cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sensitization to X ray by 5-chloro-2′-deoxycytidine co-administered with tetrahydrouridine in several mammalian cell lines and studies of 2′-chloro derivatives

5-Chloro-2'-deoxycytidine (CldC) + tetrahydrouridine (H4U) sensitizes mammalian cells (HEp-2, RIF-1, S-180) to X ray. This sensitization, as demonstrated previously with HEp-2 cells, is heightened when cells are pre-incubated with inhibitors of pyrimidine synthesis. CHO cells, which intrinsically lack both cytidine deaminase (CD) and deoxycytidylate deaminase (dCMPD), are sensitized to X ray by 5-chlorodeoxyuridine (CldU) but display no significant sensitization with CldC + H4U. The presence and level of these deaminases appears to correlate with X ray sensitization in cell culture. From experiments in cell culture, it can be inferred that one pathway of conversion, deoxycytidine kinase----dCMPD, or CD----thymidine kinase, may be sufficient for metabolizing CldC to a radiosensitizer. However, if both pathways are blocked, as in CHO cells, no X ray sensitization results. In addition to HEp-2 cells, which are extremely elevated in both CD and dCMPD activities, we have examined the sensitization of S-180 and RIF-1 cells to X ray by CldC + H4U. Both cell lines possess an enzymatic profile consistent with their sensitization to X ray by CldC + H4U. Dose enhancement ratios of 1.5 to 1.9 for cells treated with CldC + H4U and ratios of 2.0-2.7 for cells pre-treated with inhibitors of pyrimidine synthesis prior to CldC + H4U have been obtained. Based on reports of the marked X ray sensitization of bacteria by 2'-chloro-2'-deoxythymidine, we obtained 2',5-dichloro-2'-deoxycytidine and 5-bromo-2'-chloro-2-deoxyuridine and found these analogs to be X ray sensitizers of mammalian cells. The strategy that we propose with CldC + H4U and the related 2'-chloro derivatives, based on the elevation of CD and dCMPD in human tumors, offers a degree of selectivity that is not necessarily related to differences in cell kinetics; such that malignancies other than brain tumors may be amenable to this therapy.
Solar-blind avalanche photodiodes

There is a need for semiconductor based UV photodetectors to support avalanche gain in order to realize better performance and more effectively compete with existing photomultiplier tubes. However, there are numerous technical issues associated with the realization of high-quality solar-blind avalanche photodiodes (APDs). In this paper, APDs operating at 280 nm, within the solar-blind region of the ultraviolet spectrum, are investigated. The devices consist of an Al0.38Ga0.62N active region grown atop a high quality AlN template layer designed to allow back illumination of the devices through the sapphire substrate. These devices perform well in the unbiased mode of operation. Under the application of large reverse bias these devices show a soft breakdown starting at relatively low electric fields. The devices achieve a maximum optical gain of ~1000 at a reverse bias of ~90 Volts, which corresponds to an electric field strength of 2.5 MV/cm. The origins of this gain are discussed in detail and modeling of the devices is used to investigate the electric field build up in the multiplication region.
Cosmic X-ray Sources.

Eight new sources of cosmic x-rays were detected by two Aerobee surveys in 1964. One source, from Sagittarius, is close to the galactic center, and the other, from Ophiuchus, may coincide with Kepler9s 1604 supernova. All the x-ray sources are fairly close to the galactic plane.
Pressure dependence of phonon dispersion and the structure function of superfluid helium-4 at low temperatures

Abstract The pressure dependence of the coefficients in the polynomial representation of the dispersion relation in helium-4 at long-wavelengths is determined microscopically without any adjustable parameters. The only input in the calculation is the static structure function which is calculated at six different pressures up to 24 atm, using the variational technique of Chang and Campbell. The results are in agreement with a positive dispersion at low pressures and a changeover to normal dispersion at a pressure of about 15 atm.
Mechanism of the reaction catalyzed by the DNA untwisting enzyme: attachment of the enzyme to 3'-terminus of the nicked DNA.

Abstract The rat liver DNA untwisting enzyme introduces a transient nick into duplex DNA. The enzyme has been shown to be covalently attached to one of the ends of the broken strand in the nicked intermediate (Champoux, 1977). The broken strand containing bound enzyme is shown to be susceptible to phosphorylation by polynucleotide kinase. Therefore, the DNA untwisting enzyme must be attached to the strand at the 3′-phosphate terminus, and this linkage probably conserves the energy required for resealing the single-strand break.
Corrosion protection of an Al 6092/SiCP metal matrix composite

Abstract The corrosion resistance of an Al 6092/SiC P metal matrix composite (MMC) has been evaluated by recording of impedance spectra during immersion in 0.5 N NaCl for at least one week. Various methods of corrosion protection have been applied. These included surface modification in the CeMo process and anodizing in sulfuric acid. Anodized surfaces were sealed by immersion in hot water, cerium nitrate and two different dichromate solutions. Significant improvements of the corrosion resistance were only observed for the anodized surface with a dichromate seal.
Integration of hierarchical decomposition and mathematical programming for the synthesis of process flowsheets

Two of the main methods for performing the conceptual design of process flowsheets are (1) the mathematical programming approach using Mixed-Integer Nonlinear Programming (MINLP) techniques and (2) hierarchical decomposition. The objective of this paper is to develop a combined approach for flowsheet synthesis that exploits the advantages of each of these methods, while maintaining consistency with their fundamental tenets. In the proposed approach, the idea is to solve the entire flowsheet at each step of the decomposition using a multilevel tree search. Aggregated models, based on black-box (input-output) representations of the downstream subsystems, are used to account for interactions with the detailed MINLP model of the subsystem at the current level of decomposition. Thus a simultaneous optimization of the entire flowsheet is performed with a combination of simple and detailed models. This provides for better designs, tighter bounds, and a monotonic decrease in the profit as decomposition proceeds. The procedure continues until the entire flowsheet has been decomposed to the level of the detailed models. The profit of every alternative is compared to the base-case profit at each node in the multilevel tree search, allowing for early fathoming of uneconomical alternatives, through which exhaustive enumeration is avoided. Application of the proposed methodology is illustrated with one large example.
Pyruvate metabolism in BHE/cdb rats is altered by the type of dietary fat

Abstract The effect of feeding corn oil (CO), hydrogenated coconut oil (HCO), or menhaden oil (MO) on hepatic pyruvate metabolism of diabetes-prone BHE cdb rats was studied. Pyruvate-related metabolites in frozen clamped livers as well as pyruvate related enzyme activities were determined after 7 weeks of feeding. Small differences in feed efficiency were noted, as were small differences in metabolites and several key reactions. The difference in metabolism was greatest between the MO rats and the other two groups. The CO and HCO rats were similar in many respects. Lactate levels were increased in CO and HCO rats compared to MO rats. Membrane-bound lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities were different in the three groups of rats. Rats fed MO had lower lactate levels, but their LDH activity was greatly increased. Pyruvate levels were similar in all groups, but pyruvate carboxylase and pyruvate kinase were less active in the MO-fed rats than in the other diet groups. These findings suggest that a diet fat gene interaction has occurred that accommodates the mutation reported previously in the mitochondrial genome for F0ATPase such that the type of diet fat can potentiate or suppress the genetically determined metabolic features that characterize the BHE cdb rat.
The impact of patient quality of life and spirituality upon caregiver depression for those with advanced cancer.

Objective:Little is known about relationships between patient spiritual well-being and caregiver outcomes for those with advanced cancer. We were interested in examining the relationship between patient physical quality of life (QOL) and caregiver depression and to also evaluate whether patient spiritual well-being (SWB) played a mediating role in this relationship.Method:This is a prospective longitudinal study that was conducted in the outpatient clinics at a university-affiliated comprehensive cancer center. 226 patients with Stage III or IV cancer (lung, GI, GYN) and their primary caregivers were interviewed upon enrollment into the study and three months later. Measures of spirituality, health-related quality of life, and physical functioning were included in the interviews.Results:Key findings were that the relationship between patient physical QOL and caregiver depression was inverse and moderate (β = −0.24, p = 0.004) and that patient SWB (meaning/peace) played a significant (p = 0.02) and medium-size role (β = −0.31) in mediating the relationship between patient physical QOL and caregiver depression. The nature of these relationships was stable over time.Significance of results:Patients' spirituality is central to their coping and adjusting to cancer. It is this aspect of patient overall quality of life that mediates the relationship to caregiver well-being. The most potent intervention for caregiver depression may be attending to patient spiritual distress.
Permanent pacing is a risk factor for the development of heart failure: A statewide study

Background: Right ventricular pacing in patients with heart failure (HF) reduces survival and increases HF hospitalizations, but there is no information whether permanent pacing increases the risk for developing new HF. Methods: A cohort study of patients undergoing initial permanent pacemaker insertion (n 11426) was conducted using a statewide patient surveillance system. Subjects without a current or prior diagnosis of HF who underwent pacemaker implantation were compared to a matched cohort of patients without pacemakers or a diagnosis of HF (n 11656). Both cohorts were followed by record linkage with 1997 to 2001 files to determine the incidence of new HF hospitalization or death (median follow-up time of 33 months). Cox regression models adjusted for age, gender, diabetes, myocardial infarction, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, A-V block and sick sinus syndrome were used to compare differences. Findings: Patients with pacemakers experienced significantly more new HF hospitalizations (n 2314) compared to the controls (n 1459), (adjusted hazard ratio, HR 1.55, 95% CI 1.44–1.66). Single chamber pacemaker implantation (27% of the insertions) was associated with significantly higher risk of HF hospitalization or HF death compared to controls (HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.43–1.77), than was observed with dual chamber pacemakers (HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.26– 1.44). The adjusted risk of single chamber pacing versus dual chamber pacing was significantly higher (HR 1.32,95%CI 1.20– 1.45) with HF increased risk of fatal or non-fatal heart failure. Within the paced group single chamber pacing was significantly worse than dual chamber pacing. Interpretation: Permanent pacemakers (particularly single chamber devices) implanted in patients without HF increased their risk of subsequently developing heart failure or dying.
Thinning of the human cornea on awakening.

MUCH remains unknown about the mechanism whereby the cornea maintains its shape, thickness, and transparency. Maurice1 points out that the observed negative water pressure inside the cornea and the positive pressure in the aqueous humor and tears bathing the cornea should lead to continuous swelling and, therefore, to corneal cloudiness. Some process, yet unknown, maintains the in vivo cornea at constant thickness and transparency. Mishima and Maurice2 showed that whatever process operates to maintain constant corneal thickness, the process can be disturbed by closing the eyes for an hour or more. They showed that the rabbit cornea thinned by four per cent over a period of two hours after the eye was opened. The thinning was attributed to evaporation of solvent (water) from the tears to produce a hypertonic tear film which withdrew water from the cornea by an osmotic effect. Conversely, when the eye was closed and thus bathed in isotonic tears, the cornea swelled. They considered the other two environmental factors which change when the eye is closed, namely temperature and oxygen tension, to be ineffective in changing thickness. The corneal temperature of the closed eye is about 4° C above that of the open eye. The oxygen tension of the epithelial surface of the closed eye must be about 50 mm mercury (the average between venous and arterial blood) whereas the open eye in air is exposed to 155 mm mercury oxygen tension.
Intrinsic Volume Changes of Self-propagating Synthesis

The final product(s) of self-propagating synthesis are shown to be intrinsically denser than the starting reactants. This behavior results in intrinsic decreases in the sample volume that increase with both the heat of reaction and the adiabatic combustion temperature. Forming of liquid product(s) during reaction simply adds another intrinsic source of porosity, i.e. changes in volume on product solidification. Thus, obtaining fully dense bodies from self-propagating synthesis requires a mechanism for reducing porosity, e.g. hot-pressing.
A Graph-Theoretic Method for Organizing Overlapping Clusters into Trees, Multiple Trees, or Extended Trees

A clustering that consists of a nested set of clusters may be represented graphically by a tree. In contrast, a clustering that includes non-nested overlapping clusters (sometimes termed a “nonhierarchical” clustering) cannot be represented by a tree. Graphical representations of such non-nested overlapping clusterings are usually complex and difficult to interpret. Carroll and Pruzansky (1975, 1980) suggested representing non-nested clusterings with multiple ultrametric or additive trees. Corter and Tversky (1986) introduced the extended tree (EXTREE) model, which represents a non-nested structure as a tree plus overlapping clusters that are represented by marked segments in the tree. We show here that the problem of finding a nested (i.e., tree-structured) set of clusters in an overlapping clustering can be reformulated as the problem of finding a clique in a graph. Thus, clique-finding algorithms can be used to identify sets of clusters in the solution that can be represented by trees. This formulation provides a means of automatically constructing a multiple tree or extended tree representation of any non-nested clustering. The method, called “clustrees”, is applied to several non-nested overlapping clusterings derived using the MAPCLUS program (Arabie and Carroll 1980).
A pilot feasibility study of a rare skin tumor database.

BACKGROUND In the United States melanoma is the only individually reported skin cancer. There are no large state or national registries for nonmelanoma skin cancer. Nevertheless, rare, that is, nonmelanoma, nonepithelial, tumors can also be locally aggressive and metastasize. OBJECTIVES This study's purpose was to demonstrate that Mohs surgeons can share data to create a rare skin tumor database. This database may serve as a model for a nationwide database. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the surgery logs of five Mohs surgery practices in the Houston, Texas, area for rare-nonmelanoma, nonepithelial-skin cancers. A total of 42,279 biopsy-proven cancers of the skin treated with Mohs micrographic surgery were reviewed. Tumor data including type, prevalence, year of treatment, and the treating Mohs surgeon(s) were compiled and analyzed. RESULTS Forty-three types of rare tumors were identified. A total of 317 rare tumors were treated. No practice saw more than 28 rare tumor types. Atypical fibroxanthoma was the rare tumor most often treated. CONCLUSIONS Colleagues can cooperate to create a database of rare tumors removed by Mohs micrographic surgery. A range of tumors greater than that seen in any single practice is now available for study. This should provide the impetus for a nationwide rare skin tumor database.
In-vivo tissue response to the free-electron laser

Purpose: We analyzed the effect of energy and rate of cutting on the in vivo ocular response to 2.94 μm wavelength Free Electron Laser incision of the cornea. We were interested in the difference between our clinical observations of the initial laser lesion and the ocular response using the biomicroscope versus optical coherence tomographs. We were also interested in the difference between these clinical in vivo data and our findings from light micrographs of fixed tissue. Methods: Corneas were incised with FEL at 2.94 μm wavelength and either 2.5 or 3.5 mJ/1.4 μsec. the rate of movement of the laser beam across tissue ranged from 0.2 mm/sec to 1.2 mm/sec. Eyes were examined for two hours postoperatively using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and compared to the clinical slit lamp examination and to light microscopic examination of fixed tissue sections. Results: OCT revealed a dramatic fibrin response directly correlated to the slow sweep of the FEL beam across the tissue (longer duration of tissue exposure to the laser beam). The OCt was better than examination at the slit lamp at demonstrating sites of fibrin attachments.
Transport and Toxicity of Methylmercury along the Proximal Tubule of the Rabbit

Toxicity and transport of methylmercury were studied in isolated perfused S1, S2, and S3 segments of the renal proximal tubule of the rabbit. Methylmercury (II) chloride, ranging from 1 nM-1 mM, was perfused through the lumen of the three segments for up to 60 min. Lumen-to-bath transport of methylmercury was studied when the concentration of methylmercury in the perfusing solution was 18.4 microM. S1 segments of the proximal tubule were most vulnerable to the toxic effects of methylmercury. Cellular swelling and blebbing occurred when the concentration of methylmercury in the perfusate was as low as 1 nM. In the S2 and S3 segments, morphologically discernable cellular injury did not occur until the concentration of methylmercury in the perfusate was greater than 100 nM. Due to severe cellular injury and luminal occlusion, transport data could not be obtained from S1 segments. However, transport could be measured in both S2 and S3 segments. Methylmercury (18.4 microM) disappeared from the luminal fluid across the luminal membrane (JD) very rapidly in both segments. The rate was so rapid that about 80% of the methylmercury that entered the luminal fluid was abstracted. Interestingly, the rate at which mercury appeared in the bathing solution (JA) was statistically equivalent to the JD. Since the predicted leak of methylmercury was very low, most of the JA represented actual transepithelial flux of methylmercury. When 80 microM glutathione (GSH) was added to the perfusate along with 18.4 microM methylmercury, the JD was decreased significantly in both S2 and S3 segments. Moreover, the addition of 80 microM GSH caused cellular injury to be exacerbated in the S3 segments. In conclusion, there are differences in the toxicity of methylmercury along the three segments of the proximal tubule when the methylmercury is delivered to the lumen of the segments in a simple electrolyte solution. Methylmercury is very avidly transported across the tubular epithelium in S2 and S3 segments of the proximal tubule. In addition, when 80 microM GSH is added to the perfusate, the toxicity and transport of methylmercury are modified.
FINITE-ELEMENT GRID CONFIGURATIONS FOR DRAINS

Several different finite-element grid configurations were evaluated for use in the numerical approximation of steady and transient flow to a single drain. By comparing the numerically simulated drain flow rates and head distributions with analytic values, a nested configuration was found to be appropriate for an effective drain radius of 0.01 m, and a square configuration was suitable for an effective drain radius of 0.05 m. Using an analytic solution, a method was developed to determine the distance of influence of a drain as a function of its effective radius and the geometry of its flow domain. The distance of influence was found to be independent of material type. An appropriate between-drain grid spacing was selected for the numerical simulation of multiple drains by increasing the grid mesh spacing outside the distance of influence. The position of the water table and drain flow rate with time were used to evaluate the between-drain grid spacing for transient variably saturated flow. Grid Peclet and Courant numbers, together with the shape of the solute advance front, were used to evaluate the suitability of the selected single drain configuration and between-drain grid spacing for solute transport. The resulting finite-element grid configuration for single and multiple drains ensures a stable efficient numerical solution, and it has applicability to numerical modeling of multiple subsurface drains.
Academic plastic surgery: division or department?

The word “plastic” to describe reconstructive surgery was coined by Von Graefe in 1818 and popularized 20 years later by Zeis. Over the course of the first half of the 20th century, as a result of the assiduous efforts of several highly regarded surgeons who unified and advanced the specialty, the field of plastic surgery was born as an independent entity. Several professional and academic societies related to the plastic surgery field were established during the 1920s and 1930s. In 1924, under the stewardship of John Davis, the first formal training program and fellowship in plastic surgery was established at Johns Hopkins. In 1937, the American Board of Plastic Surgery was founded to help ensure patient safety, adequate training, and surgical competence. Plastic surgery was recognized as an academic and clinical discipline when the Department of Surgery at Johns Hopkins University, an organization traditionally opposed to plastic surgery as a separate specialty, appointed Davis as the first Professor of Plastic Surgery in the country.1 Today, plastic surgery has evolved into a diverse discipline. The breadth of the field has necessitated the emergence of multiple subspecialties. Some of these subspecialties of plastic surgery, such as hand surgery, have become large and distinct enough entities to merit having a separate certification process. Over the last seven decades, many societies have been founded to deal with the specific political …
Taking Shape: Supporting Preschoolers' Acquisition of Geometric Knowledge Through Guided Play

Shape knowledge, a key aspect of school readiness, is part of early mathematical learning. Variations in how children are exposed to shapes may affect the pace of their learning and the nature of their shape knowledge. Building on evidence suggesting that child-centered, playful learning programs facilitate learning more than other methods, 4- to 5-year-old children (N = 70) were taught the properties of four geometric shapes using guided play, free play, or didactic instruction. Results revealed that children taught shapes in the guided play condition showed improved shape knowledge compared to the other groups, an effect that was still evident after 1 week. Findings suggest that scaffolding techniques that heighten engagement, direct exploration, and facilitate “sense-making,” such as guided play, undergird shape learning.
Separation of parathyroid hormone and calcitonin-sensitive cells from non-responsive bone cells

BONE growth and remodelling depend on resorption and deposition at the local level. The balance between these two processes seems to be modulated by the peptide hormones PTH and calcitonin. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) has been shown to induce bone resorption both in vivo1 and in vitro2, whereas calcitonin (CT) inhibits this process3. Recent studies suggest that both agents act on cellular mechanisms through a second messenger. Thus, it has been demonstrated that exposure of mouse calvaria to PTH or CT can lead to an increase in cyclic AMP content4,5. In addition, dibutyryl cyclic AMP can by itself induce bone resorption2.
Etiology and neuropsychology of comorbidity between RD and ADHD: the case for multiple-deficit models.

Abstract Introduction Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and reading disability (RD) are complex childhood disorders that frequently co-occur, but the etiology of this comorbidity remains unknown. Method Participants were 457 twin pairs from the Colorado Learning Disabilities Research Center (CLDRC) twin study, an ongoing study of the etiology of RD, ADHD, and related disorders. Phenotypic analyses compared groups with and without RD and ADHD on composite measures of six cognitive domains. Twin analyses were then used to test the etiology of the relations between the disorders and any cognitive weaknesses. Results Phenotypic analyses supported the hypothesis that both RD and ADHD arise from multiple cognitive deficits rather than a single primary cognitive deficit. RD was associated independently with weaknesses on measures of phoneme awareness, verbal reasoning, and working memory, whereas ADHD was independently associated with a heritable weakness in inhibitory control. RD and ADHD share a common cognitive deficit in processing speed, and twin analyses indicated that this shared weakness is primarily due to common genetic influences that increase susceptibility to both disorders. Conclusions Individual differences in processing speed are influenced by genes that also increase risk for RD, ADHD, and their comorbidity. These results suggest that processing speed measures may be useful for future molecular genetic studies of the etiology of comorbidity between RD and ADHD.
Impact of pesticide restrictions on regional production patterns

A national and interregional programming model is analyzing the effects of banning Chlordane and Heptachlor from U.S. agriculture. The model has sectors for land and water resources, crop and livestock production, commodity transportation and domestic and foreign demand. The central Corn Belt would be put at some disadvantage and lose production to other regions. Soybeans and small grains would replace corn on low lands and the imputed values of this land would decline. Crop rotations would include somewhat less corn.
Testing and estimation when a normal covariance matrix has intraclass structure of arbitrary order

For a normal distribution with covariance matrix having intraclass structure of arbitrary order. we consider estimation and tests of hypotheses concerning various equalities of covariances and correlations. A numerical example is included.
The balanced scorecard: comments on balanced scorecard commentaries

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide the author's insights about five papers written in this volume about his published work on the balanced scorecard (BSC).Design/methodology/approach – The author's comments are based on his personal writing, teaching, speaking about, and implementing the BSC during the past 20 years.Findings – The author finds that academic commentary on the BSC often ignores its role in strategy execution.Research limitations/implications – The commentary is unique to the author's personal experiences and may not be generalizable to other scholars who have not shared the same experiences.Practical implications – The paper may help scholars better understand the role of the BSC for strategy formulation, communication and implementation. It may also aid them in teaching the BSC to students and executives.Social implications – The paper discusses how the BSC can be used in public sector applications, as well as for companies that want to internalize environmental, social and ...
Vector vortex coronagraph: first results in the visible

We report the status of JPL and JDSU ongoing technological developments and contrast results of the vector vortex coronagraph (VVC) made out of liquid crystal polymers (LCP). The first topological charge 4 VVC was tested on the high contrast imaging testbed (HCIT) around 800 nm, under vacuum and with active wavefront control (32x32 Xinetics deformable mirror). We measured the inner working angle or IWA (50% off-axis transmission) at ~ 1.8λ/d. A one-sided dark hole ranging from 3λ/d to 10λ/d was created in polarized light, showing a mean contrast of ~ 2 × 10^(-7) over a 10% bandwidth. This contrast was maintained very close in (3 λ/d) in a reduced 2% bandwidth. These tests begin to demonstrate the potential of the LCP technology in the most demanding application of a space-based telescope dedicated to extrasolar planet characterization. The main limitations were identified as coming from incoherent sources such as multiple reflections, and residual chromaticity. A second generation of improved masks tackling these issues is being manufactured and will be tested on the HCIT in the coming months.
Spanish Is Foreign: Heritage Speakers' Interpretations of the Introductory Spanish Language Curriculum.

This article presents a case study of the perceptions of Spanish heritage speakers enrolled in introductory-level Spanish foreign language courses. Despite their own identities that were linked to the United States and Spanish of the Borderlands, the participants felt that the curriculum acknowledged the Spanish of Spain and foreign countries but generally failed to address or legitimate U.S. Spanish. Their interpretations of curricular messages contradicted their own experiences. Their perceptions were that Spanish is for travel, though they routinely used it in local applications; that Spanish culture exists in other countries, though they had deep family and community connections in the United States; and that Castilian Spanish is the language ideal, though their own bilingual identities were tied to U.S. Spanish. Rather than fully internalizing and accepting these positions, the participants developed a critical reaction that challenged the messages and the curriculum itself as inauthentic, inapplicab...
Unique Vulnerability of the New York-New Jersey Metropolitan Area to Hurricane Destruction

ABSTRACT Coch, N.K., 2015. Unique vulnerability of the New York–New Jersey Metropolitan Area to hurricane destruction. Hurricanes making landfall in the New York–New Jersey Metropolitan Area (NYNJMA) are infrequent, but their effects are considerably greater than those of similar Saffir–Simpson categories in the South. Hurricanes that caused major damage hit the NYNJMA directly in 1821 and 1893, and the only major (Category 3+) U.S. hurricane to hit several major U.S. urban coastal centers was the Long Island–New England Hurricane of 1938. The destruction resulting from landfall of a northern hurricane is greater that of a similar Saffir–Simpson category storm in the South. This damage amplification is the result of both the different characteristics of northern hurricanes and the unique geographic, geologic, oceanographic, and demographic characteristics in the northeast United States. Northern hurricanes move two to three times faster, have enlarged wind fields, and have a mostly coast-normal track that...
Excess Intrauterine Fetal Demise Associated with Maternal Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

A prospective study of transplacental transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) showed an increased rate of spontaneous fetal demise in HIV-seropositive mothers : 14 losses in 124 pregnancies. HIV was detected in placental and fetal tissues in 7 of 14 by in situ hybridization. The proportion of fetal infection far exceeded the transmission rate of 13% in liveborn babies. No association was seen between fetal transmission and a maternal history of drug abuse or coinfections ; mothers with AIDS more often had fetal loss associated with HIV transmission than did asymptomatic mothers. In affected fetuses, HIV was detected in many tissues and was associated with thymic pathology. This suggests that maternal HIV infection increases the risk for pregnancy loss associated with HIV transmission. The possibility that HIV may be fetotoxic, that thymic dysfunction may interfere with pregnancy progression, or that the intrauterine milieu in HIV-seropositive pregnancies may be unfavorable (or a combination of factors) should be considered.
Synthesis and characterization of N,N-dialkyl and N-alkyl-N-aralkyl fenpropimorph-derived compounds as high affinity ligands for sigma receptors.

Abstract The sigma-1 receptor is a unique non-opioid, non-PCP binding site that has been implicated in many different pathophysiological conditions including psychosis, drug addiction, retinal degeneration and cancer. Based on the structure of fenpropimorph, a high affinity (Ki = 0.005 nM) 1 sigma-1 receptor ligand and strong inhibitor of the yeast sterol isomerase (ERG2), we previously deduced a basic sigma-1 receptor pharmacophore or chemical backbone composed of a phenyl ring attached to a di-substituted nitrogen atom via an alkyl chain. 2 Here, we report the design and synthesis of various N,N-dialkyl or N-alkyl-N-aralkyl derivatives based on this pharmacophore as well as their binding affinities to the sigma-1 receptor. We introduce three high affinity sigma-1 receptor compounds, N,N-dibutyl-3-(4-fluorophenyl)propylamine (9), N,N-dibutyl-3-(4-nitrophenyl)propylamine (3), and N-propyl-N′-4-aminophenylethyl-3-(4-nitrophenyl)propylamine (20) with Ki values of 17.7 nM, 0.36 nM, and 6 nM, respectively. In addition to sigma receptor affinity, we show through cytotoxicity assays that growth inhibition of various tumor cell lines occurs with our high affinity N,N-dialkyl or N-alkyl-N-aralkyl derivatives.
IEEE 802.11-Based Mobile IP Fast Handoff Latency Analysis

Mobile IP is a solution for mobility support in the global Internet. However, it suffers from long handoff delay. Many solutions have been proposed to reduce the handoff delay of Mobile IP. Among these solutions, Fast Handovers for Mobile IPv6 (FMIPv6) and Hierarchical Mobile IPv6 (HMIPv6) are actively developed by the Internet Engineering Task Force for future IPv6 networks. A majority of the research on performance analysis of Mobile IP handoff latency either adopts a simulation approach or is based on experimental testbeds. This paper focuses on the analytical modeling of handoff latency for the two Mobile IPv6 fast handoff protocols, FMIPv6 and HMIPv6, using IEEE 802.11-based wireless local area networks as the wireless access networks. Different from other previously proposed analytical models for handoff latency analysis, our model considers comprehensive factors from both link layer and network layer which influence the Mobile IP handoff delay. Individual analytical models for each of these factors affecting the handoff latency are developed. The outcome of this research is the probability distribution of the handoff latency occurring within a certain range based on the offered traffic load and network conditions.
Crystal structure of adenovirus E3-19K bound to HLA-A2 reveals mechanism for immunomodulation

Adenovirus infection can suppress antigen presentation by MHC I, by the action of transmembrane protein E3-19K, whose N-terminal domain localizes to the ER lumen and binds MHC I luminal domain. Now the crystal structure of E3-19K in complex with MHC I molecule HLA-A2 is presented, providing atomic-level insight into this interaction.
What is commotio cordis

Although thought to be rare, sudden deaths caused by nonpenetrating chest wall impact in the absence of structural injury to the ribs, sternum, and heart (commotio cordis) are reported with increasing frequency. This phenomenon is described in individuals when they are struck by relatively innocent blows to the chest wall. Young male athletes aged 5 to 18 years are particularly at risk for this catastrophe. It has been described after blows to the chest from baseballs, softballs, hockey pucks, and other objects. Death is usually instantaneous, and successful resuscitation is uncommon. A recently reported experimental model provides clues to the mechanisms and inferences for the prevention and treatment of this devastating condition. This swine model shows that a) ventricular fibrillation results from low-energy chest wall impacts during a vulnerable period of repolarization, b) the risk of this event can be decreased with softer-than-standard baseballs, and c) prompt defibrillation is crucial for resuscitation to be successful.
Agmatine Is Widely and Unequally Distributed in Rat Organs

We recently discovered' that agmatine, a primary amine generated by decarboxylation of arginine by the enzyme arginine decarboxylase (ADC),2*3 is stored in bovine brain. As such it is the first clonidine-displacing substance (CDS) isolated whose structure has been determined. (See Reis et al., this volume: for a review.) Like clonidine, agmatine binds to imidazoline (I-) receptors of both 11 and Iz subclass and to a2adrenergic receptors.' While prevalent in bacteria, plants, and invertebrates, neither agmatine nor ADC has been considered present in mammalian tissues?v3 Our observation' that brain also expresses ADC indicates that the amine is locally synthesized and is not a product of diet or enteric bacteria. To determine if agmatine is present in rat brain and other organs, we developed a method to allow separation of agmatine from other amines in tissue extracts, permitting its measurement by reversed-phase high pressure liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). We demonstrate that agmatine is present in this species and widely and unequally distributed throughout the body.
Catalogs of temperatures and [Fe/H] averages for evolved G and K stars

A catalog of mean values of (Fe/H) for evolved G and K stars is described. The zero point for the catalog entries has been established by using dierential analyses. Literature sources for those entries are included in the catalog. The mean values are given with rms errors and numbers of degrees of freedom, and a simple example of the use of these statistical data is given. For a number of the stars with entries in the catalog, temperatures have been determined. A separate catalog containing those data is briefly described.
Determination of the point group of the icosahedral phase in an Al-Mn-Si alloy using convergent-beam electron diffraction

Abstract Convergent-beam electron diffraction has been used to determine conclusively the point group of the icosahedral phase in an Al-Mn-Si alloy. The patterns obtained clearly display the symmetries expected for the orientations of a quasicrystalline phase with the m35 point group.
Improving Survival of Vulnerable Infants Increases Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nosocomial Infection Rate

Objective To determine the factors associated with an increasing rate of nosocomial infections in infants with very low birth weights. Methods Retrospective review of clinical and nosocomial infection databases for all infants with birth weights of 1500 g or less admitted to an academic neonatal intensive care unit between January 1, 1991, and December 31, 1997 (N = 1184). Two study periods were compared: 1991-1995 and 1996-1997. Results Among the 1085 infants who survived beyond 48 hours, the proportion who developed nosocomial infections increased from 22% to 31% ( P = .001) and the infection rate increased from 0.5 to 0.8 per 100 patient-days ( P P P Conclusions The increasing number of technology-dependent infants was the primary determinant in the increase of nosocomial infections. Because these infections occur in a small proportion of infants, understanding the host factors that contribute to this vulnerability is necessary to decrease nosocomial infections in neonatal intensive care units.
Speculative Reading, Speculative Physics - the Ontology of the Large Hadron Collider

The objective is to illustrate the hermeneutics of reading against the highly image-dependent (rather than object-oriented) world of experimental particle physics. Reading becomes the medium for mediating between the real and the virtual when constructing physical knowledge. "Virtual" particles, produced through material inter-course between machine and nature, are productive for re- thinking the virtual/real entanglement. Reading enables a process of deconstructing and re-naturalizing microphysical trails, objects, and movements 'transformed' into machine code, post-detector. The process of reading is therefore the 'detection,' 'observation,' 'measurement,' 'abduction,' and 'interpretation' of coded information and knowledge; deciphered through data 'selected' for analysis, extrapolated as evidence for the confirmation/re-orientation of theoretical predictions, and included for the re-envisioning and revising of foundational explanations regarding the structure of modern physics. Reading as is explored here is about how reading as an act is inextricably linked with understanding one's perspective and the ideology one is immersed in, thus influencing how discovery is made and articulated through theory-construction.
Degradation of pt catalysts in PEFCs: A new perspective from molecular dynamic modeling

Recent theories in literature invoke electrochemical dissolution/recrystallization mechanisms to explain the loss of the electrochemically active area of Pt nanocrystalline catalysts in polymer electrolyte fuel cells, with some significant discrepancies in experimental observations. This paper reports findings in molecular dynamic (MD) simulations of Pt nanocrystallites in a polymer electrolyte environment. The MD simulations reveal that the Pt nanocrystallites can become unstable and undergo instantaneous disintegration under a mainly electric interaction between charged Pt nanocrystallites and a polarized polymer electrolyte during a charging process. These results also indicate that the instantaneous disintegration of charged Pt nanocrystallites results in temperature rises in the interfacial area.
Tracking U.S. Groundwater: Reserves for the Future?

(2006). Tracking U.S. Groundwater: Reserves for the Future? Environment: Science and Policy for Sustainable Development: Vol. 48, No. 3, pp. 10-25.
FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE YELLOW FEVER VIRUS CAPSID PROTEIN

Although it is known that the flavivirus capsid protein is essential for genome packaging and formation of infectious particles, the minimal requirements of the dimeric capsid protein for virus assembly/disassembly have not been characterized. By use of a trans-packaging system that involved packaging a yellow fever virus (YFV) replicon into pseudo-infectious particles by supplying the YFV structural proteins using a Sindbis virus helper construct, the functional elements within the YFV capsid protein (YFC) were characterized. Various N- and C-terminal truncations, internal deletions, and point mutations of YFC were analyzed for their ability to package the YFV replicon. Consistent with previous reports on the tick-borne encephalitis virus capsid protein, YFC demonstrates remarkable functional flexibility. Nearly 40 residues of YFC could be removed from the N terminus while the ability to package replicon RNA was retained. Additionally, YFC containing a deletion of approximately 27 residues of the C terminus, including a complete deletion of C-terminal helix 4, was functional. Internal deletions encompassing the internal hydrophobic sequence in YFC were, in general, tolerated to a lesser extent. Site-directed mutagenesis of helix 4 residues predicted to be involved in intermonomeric interactions were also analyzed, and although single mutations did not affect packaging, a YFC with the double mutation of leucine 81 and valine 88 was nonfunctional. The effects of mutations in YFC on the viability of YFV infection were also analyzed, and these results were similar to those obtained using the replicon packaging system, thus underscoring the flexibility of YFC with respect to the requirements for its functioning.
Electrocardiographic and serum enzymic alterations associated with cardiac alterations induced in dogs by single transthoracic damped sinusoidal defibrillator shocks of various strengths

Abstract The safety margin between the strength of shock needed to defibrillate the ventricle and shocks which produce cardiac damage has not previously been reported. This study quantitates the shock intensity required to produce ECG alterations, serum α-ILDH and MB CPK isoenzyme elevation and myocardial damage using single transchest damped sinusoidal defibrillator shocks. Shocks of 1 to 20 amperes per Kg. of body weight were applied. Fifty-six dog weighing 2.4 to 15 kilograms were shocked with defibrillator pulses via 10 centimeter diameter electrodes applied to the thorax. Electrocardiograms were taken to be analyzed for arrhythmias, S-T segment changes, and T wave changes. Serum enzyme levels were determined in 25 dogs. Macroscopic and histopathologic studies were conducted on the hearts. Transchest single damped sine wave shocks did not produce microscopically detectable cardiac damage until at least a threefold current overdose was applied. No macroscopic morphologic alterations were observed until at least a sixfold current overdose was applied and no deaths occurred until a twelvefold or greater current overdose was delivered. Incidence and severity of ECG changes, increase in serum enzyme activity, incidence and severity of cardiac damage, and incidence of mortality all correlated positively with shock strength. However, these four adverse effects did not correlate well with each other. Transient ECG changes were very frequent following shock application regardless of the morphologic damage produced, and hence the transient changes have little value as indicators or predictors of damage. Persistent ECG changes were predictive of morphologic changes but were not sensitive enough to detect damage in mildly injured hearts. Likewise, elevated serum cardiac isoenzyme activity was a reliable but insensitive indicator of damage.
Automated vision tracking of project related entities

Tracking of project related entities such as construction equipment, materials, and personnel is used to calculate productivity, detect travel path conflicts, enhance the safety on the site, and monitor the project. Radio frequency tracking technologies (Wi-Fi, RFID, UWB) and GPS are commonly used for this purpose. However, on large-scale sites, deploying, maintaining and removing such systems can be costly and time-consuming. In addition, privacy issues with personnel tracking often limits the usability of these technologies on construction sites. This paper presents a vision based tracking framework that holds promise to address these limitations. The framework uses videos from a set of two or more static cameras placed on construction sites. In each camera view, the framework identifies and tracks construction entities providing 2D image coordinates across frames. Combining the 2D coordinates based on the installed camera system (the distance between the cameras and the view angles of them), 3D coordinates are calculated at each frame. The results of each step are presented to illustrate the feasibility of the framework.
Temperature dependence of the Raman linewidth and line shift for the Q(1) and Q(0) transitions in normal and para- H 2

Using stimulated Raman gain spectroscopy, we have measured the temperature and density dependence of the Raman linewidth and line shift for the Q(1) and Q(0) vibrational transitions in ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ covering the range 77--480 K and 1--20 amagats, and as a function of ortho to para ratio. We conclude that the dominant contribution to the Q(1) linewidth comes from vibrational dephasing collisions, an effect not included in current theories. The line-shift coefficient has a much larger temperature variation than the linewidth coefficient, with the ratio of line shift to linewidth reaching a maximum value of 7.3 at 81 K. These results are important for applications requiring the tuning of the Stokes frequency generated by the stimulated Raman process.