cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immunosuppressive activity of prednisone and prednisolone and their metabolic interconversion in the mixed lymphocyte reaction.

Abstract The immunosuppressive activities of prednisolone, prednisone and cortisol were assessed and compared using a modified micro-2-way mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) assay. As measured by the inhibition of the MLR on day 3, prednisolone was 2.40 ± 0.98 times more potent than cortisol: The average EC 50s for prednisolone and cortisol were 28.25 ± 7.8 ng/ml and 63.25 ± 16.88 ng/ml, respectively. Prednisone (10 – 1000 ng/ml) had little or no immunosuppressive activity and did not affect the inhibition due to prednisolone or cortisol. Although, prednisone was inactive in the MLR, it was slowly being converted to prednisolone by 11-hydroxylation. MLR cultures with starting prednisone concentrations of 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2000 ng/ml, contained 28, 34, 46, 50 and 81 ng/ml of prednisolone, respectively, on day 3 of the culturing period. The reverse reaction, the conversion of prednisolone to prednisone, did not occur. The inactivity of prednisone despite a significant conversion to its biologically active 11-hydroxyl metabolite, prednisolone, suggests the importance of the duration and timing of prednisolone's presence to immunosuppressive activity in the MLR culture.
Signal transduction in the cell cycle regulation of Caulobacter differentiation

Caulobacter crescentus differentiates to form a new cell type during asymmetric cell division. Recent results indicate that signal transduction pathways mediated by protein kinases and essential response regulators play a central role in the regulation of development and cell division in response to cell cycle checkpoints.
Avalanche Plasma Production and Instabilities on Subnanosecond Time Scales. II

The rapid changes in current occurring during impact ionization are measured as a function of field strength and time in bulk single crystals of n - and p -type InSb at 77°K. A sampling technique is used to record these events on subnanosecond time scales. Several parameters of impact ionization are directly obtained including durations of avalanche (which are dependent on applied voltage amplitude), electric field strengths at the onset of breakdown, peak electric field developed during avalanche, and current rise-rates. During the production of plasma by avalanching in either n - or p -InSb, an event requiring 1.5 to 4.5 nsec, instabilities are observed as oscillations in the field strength. Since they persist only during avalanche, observing these oscillations requires subnanosecond detecting systems. Another type of instability, so far observed only in n -InSb, displays itself as a discontinuous decrease in field strength of ∼200 V/cm during avalanche and of gradually lessening magnitude during the fo...
Imaging of cervical spine trauma: are the anteroposterior and odontoid radiographs needed when CT of the entire cervical spine is routine?

Objective: To evaluate the contribution of the anteroposterior (AP) and odontoid radiographs in cervical spine trauma when helical CT of the entire cervical spine is performed in routine screening. Methods: In part 1 of the study, 47 patients with cervical spine fracture (positive) and 92 patients without fracture (negative) were retrospectively assembled into a study population. For each patient, the lateral radiograph and the CT were evaluated for the presence or absence of fracture. The results were compared to the radiology report at the time of injury which was based on the lateral, AP, and odontoid radiographs plus the CT (gold standard). In part 2 of the study, the individual sensitivities of CT and each radiograph were determined by review of the 47 positive patients with the fracture locations known a priori. Results: In all 47 positive patients, the presence of fracture was correctly identified using only the lateral radiograph and the CT. In none of the 92 negative patients was the lateral radiograph plus CT incorrectly interpreted as positive for fracture. The sensitivities for fracture of CT, the lateral radiograph, the AP radiograph, and the odontoid radiograph were 100, 47, 28, and 18 % respectively. Conclusion: The AP and odontoid radiographs did not contribute to the evaluation of suspected cervical spine fracture when the lateral radiograph and helical CT of the entire cervical spine were performed in routine screening.
Numerical Simulation and Optimization of Sleipner Carbon Sequestration Project

The capability of accurate numerical simulation and optimization is greatly desired as the technology of geological carbon sequestration (GCS) advances. It can provide quick information for preliminary design of a GCS project. The simulation and optimization results can provide better understanding of the nature of GCS and the uncertainties associated with it and therefore can provide guidelines and the development of best practices for its deployment. In this paper, first the satisfactory history-matching of the Sleipner GCS project is achieved by using the TOUGH2 simulation package. Next, the reservoir engineering technique known as water-alternating-gas (WAG) is applied to the model of the Utsira formation and optimization studies are conducted to determine the optimal WAG operation using the recently developed simulation/optimization code GA-TOUGH2. Results of WAG optimization suggest that in situ CO 2 footprint reduction and dissolution acceleration can be achieved while minimizing the water usage.
740 CIRCULATING IMMUNE COMPLEXES IN CHRONIC MUCOCUTANEOUS CANDIDIASIS

Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC) is characterized by clinical and immunologic variability. Reported findings in CMC have included high levels of candida antibody, free candida antigen and decreased total hemolytic complement (TCH50) which suggested the possibility of circulating immune complexes. Serial samples from 7 CMC patients have been tested for complexes by the radioimmune Raji cell assay which detects complement-fixed IgG immune complexes bound to the complement receptors of cultured lymphoblastoid Raji cells. Three patients had the severe granulomatous form of CMC while 4 had mild disease. Six of the 7 had circulating immune complexes; 16 of 22 sera from the 7 patients were positive with values ranging from 192-1552 μg/ml (normal<16 μg/ml). No correlation can be made with defects in cell-mediated immunity; 2 patients with immune complexes responded normally to candida stimulation (skin test, lymphocyte proliferation, lymphokine production). One patient with granulomatous disease has had high levels of immune complexes both in relapse and remission. The only patient without detectable complexes was tested at a time of minimal involvement. Complement studies (TCH50,Clq,C3) done on 6 of the positive samples were within normal limits. All patients have had positive agglutinins or precipitins for candida. Although the composition of the circulating immune complexes is unknown at this time, a positive Raji cell assay appears to be the most consistent immunologic aberration in the study patients.
Neopterin values in selected groups of normal animals

Abstract To establish baseline information on neopterin concentrations in livestock, companion and laboratory animals and identify the factors that may influence these concentrations, blood samples were taken from normal dairy cattle, horses, llamas, dogs, cats and rats of varying ages and sexes. In addition, neopterin concentrations in normal, adult equines were compared with those found in racing Thoroughbreds. There were no differences due to sex, sexual maturity, pregnancy, castration, or age. For all ages and sexes combined, mean neopterin concentrations were significantly lower in llamas (2·27±0·33 nmol litre −1 ) and rats (2·13±0·21 nmol litre −1 ) when compared with the other species tested. Racing Thoroughbreds demonstrated higher neopterin values than adult equines not in training (3·54±0·64 vs 3·13±1·02 nmol litre −1 ).
Otsego Lake Macrobenthos Communities between 1968 and 1993: Indicators of Decreasing Water Quality

ABSTRACT Otsego Lake is a dimictic lake that fills a depression formed by the overdeepening of the headwaters of the Susquehanna River in New York. During summer stratification, the hypolimnetic waters become oxygen depleted, which has potential impacts on the cold-water fishery and has caused changes in the distribution of profundal macroinvertebrates. Trends in water quality parameters attest to the stresses of eutrophication, and artificial alterations in water levels have negatively impacted eulittoral macrobenthos. Eulittoral species richness has decreased 27.7% from 1968–88 to 1989–93. Ephemeroptera-Plecoptera-Trichoptera species richness has decreased 56.1%. Mollusca richness 52.9%. Invertebrate biomass at all depths remained stable between 1935 and 1969, but has increased since then. In 1968 mollusks dominated the eulittoral environment, arthropods were preponderant at 4–30 m in depth, and oligochaetes claimed the deepest waters. The entire littoral benthic community is now dominated by mollusks, ...
Should time spent in residency define the end of training

For nearly a century, surgery has been taught with the use of an apprenticeship model. Residents work with faculty members on clinical rotations gaining experience while providing service to patients. The rotations have educational goals and objectives, but resident education primarily depends on the patients who present to the clinical service. The Residency Review Committee (RRC) in Orthopaedic Surgery and the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) both specify a five-year residency program, identifying this training time as the end point to residency. The program director must provide a “ready to practice independently” attestation. Few residents fail to complete the program or remain in the program for additional training. As a consequence of time-based training, residents completing the program vary in competence, with no mechanism to solve this unfortunate situation. As an example, surgical skills are acquired in the operating room over five years. The more skilled resident participates in more cases and is allowed more independence sooner than the less …
Hydration of sodium phosphate-modified high alumina cement

High strength can be achieved in high alumina cement (HAC) through the incorporation of phosphate-based additions at levels of 10 and 20 wt. %. In order to establish the mechanism that results in higher strength, the effects of a variety of condensed sodium phosphates (NaPO3)n, (NaPO3)n · Na2O, Na5P3O10, and (NaPO3)3 were studied. The influence of these additions on the kinetics of hydration was studied using isothermal calorimetry. The phosphatic additions enhanced reactivity, but x-ray diffraction analyses did not reveal evidence of new crystalline phosphate-containing hydration products. Microstructural evolution was examined in real time using environmental SEM, and hydration products exhibiting distinct morphologies were observed. The features exhibited ranged from amorphic to polygonal shapes, plates, and fibers. These frequently formed between crystalline calcium aluminate hydrate grains and by doing so appear to provide a means to enhance the strengths of these cements. In spite of the morphological variations, companion energy dispersive x-ray analysis showed that the compositions of these products did not vary widely. Their ranges of compositions are 52-60 wt. % Al2O3, 20-26 wt. % P2O5, and 20-24 wt. % CaO.
Mjolnir: deformable image registration using feature diffusion

Image registration is the process of aligning separate images into a common reference frame so that they can be compared visually or statistically. In order for this alignment to be accurate and correct it is important to identify the correct anatomical correspondences between different subjects. We propose a new approach for a feature-based, inter-subject deformable image registration method using a novel displacement field interpolation. Among the top deformable registration algorithms in the literature today is the work of Shen et al. called HAMMER. This is a feature-based, hierarchical registration algorithm, which introduces the novel idea of fusing feature and intensity matching. The algorithm presented in this paper is an implementation of that method, where significant improvements of some important aspects have been made. A new approach to the algorithm will be introduced as well as clarification of some key features of the work of Shen et al. which have not been elaborated in previous publications. The new algorithm, which is referred to as Mjolnir (Thor’s hammer), was validated on both synthesized and real T1 weighted MR brain images. The results were compared with results generated by HAMMER and show significant improvements in accuracy with reduction in computation time.
Heterogeneity and targeting of pancreatic cancer stem cells

Cancer stem cells (CSC) have been identified in an ever-increasing number of human malignancies on the basis of their ability to recapitulate tumors in the ectopic setting and maintain long-term tumorigenic potential. In addition, in pancreatic adenocarcinoma, CSCs may display additional properties, such as relative drug resistance and enhanced invasive and migratory potential that implicate a role in disease pathogenesis spanning initial tumor formation to metastatic disease progression. Importantly, these findings also indicate that the development of novel therapeutic strategies capable of inhibiting or eliminating CSCs will improve clinical outcomes. Preclinical studies have already described a wide array of potential approaches that target CSC-specific surface antigens and cellular pathways involved in cell survival, adhesion, self-renewal, and differentiation. Further, progress in this area should continue to move forward as the unique biology of CSCs is better understood. All preclinical studies to date have focused on targeting specific and phenotypically defined CSCs, but multiple cell populations with the ability to form tumors and self-renew have been identified in pancreatic carcinoma. As the clinical efficacy of CSC-directed therapies will depend on the inhibition of all sources of tumor self-renewal, better understanding of how specific CSC populations are related to one another and whether each possesses specific functional properties will be critical. In this CCR Focus article, we discuss the potential relationships between different pancreatic CSC populations and strategies to identify novel targeting approaches.
Structural Basis for the Antiviral Activity of BST-2/Tetherin and Its Viral Antagonism

The interferon-inducible host restriction factor bone marrow stromal antigen 2 (BST-2/tetherin) blocks the release of HIV-1 and other enveloped viruses. In turn, these viruses have evolved specific antagonists to counteract this host antiviral molecule, such as the HIV-1 protein Vpu. BST-2 is a type II transmembrane protein with an unusual topology consisting of an N-terminal cytoplasmic tail (CT) followed by a single transmembrane (TM) domain, a coiled-coil extracellular (EC) domain, and a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor at the C terminus. We and others showed that BST-2 restricts enveloped virus release by bridging the host and virion membranes with its two opposing membrane anchors and that deletion of either one completely abrogates antiviral activity. The EC domain also shows conserved structural properties that are required for antiviral function. It contains several destabilizing amino acids that confer the molecule with conformational flexibility to sustain the protein's function as a virion tether, and three conserved cysteine residues that mediate homodimerization of BST-2, as well as acting as a molecular ruler that separates the membrane anchors. Conversely, the efficient release of virions is promoted by the HIV-1 Vpu protein and other viral antagonists. Our group and others provided evidence from mutational analyses indicating that Vpu antagonism of BST-2-mediated viral restriction requires a highly specific interaction of their mutual TM domains. This interpretation is further supported and expanded by the findings of the latest structural modeling studies showing that critical amino acids in a conserved helical face of these TM domains are required for Vpu-BST-2 interaction and antagonism. In this review, we summarize the current advances in our understanding of the structural basis for BST-2 antiviral function as well as BST-2-specific viral antagonism.
A generalized computer program for analysis of mixture refrigeration cycles

Abstract The growing interest in non-azeotropic refrigerant mixtures for heat pumps and appliances has led to the need for a method of analysing the refrigeration cycle properties of such mixtures. Thermodynamic property tables are not sufficient, because they give no information about the two-phase region, where temperature and vapour and liquid compositions are not constant at constant pressure. This paper describes the computer program CYCLE, which can perform thermodynamic property calculations for subcooled, two-phase, and superheated non-azeotropic mixtures and can analyse a simple refrigerating cycle.
Surfactant mediated crystal growth of semiconductors.

The influence of surfactants on semiconductor thin film growth is studied by means of a mesoscopic model combined with first principles calculations. We introduce a new kinetic mechanism that explains how surfactants induce layer-by-layer growth. The experimentally observed high density of 2D islands is a natural consequence of the chemical passivation of step edges, as well as flat surfaces, by the surfactant. In heteroepitaxial growth, we take strain effects into account, which leads to layer-by-layer growth at low temperatures and three-dimensional growth at high temperatures, in agreement with experiments.
The application of generalized ridge and stein-like general minimax rules to multicollinear data

We consider the use of minimax shrinkage estimators for the linear regression mcjel under several loss functions when severe multicollinearity is present. The examples considered illustrate that little or no departure from the least squares estimates is permitted in many cases when the data is highly multicollinear and/or shrinkage is toward a point in the parameter space that does not closely agree with the sample data
The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Trials Network (CAPTN)

ABSTRACT Objective The current generation of clinical trials in pediatric psychiatry often fails to maximize clinical utility for practicing clinicians, thereby diluting its impact. Method To attain maximum clinical relevance and acceptability, the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Trials Network (CAPTN) will transport to pediatric psychiatry the practical clinical trials model widely used in other areas of medicine. Results CAPTN, a collaborative effort of the Duke Clinical Research Institute and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, will conduct large, simple “practical” trials that provide generalizable answers to important clinical questions without bias. “Large” in this case means the random allocation of thousands of patients in hundreds of clinical centers to different treatments as they are delivered in community settings. “Simple” means that the number and type of data elements (and, hence, subject and investigator burden) is small and straightforward so as not to discourage provider or patient participation and to maximize the number of subjects per dollar spent. Conclusion With 200 to 400 child and adolescent psychiatrists each participating in two or three practical clinical trials over 4 years, CAPTN promises to advance both the evidence base and research capacity in child and adolescent psychiatry.
Strain factorization and partitioning in the North Mountain thrust sheet, central Appalachians, U.S.A.

Abstract By examining finite strain distribution and partitioning strain among deformation mechanisms, a model of thrust sheet deformation is established. The model takes into account kinematic history and environmental conditions. In the North Mountain thrust sheet of northern Virginia, factorizing finite strain into pure and simple shear components shows that the thrust sheet experienced 6–13% pure shear shortening parallel to the transport direction. Thrust-parallel simple shear strains increase slightly from the top of the thrust sheet toward the base. Within 500 m of the floor thrust, however, simple shear values increase markedly toward the basal thrust. This strain pattern occurs throughout the thrust sheet, overprinting earlier imbricate structures. Therefore, the finite strain in the thrust sheet may be modelled as a transport-parallel pure and simple shear applied during the major transport episode, and after thrust sheet imbrication. This transport-related strain overprints a weak layer-parallel shortening that is probably related to earlier passage of the thrust tip. Rocks in the thrust sheet with X / Z strain ratios greater than 1.35 have a slight crystallographic preferred orientation and are therefore tectonites in a strict sense. The distribution of tectonites within the thrust sheet defines a ‘tectonite front’ that is inclined toward the foreland. In the North Mountain thrust sheet the ‘tectonite front’ also generally coincides with the transition to high-temperature deformation mechanisms, and ultimately may parallel a paleo-isotherm within the thrust wedge. Strain partitioning indicates that approximately 70% of the finite strain results from intragranular mechanisms (i.e. dislocation glide, dislocation creep and diffusion mechanisms); 25% results from calcite twinning; and less than 5% resulted from transgranular mechanisms such as pressure solution. In non-tectonites, approximately 50% of the finite strain results from pressure solution and intragranular mechanisms, with the remaining strain due to twinning in calcite.
Learning to observe: using video to improve preservice mathematics teachers’ ability to notice

Video has assumed an increasingly prominent role in teacher education, particularly in the form of the viewing of videotaped class lessons by preservice teachers. Yet there is little research that confirms whether preservice teachers attend to the aspects of the video(s) that teacher educators anticipate or desire. This article explores this issue and reports on the impact of video viewing as a means to improve teachers’ ability to be observers of classroom practice. We utilized a pre- and post-test design to measure the quantity and type of classroom events that preservice mathematics teachers noticed before and after a teaching methods course where improving observation skills was an explicit goal. The results of the pre-assessment suggest that preservice teachers generally do not enter teaching methods courses with well-developed observation skills. The post-assessment indicates that the course led to significant increases in preservice teachers’ observation skills, particularly in teachers’ ability to notice features of the classroom environment, mathematical content of a lesson, and teacher and student communication during a lesson.
1278 Cancer nursing: A European dimension

The geographical area of Europe consists of nearly forty countries all of which differ somewhat in terms of their health delivery systems, nurse education and the position of nurses in society. Therefore, it is not surprising that there are enormous variations in cancer nursing practices throughout the European region. These variations most probably arise as a result of differences in culture, politics, and economic well-being. Despite these differences, cancer nurses throughout Europe all espouse the philosophy of providing high quality care for cancer patients and their families. This defines a common purpose for European cancer nurses. The European Oncology Nursing Society (EONS) is committed to overcoming economic, political, language and cultural barriers in order to achieve this purpose. EONS, established in 1984, is a federation of organisations, institutions and agencies with exclusive or partial interest in cancer nursing. At present, EONS has forty members from over 24 countries who together represent over 12,000 nurses. This paper will present an overview of how EONS is overcoming the above-mentioned barriers in areas such as cancer nurse education, settings standards for cancer nursing practice, influencing health policy and cancer nursing research. The paper will also address EONS's role in supporting patients’ rights to information and education.
Zero-bandgap graphene for infrared sensing applications

Recently, scientists have been looking for novel materials to improve the performance of optoelectronic devices. Graphene opens up new possibilities for infrared (IR) sensing applications. With a zero-bandgap graphene, electron-hole pairs can be generated easily by low energy photons such as middle-wave infrared signal. We have used an electricfield- assisted method to manipulate graphene between metal microelectrodes successfully. When a graphene contacts with a metal, a built-in potential forms at the interface and it separates the electron-hole pairs that flow as photocurrents. Based on this principle, we demonstrated using the graphene-based devices for infrared detection under a zero-bias operation. We also tried to apply the devices with positive and negative bias voltages, and results indicated the flow of photocurrent is independent of the polarity of the bias voltages.
Neural network based facial recognition system

Researchers have for many years tried to develop machine recognition systems using video images of the human face as the input, with limited success. This paper presents a technique for recognizing individuals based on facial features using a novel multi-layer neural network architecture called `PWRNET'. We envision a real-time version of this technique to be used for high security applications. Two systems are proposed. One involves taking a grayscale video image and using it directly, the other involves decomposing the grayscale image into a series of binary images using the isodensity regions of the image. Isodensity regions are the areas within an image where the intensity is within a certain range. The binary image is produced by setting the pixels inside this intensity range to one, and the rest of the pixels in the image to zero. Features based on moments are subsequently extracted from these grayscale images. These features are then used for classification of the image. The classification is accomplished using an artificial neural network called `PWRNET', which produces a polynomial expression of the trained network. There is one neural network for each individual to be identified, with an output value which is either positive or negative identification. A detailed development of the design is presented, and identification for small population of individuals is presented. It is shown that the system is effective for variations in both scale and translation, which are considered to be reasonable variations for this type of facial identification.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Spatially resolved absolute spectral reflectivity of Jupiter: 3390–8400 Å

Abstract Observational determinations of the absolute spectral reflectivities of visually distinct regions of Jupiter are presented. The observations cover the 3390–8400 A region at 10 A resolution, and they are compared with observations using 150–200 A filters in the 3400–6400 A range. The effective reflectivities for several regions (on the meridian) in the 3400–8400 A range are: South Tropical Zone, 0.76±0.05; North Tropical Zone, 0.68±0.08; South Equatorial Belt, 0.63±0.08; North Equatorial Belt, 0.62±0.04; and the Great Red Spot, 0.64±0.09. Reflectivities near the limb are also observed. The appropriate blue and red reflectivities are tabulated in support of the Pioneer 10 and 11 imaging photopolarimeter experiments. For the regions listed above, equivalent widths of molecular bands vary as: CH 4 (6190 A), 14–16 A; CH 4 (7250 A), 77–86 A; and NH 3 (7900 A), 87–95 A. Significant differences from the results of C. B. Pilcher, R. G. Prinn, and T. B. McCord (“Spectroscopy of Jupiter: 3200 to 11200 A,” J. Atmos. Sci. 30 , 302–307.)
Utilization of communication technology by patients enrolled in substance abuse treatment

Background Technology-based applications represent a promising method for providing efficacious, widely available interventions to substance abuse treatment patients. However, limited access to communication technology (i.e., mobile phones, computers, internet, and e-mail) could significantly impact the feasibility of these efforts, and little is known regarding technology utilization in substance abusing populations.
Immune Deviation Away from Th1 in Interferon-γ Knockout Mice Does Not Enhance TSH Receptor Antibody Production after Naked DNA Vaccination.

TSH receptor (TSHR) DNA vaccination induces high TSHR antibody levels in BALB/c mice housed in a conventional facility. However, under pathogen-free conditions, we observed a Th1 cellular response to TSHR antigen characterized by interferon-γ (IFNγ) production. In the present study we investigated the effect on TSHR DNA vaccination of diverting the cytokine milieu away from Th1 using 1) IFNγ knockout BALB/c mice, and 2) wild-type mice covaccinated with DNA for the TSHR and for IFNγ/receptor-Fc protein that prevents IFNγ from binding to its receptor. Neither approach enhanced TSHR antibody levels, although splenocyte IFNγ production in response to TSHR antigen was absent (IFNγ knockouts) or reduced (IFNγ receptor-Fc). Moreover, production of IL-2, another Th1 cytokine, but not Th2 cytokines, indicated that neither strategy overcame the Th1 bias of im DNA vaccination. Importantly, splenocyte production of IFNγ and IL-2 provides a sensitive detection system for TSHR-specific T cells. Unexpectedly, higher TSH...
Ambient Light Regulates Sodium Channel Activity to Dynamically Control Retinal Signaling

The retinal network increases its sensitivity in low-light conditions to detect small visual inputs and decreases its sensitivity in bright-light conditions to prevent saturation. However, the cellular mechanisms that adjust visual signaling in the retinal network are not known. Here, we show that voltage-gated sodium channels in bipolar cells dynamically control retinal light sensitivity. In dim conditions, sodium channels amplified light-evoked synaptic responses mediated by cone pathways. Conversely, in bright conditions, sodium channels were inactivated by dopamine released from amacrine cells, and they did not amplify synaptic inputs, minimizing signal saturation. Our findings demonstrate that bipolar cell sodium channels mediate light adaptation by controlling retinal signaling gain.
Theoretical Implications of Optical and X‐ray Observations of Swift GRB Afterglows

The Swift satellite has measured the X‐ray emission of GRB afterglows starting from the burst epoch, filling thus a gap of about 2 decades in the temporal coverage of X‐ray afterglows previously achieved. At the same time, the accurate localizations provided by Swift and their rapid dissemination has allowed ground‐based telescopes to monitor the optical afterglow emission at comparably early epochs. Such optical and X‐ray observations allows us to test more thoroughly the basic predictions of the relativistic blast‐wave. Perhaps it is not an understatement to say that there were more surprises than anyone expected. A majority of Swift X‐ray afterglows exhibit a slow‐decay phase from 500 s to about 1 h after trigger, which indicates a long‐lived process of energy injection into the blast‐wave. At around 1 h, the X‐ray decay steepens, indicating the end of significant energy addition to the forward shock. This steeper decay is consistent with the blast‐wave model expectations but the 1 h break is, generally, not accompanied by a steepening of the optical light‐curve, which indicates that forward‐shock microphysical parameters are not constant, as was previously assumed and allowed by afterglow observations. A subsequent steepening of the X‐ray light‐curve decay, at about 1 d, was observed by Swift for only a few afterglows. This second break appears consistent with originating from the blast‐wave collimation (a jet), but a better optical coverage is required to test that it is, indeed, a jet‐break. Although the jet model has been the subject of many tens of papers, pre‐Swift optical and X‐ray observations of GRB afterglows have provided little proof that the 1 d optical breaks observed in a dozen afterglows are consistent with the expectations for a collimated outflow.
Synthesis and characterization of graft polymethacrylates containing conducting diphenyldithiophene for organic thin‐film transistors

A class of [5,5′]-diphenyl-[5,5′]-dithiophene (PTTP)-modified methacrylates has been synthesized and free radically polymerized to form graft polymethacrylates with the conducting PTTP segments as pendant side chains. Both the terminal alkyl side chain and spacer between the PTTP segments and polymer backbone could be varied to study fundamental structure–property relationships for this class of materials. Specifically, a group of three different PTTP graft polymethacrylates has been successfully synthesized with the alkyl side chain varying from hexyl to dodecyl. For the dodecyl-terminated poly(4-(5′-(4-dodecylphenyl)-[2,2′-bithiophen]-5-yl)phenethyl methacrylate), p(DPTTPEM), a counterpart, poly(4-(5′-(4-dodecylphenyl)-[2,2′-bithiophen]-5-yl)phenbutyl methacrylate), p(DPTTPBM), where the ethyl spacer was replaced by a butyl group, was synthesized. The experimental results indicated that both the alkyl side chain and spacer significantly affected the reactivity of the PTTP-modified methacrylates during free radical polymerization as well as the physical properties of the resultant graft polymers including solubility, morphology, and electrochemical and electrical properties. Typical field-effect mobilities on the order of 10−5 cm2 V−1 s−1 were observed for all the PTTP monomers in air, which was attributed to their crystalline phase as revealed by differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction studies. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Argentina, elecciones legislativas 2005: consolidación institucional del kirchnerismo y territorialización del voto

Las elecciones legislativas del 2005 le han otorgado un fuerte respaldo a la gestion del presidente Nestor Kirchner, permitiendole realinear politicamente al Partido Justicialista, exorcizar a la mayoria de sus competidores politicos dentro y fuera del partido, alcanzar un solido control institucional del Congreso y posicionarse para una muy probable reeleccion en el 2007. Como ocurriera en las dos elecciones previas, sin embargo, una creciente fragmentacion del voto opositor le ha otorgado al peronismo un sustantivo premio en bancas en el Congreso. Esta creciente fragmentacion y territorializacion del voto, a su vez, sigue dando continuidad politica e institucional a los distintos oficialismos provinciales, quienes revalidaron sus credenciales electorales a nivel subnacional.
Scaling in exclusive electroproduction and composite hadrons

We note that for composite hadrons the usual high-energy behaviour of amplitudes and large q2 behaviour of form factors suggest that the amplitude for electroproduction of a single particle behaves in the Bjorken limit as M ∼ F o(q2)g(ω,t) for large ω. The form factor Fo(q2) gives the electromagnetic coupling of the produced hadron to the lowest resonance on the leading t-channel trajectory. We suggest that this behaviour may hold for all ω, as is the case in several models. Some implications of this behaviour for the resonance saturation of M are discussed. The general discussion is illustrated by the study of a simple dual resonance model.
Stress Distribution and Critical Thickness of Thin Epitaxial Films

We have calculated the stress distribution and critical thickness for the growth of strained epilayers having various values of misfit between the epilayer and the substrate. During formation of epitaxial films, the growth (pseudomorphic) occurs upto a certain thickness with planar spacing normal to the interface being essentially the same both in the substrate and the film. Above a critical thickness it becomes energetically favorable for the film to contain dislocations. This occurs usually by generating glide dislocations near the free surface because there is a lack of dislocation sources in mostly “defect-free” semiconductor materials. We present an analysis of the critical phenomena in semiconductors based upon this experimental fact. In all the previous analyses, the critical step associated with the generation of dislocations was neglected. We also consider finite (island) growth of thin films and its effect on critical phenomena. The experimental results show the presence of glide dislocations in Ge/Si with the extra half planes in silicon substrate.
Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome: Part 1. Types and Pathogenesis

Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) may be acute or chronic, but chronic TTTS complicates 10% to 20% of monochorionic twin gestations and has an 80% to 100% mortality rate if severe and left untreated. Both types are due to the presence of placental anastomoses between the two twins, but the mechanisms involved in the development of chronic TTTS are particularly complex and incompletely understood. Many of the apparent pathogenic mechanisms have implications for the appearances and cardiovascular and physiologic disturbances of neonates born following this intrauterine condition and their response to treatment. We present an update in the pathogenesis of TTTS that includes an overview of the placental features, fetal adaptive and maladaptive responses, and molecular mechanisms involved in the development of TTTS.
Goodness-of-prediction of Zernike polynomial fitting to corneal surfaces

Purpose To determine the goodness-of-prediction of the fitting routine by measuring the difference between topographic corneal surfaces and their Zernike reconstructions as a function of polynomial order and optical zone size for various corneal conditions. Setting Corneal research laboratory in a university eye center. Methods Corneal topography maps (N = 253) were obtained from the Louisiana State University Eye Center. A variety of corneal conditions were used: normals; astigmatism; laser in situ keratomileusis, photorefractive keratoplasty (PRK), and radial keratotomy (RK) postoperative cases (myopic spherical corrections); keratoconus suspect; mild, moderate, and severe keratoconus; pellucid marginal degeneration; contact lens–induced corneal warpage; and penetrating keratoplasty. The root-mean-square (RMS) error of the goodness-of-prediction of the Zernike representation of corneal surface elevation was extracted for 4, 6, and 10 mm optical zones, whereas Zernike radial orders were varied from 3 to 14 in 1-order steps. The mean ± SEM of the RMS error was plotted as a function of Zernike order and compared with criteria for normal surface fits. Results Fitting accuracy improved as more Zernike terms were included, but some conditions showed significant errors (when compared with normal surfaces), even with many added terms. For a 6 mm optical zone, the normal cornea group had the lowest RMS error and did not require terms above the 4th order to achieve Conclusions A 4th-order Zernike polynomial appeared reliable for modeling the normal cornea, but using a 4th-order fitting routine with an abnormal corneal surface caused a loss of fine-detail shape information. As more Zernike terms were added, the accuracy of the fit improved, and the result approached the minimum error found with normal corneas. Unless sufficient higher-order Zernike terms are included when analyzing irregular surfaces, some diagnostic applications of Zernike coefficients may not be rigorous. This conclusion also suggests that wavefront shape analysis is similarly dependent on the number of orders used. Current surgical corrections based on normal-eye wavefronts may fail to capture all visually relevant aberrations in abnormal eyes, such as those having laser retreatments or experiencing corneal warpage from contact lens wear. A clinical goodness-of-fit or goodness-of-prediction index would indicate whether the number of terms in use has fully accounted for all of the visually significant aberrations present in the eye.
A Test of Three Theories of Anti-Science Attitudes

Science has become a key social institution in the contemporary United States. Recent high profile debates regarding the scientific validity of intelligent design in Pennsylvania and Kansas signal the need for social scientific understanding of people's attitudes toward science in the contemporary United States. Using the 1993 General Social Survey (GSS), this study compares three different explanations of anti-science (i.e., negative attitudes toward science). The first theory suggests that a lack of scientific knowledge engenders anti-science attitudes. The second perspective points toward strong religious faith or evangelical beliefs as the primary impetus of anti-science attitudes. A third approach suggests anti-science attitudes are a result of the social context of individuals. All three explanatory factors contribute to our understanding of anti-science.
Analysis of weak neutral currents in hydrogenic ions

We have calculated the decay of a metastable hydrogenic ion through the process 2S..-->..1S+..gamma.., as a possible source of experiments on weak interactions in atoms. Our results are fairly exhaustive for ions with atomic number up to Z=20 and nuclear spin I=0. We include the effects of applied electric and magnetic fields, and of both 2P/sub 1/2/ and 2P/sub 3/2/ virtual states. Within this framework, only one of seven possible P-odd asymmetries is a likely candidate for experiment, the decay anisotropy of a polarized beam in vacuum. No viable experiments were found using the quench radiation in an electric field.
Evidence-based medicine: new priority for an old paradigm.

As outcomes research gains new importance in the practice of medicine, scientists publishing the results of clinical trials in JBMR must gain new appreciation for the elegant scientific methods and principles of analysis that make such investigations credible. Over the past year, during my tenure as Editor of the Journal, I have become progressively more interested in assuring that the clinical research reported in JBMR is of the highest quality. With this in mind, I asked John Feussner, M.D., a leading researcher in health outcomes investigations, to review recent manuscripts dealing with clinical trials that were published in JBMR and to search for areas in which we can make improvements. In the accompanying editorial, Dr. Feussner reports the result of his review. Not to my surprise, he was able to find errors of commission and omission that have affected several of the reported studies in the Journal. Although concern might be raised based upon reaching this conclusion from a review of a limited number of papers, it is more important to concentrate on the correctable factors that have been raised. Indeed, while many may consider this disquieting, I prefer to believe that the gauntlet has been thrown down and that we will respond to the challenges Dr. Feussner has provided us. In this regard, we must modify our clinical trials methodology and adhere to the principles that he has outlined in the accompanying editorial and allow that these principles guide our review of submitted manuscripts in the future. I believe that those of us in the editorial office are ready to refine the review process, paying newly directed attention to the methodological and analytical plans underlying clinical trials, and thereby move the quality of published clinical research in the Journal to even higher standards. The questions remains, however, Are you, the scientist/author and the scientist/reviewer, ready?
Identifying opinionated sentences

Natural language processing applications that summarize or answer questions about news and other discourse need to process information about opinions, emotions, and evaluations. For example, a question answering system that could identify opinions in the news could answer questions such as the following:Was the 2002 presidential election in Zimbabwe regarded as fair?What was the world-wide reaction to the 2001 annual U.S. report on human rights?
Hepatic Parenchymal Preservation Surgery: Decreasing Morbidity and Mortality Rates in 4,152 Resections for Malignancy

Background Liver resection is used to treat primary and secondary malignancies. Historically, these procedures were associated with significant complications, which may affect cancer-specific outcomes. This study analyzed the changes in morbidity and mortality after hepatic resection over time. Study Design Records of all patients undergoing liver resection for a malignant diagnosis from 1993 to 2012 at Memorial Sloan Kettering were analyzed. Patients were divided into early (1993 to 1999), middle (2000 to 2006), and recent (2007 to 2012) eras. Major hepatectomy was defined as resection of 3 or more segments. Univariate and multivariate analyses were made with t -tests or Mann-Whitney tests. Results There were 3,875 patients who underwent 4,152 resections for malignancy. The most common diagnosis was metastatic colorectal cancer (n = 2,476, 64% of patients). Over the study period, 90-day mortality rate decreased from 5% to 1.6% (p Conclusions Morbidity and mortality rates after partial hepatectomy for cancer have decreased substantially as the major hepatectomy rate has dropped. Encouraging parenchymal preservation and preventing abdominal infections are vital for continued improvement of liver resection outcomes.
Spatial localization and auditory lateralization: binaural cues and their absence.

In 1990 Cheatham suggested there might be a right-ear advantage for the perception of speech and music for right-handed individuals, which confirms Kinsbourne's observation of a general right-ear advantage. These findings, however, contrast with Segalowitz and Plantery's work that supports attentional bias in lateralized processing of these stimuli. The attentional bias model has also been criticized by Bryden on the basis of its circularity. At present there has not been sufficient evidence to settle this debate empirically. The author suggests that the controversy may best be resolved by disentangling the folklore surrounding spatial localization and auditory lateralization to reexamine this field in light of recent empirical findings by Bryden and by Porac, Coren, and Duncan, who inferred an inherent rightward bias to many kinds of stimulation, including auditory, in right-handed individuals. The present focus is that Cheatham's 1990 data lend themselves more readily to the rightward bias that occurs i...
Basic Magmatism in Guiana and Continental Drift

IN this article we discuss some features of basic magmatism on the Guiana Shield that are relevant to the recent article by Le Bas1.
Brookhaven FASTBUS ADC's

A high energy physics experiment has been performed at Brookhaven National Laboratory on K0L + 2?0 decays employing a large (> 200 element) lead glass array as an electromagnetic calorimeter. To acquire pulse height information from the detector we have constructed ADC modules in the context of the Brookhaven Fastbus data acquisition system. Digitization (8 bits) and encoding, including pedestal subtraction and data sparsing, is achieved for each 16 channel module in 6 ?sec.