cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantum mechanics as a consequence of discrete interactions

Quantum mechanics is usually presented starting from a series of postulates about the mathematical framework. In this work we show that those same postulates can be derived by assuming that measurements are discrete interactions: that is, that we measure at specific moments in time (as opposed to a continuous measurement that spans a long time interval) and that the system is in general affected by our measurement. We believe that this way of presenting quantum mechanics would make it easier to understand by laying out a more cohesive view of the theory and making it resonate more with our physics intuition.
A System for Building Intelligent Agents that Learn to Retrieve and Extract Information

We present a system for rapidly and easily building instructable and self-adaptive software agents that retrieve and extract information. Our Wisconsin Adaptive Web Assistant (WAWA) constructs intelligent agents by accepting user preferences in the form of instructions. These user-provided instructions are compiled into neural networks that are responsible for the adaptive capabilities of an intelligent agent. The agent's neural networks are modified via user-provided and system-constructed training examples. Users can create training examples by rating Web pages (or documents), but more importantly WAWA's agents uses techniques from reinforcement learning to internally create their own examples. Users can also provide additional instruction throughout the life of an agent. Our experimental evaluations on a `home-page finder' agent and a `seminar-announcement extractor' agent illustrate the value of using instructable and adaptive agents for retrieving and extracting information.
Decoherence and the Transition from Quantum to Classical—Revisited

The environment surrounding a quantum system can, in effect, monitor some of the systems observables. As a result, the eigenstates of these observables continuously decohere and can behave like classical states.
On Some Determinants of Farm Size Across Countries

Several measures of average farm size are developed, using resource endowment, degree of industrialization, factor proportions as the explanatory variables for 53 countries. The three determinants explain much of the variation in average farm size, using cross-sectional regression techniques.
Natural Products in Epilepsy—the Present Situation and Perspectives for the Future

More efficacious and better tolerated treatments for epilepsy are clearly needed. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has a long history of use in certain parts of the world and has gained increasing interest over the last decades in Western countries. In countries with a Western-based type of medical system, people with epilepsy (PWE) take natural products or engage in other forms of CAM mainly to enhance general health, but also to prevent seizures or to alleviate symptoms of comorbidities or side effects of antiepileptic medications. In other countries, well developed medical systems, such as traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, are often the basis for treating PWE. Based on anecdotal reports of efficacy in PWE, natural products from these and other traditions are increasingly being studied in animal models of epilepsy, and candidates for further clinical development have been identified. It is likely, therefore, that natural products will be further evaluated for safety, tolerability and efficacy in PWE with drug-resistant seizures.
The constraints of magnetic versus flash disk capabilities in big data analysis

Solid state disks (or flash disks) are decreasing in cost per gigabyte and are being incorporated into many appliances, such as the Oracle Database Appliance [8]. Databases--and more specifically data warehouses--are often utilized to support large scale data analysis and decision support systems. Decision makers prefer information in real time. Traditional storage systems that are based on magnetic disks achieve high performance by utilizing many disks for parallel operations in RAID arrays. However, this performance is only possible if requests represent a reasonable fraction of the RAID stripe size, or I/O transactions will suffer from high overhead. Solid state disks have the potential to increase the speed of data retrieval for mission critical workloads that require real time applications, such as analytic dashboards. However, solid state disks behave differently than magnetic hard disks due to the limitations of rewriting NAND flash based blocks. Therefore, this work presents benchmark results for a modern relational database that stores data on solid state disks, and contrasts this performance to a ten disk RAID 10 array, a traditional storage design for high performance database data blocks. The preliminary results show that a single solid state disk is able to outperform the array for queries summarizing a data set for a variety of OLAP cube dimensions. Future work will explore the low level database performance in more detail.
Structural and dielectric properties of Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 thin films with an epi-RuO2 bottom electrode

Abstract Epitaxial conductive RuO2 thin films were used as bottom electrodes of Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 (BSTO) thin-film capacitors. The BSTO showed pure (111) orientation normal to the substrate surface when grown on (200) oriented epi-RuO2 on LaAlO3. The BSTO film consisted of a main body of stoichiometric bulk layer and a slightly oxygen deficiency region on the very film surface as revealed by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry. The dielectric constant of BSTO was above 400 at 10 kHz with zero dc electric field bias. A bias dc electric field modulation of the dielectric constant was observed to be more than 80% at 100 kHz at a field intensity of 6 × 105 V/cm.
Walking trips to parks: exploring demographic, environmental factors, and preferences for adults with children in the household.

Abstract Objectives (1) To understand demographic and environmental factors influencing walking trips to parks for adults with children living at home; and (2) To determine if preferences for walking environments may influence walking trips and why. Methods Neighborhoods with varying levels of canopy coverage and access to destinations were selected within the city of Seattle, Washington and surrounding suburbs. Walking trip frequency, preferences for walking environments, and demographic information were measured through a postal survey in fall 2006 (21% response rate, N = 617; 41% adults with children living in the household, n = 250). Analysis of variance and multiple linear regressions were used to test the associations between variables. Chi-square and qualitative content analysis were used to understand preferences for walking environments. Results Adult respondents with children living at home walked most frequently to parks compared to other destinations. Owning a dog, living within close proximity to a variety of destinations, perceptions of ample neighborhood vegetation, and preference for natural-looking environments were factors positively associated with these walking trips. Conclusions Demographic and environmental factors influence walking trips, particularly perceived level of neighborhood vegetation and individual preferences. However, highly vegetated walking environments also elicited concerns about safety for some respondents.
The finite thermodynamic topology of photons

All physical measurements are based on finite intervals of space and time. It follows that the appropriate topologies of measurement must be finite. However, there are only two types of finite power set topologies: T0 topologies and Not-T0 topologies. All singlet subsets of T0 (Kolmogorov) topologies are topologically distinguishable. Therefor it is natural that such topologies should be called Particle-like topologies. On the otherhand, some, if not all, singlet subsets of Not-T0 topologies are indistinguishable. Hence such topologies will be called Statistical, Wave-like, or Photon topologies. This article starts with a short review of the topological properties of Kolomogorov T0 particle topologies using processes that generate homotopic evolution of those exterior differential 1-forms chosed to describe thermodynamic states. Not-T0 topologies can use homotopic evolution of N-form densities to generate systems of partial differential equations that describe both reversible and irreversible dynamics. Numerous examples will be presented to demonstrate continuous topological evolution of complex exterior differential form densities in terms of Cartan’s homotopic magic formula.
Ten-design-parameter 4-bar synthesis with tolerance considerations

Abstract General formulations are developed for the design of 4-bar linkages for the crank-angle coupler-point coordination and rigid body guidance problems. These formulations include a unique five precision-point approach, a least-squares approach, and a least-squares structural plus mechanical error approach. In each approach, the maximum possible number of design parameters, ten, is considered. The methods are then numerically compared for a number of problems.
Extracellular matrix components and somite chondrogenesis: a microscopic analysis.

Abstract The stimulation of somite chondrogenesis by extracellular materials was studied using scanning and transmission electron microscopy and light microscopy. Analysis of control somite explants (no additives to the medium) cultured on Nuclepore filters for 24 h demonstrates cell processes extending to the undersurface of the filter. The cell processes secrete a matrix of fibers sparsely coated with granules which form amorphous sheets after 3 days in culture. Somite explants treated with proteoglycan complex, extracted from 13-day chick sterna, produce a dense matrix of fibers heavily coated with granules. Selective enzymatic digestions with chondroitinase ABC and purified collagenase demonstrate that the fibers are collagen and the granules are proteoglycans. Proteoglycan complex was separated into its components using cesium chloride density centrifugation. Each of these fractions was tested for its stimulating capacity in somite explants as analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. The importance of these components in relationship to the perinotochordal materials is discussed. When somite explants are cultured with the notochord, the matrix produced by somitic cells in the region of the notochord is similar to that of explants treated with proteoglycan complex. Away from the region of the notochord, the somitic cells produce a matrix similar to that of control explants. The evidence presented in this report suggests that it is the presence of the perinotochordal materials which creates the proper environment in vivo for the precise timing and phenotypic expression of somite chondrogenesis.
Micropattern effect on breast cancer cells behavior on isotropically etched silicon microenvironments

In this paper we are investigating three dimensional (3-D) silicon-based microenvironments as potential platforms for breast cancer diagnostics. We have developed isotropically etched microstructures with a wide range of geometrical patterns for this purpose. Our results indicate that with the etched surface ratio of ∼65%, it is possible to capture 80–90% of the cancer cells within each silicon chip. After treatment of the cells with mitomycin C (to block the cell growth) more number of the cells are trapped inside the etched features for longer cultures times (72 h) suggesting that there is a directed motility and attraction of the cells toward the etched cavities and by optimally designing the etched features, the proposed platforms can be potentially used for diagnostics purposes.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Unequal But Fluid: Social Mobility in Chile in Comparative Perspective

A major finding in comparative mobility research is the high similarity across countries and the lack of association between mobility and other national attributes, with one exception: higher inequality seems to be associated with lower mobility. Evidence for the mobility-inequality link is, however, inconclusive, largely because most mobility studies have been conducted in advanced countries with relatively similar levels of inequality. This article introduces Chile to the comparative project. As the 10th most unequal country in the world, Chile is an adjudicative case. If high inequality results in lower mobility, Chile should be significantly more rigid than its industrialized peers. This hypothesis is disproved by the analysis. Despite vast economic inequality, Chile is as fluid, if not more so, than the much more equal industrialized nations. Furthermore, there is no evidence of a decline in mobility as the result of the increase in inequality during the market-oriented transformation of the country ...
A chemical equilibrium method for hypersonic flow simulations

Abstract In this paper, we report a new and efficient method to simulate high-speed, chemically reacting flows with a chemical equilibrium model. This computational method is based on the Helmholtz free-energy minimization with two additional treatments to enhance computational efficiency. First, an estimation scheme for species compositions is implemented to either bypass the numerical iterations or significantly reduce them in the free-energy minimization procedure. Second, a frozen flow calculation method is adopted to take advantage of the non-reacting part of the hypersonic flow field. In general, 95% of the full minimization procedure is avoided by using the two methods and no accuracy is sacrificed in the final converged solution. In addition, the flow solver adopted in the present study is incorporated with comprehensive, high temperature, gas property models to simulate hypersonic flows and employs an implicit, finite-volume, lower-upper (LU), time marching scheme to solve flow equations in a fully coupled and very efficient manner. Finally, hypersonic internal flows under serve conditions are simulated as numerical examples. The results are compared with those of a finite-rate model, in which 11 species equations coupled with flow equations are solved simultaneously. The results clearly depict differences in the flow characteristics predicted by the two chemistry models.
Opiate tolerance-induced modulation of free intracellular calcium in synaptosomes☆

Abstract Synaptosomes were prepared from morphine-tolerant and non-tolerant mice. Significantly higher levels of basal free intracellular calcium were observed in the synaptosomes from the opiate-tolerant mice compared to synaptosomes from non-tolerant mice (468 nM versus 328 nM, respectively). In addition, morphine (1 μM) failed to attenuate KCl-induced rises in intracellular calcium in the synaptosomes from the tolerant mice. Conversely, morphine produced a concentration-related, naloxone-reversible attenuation of 50 mM KCl-induced rises in intracellular calcium in the synaptosomes from the non-tolerant mice. Omega conotoxin, which blocks both “L” and “N” type calcium channels, attenuated KCl-stimulated rises in intracellular calcium only in synaptosomes from non-tolerant mice. BAY-K 8644, an “L-type” calcium channel agonist, produced nifedipine-reversible increases in intracellular calcium in the synaptosomes from the tolerant animals only. These data suggest that chronic exposure to morphine results in an alteration in either the number or the activation state of calcium channels in the membrane. Changes in intracellular free calcium may be the final common pathway through which neurons adapt to the chronic exposure to morphine.
Sequencing of Cytomegalovirus UL97 Gene for Genotypic Antiviral Resistance Testing

The widespread use of ganciclovir (GCV) to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections in immunosuppressed patients has led to the development of drug resistance. Phenotypic assays for CMV drug resistance are presently too time-consuming to be therapeutically useful. To support the development of genotypic assays for GCV resistance, the complete sequences of the UL97 phosphotransferase genes in 28 phenotypically GCV-sensitive CMV clinical isolates were determined. The gene was found to be highly conserved, with nucleotide sequence identity among strains ranging from 98.6 to 100% and amino acid sequence identity of >99%. Primers for a genotypic assay were designed to amplify codons 400 to 707, because all known UL97 mutations conferring drug resistance occur at three sites within this region. This part of the UL97 gene was amplified from over 50 clinical isolates, and two sequencing reactions for the coding strand were successfully used to identify GCV resistance mutations. This genotypic assay can be performed in 48 h using genomic DNA extracted from cell monolayers at very low levels of virus infectivity, thus rapidly providing therapeutically useful results.
In vitro studies on the effect of ACTH in rat and bovine adrenal glands.

Bovine adrenal glands were sliced in such a way that first level slices contained about 75 % glomerulosa cells and third level slices about 90% fasciculata cells. ACTH stimulated phosphorylase 135% in third level slices (90% fasciculata cells) of bovine adrenal glands but had no significant effect on phosphorylase in first level slices (75% glomerulosa cells). Epinephrine, angiotensin II and vasopressin had no effect on adrenal phosphorylase at either level. Glucose- l-C14 oxidation and glucose uptake were found to be higher in first level slices, but ACTH had no effect on these parameters. ACTH did stimulate glucose-1-C14 and glucose- 6-C14 oxidation in hypophysectomized rat adrenal glands, but not in normal rat glands, and prolactin and TSH had no effect on glucose-1-C14 oxidation in hypophysectomized rats. Epinephrine and serotonin both stimulated glucose-1-C14 oxidation in bovine adrenal third level slices.
Role of saline infusion sonography in uterine evaluation before frozen embryo transfer cycle

Objective To determine the role of saline infusion sonography (SIS) in uterine evaluation before a frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle. Design Retrospective cohort analysis. Setting University hospital. Patient(s) Thirty-six patients who had uterine evaluation by SIS before FET cycle. Intervention(s) The SIS was performed in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle before the actual FET cycle. Main Outcome Measure(s) The SIS findings, clinical pregnancy rate (PR), ongoing PR, and correlation between positive SIS findings with and without subsequent treatment and pregnancy outcome. Result(s) Positive SIS findings were found in 11/36 patients (30.5%), which included uterine septum (9.0%), endometrial polyp (45.4%), intramural fibroid with normal cavity (9.0%), cystic endometrial changes (9.0%), cervical stenosis (18.1%), and calcification with normal cavity (9.0%). The overall clinical PR in all groups was 51.4%, with an ongoing PR of 45.7%. Patients with positive SIS finding who underwent subsequent hysteroscopic correction (7/11) had a clinical PR of 85.7% as compared to 54.1% in patients with normal uterine cavity (24/35). Patients with positive SIS findings and no operative hysteroscopy (4/11) had a clinical PR of 50% and pregnancy loss rate of 100%. Conclusion(s) Obtaining an SIS before the FET cycle can be helpful in the detection of uterine abnormalities. If time since uterine evaluation has been more than 1–2 years, performing an SIS is recommended as subsequent correction of the anomalies may improve FET outcome.
Halo orthosis: Indications and application technique

Abstract The halo orthosis has been an effective method of cervical immobilization for many years. Success is dependent on a multitude of factors including the proper indications, patient selection, and technique. Careful attention to detail during the application and follow-up period will help minimize complications and maximize results.
Effect of dietary zinc on 65-ZN absorption and turnover in rats

Abstract The effect of zinc intake on retention, absorption, and biological half-life of 65-Zn was investigated using whole body counting after the carrier-free radioisotope was administered intragastrically or intramuscularly to 7-week old male rats. When animals consumed 7.8, 11.7, 16.0, 20.8, 36.8, 80.2, or 149.1 mg Zn/kg diet for 3 weeks before and 4 weeks after 65-Zn administration, the biological half-life and the retention of gavaged or injected 65-Zn were curvilinearly related to the dietary zinc concentration. Absorption was similarly affected, except that absorption was nearly 100 per cent at the two lowest levels of intake. Zinc concentrations in bone and serum were unaffected except in animals fed 7.8 mg Zn/kg diet. When zinc intakes varied only 4 days before 65-Zn administration, retention of injected 65-Zn and absorption were less affected. Animals fed 11.5 rather than 85.0 mg Zn/kg beginning 7 to 8 hours after 65-Zn administration, had greater retention of gavaged or injected 65-Zn; absorption and biological half-life of 65-Zn were also greater. Thus, retention of dietary zinc by the body depended on recent and subsequent zinc intake, with recent intake affecting mainly absorption, and subsequent intake affecting mainly excretion. Adjustments in absorption and excretion occurred within days, and were highly coordinated when zinc intakes exceeded the requirement.
Leaving a Legacy: Position Imprints and Successor Turnover in Young Firms

This article considers how local firm histories influence individual turnover rates in organizations. We argue that position imprints—the legacies left by the first incumbents of particular functional positions—constrain subsequent position holders. We show that the functional experience of the person who creates a position influences the turnover rate of successors who later occupy that position. When the first position holder has an atypical background, all successors experience high turnover rates. Individuals who are both typical with respect to the normative environment and similar to the position imprint have the lowest turnover rates. Surprisingly, we find lower turnover rates among individuals who match the position imprint even if they violate normative expectations. Thus, contrary to institutional theory predictions, we find that local firm histories dominate. In revealing how social structures emerge within firms and affect individual outcomes, our research revisits core topics of bureaucratiza...
Io's Thermal Emission from the Galileo Photopolarimeter- Radiometer

Galileo's photopolarimeter-radiometer instrument mapped Io's thermal emission during the I24, I25, and I27 flybys with a spatial resolution of 2.2 to 300 kilometers. Mapping of Loki in I24 shows uniform temperatures for most of Loki Patera and high temperatures in the southwest corner, probably resulting from an eruption that began 1 month before the observation. Most of Loki Patera was resurfaced before I27. Pele's caldera floor has a low temperature of 160 kelvin, whereas flows at Pillan and Zamama have temperatures of up to 200 kelvin. Global maps of nighttime temperatures provide a means for estimating global heat flow.
On the motion of turbulent thermals

An analysis is presented of the motion of a turbulent thermal in an unstratified environment. Although based upon the entrainment hypothesis introduced by G. I. Taylor (see Morton, Taylor & Turner 1956), the analysis differs from previous work in that it is not limited to small density differences between the thermal and its surroundings. Also, the influence of the virtual mass of the unsteadily moving fluid, ignored by previous investigators, is included and shown to be of significance for any density difference.Calculations of the temporal variations of size, velocity and density are presented in non-dimensional form for thermals with initial density ratios covering the practically attainable range. It is shown a posteriori that losses of momentum and buoyancy to a wake are probably of negligible influence in any real case.
Self-determination theory and student motivation in social studies in an urban Broward County public high school

OF THE THESIS SELF-DETERMINATION THEORY AND STUDENT MOTIVATION IN SOCIAL STUDIES IN AN URBAN BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL by Roberto Fernandez III Florida International University, 2011 Miami, Florida Professor Hilary Landorf, Major Professor This study investigated how students perceived their motivation in high school social studies classes in school and to determine if a correlation exists between students’ grade level, race, gender, and their motivation. The sample included 337 high school students in Broward County, Florida. To assess students’ perceptions on their motivation the academic self-regulation questionnaire was utilized. Results indicate that social studies students show high levels of external regulation, with a mean score at 22.31 on a scale of 36 points. The results show a mean score of 24 on a scale of 28 points for identified regulation among social studies students. Findings revealed that student motivation could be gauged. No statistical significance was found between high school students’ grade level, race, gender, and their motivation in social studies classes. The findings of this study have shown that students at Boyd H. Anderson High School want to learn social studies.
The effect of a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor (celecoxib) on chronic periodontitis.

Background: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents inhibit the production of cyclooxygenase (COX) products and can attenuate bone loss. In this double-masked, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial, the efficacy of celecoxib (COX-2 inhibitor) was evaluated in conjunction with scaling and root planing (SRP) in subjects with chronic periodontitis (CP).Methods: A total of 131 subjects were randomized to receive SRP and either celecoxib (200 mg) or placebo every day for 6 months. Clinical outcomes were assessed every 3 months for 12 months as mean changes from baseline. Primary efficacy parameters included clinical attachment level (CAL) and probing depth (PD). Secondary outcomes included percentages of tooth sites with CAL loss or gain ≥2 mm, changes in bleeding on probing (BOP), plaque index, and mobility. Prior to analysis, tooth sites were grouped based on baseline PD as shallow (1 to 3 mm), moderate (4 to 6 mm), or deep (≥7 mm).Results: Mean PD reduction and CAL gain were greater in the celecoxib ...
Influence of heat treatment on tensile response of an oxide dispersion strengthened copper

In this paper, the influence of heat treatment on tensile properties and fracture characteristics of dispersion strengthened copper is examined. Heat treating the alloy in the as-drawn condition was found to have little influence on grain structure and intrinsic microstructural features. The strength of the material decreases with heat treatment with a concomitant improvement in ductility. The material maintains a high value of yield strength retention ratio. The influence of heat treatment on tensile properties and fracture characteristics is detailed.
Precision bone and muscle loss measurements by advanced, multiple projection DEXA (AMPDXA) techniques for spaceflight applications

An advanced, multiple projection, dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (AMPDXA) scanner system is under development. The AMPDXA is designed to make precision bone and muscle loss measurements necessary to determine the deleterious effects of microgravity on astronauts as well as develop countermeasures to stem their bone and muscle loss. To date, a full size test system has been developed to verify principles and the results of computer simulations. Results indicate that accurate predictions of bone mechanical properties can be determined from as few as three projections, while more projections are needed for a complete, three-dimensional reconstruction.
Effects of Inter- and Intra-modal Redundancy on Infants' Rule Learning

Previous research indicates that infants generalize syntactic-like structures to novel exemplars in a way that has been characterized as abstract and algebraic (Marcus et al., 1999). Infants appear to learn and generalize from speech more successfully than from nonspeech stimuli (Marcus, Fernandes, & Johnson, 2007). In this series of experiments, we manipulated speech and nonspeech stimuli to identify the factors that facilitate or inhibit infants' learning and generalization. The results demonstrate that redundancy facilitates learning, even in nonlinguistic stimuli. In addition, the results indicate that learning from speech is inhibited when the speech is less redundant. These experiments suggest that speech and nonspeech stimuli are on a continuum of effectiveness, related to the ease with which infants can access and benefit from redundant information. The redundant information in the stimuli may be particularly related to the ease with which infants can detect repetition.
Novel ultrasonic process for in‐situ copolymer formation and compatibilization of immiscible polymers

In-situ copolymer formation and compatibilization of immiscible polymers in blends were discovered to occur during ultrasonic-assisted extrusion in the melt state under high pressures. Residence times were of the order of seconds. The mechanical performance of plastic/rubber and rubber/rubber blends subjected to ultrasonic treatment was significantly enhanced compared to those of identical blends not subjected to ultrasonic treatment and having similar phase morphologies. The appearance of a high molecular weight tail in the rubber/rubber blends, stabilization of phase morphology in the melt state, the presence of a transition interface nanolayer and a decrease in the amount of extractable components in the plastic/rubber blends after ultrasonic-assisted extrusion point towards the occurrence of in-situ copolymer formation at the interfaces.
Repairing Hurtful Messages in Marital Relationships

The effects of hurtful messages and accompanying repair strategies in interpersonal relationships have been noted individually; however, research has not investigated the relation of these two constructs in tandem. This study uses an attributional framework to examine use and the effectiveness of repair strategies with varying hurtful messages. Responses from 237 married adults indicated the justification repair strategy was used most often. The repair strategy of silence was perceived as the least effective. Informative messages were perceived as the most hurtful. Sources' intent and relational satisfaction were not significantly related to specific hurtful messages or subsequent repair strategies.
Interaction of superconductivity and itinerant-electron magnetism: Critical fields of Ni/V superlattices.

We present experimental results showing an anomalous behavior in the critical fields of superconductor/magnet superlattices. Close to the superconducting transition temperature the critical-field anisotropy is reversed (i.e., the parallel critical field is smaller than the perpendicular critical field). As the temperature is reduced the anisotropy reverts to the normal behavior. This effect is attributed to the competing interaction between the itinerant magnetism in the magnetic (Ni) layer and the superconducting (V) layers.
Structure and Thermal Reactivity of a Novel Pd(0) Metalloenediyne

We report the X-ray diffraction structure and thermal reactivity of the metalloenediyne compound bis(1,2-bis(diphenylphosphinoethynyl)benzene)palladium(0) (Pd(dppeb)2, 1). The structure of 1 features a tetrahedral Pd(0) center with four phosphorus atoms from two chelating ligands. The PPdP bond angles nearly match the idealized 109.5° geometry expected for a d10 metal center in a tetrahedral ligand field. The tetrahedral geometry of the metal center forces the alkyne termini separation of the enediyne ligand to a distance of 3.47 A, which results in a thermally stable compound at room temperature. However, at 115 °C 1 exhibits solvent-dependent reactivity. In o-fluorotoluene, 1 decomposes via ligand dissociation, while in o-dichlorobenzene, carbon−halide bond activation of solvent occurs leading to the oxidative addition product trans-Pd((2-chlorophenyl)diphenylphosphine)2Cl2 and free (2-chlorophenyl)diphenylphosphine. The thermal reactivity of 1 is markedly more endothermic (44 kcal/mol) than that of the...
Abstract 1966: In vivo detection of nucleotide lesions preceding mutation fixation

Background and Purpose: Unrepaired DNA damage likely originates a large fraction of human cancer. However, a direct correlation between DNA damage and specific mutations is lacking. To identify in vivo nucleotide lesions that can act as the precursors of neoplastic mutations, we investigated the origin of specific tumor signature mutations previously reported on codon 122 of the p53 tumor suppressor gene (Trp53) in UVB radiation induced mouse skin tumors. Methods: The dorsal skin of wild-type (WT) and repair defective (Xpc −/− Trp53 +/− ) mice was shaved and exposed to a single dose of 4.8 kJ/m 2 UVB radiation. Skin from unirradiated and irradiated animals was excised surgically at specific time points (0, 24 and 48 h after irradiation) and used for DNA extraction. A novel primer-anchored PCR based damage-detection methodology developed in our laboratory was used to identify and map DNA damage on the transcribed (TS) and non-transcribed strand (NTS) of the Trp53 gene. Results: Twenty-four and 48 h after UVB-radiation, significant levels of unrepaired nucleotide lesions persisted in genomic DNA of Xpc −/− Trp53 +/− compared with WT mice. We observed that most of the damage blocked the primer-extension, yielding early stops. Additionally, most of the damage affecting Trp53 codon 122 in Xpc −/− Trp53 +/− mice occurred in the NTS and strictly localized to 2 nucleotides. Importantly, a small percentage of the damage observed at these nucleotides allowed DNA polymerase bypass with misincorporation. Significantly, these lesions were detected precisely in the two nucleotides of Trp53 codon 122 that were found mutated in 64% of all tumors arising in this genotype. These results support the model that the tumor mutations at this site arise from error-prone bypass of long-lasting, unrepaired DNA lesions. Conclusions: We demonstrate a significant correlation between the persistence of precisely localized nucleotide lesions and the later establishment of tumor mutations at those specific nucleotides. Using a novel primer-anchored DNA damage methodology, we identified and mapped for the first time in vivo polymerase by-passable nucleotide lesions. Given the mutagenic potential of these lesions, the wide application of this novel technique for the identification of those lesions and the quantification of in vivo DNA damage might have major implications for early detection of cancer precursor lesions and evaluation of prevention strategies. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1966.
An Object-Oriented Command Language

This paper describes Cola, an object-oriented command language for Hydra; Hydra is a capability-based operating system that runs on C.mmp, a tightly coupled multiprocessor. The two primary aspects of Cola, that it is a command language for Hydra, and that it is based on the object paradigm, are examined. Cola was designed to effect a correspondence between capabilities in Hydra and objects that are supported by the language. Cola is based on Smalltalk in that it uses message-passing as a control structure to allow syntactic freedom in the expression of commands to the system. Cola objects are arranged in a hierarchy, and the message-passing mechanism was designed to exploit this structure by automatically forwarding an unanswered message up the hierarchy. Two ramifications of this mechanism, automatic inheritance and shadowing, are discussed. An evaluation of the design decisions is also given.
Consolidating client names in the lobbying disclosure database using efficient clustering techniques

A fuzzy-matching clustering algorithm is applied to clustering similar client names in the lobbying Disclosure Database. Due to errors and inconsistencies in manual typing, the name of a client often has multiple representations including erroneously spelled names and sometimes shorthand forms, presenting difficulties in associating lobbying activities and interests with one single client. Therefore, there is a need to consolidate various forms of names of the same client into one group/cluster. For efficient clustering, we applied a series of preprocessing techniques before calculating the string distance between two client names. An optimized threshold selection has been adopted, which helps improve clustering accuracy. A single linkage hierarchical clustering technique has been introduced to cluster the client names. The algorithm proves to be effective in clustering similar client names. It also helps to find the representative name for a particular client cluster.
Scattering matrix formulation of electron transport in compound semiconductor devices

Abstract In this paper, we formulate the electron transport problem for compound semiconductor devices in terms of scattering matrices. Simulation of compound semiconductor devices in terms of scattering matrices was generally believed to be impractical due to the extremely large computer memory requirement. We demonstrate, both theoretically and numerically, a technique for solving this problem by splitting the influence of the electric field and that of scattering on electronic transport. This extension should remove a major obstacle to the application of the Scattering Matrix Approach and considerably extend its domain of utility for semiconductor device simulation.
Enhanced generation of twin single-photon states via quantum interference in parametric down-conversion: Application to two-photon quantum photolithography

Two-photon interferometric quantum photon lithography for light of wavelength \ensuremath{\lambda} is capable of beating the Rayleigh diffraction limit of resolution \ensuremath{\lambda}/4 to the level of \ensuremath{\lambda}/8. The required twin single-photon states $|1{〉}_{a}|1{〉}_{b},$ which are converted into maximally entangled states by a 50:50 beam splitter, can be generated from a nondegenerate parametric amplifier initially in vacuum states and with a weak pump field. Increasing the pump strength can slightly increase the production rate of the desired state and it will also increase the production of the twin two-photon states $|2{〉}_{a}|2{〉}_{b},$ which leads to an unwanted background term. In this paper we show that, assuming a weak pair coherent state as input to the amplifier, quantum interference can be used to quench the production of the $|2{〉}_{a}|2{〉}_{b}$ state and to enhance the production of the $|1{〉}_{a}|1{〉}_{b}$ state by almost sixfold.
c-Met expression in tall cell variant papillary carcinoma of the thyroid.

BACKGROUND Tall cell variant papillary carcinoma of the thyroid demonstrates unusually aggressive clinical behavior compared with the usual form of papillary thyroid carcinoma. The proto-oncogene c-met encodes a tyrosine kinase receptor known to influence cell invasion. This current study examined c-Met expression in tall cell variant tumors compared with other types of papillary thyroid carcinoma and benign thyroid disease. METHODS c-Met expression in 60 archived thyroid specimens was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS Tall cell variant specimens expressed significantly greater levels of c-Met than other forms of papillary thyroid carcinoma and benign thyroid disease (P < 0.0001). c-Met expression was significantly different for the following pairs of histologies: tall cell variant versus usual papillary carcinoma of the thyroid (P < 0.0001), tall cell variant versus follicular variant papillary thyroid carcinoma (P < 0.0001), tall cell variant versus benign thyroid (P < 0.0001), and usual papillary carcinoma of the thyroid versus benign thyroid (P = 0.005). In addition, for all types of papillary carcinomas evaluated, c-Met expression was significantly higher in specimens with extracapsular spread (P = 0.01) and skeletal muscle invasion (P = 0.02), and approached significance for specimens with lymphatic invasion (P = 0.06). After adjusting for extracapsular spread, c-Met expression was still found to be associated significantly with tall cell histology (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS c-Met expression is a significant marker for tall cell variant papillary carcinoma of the thyroid and its invasive behavior. This finding may explain the unusually aggressive behavior of this tumor and suggests a role for c-Met in the early identification of patients with tall cell variant thyroid disease. Cancer 2003;98:1386–93. © 2003 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.11638
Spatial planning for the LDC's

Abstract We have cited evidence which shows that a large and significantly positive migrant stock elasticity is much more than an occasional finding. It is often the largest elasticity of migration flow and is found with remarkable consistency throughout migration studies of the LDC's. In fact, it dwarfs (often wipes out) other effects. The policy prescription which emerges is, then, quite obvious. The relative strengths of the various push and pull factors must be continued to be sorted out. Yet, once discovered, they should be the basis of policies which not only foster attractive opportunities at appropriately chosen destinations, but which also assign eligibility for these to specific target groups, those who have recently moved to the largest city.
Self-retaining retractor for vaginal operations.

ABSTRACT A self-retaining retractor designed for the performance of vaginal operations reduces the physical effort by the assistant, improves the assistant's efficiency, and provides adequate, continuous exposure. In most instances, it eliminates the need for a second assistant. The retractor is composed of a vaginal ring, five retractor blades, four ratchets, and two accompanying bars to secure it in position. The mechanism of self-retraction is achieved by the pushing tension of the retracted tissues on the blades. It is most adequate for educational purposes, since the teaching surgeon, acting as assistant, is not obligated to hold retracting blades and can participate more freely in directing the procedure. The surgeon is provided with continuous adequate exposure regardless of the degree of expertise of the assistants. (J GYNECOL SURG 7:33, 1991)
Audiovisual Archiving in the Third World Problems and Perspectives: An Analysis of Audiovisual Archiving in the East and Southern African Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives (ESARBICA) Region

In comparison, audiovisual archives are much more difficult to manage than paper documents due to their technical nature. Most institutions in the ESARBICA region are still struggling to put up basic operating structures for audiovisual archiving due to lack of resources, basic infrastructure and inadequate technical skills required to effectively manage audiovisual archiving activities. The paper will look at the current position of audiovisual archiving at national archival institutions in the ESARBICA region, highlights problems being faced and bring out the challenges that are ahead as well as suggests practical starting points for the region. ESARBICA Journal Vol.22 2003: 43-49
The cuticle proteins of Drosophila melanogaster: stage specificity.

Abstract Five stage-specific cuticles are produced during the development of Drosophila . Urea-soluble proteins were extracted from each developmental stage and compared by gel electrophoresis. Proteins from first and second instar cuticle are identical except for minor differences in two proteins. Each subsequent stage, third instar, pupa, and adult, has a unique set of cuticle proteins. Qualitative changes within stages are seen in proteins from third instar and adult cuticle. Third instar cuticle proteins can be divided into “early” [proteins 2a, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8] and “late” [proteins 2 and 1] groups. Adult cuticle proteins change in relative amounts during pharate adult development and change mobility at eclosion. The lower abdominal pupal cuticle lacks a protein found in the pupal cuticle covering the head and thorax. Cuticle proteins from each stage are immunologically related. Nonetheless, electrophoretic variants of three larval proteins do not affect any major changes in the electrophoretic mobility of proteins from other stages. We propose that each stage (except first and second instar) has proteins encoded by discrete genes.
SMPS: a toolbox for military communications staffs

Many papers oriented to the computer user deal with programming languages. These languages may be either flexible or oriented toward a particular problem field, such as military information retrieval or simulation; however, they are languages requiring the user to learn vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, and spelling to translate his problem into the specific language. This is not easy and generally requires considerable practice.
PTSD Symptoms in Abused Latino Children

This exploratory study looks at a sample of abused Latino children and evaluates the relationship of PTSD symptoms to other symptoms, characteristics of the abuse, and demographics. The results indicate that Latino children have a wide range of distress, with some children being highly symptomatic and others with few symptoms. The scores on the PTSD Inventory were related to scores on measures of anxiety, behavior problems, dissociation, and verbal IQ. They were not related to the scores on depression, performance or full scale IQ, gender, or age. The relationship of PTSD symptoms to language of the child and abuse type are equivocal. A discussion of the practice implications is included.
Optimal hedging and spreading in cointegrated markets

Abstract Assuming that cash and futures markets are cointegrated, this article derives the optimal multiperiod hedging strategy. The model is then extended to the case of two futures markets. Optimal intramarket or intermarket spreading strategy is provided therein.
Glucocorticoids, stress and exacerbation of excitotoxic neuron death

Abstract Glucocorticoids, the adrenal steroids secreted during stress, are capable of damaging the hippocampus, a principle neural target site for the hormones. In addition, the steroids are capable of endangering the hippocampus, impairing the capacity of hippocampal neurons to survive necrotic insults such as seizure, hypoxia-ischemia and hypoglycemia. This review details the evidence for glucocorticoid neurotoxicity and endangerment within the hippocampus, as well as the growing knowledge concerning the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying these deleterious effects. Current findings suggest that glucocorticoids impair glucose uptake in the hippocampus, indirectly causing a mild energetic vulnerability in the structure. As a result, during energetically costly necrotic insults, the hippocampus is less capable of controlling damaging cascades of glutamate and of cytosolic calcium.