along with a microstructural study of the samples used in the tests.
Information and Communications Technology based solutions in achieving building energy efficiency

Sophisticated and detailed building simulation tools are more commonly used by both architects and engineers in design process in hope to improve building energy efficiency. While building physics models being well developed and evolved in the past four decades, a surprisingly large and unexpected performance gap between the design intent and the actual operation continues to be observed and unsolved. Unaccounted dynamic occupant behavior in design stage is believed to be one of the significant contributing factors. On the other hand, the emerging and economic Information and Communications Technology (ICT) based sensing network has been showing great potential in better capturing occupant behavior dynamics during building operation. This paper introduces one ICT based solution - Personal Office Energy Monitor (POEM) developed by Intel Labs. Our preliminary results have shown POEM could be a promising noninvasive way of sensing real-time occupancy and informing the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system control for better operational energy efficiency. And a large scale of POEM deployments will result in a representative sample of occupancy profile in today's office environment, which researchers could use to develop a new occupancy profile for building design that reflect the actual office space utilization rate in today's organizational structure and flexible work arrangement and eventually lead to a more efficient building design.
Antinociception produced by spinal delivery of the S and R enantiomers of flurbiprofen in the formalin test.

Abstract The antinociceptive effect of spinally delivered S - and R -flurbiprofen, enantiomers of 2-arylpropionic acid, was studied in rats using the formalin test. Intrathecal injections of S - or R -flurbiprofen produced a significant reduction of the second phase of the formalin test, with no effect on the first phase. The maximal suppression of the second phase was similar for both agents (about 50% at the highest doses). While both agents were active, S -flurbiprofen was significantly more potent than R -flurbiprofen. The potency ratio between the dose-response curves was 10 (6–20; 95% confidence intervals). These results demonstrate that both S - and R -flurbiprofen produce antinociception after spinal administration. The potency difference is similar to that for inhibition of cyclooxygenase in brain tissue and supports the hypothesis that cyclooxygenase products are involved in prolonged spinal nociceptive transmission.
Antiviral treatment responses in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection evaluated by a third generation anti-hepatitis C virus assay.

Antibodies to hepatitis C virus (HCV) may decrease or disappear after viral clearance in treated or spontaneously resolved infection. We evaluated the usefulness of serial antibody assays in predicting the antiviral treatment responses. One hundred and four chronic hepatitis C patients who received 24 weeks of interferon and ribavirin combination therapy were assayed with a third generation enzyme immunoassay anti-HCV. The mean titre of anti-HCV decreased by more than 50% (from 89.5 ± 10.8 to 43.6 ± 17.5) at 48 weeks post-treatment in patients with a sustained virological response while in nonsustained virological responders and nonresponders the titres remained over 85% of the pretreatment level at 48 weeks post-treatment. There was a divergence of anti-HCV titres between sustained and nonsustained virological responders during 6–9 months. By using the ratio of 9-month to 6-month titres as an index and receiver operator characteristic curve analysis with the cut-off point set at 90% we could differentiate sustained virological responders from nonsustained virological responders with a sensitivity and specificity of 91.7% and 90.9% respectively 3 months after treatment. The titre of this third generation anti-HCV decreased progressively in sustained virological responders and this assay may be used to monitor and predict antiviral treatment responses. (authors)
Positive matrix factorization (PMF) analysis of molecular marker measurements to quantify the sources of organic aerosols.

One hundred and twenty five particulate matter samples that were collected over a 2 year period at the St. Louis Midwest Supersite were analyzed for 24 hour average organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), and particle-phase organic compound (molecular markers) concentrations. Over 100 organic compounds along with measurements of silicon and aluminum were analyzed using a factor analysis based source apportionment model, positive matrix factorization (PMF), which has been widely used in the past with elemental data but not organic molecular markers. Four different solutions (7, 8, 9, and 10 factor solutions) to the PMF model were explored to consider the stability of the source apportionment results, which were found to be reasonably stable. The eight-factor solution was further explored and compared to a parallel chemical mass balance (CMB) source apportionment modeling result that used a subset of the PMF data. A base case eight-factor PMF solution resolved two point source factors, two winter combus...
Leaves as islands for microbes

The equilibrium theory of island biogeography provided a framework for describing the colonization of apple leaf ‘islands’ by filamentous fungi. Surface sterilization of living leaves in situ by hydrogen peroxide allowed the colonization process to be followed from its inception. Numbers of species of filamentous fungi per leaf fluctuated from 6 to 21 during the first 2 weeks of colonization and equilibrated at about 12 by the third week. Turnover occurred in species composition at equilibrium. The equilibrium number of species was not related to leaf area. The presence of an equilibrium condition with turnover on the leaf surfaces is consistent with two key tenets of the theory of island biogeography. However, the apparent back of a species-area relationship is inconsistent with the island model.
The effects of task demands on the equivalence of visual and auditory representations of periodic numerical data

The equivalence of visual and auditory graphical displays was examined in two experiments. In Experiment 1, multidimensional scaling techniques were applied to paired comparison similarity judgments of both auditory and visual displays of simple periodic wave forms. In Experiment 2, a subset of perceptually similar pairs of wave forms was selected as the stimulus set for an AB-X discrimination task in both auditory and visual modalities. Results suggest much greater apparent visual-auditory equivalence for the similarity rating task than for the more difficult discrimination task, implying that one should consider the demands of the task when deciding whether auditory graphic displays are suitable alternatives to more traditional visual displays.
In situ ATR-FT-IR kinetic studies of molecular transport and surface binding in thin sol-gel films: reactions of chlorosilane reagents in porous silica materials.

ATR-FT-IR spectroscopy was employed to study the kinetics of transport and binding within thin silica sol−gel films. Studies of transport of several nonbinding probe molecules n-heptane, toluene, and 2-propanol, showed that slow diffusion occurs within the micropores of the sol−gel films which could be modeled as a single-exponential accumulation in agreement with numerical models for diffusion in constricted pores. The rate of transport into the film was found to decrease for molecules that interact strongly with the silica surface, which is consistent with adsorption inhibiting the transport of molecules through the pores. In situ spectroscopic studies of surface reactions with diphenylchlorosilane (DPSiCl) reveal that DPSiCl reacts quickly with surface water to form diphenylhydroxysilane (DPSiOH), the reactive species detected within the film. Analysis of the time-dependent infrared spectra reveals both transport and surface-binding steps in the reaction kinetics. From the magnitudes of the rate consta...
Associated Bacteria of Asian Citrus Psyllid (Hemiptera: Psyllidae: Diaphorina citri)

Abstract. Psyllids, specifically Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), are economically important in the U.S. as vectors of the pathogen associated with citrus greening disease (Huanglongbing). Huanglongbing is one of the most severe diseases of citrus crops worldwide and is associated with psyllid-transmitted ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’. The microbiome of the Asian citrus psyllid was investigated; we analyzed Eubacterial 16S rDNA amplified from adults, eggs, and cell cultures. The nucleotide sequences showed significant homologies to 10 distinct types of bacteria. The four bacteria species detected in cell cultures identified two new types not previously reported to be associated with psyllids. Staphylococcus is a common enteric bacterium; these data support finding a type I strain which is similar. Another related to Methylocystis heyeri is a bacterium typically isolated from acidic environments that has been shown to utilize methane as the sole source of carbon...
Magnetic resonance image-guided proteomics of human glioblastoma multiforme.

Purpose To investigate the correlation between gadolinium contrast-enhancement patterns on T1-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images and spatial changes in protein expression profiles in human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and the use of imaging as a noninvasive technique to evaluate the heterogeneity of solid tumors prior to microarray analysis. Materials and Methods Four patients with MR images and confirmed diagnosis of GBM were enrolled in the study. Intraoperative stereotaxy was used in conjunction with MR images to identify contrast-enhanced (CE) and nonenhanced (NE) regions of the tumor during surgical resection. Total protein was extracted from resected tumor samples using standard techniques and subjected to proteomic analysis using surface enhanced laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS). Results We found that protein profiles from CE and NE regions within a given tumor have qualitative and semiquantitative proteomic pattern differences, suggesting an altered gene expression profile that correlates with detectable tissue imaging parameters. We also found that CE regions within the same tumor exhibited distinct differences in protein expression profiles, despite similar histological features. In addition, there were marked similarities in the proteomic patterns among the NE regions across all patients, while the CE regions were distinct, suggesting that the CE regions have complex protein profiles unique to individuals. Conclusion The results demonstrate that major differences in protein expression patterns within a tumor can be correlated to radiographic findings. Image-guided proteomics holds promise for characterizing tissue prior to microarray analysis designed to identify specific diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets within solid tumors. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2003;18:530–536. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effects of lesions in the medial preoptic region on precocial copulation in the male chick.

Abstract Chicks showing androgen-induced precocial copulation to a prone hand were given bilateral electrolytic lesions in the medial preoptic region. Symmetrical lesions in the medial preoptic area disrupted copulatory behavior over the 10-day postoperative test period. Asymmetrical or sham lesions did not differentially affect copulatory activity. Postoperative records indicated that all animals showed similar increases in weight gain and comb size.
THE ANALYSIS OF MEANINGLESSNESS

Patients who are severely inhibited in their capacity to free associate and reflect on their associations present a technical challenge. Such inhibitions threaten the treatment with a form of communication breakdown. There is often a sense of futility and a sense that someone must be to blame for the treatment impasse. Efforts to interpret such severe inhibitions often result in intensification of the impasse. Working through such enactments is facilitated not only through accurate psychodynamic understanding but also through a willingness to engage in some degree of spontaneous emotional engagement, self-disclosure, and mutual analysis. When the patient is in a state of psychic equivalence, a particular quality of relational experience is sometimes required for the patient to perceive how external and internal reality are not necessarily equivalent. Most clinicians are familiar with a certain type of treatment impasse, one in which it seems as though nothing meaningful is transpiring. The patient may be relatively uncommunicative and silent, saying that nothing is on her mind. Or the patient may engage in a narrative style that keeps the analyst at an emotional distance. The tone of voice may be monotone and the content may be fairly concrete, a litany of ruminative worries, an endless collection of petty grievances, or a laundry list of normalizing progress reports. If the well runs dry, the patient claims her mind is blank, as the patient sees no meaning in her narrative beyond the manifest content. The analyst’s countertransference tends toward boredom, distractibility, or drowsiness when silently listening and toward exasperation when efforts to engage in a collaborative reflective effort are frustrated. Such patients are severely inhibited in their capacity to freely associate and to reflect on their associations. These severe inhibitions can virtually shut down an analytic process. Analysis may then seem a meaningless exercise in futility as it seems as though the patient is incapable of generating material of sufficient analytic interest. Questions of the patient’s suitability for analysis may arise in the mind of the patient as well as the analyst. If this situation is protracted, there is likely to be a growing concern about who is to blame for the impasse. At the manifest level it seems as though nothing is happening. What we have here is neither meaningless nor a failure of emotional engagement,
Rainbow Fourier transform

We present a novel technique for remote sensing of cloud droplet size distributions. Polarized reflectances in the scattering angle range between 135deg and 165deg exhibit a sharply defined rainbow structure, the shape of which is determined mostly by single scattering properties of cloud particles, and therefore, can be modeled using the Mie theory. Fitting the observed rainbow with such a model (computed for a parameterized family of particle size distributions) has been used for cloud droplet size retrievals. We discovered that the relationship between the rainbow structures and the corresponding particle size distributions is deeper than it had been commonly understood. In fact, the Mie theory-derived polarized reflectance as a function of reduced scattering angle (in the rainbow angular range) and the (monodisperse) particle radius appears to be a proxy to a kernel of an integral transform (similar to the sine Fourier transform on the positive semi-axis). This approach, called the rainbow Fourier transform (RFT), allows us to accurately retrieve the shape of the droplet size distribution by the application of the corresponding inverse transform to the observed polarized rainbow. While the basis functions of the proxy-transform are not exactly orthogonal in the finite angular range, this procedure needs to be complemented by a simple regression technique, which removes the retrieval artifacts. This non-parametric approach does not require any a priori knowledge of the droplet size distribution functional shape and is computationally fast (no look-up tables, no fitting, computations are the same as for the forward modeling).
Neurolymphomatosis mimicking chemotherapy-induced ototoxicity.

Objective To present an unusual cause of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss mimicking chemotherapy-induced ototoxicity. Patient A 76-year-old woman with bilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss after chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma was referred for cochlear implantation. Interventions Prednisone and acyclovir were administered empirically during the course of the diagnostic evaluation. Main outcome measures Diagnostic tests were obtained, including audiometry, positron emission tomography/computed tomographic imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging scan of the brain with gadolinium. Results Audiometry revealed bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss without improvement after steroid and acyclovir treatment. Postchemotherapy positron emission tomography/computed tomographic imaging obtained 1 week after onset of hearing loss suggested the lymphoma to be in remission. However, magnetic resonance imaging obtained a few weeks later, concurrent with progression of symptoms to include facial palsy and numbness, demonstrated enhancement and thickening of multiple cranial nerves, consistent with neurolymphomatosis (malignant lymphocytic infiltration of nerves). Conclusion Particular vigilance must be given to the potential for malignant invasion of the peripheral nervous system in the context of new-onset sensorineural hearing loss after chemotherapy. Such a neurologic deficit should not be assumed to be chemotherapy induced even if the hearing loss is bilaterally symmetric and the only neurologic abnormality.
Interdisciplinary Training Program in Scientific Hydrologya

Hydrology is the science underlying the development and control of water resources of the earth. In the past, hydrologists have been trained initially in civil engineering, geology, meteorology or related fields, and have acquired knowledge of the complex hydrologic interrelationships by experience. Nowhere has it been possible for a student to obtain a coherent and complete training centered on the subject of water. The water specialist must learn to appraise the physical features of the earth and the role of various natural laws and scientific principles as they bear upon the occurrence, movement, and work of water in the hydrologic cycle of the earth and its atmosphere. The hydrologist not only works with water, but with people and their social, economic, and political problems. These problems are closely linked with water resources; man's failure to achieve a realistic integration of those factors has made water problems the greatest challenge on earth today. At the University of Arizona the new program includes undergraduate and graduate curricula leading to degrees in hydrology. The curriculum includes basic courses in hydromechanics, mathematics, physics, chemistry, botany, geology, meteorology, and economics. The total impact of this new trend in hydrologic education will become evident in better solutions of water problems in many parts of the world.
Nonlinear matrix solution of the Kohn-Hohenberg-Sham equation for electrons in a jellium slab

Abstract A new method is presented for the numerical solution of the Kohn- Hohenberg-Sham equation for the one-electron wavefunctions and energies for electrons in the presence of a jellium slab of finite thickness.
Behavioral teratology and dominant lethal evaluation of nitrous oxide exposure in rats

Epidemiological studies have suggested that spontaneous abortion may be increased in medical personnel following the sort of chronic low-level exposure to the anesthetic gas nitrous oxide (N2O) seen in surgical or dental operatories. These results are supported by some, but not all, animal studies, and results are less well established at low exposure levels. Behavioral effects in exposed animal offspring have also been observed, but again not in all studies. To further examine this problem, we conducted the present experiments. Adult male or female rats were exposed to trace concentrations of N2O (0%, 0.1%, 0.5%, or 1.0% in air) for 6 h daily either throughout gestation (females) or for 9 weeks (males). Offspring from treated adults were subjected to an extensive behavioral test battery. There were no clear dose-response effects on any of eight behavioural tests for any offspring. Maternal and offspring weights were normal from conception through adulthood. Additionally, we studied effects of N2O on male fertility by mating treated males with untreated females and examining uterine contents. There was no evidence for a substantial decline in fertility of exposed males, although there was a small dose-related trend for resorptions to increase and live births to decrease with increasing paternal N2O exposure. There results suggest that there is little alteration in male or female fertility following chronic exposure to low levels of N2O. There are also no significant long-term behavioral alterations in offspring exposed gestationally to trace levels of N2O via dam or sire.
RBSC-NVSS SAMPLE. I. RADIO AND OPTICAL IDENTIFICATIONS OF A COMPLETE SAMPLE OF 1556 BRIGHT X-RAY SOURCES

We cross-identified the ROSAT Bright Source Catalog (RBSC) and the NRAO VLA Sky Survey (NVSS) to construct the RBSC-NVSS sample of the brightest X-ray sources (≥0.1 counts s-1~10-12 ergs cm-2 s-1 in the 0.1-2.4 keV band) that are also radio sources (S ≥ 2.5 mJy at 1.4 GHz) in the 7.8 sr of extragalactic sky with |b| > 15° and δ > -40°. The sky density of NVSS sources is low enough that they can be reliably identified with RBSC sources having rms positional uncertainties ≥10''. We used the more accurate radio positions to make reliable X-ray/radio/optical identifications down to the POSS plate limits. We obtained optical spectra for many of the bright identifications lacking published redshifts. The resulting X-ray/radio sample is unique in its size (1557 objects), composition (a mixture of nearly normal galaxies, Seyfert galaxies, quasars, and clusters), and low average redshift [〈z〉 ~ 0.1].
Photo-produced defect luminescence in solid C60

Abstract We report changes in the photoluminescence (PL) spectra of solid C60 crystals and films when exposed to low levels of visible laser radiation. New PL features at 1.73 and 1.76 eV are seen to emerge at low temperatures upon laser irradiation at low fluences in C60 crystals grown from purified powder. In rapidly grwon crystals, the 1.76 eV peak dominates the PL spectrum. These new peaks are interpreted as the emission from metastable defects (X-traps) which are either photo-induced or produced during growth. In analogy with solid anthracene emission, the variations observed in the positions and relative intensities of the PL peaks in solid C60 are thought to arise from differences due to the presence of chemical impurities or physical imperfections, growth methods, irradiation of light, temperature cycles, and strain in the crystal.
Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) Expression Is Increased in the Subsynovial Connective Tissue in a Rabbit Model of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is an idiopathic disease that results from increased fibrosis of the subsynovial connective tissue (SSCT). A recent study found overexpression of both transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in the SSCT of CTS patients. This study investigated TGF-β and CTGF expression in a rabbit model of CTS, in which SSCT fibrosis is induced by a surgical injury. Levels of TGF-β1 and CTGF at 6, 12, 24 weeks after injury were determined by immunohistochemistry A significant increase in TGF-β1 and a concomitant significant increase in CTGF were found at 6 weeks, in addition to higher cell density compared to normal (all p<0.05), Interestingly, CTGF expression was reduced at 12 and 24 weeks, suggesting that an initial insult results in a time limited response. We conclude that this rabbit model mimics the fibrosis found in human CTS, and may be useful to study pathogenetic mechanisms of CTS in vivo.
Drug resistance and the microenvironment: nature and nurture

Drug resistance remains a major obstacle to the successful use of chemotherapeutic drugs for cancer therapy. It is well documented that cancer cells can adapt to the presence of chemotherapeutic agents through mutations or expression changes of key genes that control drug metabolism or response to damage. In addition, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the tumor microenvironment can have an important impact on the success of chemotherapy. Indeed, cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions can influence the cancer cells sensitivity to apoptosis and affect drug resistance. A model is proposed in which the tumor cells may actively reorganize their environment to maximize their survival in the presence of anticancer agents.
Viscous effects on the flow coefficient for a supersonic nozzle

Adiabatic flow coefficient in supersonic nozzle with choked flow conducted over throat Reynolds number range
Gap-fill type HSQ/ZEP520A bilayer resist process-(II): HSQ island and spacer formation

Hydrogen silsesquioxane (HSQ) bilayer resist (BLR) processes are attractive to obtain nano-sized features with high aspect ratio by dry-transferring thin e-beam pattern to thick underlayer to strengthen the etch resistance. However, there are drawbacks of high e-beam dosage for HSQ patterning and difficulty in controlling the underlayer resist profile by O2 plasma with anisotropic etching. In this study gap-fill type HSQ/ZEP520A BLR processes were studied to overcome these problems. The advantage of gap-fill type BLR processes is that the dosage for patterning on thick ZEP520A e-beam positive resist is not as high as that for HSQ and the resist profile can be tuned by exposure and development processes without depending on O2 plasma. By gap-filling of HSQ in ZEP520A trench patterns and then stripping ZEP520A by O2 plasma the tone is conversed from trench to line. The gap filling quality attributes include (1) the void size and number of HSQ lines and (2) spacer adhesion on HSQ line edge. Only the non-diluted HSQ solution could completely fill the trench and the HSQ line formed after stripping of ZEP520A. The spacer formed by diluted HSQ is found to be composed of oxide without any ZEP520A-related elements by FTIR analysis. The ZEP520A trench CD monotonically increases with decrease of W/L ratio. The HSQ line CD also follows the same trend. The extension of HSQ in ZEP520A, i.e. HSQ line CD minus ZEP520A trench CD, basically follows the reverse trend. It is therefore concluded that extension of HSQ lines in ZEP520A and HSQ spacers are formed from the diffused HSQ in trench sidewall without any reaction with ZEP520A. Voids were generally observed at the bottom of the HSQ line. Size and quantity of voids are larger for lower W/L ratios, indicating that the voids were formed due to insufficient HSQ volume for gap-filling. Increasing e-beam dose, baking or reflow temperature, and reflow of ZEP520A before HSQ coating could reduce the void formation. Multiple gap-filling with 1:14 diluted HSQ can lead to void-free lines. The HSQ spacer becomes thicker with less diluted HSQ, slower spin speed, reduced ZEP520A development time and HSQ PCB temperature. The smallest HSQ island of 46.3 nm was obtained by two reflows plus HSQ gap filling and baking processes, a significant size for the hardmask of metal island etching or mold of contact-hole nano-imprint for 45 nm node. The width of HSQ spacers is generally within 10-25 nm, potentially applicable to transistor gate patterning in 22 nm node and beyond.
Uses and abuses of a biosynthetic dressing for partial skin thickness burns

The following report reviews 851 applications of Biobrane on partial skin thickness burn wounds awaiting epithelialization. After the patients had been evaluated and resuscitated as needed, the burn wounds were cleansed and debrided. Those evaluated as shallow were treated with Biobrane application. Joint surfaces were splinted for immobilization. The wound was inspected at 24 and 48 h and if any fluid had accumulated it was aspirated and the wound was redressed. When the Biobrane was adherent, the wound was covered with a light dressing and joint immobilization was discontinued. Treatment with Biobrane dressing provided certain advantages over other topical wound care. As the dressing changes were performed less frequently outpatient care was possible, with a resultant decrease in both the length of hospital stay and the ultimate cost of burn care. Wound desiccation is prevented and pain is decreased. Accurate diagnosis of wound depth is crucial if Biobrane is to be used. Very deep wounds will not allow Biobrane adherence, neither will it occur if the wound has a high bacterial count. If joint surfaces are not splinted, the Biobrane will shear and not adhere to the wound. Convex and concave surfaces can be treated with Biobrane, which may need to be meshed.
[Ni2O(l-Asp)(H2O)2]·4H2O: A Homochiral 1D Helical Chain Hybrid Compound with Extended Ni−O−Ni Bonding

The hydrothermally synthesized 1D homochiral nickel aspartate oxide [Ni2O(l-Asp)(H2O)2]·4H2O is based on infinite helical chains of edge- and corner-sharing nickel octahedra. It represents the first example of a chiral one-dimensional compound with an extended helical TM−O−TM subnetwork synthesized as an optically pure product. Its structure was determined ab initio by real-space methods from laboratory powder diffraction data.
Power, Satisfaction and Popularity A Poisson Analysis of UN Security Council Vetoes

Each of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council has the power to veto any proposed resolution, and thus to override the wishes of a majority of the other Council members w...
High Performance Liquid Chromatographic Method for Quantitation of a New Antidiabetic Agent in Plasma

Abstract An HPLC procedure for the detection and quantitation of a new antidiabetic agent, N-(trans-4-isopropylcyclohexylcarbonyl)-D-phenylalanine (A4166), in dog plasma was developed. The drug and internal standard were extracted from plasma using a reversed phase C18 extraction column (Sep-pak). Separation was accomplished on a ERC-ODS-1161 reversed-phase column with a mobile phase of acetonitrile/0.1M phosphate buffer, pH 6.6 (30/70). Quantitation was achieved by monitoring the ultraviolet absorbance at 210 nm. A linear relationship between concentration and peak height ratio (A4166/internal standard) was obtained. The method has been successfully used for analysis of plasma samples from beagle dogs following oral administration of A4166.
Ratio determination of plasma wild-type and L159R apoA-I using mass spectrometry: tools for studying apoA-IFin.

In this report, methods are described to isolate milligram quantities of a mutant apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) protein for use in structure-function studies. Expression of the L159R apoA-I mutation in humans reduces the concentration of plasma wild-type apoA-I, thus displaying a dominant negative phenotype in vivo. Earlier attempts to express and isolate this mutant protein resulted in extensive degradation and protein misfolding. Using an Escherichia coli expression system used predominantly for the isolation of soluble apoA-I mutant proteins, we describe the expression and purification of L159R apoA-I (apoA-IFin) from inclusion bodies. In addition, we describe a mass spectrometric method for measuring the L159R-to-wild-type apoA-I ratio in a 1 μl plasma sample. These new methods will facilitate further studies into the mechanism behind the dominant negative phenotype associated with the expression of the L159R apoA-I protein in humans.
Relationship of actin, microtubules, and crosswall synthesis during septation in Aspergillus nidulans.

Studies of cytokinesis in animal cells demonstrate that microtubules play an important role in signaling the position of the actin-containing contractile ring and subsequent formation of the cleavage furrow. Septation in several fungi closely resembles animal cell cytokinesis in that a circumferential ring of actin is visible at the incipient division site. However, this does not necessarily mean that division is contractile since actin may also serve to localize septal wall synthesis. In addition, several studies in fission yeast have suggested that microtubules are dispensable for actin ring formation. We have used synchronized cells and fluorescence microscopy to follow actin structures, nuclear division and septal wall synthesis during septation in Aspergillus nidulans. Our data suggest that actin first appears at the septum site as a circumferential ring and that it later broadens and invaginates, forming an hourglass-shaped structure coincident with septal cell wall synthesis. Depolymerization of microtubules early in septation prevents circumferential actin ring formation. Depolymerization of microtubules after circumferential actin ring formation blocks both the progression to invaginating bands and septal wall synthesis. In contrast to studies in yeast cells, our data suggest that microtubules are required for both the initiation and progression of septation in A. nidulans. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 38:373–384, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The ultrastructure of cones in the walleye retina

The ultrastructure of single and twin cone photoreceptors in the retina of the walleye was analyzed by scanning and transmission electronmicroscopy. The outer segment disks resemble those of other vertebrates. An accessory outer segment arises from the inner segment, makes frequent contacts with the outer segment proper, and may thus provide a bridge for signal transmission from outer to inner segment. A palisade of some 30 calycal processes surrounds and may provide structural support for the outer segment. The region of apposition between the inner segments of twin cones consists of a space of some 28 nm with no indication of gap junctions. The proximal quarter of the inner segment displays a profusion of some 50 lateral fins which increase the inner segment surface by 3-4 X and do not contact fins of neighboring cones. The fins surround a profusion of Muller cell microvilli and probably promote metabolic exchange between cones and Muller cells. Apart from differences in size and the presence of apposed inner segments, twin and single cones appear to be morphologically similar.
An individualized regression and clustering assessment of the social values of adults and children

Abstract Research investigating social values in interdependency situations has generally demonstrated age differences across the 5- to 10-year-old age range. However, the precise nature of these differences is unclear. Further, the differences in the social values of adults and children has not been addressed. The present study examined the social values of undergraduates and children using a measurement technique designed to allow an accurate inference of social values. Ninety-one 6- to 10-year-old children and 100 undergraduates rated the desirability of a set of outcomes which systematically varied with regard to the benefits to themselves and another person. Theoretically specified characteristics of the outcomes were then used to generate a regression equation predicting the desirability ratings separately for each individual. These regression equations were then clustered into groups of individuals who used decision rules characteristic of the major social values. The results indicate that the 8- to 10-year-old children, compared to the 6- to 7-year olds, more often expressed a social value involving equality and tended to less often express a social value involving superiority. Comparison of the social values expressed by the children and adults indicated that the adults more often expressed group-enhancement and individualism social values and less often expressed a social value involving superiority.