cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electrical properties of microcrys-talline ferroelectric materials crystallized from glass

Materials produced by crystallization of glass present a unique combination of properties such as homogeneity, pore-free structure and small particle size, which is controllable by heat treatment within the 0.1 to 1 micron range. Furthermore, shaping and sealing operations are possible in the glass state.
Some Aspects of Rate Coding in the Auditory Nerve

A number of schemes for the encoding of complex stimuli in populations of auditory-nerve fibers have been studied in the past decade. These schemes differ in their assumptions about which aspects of auditory nerve fiber spike trains encode signal strength. Rate-place codes represent spectral features, such as the formants of speech, in terms of the distribution of average discharge rate across fiber best frequency (BF) (Kiang and Moxon, 1974; Sachs and Young, 1979; Delgutte and Kiang, 1984). Temporal-place codes make use of the fine temporal details (phase-locking) of the auditory-nerve spike patterns to represent stimulus features (Young and Sachs, 1979; Reale and Geisler, 1980; Delgutte and Kiang, 1984a).
Obesity among chronically homeless adults: is it a problem?

Objective. We examined rates of obesity and associated characteristics in the chronically homeless population to explore how a range of factors, including sociodemographics, housing, food source, physical and mental health, and health service use, were related to being overweight or obese. Methods. We conducted multivariate regression analyses on a community sample of 436 chronically homeless adults across 11 U.S. cities to examine the prevalence of obesity. results. The majority (57%) of chronically homeless adults were overweight or obese. Chronically homeless adults who were female or Hispanic appeared to be at particular risk for obesity. There were few differences on physical and mental health by weight group. Although overweight and obese chronically homeless adults were more likely to discuss exercise with a health-care provider, they reported engaging in less exercise than those who were underweight or normal weight. conclusion. These findings underscore the need for greater attention to obesity in chronically homeless adults and demonstrate a food insecurity-obesity paradox or poverty-obesity link.
The Effectiveness of the MMPI-2-RF in Detecting Feigned Mental Disorders and Cognitive Deficits: a Meta-Analysis

A cornerstone of forensic assessments involves the assessment of response styles, including feigning and malingering. As a forensic relevant instrument (FRI), the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) contains embedded overreporting scales that cover the three major domains: feigned mental disorders (i.e., F-r and Fp-r), feigned cognitive impairment (RBS and FBS-r), and feigned medical complaints (Fs). This meta-analytic review of 30 studies examined the effectiveness of various detection strategies and cut scores for the MMPI-2-RF. As an important clinical concern, several feigning scales (F-r, FBS-r, and RBS) exhibited marked elevations (Ms > 80 T) for genuine responders diagnosed with major depressive or somatoform disorders. However, the Fp-r—a true rare-symptoms detection strategy—proved highly effective for discriminating feigned from genuine psychopathology (ds > .90). For feigned cognitive impairment, the FBS-r produced very large effect sizes with feigned TBI (M d = 1.41); however, its cut scores were more indicative of general feigning than feigned cognitive impairment. Finally, Fs yielded a large effect size (d = 1.23) for feigned medical complaints, but its cut scores were more likely to identify examinees feigning mental disorders (M sensitivity = .74) than medical complaints (M sensitivity = .43). These findings are discussed within the context of clinical forensic evaluations.
Sub-Thermal Subthreshold Characteristics in Top–Down InGaAs/InAs Heterojunction Vertical Nanowire Tunnel FETs

This letter demonstrates top-down InGaAs/ InAs heterojunction vertical nanowire tunnel FETs with sub-thermal subthreshold characteristics over two orders of magnitude of current. A minimal subthreshold swing of 53 mV/decade at $\text{V}_{\mathrm {ds}} = 0.3$ V has been obtained at room temperature. An I60 (defined as the highest current level where the subthreshold characteristics exhibit a transition from sub- to super-60 mV/decade behavior) of 4.3 nA/ $\mu \text{m}$ has been achieved at $\text{V}_{\mathrm {ds}} = 0.3$ V. Compared with an earlier device generation, much reduced temperature dependence of the subthresholdcharacteristics is observed in this letter. The major difference between the two device generations is the drastically reduced interface trap density, evidenced by the improvement in the subthreshold swing of InGaAs vertical nanowire MOSFETs fabricated at the same time. This result suggests oxide–semiconductor interface trap-assisted tunnelling the main leakage mechanism in III-V TFETs fabricated by our process. The improvement in the interface quality has been enabled by improved gate oxide deposition and post-deposition treatment.
Optimal design of sustainable transit systems in congested urban networks: A macroscopic approach

Abstract Mass transit is a key component of a sustainable transportation system in urban networks. In this research, we propose a continuum approximation model to optimize the line spacing, stop spacing, headway, and fare of the transit system by minimizing a linear combination of (1) users generalized cost, (2) agency operating cost, and (3) external cost of the emission in the urban region. The design of the transit system can be optimized by minimizing the total cost of the transportation system in three different network allocation scenarios: (i) mixed network (Bus), (ii) dedicated lanes (BRT), and (iii) parallel networks (Metro).
A prospective study of cancer risk among Agricultural Health Study farm spouses associated with personal use of organochlorine insecticides.

Organochlorine insecticides (OCs) have historically been used worldwide to control insects, although most have now been banned in developed countries. Evidence for an association between OC exposures and cancer predominantly comes from occupational and population based-studies among men. We evaluated the association between the use of specific OCs and cancer among the female spouses of pesticide applicators in the Agricultural Health Study. At enrollment (1993–1997), spouses of private applicators in the cohort provided information about their own use of pesticides, including seven OCs (aldrin, chlordane, dieldrin, DDT, heptachlor, lindane, and toxaphene), and information on potential confounders. We used Poisson regression to estimate relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for cancers (n ≥ 3 exposed cases) reported to state cancer registries from enrollment through 2012 (North Carolina) and 2013 (Iowa), and use of the individual OCs, as well as use of any of the specific OCs. Among 28,909 female spouses, 2191 (7.58%) reported ever use of at least one OC, of whom 287 were diagnosed with cancer. Most cancers were not associated with OC use. Risk of glioma was increased among users of at least one OC (Nexposed = 11, RR = 3.52, 95% CI 1.72–7.21) and specifically among lindane users (Nexposed = 3, RR = 4.45, 95% CI 1.36–14.55). Multiple myeloma was associated with chlordane (Nexposed = 6, RR = 2.71, 95% CI 1.12–6.55). Based on 3 exposed cases each, there were also positive associations between pancreatic cancer and lindane, and ER-PR- breast cancer and dieldrin. No other associations with breast cancer were found. Overall, there were some associations with OC use and cancer incidence, however we were limited by the small number of exposed cancer cases. Future research should attempt to expand on these findings by assessing environmental sources of OC exposures, to fully evaluate the role of OC exposures on cancer risk in women.
Emerging adults' social media self-presentation and identity development at college transition: Mindfulness as a moderator

Abstract Scholars have described how youth perform online self-presentation and its implications for identity formation. However, only a few studies have statistically examined the associations between self-presentation on social media and identity development at major developmental transitions. Also, although mindfulness is found to moderate the relationship between social media use and psychological outcomes, its moderating role has not been investigated in self-presentation/identity research. Drawing on a multi-faceted model of online self-presentation and identity theories, we explored how four dimensions of social media self-presentation related to college freshmen's self-esteem and identity clarity. Survey data from 219 college freshmen between the ages of 18 and 23 ( M age = 18.29, S.D. = 0.75; 74% female; 41% White, 38% Black) showed that positive online self-presentation was related to higher self-esteem. It was also related to higher identity clarity but only among mindful freshmen. Authentic online self-presentation was related to higher self-esteem, also for mindful freshmen only. Presenting personal/intimate information was associated with lower identity clarity. The negative relationships between such self-presentation and the two identity outcomes were stronger among less mindful freshmen. Findings revealed the diverse associations between online self-presentation and identity development at the college transition.
Polarization Dependent Loss in Optical Fibers — Does it Help or Ruin Photon Entanglement Distribution?

We experimentally investigate propagation of polarization-entangled photon pairs through two fibers with PDL. We compensate the effect of PDL in one fiber by properly aligning the second fiber's aggregate PDL. A theory supports our observations.
Adhesion formation after laparoscopic ventral incisional hernia repair with polypropylene mesh: a study using abdominal ultrasound.

Objective Laparoscopic repair of ventral incisional hernias is feasible and safe. Polypropylene mesh is often preferred because of its ease of handling and lower cost. Complications like adhesion and fistula formation can occur. The goal of this study was to determine whether bowel adhesions and their attendant complications could be prevented by interposition of omentum. Methods Thirty patients underwent laparoscopic ventral incisional hernias repair with polypropylene mesh. Omentum was always positioned over the loops of bowel for protection. At a mean follow-up of 14 months, 20 patients underwent ultrasonic examination using the previously described visceral slide technique to detect adhesions. Results The mean size of the hernias in the study was 50.3 cm2, and the mean size of the mesh applied was 275 cm2. Thirteen patents (65%) had no sonographically detectable adhesions. Five patients demonstrated adhesions between the mesh and omentum, 1 patient developed adhesions between the left lobe of the liver and the mesh, and only 1 case of bowel adhesion to the edge of the mesh was found. Conclusion Laparoscopic ventral incisional hernias repair with polypropylene mesh and omental interposition is not associated with visceral adhesions in the majority of patients. Polypropylene mesh can be used safely when adequate omental coverage is available.
Perioperative respiratory care of the patient undergoing upper abdominal surgery

The respiratory system is invariably affected during and after abdominal surgery. In high-risk patients, this may result in the development of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC). Several pulmonary and nonpulmonary risk factors have been identified as good predictors for PPC. This article summarizes the treatments that may help prevent the development of PPC in patients undergoing upper abdominal surgery.
17 – ACIDS AND BASES

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses two major methods of defining acids and bases, the Bronsted-Lowry system, based on proton donation; and the Lewis system, based on electron-pair donation. It describes the behavior of acids and bases in aqueous systems. The chapter explains the structural factors that influence the strengths of the acids and bases. A solvent system acid is any substance that gives the cation of the solvent; a solvent system base is any substance that gives the anion of the solvent. The chapter illustrates the inter-relationships among conjugate acid-base pairs. Amphiprotism is the ability of a substance to either gain or lose a proton. The strength of a base depends upon how easily a compound will give up an OH– ion or how strongly it will attract a proton. Electronegativity is the ability of an atom in a bond to attract electrons. The ionic character of a bond increases with the increasing electronegativity of the nonmetal atom. The exact concentration of an acid or base in solution can be determined experimentally by titration. The strength of a protonic acid in aqueous solution is measured by the extent to which the equilibrium proceeds in the direction of ion formation.
Multichamber Septic Tanks

A multichamber septic tank is superior to a single-chamber tank. A literature search and a field study were carried out. Performance parameters such as gas baffles, detention period and surface area/depth ratio were found to be significant for both tanks. Septic tank system failures can be reduced by installing efficient septic tanks which do not overload the clogging layer in the seepage bed.
Multiobjective Programming Problems Under Generalized Convexity

In this chapter, we consider optimality conditions and duality for some multiobjective programming problems with generalized convexity. In particularly, the general multiobjective programming, multiobjective fractional programming and multiobjective variational programming will be discussed.
Are Grandparents Better Caretakers? Parental Migration, Caretaking Arrangements, Children’s Self-Control, and Delinquency in Rural China:

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of parental migration and alternative caretaking arrangements on children’s delinquency in rural China. Using data from the Parental Migratio...
Abstract 294: BCL-2 family compensation regulates T cell homeostasis and reveals a BIM:BCL-W axis in T-ALL

BIM is the master BH3-only BCL-2 family regulator of lymphocyte survival. To understand how long-term loss of BIM affects apoptotic resistance in T and B cells we examined peripheral blood counts in mice with T or B cell-specific deletion of Bim. In contrast to CD19CRE Bimfl/fl animals, LCKCRE Bimfl/fl mice had pronounced early lymphocytosis followed by lymphocyte count normalization as they aged. To explore BCL-2 family specific mechanism(s) leading to this normalization we compared cell death sensitivity and BCL-2 expression patterns of young versus old LCKCRE Bimfl/fl T cells. Young (6-12 weeks) and old (>40 weeks) LCKCRE Bimfl/fl mice had consistently abnormal thymocyte development hallmarked by a decrease in CD4+8+ double positive (DP) cells and accumulation of double negative (DN) and single positive (SP) cells as previously described in global Bim knockout mice. Thymocytes maintained cell death resistance to a number of apoptotic stimuli throughout all ages, reflecting a consistent loss of BIM. In contrast to thymocytes, mature splenic-derived LCKCRE Bimfl/fl T cells from young mice were equally sensitive to apoptotic stimuli as WT controls, indicating BCL-2 family compensation. Expression profiling in these cells revealed upregulation of other BH3-only proteins, including Noxa = Puma Citation Format: Lindsey M. Ludwig, Lauren E. Roach, Samuel G. Katz, Jill K. Fisher, Melissa Burns, Matthew R. Schnorenberg, Riyue Bao, Makda Zewde, Yusuke Nakamura, Alejandro Gutierrez, Loren D. Walensky, James L. LaBelle. BCL-2 family compensation regulates T cell homeostasis and reveals a BIM:BCL-W axis in T-ALL [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 294.
Role of band alignment at the transparent front contact/emitter interface in the performance of wide bandgap thin film solar cells

Recent numerical modeling and experimental work have shown that appropriate conduction band alignment at the emitter/absorber interface is critically important for high efficiency CdTe solar cells. To date, however, the properties of the transparent conducting oxide (TCO)/emitter interface have not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we use numerical modeling to determine the role of the conduction band alignment at the TCO/emitter interface. Our findings are increasingly important to device performance as efforts are made to widen the bandgap of the absorber. We also investigate the relative importance of the barrier caused by poor front contact versus the barrier at the back contact. It is well known that a barrier at the back contact can reduce the open circuit voltage of the device and produce rollover in the current density-voltage but is not well appreciated that a barrier at the front of the device can play a completely analogous role. We also show that for optimum device performance at any absorber bandgap, the conduction band of the TCO must be no more than 0.3 eV below the conduction band of the emitter.Recent numerical modeling and experimental work have shown that appropriate conduction band alignment at the emitter/absorber interface is critically important for high efficiency CdTe solar cells. To date, however, the properties of the transparent conducting oxide (TCO)/emitter interface have not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we use numerical modeling to determine the role of the conduction band alignment at the TCO/emitter interface. Our findings are increasingly important to device performance as efforts are made to widen the bandgap of the absorber. We also investigate the relative importance of the barrier caused by poor front contact versus the barrier at the back contact. It is well known that a barrier at the back contact can reduce the open circuit voltage of the device and produce rollover in the current density-voltage but is not well appreciated that a barrier at the front of the device can play a completely analogous role. We also show that for optimum device performance at any absorbe...
The utility of fetal fibronectin in asymptomatic singleton and twin pregnancies with a cervical length ≤ 10 mm.

Objective: To examine the utility of fetal fibronectin (fFN) for predicting spontaneous preterm birth (PTB) in asymptomatic women with a cervical length (CL) ≤10 mm compared to those with a CL 11–2...
An educational intervention for medical students to improve self-efficacy in firearm injury prevention counseling.

Most physicians support counseling patients about firearm injury prevention (FIP), but infrequently do so due to lack of training and low confidence. Interventions to increase counseling frequency should focus on improving physician self-efficacy. Firearm injuries affect many clinical specialties; therefore, trainees would benefit from early FIP education. This study aims to determine if a 20-min educational intervention improves self-efficacy in FIP counseling in third-year medical students. Knowledge and beliefs were also assessed as secondary indicators of self-efficacy. This was a prospective study performed at a medical school associated with a tertiary care children’s hospital during the 2016–17 academic year. Groups of 12–15 different third-year medical students were selected to receive either a 20-min intervention or control lecture during their monthly pediatric lectures. The intervention consisted of two clinical vignettes, a brief discussion about the importance of FIP, and suggestions for clinical integration. The control session was a case-based lecture about pediatric emergencies. Participants completed baseline electronic assessments. Intervention students also completed post-intervention assessments immediately following each session. All participants completed final assessments at 6 months. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and Wilcoxon rank-sum. We surveyed a total of 130 students. Sixty-five students completed the entire series of assessments – 22 from the control and 43 from the intervention group. There were no significant differences between the control and intervention groups at baseline. Immediately after, intervention, participants reported feeling more self-efficacious, had improved knowledge of FIP risk factors, and had beliefs more consistent with providing FIP anticipatory guidance (p < 0.001 for all three measures). After 6 months, participants sustained improvement in one of two self-efficacy questions (“I feel ready to counsel patients about firearm injury prevention”) and retained knowledge of risk factors (p < 0.05 for both). However, their beliefs did not significantly favor FIP counseling, and they were not more likely to engage in a conversation about firearm safety. A 20-min educational intervention acutely improved self-efficacy in FIP counseling in third-year medical students, but improvements weakened after six months. Without further training, the beneficial effects of a one-time intervention will likely wane with time.
A Note on Fractional DP-Coloring of Graphs

DP-coloring (also called correspondence coloring) is a generalization of list coloring introduced by Dvořak and Postle in 2015. In 2019, Bernshteyn, Kostochka, and Zhu introduced a fractional version of DP-coloring. They showed that unlike the fractional list chromatic number, the fractional DP-chromatic number of a graph $G$, denoted $\chi_{DP}^*(G)$, can be arbitrarily larger than $\chi^*(G)$, the graph's fractional chromatic number. In this note we show that for any $n \geq 2$ and $m \in \mathbb{N}$, there is a $t \in \mathbb{N}$ such that $\chi_{DP}^*(K_{n,m}) \leq n + 1 - 1/t$, and we determine a lower bound on $\chi_{DP}^*(K_{2,m})$ for any $m \geq 3$. We also generalize a result of Alon, Tuza, and Voigt, and in the process, show that for each $k \in \mathbb{N}$, $\chi_{DP}^*(C_{2k+1}) = \chi^*(C_{2k+1})$.
Measuring Key Knowledge-Related Factors for Individuals in AEC Project Teams

AbstractKnowledge management practices in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) projects emphasize team integration and motivational factors to improve knowledge transfer among team mem...
Safety of Surgical Telehealth in the Outpatient and Inpatient Setting

New telehealth platforms and interventions have proliferated over the past decade and will be further spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic. Emerging literature examines the efficacy and safety of these interventions. Early pilot studies and trials demonstrate equivalent outcomes of telehealth interventions that seek to replace routine postoperative care in low-risk patients who have undergone low-risk surgeries. Studies are underway to evaluate interventions in higher-risk populations undergoing more complex procedures. Tele-ICU platforms demonstrate promise to provide specialized, high-acuity care to underserved areas and may also be used to augment compliance with evidence-based protocols.
Using biochemistry and biophysics to extinguish androgen receptor signaling in prostate cancer

Castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) continues to be androgen receptor (AR) driven. Inhibition of AR signaling in CRPC could be advanced using state-of-the-art biophysical and biochemical techniques. Structural characterization of AR and its complexes by cryo-electron microscopy would advance the development of N-terminal domain (NTD) and ligand-binding domain (LBD) antagonists. The structural basis of AR function is unlikely to be determined by any single structure due to the intrinsic disorder of its NTD, which not only interacts with coregulators but likely accounts for the constitutive activity of AR-splice variants (SV), which lack the LBD and emerge in CRPC. Using different AR constructs lacking the LBD, their effects on protein folding, DNA binding, and transcriptional activity could reveal how interdomain coupling explains the activity of AR-SVs. The AR also interacts with coregulators that promote chromatin looping. Elucidating the mechanisms involved can identify vulnerabilities to treat CRPC, which do not involve targeting the AR. Phosphorylation of the AR coactivator MED-1 by CDK7 is one mechanism that can be blocked by the use of CDK7 inhibitors. CRPC gains resistance to AR signaling inhibitors (ARSI). Drug resistance may involve AR-SVs, but their role requires their reliable quantification by SILAC–mass spectrometry during disease progression. ARSI drug resistance also occurs by intratumoral androgen biosynthesis catalyzed by AKR1C3 (type 5 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase), which is unique in that its acts as a coactivator of AR. Novel bifunctional inhibitors that competitively inhibit AKR1C3 and block its coactivator function could be developed using reverse-micelle NMR and fragment-based drug discovery.
Christian (Second-Order) Minorities and the Struggle for the Homeland: The Assyrian Democratic Movement in Iraq and the Nineveh Plains Protection Units

This article explores how a second-order minority, northern Iraq’s Christians, mobilized to protect homelands during state breakdown and state recalibration. It examines how an Iraqi Christian poli...
High-throughput single molecule screening and selective single molecule PCR for early stage disease diagnosis based on capillary electrophoresis

The purpose of this research was to develop high throughput approaches for single molecule and single cell screening for early stage disease diagnosis. High sensitivity as well as high selectivity is essential for the success screening. We first demonstrated a laser-induced fluorescence imaging method that allows screening many single molecules at a time based on their electrophoretic mobilities. YoYo-I labeled DNA molecules were tracked by a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera under a microscope while migrating in the electric field. The purpose is not to separate the DNA molecules but to identify each one on the basis of the measured electrophoretic mobility. Three different procedures were developed to measure the individual molecular mobilities, multi-frame method, streak method, and multi-spot method. Based on their difference in mobility, 2k and 49k bp DNA fragments were unambiguously differentiated. Each measurement only requires a few milliseconds to complete, which opens up the possibility of screening tens of thousands of molecules every second. The results correlate well with normal capillary electrophoresis (CE) experiments for the same samples (2-49 kb dsDNA) under identical separation conditions. The implication is that any electrophoresis protocols from slab gels to CE should be adaptable to single-molecule screening for disease diagnosis. We also developed on-line capillary polymerase chain reaction (PCR) coupled with laser-induced fluorescence detection for individual DNA molecules. A single 30-^m-i.d. fused-silica capillary was used both as the reaction vessel and for isolating single molecules. SYBR green I dye was added into the reaction mixture for dynamic fluorescent labeling. Because of the small inside diameter of the capillary, PCR-amplified DNA fragments from single molecules were localized in the capillary, providing discrete product zones with
What's loneliness got to do with it? Older women who use benzodiazepines

AIM: We examined qualitative data from a larger study of benzodiazepine-using women older than 65 years, living in the United States for subjective experiences of loneliness and social isolation. METHOD: Data from semistructured interviews with seven participants discussed aspects of social isolation or loneliness. Following a phenomenological design, data were coded and analysed for experience. RESULTS: Three themes emerged: 'Dislike being alone'; 'Loneliness and isolation'; and 'Social isolation causes negative feelings'. CONCLUSION: Social isolation and loneliness are negative aspects of the lived experience for older benzodiazepine-using women and the loss of companions and transportation is important to this experience. Being isolated can cause depression, fear and insecurity. Future research should consider the role psychotropic medications have in coping with social isolation and loneliness among older adults. Clinicians should be aware of social isolation and loneliness in late life and discuss non-pharmacologic treatment options with their ageing patients. Language: en
A robust self-resetting CMOS 32-bit parallel adder

This paper presents new circuit configurations for a more robust and efficient form of self-resetting CMOS (SRCMOS). Prior structures for SRCMOS have very high performance but are difficult to design and are not robust over process, temperature and voltage variations. The new techniques replace delay chains with logic circuits that will create pulses at the correct times, independent of operational and environmental factors. These concepts are illustrated using a 32-bit parallel adder as a design example.
Biological selectivity of extinction

Selective survival across major extinction event horizons is both a bothersome puzzle and an opportunity to delimit the biologically interesting question of causality. Heritable differences in characters may have predictable consequences in terms of differential species survival. Differences in magnitude and intensity of extinction are insufficient to distinguish background from mass extinction regimes. Biological adaptations may establish links of causality between abnormal times of mass extinction and normal times of background extinction. A current hypothesis, developed from a comparison of extinction patterns among Late Cretaceous molluscs, is that biological adaptations of organisms, effective during normal times of Earth history, are ineffectual during times of crises. A counter example is provided by data from high-latitude laminated marine strata that preserve evidence of an actively exploited life-history strategy among Late Cretaceous phytoplankton. These data illustrate a causal dependency between a biological character selected for during times of background extinction and macroevolutionary survivorship during an unusual time of crisis.
Dynamics of the soliton bag

The MIT bag was one of the earliest and most successful models of QCD, imposing confinement and including perturbative gluon interactions. An evolution of the MIT bag came with the introduction of the chiral and cloudy bags, which treat pions as elementary particles. As a model of QCD, the soliton model proposed by Friedberg and Lee is particularly attractive. It is based on a covariant field theory and is sufficiently general so that, for certain limiting cases of the adjustable parameters, it can describe either the MIT or SLAC (string) bags. The confinement mechanism appears as a dynamic field. This allows non-static processes, such as bag oscillations and bag collisions, to be calculated utilizing the well-developed techniques of nuclear many-body theory. The utilization of the model for calculating dynamical processes is discussed. 14 references. (WHK)
Blow-up of solutions of nonlinear parabolic equations

Consider the first initial-boundary value problem $$u = 0\quad on\quad \partial \Omega \times \left( {0,\infty } \right)$$ (1.1) , $$u = 0\quad on\quad \partial \Omega \times \left( {0,\infty } \right)$$ (1.2) , $$u\left( {x,0} \right) = \phi (x)\quad on\quad \Omega$$ (1.3) When Ω is a bounded domain in ℝ N with C 2 boundary, $$Lu = \sum\limits_{i,j = 1}^N {\frac{\partial }{{\partial {x_i}}}} \left( {{a_{ij}}\left( x \right){u_{{x_j}}}} \right) + \sum\limits_{i = 1}^N {{b_i}\left( x \right)} {u_i} + c\left( x \right)u$$ (aij) is uniformly positive definite matrix, the coefficients of L are sufficiently smooth in (math), say in C 1,ϕ is Holder continuous in Ω;, and F(u, w) is Lipschitz continuous in ℝ N +1.
Itʼs on: Early interpretations of ATLAS results in jets and missing energy searches

The first search for supersymmetry from ATLAS with 70 nb{sup -1} of integrated luminosity extends the Tevatron's reach for colored particles that decay into jets plus missing transverse energy. For gluinos that decay directly or through a one step cascade into the LSP and two jets, the mass range m{sub {bar g}} {le} 205 GeV is disfavored by the ATLAS searches, regardless of the mass of the LSP. In some cases the coverage extends up to m{sub {bar g}} {approx_equal} 295 GeV, already surpassing the Tevatron's reach for compressed supersymmetry spectra.
Ultrastructural identification of synaptic terminals from the axon of type 3 interneurons in the cat lateral geniculate nucleus

Synaptic terminals from the axons of type 3 neurons in the A-laminae of the cat LGN impregnated with the Golgi gold-toning procedure were examined at light and electron microscopic levels. The axons were identified by their somatic origin, thin diameter, and, in one of these cells, by dense undercoating beneath the axolemma, which is a known characteristic of the axon initial segment. The axon of one of the analyzed cells was profusely branched and extended throughout most of lamina A within the dendritic domains of the cell, and both types of processes were oriented along projection lines in LGN. This suggests that the dendrites and axons of type 3 cells receive inputs and exert effects, of probably inhibitory nature, within restricted retinotopic regions of LGN. The vast majority of the axon terminals of these cells were distributed in series along axonal branches. In one of the type 3 cells, however, a dense cluster of terminals arising from a secondary axonal branch was observed. Ultrastructurally, the analyzed synaptic terminals of the type 3 cells contained flattened or pleomorphic synaptic vesicles, dark mitochondria, and established synapses that appeared to be of symmetrical type when the membranes were perpendicularly cut. On the basis of these characteristics these terminals are classified as F boutons, following Guillery's (Z. Zellforsch. 96: 1–38, '69), nomenclature. The postsynaptic elements to the axon terminals were dendrites of small to medium size, which received “en passant” synaptic contacts in extraglomerular regions of the geniculate neuropil by the terminals distributed in series. The axon terminals located in clusters, however, made synapses with dendrites in glomerular regions of the neuropil, where they were not seen postsynaptic to retinal or other types of terminals. This is in contrast to the postsynaptic nature of F2 boutons in the same glomeruli, which have been identified as dendritic appendages of the GABA positive type 3 neurons in the cat LGN (Montero: J. Comp. Neurol 254: 223–245, '86). On the other hand, the axonal F terminals differ from F1 boutons in terms of synaptic relations and ultrastructure, since the latter have been shown to be presynaptic to F2s and sonata and to contain crowded populations of flat synaptic vesicles which give them a characteristic dark appearance. Terminals equivalent to F1 boutons have been shown to originate from perigeniculate cells in the rat LGN. From these observations it is suggested that the geniculate GABAergic interneurons support two morphologically and functionally different types of inhibitory terminals synapsing the dendrites of relay cells: the dendritic F2 terminals that in microcircuits are under the influence of retinal, cortical, perigeniculate, and cholinergic terminals from the midbrain, and the axonal F boutons, which would convey to the postsynaptic relay cell the unaltered output of these interneurons.
Environmental geochemistry of shale-hosted AgPbZn massive sulfide deposits in northwest Alaska: natural background concentrations of metals in water from mineralized areas

Abstract Red Dog, Lik and Drenchwater are shale-hosted stratiform Ag Pb Zn massive sulfide deposits in the northwestern Brooks Range. Natural background concentrations of metals in waters from the undisturbed (unmined) Drenchwater prospect and Lik deposit were compared to pre-mining baseline studies conducted at Red Dog. The primary factors affecting water chemistry are the extent of exposure of the deposits, the grade of mineralization, the presence of carbonate rocks in the section, and the proportion of Fe-sulfide in the ore. Surface water samples from the Drenchwater prospect, which has pyrite-dominant mineralization exposed in outcrop, have pH values as low as 2.8 and high dissolved concentrations of metals including as much as 95 mg l−1 Al, 270 mg l−1 Fe, 8 μl−1 Cd, 10 μl−1 Pb, and 2600 μl−1 Zn, with As up to 26 μgl−1. Surface waters from the Red Dog deposit prior to mining were also acidic and metal-rich, however, dissolved metal concentrations in Red Dog waters were many times greater. The higher metal concentrations in Red Dog waters reflect the high Zn grades and the abundant sphalerite, pyrite, and galena that were present in outcrop prior to mining. In contrast,l despite significant mineralization at the Lik deposit, carbonate rocks in the section buffer the system, resulting in less acidic, mostly near-neutral pH values with low concentrations of most metals except Zn.
Starch-Deficient Maize Mutant Lacking Adenosine Diphosphate Glucose Pyrophosphorylase Activity

The maize mutant shrunken-2 synthesizes only 25 to 30 percent as much starch as normal maize; it completely lacks adenosine diphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylase activity in both endosperm and embryo tissue. Identification of the mutant block indicates that the greater portion of starch in the endosperm of normal maize is synthesized by way of enzyme systems that utilize adenosine diphosphate glucose as a substrate, and that the latter is formed chiefly by adenosine diphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylase.
The Oncogenic Jaagsiekte Sheep Retrovirus Cytoplasmic Tail Adopts a Unique Conformation on a Phosphocholine Surface

Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) is the etiologic agent of a transmissible lung cancer in sheep, ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA). OPA resembles bronchiole-alveolar carcinoma in humans, and it is an excellent animal model for this disease. A unique feature of JSRV is that the viral envelope (Env) protein also functions as an oncogene, in that expression JSRV Env protein causes morphological transformation of fibroblast and epithelial cell lines, and vectored Env expression induces epithelial tumors in several animals. Previous studies showed that the region containing the short 46 amino acid C-terminal cytoplasmic tail (CT) of JSRV Env is essential for the ability of JSRV to transform cells. Residues in the cytoplasmic tail include a tyrosine (Y590), which is present in a consensus motif YXXM, which could potentially bind the regulatory subunit of phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase (PI3K) if the Y590 is phosphorylated. Alanine scanning mutagenesis on the JSRV TM cytoplasmic tail has been conducted. Mutation of some residues abolished Env transformation potential, while mutation of other residues had not effect or partial effects. To further understand the mechanism of JSRV transformation, structure-function analysis of the TM cytoplasm tail (CT) is important. We have determined the structure of the JSRV CT using NMR spectroscopy. These data allow us to interpret the alanine scanning mutagenesis, and allow better understanding of previous studies. Interestingly, using both CD and NMR, we find that the CT is only structured in the presence of a phosphocholine surface. The results validated some aspects of the predicted structure, and they also provided a basis for evaluating models of transformation.This work was funded by NIH CA94188
Longitudinal changes of serum lipid and apoB levels in a newborn-infant cohort☆

Longitudinal changes in serum apoB levels in relation to serum lipid levels were determined in a subset (n = 30) of a newborn-infant cohort selected from infants (n = 440) of Bogalusa, Louisiana who were born between January 1, 1974 and June 30, 1975. Serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, β + pre-β-lipoprotein cholesterol and apoB levels were measured at birth, 6 mo, 1 yr, 2 yr, and 3 yr of age. The mean ± SD, mg/dl, levels of these variables increased dramatically (p < 0.0005) from birth to 6 mo (Total cholesterol: 65.0 ± 15.7 versus 136.3 ± 27.4; triglycerides: 32.9 ± 18.9 versus 82.3 ± 28.9; β + pre-β-lipoprotein cholesterol: 31.8 ± 9.1 versus 87.3 ± 25.7; apoB: 20.8 ± 5.3 versus 49.0 ± 13.5). On the other hand, the ratio of apoB to β + pre-β-lipoprotein cholesterol at birth was significantly higher than at 6 months of age (0.69 ± 0.24 versus 0.58 ± 0.12, p < 0.0005). None of the variables changed significantly between 6 mo and 3 yr of age except the increase in serum total cholesterol level from yr 2 to yr 3 (142.6 ± 26.6 versus 156.4 ± 23.0, p < 0.01). A tigh intra-child year to year correlation for serum apoB was noted beginning at 6 mo of age (r = 0.67, p < 0.0001); while the apoB levels were proportional to β + pre-β-lipoprotein cholesterol levels in some children, others had varied levels of apoB in relation to cholesterol carried by this apoprotein. The fact that apoB levels persist beginning at 6 mo of age and that we are beginning to observe interindividual differences in levels of cholesterol carried by this apoprotein may have clinical implications for coronary artery disease.
Temperature dependence of the UV absorption cross sections and photodissociation products of C3C5 nitrates

Abstract Cavity ring-down spectroscopy has been used to measure the UV absorption cross sections of 1-propyl, 2-propyl, 1-butyl, and 1-pentyl nitrates as a function of temperature between 265 and 340 nm. Absorption cross sections increased with tempperature from 238 to 298K. The photodissociation of these C 3 C 5 alkyl nitrates at 308 nm was investigated; the exclusive fragmentation channel was cleavage of the RO−NO 2 bond to form RO + NO 2 . The NO 2 yield was1.0 ± 0.1, with no temperature dependence. Tropospheric photolysis rates of C 3 C 5 alkyl nitrates were calculated.
Erosion processes on arid minespoil slopes

Surface wash and dry ravel erosion rates from minespoil were measured for 4.7 yr after initial reclamation at a site in western Nevada. Neither mulching treatment nor slope gradient (3:1 vs. 2:1) significantly affected surface wash from reclaimed minespoils. About 70% of the total wash load from the entire study period occurred during two midsummer to autumn periods (1989 and 1990) in which the most intense storms occurred. The higher surface roughness encountered on 2:1 slopes appeared to more effectively control surface wash. Straw mulch significantly reduced ravel erosion from the relatively smooth 3:1 slopes. Ravel rates were not as directly affected by rainfall intensity as were surface wash rates. Except for very dry collection periods (including autumn to spring), surface wash exceeded ravel. -from Authors
Ab Initio Frozen Density Functional Calculations of Proton Transfer Reactions in Solution

The recently developed frozen density functional theory (FDFT) is extended to ab initio free energy calculations of chemical reactions in solution. This method treats the solute−solvent system as a supermolecule but constrains the electron density of the solvent molecules. Unlike hybrid quantum mechanical/molecular mechanics techniques, FDFT represents the solvent quantum mechanically. The quality of the solute−solvent interaction potential is examined by generating clusters of a reacting system and several solvent molecules and comparing the supermolecule DFT energies to the corresponding FDFT energies. The FDFT potential surfaces for solute−solvent systems provide a good approximation of the supermolecule DFT surfaces and require, in some cases, several orders of magnitude less computation time (in particular if one treats many solvent molecules quantum mechanically). The ab initio free energy surface for the F- + HF → FH + F- proton transfer reaction in solution is calculated using the corresponding “c...
Tritium-activated RGB reference sources for the calibration of CRTs

This paper proposes the use of tritium-activated light sources made up of CRT phosphors to act as transfer devices between reference spectro radiometers and CRT color measuring instruments. We describe the composition and characteristics of these sources and discuss their suitability as standards. We report on the laboratory measurement and testing of sources of similar nature obtained from a safety sign manufacturer. In these experiments we tried to tag red, green and blue sources with precise tristimulus values in order that they could serve as reference targets for the application of matrix correction methods to colorimeters. We find that chromaticity values can indeed be obtained with adequate accuracy. The establishment of reference luminance values was found to be problematic because the set of sources used showed noticeable spatial non-uniformity, a problem that should be overcome by tighter control of the fabrication process and careful sample selection.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Pemetrexed: a multitargeted antifolate.

Abstract Background: The US Food and Drug Administration approved pemetrexed in February 2004 for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) in combination with cisplatin in patients with unresectable disease or for whom curative surgery is not an option. Pemetrexed is the first agent approved for the treatment of MPM. In August 2004, pemetrexed was approved as a second-line, single-agent treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Objectives: The goals of this article were to summarize the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of pemetrexed, and to review its current and potential roles in therapy for MPM, NSCLC, and other oncologic conditions. Methods: Relevant English-language literature was identified through searches of PubMed (1966–December 2004), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, and the Proceedings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (January 1995–December 2004). Search terms included pemetrexed, Alimta, MTA, multitargeted antifolate, LY231514, mesothelioma, MPM, non-small cell lung cancer, NSCLC, breast cancer , and pancreatic cancer . In addition to published literature, abstracts and posters presented at national and international scientific meetings were reviewed. Results: Myelosuppression was the predominant dose-limiting toxicity of pemetrexed reported in Phase I studies. Identification of the correlation between poor folate status and increased pemetrexed toxicity in a multivariate analysis led to the requirement of folic acid and vitamin B 12 supplementation for patients in all pemetrexed studies, with a resulting noted decrease in pemetrexed toxicity. A single, multicenter, randomized Phase III trial compared the efficacy of pemetrexed in combination with cisplatin versus cisplatin alone in the treatment of MPM. Response rates were 41.3% in the pemetrexed/cisplatin combination and 16.7% with single-agent cisplatin ( P P = 0.02). One international, multicenter, randomized Phase III trial in patients with NSCLC compared single-agent pemetrexed versus docetaxel in patients previously treated with chemotherapy. Overall response rates (9.1% and 8.8%) and median survival (8.3 months and 7.9 months) did not differ between pemetrexed and docetaxel ( P = 0.105 and P = 0.226, respectively). Hematologic adverse effects—grade 3/4 neutropenia (40.2% vs 5.3%; P P P = 0.004)—were significantly greater in the docetaxel-treated patients than in the pemetrexed-treated patients, as was alopecia (37.7% vs 6.4%; P Conclusions: Pemetrexed is a multitargeted antifolate that has demonstrated antitumor activity in various tumor types as a single agent and in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents. Efficacy for the treatment of MPM in combination with cisplatin has been demonstrated, and approval as a second-line agent in NSCLC was based on response rate as a surrogate end point for survival. The addition of folic acid and vitamin B 12 supplementation markedly reduced