cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Calcium Silicate Intergranular Films between Silicon Nitride Crystals

Molecular dynamics simulations were used to study the structure of calcium silicate intergranular films (IGFs) formed between the basal planes of silicon nitride crystals. A multibody potential was used to describe the interactions between ions. Samples with different film thickness and CaO contents were studied. Epitaxial adsorption of Si and O atoms from the intergranular films onto N and Si, respectively, in the crystal surface was observed. This epitaxial order induced a structural order into the nominally amorphous IGF that decreased as a function of distance from the IGF/crystal interface. A higher concentration of strained siloxane bonds was observed at the IGF/crystal interface in comparison to the amorphous interior of the IGF. While Ca ions were observed to segregate to the IGF/crystal interface in simulations of calcium silicate glass IGFs between alumina crystals, no segregation of calcium to the first adsorbed layer on the nitride was found in these simulations using silicon nitride crystals. Planar alignment of Ca ions parallel to the IGF/crystal interface occurred with either the largest concentrations of CaO or with the thinnest IGFs studied here. This alignment creates localized nonbridging oxygen that would affect the stability of the IGF/crystal system.
RESPONSE FEEDBACK, CERTITUDE AND LEARNING FROM TEXT

Based upon the premise that persons modify their study behaviours in order to maintain their certainty of responding correctly, a study was conducted with 40 undergraduate volunteers examining the effects of different presentation rates and feedback context on response confidence and correct responding. Significant effects in the anticipated direction were found for presentation rate but not for the context of feedback.
Globalization and the Crisis in Detroit

Detroit’s fiscal crisis was generated by a complex interplay of factors, including institutional racism and auto industry globalization, which stimulated the departure of businesses and residents from the city. The preferential treatment of big business in questionable deals engineered by Kevyn Orr, the emergency manager appointed by the state’s Republican governor, has deepened the crisis at the expense of the citizenry, particularly the most vulnerable populations. Protest against the scandalous mishandling of Detroit’s bankruptcy (especially in the wake of the summer 2014 water shut-offs) has arisen from many quarters, including local activists, international watchdog groups, journalists, and the United Nations.
SELF‐CONTROL: TEACHING TOLERANCE FOR DELAY IN IMPULSIVE CHILDREN

We investigated a procedure to increase the selection of larger, more delayed reinforcers (i.e., more advantageous in the long run) over smaller immediate reinforcers, in an effort to increase a key aspect of self-control in children. Six preschoolers, including one comparison subject, identified by their teachers as impulsive, were preassessed and found consistently to select smaller immediate reinforcers over larger, more delayed ones. The teaching procedure consisted of gradually increasing the durations of the delay interval over many sessions. The follow-up assessments showed that 5 of these children increased the proportion of their choices of the delayed reinforcers. Before training, indifference points ranged from 1.7 to 51.7 s; following treatment, points rose to a range of 37.5 to at least 90 s, with 3 children preferring the larger reinforcer at all delay intervals tested. The results demonstrated the feasibility of teaching young children to make choices more advantageous to them in the long run.
Pulsed electrochemical detection of nonchromophoric compounds following capillary electrophoresis.

Pulsed electrochemical detection (PED) following capillary electrophoresis (CE) has been applied to the direct detection of polar aliphatic compounds. These compounds typically have poor optical detection properties and are considered to be electroinactive under constant applied potentials. The voltammetric responses at microelectrodes of model compounds were studied under various buffers and pH conditions. The detection of unsubstituted carbohydrates requires highly alkaline conditions, whereas amine-containing compounds (e.g., glycopeptides, peptides, and amino acids) and thiocompounds can best be detected at mildly alkaline (i.e., pH 9.0) and mildly acidic (i.e., pH 5.5) conditions, respectively. In a comparative study of pulsed amperometric detection (PAD) and integrated pulsed amperometric detection (IPAD), IPAD is determined to be better suited to manage the large oxide-formation backgrounds, which accompany oxide-catalyzed detections of amine- and sulfur- containing compounds. IPAD results in more stable baselines, eliminates oxide-induced artifacts, and often yields lower limits of detection. Mass detection limits under optimal conditions are typically 10 fmole or less. This paper delineates PED waveform parameters for the optimal detection of underivatized nonchromophoric compounds of biological significance in various operating buffers and electrolytes.
Reliability of distributed programs under overloads

Abstract Investigating the possible solutions to the problem of a system being unreliable under time overloads, we have concluded that the best model is a distributed system. This way both distributed systems and modern software systems can be treated in the same manner. Within the framework of the distributed system, two types of techniques are proposed; 1. (1) a group of passive measures that will fight predictable overloads with minimum cost, and 2. (2) a group of active measures in the form of two algorithms, built on top of the passive measures, that will fight overloads whose occurrence and magnitude are not predictable. Because of the different nature of the passive and active measures, there is the need for the active measures to try to achieve maximum system utilization in addition to reliability.
Extraction and reverse‐phase high‐pressure liquid chromatography of gibberellic acid in soil

Abstract Several aqueous extractants buffered above pH 6.5 were evaluated for their ability to extract gibberellic acid from a Xerollic Calciorthid. More than 90% of the GA3 added to soil was recovered with 0.01 M KH2PO4, pH 7.4. Gibberellic acid in soil extracts concentrated under vacuum was determined by reverse‐phase high‐pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) by comparing the reproducible GA3 peak areas with those of standards prepared in the same background solution.
The opto-electronic physics that broke the efficiency limit in solar cells

The internal physics of a solar cell changes as it approaches the fundamental Shockley-Queisser limit. Photonic considerations overtake electronic ones, as an intense internal and external luminescence requires careful photon management. Counter-intuitively, maximizing light extraction increases voltage and therefore efficiency. Until 2010 the one-sun, single-junction efficiency record was set by a GaAs solar cell with an efficiency of 26.4% and an open-circuit voltage V OC = 1.03 V. Alta Devices recently improved the record with a GaAs cell that achieved 28.8% efficiency and V OC =1.12V, demonstrating the importance of photon management. Even with the best materials, the highest efficiencies cannot be achieved unless the solar cell is also designed to also be a good light emitting diode (LED). The physics of light extraction will be necessary in the next generation of high-efficiency solar cells.
Experiments in Planar Haptic Contour Exploration

We present some experimental results concerning exploration of planar contours (more specifically, polygons) using a 2D haptic device, the Logitech Wingman mouse. With respect to previous work, our project focused on improving the contour tracing experience using the effects provided by the Immersion TouchSense API
Diaphragmatic Paralysis Associated With Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy

Phrenic nerve palsy can occur in the context of neonatal brachial plexus palsy, yet neither outcomes nor definitive treatment guidelines have been established. Diaphragmatic paralysis alone in the newborn results in significant respiratory sequelae and failure to thrive. Reviewing the available literature revealed little information about the incidence of phrenic nerve palsy associated with neonatal brachial plexus palsy, or whether outcomes are associated with the severity of the brachial plexus palsy. Of patients with brachial plexus palsy evaluated during 2005-2009 (n = 166) at our institution, a minority (2.4%; n = 4) had clinically significant diaphragmatic palsy. Of these, a majority (75%; n = 3) manifested respiratory complications sufficient to warrant diaphragmatic plication. The severity of brachial plexus palsy failed to correlate with severity of respiratory consequences. None of the patients underwent nerve repair or reconstruction. We suggest that diaphragmatic paralysis should not be overlooked during a brachial plexus examination, and diaphragmatic paralysis in the very young may require aggressive intervention before the treatment of brachial plexus palsy.
Mathematical paradoxes as pathways into beliefs and polymathy: an experimental inquiry

This paper addresses the role of mathematical paradoxes in fostering polymathy among pre-service elementary teachers. The results of a 3-year study with 120 students are reported with implications for mathematics pre-service education as well as interdisciplinary education. A hermeneutic-phenomenological approach is used to recreate the emotions, voices and struggles of students as they tried to unravel Russell’s paradox presented in its linguistic form. Based on the gathered evidence some arguments are made for the benefits and dangers in the use of paradoxes in mathematics pre-service education to foster polymathy, change beliefs, discover structures and open new avenues for interdisciplinary pedagogy.
Electrowetting-Based Control of Static Droplet States on Rough Surfaces

Electrowetting (EW) is a powerful tool to control fluid motion at the microscale and has promising applications in the field of microfluidics. The present work analyzes the influence of an electrowetting voltage in determining and altering the state of a static droplet resting on a rough surface. An energy-minimization-based modeling approach is used to analyze the influence of interfacial energies, surface roughness parameters, and electric fields in determining the apparent contact angle of a droplet in the Cassie and Wenzel states under the influence of an EW voltage. The energy-minimization-based approach is also used to analyze the Cassie-Wenzel transition under the influence of an EW voltage and estimate the energy barrier to transition. The results obtained show that EW is a powerful tool to alter the relative stabilities of the Cassie and Wenzel states and enable dynamic control of droplet morphology on rough surfaces. The versatility and generalized nature of the present modeling approach is highlighted by application to the prediction of the contact angle of a droplet on an electrowetted rough surface consisting of a dielectric layer of nonuniform thickness.
Rapid separation of low molecular weight solutes from liposomes without dilution.

Abstract Liposomes can be separated from low molecular weight solutes on minicolumns of Sephadex G-50 made from the barrels of 1- or 5-ml plastic syringes. Excess fluid is first removed from the Sephadex beads by centrifugation and a mixture of liposomal entrapped and free solute is applied to the column bed. The centrifugation is repeated forcing the liposomal material through the column into a test tube while the free solute is quantitatively retained in the Sephadex. The procedure is applicable to a variety of solutes and 92 to 100% recovery is achieved for both charged and neutral liposomes. This technique has advantages over other methods for separating extraliposomal solutes from liposomes. Numerous samples can be processed simultaneously within minutes with no dilution of the liposomal preparation. Nonentrapped solute within the Sephadex can be easily recovered in a small volume of water or buffer.
Immunotoxicity in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, following acute exposure to tributyltin

Tributyltin (TBT) is a trialkylated organotin formulated for use primarily as a biocide for aquatic and agricultural industries. Although macrophages isolated from toadfish (Opsanus tau) are sensitive to exposure, very little is known about the effects of TBT on fish humoral immunity and non-specific cytotoxic cell (NCC) functions. To evaluate the effects of TBT on these parameters, channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) were given a single intraperitoneal injection of corn oil with 0 (vehicle control) or with 0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 mgTBT/kg as TBTCl. Three and seven days later, NCC activity and phagocyte oxidative burst were evaluated and related to allometric indices and hematology. The humoral immune response to Edwardsiella ictaluri was evaluated fourteen days after treatment. Peripheral blood neutrophilia and specific antibody secreting cell (SASC) numbers were the most sensitive parameters and were affected in all three TBT treatment groups. Allometric indices, peripheral blood lymphocyte and monocyte percentages, NCC activity, and phagocyte oxidative burst were less sensitive and were affected only at the highest dose of TBT.
Structural Energetics and Base-Pair Opening Dynamics in Sarcin−Ricin Domain RNA,

The sarcin-ricin domain is a universal element of the RNA from the large ribosomal subunit. The domain is part of the binding site for elongation factors and is specifically cleaved by the toxins alpha-sarcin and ricin. In this work, we have mapped the energetics and dynamics of individual structural motifs in a 29-mer RNA oligomer containing the sarcin-ricin domain. The stability of individual base pairs in the structure was characterized from measurements of the exchange rates of imino protons using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 10 degrees C. The measurements also provided the rates of opening and closing for selected base pairs. The results reveal that the structural stabilization free energies in the sarcin-ricin domain are broadly distributed between 2.9 and 10.6 kcal/mol. One of the least stable sites in the structure is the noncanonical G-A base pair located next to the phosphodiester bond that is cleaved by alpha-sarcin. The low stability of this base pair supports the proposal that cleavage by alpha-sarcin occurs by a base flipping mechanism. The opening dynamics of other base pairs is affected by elements of the structure such as the bulged-G motif and its cross-strand stacking. Participation in these motifs increases the lifetimes of the bases in an open, solvent-accessible conformation.
Frequency sensitivities of auditory neurons in the cerebellum of the cat

Abstract Threshold tuning curves were obtained from neurons in the cerebellar auditory area of the cat. The threshold of the brainstem auditory evoked response was also measured in each animal as a function of sound frequency in order to monitor the overall frequency sensitivity of the auditory periphery. Cerebellar auditory neurons responded to sound stimuli with little discrimination for the sound frequency. The values of Q 10 dB ( a measure of the sharpness of tuning) were less than 2 for most of the neurons in this study. There was no significant differences in the sharpness of tuning for neurons in the various layers of the cerebellar auditory area. Electrophysiological mapping showed that the frequency sensitivity of single neurons did not appear to vary as a function of location within the cerebellar auditory area which includes lobules VI and VII of Larsell. Broad tuning was observed in long-latency > 11 ms neurons which responded to binaural sound stimuli as well as in short-latency (
Bottom-Up Federalism: The Diffusion of Antismoking Policies from U.S. Cities to States

Studies of policy diffusion often focus on the horizontal spread of enactments from one state to another, paying little or no attention to the effects of local laws on state-level adoptions. For example, scholars have not tested whether local policy adoptions make state action more likely (through a snowball effect) or less likely (through a pressure valve effect). This study conducts the first comprehensive analysis of vertical policy diffusion from city governments to state governments, while simultaneously examining the influence of state-to-state and national-to-state diffusion. Focusing on three different types of antismoking laws, we find evidence that policies do bubble up from city governments to state governments. State politics are crucial to this relationship, however, as local-to-state diffusion is contingent on the level of legislative professionalism and the strength of health advocates in the state.
Bubble size distribution prediction for large-scale ship flows: Model evaluation and numerical issues

Abstract Prediction of the bubble size distribution in the wake of a ship is important to analyze its acoustic signature. To achieve CFD simulation of dynamic ships with moving control surfaces and rotating propellers in waves, a robust implementation is paramount. In this work a mass conserving multigroup discretization strategy of the Boltzmann transport equation for polydispersed bubbly flows is presented, as well as an analysis of available breakup and coalescence models. Modifications of the discrete equations for the fixed pivot method at the boundaries are introduced that guarantee exact bubble mass conservation. The role of the time stepping scheme in the conservation of mass and number of bubbles is discussed. Though the conservation properties of the discrete system of equations are satisfied provided they are solved exactly, in practice an iterative procedure must be used since the ODE’s are non-linear. Three iterative schemes are proposed and they are analyzed in terms of robustness and efficiency. Breakup, coalescence and dissolution models are analyzed from the numerical point of view. Available models of breakup and coalescence are studied finding appropriate choices for ship applications. Other models are appropriate as well, but are more costly numerically. As appropriate for ship applications, an extension to the model of Prince and Blanch for salt water is proposed and analyzed. The final model is tested against experimental data and computations by other researchers, and convergence properties in bubble size discretization is studied. It is found that for salt water the final steady state is dependent on the initial condition since there is a range of sizes for which coalescence and breakup are both negligible.
Nitric oxide-mediated expression of Bax protein and DNA fragmentation during hypoxia in neuronal nuclei from newborn piglets

The present study tests the hypothesis that nitric oxide mediates the hypoxia-induced increase in expression of Bax and in DNA fragmentation in the cerebral cortex of newborn piglets, and that administration of N-nitro-l-arginine (NNLA), a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, will prevent a change in hypoxia-induced expression of apoptotic genes and DNA damage. Piglets were assigned to normoxic, hypoxic, or NNLA-pretreated hypoxic groups. Cerebral tissue hypoxia was documented biochemically by measuring ATP and phosphocreatine (PCr) levels. Cerebral cortical neuronal nuclei were isolated and nuclear proteins were separated electrophoretically and probed with specific antibodies against Bcl-2 or Bax proteins. Neuronal nuclear DNA from normoxic, hypoxic, and NNLA-pretreated hypoxic animals was isolated, separated by electrophoresis on 1% agarose gel and stained with ethidium bromide. Cerebral hypoxia resulted in an increase in nuclear membrane Bax protein levels from 121.33±47.7 optical density (OD)×mm2 in normoxic to 273.67±67.3 OD×mm2 in hypoxic group (P<0.05 vs. normoxic), but levels in NNLA-pretreated hypoxic group were 155.78±48.3 OD×mm2 (P<0.05 vs. hypoxic, P=NS vs. normoxic). Similarly, cerebral hypoxia resulted in the density of DNA fragments increasing from 1530.3±309.8 OD/mm2 in the normoxic group to 5383.3±775 OD/mm2 in the hypoxic group (P<0.05), while levels in NNLA-pretreated hypoxic group were 3574.0±952 OD/mm2 (P<0.05 compared to hypoxic and normoxic groups). The data show that NNLA-pretreatment prevents the hypoxia-induced increase in Bax expression and DNA fragmentation demonstrating that the hypoxia-induced Bax gene expression and the DNA fragmentation are NO-mediated.
A 1.2–0.55V general-purpose biomedical processor with configurable machine-learning accelerators for high-order, patient-adaptive monitoring

Machine learning offers powerful advantages in sensing systems, enabling the creation and adaptation of highorder signal models by exploiting the sensed data. We present a general-purpose processor that employs configurable machine-learning accelerators to analyze physiological signals at low energy levels for a broad range of biomedical applications. Implemented in 130nm LP CMOS, the processor operates from 1.2V-0.55V (logic). It achieves real-time EEG-based seizure detection at 273μW (at 0.85V) and patient-adaptive ECG-based cardiac-arrhythmia detection at 124μW (at 0.75V), yielding overall energy savings of 62.4× and 144.7× thanks to the accelerators.
Lowering the Barriers to Random Walks on the Cell Surface

We used fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) and single particle tracking (SPT) techniques to compare diffusion of class I major histocompatibility complex molecules (MHC) on normal and α-spectrin-deficient murine erythroleukemia (MEL) cells. Because the cytoskeleton mesh acts as a barrier to lateral mobility of membrane proteins, we expected that diffusion of membrane proteins in α-spectrin-deficient MEL cells would differ greatly from that in normal MEL cells. In the event, diffusion coefficients derived from either FRAP or SPT analysis were similar for α-spectrin-deficient and normal MEL cells, differing by a factor of ∼2, on three different timescales: tens of seconds, 1–10 s, and 100 ms. SPT analysis showed that the diffusion of most class I MHC molecules was confined on both cell types. On the normal MEL cells, the mean diagonal length of the confined area was 330 nm with a mean residency time of 40s. On the α-spectrin-deficient MEL cells, the mean diagonal length was 650 nm with a mean residency time of 45s. Thus there are fewer barriers to lateral diffusion on cytoskeleton mutant MEL cells than on normal MEL cells, but this difference does not strongly affect lateral diffusion on the scales measured here.
Chronic lymphoproliferative disorder of natural killer cells: a distinct entity with subtypes correlating with normal natural killer cell subsets

Chronic lymphoproliferative disorder of natural killer cells: a distinct entity with subtypes correlating with normal natural killer cell subsets
CLINICAL AND SEROLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF TRANSFUSION-ASSOCIATED HEPATITIS

Of 108 prospectively followed, multiply transfused, open-heart-surgery patients, 12 (11%) developed hepatitis. Patients received only volunteer donor blood tested for hepatitis-B surface antigen (HBsAg) prior to transfusion by counterelectrophoresis (C.E.P.). 4 of the 12 patients developed hepatitis-B-virus infection. Subsequent testing of donor serums by solid-phase radioimmunoassay (R.I.A.) revealed that an R.I.A.-positive, C.E.P.-negative blood unit was transfused to 3 of the 4 type-B hepatitis cases, but to none of the remaining 104 patients; 3 hepatitis-B cases could probably have been prevented by prescreening of donors by solid-phase R.I.A. 8 hepatitis cases were serologically unrelated to the hepatitis-B virus, the hepatitis-A virus, the cytomegalovirus, or the Epstein-Barr virus. Had R.I.A.-positive donors been excluded, 8 of the 9 residual hepatitis cases (89%) would have represented "non-A, non-B" hepatitis. The existence of previously unrecognised human hepatitis virus(es) is probable.
The impact of the Pathways intervention on psychosocial variables related to diet and physical activity in American Indian schoolchildren

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the Pathways intervention on pychosocial variables related to physical activity and diet in American Indian children. Methods Schools serving American Indian children were randomized to a multicomponent intervention or control condition. At baseline (fall of third grade) and in the spring semester of third, fourth, and fifth grades 755 boys and 692 girls completed a classroom-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed self-efficacy, knowledge, and behavioral intentions related to diet and physical activity, as well as weight loss behaviors and body image. Results Knowledge of nutrition and physical activity messages increased in both boys and girls in the intervention group compared to controls; however, knowledge of which foods contained more fat did not increase consistently. Compared to controls, self-efficacy to be physically active increased among girls in intervention schools, but not among boys, whereas self-efficacy to make more healthy food choices did not increase more than in controls in either gender. In the intervention group, compared to controls, healthy food intentions and participation in physically active behaviors increased in both boys and girls. Perception of healthy body size and weight loss attempts did not differ in the intervention and control groups. Conclusion The Pathways intervention program had a positive impact on several aspects of obesity-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors.
Memory and frequency estimation processes in a decision task

Two experiments examined the role of information storage and frequency estimation processes in a simple decision task. On each trial from one to five simultaneous sequences of information were presented, and subjects were required to monitor and respond to each sequence. In one study independent groups of subjects gave decisions, recognition responses. or frequency judgments. In a second study recall responses were obtained from subjects as part of the decision and frequency judgment tasks. Changes in performance as the number of simultaneous sequences increased suggested an independence of decisions from memory for specific information. Performance on the decision and frequency judgment tasks exceeded at times that which was possible on the basis of specific information available. Other data suggested that subjects in the frequency estimation tasks maintained an accurate frequency count when possible, but in the decision task kept little more than a record of their currently favored hypothesis. When direct counting was prevented in the second experiment. performance in the two tasks was not significantly different, suggesting that the two processes are very similar under such conditions.
Trends in Mortality of Acute Myocardial Infarction After Discharge From the Hospital

Background—We assessed trends in the prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction hospitalized in New Jersey hospitals. In recent decades, in-hospital mortality has declined markedly but the decline in longer-term mortality is less pronounced, implying that mortality after discharge has worsened. Methods and Results—Using the Myocardial Infarction Data Acquisition System (MIDAS), we examined the outcomes of 285 397 patients hospitalized for a first acute myocardial infarction between 1986 and 2007. Mortality at discharge decreased by 9.4% from 16.9% to 7.5% (annual change, −0.44; 95% confidence interval, −0.49 to −0.40), but the decrease at 1 year was less pronounced (6.4%) because of an increase in mortality from discharge to 1 year after discharge (from 12.1% to 13.9%; annual change, +0.15; 95% confidence interval, +0.10 to +0.20). Mortality from 30 days after discharge to 1 year, a measure not affected by length of stay, increased by 1.2% (annual change, +0.10; 95% confidence interval, +0.06 ...
Regulation of (Na++K+)-ATPase by inorganic phosphate: pH dependence and physiological implications.

Inhibition of Na++K+-dependent ATPase activity by Pi was maximal in the pH range of 6.1–7, but decreased with increasing pH in the range of 7–8.5. Kj of Pi was 2.8 mM at pH 7.1, and 12 mM at pH 7.8. K+-dependent phosphorylation of the enzyme by Pi, which is thought to be responsible for inhibition of ATPase activity, also decreased with increasing pH. The data suggest that (a) previously observed requirement of high Pi concentrations for inhibition of ATPase activity and associated pump fluxes may have been due to high pH of the assays; (b) at normal values of intracellular pH the pump may be partially inhibited by intracellular Pi; and (c) this effect of Pi may be amplified or dampened with alterations in intracellular pH and ATPPi ratio.
Development of a new solid insulation for liquid-immersed transformers

DuPont Nomex® 910 engineered cellulose insulation is a new unique, solid insulation material composed of high quality electrical grade cellulose pulp and web like binders made from high-temperature aramid polymer. The technical feasibility of this new generation paper has been investigated, resulting in a paper composed of high quality aramid fibrid rather than synthetic fiber and binder, with a multi-ply construction of cellulose and aramid. The combination is also economically advantageous. Initial performance testing with pilot plant size paper shows thermal capabilities of at least 10°C above the incumbent thermally upgraded kraft cellulose paper, raising hot spot operating temperatures of a transformer up to 120°C. This paper is expected to be launched as a key player in liquid-immersed transformer applications for interlayer insulation in distribution and turn insulation in small power transformers.
Statistics for estimating the population average of a Lifshitz–Slyozov–Wagner (LSW) distribution

A generic version of the Lifshitz–Slyozov–Wagner (LSW) distribution is introduced. Using this generic form, a maximum likelihood (ML) estimator for the population average has been developed. The statistical properties of the estimates obtained by the ML method, as well as the conventional sample average method, have been assessed by Monte Carlo simulations for seven sample sizes ranging from 10 to 1000. Results showed that (i) both estimators yield practically unbiased results, (ii) the standard deviation of estimates obtained by the ML method is significantly less than that of the sample averages, (iii) the distribution of estimates is neither normal, lognormal nor 2-parameter Weibull. Percentage points of the distribution of estimates for both methods have been developed. The use of these points for calculating confidence limits for the population average of the LSW distribution is demonstrated by examples in this article.
Glial aromatization increases the expression of bone morphogenetic protein‐2 in the injured zebra finch brain

In songbirds, brain injury upregulates glial aromatase. The resulting local estrogen synthesis mitigates apoptosis and enhances cytogenesis by poorly understood mechanisms. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), long studied for their role in neural development, are also neuroprotective and cytogenic in the adult brain. BMPs remain uncharacterized in songbirds, as do the mechanisms regulating their post-injury expression. We first established the expression of BMPs 2, 4, 6, and 7 in the adult zebra finch brain using RT-PCR. Next, we determined the effect of neural insult on BMP expression, by comparing BMP transcripts between injured and uninjured telencephalic hemispheres using semi-quantitative PCR. The expression of BMPs 2 and 4, but not 6 and 7, increased 24 h post-injury. To determine the influence of aromatase on BMP expression, we compared BMP expression following delivery of the aromatase inhibitor Fadrozole or vehicle into contralateral hemispheres. Fadrozole decreased BMP2, but not BMP4, expression, suggesting that aromatization may induce BMP2 expression following injury. Since BMPs are gliogenic and neurotrophic, future studies will test if the neuroprotective and cytogenic effects of aromatase upregulation are mediated by BMP2. Songbirds may be excellent models towards understanding the role of local estrogen synthesis and its downstream mechanisms on neuroprotection and repair.
Directing attention toward stimuli affects the P300 but not the orienting response.

Whether attending to stimuli affects the orienting response and its habituation is not yet clear. EEG alpha suppression responses, electrodermal responses, and EEG evoked potential responses of two groups of subjects were compared. The Attend group was given instructions to pay attention to and count the 59 moderate intensity clicks (interstimulus interval = 15 sec). The Ignore group was instructed to “try not to let the clicks disturb your relaxed state.” Separate ANOVAs with repeated measures were used to evaluate all measures, and all showed significant effects for click repetition (habituation). Alpha suppression and change in log conductance showed no differences related to group. The P300 component of the average evoked potentials was significantly larger for the Attend group. We concluded that attending to, versus ignoring, stimuli does not have an appreciable effect on these two traditional measures of the orienting response, but it does affect the evoked potentials. The relationship between attention and “significance” is discussed.
Freshwater oncolites created by industrial pollution, Onondaga Lake, New York

Abstract Onondaga Lake is a moderately saline, eutrophic lake characterized by waters rich in calcium, sodium, chloride and bicarbonate. Large quantities of CaCO3 that are precipitated in the lake result from excess calcium supplied as calcium chloride wastes produced by soda-ash manufacturing to lake waters that are at or near saturation with respect to CaCO3 from solution of carbonate rocks in the drainage basin. Beaches along the leeward (northeastern) shore of the lake are composed almost entirely of oncolites ranging from a few millimeters to several centimeters in maximum dimension. Offshore, in 1–2 m of water, the oncolites are biscuit-shaped concretions as much as 15 cm in diameter. The oncolites consist mainly of low-magnesium calcite, but dissolution of the carbonate with dilute acid results in a mass of blue-green algal filaments of the same approximate size and shape as the original oncolite. Most oncolites have an obvious nucleus; the most common nucleus is the hollow stem and cortication tubules of charophytes. Charophytes do not occur in Onondaga Lake today although they are common in other limestone-bedrock lakes in central New York State. Charophytes probably were eliminated by the marked increases in salinity of the lake that resulted from the introduction of soda-ash manufacturing on the lake shores around 1880 which means that growth of the oncolites began at least 100 years ago.
Novel Chiral Bidentate η5‐Cyclopentadienylphosphine Ligands: Their Asymmetric Induction at the Ruthenium(II) Center and Application in Catalysis

As the potential for ruthenium-catalyzed reactions other than hydrogenation increases, the importance of asymmetric complexes grows. With the aid of molecular modeling, four classes of novel ruthenium(II) complexes with chiral bidentate cyclopentadienylphosphine ligands were designed and tested for asymmetric induction in a ruthenium-catalyzed reconstructive addition (see figure).
Endoscopic management of occluded biliary Wallstents: a cancer center experience.

Abstract Background Biliary obstruction caused by unresectable malignancy commonly is treated by placement of a biliary self-expandable metallic stent. The endoscopic and percutaneous techniques for self-expandable metallic stent placement are well established and can be performed with a high success rate. Self-expandable metallic stent placement affords palliation of pruritus and enables treatment of advanced cancer with chemotherapeutic agents metabolized by the liver. Unfortunately, these stents tend to occlude with time. Optimal management of an occluded self-expandable metallic stent remains to be determined. Methods A retrospective review was undertaken to determine optimal management of the occluded self-expandable metallic stent. Patients with malignant biliary obstruction who had endoscopic management for occluded Wallstents that had been placed percutaneously and endoscopically were studied. All patients underwent ERCP with one of the following interventions: mechanical cleaning, insertion of a plastic stent within the Wallstent, or insertion of a second Wallstent. The effectiveness of the intervention and duration of stent patency thereafter was studied. Results A total of 34 patients with occluded biliary Wallstents underwent the following procedures: mechanical cleaning (6 patients), placement of a second Wallstent (4), or insertion of a plastic stent (24). Mechanical cleaning was effective in only one of 6 patients. For all 4 patients who underwent placement of a second Wallstent, there was resolution of jaundice or cholangitis and no reocclusion. Plastic stent insertion was successful in 22 of 24 patients. Median duration of stent patency after intervention was 192 days (range 81-257 days) after second Wallstent placement, 90 days (11-393 days) after plastic stent insertion, and 21 days (3-263 days) after mechanical cleaning. Duration of stent patency was better when the initial malignant stricture involved the distal vs. the proximal bile duct. Conclusions Occlusion of a biliary Wallstent is best managed by endoscopic insertion of a second Wallstent or a plastic stent. Mechanical cleaning is less effective. The level of the initial biliary obstruction influences stent patency.
Thomas Hodgkin and Hodgkin's Disease: Two Paradigms Appropriate to Medicine Today

Thomas Hodgkin was an investigator whose contributions extended over a wide range of medicine. While he is known for Hodgkin's disease, this was not his major interest. That this is so has more to do with his successors than him. He had a highly committed social conscience and was outspoken in advocacy of his positions. This greatly limited his professional career. The history of Hodgkin's disease is one of hypothesis generation, which allowed for its effective treatment even without an understanding of its etiology, illustrating the approximate nature of scientific discovery and the importance of chance in historical attribution. Hodgkin, as a scientist, healer, and socially committed individual, embodied the many characteristics that are desirable for today's physician, while the evolution of knowledge about Hodgkin's disease and its treatment is an instructive model for future medical advances. (JAMA. 1991;265:1007-1010)
High mass clearance of autoantibodies from a murine model of lupus nephritis by immunoadsorption using star-configured polyethylene glycols.

The extracorporeal immunoadsorption of antibodies as part of the therapy for human autoimmune diseases has been limited by technology with inadequate and nonselective mass clearance or problems with bioincompatibility. To overcome these shortcomings, we designed a method utilizing star-configured polyethylene glycols (star-PEGs) having up to 63 free arms with immunoreactive (tresylate ester) end-groups for each arm immobilized to a polymer support substrate. The flexibility and length of the arms are thought to allow optimization of epitope presentation and to permit interaction with immunoligands on adjacent arms. To demonstrate efficacy we used an in vitro murine antibody model of human lupus nephritis, wherein we could study the kinetics and mass clearance of hybridoma derived antihistone antibodies from human plasma. Histones were covalently bound to the star-PEG end-groups and the kinetics of antibody adsorption were assessed using a surface plasmon resonance technique. The equilibrium constants of antihistone antibody binding to histone-star-PEGs that were linked to a support grid demonstrated high affinity with a K A of 3.56E + 07 and a K D of 2.81E - 08. The optimum reaction conditions were determined to accomplish the hydrophilization of polysulfone (PS; by an aqueous nitration method) and polymethylmethacrylate substrates (PMMA; by hydrazine), using sheet casts of both polymer substances. Hollow fiber devices of these polymers (commercial hemodialyzers) were modified so that histone-bound star-PEGs were linked to their intracapillary luminal surfaces, using a process which we have shown retains their immunoadsorption properties for antihistone antibodies. A closed loop recirculating model was constructed to measure mass clearance of antibodies from a reservoir. After optimizing conditions using extraction from saline solutions, the removal of antibody from human plasma by control and surface-modified devices was assessed over 4 h. There was no measurable antibody clearance by the control fibers over this time interval. The 2.1 m 2 luminal surface area PMMA devices removed 5.0 ± 1.1 mg, with a maximum of 7.0 mg. The 1.8 m 2 PS device cleared 11.3 ± 6.2 mg with a maximum of 17.5 mg. In summary, star-PEG immunoadsorption is a promising technique for the treatment of human autoimmune disease because it can achieve very high-mass clearance of autoantibodies using modified biocompatible hollow-fiber polymer devices.
Intralymphatic histiocytosis following placement of a metal implant

Intralymphatic histiocytosis (IH) is a rare condition first reported in 1994 by O'Grady et al. Less than 40 cases have been reported, with the majority occurring in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. We present a case of a 72-year-old man who developed an asymptomatic rash on his left upper arm 3 years after placement of a metal implant to stabilize a fractured humerus. Examinations revealed a poorly demarcated erythematous to brown indurated plaque with a pebbly surface overlying the inferior portion of the surgical scar. Biopsy revealed a mixed dermal infiltrate with a complex glomeruloid intravascular accumulation of histiocytes and neutrophils. Histiocytes were identified with immunostaining for CD68. Immunostains for CD31 and D2-40 confirmed the intravascular location of the histiocytes. This reactive process is closely related to reactive angioendotheliomatosis, but is best classified as IH. This is the only case of IH reported in association with a metal implant of the upper arm and the fourth case reported in association with a metal implant. Although the pathogenesis of IH is unknown, a role for lymphatic stasis secondary to chronic inflammation or surgery has been suggested. This is a benign process with a chronic course, and there are no known efficacious treatments.
TIC SYMPTOMS: BEHAVIORAL CORRELATES

Tourette Syndrome (TS) has been considered to be rare (0.1-0.5/1000) and is defined (DSM-3) as distinct from the more common Transient Tic Disorder (TTD) because of the occurrence of both vocal and motor components, waxing and waning course, and duration of more than one year. Additionally, TS has been associated with a variety of clinical problems (attention deficit disorder, learning handicaps, speech problems, and secondary social maladjustment) not known to be associated with TTD. We compared kindergarten children whose parents reported (questionnaires & interviews) that they were very concerned about motor and/or vocal tics [N=14] to other children [N=297] without such reported behavior. The tic report cases were rated as significantly (p < .001) more hyperactive on the parent Connor's Hyperkinesis Index. These children were found to be significantly (p < .05) lower than other children on 4 of 5 teacher ratings (attention span, learning ability, sociability, and self-esteem), but did not differ on the outgoing/withdrawn item. The teachers were always blind to our hypothesis and to classification based on parent report. They were no different on speech or achievement testing. Interviews revealed a positive family history of tics in 50% of tic report cases but in only 17% of a control group (N=24). In all 9 cases in which 2 years' follow-up interviews were obtained, symptoms were found to meet the DSM-3 criterion for TS, albeit usually mild. We conclude that TS is probably more common than previously believed. TS probably is a point on a continuum of symptoms differing only in severity from other tic conditions.
Comparison of Alzheimer’s disease risk factors in white and African American families

The associations between alcohol, smoking, and head injury and the risk of AD in 443 African American and 2,336 white participants in the MIRAGE Study were evaluated. Alcohol had a modest protective effect in whites (odds ratio [OR] = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.68 to 0.99), with a similar trend in African Americans (OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.54 to 1.4). Head trauma increased the risk of AD in whites (OR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.8 to 3.0) and African Americans (OR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.2 to 7.0). Smoking was not associated with AD risk in whites (OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.73 to 1.1) or African Americans (OR = 1.0, 95% CI = 0.69 to 1.5). These risks were similar across subsets stratified by the presence or absence of the APOE e4 allele.
Bibliography of books and articles related to manufacturing: 1992

The bibliography presented, comprising over 150 references, has been compiled for the convenience and use of people attending the 1992 International Semiconductor Manufacturing Science Symposium (ISMSS), the Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing Conference and Workshop (ASMC), and others in the field of manufacturing. The bibliography is broken down into five major areas: just-in-time methodologies, corporate strategy, quality, financial methods, and periodicals. The bibliography is not necessarily exhaustive but does give a good cross section of the many books and articles that cover the above topics. >
Interactional Synchrony and the Origins of Infant‐Mother Attachment: A Replication Study

This study sought to replicate previous work in testing the hypothesis that interactions of dyads developing secure attachment relationships would be characterized by disproportionately synchronous and those of dyads developing insecure relationships by disproportionately asynchronous exchanges. Additionally, a priori hypotheses were tested regarding expected differences in the interactional histories of dyads developing insecure-avoidant and insecure-resistant attachments. Results supported the study's predictions in all cases. Dyads developing secure attachments were observed at 3 and 9 months to interact in a disproportionately well-timed, reciprocal, and mutually rewarding manner; dyads developing insecure relationships were disproportionately characterized by interactions in which mothers were minimally involved, unresponsive to infant signals, or intrusive. Within the insecure group, as predicted, 3- and 9-month interactions of avoidant dyads were characterized by maternal intrusiveness and overstimulation; resistant dyads were characterized at both ages by poorly coordinated interactions in which mothers were underinvolved and inconsistent. These findings are discussed as they lend to a growing body of evidence concerning associations between differential interactional histories and attachment quality.
A novel reference signal generator for active power filters based on Recursive DFT

A novel reference signal generator is proposed for active power filters. The method takes advantage of a computationally efficient Recursive DFT and it is based on extraction of the positive sequence component from the measured current with the Fortescue decomposition. The extraction of the positive sequence component ensures the correct evaluation of the active and reactive current components under both balanced and unbalanced line current conditions. Computer simulations and experimental results are presented in the paper. They demonstrate excellent dynamic performance and excellent detection accuracy of the method as compared to the commonly used d-q synchronous reference signal generators.