cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Classical versus new prognostic factors for adjuvant treatment selection based on line software to estimate risk and benefit

The decision about whether to receive systemic adjuvant therapy for cancer depends on weighing the benefit (in terms of increased relapse-free or overall survival) against the cost and risk with such therapy. As the use of adjuvant therapy has been extended into node-negative breast cancer, the decisions have become less obvious because the benefit is smaller, particularly as compared with the risks associated with the therapy and nonbreast cancer mortality. Guidelines can be helpful in these situations, but a limitation of guidelines is that they usually are compendiums of expert opinion and provide little quantitative guidance. In addition, it can be difficult to state guidelines that can be patient specific when multiple parameters might be used in the decision (e.g. age, comorbidity state, actual number of nodes, tumor size, hormone receptor status, histologic grade, and additional pathologic laboratory evidence). To address this problem the decision tool Adjuvant! (Fig. ​(Fig.1)1) was created [1,2]. It uses data from national databases and other sources to make estimates of a patient's baseline prognoses. It uses data from the Overview, and individual clinical trials to make estimates of treatment efficacy. It uses national data about age-specific competing mortality to make estimates of competing mortality. Although the program provides these estimates, it has the flexibility to allow the user to modify the estimates as they think appropriate. Over 200 pages of help files allow the user to review the data on which the program is based, and the methods used by the program and the assumptions which it makes. That for the most part these estimates are reasonable is supported by a validation of Adjuvant!'s estimates in a large independent database [3]. Specific sheets describing the toxicity and safety issues of different adjuvant treatment options are included. Figure 1 Main screen of Adjuvant! The presentation will discuss the strengths and limitations of this approach. The major strength is that this tool allows the doctor and patient to review in a quantitative sense the benefits and risk of different options. The limitations are that for many therapies we have limited knowledge about their long-term efficacy (and Adjuvant! makes specific assumptions to deal with this), and undoubtedly we will learn more about how some tumors' characters may affect their sensitivity to therapy. How new prognostic factors and genomic information may be included will be discussed.
Enhancing the Appropriateness of Treatment Procedures

When developing a treatment or program which will potentially have high social validity, planning should begin as soon as a referral is accepted. Consideration should be given as to how the social validity information will be used, as well as who will be using the information. Social validity information may only be needed to ensure the satisfaction of a treatment for those closely connected to the treatment, to evaluate the acceptability of an innovative procedure, or in order to develop a database to share with others. In addition, the individuals who will be using the information may influence the extent to which social validity data is collected. If the information is only to be used by the consultant who is developing the treatment, data collection may be less extensive than if the data is to be used by a human subject board or by a school system. Depending on how the information will be used and who will use the information, the data may need to include rigorous measures of validity and reliability. The extent to which social validity data may be considered convincing may depend upon adherence to a certain conceptualization of social validity. The reliability of the information may be considerably more difficult to ensure, due to the apparent perpetually changing aspects of this construct. The aim for reliability may be to provide a representative sample which could be considered reliable within a certain period of time. Each of these preliminary factors will be discussed, followed by more specific suggestions for enhancing the potential social validity of a treatment or program.
A Socratic epistemology for verbal emotional intelligence

5 We describe and experimentally validate a question-asking framework for machine-learned linguistic knowledge about human emotions. Using the Socratic method as a theoretical inspiration, we develop an experimental method and computational model for computers to learn subjective information about emotions by playing emotion twenty questions (EMO20Q), a game of twenty questions limited to words denoting emotions. Using human-human EMO20Q data we bootstrap a sequential Bayesian model that drives a generalized 10 pushdown automaton-based dialog agent that further learns from 300 human-computer dialogs collected on Amazon Mechanical Turk. The human-human EMO20Q dialogs show the capability of humans to use a large, rich, subjective vocabulary of emotion words. Training on successive batches of human-computer EMO20Q dialogs shows that the automated agent is able to learn from subsequent human-computer interactions. Our results show that the training procedure enables the agent to learn a large set of emotions words. The fully 15 trained agent successfully completes EMO20Q at 67% of human performance and 30% better than the bootstrapped agent. Even when the agent fails to guess the human opponent’s emotion word in the EMO20Q game, the agent’s behavior of searching for knowledge makes it appear human-like, which enables the agent maintain user engagement and learn new, out-of-vocabulary words. These results lead us to conclude that the question-asking methodology and its implementation as a sequential Bayes pushdown automaton are a 20 successful model for the cognitive abilities involved in learning, retrieving, and using emotion words by an automated agent in a dialog setting.
Smooth muscle caldesmon modulates peristalsis in the wild type and non‐innervated zebrafish intestine

Background The high molecular weight isoform of the actin-binding protein Caldesmon (h-CaD) regulates smooth muscle contractile function by modulating cross-bridge cycling of myosin heads. The normal inhibitory activity of h-CaD is regulated by the enteric nervous system; however, the role of h-CaD during intestinal peristalsis has never been studied.
Effect of tissue extracts on the blood sugar of Octopus dofleini.

Abstract 1. 1. Aqueous extracts of several tissues were tested for glycaemic activity in the octopus. Four extracts were found to cause hyperglycaemia; they were prepared from brain, branchial heart appendages (BHA), renopericardial canals (R-PC) and optic glands. For the response to appear the extracts must contain protein and must be infused at concentrations above a minimum which varies with the tissue extracted. 2. 2. Hypoglycaemia is associated with the second of two consecutive infusions of BHA and R-PC. The response appears when both infusions are of the same material and the second (but not necessarily the first) contains protein. Other extracts were not tested for this effect. 3. 3. Both hyper- and hypoglycaemia are accompanied by “collapse” of the animal. Collapse involves (inter alia) respiratory and circulatory failure, and culminates, in extreme cases, in death of the animal.
Effect of different diets on growth and digestive enzyme activity in Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931) early post-larvae

Growth rate, soluble-protein content and digestiveenzyme activities were studied in Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931) early post-larvae under six feeding regimens, which included combinations of freshly hatched Artemia nauplii, an artificial diet and algae. Growth (0.11 mg DW day ‐1 ) and soluble-protein content (61.8 mg protein larvae ‐1 at PL10) of post-larvae fed mixed diets were significantly higher (P < 0.05). An artificial diet used alone or co-fed with algae caused the lowest growth (0.03‐0.05 mg DW day ‐1 ) and soluble-protein content (13.7‐15.5 mg protein larvae ‐1 at PL10). Trypsin-like activity was higher (up to 10 times) in post-larvae fed Artemia nauplii and an artificial diet alone or plus algae. The artificial diet stimulated chymotrypsin activity, apparently in response to squid meal present in this diet. Amylase activity increased when post-larvae were fed the artificial diet. This was apparently related more to the origin of the starch than to the total carbohydrate level of the diet. No obvious relationship was found between enzyme activity and growth in any feed combination. Based on growth and soluble-protein content, we determined that partial substitution (50%) of Artemia nauplii by artificial diet and the use of algae co-fed beyond the first post-larval stage benefits growth and the nutritional state of L. vannamei post-larvae.
Diversity and Equity for Asian American Students in Science Education.

Asian American students have been described as a “model minority” for their academic achievements, particularly in the natural sciences and related fields. The model minority label, however, has serious flaws and masks the learning needs of many students. This article addresses issues of diversity and equity with Asian American students in science education. The article first describes barriers as well as promising practices in science learning with Asian American students. Then, current science education reform and its implications for Asian American students are discussed. Finally, equity agenda with Asian American students in science education are proposed. In contrast to a sizable body of research on achievement tests and attitude surveys, the literature provides little specific information about effective instructional practices or programs with the Asian American student population. Science educators need to look beyond stereotypes for a better understanding of the strengths and limitations of Asian American students for science achievement, as well as ways to enhance their social and emotional adjustment. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Sci Ed 81:107–122, 1997.
Adenosine A2A Receptors Intrinsically Regulate CD8+ T Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment

Adenosine A(2A) receptor (A(2A)R) blockade enhances innate and adaptive immune responses. However, mouse genetic studies have shown that A(2A)R deletion does not inhibit the growth of all tumor types. In the current study, we showed that growth rates for ectopic melanoma and bladder tumors are increased in Adora2a(-/-) mice within 2 weeks of tumor inoculation. A(2A)R deletion in the host reduced numbers of CD8(+) T cells and effector-memory differentiation of all T cells. To examine intrinsic functions in T cells, we generated mice harboring a T-cell-specific deletion of A(2A)R. In this host strain, tumor-bearing mice displayed increased growth of ectopic melanomas, decreased numbers of tumor-associated T cells, reduced effector-memory differentiation, and reduced antiapoptotic IL7Rα (CD127) expression on antigen-experienced cells. Intratumoral pharmacologic blockade similarly reduced CD8(+) T-cell density within tumors in wild-type hosts. We found that A(2A)R-proficient CD8(+) T cells specific for melanoma cells displayed a relative survival advantage in tumors. Thus, abrogating A(2A)R signaling appeared to reduce IL7R expression, survival, and differentiation of T cells in the tumor microenvironment. One implication of these results is that the antitumor effects of A(2A)R blockade that can be mediated by activation of cytotoxic T cells may be overcome in some tumor microenvironments as a result of impaired T-cell maintenance and effector-memory differentiation. Thus, our findings imply that the efficacious application of A(2A)R inhibitors for cancer immunotherapy may require careful dose optimization to prevent activation-induced T-cell death in tumors.
Temperature dependence of specific heat capacity and its effect on asteroid thermal models

— Asteroid thermal models have typically employed a constant value of specific heat capacity, although this parameter is a function of temperature. We examine whether incorporation of the temperature dependence of specific heat capacity is a necessary refinement and find that including it produces considerable differences in thermal history. Though the temperature effect is demonstrated in a representative calculation for a chondritic asteroid with 26Al decay as a heat source, this result also has implications for asteroidal thermal models based on electromagnetic induction heating or heating by impact, as well as for thermal models of the terrestrial planets.
Attraction Toward A Stranger As A Linear Function Of Similarity In Dress

A study was conducted to specify the mathematical relationship between similarity in dress and attraction. Two hundred undergraduate subjects judged, on a seven-point scale, ten stimulus persons who were strangers to them. Each stranger wore a different form of dress. Judgments regarding the strangers dealt with the similarity between the dress worn by the stimulus person and the students' own usual dress, and two measures of attraction: the extent to which subjects would probably like the stranger, and would enjoy working with the stranger on schoolwork. Similarity in dress was found to be positively associated with attraction. A linear function was discovered whereby the most similar forms of dress were associated with the most attraction. This research serves to expand current conclusions regarding interpersonal attraction by including similarity in dress as a variable that influ ences it. This research also makes it possible to predict interpersonal attraction if the level of similarity in dress is known. Some practical applications are given for this research as well as suggested topics for future study regarding the relationship between interpersonal attraction and dress.
Histone phosphokinase levels in synchronized mammalian cells.

Abstract Histone fractions F1 and F2b are phosphorylated in a specific sequence and at specific times in synchronized mammalian cells. Intracellular histone phosphokinase was measured in synchronized cell cultures to determine if differential histone phosphorylation through the cell cycle reflected varying levels of kinase activity. No direct correlations were obtained, suggesting that control of observed alterations in histone phosphorylation lies in yet another area of cellular activity.
High current superconductivity in FeSe0.5Te0.5-coated conductors at 30 tesla

Although high-temperature superconductor cuprates have been discovered for more than 25 years, superconductors for high-field application are still based on low-temperature superconductors, such as Nb3Sn. The high anisotropies, brittle textures and high manufacturing costs limit the applicability of the cuprates. Here we demonstrate that the iron superconductors, without most of the drawbacks of the cuprates, have a superior high-field performance over low-temperature superconductors at 4.2 K. With a CeO2 buffer, critical current densities >106 A cm−2 were observed in iron-chalcogenide FeSe0.5Te0.5 films grown on single-crystalline and coated conductor substrates. These films are capable of carrying critical current densities exceeding 105 A cm−2 under 30 tesla magnetic fields, which are much higher than those of low-temperature superconductors. High critical current densities, low magnetic field anisotropies and relatively strong grain coupling make iron-chalcogenide-coated conductors particularly attractive for high-field applications at liquid helium temperatures. Iron-based superconductors have the potential to carry higher currents and withstand higher magnetic fields than present-day superconducting cables. Using an approach developed for cuprates, Si et al. improve the high-field performance of iron-based superconductors well beyond that of conventional superconductors.
Measurement of the electronic dephasing time via the weak localization effect in a narrow channel

Abstract We have utilized the the weak localization effect in a narrow channel to measure the phase coherence time (τφ) at temperatures between 0.42 K and 4.25 K for electrons in a two-dimensional electron gas formed in a GaAs/AlxGa1-xAs heterostructure. The measured values agree well with electron-electron scattering theory in a one-dimensional channel including both single particle and collective contributions.
Antibodies to Fasciola hepatica antigens during experimental infections in cattle measured by ELISA

Abstract Chromatography of a soluble PBS extract of adult Fasciola hepatica on Sephadex G200 produced 7 fractions, F 1 −F 7 . The antigenicity of these fractions varied with F 1 being the most antigenic. Antibody responses to these fractions showed different time courses. Antibodies to F 1 , F 2 and F 3 appeared early on in infection and, for the most part, persisted throughout infection, whereas antibodies to F 4 and F 5 increased gradually during infection. A standardised assay was developed to measure anti-F 1 antibodies. The assay was reproducible and able to detect antibodies by 3 weeks post-infection in experimentally-infected calves.
The Mixed Multitude in Exodus 12:38: Glorification, Creation, and Yhwh’s Plunder of Israel and the Nations

Abstract The “mixed multitude” of Exodus 12:38 is a curious detail who are included amidst the departure of God’s people from Egypt. Yet close attention reveals that the mixed multitude holds a key concerning Israel’s deliverance and their nature as God’s people. Exodus 12:35-39 is a hinge device, and the one place in the narrative of chapters 1-15 in which its liturgical elements, plunder and creation motifs, and primary theme of God’s glorification converge. This makes 12:35-39 both a structurally and thematically key moment in the larger narrative, wherein God’s plunder from Egypt is an Israel who is constituted of both the “sons of Israel” and the “mixed multitude” of 12:38. And in view of Israel’s deliverance in their crossing of the sea in chapter 14, this composite people is identified as God’s new humanity who is brought forth in his new act of creation.
The effect of Fel d 1-derived T-cell peptides on upper and lower airway outcome measurements in cat-allergic subjects.

Background: We previously showed that overlapping Fel d 1-derived T-cell peptides inhibited surrogate markers of allergy (i.e. early and late-phase skin reactions and T-cell function) in cat allergic subjects. The present pilot study was designed to determine whether this treatment affected clinically relevant outcome measurements such as the allergen-induced nasal and bronchial reactions, and asthma/rhinitis quality of life (QOL). Methods: Sixteen cat-allergic asthmatic subjects who gave a dual (early and late) asthmatic response (DAR) to inhaled cat allergen were randomly assigned to receive either Fel d 1 peptides (approximately 300 μg in increasing, divided doses) or placebo (8 active : 8 placebo). Twelve single early responders (SER) were also studied in an open fashion design. Allergen-induced bronchial and nasal measurements as well as the QOL was measured at baseline, 4–8 weeks (follow-up 1 (FU1)) and 3–4 months (FU2). Results: In the active, but not placebo, group there were significant decreases in the late asthmatic reaction (LAR) to whole cat dander (P = 0.03) at FU2 but with no between group difference. There were also significant improvements in asthma quality of life (QOL) scores [asthma-activity limitation (P = 0.014); rhinitis-sleep (P = 0.024), non-nose/non-eye symptoms (P = 0.031), nasal problems (P = 0.015)]. In the open study Fel d 1 peptide treatment resulted in significant decreases in number of sneezes (P = 0.05), weight of nasal secretions (P = 0.04) and nasal blockage (P = 0.01) following allergen challenge. Conclusions: Multiple, short, overlapping Fel d 1 T-cell peptides have potential for inhibiting upper and lower airway outcome measurements in cat allergic patients. Larger, dose-ranging, studies are required before firm conclusions on clinical efficacy of peptide allergen therapy can be made.
Case report 691

A case of a 16-year-old girl with a RIO of the T11 neural arch compressing the spinal cord is presented. The radiation therapy had been given after removal of a Wilms' tumor at 1 year of age. RIOs usually occur in the long bones and are diagnosed about 8 years following irradiation. Spinal cord or nerve root compression is usually associated with multiple cartilaginous exostoses.
Understanding as representation manipulability

Claims pertaining to understanding are made in a variety of contexts and ways. As a result, few in the philosophical literature have made an attempt to precisely characterize the state that is y understanding x. This paper builds an account that does just that. The account is motivated by two main observations. First, understanding x is somehow related to being able to manipulate x. Second, understanding is a mental phenomenon, and so what manipulations are required to be an understander must only be mental manipulations. Combining these two insights, the paper builds an account (URM) of understanding as a certain representational capacity—specifically, understanding x involves possessing a representation of x that could be manipulated in useful ways. By tying understanding to representation, the account correctly identifies that understanding is a fundamentally cognitive achievement. However, by also demanding that which representations count as understanding-conferring be determined by their practical effects, URM captures the insight that understanding is vitally connected to practice. URM is fully general, and can apply equally well to understanding states of affairs, understanding events, and even understanding people and works of art. The ultimate test of URM is its applicability in actual scientific and philosophical discourse. To that end the paper discusses the importance of understanding in the philosophy of science, psychology, and computer science.
The Aging of America's Reservoirs: In-Reservoir and Downstream Physical Changes and Habitat Implications

Reservoirs are important for various purposes including flood control, water supply, power generation, and recreation. The aging of America's reservoirs and progressive loss of water storage capacity resulting from ongoing sedimentation, coupled with increasing societal needs, will cause the social, economic, environmental, and political importance of reservoirs to continually increase. The short- and medium-term ( 50 years) environmental changes as reservoirs enter “old” age are less understood. Additional research is needed to help guide the future management of aging reservoir systems and support the difficult decisions that will have to be made. Important research directions include assessment of climate change effects on aging and determination of ecosystem response to ongoing aging and various management actions that may be taken with the intent of minimizing or reversing the physical effects of aging.
Chronic variable stress enhances the stimulatory action of a low dose of morphine: reversal by desipramine.

Abstract Adult male rats were exposed to a chronic variable stress treatment, an animal model of depression, with or without concurrent daily administration of desipramine. Animals given chronic and variable stress were submitted daily to a different stressor following an injection of either saline or desipramine (5 mg/kg, i.p.), whereas control animals were unmanipulated except for the injection process. One day after the last event of the chronic procedure, control and stressed animals were administered saline or morphine (0.75 or 1.5 mg/kg, i.p.) and their locomotion assessed for 90 min. In an additional experiment, 24 h after the last stressor, stressed and control rats were challenged with either saline or one of two higher doses (behaviorally suppressant) of morphine (5 and 10 mg/kg, i.p.). A significantly greater increase in locomotor activity following a low dose (1.5 mg/kg) of morphine was observed in chronically stressed rats as compared tocontrol rats. This potentiated locomotor response to morphine in stressed rats was prevented by desipramine pretreatment. The chronic and variable stress treatment did not modify the sedative response to the high doses of morphine. These data support the suggestion that a chronic and variables stress procedure results in sensitization to the stimulant effect of opioid stimulation, and that pretreatment with the antidepressant agent desipramine blocks the development of this sensitization.
Stimulus-dependent mobilization of protein kinase C.

Protein kinase C and its associated phorbol myristate acetate receptor moved from cytosol to membranes in human neutrophils stimulated with direct activators of the kinase, calcium ionophores, or chemotactic peptides. However, the peptides acted only in the presence of cytochalasin B and neither platelet-activating factor nor leukotriene B 4 (± cyclochalasin B) induced this movement. Thus, protein kinase C appears variably involved in neutrophil responses: physiological agents may bypass or depend minimally upon the phosphylating enzyme to elicit function.
Literacy Sponsorship of the “My Online Friends” Discussion Board: Competing and Complementary Relationships

Abstract This article argues that we need to consider the complementary and competing relationships among the multiple types of sponsors of digital literacies. As we explore not just what people are reading and writing online, but also what sponsors fuel their motivations for doing so, we will have a better understanding of the constraints that accompany specific digital literacy opportunities, as well as what motivates individuals or groups to change their online reading and writing given these constraints. In this article, I discuss the relationships among the three commercial sponsors and one religious sponsor of the “My Online Friends” (MOF) discussion board, a group composed of approximately 120 women who are all members of the LDS, or Mormon, church. On the MOF discussion board, intersections among sponsors affect the women's establishment of group and individual identities and their use of relational literacy. In response to commercial sponsors’ coding and rules of use, which constrained the MOF women's religious and individual identity construction, the MOF women acted to change the commercial sponsorship of their spaces, yet they also adopted subject positions initially provided by commercial sponsors.
Adventure, Etc.--a health-promotion program for chronically ill and disabled youth.

Adolescents with a chronic illness or physical disability have a more difficult time separating from parents, achieving a sense of mastery, developing social skills among peers, and achieving a positive body-image than do able-bodied adolescents. To promote attainment of these developmental tasks, Adventure, Etc. was created as a wilderness/urban Outward Bound experience for chronically ill, physically disabled, and able-bodied teens. Preand posttesting and interviewing assessed locus of control, self-image, family environment, and family dynamics. Over a two-year period, 37 teens completed the program and were tested; 23 were chronically ill or disabled. The chronically ill/disabled group showed a significant increase in internal locus of control. No change was found in the able-bodied group. Both the able-bodied and the disabled/chronically ill groups showed a significant improvement in body image. Reported family conflict declined, as did family recreational involvement, while individual recreational activities among these adolescents increased. Based on these results, new follow-up activities for the parents and adolescents were initiated to further the gains of program participants.
Borate ester plasticizer for PEO-based solid polymer electrolytes

Lithium rechargeable batteries featuring solvent-free highly conductive solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) will make a dramatic impact on the electric and hybrid-electric vehicles (EV/HEV) industry by eliminating hazards related to the use of liquid electrolytes. In this paper, we report the synthesis and characterization of a star-shaped borate ester plasticizer, which was then incorporated into the poly(ethylene oxide) polymer matrix in different proportions. Significant improvement was observed in conductivity, with the best value of 9.1 × 10−5 S/cm at 30 °C. These borate ester plasticized SPEs also exhibited excellent thermal and electrochemical stabilities.
Riparian forest disturbances by a mountain flood — the influence of floated wood

Large floods can have major impacts on riparian forests. Here we examine the variability and spatial distribution of riparian forest responses along eight third- to fifth-order streams following a large flood (∼100 year recurrence interval) in the Cascade Mountain Range of Oregon. We categorized disturbance intensity (physical force) exerted on riparian trees during floods into three classes: (i) purely fluvial (high water flow only); (ii) fluvial supplemented by dispersed pieces of floating wood (uncongested wood transport); (iii) fluvial with movement of batches of wood (congested wood transport). These types of material transport and associated classes of disturbance intensity resulted in a gradient of biotic responses of disturbance severity ranging from standing riparian trees inundated by high water, to trees toppled but still partially rooted, to complete removal of trees. High within-stream and among-stream responses were influenced by pre-flood stream and riparian conditions as well as flood dynamics, especially the availability of individual pieces or congested batches of wood. Fluvial disturbance alone toppled fewer riparian trees than in reaches where floodwaters transported substantial amounts of wood. Debris flows delivered additional wood and sediment to parts of reaches of four of these study streams; riparian trees were removed and toppled for up to 1·5 km downstream of the debris flow tributary channel. Congested wood transport resulted in higher frequency of toppled trees and greater deposition of new wood levees along channel margins. The condition of the landscape at the time of a major flood strongly influenced responses of riparian forests. Recent and historic land-use practices, as well as the time since the previous large flood, influenced not only the structure and age of the riparian forests, but also the availability of agents of disturbance, such as large pieces of floating wood, that contribute to disturbance of riparian forests during floods. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Poor communication in psycholinguistics: Review of four new textbooks

Four new textbooks on psycholinguistics are reviewed:Psycholinguistics: A Cognitive View of Language by H. S. Cairns and C. E. Cairns;Experimental Psycholinguistics by S. Glucksberg and J. H. Danks;Psycholinguistics: Introductory Perspectives by J. F. Kess, andIntroduction to Psycholinguistics by I. Taylor. Three general issues about psycholinguistics are considered in detail: (1) Psycholinguists should attempt to provide psychological tests of competing linguistic theories. (2) More attention should be given by psycholinguists to the work done in the field of human information processing. (3) There is evidence for the Whorfian hypothesis, even in its strong version, at the phonetic level of language. It is concluded that improvement is needed in the communication between psycholinguistics and related disciplines and among the subdivisions of psycholinguistics.
Phase-field simulations of gas density within bubbles in metals under irradiation

Phase-field simulations are used to study the evolution of gas density within irradiation-induced bubbles in solids. In our simulations, which use copper as a model material, the dpa rate, gas production rate, and defect diffusivities are systematically varied to understand their effect on bubble nucleation rates, bubble densities, and the distribution of gas concentration within bubbles and in the solid regions. We find that gas densities within bubbles fluctuate drastically in the early nucleation stages, when growth rates are highest, but converge to steady-state values during the later coarsening stages. The steady-state gas densities within bubbles correspond with the ratio of total accumulated vacancy content divided by the total accumulated gas content, in agreement with a thermodynamic analysis concerning free-energy minimization.
Iron-molybdenum cofactor of Axotobacter vinelandii nitrogenase: oxidation-reduction properties and structural insights

Abstract Structural, oxidation-reduction and compositional probes of the iron-molybdenum cofactor (FeMoco) from the MoFe protein of Azotobacter vinelandii nitrogenase have been undertaken, via variety of physicochemical techniques, to gain insight into the nature of this entity. Using highly concentrated (> 1 mM) solutions of extruded FeMoco in N-methylformamide (NMF), details of its oxidation-reduction behavior have been garnered for the first time. A combination of cyclic voltammetry, potentiometry and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy has shown that, of the two “quasi-reversible”, couples observed, the more-positive couple (at ca −0.3 V vs NHE) corresponds to the “oxidized”-to-“semi-reduced” change as demonstrated by the production of the unique S = 3 2 EPR signal of FeMoco on titration through this couple with aliquots of aqueous dithionite. Plots of EPR intensity vs added electrons and Nernst plots of these data are consistent with the involvement of a single electron in this process. The more negative couple at ca −1.0 V may well involve the substrate-reducing state of FeMoco. No synthetic MoFeSO compound has yet been found which duplicates these electrochemical properties. X-ray absorption spectroscopy studies at the Mo K-edge of similar highly concentrated FeMoco solutions have produced high-quality data in terms of the near-edge (XANES) spectra. Comparisons with similar data sets from FeMoco bound within the protein matrix indicate some (but not radical) structural flexibility or variability around the Mo site. The XANES of a variety of synthetic Mo compounds, which fall into three major categories: (i) Mo in an approximately tetrahedral environment, e.g. [Fe(MoS4)2]3−, which exhibits two inflection points on the Mo absorption edge at ca 20,004 and 20,010 eV; (ii) Mo in all-sulfur, pseudo-octahedral environment, e.g. the dicubane [Mo2Fe6S8(SEt)9]3−, which has a single inflection point at ca 20,010 eV; and (iii) Mo in a mixed sulfur-oxygen, pseudo-octahedral environment, e.g. [Mo2Fe6S8(Set)6(OMe)3]3−, which has two inflection points at ca 20,012 and 20,020 eV, have also been obtained. The XANES of FeMoco, both within and outside the protein, show a marked similarity to those of compounds of the third category, indicating Mo nearest neighbors of 3O (or N) and 3S from anionic ligands. These results are consistent with the structural data derived from the deconvolution of the EXAFS of similar extruded and protein-bound FeMoco samples. Oxidative decomposition studies of isolated FeMoco are also consistent with a coordination environment of only three S atoms around Mo.
The Primary Nucleotide Sequence of the Bovine Leukemia Virus RNA Packaging Signal Can Influence Efficient RNA Packaging and Virus Replication

Two RNA stem-loop structures in the gag gene have been implicated as representing the primary encapsidation (packaging) signal for bovine leukemia virus (BLV), a member of the Delta retrovirus of the Retroviridae. In this study, we conducted an analysis of these RNA structures, stem loop 1 (SL1) and stem loop 2 (SL2), to determine if both the loop and the stem nucleotide bases are important for RNA encapsidation. We have found that the primary sequence of the unpaired bases located in the loop regions of both SL1 and SL2 are important for efficient RNA encapsidation and virus replication. The primary sequence of the bases that form the stems for both SL1 and SL2 was observed to aid in efficient encapsidation and replication. We also observed that the order of SL1 and SL2 is important for RNA encapsidation and virus replication efficiency. A viral RNA with two copies of either SL1 or SL2 was found to replicate and package RNA as efficiently as a viral RNA with only one copy of SL1 or SL2. This provides evidence that SL1 and SL2 are not functionally equivalent. Sequences from human T cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) that are located in the same region of HTLV-1 as the SL1 and SL2 of BLV were used to replace the BLV SL1, SL2, or both in a BLV RNA. These BLV RNAs were still encapsidated and replicated, suggesting that these sequences may function as an encapsidation signal in HTLV-1. The chimeric RNAs did not replicate as well as the parental, indicating that the primary nucleotide sequence along with the secondary and tertiary structure of the RNA plays a role in efficient RNA encapsidation and replication.
n-channel MOSFET breakdown characteristics and modeling for p-well technologies

A model of n-channel MOSFET breakdown, in a p-well, is proposed based on experimental measurements. The model identifies three parasitic bipolar transistors that generate two independent breakdown paths. The breakdown path is dependent on the biasing conditions, the relative parasitic bipolar transistor gain, and the drain avalanche breakdown. Typical biasing of the n-channel MOSFET will result in a breakdown path, and hence snapback sustaining voltage, which is a function of the gate length. While this result is similar to that found in previous studies of snapback on bulk substrates, there is an additional component of current present at the source due to the parasitic vertical bipolar transistor created by the p-well. Another separate parasitic vertical bipolar transistor can lead to an alternative breakdown path when the n-substrate is grounded or left floating. This alternative breakdown path is independent of the gate length for long channel lengths and dependent for short channel lengths. Experimental data and characterization results are presented from two Harris 5-V CMOS processes. >
The risk of esophageal resection after esophagomyotomy for achalasia.

Background Esophagomyotomy is the mainstay of treatment for achalasia with proven long-term success. However, in patients with a significantly dilated esophagus, many advocate esophageal resection thus forgoing an esophagomyotomy. The purpose of this study is to determine the esophagomyotomy failure rate in patients with achalasia. Methods A retrospective review of all patients with achalasia who underwent an esophagomyotomy from 1996 to 2006; 272 patients were divided into three groups based on their preoperative degree of esophageal dilation for comparison. The endpoint for esophagomyotomy failure was persistent symptoms requiring any intervention. Results The preoperative characteristics were comparable except for the severely dilated esophagus patients who had a longer duration of preoperative symptoms. Group I (mild dilatation) had 162 patients with 7 failures requiring intervention. Group II (moderate dilatation) had 74 patients with 4 failures and group III (severe dilatation) had 36 patients with 5 patients requiring intervention. For the entire cohort, median follow-up was 37 months (range, 8 to 144 months). There was no statistically significant difference among the groups in the number of patients requiring reintervention. The overall esophagectomy rate was only 2%. However, there was a significantly higher ( p = 0.02) esophagectomy rate in the severely dilated patients. Conclusions The degree of esophageal dilatation associated with achalasia does not influence the success of an esophagomyotomy. Of the entire patient population in this study, only 6 patients required an esophagectomy. The majority of patients with the most severely dilated esophagus did not require an esophagectomy. Esophagomyotomy should be the first treatment option for patients with achalasia no matter what the degree of esophageal dilatation.
Analysis of the proton, carbon, and nitrogen NMR spectra of cis,cis‐ and cis,trans‐1,3,5‐triaminocyclohexane

The proton spectrum of the isomeric mixture of cis,cis- and cis,trans-1,3,5-triaminocyclohexane was assigned with a 2D COSY experiment. Using Forrest's modified equation and the 2D J spectrum results, the conformations of the two isomers were analysed. The six-membered ring of the cis,trans isomer is flattened by 1,3-diaxial interactions between two amino substituents; in the cis,cis isomer, ring pucker is increased owing to non-bonded interaction between the equatorial amino groups and adjacent methylene protons. The 13C and 15N spin—lattice relaxation of the two isomeric 1,3,5-triaminocyclohexanes was also measured at different pH values; NHx groups rotate faster with decreasing pH. Rotation/jump rates and barriers are reported, determined from the NT1DD ratios between 15N and 13C nuclei.
Tobit without apology

Abstract This note establishes conditions under which a simple Tobit representation of demand is consistent with maximization of a random utility function. When demand is modelled for two goods, the classic Tobit model is perfectly compatible with utility maximization under mild assumptions, while for three or more goods a Tobit representation is fundamentally at odds with utility maximization.
Effects of organic sulfur content on thermolysis and hydrogenolysis of lignites

Abstract The reactions of lignites were investigated in nitrogen and hydrogen atmospheres in the absence of hydrogen donor solvent. Three lignites were chosen on the basis of widely differing contents of organic sulfur: Hagel (U. S. A.), 0.79%; Cayhiran (Turkish), 4.85%; and Mequinenza (Spanish), 11.3%. Reaction conditions were 275°C, 6.9 MPa gas pressure for 30 minutes. In the absence of a hydrogenation catalyst the conversions and liquid yields for a given lignite were the same regardless of the atmosphere. For the three lignites, the liquid yields correlated with the organic sulfur content. For catalytic hydrogenation, the lignites were impregnated with ammonium tetrathiomolybdate. In this case, higher conversions and liquid yields were obtained in a hydrogen atmosphere than in nitrogen. Both the absolute values of the liquid yields and the increase in yield in a hydrogen atmosphere relative to nitrogen correlated with the organic sulfur content. These results suggest that the thermolysis of relatively weak CS bonds is important in disrupting the macromolecular structure of these lignites, and that in the absence of solvent a dispersed catalyst is important in facilitating hydrogenolysis.
Factors underlying organizational resilience: The case of electric power restoration in New York City after 11 September 2001

Abstract The 2001 World Trade Center attack resulted in widespread and highly non-routine failures to critical infrastructure systems. An immediate priority following the attack was the restoration of electric power in lower Manhattan. A study of the organization responsible for conducting this restoration is here presented in order to provide a productive critique of factors theorized by Woods (2006) [1] to affect organizational resilience. Data sources include logs of the behavior of the electric power infrastructure and extensive interviews with personnel at various levels of the organization. The conclusions of the analysis are used to frame a refined set of factors that shape organizational resilience, and to provide observations on the processes that underlie how organizations achieve—or fail to achieve—the potential for resilience.
Requirements for the Adaptor Protein Role of Dihydrolipoyl Acetyltransferase in the Up-regulated Function of the Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase and Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Phosphatase

The dihydrolipoyl acetyltransferase (E2 component) is a 60-mer assembled via its COOH-terminal domain with exterior E1-binding domain and two lipoyl domains (L2 then L1) sequentially connected by mobile linker regions. E2 facilitates markedly enhanced function of the pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK) and pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase (PDP). Human E2 structures were prepared with only one lipoyl domain (L1 or L2) or with alanines substituted at the sites of lipoylation (Lys-46 in L1 or Lys-173 in L2). The L2 domain and its lipoyl group were shown to be essential for markedly enhanced PDP function and were required for greatly up-regulated PDK function. The complete absence of the L1 domain reduced the enhancements of both of these activities but not the maximal effector-stimulated PDK activity through acetylation of L2. With nonlipoylated L2 present, lipoylated L1 supported a lesser enhancement in PDK function with significant stimulation upon acetylation of L1. Prevention of L1 lipoylation in K46AE2 removed this competitive L1 role and enhanced L2-facilitated PDK activity beyond that of native E2 when PDK activity was measured in the absence or in the presence of stimulatory effectors. Thus, the E2-L2 domain has a paramount role in facilitating enhanced PDK and PDP function but inclusion of E2-L1 domain, even in a noninteracting (nonlipoylated) form, contributes to the marked elevation of these activities.
Path integral analysis of Jarzynski's equality : Analytical results

We apply path integrals to study nonequilibrium work theorems in the context of Brownian dynamics, deriving in particular the equations of motion governing the most typical and most dominant trajectories. For the analytically soluble cases of a moving harmonic potential and a harmonic oscillator with a time-dependent natural frequency, we find such trajectories, evaluate the work-weighted propagators, and validate Jarzynski's equality.
INTERSTELLAR CARBON IN TRANSLUCENT SIGHT LINES

We report interstellar C II column densities or upper limits determined from weak absorption of the 2325.4029 ? intersystem transition observed in six translucent sight lines (AV 1) with the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS). The sight lines sample a wide range of interstellar characteristics, including total to selective extinction, RV = 2.6-5.1; average hydrogen density along the sight line, n(H) = 3-14 cm-3; and fraction of H in molecular form, 0-~40%. Four of the sight lines, those toward HD 37021, HD 37061, HD 147888, and HD 207198, have interstellar gas-phase abundances that are consistent with the diffuse sight line ratio of 161 ? 17 carbon atoms in the gas per million hydrogen nuclei. We note that while it has a gas-phase carbon abundance that is consistent with the other sight lines, a large fraction of the C II toward HD 37061 is in an excited state. The sight line toward HD 152590 has a measured interstellar gas-phase carbon abundance that is well above the diffuse sight line average; the column density of C in this sight line may be overestimated because of noise structure in the data. Toward HD 27778 we find a 3 ? abundance upper limit of ?108 C atoms in the gas per million H, a substantially enhanced depletion of C as compared to the diffuse sight line value. The interstellar characteristics toward HD 27778 are otherwise not extreme among the sample, except for an unusually large abundance of CO molecules in the gas.
Real Estate Reuse Opportunities within the ReGenesis Project Area: A Case Study

ABSTRACT The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that more than 400,000 brownfield sites exist in the United States. Spartanburg, South Carolina is home to a unique case study involving land use, community planning, environmental justice, and environmental/brownfield remediation. This article focuses on a 500-acre parcel of land on the southern end of the Spartanburg city limits, commonly referred to as the ReGenesis Project Area. The City and County of Spartanburg united with Project Area community residents to form the ReGenesis Partnership for creation and oversight of its redevelopment strategy. The primary goal of the Partnership is to rid the Project Area of numerous environmental concerns. Several parcels inside the Project Area are classified as brownfields and have received funding from the EPA for site investigation and clean up. Other environmental concerns include a closed municipal landfill and the former International Mineral and Chemical plant. These sites are categorized as Sup...