cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inbreeding and fertility in Irish Wolfhounds in Sweden: 1976 to 2007.

Given that no influence of inbreeding on life expectancy could be demonstrated in Irish Wolfhounds in a previous study, it was decided to test the influence of inbreeding and other parameters on fertility in this breed. The study was based on all Irish Wolfhound litters registered in Sweden between 1976 and 2007 (n = 822 litters) as provided by the Swedish Kennel Club (SKK) and combined with a pedigree database going back to 1862. Analyses were performed using linear regression in a Generalised Linear Model and other tests in the SAS system®. Mean number of pups per litter was 6.01 ± 2.65, with a maximum of 13. There were no significant differences in either the number of litters or the number of pups between years of birth. Males were used for breeding at a significantly earlier age than females. Mean number of litters per parent was 2.96 ± 3.14 for males and 1.59 ± 0.87 for females. No influence of Wright's inbreeding coefficients over 5, 10, 20 and 30 generations and/or Meuwissen's inbreeding coefficients on litter size was detected. In the Generalised Linear Model, highly significant, but weak (coefficient of determination (R2) = 0.0341) influences were found for maternal age at mating as well as maternal inbreeding measured by Wright's inbreeding coefficient over 30 generations and Meuwissen's inbreeding coefficient. Paternal inbreeding coefficients over 5, 10, 20 and 30 generations and calculated after Meuwissen, as well as maternal inbreeding coefficients over 5, 10 and 20 generations did not have significant effects on litter size. The low coefficient of determination (R2) value of the Generalised Linear Model indicates that inbreeding does not have a strong influence on fertility in Irish Wolfhounds, which is consistent with earlier results and the breed's genetic history. These results likely reflect the aforementioned genetic history and should not be extrapolated to other breeds without prior breed-specific research.
Residual Stress Analysis and Weld Bead Shape Study in Laser Welding of High Strength Steel

The X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique is employed to measure residual stress induced by the laser welding of 6.7 mm thick ASTM A514 high strength steel plates. The distribution of residual stress in the weld bead is investigated. The results indicate that the fusion zone (FZ) has the maximum tensile stress, the transition from tensile to compressive stress tends to appear in the heat affected zone (HAZ), and the initial stress far from the weld center are not influenced by the welding process. Based on the measurement data, the influence of the laser power and the welding speed on residual stress is obtained. The magnitude of residual stress near the weld bead increases with an increase in laser power or a decrease in welding speed. The welds with incomplete penetration have a considerably lower magnitude of residual stress in FZ than ones with full penetration. Post-weld heat treatment is utilized to relieve residual stress in the weld bead. Although residual stress is not completely relieved after the heat treatment, a dramatically reduced magnitude and much more uniform distribution are achieved. In addition, the effects of the laser power, the welding speed, the laser spot diameter, and the gap between two plates on the weld shape are also studied.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Common and un‐common sense in managerial decision making under task uncertainty

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of “common sense” and to distinguish it from uncommon sense as it applies to managerial decision‐making under conditions of task uncertainty. The paper enunciates the definition of common sense decision‐making and develops the concept of “uncommon” sense making. A typology of common sense is put forth, and a case study is used to illustrate it in practice.Design/methodology/approach – This is a conceptually developmental paper, which explores and develops the concept of uncommon sense through literature review and typology development. A mechanistic, or internally driven, decision approach is compared with an organic, externally driven one, and the question of how common sense is related to these approaches in varying task uncertainty conditions is explored. A short case study is used as an illustration of the practical managerial implications under low task certainty conditions.Findings – The concepts of MCS (common sense) and MUS (uncommon se...
Petrology of the zoned calcalkaline magma chamber of Mount Mazama, Crater Lake, Oregon

Evolution of the magma chamber at Mount Mazama involved repeated recharge by two types of andesite (high-Sr and low-Sr), crystal fractionation, crystal accumulation, assimilation, and magma mixing (Bacon and Druitt 1988). This paper addresses the modal compositions, textures, mineral chemistry and magmatic temperatures of (i) products of the 6845±50 BP climactic eruption, (ii) blocks of partially fused granitoid wallrock found in the ejecta, and (iii) preclimactic rhyodacitic lavas leaked from the chamber in late Pleistocene and early Holocene time. Immediately prior to the climactic eruption the chamber contained ≳ 40 km3 of rhyodacite (10 vol% plag + opx + aug + hb + mt + ilm, ∼880° C) overlying high-Sr andesite and cumulus-crystal mush (28–51 vol% plag + hb ± opx ± aug + mt ± ilm, 880° to ≥950° C), which in turn overlay low-Sr crystal mush (50–66 vol% plag + opx + aug ± hb ± ol + mt + ilm, 890° to ≥950† C). Despite the well known compositional gap in the ejecta, no thermal discontinuity existed in the chamber. Pre-eruptive water contents of pore liquids in most high-Sr and low-Sr mushes were 4–6 wt%, but on average the high-Sr mushes were slightly richer in water. Although parental magmas of the crystal mushes were andesitic, xenocrysts of bytownite and Ni-rich magnesian olivine in some scoriae record the one-time injection of basalt into the chamber. Textures in ol-bearing scoriae preserve evidence for the reactions ol + liq = opx and ol + aug + liq(+ plag?) = hb, which occurred in andesitic liquids at Mount Mazama. Strontium abundances in plagioclase phenocrysts constrain the petrogenesis of preclimactic and climactic rhyodacites. Phenocryst cores derived from high-Sr and low-Sr magmas have different Sr contents which can be resolved by microprobe. Partition coefficients for plagioclase in andesitic to rhyolitic glasses range from 2 to 7, and increase as glass %SiO2 increases. Evolved Pleistocene rhyodacites (∼30–25,000 BP) and rhyodacites of the Holocene Llao Rock center (7015±45 BP) contain Sr-poor plagioclase and are derivatives from low-Sr magma. Rhyodacites of the Pleistocene Sharp Peak domes, Holocene Cleetwood flow (∼6850 BP), and climactic ejecta contain discrete Sr-rich and Sr-poor plagioclase phenocryst populations and are hybrids produced by mixing low-Sr rhyodacite (containing Sr-poor plag + opx + aug) with a more mafic high-Sr magma (with Sr-rich plag [ + hb?]). The data reinforce the conclusions of crystal-liquid mixing calculations (Bacon and Druitt 1988), and suggest some important refinements to the magma chamber model.
SOME PROPERTIES OF CHROME SPINEL1

Five chrome ores covering a wide range of chemical composition from different localities were studied and their behavior at high temperatures was ascertained. The properties determined are chemical and mineralogical composition, thermal expansion (25 to 1250°C), specific gravity changes after various heat treatments, and X-ray characteristics.
Synthesis of 1,2-dihydronaphthalenes and spiro[4.5]-deca-3,6,9-trien-8-ones from benzylic alcohols

Abstract The synthesis of 1,2-dihydronaphthalenes and spiro[4.5]decatrienones via reaction of an allenylsilane and a benzylic cation is reported.
The Supply Base and Its Complexity: Implications For Transaction Costs, Risks, Responsiveness, and Innovation

Abstract A supply base is defined as the portion of a supply network that is actively managed by a buying company. The buying company, referred to as the focal company, manages the suppliers in the supply base through contracts and purchasing of parts, materials, and services. To facilitate better management of a supply base, we observe “complexity” as a key area of managerial consideration and apply the literature on complexity to the supply base. Supply base complexity is conceptualized in three dimensions: (1) the number of suppliers in the supply base, (2) the degree of differentiation among these suppliers, and (3) the level of inter-relationships among the suppliers. Four propositions have been formulated in terms of four major areas of research within supply chain management—transaction costs, supply risk, supplier responsiveness, and supplier innovation. Corollary propositions are also stated. Although a reduction in complexity may lead to lower transaction costs and increased supplier responsiveness, in certain circumstances it may also increase supply risk and reduce supplier innovation. Therefore, reducing supply base complexity in general may be a cost-efficient approach, but blindly reducing it may potentially decrease the buying company's overall competitiveness.
Conformal changes and geodesic completeness

Let (M, g) be a causal spacetime. ConditionN will be satisfied if for each compact subsetK ofM there is no future inextendible nonspacelike curve which is totally future imprisoned inK. IfM satisfies conditionN, then wheneverE is an open and relatively compact subset ofM the spacetimeE with the metricg restricted toE is stably causal. Furthermore, there is a conformal factor Ώ such that (M, Ώ2 g) is both null and timelike geodesically complete. IfM is an open subset of two dimensional Minkowskian space, thenM is conformal to a geodesically complete spacetime.
An estimate of the possible contribution of biogenic sources to airborne hydrocarbon concentrations

The importance of plants as sources of photoreactive hydrocarbons, oxidant precursors, is widely discussed (Coffey and Westberg, 1977). The two main questions appear to be : (1) are natural hydrocarbons emissions huge enough to result in sibilant atmospheric concentrations and (2) do naturally emitted hydrocarbons contribute significantly to ozone formation? This note addresses the first question. Emission rates for s@Ilc hydrocarbon species and total nonmethane hydrocarbons have been measured for several vegetation types (e.g. Table 1). Ako, the influenw of environmental factors such as light intensity and temperature on emission rates has been studied (Kamiyama et al., 1978; Tingcy et ul., 1978a, b). Ordinarily the movement of air in the atmosphere dilutes pollutants emitted into it to concentrations below Ievek considered dangerous; however let us consider those occasions when weather is dominated by a slowly moving anticyclone, when wind speeds are small and when vertical mixing is inhibited by the stability of the overlying air. Under these conditions, in order to make a rough estimate of concentrations of bi~eni~iy-~~u~ hyphens which could occur we can’ use a simple box model (e.g., Peterson 1978) :
Spatial and temporal scales of aquatic bacterial beta diversity

Understanding characteristic variation in aquatic bacterial community composition (BCC) across space and time can inform us about processes driving community assembly and the ability of bacterial communities to respond to perturbations. In this study, we synthesize BCC data from north temperate lakes to evaluate our current understanding of how BCC varies across multiple scales in time and space. A hierarchy of average similarity emerged with the highest similarity found among samples collected within the same lake, especially within the same basin, followed by similarity among samples collected through time within the same lake, and finally similarity among samples collected from different lakes. Using decay of similarity across time and space, we identified equivalent temporal (1 day) and spatial (10 meters) scales of BCC variation. Finally, we identify an intriguing pattern of contrasting patterns of intra- and inter-annual BCC variation in two lakes. We argue our synthesis of spatio-temporal variation of aquatic BCC informs expectations for the response of aquatic bacterial communities to perturbation and environmental change. However, further long-term temporal observations will be needed to develop a general understanding of inter-annual BCC variation and our ability to use aquatic BCC as a sensitive metric of environmental change.
Carbon-13 NMR chemical shift—Substituent effect correlations in substituted styrenes

Abstract Carbon-13 chemical shifts are reported for various atoms in 12 series of substituted styrenes. The reliability of the correlations between substituent effects on such shifts and σ+ values is discussed, as is the reliability of the use of a σ+ scale that has been modified to fit NMR data. A new σ scale for para substituents, derived solely from NMR data and designated σ13, is proposed and evaluated. Further, a rationale is proposed for previously and presently reported “reverse” correlations in which electron donors produce downfield shifts. Data is presented for a series of styrene vinylogues (1,1-dicyano-3-methyl-4-aryl-1,3-butadienes) to substantiate the interpretation.
Eastern limit of distribution of the slow loris, Nycticebus coucang

The easternmost known record of the slow loris,Nycticebus coucang, is Tawitawi, Philippines. A report of this species in Mindanao, 500 km northeast of Tawitawi, is based on a mislabeled specimen.
Nitrogen Adsorption, Dissociation, and Subsurface Diffusion on the Vanadium (110) Surface: A DFT Study for the Nitrogen-Selective Catalytic Membrane Application

Catalytic nitrogen (N2)-selective membrane technology with potential applications of indirect CO2 capture and ammonia synthesis is introduced. Metallic membranes made from Earth-abundant group V metals, i.e., vanadium (V), and alloys with ruthenium (Ru) are considered. Similar to a traditional palladium (Pd)-based hydrogen (H2)-selective membrane for hydrogen purification, N2 molecules preferentially adsorb on the catalytic membrane and dissociate into two nitrogen atoms. Atomic nitrogen subsequently diffuses through the crystal lattice by hopping through the interstitial crystal sites of the bulk metal, ultimately leading to atomic nitrogen on the permeate side of the membrane. This study is focused on the nitrogen interactions only at the membrane surface and the first subsurface layer. The adsorption energies of molecular as well as atomic nitrogen on the vanadium surface (V(110)) and Ru-alloyed V surface (VxRu100–x/V(110), where x is the atomic composition of vanadium in the alloy) are calculated usin...
Maintenance of Intestinal Th17 Cells and Reduced Microbial Translocation in SIV-infected Rhesus Macaques Treated with Interleukin (IL)-21

In pathogenic HIV and SIV infections of humans and rhesus macaques (RMs), preferential depletion of CD4+ Th17 cells correlates with mucosal immune dysfunction and disease progression. Interleukin (IL)-21 promotes differentiation of Th17 cells, long-term maintenance of functional CD8+ T cells, and differentiation of memory B cells and antibody-secreting plasma cells. We hypothesized that administration of IL-21 will improve mucosal function in the context of pathogenic HIV/SIV infections. To test this hypothesis, we infected 12 RMs with SIVmac239 and at day 14 post-infection treated six of them with rhesus rIL-21-IgFc. IL-21-treatment was safe and did not increase plasma viral load or systemic immune activation. Compared to untreated animals, IL-21-treated RMs showed (i) higher expression of perforin and granzyme B in total and SIV-specific CD8+ T cells and (ii) higher levels of intestinal Th17 cells. Remarkably, increased levels of Th17 cells were associated with reduced levels of intestinal T cell proliferation, microbial translocation and systemic activation/inflammation in the chronic infection. In conclusion, IL-21-treatment in SIV-infected RMs improved mucosal immune function through enhanced preservation of Th17 cells. Further preclinical studies of IL-21 may be warranted to test its potential use during chronic infection in conjunction with antiretroviral therapy.
Wavelet domain active learning for robust classification of full-waveform LiDAR data

In this paper, we study a novel approach to active learning in the wavelet domain for classification of Full-waveform LiDAR (FWL) data. Unlike discrete 3-dimensional points obtained from a traditional discrete return LiDAR system, FWL systems have the capability to record the entire backscat-tered signal, which contains additional information about the reflecting objects. With such LiDAR systems, the vertical structure of reflectors is effectively characterized by the shape of the return pulse. Instead of deriving simple structure and statistics-based features, such as pulse amplitude and width, skewness, and kurtosis from the FWL data, in this work, wavelet features are extracted via a Redundant Discrete Wavelet Transform (RDWT) and are then utilized for classification in a multi-view active learning (AL) framework. Additionally, we demonstrate that the proposed approach provides a noise robust framework for analysis and classification of low Signal-to-Noise (SNR) LiDAR data. Experimental results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed wavelet-based active learning for FWL data.
Theoretical and experimental study of flow through turbine cascades with coolant flow injection

An analytical study is presented which deals with the change in the outlet flow conditions from a turbine blade row due to coolant air injection through slots. The analysis applies to small secondary to primary mass flow ratios, taking into consideration the change in boundary layer development resulting from injection. The effects of injection location, injection flow angle and injected air momentum flux are investigated. The results of the present analysis are compared with the values obtained using the mixing theory method and experimental data from cold flow tests in a turbine cascade tunnel.
Scattering in ZnO-Sapphire Optical Waveguides.

Optical waveguide loss due to scattering in epitaxial ZnO-sapphire films was studied by measuring the dependence of attenuation on mode number and on optical wavelength. Analysis of the results in terms of wave-optical scattering theory enabled the bulk and surface scattering contributions to be determined. The bulk scattering showed the λ−4 dependence characteristic of Rayleigh scattering. A white noise spectrum of surface roughness was found to be in good agreement with surface scattering observed in most of the waveguides studied. The attenuation coefficients derived from the data were related to specific aspects of the waveguide fabrication process and allowed rational improvements resulting in a decrease in loss from 20 dB/cm to 1 dB/cm.
Management of the hematologic manifestations of HIV disease

Infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) results in hematologic perturbations which progress as the HIV infection advances) '2 The hematologic manifestation of HIV infection cause major morbidity in themselves. They also hinder treatment directed toward the primary viral infection and those directed toward the secondary infectious and neoplastic complications, often necessitating dose reductions or interruption of therapies, a,4 The consequences include emergence of drug-resistance organisms, and progression of infections or neoplasms. 3'4 The hematologic abnormalities encountered during the course of HIV infection are due to ineffective hematopoiesis compounded by peripheral destruction. Production problems result from the HIV infection itself, 5-9 opportunistic infections, neoplasms, and drugs. Opportunistic infections may involve the bone marrow and result in a reduction of hematopoietic potential. These include mycobacteria, 10 fungi, notably Cryptococcus and Histoplasma, and other viral infections such as hepatitis virus, cytomegalovirus, and parvovirus. 10-14 AIDS-related lymphomas may involve the bone marrow in up to one third of afflicted patients. 15 Drugs which are used to treat both the primary HIV infection, the opportunistic infections, and the neoplastic complications cause both disease-stage, and dose dependent suppression of hematopoiesis. 1'4' 10.16 Bone marrow examination has limitations as a diagnositic tool for the hematologic manifestations of HIV disease. Aberrations of the bone marrow are
Expression patterns of anterior Hox genes in the polychaete Chaetopterus: correlation with morphological boundaries.

Expression patterns for five Hox genes were examined by whole-mount in situ hybridization in larvae of Chaetopterus, a polychaete annelid with a tagmatized axial body plan. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrates that these genes are orthologs of the Drosophila genes labial, proboscipedia, zen, Deformed, and Sex combs reduced and are termed CH-Hox1, CH-Hox2, CH-Hox3, CH-Hox4, and CH-Hox5, respectively. Expression studies reveal a biphasic expression pattern. In early larval stages, well before any indications of segmental organization exist, a novel pattern of expression in bilateral posterior proliferating cell populations, corresponding to the teloblasts, was detected for each of the genes, with CH-Hox1 and CH-Hox2 expressed before the remaining three. In middle larval stages, all five genes are expressed in bilateral strips along the ventral midline, corresponding with the developing ventral nerve cord. In addition, CH-Hox1 and CH-Hox2 show strong expression at the foregut-midgut boundary. By late larval stages the expression is generally confined to the ventral CNS and ectoderm of the anterior parapodia. Anterior boundaries of expression are “colinear,” at later larval stages, with CH-Hox2 expressed most rostrally, in the first segment, and anterior expression boundaries for CH-Hox1, CH-Hox3, CH-Hox4, and CH-Hox5 in segments 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively. Like vertebrates and spiders, but unlike insects, CH-Hox3 participates in this colinear axial expression pattern. CH-Hox1 and CH-Hox2 have distinct posterior boundaries of expression in the ninth segment, which corresponds to a major morphological boundary, and may reflect a reorganization of Hox gene regulation related to the evolutionary reorganization of the Chaetopterus body plan.
An empirical approach to modeling methylmercury concentrations in an Adirondack stream watershed

Inverse empirical models can inform and improve more complex process-based models by quantifying the principal factors that control water quality variation. Here we developed a multiple regression model that explains 81% of the variation in filtered methylmercury (FMeHg) concentrations in Fishing Brook, a fourth-order stream in the Adirondack Mountains, New York, a known “hot spot” of Hg bioaccumulation. This model builds on previous observations that wetland-dominated riparian areas are the principal source of MeHg to this stream and were based on 43 samples collected during a 33 month period in 2007–2009. Explanatory variables include those that represent the effects of water temperature, streamflow, and modeled riparian water table depth on seasonal and annual patterns of FMeHg concentrations. An additional variable represents the effects of an upstream pond on decreasing FMeHg concentrations. Model results suggest that temperature-driven effects on net Hg methylation rates are the principal control on annual FMeHg concentration patterns. Additionally, streamflow dilutes FMeHg concentrations during the cold dormant season. The model further indicates that depth and persistence of the riparian water table as simulated by TOPMODEL are dominant controls on FMeHg concentration patterns during the warm growing season, especially evident when concentrations during the dry summer of 2007 were less than half of those in the wetter summers of 2008 and 2009. This modeling approach may help identify the principal factors that control variation in surface water FMeHg concentrations in other settings, which can guide the appropriate application of process-based models.
Variation of mouse oocyte sensitivity to griseofulvin-induced aneuploidy and meiotic delay during the first meiotic division.

The effects of varying the time of chemical treatment on the induction of areuploidy and meiotic delay in metaphase II (Mll) oocytes were studied by administering 1,500 mg/kg griseofulvin (GF) at 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8 hr after on injection of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG). The results show that the oocytes have a different sensitivity to GF-induced aneuploidy and meiotic delay during the course of meiotic maturation. Although not restricted to a particular period of meiotic maturation, the frequency of aneuploidy was highest (P < 0.05) when GF was given at 2, 4, or 6 hr after HCG. The maximum frequency of hyperploidy (42.4%) occurred at the 4-hr treatment time. Also, GF treatment resulted in the induction of meiotic delay as demonstrated by ovulated metaphase I (Ml) and polyploid Mll oocytes. The meiotic delay data depict a period of relative resistance between two periods of sensitivity in that the percentages of ovulated Ml oocytes were 53.3, 21.3, 3.5, 6.7, and 25.7 when GF was given at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 hr after HCG, respectively. Also, at these treatment times the percentages of polyploid oocytes were 0.6, 1.7, 7.7, 20.1, and 15.4, respectively. Therefore, the oocytes seem to be more sensitive to GF-induced meiotic delay during the periods preceding and following meiotic spindle assembly. In conclusion, the results demonstrate that the time of chemical treatment influences the frequency of aneuploidy and the degree of meiotic delay. Also, the results emphasize that to thoroughly characterize the aneugenic potential of a specific chemical several treatment times may be needed. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of potting mix composition on potato plantlet tuber production under greenhouse conditions

Abstract Tissue culture is currently used by many seed potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) programs enabling the production of high quality, disease free seed potatoes. Potato plantlets produced by micropropagation are planted in greenhouses to produce tubers for further multiplication in the field. The objective of this study was to develop a potting medium that would maximize potato tuber production under greenhouse conditions. Two studies were conducted evaluating different combinations of vermiculite, sand and perlite. In each study where nutrient solutions were applied weekly, vegetative weight, number of stems and potato tuber weight were evaluated. Potting media had significant effects on vegetative plant weight, number of tubers and tuber weight. Significant positive relationships between percent vermiculite in the potting mixture and number of stems (R2 = 0.33∗ and 0.44 ) and tuber weight (R2 = 0.63∗∗ and 0.52∗∗) were observed. In the final analysis, a potting mix containing 80% vermiculite and 20% san...
Structures and Cytotoxic Properties of Sponge-Derived Bisannulated Acridines

A reinvestigation of sponge natural products from additional Indo-Pacific collections of Xestospongiacf. carbonaria and X. cf. exigua has provided further insights on the structures, biological activities, and biosynthetic origin of bisannulated acridines. These alkaloids include one known pyridoacridine, neoamphimedine (2), and three new analogues, 5-methoxyneoamphimedine (4), neoamphimedine Y (5), and neoamphimedine Z (6). A completely new acridine, alpkinidine (7), was also isolated. A disk diffusion soft agar assay, using a panel of five cancer cell lines (solid tumors and leukemias) and two normal cells, was used to evaluate the differential cytotoxicity (solid tumor selectivity) of the sponge semipure extracts and selected compounds including amphimedine (1), 2, 4, and 7. While all four compounds were solid tumor selective, 1 and 2 were the most potent and 4 was the most selective. The rationale used to characterize the new structures is outlined along with the related biosynthetic pathways envisioned to generate 2 and 7.
Photoinitiated electron collection in polyazine chromophores coupled to water reduction catalysts for solar H2 production

Abstract The efficient conversion of solar energy to transportable, combustible fuels and chemical feedstock remains an important challenge for synthetic chemists. This daunting task requires a delicate balance of light absorption, electron transfer, charge separation, and catalysis of bond breaking and bond forming reactions. This review highlights our recent studies of supramolecular systems coupling Ru(II) or Os(II) polyazine chromophores with directional charge transfer excited states to catalytically active cis-RhCl2 or cis-PtCl2 metal centers. Comparison to similar supramolecules is provided to highlight design constraints. These supramolecules absorb strongly in the low energy visible and exhibit emissive Ru → BL 3MLCT excited states. Systems with catalytic Rh(III) undergo photoinitiated electron collection (PEC) at the Rh center via Ru or Os → Rh metal-to-metal charge transfer (MMCT) state, while those with cis-PtCl2 moieties form charge-separated (CS) excited states. Electrochemical studies provide a means for understanding relative orbital energetics as well as predicting the existence of a charge-separated state or the propensity for photoinitiated electron collection. Emission spectroscopy including time resolved measurements provides support of these interstate dynamics. Detailed kinetic analysis by photophysical studies indicates formation of the 3MMCT states and 3CS states occurs via intramolecular electron transfer with rate constants on the order of 106–107 s−1. The complexes are active photocatalysts which absorb lower energy visible light, and provide high quantum efficiency and long term stability for the reduction of water to hydrogen. Catalytic activities are modulated by component modification and system parameters and are often dependent upon driving forces for intramolecular electron transfer, reductive excited state quenching, and component modification.
Radiotherapy and multimodality management of cholangiocarcinoma.

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the results of radiotherapy in cholangiocarcinoma patients managed with various combinations of chemotherapy and surgical resection with selective liver transplantation. Methods and Materials: From January 1990 to December 1995, 61 patients with histologically confirmed biliary duct adenocarcinoma were seen in the Radiation Oncology Department of the University of Pittsburgh. Median follow-up was 22 months (1 to 91 months). The extent of surgery was complete resection in 23 patients (including 17 with orthotopic liver transplant), partial resection in 4, and biopsy in 34. All patients had radiotherapy; median dose was 49.5 Gy. Thirty patients received chemotherapy: 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)–leucovorin with interferon alpha (IFNα) in 27, and taxol in 3. Results: The median survival was 20 months (95% CI 15–25 months). The 5-year actuarial survival was 23.8 ± 6.8%. The only significant variable in multivariate analysis was achieving a complete resection with negative margins through conventional surgery or liver transplantation ( p = 0.001, hazard rate ratio [HRR] = 0.25, 95% CI 0.12–0.54). Patients with complete resections had a 5-year actuarial survival of 53.5 ± 10.9%. Conclusion: Combined modality therapy that includes complete surgical resection with or without transplantation can be curative in the majority of patients with biliary duct carcinoma. Further study is needed to better define the roles of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in cholangiocarcinoma.
Generalized kinematic modeling of Reconfigurable Machine Tools

To accommodate frequent changes in product design and to be able to process a family of products in a timely and cost-effective manner the next generation of machine tools should be reconfigurable. Reconfigurability enables reduction not only in machine design lead time but more significantly a reduction in machine set-up and ramp-up time. The essential characteristics of Reconfigurable Machine Tools (RMTs) include modularity, convertibility, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. This paper presents a mathematical representation scheme using screw theory that lays the foundation for systematic design of reconfigurable machine tools. The motion characteristics of a set of desired machining tasks as well as stored library of machine modules are captured in a common representation scheme. A simple design example to illustrate the application of this methodology for systematic selection and synthesis of reconfigurable machine tools is presented.
Retinofugal projections in the short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica)

In the current investigation, retinofugal projections to midbrain and thalamic nuclei of Monodelphis domestica were investigated using wheat-germ agglutinin conjugated to horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP). Large intraocular injections of WGA-HRP were placed into the eye, and patterns of labeled axon terminals were related to nuclear boundaries in tissue that was stained for Nissl or reacted for cytochrome oxidase (CO). Our results demonstrate that the major projection from the retina is to the contralateral dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (LGNd) and the superior colliculus (SC). Connections were also observed with the contralateral pretectal nucleus (PRT), the lateral posterior nucleus (LP), and the ventral division of the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGNv). Ipsilateral connections were with the LGNv and LGNd. These findings are consistent with reports in other marsupials as well as with studies in a number of eutherian mammals. Thus, there appears to be a common pattern of retinofugal projections that all mammals share, probably due to retention from a common ancestor. However, some features such as a lack of ipsilateral input to the SC (which are absent only in certain species like Monodelphis, platypus, and echidnas) may represent a primitive state retained from a common ancestor. When comparisons of retinofugal connections and LGNd organization are made across taxa, three types of organization are observed: a homogenous LGNd with a high degree of binocular overlap of projections; a partially differentiated LGNd with some segregation of eye-specific inputs; and a fully segregated structure with a large degree of segregation of eye-specific inputs. We discuss the factors that contribute to the organization observed in extant mammals and conclude that phylogeny and lifestyle appear to be the underlying factors contributing to the organization of the LGNd.
Carbapenem-Resistance in Gram-Negative Bacilli and Intravenous Minocycline: An Antimicrobial Stewardship Approach at the Detroit Medical Center

In the era of carbapenem-resistance in Acinobacter baumannii and Enterobacteriaceae, there are limited treatment options for these pathogens. It is essential that clinicians fully assess all available therapeutic alternatives for these multidrug-resistant organisms. We herein describe the approach of the antimicrobial stewardship team at the Detroit Medical Center (DMC) for the evaluation and use of intravenous (IV) minocycline for the treatment of these resistant organisms, given potential advantages of IV minocycline over tigecycline and doxycycline. In vitro analyses at the DMC demonstrated good activity against A. baumannii (78% susceptibility), including 74% of carbapenem-resistant strains, but limited activity against our carbapenem-resistant K.pneumoniae (12% susceptibility.) Based in part on these results, IV minocycline was added to the formulary, primarily for the treatment of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii. Early experience has been positive: 6/9 (67%) of patients who received IV minocycline had infections due to these organisms cured, including 6/7 (86%) who received doses of 200 mg twice daily.
Hyperspectral image calibration in a coral reef environment: an empirical approach

Coral communities have attracted significant attention in the past decade in light of alarming global observations regarding a decline in their health. The synoptic spatial and temporal capabilities of remote sensing provide a valuable tool for the monitoring and assessment of these communities. This is particularly relevant given the inherent geographic distribution of coral reefs and the logistical difficulties associated with extensive in situ underwater observation. However, the confounding influences of both varying water column properties and the complex mosaics of coral species create many technical difficulties and physical limitations for applications of remote sensing in benthic habitats. Nevertheless, hyperspectral instruments, such as NASA's Airborne Visible InfraRed Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS), provide a promising technology for investigating this complex environment. Presented here is an empirical approach for calibrating water-leaving reflectance of hyperspectral imagery using natural underwater calibration targets. The analysis uses AVIRIS imagery acquired over Kaneohe Bay on Oahu in the Hawaiian Islands. We describe the methods employed to obtain benthic reflectance measurements of sand calibration targets within the bay using a GER 1500 portable spectrometer in a custom underwater housing.
The Entrapment of Chiral Guests with Gated Baskets: Can a Kinetic Discrimination of Enantiomers Be Governed through Gating?

The capacity of gated hosts for controlling a kinetic discrimination between stereoisomers is yet to be understood. To conduct corresponding studies, however, one needs to develop chiral, but modular and gated hosts. Accordingly, we used computational (RI-BP86/TZVP//RI-BP86/SV(P)) and experimental (NMR/CD/UV/Vis spectroscopy) methods to examine the transfer of chirality in gated baskets. We found that placing stereocenters of the same kind at the rim (R(1) =CH3, so-called bottom) and/or top amide positions (R(2) =sec-butyl) would direct the helical arrangement of the gates into a P or M propeller-like orientation. With the assistance of (1)H NMR spectroscopy, we quantified the intrinsic (thermodynamic) and constrictive (kinetic) binding affinities of (R)- and (S)-1,2-dibromopropane 5 toward baskets (S3b/P)-2, (S3t/M)-3, and (S3bt/P)-4. Interestingly, each basket has a low ( ≤1.3 kcal mol(-1)), but comparable (de<10%) affinity for entrapping enantiomeric (R/S)-5. In terms of the kinetics, basket (S3b/P)-2, with a set of S stereocenters at the bottom and P arrangement of the gates, would capture (R)-5 at a faster rate (kin(R)/kin(S) =2.0±0.2). Basket (S3t/M)-3, with a set of S centers at the top and M arrangement of the gates, however, trapped (S)-5 at a faster rate (kin(R)/kin(S) =0.30±0.05). In light of these findings, basket (S3bt/P)-4, with a set of S stereocenters installed at both top and bottom sites along with a P disposition of the gates, was found to have a lower ability to differentiate between enantiomeric (R/S)-5 (kin(R)/kin(S) =0.8). Evidently, the two sets of stereocenters in this "hybrid" host acted concurrently, each with the opposite effect on the entrapment kinetics. Gated baskets are hereby established to be a prototype for quantifying the kinetic discrimination of enantiomers through gating and elucidating the electronic/steric effects on the process.
Differentiated storage services

We propose an I/O classification architecture to close the widening semantic gap between computer systems and storage systems. By classifying I/O, a computer system can request that different classes of data be handled with different storage system policies. Specifically, when a storage system is first initialized, we assign performance policies to predefined classes, such as the filesystem journal. Then, online, we include a classifier with each I/O command (e.g., SCSI), thereby allowing the storage system to enforce the associated policy for each I/O that it receives. Our immediate application is caching. We present filesystem prototypes and a database proof-of-concept that classify all disk I/O --- with very little modification to the filesystem, database, and operating system. We associate caching policies with various classes (e.g., large files shall be evicted before metadata and small files), and we show that end-to-end file system performance can be improved by over a factor of two, relative to conventional caches like LRU. And caching is simply one of many possible applications. As part of our ongoing work, we are exploring other classes, policies and storage system mechanisms that can be used to improve end-to-end performance, reliability and security.
Measuring What Isn’t There

In the rush to develop “peaceful uses of the atom” in the years following testing of the H-bomb, much interesting work was done with radioactive calcium isotopes (45Ca and 47Ca). Perhaps most important was the finding that the relatively huge quantities of calcium contained in mature bone exchanged only negligibly with calcium either in extracellular fluid (ECF) or in immediately adjacent bone (1). This meant that tracer uptake by bone could be used as a direct measure of new bone mineralization. Although various complicated kinetic models were developed(2)(3), the mathematics were actually quite straightforward. The tracer content of a sample of bone calcium obtained days or weeks after an injection of a calcium isotope into an animal, divided by the average tracer concentration in ECF calcium, directly yields the mass of calcium deposited by bone formation during the interval between tracer injection and the time of the bone sampling. What was missing from the picture was the ability to measure the other half of the bone remodeling/modeling process, i.e., bone resorption. How could one measure in a bone what was no longer there? Measuring the decrease in bone tracer content was not a feasible approach because the resorptive process removes mainly older bone, which contains little or no tracer. Despite this barrier and because so much of the interest in clinical bone biology was focused on bone resorption, there has for years been a search for a more “direct” quantification of the process. This quest was reinforced by the development of antiresorptive pharmacologic agents for the treatment of osteoporosis, as well as by the demonstration that resorption responds sensitively to environmental or physiologic signals, whereas bone formation tends to be relatively invariant over the short term (4). Moreover, the investigational focus shifted from in …
Improvement in asthma quality of life in patients enrolled in a trial to increase lifestyle physical activity

Background: Asthma patients know the benefits of exercise but often avoid physical activity because they are concerned it will exacerbate asthma. Objective: To assess longitudinal asthma status in 256 primary care patients in New York City enrolled in a trial to increase lifestyle physical activity. Methods: Patients were randomized to 2 protocols to increase physical activity during 12 months. At enrollment patients completed the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) and the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ), and received asthma self-management instruction through an evaluative test and workbook. Exercise and self-management were reinforced every 2 months. The AQLQ was repeated every 4 months and the ACQ was repeated at 12 months. Results: Mean age was 43 years, 75% were women. At 12 months there were clinically important increases in physical activity with no differences between groups; thus data were pooled for asthma analyses. The enrollment AQLQ score was 5.0±1.3 and increased to 5.9±1.1; corresponding to a clinically important difference. Correlations between AQLQ and physical activity were approximately .35 (p Conclusions: With attention to self management, increased physical activity did not compromise asthma control and for most patients was associated with improved asthma.
Microfossils and Precambrian Iron-Formations

Petrographic studies reveal that structures of possible organic origin and those believed to be relict microfossils are extremely abundant in many Precambrian iron-formations in the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. The structures are mainly spheroids and ellipsoids that range from about 5–40μ in diameter. Particular forms, however, usually have a narrower size range. Some of the structures appear to be similar to certain forms reported by Barghoorn and Tyler (1965) from the Gunflint chert; others presumably are new forms not previously reported. Particular types of structures are present in widely separated districts, indicating a wide geographic distribution. Certain distinctive forms occur in several Proterozoic iron-formations in North America and in an Archean iron-formation in Australia. Other forms occur in iron-formations from the Mesabi Range, Minnesota, and Belcher Islands and Lake Albanel, Canada.
The role of reinforcement contingencies in the maintenance of vicious circle behavior

Following 20 shock-escape training trials, two experimental groups of rats were reinforced either for running quickly (DRH animals could preclude shock in the center section of the runway by decreasing their starting latencies) or for running slowly (DRL animals could preclude shock in the center section of the runway by increasing their starting latencies). Results showed that the DRH animals ran consistently faster than the DRL animals, although no differences between DRH animals and traditionally punished extinction subjects were obtained. The results were discussed in terms of the existing explanations of vicious circle behavior, as well as in terms of the differential effects of manipulating the reinforcement contingencies on the maintenance of self-punitive running.
A nonparametric-Bayes reliability-growth model

The authors propose a nonparametric reliability-growth model based on Bayes analysis techniques. By using the unique properties of the assumed prior distributions, the moments of the posterior distribution of the failure rate at various stages during a development test can be found. The proposed model is compared with the US Army Material Systems Analysis Activity (AMSAA) model based on relative and mean-square prediction errors. In all but one circumstance, the proposed model performed better than either the AMSAA or nonparametric models. The one exception appears to be when no information about the failure rate is available at the start of test and the actual failure process is nonhomogeneous Poisson, with power-law intensity function, as assumed by the AMSAA model. >
The Symbolic Racism 2000 Scale

The concept of symbolic racism was originally proposed 30 years ago. Much research has been done and the society itself has changed, yet many of the original items measuring symbolic racism remain in use. The primary objective of this paper is to present and evaluate an updated scale of symbolic racism. The scale proves to be reliable and internally coherent. It has discriminant validity, being distinctively different from both older forms of racial attitudes and political conservatism, although with a base in both. It has predictive validity, explaining whites' racial policy preferences considerably better than do traditional racial attitudes or political predispositions. Evidence is presented of its usefulness for both college student and general adult population samples, as well as for minority populations. Data using this scale contradict several critiques of the symbolic racism construct (most of which are speculative rather than based on new data) concerning the consistency of its conceptualization and measurement, the coherence of the symbolic racism belief system, possible artifacts in its influence over whites' racial policy preferences (due to content overlap between the measures of independent and dependent variables), and its differentiation from nonracial conservatism and old-fashioned racism.