cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermal Properties of Surimi Analyzed using DSC

Thermal properties of surimi made from Alaska pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) were analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in the freezing range. Each dynamically corrected thermogram was used to determine initial freezing point, unfreezable water (bound water), apparent specific heat, enthalpy and unfrozen water weight fraction. When water content was controlled at 80.3% (wet basis), the cryoprotectant concentration had little effect on thermal properties in the unfrozen and fully frozen (-40°C) ranges. However, the initial freezing point and thermal properties just below this point were significantly affected. The study also demonstrated the great potential of DSC for measuring and modeling frozen food thermal properties.
Transactional stress and anxiety control beliefs among low-income early adolescents

Abstract The current study examined perceptions of control over anxiety-related circumstances among early adolescents living in low-income housing from a dynamic perspective of multiple ecological influences. We hypothesized that, while relational and environmental factors would influence anxiety control beliefs, beliefs about the self would explain most of the variance. Individual interviews were conducted with 162 ethnically diverse early adolescents in grades 6–8 (Mage = 12, 52% female) from five urban public housing sites located in a large southwestern state. Linear regression models suggest a significant positive relationship with anxiety control beliefs and coping skills and social support. An inverse relationship with anxiety control beliefs was found for level of reported hassles, family conflict, low self-esteem, and school commitment. Recommendations for the development of preventive interventions are discussed.
Real‐time measurements of cellular oxygen consumption, pH, and energy metabolism using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Changes in molecular expression or apoptotic behavior, induced by malignant transformation or anticancer treatment, are frequently reflected in cellular metabolism and oxygen consumption. A technique to monitor oxygen consumption, cell physiology, and metabolism noninvasively would provide a better understanding of interactions between molecular changes and metabolism in malignant transformation and following cancer treatment. Such a system was developed in this study by adapting multinuclear MRI and spectroscopic techniques to an isolated cell perfusion system. The system was evaluated by studying the effects of two agents, carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) which is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, and antimycin, an inhibitor of oxidative phosphorylation, on the oxygen consumption and metabolism of MCF-7 and MatLyLu cancer cell lines.
SCHEME: Stochastically convergent heuristical Expectation Maximization estimation

This paper introduces a modification to the EM (Expectation Maximization) algorithm potentially allowing reliable convergence to the ML (Maximum Likelihood) parameter estimate for a set of previously intractable problems. The modification is based on the MCEM (Monte Carlo EM) algorithm, which substitutes sample averages for the explicit calculation of expectation. A problem with previous algorithms is that the number of samples required for convergence and the generally convergence behavior was uncertain. Using information geometric principles, we arrive at a new formulation that ensures convergence with probability one. Further, we begin an investigation attempting to minimize the number of samples required to obtain an acceptable approximation of the ML estimate. This algorithm is well suited to solve numerous challenging statistical problems.
Definitions of compact

Several definitions of “compact” for topological spaces have appeared in the literature (see [5]). We will consider the following: D efinition . A topological space X is 1. Compact (1) if every open cover of X has a finite subcover. 2. Compact (2) if every infinite subset E of X has a complete accumulation point (i.e., a point x 0 ∈ X such that for every neighborhood U of x 0 , | E ∩ U | = | E |). 3. Compact (3) if there is a subbase S for the topology on X such that every cover of X by members of S has a finite subcover. 4. Compact (4) if each nest of closed, nonempty sets has a nonempty intersection. 5. Compact (5) if every family of closed sets in X which has the finite intersection property (every finite subfamily has a nonempty intersection) has a nonempty intersection. 6. Compact (6) if each net in X has a cluster point. 7. Compact (7) if each net in X has a convergent subnet. This work was motivated primarily by consideration of various proofs that the Tychonoff theorem, T (“the product of compact topological spaces is compact”) is equivalent to the Axiom of Choice, AC. Tychonoff's original proof that AC implies T used Definition 2 [13]. Other proofs have used Definitions 3 and 5; see [5]. The proof by Kelley that T implies AC uses Definition 5 [6].
Randomized controlled trial design in rheumatoid arthritis: the past decade

Much progress has occurred over the past decade in rheumatoid arthritis trial design. Recognized challenges have led to the establishment of a clear regulatory pathway to demonstrate efficacy of a new therapeutic. The use of pure placebo beyond 12 to 16 weeks has been demonstrated to be unethical and thus background therapy and/or early rescue has become regular practice. Goals of remission and 'treating to targets' may prove more relevant to identify real-world use of new and existing therapeutics. Identification of rare adverse events associated with new therapies has resulted in intensive safety evaluation during randomized controlled trials and emphasis on postmarketing surveillance and use of registries.
A Model for Total Phosphorus in Saginaw Bay

Abstract Data are presented which define the distribution of chloride and total phosphorus in Saginaw Bay. The loading of chloride and total phosphorus during 1974 has been calculated on the basis of data collected from the Bay tributaries and from dustfall and rainfall. A simple two-dimensional steady state model has been developed for the concentrations of chloride and total phosphorus. The model incorporates the effects of fluid transport, external loading, and resuspension of particulate matter. The model has been calibrated and verified using measured chloride data from samples collected during September and November 1974. The model has been used to make preliminary estimates of the effect of the control of point, tributary non-point, and airborne non-point sources of phosphorus. The calculations indicate that control of the point and non-point sources of phosphorus which enter the Bay through the tributaries can cause dramatic improvements of water quality. Although the model has inherent limitations due to the steady state assumption and finite segmentation, practical considerations may not warrant more detailed analysis unless additional field data become available.
Dynamics of DNA-based molecular motors measured with 1-bp resolution

Single-molecule studies are revolutionizing broad areas of science in general and the studies of molecular motors in particular. The pioneering experiments with optical traps focused on the traditional motors myosin and kinesin, which have step sizes of 8 and 5 nm, respectively. Traditionally, optical-trapping experiments have been limited to net motions greater than 1 nm. Yet, a variety of important biological motions occur on even smaller distance scales. In particular, DNA-based molecular motors take steps as small as 0.34 nm or 1 base pair (bp). In the last few years, a number of key technical advances have improved the resolution of optical traps to 0.1 nm. These advances include use of He as a buffer gas to reduce laser pointing noise, dual-beam optical-trapping assays to decouple the assays from mechanical perturbations, novel trapping geometries to improve mechanical sensitivity, and differential detection to increase spatio-temporal resolution. These technical advances along with their biological applications will be highlighted. I will conclude with recent advances in active reduction of laser noise and mechanical vibration that bring base-pair resolution (and increased force precision) to the most widely used single- molecule assays, those coupled to surfaces.
Optical rectification in an area with a diameter comparable to or smaller than the center wavelength of terahertz radiation

We report the measurement of optically rectified terahertz (THz) wave power relative to the optical excitation area. Rectified THz wave power reaches its maximum when radius r of the optical excitation area is comparable to the center wavelength of the rectified THz radiation. When r is smaller than the center wavelength of the rectified THz radiation, an r(2) relationship is demonstrated. A model based on optical rectification and Bethe's diffraction theory is used to describe this relationship.
Atypical Antipsychotics for the Treatment of Delirious Elders

Background Delirium occurs frequently in hospitalized patients and is reported to occur at a rate of 10% to 40% in hospitalized elderly patients. The gold standard of treatment is to treat the underlying cause of delirium and use high-potency antipsychotics such as haloperidol to target the behavioral disturbances. Since the development of atypical antipsychotics, many psychiatric conditions that were previously only treatable using high-potency antipsychotics may now be managed with the atypical agents. This review will examine the current literature on atypical antipsychotics and summarize the results from published trials in order to evaluate the efficacy and potential benefits of atypical antipsychotics for the treatment of delirium in the elderly population. Methods A search of the published literature was conducted using MEDLINE and PubMed. The PubMed search was limited to articles that were (1) written in the English language, (2) focused on human subjects above age 65, and (3) were in the format of review articles, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), clinical trials, or meta-analyses. The initial PubMed search was conducted in March 2006 with follow-up investigations in April 2006 and July 2007. Results Risperidone, the most thoroughly studied atypical antipsychotic, was found to be approximately 80% to 85% effective in treating the behavioral disturbances of delirium at a dosage of 0.5 to 4 mg daily. Studies of olanzapine indicated that it was approximately 70% to 76% effective in treating delirium at doses of 2.5 to 11.6 mg daily. Very few studies have been conducted using quetiapine; it also appears to be a safe and effective alternative to high-potency antipsychotics. In comparison to haloperidol, the frequency of adverse reactions and side effects was found to be much lower with the use of atypical antipsychotic medications. In the limited number of trials comparing atypical antipsychotics to haloperidol, haloperidol consistently produced a higher rate (an additional 10% to 13%) of extrapyramidal side effects. Conclusions A review of current literature supports the conclusion that atypical antipsychotic medications demonstrate similar rates of efficacy as haloperidol for the treatment of delirium in the elderly patient, with a lower rate of extrapyramidal side effects. There is limited evidence of true efficacy, since no double-blind placebo trials exist.
How Thermal Energy Storage Enhances the Economic Viability of Concentrating Solar Power

This paper examines the economic performance and rationale of concentrating solar power (CSP) with and without thermal energy storage (TES). We demonstrate that TES can increase the energy and capacity value of CSP and also show that adding TES to a CSP plant can increase its economic viability by increasing its operating revenues to the point that the capital cost of CSP can be justified.
Recent advances in the synthesis of alloy phases by mechanical alloying/milling

Mechanical alloying (MA) is a solid-state powder processing technique involving repeated welding, fracturing, and rewelding of powder particles in a high-energy ball mill. Originally developed to produce oxide-dispersion strengthened nickel- and iron-base superalloys, MA has now been shown to be capable of synthesizing a number of alloy phases—equilibrium and supersaturated solid solutions, stable and metastable crystalline and quasicrystalline intermediate phases, and amorphous alloys. Recent advances in these areas and also on disordering of ordered intermetallics and displacement reactions have been critically reviewed. Wherever possible, comparisons have been made on the product phases obtained by MA and by rapid solidification processing, another non-equilibrium processing technique.
Prepaging and Applications to Array Algorithms

A demand prepaging algorithm DPMIN is defined and proved to be an optimal demand prepaging algorithm. However, it cannot be used in practice since it requires that the future refreence string be completely known in advance. Several practical prepaging algorithms are also defined which require only a partial knowledge of the future reference string. Finally, we show that these prepaging algorithms reduce the paging problems of array algorithms operating on large arrays.
Abiotic transformation of labile protein to refractory protein in sea water

Abstract In order to determine if organic matter dissolved in sea water may undergo abiotic alterations that make it resistant to microbial degradation, the protein ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (RuBPcase) was abiotically aged in sterile sea water and then exposed to natural bacterial assemblages. Rates of protein assimilation decreased when protein was aged as little as 6 h; protein aged for 40 days was degraded 4-fold more slowly than non-aged protein. Abiotic modification rates, calculated from decreases in degradation rate with increasing aging time, were highest during the initial day of aging (0.8–4.8 d−1) and then decreased to 0.03 d−1. No aging effect was observed in organic-free sea water, indicating that organic-organic interactions produced the refractory protein. Amino acids from the protein were fully recovered after acid hydrolysis, indicating that the decreased lability was not caused by acid-stable molecular changes to the protein. Abiotic complexation of labile organic compounds with existing DOM may be a critical first step in the formation of refractory organic materials.
A parametric study of damage initiation and propagation in EB-PVD thermal barrier coatings

In this paper, finite element models are used to investigate catastrophic failure of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) due to delaminations along susceptible interface between thermally grown oxide (TGO) and the ceramic top coat. The top coat crack initiation and propagation is investigated using a thermo-elastic finite element model with bond coat creep. Cracks are assumed to initiate when the maximum principal stress exceeds rupture stress of the top coat. A sensitivity analysis estimates the contribution of geometric and material parameters. Subsequently, crack propagation simulations using a hysteretic cohesive zone model are performed for parametric combinations which initiate top coat cracks. A parametric relationship is established for assessing crack initiation in terms of geometric and material parameters of the TBC that helps identify the fail-safe design space for TBC. The finite element predictions are also compared to the experimental observations of failure.
Thermal decomposition of energetic materials. 45. Fast thermolysis patterns of energetic oxamides

Fast thermal decomposition (dT/dt=70-80°C sec−1) of four energetic oxamides [N,N′-bis(2-nitratoethyl) oxamide, N,N′-bis(3-nitratopropyl)oxamide, N,N′-bis(2-nitratopropyl)oxamide, and N,N′-bis(2-azidoethyl)oxamide] in Ar is described by FTIR/temperature profiling. The product sequence and temperatures are used to analyze how the alkyl chain length, the position of the nitrate ester group, and the nature of the energetic group affect the thermolysis process. The crystal structure of N,N′-bis(3-nitratopropyl)oxamide was determined: monoclinic,P21/c,a=5.125(2),b=6.906(2),c=18.441(8) A,β=94.91(3)°,V=650.3(4) A3,Z=2,D=1.502 g cm−3,R(F)=0.036,R(wF)=0.044.
Transient containment response and inherent retention capability

Abstract For safety assessments of early sodium cooled fast breeder reactors, hypothetical events such as loss of flow or transient overpower sequences combined with the failure of the reactor protective systems have been evaluated. The intent of these evaluations was to demonstrate that even extremely unlikely combinations of failures which could lead to meltdown of a portion of the reactor core would not propagate into events harmful to the public. This paper investigates the consequences of a meltdown event. In general, reactor vessels and the primary sodium systems have an adequate inherent retention capability to retain dispersed or molten core debris and remove decay heat. For certain vessel designs, large core debris masses may penetrate through the vessel wall and drain into the reactor cell. Although significant uncertainties exist in the evaluations of debris retention and heat removal capabilities of the containment, there is indication that criteria for radiological limits can well be met. If the accident progression can be controlled in-vessel, consequences would be minimized.
Myocardial protection by protykin, a novel extract of trans-resveratrol and emodin.

Protykin is an all-natural, high potency standardized extract of trans-resveratrol (20%) and emodin (10%) derived from the dried rhizome of Polygonum cuspidatum. Previous studies have demonstrated free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory activities of resveratrol. Since free radicals play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, we examined whether Protykin could preserve the heart during ischemic arrest. Sprague—Dawley rats were divided into two groups: experimental group was gavaged Protykin (100 mg/kg body wt) dissolved in corn oil for three weeks, while the control group was gavaged corn oil alone. After three weeks, rats were sacrificed, isolated hearts perfused via working mode, were made globally ischemic for 30 min followed by 2 h of reperfusion. Left ventricular functions were continuously monitored and malonaldehyde (MDA) (presumptive marker for oxidative stress) formation were estimated. At the end of each experiment, myocardial infarct size was measure...
Invariant manifolds and the stability of traveling waves in scalar viscous conservation laws

Abstract The stability of traveling wave solutions of scalar viscous conservation laws is investigated by decomposing perturbations into three components: two far-field components and one near-field component. The linear operators associated to the far-field components are the constant coefficient operators determined by the asymptotic spatial limits of the original operator. Scaling variables can be applied to study the evolution of these components, allowing for the construction of invariant manifolds and the determination of their temporal decay rate. The large time evolution of the near-field component is shown to be governed by that of the far-field components, thus giving it the same temporal decay rate. We also give a discussion of the relationship between this geometric approach and previous results, which demonstrate that the decay rate of perturbations can be increased by requiring that initial data lie in appropriate algebraically weighted spaces.
Phase I study of gemcitabine, docetaxel and imatinib in refractory and relapsed solid tumors.

Purpose: In a phase I study, the combination of gemcitabine and imatinib was well tolerated with broad anticancer activity. This phase I trial evaluated the triplet of docetaxel, gemcitabine and imatinib. Experimental Design: Imatinib was administered at 400 mg daily on days 1–5, 8–12 and 15–19. Gemcitabine was started at 600 mg/m2 at a rate of 10 mg/min on days 3 and 10 and docetaxel at 30 mg/m2 on day 10, on a 21-day cycle. Diffusion and dynamic contrast-enhanced perfusion MRI was performed in selected patients. Results: Twenty patients with relapsed/refractory solid tumors were enrolled in this IRB-approved study. The mean age was 64, and mean ECOG PS was 1. Two patients were evaluated by diffusion/perfusion MRI. After two grade 3 hematological toxicities at dose level 1, the protocol was amended to reduce the dose of imatinib. MTDs were 600 mg/ m2 on days 3 and 10 for gemcitabine, 30 mg/ m2 on day 10 for docetaxel, and 400 mg daily on days 1–5 and 8–12 for imatinib. Dose limiting toxicities after one cycle were neutropenic fever, and pleural and pericardial effusions. The best response achieved was stable disease, for six cycles, in one patient each with mesothelioma and non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at the MTD. Two patients with NSCLC had stable disease for four cycles. Discussion: An unexpectedly low MTD for this triplet was identified. Our results suggest drug-drug interactions that amplify toxicities with little evidence of improved tumor control.
Electromagnetic dissociation and space radiation

Abstract Relativistic nucleus–nucleus reactions occur mainly through the strong or electromagnetic (EM) interactions. Transport codes often neglect the latter. This work shows the importance of including EM interactions for space radiation applications.
On Localization in Coupled, Spinning, Circular Plates

The vibrational response of multiple rotating circular plates, stacked together on a central spindle and coupled through stationary springs, is investigated. An analytical model is derived and a Rayleigh Ritz approach employed in order to obtain the sysstem's modal response. Mode localization is shown to occur at all speeds of rotation for weakly coupled subcomponents and the degree to which the system exhibits localized behavior is shown to increase with rotation speed
Calcified cartilage morphometry and its relation to subchondral bone remodeling in equine arthrosis

The calcified layer of articular cartilage is known to be affected by age and mechanical factors that may play a role in the development of arthrosis. Because these factors are also related to subchondral remodeling and sclerosis, a morphometric study was carried out in fluorochrome-labeled animals to determine whether the level of subchondral remodeling affected the thickness of the calcified cartilage layer and its irregularity and vascularity at the interface with subchondral bone. These parameters were also studied at a site of increased mechanical stress. The area and thickness of the calcified cartilage layer was determined in basic fuchsin-stained ground sections (120 μm). The irregularity of the chondro-osseous interface was expressed as the ratio of its length to that of the relatively straight tidemark (Int/Tid) and the number of abutting vessels with and without fluochrome labels were counted (N.Ves/Tid,%L.Ves/Tid). These were compared with single-labeled surface (sLS/BS, %) in subchondral bone, which was used as an index of remodeling. In a group of 12 horses, in which one carpus had an osteochondral fragment surgically created 10 weeks earlier, there was activation of subchondral remodeling in the third carpal bone opposite the fragment. An increase in %L.Ves/Tid (p < 0.01) at the interface was correlated with the increase in %sLS/BS in subchondral bone (r = 0.431, p = 0.035). The number of abutting vessels and the interface irregularity were not significantly changed on the fragmented side. In the metacarpal condyles from the fetlock joints of the same horses there were no differences associated with the surgically created fragment in the carpus and no correlation of %L.Ves/Tid with subchondral %sLS/BS. At a site where mechanical overload and traumatic osteochondrosis is known to occur on the palmar surface, the calcified cartilage was thinner, and the interface irregularity tended to be greater. These findings indicate that activated subchondral remodeling extends to involve the calcified layer, but the thickness and irregularity of the calcified cartilage are not consistently related to current subchondral remodeling. At sites of mechanical overload the calcified cartilage was thinner and the interface tended to be more irregular, suggesting previous increased remodeling.
Helicases as antiviral drug targets

Helicases catalytically unwind duplex DNA or RNA using energy derived from the hydrolysis of nucleoside triphosphates and are attractive drug targets because they are required for viral replication. This review discusses methods for helicase identification, classification and analysis, and presents an overview of helicases that are necessary for the replication of human pathogenic viruses. Newly developed methods to analyze helicases, coupled with recently determined atomic structures, have led to a better understanding of their mechanisms of action. The majority of this research has concentrated on enzymes encoded by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Helicase inhibitors that target the HSV helicase-primase complex comprised of the UL5, UL8 and UL52 proteins have recently been shown to effectively control HSV infection in animal models. In addition, several groups have reported structures of the HCV NS3 helicase at atomic resolutions, and mechanistic studies have uncovered characteristics that distinguish the HCV helicase from related cellular proteins. These new developments should eventually lead to new antiviral medications.
Lymphoseek: a molecular radiopharmaceutical for sentinel node detection.

Background: Lymphoseek is a new radiopharmaceutical that accumulates in lymphatic tissue by binding to a receptor that resides on the surface of macrophage cells. We conducted a phase I clinical trial in which Lymphoseek was compared with filtered [99mTc]sulfur colloid (fTcSC) for sentinel node detection in patients with breast cancer.
The Case for Primary Salivary Rhabdomyosarcoma

Rhabdomyosarcomas of the parotid and submandibular glands have the histological appearance of a skeletal muscle tumor yet can be found in tissue with no striated muscular elements. We examine the potential cell-of-origin for rhabdomyosarcoma and whether salivary tumors represent primary malignancy or metastasis. We have previously established genetically-engineered mouse models of rhabdomyosarcoma. In these mice, rhabdomyosarcoma is only induced when a Pax3:Fox01 fusion oncogene is activated with concurrent loss of p53 function (for alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma) or loss of p53 function alone (for embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma) using Cre-lox technology. These mutations are only activated under the control of promoters specific for selected cell lineages, previously thought to be myogenesis-restricted. RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry for lineage-specific promoter gene products reveal these promoters are active in wild-type mouse salivary gland. Given that mouse rhabdomyosarcoma frequently originates in the salivary glands and these myogenic–related promoters are normally expressed in salivary tissue, a high likelihood exists that the salivary gland contains a cell-of-origin of this muscle-related cancer.
Acquisition of American Sign Language versus Amerind signs in a mentally handicapped sample.

Abstract The differential acquisition of American Sign Language versus Amerind signs was investigated in a moderately to severely mentally handicapped sample. The subjects (n = 10) were selected from a residential training facility and each had a mental age within the range 3;0–5;0 years. Twenty signs were taught to each subject, 10 American Sign Language signs and 10 Amerind signs. An Alternating Treatments Design was selected to facilitate comparison of the relative efficacy of the two sign systems across single subjects. Five signs were presented per week (2 weeks) in each sign system. Results showed that a significantly greater (p
New experimental results in fuzzy clustering

Abstract This paper is mainly devoted to the description of experiments using improved techniques for clustering data in fuzzy sets. Previous methods provided good fuzzy dichotomies but failed for partitions in a larger number of sets. The modifications presented here resulted in good fuzzy classifications in any, previously established, number of clusters. The modifications are described both theoretically and computationally. The effect of variations in the function that maps the original distance structure in the data space and that prescribed for the classification space is examined. Numerous computational examples are presented.
Where Did All the Data Go? Internet Security for Web-based Assessments.

The purpose of this article is to enumerate a series of security steps that might be taken by those researchers or organizations that are contemplating web-based tests and performance assessments. From a security viewpoint, much of what goes on with web-based transactions is similar to other general computer activity, but the recommendations here focus on what can be done to avoid the loss, compromising, or modification of data collected by or stored through the Internet.
Ann and me

This paper is an imaginary discussion the author has with a newspaper columnist. In that discussion the author reviews critical prevention issues and discusses several difficulties that exist with the current treatment model.
Atmospheric deposition to forests along an elevational gradient at Whiteface Mountain, NY, U.S.A.

Abstract Atmospheric deposition rates of pollutants are known to be greater at high elevations than at low elavations in the same region, but the pattern of the deposition rate increase with elevation has not been established. This study was conducted to estimate nutrient and pollutant transfer rates from the atmosphere to forests along an elevational gradient at a site in the Adirondack Mountains of NY, U.S.A. Widely used models of cloud droplet, dry aerosol and gas phase SO 2 and HNO 3 deposition processes were modified for use in this application. An extensive data set describing the elevational variation in forest canopy composition and structure and microclimatic variables was assembled from measurements made by us during seven years of research activities at Whiteface Mountain, NY. Model estimates of total atmospheric deposition of S and N increased by factors of 4 and 5, respectively, over the elevational range 600–1275 m. Steep gradients in wind speed and cloud immersion frequency contributed to a nearly exponential increase in ion deposition by cloud water interception, which was responsible for most of the increase in total ion deposition rates with elevation. An additional factor contributing to increased deposition rates at high elevations was an increasing percentage of total leaf area attributable to coniferous vegetation, which is more effective at scavenging aerosol particles and cloud droplets than broad-leaved vegetation. Dry deposition contributed 13% and cloud water 61% of the 29.5 kg N ha −1 yr −1 estimated total N deposition at 1275 m elevation as opposed to 22 and 5% of the 7 kg N ha −1 yr −1 total N deposition estimated for surrounding low-elevation (600 m) forests. The dry deposition component accounted for 5% and the cloud water component 64% of the estimated 31 kg S ha −1 yr −1 total deposition at 1275 m elevation, in comparison with a 21% dry and 5% cloud contribution to the 8.4 kg S ha −1 yr −1 estimated deposition to low-elevation forests.
Penetrating Keratoplasty for Herpes Zoster Keratopathy

We reviewed retrospectively the records of 12 patients with herpes zoster keratopathy who had undergone penetrating keratoplasty. Preoperatively, seven patients (58%) had noninflamed eyes with visually significant corneal scarring or edema. Five patients (42%) had progressive neurotrophic corneal ulceration, and four of those had corneal perforation. Tarsorrhaphies were placed in ten patients and appeared to be beneficial in preventing postoperative breakdown of the corneal surface. At an average follow-up time of 36 months, ten of the 12 grafts (83%) remained clear, with nine patients (75%) having a visual acuity of 20/80 or better.
A comparison of doubly robust estimators of the mean with missing data

We consider data with a continuous outcome that is missing at random and a fully observed set of covariates. We compare by simulation a variety of doubly-robust (DR) estimators for estimating the mean of the outcome. An estimator is DR if it is consistent when either the regression model for the mean function or the propensity to respond is correctly specified. Performance of different methods is compared in terms of root mean squared error of the estimates and width and coverage of confidence intervals or posterior credibility intervals in repeated samples. Overall, the DR methods tended to yield better inference than the incorrect model when either the propensity or mean model is correctly specified, but were less successful for small sample sizes, where the asymptotic DR property is less consequential. Two methods tended to outperform the other DR methods: penalized spline of propensity prediction [Little RJA, An H. Robust likelihood-based analysis of multivariate data with missing values. Statist Sini...
Characterization and Optimization of a Wave-Soldering Process

Abstract A case study for improving the quality of a wave-soldering process that produced printed circuit boards (PCB's) is presented. A mixed-level fractional factorial design was implemented in a high-volume production system during normal operational hours. The observed ordered-categorical data from the bottom-side soldered leads were weighted to formulate the average, spatial uniformity, and dispersion process performance measurements. For lead classes like the integrated circuit and printed grid array, a polynomial model was established using the least squares method with weights provided by a dispersion function. The main-effect and interaction model terms were selected by forward and all-subsets regressions. Production quotas, topside defects, presoldering board temperature, and variance models were used to set the constraints for simultaneously optimizing predictions from the average and the uniformity models of all leads. A nonlinear optimization routine was used to determine the best and most ro...
Synthesis and properties of Si-Ge-Sn materials and devices grown by CVD

Direct-gap photoluminescence and electroluminescence from Ge1−ySny/Si(100) alloys are discussed. Fabrication and performance evaluation of ternary Si1−x−yGexSny photodiodes are also presented. The optical properties in both systems are dominated by direct transitions exhibiting the expected compositional dependence.
Local likelihood disease clustering: development and evaluation

This paper illustrates a method based on local likelihood (LL) for detecting disease clusters. The approach is based on estimating a lasso distance for each region: within which regions are considered to be clustered. An important advantage in implementing this approach is that it does not require any special Monte Carlo Markov Chain (MCMC) algorithm, e.g., reversible jump MCMC, which is essential in hidden Markov model approach. Another advantage is that extending the model to incorporate covariates is straightforward. We illustrate three ways of doing this by using Eastern Germany lip cancer data. By using simulated data, we have made a comparison with the BYM model [Besag et al. (1991) Annals of the Institute of Statistical Mathematics, 43, 1–59] and the mixture model [Lawson and Clark (2002) Disease Mapping and Risk Assessment for Public Health, Chapman and Hall]. We also did a limited examination of the ability of the LL model to recover true relative risk under different priors for lasso parameter. In order to check the edge effects, which has been overlooked in many spatial clustering models for disease mapping but deserves special attention as it lacks observable neighbors, we have adapted here a simple approach to observe the changes in relative risks when the edge regions are omitted.
Methods of microvertebrate sampling and their influences on taphonomic interpretations

Localized accumulations of small vertebrate fossils are relatively common in the Hell Creek Formation (latest Maastrichtian–Paleocene) and have traditionally been collected using nonstandardized field methods. The lack of established protocols has resulted in biased datasets and assemblage interpretations. Two commonly used collection methods were compared from two different microvertebrate localities in the Upper Cretaceous part of the Hell Creek Formation of southeastern Montana in order to identify their influence on taphonomic interpretations. The first of these methods was surface collection, in which weathered specimens were picked from the surface of the rock and in talus piles. This method commonly involves the selection and collection of larger and more easily identifiable specimens. The second method used in this study was quarrying and disaggregation, which requires excavation, collection, and total screen rinsing of a large volume of rock; this method was utilized in order to recover all fossils present. Both methods were applied at a sandstone-dominated and a mudstone-dominated site to assess an absolute concentration of fossils for each technique. Results of a quantitative analysis of these two common collection methods demonstrate how each one influences fossil recovery according to shape and size by skewing the characteristics of collected fossil assemblages and the taphonomic interpretations of microvertebrate accumulations. Although the study sites reflect only two possible types of microvertebrate localities, the results are applicable to many microvertebrate studies.
Gene specific siRNA selector

Summary: Small interfering RNA (siRNA) is used in functional genomics applications to decrease the expression of a target gene, which may yield a biological effect that suggests a function for the target gene. The siRNA design tool scans a target gene for candidate siRNA sequences that satisfy user-adjustable rules. Selected candidates are then screened to identify those siRNA sequences that are specific to the gene of interest. Availability: A web tool is freely available for academic or commercial use at http://bioinfo.wistar.upenn.edu/siRNA/siRNA.htm. Source code is available upon request. Supplementary information: See http://bioinfo.wistar.upenn.edu/siRNA/siRNA.htm for additional documentation and help pages.
Comparing Star and Pancake Networks

Low dilation embedding are used to compare the computational capabilities of star and pancake networks.
Possible mechanism by which allyl sulfides suppress neoplastic cell proliferation.

Both oil- and water-soluble allyl sulfur compounds from garlic have been found to possess antitumorigenic properties. These antitumorigenic properties increase as exposure increases both in vitro and in vivo. Generally, oil-soluble allyl sulfur compounds are more effective antiproliferative agents than their water-soluble counterparts. The ability of these compounds to suppress proliferation is associated with a depression in cell cycle progression and the induction of apoptosis. This depression in cell division coincides with an increase in the percentage of cells blocked in the G 2 /M phase of the cell cycle. A depression in p34 cdc2 kinase may account for this blockage in cell division.
High-grade glioma relationship to the neural stem cell compartment: a retrospective review of 104 cases.

Purpose To assess the incidence of involvement of the neural stem cell (NSC) compartment by high-grade astrocytomas in a series of adult patients. Methods and Materials One hundred four initial diagnostic cranial magnetic resonance imaging series were reviewed. For each series, the gross tumor volume (GTV; enhancing tumor on T 1 ), edema (hyperintensity on T 2 FLAIR), and the NSC compartment (hippocampal formation and lateral ventricle plus a 5-mm expansion) were identified. Involvement of NSC by GTV and edema was assessed. For tumors not involving NSC, we measured distances from NSC to GTV and edema. Maximum diameters of GTV were measured for each case. Subset analysis was performed for GTV of ≤2 cm and ≤3 cm in maximum diameter to assess the incidence of involvement of NSC by this group of smaller tumors. For 10 representative tumors, minimum distances from GTV center to NSC were calculated. Results A total of 103/104 (99.0%) tumors, regardless of GTV maximum diameter, demonstrated involvement of NSC. A total of 101/104 (97.1%) tumors had NSC involvement by GTV, and 2/104 (1.9%) patients showed edema only. For GTV not involving NSC, the mean distance from NSC to GTV was 0.8 cm (range, 0.5--1.4 cm). The mean shortest distance from the center of GTV to NSC was 1.5 cm (range, 0.9--2.6 cm). Involvement of NSC by GTV was 90.9% (10/11 tumors) for GTV of ≤2 cm and 95.7% (22/23 tumors) for GTV of ≤3 cm. Conclusions Our results support the hypothesis that the NSC compartment represents the putative site of origin for these tumors. NSC involvement does not appear to represent a volumetric phenomenon.
Chronic Heart Failure A Reversible Metabolic Syndrome

Heart Failure is a progressive clinical syndrome marked by venous congestion and maladaptive neurohormonal activation in the setting of left ventricular dysfunction. More recently, another face of this syndrome is beginning to emerge involving metabolic derangements implicating other organs - adipose tissue, skeletal muscle - and the endocrine systems (leptin, adiponectin, insulin and insulin-like growth factor) regulating their mass and function. The metabolic abnormalities which have been described thus far include: 1. Systemic and myocardial insulin resistance (IR); 2. Mitochondrial dysfunction; 3. Progressive weight loss leading to "cardiac cachexia" in the more advanced stages; and 4. Myocardial energetic failure associated with a down-regulation of fatty acid uptake and oxidation resulting in a rigid shift from fatty acid to glucose as the primary energy source for maintenance of ATP flux in the heart - a preferential switch to a fetal-like gene program regulating cardiac energetics. Despite the important advances to date, our understanding of all the components comprising the metabolic phenotype of human heart failure is certainly incomplete, if not rudimentary. (SELECT FULL TEXT TO CONTINUE)
Representation of mechanical behavior in the presence of internal damage

Abstract Deformation of a material is accompanied by changes that take place in its internal structure. These changes exhibit different degrees of permanency. Some of these changes disappear, immediately or slowly, upon unloading; some others (such as dislocation tangles) may need annealing for their removal; others (such as voids on grain boundaries) may be so permanent that we refer to them as internal damage. The paper is concerned with the representation of the relationship that exists, for a given material and temperature and for small deformations, between histories of applied stress and the observed strain, the accompanying internal happenings and the eventual failure of the material. In particular the role played by irreducible even rank tensors in the representation of internal structure is discussed and clarified. The restrictions placed by thermodynamics on constitutive equations are considered and the use of potentials in these equations is examined and criticized.
Quasi Linear DC/DC Converters

Demanding high power applications, such as medical imaging, fast processors, and pulsed loads are requiring new levels of performance from dc/dc converters. Extremely low ripple voltages, blazing speed and response, all with high efficiency and small size are placing conflicting requirements on the dc/dc converter designer. Conventional design approaches are not able to meet the needs easily, and it is generally agreed that power supply technology will be one of the limiting factors for the continued growth of VLSI and related technologies. This paper presents a new approach to realizing the benefits of linear dc power supplies ? ultra-low ripple and sub-microsecond settling times even for large load/supply disturbances ? without significantly compromising on the efficiency, cost or size of the dc/dc converter. This approach is seen to apply broadly to various types of power conversion functions. This paper discusses the principles of operation, the tradeoffs involved, and the experimental results for typical implementation of various quasi-linear dc/dc converters.
Analysis of Thin-Layer Chromatography Spots by Thermal Desorption/Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry

A method is described for obtaining Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) absorbance spectra of substances separated on silica gel thin-layer chromatographic (TLC) plates. The separated TLC spot is scraped off and loaded onto the sample pan of a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA)/FT-IR. The FT-IR spectrum of the sample is obtained after the sample is thermally desorbed from the silica gel. Spectra are easily identified for samples present at level of 20 μg per TLC spot. A detection limit of 0.8 μg is reported for analysis of methyl benzoate. The total time required for sample preparation and thermal desorption/FT-IR analysis was six to seven minutes. The relationship between the spectrum peak intensity and the furnace heating rate was also studied. This method can be applied to thermally stable substances which can be desorbed from thermally stable TLC stationary phases.
A note on the activities of a solitary male baboon

This paper describes the behavior and activity patterns of a solitary adult male yellow baboon (Papio cynocephalus) living in the Amboseli National Park, Kenya. Social events surrounding the male's departure from his group, his contacts with other baboons while solitary, and events surrounding his return to the group are described in detail. The distribution of the male's time among several activity states, called histime budget, the average duration of these activities and the autocorrelation of activity states are analyzed and compared to the same measures of activity taken on group living males. The information presented indicates that a solitary male, even when injured, is not necessarily destined to die or to have a low reproductive potential.
Nephrotoxic Potential of Selective Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors:

OBJECTIVETo determine the relative nephrotoxic potential of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors.DATA SOURCESA MEDLINE search (1996—February 2004) identified clinical trials evaluating the nephrotoxicity of COX-2 inhibitors versus traditional nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Key search terms included cyclooxygenase inhibitors, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents, nephrotoxicity, and chemically induced.DATA SYNTHESISThree clinical trials determined that COX-2 inhibitors have similar adverse effects on the kidney when compared with nonselective NSAIDs, while 2 studies concluded that COX-2 inhibitors are less nephrotoxic than nonselective NSAIDs. All 5 trials utilized low numbers of subjects, short-term therapy, and surrogate markers of kidney damage.CONCLUSIONSCOX-2 inhibitors may not offer distinct advantages over nonselective NSAIDs with respect to kidney function. Longer trials in patients with comorbidities are warranted. These agents should be used cautiously or not at all in patients with p...
Learning Disability Fact and Fiction

Based on approximately 1,600 referrals of learning disabled, educable mentally impaired, emotionally impaired, other disabled and regular students, 94 empirically derived formulas for assessment of learning disability were used. The most discriminating formula, which included WISC, WRAT and grade level variables, resulted in moderate coefficients. An external validity study supported the original research conclusions. Because of the modest discriminating ability of even the best empirically derived formula, additional defining referents/measures of the learning disability were described.