cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The binding energies of three iodine complexes

Abstract The I 2 -I 2 , I 2 -benzene and I 2 -diethyl ether complexes have been studied in a jet expansion. Each complex was photodissociated using four Ar + laser lines. Dispersion of subsequent fluorescence from liberated I 2 molecules has allowed an estimation of the binding energy of each complex. These values are in qualitative and quantitative agreement with predictions based on atom pair-wise potentials. Calculated potentials have also enabled us to speculate on the most stable geometry of each species.
Fundamental interface studies of GaSb and InAs substrates withatomic layer deposition

Long Wavelength infrared photodetectors based on Type-II superlattices from the 6.1A system hold great promise for a wide variety of applications. However, as these materials are fabricated into focal plane arrays for real world applications, the small pixel sizes that are required can result in unacceptably high dark current due to a significant contribution of surface-induced leakage. These surface currents could be substantially reduced or even eliminated by the application of an appropriate passivation material. But, while a considerable amount of effort has gone into developing passivation processes and materials for these detectors (e.g. PECVD SiO2, polyimides, etc.), there is no one widely adopted standard technique in use today. Atomic layer deposition has the possibility of being an excellent method for depositing passivation because of the wide variety of materials that are readily available via ALD and the ability to conformally coat arbitrary topographies that may be found in the patterning of LWIR FPAs. In this work, fundamental materials characterization results and electrical test data will be presented for two wide band gap, high-K dielectrics (Titanium Oxide and Hafnium Oxide) looking at their nucleation and growth behavior on substrates of relevant III-V materials such as GaSb and InAs using ellispometry, XPS, and XRD. These results will be compared to more conventional passivation strategies to highlight the unique features of the ALD technique.
Evaluating the Evidence: Statistical Methods in Randomized Controlled Trials in the Urological Literature

Purpose: Randomized controlled trials potentially provide the highest level of evidence to inform clinical decision making. Appropriate use of statistical methods is a critical aspect of all clinical research, including randomized controlled trials. We report the first formal evaluation to our knowledge of the statistical methods of randomized controlled trials published in the urological literature in 1996 and 2004.Materials and Methods: All human subjects randomized controlled trials published in 4 leading urology journals in 1996 and 2004 were identified for formal review. A standardized evaluation form was developed based on the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement. Each article was evaluated by 2 independent reviewers with formal training in research design and biostatistics who were blinded to study authors and institution. Discrepancies were settled by consensus.Results: A total of 152 randomized controlled trials were reviewed (65 in 1996, 87 in 2004). The median sample size (IQR) ...
Conceptual Design Of A Coherent Optical System Of Modular Imaging Collectors (COSMIC)

The Coherent Optical System of Modular Imaging Collectors (COSMIC) is the design concept for a phase-coherent optical telescope array that may be placed in earth orbit by the Space Shuttle in the 1990s. The initial system module is a minimum redundancy array whose photon collecting area is three times larger than that of the Space Telescope, and possesses a one-dimensional resoution of better than 0.01 arcsec in the visible range. Thermal structural requirements are assessed. Although the coherent beam combination requirements will be met by an active control system, the COSMIC structural/thermal design must meet more stringent performance criteria than even those of the Space Telescope.
Ultraviolet-infrared double-resonance laser spectroscopy of nd (n = 12--17) Rydberg states in /sup 3/He

The hyperfine structure of the singlet and triplet $\mathrm{nd}$ Rydberg states ($n=12\ensuremath{-}17$) in $^{3}\mathrm{He}$ have been studied by Doppler-free ultraviolet-infrared double-resonance laser spectroscopy. Using the frequency-doubled output of a cw dye ring laser we have populated the $1s5p^{3}P$ state of $^{3}\mathrm{He}$ by excitation from the metastable $1s2s^{3}S$ state at 294.5 nm. In a second step, an infrared single-mode cw color center laser is used to excite $d$ Rydberg states. The experimental results for the $n^{1,3}D$ hyperfine splittings ($n=12\ensuremath{-}17$) are in excellent agreement with semiempirical calculations using hydrogenlike wave functions. Anomalous isotopic shifts in the electrostatic energy intervals of 5 to 20 MHz were found for the states $n=12\ensuremath{-}17$. These shifts are smaller than the shifts of about 35 MHz found for the states $n=5\ensuremath{-}8$ with the help of anticrossing spectroscopy. No satisfactory explanation of these shifts has yet been found.
Characterizing forest stands with multi-incidence angle and multi-polarized SAR data

The potential for using HH-polarized L-band SAR data obtained at different incidence angles from satellite altitudes to identify and map different forest cover types and stand density classes is studied. Reasonably accurate results are obtained if the speckle characteristics of the data are suppressed by low-pass spatial filters and a contextual classification algorithm. Multipolarized L-band SAR data obtained from aircraft altitudes over the same test site are also analyzed to assess the relationships between polarization and forest stand characteristics. It is found that incidence angle controls, to a very large extent, the characteristics of the data and the type of information that can be obtained from L-band, HH-polarized satellite SAR data. Cross-polarization of L-band SAR data enhances and differentiates various forest stand characteristics which cannot be defined using only the like-polarized data, and vice-versa.
Aberrant melanosome development in the retinal pigmented epithelium of cats with Chediak-Higashi syndrome.

The Chediak-Higashi syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by greatly enlarged cytoplasmic granules, including lysosomes and melanosomes. Eyes of humans and animals with Chediak-Higashi syndrome are hypopigmented to various degrees. Intraocular melanin granules vary in size, with some being massively enlarged. Electron microscopie examination of retinal pigmented epithelium of kittens with Chediak-Higashi syndrome disclosed a number of abnormalities of premelanosomes and melanosomes. Few premelanosomes were present. Most of the melanin granules were giant sized, but their structures varied. Some of the giant granules were composed of several premelanosomes and melanosomes in different stages of maturation. Others contained randomly oriented melanofilaments between melanosomes. There were also complex giant granules consisting of both melanosomal and lysosomal components. Inappropriate fusion of cytoplasmic granules appears to be the most likely mechanism for formation of the giant granules. Fusion of premelanosomes with lysosomes and resultant destruction of the premelanosomes probably is a major cause of the ocular hypopigmentation of Chediak-Higashi syndrome.
Disruption of Gene Expression and Induction of Apoptosis in Prostate Cancer Cells by a DNA-Damaging Agent Tethered to an Androgen Receptor Ligand

The goal of our work was the design of DNA-damaging agents that disrupt both DNA repair and signaling pathways in prostate tumor cells. A DNA alkylator (N,N-bis-2-chloroethyl aniline) was linked to a steroid ligand (17beta-hyroxy-estra-Delta(4(5),9(10))-3-one) to produce a complex molecule (11beta-dichloro) that forms DNA adducts that bind the androgen receptor (AR). We speculated that DNA adducts in an AR-DNA adduct complex would be camouflaged from DNA repair proteins that would otherwise remove the adducts in prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, transcription dependent on the AR would be antagonized by AR redistribution to sites distant from AR-driven promoters. The anticancer potential of 11beta-dichloro was demonstrated against prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. 11beta-dichloro induces a unique pattern of gene disruption, induces apoptosis in apoptosis-resistant cells, and shows promising anticancer activity in animals.
"It Feels Good to Be Measured": Clinical Role-Play, Walker Percy, and the Tingles

A large online community has recently formed around autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR), a pleasant and poorly understood somatic reaction to specific interpersonal triggers. Its web-based manifestations include a variety of amateur videos designed to elicit the reaction, many of which feature protracted imitations of a clinician's physical exam. This analysis considers through a literary lens the proximity of this phenomenon to clinical diagnostics, focusing in particular on characterizations of spiritual isolation elaborated in Love in the Ruins (1971), the third novel by physician-writer Walker Percy (1916-1990). Within this speculative framework, the tendency to derive pleasure from clinical milieus, real or constructed, may be interpreted as a quality particular to the postmodern psyche. Viewing web-based clinical role-play in light of Percy's writing also underscores the possibility that routine diagnostic assessments may have independent therapeutic implications.
Noninvasive Laser Probing of Ultrashort Single Electron Bunches for Accelerator And Light Source Development

Companion development of ultrafast electron beam diagnostics capable of noninvasively resolving single bunch detail is essential for the development of high energy, high brightness accelerator facilities and associated beam-based light source applications. Existing conventional accelerators can exhibit timing-jitter down to the 100 femtosecond level which exceeds their single bunch duration capability. At the other extreme, in relatively jitterless environments, laser-plasma wakefield accelerators (LWFA) can generate single electron bunches of duration estimated to be of order 10 femtoseconds making this setting a valuable testbed for development of broadband electron bunch diagnostics. Characteristics of electro-optic schemes and laser-induced reflectance are discussed with emphasis on temporal resolution.
Rapid data acquisition in rotating disk voltammetry. II

Summary By use of a square-root device and a motor rotation rate programmer, direct plots of limiting current, ilim vs. square root of rotation rate, ω1/2, can be obtained on an ordinary X-Y recorder. Various rates of increase in motor rotation speed are available in order to circumvent problems such as electrode filming. Optimum conditions for the rate of increase were tested, as were the effects of solution volume. The technique can be used to detect homogeneous chemical reactions associated with electron transfer processes, but the primary use is in the rapid acquisition of large amounts of data relating limiting currents to rotation rates.
Three Dimensional Reconstruction Of Vascular Beds From Digital Angiographic Projections

The reconstruction of a three dimensional representation of arbitrary vascular beds from multiple projections is discussed. Operator notation is used to represent algorithms used in the reconstruction process. These operators provide the interconversion of the various data structures. The flow of the reconstruction process is reviewed and examples of reconstruction are given. Applications to fluid dynamic analysis of vascular function are presented.
Philly mouse: A new model of hereditary cataract

Abstract Philly mouse is a new strain of mice derived from the Swiss-Webster strain which develops hereditary cataracts visible to the naked eye ca. 5–6 weeks after birth. Slit lamp examinations of the apparently clear lenses of 15 day mice indicate the presence of faint anterior opacities which progress, involving the suture area, by day 25. By 30 days a nuclear opacity develops which surrounds the nucleus by day 35. At the same time the anterior subcapsular opacity becomes diffuse and pronounced as the cataract becomes obvious to the naked eye. Biochemical studies indicate that an osmotic cataract is formed in the Philly mouse. By ca. 20 days of age there is an increase in lens water along with an alteration in electrolyte levels. Lenticular sodium rapidly increases while potassium levels decrease. Concomitant with cataract formation is an increase in total lenticular calcium and a decrease in lens dry weight, reduced GSH and ATP. In transport studies, no significant difference between the Philly and control lens was seen in the accumulation of AIB. When rubidium was substituted for potassium a decreased accumulation in the Philly lens older than 20 days was correlated with increased rubidium leak-out. This decreased accumulation due to increased leak-out appears to be the key biochemical change that accounts for osmotic cataract formation and it suggests the possibility of a defect in membrane permeability.
Desire and the delinquent: Juvenile crime and deviance in fin-de-siècle French criminology

Historical outlines of fin-de-siecle European criminology have typically focused on the debate between supporters of Lombrosian anatomical determinism on the one hand, and the more environmentalist (i.e. French) explanations of crime on the other. What has gone largely unnoticed, however, is how the basic tenets of the 'French school' were shaped by an implicit moral concern with mass consumption and indi vidualism, particularly in regard to juvenile crime. This paper examines the psychosocial conception of the juvenile criminal - within the par ticular context of fin-de-siecle culture, social theory and political ideol ogy - to delineate how French criminologists encountered economic modernity and reconceptualized their understanding of the relationship between the child, the family and the state.
Training in child and adolescent group therapy: Two surveys and a model

Although group therapy is widely used in the treatment of children and adolescents, there has been little attention paid to establishing training standards and developing comprehensive programs for training psychiatry fellows in child and adolescent group psychotherapy. The authors conducted two surveys of child and adolescent training programs. After reviewing the literature, they present the data from their surveys, compare similarities and differences, and discuss trends. Finally, they propose a model for training in child and adolescent group therapy.
Regulation of B cell activation in autoimmune mice.

Abstract These studies explore the regulation of immunoglobulin production in autoimmune mice. B cells were transferred from normal or autoimmune mice into H-2 compatible xid recipients. When transferred to autoimmune-prone xid mice, cells from either donor produced significant levels of autoantibody. Cells from the same animals transferred to normal xid recipients produced little autoantibody. An ELISA spot assay was then used to study the development of B cell repertoires in autoimmune animals. Young lupusprone mice developed repertoires in which B cells reactive with both conventional antigens and autoantigens were simulated to a similar degree, a finding consistent with the influence of polyclonal B cell activation. To examine the effect of exogenously administered immune activators on the development of B cell repertoires, normal DBA 2 mice were stimulated with LPS or goat anti-mouse IgD. This led to a quantitative increase in the number of Ig-secreting cells and expression of a repertoire similar to that present in autoimmune mice. Immunization with a specific antigen induced a repertoire skewed toward reactivity against that antigen which did not resemble that present in autoimmune mice. These findings are consistent with the view that polyclonal activation contributes to the production of autoantibodies in early murine lupus.
Remarks on certain function spaces

Section t . Introduction The norm topology in C(S) of uniform convergence on S (here S is locally compact Hausdorff and C(S) denotes the algebra of complex-valued bounded continuous functions on S) is an important one and has been studied extensively, However, it does not seem the appropriate topology to place on C(S) if one wishes to study C(S) as a topological vector space or algebra, particularly if one wishes to relate properties in C(S) with those in S. In fact, as a topological vector space or algebra, C(S) when given this topology is the same as C~S), where flS is the Stone-Cech compactification of S. A more natural topology on C(S) for S non-compact would be one which satisfies at least the following properties: (1) the continuous multiplicative linear forms on C(S) are given (via evaluation) by points of S, (2) the topology coincides with the uniform topology when S is compact. Such a topology was introduced and studied by Buck [3, 4], who called it the fl or strict topology. Additional results on the space (C(S), fl) have been obtained recently by CONWAY [7, 8, 9, 10], TODD [22], WELLS [24, 25], and COLLINS [5], results which implement to some degree the notion that fl is a natural and useful topology to place on C(S). It is the purpose of this paper to examine further the space (C(S), fl), the work being divided into four sections. In section 3 it is shown that (C(S), fl) always has the approximation property. These results of section 3 include a theorem of GROTHENDIECK [16, I, p. 185] but our method of proof is considerably more direct and revealing. In section 4 two useful theorems are proved concerning special types of approximate identities for the Banach algebra Co(S ) of complex continuous functions which vanish at Do (supremum norm). It is known [4, p. 98] that bounded approximate identities always exist, but it is shown here that a sequential one exists if and only if S is a compact and a fl totally bounded one exists when S is paracompact. Section 5 contains two unrelated but possibly interesting results: (1) if S is paracompact or if (C(S), fl) is a (DF) space then M(S) is a(M, C) sequentially complete (here M(S) is the space of bounded Radon measures on S and tr(M, C) is the weak * topology imposed on M(S) by C(S)), (2) if each uniformly bounded real sequence in Co(S ) has an upper bound in Co(S ) (in particular, if (C(S), fl) is a (DF) space) then S can contain no closed C* embedded copy of N, the natural numbers (and certainly S must be pseudocompact). In the final section (section 6)
Understanding Treatment Readiness in Recently Assessed, Pre-Treatment Substance Abusers

ABSTRACT The goal of this study was to more fully understand readiness for treatment in a pre-treatment sample of 446 substance abusers. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to: (1) examine the relationships between readiness factors identified in the Pre-Treatment Readiness Scale; and (2) identify the effects of predisposing, illness, and inhibiting determinants on the factors. As with in-treatment samples, Problem Recognition was found to influence Treatment Readiness, although through a different intervening factor, Desire for Change rather than Desire for Help. A fourth factor, Treatment Reluctance, was also influenced by the Desire for Change factor. Fixed characteristics such as age and gender had minimal influences on readiness factors, as did inhibiting characteristics that reflected recent functioning. Illness characteristics including drug severity and perceived treatment barriers had a more robust influence on readiness factors. This study provides an increased understanding of readiness...
Effect of CO2 injection temperature on caprock stability

Abstract Deep saline aquifers are promising candidates for long-term CO2 storage, provided they don’t leak. However, injection of CO2 causes pressure buildup and affects the geomechanical stresses in the caprock. If CO2 is injected at a temperature different from the temperature in the aquifer, additional stresses develop due to thermal expansion/contraction. Our work addresses the question whether these stresses are capable of fracturing the caprock and causing leakage. Using a fully coupled thermo-poromechanical model we simulate 10 years of continuous injection of CO2 at different temperatures. We use the geomechanical parameters for aquifer on Krechba (In Salah, Algeria) including recently published data on initial in situ stresses. We found that when CO2 is injected at temperature 40-50 °C the stresses in the caprock become tensile and even overcome the tensile strength causing fracturing of the caprock. After initiation the fractures begin to propagate, driven by high fluid pressure in the reservoir. We estimate the fracture length to be 50 m within the first 10 years of propagation.
“I've Called 'em Tom-ah-toes All My Life and I'm Not Going to Change!”: Maintaining Linguistic Control Over English Identity in the U.S.

This article explores how national identities are constructed through language by examining the accent negotiations of a group of white English immigrants to the U.S. Pointing to the anxiety that any Americanization of their accents engendered, I show how individuals cope with claiming an identity that seems to be undermined by their speech style. They negotiated this contradiction in two ways: first, they feared that an invisible audience of English people would unmask them as not properly English; and second, they used distancing mechanisms -- namely, sarcasm, disgust, anxiety about disloyalty, and a recourse to physicality -- to distance themselves from the Americanisms that crept into their linguistic habitus. These mechanisms allowed the immigrants to maintain their sense of Englishness even when they did not sound English.
Efficiency of Glasshouse Pot Experiments Rotating versus Stationary Benches

Pot cultures of rice (Oryza sativa L., var. Colusa) in flooded soil were used to measure comparative uniformity of growth where mutual shading was the primary source of variation. Data were analyzed according to various divisions of each layout into blocks, sections, and replicate pots to compare statistical efficiencies.Experiments on stationary benches were subject to large border effects that were not suitably compensated for by any of the systems of replication tested. On the turntable, which carried 24 pots in single file, all plans of analysis tested were acceptable and resulted in coefficients of variability ranging from 2.5 to 4.5%.Consideration of these results, along with the cost of increased replication and the fact that use of a turntable minimizes the effects of environmental variability inherent in greenhouses, leads to the conclusion that the turntable provides more efficient use of greenhouse space for precision experiments than do stationary benches.
Hair Cell Regeneration in the Inner Ear

Hearing and balance disorders caused by the loss of inner ear hair cells is a common problem encountered in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. The postembryonic production of hair cells in cold-blooded vertebrates has been known for several decades, and recent studies in the avian inner ear after ototoxic drug and noise damage have demonstrated a remarkable capacity for both anatomic and functional recovery. The regeneration of sensory hair cells has been shown to be integral to this repair process. Current work is focusing on the cellular progenitor source of new hair cells and the trigger mechanism responsible for inducing hair cell regeneration. Preliminary studies suggest that reparative proliferation may also occur in the mammalian inner ear. Work in this field is moving at a rapid pace. The results thus far have yielded optimism that direct stimulation of hair cell production or transplantation of living hair cells may eventually become treatment modalities for the damaged human inner ear. These proposals would have been considered unrealistic less than 10 years ago, but they now have caught the full attention of both clinician and researcher.
Managing the Impact of Disaster

While evacuation behaviour and shelter choice have been extensively studied in developed countries, very limited research exists on the challenges faced by disaster survivors from developing countries. This is especially critical in countries where there is an absence of pre-designated shelters, lack of staging capacities and most importantly an inability of public sector entities to manage catastrophic events, independent of local and international non-profit organizations. This article aims to fill this gap by investigating on evacuation, decision-making and shelter choice in the wake of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. We present our findings from a survey of 1,000 randomly selected households from 15 villages and one urban settlement in the Nagapattinam District (Tamil Nadu, India). Our research suggests that approximately 79.6 per cent of displaced households selected permanent public buildings and religious or community buildings as their first choice of shelter. Our analysis suggests that these decis...
Total thyroidectomy: is morbidity higher for Graves' disease than nontoxic goiter?

Background Total thyroidectomy for treatment of Graves’ disease is controversial and much of the debate centers on the concern for complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the morbidity of total thyroidectomy for Graves’ disease and determine if it is different than for patients with nontoxic nodular goiter. Methods The rates of life threatening neck hematoma, recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury, transient hypocalcemia, and hypoparathyroidism were determined for consecutive patients with Graves’ disease treated with total thyroidectomy from 1996 to 2010. Results were compared with patients who underwent total thyroidectomy for nontoxic nodular goiter during the same period, matched for the weight of the excised thyroid gland. Results Total thyroidectomy was performed in 111 patients with Graves’ disease (group I) and 283 patients with nontoxic nodular goiter (group II). Parathyroid autotransplantation was performed in 31(28%) patients in group I and 98 (35%) patients in group II ( P = NS). Comparative analysis of morbidity revealed no significant difference in neck hematoma, 0(0%) (I) versus 3(1%) (II); permanent RLN injury, 0(0%) (I) versus 2(1%) (II); and permanent hypoparathyroidism in 1(1%) (I) versus 1 (0.4%) (II) ( P = NS). Transient hypocalcemia was more common in patients with Graves’ disease, 80(72%) (I) versus 170 (60%) (II) ( P Conclusions Total thyroidectomy can be performed with low morbidity in patients with Graves’ disease; only transient hypocalcemia occurred more often than in patients with nodular goiter. Total thyroidectomy should be presented as a therapeutic option for all patients with Graves’ disease.
Non-traumatic metastatic clostridial myonecrosis in a seventeen-year-old.

Une observation tres rare: gangrene gazeuse des muscles de la cuisse chez un malade de 17 ans, sans traumatisme, mais apres une enterite aigue. Le germe est identifie comme Clostridium septicum. Les antibiotiques sont sans effet. Apres amputation (desarticulation de la hanche) et oxygenotherapie hyperbasique (35 seances en 3 semaines), bonne recuperation
Histone H3 Lysine 4 Demethylation Is a Target of Nonselective Antidepressive Medications

Demethylation of histone H3 lysine 4 is carried out by BHC110/LSD1, an enzyme with close homology to monoamine oxidases (MAO). Monoamine oxidase A or B are frequent targets of selective and nonselective small molecular inhibitors used for treatment of depression. Here we show that in contrast to selective monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as pargyline, nonselective monoamine oxidase inhibitors potently inhibit nucleosomal demethylation of histone H3 lysine 4. Tranylcypromine (brand name Parnate) displayed the best inhibitory activity with an IC50 of less than 2 microM. Treatment of P19 embryonal carcinoma cells with tranylcypromine resulted in global increase in H3K4 methylation as well as transcriptional derepression of two BHC110 target genes, Egr1 and the pluripotent stem cell marker Oct4. These results attest to the effectiveness of tranylcypromine as a small molecular inhibitor of histone demethylation.
Obtaining accurate cross-section images of supported polymeric and inorganic membrane structures

Abstract Detailed and accurate information about the morphology of supported membranes structures is important for the analysis of their performance and fabrication. In this work it is shown that Focused Ion Beam (FIB) nano-machining can be used to provide such information for polymeric and inorganic membrane layers and composite structures containing those layers. Single-sided cuts are used for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations; ~100 nm thin slabs obtained with two-sided cuts are used for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging. Details of the FIB milling are provided in addition to examples of cross-sections of polymer, hybrid and inorganic structures. It is shown that the quality of cross-section information, obtained with FIB, is superior to that obtained with transmission electron microscopy of micro-tome sections. In addition it is shown how Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) mapping of FIB cross-sections provides information about the relation between chemical composition and membrane structure that cannot be obtained otherwise.
Estimating subsurface topography from surface-to-borehole seismic studies at the Rye Patch geothermal reservoir, Nevada, USA

A 3-D surface seismic reflection survey, covering an area of over 7.7 km2, was conducted at the Rye Patch geothermal reservoir (Nevada, USA) to explore the structural features that may control geothermal production in the area. In addition to the surface sources and receivers, a high-temperature three-component seismometer was deployed in a borehole at a depth of 1250 m within the basement below the reservoir, which recorded the waves generated by all surface sources. The objective of this study was to determine the subsurface structure of the reservoir based on this surface-to-borehole dataset. A total of 1959 first-arrival travel times were determined out of 2134 possible traces. Two-dimensional ray tracing was performed to simulate wave propagation from the surface sources to the receiver at depth. The ray tracing was based on a 2-D laterally homogeneous velocity model derived from results of a vertical-seismic-profile (VSP) experiment recorded in the same well. The method is an approximation where it is assumed that differences in travel time between the observed and modeled data are caused by structural deviations from a homogeneously layered model as estimated by the VSP profile, and thus are mapped into topographic changes at depth. The results indicate, to first order, the presence of two dominant geologic features. The first observation is consistent with the regional trend of the geologic units in the Basin and Range province with a north-south strike and dip to the west, as expected for this area west of the Humboldt Thrust Range. The second is a local feature in the form of an east–west ridge. The geometry of the structure is corroborated by results from a seismic-reflection survey, and by results of a gravity survey conducted in the area above the reservoir.
Activation of Slack Channels Alters their Interactions with the Pp1 Targeting Protein Phactr1

Slack Na+-activated K+ channels contribute to neuronal adaptation during sustained stimulation and regulate the temporal accuracy of action potentials. The C-terminus of Slack interacts with the mRNA-binding protein FMRP (Fragile X Mental Retardation protein). Using yeast-two hybrid and co-immunopurification experiments we have established the Slack binds Phactr1, a Protein Phosphatase 1 targeting protein. This interaction likely regulates the modulation of Slack by protein kinase C (PKC), which increases current amplitude and slows the rate of activation rate by phosphorylation of a specific serine (S407) in the Slack cytoplasmic C-terminus. Using resonance wavelength grating optical biosensors, we have determined that phosphorylation of Slack at S407 by PKC produces a sustained decrease in mass near the plasma membrane. The decrease in mass requires the very C-terminal domain of Slack, previously shown to be required for Slack/FMRP interactions. To determine whether the decrease in mass results from the translocation of either FMRP or Phactr1 from the channel upon activation, RNAi was used to suppress expression of FMRP, Phactr1 and other potential partners. The presence of Phactr1, but not FMRP, was found selectively to be required to observe a decrease in mass. Gain-of-function human mutations in Slack channels that mimic constitutive phosphorylation at S407 cause malignant migrating partial seizures of infancy (MMPSI), an epileptic encephalopathy of infancy that combines seizures with severe developmental delay. Activation of PKC does not produce a change of mass in these mutant channels, suggesting that Phactr1 fails to associate/dissociate. Our results suggest that activation of Slack alters its interaction with Phactr1, which may influence the phosphorylation state of Slack, but also of associated proteins such as FMRP, providing a link between channel activation and downstream signaling pathway that regulate normal neuronal development and intellectual ability.
Effect of Noncontingent Exposure to Shifts in Reward Magnitude on Subsequent Instrumental Runway Performance

This experiment extends the paradigm of nonresponse acquisition and extinction studies to the case of shifts in reward magnitude. In each of two replications, rats were first trained to traverse a runway for a reward of either 1 or 8 food pellets. Subgroups then received a series of direct placements (DP) into the goalbox with either the same or the opposite reward magnitude to that received in acquisition. This was followed by another series of running trials on which all Ss now received the reward magnitude opposite to that received in acquisition. The results indicated that on the first post-DP trial, speeds were a function only of the reward magnitude received on DP trials. Over all test trials, however, a complex pattern emerged For Ss shifted from 1 to 8 pellets, DP with 8 pellets produced faster performance changes and permanently faster running than DP with 1 pellet. For Ss shifted from 8 to 1 pellet, one replication showed no difference between groups which had received 1- or 8-pellet DPs in the ...
Foreign direct investment in the United States and u.s. Interests.

Foreign direct investment entered the United States at unprecedented rates during the second half of the 1980s. The result has been much higher levels of foreign ownership of U.S. economic activities than those to which the nation has been accustomed. The reasons for this investment include loss of competitiveness of U.S. firms compared to international rivals as well as attractions to foreign investors of the United States itself. The economic effects of greater levels of foreign ownership are generally positive, although some problems with levels of competition could ensue. National security considerations might cause the United States to place some restrictions on this investment, but other restrictions at the present time appear to be unwarranted.
THROMBIN INTERACTION WITH FIBRIN POLYMERIZATION SITES

Abstract Thrombin is central to hemostasis, and postclotting fibrinolysis and wound healing. During clotting, thrombin transforms plasma fibrinogen into polymerizing fibrin, which selectively adsorbs the enzyme into the clot. This protects thrombin from heparin-antithrombin inactivation, thus preserving the enzyme for postclotting events. To determine how the fibrin N-terminal polymerization sites of Aα 17–23 (GPRVVER) and Bβ 15–25 (GHRPLDKKREE) and their analogs may interact with thrombin, amidolysis vs. plasma- and fibrinogen-clotting assays were used to differentiate blockade of catalytic site vs. other thrombin domains. Amidolysis studies suggest GPRVVER inhibition of thrombin catalytic site through hydrophobic interaction, and GPRVVER inhibited clotting. Neither GPRP nor VVER nor the Bβ 15–25 homologs inhibited amidolysis. Contrary to heparin, acyl-DKKREE promoted plasma-clotting, but inhibited fibrinogen-clotting. In addition, acyl-DKKREE reversed the anticoagulant effect of heparin (0.1 U/ml) in plasma. The results suggest fibrin Bβ 15–25 interaction with thrombin, possibly by blocking the heparin-binding site. Together with the reported fibrin Aα 27–50 binding to thrombin, polymerizing fibrin appears to initially bind to thrombin catalytic site and exosite-1 through Aα 17–50, and to another thrombin site through Bβ 15–25. As these fibrin sites are also involved in polymerization, competition of the polymerization process with thrombin-binding could subsequently dislodge thrombin from fibrin α-chain. This may re-expose the catalytic site and exosite-1, thus explaining the thrombogenicity of clot-bound thrombin. The implications of these findings in polymerization mechanism and anticoagulant design are discussed. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd
Analysis and comparison of two mathematical models using effluent vapor breakthrough data from carbon filter beds

A model based on a new derivation of the equations derived by Amundson and by Bohart and Adams to describe flow in carbon filter beds is presented. A scaling argument is used to explain the discarding of the local time derivative of effluent concentration and it is rigorously shown that the Bohart and Adams model is a special case of the model derived by Amundson. The theoretical results are supported by experimental data for carbon filter beds of different depths under various flow conditions.
Energetic dissection of Gleevec's selectivity toward human tyrosine kinases

Protein kinases are obvious drug targets against cancer, owing to their central role in cellular regulation. Since the discovery of Gleevec, a potent and specific inhibitor of Abl kinase, as a highly successful cancer therapeutic, the ability of this drug to distinguish between Abl and other tyrosine kinases such as Src has been intensely investigated but without much success. Using NMR and fast kinetics, we establish a new model that solves this longstanding question of how the two tyrosine kinases adopt almost identical structures when bound to Gleevec but have vastly different affinities. We show that, in contrast to all other proposed models, the origin of Abl's high affinity lies predominantly in a conformational change after binding. An energy landscape providing tight affinity via an induced fit and binding plasticity via a conformational-selection mechanism is likely to be general for many inhibitors.
Maternal Social Support and Neighborhood Income Inequality as Predictors of Low Birth Weight and Preterm Birth Outcome Disparities: Analysis of South Carolina Pregnancy Risk Assessment and Monitoring System Survey, 2000–2003

Effects of income inequality on health and other social systems have been a subject of considerable debate, but only a few studies have used multilevel models to evaluate these relationships. The main objectives of the study were to (1) Evaluate the relationships among neighborhood income inequality, social support and birth outcomes (low birth weight, and preterm delivery) and (2) Assess variations in racial disparities in birth outcomes across neighborhood contexts of income distribution and maternal social support. We evaluated these relationships by using South Carolina Pregnancy Risk Assessment and Monitoring System (PRAMS) survey for 2000–2003 geocoded to 2000 US Census data for South Carolina. Multilevel analysis was used to simultaneously evaluate the association between income inequality (measured as Gini), maternal social relationships and birth outcomes (low birth weight and preterm delivery). The results showed residence in neighborhoods with medium levels of income inequality was independently associated with low birth weight (OR: 2.00; 95% CI 1.14–3.26), but not preterm birth; low social support was an independent risk for low birth weight or preterm births. The evidence suggests that non-Hispanic black mothers were at increased risks of low birth weight or preterm birth primarily due to greater exposures of neighborhood deprivations associated with low income and reduced social support and modified by unequal income distribution.
The effect of nitrogen fertilizer, herbicides and cultivar on nitrogen components of carrot roots

Abstract Fertilization rates of 0,90 and 146 kg N ha −1 resulted in a linear increase in the percentage total N in carrots grown on mineral soil and there was no difference in nitrate (NO 3 ) or nitrite (NO 2 ) at the different fertilizer levels. Rates of 336 kg N ha −1 on mineral soil resulted in higher levels of NO 3 compared with roots from plots not receiving N. There was a cultivar difference in response to fertilization as measured by NO 3 as well as total N content. Neither N fertilization nor herbicide treatment influenced the total N content of carrots grown on muck soil, although Lorox-treated roots had slightly elevated NO 3 content.
A multicenter, randomized trial of fluconazole versus amphotericin B for empiric antifungal therapy of febrile neutropenic patients with cancer

Abstract purpose: To compare the efficacy and safety of fluconazole and amphotericin B as empiric antifungal therapy of febrile neutropenic patients with cancer. patients and methods: A total of 317 neutropenic patients ( 3 ) with persistent or recrudescent fever despite 4 or more days of antibacterial therapy were randomly assigned to receive either fluconazole (400 mg intravenously once daily) or amphotericin B (0.5 mg/kg once daily). Patients were evaluated for the efficacy and safety of each drug by clinical criteria, frequent cultures and radiological procedures, and laboratory values. A response was classified as satisfactory at the end of therapy if the patient was afebrile, had no clinical or microbiological evidence of fungal infection, and did not require study termination due to lack of efficacy, drug toxicity, or death. results: A satisfactory response occurred in 68% of the patients treated with fluconazole (107 of 158 patients) and in 67% of patients treated with amphotericin B (106 of 159 patients). Progressive or new fungal infections during therapy occurred in 13 (8%) patients treated with fluconazole (8 with Candida , 5 with Aspergillus ) and in 10 (6%) patients treated with amphotericin B (5 with Candida , 3 with Aspergillus , 2 with other fungi). Adverse events related to study drug (especially fever, chills, renal insufficiency, electrolyte disturbances, and respiratory distress) occurred more often in patients treated with amphotericin B (128 [81%] of 159 patients) than patients treated with fluconazole (20 [13%] of 158 patients, P = 0.001). Eleven (7%) patients treated with amphotericin B but only 1 (1%) patient treated with fluconazole were terminated from the study owing to an adverse event ( P = 0.005). Overall mortality (27 [17%] patients treated with fluconazole versus 34 [21%] patients treated with amphotericin B) and mortality from fungal infection (7 [4%] patients treated with fluconazole versus 5 [3%] patients treated with amphotericin B) were similar in each study group. conclusions: Intravenous fluconazole can be an effective and safe alternative to amphotericin B for empiric antifungal therapy in many febrile neutropenic patients. However, because fluconazole may be ineffective in the treatment of Aspergillus , patients at risk for that infection should be evaluated by chest radiograph, computed tomographic scanning, and cultures before the use of empiric fluconazole therapy.
Perspectives on the molecular mechanism of inhibition and toxicity of nucleoside analogs that target HIV-1 reverse transcriptase

Among the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) drugs approved by the FDA for clinical use, two are modified cytosine analogs, Zalcitabine (ddC) and Lamivudine [(-)3TC]. (-)3TC is the only analog containing an unnatural L (-) nucleoside configuration. Similar to other dideoxy nucleosides, these analogs are metabolically activated to the triphosphate that is incorporated into DNA by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) reverse transcriptase (RT) resulting in DNA chain termination and ultimately cessation of viral replication. The natural D (+) 3TC isomer also acts in a similar manner to inhibit HIV-1 RT. In cell culture, (-)3TC is less toxic than its D (+) isomer, (+)3TC, containing the natural nucleoside configuration, and both are considerably less toxic than 2',3'-dideoxycytidine (ddC). The mechanistic basis for the stereochemical selectivity and differential toxicity of the isomeric 2',3'-dideoxy-3'-thiacytidine (3TC) and ddC compounds is not completely understood although a number of factors may clearly come into play. We have previously investigated the mechanistic basis for the differential stereoselective inhibition and toxicity of these three cytosine analogs by comparing the effects of 2',3'-deoxycytidine-5'-triphosphate (ddCTP), beta-D-(+)-2'3'-dideoxy-3'-thiacytidine-5'-triphosphate [(+)3TC-TP] and beta-L-(-)-2'3'-dideoxy-3'-thiacytidine-5'-triphosphate [(-)3TC-TP] on the HIV-1 RT as well as a recombinant form of the human mitochondrial DNA polymerase gamma (Pol gamma), the holoenzyme polymerase responsible for mitochondrial DNA replication. In this review, we discuss studies which may provide insight into the molecular mechanism for the stereochemical selectivity and differential toxicity.
The changing global carbon cycle: Linking plant-soil carbon dynamics to global consequences

Summary 1. Most current climate–carbon cycle models that include the terrestrial carbon (C) cycle are based on a model developed 40 years ago by Woodwell & Whittaker (1968) and omit advances in biogeochemical understanding since that time. Their model treats net C emissions from ecosystems as the balance between net primary production (NPP) and heterotrophic respiration (HR, i.e. primarily decomposition). 2. Under conditions near steady state, geographic patterns of decomposition closely match those of NPP, and net C emissions are adequately described as a simple balance of NPP and HR (the Woodwell-Whittaker model). This close coupling between NPP and HR occurs largely because of tight coupling between C and N (nitrogen) cycles and because NPP constrains the food available to heterotrophs. 3. Processes in addition to NPP and HR become important to understanding net C emissions from ecosystems under conditions of rapid changes in climate, hydrology, atmospheric CO2, land cover, species composition and/or N deposition. Inclusion of these processes in climate–C cycle models would improve their capacity to simulate recent and future climatic change. 4. Processes that appear critical to soil C dynamics but warrant further research before incorporation into ecosystem models include below-ground C flux and its partitioning among roots, mycorrhizas and exudates; microbial community effects on C sequestration; and the effects of temperature and labile C on decomposition. The controls over and consequences of these processes are still unclear at the ecosystem scale. 5. Carbon fluxes in addition to NPP and HR exert strong influences over the climate system under conditions of rapid change. These fluxes include methane release, wildfire, and lateral transfers of food and fibre among ecosystems. 6. Water and energy exchanges are important complements to C cycle feedbacks to the climate system, particularly under non-steady-state conditions. An integrated understanding of multiple ecosystem–climate feedbacks provides a strong foundation for policies to mitigate climate change. 7. Synthesis. Current climate systems models that include only NPP and HR are inadequate under conditions of rapid change. Many of the recent advances in biogeochemical understanding are sufficiently mature to substantially improve representation of ecosystem C dynamics in these models.