cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fetal Hemoglobin in Sickle Hemoglobinopathies: High HbF Genotypes and Phenotypes

Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) usually consists of 4 to 10% of total hemoglobin in adults of African descent with sickle cell anemia. Rarely, their HbF levels reach more than 30%. High HbF levels are sometimes a result of β-globin gene deletions or point mutations in the promoters of the HbF genes. Collectively, the phenotype caused by these mutations is called hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin, or HPFH. The pancellularity of HbF associated with these mutations inhibits sickle hemoglobin polymerization in most sickle erythrocytes so that these patients usually have inconsequential hemolysis and few, if any, vasoocclusive complications. Unusually high HbF can also be associated with variants of the major repressors of the HbF genes, BCL11A and MYB. Perhaps most often, we lack an explanation for very high HbF levels in sickle cell anemia.
Identification of Patients with Immune-related Adverse Events from Clinical Notes using Machine Learning

Although Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICIs) have substantially improved survival in patients with advanced malignancies, they are associated with a unique spectrum of side effects termed Immune-Related Adverse Events (irAEs). To ensure treatment safety, research efforts are needed to comprehensively detect and understand irAEs. The goal of this work is to evaluate a Machine Learning-based phenotyping approach that can identify patients with irAEs from a large volume of retrospective clinical notes. We applied different shallow and deep Machine Learning (ML) models using different feature representations (frequency-based, distributed word embeddings) on the reduced text to classify the presence or absence of any irAE. Evaluation shows promising results with an average F1-score=0.75 and AUC-ROC=0.78.
The Severed Bond: Policy and the Materiality of the Failing State

This chapter will argue a sampling of the grounds on which the social contract has been broken by the United States and the factors that justify the invocation of social nullification. Brent T. White, Simone M. Sepe, and Saura Masconale in “Urban Decay, Austerity, and the Rule of Law” argue, as Chap. 3 argued, austerity policies in urban centers undermine the maintenance of infrastructure. Although regularly argued as hampering economic development, White and his coauthors assert that the larger effects are the subversion of the rule of law, the dismissal of state’s obligation to the well-being of its citizens, and the citizen’s loss of commitment to the governing apparatus, all foundations of the social contract. The authors state, “When urban decay sets in individuals are led to believe that the government and thus citizens as a collective have abandoned their commitments to following the basic rules governing the social contract.” The state’s commitment to its citizens can be measured in specific areas. The chapter will take up this argument and examine the categories of economic development, political access, healthcare, and criminal justice as indices for determining the degree of African-American socio-political-economic access and treatment and for measuring the state’s adherence to the social contract.
Prophylactic fasciotomy of the anterolateral thigh donor site in head and neck reconstruction.

Abstract Introduction The free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is a versatile reconstructive option for head and neck defects. Donor site complications are rare but severe; with wound dehiscence, need for secondary closure, and compartment syndrome reported. Objectives We propose prophylactic thigh fasciotomy as a surgical technique to facilitate primary closure while preventing donor site complications during ALT flap harvest. Methods We examined donor site wound characteristics, recipient site wound characteristics, and clinical outcomes for 24 consecutive ALT flaps performed for head and neck reconstruction from 2016 to 2018. All ALT donor sites underwent prophylactic fasciotomy. Results There were no incidents of thigh compartment syndrome or wound dehiscence of donor site; one patient underwent primary donor site skin grafting. Conclusion Prophylactic thigh fasciotomy allows mobilization of soft tissue to facilitate primary tension-free closure of the ALT donor site even for free flaps with a large skin component, while reducing the possibility of compartment syndrome.
Electrolyte decomposition and solid electrolyte interphase revealed by mass spectrometry

Abstract Non-aqueous electrolyte liquids such as carbonate solvents have been widely employed in the commercial lithium-ion batteries and in the development of next-generation rechargeable batteries. The decomposition products of the organic electrolyte and additive molecules contribute to the formation of solid electrolyte interphases (SEIs) on the electrode surface, which have key impacts on battery's electrochemical performance. The rational engineering of electrolyte systems demands precise understanding of the electrochemical reaction pathways as well as the decomposition products of the electrolytes. Mass spectrometry (MS) is a well-established molecular analytical approach that can provide critical information for unambiguous structure assignment based on its mass-resolving power. In recent years, the application of MS for battery research has been expanding rapidly, providing valuable insights about the chemical species generated during battery operation and electrolyte evolution. This review aims to summarize the recent advances of MS technique-based analysis of electrolyte decomposition products as well as SEIs, and thus to demonstrate the high utility of MS methods for characterization of battery systems.
The Dahl Concept: Best Evidence Consensus Statement.

Purpose In a series of publications, Dahl and Krogstad promoted an orthodontic technique for the treatment of severe wear of the anterior teeth that reportedly could induce intrusion of the anteriors and extrusion of the posterior teeth to allow space to restore the worn anterior teeth. The purpose of this Best Evidence Consensus Statement was to evaluate the existing dental literature related to the Dahl Concept. Methods A PubMed search limited to clinical studies, clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta analyses, and journal articles, using the key words Orthodontics, Dahl appliance, Dahl concept and adult, revealed 11 citations, 9 of which were related. An additional 9 citations were culled from the reference lists in the aforementioned articles. Results The 20 articles that met the initial search criteria were evaluated and rated. The literature largely focused on the restorative materials that are commonly used to apply the Dahl technique. Conclusions While there is low-level evidence from a few case series that demonstrated the ability to achieve enough space in the anterior region for the restoration of lost anterior tooth structure, there is no compelling evidence to support any theories as to how that space was achieved. In addition, there is no evidence to support the long-term stability of that position and the restorations. Negative position and restorative outcomes have been reported.
NR4A1 regulates expression of immediate early genes, suppressing replication stress in cancer.

Summary Deregulation of oncogenic signals in cancer triggers replication stress. Immediate early genes (IEGs) are rapidly and transiently expressed following stressful signals, contributing to an integrated response. Here, we find that the orphan nuclear receptor NR4A1 localizes across the gene body and 3′ UTR of IEGs, where it inhibits transcriptional elongation by RNA Pol II, generating R-loops and accessible chromatin domains. Acute replication stress causes immediate dissociation of NR4A1 and a burst of transcriptionally poised IEG expression. Ectopic expression of NR4A1 enhances tumorigenesis by breast cancer cells, while its deletion leads to massive chromosomal instability and proliferative failure, driven by deregulated expression of its IEG target, FOS. Approximately half of breast and other primary cancers exhibit accessible chromatin domains at IEG gene bodies, consistent with this stress-regulatory pathway. Cancers that have retained this mechanism in adapting to oncogenic replication stress may be dependent on NR4A1 for their proliferation.
On the Log-Linear Inversion-Charge Relation for MOSFET Modeling

In this brief, we take a close look at the log-linear inversion-charge relation adopted in several charge-based compact models for MOSFETs. It is shown that the log-linear relation lacks flexibility in fitting the subthreshold characteristics independent of the above threshold behavior. The shortcomings are born out in specific examples comparing the $Q_{i}$ - $V_{gs}$ curves of the log-linear inversion-charge relation to those of the charge-sheet model and the analytic potential model for double-gate (DG) MOSFETs.
Breaking bad news: Effects of forecasting diagnosis and framing prognosis.

Abstract Objective Research to support guidelines for breaking bad news is lacking. This study used an experimental paradigm to test two communication strategies, forecasting bad news and framing prognosis, in the context of cancer. Methods In a 2 × 2 design, 128 participants received bad news in a hypothetical consultation. A videotaped physician presented diagnostic and prognostic information, varying warning (warning shot vs. no warning), and framing (positive vs. negative). Effects on psychological distress, recall accuracy, and subjective interpretations of the news were assessed. Results Warning was not associated with lower psychological distress or improved recall. Individuals who heard a positively-framed prognosis had significantly less psychological distress, rated their prognosis better, and were more hopeful than those who heard a negatively-framed prognosis. However, they also showed a trend toward reduced accuracy in recalling prognostic statistics. Conclusions Results contribute to a growing body of literature exploring optimal approaches for communicating bad news in health care. Practice Implications Although research in clinical settings is needed to bolster results, findings suggest that when providers use positive framing to reduce distress about prognosis, they should also consider ways to overcome potential reductions in recall accuracy, such as repeating statistical information or supplementing with written information.
Implementing Culture Change in Long Term Care: Benchmarks and Strategies for Management and Practice, by Elaine Jurkowski

The nursing home culture change movement, led by the Pioneer Network, has sought fundamental reforms that will ultimately lead to the provision of care that is person centered and will improve qual...
Bioactive Polymeric Systems: An Overview

The breadth of the bioactive polymeric systems is illustrated in this chapter. The area includes controlled-release systems, such as erodible systems, diffusion-controlled systems, mechanical systems, and microcapsules. Bioactive polymeric systems would also include biologically active polymers, such as natural polymers, synthetic polypeptides, pseudoenzymes, pseudonucleic acids, and polymeric drugs. In addition, the area can include immobilized bioactive materials, such as immobilized enzymes, antibodies, and other bioactive agents. Some potential examples of these systems and approaches are given.
Biocontrol potential varies with changes in biofuel-crop plant communities and landscape perenniality

We examined the potential local- and landscape-level impacts of different biofuel production systems on biocontrol, an important service provided by arthropod natural enemies. Specifically, we sampled natural enemies with sweep nets and measured predation of sentinel pest eggs in stands of corn, switchgrass and mixed prairie in Michigan and Wisconsin (total n 5 40 for natural enemy sampling, n 5 60 for egg predation), relating them to crop type, forb cover and diversity, and the composition and heterogeneity of the surrounding landscape. Grasslands with intermediate levels of forb cover and flower diversity supported two-orders of magnitude more natural enemy biomass, fourfold more natural enemy families, and threefold greater rates of egg predation than corn. Data suggest this was in part due to a general increase in biomass, richness and predation in perennial grasslands compared with corn, combined with a positive effect of intermediate levels of forb cover and flower diversity. Specifically, natural enemy biomass and family richness showed hump-shaped relationships to forb cover that peaked in sites with 5–25% forbs, while egg predation increased with floral diversity. At the landscape scale, both natural-enemy biomass and egg predation increased with the area of forest in the landscape, and egg predation almost doubled as the area of herbaceous, perennial habitats within 1.5 km of study sites increased. Our results suggest that floristically diverse, perennial grasslands support diverse and abundant predator communities that contribute to natural pest suppression. In addition, large-scale production of biofuel crops could positively or negatively affect biocontrol services in agricultural landscapes through associated changes in the area of perennial habitats. Biofuel landscapes that incorporate perennial grasslands could support a variety of beneficial organisms and ecosystem services in addition to producing biomass.
Mechanism of charging damage during interlevel oxide deposition in high-density plasma tools

Monte Carlo simulations of pattern-dependent charging during interlevel dielectric (ILD) deposition in high-density plasmas reveal that the initial conformality of the ILD film plays a crucial role in metal line charging and the subsequent degradation of the buried gate oxide to which the metal line is connected. Line charging occurs when the top dielectric is thick enough to prevent tunneling currents, while the sidewall dielectric thickness still allows tunneling currents to flow to the metal line; the differential charging of the sidewalls, which induces the latter currents, is caused by electron shading. The results suggest that charging can be reduced by depositing a more conformal ILD film around the metal line and/or by increasing the film surface conductivity.
Using approximations to accelerate engineering design optimization

Optimization problems that arise in engineering design are often characterized by several features that hinder the use of standard nonlinear optimization techniques. Foremost among these features is that the functions used to define the engineering optimization problem often are computationally intensive. Within a standard nonlinear optimization algorithm, the computational expense of evaluating the functions that define the problem would necessarily be incurred for each iteration of the optimization algorithm. Faced with such prohibitive computational costs, an attractive alternative is to make use of surrogates within an optimization context since surrogates can be chosen or constructed so that they are typically much less expensive to compute. For the purposes of this paper, we will focus on the use of algebraic approximations as surrogates for the objective. In this paper we introduce the use of so-called merit functions that explicitly recognize the desirability of improving the current approximation to the objective during the course of the optimization. We define and experiment with the use of merit functions chosen to simultaneously improve both the solution to the optimization problem (the objective) and the quality of the approximation. Our goal is to further improve the effectiveness of our general approach without sacrificing any of its rigor.
Adsorption and activation of zymogens at solid–liquid interfaces. I. Chymotrypsinogen on alkylamino modified silica derivates

Silica beads were modified with alkylamino groups of different lengths (C2, C4, C6, C8, and C10) and hydrophobicity. The relationship between surface structure and adsorption of chymotrypsinogen followed by its activation with trypsin at the solid-liquid interface was studied. From the adsorption isotherms, it follows that underivatized silica adsorbed chymotrypsinogen (CTG) well. The adsorption of CTG on alkylamino modified silicas appeared to correlate with the hydrophobicity of the latter. The longer the alkyl chains were, the higher was the amount of adsorbed CTG. The activation of adsorbed CTG with trypsin at the solid—liquid interface was a slower process when compared with the activation conducted in solution. Parallel experiments were performed with chymotrypsin (CT). The adsorption behavior was similar to that of CTG. The activity of adsorbed CT was inversely proportional to the hydrophobicity of the beads. These results correlated well with the desorption of CT after repeated washings. Repeated addition of substrate (Gly-Gly-Phe-NAp) to the CT covered beads resulted in the CT desorption. The higher the hydrophobicity of the beads was, the lower was the desorption of CT. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Audio characterization for video indexing

The major problem facing video databases is that of content characterization of video clips once the cut boundaries have been determined. The current efforts in this direction are focussed exclusively on the use of pictorial information, thereby neglecting an important supplementary source of content information, i.e. the embedded audio or sound track. The current research in audio processing can be readily applied to create many different video indices for use in Video On Demand (VOD), educational video indexing, sports video characterization, etc. MPEG is an emerging video and audio compression standard with rapidly increasing popularity in multimedia industry. Compressed bit stream processing has gained good recognition among the researchers. We have also demonstrated feature extraction in MPEG compressed video which implements a majority of scene change detection schemes on compressed video. In this paper, we examine the potential of audio information for content characterization by demonstrating the extraction of widely used features in audio processing directly from compressed data stream and their application to video clip classification.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A Case of Acute Thrombotic Renal Artery Occlusion Treated with Local Urokinase Infusion

Acute thrombotic renal artery occlusion is rarely identified at premortem. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for salvage of renal function. We reported a case of successfully dissolved acute thrombotic occlusion of renal artery of 9 hour duration with intra-arterial infusion of urokinase in a 83-year-old man. (Korean Circulation J 2003;33 (3):246-249)
15–HYDROXYEICOSATETRAENOIC ACID (15–HETE) PROMOTES MIGRATION OF HUMAN RETINAL MICROVESSEL ENDOTHELIAL CELLS (HME) IN VITRO

Angiogenesis is an important process in vasoproliferative disorders, but its control remains unclear. Endothelial cell migration is a crucial step in this process. Previous work in our laboratory has shown that 15-HETE, a major arachidonic acid (AA) product of vascular endothelium and lymphocytes, enhances the migration of fetal bovine aortic endothelial cells (FBAE) at high concentration (200 μM) in the presence of serum-containing media. The current study was undertaken to determine if 15-HETE at lower concentrations would enhance migration of human retinal microvessel endothelium (HME). Retinal cells were obtained by a modification of the method of DelVecchio et al (Invest Ophth Vis Sci 25:247). HME expressed Factor VIII related antigen and synthesized plasminogen activator. Migration was measured by the modified Boyden chamber method of Glaser et al (Nature 288:247). Lower wells received HME in minimal essential media (MEM). Chambers were sealed, inverted, and cells attached to a collagen coated membrane. Chambers were placed upright and upper wells received 15-HETE in MEM (10−5 to 10−10M), or MEM alone. 15-HETE (10−7 and 10−6M) significantly stimulated HME migration to 142% ± 23 (S.D. p < 0.01) and 134% ± 20 (p < 0.05) of baseline respectively (n=6). Further studies with FBAE in this same serumfree system demonstrated similar results. The AA metabolite 15-HETE stimulates HETE migration and may play a role in vasoproliferative disorders of the eye.
Electrical correlates of neural superposition in the eye of the fly Sarcophaga bullata.

Responses to light at focal recording sites in the lamina ganglionaris of the fly Sarcophaga bullata were investigated as a function of geometrical parameters of the stimulus. The mean receptive angle of the laminar response was 12° at 50% response, or about twice the value observed in single retinular units of other species, but in some cases it approached the 6° values reported for single retinular cells. Illumination of areas on the surface of the eye with focused light indicated that sensitivity at the recording site was greatest to illumination of certain facets distributed asymmetrically within the area, and forming an oblong or elliptical pattern. Simultaneously illuminated pairs of facets did not provide strong evidence for lateral interaction. Results are discussed in light of predictions made on the basis of the neural superposition model of Kirschfeld, and it is concluded that the response recorded in the lamina is representative of activity expected from the optic cartridges located in that region.
Vacancy-assisted diffusion of alkoxy species on rutile TiO2(110).

The catalytic and photocatalytic properties of TiO2 have attracted widespread interest in a variety of applications, such as air purification, self-cleaning glass, water splitting, solar cells and wastewater treatment. In many cases the catalytic chemistry of reducible oxides is dominated by oxygen vacancy sites. For reduced rutile TiO2(110)-1×1, the bridge-bonded oxygen (BBO) vacancies (BBOV’s) are the most prevalent surface defects and, as has been shown, they can readily dissociate small molecules such as H2O, O2, and alcohols.Here we demonstrate for the first time that BBOV’s can also catalyze the transport of adsorbed species which is a key ingredient in heterogeneous catalytic processes. Specifically, we show that at elevated temperatures (≥ 400 K), mobile BBOV’s can assist the diffusion of alkoxy groups formed by the dissociation of alcohols at BBOV’s. This type of mechanism is likely applicable to other adsorbates bound to BBO atoms of TiO2(110).
What is the Pomeranchuk Trajectory

We calculate the high-energy amplitude in quantum electrodynamics and scalar electrodynamics, and find that the Pomeranchon is a moving Regge pole near $J=\frac{3}{2}$ when $t$ equal to or near the two-particle threshold, and is a fixed branch point at $J=1$ for $tl~0$. This is due to the promotion from 1 to $\frac{3}{2}$ for the power of $s$ of the tower-diagram amplitudes at threshold. The Gribov paradox is thereby automatically resolved.
Comparison of new ultrasonic and hot wire thermo-anemometer gas flow meters

This paper reviews the comparison of a newly developed ultrasonic gas flow meter with a standard hot wire thermo-anemometer flow meter. The flow meters are compared utilizing a wind tunnel to induce flow through the meters. The ultrasonic gas flow was been developed and demonstrated under a NAVAIR-sponsored program. The ultrasonic meter uses acoustic pulse trains to measure gas flows through pipes or tubes in a wide range of configurations and conditions while maintaining a useable large dynamic. The demonstrated performance in the wind tunnel testing is over a large magnitude of flow and shows an extremely linear output measurement. The ultrasonic gas flow meter is bidirectional, and non-intrusive. The demonstrated performance of the ultrasonic meter is very promising to the other commercially compared flow meters.
Glucose utilization by resting cells of Fusobacterium polymorphum.

Abstract In the resting state, Fusobacterium polymorphum rapidly lost the ability to metabolize glucose. Washing of bacterial suspensions with water or saline resulted in a progressive decrease of glucose fermentation. A mixture of nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide (NAD) adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and Mg2+ partially restored the metabolic capacity, but only under anaerobic conditions. Activity was maintained when early log phase bacteria were washed in a solution containing NAD+, AMP and Mg2+ and incubated with or without NAD+, AMP and Mg2+. When the bacteria were washed in a solution containing glucose and incubated without NAD+ or AMP of Mg2+, the activity was partially maintained.
Application of a Vehicular Designed, Heavy Duty Gas Turbine Engine to a Military Generator Set

The Patriot Air Defense Missile System (formerly SAM-D) is being deployed in Europe. The powerplant supplying electricity to the radar set and to the engagement control station is DOD Model D-424A, powered by the Allison Model GT-404 industrial gas turbine (IGT) engine. Designed as a vehicular engine, the application in a generator set is an interesting one, utilizing many of the following features originally intended to enhance the performance of trucks and buses:• Dual, rotating disk regenerators dramatically improve fuel consumption by transferring heat energy from the exhaust gas stream to compressor discharge.• Power transfer, intended to provide part load fuel economy in vehicles, is modified to furnish free-shaft start-fixed shaft run in generator sets.• Free-shaft starts allow successful operation down to −50°F without auxiliary heaters.The resultant gas turbine engine driven generator set — 150 kW, transportable, skid mounted, alternating current 400 Hz, tactical — has met the military requirements for performance and reliability.Copyright © 1985 by ASME
Favorites and underdogs: Strategic behavior in an experimental contest

Conflicts between favorites and underdogs are everyday phenomena. We examine their strategic behavior in an experimental contest, and find behavior partially consistent with predictions. Favorites given a first-mover advantage do overcommit effort relative to Nash. Underdogs often select the best response effort level given the favorite's move. Overall dissipation of the prize was significantly higher with the strategic commitment relative to Nash.
Surgical Laparoscopy: Impact on the Management of Abdominal Disorders

Over the last 5 years, laparoscopy has revolutionized the surgical management of many abdominal disorders. Some of the problems being so treated include biliary tract disease, achalasia, gastroesophageal reflux, peptic ulcers, colonic disorders, appendicitis, and inguinal hernias. Patient acceptance is excellent and hospitalization is reduced. Safety, long-term efficacy, and cost efficiency are finally in the process of being objectively evaluated.
OSU helpdesk: a cost-effective helpdesk solution for everyone

Over the last several years many attempts have been made to obtain commercial helpdesk software for the University. In each case the initial investment and recurring costs far exceeded available funding. The OSU Helpdesk project was launched in January 2003 by Information Services' Technology Support Services unit. Interest from a myriad of Colleges and Departments quickly expanded the scope of the project with the goal evolving into a modular, Open Source helpdesk solution that can be utilized by anyone. At the heart of OSU Helpdesk is a powerful call tracking system based on The Mozilla® Organization's Bugzilla™ bug tracking software. The core features include secure logon, web and email-based ticket entry, and powerful query and report tools. The call tracking system is linked to a searchable knowledgebase, built on Support Information Tracker, and a calendar, based on WebCalendar. Inventory and Service Level Agreement modules are planned for the 4th quarter of 2004 and early 2005 respectively. In this paper we will discuss the various modules that make up OSU Helpdesk, how we leveraged Open Source software to jump-start development and how the project has fostered collaboration within a very decentralized institution. We close with the current status of the project, lessons we've learned and links to our demonstration site, source code, and documentation.
High temperature stability in integrable quantum dot lasers with dry etched mirror facets for on-chip optical interconnects

At the present time, there is an urgent need for larger memory bandwidth inside the CPU, particularly for high end applications. As data rates increase, it is becoming increasingly more challenging to transmit signals electrically while maintaining low power consumption, low delay, and good signal integrity. A quantum dot laser, integrated with optical interconnects is an attractive candidate for such purposes [1]. One requirement for such devices will be high quality laser facets. Cleaved facets provide an ideal mirror, but are not practical for device integration. Dry etched facets, on the other hand, have the advantages of having high throughput, with whole wafer processing possibility, allowing for accurate control of etch depth, and allowing for smooth and vertical facets [2]. By optimizing the reactive elements used to perform the etching, the power sources, and the chamber pressure, we have obtained results nearly identical to those obtained with cleaved facets. Furthermore, to increase temperature stability, a superlattice structure, consisting of alternating pairs of wide and narrow bandgap materials, was integrated into the laser heterostructure. The superlattice, in conjunction with tunnel injection allows for both T 0 and T 1 ∼∞ between 5°C to 65°C. These lasers are being integrated with tapered optical waveguides.
An experiment using neutron activation analysis and a rare earth element to mark cotton plants and two insects that feed on them.

Studies on insect dispersal and other behaviors can benefit from using markers that will not alter flight and fitness. Rare earth elements, such as samarium (Sm), have been used as ingested markers of some insects and detected using neutron activation analysis (NAA). In this study, samarium nitrate hexahydrate was mixed into artificial diet for boll weevils, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), at different dosages and in water used to irrigate cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L. Samarium was detected in adult boll weevils fed on the samarium-labeled diet, but not after 5 or 10 days of being switched to non-labeled diet, even if the insects were given labeled diet for as long as 7 consecutive days. Introduced in irrigation water, 1% samarium (m/m) was detectable in cotton squares and leaf tissue. However, boll weevil adults fed samarium-labeled squares did not retain detectable levels of samarium, nor did boll weevil adults reared to adulthood from samarium-labeled squares. Fourth instar beet armyworms, Spodoptera exigua (Hubner) (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera), fed on samarium-labeled cotton leaves obtained enough samarium for NAA detection, but adult moths reared from them did not have detectable amounts of samarium. Although samarium can be useful as a marker when insects are presented with a continuous pulse of the label, elements that are assimilated by the insect would be more useful if a continuous infusion of the marker cannot be provided.
Attitudes about reality and college students' opinions about nuclear war

89 college students' scores on an Attitudes about Reality scale delineating attitudes on a social constructionist-logical positivist spectrum were correlated with those on a questionnaire concerning opinions about nuclear war. Correlations indicated students more oriented toward the logical positivist attitude more strongly endorsed the ideas that medical help would be available after a nuclear attack (– .32), fallout shelters would increase survivability (– .35), nuclear weapons effectively deter war (– .19) and space weapons could defend against a nuclear attack (– .20). Students more oriented toward the social constructionist position were more likely to endorse a nuclear weapons freeze (– .20).
Epidemiological studies with anti-hepatitis C virus.

In a survey carried out from 1985 through 1986, volunteer blood donors to The Greater New York Blood Program were tested for two surrogate markers for non-A, non-B hepatitis–elevation of alanine aminotransferase level and presence of antibody to hepatitis B core antigen. Stored serum samples from selected donors were also recently tested for antibody to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV). Anti-HCV was detected in 0.9% to 1.4% of donors and was higher in black and Hispanic donors than in white donors. Anti-HCV prevalence increased with increasing age through the fourth decade of life, but decreased thereafter, possibly reflecting the disappearance of detectable antibody with time. Anti-HCV correlated with both alanine aminotransferase level and the presence or absence of antibody to hepatitis B core antigen. These associations suggest that donor screening for elevation of alanine aminotransferase level and presence of antibody to hepatitis B core antigen was, as expected, at least partially effective in preventing transfusionassociated non-A, non-B hepatitis. The detection of anti-HCV in donors who have neither an elevation of alanine aminotransferase level nor presence of antibody to hepatitis B core antigen suggests that donor screening for anti-HCV will further reduce the risk of transfusion-associated hepatitis.
Schwinger and the Ontology of Quantum Field Theory

An epistemological interpretation of quantum mechanics hinges on the claim that the distinctive features of quantum mechanics can be derived from some distinctive features of an observational basis. Old and new variations of this theme are listed. The program has a limited success in non-relativistic quantum mechanics. The crucial issue is how far it can be extended to quantum field theory without introducing significant ontological postulates. A C*-formulation covers algebraic quantum field theory, but not the standard model. Julian Schwinger’s anabatic methodology extended a strict measurement-based formulation of quantum mechanics through field theory. His extension also excluded the quark hypothesis and the standard model. Quarks and local gauge invariance are postulates that go beyond the limits of an epistemological interpretation of quantum mechanics. The ontological significance ascribed to these advances depends on the role accorded ontology.
Predicting Academic Achievement of Mexican American Children: Preliminary Analysis of the Mccarthy Scales:

Guided by Public Law 94-142 in which it is mandated that assessment instruments be validated for specific use on exceptional populations, the intent of the present study was to examine the effectiveness of the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities in predicting school achievement (as measured by the Comprehensive Tests of Basic Skills) for 31 English-speaking, second-grade Mexican American children. It was found that the validity coefficients between McCarthy Scale scores and total Reading/Mathematics achievement scores ranged from .39 to .75. The observed r of .75 between the McCarthy General Cognitive Index and Reading achievement was of comparable magnitude to what has been found in the literature. The finding that the Verbal Scale was the least valid composite predictor of Reading Achievement was discussed in the context of psychometric and cultural considerations. It was concluded that in light of other McCarthy research on Mexican American children and the findings of the present study, the McCart...
Reflective array modeling for reflective and directional SAW transducers

This paper presents a new approximate method for analyzing reflective SAW transducers, with much of the convenience of the coupled-mode (COM) method but with better accuracy. Transduction accuracy is obtained by incorporating the accurate electrostatic solution, giving for example correct harmonics, and allowance for electrode width variation, in a simple manner. Results are shown for a single-electrode transducer, Natural SPUDT and DART SPUDT, each using theoretically derived parameters. In contrast to the COM, the RAM can give accurate results for short or withdrawal-weighted transducers and for wide analysis bandwidth.
Development of GPCR modulation of GABAergic transmission in chicken nucleus laminaris neurons.

Neurons in the nucleus laminaris (NL) of birds act as coincidence detectors and encode interaural time difference to localize the sound source in the azimuth plane. GABAergic transmission in a number of CNS nuclei including the NL is subject to a dual modulation by presynaptic GABAB receptors (GABABRs) and metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). Here, using in vitro whole-cell patch clamp recordings from acute brain slices of the chick, we characterized the following important but unknown properties pertaining to such a dual modulation: (1) emergence of functional GABA synapses in NL neurons; (2) the temporal onset of neuromodulation mediated by GABABRs and mGluRs; and (3) the physiological conditions under which GABABRs and mGluRs are activated by endogenous transmitters. We found that (1) GABAAR-mediated synaptic responses were observed in about half of the neurons at embryonic day 11 (E11); (2) GABABR-mediated modulation of the GABAergic transmission was detectable at E11, whereas the modulation by mGluRs did not emerge until E15; and (3) endogenous activity of GABABRs was induced by both low- (5 or 10 Hz) and high-frequency (200 Hz) stimulation of the GABAergic pathway, whereas endogenous activity of mGluRs was induced by high- (200 Hz) but not low-frequency (5 or 10 Hz) stimulation of the glutamatergic pathway. Furthermore, the endogenous activity of mGluRs was mediated by group II but not group III members. Therefore, autoreceptor-mediated modulation of GABAergic transmission emerges at the same time when the GABA synapses become functional. Heteroreceptor-mediated modulation appears at a later time and is receptor type dependent in vitro.
Computer — Controlled 70 — In. Chamber

The 70-in. chamber shown schematically in fig. 1 basically consists of four concentric ring gears. Each gear ring carried a radial arm which is accurately adjusted. The angular position of each arm can be read to better than 0.01° from the primary readout system, consisting of high — precision engraved quartz rings R. The secondary readout system, circular encoders which read from the gear teeth on the rings, is reliable to ± 0.02°. A detector carrier is attached to each radial arm through a worm gear which runs radially through each arm. This system allows the distance of the detectors from the center to be adjusted in 1 mm steps with an accuracy of ± 0.02 mm. The drives for the four gear rings and the four worm gears are interfaced with the computer. The computer can thus be used to position the detectors at the desired radii. Additional links to the computer permit the control of target position, selection of various standard sources, and control of electromagnetic fields. The computer arrangement and auxiliary equipment is shown schematically in fig. 2. The signals from the detectors are fed back to the computer through four dual ADC’s and seven multichannel analyzers.
How weather impacts the forced climate response

The new interactive ensemble modeling strategy is used to diagnose how noise due to internal atmospheric dynamics impacts the forced climate response during the twentieth century (i.e., 1870–1999). The interactive ensemble uses multiple realizations of the atmospheric component model coupled to a single realization of the land, ocean and ice component models in order to reduce the noise due to internal atmospheric dynamics in the flux exchange at the interface of the component models. A control ensemble of so-called climate of the twentieth century simulations of the Community Climate Simulation Model version 3 (CCSM3) are compared with a similar simulation with the interactive ensemble version of CCSM3. Despite substantial differences in the overall mean climate, the global mean trends in surface temperature, 500 mb geopotential and precipitation are largely indistinguishable between the control ensemble and the interactive ensemble. Large differences in the forced response; however, are detected particularly in the surface temperature of the North Atlantic. Associated with the forced North Atlantic surface temperature differences are local differences in the forced precipitation and a substantial remote rainfall response in the deep tropical Pacific. We also introduce a simple variance analysis to separately compare the variance due to noise and the forced response. We find that the noise variance is decreased when external forcing is included. In terms of the forced variance, we find that the interactive ensemble increases this variance relative to the control.
A new model for chemical shifts of amide hydrogens in proteins

We propose a new computational model to predict amide proton chemical shifts in proteins. In addition to the ring-current, susceptibility and electrostatic effects of earlier models, we add a hydrogen-bonding term based on density functional calculations of model peptide-peptide and peptide-water systems. Both distance and angular terms are included, and the results are rationalized in terms of natural bond orbital analysis of the interactions. Comparison to observed shifts for 15 proteins shows a significant improvement over existing structure-shift correlations. These additions are incorporated in a new version of the SHIFTS program.
U-Access: a web-based system for routing pedestrians of differing abilities

For most people, traveling through urban and built environments is straightforward. However, for people with physical disabilities, even a short trip can be difficult and perhaps impossible. This paper provides the design and implementation of a web-based system for the routing and prescriptive analysis of pedestrians with different physical abilities within built environments. U-Access, as a routing tool, provides pedestrians with the shortest feasible route with respect to one of three differing ability levels, namely, peripatetic (unaided mobility), aided mobility (mobility with the help of a cane, walker or crutches) and wheelchair users. U-Access is also an analytical tool that can help identify obstacles in built environments that create routing discrepancies among pedestrians with different physical abilities. This paper discusses the system design, including database, algorithm and interface specifications, and technologies for efficiently delivering results through the World Wide Web (WWW). This paper also provides an illustrative example of a routing problem and an analytical evaluation of the existing infrastructure which identifies the obstacles that pose the greatest discrepancies between physical ability levels. U-Access was evaluated by wheelchair users and route experts from the Center for Disability Services at The University of Utah, USA.
P-T-time characterization of the Trans-Amazonian Orogeny in the Imataca Complex, Venezuela

Metaigneous and metasedimentary rocks from the Imataca Complex of Venezuela record high temperature decompression at granulite facies peak metamorphism. Preservation of convincing reaction assemblages in many samples allows determination of relative timing of development of observed assemblages. Sillimanite pseudomorphs after andalusite and absence of kyanite requires a high temperature /pressure (T/P) prograde geothermal gradient. Two-pyroxene thermometry and garnet-orthopyroxene-plagioclase-quartz assemblages yield peak T and P in the range of 750–800°C and 8-8.5 kbar. One sample of garnet-bearing meta-norite contains orthopyroxene with approximately 6% Al2O3, requiring either higher peak pressures or disequilibrium growth of orthopyroxene from garnet. Breakdown of garnet + sillimanite to hercynite + quartz and of garnet + sillimanite + quartz to cordierite require decompression at high temperature; mineral compositions in these assemblages indicate P near 6 kbar for T in the range of 500–700°C. Coexisting orthopyroxene + clinopyroxene + plagioclase + quartz apparently react to form abundant hornblende and strongly zoned plagioclase with An70 cores and An35 margins. Garnet is also compositionally zoned in some samples. Finally, alkali feldspar and plagioclase coexist in some samples without perthitic intergrowths, and these retrograded feldspars yield temperatures near 550°C. Rhombohedral oxides are extensively and complexly exsolved in some samples; exsolution products include ilmenite, hercynite and corundum. In other samples, exsolution of oxides has apparently been complete, and only homogeneous, discrete grains of rhombohedral and cubic oxides exist. These completely exsolved oxides yield apparent retrograde temperatures below 600°C. These observations indicate that the Imataca Complex reached granulite facies metamorphic conditions along a high T/P gradient, followed closely by tectonic loading. Subsequent decompression and slow cooling allowed significant progress along several retrograde reactions, as well as equilibration of feldspar compositions and extensive exsolution in oxide phases. The observed compositional zoning in garnet and plagioclase developed during retrograde reactions. A one-dimensional heat flow model constrained by Rb-Sr and 40Ar/39Ar cooling ages suggests the Imataca Complex was uplifted from 32 to 16 km at a rate of 0.5-1 km Ma1 after which isobaric cooling ensued. The P-T path given by this model is consistent with the retrograde assemblages observed.
Relationship between RPE and choriocapillaris in age-related macular degeneration.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between choriocapillaris (CC) and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) changes in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Morphological changes in the RPE/choriocapillaris complex were quantified in dry and wet forms of AMD and the results compared to with aged control eyes without maculopathy.
Does the presence of accompanying symptom clusters differentiate the comparative effectiveness of second-line medication strategies for treating depression?

Background We explored whether clinical outcomes differ by treatment strategy following initial antidepressant treatment failure among patients with and without clinically relevant symptom clusters.
Controlled thermal decomposition of aromatic polyethers to attain nanoporous carbon materials with enhanced gas storage

Reported is the development of nanostructured synthetic carbon materials that have been synthesized by thermal-decomposition of aromatic rich polyethers: poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) and poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO). These polymer based nanostructured carbons are efficacious for gas adsorption and storage and have Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface areas of more than 3000 m2 g−1, and average pore diameters of ≤20 A. Surface area, pore characteristics, and other critical variables for selecting porous materials of high gas adsorption capacities are presented. Analysis of the fragments evolved under various carbonization temperatures, and the correlation between the activation and carbonization temperatures provides a mechanistic perspective of the pore evolution during activation. Correlations between gas (N2 and H2) adsorption capacity and porous texture of the materials have been established. The materials possess excellent hydrogen storage properties, with hydrogen storage capacity up to ∼7.0 wt% (gravimetric) and ∼42 g H2 L−1 (volumetric) at −196 °C and 4.5 MPa.