cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Waiting time approximation in single-class queueing systems with multiple types of interruptions: modeling congestion at waterways entrances

We consider a single-server queue subject to multiple types of operation-independent interruptions motivated by operations and vessel queueing at entrances of waterways. A case in point is the Strait of Istanbul. We are using waiting-time arguments and service completion time analysis to obtain the expected waiting time of a customer (vessel) in the aforementioned queue with single-class of customers and k non-simultaneous and possibly simultaneous service interruptions. In the analysis, we have used arguments and assumptions from the Strait of Istanbul that are also valid for narrow waterways at large.
Egg-brooding, body size and predation risk in planktonic marine copepods.

We investigated the interacting effects of copepod body size and the presence or absence of egg masses on the risk of predation by a visual predator. We conducted selection experiments involving three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) and copepods ranging in body mass from 0.5 to 740 µg C: Oithona similis, Corycaeus anglicus, Pseudocalanus newmani, P. moultoni, Pseudodiaptomus marinus, and Paraeuchaeta elongata. We found that sticklebacks selected ovigerous females of the two smallest-bodied species of copepods (Oithona similis and Corycaeus anglicus). In contrast, the fish showed no significant selection for ovigerous females of the remaining, larger-bodied species. Unexpectedly, egg mass position (i.e., in a ventral, dorsal or lateral location on the urosome) appeared to influence predation risk more than did body size, resulting in higher predation risk for the cyclopoid and poecilostomatoid species than for the calanoid species we tested. Although the sticklebacks showed no statistically significant preference for ovigerous females of any of the four calanoid species, for each species the overall proportion of ovigerous females ingested was slightly greater than 0.50. Thus, whether body size influences the susceptibility of egg-brooding calanoid copepods to predation remains an open question.
Recovery of treatment doses of surfactants from the lungs and vascular compartments of mechanically ventilated premature rabbits.

Recovery of Treatment Doses of Surfactants from the Lungs and Vascular Compartments of Mechanically Ventilated Premature Rabbits
Pericardial Calcification in a Neonate Secondary to Chest Tube

A premature infant with resolving respiratory distress syndrome developed pericardial calcification at 12 days. The calcification may have resulted from a traumatic hemopericardium induced by the chest tube. The radiographic appearance was typical. The condition did not appear to compromise cardiac function.
A cell-assembled, spatially aligned extracellular matrix to promote directed tissue development

A nanometer thick, micron scale-patterned interface on a polymeric material directs fibroblast proliferation into a highly aligned, confluent cell monolayer. These cells assemble fibronectin extracellular matrix (ECM) fibrils that are aligned with the pattern, and matrix alignment on the synthetic polymer surface is maintained throughout a decellularization process. Biologic relevance of this ECM-synthetic material composite is illustrated by directing oriented neurite outgrowth in register with the aligned matrix fibrils.
In Gratitude: A Non-utopian Response to Roth and Santostefano

Roth and Santostefano have usefully expanded the dialogue about the environment's role in psychological functioning. Santostefano offers a clinical approach that utilizes landscapes in reworking trauma. Roth cautions that a utopian perspective falsely dichotomizes natural and cultivated into bifurcated categories of good and bad that were the underpinnings of Nazi purification. Further, such thinking neglects the role of desire in the conflicts of human nature. This reply builds on Santostefano and Roth to suggest that incorporating an environmental lens into psychoanalysis challenges the human condition to act willfully on behalf of its own survival.
Implicitly activated memories are associated to general context cues

Words having more densely entangled associative structures are more likely to be recalled in the presence of related extralist cues. A context-modified PIER2 model predicts that the implicit activation of such structures during study connects them to the context of the learning episode. In two experiments, we evaluated this assumption by varying the associative density of the study words and the accessibility of context information. In Experiment 1, we varied context accessibility by manipulating context awareness and by delaying testing and filling the delay with different types of interfering tasks. In Experiment 2, we varied accessibility by manipulating test delay and type of interference in a factorial design. The effects of associative density were reduced by using implicit testing that never refers to context, by performing interpolated interference tasks, and finally, by extending the length of the delay. Information that is implicitly activated during an episodic experience is associated to the context of that experience.
The Development of High Strength Hull Steel Plate FH40

High strength hull structural steel plate FH40 has been successfully developed by a 3500mm plate production line. Low-carbon micro-alloying niobium elements and TMCP (thermo-mechanical controlled processing) were employed to refine the grains and improve mechanical properties. This paper investigated the effects of TMCP process on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the rolled FH40 plate. Results indicate that the treatment could significantly improve the mechanical strength and impact toughness of the steel and the impact ductility was further enhanced after strain aging. The properties of plates remarkably satisfied with the requirements of the national standard of china and rules requirements by shipping classification associations.
Avulsion fracture of tibial tuberosity with simultaneous contralateral proximal tibial epiphyseal fracture in an adolescent

Avulsion fractures of the tibial tuberosity are uncommon injuries which are seen most frequently in adolescents. Proximal tibial epiphyseal injuries are even rare because of the absence of collateral ligament attachments [1]. We report a very rare case of combination of simultaneous avulsion fracture of the tibial tuberosity in the right tibia and a Salter–Harris type II epiphyseal injury in the left tibia in a 14-year-old male without any history of trauma. There was no previous report in the literature of the combination of these two uncommon fractures occurring simultaneously in both tibia. The fracture pattern must be recognised individually and treated appropriately as both are associated with serious potential long term sequelae.
Does the concordance concept serve patient medication management

Objectives — To assess how people with arthritis evaluate and calibrate their complex medication regimens. Building on these findings, to explore how the concept of concordance helps to describe a patient-provider partnership model which can aid optimum medication regimen selection, calibration and management of chronic conditions. Method — A longitudinal study of 689 patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was conducted to identify patient perceptions, decision-making and behaviour related to their medication management. Face to face interviews with the Brief Medication Questionnaire, health quality of life questionnaires (AIMS2 and SF-36) and telephone interviews were conducted in waves centered around patient visits every six months for two years. Data about medication regimens were abstracted from the clinic medication profile record for each visit. Setting — Three rheumatology clinics in the United States: a university clinic, a private clinic and a Veterans Administration clinic. Key findings — About half of the patients in the sample had complex regimens with eight or more medications at any one time. The majority of physicians altered patients' medication orders every six months. The majority of patients reported that they evaluated the effectiveness and side effects of individual medicines based largely on symptoms. There were 248 reported deviations in the scheduled medications at baseline and the majority (61 per cent) were intentional, largely based on symptoms. Conclusion — Providers and patients each had unique expertise and were engaged in a dynamic process of calibrating patients' ever-changing regimens. In the absence of a perfect static regimen for patients, the concept of concordance productively reflects the partnership and mutual respect needed for ongoing medication regimen selection, calibration and management for a long-term condition.
X-ray powder diffraction study of annealed uraninite

Abstract Natural UO2+x (uraninite) samples were annealed in a reducing atmosphere up to 1200°C. The initial unit cell parameters of 0.5385, 0.5439 and 0.5458 nm increased after annealing to 0.5469, 0.5447 and 0.5462 nm, respectively. In one sample the unit cell parameter decreased from 0.5463 nm to 0.5456 nm. Migration of point defects in the oxygen sub-lattice occurs at 300°C. In the interval of 500 to 700°C, uranium vacancies migrate and cluster. The formation of uranium vacancies is enhanced by the presence of radiogenic Pb. Above 750°C, the unit cell parameter increases as a result of reduction U6+ to U4+. Uraninite incongruently decomposes at 1100°C. Density increased after annealing except for one sample in which a large number of bubbles (1–2 μm in size) formed. The complex annealing behavior of uraninite is due to the presence of impurities (Pb, Ca, Th, Zr, REE), mixed oxidation states of uranium, and α-decay event radiation damage.
Evaluation of positron-emitting SCH 23390 analogs as tracers for CNS dopamine D1 receptors.

Two positron-emitting analogs of SCH 23390, one labelled with 75Br (or 76Br) and another with 11C, were evaluated as potential PET tracers for central dopamine D1 receptors. In vivo studies were performed to assess the time course of the biodistribution of these tracers in mice and to determine whether dopamine receptors mediated their uptake in the brains of these animals. Results show that indeed cerebral uptake was consistent with dopamine receptor innervation, i.e. uptake and clearance was regionally consistent with the target receptors and that specific uptake was saturable. Because of the relatively rapid pharmacokinetics of this drug, 11C-labelled SCH 23390 would be best suited for PET imaging although the metabolism of this compound needs to be further examined.
Are black workers missing the connection? The effect of spatial distance and employee referrals on interfirm racial segregation

I use data on the hiring practices and spatial location of firms in four cities to model the process of interfirm racial segregation. When I control for the spatial location of the firm, the use of employee referrals reduced the probability of hiring a black worker by 75% in firms that are less than 10% black. Among all firms, the results suggest that employee referrals are just as important as the geographic location of the firm in generating employment segregation: both increase the predicted level of interfirm racial segregation among blue-collar workers in the cities studied by about 10%.
Cell wall assembly in fucus zygotes: I. Characterization of the polysaccharide components.

Fertilization triggers the assembly of a cell wall around the egg cell of three brown algae, Fucus vesiculosus, F. distichus, and F. inflatus. New polysaccharide polymers are continually being added to the cell wall during the first 24 hours of synchronous embryo development. This wall assembly involves the extracellular deposition of fibrillar material by cytoplasmic vesicles fusing with the plasma membrane. One hour after fertilization a fragmented wall can be isolated free of cytoplasm and contains equal amounts of cellulose and alginic acid with no fucose-containing polymers (fucans) present. Birefringence of the wall caused by oriented cellulose microfibrils is not detected in all zygotes until 4 hours, at which time intact cell walls can be isolated that retain the shape of the zygote. These walls have a relatively low ratio of fucose to xylose and little sulfate when compared to walls from older embryos. When extracts of walls from 4-hour zygotes are subjected to cellulose acetate electrophoresis at pH 7, a single fucan (F1) can be detected. By 12 hours, purified cell walls are composed of fucans containing a relatively high ratio of fucose to xylose and high levels of sulfate, and contain a second fucan (F2) which is electrophoretically distinct from F1. F2 appears to be deposited in only a localized region of the wall, that which elongates to form the rhizoid cell. Throughout wall assembly, the polyuronide block co-polymer alginic acid did not significantly vary its mannuronic (M) to guluronic (G) acid ratio (0.33-0.55) or its block distribution (MG, 54%; GG, 30%; MM, 16%). From 6 to 24 hours of embryo development, the proportion of the major polysaccharide components found in purified walls is stable. Alginic acid is the major polymer and comprises about 60% of the total wall, while cellulose and the fucans each make-up about 20% of the remainder. During the extracellular assembly of this wall, the intracellular levels of the storage glucan laminaran decreases. A membrane-bound β-1, 3-exoglucanase is found in young zygotes which degrades laminaran to glucose. It is postulated that hydrolysis of laminaran by this glucanase accounts, at least in part, for glucose availability for wall biosynthesis and the increase in respiration triggered by fertilization. The properties and function of alginic acid, the fucans, and cellulose are discussed in relation to changes in wall structure and function during development.
Improving On-Time Start of Day and End of Day for a Pediatric Surgical Service

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In multicase pediatric ear, nose, and throat operating rooms (ORs), brief delays in early case start times often produce a cascading effect of lengthy delays by the end of the day and can often lead to patient, family, and staff dissatisfaction and increased labor costs due to unplanned overtime. We sought to improve actual end of day relative to scheduled end of day from 40% to 60%. METHODS: Key drivers of the process included case scheduling, ordering of sedative medications, and nurse availability in the postanesthesia care unit to receive the patient from the anesthesia provider. A multidisciplinary team conducted a series of tests of change addressing the various key drivers. Data were collected by using an independent, impartial data collector as well as being extracted from the hospital information technology system. Data were analyzed by using control charts and statistical process control methods. RESULTS: The percentage of ORs ending on time increased from 40% to 60%. Appropriate scheduling of complex cases increased from 10% to 87%, and accurate scheduling of case duration improved from 21% to 48%. Timely premedication increased from 55% to 90% and immediate availability of a nurse in the postanesthesia care unit from 68% to >90%. CONCLUSIONS: By applying quality-improvement methods, significant improvements were made in a multicase pediatric ear, nose, and throat OR. The impact can be significant by reducing wait times for patients, as well as staff overtime for the institution.
Handling partial truth on type-2 similarity-based reasoning

Representation and manipulation of the vague concepts of partially true knowledge in the development of machine intelligence is a wide and challenging field of study. How to extract of approximate facts from vague and partially true statements has drawn significant attention from researchers in the fuzzy information processing. Furthermore, handling uncertainty from this incomplete information has its own necessity. This study theoretically examines a formal method for representing and manipulating partially true knowledge. This method is based on the similarity measure of type-2 fuzzy sets, which are directly used to handle rule uncertainties that type-1 fuzzy sets cannot. The proposed type-2 similarity-based reasoning method is theoretically defined and discussed herein, and the reasoning results are applied to show the usefulness with the comparison of the general fuzzy sets.
Temperament theory and the study of cognition-emotion interactions across development

Abstract In this paper we review current definitions and measurement approaches used to assess individual differences in children’s temperament. We review the neural bases of temperamental reactivity and self-regulation and propose that these constructs provide a framework for examining individual differences and developmental change in emotion–cognition interactions across development. Studies are reviewed in which some well-documented contextual effects on the expression of temperament can be interpreted in terms of the influence of biological and non-biological factors on CNS functioning. We conclude with ideas regarding future directions for the study of individual differences and developmental change in cognition–emotion interactions as they are shaped throughout development.
Premature microtubule-dependent cytoplasmic streaming in Cappuccino and Spire mutant oocytes

Embryonic axis specification in Drosophila melanogaster is achieved through the asymmetric subcellular localization of morphogenetic molecules within the oocyte. The cappuccino and spire loci are required for both posterior and dorsoventral patterning. Time-lapse confocal microscopic analyses of living egg chambers demonstrated that these mutations induce microtubule reorganization and the premature initiation of microtubule-dependent ooplasmic streaming. As a result, microtubule organization is altered and bulk ooplasm rapidly streams during the developmental stages in which morphogens are normally localized. These changes in oocyte cytoarchitecture and dynamics appear to disrupt axial patterning of the embryo.
Physical activity, diet, and pancreatic cancer: a population-based, case-control study in Minnesota.

Although mounting evidence suggests that insulin resistance is involved in pancreatic carcinogenesis, few epidemiologic studies have comprehensively investigated the role of lifestyle factors influencing this metabolic disorder in the etiology of pancreatic cancer. We sought to examine this problem in a case-control study conducted in 1994–1998 in Minnesota. Cases (n = 186), aged 20 yr or older, were ascertained from all hospitals in the metropolitan area of the Twin Cities and the Mayo Clinic; from the latter, only cases residing in the Upper Midwest of the United States were recruited. Controls (n = 554) were randomly selected from the general population and frequency matched to cases by age (within 5 yr) and sex. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated using unconditional logistic regression. After adjustment for confounders, physical activity was associated with a reduced risk, but this protective effect was confined to light activity and moderate activity only (OR = 0.55...
Structured metal thin film as an asymmetric color filter: the forward and reverse plasmonic halos

We observe asymmetric color filtering under unpolarized incidence in a structured metallic (Ag) film, where the center of an optically thick circular Ag disk surrounded by a step gap appears dark when observed from one side, and bright from the other. The latter situation corresponds to abnormally high optical transmission through the optically thick film. We explain this by a three-step process: coupling of photons to surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs), wave interference of SPPs forming resonant cavity modes, and out-coupling from SPPs to photons. Full wave electromagnetic simulations based on the finite element method support our findings. These results may have potential applications in areas such as optical color filtering and biosensing via dielectric detection within the step gap plasmonic cavity.
Analysis of a tunable impedance method for practical control of insect-inspired flapping-wing MAVs

In the past decade, research into insect-inspired flapping-wing micro-aerial vehicles (FWMAV) has grown steadily, toward addressing unique challenges in morphological construction, force production, and control strategy. Remarkable results have emerged from work focused on generation of adequate lift force for levitation and vertical acceleration [1]; however, effective methods for motion control still remain an open problem. In this paper, we introduce and analyze a novel approach to FWMAV control problem that provides smooth, stable and independent flight in both vertical and horizontal maneuvers. Our insect-inspired MAV model employs a passive structure to adjust the angle of attack (AoA) of its wings. Further analysis of this design unveils its capability in creating significant amounts of net drag force without disturbing lift production. This is the foundation of ‘tunable impedance’ technique that allows us to independently control three basic motions. One controller regulates yaw and forward acceleration, utilizing intuitive PID control laws in order to control horizontal maneuvers. Lift force and corresponding vertical elevation changes are controlled by a second controller that modifies the frequency of a constant-amplitude, sinusoidal power stroke. A third controller stabilizes the vehicle's body pitch angle through biasing stroke angle of its wings, hence rejecting disturbances caused by fluctuations in the position of center of mass (CoM). Results of simulated experiments confirm that these three controllers together demonstrate exceptional ability in handling hovering or agile flight maneuvers - even in presence of moderate measurement noise. These results also suggest that employment of passive dynamics in the design of MAVs may not only reduce actuator bandwidth requirements - thus simplifying practical implementation of the vehicle - but also improve robustness to uncertainties in sensing and body morphology.
The effect of tartaric acid on the kinetics of the oxidation of uranium (IV) by thallium (III) in aqueous perchloric acid

Abstract The kinetics of the oxidation of uranium (IV) by thallium (III) in the presence of tartaric acid was investigated in aqueous perchloric acid solutions. Increases in initial rate with increasing tartaric acid concentrations were observed, along with departure from the second-order rate law. The orders with respect to uranium (IV), thallium (III), tartaric acid, and hydrogen ion were found to be 0·93, 0·05, 0·37 and −0·91, respectively. Thallium (III) in the presence of tartaric acid was shown to be stable by polarography, yet in kinetics experiments with Tl(III) in excess over uranium (IV), the reaction stopped because the Tl(III) was consumed. The oxidation of U(IV) by oxygen of the air is catalysed by the presence of tartaric acid, but this reaction is negligibly slow compared to the U(IV)Tl(III)-tartaric acid reactions. The presence of U(VI), and Tl(I) were shown to have no effect on the reaction kinetics. A mechanistic interpretation has been developed to account for the observed results.
The Relationship of Photoreceptor Degeneration to Retinal Vascular Development and Loss in Mutant Rhodopsin Transgenic and RCS Rats

The early loss of photoreceptors in some retinal degenerations in mice has been shown to have a profound effect on vascular development of the retina. To better characterize this relationship, we have examined the formation of retinal blood vessels during the first month of life in 8 lines of transgenic rats with different ages of onset and rates of photoreceptor cell loss mediated by the expression of mutant rhodopsin (P23H and S334ter). The number of capillary profiles in the superficial plexus (SP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) of the retina were quantified in retinal sections taken at postnatal day (P) 8, 10, 12, 15 and 30. In normal wild-type rats, the SP and DCP had mostly established mature, adult patterns by P15, as previously shown. In the transgenic rats, the loss of photoreceptors had relatively little effect on the SP. By contrast, the loss of photoreceptors during vascular development had a major impact on the DCP. In the two lines with early and most rapid photoreceptor loss, S334ter-7 and S334ter-3, where about 90% and 65%, respectively, of the photoreceptors were already lost by P15, the DCP either failed to form (S334ter-7) or the number of capillary profiles was less than 7% of controls (S334ter-3). In lines where almost all photoreceptors were still present at P15 (S334ter-4, S334ter-9, P23H-2 and P23H-3), the number of profiles in the DCP were the same as in wild-type controls at P30. In two lines with an intermediate rate of degeneration (S334ter-5 and P23H-1), where only about 25% of the photoreceptors were lost by P15, there was an intermediate number of vascular profiles in the DCP at P30. Thus, a very close relationship between the number of photoreceptors and vessel profiles in the DCP during its development exists in the transgenic rats, and the loss of photoreceptors results in the failure or inhibition of the DCP to develop. Several mechanisms may explain this relationship including changes in the level of physiological oxygen tension or alteration in the release of angiogenic factors that normally drive vessel development. Analysis of older transgenic retinas up to 1 year of age revealed that (1) vascular profiles are lost from the DCP in essentially all lines once fewer than about 30–33% of photoreceptors remain; (2) in those lines where the DCP essentially did not develop (S334ter-7 and S334ter-3), the effect of photoreceptor absence was permanent, and there was no late vascularization of the DCP; (3) the number of capillary profiles in the SP remained no different from controls in any of the lines, despite long-standing loss of photoreceptors; and (4) neovascularization of the RPE by retinal capillaries occurred with a latency of 60–180 days after the loss of photoreceptors, except in S334ter-7 rats, where neovascularization essentially did not occur. Analysis of RCS rats was carried out for comparison.
SU‐GG‐T‐228: Data Analysis From a Database of Tomotherapy Delivery Quality Assurance Procedures

Purpose: To create a database of information on tomotherapy patient plans and delivery quality assurance (DQA) procedures in order to streamline workflow and enable analyses to be conducted on a novel data set. Method and Materials: Tomotherapy DQA at our institution was formerly performed by one or two individuals and presented in independent reports. Since approximately 30–45 patients per day are treated on two Tomotherapy machines, DQA responsibilities have been distributed to a team of individuals, generating a need to manage a large amount of DQA information among many physicists. A database program has been written to store information from both patient plans and delivered DQA procedures in a format that makes data readily available in a centralized location for analysis.Results: While the database has already facilitated performing and reporting on DQA procedures clinically, an example of the utility such a database is presented. An unexpected relationship appears between daily output measurements and DQA procedure dose measurements on one Tomotherapy machine, where over one month daily output measurements averaged 0.76% high while DQA readings averaged 1.98% low. This database allows such an observation to be made easily, and such analyses may aid diagnosis of issues related to machines, patient plans, or dose and film measurements. Conclusion: Continued use of the database will increase the amount of data available as well as the statistical accuracy of observations. The database also will enable other studies of interest to both clinicians and researchers to be conducted. Trends of machine output and dose measurements can already be seen, and a preliminary analysis indicates the two may be related in an unexpected manner. Future studies will draw from a larger data set and will include more precise observations on more specific subsets of data.
Staphylococcus aureus Mutants with Increased Lysostaphin Resistance

Staphylococcus simulans secretes lysostaphin, a bacteriolytic enzyme that specifically binds to the cell wall envelope of Staphylococcus aureus and cleaves the pentaglycine cross bridges of peptidoglycan, thereby killing staphylococci. The study of S. aureus mutants with resistance to lysostaphin-mediated killing has revealed biosynthetic pathways for cell wall assembly. To identify additional genes involved in cell wall envelope biosynthesis, we have screened a collection of S. aureus strain Newman transposon mutants for lysostaphin resistance. Bursa aurealis insertion in SAV2335, encoding a polytopic membrane protein with predicted protease domain, caused a high degree of lysostaphin resistance, similar to the case for a previously described femAB promoter mutant. In contrast to the case for this femAB mutant, transposon insertion in SAV2335, herein named lyrA (lysostaphin resistance A), did not cause gross alterations of cell wall cross bridges such as truncations of pentaglycine to tri- or monoglycine. Also, inactivation of LyrA in a methicillin-resistant S. aureus strain did not precipitate a decrease in β-lactam resistance as observed for fem (factor essential for methicillin resistance) mutants. Lysostaphin bound to the cell wall envelopes of lyrA mutants in a manner similar to that for wild-type staphylococci. Lysostaphin resistance of lyrA mutants is attributable to altered cell wall envelope properties and may in part be due to increased abundance of altered cross bridges. Other lyr mutants with intermediate lysostaphin resistance carried bursa aurealis insertions in genes specifying GTP pyrophosphokinase or enzymes of the purine biosynthetic pathway.
Characteristics Of Patients Assigned Multiple Nonthreatening Medical Diagnoses.

Background: Medical diagnoses can be separated on the basis of whether or not they are associated with significant 1-year mortality risk, i.e., “threatening” versus “nonthreatening,” by employing the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). The author examined the psychosocial characteristics and medical utilization patterns of patients assigned multiple nonthreatening medical diagnoses. Method: The study population included 125 general medical outpatients seen in psychiatric consultation. The author employed blinded reviews of medical charts, psychological measures, and billing records to assess patients' psychosocial characteristics and medical utilization. Results: The number of nonthreatening diagnoses correlated significantly with age (r = 0.35, p ≤ .001), diagnosis of somatoform disorder (r = 0.29, p ≤ .001), somatosensory amplification (r = 0.36, p ≤ .001), number of ambulatory medical visits (r = 0.24, p ≤ .01), and emergency room visits (r = 0.18, p ≤ .05), but did not correlate with CCI scores or medical hospitalization. By contrast, the number of threatening diagnoses, as measured by the CCI, did not correlate with a diagnosis of somatoform disorder or somatic amplification, but did correlate with age and all measures of medical utilization, including hospitalization (r = 0.19, p ≤ .05). Conclusion: Patients with multiple nonthreatening medical diagnoses have different psychosocial characteristics and medical utilization patterns than patients with multiple threatening diagnoses. The association between the number of nonthreatening medical diagnoses assigned to a given patient and measures of somatization suggests that psychosocial factors contribute to diagnostic assignment in patients with multiple nonthreatening medical diagnoses.
Melting point maxima of ThC-ThN and of UC-UN solid solutions

Abstract Melting points of ThC-ThN and UC-UN mixtures in nitrogen atmospheres were determined. Maxima occur at 2910 ± 35°C with the compositions ThC0.35N0.65 ± 0.1 and UC0.3N0.7 ± 0.1. From a determination of the nitrogen activity the excess free energies of mixing the terminal mononitrides at 2820°C in the respective pseudo-binary solid solutions are inferred to be −3.2 ± 2.0 kcal/mole at the ThN mole fraction of 0.45 and −0.7 ± 1.5 kcal/mole at the UN mole fraction of 0.50.
Statistical Decisions by the Method of Minimum Risk: An Application

Abstract A. Wald's method of minimum risk is illustrated by a simple rule for deciding whether to adopt any recommended system for betting on race horses. A detailed example is given. Extensions to more realistic problems about horse betting and to more dignified risk opportunities such as quality control are suggested.
Solution stability of Cu(II) metal–organic polyhedra

Abstract In this report the structural stability of self assembled Cu(II) hydroxylated nanoballs (CuOH NB) [Cu 2+ 2 (5-OH-bdc) 2 L 2 ] 12 ((5-OH-bdc) 2− = 5-hydroxybenzene-1,3-dicarboxylate; L = dimethyl sulfoxide, methanol or water ligand) are investigated using optical absorption and emission spectroscopies. Specifically, the effects of temperature, hydrostatic pressure, and solvent conditions on the CuOH NB stability were determined by monitoring both the ligand emission intensity and the metal to ligand charge transfer (MLCT) absorption band of the complex under different solution conditions. The results of temperature and pressure variation suggest that the CuOH NB is stable in solution with minimal perturbations between 10 and 60 °C and from ambient pressure up to 3.5 kbar. Degradation of the CuOH NB occurs with increasing concentrations of water with complete dissociation in methanol solutions containing ⩾0.7 mole fraction water. In methanolic solutions containing 10.5) is likely due to coordination of hydroxide ions to the Cu 2+ ions resulting in disruption of the nanoball structure. Finally addition of imidazole disrupts the CuOH NB due to competition between the OH-bdc and imidazole for coordination to the Cu 2+ ions. Overall these results provide important insights into the range of conditions required for the general solution stability of metal–organic polyhedra.
Nuclear survivin predicts recurrence and poor survival in patients with resected nonsmall cell lung carcinoma

BACKGROUND Survivin, which is a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein gene family, regulates both programmed cell death and mitosis. It has been shown that survivin expression and its subcellular localization both have prognostic value for patients with malignant disease. In this study, the authors investigated whether nuclear or cytoplasmic staining of survivin was a prognostic marker for patients with lung carcinoma. METHODS Paraffin-embedded tissue blocks from 144 patients with Stage I and II resected nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) were obtained for immunohistochemical staining. Three specimens from each patient were prepared and stained with a survivin-specific antibody. Nuclear and cytoplasmic staining was graded from 1 to 3 based on intensity. RESULTS Patients who had nuclear staining for survivin had a significantly increased risk of disease recurrence (hazard ratio, 2.95; P = 0.0046) and death (hazard ratio, 2.74; P = 0.0086). CONCLUSIONS The nuclear presence of survivin may be an independent biomarker for disease recurrence and overall survival in patients with resected Stage I and II NSCLC. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Prevention of the Lethal Effect of the Decay of Incorporated Phosphorus-32 by Growth at 45°

Inactivation of bacteria by the decay of incorporated P/sup 32/ is reported. It is reported that the lethal chain of events may be modified after primary damge has presumably occurred. The survival of P/sup 32/ containing Escherichia coli B as measured by incubation at 37/sup o/ and 45/sup o/ is given graphically. The effects of P/sup 32/ decay on the bacterial cell resemble the effects of x rays and ultraviolet radiation in the following particulars: prolongation of the lag. "reactivability," and the existence of a sensitive period during which "reactivation" can be obtained. Although the initial physical events are quite different for these agents, it would appear that the biological events which they trigger must have some features in common. (B.O.G.)
Herbal interventions in asthma and allergy

This paper reviews the role of herbal-based medicines in the treatment of asthma and allergic rhinitis. A comprehensive literature search was performed of relevant English-language papers and abstracts were identified through a MEDLINE search and from bibliographies of the identified papers. Papers and studies pertaining to the use of medicinal plants in the treatment of asthma and allergic rhinitis were identified. They were then analyzed according to design, inclusion and exclusion criteria, population studied, variables tested, method of treatment (i.e., specific medicinal plants or herbal combinations), and results. The data have been reviewed and divided on the basis of culture and the effects of medicinal plants in asthma and allergy. A number of studies were found that support the use of some herbal medicines in asthma and allergy. Various derivatives from specific medicinal plants were identified as the antiasthma components and some mechanisms of action were explored. The results show positive effects of these herbs on bronchodilation, pulmonary function tests, and antagonism of asthma mediators such as histamine and platelet activating factor, corticosteroid levels, and clearance of mucus. Improved symptoms were also seen in patients with allergic rhinitis specifically on histamine-induced reactions, e.g., rhinorrhea, sneezing, and itching. From the review, there has been a role for some herbal medicines in the treatment of asthma and allergic rhinitis. Usage of herbal medicines has increased in recent years. Many of these medicinal plants provided relief of symptoms equal to allopathic medicines used. Specific chemical derivatives have been isolated from many of these plant products which act on the mechanisms and mediators that cause asthma and allergies. The amount of research on these products, especially in the United States, is limited. There is a lack of control of quantity and quality of the components in these remedies. Yet, many have fewer side effects than current therapy. Throughout the history of medicine, drugs have been developed from traditional medicine. By continuing to investigate how some of these herbal interventions work, we may be able to find additional effective medicines to treat asthma and allergies.
Smoothing dissimilarities to cluster binary data

Cluster analysis attempts to group data objects into homogeneous clusters on the basis of the pairwise dissimilarities among the objects. When the data contain noise, we might consider performing a smoothing operation, either on the data themselves or on the dissimilarities, before implementing the clustering algorithm. Possible benefits to such pre-smoothing are discussed in the context of binary data. We suggest a method for cluster analysis of binary data based on ''smoothed'' dissimilarities. The smoothing method presented borrows ideas from shrinkage estimation of cell probabilities. Some simulation results are given showing that improvement in the accuracy of the clustering result is obtained via smoothing, especially in the case in which the observed data contain substantial noise. The method is illustrated with an example involving binary test item response data.
Groups of Organic Molecules That Operate Collectively

A “chemical system” is defined as an assemblage of molecules that collectively does something interesting or useful. The key word here is “collectively”, a word that implies an interdependency and a group behavior that can be quite different from that of individual molecules. Batteries, computer chips, concrete, mayonnaise, shampoo, paint, liquid crystal displays, composites, and viruses are all examples of commonly encountered systems. A host–guest or “supramolecular” complex, on the other hand, would not be considered a system (as defined here), because only two species are involved. A chemical system is multimolecular, a collection of molecules interlocked in a tangle of dependencies. The review delves into a variety of chemical systems investigated by the author, including micelles, water pools, films, vesicles, and polymers. All of them can be categorized as “self-assembling” or “self-organizing” in the sense that defined structures arise spontaneously owing to noncovalent forces among the component molecules. Such chemical systems are useful for many purposes, including decontamination of environmentally dangerous substances, drug delivery, and separation of organic compounds.
Factorial Invariance of the 13-item Sense of Coherence Scale across Gender:

This study examined the gender invariance of the 13-item Sense of Coherence (SOC) scale. Confirmatory factor analyses indicated that a single factor model with one pair of correlated errors fit the data well. Invariance testing indicated that the scale is both congeneric and tau equivalent, meaning that a single latent SOC construct holds equally well for males and females, and that both genders demonstrate an equivalent pattern of factor loadings. There was little evidence in support of latent factor mean equivalence across gender. Explanations for the lack of factor mean equivalence were discussed and recommendations for future research were suggested.
Pico- and nanoplankton dynamics during bloom initiation of Aureococcus in a Long Island, NY bay

Abstract The entire microbial plankton community was quantified on a weekly basis April through June of 2000 in Quantuck Bay as part of an ongoing study to identify factors contributing to the initiation of blooms of Aureococcus anophagefferens (brown tide) in Long Island, NY bays. We used flow cytometry, imaging cytometry, fluorescent antibody cell counts, and traditional visual cell counting to quantify the picophytoplankton, heterotrophic bacteria, nanophytoplankton, heterotrophic protists, and microplankton prior to, and during the initiation of a brown tide bloom. Cells passing through a 5 μm mesh dominated the total chlorophyll concentration (>80%) for most of the spring study period. The A. anophagefferens bloom occurred in the context of a larger pico/nanophytoplankton bloom where A. anophagefferens accounted for only 30% of the total cell count when it was at its maximum concentration of 4.8 × 10 5 mL −1 . Levels of dissolved organic nitrogen were enriched during the bloom peak relative to pre-bloom levels and heterotrophic bacteria also bloomed, reaching abundances over 10 7 mL −1 . A trophic cascade within the heterotrophic protist community may have occurred, coinciding with the A. anophagefferens bloom. Before the onset of the bloom, larger grazers increased in abundance, while the next smaller trophic level of grazers were diminished. These smaller grazers were the likely water column predators of A. anophagefferens , and the brown tide bloom initiated when they were depleted. These results suggest that this bloom initiated due to interactions with other pico/nano algae and release from grazing pressure through a trophic cascade.
Localization and oxygen concentration in epitaxial YBa2Cu3Ox thin films on (100) SrTiO3 substrates deposited by laser ablation

Abstract Thin films of YBa 2 Cu 3 O x were deposited by laser ablation on (100) SrTiO 3 at 730°C substrate surface temperature and 0.2 Torr O 2 ambient using the third-harmonic Nd:YAG laser pulses. This was followed by a relatively rapid cooling down to 200°C (10–15 min) in various oxygen pressures. X-ray diffraction in the normal Bragg mode and in grazing incidence show that all films were grown epitaxially with their c-axis normal to the interface. Films which were cooled down in 1, 10 and 700 Torr O 2 were found to be orthorhombic-superconducting with T c (R=0) pf 60, 88 and 90 K, and had x values of 6.64, 6.78 and 7.00, respectively. Films which were cooled down in 50 and 200 mTorr O 2 were tetragonal with x values of 5.95 and 6.08 and showed localization (a metal to insulator transition) with minimum resistivities at 140 and 50 K, respectively. It is concluded that the films are deposited in the tetragonal-localized phase, which transforms into the orthorhombic-superconducting phase upon cooling only if a sufficient pressure of oxygen ambient is present.
Direct Synthesis of CdSe Nanoparticles in Poly(3-hexylthiophene)

A new approach was developed for the synthesis of nearly monodisperse CdSe nanoparticles directly in a polymer-containing solution in the absence of any other surface capping molecules. The compara...
Secretory products from PC-3 and MCF-7 tumor cell lines upregulate osteopontin in MC3T3-E1 cells.

Tumor cells frequently have pronounced effects on the skeleton including bone destruction, bone pain, hypercalcemia, and depletion of bone marrow cells. Despite the serious sequelae associated with skeletal metastasis, the mechanisms by which tumor cells alter bone homeostasis remain largely unknown. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the disruption of bone homeostasis by tumor cells is due in part to the ability of tumor cells to upregulate osteopontin (OPN) mRNA in osteoblasts. Conditioned media were collected from tumor cells that elicit either osteolytic (MCF-7, PC-3) or osteoblastic responses (LNCaP) in animal models and their effects on OPN gene expression were compared using an osteoblast precursor cell line, MC3T3-E1 cells. Secretory products from osteolytic but not osteoblastic tumor cell lines were demonstrated to upregulate OPN in osteoblasts while inhibiting osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. Signal transduction studies revealed that regulation of OPN was dependent on both protein kinase C (PKC) and the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase cascade. These results suggest that the upregulation of OPN may play a key role in the development of osteolytic lesions. Furthermore, these results suggest that drugs that prevent activation of the MAP kinase pathway may be efficacious in the treatment of osteolytic metastases. J. Cell. Biochem. 78:607–616, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Microscopic Structure and Microscopic Environment of a Polyfluorinated Surfactant/Clay Hybrid Compound: Photochemical Studies of Rose Bengal

The microenvironments of a series ofpolyfluorinated surfactants [C n F 2 n + 1 CONH(CH 2 ) 2 N + (CH3) 2 C 1 6 H 3 3 Br - ; designated as CnF-S, where n = 1-3]/clay (saponite) hybrid compounds dispersed in water-saturated benzenewere investigated based on the photochemical behavior of Rose Bengal (RB) as a probe molecule. A small-angle X-ray scattering study showed that the interlayer distance (clearance space) of the C3F-S/clay hybrid compounds was expanded up to 3.8 nm by the dispersion in water-saturated benzene from the original distance of 3.0 nm for the dried hybrid compound, indicating expansion of the hybrid compound upon swelling with the solvent benzene. The RB molecules are proposed to form ion-association complexes with the CnF-S surfactant, most likely existing in the vicinity of the ammonium group of the surfactant intercalated in the cation-exchangeable clay saponite. The absorption and fluorescence maxima of RB intercalated in the hybrid compounds were significantly red-shifted from those in aqueous solution. The hybrid compounds provide an environment with polarity between that of ethyl acetate and 1-butanol. The microscopic polarity of the hybrid compounds depends on the fluorocarbon chain length (n) of the surfactant, and the polarities increase with increasing fluorocarbon chain length. On the basis of the observed photochemical behavior of RB, including the relative decomposition rates, excited triplet lifetimes, and relative excited triplet quantum yields, the microscopic concentration of water in the hybrid layer was estimated to decrease in the order C3F-S > C2F-S > C1F-S. These differences are discussed in relation to differences in the microscopic orientational structure of the polyfluorinated surfactant within the clay layer.