cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oh behave! agents-based behavioral representations in problem solving environments

The development of deregulated electricity systems around the world has produced the need for simulation systems that are capable of addressing the complexities that arise in the new markets. Agent-based models allow the use of complex adaptive systems approaches that are capable of producing tools or problem solving environments that can address the behavior of each of the participants within the electricity market. The agents in the tools are allowed to establish their own objectives and apply their own decision rules. They can be developed to learn from their previous experiences and change their behavior when future opportunities arise. In this paper, we will argue that the same type of agent-based technology that is used to produce "realistic" agent behavior in agent-based simulation tools at Argonne National Laboratory can also be used to embed these tools in problem solving environments.
Modeling of immunosensors under nonequilibrium conditions: I. Mathematic modeling of performance characteristics

Abstract Immunosensors for the detection of small analytes that use analyte-enzyme conjugates as signal generators require special attention if operated under nonequilibrium conditions. If the size of the analyte and the analyte-enzyme conjugate differ substantially, the two antigens do not diffuse at the same rate. This can cause time-dependent shifts in the sensitivity of competitive immunoassays. Therefore, immunosensors operating at short incubation times require precise timing that meets closely the specifications for which the sensors were calibrated. As an example, we have analyzed kinetic binding curves for the quantitative determination of progesterone with an immobilized monoclonal antibody and a conjugate between horseradish peroxidase and progesterone as signal generator. Mathematical paradigms have been developed to simulate the diffusion, antigen-antibody complex formation, and competitive binding processes in this analytical system. Dose-response curves obtained under nonequilibrium conditions can vary substantially from those obtained at equilibrium of antigen-antibody interaction. The degree of this variation depends on the performance characteristics of the major components of the immunosensor. The developed mathematical solutions reflect experimental results and can be used to model optimal conditions for immunosensors operating under nonequilibrium conditions. In this paper (Part I), we report on the mathematical modeling of the interaction between analyte, analyte-enzyme conjugate, and an immobilized antibody. In Part II ( W. Schramm and S.-H. Paek (1991) Anal. Biochem. 196), we present experimental results and compare them with the theoretical models.
Vagal nerve stimulation can elicit both activation and inhibition of brown adipose tissue sympathetic nerve activity (1131.6)

The dependence of BAT thermogenesis on the availability of metabolic substrates suggests that metabolic signals from the viscera could influence the sympathetic outflow driving BAT thermogenesis. Viscerosensory afferents in the proximal end of the sectioned left cervical vagus nerve were activated with electrical stimulation in anesthetized, ventilated rats while recording the SNA to the contralateral interscapular BAT pad. Paired-pulse VNS delivered once every 5 sec evoked excitatory evoked potentials in BAT SNA with a peak latency of ~ 180 ms, followed by a ~2 s period of quiescent BAT SNA. Within a few seconds of stimulus onset, continuous, single-pulse VNS at 2 Hz produced a complete inhibition of cold-evoked BAT SNA that was sustained for at least 2 hrs of maintained VNS. Similarly, activation of neurons in the intermediate nucleus of the solitary tract (iNTS), at the level of the area postrema, with nanoinjections (60 pmol) of bicuculline also inhibits the VNS-evoked excitation of BAT SNA. Inhibitio...
Other one-carbon micronutrients and age modulate the effects of folate on colorectal carcinogenesis.

Epidemiologic observations as well as preclinical studies in animal and cell culture models indicate that diminished folate status increases the risk of carcinogenesis in certain tissues.1,2 The biological plausibility of these observations is underscored by the fact that folate is an essential cofactor in biological methylation and nucleotide synthesis,3,4 and it is presently believed that anomalies in DNA methylation and in DNA synthesis are among the most common molecular alternations that contribute to the development of human neoplasia.5,6 The data in this regard is most compelling for the colorectum, but increasing evidence is accruing for similar effects in the breast and possibly in other organs. However, as we go about fully defining this effect, it is important to remain cognizant of the fact that a variety of factors interact with folate status and thereby further modulate folate's effects on carcinogenesis. The maintenance of normal patterns of biological methylation and nucleotide synthesis depends not only upon the adequate availability of folate but also on the adequate availability of other one-carbon nutrients, including vitamins B2, B6, and B12.7–9 These vitamins assume critical roles as cofactors in the one-carbon metabolic network in conjunction with folate. Thus, the metabolic functions of all these one-carbon vitamins are highly interdependent. Aberrant signaling along the Wnt pathway is an early event in 90% of human colorectal cancers and is thought …
Lower-extremity zygomycosis in a patient with traumatic injuries. A case report.

Zygomycosis, also called mucormycosis, is an aggressive fungal infection found rarely in patients who have sustained traumatic injuries. Traumatic contact with an extremity may introduce the fungi through the mucocutaneous barrier, and progression of the infection can be fatal if vascular invasion, tissue infarction, and necrosis occur. Zygomycosis is usually found in immunocompromised individuals, but trauma may introduce and potentiate infection in patients without preexisting risk factors1-3. Although it is a rare complication of trauma, identification of the infection is important because the overall mortality rate from documented cutaneous zygomycosis inoculation has been reported to be as high as 31%4. Successful treatment depends primarily on early diagnosis and surgical debridement and secondarily on administration of appropriate antifungal medications. This case report describes an immunocompetent polytraumatized patient who died twenty-four days after an open femoral fracture that was complicated by a necrotizing lower-extremity zygomycosis infection. A fifteen-year-old, otherwise healthy girl was transferred from a community hospital after ejection from a motor vehicle traveling at a high speed in a rural setting. Major injuries included a ruptured spleen, liver laceration, bladder rupture, pneumothorax, pulmonary contusions, pelvic fractures, and bilateral femoral fractures (Fig. 1-A). A laparotomy and splenectomy were performed at the initial treatment facility prior to transfer to the regional trauma center, where the patient arrived in hypovolemic shock. After resuscitation, she underwent a repeat laparotomy and external fixation of both femora. Pelvic external fixation and preperitoneal pelvic packing were done as a part of our institutional protocol for the treatment of hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures5. The patient was then transferred to the interventional radiology suite for distal hepatic artery embolization and investigation of absent distal lower-extremity pulses, which had been initially palpable in the emergency department. The left internal iliac artery was found …
Electron impact ionization in the Martian atmosphere: Interplay between scattering and crustal magnetic field effects

Precipitating electrons are typically the dominant source of energy input into Mars' nighttime upper atmosphere, with consequences for atmospheric and ionospheric structure, composition, chemistry, and electrodynamics. Mars' spatially heterogeneous crustal magnetic fields affect the fluxes of precipitating electrons, via both the magnetic mirror force and Gauss' law of conservation of magnetic flux. We use a kinetic electron transport model to examine ionization rate profiles that result from the combination of these magnetic effects and elastic and inelastic scattering by atmospheric neutrals. Specifically, we calculate ionization rates as a function of altitude, crustal magnetic field strength, and the initial energy and pitch angle of the precipitating electrons, covering the relevant ranges of these parameters. Several complex behaviors are exhibited, including bifurcating ionization peaks with distinct characteristics and energy-dependent and crustal field strength-dependent increases in ionization with decreasing pitch angle. Elucidating such behavior is important for understanding the effect of Mars' unique crustal fields on the Mars upper atmosphere and ionosphere, both to predict the consequences of measured electron precipitation and to enable, for the first time, downward coupling of global plasma models with thermosphere-ionosphere models.
A Simple Predictive Tool for Lower Brahmaputra River Basin Monsoon Flooding

Abstract The Brahmaputra River of South Asia is the fourth largest river in the world in terms of annual discharge. The lower Brahmaputra River basin is susceptible to catastrophic flooding with major social, economic, and public health impacts. There is relatively little rainfall and snowpack information for the watershed, and the system is poorly understood hydrologically. Using a combination of available remotely sensed and gauge data, this study analyzes snow cover, rainfall, and monsoon period discharge for a 14-yr time period (1986–99). It is found that interannual rainfall variability is low and is a weak predictor of monsoon discharge volumes. Strong evidence is found, however, that maximum spring snow cover in the upper Brahmaputra basin is a good predictor of the monsoon flood volume. Despite the temporal and spatial limitations of the data, this study’s analysis demonstrates the potential for developing an empirical tool for predicting large flood events that may allow an annual early window fo...
Conformational switching between protein substates studied with 2D IR vibrational echo spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations.

Myoglobin is an important protein for the study of structure and dynamics. Three conformational substates have been identified for the carbonmonoxy form of myoglobin (MbCO). These are manifested as distinct peaks in the IR absorption spectrum of the CO stretching mode. Ultrafast 2D IR vibrational echo chemical exchange experiments are used to observed switching between two of these substates, A1 and A3, on a time scale of <100 ps for two mutants of wild-type Mb. The two mutants are a single mutation of Mb, L29I, and a double mutation, T67R/S92D. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are used to model the structural differences between the substates of the two MbCO mutants. The MD simulations are also employed to examine the substate switching in the two mutants as a test of the ability of MD simulations to predict protein dynamics correctly for a system in which there is a well-defined transition over a significant potential barrier between two substates. For one mutant, L29I, the simulations show that tran...
Clinical model of cost of bladder cancer in the elderly.

OBJECTIVES To develop a population-based clinical model of bladder cancer (BC) care costs and identify cost drivers. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed a cohort of 4863 patients with BC identified from the linked Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results-Medicare database, aged at least 65 years and diagnosed between 1994 and 1996. We collected the records of Medicare reimbursements (a surrogate of costs) through 1998 and classified them into clinically relevant intervals and care types by disease invasiveness to derive the cumulative costs of care. We calculated the incremental resource use costs using sex and age-matched controls from a 5% general population sample and compared similarly matched patients with other cancer (OC). We inflated all costs to 2006 U.S. dollars. RESULTS The annual cost of care for all patients with muscle-invasive BC (MIBC) was $35.72M (95% confidence interval $35.69M to $35.75M), 70% more than the $21.03M (95% confidence interval $21.00M to $21.05M) for patients with non-MIBC. The major cost drivers, regardless of disease stage, were diagnostic/surveillance and complications, accounting for up to 43% and 37% of BC care costs, respectively. Comorbidity-adjusted incremental annual resource costs per patient with MIBC were more than four times greater than those for patients with non-MIBC, similar to those of OC controls (P = 0.490-0.913), except for inpatient (P = 0.002) and hospice (P <0.001) costs, which were both statistically significantly lower. Annual adjusted incremental Medicare reimbursements totaled $36.3M for non-MIBC and $96.1 million for MIBC. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study have indicated that a reduction of BC care costs could be realized with strategies inhibiting disease progression and reducing the occurrence and severity of complications.
Shock wave triple-point morphology

The existence and characteristics of shock wave triple points are examined. The analysis utilizes a single flow plane for the three shocks and is local to the triple point. It applies when the flow is unsteady, three-dimensional, and the upstream flow is nonuniform. Under more restrictive conditions, a relation is also derived for the ratio of the curvature of the Mach stem to that of the reflected shock. For given values of the ratio of specific heats, γ, and the upstream Mach number, M1, a solution window is established. A parametric set of solutions is generated within the window for γ = 1, 1.4, and 5/3 and for 16 values of M1 ranging from solution onset to M1 = 6.A solution can be one of three types, these stem from the velocity tangency condition along the slip stream. Topics are addressed such as solution multiplicity, shock wave and slip stream orientation, the nature of the reflected wave (weak, strong, inverted, normal), the nature of the Mach stem (weak, strong, normal), and differences due to changes in γ and M1.
Excited-state charge transfer at a conical intersection: effects of an environment.

The influence of a polar and polarizable environment on charge transfer processes at a conical intersection (CI) can be described by a diabatic free energy model yielding coupled surfaces as a function of both molecular coordinates and a solvent coordinate. We extend and apply this model for the S1−S0 CI in protonated Schiff bases, representing a model for retinal isomerization (Faraday Discuss. 2004, 127, 395, 2004). A dielectric continuum description of the solvent is combined with a minimal, two-electron-two-orbital electronic structure model according to Bonacic-Koutecký, Koutecký, and Michl (Angew. Chem. 1987, 26, 170), which characterizes the charge translocation effects at the CI. The model predicts that the nonequilibrium solvent state resulting from the S0 → S1 Franck−Condon transition can entail the disappearance of the CI, such that solvent motion is necessary to reach the CI seam. The concerted evolution of the intramolecular coordinates and the solvent coordinate is illustrated by an excited-...
Kinetic studies on the mechanism of Mg(II) activation of deoxyribonuclease I.

When a magnesium salt of bovine spleen DNA (Mg:2P = 1.0) was used as the substrate for the deoxyribonuclease I (deoxyribonucleate oligonucleotidohydrolase, EC 3.1.4.5) reaction, the data obtained for Mg(II) activation was not complicated as those obtained with NaDNA as substrate. The Mg(II) activation curve was biphasic, indicating that the activation occured at two sites on the protein. Kinetic analysis of the data shows that Mg(II) activation followed sigmoidal saturation kinetics for each site, with n = 2 for each site. Free Mg2+ was required for enzyme activity, confirming that a metalloenzyme as well as a metallosubstrate was necessary for deoxyribonuclease I activity.
Center of mass of a few-body quantum system in an effective central field

The center of mass (CM) of a few-body quantum system with a central field is discussed. If the particles are in the designative eigenstates, the CM coordinates of the system can be well defined. In the CM bag model as well as in other models with central fields, the CM-freedom separation rule and effective nucleon electromagnetic currents can be presented without any undetermined parameter.
A review of buyer-supplier relationship typologies: progress, problems, and future directions

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to review the existing typologies of buyer-supplier relationships (BSRs) in the literature, to critically assess their dimensions and underlying assumptions, and to propose a more complete BSR typology and future directions for BSR typology research. Design/methodology/approach – This study takes a conceptual approach in highlighting the limitations of existing BSR typologies and synthesizing their key typology-defining variables when proposing an alternative BSR typology. Findings – The proposed BSR typology is based on alternative behavioral assumptions: bounded rationality and choice-determinism, and uses relationalism, supplier dependence and buyer dependence as the typology-defining variables. This BSR typology captures four prominent BSR types in the extant literature (i.e. market/discrete relationship, captive-buyer/supplier-dominant relationship, captive-supplier/buyer-dominant relationship and strategic/bilateral partnership) and four new BSR types developed...
High-resolution echo-planar fMRI of human visual cortex at 3.0 tesla.

Known specialized properties of the human visual cortex have been used to investigate the role of spatial resolution on fMRI using blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) echo-planar MRI at 3.0 tesla. The magnitude of BOLD signal changes has been examined at low (3.1×3.1×3.0 mm3) and high (0.8×1.6×3.0 mm3) resolution using both gradient-echo and spin-echo EPI. Paradigms were designed to activate primary visual cortex (V1/V2) and more specialized areas associated with detection of color (V4) and motion (V5). Sensitivity of activation maps increased at higher resolution despite the decreased total signal intensity at the smaller voxel size, presumably from reduced partial volume averaging. The greater microvascular selectivity of high-resolution spin-echo imaging enabled distinct activation patterns sensitive to motion to be detected in V1/V2 that were not apparent with gradient-echo imaging. The spatial resolution at 3.0 tesla was constrained by the size of physiological head motion relative to the voxel dimensions rather than SNR or the hemodynamic response of BOLD contrast. The higher spatial resolution at 3.0 tesla with more selective spin-echo EPI can further refine functional mapping within the cerebral cortex. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dehydroepiandrosterone enhances IL2 production and cytotoxic effector function of human T cells

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is the most abundant adrenal steroid hormone in humans. Although it is well established that DHEA serves as an intermediate in sex steroid synthesis, recent studies in mice suggest that DHEA may also be a physiologic regulator of IL2 secretion. To explore the effect of DHEA on the human immune system, T lymphocytes from healthy adults were exposed to DHEA followed by stimulation with mitogens or antigen. Upon activation with a variety of stimuli, T cells pretreated with 10−8 to 10−11 M DHEA produced significantly greater amounts of IL2 and mediated more potent cytotoxicity than T cells activated in the absence of this steroid hormone. The peak effect of DHEA was observed at 10−9 M, the concentration of hormone present in the blood of normal adults. In contrast to its effect on murine T cells, the IL2 enhancing effect of DHEA on human lymphocytes was limited to fresh CD4+ T cells and CD4+ clones; neither fresh CD8+ cells nor CD8+ clones were directly affected by DHEA treatment, although CD8+ cells stimulated in the presence of CD4+ cells and DHEA demonstrated enhanced cytotoxicity. The enhancing effect of DHEA was also detected at the level of IL2 mRNA, suggesting that DHEA may act as a transcriptional enhancer of the IL2 gene in CD4+ T cells. These results corroborate and extend earlier studies in mice and suggest a physiologic role for DHEA in regulating the human immune response.
Regiocontrol in the palladium-catalyzed hydrophosphinylation of terminal alkynes

Abstract The regioselectivity of the palladium-catalyzed hydrophosphinylation of terminal alkynes was investigated. Complementary conditions to achieve the predominant formation of either the linear or the branched alkenyl- H -phosphinate products were identified. With Pd/xantphos in acetonitrile, the linear isomer is generally obtained with good to excellent selectivity, and E -stereospecificity. On the other hand, by using Pd/dppf in the non-polar solvent toluene, good selectivity for the branched alkenyl- H -phosphinate is typically observed. The role of various reaction parameters is studied.
Mathematics Anxiety in Young Children: An Exploratory Study

This study explored the nature of mathematics anxiety in a sample of 106 ethnically and linguistically diverse first-grade students. Although much is known about mathematics anxiety in older children and adults, little is known about when mathematics anxiety first emerges or its characteristics in young children. Results from exploratory factor analysis indicated that mathematics anxiety in first grade is a multidimensional construct encompassing negative reactions, numerical confidence, and worry. Negative reactions were related specifically to foundational mathematical concepts whereas numerical confidence was related specifically to computation skill; worry was not related to any outcome. Levels of mathematics anxiety did not differ by sex or language background. Overall, negative reactions and numerical confidence were found to be the most salient dimensions of mathematics anxiety in this sample.
Angular distributions in multiple scattering

The theory of the random walk on a sphere is derived by elementary methods and by specializing the general theory of random walks on group ($G$) spaces. The result is applied to find the angular distribution in multiple elastic scattering after $N$ steps. The case of electron scattering from a screened Coulomb potential is done in detail. Formulas which are exact in principle and asymptotic in practice are found, giving the distribution with many-place accuracy at all angles for $N\ensuremath{\ge}20$. Methods for generating a random variable with this distribution are also given.
Prostate cancer risk with positive family history, normal prostate examination findings, and PSA less than 4.0 ng/mL.

OBJECTIVES Family history has been identified as a risk factor for prostate cancer. We assessed the risk of prostate cancer in men with a positive family history (at least one first-degree or second-degree relative), normal digital rectal examination (DRE) and a serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level of 4.0 ng/mL. METHODS A total of 87 volunteers from the San Antonio Center of biomarkers of risk for prostate cancer study enrolled in a prospective study to assess the prevalence of prostate cancer in men with a family history of prostate cancer, normal DRE findings, and a serum PSA level of 4.0 ng/mL or less. All subjects underwent transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy. RESULTS Prostate cancer was diagnosed in 22 (25.3%) of the 87 participants. The PSA values were significantly greater statistically in the men with prostate cancer (median 2.1 ng/mL) than in the men without prostate cancer (median 1.2 ng/mL, P = 0.01), and the odds of prostate cancer nearly doubled for a doubling of the PSA level within this interval (odds ratio 1.97, P = 0.02). No statistically significant difference was found in age, race, or number and type of affected relatives in men with and without prostate cancer. CONCLUSIONS The results of our study have demonstrated a high frequency of prostate cancer in men with a positive family history but normal DRE findings and a PSA level of 4.0 ng/mL or less. These prospectively collected data raise an important consideration regarding lowering the PSA cutoff values for offering biopsy in patients with a positive family history and normal DRE findings.
Barus effect in filled polymer melts

The influence of fillers on the post-extrusion swelling (Barus effect) of polymer melts is explored with the use of three model fillers in poly(styrene–acrylonitrile). The filler effect is shown to be more complex than simple dilution of the polymer. The role of such factors as melt rigidity, tendency toward plug flow, trapping of matrix in filler aggregates, and filler migration are considered.
On lines avoiding unit balls in three dimensions

Let B be a set of n unit balls in R3. We show that the combinatorial complexity of the space of lines in R3 that avoid all the balls of B is O(n3+e), for any e0. This result has connections toproblems in visibility, ray shooting, motion planning andgeometric optimization.
Temperature of the Cathode as a Factor in the Sputtering Process

Effect of high cathode temperatures on the rate of sputtering of metals.\char22{}Gold, platinum and nickel show an increase in the rate of sputtering in argon with increase in cathode temperature. The lower the sputtering voltage the more pronounced the effect. Films sputtered from a hot cathode show considerable initial aging, i.e., suffer less change in resistance on baking and show a more definite crystal structure than those from a cold cathode. While evidence is presented to show that the "explosion theory" of sputtering may have a certain basis of fact, especially as regards starting conditions, the results are, on the whole, consistent with the explanation of sputtering as essentially a vaporization process. The indications are, however, that ordinary evaporated films, even when produced under the same pressure as sputtered films, contain less gas, pointing to the excitation accompanying the discharge as an important factor in the process of gas occlusion in the films.
Fiber delivered probe for efficient CARS imaging of tissues

We demonstrate a fiber-based probe for maximum collection of the coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) signal in biological tissues. We discuss the design challenges including capturing the back-scattered forward generated CARS signal in the sample and the effects of fiber nonlinearities on the propagating pulses. Three different single mode fibers (fused silica fiber, photonic crystal fiber and double-clad photonic crystal fiber) were tested for the probe design. We investigated self-phase modulation, stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) and four-wave-mixing (FWM) generation in the fiber: nonlinear processes expected to occur in a two-beam excitation based probe. While SPM and SRS induced spectral broadening was negligible, a strong non phase-matched FWM contribution was found to be present in all the tested fibers for excitation conditions relevant to CARS microscopy of tissues. To spectrally suppress this strong contribution, the probe design incorporates separate fibers for excitation light delivery and for signal detection, in combination with dichroic optics. CARS images of the samples were recorded by collecting the back-scattered forward generated CARS signal in the sample through a multi-mode fiber. Different biological tissues were imaged ex vivo in order to assess the performance of our fiber-delivered probe for CARS imaging, a tool which we consider an important advance towards label-free, in vivo probing of superficial tissues.
Four-probe resistance measurements of nickel wires written with a scanning tunneling microscope/scanning electron microscope system

Abstract We have used a scanning tunneling microscope (STM)/scanning electron microscope (SEM) system in ultra-high vacuum (UHV) to write nickel wires on silicon, forming connections between prefabricated four-probe contact pads. We leak nickel carbonyl into the STM chamber to a set pressure. We then use the STM tip as a local source of electrons to decompose the nickel carbonyl which has adsorbed to the surface of the substrate. Auger analysis indicates that 95% of the material in our deposits is nickel. Nickel wires as small as 50 nm in width have been fabricated in this way. Previously, we have fabricated nonmetallic wires as small as 10 nm in width, thus demonstrating the potential for the technique. A low-temperature, four point resistance measurement indicates that our nickel wires are conductive and metallic. We estimate that their resistivity at 77 K is approximately 25 μΩ·cm. This is the first report of a four-point measurement on an STM-written structure.
Exposure estimates for repair satellites at geosynchronous orbit

Abstract Communications and weather satellites in geosynchronous (GEO, altitude: 35,793 km.) and geostationary orbits (GSO) are revolutionizing our ability to almost instantly communicate with each other, capture high resolution global imagery for weather forecasting and obtain a multitude of other geophysical data for environmental protection purposes. The rapid increase in the number of satellites at GEO is partly due to the exponential expansion of the internet, its commercial potential and the need to deliver a large amount of digital information in near real time. With the large number of satellites operating at GEO and particularly at GSO, there is a need to think of viable approaches to retrieve, rejuvenate and perhaps repair these satellites. The first step in this process is a detailed understanding of the ionizing radiation environment at GEO. Currently, the most widely used trapped particle radiation environment definition near Earth is based on the NASA’s static AP8/AE8 models which define the trapped proton and electron intensities. These models are based on a large number of satellite measurements carried out in the 1960s and 1970s. In this paper, the AP8/AE8 models as well as a heavy ion galactic cosmic ray (GCR) model are used to define the radiation environments for protons, electrons and heavy ions at low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO) and GEO. LEO and MEO dosimetric calculations are included in the analysis since any launch platform capable of delivering a payload to GEO will accumulate exposure during its transit through LEO and MEO. The computational approach (particle transport) taken in this paper is to use the static LEO, MEO, GEO and geomagnetically attenuated GCR environments as input to the NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) developed deterministic particle transport codes high charge and energy transport (HZETRN) and coupled electron photon transport (CEPTRN). This is done through exposure prediction within a spherical shell, a legacy Apollo era command service module (CSM) configuration, and a large modular structure represented by a specific configuration of the international Space Station (ISS-11A, circa 2005). Based on the results of the simulations, conclusions are drawn on the exposure levels accumulated by these geometries throughout a mission to GEO.
Optical studies of strained pseudomorphic semiconductor heterostructures under external pressure

Abstract Epilayers and quantum well heterostructures of group III-V and II-VI binary and ternary compounds offer an exciting array of band gaps and physical properties. The band gaps range from the infrared to the near ultraviolet region (0.1 to 3 eV); continuous tuning of the band gap is achieved by means of alloying, strain and quantum confinement. Pseudomorphic heterostructures with large lattice mismatch and minimal dislocations and defects at the interface have been successfully grown by various techniques. This paper reviews the effects of strain on the optical and electronic properties, determination of strain, tuning of strain, and the structural stability of these metastable structures. Photoreflectance, photoluminescence and Raman scattering studies as a function of temperature and externally applied hydrostatic pressure are discussed. Owing to the different compressibilities and thermal expansion coefficients of the constituent members of a heterostructure, the strain can be continuously tuned ...
Electron wave directional couplers in the presence of impurity scattering

Abstract We study the influence of impurity scattering on the probability of electron wave switching between coupled quantum wells while varying the location of the impurities in an electron-wave directional coupler. We use a transfer-matrix formalism to solve the coupled-mode equations describing the electron propagation assuming that only one symmetric and one antisymmetric states are available for conduction in the directional coupler. If the Fermi energy is not large compared to the strength of the potential energy profile, the maximum probability of electron transfer between the wells can be substantially reduced from the predicted value of 100% for perfectly symmetric impurity-free directional couplers. The probability of transfer is strongly dependent on the location of the impurities. Attractive and repulsive impurities affect the probability of transfer differently. The potential of the impurities is modeled as a delta-potential with strength equal to a few feV- cm 2 . The relevance of our simulations for the study of directional couplers proposed recently is discussed.
The equivalence of two partial orders on a convex cone of positive semidefinite matrices

The Loewner partial order ≧ is defined on the space of Hermitian matrices by A ≧ B if A − B is positive semidefinite. Given a strictly increasing function f: (a, b) → R, we define the partial order ≧f on the set of Hermitian matrices with spectrum contained in (a, b) by A ≧fB if f(A) ≧ f(B). We say that the partial orders ≧ and ≧f are equivalent ona set S of Hermitian matrices if A ≧ B if and only if A ≧fB for all A,B ϵ S. It is clear that if the cone C is commutative, i.e., AB = BA for all A, B ϵ C, then the two partial orders are equivalent. Stepniak conjectured the converse for the function f(t) = t2, and proved it for n ⩽ 3. We provide a counterexample to Stepniak's conjecture for n ≧ 4, and we characterize the convex cones C of positive semidefinite matrices on which ≧ and ≧f are equivalent for a class of functions that includes f(t) = tp, p > 1, and f(t) = et. We introduce the class of strongly monotone matrix functions and prove the following result of independent interest: Let ƒ be a strongly monotone matrix function of order n, and suppose that A and B are n-by-n Hermitian matrices such that A − B is positive semidefinite and that A and B have no common eigenvectors. Then f(A) − f(B) is positive definite. We also show that the functions f(t) = tp, 0 < p < 1, and f(t) = log t are strongly monotone of all orders. We also consider the partial order ≧t2. In this special case it is possible to obtain the results using more elementary techniques. We prove some results about the partial orders ≧tp and ≧exp. We conclude with two open questions.
Molecular Cloning of Human E-Cadherin Suggests a Novel Subdivision of the Cadherin Superfamily

Abstract The gene encoding full-length human E-cadherin has been cloned and sequenced from liver and colon cDNA libraries (GenBank Accession #L08599). The predicted molecular mass of the unglycosylated and unprocessed protein is 97,000. The human protein conserves most features of the classical cadherins. In its cytoplasmic domain, two approximate to 30-35 aminoacid conserved sequence motifs are recognized. These cadherin homology domains have been termed "CH2" and "CH3", and are characteristic of the classical cadherins, but absent or divergent in the more distantly related cadherins such as desmosomal cadherin, T-cadherin, fat, and the human ret oncogene. Given these findings and the importance of cytoplasmic interactions to cadherin function, a subclassification of the cadherin superfamily based on cytoplasmic domain homologies is proposed. This subclassification provides a framework in future studies for understanding the distinct down-stream signaling cascades associated with each cadherin.
Erosion Research on the U.S. Department of Energy Fossil Energy Materials Program

Research projects on the U.S. Department of Energy Fossil Energy Materials Program are investigating the mechanisms of erosion and erosion-corrosion of alloys and cermets used in fossil energy systems. The aim is to obtain an understanding of erosion mechanisms that will provide the basis for the development or modification of alloys and cermets with improved erosion resistance. Projects on this program are outlined. Results of recent research activities are presented, and plans for future research are described.
Monounsaturated fatty acids of mouse skin surface lipids

The occurrence of the various positional isomers of monounsaturated fatty acids of mouse skin surface lipids was studied by conventional oxidative cleavage-gas liquid chromatography techniques. The pattern observed could be accommodated by the biosynthetic scheme proposed elsewhere for rat skin fatty acids, except that 18∶Δ9 replaced 16∶Δ9 as the main precursor.
Novel methods of copper vapor laser excitation

New methods of copper excitation are currently being studied for use as a copper vapor laser. The most promising technique thus far is the use of pulsed and continuous wave (CW) microwaves in a resonant cavity to both vaporize and dissociate copper chloride. The microwave experiment combines CW microwaves at 2.45 GHz, the resonant frequency of the cavity, and pulsed microwaves using a hybrid junction. The combined signal is then introduced into an Asmussen resonant cavity. CW powers of approximately 100 watts both vaporize and dissociate copper chloride, producing neutral copper atoms. The pulsed microwaves of approximately 1,000 watts then further excite the copper atoms, increasing the light output of the discharge. Variations in the pulsed microwave frequency, as well as the pulse repetition frequency and pulse width, optimize the absorption of the pulsed microwaves by the discharge and are also used as a diagnostic of the discharge.
Adult's Perception of Male Garment Styles:

The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of male apparel styles (daring, conservative, formal; casual) on American adult perceptions of personal traits of men. The relationship be...
Reengineering clinical operations in a medical practice to optimize the management of anemia of chronic kidney disease

Objectives. To describe the clinic design, clinical evaluations, and treatment approaches used in a multidisciplinary clinic for management of anemia of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and to evaluate several selected clinical outcomes associated with this approach to anemia management. Setting. University-affiliated, division of nephrology, outpatient multidisciplinary model CKD clinic headed by a clinical pharmacist. Patients. One hundred sixty-six patients with anemia of CKD who were referred by nephrologists and primary care providers to the multidisciplinary clinic from March 1, 2002–July 31, 2004. Measurements and Main Results. Patients received darbepoetin alfa dosed on an every-other-week basis. If patients were already receiving once-weekly recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO), the darbepoetin alfa dose was calculated by using the darbepoetin alfa package insert conversion table. If patients were naive to previous erythropoietic therapy, the darbepoetin alfa dose was either 60 μg or 0.7 μg/kg. The dose and frequency of darbepoetin alfa and oral iron supplements were adjusted to achieve the National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (K/DOQI) targets for hemoglobin levels and iron measures. The primary outcome analyzed was the proportion of patients with at least 30 days of treatment who achieved a target hemoglobin level of 11.0 g/dl or greater. Of 128 patients who received at least 30 days of treatment, 100 (78%) attained the hemoglobin level (mean ± SD 11.7 ± 7 g/dl). Ninety-nine of 128 patients were originally naive to erythropoietic therapy; 77 (78%) of these 99 patients achieved the hemoglobin target in a mean ± SD of 7.9 ± 7.5 weeks. These data contrast with the data of 29 patients seen in the year previous to the reengineered clinic process, whereby only 12 (41%) of these comparable patients reached hemoglobin target with r-HuEPO therapy. Of the 77 previously erythropoietic-naive patients, 82% were receiving darbepoetin alfa every other week, 14% every 3 weeks, and 4% every 4 weeks at the time the hemoglobin target was achieved. Oral iron administration significantly increased the chance of achieving the K/DOQI targets for hemoglobin and iron. Conclusion. Redefining roles and practices of members of a clinical practice and reengineering processes for anemia management were effective in achieving and maintaining target hemoglobin and iron levels.
Rethinking the Library Game: Creating an Alternate Reality with Social Media

In recent years, libraries have made efforts to create games, often for the purpose of information literacy instruction. Games can provide an interactive alternative to traditional instruction by introducing research tools and resources while also teaching problem solving skills within a collaborative learning environment. Despite the benefits, the limited resources of most libraries make it difficult to build games that appeal to a generation of students accustomed to games like World of Warcraft. It is a challenge to find a balance between the right format and the available skills and assets. The desire to create an engaging game within the confines of existing resources led the University of Alabama Libraries to create the Web-based alternate reality game Project Velius. Serving the research needs of faculty and more than 30,000 students, the University Libraries are a vital part of Alabama's oldest public university. University of Alabama librarians leveraged popular social media sites and application...
Site-selective metal-coordination-based patterning of silane monolayers.

Herein, we report a method to pattern a derivatized nifedipine silane monolayer that aromatizes under UV irradiation. Using a functionalized SCS–Pd(II) pincer complex, we demonstrate that a strong metal-coordination complex between the aromatized nifedipine derivative and the pincer complex is formed. This methodology integrates SAM photolithography (top-down) and molecular recognition directed self-assembly (bottom-up) strategies to create simple and rapid synthesizable functional patterned surfaces.
Interocular transfer of the motion aftereffect in strabismus

Abstract The interocular transfer of the motion aftereffect (MAE) was measured in three groups of strabismic subjects (six with monofixation, nine with alternation, four with anomalous retinal correspondence) and compared with a group of four normal subjects. The duration of the MAE was measured using sinusoidal gratings of 0.5 c/deg subtending a visual angle of 8. Contrary to previous findings, a substantial amount of MAE transfer was found in some stereoblind individuals with strabismus. The mean amount of transfer for each group was found to correlate with binocularity; the order of decreasing transfer being: normal, monofixation, alternation, and anomalous retinal correspondence (ARC). This reduction in transfer which accompanied the loss of binocularity was asymmetric, that is. right-left transfer did not equal left-right transfer. The amount of asymmetry was found to correlate inversely with the amount of transfer. The direction in which the greatest transfer occurred did not correlate with visual acuity. These data substantiate the overall poor binocularity in subjects with ARC. and the relatively good binocularity of subjects with monofixation. Furthermore, the substantial amount of transfer found in subjects with alternating strabismus may be a measure of potentially achievable binocularity.
THE IMPLICATIONS OF BUSINESS PLANNING FOR ECONOMIC STABILITY IN THE UNITED STATES

RECENT ECONOMIC WRITINGS indicate an increasing interest in a plan of cycle control which relies upon the initiative, rationality, and social responsibility of private and formally unassociated business units. The problem of this study is one of determining the principal implications of this proposal in which individual businesses plan for aggregate economic stability. The study is interpretive for the most part. In that it treats an idea (theory) not yet tested in the present economy, the research involved is of a secondary nature. Current real world phenomena are introduced wherever they are relevant and revealing. However, in the main, the study proceeds on the basis of deductive logical analysis. Because of the true uncertainty facing the individual firm, the degree of rationality which can be attained in elemental actions under the current organizational setting is likely to be insufficient to secure the summum bonum of aggregate stability. The means-ends chains of business planning simply do not reach to aggregate magnitude. Consequently, stability must be achieved through an application of the law of large numbers to the firm and industry growth-directed operations of the many businesses of the economy. Over-all stability will then emerge from the elemental instability of unit non-cyclical policies. This non-cyclical direction will be reflected in the investment, inventory, sales, research, innovation, wage, and price policies of the separate firms. Further, from a long-run point of view, this direction will lead to the increased concentration of assets and control. Simultaneously, such concentration will result in a longer economic horizon for all surviving firms and, for the larger units, in a horizon that includes economic stability itself. Concentration is therefore one means of increasing the likelihood of the proposal's success. Education and the dissemination of market information are others. The latter provides a challenging role of great potential for government. Emphasis upon an informative function must supplant
France and the German Question: Avant-garde or Rearguard: Comment on Creswell and Trachtenberg

Three scholars offer separate responses to the article by Michael Creswell and Marc Trachtenberg. The responses include some common points, but they diverge sharply in other respects. The first two respondents generally agree with the conclusions reached by Creswell and Trachtenberg, but one of them believes that the article goes too far (in its contention that France's anxiety about the Soviet Union eclipsed its concerns about Germany), whereas the other argues that the article does not go far enough in showing how the United States adapted its policy to accommodate French leaders. The second respondent also questions whether Creswell and Trachtenberg have added anything new to the latest "revisionist" works on French-German relations in the first decade of Cold War. The third respondent, unlike the first two, rejects the main thrust of the article by Creswell and Trachtenberg and seeks to defend the traditional view that France was very reluctant to go along with U.S. and British policies on the German question. This respondent also questions whether Creswell and Trachtenberg have focused on the most appropriate sources of evidence.
Effects of flecainide acetate on ventricular tachyarrhythmia and fibrillation in dogs with recent myocardial infarction.

The antiarrhythmic and antifibrillatory actions of the class IC antiarrhythmic agent flecainide acetate were examined in urethane-anesthetized dogs with recent myocardial infarction. The intravenous a
Ovarian Steroids Decrease DNA Fragmentation in the Serotonin Neurons of Non-Injured Rhesus Macaques

Ovarian Steroids Decrease DNA Fragmentation in the Serotonin Neurons of Non-Injured Rhesus Macaques