cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional activation of the human estrogen receptor by DDT isomers and metabolites in yeast and MCF-7 cells.

Abstract In this study, we determined whether the DDT isomers p , p ′-DUT [1,1,1,-trichloro-2,2-bis( p -chlorophenyl) ethane], o , p ′-DDT [l,l,l-trichloro-2( p -chlorophenyl)-2-( o -chlorophenyl) ethane], and their metabolites p , p ′-DDD [l,l-dichloro-2,2-bis ( p -chlorophenyl) ethane], o , p ′-DDD [1,1-dichloro-2-( p -chlorophenyl)-2-( o -chlorophenyl)ethane], p , p ′-DDE [1,1,-dichloro-2,2-bis( p -chlorophenyl)ethylene], o , p ′- DDE [1,1-dichloro2-( p -chlorophenyl)-2-( o -chlorophenyl)ethylene], and P , P ′-DDA [2,2-bis( p -chlorophenyl)acetic acid], could bind to and transcriptionally activate the human estrogen receptor (hER). Novel results from competitive binding assays showed that o , p ′-DDD, o , p ′-DDE, and p , p ′-DDT, as well as the established environmental estrogen o , p ′-DDT, were able to bind specifically to the hER with approximately 1000-fold weaker affinities for the hER than that of estradiol. In contrast, only o ,p′-DDT, but not p , p ′-DUT, bound to the rat estrogen receptor. Moreover, two yeast expression-reporter systems, constructed to test if the DDT isomers and metabolites could transcriptionally activate the hER, demonstrated that an o ,p′-DDT metabolite could transactivate the hER or LexA-hER fusion protein with just a 140- to 300-fold weaker potency than that of estradiol. The DDT isomers and metabolites that bound the hER in in vitro triggered estrogen receptor-mediated transcription of the lacZ reporter gene in the yeast systems. Furthermore, the DDT isomers and metabolites that transactivated the hER elicited an additive response when given together or with estradiol. The DDT isomers and metabolites that triggered transcription of the yeast expression-reporter systems also stimulated two estrogenic endpoints in estrogen-responsive MCF-7 cells: the induction of the progesterone receptor and the down-regulation of the hER. Thus, in MCF-7 cells and in yeast expression-reporter systems, certain DDT isomers and metabolites act directly as agonists and transactivate the hER at concentrations found in human tissues.
On the long-term retention of geometry-centric digital engineering artifacts

This paper discusses the challenges of long-term preservation of digital geometric models and the engineering processes associated with them. For engineering, design, manufacturing, and physics-based simulation data this requires formats that are accessible potentially indefinitely into the future. One of the fundamental challenges is the development of digital geometry-centric engineering representations that are self describing and assured to be interpretable over the long lifespans required by archival applications. Additionally, future users may have needs that require other information, going beyond geometry, be also accessible to fully interpret the model. These problems are highly interdisciplinary and not exclusively algorithmic or technical. To provide context, the paper introduces a case study illustrating an overall portrait of the problem. Based on observations from this case study, we present a framework for enhancing the preservation of geometry-centric engineering knowledge. This framework is currently being used on a number of projects in engineering education.
Varieties of Perspectives on Creativity Reply to Commentators

In this reply, I concentrate on two broad issues raised by the four commentaries in this issue: the hierarchical model of domains and individual differences in creativity. In the first case, I cite...
X-Ray-Induced Bulk Photovoltaic Effect in Insulators

When an insulator, sandwiched between metals of dissimilar work functions, is irradiated with x-radiation, a voltage related to the contact potential difference of the metals is observed. This phenomenon, known as the bulk photovoltaic effect, has been demonstrated in a variety of metal-insulator-metal combinations. Evidence that the voltage is not generated by junctions, barrier layers, or simillar other phenomena is presented.
Racial Differences in the Prevalence of Monoclonal Gammopathy in a Community-based Sample of the Elderly

Abstract Purpose: To determine if there is an increased prevalence of monoclonal gammopathy in elderly blacks compared with whites, analogous to the difference in incidence of multiple myeloma reported for the two racial groups and to confirm age and gender relationships. Patients and methods: Subjects were from the Duke Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly, selected on the basis of stratified random household sampling. Blacks were oversampled to allow for increased statistical precision in racial comparisons. In all, 1,732 subjects (aged >70 years) consented to blood drawing and constitute the sample for this study. Monoclonal immunoglobulins were determined by agarose gel electrophoresis and immunofixation. Results: One hundred six subjects (6.1%) had a monoclonal gammopathy. There was a greater than twofold difference in prevalence between blacks (8.4%) and whites (3.8%) ( P Conclusion: Prevalence of monoclonal gammopathy is significantly greater among blacks than whites in a community-based sample, in approximately the same ratio that multiple myeloma has been reported in the two groups. Given the absence of correlation with environmental factors, there may be a biological racial difference in susceptibility to an early event in the carcinogenic process leading to multiple myeloma.
Grid indentation analysis of composite microstructure and mechanics: Principles and validation

Several composites comprise material phases that cannot be recapitulated ex situ, including calcium silicate hydrates in cementitous materials, hydroxyapatite in bone, and clay agglomerates in geomaterials. This requirement for in situ synthesis and characterization of chemically complex phases obviates conventional mechanical testing of large specimens representative of these material components. Current advances in experimental micro and nanomechanics have afforded new opportunities to explore and understand the effect of thermochemical environments on the microstructural and mechanical characteristics of naturally occurring material composites. Here, we propose a straightforward application of instrumented indentation to extract the in situ elastic properties of individual components and to image the connectivity among these phases in composites. This approach relies on a large array of nano to microscale contact experiments and the statistical analysis of the resulting data. Provided that the maximum indentation depth is chosen carefully, this method has the potential of extracting elastic properties of the indented phase which are minimally affected by the surrounding medium. An estimate of the limiting indentation depth is provided by asssuming a layered, thin film geometry. The proposed methodology is tested on a “model” composite material, a titanium-titanium monoboride (Ti–TiB) of various volumetric proportions. The elastic properties, volume fractions, and morphological arrangement of the two phases are recovered. These results demonstrate the information required for any micromechanical model that would predict composition-based mechanical performance of a given composite material.
“A Great Step Forward”?: Senator John C. Stennis and the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act of 1960

AbstractIn the late 1950s, a bill calling for textile labeling appeared in the Congress of the United States and incited a flurry of debates among representatives and senators. This bill mandated that textile products, both natural and manufactured, would have labels providing fiber content. Advocates saw labeling as a way to educate consumers, foster an honest marketplace, and aid the domestic textile industry. Opponents deemed labeling a concession to the cotton South as well as a monetary burden on manufacturers and, consequently, consumers. After a series of amendments, the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act (TFPIA) became law, much to the dismay of textile manufacturers and the relief of co-sponsor, Senator John C. Stennis (D-MS). One of its key supporters, Stennis saw the act as “a great step forward,” a way to protect cotton farmers and cotton textile manufacturers from foreign competition and rival synthetics.
Differential effects of protein malnutrition in pregnant rats on the expression of placental prolactin-like proteins

Summary This study evaluated the effect of chronic protein deficiency during pregnancy on the synthesis of placental lactogen (PL) and prolactin-like proteins (PLPs). Pregnant rats were pair-fed isocaloric diets containing 20% (C) or 5% casein (low protein, LP). In LP animals, maternal weight gain was significantly decreased by 82%, fetal body weight by 20% and placental weight by 30%. These data confirm that this low protein adequate calorie diet results in significant feto-placental growth retardation. Maternal plasma levels of growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) did not significantly differ between C and LP dams, whereas IGF-1 in maternal kidney tissue was significantly higher in LP than in C animals. Placental tissue explants cultured in the presence of [ 35 S]-labeled methionine showed that total secretion of de novo synthesized protein did not differ between C and LP explants. Analysis of secreted proteins by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western immunoblot procedures revealed that the level of PLP-B immunoreactive protein was significantly decreased by 45% in media from LP placentae, whereas no significant alterations were seen in PLP-C, PL-II or GHRP-1 levels. Northern blot analysis showed a 48% decrease in placental PLP-B steady state mRNA levels in LP animals. Thus, data indicate that a low protein, adequate calorie diet during pregnancy is associated with a selective decrease in PLP-B expression relative to other major secreted placental proteins during late gestation. Evidence further suggests a distinct role for PLP-B in feto-placental growth in this model for intrauterine growth retardation.
Real-time Data Delivery and Remote Visualization through Multi-layer Interfaces

The high resolution NEXRAD level II data provides critical information for researchers and the broader community to understand, monitor, and predict weather in a timely manner. There are several limitations in existing systems for providing easy-to-access 3D visualization of the radar data to the user community. In this paper, we present a scalable and user driven solution for near-real-time remote radar data access, processing, and 3D visualization. The system provides multi-layered interfaces for a broad range of users with different levels of services, allowing them to interactively explore data from multiple radar stations over a time period of interest. Parallel data pre-processing using the Purdue Condor pool and volume caching are implemented to help improve the system response time and scalability. The system also provides reusable radar data services and a set of access points which can be invoked by third party applications. With this hierarchical and user driven design, our system creates a rich and easy to use NEXRAD data service environment for research and education users.
Leadership Perceptions of the Ambitious Education

In a recent investigation undertaken in Western Canada, it was found that school personnel, particularly those at the administrative level, who strongly desired promotion placed a significantly higher emphasis in their role perceptions on Initiating Structure (the organization‐oriented dimension of leader behaviour), and a significantly lower emphasis upon Consideration (the person‐oriented aspect of leader behaviour), than those who possessed low levels of promotional aspiration. Tills impersonal, procedural, and task‐oriented emphasis was evident not only in the administrators' perceptions of the leader behaviour deemed most appropriate for their own present role, but also in their perceptions of the actual leader behaviour exhibited by their immediate superiors. If such highly ambitious individuals gain advancement, it appears likely that the type of administrative climate which they would induce, with such a pronounced emphasis on Initiating Structure allied with a de‐emphasis of Consideration, would lead to future conflict and dysfunctional effects for the educational organization, as teachers become more professional, and newer approaches such as team teaching, collegial organization, and consensual decision‐making—all of which demand rapport and consideration for people—become more widespread.
Uniqueness properties of solutions of Schrödinger equations

Under suitable assumptions on the potentials V and a, we prove that if u∈C([0,1],H1) is a solution of the linear Schrodinger equation (i∂t+Δx)u=Vu+a·∇xu on Rd×(0,1) and if u≡0 in {|x|>R}×{0,1} for some R⩾0, then u≡0 in Rd×[0,1]. As a consequence, we obtain uniqueness properties of solutions of nonlinear Schrodinger equations of the form (i∂t+Δx)u=G(x,t,u,u¯,∇xu,∇xu¯) on Rd×(0,1), where G is a suitable nonlinear term. The main ingredient in our proof is a Carleman inequality of the form ∥eβϕλ(x1)v∥Lx2Lt2+∥eβϕλ(x1)|∇xv|∥Bx∞,2Lt2⩽C¯∥eβϕλ(x1)(i∂t+Δx)v∥Bx1,2Lt2 for any v∈C(R:H1) with v(.,t)≡0 for t∉[0,1]. In this inequality, Bx∞,2 and Bx1,2 are Banach spaces of functions on Rd, and eβϕλ(x1) is a suitable weight.
A model for X-ray pulsar spectra

The transfer of X-rays through a hot, magnetized, scattering atmosphere is studied using a Monte Carlo technique. The process considered is Compton scattering, including cyclotron resonance scattering. Unlike previous work on the subject, the effects of frequency shifts, relativistic corrections, recoil, and polarization mode changes have been included. It is found that the emergent X-ray spectra harden toward the magnetic equator, are cut off at a frequency less than the fundamental cyclotron frequency, and depend on the magnetic field strength. The relevance of the results to observed pulsar spectra is indicated.
Unification of perturbation measures in speech signals.

Voice perturbation measures, formerly defined in a somewhat ad hoc fashion, are discussed within the framework of signal theory. An attempt is made to unify a variety of existing jitter, shimmer, and noise measures on the basis of common underlying perturbation functions and their derivatives. Some simple modulations (sinusoid, Gaussian noise, linear trend) are imposed on cyclic parameters in phonation (e.g., amplitude and fundamental frequency) to test the ability of perturbation measures to detect or reject these types of modulations. It is expected that this systematic approach to perturbation analysis will be helpful in identifying the sources of irregularity in the voice and, thereby, in the detection of laryngeal disorders.
The chemisorption and reaction of GeCl4 with Si(100)

Abstract The chemisorption of GeCl4 on Si(100) as a function of substrate temperature was investigated by soft X-ray photoemission spectroscopy. At a substrate temperature of 300°C, GeCl4 chemisorbs dissociatively forming GeCl2 and GeCl species as well as elemental Ge bonding to Si. At higher temperatures we observe the loss of GeCl2, but trace amounts of GeCl remain on the surface until a temperature of about 500°C is attained. In addition, the decomposition of GeCl4 promotes the formation of SiCl surface species at all substrate temperatures. A maximum amount of adsorbed Cl has been observed to bond to the Si surface following an exposure at 500°C.
Chlorpromazine equivalent doses for the newer atypical antipsychotics

Background Several clinical and research applications require an estimation of therapeutic dose equivalence across antipsychotic medications. Since the advent of the newer atypical antipsychotics, new dose equivalent estimations have been needed. Method The reported minimum effective dose was identified for each newer atypical antipsychotic medication and for haloperidol across all available fixed-dose placebo-controlled studies. Reported minimum effective dose equivalence ratios to haloperidol were then converted to chlorpromazine equivalents using the "2 mg of haloperidol equals 100 mg of chlorpromazine" convention. Data sources and study selection To identify the fixed-dose studies, the following sources were searched until June 2002: MEDLINE, the bibliographies of identified reports, published meta-analyses and reviews, Cochrane reviews, Freedom of Information Act material available from the Food and Drug Administration, and abstracts from several scientific meetings from 1997 to 2002. Results Doses equivalent to 100 mg/day of chlorpromazine were 2 mg/day for risperidone, 5 mg/day for olanzapine, 75 mg/day for quetiapine, 60 mg/day for ziprasidone, and 7.5 mg/day for aripiprazole. Conclusion These equivalency estimates may be useful for clinical and research purposes. The source of the dose equivalency estimation is evidence-based and consistent across medication.
Fatty acid composition of larvae of the sand dollar Dendraster excentricus (Echinodermata) might reflect FA composition of the diets

Fatty acid (FA) requirements of echinoderm larvae were examined by a study of the FA composition, growth, and development of Dendraster excentricus larvae fed a microencapsulated diet, and two algal diets. Larvae were assigned to three treatments with three replicates per treatment, a microencapsulated diet, a single algal diet of Dunaliella tertiolecta and a mixed algal diet of Isochrysis galbana and Dunaliella tertiolecta. The percentage of saturated fatty acids (SAFA), short and long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) differed significantly among the algal diets and the microencapsulated diet. Differences in dietary FA composition influenced larval tissue FA composition. Eight day-old sand dollar larvae fed the single and mixed algal diets had a significantly higher percentage of the SAFA myristic acid (14:0), while eight day-old larvae fed the microencapsulated diet had a significantly higher percentage of the SAFA palmitic acid (16:0). Sixteen day-old competent larvae fed all three diets did not differ significantly in the percentage of myristic or palmitic acid. The algal diets had a higher percentage of the short chain PUFAs linolenic (LNA, 18:3n-3) and stearidonic acid (SDA, 18:4n-3) while the microencapsulated diet had the highest percentage of the long chain PUFAs eicosapentanoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) docosahexanoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) and arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4n-6). The percentage of short chain PUFAs, though high in the algal diets, was low in the larval tissues, while the percentage of long chain PUFAs, though low in the algal diets, was high in the larval tissues. Competent larvae fed the two algal diets had up to ten times the percentage of EPA and AA than those fed the microencapsulated diet. Unexpectedly, despite a high percentage of DHA and EPA in the microencapsulated diet, the percentage of these long chain PUFAs in the tissues of larvae fed this diet was extremely low. Eight day-old larvae fed the three diets did not differ significantly in total larval length. Competent larvae fed algal diets had significantly longer larval arms, bigger stomachs and larger rudiments than those fed the microencapsulated diet. This study indicates that early larval growth and development of Dendraster excentricus were not discernibly affected by differences in dietary FA composition of microencapsulated and algal diets but the competent larval stages were. Similar growth and development of competent echinoderm larvae fed microencapsulated or algal diets might be obtained by enriching the microencapsulated diets with the short chain PUFAs LNA and SDA, and the long chain PUFAs EPA and AA. This is an important research tool as microencapsulated feeds can be used to establish nutritional requirements of fatty acids for echinoderm larval development.
Contextomy: the art of quoting out of context

‘Contextomy’ refers to the selective excerpting of words from their original linguistic context in a way that distorts the source’s intended meaning, a practice commonly referred to as ‘quoting out...
Pattern separation deficits following damage to the hippocampus

Computational models of hippocampal function propose that the hippocampus is capable of rapidly storing distinct representations through a process known as pattern separation. This prediction is supported by electrophysiological data from rodents and neuroimaging data from humans. Here, we test the prediction that damage to the hippocampus would result in pattern separation deficits by having memory-impaired patients with bilateral hippocampal damage study a series of objects or faces and then perform a modified recognition memory test. In the test phase, participants viewed true repetitions, novel foils, and lures that were perceptually and semantically related to the studied stimuli. Patients with hippocampal damage were unimpaired relative to matched controls in their baseline recognition memory. However, patients were less likely to uniquely identify lures as "similar" than matched controls, indicating an impairment in pattern separation processes following damage to the hippocampus.
Cortisol response to a psychological stressor and/or nicotine

The effects of a psychological stressor and nicotine upon corticosteroid release were investigated using a full factorial, repeated-measures design in eight moderate smokers. Sessions involved the presentation of either competitive mental arithmetic or reading aloud and either smoking a usual cigarette or sham smoking. Self-reported anxiety increased after exposure to competitive mental arithmetic, confirming the stressfulness of the procedure. Cortisol levels increased significantly in response to psychological stress and showed a trend towards a significant elevation over time in response to nicotine self-administration. The two manipulations in combination produced additive effects upon plasma cortisol. These findings underscore the usefulness of the corticosteroid response as a marker of the impact of different procedures and suggest that it may provide an indicator for exploring the mechanisms by which nicotine-stress interactions are mediated. Systematic research that varies temporal and other parameters involving nicotine and various stressors will be needed to resolve inconsistencies in the literature on smoking and anxiety in the context of stress.
Slow and fast light propagation inside an optical cavity containing coherent atoms

By balancing the steep linear and nonlinear dispersions of an intracavity electromagnetically induced transparency medium, the cavity transmission spectra can be significantly modified and controlled. As the cavity input intensity increases, the cavity linewidth changes from far below to above the empty cavity linewidth, corresponding to the photon propagation in the cavity from "subluminal" to "superluminal", respectively. A "white-light cavity" condition has been achieved under certain experimental conditions.
An Empirical Study of the Agricultural Labor Market in a Developing Country, Brazil

Underemployed agricultural labor implies a poorly functioning labor market. The allocative efficiency of the labor market in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais is evaluated by estimating agricultural production functions for five regions within the state, estimating the MVP of labor, and comparing this with the MVP of labor in other regions and other sectors of the economy, and with wage rates in both the farm and the nonfarm sectors. The results indicate that labor adjustments are taking place, but not at a fast enough rate to establish equilibrium. Considerable opportunity was found for reallocating labor within the agricultural sector. Surprisingly, in some of the regions the MVP of agricultural labor was greater than the wage rates in the nonfarm sector. Little or no correlation was found between the degree of industrial-urban development and the performance of the labor market.
In-vivo secondary structure analysis of the small nuclear RNA U1 using psoralen cross-linking☆

Abstract Intramolecular base-pairing interactions have been probed in the small nuclear RNA U1 in vivo. HeLa cells were treated with the psoralen derivative aminomethyltrioxsalen, and cross-linking was carried out by irradiating the intact cells with light of 365 nm wavelength. Cross-linking resulted in a discrete shift in electrophoretic mobility of approximately 65 to 70% of the U1. This intramolecularly cross-linked U1 RNA, termed XU1, was purified and shown to co-migrate with uncross-linked U1 upon photo-reversal of psoralen cross-links with light of 254 nm wavelength. XU1 was also generated by the in-vitro cross-linking of deproteinized U1, suggesting that the secondary structure of U1 RNA in solution is similar to that of U1 ribonucleoprotein in the cell. A sequencing analysis was developed, based on partial enzymatic and alkaline cleavage of psoralen-treated RNA, to identify the position of psoralen cross-links and to distinguish between psoralen monoadducts and diadducts (cross-links). Sequencing of 3′ and 5′ end-labeled XU1 provided direct evidence for the presence of a unique intramolecular cross-link in XU1, located on uridine 116 (U116). This result is consistent with several secondary-structure models for U1 in which U116 is located in a base-paired stem. The proximity of uridine 96 (U96) to U116 on the opposite side of the base-paired stem suggested that U116 was cross-linked to U96. An additional U1 species having an electrophoretic mobility between those of U1 and XU1 was also generated by psoralen treatment. Analysis of this U1 species, termed U1M, revealed a psoralen monoadduct on U96. Further longwave (365 nm) irradiation of purified U1M resulted in its conversion to XU1 by completion of the U96-U116 cross-link. This suggested that cross-linking at the U96-U116 site occurred as a two-step process in which the psoralen first reacted with U96 and then with U116. Sequencing analysis also identified a psoralen monoadduct on uridine 45 (U45) of XU1. Efficient psoralen-adduct formation, which resulted in cross-linking at the U96-U116 site and monoaddition on U45, suggests that these regions are relatively accessible in the native U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particle in vivo.
Incidence of Members of the Salmonella Group in Rats

Rats and other rodents are generally considered to be important factors in the spread of food poisoning organisms but evidence to support such a conclusion is often meager and not altogether conclusive. The difficulty in acquiring the necessary evidence, as pointed out by Staff and Grover,1 may be attributed to hazards of sampling and limitations of laboratory technic. Although it is well established that rats may harbor organisms of the Salmonella group and that these animals are often found in close proximity to human food supplies, there is sufficient question regarding the role played by them as vectors of food poisoning organisms to necessitate a study of certain phases of this problem. In the course of this investigation it is planned to determine the fate of Salmonella enteritidis in
Flow Profiles of Aqueous Dispersed Pectins

The viscosity numbers of dilute, aqueous, pectin dispersions in 0.04 molal tartaric acid were measured as a function of pectin concentration. The flow characteristics were concluded to be pectin-specific rather than class-specific. The equation describing the linear relationship involves a squared expression of the factors that influence the mass and size of the macromolecules. As a result, small differences in methoxyl content, polydispersity, location of carboxyl groups, etc. were exaggerated to give each pectin a nearly unique orientation in a coordinate plane, defined by an apparent-viscosity factor and the reciprocal, absolute temperature.
First trimester prenatal diagnosis: Chorionic villus sampling

Chorionic villus smapling has been used successfully for first trimester diagnosis of genetic disorders for over 14 years. When performed between 10 and 14 weeks' gestation, it is both safe and effective in the diagnosis of fetal chromosomal, biochemical, and molecular disorders, with risks comparable to those of second trimester amniocentesis. Cytogenetic results have been confirmed to be reliable and accurate. Although confined placental mosaicism occurs in approximately 1% of cases requiring interpretation, and occasionally additional invasive testing, its finding adds additional information about perinatal outcome and can alert the practitioner to fetal genetic disorders. Earlier concerns about procedure-induced limb defects have been reduced with the accumulation of additional data, showing minimal to no risk when chorionic villus sampling is performed after 70 days of gestation. In experienced hands, it may be the procedure of choice for sampling multiple gestations. Secondary to the advantage of safe, early diagnosis, chorionic villus sampling appears to be the optimal choice for first trimester testing.
Monte Carlo Simulation of the Thermal Conductivity and Phonon Transport in Nanocomposites

This paper presents a Monte Carlo simulation scheme to study the phonon transport and thermal conductivity of nanocomposites. Special attention has been paid to the implementation of periodic boundary condition in Monte Carlo simulation. The scheme is applied to study the thermal conductivity of silicon germanium (Si-Ge) nanocomposites, which are of great interest for high efficiency thermoelectric material development. The Monte Carlo simulation was first validated by successfully reproducing the results of (two dimensional) nanowire composites using the deterministic solution of the phonon Boltzmann transport equation and the experimental thermal conductivity of bulk germanium, and then the validated simulation method was used to study (three dimensional) nanoparticle composites, where Si nanoparticles are embedded in Ge host. The size effects of phonon transport in nanoparticle composites were studied and the results show that the thermal conductivity of nanoparticle composites can be lower than alloy value. It was found that randomly distributed nanopaticles in nanocomposites rendered the thermal conductivity values close to that of periodic aligned patterns.© 2005 ASME
Determining optimal threshold for glucose control in organ donors after neurologic determination of death: a United Network for Organ Sharing Region 5 Donor Management Goals Workgroup prospective analysis.

BACKGROUNDThe appropriate level of glucose control in organ donors after neurologic determination of death (DNDD) remains uncertain. We hypothesized that a glucose target of 180 mg/dL would be appropriate for optimizing organ transplantation rates and outcomes.METHODSDemographic, critical care, orga
Analytical integration-based causality checking of tabulated S-parameters

Causality of tabulated data is detected by checking for Hilbert-consistency between data's real and imaginary parts. This consistency can be robustly checked if the generalized Hilbert transform is used. Existing algorithms evaluate an integral in this transform numerically. In this paper, a new algorithm for checking causality that involves only analytical integration is presented.
General method for computing the statistics of charge amplification in particle and photon detectors used for pulse counting

Abstract A general method is given for computing output pulse-height distributions for a wide variety of multistage pulse-counting detectors used in mass spectrometry and in scintillation spectrometry. Calculations are simple, mathematically accurate and require minimum computer time. Conditional probabilities and convolutions of generating functions are used to describe electron multiplication statistics at each stage of charge amplification. Among the detectors which can be analyzed are electron multipliers, photomultipliers, scintillation detectors, and the combination of an ion-converter dynode with a silicon semiconductor detector as it is used in diagnostic studies of secondary electron emission. Examples are given of theoretical fits to experimental data.
Continuation cognitive-behavioural therapy maintains attributional style improvement in depressed patients responding acutely to fluoxetine.

Background. Little is known about how continuation and maintenance cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) influences important psychological constructs that may be associated with long-term outcome of major depressive disorder. The goal of this study was to examine whether CBT would help maintain attributional style changes experienced by patients during acute phase fluoxetine treatment. Method. Three hundred and ninety-one patients with major depressive disorder were enrolled in an open, fixed-dose 8 week fluoxetine trial. Remitters to this acute phase treatment (N=132) were randomized to receive either fixed-dose fluoxetine (meds only) or fixed-dose fluoxetine plus cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT+meds) during a 6-month continuation treatment phase. The Attributional Style Questionnaire (ASQ) was completed by patients at three time points - acute phase baseline, continuation phase baseline and continuation phase endpoint. Analysis of covariance was used to compare continuation phase ASQ composite score changes between groups. Results. Patients in both treatment groups experienced significant gains in positive attributional style during the acute phase of treatment. Continuation phase ASQ composite change scores differed significantly between treatment groups, with the CBT+meds group maintaining acute phase positive attributional style changes, and the meds only group exhibiting a worsening of attributional style. The two treatment groups did not significantly differ in rates of relapse and final continuation phase visit HAMD-17 scores. Conclusions. In this sample, the addition of CBT to continuation psychopharmacological treatment was associated with maintenance of acute treatment phase attributional style gains. Further research is needed to evaluate the role of such gains in the long-term course of depressive illness.
Tibial sesamoid fracture in a softball player

A single case of a tibial sesamoid fracture in a softball player is reported here. A review of the literature confirms that this is an unusual and difficult problem to treat in the athletic population given the significant loads placed on the sesamoids during athletic activity. In the case presented, conservative care was not effective, and the athlete underwent surgical excision of the fractured sesamoid. With use of a postoperative orthosis and cleat modification, surgical management was successful and allowed the athlete to return to her athletic endeavors without restrictions in 8 weeks.
DURATION, IMMUNIZATION, AND HEDGING WITH INTEREST RATE FUTURES

The recent advent of the interest rate futures markets has greatly enriched the hedging opportunities of market participants faced with undesired interest rate risk. The variety of futures contracts presently spans a number of instruments with different risk, maturity, and coupon characteristics. This paper modifies the concept of duration and extends the duration hedging approach to cases where futures contracts are used as the hedging instrument. The derived hedge ratios take into account differences in coupon, maturity, and risk for three different regimes. Usage of these hedge ratios should lead to more efficient hedging of interest rate risk.
Assessing children's copy productions of the Rey-Osterrieth complex figure

This report describes developmental changes in children's memory productions of the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure and in the relation of memory to copy productions, and a method for evaluating these productions that is sensitive to parameters relevant to neuropsychological diagnosis. Based on protocols from a standardization sample of 454 children between the ages of 5 and 14 (Waber & Homes, 1985), a system was devised for objectively evaluating organization, production style, and accuracy. Normative findings are described and implications for the use of this instrument in the neuropsychological assessment of children discussed.
Confirmatory search as a useful heuristic? testing the veracity of entrepreneurial conjectures

Abstract Researchers have focused attention on the problematic effects of confirmatory search applied to opportunity evaluations, arguing that a confirmatory strategy almost always leads to poor decisions. The implicit assumption of this research is that confirmatory search cannot conclusively falsify an entrepreneurial conjecture. In this article we focus on circumstances where the search for confirming information (positive test strategy) is a superior strategy for testing the veracity of a conjecture.
The oxidation of ethylene-1,2-d2 over a silver catalyst studied by microwave spectroscopy

Sereospecific et,hylene-l,k& was oxidized to ethylene oxide-1,2-dz over Ag cat.alysts in a flow reactor at lS(t-280°C. The epoxide products did not completjely randomize for any of the reaction conditions explored. Using a catalyst with good selectivity, 57.5 f 1% of the epoxide had the same configuration as the starting material; with a less selective catalyst 54.0 f 1% was found. Variation of temperature did not affect the results for either catalyst. It was possible to increase slightly the percentage retention by decreasing the catalyst bed or increasing the flow rate through the reactor. Types of surface processes that can be eliminated by these observations were discussed as well as several hypotheses that can account for the deviations from complete randomization.
SU-E-T-141: Dosimetry and Error Analysis of HDR Brachytherapy Tandem Applicator Using A16 Microchamber and Monte Carlo Simulation.

Purpose: Absolute dosimetry with the associated uncertainties for 192Ir High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy Tandem applicator are presented using A16 microchamber and Monte Carlo simulation. The results are compared to the TG‐43 protocol. Methods: An A16 Exradin MicroChamber, MCNPX 2.6 Monte Carlo simulation code and PTW farmer chamber with an ADCL calibration coefficient were used in this work. The A16 microchamber was calibrated using MCNPX simulation and PTW farmer chamber. Statistical and systematic uncertaintyanalyses associated with each experimental technique were analyzed quantitatively using MCNPX 2.6 to evaluate source positional error, Tandem positional error, phantom size effect, volume averaging, stem and wall effects, and Tandem effect. Results: A16 microchamber was calibrated according to the AAPM TG‐21 protocol and resulted in a value of 3.21E+09 Gy/C for Ngas in 60CO. To use the A16 with 192Ir spectrum, a correction factor of 1.13 was generated along the source transverse axis using MCNPX to account for energy difference. Absolute dose and uncertaintyanalyses along the transverse axis of a Tandem applicator were calculated using MCNPX and A16 microchamber and compared to the TG‐43 protocol. The generated overall uncertainties associated with the A16 microchamber are 22%, 17%, 15%, 15%, 16%, 17%, and 19% at 1cm, 2cm, 3cm, 4cm, and 5cm, respectively. Conclusions: In this work, the author investigated the absolute dosimetry for 192Ir HDR brachytherapy for a Tandem applicator using A16 microchamber and compared the results to the TG‐43 protocol. A16 microchamber has an effective volume of 0.007cc which makes it suitable to measure extremely small field sizes and enables high spatial resolution while minimizing volume averaging near the source. Furthermore, the author also investigated and analyzed the systematic and statistical uncertainties associated with A16 experimental dosimetry as recommended by AAPM TG‐138 and GEC‐ESTRO. Based on this work, dosimetry of HDR brachytherapy using A16 microchamber can be used, within uncertainties, as an alternative or redundant for the LiF TLDs.
Applicants' perspectives on applying for psychology licensure: Experiences, problems and recommendations

This study explores problems associated with the psychology licensure process from the perspective of licensure applicants. Respondents (n = 218) participated in a survey about the licensure process, problems encountered, and the effect of licensure delays. Problems included adverse effects for applicants, consumers, and hiring organizations. Half of the participants perceived delays in acquiring their licenses. Problems associated with delayed licensure included financial burdens, barriers to professional development, and emotional effects. Delays affected eligibility for third-party payer networks and delayed access to services by various consumers, including underserved populations. Delays also adversely affected employers and colleagues as well as applicants’ perceptions of boards. The authors provide recommendations for promoting boards’ efficiency to improve licensing boards’ applicant review processes, as well as enhanced training of students in the requirements for licensure and the application process.
Integrable (2+1)-dimensional and (3+1)-dimensional breaking soliton equations

In this work, integrable (2+1)-dimensional and integrable (3+1)-dimensional breaking soliton equations are examined. The modified form of Hirota's bilinear method, established by Hereman, is applied to derive multiple soliton solutions and multiple singular soliton solutions for each model. The resonance phenomenon does not exist for the two models.
Building on Prostate Cancer Working Group 2 to change the paradigm from palliation to cure.

Developing systemic therapies for advanced prostate cancer has significant challenges, including the difficulty of assessing baseline disease status, disease heterogeneity, and the lack of standard...
Stochastic processes for solid tumor kinetics II. Diffusion-regulated growth

Abstract Following an interpretation of nonlinear birth rates as the product of a linear birth rate and a growth fraction, it is concluded that the assumption of a surface-proportional birth rate used in a previous paper for a stochastic process for solid tumor growth is rather untenable from a biological viewpoint. Here, a nonlinear birth rate is derived from a simple model formulating the diffusion and consumption of a nutrient in a solid tumor, assuming that the diffusion rate is proportional to the Laplacian of the concentration and that nutrient consumption is proportional to concentration. The local birth rate at a point in the tumor is then assumed to be proportional to the nutrient concentration, resulting in a total birth rate which is (for proper choice of the value range of the parameters) proportional to tumor size for small tumors and becomes proportional to tumor surface with increasing tumor sizes. Assuming a linear death rate, the resulting spatially discrete birth and death process permits early exponential and later decelerated and asymptotic mean growth. The process is ergodic with absorption at zero certain; it is shown that for biologically reasonable parameter values the expected absorption time becomes so large as to make this process almost ergodic null for all practical considerations. Bounds are derived for the time course of the absorption probability, the unconditional mean and variance, and the conditional mean. It is shown that the conditional equilibrium distribution is reversed- J -shaped or unimodal depending on the ratio of the birth and death rate parameters, and bounds for the mode of the conditional equilibrium distribution are derived. The boundary classification for the spatially continuous formulation of the process yields an exit boundary at zero and thus eliminates the problem encountered with the surface-proportional birth rate of imposing an arbitrary boundary condition at the origin.
Iterative, constrained 3-D image reconstruction of transmitted light bright-field micrographs based on maximum likelihood estimation.

SUMMARY We present several image reconstruction algorithms for generating three-dimensional (3-D) renderings of bright-field micrographs that are founded on maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) theory. The basic principle of the algorithms is in estimating the values of the optical densities of the specimen. A computer simulation and initial experimental testing of a steepest ascent version of the algorithm is presented. The computer simulation demonstrates that the MLE algorithm has an advantage over previously used inverse filtering techniques in that it partially restores the zeroed Fourier components in the well-known missing-cone region. We present 3-D reconstructions from real biological data to show the potential of the algorithm in practical applications.
Angle-resolved electron-energy-loss study of Al/Si(111).

We have performed a high-resolution electron-energy-loss study of the Si(111)-(\ensuremath{\surd}3 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} \ensuremath{\surd}3 )R30\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}:Al surface and have measured the dispersions of several surface phonons along the \ensuremath{\Gamma}K\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{} direction. We interpret these using two different simple lattice dynamical models, both employing force constants from an ab initio electronic-structure calculation of Northrup. The first yields quantitative information at q=0; the second is a semiquantitative estimate of the dispersion. These models have no adjustable parameters. The good agreement with the experiment for most of the observed modes indicates that a single theory can explain both the electronic structure and vibrational modes of this surface and also illustrates both the usefulness and limitations of simple models of lattice dynamics.
Observation of a Bean Model Limit—A Large Decrease in Required Applied Activation Field for TFMs

Experiments are reported on pulsed activation of zero-field-cooled trapped field magnets (TFMs) containing improved broken-columnar pinning centers (PCs). The YBCO TFMs have J C ~ 50 kA/cm 2 and maximum trapped field, BT,max ~ 2.2 T at 77 K. Several results are in disagreement with the well-established Bean model. Essentially full activation is obtained with an applied field at the surface of B A ≈ 1.0 X BT,max. The Bean model predicts B A ≥ 2 X BT,max. Low points in activation are observed at radial sample coordinates r ≈ 0.5 R, a result precluded by the model. Activation shows a discontinuous giant field leap, in disagreement with the smooth increase of B T,max vs. B A predicted by the model. Results are compared to TFMs containing Y211 PCs, which are well described by the Bean model. E.g., for Y211 PCs, field at inner r is the last to rise. For columnar PCs it is the first to rise, an additional conflict with the model. Also, the Bean model predictions are independent of J C , B T , and PCs, whereas major differences exist experimentally. We speculate that with high J C and B T , the very large, centrally-directed Lorentz force causes a discontinuous shift of the fluxoid mesh toward r = 0.
Two success-biased social learning strategies.

Abstract I compare the evolutionary dynamics of two success-biased social learning strategies, which, by definition, use the success of others to inform one’s social learning decisions. The first, “Compare Means”, causes a learner to adopt cultural variants with highest mean payoff in her sample. The second, “Imitate the Best”, causes a learner to imitate the single most successful individual in her sample. I summarize conditions under which each strategy performs well or poorly, and investigate their evolution via a gene-culture coevolutionary model. Despite the adaptive appeal of these strategies, both encounter conditions under which they systematically perform worse than simply imitating at random. Compare Means performs worst when the optimal cultural variant is usually at high frequency, while Imitate the Best performs worst when suboptimal variants sometimes produce high payoffs. The extent to which it is optimal to use success-biased social learning depends strongly on the payoff distributions and environmental conditions that human social learners face.