cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Direct Mapping Of Surface-bound Liquid With Sub-nanometer Resolution

At the solid-liquid interface molecules of the liquid adopt a particular arrangement which depends primarily on the interfacial energy and geometry. At the nanoscale this molecular arrangement is of central importance in a wide range of fields from molecular biology to surface physics, heterogeneous catalysis and electronics. In biology the role of interfacial liquid is further emphasized by the soft nature of most biomolecules whose conformation and dynamics depends on the surrounding medium. This is the case for protein function and folding (1), self-assembly processes and bio-electronics where a complex interplay between surface-bound liquid molecules and ions strongly affects any motion.Using amplitude modulation atomic force microscopy (AM-AFM) operated in liquid and in a particular regime, it is possible to simultaneously image the topography of the surface-bound liquid while measuring its adhesion energy to the solid investigated. We have used this method to map the binding energy of water to gold nanoparticles coated with mixed ligands, self-assembled in controlled patterns (2, 3). Such functionalized nanoparticles can mimic the typical surface of proteins (hydrophobicity, charge, surface domains) while allowing careful control of the domains’ size and properties (2). Our results show that the average binding energy of water to the surface of the nanoparticles strongly depends on the spatial arrangement of the ligands molecules. The geometry as well as the size of the ligand domains both affect the local adhesion energy of the solvent in a non-linear fashion. Our findings provide experimental and quantitative insight into the inter-play between solvent and surfaces in nanoscale biophysical processes.(1) H. Frauenfelder et al, (2006), Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 103, 15469-15472.(2) A. Verma et al, (2008), Nature Mat. 7, 588-595.(3) A. Centrone et al, (2008), Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 105, 9886-9891.
Analysis of variance with poisson responses

In this paper we develop an analysis of variance procedure for two-way classifications in which the responses are counts having independent Poisson distributions. The distinction is made between this problem and observational studies analyzed via contingency tabie models. The relationship between our procedure and one-way analysis of variance for Poisson variates similar to Fisher’s variance test is explained.
Detection of Very High–Level Penicillin-Resistant Variants of the Tennessee 23F-4 Clone Via Single and Serial Transformations with Four Serotype 19A International Pneumococcal Clones

In the United States, penicillin-resistant variants of the Tennessee (Tenn) 23F-4 clone account for a substantial proportion of the very-high-level penicillin-resistant (MIC 8 µg/ml) infections in the 7-valent pneumococcal protein conjugate vaccine (PCV7) era. Serotype 19A strains account for an increasing proportion of penicillin-nonsusceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae infections. Sequential transformations of the Tenn 23F-4 clone (penicillin MIC 0.1 µg/ml) were performed with four penicillin-nonsusceptible serotype 19A international clones (penicillin MIC): S. Africa 19A-7 (0.5 µg/ml), Hungary 19A-6 (2 µg/ml), Slovakia 19A-11 (8 µg/ml), and South Africa 19A-13 (8 µg/ml). Fifty-two transformants were characterized by MICs, serogroup-specific PCR, pbp PCR restriction profile and sequence, pspA PCR restriction profile, and erm/mef PCR. A subset was analyzed with multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Serotype 23F transformants with penicillin MIC ≥ 8 µg/ml were detected thr...
Long-term efficacy after [E1-, polymerase-] adenovirus-mediated transfer of human acid-α-glucosidase gene into glycogen storage disease type II knockout mice

Glycogen storage disease type II (GSD-II) is a lethal, autosomal recessive metabolic myopathy caused by a lack of acid-α-glucosidase (GAA) activity in the cardiac and skeletal muscles. Absence of a...
Serotonin immunoreactivity in the circumesophageal nervous system of Hermissenda crassicornis

Immunohistochemical techniques were used to examine the distribution of serotonin-immunoreactive (5-HT-IR) neurons and processes in the circumesophageal nervous system of Hermissenda. Both the pedal and the cerebropleural ganglia contained immunoreactive neuronal somata, with the majority occurring in the pedal ganglia. Immunoreactive fibers and varicosities were identified in portions of the central neuropil, where we noted a consistent and specific relationship between 5-HT-IR axons, the optic nerve and the synaptic region in the neuropil near the photoreceptor terminals.
Effects of Differing Dosages of Pomegranate Juice Supplementation after Eccentric Exercise

Dietary supplementation with pomegranate juice improves isometric strength recovery after unaccustomed eccentric exercise. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a dose response effect of pomegranate juice supplementation after eccentric exercise isometric strength recovery. Forty-five nonresistance trained, recreationally active men were assigned once-daily pomegranate juice, twice-daily pomegranate juice, or placebo supplementation. On day four of supplementation, 20 min of downhill running and 40 maximal eccentric elbow flexion repetitions were performed. Isometric knee extensor and elbow flexor strength, muscular soreness, and serum myoglobin concentrations were measured prior to exercise and 2, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after exercise. Throughout the postexercise time period, while isometric knee extensor and elbow flexor strength were similar between once-daily and twice-daily pomegranate juice supplementation groups, isometric strength was significantly higher in pomegranate juice groups than placebo. Knee extensor soreness, elbow flexor soreness, and myoglobin increased in response to exercise but were similar between groups. It is apparent that pomegranate juice supplementation improves strength recovery in leg and arm muscles following eccentric exercise; however, no dose response effect was present. We conclude that once-daily pomegranate juice supplementation is not different from twice-daily supplementation in regards to strength recovery after eccentric exercise.
Tailored exciton diffusion in organic photovoltaic cells for enhanced power conversion efficiency

Photoconversion in organic photovoltaic cells, which relies on charge generation at donor/acceptor interfaces, is limited by short exciton-diffusion-lengths. Diluting an electron donor into a wide-energy-gap host material has now led to an ~50% increase in exciton diffusion length and enhanced power conversion efficiencies in planar heterojunction cells compared with optimized devices with an undiluted donor layer.
Transition-metal-free synthesis of poly(phenylene ethynylene)s with alternating aryl-perfluoroaryl units.

A catalytic amount of fluoride salt is all that is required to generate high molecular weight poly(phenylene ethynylene)s from silylacetylene-functionalized monomers and C6F6. The sole side product is gaseous fluorotrimethylsilane and the catalyst is removed simply by washing with water. The polymerization proceeds through a reactive intermediate, causing significant deviation from theory describing the relationship between comonomer stoichiometry and degree of polymerization for classical step-growth polymerizations.
Optimum vehicle suspension designs by computer simulations

Abstract Computer simulation techniques are being used by vehicle suspension designers in an effort to obtain the optimum combination of suspension components to provide the maximum cross-country mobility for a vehicle. The ultimate effectiveness of the suspension will be dependent upon the ability of the computer simulation to accurately compute the dynamic responses of the vehicle as it traverses a cross-country terrain profile. The high degree of accuracy can only be obtained by exercising great care in the mathematical modelling procedures. Actual dynamic characteristics of the vehicle and suspension are required, which include their non-linear and discontinuous characteristics which develop as the vehicle traverses a cross-country terrain profile. When extreme care is exercised during the development of the mathematical model, the computer analysis of vehicle response will correlate within a few per cent of actual full-scale test values. This suspension technique will provide the suspension designer with a reliable method of obtaining an optimum design in a short period of time at a low programme cost.
Phylogenetic and Functional Analysis of Histidine Residues Essential for pH-dependent Multimerization of von Willebrand Factor

von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a multimeric plasma protein that mediates platelet adhesion to sites of vascular injury. The hemostatic function of VWF depends upon the formation of disulfide-linked multimers, which requires the VWF propeptide (D1D2 domains) and adjacent D′D3 domains. VWF multimer assembly occurs in the trans-Golgi at pH ∼6.2 but not at pH 7.4, which suggests that protonation of one or more His residues (pKa ∼6.0) mediates the pH dependence of multimerization. Alignment of 30 vertebrate VWF sequences identified 13 highly conserved His residues in the D1D2D′D3 domains, and His-to-Ala mutagenesis identified His395 and His460 in the D2 domain as critical for VWF multimerization. Replacement of His395 with Lys or Arg prevented multimer assembly, suggesting that reversible protonation of this His residue is essential. In contrast, replacement of His460 with Lys or Arg preserved normal multimer assembly, whereas Leu, Met, and Gln did not, indicating that the function of His460 depends primarily upon the presence of a positive charge. These results suggest that pH sensing by evolutionarily conserved His residues facilitates the assembly and packaging of VWF multimers upon arrival in the trans-Golgi.
Electron microscopic evidence of a ventronasal to dorsotemporal variation in fiber size in pigeon optic nerve

Using a uniform sampling method, electron-microscopic examination of pigeon optic nerve revealed a dorsotemporal to ventronasal gradient in mean fiber size. In the dorsotemporal region small, myelinated axons (mean diameter = 0.87 micrometer, S.D. = 0.27) were predominant. Also unique to this region were scattered clusters of fine, unmyelinated fibers. A wider, bimodal spectrum in fiber size (mean diameter = 1.50 micrometer, S.D. = 0.66) was found in the ventronasal region of the nerve. Axons located in the area between these regions possessed a mean diameter of 1.15 micrometer, S.D. = 0.43. This gradient, constant throughout the length of the nerve, resulted from a nasal-to-temporal diminution in size and frequency of large fibers superimposed upon a relatively uniform small fiber base. The total number of fibers within the nerve, excluding those comprising the unmyelinated clusters, was calculated to be approximately 2.3 x 10(6). The overall distribution in fiber size appeared to be unimodal with the peak at 0.75 micrometer and mean diameter = 1.04 micrometer, S.D. = 0.44. Although previous investigators have reported that cross-sectional analysis of pigeon optic nerve revealed a homogeneous distribution in fiber size, the findings of the present study may be more compatable with anatomical and physiological features of pigeon retinotectal organization. These features include visual field acuity gradients, ganglion cell population pattern, and density fields of tectal afferent terminations.
Bequests, sibling rivalry, and rent seeking

We examine bequest-sharing rules where sibling rivalry creates wasteful competition for intergenerational transfers. We show that equal division of bequests minimizes rent-seeking expenditures by siblings while primogeniture maximizes rent-seeking costs. Our results lend theoretical support to the empirical findings of equal bequests without appeal to complex models of the parent-child relationship.
Maternal alcohol use during pregnancy causes systemic oxidation of the glutathione redox system.

Summary Background—Increased systemic oxidant stress contributes to a variety of maternal complications of pregnancy. Although the antioxidant glutathione (GSH) and its oxidized component glutathione disulfide (GSSG) have been demonstrated to be significantly altered in the adult alcoholic, the effects of maternal alcohol use during pregnancy on oxidant stress in the post partum female remain under investigation. We hypothesized that maternal alcohol use would increase systemic oxidant stress in the pregnant female, evidenced by an oxidized systemic GSH redox potential. Methods—As a subset analysis of a larger maternal language study, we evaluated the effects of alcohol consumption during pregnancy on the systemic GSH redox status of the post partum female. Using an extensive maternal questionnaire, post partum women where queried regarding their alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Any drinking, the occurrence of drinking > 3 drinks/occasion, and excessive drinking of >5 drinks/occasion during pregnancy were noted. Using HPLC, maternal plasma samples were analyzed for GSH, oxidized GSSH and the redox potential of the GSH/GSSG antioxidant pair calculated. Results—Maternal alcohol use occurred in 25% (83/321) of our study sample. Two in ten women reported consuming > 3 drinks/occasion during pregnancy, while one in ten women reported consuming excessive alcohol at > 5 drinks/occasion. Any alcohol use during pregnancy significantly decreased plasma GSH (p 3 drinks/occasion or > 5 drinks/occasion significantly decreased plasma GSH concentration (p<0.05), increased the percent of oxidized GSSG (p<0.05), and substantially oxidized the plasma GSH redox potential (p<0.05). Conclusions—Alcohol use during pregnancy, particularly at levels of more than 3 drinks/occasion, caused significant oxidation of the systemic GSH system in the post partum women. The clinical ramifications of the observed alcohol-induced oxidation of the GSH redox system on high risk pregnancies or on the exposed offspring require more accurate identification and further investigation.
Bad to the Bone: Crafting Electronics Systems with Beaglebone and BeagleBone Black

This comprehensive book provides detailed materials for both novice and experienced programmers using all BeagleBone variants which host a powerful 32-bit, super-scalar TI Sitara ARM Cortex A8 processor. Authored by Steven F. Barrett and Jason Kridner, a seasoned ECE educator along with the founder of Beagleboard.org, respectively, the work may be used in a wide variety of projects from science fair projects to university courses and senior design projects to first prototypes of very complex systems. Beginners may access the power of the "Bone" through the user-friendly Bonescript examples. Seasoned users may take full advantage of the Bone's power using the underlying Linux-based operating system, a host of feature extension boards (Capes) and a wide variety of Linux community open source libraries. The book contains background theory on system operation coupled with many well-documented, illustrative examples. Examples for novice users are centered on motivational, fun robot projects while advanced projects follow the theme of assistive technology and image processing applications. Key Features: Provides detailed examples for all BeagleBone variants, including the newest "next generation" BeagleBone Black BeagleBone is a low cost, open hardware, expandable computer first introduced in november 2011 by beagleboard BeagleBone variants, including the original BeagleBone and the new beaglebone black, hosts a powerful 32-bit, super-scalar arM Cortex A8 processor BeagleBone is small enough to fit in a small mint tin box "Bone" may be used in a wide variety of projects from middle school science fair projects to university courses and senior design projects to first prototypes of very complex systems Novice users may access the power of the bone through the user-friendly bonescript environment Seasoned users may take full advantage of the Bone's power using the underlying Linux-based operating system A host of feature extension boards (Capes) and a wide variety of Linux community open source libraries are available The book provides an introduction to this powerful computer and has been designed for a wide variety of users The book contains background theory on system operation coupled with many well-documented, illustrative examples Examples for novice users are centered on motivational, fun robot projects Advanced projects follow the theme of assistive technology and image processing applications
Controlling membrane cholesterol content. A role for polyunsaturated (docosahexaenoate) phospholipids.

The molecular organization of cholesterol in 1,2-didocosahexaenoylphosphatidylcholine (22:6-22:6PC) and 1-stearoyl-2-docosahexaenoylphosphatidylcholine (18:0-22:6PC) bilayers was investigated. Using low- and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (XRD), we determined that the solubility of the sterol at 20 °C was 11 ± 3 mol % in 22:6-22:6PC vs 55 ± 3 mol % in 18:0-22:6PC bilayers. Solubility in the dipolyunsaturated membrane rose to 17 ± 3 mol % at 40 °C, while in the saturated−polyunsaturated membrane there was no change within experimental uncertainty. We compared the molecular orientation of [3α-2H1]cholesterol incorporated into 22:6-22:6PC bilayers to its solubility limit and into 18:0-22:6PC bilayers to a comparable concentration (10 mol %) in solid-state 2H NMR experiments. The sterol possessed a tilt angle α0 = 24° ± 1° in 22:6-22:6PC that was independent of temperature over a range from 20 to 40 °C. In contrast, the value was α0 = 21° ± 1° in 18:0-22:6 bilayers at 20 °C and increased to α0 = 24° ± 1° at 40 ...
Benign Fibrous Histiocytoma in Hodgkin's Disease

A case of benign fibrous histiocytoma in a patient with previous Hodgkin's disease is reported. Benign fibrous histiocytoma consists of a proliferation of benign histiocytes in addition to inflammatory cells and occasional Reed-Sternberg-like cells. Hodgkin's disease is considered a malignant disorder of the monocyte-histiocyte cell line but also includes benign inflammatory cells as part of its histological picture. The possibility that these two entities are biologically related is considered. The pathogenic relationship between both entities is discussed in the context of the immune dysregulation associated with Hodgkin's disease.
Present and future challenges of immunizations on the health of our patients.

A recent analysis demonstrated a change in incidence approaching 100% for diseases against which we routinely immunize in the United States. At present, measles, mumps, rubella, invasive Haemophilus disease, poliomyelitis, diphtheria and tetanus are well-controlled but not eliminated. Diseases that now pose special problems include pertussis, hepatitis A and B and varicella. The incidence of pertussis surged in 1994, possibly in part because of waning immunity in the immunized population. Acellular pertussis vaccines are available for booster doses in children but are not now recommended for adults. Licensure of acellular pertussis vaccines for primary immunization of infants is eagerly awaited. Recombinant hepatitis B vaccine has been licensed for more than 10 years but there has been little change in disease incidence in the United States. Routine immunization of infants is now recommended but concerns exist about cost and persistence of immunity into adolescence. Inactivated hepatitis A vaccines appear to be highly effective in preventing clinical hepatitis and controlling epidemics. Potential target populations include military personnel, day-care attendees and travelers. Hepatitis A vaccine may be recommended for all children after approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration and if a combination vaccine becomes available. A live, attenuated varicella vaccine developed in 1974 and unlicensed in the United States is safe and highly effective in preventing varicella in healthy and immunocompromised populations. It also appears to reduce subsequent development of herpes zoster. Vaccines against pneumococci (conjugate vaccine), respiratory syncytial virus, rotavirus, tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus are needed. Research and technology to develop these vaccines must be developed, and efficient delivery mechanisms must be created and implemented
ROS and p53 in Regulation of UVB‐induced HDM2 Alternative Splicing

Alternative splicing plays an important role in proteasome diversity and gene expression regulation in eukaryotic cells. Hdm2, the human homolog of mdm2 (murine double minute oncogene 2), is known to be an oncogene as its role in suppression of p53. Hdm2 alternative splicing, occurs in both tumor and normal tissues, is believed to be a response of cells for cellular stress, and thus modulate p53 activity. Therefore, understanding the regulation of hdm2 splicing is critical in elucidating the mechanisms of tumor development and progression. In this study, we determined the effect of ultraviolet B light (UVB) on alternative splicing of hdm2. Our data indicated that UVB (50 mJ cm(-2)) alone is not a good inducer of alternative splicing of hdm2. The less effectiveness could be due to the induction of ROS and p53 by UVB because removing ROS by L-NAC (10 mm) in p53 null cells could lead to alternative splicing of hdm2 upon UVB irradiation.
Effects of water vapor and hydrogen sulfide on hydrogen permeation in stainless steels

Abstract The effects of admixtures of H 2 O and H 2 S with H 2 gas on hydrogen diffusion and permeation in both austenitic and ferritic stainless steels were studied using a gas-phase permeation technique at T = 100–360° C . The effective hydrogen diffusivity and permeability from atmospheres of H 2 , H 2 O and H 2 S in Pd-coated, deformed AISI 304 at 320°C were in the order of H 2 ≈ H 2 S > H 2 O. In uncoated AISI 302, both transport parameters from H 2 O were consistently less than those from H 2 . Additions of H 2 O and H 2 S to H 2 gas were shown to reduce both hydrogen diffusion and permeation. The extent of reduction in a ferritic alloy was greater than in an austentic alloy. Pd-coating was effective in protecting the metal matrix from reaction with H 2 O, however, H 2 ,S interacted strongly with the Pd-coating. The oxidized surface could be completely recovered by heating in pure H 2 , gas at 320°C, but the sulfidized surface could not.
Tropical Cyclones and Transient Upper-Ocean Warming

Abstract Strong winds affect mixing and heat distribution in the upper ocean. In turn, upper-ocean heat content affects the evolution of tropical cyclones. Here the authors explore the global effects of the interplay between tropical cyclones and upper-ocean heat content. The modeling study suggests that, for given atmospheric thermodynamic conditions, regimes characterized by intense (with deep mixing and large upper-ocean heat content) and by weak (with shallow mixing and small heat content) tropical cyclone activity can be sustained. A global general circulation ocean model is used to study the transient evolution of a heat anomaly that develops following the strong mixing induced by the passage of a tropical cyclone. The results suggest that at least one-third of the anomaly remains in the tropical region for more than one year. A simple atmosphere–ocean model is then used to study the sensitivity of maximum wind speed in a cyclone to the oceanic vertical temperature profile. The feedback between cycl...
Raman Spectroscopy Study Of Polish-Induced Surface Strain In And GaAs and InP

We report measurements of the first-order Raman spectra of the longitudinal optic phonon from the and surface of GaAs and InP which have been polished by various procedures. Non-destructive depth profiling was accomplished by using different lines of an Ar+ laser. The observed lineshape changes have been quantitatively accounted for by a model based on the convolution of the penetration depth of the light and the skin depth of the polish-induced surface strain. For the surface, although the surface strain is also compressive, the average surface strain is only about 0.6% for GaAs and 1.2% for InP. The inhomogeneous strain is about 1.4% in both materials. Also for this surface the damage skin depth is of order the particle size. For both surfaces we find that disorder is a minor effect for the grit sizes used and the dominant damage is plastic deformation.
Efficacy of antidepressant medication for chronic pain problems

I n their Focus article, Drs. Goodkin, Vancken, and Feaster update the Goodkin and Gullion' review of the literature concerning the efficacy of antidepressant medications for chronic pain problems. They highlight the poor methodological quality that has plagued this literature and that has precluded firm conclusions on this question. This article provides an excellent overview of important methodological issues in clinical drug trial design and reporting, and could be instructive to anyone planning such a trial. Caution should be exercised, however, regarding the conclusions of the Focus article concerning whether the literature has improved since the 1989 review. Goodkin and colleagues emphasize that this is not a replication of the prior review and that it is only a review of selected trials reported since 1987. They chose articles for this review that were "cited frequently, published in journals with large readerships, or conducted by investigators cited in the prior review." The authors specifically state that, "as a result of this selective format, it must be pointed out that the results of this review cannot be considered to be equivalent to the prior review, which was based on all trials available from that literature search." In fact, given the criteria they used for study selection, it is likely that studies of relatively higher methodological quality were chosen for this review. Nonetheless, the authors repeatedly make conclusions comparing the studies in this review with those of the prior review. For example, they state, "it may be concluded there may have been some improvement in protocol development for antidepressant trials of chronic, benign pain syndromes over the past 5 'years which has not been paralleled by improvement of design development."
On the propagation of pressure pulses in circular elastic rods

Die vorliegende Arbeit befasst sich mit den radialen und axialen Dehnungen in einem einseitig unbegrenzten elastischen Stab mit kreisformigem Querschnitt. Die Oberflache des Stabes ist in radialer Richtung frei von Spannungen; in normaler Richtung wird an dem einen Ende eine Druckspannung als zeitlicher Sprungimpuls eingepragt, wobei die Scherspannung an diesem Ende stets zu Null angenommen wird. Die exakte Losung wird dargestellt durch komplexe Laplace-Umkehr-Integrale, welche fur grosse Fortpflanzungsentfernungen asymptotisch gelost werden. Insbesondere werden Losungen gefunden fur die Umgebung der Vorlaufer der Welle und fur die Anstiegsflanke der Druckwelle.
Chronic nicotine alters cannabinoid-mediated locomotor activity and receptor density in periadolescent but not adult male rats.

A significant number of youths use cigarettes, and more than half of the youths who smoke daily also use illicit drugs. The focus of these studies is on how exposure to nicotine affects subsequent responses to both nicotine and cannabinoids in adolescents compared with adults. We have shown previously that chronic treatment with nicotine produces sensitization to its locomotor-activating effects in female and adult rats but not male adolescent rats. To better understand the effects of nicotine on adolescent and adult rats, rats were injected with nicotine or saline for 7 days and, on day 8, either challenged with delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) or the cannabinoid agonist CP 55,940 and tested for locomotor activity, or the brains were removed for quantitative autoradiography studies of the cannabinoid1 receptor. A separate group of rats was treated with nicotine plus the cannabinoid antagonist AM 251 and then challenged with CP 55,940. In adolescent male rats, nicotine administration led to sensitization to the locomotor-decreasing effects of both Δ9-THC and CP 55,940, but in adult male rats, the response to either drug was unchanged compared to controls. The effect of nicotine on CP 55,940-mediated locomotor activity was blocked by co-administration of AM 251 with the nicotine. Further, cannabinoid receptor density was increased in the prelimbic prefrontal cortex, ventral tegmental area, and select regions of the hippocampus in adolescent male rats pretreated with nicotine compared to vehicle-treated controls. There were no significant changes in cannabinoid receptor binding, however, in any of the brain regions examined in adult males pretreated with nicotine. The prelimbic prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus have been shown previously to be involved in stimulant reinforcement; thus it is possible that these changes contribute to the unique behavioral effects of chronic nicotine and subsequent drug administration in adolescents compared with adults.
Demographic change in the former Soviet Union during the transition period

Abstract This paper examines patterns of mortality and other demographic changes across the former Soviet Union. Using regional data from the early 1990s, a simultaneous equations model of fertility, marriage, divorce, infant mortality and abortion is estimated as a function of economic and social variables. The paper then looks at determinants of life expectancy and specific causes of death. Demographic scenarios are then forecast on the basis of specific economic environments; these forecasts in turn are used to forecast life expectancies in the coming decades. In plausible environments, there is little reason to anticipate a rapid recovery in male or female life expectancies, while further declines in fertility appear imminent.
Charge transfer mechanism in acceptor-GICs

Abstract Despite the fractional charge transfer in acceptor GICs, the density of states for these compounds is not treated by an overlapping band model as is characteristic of donor GICs. Instead of the overlapping band model, a variety of other charge transfer mechanisms have been proposed for acceptor GICs. Previously proposed disproportionation and islandic models for charge transfer are reviewed. To treat commensurate intercalants with a filling factor of uunity, a mechanism for acceptor charge transfer based on band effects is suggested.
Synaptosomal Ca metabolism studied by electron microprobe analysis

Abstract Scanning-transmission electron microscopy coupled with X-ray elemental analysis was used to study air-dried whole mounts of synaptosomes purified from rat caudate. The method of preparation, which was selected to minimize nonphysiological changes in elemental composition of nerve terminals, allowed identification of synaptosomal shape. In addition, cytoplasma and mitochondria could be morphologically distinguished. Elemental X-ray analysis confirmed that the cytoplasm was relatively enriched in Na and Cl, whereas mitochondria were enriched in Ca and P, contained in noncrystalline electron-dense accumulations. Synaptosomes and isolated mitochondria were exposed in vitro to treatments which affect Ca uptake and retention. Changes in the (integrated) intensity of the X-ray spectra for Ca were detected consistent with the predicted effects of these treatments on Ca binding, which was also studied with 45 Ca as a tracer.
Primary care in obstetrics and gynecology resident education: a baseline survey of residents' perceptions and experiences.

Abstract Objective: To determine the perceptions and practices of American obstetrics and gynecology residents concerning primary care immediately before the institution of Residency Review Committee Special Requirements for Obstetrics and Gynecology. Methods: The Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology In-Service Examination in 1995, given to 4361 residents, who represented all programs in the country, included a questionnaire on whether obstetrics and gynecology was primary care and whether they planned to do primary care after residency. Primary care services were categorized by counseling and screening, as defined by the U.S. Preventive Health Services Task Force. Variables included gender, residency level (upper or lower), and type of residency (community or university based). Data were analyzed using the χ 2 text and multiple analyses of variance. Results: The response rate was 94% (4099 of 4361), representing a nationwide complement. Eighty-seven percent of the respondents believed that obstetrics and gynecology was primary care and 85% planned to practice accordingly after residency. Residents spend less than 25% of their time counseling on nongynecologic subjects and less than 25% of their time screening for nongynecologic entities, so their perception as primary care providers focused on traditional obstetric and gynecologic counseling and screening services. When assessments were made by gender, level of training, and type of residency, significant differences were found in many variables regarding counseling and screening practices. Conclusion: Our survey results suggest that most American obstetrics and gynecology residents consider obstetrics and gynecology primary care but that there were limitations in the educational venues for learning about nongynecologic primary care before the implementation of the Residency Review Committee Special Requirements. Improvement in nongynecologic primary care teaching is a reasonable expectation because residency programs have had 3 years to institute the mandated changes and provide it to residents.
Nondestructive Evaluation of Sandwich Structures: A Review of Some Inspection Techniques:

This article is a summary of research and development conducted by the author's group at Iowa State University for the nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of sandwich structures in aviation, space, and marine applications. The targets of inspection include manufacture defects, in-service damage due to human and natural causes, and the inspection of repairs on sandwich structures. The emphases adopted in the development of NDE techniques and instruments for sandwich structures are imaging capability, quantitative inspection, and the ease of use in the field. This article describes the various NDE methods for sandwich structures, especially those techniques and instruments developed at Iowa State University that had gone through the research, development, and field test stages.
The use of the ion beam current as a process control in the reactive sputtering of zirconium oxide

Abstract A Zr target is sputtered in an oxygen atmosphere by a reactive-ion-beam-sputtering technique. It has been found that, even at a constant oxygen flow, the residual oxygen pressure during sputtering can be extensively controlled by the Ar ion beam current used for sputtering. The relationship between these factors is expressed quantitatively. The film's composition, structure and optical properties are also transformed from a metallic to an insulating state by the Ar ion beam current. This indicates that the ion beam current used for sputtering can be used as a sputtering parameter for process control. In addition, it is demostrated that, by only controlling Ar ion beam current, the film composition is dynamically modulated towards the surface direction in a single sputtering process. This shows that the technique is applicable to optical film coating.
Positive contrast obtained in the Lashley maze under different drive conditions

Two groups of male albino rats were given one trial a day in a Lashley maze under high deprivation conditions and received either 1 or 22 pellets (Phase 1). This particular maze was used as a control for slowing the Ss’ running speed. Following stable performance in Phase 1, each group was subdivided into a high and low drive condition, and each S received 22 pellets (Phase 2). In Phase 3, all Ss were extinguished under the same drive conditions prevailing in Phase 2. It was found that the large-reward Ss ran significantly faster than the small-reward Ss in Phase 1. Regardless of drive conditions, the Ss that had received small reward in Phase 1 ran significantly faster in both Phases 2 and 3 than those that had received large reward. The results were interpreted in terms of absolute and relative views of reinforcement.
Comparison of cavian and murine glucosiduronidation of estriol and estradiol

Abstract A study was made of the glucosiduronidation of estriol and estradiol by murine and guinea pig tissue homogenates. Whereas the guinea pig homogenates formed phenolic glucosiduronates exclusively, the murine homogenate formed the phenolic (3) glucosiduronate of estradiol and the alcoholic (16α) glucosiduronate of estriol. This indicates that the UDPGA:estrogen glucuronyl transferase system in each species is different. The apparent Km's for estradiol and estriol in mice were determined to be 10−4M. The apparent Vmax for UDPGA:estriol glucuronyl transferase was found to be 20 nmoles/minute/200 mg liver, and that for UDPGA:estradiol glucuronyl transferase, 10 nmoles/minute/200 mg liver. The different ages at which the two activities reach 50% of adult activity (7–8 days for UDPGA:estradiol glucuronyl transferase; 15 days for UDPGA:estriol glucuronyl transferase), and the differential inhibition of the two activities by estrogen analogs suggest that the murine liver contains more than one glucuronyl transferase.
The use of Balasubramanian plots in the analysis of protein dynamics data

Abstract A method for viewing the changes In protein mainchain dihedral angles is described. This facility is used in the analysis of prolein molecular dynamics simulations. Each conformation resulting from the dynamics simulation has a Balasubramanian plot calculated. These 2D schematic plots are then viewed on the Winchester Graphics System. using the animation facility. This results in a ‘movie’ of the simulation being displayed.
Numerical studies of shear banding in interface shear tests using a new strain calculation method

Strain localization is closely associated with the stress–strain behaviour of an interphase system subject to quasi-static direct interface shear, especially after peak stress state is reached. This behaviour is important because it is closely related to deformations experienced by geotechnical composite structures. This paper presents a study using two-dimensional discrete element method (DEM) simulations on the strain localization of an idealized interphase system composed of densely packed spherical particles in contact with rough manufactured surfaces. The manufactured surface is made up of regular or irregular triangular asperities with varying slopes. A new simple method of strain calculation is used in this study to generate strain field inside a simulated direct interface shear box. This method accounts for particle rotation and captures strain localization features at high resolution. Results show that strain localization begins with the onset of non-linear stress–strain behaviour. A distinct but discontinuous shear band emerges above the rough surface just before the peak stress state, which becomes more expansive and coherent with post-peak strain softening. It is found that the shear bands developed by surfaces with smaller roughness are much thinner than those developed by surfaces with greater roughness. The maximum thickness of the intense shear zone is observed to be about 8–10 median particle diameters. The shear band orientations, which are mainly dominated by the rough boundary surface, are parallel with the zero extension direction, which are horizontally oriented. Published in 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Production response of Illinois farmers to premiums for low-temperature dried corn

Low-temperature drying methods result in improved corn quality, which is of some importance to all users but is particularly important to dry millers. Several low-temperature drying methods exist, but there are few economic incentives to encourage their use. A supply function based on farm survey data was estimated to determine responses to price premiums. Factors other than price that influence decisions to purchase grain dryers were identified through ordinary least squares procedure and logit models. The significant coefficients in the models indicate that farmers will shift to low-temperature drying at premiums as low as one cent per bushel.
Activity of Ketoconazole and Its Deacyl Derivative Against Plasmodium falciparum and Candida Isolates

Deacylketoconazole was 15- to 50-fold more active against Plasmodium falciparum than was ketoconazole, based on [(3)H]hypoxanthine uptake and quantitative parasite counts. In contrast, there were no significant differences between these drugs in their activity against clinical isolates of Candida spp.
Oligonucleotide probes for mutants streptococci

Abstract Oligodeoxyribonucleotide probes complementary to hypervariable regions of the 16S ribosomal RNA were designed for specificity toward Streptococcus mutants and Streptococcus sobrinus . The probes were tested for specificity and sensitivity by hybridization with nucleic acid from over 100 mutans and non-mutans oral streptococci and other common oropharyngeal bacteria. Probes designated SM002 and SM010 were 100% sensitive and > 99% specific for S. mutants . Probe SSP001, designed to detect both S. mutants and S. sobrinus , was 88% sensitive and > 99% specific. The probes were able to detect nucleic acid extracted from 3 × 10 4 -1 × 10 5 homologous bacteria. Sensitivity did not vary significantly with the growth state of the cells, except for diminished signals when using nucleic acid extracted from very old cultures. The probes correctly identified 72 S. mutans colonies isolated from 10 volunteer saliva samples, using sugar utilization patterns as a reference standard. Ten isolates resembling S. mutants by colony morphology but not by sugar utilization patterns were correctly distinguished from mutans streptocci by the probes. These results demonstrate that oligonucleotide probes can accurately identify S. mutans in saliva samples.
Hepatic Tumors: Region-of-Interest versus Volumetric Analysis for Quantification of Attenuation at CT

For hepatic tumors at CT, evaluation of whole-lesion attenuation demonstrated less variability and better reproducibility than routinely used region-of-interest measurements.
Orthogonal Newton polynomials

Abstract The problem is to determine all nonnegative measures on the Borel subsets of the complex plane with respect to which all polynomials are square integrable and with respect to which the Newton polynomials form an orthogonal set. The Newton polynomials do not belong to any classical scheme of orthogonal polynomials. The discovery that a plane measure exists with respect to which they form an orthogonal set was only recently made by T. L. Kriete and D. Trutt [ Amer. J. Math. 93 (1971), 215–225]. A general structure theory for such measures is now obtained under hypotheses suggested by the expansion theory of Cesaro operators.
Development of an Offset Detection Task for MIREX 2015 (Abstract Only)

Analysis of musical audio is of interest for a variety of tasks within the field of music information retrieval (MIR). One component of MIR is audio event detection, of which onset detection is one component. Audio offset detection is a complementary task to audio onset detection, but this task has received scant attention in the literature. This research will develop an offset detection task that can be included in the Music Information Retrieval Evaluation Exchange (MIREX) 2015 suite of evaluation tasks. The development of this task will provide a tool for researchers to evaluate performance of offset detection algorithms while establishing a baseline of performance for the current state-of-the-art. An existing offset detection algorithm will be utilized for testing prior to public release of the task in Summer 2015. Results of the public evaluation will be presented during the MIREX session at the 2015 International Society for Music Information Retrieval (ISMIR) conference, to be held 26-30 October 2015 in Malaga, Spain.
MO-D-141-08: Multi-Scale Analysis of Collagen Architecture for Classifying Tumor and Healthy Breast Tissue Images

Purpose: To quantify differences in collagen microarchitecture between healthy human breast tissue and breast cancer images using extended field of view second harmonic generation (EFOV SHG) microscopy coupled with analysis by the curvelet transform. Methods: Two frozen samples of normal associated human breast tissue (NAT) and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) were obtained through the University of Wisconsin BioBank. Samples were thawed, fixed, embedded in agar, cut into 300 micron thick sections using a vibratome and imaged using a custom inverted SHG microscope designed to allow for EFOV imaging. Individual SHG Images were captured at 0.79 micron resolution and a FOV of approximately 200 microns. The FOV was extended by stage scanning and image stitching to produce submicron resolution fields of view up to 2 cm2. NAT and IDC tissues were imaged, stitched using the Grid/Collection Stitching ImageJ plugin, and analyzed using features derived from the curvelet transform including variance in orientation and prevalence at various scales. These novel features were tested using support vector machine (SVM) cross validation. Results: IDC tissue contained linearly aligned, crisscrossing collagen while NAT tissue contained wavy, dense collagen. The mean curvelet alignment value for the normal images was approximately 2X higher than that for IDC. In addition, normal images had approximately 20% fewer closely correlated curvelets compared to IDC. Three‐fold cross validation of a linear SVM classifier revealed average sensitivity and specificity of 0.994 and 0.969 respectively. Conclusion: These results demonstrate the excellent potential for collagen architecture quantification based on features derived from the curvelet transform. We have also shown the value of EFOV SHG imaging to capture both large and small scale features necessary for quantifying collagen morphology. Future work will improve EFOV SHG imaging throughput and test classification capabilities of the curvelet based feature set on a large sample population. NIH R01 grants CA114462 and CA136590 to P.J.K. and K.W.E., T32 CA009206 to J.S.B and the Morgridge Institute for Research
Elevated Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Response Contributes to Adipose Tissue Inflammation in Aging

Adipose tissue inflammation has been linked to age-related metabolic diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Adipose tissue inflammation and insulin resistance in diet associated obesity has been correlated with aberrant endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. This study was undertaken to test our hypothesis that increased ER stress response contributes to age-associated adipose tissue inflammation. We found elevated ER stress response in adipose tissue of old (18-20 months) compared to young (4-6 months) mice. Elevated ER stress markers BIP (GRP78), CHOP, cleaved-ATF-6, phospho-IRE1α, and XBP-1 were observed in old compared to young adipose tissue stromal cells. Additionally, old adipose tissue stromal cells were more sensitive to an ER stress inducer, thapsigargin. Similar experiments with adipose tissue macrophages showed elevated Chop and Bip expression in old adipose tissue macrophages when induced with thapsigargin. Treatment of chemical chaperone 4-phenyle-butyric acid alleviated ER stress in adipose tissue stromal cells and adipose tissue macrophages and attenuated the production of IL-6 and MCP-1 by adipose tissue stromal cells, and TNF-α by adipose tissue macrophages from both young and old mice. Finally, old mice fed with 4-phenyle-butyric acid have reduced expression of ER stress and inflammatory cytokine genes. Our data suggests that an exaggerated ER stress response in aging adipose tissue contributes to age-associated inflammation that can be mitigated by treatment with chemical chaperones.