cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Model for Planning a Transportation System

A dynamic programming model is developed to determine when the links of highways, railroads, waterways and other transportation links should be built in a developing nation so that economic benefits to the country are optimized. It is assumed that at most only one link is built in each planning period. This paper illustrated how dynamic programming can be used to optimize the economic benefits to a developing area by determining when the various links should be built in a transportation system. The reason dynamic programming was used to solve this problem is that the technique is very efficient in determining the optimal solution in this type of problem. If a search of all possible link combinations was made, the time required to solve the problem greatly increases particularly as the size of problem increases. In this example the information was assumed to be deterministic rather than probabilistic. Even so, a probabilistic version of dynamic programming can be used to solve the latter problem. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how dynamic programming can be used in evaluating engineering projects.
A Regional Experience With Vascular Surgery Mock Oral Examinations.

Introduction In 2006 the Southern Association for Vascular Surgery (SAVS) implemented a mock oral examination program to prepare trainees for the Vascular Surgery Certifying Examination (VCE). Methods Participating examinees and examiners were identified from SAVS Recorder records and contacted via e-mail with a request to participate in an anonymous online survey. Examinees were asked about passage on American Board of Surgery examinations and perceptions of the mock oral program. Examiners were asked for their perceptions of the examination, applicant performance, and perceived areas for training improvement. Board passage rates for the group and national comparison data were provided in a de-identified fashion by American Board of Surgery. Results From 2006 to 2014, 158 examinees and 86 examiners participated in the SAVS mock orals program. In all, 33% of examinees and 35% of examiners completed the anonymous survey. Of the examinees, 27 (60%) reported passage of the mock oral examination on their first attempt and 7 of 9 (78%) reported passage on the second attempt. Second year in training was significantly associated with passage of the mock oral (p = 0.002). Of the examinees questioned, 100% “would recommend” the SAVS mock oral examinations to future trainees. Of the responding examiners, 90% felt that the SAVS mock oral examinations were “comparable” to the VCE and 87% “strongly agreed” that the exercise was a valuable preparatory tool. Examiners identified “ability to describe technical aspects of open vascular techniques” and “management of complications associated with vascular disease processes and operations” as commonly displayed deficits among examinees (80% and 77%, respectively). In all, 115 examinee participants from the SAVS mock orals had taken the VCE between 2006 and 2014. Of them, 90 (78%) passed the VCE on their first attempt. During the same time interval, the national first-time pass rate for the VCE was 86%. Conclusions Although participation in the SAVS mock orals was overwhelmingly assessed as a positive preparatory experience by examinees and examiners, no incremental advantage in VCE passage was observed. Explanations for the worse-than-average performance on the VCE are not clear but likely involve numerous factors, including participation bias. Importantly, examiners in the SAVS mock oral process felt that the exercise closely simulated the VCE and uniformly reported pervasive deficits in the areas of demonstrated understanding of open surgical techniques and management of complications. This investigation guides further examination of VCE simulation exercises to assist in guiding the use of educational resources at both institutional and professional society levels.
SANS investigations of CO2 adsorption in microporous carbon

Abstract The high pressure adsorption behavior of CO2 at T = 296 K in microporous carbon was investigated by small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) technique. A strong densification of CO2 in micropores accompanied by non-monotonic adsorption-induced pore deformation was observed. The density of confined CO2 increases rapidly with pressure and reaches the liquid –like density at 20 bar, which corresponds to the relative pressure of P/Psat∼0.3. At P > 20 bar density of confined CO2 increases slowly approaching a plateau at higher pressure. The size of micropores first increases with pressure, reaches a maximum at 20 bar, and then decreases with pressure. A complementary SANS experiment conducted on the same microporous carbon saturated with neutron-transparent and non-adsorbing inert gas argon shows no deformation of micropores at pressures up to ∼200 bars. This result demonstrates that the observed deformation of micropores in CO2 is an adsorption-induced phenomenon, caused by the solvation pressure - induced strain and strong densification of confined CO2.
Wavelet Analysis of Event Related Potentials for Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease, a neurological disorder claiming hundreds of thousands of lives every year, is the most common of all cortical dementias. Neurologists usually identify the disease from various symptoms; however, misdiagnosis is not uncommon. An autopsy is the only method for a definite diagnosis. Additional techniques to increase the accuracy of ante-mortem diagnoses are therefore necessary. In this study, evoked potentials of the electroencephalograms (EEGs) of a group of patients were analyzed, half of whom had been diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s disease. The EEGs were analyzed and processed using multiresolution wavelet analysis techniques, and processed signals were then used to train a neural network to distinguish the signals that belonged to patients with Alzheimer’s disease from those that belonged to patients without Alzheimer’s disease. We discuss why wavelet analysis is particularly well suited for these kind of signals, along with results demonstrating the feasibility of the approach.
The European Public Debt Refinancing Program - Why the ECB Quantitative Easing Should Envisage Euro-Zone Government Bonds

The credit risk exposure of the German banking system is growing again after the 2009 peak and its subsequent reduction. This column comments it through the lens of the Target2 net balances in connection with the capital flows experienced by the Eurozone (EZ) balance of payments. Several aspects arise. LTRO program launched at the end of 2011 served to deleverage the EZ banks. This happened by mutualizing the German banks’ credit risk on the Eurosystem and by transferring on the EZ peripheral countries the risks of their national public debts. Moreover the German massive lending activities are part of a more general vendor financing scheme that in a first phase was structured substantially within the EZ while now is moving outside European borders. These dynamics have been considered by the ECB in the recent (September 4) unconventional monetary policy measures. The forthcoming Quantitative Easing (QE) will envisage purchases by the Central Bank of Asset Backed Securities (ABS) “simple and transparent” of high and medium-high quality but only insofar as the ABS will not have as an underlying assets credit granted outside Europe. This measure would hence exclude the possibility for the German banking system of mutualising on the Eurosystem the credit risk arising from the new world-wide vendor financing scheme. The QE would also provide for the purchase of Covered bonds by the ECB. Anyway, given the characteristics of medium-high standing provided by the QE, it is likely that a significant portion of the assets affected by this purchase program will come from German banks. It remains thus the issue that also this new monetary policy measure will only include private debts. On these bases can be glimpsed the risk that once again ECB interventions could bolster the mutualisation of German banks’ credit risk (except for the portion originated extra-EU) on the Eurosystem instead of moving once for all towards the mutualisation of EZ countries public debts. Finally under this perspective it is illustrated an original proposal in order to improve the Euro architecture, restore the uniqueness of the Euro interest rate term structure, exit from the crisis and undertake a path of sustainable growth for all the member countries: the European Public Debt Refinancing Program.
Aflatoxin B1 degradation by flavobacterium aurantiacum in the presence of reducing conditions and seryl and sulfhydryl group inhibitors.

This study was undertaken to determine the effects of reducing conditions (L-cysteine) and seryl (phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride) and sulfhydryl (divalent cadmium) group inhibitors on aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) degradation by Flavobacterium aurantiacum. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to determine AFB1 concentrations in 72-h cultures of F. aurantiacum. The addition of 0.1, 1, or 10 mM L-cysteine did not have any significant effect on AFB1 degradation by these cultures after incubation for 4, 24, or 48 h (P > 0.05). The addition of 0.1 mM phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride did not significantly decrease AFB1 degradation (P > 0.05), but 1 mM phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride significantly decreased AFB1 degradation after 4, 24, and 48 h of incubation (P 0.05). The addition of 1 and 10 mM Cd2+ significantly decreased AFB1 degradation compared with the cells containing AFB1 alone after 4 and 24 h (P 1 mM) are necessary to overcome the inhibitory effect. Further work on the cellular fractions and/or crude enzyme preparations is necessary to determine if indeed sulfhydryl and seryl groups of the enzymes are involved in AFB1 degradation (by maintaining either the structure or function of the enzyme).
Water use regimes: Characterizing direct human interaction with hydrologic systems

[1] The sustainability of human water use practices is a rapidly growing concern in the United States and around the world. To better characterize direct human interaction with hydrologic systems (stream basins and aquifers), we introduce the concept of the water use regime. Unlike scalar indicators of anthropogenic hydrologic stress in the literature, the water use regime is a two-dimensional, vector indicator that can be depicted on simple x-y plots of normalized human withdrawals (hout) versus normalized human return flows (hin). Four end-member regimes, natural-flow-dominated (undeveloped), human-flow-dominated (churned), withdrawal-dominated (depleted), and return-flow-dominated (surcharged), are defined in relation to limiting values of hout and hin. For illustration, the water use regimes of 19 diverse hydrologic systems are plotted and interpreted. Several of these systems, including the Yellow River Basin, China, and the California Central Valley Aquifer, are shown to approach particular end-member regimes. Spatial and temporal regime variations, both seasonal and long-term, are depicted. Practical issues of data availability and regime uncertainty are addressed in relation to the statistical properties of the ratio estimators hout and hin. The water use regime is shown to be a useful tool for comparative water resources assessment and for describing both historic and alternative future pathways of water resource development at a range of scales.
E/sup 4/-genesis of a new curriculum

In 1988, Drexel University began a five year experimental project designated E/sup 4/, to develop and implement new strategies to enhance its undergraduate engineering curriculum. This program, entitled "An Enhanced Educational Experience for Engineering Students", involved a major paradigm shift in which the environment and all activities focus on the students as emerging professional engineers with the faculty serving as their mentors from the very beginning of the educational process. The new strategy was designed to provide the student an immediate exposure to those things which the faculty believed to be essential to successful practice in the 21st century. The author describes the project and the results.
Competition of branch-to-core exciton localization and interfacial electron transfer in CdSe tetrapods

Abstract Quantum confined nanorod heterostructures offer the opportunity to control the energy of electrons and holes by rod diameters and the spatial location of carriers along the long axis through their length. We showed that CdSe tetrapods had a quasi-type II band alignment between the Zinc Blend CdSe quantum dot core and four Wurtzite CdSe nanorod branches and 88% of the excitons generated in the CdSe branches localized to the core with a time constant of 1.01 ± 0.06 ps, driven by the lower conduction band energy in the core. We demonstrated that electron transfer to methylene blue molecules (with an average time constant of 33 ± 8 ps) occurred after the exciton were localized to the core, while ultrafast electron transfer (0.31 ± 0.01 ps) to methyl viologen occurred prior to the localization of the exciton. Thus, the competition of exciton interfacial dissociation and transport along the rod enabled the control of the nature of charge separated states in nanorod-electron acceptor complexes.
Comparison of ground-based and airborne snow surface albedo parameterizations in an alpine watershed: Impact on snowpack mass balance

Two commonly used snow surface albedo models were evaluated using albedo data from the Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectroradiometer (AVIRIS), and their influence on snowmelt timing and magnitude was assessed using a net radiation/temperature index snowmelt model, a series of satellite-based snow covered area scenes, and on-site snow surveys. Albedo estimates using an explicit representation of snow surface temperature, snow age, and solar illumination angle, based on the Biosphere Atmosphere Transfer Scheme (BATS), were within the 0.02 AVIRIS measurement error for 78% of the snow-covered portions of the watershed. Conversely, albedo values estimated using a simple model based solely on snow surface age underestimated AVIRIS-observed albedo. Correlations between the timing of snowmelt and observed runoff using the BATS albedo model (R2 = 0.69) were significantly better than those using the age-based approach (R2 = 0.59) and were comparable to using AVIRIS data (R2 = 0.73). Snow extent was simulated most accurately with the AVIRIS parameterization; average map accuracy was 79 and 10% greater than when using the age-based and BATS albedo parameterizations, respectively. The error in snow water equivalent for April was 14% for BATS versus 39% for the age-based albedo; however, it was less than 1% for simulations using AVIRIS albedo data. Thus the BATS albedo estimates performed better than the age-based albedo but did not outperform simulations using AVIRIS albedo data. Copyright 2006 by the American Geophysical Union.
The first `hexa­aqua‐' complex of the [Re6Se8]2+ cluster core, [Re6Se8(OH)2(H2O)4]·12H2O

The first hexa­aqua/hydroxo complex of the [Re6Se8]2+ cluster species, tetra­aqua­di­hydroxo­hexa­rhen­ium­octa­selenium do­deca­hy­drate, is found to have unusual bonding that involves both inner and outer sphere aqua/hydro­xo species. The Re, one of the Se atoms and one of the O atoms are located on a crystallographic mirror plane, and the second Se atom is located on a special position of site symmetry 3m. Only the O atom in the outer coordination sphere occupies a general position. Crystallographically imposed symmetry prohibits unambiguous identification of the ligands as water or hydroxy O atoms. A lack of counter-ions in the interstices requires the molecular formula [Re6Se8O18] to be recast as [Re6Se8(OH)2(H2O)4]·12H2O
Pious Merchants as Missionaries and the Diffusion of Religions in Indonesia

For millennia merchants have played a significant role in the diffusion of religion into the Indonesian archipelago. Hindu and Buddhist merchants first introduced new religions. Muslim merchants followed from South and Southwest Asia. Slowly they brought Islam to the coastal trading areas of what is now the world’s largest Islamic country. Christianity came through a more formalized process of colonization with the Portuguese actively spreading Catholicism in the eastern Spice Islands and then the Dutch who mostly sought to restrict missionary activity lest it get in the way of profits. The ways in which these merchants enabled the spread of religions are varied. While accounts of these conversions are limited, it seems as if the locals converted because of perceived economic opportunities, marriage to the newcomers, and an attraction to the liberating ideas they learned from the pious traders. One of the more recent religious groups to enter Indonesia is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Since 1970 a small cadre of officially called and ordained Mormon missionaries has spread the faith, mostly in the large cities of Java. These organized efforts have been augmented by Mormon merchants who have also spread the faith in non-official ways. They include an American couple based in The Philippines which operated a shipping company; USAID workers who befriended local Indonesians; the singing Osmonds; and a wealthy American Mormon who befriended a Muslim cleric and future president Abdurrahman Wahid. The stories of how untrained, undirected, self-motivated Mormons helped to spread a new brand of religion in Indonesia is certainly reflective of how earlier merchants from other religions did the same thing.
Origins of Life: Emergence of the RNA World

The RNA World hypothesis refers to a period during the evolution of life on Earth, preceding the DNA/RNA/protein-based systems of modern biology, during which RNA alone directed and catalyzed the chemistry of life. The concept is an elegant solution to the problem of devolving our intertwined 3-biopolymer biochemistry toward its origins as the simplest system imaginable. In support of this idea, a scattering of molecular clues within our cells point suggestively toward an RNA-only period leading up to the ribozyme-mediated invention of protein synthesis. Indeed, the RNA World hypothesis is a very sensible scenario when considered from the perspective of trying to simplify life's complexity. The alternative perspective, however, imagining a sterile, primordial Earth and trying to assemble abiotically produced precursors into the RNA World is an extremely difficult problem. Certain steps along the logical chemical pathway to the RNA World have been demonstrated in the laboratory, but many others remain problematic. The exploration of RNA's catalytic properties has been encouraging, but complex ribozymes are extremely scarce in RNA populations. If the RNA World did once exist, it came about by a mechanism that has not yet been adequately elucidated, including the possibility that a different, unknown, biopolymer system may have preceded the RNA World.
Matrix-valued 4-point spline and 3-point non-spline interpolatory curve subdivision schemes

The objective of this paper is to study and construct matrix-valued templates for interpolatory curve subdivision. Since our investigation of this problem was motivated by the need of such subdivision stencils as boundary templates for interpolatory surface subdivision, we provide both spline and non-spline templates that are necessarily symmetric, due to the lack of direction-orientation in carrying out surface subdivision in general. For example, the minimum-supported Hermite interpolatory C^1 cubic spline curve subdivision scheme, with the skew-symmetric basis function for interpolating first derivatives, does not meet the symmetry specification. Non-spline C^2 interpolatory templates constructed in this paper are particularly important, due to their smaller support needed to minimize undesirable surface oscillations, when adopted as boundary templates for interpolatory C^2 surface subdivision. The curve subdivision templates introduced in this paper are adopted as boundary stencils for interpolatory surface subdivision with matrix-valued templates.
Comparison between optical and electrical interconnects based on power and speed considerations

Conditions are determined for which optical interconnects can transmit information at a higher data rate and consume lc3s power than the equivalent electrical interconnections. The analysis is performed for free-space optical intrachip communication links. Effects of scaling circuit dimensions, presence of signal fan-out, and the use of light modulators as optical signal transmitters are also discussed.
Mycoplasmatales virus, MV-M1: Discovery inAcholeplasma modicum and preliminary characterization

A new virus, Mycoplasmatales virus-modicum 1 (MV-M1), was recovered from spontaneous plaques in lawns ofAcholeplasma modicum. Strain “mod” produced plaques onA. modicum strains but not on strains ofAcholeplasma laidlawii. Only MV-L3 of the three knownA. laidlawii viruses (MV-L1, MV-L2, and MV-L3) produced plaques onA. modicum. The MV-M1 virus was serologically distinct from the threeA. laidlawii viruses; filterable at 0.1 μm; partially sensitive to heat and Nonidet P-40; and chloroform labile. Spherical particles ranging from 105 to 160 nm were observed in electron micrographs of negatively stained preparations.
Chlamydia screening and management practices of primary care physicians and nurse practitioners in California.

BACKGROUND: Because sexually transmitted chlamydial infections are common among young women, it is critical that providers screen and manage these infections appropriately. OBJECTIVE: To assess the Chlamydia care practices of California primary care physicians and nurse practitioners. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, self-report mail survey. PARTICIPANTS: A stratified random sample of primary care physicians and a convenience sample of primary care nurse practitioners in California. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Survey content included 5 topic areas: sexual history taking, management of cervicitis, management of a nonpregnant Chlamydia-infected patient, availability of on-site STD services, and Chlamydia screening practices and attitudes. Main outcome measure was the reported frequency of Chlamydia screening of sexually active women age 25 and younger. Respondents included 708 physicians (49% response rate) and 895 nurse practitioners (63% response rate). Nearly half of physicians (47%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 42% to 51%) and a majority of nurse practitioners (79%, 95% CI, 77% to 82%) reported routine Chlamydia screening of women under age 20; similar proportions reported routinely screening women aged 20 to 25 years. Independent predictors of screening among physicians were adolescent medicine specialty, female gender, practicing in a nonprivate setting, and having a higher volume of female patients. Additional findings included the overscreening of women over age 25 by nurse practitioners and the shared concern among providers that Chlamydia screening may not be reimbursed. CONCLUSIONS: The Chlamydia care practices of many California primary care providers are inconsistent with current guidelines. Targeted provider education and improved reimbursements are potential strategies for improvement.
Deer Carcass Decomposition and Potential Scavenger Exposure to Chronic Wasting Disease

Abstract Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy afflicting the Cervidae family in North America, causing neurodegeneration and ultimately death. Although there are no reports of natural cross-species transmission of CWD to noncervids, infected deer carcasses pose a potential risk of CWD exposure for other animals. We placed 40 disease-free white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) carcasses and 10 gut piles in the CWD-affected area of Wisconsin (USA) from September to April in 2003 through 2005. We used photos from remotely operated cameras to characterize scavenger visitation and relative activity. To evaluate factors driving the rate of carcass removal (decomposition), we used Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and a generalized linear mixed model. We recorded 14 species of scavenging mammals (6 visiting species) and 14 species of scavenging birds (8 visiting species). Prominent scavengers included American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos), raccoons (Procyon lotor), and Vir...
Learners of Mathematics: High School Students' Perspectives of Culturally Relevant Mathematics Pedagogy

Culturally relevant pedagogy (CRP) has been suggested by researchers as one method for improving mathematics education among African-American students, but very little research take into account the students' perspectives of CRP. This case study examines students' perspectives of CRP and the effect that participating in culturally relevant mathematics instruction has on students' attitude and interest toward mathematics. Five students that participated in a culturally relevant mathematics intervention were interviewed. African-American students in the study held positive views of CRP and preferred the method over traditional mathematics instruction. There were six themes developed from the results of the interviews: (1) home-like classrooms; (2) ethic of caring; (3) participation opportunities; (4) technology use; (5) confidence; and (6) motivation. In addition, all students that participated in the study experienced an improved attitude and/or interest toward mathematics.
Relationship between Immune Complex Binding and Release and the Quantitative Expression of the Complement Receptor, Type 1 (CR1, CD35) on Human Erythrocytes

Primate erythrocytes (E) play a central role in clearing potentially pathogenic immune complexes (IC) from the circulation. E capture circulating IC via interaction between C3b and C4b sites, generated on the IC during activation of the complement cascade, and the complement receptor, type 1 (CR1), expressed on E. IC are released from E when C3b and C4b sites on the IC are cleaved by Factor I. The goal of this study was to examine the interactions between human E and model IC in the context of quantitative variations in CR1 expression. IC were prepared by combining murine monoclonal IgG1, IgG2b, or IgG3 anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) antibodies with DNP-bovine serum albumin. The expression of CR1 on E, obtained from eight healthy donors, was quantified by radioimmunoassay and Scatchard analysis. On the basis of quantitative CR1 expression, preparations of E obtained from different donors at various times were categorized into phenotypic groups expressing high, intermediate, or low numbers of CR1. While there was some variation in the expression of CR1 of individual donors, five of the eight donors remained within the same phenotypic group upon repeated sampling. Surprisingly, when interactions between IC and E were examined in vitro, there was no direct relationship between the number of CR1 per E and the peak magnitude of IC binding to E. When peak binding and release rates were calculated, there was a direct correlation between the number of CR1 per E and the peak binding rate of IC constructed with IgG3 antibodies (IgG3 IC). In addition, there was an inverse correlation between the number of CR1 per E and the peak release rate of IgG2b IC. There was no direct correlation between the quantitative expression of CR1 on E and the peak binding or release rates of IgG1 IC. These data indicate that the quantitative expression of CR1 can affect the interactions between IC and E, but that these interactions are also dependent upon the immunochemical properties of the IC. These findings may be relevant to the pathogenesis of diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus and AIDS, in which E express reduced numbers of CR1.
Steered molecular dynamics identifies critical residues of the Nodamura virus B2 suppressor of RNAi.

Nearly all RNA viruses produce double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) during their replication cycles—an important pathogen-associated molecular pattern recognized by the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway in invertebrates and plants. Nodamura virus (NoV) encodes a suppressor of RNA silencing termed B2, which binds to dsRNA and prevents the initiation of RNAi as well as the loading of silencing complexes. Using the published crystal structure of NoV-B2, we performed a series of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to determine the relative electrostatic and van der Waals contributions of various residues in binding dsRNA, identifying four novel potential interactors: R56, E48, P68 and R69. Additionally, steered MD was used to simulate the binding affinity of NoV-B2 sequences bearing substitutions at positions F49, R56 or R59 to dsRNA, with F49S and R56L/R59L substitutions found to have a significant negative impact on the ability of NoV-B2 to bind dsRNA. NoV RNA1 variants were tested for self-directed replication in both vertebrate (RNAi−) and invertebrate (RNAi+) cultured cells. Consistent with a role in dsRNA binding, NoV replication in F49C and F49S variant constructs was affected negatively only in RNAi+ cells. Thus, we used a combination of MD simulations and experimental mutagenesis to further characterize residues important for NoV-dsRNA interactions.
Studies of carbon monoxide activation with atomic lithium: IR spectra of LiCO, LiOC, LiC2O2 and Li2C2O2 in cryogenic matrices

Abstract Atomic lithium has been shown to react with carbon monoxide to form two geometric isomers, LiOC and LiCO. Each of these isomers reacts with a second molecule of carbon monoxide to form specific geometric isomers of LiC2O2. The LiOC isomer preferentially adds a second carbon monoxide to form LiC2O2 with a strong carboncarbon bond. The LiCO isomer adds a second carbon monoxide to form LiC2O2 with the two carbon monoxide molecules only weakly interacting. Further reaction of the form with a strong carboncarbon bond with atomic lithium produces the final product, lithium acetylenediolate, LiOCCOLi, a salt of the hypothetical oxy-acid, H2C2O2. Two geometric forms of Li2C2O2 are also produced. It is suggested that the less stable form has symmetrical bridging lithiums and that the most stable and final product involves interaction of lithiums with the terminal oxygens. Infrared frequencies have been assigned to the various species and are listed in the accompanying tables. Lithium-7, oxygen-18 and carbon-13 isotopic shifts have also been measured.
New aspects of posttransplant nephrotic syndrome: Clinicopathologic correlations with outcomes

Although posttransplant nephrotic syndrome is frequent, its structural basis and prognosis have not been clearly defined. The biopsy findings of 54 patients with this disorder posttransplant, among 375 total renal transplant recipients engrafted during a 10-year period, were correlated with clinical follow-up data. The mean patient age was 41.7 ± 12.3 years, female/male ratio 22/32, and cadaveric/living-related donor ratio 37/17. The nephrotic syndrome developed 3 to 91 months posttransplant. At the onset the mean values of serum creatinine was 2.9 ± 1.8 mg/dL and proteinuria 4.5 ± 0.8 g/d. The index biopsy findings showed chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) in 33; de novo glomerulonephritis (GN) in 6, recurrent GN in 9, and undetermined GN in 6 who had an unknown primary renal disease. Among 21 follow-up biopsies during a mean of 44.3 ± 28 months the CAN progressed but the GN remained the same. The treatment included augmented steroids alone (n = 1) or in combination with cyclophosphamide (n = 2) and with plasmapheresis (n = 1); angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) along (n = 5); calcium channel blockers (CCB) alone (n = 24); or the two types of drugs together (n = 22). Complete or partial remission was achieved in 8 and 5, respectively, but nephrotic syndrome recurred in 3 of these patients at 45.1 ± 18 months later. Sustained remission was more likely in cases of GN (minimal change disease and IgA nephropathy) and ACEI-ARB treatment (P < .01). Graft failure, which occurred in 35 patients, correlated strongly with serum creatinine at onset, being significantly greater in patients with CAN (P < .005). Both remission of the nephrotic syndrome and graft survival were greater among patients with GN as compared to those with CAN.
Reduction of edge defocus by modification of chuck shape on Nikon scanner S204B

Edge defocus can be reduced by several techniques on a Nikon S204 scanner. By using main software MCSV version 3.44 or above, as well as disable range, and scan direction. Edge defocus can be reduced but is not eliminated at 3 o'clock and 4 o'clock. Wafer flatness is studied to investigate the cause of this defocus. The chuck shape is the key to avoid to defocusing at these two positions. Modification of chuck shape can reduce yield loss.
Quantum electromechanical processes in plasmonic nanostructures

In this invited talk I will present an quantum electromechanical analysis on enhanced angular momentum transfer observed in different metallic nanostructures. Direct applications include plasmonic angular momentum mode converters for quantum computing and optical manipulation of mechanical torque. We will also discuss our recent effort on quantum jellium model applied to the excitation of metallic interfaces that are just a few nanometer thick.
Abnormal regulation of in vitro IgG production in multiple sclerosis.

A pokeweed mitogen-stimulated IgG synthesis assay was used to evaluate T suppressor cell function in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) obtained form multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Autochthonous cultures of fractionated and recombined MS B and T cells exhibited less suppression of IgG synthesis than similar cultures of PBL from control subjects. No difference occurred in the levels of suppression among MS patients grouped according to disease states. When allogenic cultures of MS B and normal T cells or normal B and MS T cells were compared to autochthonous cultures of control cells, no differences were observed. The results suggest that the lower levels of suppression observed in autologous MS cell cultures are not a result of T suppressor cell dysfunction alone.
Angiosarcoma of the breast: A case report and literature review.

Abstract Purpose Primary angiosarcoma of the breast is a rare occurrence. Methods We report a case of a 35- year-old woman who presented with a highly vascular mass that had nearly replaced her right breast. Results Initial diagnosis reported the tumor as benign. However, permanent sections were sent to the Mayo Clinic, where the diagnosis of angiosarcoma of the breast was confirmed. The mass was removed via a total mastectomy. Adjuvant chemotherapy was also prescribed. A review of the literature suggested that the benefits of adjuvant chemotherapy were not well defined, but in the case described, adjuvant chemotherapy appeared to offer the best prognosis. Conclusions Preoperative radiography is generally not indicated for angiosarcoma. Primary angiosarcoma of the breast is difficult to diagnose, with no pathognomonic features radiographically. We concluded that solid-appearing breast tumors, which are also highly vascular, should be considered malignant until proven otherwise. Surgical removal followed by adjuvant chemotherapy appears to afford the best prognosis.
The Molecular Biology of Soft-Tissue Sarcomas and Current Trends in Therapy

Basic research in sarcoma models has been fundamental in the discovery of scientific milestones leading to a better understanding of the molecular biology of cancer. Yet, clinical research in sarcoma has lagged behind other cancers because of the multiple clinical and pathological entities that characterize sarcomas and their rarity. Sarcomas encompass a very heterogeneous group of tumors with diverse pathological and clinical overlapping characteristics. Molecular testing has been fundamental in the identification and better definition of more specific entities among this vast array of malignancies. A group of sarcomas are distinguished by specific molecular aberrations such as somatic mutations, intergene deletions, gene amplifications, reciprocal translocations, and complex karyotypes. These and other discoveries have led to a better understanding of the growth signals and the molecular pathways involved in the development of these tumors. These findings are leading to treatment strategies currently under intense investigation. Disruption of the growth signals is being targeted with antagonistic antibodies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and inhibitors of several downstream molecules in diverse molecular pathways. Preliminary clinical trials, supported by solid basic research and strong preclinical evidence, promises a new era in the clinical management of these broad spectrum of malignant tumors.
Elevation of thromboxane in pressure wounds

Arachidonic acid metabolites have been implicated as mediators of progressive dermal ischemia. Decubitus ulcer formation results from chronic mechanical pressure on the skin which results in a diminished blood supply to the skin and underlying tissues. To evaluate the role of thromboxanes in pressure wounds, we measured TxB2, a stable metabolite of TxA2, in spontaneously occurring pressure wounds on Greyhound dogs. In pressure wounds in which the skin was showing early signs of pressure necrosis but was still intact, elevated TxB2 concentrations were found in healthy appearing tissues immediately adjacent to the pressure wounds, in the inner edge of the wounds, and in the center of the wounds. Significantly greater TxB2 concentrations (P less than 0.05) were found in the center of the intact wounds versus the TxB2 concentrations in the inner edge of the wounds or in healthy appearing tissues adjacent to the wounds. In pressure wounds in which the center of the wound had ulcerated or had an eschar, elevated TxB2 concentrations were found in tissues in the inner edge of the wounds and in healthy appearing tissues immediately adjacent to the pressure wounds. These results demonstrate the occurrence of elevated thromboxane concentrations in and around spontaneously occurring pressure wounds.
Rheo‐optical properties of polymers. II

A theory of the rheo-optical properties of polyerystalline polymers has been developed. It is based on a model similar to that used by Debye for his theory of dielectric relaxation. Using the theory, sized of crystals in various types of polyethylene are calculated from rheo-optical data and compared with results obtained by x-ray techniques.
1GS/s pipelined delta sigma modulator ADC using residue averaging technique

A two stage pipelined delta sigma modulator (PDSM) ADC is presented for broadband, high-resolution applications, which incorporate a first, order delta sigma modulator in each stage and combines the most significant bits of the first stage with the second stage output. A key feature of the PDSM ADC architecture is a SINC filter residue averaging technique, which results in mitigating the effect of track/hold and analog, subtract circuit errors, DAC non-linearity, and component mismatch. The input bandwidth of 62.5 MHz and the sampling frequency of 1 GHz result in an over sampling ratio of 8 for the first order modulators. MATLAB simulations for the two stage ADC show 13---15 bit resolution. A transistor level design in 0.18 um CMOS for the two stage ADC was captured with Cadence tools and simulations show 12 bit resolution with a 50 MHz input.
Innovations and the portfolios of weekly reporting banks

Abstract This paper examines changes in portfolios of domestic offices of large banks in the United States. Empirical evidence indicates that representative portfolios changed by statistical significant amounts because of improved cash management, broadening of the federal funds market, more sophisticated tax avoidance, and new financial instruments. Changes over the years 1970–1976 were analyzed by examining the distribution of mean portfolio shares, performing a canonical correlation study, and examining the stationarity of a portfolio model that is described in The Econometrics of Panel Data , Annales de l'insee, April–September, 1978, pp. 297–329. The final section interprets the findings for the design of monetary policy.
Aggregation of Hydrocarbons in Dilute Aqueous Solutions

On the basis of the fluctuation theory of Kirkwood and Buff, the aggregation number of hydrocarbons in water at infinite dilution, defined on the basis of the radial distribution function, is related to the activity coefficient and partial molar volume of the solute. One concludes that the aggregation number should pass through a maximum with increasing temperature. The effect of pressure on aggregation in dilute solutions is also examined.
Aldosterone contributes to blood pressure variance and to likelihood of hypertension in normal-weight and overweight African Americans.

BACKGROUND Hypertension and obesity are highly prevalent among African Americans (AAs). We have previously reported that both plasma aldosterone (PA) and body mass index (BMI) are higher in hypertensive than in normotensive AAs. This study evaluates the relative contributions of adiposity and PA to hypertension in AAs. METHODS A total of 466 AAs (50% hypertensive, 51% women) were evaluated in a Clinical Research Center by stratifying them into three subgroups based on BMI (normal weight, overweight, and obese). Anthropometric measurements, ambulatory blood pressure (BP), fasting glucose, insulin, 24-h urine sodium and potassium, creatinine clearance, standing PA and plasma renin activity (PRA) were measured. Insulin resistance was estimated by the homeostasis model assessment. RESULTS Compared to normotensives, hypertensives had higher BMI, waist circumference (WC), and were more insulin resistant (P < or = 0.01). When stratified by BMI, hypertensives in each BMI strata had higher PA (P < or = 0.05) and lower PRA (P < or = 0.01) compared to normotensives. Compared to normotensives, WC was greater in overweight and obese hypertensives, but not in normal-weight hypertensives. In the overall sample, age, WC, PA, and PRA were the major contributors to BP variance and to hypertension. Among normal-weight subjects, PA and PRA significantly predicted BP and the odds ratio for hypertension, whereas WC had no predictive value. CONCLUSIONS PA, but not WC, is associated with BP and likelihood of hypertension in normal-weight AAs, whereas both WC and PA are predictive of hypertension in overweight and obese individuals. This suggests that aldosterone antagonists may be useful for the treatment of hypertension among AAs, regardless of BMI.
Cellular and field potential properties of epileptogenic hippocampal slices.

Abstract Epileptogenic activity was induced in hippocampal slices by addition of penicillin (2.0 mM) to the binding medium. Field potential epileptiform events were recorded and single cell bursts studied with intracellular electrodes. Epileptogenic activity was seen in areas CA1 and CA3 of the slice, with bursts in CA3 always leading CA1 bursts; a cut between CA1 and CA3 abolished spontaneous bursting in CA1 but not in CA3. Increased [Mg2+] and decreased [Ca2+] abolished epileptiform discharge, thus demonstrating its dependence on synaptic activity; burst occurrence was also sensitive to [K+]. Measurements of single cell resting potentials, resistance, and time constant in CA1 cells revealed no difference between cells in normal medium and cells made epileptogenic by penicillin. Depolarization shifts in CA1 neurons during epileptogenesis did not behave like ‘giant EPSPs’ but rather were complexes to which depolarizing spike after-potentials, fast prepotentials, and underlying slow depolarizing events all contributed.
A conditioned medium (CM) factor produced by chondrocytes that promotes their own differentiation.

Abstract This report presents evidence demonstrating that chick embryo chondrocyte cultures release into the culture medium a factor(s) which itself can act on chondrocytes to promote their own differentiation. Conditioned medium (CM) stimulates the synthesis of both sulfated mucopolysaccharides, as shown by increased incorporation of 35 SO 4 or glucose- 14 C into hyaluronidase-sensitive material, and collagen. However, protein synthesis, DNA synthesis, and cell number are not affected. While the identity of the factor is not yet known, it is nondialyzable, trypsin-and heat-sensitive. The factor is evidently a specialized product of chondrocytes, because it is not made by unexpressed chondrocytes or differentiated pigmented retina cultures. CM works rapidly on test cultures and has a significant effect on 35 SO 4 incorporation after 2 hr of treatment. In addition, the effect is relatively stable and is not reversed when CM is replaced with fresh medium. The results are significant in that they demonstrate that chondrocytes produce a factor that promotes their own differentiation, as defined in terms of the synthesis of two distinct specialized products.
Quark-antiquark interaction at all momentum transfers

The running coupling constant of quantum chromodynamics ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{s}({q}^{2})$ is obtained for all ${q}^{2}$ by integrating the renormalization-group equation. The $\ensuremath{\beta}$ function in the asymptotic- freedom region is given by perturbation theory through order ${g}^{5}$ and at large coupling by the string model with string tension related to the Regge slope ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$. We incorporate these features into a Pad\'e approximant to the $\ensuremath{\beta}$ function thereby obtaining it for all $g$. The constant of integration $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ of the renormalization-group equation is chosen to be about 500 MeV, as required by deep-inelastic phenomenology. ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{s}$ is thus completely determined by ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$, $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$, and the first two terms of the $\ensuremath{\beta}$ function. The resulting charmonium and $\ensuremath{\Upsilon}$ spectroscopy is in excellent agreement with experiment. In particular the ${\ensuremath{\Upsilon}}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\Upsilon}$ mass difference is forced to be nearly equal to the ${\ensuremath{\psi}}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\psi}$ mass difference. In addition, it is shown that the structure of ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{s}(q)$ signals the presence of instantons.
The "Y" stent: a technique using nitinol stents to treat bifurcations.

Purpose:To investigate a new method of stent deployment using commercially available self-expanding stents to treat bifurcation lesions, providing complete lesion coverage without obstructing branc...
Development of a systems engineering training plan at the U.S. Navy's coastal systems station

DoD, through acquisition, reform has pushed its R&D laboratories to change their approach to defense system development. Systems engineering methods and practices have become critical to the laboratories' near-term success and long-term survival. This study reports on the efforts of one such U.S. Navy R&D laboratory, the Coastal Systems Station (CSS), to improve its systems engineering capability by developing a comprehensive systems engineering training plan. The plan was developed by first performed an assessment of its systems engineering processes and knowledge. Then, CSS developed a systems engineering training plan to address the near-term needs of its practicing and upcoming systems engineers. A multi-criteria decision analysis tool, the Brown-Gibson model, was used in the training selection process. Recommended training included an overview course and other in-depth, topic-specific courses as needed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 5: 156–163, 2002