cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Mechanism of the Reaction of Alkai Metal Phenoxides with Hexahalocyclotriphosphazenes

In both specific reaction rate studies and in intermolecular competition reactions, sodium phenoxide preferentially reacts with hexafluorocyclotriphosphazene (1) over hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (2). In an intramolecular competition experiment using difluorotetrachlorocyclotriphosphazene (3), sodium phenoxide reacts exclusively at the fluorinated phosphorus site. These results are consistent with the NBO charges at the phosphorus centers. DFT calculations also indicate that in the case of pentacoordinate intermediate formation, an associative mechanism is kinetically favored. The variations of the rate of reaction of 2 with temperature, solvent and alkali metal cation have been determined. The activation parameters for the chlorophosphazene system show positive enthalpies and entropies of activation. The reaction rates of 2 increase with solvent basicity. The rates of reaction for the heavier alkali metal cations are greater than those for the lighter cations. The addition of a crown ether results in a ...
Ultrasound-guided near-infrared spectroscopy for brain functional study: feasibility analysis and preliminary work

Recent advances in diffuse optical imaging and spectroscopy (DOIS) allow the noninvasive measurement of local changes in cerebral oxygenation and hemodynamics. Available DOIS devices fall into three categories: time domain (TD), frequency domain (FD) and continuous wave (CW). The TD and FD devices have potential for high spatial resolution, high temporal resolution and high accuracy measurement, but the instrument cost and the hardware size prevent their wide clinical application. Furthermore, the presence of the low scattering cerebrospinal fluid layer (CSF) and its thickness variation during motion challenges quantitative, continuous monitoring of the cortex layer oxygenation and blood content. MRI has been used to provide a priori knowledge of the head anatomy that helps the NIR image reconstruction. However, the technology is expensive and lacks portability. This paper proposes a method that combines the accuracy of a TD/FD system and the portability of a CW device. With the optical baseline measured by a TD or FD device and the layer thickness characterized by an ultrasound transducer, a conventional CW system may be able to quantify the cortex layer optical absorption with high accuracy. In this paper, the feasibility of using ultrasound guided CW spectroscopy to monitor brain activities was studied on a multi layer head model using Monte Carlo simulation and order of magnitude analysis. A forward algorithm based on diffuse approximation and 2D Fourier Transform was used to optimize the source detector separation. Both analytical and neuron network approaches were developed for inverse calculation of the cortex layer absorption in real time. An ultrasound transducer was used to monitor the thickness of different layers surrounding the cerebral cortex. The concept of ultrasound guided CW spectroscopy was demonstrated by numerical simulation on a 2 layer head model and the use of the ultrasound transducer for layer thickness characterization was verified by animal and bench top results.
Holocene Sedimentation in Two Western Michigan Estuaries

Abstract Changing levels of the Laurentide Great Lakes over the past 14.5 ka have strongly influenced development of surrounding coasts. One of the most striking geomorphic features inherited from earlier levels is the presence of several dozen coast-normal flooded river valleys that occur along the eastern margin of the lake basin. Westward flowing rivers deeply cut through preexisting terraced fluvial deposits and Pleistocene glacial outwash during the Chippewa lowstands between 10 and 8 ka BP. Freshwater estuaries were formed as these valleys were flooded during the post-late Chippewa transgression, and as rivers graded their fluvial terraces to Nipissing levels. More recent (∼5 ka BP) attainment of somewhat lower lake levels has been accompanied by regressive progradation of most estuarine deltas. Two freshwater estuaries, Manistee Lake and Pentwater Lake, in northwest Michigan were examined in detail. Both are partially filled with post-late Chippewa sediment comprising terrigenous and organic fluvial, deltaic, and estuary-center facies that comprise an almost complete record of Holocene sedimentation in these settings. Stratigraphic successions in either estuary consist of a transgressive-regressive fluvial-deltaic-estuarine sequence deposited over the past 10,000 years. A typical section consists of basal fluvial-deltaic sand, thick (> 20 m) transgressive dark brown lake mud (gyttja), regressive interbedded prodelta sand and mud often containing abundant pebble to cobble size wood debris, and highstand fluvial-deltaic sand of modern deltas. These sequences represent change in Lake Michigan water level during the post-late Chippewa transgression, the Nipissing highstand and stillstand, and the post-Nipissing regression. Radiocarbon dates of allochthonous organic material in Manistee Lake indicate an abrupt decrease in accumulation of terrigenous components at about 3.1 ka, and relatively invariant sedimentation rates at about 4.5 m/ka since that time.
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Staining Immediately Following Radio Frequency Ablation of Renal Tumors-Is a Positive Stain Synonymous With Ablative Failure?

Purpose: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide diaphorase staining is arguably the standard for assessing tissue viability following radio frequency ablation, yet the accuracy of this test is questionable. Thus, it is imperative to examine the reliability of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide to predict ablation success. To evaluate the observation that immediate nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide staining may not be clinically reliable, we compared results from immediate post-ablation biopsies of renal tumors to radiological and clinical followup.Materials and Methods: Laparoscopic radio frequency ablation was performed in 9 patients and 10 tumors using a temperature modulated radio frequency system. Cold cup biopsies were taken immediately following ablation, and processed for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and hematoxylin and eosin staining. Patients were then followed using contrast enhanced computerized tomography at regular intervals.Results: Median tumor size was 2.3 cm. Hematoxylin and eosin stain di...
Damage signaling: RecQ sends an SOS to you

The DNA helicase RecQ is required for proper induction of the SOS response to replication stress in Escherichia coli. Unwinding of stalled replication forks by RecQ family helicases in bacteria, and possibly in eukaryotes, may provide a means of damage signaling and recovering stalled replication forks.
Possible permian oceanic crust and plate junction in central Shikoku, Japan

Abstract The Osugi greenstones of central Shikoku, Japan, a portion of the so-called Mikabu green rocks, appear to constitute a typical ophiolite complex; original premetamorphic rocks include serpentinized ultramafics, gabbros, diabases, pillow breccias, tuffaceous agglomerates and siliceous sediments, in roughly ascending stratigraphic order. This suite is thought to represent a section of oceanic crust juxtaposed along the Japanese continental margin in latest Paleozoic (mid-Permian?) time during a period of active lithospheric plate convergence. The northern margin of the greenstone complex evidently marks a temporary suture between the Asiatic and Pacific lithospheric plates at this time. Motion apparently continued and, through a later northward stepping of the Benioff zone, is thought to have been responsible for the subsequent regional development of a (Late Jurassic?) relatively highpressure, low-temperature subduction-type metamorphism throughout the entire Sanbagawa-Chichibu terrane.
Some optical and mechanical properties of poly(vinyl chloride)

Abstract : The photoelastic properties of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) were subjected to preliminary investigation several years ago. Some of these measurements were repeated and extended during the past year. These measurements confirm previous observations and demonstrate the contribution of both distortional and orientational contributions to the birefringence. They also indicate the possibility of dichroism studies on partly decomposed PVC which will be described in a future report. Measurements of dynamic birefringence were also conducted indicating a negative strain-optical coefficient at room temperature consistent with a dominant distortional contribution.
Software Security: The Dangerous Afterthought

As users of many different types of software, one of the last things we think about when deciding which is best for the task at hand is the security of the software. This of course depends on the type of software as well. If it is banking or tax software then, security is of concern. However, in most cases the thought rarely crosses the average users mind. That is until something happens to the system or information the system may hold. This way of thinking is very similar to the way some software is created. The software's features, usability, and interface are normally at the forefront. On the other hand the software's security is just an afterthought for many developers. While software is developed in a very intricate process, it does not currently stress security. In this paper, we will describe different approaches that have been recently researched to help create more secure software. Although these approaches will be introduced separately, using a combination of two or all three together would be the most secure combination.
Collective effects in spin-crossover chains with exchange interaction

The collective properties of spin-crossover chains are studied. Spin-crossover compounds contain ions with a low-spin ground state and low lying high-spin excited states and are of interest for molecular memory applications. Some of them naturally form one-dimensional chains. Elastic interaction and Ising exchange interaction are taken into account. The transfer-matrix approach is used to calculate the partition function, the fraction of ions in the high-spin state, the magnetization, susceptibility, etc., exactly. The high-spin--low-spin degree of freedom leads to collective effects not present in simple spin chains. The ground-state phase diagram is mapped out and compared to the case with Heisenberg exchange interaction. The various phases give rise to characteristic behavior at nonzero temperatures, including sharp crossovers between low- and high-temperature regimes. A Curie-Weiss law for the susceptibility is derived and the paramagnetic Curie temperature is calculated. Possible experiments to determine the exchange coupling are discussed.
Transformations, Basic Operations and Language Acquisition.

Abstract Errors in child speech show that some children initially formulate tense-hopping and subject-auxiliary inversion as copying without deletion. Other errors suggest that some children may formulate other movement rules as deletion without copying. A claim about the nature of the language acquisition device is made on the basis of our analysis of these errors: the language acquisition device formulates hypotheses about transformations in terms of basic operations. The basic-operations hypothesis predicts that for any transformation which is composed of more than one basic operation, there exists a class of errors in child speech correctly analyzed as failure to apply one (or more) of the operations specified in the adult formulation of the rule.
Postexposure treatment with a Src-PTK inhibitor in combination with N-l-acetyl cysteine to reduce noise-induced hearing loss

Both the antioxidant, N-l-acetyl cysteine (NAC), and the Src inhibitor, KX1-004, have been used to protect the cochlea from hazardous noise. In order to extend our previous work on KX1-004 with noise exposure, the current studies were undertaken with two goals: (1) to test the effectiveness of NAC and KX1-004 in combination with one another when given in a protection paradigm, and (2) to test the NAC+KX1-004 combination in a postexposure rescue paradigm. The noise exposure for the first experiment consisted of a 4-kHz octave band of noise at 107 dB SPL for 2 hours. The combination of NAC and KX1-004 were administered either prior to the noise exposure or post exposure (rescue). The second experiment was undertaken to extend the findings of the first experiment's rescue paradigm. The 4 kHz octave band noise was delivered at 112 dB SPL for 1 hour, with the experimental drugs delivered only in a rescue paradigm. In Experiment 1, animals treated before the 2-hour noise exposure with the combination of NAC and KX1-004 had from 12 to 17 dB less permanent threshold shift when compared to control saline treated animals. Treatment in the rescue paradigm did not produce any reductions in threshold shift from the 2-hour exposure. In the second experiment, with the 1-hour noise, rescue with KX1-004 or KX1-004 plus NAC yielded small, but significant, reductions in threshold shift. There was no additional benefit from the combination of NAC and KX1-004 over KX1-004 by itself.
Immunosuppressive activity of rabbit antisera directed against mouse lymphocytic leukemia L1210.

SummaryRabbit antisera directed against cultured mouse lymphocytic leukemia L1210 cells as well as those directed against the ascitis form were shown to be immunosuppressive when injected into mice prior to immunization with sheep erythrocytes. The extent of immunosuppression was comparable to the one induced by injection of antisera directed against mouse spleen and lymph node antigens. The degree of immunosupression was quantitated by assaying the number of antibody forming cells by plaque formation in a sheep erythrocyte medium, and by titration of humoral hemagglutinins.
Health care access and poverty do not explain the higher esophageal cancer mortality in African Americans.

Abstract Background Esophageal cancer mortality is increased in African Americans relative to white patients. The reasons for this are unknown but are thought to be related to inadequate access to health care secondary to a higher poverty rate in African American populations. Methods The National Health Interview Survey database for years 1986 to 1994 were combined and linked to the National Death Index. Individuals who died from esophageal carcinoma were assessed in the combined database, thus enabling detailed analysis of their socioeconomic status, race, and health care access. Results Poverty was 4-fold more frequent in African Americans who died from esophageal carcinoma than whites. Despite poverty, African American patients' access to health care was good and was not statistically related to increased mortality. Conclusions Although the esophageal carcinoma mortality rate is higher in African Americans than in whites, it is not clearly related to the presence of poverty or to limited health care access. The higher mortality may be related to lifestyle differences, environmental exposure, or difference in disease biology, but it is not related exclusively to socioeconomic factors.
Effects of transition zone densification on fiber/cement paste bond strength improvement

Abstract This paper investigates the effectiveness of transition zone densification on the fiber-cement paste system. By controlling the water: cement (w:c) ratio and the condensed silica fume content, environmental scanning electron microscopy studies confirm that transition zone densification can be achieved in all brass, steel, and polyethylene fiber-cement systems. However, single fiber pullout tests indicate that densification only enhances the brass-cement paste interface bond strength and not the other systems. Further microscopy investigation of the surface of fibers peeled off from a composite fracture surface and of the groove left by the fiber on the cement paste suggests that bond failure for the brass-cement system is of a cohesive type, whereas bond failure for the other two systems is of an adhesive type. It is concluded that the transition zone densification technique should be effective in fiber-cement systems in which bond strength is controlled by cohesive failure of the transition zone material.
Have Asian American Men Achieved Labor Market Parity with White Men

We use the 2003 National Survey of College Graduates to investigate earnings differentials between white and Asian American men. We extend prior literature by disaggregating Asian Americans by thei...
A bug and a bonfire.

The bug is an insect called coya; the bonfire is made of a grass called guayacan. The connection between the two is that an unusual- and potentially fatal—physical harm is done to a human being by the coya, the effects of which must be counteracted by the victim's being passed through the flame of a fire made of guayacan. Both cause and cure seem today so bizarre as to suggest a background of folklore rather than fact. In the eighteenth century, however, and in the still virtually unknown areas of South America, both were accepted as fact. Among Jesuit missionaries in the Orinoco region in the first half of the century, the coya was well known. Father Joseph Gumilla S. J., describes it in his El Orinoco Ilustrado (1741 and 1955) as “a small creature… They are of a bright red color, and shaped like a tiny tick…”. The coya neither bites nor stings, but if it is crushed and its body fluid touches the skin, the person swells monstrously and death follows unless he “endures the torment of a fire of … guayacan”. The details of this “torment”, as explained by Gumilla, are repeated in the accounts of his Jesuit contemporaries. Essentially the same cure-by-fire story is related by Jorge Juan and Antonio de Ulloa in their Relacion historica del viage… (1748). Their account is quoted in part by a distinguished Dutch acarologist, A. C. Oudemans, who, speculating that the coya must be a trombidiid, gave it a provisional identification as Dinothrombium ? in 1929, and in 1937 named it D. ? coya nov. sp. Oudemans [nomen nudum]. Guayacan is identified by Perez Arbelaez and Pinto-Escobar as Sporobolus berteroanus (Trin.) H. < C., a widely distributed common grass. There are a number of grasses known for their efficiency in repelling or destroying insects and it is not impossible that this grass, guayacan, when burned, may perform this or a similar function. A chemical substance might be released by combustion, or some component of smoke might counteract the poison of the coya's haemolymph. However, both the coya and the role of the bonfire must remain something of a mystery among examples of a relationship between animal, plant, and man. I owe sincere and humble thanks to five biologists without whose interest and helpful opinions I could not have arrived at the conclusions set forth herein: Drs. J. Howard Frank, R.E. Leech, Juan M. Matthieu, Irwin M. Newell, and Alfred Newton. For advice on Jesuit procedures and contacts in the 1700s, I am most grateful to Rev. Padre Jose del Rey Fajardo, S.J., of Caracas, Venezuela.
Observation of conformal symmetry breaking and scale invariance in expanding Fermi gases.

We precisely test scale invariance and examine local thermal equilibrium in the hydrodynamic expansion of a Fermi gas of atoms as a function of interaction strength. After release from an anisotropic optical trap, we observe that a resonantly interacting gas obeys scale-invariant hydrodynamics, where the mean square cloud size $⟨{\mathbf{r}}^{2}⟩=⟨{x}^{2}+{y}^{2}+{z}^{2}⟩$ expands ballistically (like a noninteracting gas) and the energy-averaged bulk viscosity is consistent with zero, $0.00(0.04)\mathrm{\ensuremath{\hbar}}n$, with $n$ the density. In contrast, the aspect ratios of the cloud exhibit anisotropic ``elliptic'' flow with an energy-dependent shear viscosity. Tuning away from resonance, we observe conformal symmetry breaking, where $⟨{\mathbf{r}}^{2}⟩$ deviates from ballistic flow.
Cellular iron uptake from transferrin: is endocytosis the only mechanism?

Abstract 1. 1. Receptor mediated endocytosis has been proposed as the method of cellular iron uptake from transferrin (TF). 2. 2. However, the experimental evidence for endocytosis in every situation is found wanting. 3. 3. This is particularly true for the hepatocyte where an alternative mechanism of iron release at the cell surface can account for all iron uptake. 4. 4. It may be, that under appropriate physiological conditions (e.g. degree of iron saturation of TF) cells may take up iron by either an endocytotic or nonendocytotic mechanism.
Brain stimulation of the ventral tegmental area attenuates footshock escape: an in vivo autoradiographic analysis of opiate receptors.

Abstract An in vivo autoradiographic technique was employed to visualize discrete neuroanatomical changes in opiate receptor binding as a result of aversive footshock (FS) and rewarding electrical brain stimulation (ICS). Footshock-induced escape responding was shown to be attenuated by the simultaneous presentation of non-contingent ICS. Rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 6) receiving ICS, FS, ICS + FS or neither stimulus in an escape paradigm. During the final behavioral test session, rats were injected with 0.002 mg/kg [3H]diprenorphine ([3H]Dpr) and subsequently prepared for autoradiography. Results indicated two groups of brain areas distinguishable by their treatment-induced changes in [3H]Dpr binding. One group of areas included the nucleus accumbens, claustrum, claustrocortex, perirhinal cortex and ventral tegmental area. These structures showed increased binding due to both FS and ICS. The other group consisted of the diagonal band of Broca, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, lateral hypothalamus-medial forebrain bundle and amygdala. In these regions, an increase in binding ipsilateral to the electrode was observed in animals receiving ICS with no apparent effect of FS. These results demonstrate that non-contingent ICS may not be strictly aversive and suggest an anatomic, opioid-sensitive basis for both a rewarding and aversive component of this stimulus. It appears, further, that ICS can inhibit the release of endogenous opioid peptides in areas along the mesotelencephalic dopamine pathways, possibly to regulate the activity of neurons conveying reward information. Finally, the observed changes in opiate receptor binding may indicate a mechanism for ICS to produce both drive and reward.
Lunar sample budget in squeeze

With the FY 1980 budget, funding for NASA's lunar sampling program recovered from a precipitous drop, but some researchers feel the program has been stunted. From a high of over $10 million in 1971, when Apollo missions were bringing the first rocks back from the moon, funding for lunar sample research tapered to a little less than $6 million per year in the mid 1970's, according to NASA figures.
At high risk and want to quit: marijuana use among adults with depression or serious psychological distress.

Abstract Objectives This study compared marijuana use characteristics and quit behaviors between adults with and without depression or serious psychological distress (SPD). Methods Drawing data for 39,133 non-institutionalized adults from the 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, we assessed marijuana use status, frequent use, dependence or abuse, and quit behaviors in association with lifetime clinician-identified depression, lifetime and recent major depressive episode (MDE), and recent SPD. Results Adults with depression or SPD were at a significantly higher risk of being lifetime ever users (OR = 1.60–2.08), past year users (OR = 1.67–1.86), frequent users (OR = 1.40–1.62), and dependent or abusing users (OR = 2.32–3.05) compared with adults without these symptoms. Adults with depression or SPD had a lower quit ratio overall, but were equally or even more likely to make quit or self-regulation attempts. Further analysis suggested that adults with recent MDE had the greatest level of quit attempts or self-regulation attempts compared with adults without MDE or with past MDE. Conclusions These findings highlight the need for tailored cessation programs to sustain quit attempts and promote successful quitting among adults with depression or SPD, especially those with recent symptoms.
Further comments on the relation between hydraulic permeation and diffusion

We feel that the lengthy comments given here come down to a few simple points. For uniform, homogeneous swollen membranes the internal driving force for transport in hydraulic permeation experiments is a concentration gradient not a pressure gradient. Equation (1) is in error because it neglects the frame of reference term 1/(1 − ν1). Equation (19) shows properly the connection between K0 and the various diffusion coefficients. In the particular case discussed here and previously we see no evidence to say that a viscous flow mechanism is operative since we can explain all of the K0 data in terms of reasonable diffusion coefficients if proper consideration is given to the frame of reference correction. This is not to say that in many other cases a viscous flow mechanism will not be present or even predominate.
Review: Third-generation P2Y12 inhibitors reduce mortality after PCI more than clopidogrel

Source Citation Bellemain-Appaix A, Brieger D, Beygui F, et al. New P2Y12 inhibitors versus clopidogrel in percutaneous coronary intervention: a meta-analysis. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2010;56:1542-51. 2...
Electrowetting on Flexible Substrates

Abstract Electronic readers that use rugged flexible substrates potentially offer very attractive characteristics (low-cost processing, lightweight, mechanical flexibility, etc.) and could expand the explosive growth of e-reader devices. In this paper, we demonstrate electrowetting (EW) devices fabricated on flexible substrates, including paper, polymers (plastics), and metal foils and sheets. EW devices on some of the flexible substrates exhibit characteristics very close to those of conventional EW devices on glass substrates. Prototypes of flexible EW arrays on plastic substrates are demonstrated to switch reversibly by applying a low voltage difference (20 V). The array operation is maintained even when the display is mechanically flexed. These results indicate the promise of flexible EW devices for mobile and other devices, including video rate flexible e-paper.
COMPLEX DECISION MAKING AT A RE-ENTRANT FLOW STATION UNDER UNCERTAINTY

Abstract This work is aimed at studying the complex relationships between vital decisions in manufacturing environments facing uncertainty. Maintenance, testing and job scheduling decisions are inter-related and their relative costs govern the decision making. Presented here is a formal mathematical representation of the integrated decision making problem and a discussion on the computational complexity. Furthermore, a systematic decomposition/simplification of the problem is proposed, whenever applicable. An exemplary system of re-entrant flow station is chosen for illustrations. Rigorous probability theories, Approximate Dynamic Programming and Heuristic rules are combined, to come up with good decision making.
Revision des Atomgewichtes von Strontium. Zweite Mitteilung: Die Analyse von Strontiumchlorid

In dieser Mitteilung sind vier Bestimmungen des Atomgewichtes von Strontium mitgeteilt, die sich auf Vergleich von Strontiumchlorid mit Silber grunden. Berechnet man diese Resultate auf der alten falschen Basis fur Chlor, so bekommt man einen hoheren Wert als aus den Analysen des Strontiumbromides; benutzt man jedoch den neugefundenen Wert fur Chlor 35.473 (Silber = 107.930), so ergeben die beiden verschiedenen Reihen fast identische Resultate. Demnach wird der neue Wert fur Chlor durch diese Untersuchung bestatigt. Das Atomgewicht des Strontiums wurde also folgendermassen gefunden (Ag = 107.930) .
A Comparison of Components of Written Expression Abilities in Learning Disabled and Non-Learning Disabled Students at Three Grade Levels.

Although written language plays a critical role in academic success, little empirical evidence exists on the normal development of processes involved in producing written products. Even less is known about the writing performance of LD children. This study empirically compared the written products of LD and normal students at three grade levels on The Test of Written Language. Results showed that LD subjects scored significantly lower than normal subjects on most written expression abilities, especially in the mechanical tasks of spelling, punctuation, and word usage.
Comparative logic ratings for current high-speed field-effect transistors

The recent publication of the IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices 'Special Issue on Heterojunction Field-Effect Transistors' (HFETs) (vol. ED-33, May 1986) has described the latest in high-speed transistors. The question arises as to which technique and fabrication technology is currently #1 in the high-speed race. The techniches are presented in tabular form and each is compared and contrasted.
Hip fractures attributable to corticosteroid use

suffered a first hip fracture. 11 (4·8%) patients in the group taking oral corticosteroids sustained first fractures. The crude rate ratios of hip fracture for oral corticosteroid use relative to no use was 1·8 (95% CI 1·0–3·3). When adjusted for age, physical activity, current smoking status, rheumatoid arthritis, change in weight, and previous femoral neck-bone mineral density this relative risk was 2·1 (1·0–4·4). The rate ratio for inhaled corticosterid use (crude RR 0·59 [95% CI 0·12–2·0]) was not considered reliable because of the very small number of exposed cases. 12 individuals with rheumatoid arthritis suffered fractures (crude RR 1·7, 95% CI 0·93–3·0). These findings confirm previous reports of accelerated bone loss with corticosterid use, and are concordant with an odds ratio of 2·7 (2·1 adjusted) found in a previous study. The power of this large well-defined cohort was insufficient to assess the risk of inhaled corticosteroids. Prescriptions of inhaled corticosteroids for this population are expected to increase following the widely accepted recommendations for their use early in the course of asthma. The effect of inhaled corticosteroids requires further study in the elderly population with a high risk of hip fracture.
Candidate Perception among Nomination Activists: A New Look at the Moderation Hypothesis

The moderation hypothesis, that ideologically moderate candidates in a two-party contest are more likely to win elections than extreme candidates, is both prevailing wisdom and a major conclusion of spatial theories of elections. We examine the hypothesis using perceptual data from samples of caucus attenders in the 1984 and 1988 presidential nomination campaigns at both the individual and the cross-candidate levels of analysis. In both analyses, we find qualified support for the moderation hypothesis. In explaining individuals' perceptions of the four nominees' electability, we find a modest effect of perceived proximity to the American voter for all candidates, save George Bush. Other variables, such as party, candidate affect, and nomination chances are stronger predictors, and the candidate's perceived abilities on TV rivals moderation in its impact. In our comparative analysis of some 20 candidates, we find that Ronald Reagan and John Glenn were very significant outliers in what is otherwise a strong...
Connectivity Maps: Measurements and Applications

Network connectivity is becoming an important factor for many transportation problems, yet in general we do not have available to us sufficiently detailed maps of expected connectivity that might guide our decision making. Here we detail an approach to creating such maps. Connectivity contour maps are introduced, and the relationship between signal strength and throughput discussed. This work may contribute toward more widespread efforts to create such maps, and the presence of such maps may in turn have implications for emergency response, transportation planning, policy, and individual decision making.
Perceived Stress, External Locus of Control, and Social Support as Predictors of Psychological Adjustment Among Female Inmates With or Without a History of Sexual Abuse

Given the growing number of women who are incarcerated across the United States, the current study investigated the relationships among female inmates’ perceptions of their own stress, external locus of control (LOC), social support adequacy, and various aspects of psychological functioning. Generally, female inmates with a self-reported history of childhood sexual abuse did not differ from their nonabused counterparts on the variables of interest. Results suggested that female inmates’ perceptions of higher stress, a higher degree of external LOC, and inadequate social support correlated with greater symptoms of depression and hopelessness as well as lower self-esteem. In regression analyses, stress and social support were significant predictors for depression and anxiety. In contrast, stress was the only significant predictor of hopelessness and self-esteem. Finally, none of the predictors examined here was significant in the prediction of traumatic stress. Overall, findings suggested the importance of ...
A communication+computation load balanced loop partitioning method

We present an iteration and data partitioning approach for DOALL loops on distributed memory systems. The method first examines the highest amount of parallelism (available parallelism) which could be potentially exploited in a loop nest. It then examines the amount of communication overhead which can potentially nullify the benefits due to parallelism and attempts to maximally eliminate the communication to minimize the loop completion time by trading parallelism to a minimal extent. This is achieved by determining the directions of iteration space partitioning which result in minimum communication. Finally, in order to generate a load balanced partition with respect to computation+communication, the method uses a new larger partition owns rule to distribute the underlying data. Necessary theoretical framework has been developed and the merit of the method is shown through a performance evaluation on Cray T3D.
Infant and caregiving factors affecting weight‐for‐age and motor development of full‐term and premature infants at 1 year post‐term

Guided by a theoretical process model, we examined direct and indirect effects of infants' biologic condition and experience, the caregiving environment, and caloric intake variables on two outcomes, weight-for-age and motor development, for 52 full-term and 47 premature infants at 12 months post-term age. For full-term infants, birth weight and infant expression of positive affect and behavior during feeding had predicted positive direct effects on weight-for-age. Infant regulation of negative affect and behavior had an unexpected negative effect on this outcome. For premature infants, severity of acute illness, mother's regulation of negative affect and feeding behavior, and caloric intake affected weight-for-age in unpredicted directions. Caregiving variables had indirect effects, through caloric intake, on both outcomes only for premature infants. The findings suggest the theoretical process model differs for premature infants and full-term infants, both in the contributing variables and in the processes of effects.
Cytogenetic heterogeneity: its role in tumor evolution.

Abstract There is ample evidence that cytogenetic heterogeneity characterizes human solid tumors, despite the opposing influences of clonal origin and selection for tumor-specific chromosome aberrations. Different chromosome patterns are found within individual tumors and among phenotypically similar tumors. Some tumor cell populations contain mixtures of diploid and cytogenetically aberrant cells; others display multiple aberrant clones. The extent and biological significance of chromosomal heterogeneity is contrasted between examples of leukemias and of selected solid tumors (mainly of breast and central nervous system origin). Increasing degrees of chromosomal aberration appear correlated with increasingly malignant biological properties of tumors. Genic and chromosomal instability are potential sources for genetic diversity within all tumors. However, variations in local selective forces and differential survival within an expanding solid lesion may contribute to maintenance of a mixed cell population within the primary tumor. In turn, the resulting heterogeneity may permit selection and increase of aberrant cells that are responsible for tumor progression and metastasis.
Life-Course Theory of Readmission of Substance Abusers Among Homeless Veterans

This study examined outcomes of 310 female and 315 male homeless veterans who were admitted to a Department of Veterans Affairs inpatient program for dual diagnoses of a substance use disorder and another mental illness. Participants were surveyed to determine gender differences for types of transforming experiences and for types of abuse as predictors of readmission within two years. Predictors were selected primarily from life-course theory and were analyzed with Cox's proportional hazards model. Transforming experiences, such as enhanced ego identity and spiritual well-being, attenuated the effects of childhood abuses, combat exposure, and depression for both genders. Transforming experiences also reduced the risk of readmission that was associated with aggression for men and abuse that occurred either in the military or recently for women.
Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor-associated non-infectious pneumonitis in patients with renal cell cancer: predictors, management, and outcomes

Objective To characterise the incidence, onset, management, predictors, and clinical impact of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor-associated non-infectious pneumonitis (NIP) on patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Patients and Methods Retrospective review of 310 patients with mRCC who received temsirolimus and/or everolimus between June 2007 and October 2010. Clinical correlations were made with serial radiological imaging. Fisher's exact, Wilcoxon rank-sum, and logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the association of NIP with demographic or clinical factors. Log-rank and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used for the time-to-event analysis. Results NIP occurred in 6% of temsirolimus-treated and 23% of everolimus-treated patients. Symptoms included cough, dyspnoea, and fever (median of two and three symptoms per patient, respectively). The median National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events pneumonitis grade was 2 for both groups. Older age and everolimus treatment were predictive of NIP. Patients who developed NIP had a significantly longer time on treatment (median 4.1 vs 2 months) and overall survival (OS) (median 15.4 vs 7.4 months). NIP was a predictor of improved OS by multivariate analysis. Conclusions There was an increased incidence of NIP in everolimus-treated patients. Improved OS in patients who developed NIP is an intriguing finding and should be further investigated. Given the incidence, morbidity, and outcomes seen in patients on everolimus who develop NIP, management should include proactive monitoring and treatment of NIP with the goal of preserving mTOR inhibitor therapy.
Effects of Prolonged Intensive Lipid-Lowering Therapy on the Characteristics of Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaques In Vivo by MRI: A Case-Control Study

High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with flow suppression not only provides useful information on luminal and wall areas of the carotid artery but also can identify the principal tissue components of the carotid atherosclerotic plaque. The effects of intensive lipid-lowering therapy on these MRI tissue characteristics were examined in patients with coronary disease (CAD). Eight CAD patients who have been receiving intensive lipid-lowering treatment (niacin 2.5 g/d, lovastatin 40 mg/d, and colestipol 20 g/d) for 10 years in the Familial Atherosclerosis Treatment Study (FATS) follow-up were randomly selected from among 60 such treated patients. Eight CAD patients who were matched to the treated patients for age (+/-3 years), baseline low density lipoprotein (+/-5 mg/dL), and triglycerides (+/-50 mg/dL) but who had never been treated with lipid-lowering drugs were selected as controls. For each of these 32 carotid arteries, luminal and plaque areas were measured by planimetry, in a blinded protocol, from the magnetic resonance image that showed most plaque. Fibrous tissue, calcium, and lipid deposits were identified on the basis of established criteria. Plaque composition was estimated as a fraction of total planimetered area. Patients treated with 10-year intensive lipid-lowering therapy, compared with control subjects, had significantly lower low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (84 versus 158 mg/dL, respectively; P /=40% area stenosis) carotid plaque. In this case-control study, prolonged intensive lipid-lowering therapy is associated with a markedly decreased lipid content, a characteristic of clinically stable plaques.
The sequence 5′-AAUAAA-3′ forms part of the recognition site for polyadenylation of late SV40 mRNAs

We have observed three effects of deletion mutations on polyadenylation of late SV40 mRNAs. The first class of mutants lack segments (-3 to -14 bp) between the 5-AAUAAA-3' and normal poly(A) site. These mutants produce mRNas polyadenylated at new sites, downstream from the wild-type site. The poly(A) site is moved farther downstream as the deletions become larger; as a result, polyadenylation always occurs within an 11-19 nucleotide range from the AAUAAA sequence. The second class of mutants lack segments (-12 to -30 bp) between the AAUAAA sequence and the coding region of the mRNA. The poly(A) site for only one of these mutants was studied (dl1457, -12 bp). In this case, the spatial relationship between AAUAAA and poly(A) site is altered. dl1457 produces a class of mRNAs polyadenylated at the first Ca following the AAUAAA sequence, as well as other mRNAs polyadenylated farther downstream. Finally, a 16 bp deletion that includes the AAUAAA sequence prevents poly(A) addition.
Selective growth of a less stable polymorph of 2-iodo-4-nitroaniline on a self-assembled monolayer template.

Orthorhombic and triclinic crystals of 2-iodo-4-nitroaniline (INA) grow concomitantly from supersaturated ethanol solutions, but the less stable orthorhombic phase can be selectively grown on 3′-X-4-mercaptobiphenyl (X = NO2, I) self-assembled monolayer templates.
Mechanistic basis for site-site interactions in inhibitor and substrate binding to band 3 (AE1): evidence distinguishing allosteric from electrostatic effects.

Abstract ABSTRACT Kinetic studies suggest that stilbenedisulfonates inhibit erythrocyte anion exchange by competing with substrate anions for binding to band 3 (AE1). Such competition seems to involve site–site interactions between distinct inhibitor and substrate binding sites. The molecular basis for site–site interactions could be allosteric or electrostatic. In this paper, inhibitor binding kinetic studies are reviewed, and 35 Cl − NMR line-broadening experiments are presented, both of which seem to rule out an electrostatic hypothesis. The results are consistent with an allosteric site–site interaction mechanism in the binding of stilbenedisulfonate and substrate anions to band 3.
Reverse Micelle Encapsulation of Membrane-Anchored Proteins for Solution NMR Studies

Summary Perhaps 5%–10% of proteins bind to membranes via a covalently attached lipid. Posttranslational attachment of fatty acids such as myristate occurs on a variety of viral and cellular proteins. High-resolution information about the nature of lipidated proteins is remarkably sparse, often because of solubility problems caused by the exposed fatty acids. Reverse micelle encapsulation is used here to study two myristoylated proteins in their lipid-extruded states: myristoylated recoverin, which is a switch in the Ca 2+ signaling pathway in vision, and the myristoylated HIV-1 matrix protein, which is postulated to be targeted to the plasma membrane through its binding to phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate. Both proteins have been successfully encapsulated in the lipid-extruded state and high-resolution NMR spectra obtained. Both proteins bind their activating ligands in the reverse micelle. This approach seems broadly applicable to membrane proteins with exposed fatty acid chains that have eluded structural characterization by conventional approaches.
Capacity Acquisition, Subcontracting, and Lot Sizing

The fundamental question encountered in acquiring capacity to meet nonstationary demand over a multiperiod horizon is how to balance the trade-off between having insufficient capacity in some periods and excess capacity in others. In the former situation, part of the demand is subcontracted while, in the latter, capacity that has been paid for is rendered idle. Capacity and subcontracting decisions arise in many economic activities ranging from production capacity planning in semiconductor fabs to leasing communication networks, from transportation contracts to staffing of call centers. In this paper, we investigate the trade-offs between acquiring capacity, subcontracting, production, and holding inventory to satisfy nonstationary demand over a finite horizon. We present capacity acquisition models with holding and without holding inventory and identify forecast-robust properties of the models that restrict the dependence of optimal capacity decisions on the demand forecasts. We develop algorithms for numerous practical cost structures involving variable and fixed charges and prove that they all have polynomial time complexity. For models with inventory, we solve a sequence of constant capacity lot-sizing and subcontracting subproblems, which is also of independent interest.
On the planarity of hypergraphs

Two definitions for the planarity of a hypergraph will be given. These definitions are related to the problem of modelling circurs for circuit layout. It is shown that if a hypergraph is planar according to the first definition, then it is planar according to the second definition, but the reverse does not hold. Testing the planarity can be done in linear time by using the first definition, but requires an enumeration using the second definition. The more accurate model for the circuit layout problem uses the second definition.
Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Bone Metastasis Response Measured by 18F-Fluoride PET After Treatment with Dasatinib and Correlation with Progression-Free Survival: Results from American College of Radiology Imaging Network 6687

(18)F-fluoride PET quantitatively images bone metabolism and may serve as a pharmacodynamic assessment for systemic therapy such as dasatinib, a potent SRC kinase inhibitor, with activity in bone. Methods This was an imaging companion trial (American College of Radiology Imaging Network [ACRIN] 6687) to a multicenter metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) tissue biomarker-guided therapeutic trial (NCT00918385). Men with bone metastatic CRPC underwent (18)F-fluoride PET before and 12 weeks after initiation of dasatinib (100 mg daily). Dynamic imaging was performed over a 15-cm field of view for trial assessments. The primary endpoint was to determine whether changes in (18)F-fluoride incorporation in tumor and normal bone occurred in response to dasatinib. Other endpoints included differential effect of dasatinib between (18)F-fluoride incorporation in tumor and normal bone, (18)F-fluoride transport in bone metastases, correlation with progression-free survival (PFS), prostate-specific antigen, and markers of bone turnover. Results Eighteen participants enrolled, and 17 underwent interpretable baseline (18)F-fluoride PET imaging before initiation of dasatinib. Twelve of 17 patients underwent on-treatment PET imaging. Statistically significant changes in response to dasatinib were identified by the SUVmaxavg (average of maximum standardized uptake value [SUVmax] for up to 5 tumors within the dynamic field of view) in bone metastases (P = 0.0002), with a significant differential (18)F-fluoride PET response between tumor and normal bone (P Conclusion This trial provides evidence of the ability (18)F-fluoride PET to delineate treatment response of dasatinib in CRPC bone metastases with borderline correlation with PFS.