cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mutual interaction of N, B, and O during heteroepitaxial diamond growth: Triggering the nitrogen induced growth acceleration

The mutual interaction of N, B, and O during heteroepitaxial diamond growth by microwave plasma chemical vapour deposition (MPCVD) is investigated. The study comprises in situ growth rate measurements by laser reflection interferometry (LRI) and the monitoring of impurity containing gas phase species like CN and BH by optical emission spectroscopy (OES). In the gas phase, among the combinations (N, B), (N, O), and (B, O) only the latter pair shows a measurable mutual influence. In contrast, growth rate measurements reveal a strong interaction also for the couple (N, B). It is found that the high growth rate enhancement obtainable by nitrogen addition is completely suppressed by boron contamination at ppm levels. At even lower boron concentrations a step-like behaviour is observed, i.e., the nitrogen is initially inactive before it develops its effect above a defined threshold concentration. Addition of oxygen to the gas mixture proves to be an effective method to push this threshold to lower nitrogen concentrations and to trigger the action of nitrogen even in highly contaminated reactors. We estimate that the presence of 1 boron atom can cancel the effect of 1000 nitrogen atoms in the gas phase.
Bidirectional reflectance spectroscopy: 2. Experiments and observations

Aspects of the theoretical bidirectional reflectance expression derived by Hapke (1981) are studied experimentally, and it is shown that the expression describes satisfactorily the measured angular scattering and spectral properties of a cobalt glass powder in which the two properties vary greatly with wavelength. The theoretical reflectance function also describes measured distributions of intensity across the surfaces of planets, except near the sunlit limb, where the macroscopic roughness influences the brightness.
Structure and van der Waals vibrational frequencies of the glyoxal · Ar 2 complex studied by fluorescence excitation and stimulated-emission spectroscopy

Band-contour analysis of the fluorescence-excitation spectrum of the glyoxal · Ar2 complex permits the determination of its structure. The two Ar atoms are found to be at the same side of the glyoxal plane 3.5 A apart, and they occupy sites with a C2 symmetry and undergo large-amplitude zero-point motion. Many van der Waals vibrational levels in the electronic ground state are detected by using stimulated-emission spectroscopy. A pair-potential model, with parameters taken from previous studies of Ar–Ar, Ar–CO, and Ar–H interactions, is used to calculate a structure that resembles that from spectral analysis. However, a normal-mode analysis based on this potential was only partially successful in predicting the energy and providing the assignment for the van der Waals vibrational levels. The significance of the electronic and vibrational band shifts and the difference between the A and X˜-state structures are also discussed.
Biochemical and immunological studies on salivary blood group substances.

. Salivas with various phenotypes were analyzed for chemical components and blood group activity after ultracentrifugation. Active blood group substances were isolated from saliva in the pellet form by sedimentation. Both the supernatant and the pellet suspended in original volume were studied for content of fucose, total hexose, protein, and sialic acid and the presence of blood group activity. Paper chromatography of these saliva pellets after acid hydrolysis demonstrated fucose, galactose, glucosamine and galactosamine. A Lewis negative non-secretor showed decreased fucose on the paper while a non-secretor Lewis positive Le(a + b – x+) saliva showed less fucose on chemical analysis. Immunodiffusion studies with the lectin Dolichos biflorus showed precipitation lines with A substance from saliva and with purified A blood group substance. Goat anti-Lea and goat anti-Leb serum produced two precipitin lines against Lea substance and one line against Leb substance present in non-secretor and secretor salivas, respectively. In addition, there was a line of identity among Lea saliva, purified Lea substance from saliva and purified Lea substance from ovarian cyst fluid.
Highway Versus Urban Roads: Analysis of Travel Time and Variability Patterns Based on Facility Type

In this study, the differences in travel time variability patterns between urban roads and highways were analyzed. For urban roads, a GPS data set that included all taxi trips in New York City was used. For highways, automatic vehicle location data from the New Jersey Turnpike were used. The turnpike was divided into two sections, urban and suburban highway, according to urbanization level, time-of-day demands, and physical roadway features. The analysis not only compared travel time patterns for highways and urban roads but also investigated travel time characteristics along the same highway facility. First, the temporal variations of travel times on both facility types were calculated and compared. Second, the travel time distributions were extracted for various time periods and compared visually to determine the distributional patterns. Finally, the relationship between the average travel time and variability was investigated. Not only did travel time patterns differ between urban roads and highways, b...
Research Methods Using Content Analysis to Examine the Verbal or Written Communication of Stakeholders within Early Intervention

The purpose of this manuscript is to describe a data analysis technique, content analysis, used to examine written or verbal communication, and to discuss the potential of content analysis for appl...
Unusual case of urethral carcinoma

Abstract A case is presented of pigmented epidermoid carcinoma of the urethra in a black man after a staged urethroplasty. Histology of the tumor suggests an origin from skin incorporated into the urethral repair. Response of the tumor to chemotherapeutic agents, proved effective in epidermoid carcinoma of the penis, is discussed.
Analysis of Author Affiliation across Four School Psychology Journals from 2000 to 2008: Where Is the Practitioner Research?.

Articles published between 2000 and 2008 in four major school psychology journals—School Psychology Review, Journal of School Psychology, Psychology in the Schools, and School Psychology Quarterly—were classified based on type (empirical or narrative) and on the primary and secondary authors' affiliations. Results showed that more than 90% of the primary and secondary authors were university affiliated with little difference across article type. Although more than 85% of school psychologists are practitioners, these results suggest that their contributions to these school psychology journals are limited because they account for less than 10% of the authors of articles. Discussion focuses on practitioners' involvement in the research base that is intended to inform their professional behaviors. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A simple graphical method for the comparison of two mortality experiences

The potential of using differences in log crude mortality rates, matched age for age, as a simple means of comparing two mortality studies is investigated. Graphical displays of such differences, plotted against age, are advocated and a method of curve fitting described. A number of applications are presented, and the results of this approach compared with known results, where available. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Growth morphologies of crystal surfaces

A previously proposed Monte Carlo model (Xiao et al., 1988, 1990) is extended to three dimensions, and reevaporation after accommodation and growth on dislocation-induced steps are included. It is found again that, for a given set of growth parameters, the critical size beyond which a crystal cannot retain its macroscopically faceted shape scales linearly with the mean free path in the vapor. However, the three-dimensional systems show increased shape stability as compared with the corresponding two-dimensional cases. The experimental observation that the critical size of a growing crystal depends on the prevailing growth mechanism is confirmed, and detailed insight into the processes leading to the loss of face and facet stability is obtained.
Application of fuzzy logic to the detection of static hazards in combinational switching systems

In this paper the fuzzy set as discussed by Zadeh is viewed as a multivalued logic with a continuum of truth values in the interval [0,1]. The concept of static hazard in combinational switching systems is related to fuzzy logic and various properties of this relation are established. The paper derives the necessary and sufficient conditions for a fuzzy function to adequately describe the steady-state and static hazard behavior of a combinational system, by extending the ternary method discussed by Yoeli and Rinon and using the resolution principle of mechanical theorem-proving.
Preparation and characterization of 3 nm magnetic NiAu nanoparticles

Using PAMAM dendrimers as nanoparticle templates, a synthetic route to prepare 3 nm magnetic NiAu nanoparticles was developed. Aqueous solutions of hydroxyl-terminated generation 5 PAMAM dendrimers in 25 mM NaClO4 were shown to bind aqueous NiII. Coreduction of NiII and AuIII salts yielded bimetallic dendrimer stabilized nanoparticles, which were extracted into toluene with decanethiol. Characterization of the resulting monolayer protected clusters (MPCs) with transmission electron microscopy and UV−visible, atomic absorption, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies suggested that the MPCs had substantial surface enrichment in Au. Superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) measurements at 5 K show the bimetallic MPCs to have low coercivity and saturation magnetization relative to bulk Ni. Solution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies using the Evans method showed the bimetallic nanoparticles retain magnetic properties at ambient temperatures.
What's Done, is Done: Descartes on Resoluteness and Regret

In Rene Descartes’ correspondence with Elizabeth (mainly 1645-1647) as well as his Passions of the Soul (1649), Descartes says that regret is appropriate only when agents act irresolutely, regardless of whether or not their actions bring about good states-of-affairs. In this paper I set out to explain what Descartes views as a novel account of virtue: that being virtuous amounts to being resolute. I show how this account of virtue fits into Descartes’ larger world-view, and then examine his belief that a person should not regret resolute
Spatial frequency selectivity in the retina.

Abstract Retinal sensitivity to spatial patterns depends on the spatial distribution of receptive fields. Their natural distribution is neither perfectly random nor perfectly regular; its effects vary with the visual task involved. A model of the sustained ganglion cell in man is used to make quantitative predictions of the sine-wave contrast sensitivity for various hypothetical receptive-field distributions. In the spatial frequency domain, partial coherence among ganglion-cell responses can produce narrow bands of sensitivity to sinusoidal gratings. Thus receptive-field coherence may account for various spatial frequency effects previously thought to require a cortical mechanism.
IGF-1 and Bone: New Discoveries From Mouse Models

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) plays a central role in cellular growth, differentiation, survival, and cell cycle progression. It is expressed early during development and its effects are mediated through binding to a tyrosine kinase receptor, the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R). In the circulation, the IGFs bind to IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs), which determine their bioavailability and regulate the interaction between the IGFs and IGF-1R. Studies in animal models and in humans have established critical roles for IGFs in skeletal growth and development. In this review we present new and old findings from mouse models of the IGF system and discuss their clinical relevance to normal and pathological skeletal physiology. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Born-approximation electron ionization cross sections for Al n + ( 0 ≤ n ≤ 1 1 ) and some ions of the Na isoelectronic sequence

Generalized oscillator strengths (GOS) for excitation and ionization of all occupied shells of Al/sup n/+ (0< or =n< or =11), and the Mg, Si, Ni, and Zn ions of the sodium isoelectronic sequence were calculated. The Al-ion GOS were used elsewhere to compute proton stopping power. There were no measurements or other calculations on stopping power with which to compare our calculations. Here the Al-ion GOS are used to calculate electron-ion ionization cross sections, including the effects of excitation followed by autoionization. The cross sections agree to 20% or better with measurements and other calculations, except near threshold. Calculations are also performed for five ions of the Na isoelectronic sequence to examine the relative importance of direct ionization versus excitation followed by autoionization. Comparison with recent measurements on three of these ions (Mg/sup 1 +/, Al/sup 2 +/, and Si/sup 3 +/) shows agreement to better than 10% in some cases, and no worse than 20% in any case.
Preliminary investigation of ion mobility spectrometry after capillary electrophoretic introduction.

Abstract Using standard capillary electrophoretic and ion mobility methods, several electrospray interface designs were investigated for the capillary electrophoretic introduction of samples into the ion mobility spectrometer. Of the interfaces investigated, the flow assisted interface and the direct coupled interface showed the most promise. These preliminary experiments were encouraging. The ion mobility spectrometer coupled with a capillary electrophorectic introduction system operated with excellent separation efficiency and ion mobility reproducibilty. Usint tetrabutylammonium iodide, the number of theoretical plates for the spectrometer was calculated to be 3 · 10 3 and reduced mobilities were found to be reproducible with a relative standard deviation of 1.43%. Because of the desire to hold the spectrometer as hot as possible, the solvent would often vaporize in the interface, creating an unstable spray an inhomogeneities in the electrophoretic field. More work is needed to improve the spray process which contributed to the overall noise of the system and to eliminated the phenomenon of solvent vaporization which limited the reproducibilty of electrophoretic migration times.
Sputtered-Sliced Multilayers: Zone Plates And Transmission Gratings For 8-kev X Rays

We have made and tested several sliced multilayer structures that can function as transmissive x-ray optical elements (diffraction gratings, zone plates and phase gratings) at 8-keV. Both amplitude-modulating and phase-modulating devices have been produced. We show data taken in the beam of a 8 keV x-ray source that demonstrate diffraction and focusing. The diffraction patterns produced by the multilayer devices closely match theoretical predictions. Such transmissive optics have the potential for a wide application to high-resolution microscope and spectrometer systems. 6 refs., 15 figs.
18Oxygen incorporation into inorganic phosphate in the reaction catalyzed by N5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase.

Abstract The mechanism of theN5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase reaction was probed by determining the source of the oxygen atom introduced between the β- and γ-phosphates as ATP is converted to ADP and Pi. The reaction was performed using a mixture of [18O]- and[16O]N5-formyltetrahydrofolate in in the presence of [16O]H2O and using[16O]N5-formyltetrahydrofolate in the presence of a1:1 mixture of [18O]H2O and [16O]H2O.31P NMR spectroscopy was used to examine the products. It was found that18O from the formyl group was incorporated into Pi, and that18O was not incorporated from the solvent. The results are consistent with a mechanism involving phosphorylation of the formyl group at theN5-position, followed by displacement of the phosphate by the 10-nitrogen.
Effect of hydrogenation on the electrical conductivity of amorphous silicon carbide

Abstract The d.c. conductivity of RF sputtered hydrogenated amorphous SiC films have been studied in the temperature range of 350–130 K. High temperature data yield activation energy gap which increases significantly with hydrogen content, while the low temperature conductivity is explained by hopping between localized states.
Total and free disopyramide by fluorescence polarization immunoassay and relationship between free fraction and alpha-1 acid glycoprotein

Abstract Disopyramide is an antiarrythmic drug with concentration dependent protein binding within the therapeutic range. We found good agreement between fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA, Abbott TDX) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for total disopyramide among 27 admission patients' sera (FPIA = 1.12 (HPLC) −0.002, r = 0.982, SEE = 0.378 mg/l). Agreement between FPIA and HPLC for free disopyramide was similarly good (FPIA = 0.867 (HPLC) −0.003, r = 0.986, SEE = 0.09 mg/l, n = 27). Serum α 1 acid glycoprotein concentration (AAG) and free fraction (FF) percent of disopyramide correlated inversely (FF = −0.0112 (AAG) + 31.3 r = 0.707, SEE = 6.41 mg/l, n = 24), and the free disopyramide fraction varied greatly. For two pooled sera with 12 different disopyramide concentrations (range from 0.5–20.0 mg/l), the proportion of free fraction ranged from 6.5 to 73.2%. Overall, we found the free disopyramide fraction variable with each individual, total drug, and protein concentration. Therefore, free drug concentration should be monitored in disopyramide therapy, and FPIA is reliable for free as well as total drug assay.
Self-management of diabetes in a Puerto Rican population.

A convenience sample of 74 clients with type II diabetes mellitus was followed in the home by public health nurses. Participants were observed and interviewed to determine the pattern of self-management behaviors in the areas of insulin administration, urine testing, and dietary intake. One-third to one-half of the respondents could be judged as being noncompliant with one or more aspects of the treatment plan: over one-half (38) reported skipping insulin doses; 52 varied the time they administered their insulin; and 25 had stopped testing their urine. Breaks in procedures of insulin administration were also in evidence, with the most serious being cessation or taking incorrect doses by 21 respondents. Meal skipping was reported by the majority: 41 skipped their bedtime snack and 25 skipped breakfast. Quantitative dietary analysis showed close to adequate nutrient intake with the exception of calcium and iron. Traditional Puerto Rican foods such as rice and beans were present in 53 percent of the meals despite the overriding belief that these foods should be avoided by persons with diabetes mellitus. Case data revealed interference factor in the spontaneity of life imposed by the diabetic management plan. This shows the need for flexible approaches to home care of Puerto Rican diabetics and for increased knowledge of how effectively to alter the plan of care to meet the demands of daily living.
Motion of Crystal/Crystal and Crystal/Amorphous Interfaces

Motion of ordered twin/matrix interfaces in films of silicon on sapphire occurs during high temperature annealing. This process is shown to be thermally activated and is analogous to grain boundary motion. Motion of amorphous/crystalline interfaces occurs during recrystallization of CoSi2 and NiSi2 from the amorphous phase. In-situ transmission electron microscopy has revealed details of the growth kinetics and interfacial roughness.
Constituents of Cannabis sativa L. IV: Stability of cannabinoids in stored plant material

Abstract The (—)-∆ 9 - trans -tetrahydrocannabinol content of Cannabis sativa L. stored at — 18, 4, and 22 ± 1 ° decomposed at a rate of 3.83, 5.38, and 6.92%, respectively, per year, whereas the material stored at 37 and 50° showed considerable decomposition. C . satica L. stored in the absence of direct light at — 18, 4, and 22 ± 1 ° was more stable than cannabis stored under nitrogen. These data indicate that for normal research use, storage under nitrogen at 0° is not mandatory. Cannabinol is not the only decomposition product of (—)-∆ 9 - trans -tetrahydrocannabinol. Tentative evidence supports the possible formation of hexahydrocannabinol as a decomposition product in stored C . satica L.
Circular Logic: Nonribosomal Peptide-like Macrocyclization with a Ribosomal Peptide Catalyst

A protease from ribosomal peptide biosynthesis macrocyclizes diverse substrates, including those resembling nonribosomal peptide and hybrid polyketide-peptide products. The proposed mechanism is analogous to thioesterase-catalyzed chemistry, but the substrates are amide bonds rather than thioesters.
Initial Development and Factor Structure of the Educator Test Stress Inventory.

With the proliferation of test-based accountability policies, educators and students alike are under pressure to improve test performance. However, little is known regarding the stress experienced by educators in response to these policies. The purpose of this article is to describe the initial development and validation of a new measure of stress associated with high-stakes testing. Psychometric properties were examined within a sample of 8,084 educators in a southeastern state in the United States. An exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis of the Educator Test Stress Inventory supported a bifactor model of teacher test stress, with one general factor of Total Teacher Stress and two narrow factors of Sources of Stress and Manifestations of Stress. This study is an important first step in establishing a reliable and valid measure of teacher stress and better understanding the impact of high-stakes testing and educational accountability policies. Implications for the assessment and intervention of te...
Does it matter who pulls the switch? Perceptions of intentions in the trolley dilemma

Abstract This research examines the automatic moral and intentional inferences that third parties generate as a function of outcomes for the actor. Participants were asked about the moral acceptability of redirecting a train to save five lives by sacrificing one, as well as the intentions of the person directing the train, and the consequences of doing so. Actor position was varied with respect to whether the person redirecting the train stood to benefit by doing so. Across four studies in international and US samples, participants rated the redirection as less morally acceptable or more punishable when the actor redirecting the train was saving their own life in the process. The implications of these findings for moral claims are discussed.
The interaction of estradiol-receptor protein with the genome: an argument for the existence of undetected specific sites.

Abstract In extracts from rat and calf uterus, the steroid hormone 17 β-estradiol stimulates the binding of its specific receptor protein to DNA. This interaction appears to be of low affinity (half of the estradiol-activated, 5S receptor bound at 300–400 μg/ml DNA) and nonspecific with respect to DNA base sequence. No binding to double-stranded RNA is observed. These findings are consistent with several in vivo observations. In particular, when the cytoplasmic receptor protein binds hormone, it migrates to the cell nucleus to an extent consistent with its affinity for DNA in vitro, and this in vivo nuclear binding is uniform and nonsaturable in the testable range (to >3 × 10 4 sites per cell). The level of biological response appears to parallel the hormone dose up to these high levels of receptor binding. How are these observations to be reconciled with the prevalent view of steroid receptors as gene control proteins regulating transcription at specific loci on the genome? Our model is based on an analogy with the DNA binding properties of the E. coli lac repressor protein. We believe that the estradiol receptor exerts its effect by binding to a small number of high affinity sites on the genome, while also having a finite low affinity for nonspecific DNA sequences. These nonspecific loci, because of their vast number, completely mask the presence of the high affinity sites. We estimate that up to 10 3 specific sites, with affinities in the range 10 −8 -10 −10 M, could exist without being detected by bulk binding assays currently in use. However, alternative approaches should allow detection of these sites, and some of these are suggested.
It’s what’s inside the white coat that counts

Welcoming the first class of the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University.
An electric drive for rotary snowplows

AS COMPLETE dieselization of the United States railroads approaches, the problem of replacing steam-powered rotary snowplows increases. Numerous designs have been tried in the past decade but thus far none has satisfactorily met all of the broad requirements. The electric drive here described features high reliability, over-all simplicity, standard interchangeable components, inherent stabilization, and adaptability.
Embryonic expression pattern of amyloid protein precursor suggests a role in differentiation of specific subsets of neurons.

Immunohistochemical analysis revealed the temporal and spatial expression pat- tern of the amyloid protein precursor (APP) during the development of the mouse embryo. APP was first detected at day 9.5 of gestation in motor neurons of the hind brain and the spinal cord. APP proteins were also evident in cells of the floor plate, and in neurons of the cranial, dorsal root, and sympathetic ganglia shortly after their formation. Except for floor plate cells, APP ex- pression was restricted to differentiated neurons. Comparison with the expression of microtubule- associated protein 2 (MAP-2)' a marker for neurodifferentiation, showed that APP is expressed on a subset of differentiated neurons. APP can also serve as an early marker for the developing nuclei of the hind brain. The onset of APP expression in neurons appeared to be correlated with zonal outgrowth, whereas later expression of APP may be associated with functional specializa- tion in the developing nervous system. o 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Integrating multiple scoring functions to improve protein loop structure conformation space sampling

In this article, we present a new protein structure modeling approach based on multi-scoring functions sampling. The rationale is to integrate multiple carefully-selected physics-or knowledge-based scoring functions to tolerate insensitivity and inaccuracy existing in an individual scoring function so as to improve protein structure modeling accuracy. We apply the multi-scoring function sampling approach to protein loop backbone structure modeling. Our computational results show that sampling the scoring function space of a physics-based soft-sphere potential function and a knowledge-based scoring function based on pairwise atoms distance has led to resolution improvement in the predicted decoy populations in a set of 12-residue benchmark loop targets.
Deductive versus inductive reasoning: A closer look at economics

Abstract Discussions of methodology in economics typically take one of two forms. Either the discussion is a not so veiled justification of the mechanistic model that dominates neoclassical economics, or it is a critique of neoclassical methodology and, often, an attemp to provide a substitute paradigm. Heterodox economists fall into the latter group, critical of the neoclassical paradigm and groping towards an alternative. Unfortunately, heterodox economists, ranging from Marxian to Post Keynesian to Institutional, have been unable to arrive an any consensus over what the alternative paradigm looks like. This article will explore the underlying logical form of neoclassical and institutional economics. As a discipline, philosophy has long concerned itself with reasoning and evidence evaluation, and thus philosophers have much to contribute to an analysis of how economists construct knowledge. This article will explore the underlying logical form of neoclassical and institutional economics through a discussion of the difference between deductive and inductive arguments.
The role of coronary CT angiography (CTA) for patients presenting with acute chest pain. Defining problem-specific, evidence-based indications of a novel imaging modality.

In the current issue, Stillman et al. (Int J Cardiovasc Imaging, 2007) discuss the role of coronary CTA in patients presenting with acute chest pain. The authors conclude, that CTA will provide novel information on the presence and significance of CAD in patients presenting with acute chest pain. Based on the lack of evidence-based data, specific recommendations for its appropritate use are incomplete. Most experts agree, that there is the need for large clinical trials to determine the accuracy and precision of MDCT for triage of patients with acute chest pain.
Toughening semicrystalline poly(lactic acid) by morphology alteration

Abstract The incorporation of the triblock copolymer (PDLA-PEG-PDLA) into Poly( l -Lactic Acid) (PLLA) has produced a semicrystalline polymer of substantial modulus and strength. These improvements in mechanical properties could potentially increase the utility of this biomass-based polymer. The blended samples have a continuous amorphous phase with crystalline regions being the discontinuous portion. Micro-Raman spectroscopy revealed that a stereocomplex involving PDLA and PLLA chains exists in the crystalline region. It can be concluded that the poly(ethylene glycol), the flexible midblock component, is necessarily dispersed in these crystalline regions. Both morphological features can contribute to the improvement in mechanical properties. Therefore, the successful toughening of PLA may be achieved due to several mechanisms working synergistically.
Relationship Between Corrosion and the Biological Sulfur Cycle: A Review

Abstract Sulfur and sulfur compounds can produce pitting, crevice corrosion, dealloying, stress corrosion cracking, and stress-oriented hydrogen-induced cracking of susceptible metals and alloys. Even though the metabolic by-products of the biological sulfur cycle are extremely corrosive, there are no correlations between numbers and types of sulfur-related organisms and the probability or rate of corrosion. Determination of specific mechanisms for corrosion caused by microbiologically mediated oxidation and reduction of sulfur and sulfur compounds is complicated by the variety of potential metabolic/energy sources and by-products; the coexistence of reduced and oxidized sulfur species; competing reactions with inorganic and organic compounds; and the versatility and adaptability of microorganisms in biofilms. The microbial ecology of sulfur-rich environments is poorly understood because of the association of aerobes and anaerobes and the mutualism or succession of heterotrophs to autotrophs. The physical...
Abstract A13: Evaluation of the culturally and linguistically tailored liver cancer education program for Asian Americans in Maryland

Background: Asian Americans (AAs), particularly those from hepatitis B endemic countries, are at greater risk of contracting hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Chronic HBV patients are 200 times more likely to develop liver cancer than individuals without the infection. HBV screening can help AAs manage the HBV infection, but few take advantage of screening. The Maryland Asian American Liver Cancer Education Program, a randomized controlled trial, implemented culturally and linguistically tailored liver cancer education to 877 adult AAs including Korean, Chinese and Vietnamese Americans; recruited through community-based organizations. The intervention group participated in an educational HBV presentation, viewed a role play video, and received a photonovel and a list of Asian specialists. The presentation, role play video and photonovel were developed from formative research and prepared in ethnic languages. The control group, on the other hand, received only an English brochure on HBV. Objective: To examine the effectiveness of the culturally and linguistically tailored program in increasing hepatitis B screening rates and HBV knowledge at a six month follow-up and to analyze the factors that made the intervention successful. Methods: HBV screening rates and knowledge scores of participants without HBV screening at the baseline were followed-up and compared with the intervention and the control group at the post test. Motivating factors for those who got HBV screening were analyzed at the post-test. Results: There were 466 respondents who reported that they had not been screened for HBV at the baseline, including 245 individuals in the intervention group and 221 in the control group. Of those, 358 (76.8%) participated in the post-test; the overall attrition rate was 23.2%. There was no significant difference in the attrition rates between the intervention group (22.9%) and the control group (23.5%) (p=0.86). Two-way ANOVA showed no significant differences in baseline characteristics of drop-outs in the groups. The HBV screening rate was significantly higher in the intervention group (25.9%) than that of in the control group (4.7%) (p The culturally and linguistically tailored liver cancer program was successful in increasing HBV screening rates and HBV knowledge. This conclusion was consistent across the three subgroups. The HBV presentation, role play video, and photonovel in ethnic languages were key components that motivated screening behavior. This effective liver cancer education program should be replicated in other AA communities. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2011;20(10 Suppl):A13.
The early stages of plastic yielding in polycrystalline gold thin films

We present transmission electron microscope observations of the effects of stress in polycrystalline gold thin films. The films exhibit a very strong {111} fiber texture, and are loaded in biaxial tensile stress. Under these conditions, each grain exhibits the same Schmid factor, within a very small variance. Despite the identical loading conditions and resolved shear stresses from grain to grain, we observe that yield is isolated in only a few grains. Yield initiates only at specific triple junctions, and we identify the conditions required for a triple junction to be active in this manner. The required conditions for yield to occur at a triple junction include (1) an appropriate slip-plane inclination relative to the grain boundaries at the junction; and (2) at least one grain boundary of appropriate character, adjacent to the slip plane specified in item 1.
Quetiapine in schizophrenia: onset of action within the first week of treatment

SUMMARYObjective: Three placebo-controlled clinical trials have established the efficacy of the atypical antipsychotic quetiapine (Seroquel*) in schizophrenia. These trials were designed and powered to detect a treatment difference in the primary endpoint at Week 6. The objective of the current analysis was to investigate the effect of quetiapine at earlier timepoints.Research design and methods: A combined analysis of data from three acute, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trials was carried out. The trials comprised hospitalised patients with an acute exacerbation of chronic or subchronic schizophrenia who were randomised to receive quetiapine 150–750 mg/day (n = 422) or placebo (n = 198). Symptoms were assessed using changes from baseline to Week 1 in the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) total score, BPRS positive symptom cluster score and the individual BPRS items of excitement, tension and depression. Changes from baseline to Weeks 1–6 were calculated for BPRS Factor 1 scores (which ...
Compression of continuous spatial data in the raster digital format

Abstract Raster images and certain raster maps are continuous in their spatial structure, indicating their neighboring grid cells values are locally self-similar. This characteristic can mitigate efforts to reduce routinely storage requirements without the loss of information. This paper present a compression technique that incorporates the spatial nature of the data with existing methods for compressing text (ASCII) files. Analysis of sample data sets suggest substantial compression can be achieved with complete retention of the original data.
Tail regeneration following autotomy in the adult salamander Desmognathus fuscus.

Tail regeneration occurs following autotomy of the tail in the salamander Desmognathus fuscus. Studies based on histology and autoradiography suggest that the cells of the regeneration blastema arise from the connective tissue of the tail stump. Following autotomy of the tail in Desmognathus the muscle of the regenerate is not derived from de differentiated or modulated striated muscle fibers of the autotomy stump. Possible sources of myogenic cells are discussed.
Macrocyclic Binucleating β-Diketiminate Ligands and Their Lithium, Aluminum, and Zinc Complexes

The incorporation of rigid aromatic linkers into β-diketiminate ligands creates a binucleating scaffold that holds two metals near each other. This paper discloses the synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of mBin2-, which has a meta-substituted xylylene spacer, and pBin2-, which has a para-substituted xylylene spacer. Lithium, aluminum, and zinc complexes of each ligand have been isolated, and in some cases characterized by X-ray crystallography. The lithium complexes are coordinated to solvent-derived THF ligands, while the zinc and aluminum complexes have alkyl ligands. Complexes of the mBin2- ligand have an anti conformation in which the metals are on opposite sides of the macrocycle, while pBin2- complexes prefer a syn conformation. The 1H NMR spectra of the complexes demonstrate that the conformations interconvert rapidly in the lithium complexes and less rapidly in the zinc and aluminum complexes.
Residues in the Conserved His Domain of Fruit Fly tRNase Z that Function in Catalysis are Not Involved in Substrate Recognition or Binding

Transfer RNAs are transcribed as precursors with extensions at both the 5′ and 3′ ends. RNase P removes endonucleolytically the 5′ end leader. tRNase Z can remove endonucleolytically the 3′ end trailer as a necessary step in tRNA maturation. CCA is not transcriptionally encoded in the tRNAs of eukaryotes, archaebacteria and some bacteria and must be added by a CCA-adding enzyme after removal of the 3′ end trailer. tRNase Z is a member of the β-lactamase family of metal-dependent hydrolases, the signature sequence of which, the conserved histidine cluster (HxHxDH), is essential for activity. Starting with baculovirus-expressed fruit fly tRNase Z, we completed an 18 residue Ala scan of the His cluster to analyze the functional landscape of this critical region. Residues in and around the His cluster fall into three categories based on effects of the substitutions on processing efficiency: substitutions in eight residues have little effect, five substitutions reduce efficiency moderately (∼5–50-fold), while substitutions in five conserved residues, one serine, three histidine and one aspartate, severely reduce efficiency (∼500–5000-fold). Wild-type and mutant dissociation constants (Kd values), determined using gel shifts, displayed no substantial differences, and were of the same order as kM (2–20 nM). Lower processing efficiencies arising from substitutions in the His domain are almost entirely due to reduced kcat values; conserved, functionally important residues within the His cluster of tRNase Z are thus involved in catalysis, and substrate recognition and binding functions must reside elsewhere in the protein.
Hypoxia marker labeling in tumor biopsies: quantification of labeling variation and criteria for biopsy sectioning

Abstract Background and purpose : The error associated with using biopsy-based methods for assessing parameters reflective of the tumor microenvironment depends on the variability in distribution of the parameter throughout the tumor and the biopsy sample. Some attention has been given to intratumoral distribution of parameters, but little attention has been given to their intrabiopsy distribution. We evaluated the intrabiopsy distribution of CCI-103F, a 2-nitroimidazole hypoxia marker. Materials and methods : The hypoxia marker CCI-103F was studied in dogs bearing spontaneous solid tumors. Two biopsies were taken from each of seven tumors, for a total of 14 biopsies. Biopsies were serially sectioned and four to six contiguous slides from each 100–150 μm of the biopsy were used to formulate the best estimate of CCI-103F labeled area throughout the biopsy sample. One, two or four slides were then randomly selected from each biopsy and the labeled area, based on this limited sample, was compared to the estimate obtained from counting all available slides. Random sampling of slides was repeated 1000 times for each biopsy sample. Results : CCI-103F labeling variance throughout the biopsy decreased as the estimated overall labeled area in the biopsy decreased. The error associated with estimating the overall labeled area in a biopsy from a randomly selected subset of slides decreased as the number of slides increased, and as the overall labeled area in the biopsy decreased. No minimally labeled biopsy was classified as unlabeled based on limited sampling. Conclusion : With regard to CCI-103F labeling, quantification of the labeled area in four randomly selected slides from a biopsy can provide, in most biopsies, an estimate of the labeled area in the biopsy within an absolute range of ±0.05.
Possibility of corrector plate tuning of x-ray focusing.

Schemes for focusing a hard x-ray beam to a small spot are described. The theoretical minimum spot size, assuming perfect mirror shape, is shown to be 4 nm FWHM, independent of x-ray wavelength. This is less than the 10 nm previously said to be the minimum achievable diffraction-limited x-ray spot size. While providing the penetrating power only possible with x rays, this approaches the resolution needed to image individual atoms or atomic layers. However, the perfect mirror assumption is physically unrealistic. This paper discusses the compensation of mirror shape errors by a corrector plate and shows that the tolerances for corrector plate shape are far looser than are tolerances for mirror shape. The full eventual success of achieving theoretical minimum resolution will require mirror shape precision considerably better than has been achieved at this time, though far looser than would be required for simpleminded paraboloidal focusing. Two variants of the scheme, subject to the same mathematical treatment, are described. (i) The “corrector plate” name is copied from the similarly functioning element of the same name in a Schmidt camera. The focusing is achieved using glancing, yet coherent, reflection from a high-Z paraboloidal mirror. The strategy is to obtain dominant focusing from reflection and to compensate with weak refractive focusing. The reflective focusing is strong and achromatic but insufficiently accurate. The refractive focusing is weak and chromatic but highly accurate. The corrector plate improves resolution the way eyeglasses help a person to see. It can, for example, be “fitted” the same trial-and-error way an optometrist establishes a prescription for glasses. Dimensional tolerances for the compensator are far looser than would be needed for a mirror to achieve the same resolution. Unlike compound refractive lenses, attenuation will be small, at least for wavelengths longer than 1 A, because the compensation layer is thin. (ii) For this variant, the corrector plate is a washer-shaped refractive or Fresnel lens, and the mirror is (theoretically) a perfect cone. All focusing is provided by the lens. Even though the cone provides no focusing, it improves the resolution by increasing the numerical aperture of the device. Compared to a paraboloidal shape, it is assumed that the conical shape can be more accurately fabricated. Of the two variants, only the first variant is, in principle, capable of achieving the theoretical minimum resolution. Configurations are suggested, in both case (i) and case (ii), that use currently possible construction precisions to produce resolutions better than have been achieved to date. However, both results will remain well above the theoretical minimum until fabrication techniques have been developed that provide greater precision than is possible at this time.
Role of antihypertensive therapy with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers in combination with calcium channel blockers for stroke prevention.

Abstract Objective To review the available literature on the effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) or combinations of these agents on stroke outcomes in hypertensive patients. Data sources A Medline search was conducted using the search terms stroke and antihypertensives , calcium channel blockers , angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors , or angiotensin II receptor blockers from 1985 to August 17, 2009. Study selection Randomized controlled clinical trials with at least 400 randomized patients were selected if at least one of the treatment arms used a CCB, ACEI, or ARB to evaluate stroke outcomes in hypertensive patients. Data synthesis The prevalence of stroke is high in the United States, accounting for approximately 150,000 deaths per year. Early identification and treatment of hypertension to quickly achieve blood pressure reduction is critical in the prevention of stroke. Many trials have provided evidence that CCBs, ACEIs, and ARBs are effective in stroke prevention. Most patients require two or more antihypertensive drugs to achieve blood pressure goals. Because of their complementary actions, combination antihypertensive therapy with a renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) blocker and a CCB may help reduce stroke incidence to a greater extent than either of the monotherapies. Conclusion A growing body of clinical trial data suggest that aggressive combination antihypertensive therapy, including a RAAS blocker and CCB, may help reduce stroke incidence. Fixed-dose combination therapy is an important consideration in optimizing blood pressure control and patient adherence to therapy in stroke prevention.
Determinants of Mortality in Status Epilepticus

Using univariate and multivariate regression analysis, we studied seizure duration, seizure type, age, etiologies, other clinical features, and mortality among 253 adults with status epilepticus (SE) admitted to the Medical College of Virginia. Cerebral vascular disease and discontinuation of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) were the most prominent causes of SE, each accounting for approximately 22% of all patients in the series. The other principle etiologies were alcohol withdrawal, idiopathic, anoxia, metabolic disorders, hemorrhage, infection, tumor, drug overdose, and trauma. When the patients were divided into two groups, the group with SE lasting or = 1 h. Low mortality rates were noted in alcohol and AED discontinuation etiologies. Anoxia and increasing age were significantly correlated with higher mortality. The mortality rates of partial and generalized SE were not significantly different. Race and sex did not affect mortality significantly. Our findings represent the first multivariate analysis of predictive indicators of mortality in SE and demonstrate that specific factors influence mortality rate in SE.
A reversible multiscale integration method

A multiscale, time reversible method for computing the effective slow behavior of systems of highly oscillatory ordinary differential equations is presented. The proposed method relies on correctly tracking a set of slow variables that is sufficient to approximate any variable and functional that are slow under the dynamics of the system. The algorithm follows the framework of the heterogeneous multiscale method. The notion of time reversibility in the multiple time-scale setting is discussed. The algorithm requires nontrivial matching between the microscopic state variables and the macroscopic slow ones. Numerical examples show the efficiency of the multiscale method and the advantages of time reversibility.