cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unraveling the dynamics that scale cross‐shore headland relief on rocky coastlines: 1. Model development

We have developed an exploratory model of plan view, millennial-scale headland and bay evolution on rocky coastlines. Cross-shore coastline relief, or amplitude, arises from alongshore differences in sea cliff lithology, where durable, erosion-resistant rocks protrude seaward as headlands and weaker rocks retreat landward as bays. The model is built around two concurrent negative feedbacks that control headland amplitude: (1) wave energy convergence and divergence at headlands and bays, respectively, that increases in intensity as cross-shore amplitude grows and (2) the combined processes of beach sediment production by sea cliff erosion, distribution of sediment to bays by waves, and beach accumulation that buffers sea cliffs from wave attack and limits further sea cliff retreat. Paired with the coastline relief model is a numerical wave transformation model that explores how wave energy is distributed along an embayed coastline. The two models are linked through genetic programming, a machine learning technique that parses wave model results into a tractable input for the coastline model. Using a pool of 4800 wave model simulations, genetic programming yields a function that relates breaking wave power density to cross-shore headland amplitude, offshore wave height, approach angle, and period. The goal of the coastline model is to make simple, but fundamental, scaling arguments on how different variables (such as sea cliff height and composition) affect the equilibrium cross-shore relief of headland and bays. The model's generality highlights the key feedbacks involved in coastline evolution and allows its equations (and model behaviors) to be easily modified by future users.
Updating Disclosure for the New Era of Independent Spending

One of the most striking developments in recent elections has been the upsurge in spending by independent committees, particularly Super PACs and 501(c) nonprofit corporations, that are not technically affiliated with specific candidates or parties but that frequently work to promote or oppose specific candidates or parties. In many elections, these committees are de facto surrogates for the candidates they are aiding. Although our disclosure laws are reasonably effective at obtaining the disclosure of the identities of donors to candidates and parties, they fail to provide effective disclosure of the identities of the donors to independent committees. The Citizens United decision indicates that expanding disclosure to address the surge is independent is primarily a technical and political one, not a constitutional one, as the Court has strongly endorsed the disclosure laws and their application to independent committees.This article lays out a reform agenda for adapting our disclosure laws to this new era of independent spending. It addresses four issues: how to obtain the identities of the donors who contribute to organizations that engage in independent spending; how to define the election-related activity that triggers the duty to disclose; how to obtain the identities of the natural persons behind corporate contributions and expenditures; and how to assure that disclosure is made in a timely fashion.In earlier work, I have suggested that we require too much disclosure of personal information concerning relatively small donors. However, we currently provide too little information about the donors who are financing the independent committees that loom increasingly large over our elections. Rightsizing disclosure to enable voters to understand the financial forces behind our candidates requires that we both raise the monetary thresholds for disclosure and extend the ambit of disclosure to include the donors who are paying for independent spending.
The identification of glycerophosphorylglycerol phosphate as the deacylation product of a new brain lipid.

Abstract A compound has been isolated from mild alkaline methanolysates of brain lipids and identified as 1-(l-3-glycerophosphoryl)-l-glycerol 3-phosphate. It is suggested that it is derived from a corresponding fatty acyl derivative, probably 1-(l-phosphatidyl)-l-glycerol 3-phosphate.
Nitrogen and phenylalanine mustard. Use in women with intrauterine cancer.

Abstract Thirteen women with either cervical or endometrial carcinoma or choriocarcinoma were given nitrogen or phenylalanine mustard. Leukopenia, pancytopenia, and anemia occurred in varying degrees of severity in different patients; two women died of sepsis during or shortly after the most acute phase of bone marrow depression. A third person acquired permanent partial motor paralysis of both legs from neurotoxic effects. The intrapelvic soft tissues were “frozen” in the fourth patient by the radiomimetic action of nitrogen mustard. Only those with endometrial carcinoma and with an initial favorable prognosis were living 2 years later. It is our present opinion that the undesirable toxic effects of the drugs outweigh the beneficial amelioration for these particular tumors, given in the manner and dosages described here.
Alterations in the Distribution of Labeled Ribonucleic Acid in Polyribosomes from Escherichia coli Infected with Bacteriophage R17

Abstract The distribution of labeled ribonucleic acid (RNA) associated with polysomes from Escherichia coli infected with the bacteriophage R17 was investigated. Pulse-labeling of RNA for 15 sec with 3H-uridine resulted in increased labeling of the RNA associated with larger polysomes from infected cells as compared to control cells. Analysis of the RNA indicated that the increased labeling of large polysomes resulted from the presence of labeled double-stranded viral RNA. Other species of 15-sec pulse-labeled RNA entered into polysome formation in both infected and control cells. On the other hand, pulse-labeling of cultures for 15 sec with 3H-uridine followed by a 5-min chase with unlabeled uridine resulted in a greater decrease in the amount of labeled RNA associated with large polysomes from infected cells as compared to control cells. This decreased labeling of large polysomes from infected cells was accompanied by an increased amount of label associated with the monomer to trimer regions. Analysis of RNA labeled under pulse-chase conditions indicated that virus infection resulted in an increased amount of heterogeneous 5 to 15S RNA in both the monomer to trimer and ribosomal subunit-soluble regions of the polysome profile. Labeled 5 to 15S RNA extracted directly from infected cells under pulse-chase conditions, without prior polysome fractionation, was characterized by a shift toward a distribution of smaller polynucleotides.
System observability and nonlinear parameter identification of nonylphenol biodegradation kinetics

Addition of surfactants, detergents and emulsifiers has been successfully applied for cleanup of petroleum-contaminated sites. However, a certain group of widely used alkylphenolethoxylates (APEs) surfactants was recently banned in Europe because scientists discovered that APE breakdown products are estrogenic and highly toxic to aquatic organisms. Nonylphenol is one of the very toxic breakdown products. The process of nonylphenol biodegradation is very important to many scientists because of its potential effectiveness as a treatment tool for pollution. However, very little information is available on the biodegradation kinetics of nonylphenol. Kinetic information is necessary for predicting the fate of pollutants. We start with Monod's model for nonylphenol biodegradation which is based on a coupled system of nonlinear differential equations. We prove that the states of the system and the parameters of Monod's model are locally observable. This enables us to perform a meaningful parameter estimation analysis. By using nonlinear least-squares optimization, we obtain the biodegradation kinetics and verify physical feasibility on independent datasets.
Government Quality Measures: First Do No Harm

A technical expert panel (TEP) was convened to evaluate all available literature in the area of bone and mineral metabolism and advise the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services on the creation and collection of quality measures. The proposed quality measures were evaluated for importance, usability, feasibility, and scientific acceptability. All are important parameters to avoid unintended harmful consequences of a quality measure causing harm to patients or to the delivery of their health care.
Fetal Tissue Transplantation and the Problem of Elective Abortion

Electively aborted fetuses are the most reliable and plentiful source of fetal tissue for transplantation into human recipients [1]. However, many ethical concerns have been raised by the transplantation of tissue from electively aborted fetuses. In this paper, we discuss four widely cited sets of concerns and objections: 1 The transplantation of tissue from an electively aborted fetus is morally inseparable from the morality of the elective abortion. 2 The transplantation of fetal tissue will cause an increased number of elective abortions. 3 The transplantation of fetal tissue will lead to the modification of abortion procedures. 4 The transplantation of fetal tissue will cause women to abort in order to donate.
Not Just Talk, but a "Dance"! How Kindergarten Teachers Opened and Closed Spaces for Teacher-Child Authentic Dialogue.

Although authentic dialogue between teachers and young children is vital to the learning process, increasingly diverse student populations and a focus on high-stakes testing, challenge teachers’ approaches to such conversations. This study examined the verbal and nonverbal interactions between five teachers and young children using child-taken photographs to promote conversation. Analysis exposed how the teachers’ nonverbal and verbal responsiveness opened and closed conversational spaces for the children to describe their home contexts. This teacher–child dance illuminates the necessary and effective pursuit of attending to both verbal and nonverbal communication in authentic dialogue and suggests a teacher choreograph that, when attended to, is positioned for effective and efficient use within the increasingly diverse and time-pressured classroom.
Return to sport after muscle injury

Skeletal muscle injuries are among the most common sports-related injuries that result in time lost from practice and competition. The cellular response to muscle injury can often result in changes made to the muscle fibers as well as the surrounding extracellular matrix during repair. This can negatively affect the force and range of the injured muscle even after the patient’s return to play. Diagnosis of skeletal muscle injury involves both history and physical examinations; imaging modalities including ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can also be used to assess the extent of injury. Current research is investigating potential methods, including clinical factors and MRI, by which to predict a patient’s return to sports. Overall, function of acutely injured muscles seems to improve with time. Current treatment methods for skeletal muscle injuries include injections of steroids, anesthetics, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Other proposed methods involve inhibitors of key players in fibrotic pathways, such as transforming growth factor (TGF)-s and angiotensin II, as well as muscle-derived stem cells.
Asymmetry of on- and off-pathways of blue-sensitive cones of the retina of macaques

Abstract Macaque retinal ganglion cells whose receptive-field center recieves input from blue-sensitive cones show an overt asymmetry of the frequency of ON-center and OFF-center varieties, an asymmetry not present in ganglion cells whose center receives input from the other two cone types. A similar asymmetry of ON/OFF responses is found in the local electrotetinogram (d-wave) mediated by signals from blue-sensitive cones. ‘Blue-ON-center’ ganglion cells have larger receptive-field centers and shorter conduction latencies than other opponent-color varieties, suggesting an appreciable degree of receptor convergence and presumably large cell bodies. Intracellular stainings of these neurons with Procion Yellow show that they correspond to diffuse stratified (Parasol) ganglion cells whose flat-topped dendritic arborization stratifies in the sclerad half of the inner plexiform layer. In view of the known characteristics of macaque bipolar cells and of the ON/OFF asymmetry, it is proposed that these ganglion cells are postsynaptic to cone-specific flat bipolars possibly mediating sign-inverting synaptic contacts. The results also indicate a reversal, for the blue-cone pathway, of the ON/OFF lamination of the inner plexiform layer that has recently been described in other species.
Abstract 1858: Targeting FoxM1 in p53-null tumors

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Forkhead box transcription factor FoxM1 is overexpressed in many types of human cancers and promotes tumor development in multiple ways. It is also considered as a potential target for cancer therapy. Because greater than half of the human cancers harbor p53 mutations, we investigate the effect of FoxM1-targeting in spontaneous p53-null tumors. We show that reducing FoxM1 inhibits growth of the p53 null thymic lymphoma and sarcoma cells. In addition, ablation of FoxM1 retards the growth of the p53-null tumors in mouse xenograft model. Moreover, induction of apoptotic cell death is observed in p53 null cells after deletion of FoxM1, accompanied by decreased expression of the FoxM1 target gene Survivin. The ARF26-44 peptide, which inhibits the activity of FoxM1 by targeting it to the nucleolus, is able to effectively induce apoptosis in the p53 null spontaneous tumors. Together, our observations suggest that FoxM1 functions are critical for p53-null tumors and FoxM1 is a therapeutic target of human tumors carrying loss of function p53 mutations. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1858. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1858
Using daily routines to promote medication adherence in older adults.

PURPOSE. To understand the medication routines used by older adults taking four or more medications daily. METHOD. One hundred forty-nine community-dwelling older adults were interviewed about the individual routines, storage locations, equipment, and assistance that enabled their adherence to a medication regimen. A subsample of 84 older adults was observed completing one medication routine in their home environments. FINDINGS. Medication habits were embedded in mealtime, wake-up, and sleep routines for 91% of the sample. Participants developed unique, individualized behaviors for taking medications that were choreographed within broader daily routines. The primary locations for storing medications were the kitchen and bathroom. Equipment used to promote adherence was primarily pillboxes or self-made adaptations. More than 50% of the entire sample required some type of assistance related to medication adherence. IMPLICATIONS. Findings support the role of occupational therapists in collaborating with clients to develop individualized medication routines to promote medication adherence.
Dense-gas diffusion coefficients in the methane-carbon tetrafluoride system by pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance

Abstract Self-diffusion coefficients of methane and carbon tetrafluoride were measured by the pulsed NMR method in three dense-gas mixtures of methane and carbon tetrafluoride having 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75 mole fraction of methane. The measurements were made at temperatures between 0°C and 75°C and pressures between 25 and 500 atmospheres. The data were correlated according to the corresponding-states principle. Mutual-diffusion coefficients were derived from the experimental self-diffusion data and compared with theoretical values calculated on the basis of the Enskog factor. Agreement between the two sets of values ranged from very good to fair.
Reflexion of High Frequencies during Auroral Activity

VERTICAL incidence measurements of the ionosphere at 17.31 Mc./s. usually elicit no reflexions except when meteoric ionization is present, and then the reflexions persist for a minute or two. Recently, however, we have observed enduring reflexions at this frequency during periods of auroral activity. The returns show large slant ranges, probably indicating that the centres of reflexion are at a considerable horizontal distance rather than at great heights. The ionization responsible for the reflexions must exceed 3.7 × 106 electrons/cm.3 in order to be observed at this frequency. Somewhat similar echoes from aurora borealis have been reported by Lovell, Clegg and Ellyett1 using transmissions on 46 Mc./s. Also, ultrahigh-frequency long-distance transmission during auroral storms has aroused considerable interest in amateur radio circles2.
571 CONSERVATIVE MANAGEMENT OF ESOPHAGEAL AND PHARYNGEAL PERFORATIONS IN THE NEWBORN

Perforation of the pharynx or esophagus is a well-described condition in the neonatal period. Controversy exists, however, whether medical or surgical therapy is the most appropriate management of such perforations. Eight cases of neonatal pharyngeal/esophageal perforation in premature infants were treated medically with antibiotics, nutritional support and closed chest-tube drainage of pneumothoraces. The times of perforation varied from 1-10 days of life and were usually associated with passage of oro-gastric feeding tubes. All perforations healed without surgical repair. No mortality or morbidity occurred in any of our patients secondary to these perforations. A review of these eight cases, and an additional seventy-four cases from the literature, revealed no difference in outcome between early surgical intervention and medical management. While certain complications such as mediastinal mass formation are definite indications for surgical drainage, most neonatal perforations of the pharynx or esophagus can be initially managed medically. Medical therapy with close observation for signs of sepsis and/or mediastinal changes will enable most newborn infants to avoid the stress of surgery and identify those infants where surgery is definitely indicated.
Budget deficits and short-term real interest rate forecasting

A number of propositions on the real interest rate determination, including the effects of budget deficit, are tested in this paper. In addition, some forecasts of the real interest rate based on a best-performing forecasting model are presented. Unlike the commonly held belief, our empirical analysis shows a depressing effect of an increase in the budget deficit on the short-term real rate of interest. The coefficient instability analysis confirms a structural break in the real interest rate model around 1979–1980. The forecasting model has been properly adjusted for this structural instability.
In Vitro Activity of Amoxicillin, Clindamycin, Doxycycline, Metronidazole, and Moxifloxacin Against Oral Actinomyces

Actinomyces spp have been increasingly associated with endodontic infections. However, the antimicrobial susceptibility of this genus has not been studied extensively. The objective of this study was to determine the susceptibility of oral isolates of Actinomyces naeslundii, Actinomyces gerencseriae, Actinomyces israelii, Actinomyces viscosus, and Actinomyces odontolyticus to amoxicillin, clindamycin, doxycycline, metronidazole, and moxifloxacin using in vitro assays. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of each bacterial isolate was determined by using E-test strips (AB Biodisk, Solna, Sweden). The MIC(90) was 0.19 microg/mL for amoxicillin, 0.25 microg/mL for doxycycline, 0.50 microg/mL for moxifloxacin, and 1.00 microg/mL for clindamycin. However, metronidazole was not active against any of the Actinomyces spp tested (MIC(90)>256 microg/mL).
Three-dimensional microfabrication for a multi-degree-of-freedom capacitive force sensor using fibre-chip coupling

The design and fabrication of a novel multi-degree-of-freedom force sensor is described. The three-dimensional structure of the sensor is a result of combining several microfabrication techniques: wet bulk micromachining, fusion bonding, chemical mechanical polishing, deep RIE, LPCVD, PECVD and thermally evaporated thin films. The sensor is designed to operate in the 0-500 µN force range and the 0-10 µNm torque range. The flexibility of the process to create overhanging structures with arbitrary lengths and heights is illustrated by the integration of micro-tweezers directly onto the force sensor. Among other advantages of the developed process is a dicing-free self-release of wafer structures. This allows very fragile structures, such as micromirrors and other optical components, to be individually packaged.
Direct surface temperature measurement by infrared radiation in elastohydrodynamic contacts and the correlation with the blok flash temperature theory

Abstract An infrared microdetector was employed to measure surface temperatures in elastohydrodynamic contacts with Hertz pressures up to 2 GPa, sliding velocities up to 6.0 m s−1 and rolling velocities up to 1.25 m s−1 with slide/roll ratios from −2 to +2. Different surface roughnesses were also employed. The lambda ratio (mean film thickness to composite surface roughness) was varied from 20 to considerably less than 1. The surfaces employed were AISI 52100 steel against Al2O3 and the lubricant was a typical naphthenic hydrocarbon. High maximum surface temperatures have been observed (to 300 °C). Analysis of the data shows very good correlation with the Blok flash temperature theory for simple sliding (∑ = ± 2). An extension of this theory to include two moving surfaces at unequal temperatures predicts the ball surface temperature quite accurately.
Selective Inhibition of Carboxylesterases by Isatins, Indole-2,3-diones

Carboxylesterases (CE) are ubiquitous enzymes thought to be responsible for the metabolism and detoxification of xenobiotics. Numerous clinically used drugs including Demerol, lidocaine, capecitabine, and CPT-11 are hydrolyzed by these enzymes. Hence, the identification and application of selective CE inhibitors may prove useful in modulating the metabolism of esterified drugs in vivo. Having recently identified benzil (diphenylethane-1,2-dione) as a potent selective inhibitor of CEs, we sought to evaluate the inhibitory activity of related 1,2-diones toward these enzymes. Biochemical assays and kinetic studies demonstrated that isatins (indole-2,3-diones), containing hydrophobic groups attached at a variety of positions within these molecules, could act as potent, specific CE inhibitors. Interestingly, the inhibitory potency of the isatin compounds was related to their hydrophobicity, such that compounds with clogP values of <1.25 were ineffective at enzyme inhibition. Conversely, analogs demonstrating c...
High-Pressure Raman Spectroscopy of Molecular Monolayers Adsorbed on a Metal Surface

The effects of high pressure up to 10 GPa on organic molecules in the form of a solid or a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) on a metal surface are investigated by Raman spectroscopy. The SAMs studied are benzenethiol (BT) and benzenemethylthiol (BMT) on polycrystalline Ag(111). Raman spectra of the SAMs are obtained using a periodically nanostructured Ag surface that provides surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). All the vibrational modes studied show a pressure-dependent blue-shift. These blue-shifts are remarkably similar for the SAMs and solids. There are some minor differences between the SAM and solid-state spectra in the ν18a symmetric in-plane CH-bend and in the νCS CS-stretch. The ν18a mode in BT blue-shifts more in the SAM than in the solid, but in BMT it blue-shifts less in the SAM than in the solid. The greater blue-shift for the BT SAM is attributed to the much lower surface coverage of BT, causing greater compressibility. In the SAM, νCS blue-shifts slower in BT than in the solid, but in BM...
Structural Basis of DNA Ligase IV-Artemis Interaction in Nonhomologous End-Joining

DNA ligase IV (LigIV) and Artemis are central components of the nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) machinery that is required for V(D)J recombination and the maintenance of genomic integrity in mammalian cells. We report here crystal structures of the LigIV DNA binding domain (DBD) in both its apo form and in complex with a peptide derived from the Artemis C-terminal region. We show that LigIV interacts with Artemis through an extended hydrophobic surface. In particular, we find that the helix α2 in LigIV-DBD is longer than in other mammalian ligases and presents residues that specifically interact with the Artemis peptide, which adopts a partially helical conformation on binding. Mutations of key residues on the LigIV-DBD hydrophobic surface abolish the interaction. Together, our results provide structural insights into the specificity of the LigIV-Artemis interaction and how the enzymatic activities of the two proteins may be coordinated during NHEJ.
The constant volume tube model of rubber elasticity

A tube model is presented which provides a surprisingly good description of the simple extension and compression behavior of a cross-linked rubber, while remaining conceptually and mathematically simple.
PDGF-mediated activation of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase in human mesangial cells

PDGF-mediated activation of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase in human mesangial cells. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) stimulates mitogenesis and exerts other biologic activities in glomerular mesangial cells. The precise mechanism of PDGF-induced mitogenesis in these cells is not clear. The activation of a signal transducing enzyme, phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI 3 kinase) is associated with mitogenesis. Activation of PI 3 kinase results from stimulation of tyrosine kinase and G-protein-coupled classes of receptors. The synthesis of D3 phosphorylated inositides, the products of this enzymatic reaction, in non-nucleated cells such as blood platelets is dependent upon protein kinase C activation and G-proteins. We studied the activation of PI 3 kinase in response to PDGF in human glomerular mesangial cells. Using a PI 3 kinase 85 kD subunit specific antibody, we detected mesangial cell PI 3 kinase protein as 110 and 85 kD heterodimer. PDGF stimulated PI 3 kinase activity in antiphosphotyrosine immunoprecipitates in a dose-dependent manner showing maximum activation at 12 ng/ml. The antiphosphotyrosine associated PI 3 kinase activity showed biphasic kinetics with a fast peak within two minutes followed by a second peak at 10 minutes. Antiphosphotyrosine and PI 3 kinase immunoprecipita-tion studies indicated the association of the 85 kD PI 3 kinase subunit with PDGFR. Direct immunoprecipitation with PDGFR β antibody showed the association of PI 3 kinase activity with the PDGF-receptor. The isoquinoline sulfonyl piperazine compound H7 at concentrations that inhibit PDGF-stimulated PKC activity had no effect on PDGF-stimulated PI 3 kinase activity in antiphospotyrosine immunoprecipates. These data indicate that PI3 kinase activation is insensitive to PKC. Treatment of mesangial cells with pertussis toxin at concentrations that partially inhibited PDGF-induced DNA synthesis in human mesangial cells did not inhibit PDGF-induced PI 3 kinase activation. These data indicate that PDGF activates PI 3 kinase in mesangial cells and that pertussis toxin-sensitive G-proteins are not involved in PI 3 kinase activation. The data further dissociate activation of PI 3 kinase from mitogenesis in human mesangial cells.
Molecular size of the human platelet alpha2-adrenergic receptor as determined by radiation inactivation

The size of the α 2 -adrenergic receptor in human platelet membranes has been determined by radiation inactivation/target size analysis to be 160,000 daltons. The size of the platelet α 2 -receptors is essentially identical to that of the α 1 -adrenergic receptor of the rat liver membrane.
Development of an ELISA to Detect Anti-BP180 Autoantibodies in Bullous Pemphigoid and Herpes Gestationis

Autoantibodies associated with the subepidermal blistering disorders bullous pemphigoid and herpes gestationis react with a 180-kD transmembrane hemidesmosomal protein, designated BP180. The BP180 ectodomain is composed of a series of interrupted collagen triple helical domains. Located on one of the noncollagenous extracellular segments of this protein is an immunodominant epitope, designated MCW-1, recognized by patient autoantibodies. In this investigation we have developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay system to detect antibody reactivity against the MCW-1 epitope with the use of a bacterial fusion protein containing the BP180 autoantibody-reactive site. The following sera were assayed for reactivity with this recombinant protein: bullous pemphigoid (n = 62), herpes gestationis (n = 28), endemic pemphigus foliaceus (n = 17), lupus erythematosus (n = 15), and normal human sera (n = 22). This enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based protocol was shown to be highly specific (98.3%) in detecting autoantibody activity in bullous pemphigoid and herpes gestationis patients. Fifty-three percent of bullous pemphigoid sera and 71% of herpes gestations sera, but none of the control sera, yielded positive results in this assay. Of the patient sera that were known to react with full-length BP180, almost all showed reactivity with the MCW-1 antigenic site of this protein. Autoantibodies detected in this assay were predominantly of the immunoglobulin G class. The results presented here lend support to the hypothesis that this well-defined antigen/antibody system may be relevant in pathogenesis.
Magnetic logic and computation using magnetic tunnel junctions

An energy efficient logic device for the post-CMOS era has been the goal of a variety of research fields. The limits of scaling, which we expect to reach by the year 2025, demand that future advances in computational power will not be realized from ever-shrinking device sizes, but rather by innovative designs and new physics. Magnetic tunnel junction has been a promising candidate for future integrated magnetic memory and computation because its unique functionalities [1]. The need for the intermediate circuitry for MTJ based logic hinders fan-out function, adds integration complexity, power consumption, area and delay overheads to logic modules. In this paper, first I will report a recent design of the Magnetic Tunnel Junction-Based Spintronic Logic Units (ALU) and the fabrication of a multiple MTJ based logic circuit which computes logic functions while transferring the data to the next logic gate [2,3,4]. This MTJ logic circuit can perform Majority, AND, OR, NAND, and NOR operations. I will also report a recent design and demonstration of MTJ based nanomagnetic logic (NML), which is nonvolatile and lower power [5]. A key requirement for logic devices is an electrical based input/output (I/O) scheme in order to interface with supplementary electrical components. I will discuss the experimental demonstration of the electrical reading and spin transfer torque programming of dipole coupled nanomagnets using magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) [5]. The STT write incorporated a clocking field utilized for magnetic logic applications. For 10-15 nm spacing between nanomagnets, 50 nm × 80 nm and 70 nm × 100 nm, currents of 100-200 μA a re sufficient to program the device.
The reliability and validity of pain interference measures in persons with cerebral palsy

Abstract Tyler EJ, Jensen MP, Engel JM, Schwartz L. The reliability and validity of pain interference measures in persons with cerebral palsy. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2002;83:236-9. Objective: To evaluate the reliability and validity of 2 measures of pain interference in persons with cerebral palsy (CP). Design: Standardized interviews to assess pain and impact of pain on activities. Setting: University medical center. Participants: Fifty adults with CP. Interventions: Patients asked to rate pain's intensity, interference with general activities, and depression levels. Main Outcome Measures: Pain interference scales: Chronic Pain Grade (CPG) and Brief Pain Inventory (BPI); rating of disability: Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique (CHART); rating of depression: Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale. Results: Mean interference of pain on 3 CPG items (pain interference with daily activities, social activities, work) were 1.74 ± 2.45, 1.06 ± 2.05, and.89 ± 1.84 (out of 10), respectively. Mean interference on 10 modified BPI interference items ranged from 2.28 ± 3.01 to 3.67 ± 3.15 (out of 10). The composite CPG interference score did not correlate significantly with pain intensity. However, the composite BPI interference score did correlate significantly with pain intensity ( r =.66, P r = −.21, NS). Pain showed a significant association with CES-D score ( r =.45, P Conclusions: The pain interference items of the BPI serve as a reliable and valid measure of pain's impact on persons with CP-related pain. © 2002 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Increased low density lipoprotein receptor expression mediated through the insulin-like growth factor-I receptor in cultured fibroblasts.

Plasma insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) levels are inversely correlated with apolipoprotein B and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in humans. To identify a molecular basis for this observation, the effects of IGF-I on LDL receptor expression in fibroblasts were studied. IGF-I increased LDL receptors in cultured human skin fibroblasts at concentrations greater than 25 ng/ml. However, IGF-I effects were not easily quantitated due to secretion of inhibitory IGF-binding proteins by the cells. To circumvent this difficulty, QAYL, an IGF-I analog that binds to the IGF-I receptor but not to IGF-binding proteins, was used. QAYL increased LDL receptor number 56-72% with half-maximum effect at 0.6 ng/ml. alpha-IR3, a monoclonal antibody directed toward the IGF-I receptor, blocked this effect. QAYL treatment increased synthesis of LDL receptor protein without increasing LDL receptor mRNA levels or altering protein stability. Both QAYL and IGF-I increased LDL receptors prominently in cells that had been ...
Vorticity measure for non steady deformations

Abstract Rocks that border large scale diapiric intrusives contain fabric elements (e.g., crystallographic axes, xenoliths, bedding surfaces and cleavage surfaces) of different types and different orders of perfection that preserve a record of the rotation and flow history of the larger structural units within which they are contained. The vorticity number measures the rotational character of any type of flow deformation. Since it is an instantaneous description of motion it is not always suitable in situations where unsteady boundary conditions exist, for example when micro-inclusions undergo reorientation between discrete shear surfaces in rocks with a laminar anisotropy. A generalized equation for measuring the convective vorticity number is formulated and analyzed in terms of some naturally occurring fabrics found in low to medium grade metamorphic rocks.
Visual comparison in a redundant display

Abstract The S s saw a target letter centered immediately above a six-letter word or nonword (scrambled collection of letters), and indicated whether the word or nonword contained the target. The S s responded faster for words than nonwords. The time savings for words persisted when a replica of the target letter was placed adjacent to each letter in the six-letter item—but only when the item was arrayed horizontally, and not when it was arrayed vertically. Similar time savings for words were obtained when, instead of presenting the target letter and six-letter item simultaneously (visual comparison), the target letter was shown immediately before (visual search) or immediately after (memory search) the six-letter item.
Perceptions of morality and competence in (non)interdependent games

Individuals' actions and their stated beliefs affect how others perceive them. In a prisoner's dilemma, a defector who expects others to cooperate is perceived as less moral than a defector who expects others to defect; a cooperator who expects others to defect is perceived as less competent than a cooperator who expects others to cooperate (Experiment 1). This pattern suggests that in a context of interdependence, a stated expectation that the behavior of others will resemble one's own may protect one's social reputation. When outcomes are not interdependent, expectations do not moderate the effects of behavior on reputation (Experiment 2). In such a context, inductive reasoning is sufficient to explain social projection. Both types of results are replicated in a modified N-person social dilemma (Experiment 3), further validating the inductive-reasoning hypothesis.
A simplified technique for the short-term tissue culture of rabbit corneal cells

A technique for the short-term culture of pure populations of rabbit corneal endothelial and epithelial cells has been developed. Rabbit corneas were placed on concave agarose surfaces, treated briefly with a solution of trypsin and ethylenediamine tetracetic acid, and transferred, either epithelial cell surface or endothelial cell surface down, to microscope slide culture chambers. Within 6 to 12 h the epithelial cells or endothelial cells attached to the slide chamber surface and the cornea was removed, leaving behind a pure population of cells which spread out and grew to fill the surface of the slide chamber. This technique provides a simple and economic means for the reproducible initiation of primary cultures of rabbit corneal epithelial and endothelial cells for us in a variety of experiments.
Decision feedback sparsening filter design for belief propagation detectors

A large body of research exists around the idea of channel shortening, where a prefilter is designed to reduce the effective channel impulse response to some smaller number of contiguous taps. This idea was originally conceived to reduce the complexity of Viterbi-based maximum likelihood equalizers. Here, we consider a generalization of channel shortening which we term “channel sparsening.” In this case, a decision feedback filter is designed to reduce the effective channel to a small number of nonzero taps which do not need to be contiguous. When used in combination with belief propagation-based maximum a posteriori detectors, an analogous complexity reduction can be realized. We address the design aspects of decision feedback sparsening filters, devote attention to the interaction of the sparsening filter and detector, and demonstrate the performance gains through simulation.
Statistical analysis of the intergranular film thickness in silicon nitride ceramics

Silicon nitride materials typically reveal thin amorphous intergranular films along grain boundaries, with only the exception of special boundaries. It is known that such grain-boundary films strongly affect the high-temperature properties of the bulk material. High-resolution electron microscopy (HREM) was used to study these amorphous films in different Si[sub 3]N[sub 4] ceramics. The observed film thicknesses at grain boundaries in these materials varied between 5 and 15 [angstrom]. It was shown that the grain-boundary film thickness strongly depends on film chemistry. Careful inspections of film-thickness measurements across grain boundaries in a given material suggest that the film widths vary on the order of 1 [angstrom]. Therefore, a quantitative evaluation should allow for the determination of the standard deviation of the film thickness. The amorphous film widths along grain boundaries in four materials were measured over the entire length (up to 1 [mu]m) of the grain boundary between two triple points. Forty to fifty data points were evaluated for each boundary, giving a Gaussian-like distribution of the film thickness around a median value, which corresponded well with the film width measured from single HREM micrographs. The accuracy achieved by the statistical method was better than [plus minus] 1 [angstrom].
Selective Extraction of Minor Actinides from Acidic Media Using Symmetric and Asymmetric Dithiophosphinic Acids

The minor actinides (Am and Cm) and other transplutonium elements represent significant, long-term hazards found in spent nuclear fuel. The selective extraction of the minor actinides from the lanthanides is an important part of advanced reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel. This separation would allow the minor actinides to be fabricated into a target and recycled to a reactor and the lanthanides to be disposed. Due to the similarities in the chemical properties of the trivalent actinides and lanthanides, this separation is difficult to accomplish. The introduction of soft donor groups, such as N or S, into similarly structured ligands increases the differentiation between An(III) and Ln(III) cation coordination. Partly because of limitations imposed by synthetic methodologies, previous studies of dithiophosphinic acid (DPAH) extractants has been restricted to a comparatively small number of symmetrical dialkyl and diaryl derivatives. Research efforts at the Idaho National Laboratory have resulted in the r...
Cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with right bundle branch block: analysis of pooled data from the MIRACLE and Contak CD trials.

Background Clinical trials of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) have not included many patients with right bundle branch block (RBBB). Objectives We pooled data from two randomized controlled trials of CRT (Multicenter InSync Randomized Clinical Evaluation [MIRACLE] and Contak CD) in order to assess outcomes of patients with RBBB. Methods A total of 61 patients with RBBB were identified, 34 of whom were randomized to the CRT group and 27 to the control group. The data from these patients were entered into a new database and analyzed. Results Baseline demographics were not different between the two groups (mean age 65.5 ± 11.3 years vs 69.5 ± 9.6 years; male gender 91% vs 85%; patients with coronary disease 76.5% vs 88%; QRS duration 167 ms vs 164 ms; all P = NS). Outcome variables (New York Heart Association [NYHA] class, 6-minute hall walk distance, peak oxygen consumption (VO 2 ), Minnesota Living with Heart Failure quality-of-life scores, left ventricular ejection fraction, and norepinephrine levels) were analyzed at randomization, 3 months, and 6 months. Conclusions (1) With the exception of NYHA class, patients with RBBB as the qualifying wide QRS did not derive significant benefit from CRT in any of the other parameters studied at 3 or 6 months. (2) RBBB patients who received active CRT showed significant improvements in NYHA class by 6 months and trends toward improvement in 6-minute walk distance, quality-of-life scores, and norepinephrine levels. However, control patients also showed significant improvement in NYHA class by 6 months but showed no improvement in objective measurements (VO 2 , 6-minute walk distance, left ventricular ejection fraction, and norepinephrine levels), consistent with a placebo effect. Analysis of a larger cohort of patients with RBBB undergoing CRT may demonstrate significant benefit, but the current analysis does not support the use of CRT in patients with RBBB.
Do antioxidants still have a role in the prevention of human cancer

Antioxidants are components of diet that are involved in DNA and cell maintenance and repair. Dietary antioxidants include carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium. Across a variety of cancers, the observational studies have inconsistent results with respect to the relationship shown of specific dietary intake or serum levels of antioxidants and risk of certain cancers. The results of the micronutrient supplement trials clearly do not support a reductionist approach to promoting regression of precancerous lesions or prevention of new cancer, except in a few cancers and specific populations. The ability of the antioxidant micronutrients to influence the risk for tissue injury and for cancer, mediated by their antioxidant activities, remains hypothetical.
LevelScheme: A level scheme drawing and scientific figure preparation system for Mathematica

LevelScheme is a scientific figure preparation system for Mathematica. The main emphasis is upon the construction of level schemes, or level energy diagrams, as used in nuclear, atomic, molecular, and hadronic physics. LevelScheme also provides a general infrastructure for the preparation of publication-quality figures, including support for multipanel and inset plotting, customizable tick mark generation, and various drawing and labeling tasks. Coupled with Mathematica's plotting functions and powerful programming language, LevelScheme provides a flexible system for the creation of figures combining diagrams, mathematical plots, and data plots.
Are socio-pragmatics and (Neo)-Gricean pragmatics incompatible?

Parmi les pragmaticiens qui s'interessent a la socio-pragmatique se repand une attitude negative envers les neo-griceens. Cette attitude est basee sur 4 affirmations : 1) une approche purement cognitive pour decrire les implicatures conversationnelles, sans reference au contexte social de l'enonce, est impraticable ; 2) en particulier, les questions concernant le statut social, le genre, le pouvoir et les roles institutionnels sont essentielles a la comprehension des implicatures ; 3) ces questions faussent les hypotheses de la pragmatique (neo-)griceenne ; 4) les preuvent emanant de phrases isolees (construites) ne sont pas acceptables. Dans cet article, l'A. approuve les deux premieres affirmations, mais refute les deux dernieres. Il montre que les facteurs socio-culturels sont pris en compte par Grice dans sa formulation du principe de cooperation, que sa pragmatique n'est pas ethnocentrique, qu'elle n'est pas faussee par ses donnees empiriques et qu'elle est materialiste. Il conclut en proposant des exemples construits qui n'invalident pas la pragmatique de Grice
Structural and thermal properties of calcium using an MEAM potential

Abstract Structural and thermal properties of Ca are examined using a modified embedded-atom method (MEAM) interatomic potential. We developed an MEAM interatomic potential for calcium (Ca) using a first-principles method based on density functional theory (DFT). The material parameters, such as the cohesive energy, equilibrium atomic volume, and bulk modulus, are used to determine the MEAM potential parameters. The elastic constants and various point defect energies, such as monovacancy and interstitial defects, are also examined while developing the potential. Several structural properties of Ca, such as different surface formation energies, stacking fault energies, and thermal properties, such as coefficient of thermal expansion, specific heat and melting temperature, are investigated using the potential. We found that the present MEAM potential gives a good overall agreement with DFT calculations and experiments.
When Do War Chests Deter

I present a repeated election model of campaign fund-raising and spending where the incumbent may use money not spent in one election for a future election, i.e. may create a war chest. I characterize the conditions where an incumbent creates a war chest for deterrence. The strongest incumbents do not create the largest war chests since they deter the challenger on their own. It is the weaker incumbents who must create the larger war chests to deter the challenger.
Scaled DFT chemical shieldings

Abstract A constant scaling reducing the paramagnetic component of chemical shieldings at the B3LYP/6-311+G(2d or d, p)//B3LYP/6-311+G(d, p) level is able to reproduce experimental results in a way that improves upon other density functional methods and rivals more sophisticated ab initio approaches. Root-mean-square errors (rmse) for carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, fluorine, phosphorus, and sulfur are found to be 2.3, 7.9, 13.2, 15.9, 22.1, and 29.7 ppm, respectively; the rmse expressed as a percentage of the shielding range varies from 1.1% to 3.2%. Anisotropies are also well reproduced. The reduction in the paramagnetic term can be associated with a constant scaling increase of the excitation energies.