cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TDS and EELS observations for CO, O2, and CH3OH bound to Ru(0001)/Cu

Abstract The electronic properties of monolayers of copper atoms adsorbed onto a Ru(0001) single crystal surface have been studied with thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS) and high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) utilizing carbon monoxide (CO), dioxygen (O 2 ), methanol (CH 3 OH), and to some extent water (H 2 O) as chemical probes. Whereas a three-monolayer-thick film exhibits most properties of a Cu(111) crystal distinct deviations are found at lower Cu coverages. TDS as well as EELS show a weakened RuCO bond and a strengthened CuCO bond as a result of metal-metal interaction. The stronger CuCO bond is accompanied by a higher probability for O 2 dissociation. The mobilities of copper and oxygen atoms are such that annealing to 650 K produces an overlayer structure which is independent of adsorption sequence: Cu/O 2 or O 2 /Cu, but where RuO as well as CuO vibrations can be identified. Methanol adsorbs reversibly on a monolayer of copper atoms. Metal bound methoxy species are formed in the presence of oxygen atoms. The decomposition paths of such methoxy intermediates alter towards more formaldehyde (CH 2 O) relative to CO with increasing copper and methoxy coverages.
The ALOHA cabled observatory

Sustained observation of the ocean is difficult. Ocean science requires new and varied ways to observe the ocean, each with its own strengths and weaknesses, in order to advance our understanding and lay the foundations for predictive models and their applications.
Lighting position and judgments of distance of shadow-casting objects.

S~immary.-Participants recruited on the web performed in nvo experiments in which they viewed eight pictures of the same nvo rods in the exact same positions with shadows generated by a light source located at eight positions around the rods. In Exp. 1, participants judged how much shadows projecred to the front, back, and sides of the rods facilitated the correct perception of the actual distance of the rods relative to each other. In Exp. 1 (n: 521, frontal lighting facilitated judgments more than lighting from the rear, bur irontal and side lighting did not dfier in facilitative effects. In Exp. 2 (n: 72), lutlgments of rods depicted with shadows were relative to a judgment of the rods dep~cred without shadows (raw scores were the value of the judgment of the shadowless rods subtracted from the value of the judgment of each of the eight sets of rods). Again, frontal lighting was more facilitative than rear lighting and frontal lighting did not differ from side lighting. However, when the average of each participant's backlighting judgments was compared with his judgment of the shadowless rods, shadows generated by backlighting were more facilitative than none. Recent experimental results indicate that shadows do generate accurate judgments of distance of shadow-casting objects (Allen, 1999). These experiments were first done in the laboratory and their results then exactly replicated on the web, which is the rule for web research (see Birnbaum, 2000). It appears that the angles of shadows formed at the bases of shadow-casting objects (Allen, 20001, the grounding of objects by their shadows 1". . . a shadow welds its object to the ground plane at a point that is at a unique distance from the observer" (Allen, 1999, p. 578)], interposition of shadows on other shadows, and interposition of nearer objects on the shadows of more distant objects are all candidates for cues that allow shadows to provide information about the distance of the objects. Some predictions are possible concerning how lighting position might influence the potency of cues for generating judgments of distance. For example, lighting in front of objects may facilitate judgments of &stance because the junction of the object and its shadow at the surface might be the source of the "grounding" cue. If so, then lighting from behind objects would be less fachtative because the junction cannot be perceived. 'While frontal lighting may maximize the effectiveness of the grounding cue, lighting from the side should generate a maximum facilitative effect of the angles
Postnatal development of the small intestine of the rat. Changes in mucosal morphology at weaning.

Extract: At 15 days after birth, the small intestine of the rat showed a striking increase in relative weight, an increased depth of intestinal crypts, an elevation of the mitotic and the labeling index of crypt cells, and a decrease in the ratio of height of the villi to depth of the crypts. Metabolically, the biological half-life of 14C phenylalanine incorporated into protein was decreased in the intestine of 21-day-old rats compared with that of the 32-day-old rat. With autoradiography, a decreased half-life of 3H-leucine in crypt cells was noted in rats 5 and 21 days of age, compared with fully weaned rats 32 days of age. These observations indicated that protein turnover is not completely dependent on cellular turnover in suckling rats. Artificial feeding of suckling rats from 9 to 15 days of age produced an increase in the relative weight, mitotic index, depth of crypts, and activity of invertase in the jejunum. Prolonged administration of hydrocortisone to newborn rats resulted in similar changes in the duodenum and in the jejunum, but not in the ileum. These changes could be related to an increased rate of cellular migration along the villi of the duodenum and the jejunum. It was concluded that both diet and hormones were important factors in the marked changes in intestinal cell proliferation and differentiation observed at weaning. Speculation: The usual changes in cellular proliferation and differentiation of the intestinal mucosa of the weanling rat and the observation that these changes can be stimulated precociously suggest that the intestinal tract of suckling rats could be used to investigate further those factors important to the control of cell differentiation. Since cell turnover increases to adult levels after 15 days of age, the observed increase in protein turnover in suckling and in weanling rats, compared with that of adult rats, suggests that at these ages protein turnover is not coordinated with cell turnover.
A Brief Introduction to the DIII-D Tokamak

The DIII-D tokamak was a major upgrade of the Doublet III device and was commissioned in 1986. It featured a large noncircular plasma cross section and was optimized for understanding the role of t...
Strategies and Tactics for the Synthesis of Oxygenated Natural Products

The total synthesis of the ansa antibiotic macbecin I [1] is described exploiting an approach that features the oxidative transformation of furans into hydropyrans that then serve as conformationally biased templates for stereoselective refunctionalization and elaboration. A novel variant of the Mitsunobu reaction was developed that may be applied to the inversion of hindered secondary alcohols. In work directed toward the total synthesis of the antifungal antibiotic ambruticin [3], new and general methods have been invented for the asymmetric synthesis of functionalized cyclopropanes by intramolecular cyclopropanations of omega-unsaturated diazoacetates and the convergent stereoselective synthesis of trisubstituted alkenes.
Analysis: Health Impact from Frequent and Continuous Glucose Monitoring

523 FREQUENT AND/OR CONTINUOUS glucose monitoring that is accurate is the “missing link” in diabetes care, and having such measurements is likely to improve A1c values. Treatment adjustments are most needed when blood glucose is in the hypoglycemic range because of the risk of unconsciousness and hypoglycemic coma resulting in brain damage. A significant increase in hypoglycemic risk with intensive insulin treatment is the biggest hurdle in achieving target A1c values and in implementing Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) results. Improvement in glucose control with the possibility of reducing hypoglycemic episodes is likely to have a significant public health impact as highlighted by Tavris and Shoaibi.1 In this issue of DT&T Tavris and Shoaibi1 reported the metanalyses of 17 retrospective studies revealed a 0.3% reduction in A1c (onesixth of the reduction achieved by the DCCT in the intensively treated group) and some benefit on reductions in hypoglycemic episodes. This translates into 1 additional year of sight and absence/delay of renal disease. These authors also point out the benefit in terms of morbidity and mortality due to the diabetes, which is likely to translate into saving of healthcare dollars. It is important to keep in mind that the public health impact analysis by Tavris and Shoaibi1 is only based on retrospective studies. There is no available prospective study comparing an intensively treated “meter group.” In addition, the retrospective nature of the Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (CGMS®, Medtronic MiniMed, Northridge, CA) downloads limits the ability to “control glycemia” versus real-time self-monitoring of blood glucose. Frequent blood glucose measurements will detect hypoglycemia, but there is no evidence of a decrease in “symptomatic hypoglycemia” or decreased need for help due to a severe low blood sugar reaction. A randomized study should be able to determine if severe hypoglycemic episodes can in fact, be reduced by using retrospective downloads from the CGMS. An improvement in using continuous glucose monitoring may depend on using accurate “glucose trends” prospectively rather than individual glucose values and thus allowing adjusting insulin dose. It is also important to keep in mind that CGMS recordings may not always be accurate (as has been previously reported), especially in the hypoglycemic range. Studies performed on the previous, first generation of the CGMS reported a relative absolute difference of 35% in the hypoglycemic range (blood glucose values below 75 mg/dL). However, a recent study reported at the annual American Diabetes Association 64th Scientific Sessions meeting in Orlando by Fiallo-Scharer
Differential Validity of Global and Domain-Specific Measures of Life Satisfaction in the Context of Schooling

We compared the validity of a global versus a domain-specific measure of life satisfaction in predicting behavioral and achievement outcome variables among a sample of adolescents in the context of schooling. The sample included 694 middle school students (7th and 8th grade) from a suburban school district located in the Southeastern United States who completed self-report measures of life satisfaction, engagement, behavior, and grades. Actual grade point average (GPA) and standardized achievement test scores were reported by the school. Based on previous research and specificity matching theory, we hypothesized that compared to a measure of global life satisfaction, student scores on a measure of school satisfaction would demonstrate greater evidence of concurrent, short-term predictive, and incremental validity in relation to a variety of measures of academic performance and school-related behavior. The results did not uniformly support the hypotheses. Indeed, measures of global life satisfaction showed greater concurrent, predictive, and incremental validity across a variety of the school-based criterion measures. The need for further research is highlighted as well as the relevance of the findings for comprehensive assessments of child well-being.
Comparison of biochemical and histochemical techniques for estrogen receptor analyses in mammary carcinoma.

3 histochemical techniques for estrogen binding localization in tissue section were compared to sucrose density gradient analyses for estrogen receptor in 186 breast carcinomas. Apparent localization to epithelial elements was noted using 6-BSA-Fluor-CMO-17-beta-estradiol 17-BSA-Fluor-TSC-estrogen and polyestradiol phosphate/anti-estradiol antibody methods. The correlation between the histochemical methods and standard sucrose density gradient techniques was poor for the polyestradiol antibody method and the 6-BSA-Fluor-CMO-17-beta-estradiol technique. While an improved correlation was observed with the 17-BSA-Fluor-TSC-estrogen compound the compounds binding was not effectively blocked by preincubation with diethylstilbestrol. This failure to show convincing saturability of binding combined with problems of extraction of soluble receptor proteins in the aqueous incubation media and washes from the cells rendered permeable by cryostat sectioning indicates that several areas will require clarification before histochemical techniques can begin to be considered as a method for estrogen "receptor" analysis in the clinical evaluation of breast neoplasms. (Authors modified)
Contemporary practice patterns in the surgical management of Hirschsprung's disease

Background: Many options exist in the surgical management of Hirschsprung's disease (HD). To gain insight into contemporary management, we queried pediatric surgeons listed in the American Pediatric Surgical Association Directory on their management for the typical baby with HD. Methods: Surveys were sent electronically to the surgeons concerning a typical newborn diagnosed with HD. Questions included the preferred approach, number of stages, anastomotic technique, length of muscular rectal cuff, point of initiation of the anorectal dissection, and length of colonic resection. Surgeons performing laparoscopy were asked about how the colonic biopsy was performed. Other questions included the type of leveling colostomy, level of residents, and criteria for performing a primary transanal pull-through. The maximum margin of error was calculated using a 95% confidence interval based on the response percentages for discrete variables. Results: Surveys were sent to 719 surgeons with 270 responses. A minimally invasive approach is currently used by 80%, of which 42.3% favor laparoscopy and 37.7% prefer transanal dissection only. Only 5.4% of respondents prefer the Duhamel technique. A 1-stage approach is used by 85.6%. An average muscular cuff length of 2.4 cm (range, 0.5-6 cm) is reported. A divided muscular cuff is reported by 55%. On average, the anal anastomosis is 0.73 cm (range, 0-4.5 cm) above the top of the anal columns and 3.0 cm (0-12.5 cm) above the biopsy site on the ganglionic colon. Of the respondents using laparoscopy, 80.2% report using an intracorporeal colonic biopsy technique. Participation in a training program, either fellows and/or residents, is reported by 84.8% of respondents. The most common reason given for not performing a primary transanal pull-through is long segment disease (45.6%). Margin of error was no greater than 6% for any of the responses. Conclusions: A minimally invasive approach with a 1-stage operation has become the most common strategy for the surgical management of the typical baby with HD. Opinions vary about the amount of colonic resection, length of the rectal cuff, and site of initiation of the anorectal dissection, and these represent potential points for future studies.
Voluntary agreements and private enforcement of environmental regulation

This paper focuses on a type of voluntary pollution abatement agreement (VA) in which the regulator offers regulatory relief for the participating firm in exchange for environmental improvements. If the regulator does not have statutory authority to provide regulatory relief, the VA can leave the firm more vulnerable to legal challenges through citizen lawsuits. I use a model of negotiated VAs to examine the impact of citizen enforcement on the likelihood of an agreement and on the outcome of a VA. The findings indicate that both the probabilities of enforcement by the regulatory agency and of private enforcement through a citizen lawsuit affect the likelihood of a VA and the level of abatement when an agreement is reached. A VA can result in higher abatement and net social benefits than regulation if the probability of private enforcement and accompanying costs are high and the probability of agency enforcement is low.
Region segmentation techniques for object-based image compression: a review

Image compression based on transform coding appears to be approaching an asymptotic bit rate limit for application-specific distortion levels. However, a new compression technology, called object-based compression (OBC) promises improved rate-distortion performance at higher compression ratios. OBC involves segmentation of image regions, followed by efficient encoding of each region’s content and boundary. Advantages of OBC include efficient representation of commonly occurring textures and shapes in terms of pointers into a compact codebook of region contents and boundary primitives. This facilitates fast decompression via substitution, at the cost of codebook search in the compression step. Segmentation cose and error are significant disadvantages in current OBC implementations. Several innovative techniques have been developed for region segmentation, including (a) moment-based analysis, (b) texture representation in terms of a syntactic grammar, and (c) transform coding approaches such as wavelet based compression used in MPEG-7 or JPEG-2000. Region-based characterization with variance templates is better understood, but lacks the locality of wavelet representations. In practice, tradeoffs are made between representational fidelity, computational cost, and storage requirement. This paper overviews current techniques for automatic region segmentation and representation, especially those that employ wavelet classification and region growing techniques. Implementational discussion focuses on complexity measures and performance metrics such as segmentation error and computational cost.
Designing coupled-resonator optical waveguide delay lines

We address the trade-offs among delay, loss, and bandwidth in the design of coupled-resonator optical waveguide (CROW) delay lines. We begin by showing the convergence of the transfer matrix, tight-binding, and time domain formalisms in the theoretical analysis of CROWs. From the analytical formalisms we obtain simple, analytical expressions for the achievable delay, loss, bandwidth, and a figure of merit to be used to compare delay line performance. We compare CROW delay lines composed of ring resonators, toroid resonators, Fabry-Perot resonators, and photonic crystal defect cavities based on recent experimental results reported in the literature.
Synergistic enhancement by interleukin-1 α of cisplatin-mediated antitumor activity in RIF-1 tumor-bearing C3H/HeJ mice

Administration of interleukin-1 α (IL-1 α) plus certain cytotoxic drugs causes substantially greater clonogenic tumor-cell kill and tumor-regrowth delay than does treatment with either agent alone. IL-1 α itself has little effect on tumor growth despite its ability to induce acute hemorrhagic necrosis, restrict tumor blood flow, and cause microvascular injury in a variety of murine model systems. To investigate further IL-1 α's ability to enhance the antitumor activity of cytotoxic drugs, we initiated studies to examine the effect of IL-1 α on cisplatin (cDDP)-mediated cytotoxicity using the RIF-1 tumor system. The antitumor activity of IL-1 α and cDDP was quantitated through standard clonogenic tumor-cell survival assays, a tumor hemorrhagic necrosis assay and tumor-regrowth delay studies, with the interaction between IL-1 α and cDDP being analyzed through median dose-effect. In vitro, IL-1 α had no enhancing effect on the cDDP-mediated tumorcell kill. For examination of the in vivo efficacy of this regimen. RIF-1 tumor-bearing C3H/HeJ mice (14 days postimplantation) were treated concurrently with single i.p. injections of IL-1 α and/or cDDP at various doses. The increased clonogenic tumor-cell kill obtained with IL-1 α /cDDP was dose-dependent, with significant enhancement by IL-1 α being observed (P<0.001), even at the lowest doses tested (2 mg/kg and 6 μg/kg for cDDP and IL-1 α, respectively), but it did not correlate with an increase in tumor hemorrhage. Using median dose-effect analysis, this interaction was determined to be strongly synergistic. When treated animals were monitored for long-term antitumor effects, combinations with IL-1 α significantly increased the tumor-regrowth delay and decreased the fractional tumor volume (P<0.001). These results demonstrate that IL-1 α synergistically enhances cDDP mediated in vivo antitumor activity and suggest that the combination of IL-1 α and cDDP may have potential therapeutic application in the design of effective treatment modalities for cancer.
Characterization of osteoblastic properties of 7F2 and UMR-106 cultures after acclimation to reduced levels of fetal bovine serum

Estrogen plays an important role in skeletal physiology by maintaining a remodeling balance between the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. In an attempt to decipher the mechanism through whic...
Characterization of a new phenoloxidase inhibitor from the cuticle of Manduca sexta.

Melanin, the phenolic biopolymer that serves as a skin- and hair pigment-protecting agent against harmful solar radiation and a free radical trap, is biosynthesized in animals mainly by the action of tyrosinase also known as phenoloxidase. Regulation of tyrosinase and hence melanogenesis is vital for all animals. In this report, we present the isolation and characterization of a new, heat-labile glycoprotein inhibitor of phenoloxidase from the larvae of Manduca sexta. The inhibitor was isolated from the live larval cuticle by buffer extraction and purified to homogeneity employing ammonium sulfate precipitation, dialysis, and concanavalin A-Sepharose chromatography. It migrated with a molecular weight of 380,000 on SDS-PAGE gels and inhibited the activity of insect and plant as well as fungal phenoloxidases. Inhibitor formed a tight complex with phenoloxidases, which resisted dissociation even by 1% Triton X-100 or SDS. Selective inhibition of phenoloxidase, while acting on certain but not all different substrates, was observed. The physiological importance of this newly discovered high-molecular-weight phenoloxidase inhibitor is discussed.
Characterization of Nanocomposites Incorporating PZT Nanowires for Enhanced Energy Storage

0–3 Piezoceramic polymer composites have attracted immense attention due to the flexibility afforded by the polymer matrix and the strong electromechanical coupling and high dielectric properties of the piezoceramic filler. The majority of research on these materials has focused on the effective piezoelectric properties of the piezoceramic polymer composites. However, the high dielectric strength of the polymer combined with the high permittivity of the ceramic filler make them well suited for use as high energy density capacitors and various pulsed power applications. Current work in this area has focused on the enhancement of the dielectric properties through a variation of nanoparticle composition or surface modifications to the fillers to enhance the energy density of composites. Recently, research and micromechanics modeling have shown that the filler aspect ratio plays an important role in increasing the effective dielectric properties of the composites. Therefore, unlike prior efforts, this work will focus on the effect of filler aspect ratio on the dielectric properties of the bulk nanocomposite. Nanocomposites were synthesized using lead zirconate titanate (PZT) with two different aspect ratio (nanowires, nanorods) fillers at various volume fractions dispersed in a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) matrix. It was shown that the nanocomposites containing PZT nanowires (NWs) significantly increased the energy density compared to those containing lower aspect ratio PZT nanorods (NRs). The permittivity constants of composites containing PZT NWs were higher than those with PZT NRs at the same inclusion volume fraction. The experimental results also indicated that the high frequency loss tangent of nanocomposites with PZT NWs was smaller than those of PZT NRs, demonstrating the high electrical energy storage efficiency of the PZT NW composite. The PZT NW nanocomposites showed a 77.8% increase in energy density over the PZT NR nanocomposites, under an electric field of 15 kV/mm and 50% volume fraction. Because the energy density exhibits a quadratic relationship with the applied electric field, the performance enhancement through the use of NWs is even greater at higher electric fields. These results indicate that higher aspect ratio PZT nanowires shows promising potential to improve the energy density of nanocomposites, leading the development of advanced capacitors with high energy density.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Longitudinal Stability of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the Upper Extremity

Abstract Woodbury ML, Velozo CA, Richards LG, Duncan PW, Studenski S, Lai S-M. Longitudinal stability of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the upper extremity. Objective To investigate the longitudinal stability of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) of the upper-extremity item difficulties by using Rasch analysis. Design Secondary analysis of existing data from a cohort longitudinal study of stroke recovery. Setting University research center. Participants A total of 377 people, ages 69.2±11.2 years, to whom the assessment was administered at 2 weeks and 6 months poststroke. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Differential item function analysis performed by using the Winsteps software program examined whether the item difficulty hierarchical order of a modified 30-item FMA for the upper extremity (reflex items removed) was invariant across 2 testing occasions. Results Only 2 items (shoulder flexion to 180°, movement with normal speed) showed large differences in test-retest item difficulty calibration. Item instability had no practical consequences on the longitudinal measurement of person ability. Conclusions The 30-item assessment shows a longitudinally stable item difficulty order and is valid for measuring volitional arm motor ability over time.
Time-Resolved Dynamics in N2O4 Probed Using High Harmonic Generation

The attosecond time-scale electron-recollision process that underlies high harmonic generation has uncovered extremely rapid electronic dynamics in atoms and diatomics. We showed that high harmonic generation can reveal coupled electronic and nuclear dynamics in polyatomic molecules. By exciting large amplitude vibrations in dinitrogen tetraoxide, we showed that tunnel ionization accesses the ground state of the ion at the outer turning point of the vibration but populates the first excited state at the inner turning point. This state-switching mechanism is manifested as bursts of high harmonic light that is emitted mostly at the outer turning point. Theoretical calculations attribute the large modulation to suppressed emission from the first excited state of the ion. More broadly, these results show that high harmonic generation and strong-field ionization in polyatomic molecules undergoing bonding or configurational changes involve the participation of multiple molecular orbitals.
Kinetic Monte Carlo simulations of a model for heat-assisted magnetization reversal in ultrathin films

To develop practically useful systems for ultra-high-density information recording with densities above terabits per square centimeter, it is necessary to simultaneously achieve high thermal stability at room temperature and high recording rates. One method that has been proposed to reach this goal is heat-assisted magnetization reversal (HAMR). In this method, the magnetic orientation is assigned to a high-coercivity material by temporarily reducing the coercivity during the writing process through localized heating. Here we present kinetic Monte Carlo simulations of a model of HAMR for ultrathin films, in which the temperature in the central part of the film is momentarily increased above the critical temperature, for example by a laser pulse. We observe that the speed-up achieved by this method, relative to the switching time at a constant, subcritical temperature, is optimal for an intermediate strength of the writing field. This effect is explained using the theory of nucleation-induced magnetization switching in finite systems. Our results should be particularly relevant to recording media with strong perpendicular anisotropy, such as ultrathin Co/Pt or Co/Pd multilayers.
Evaluation of Nd:YAG-pumped Raman shifter as a broad-spectrum light source

We have examined the utility of a gas-filled, Nd:YAG-laser-pumped Raman shifter as a possible broad-spectrum light source. Six to nine new output frequencies with pulse energies above 1 µJ are produced when a pure-hydrogen or pure-methane Raman shifter is pumped with 40 mJ of secondharmonic, 20 mJ of third-harmonic, or 11 mJ of fourth-harmonic pump pulse energy. Optimum output occurs at pressures of approximately 10 atm for the pure-gas experiments. We also report the output frequencies and pulse energies of a mixed hydrogen-methane Raman shifter pumped by 20 mJ of the third harmonic of the laser for various proportions of the two gases at pressures up to nearly 20 atm. Depending on composition and pressure, over a dozen new output lines with pulse energies over 1 µJ can be produced. We discuss the nonlinear processes involved, the optimum operating conditions, and the suitability of the source for our application of groundwater monitoring.
Potential sweetening agents of plant origin. II. field search for sweet-tasting Stevia species

Field work in Paraguay, Peru, Colombia and Mexico, including field organoleptic tests and interviews, was carried out in search of sweet-tasting Stevia species. Results of such tests performed on at least 31 species, as well as ethnobotanical data on 9 species, are presented. The data obtained showed that leaves of no other Stevia species studied possessed a potent sweet taste comparable to that of S. rebaudiana leaves. Since only 15% of the approximately 200 known species in this genus were investigated in this study, it is quite possible that further research may reveal additional sweet-tasting Stevia species.
Encountering diversity: medical ethics and pluralism.

An emerging issue in medical ethics is how to respond to the growing religious and ethnic diversity seen in American hospitals. This fictionalized account of a clinical case uses narrative ethics to explore decisions at the end of life in a pluralistic society. The author maintains that it is the rights secured for patients and their families by secular bioethics and its inherent respect for pluralism that allow for cultural and religious differences.
Adolescents as Doubly Vulnerable Research Subjects

(2004). Adolescents as Doubly-Vulnerable Research Subjects. The American Journal of Bioethics: Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 50-52.
Accessibility of colloidal gold and horseradish peroxidase to cytosolic spaces in Limulus ventral photoreceptors.

Physiological studies of intracellular messengers frequently employ intracellular injections of large molecules that either monitor or modulate the metabolism of the messenger cascade. Injected molecules have unknown mobility in the cytosol and unknown accessibility to various cytosolic compartments, including those postulated to be traversed by intracellular messenger molecules. In order to determine whether injected molecules have access to the confined spaces through which messenger molecules must diffuse, we injected 5-nm colloidal gold or horseradish peroxidase, or both, into Limulus ventral photoreceptors. Injections were made by applying pressure pulses to the back of an intracellular micropipette that also monitored membrane voltage. The tissue was fixed at varying times after injection and processed for electron microscopy by conventional techniques. Cells fixed 1–3 min after injection contained HRP reaction product only in the cell body. HRP reaction product was found at varying distances down axons in direct relation to the interval between injection and fixation. Colloidal gold particles were found throughout the cell body but not in axons of tissue fixed 1–3 min after injection. Both HRP reaction product and 5-nm colloidal gold particles were observed within the microvillar projections of internal and external rhabdomere, as well as within the extracisternal spaces of endoplasmic reticulum. We conclude that large molecules injected from an intracellular micropipette into an arbitrary locus of ventral photoreceptor cells have access to all of the presumed sites of the phototransduction cascade.
N-terminally tagged prion protein supports prion propagation in transgenic mice.

The eight amino acid sequence, Asp-Tyr-Lys-Asp-Asp-Asp-Asp-Lys, representing the FLAG peptide, was inserted after codons 22 or 88 of the mouse (Mo) prion protein (PrP) gene. Inclusion of the FLAG sequence at these locations interfered neither with the cellular processing of PrPC nor its conversion into PrPSc. Inclusion of the FLAG epitope at residue 22 but not at residue 88 facilitated immunodetection of tagged PrP by anti-FLAG monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Inoculation of transgenic (Tg) mice expressing N-terminally tagged MoPrP with Mo prions resulted in abbreviated incubation times, indicating that the FLAG sequence was not deleterious to prion propagation. Immunopurification of FLAG-tagged MoPrPC in the brains of Tg mice was achieved using the calcium-dependent anti-FLAG M1 mAb and non-denaturing procedures. Although the function of PrPC remains unknown, our studies demonstrate that some modifications of PrPC do not inhibit the one biological activity that can be measured, i.e., conversion into PrPSc. Tagged PrP molecules may prove useful in the development of improved assays for prions as well as structural studies of the PrP isoforms.
Structure-activity relationships involved in the site-specific fragmentation of linear duplex DNAs by talisomycin and bleomycin analogs.

The fragmentation of Hind III- and Pst I-digested PM2 DNA and of Hind III-digested pBR322 DNA by bleomycin A2 and B2 and talisomycins A, B, S2b, and S10b was investigated. As observed by electrophoresis on agarose gels, the ethidium bromide staining band patterns produced following incubation of the various restriction endonuclease-digested DNAs with the compounds were different for the bleomycin analogs and for the talisomycin analogs. Quantitation of the degree of fragmentation of various segments of linear PM2 DNA by either bleomycin A2 or talisomycin A indicated that certain segments of the PM2 genome serve as better substrates than other segments for double-strand fragmentation by either of the two antitumor antibiotics. These results show that in this system bleomycin and talisomycin analog treatment of linear PM2 or pBR322 DNA resulted in breakage of DNA, producing different-length DNA fragments, and demonstrate the importance of the two amino acids and the 4-amino-4,6-dideoxy-l-talose sugar, which are located near the bithiazole in talisomycin but absent in the bleomycin structure in conferring a different site-specificity for DNA fragmentation to talisomycin than to bleomycin.
Use of Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment in Planning Care for Parents and Newborns

Clinical descriptions of newborn behaviors in the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale can be used by the nurse in planning parent-infant care. Four clusters of behaviors—interactive processes, motoric processes, organizational processes of state control, and organizational processes of physiologic response to stress—have been delineated and infants can be rated as good, poor, or average in each cluster. Nursing interventions are described for both low-risk and high-risk parent-infant pairs.
Model potential calculation of the electron affinity of lithium

Abstract A configuration interaction calculation, using model potential methods, is employed to evaluate the energy of the lowest 1S state of Li−. The model potential describing the valence electron-core interaction is chosen so as to reproduce the observed spectra of the neutral lithium atom with high precision. The calculated result of 0.591 eV is compared with other theoretical estimates and experimental data.
Max Weber and the Spirit of American Sociology

(1964). Max Weber and the Spirit of American Sociology. The Sociological Quarterly: Vol. 5, No. 4, pp. 344-354.
An efficient method for simulation of frequency selective isotropic Rayleigh fading

This paper addresses the task of efficiently simulating several independent random processes, each with the nonrational power spectral density resulting from isotropic Rayleigh fading. There are two primary classes of simulation techniques, those based on Jakes' (1974) method of superimposing tones and those based on rational approximation of the Doppler spectrum. The technique described in this paper is based on rational approximation, so that it is simple to approximate WSSUS frequency selective channels (i.e., simple to generate several independent fading processes). The technique is based on the approach suggested by Castoldi, et al. (see Proceedings of 4th IEEE Personal and Indoor Mobile Radio Communication Conference, 1994), which provides efficient simulation of processes with low normalized Doppler rates. This paper contains a modified rational approximation design based on this multirate approach. The output statistics of the cyclostationary fading process are derived and the effects of various design choices are characterized. Also, a method of rapid initialization of the simulator is provided for efficient simulation of packetized radio networks. Software routines are available from the authors in electronic form for general non-profit use.
Withdrawing Home Equity: Differences Across Race and Ethnicity

Extracting home equity has become increasingly popular in the last decade, especially among subprime borrowers. Using the American Housing Survey, this paper examines the differences in the propensity to extract home equity across non-Hispanic black, Hispanic and non-Hispanic white homeowners in the United States. It focuses on two popular types of methods to extract home equity—cash-out refinance and home equity lines of credit. Controlling for housing and socio-economic characteristics, the study finds differences in the extensive margin in withdrawing equity, but not in the intensive margin. That is, while Non-Hispanic black homeowners are less likely to extract home equity in general than non-Hispanic whites there is no difference in the amount of equity withdrawn. However, much of this difference is driven by their lower propensity to withdraw equity using a home equity line of credit; non-Hispanic black and Hispanic homeowners are just as likely to withdraw equity using a cash-out refinance than non...
Policy Formation for National Industries: The Use of Non-Linear Programming Allocation of Joint Costs

This paper is written with the Icelandic fishing industry in mind, namely the freezing plants. The subject at first is how to allocate joint-cost to finished products. A joint-cost is a cost which incurred up to the split-off-point (S.O.P.), which is the point in the manufacturing process beyond which the individual products are clearly identifiable. The motivation for allocating joint-cost to the individual products in this business like others is the demands of financial and tax reporting to trace all product related costs to finished goods. It is also necessary because the prices are both derived and/or determined from the cost of the goods.
An integrated optical XY coupler for phase-sensitive optical-power combining and suppression of radiated light

We have designed and fabricated a new type of XY coupler for phase-sensitive combining of coherent light in waveguide PIC's. The XY coupler uses two input waveguides and couples in-phase light into the middle of its three output waveguides. Out-of-phase light is coupled into the two outer waveguides. 15.5-dB extinction ratio is demonstrated in a Mach-Zehnder interferometer using this new XY coupler. Switching from the inner to the outer waveguides at the output is also demonstrated. >
OCCURRENCE OF AN ADENOCARCINOMA AT THE CHOLEDOCHOENTERIC ANASTOMOSIS 14 YEARS AFTER PANCREATODUODENECTOMY FOR BENIGN DISEASE

A 35-year-old man underwent a pancreatoduodenectomy for what proved to be chronic pancreatitis. He did well until 14 years later, when he presented with right upper quadrant pain and jaundice. At laparotomy, an adenocarcinoma was found in fibrous tissue obstructing the choledochoenteric anastomosis. The exact origin of the tumor, from pancreas or biliary tract, could not be ascertained. This case points out the difficulties in attempting to diagnose the etiology of jaundice in a patient who has had a pancreatoduodenectomy without doing a laparotomy. The importance of this diagnosis lies in the known occurrence of benign strictures at the choledochojejunostomy site after a pancreatoduodenectomy.
Effects of grizzly bear digging on alpine plant community structure

Abstract In Alaskan alpine tundra, grizzly bears excavate deep holes in search of ground squirrels, but few studies have tested the importance of grizzlies, or other large mammals, in maintaining plant community structure. We examined 43 bear digs, asking how they affect plant species richness and diversity, recolonization patterns, and plants with different clonal growth strategies. Bears remove most vegetation from digs, and recovering digs had lower species richness than adjacent mature tundra. Mature tundra alone, however, had significantly fewer species than mature tundra and bear digs combined, suggesting that bear digs contribute to the overall richness of tundra communities. Digs develop the highest plant richness and diversity at intermediate ages, but even in new digs the overall species composition is similar to adjacent tundra. Plants of different clonal growth forms reacted differently to bear digs. The two species significantly more common in digs than elsewhere have a nonspreading (phalanx)...
Identification of potential biophysical and molecular signalling mechanisms underlying hyaluronic acid enhancement of cartilage formation

This study determined the effects of exogenous hyaluronic acid (HA) on the biomechanical and biochemical properties of self-assembled bovine chondrocytes, and investigated biophysical and genetic mechanisms underlying these effects. The effects of HA commencement time, concentration, application duration and molecular weight were examined using histology, biomechanics and biochemistry. Additionally, the effects of HA application on sulphated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) retention were assessed. To investigate the influence of HA on gene expression, microarray analysis was conducted. HA treatment of developing neocartilage increased compressive stiffness onefold and increased sulphated GAG content by 35 per cent. These effects were dependent on HA molecular weight, concentration and application commencement time. Additionally, applying HA increased sulphated GAG retention within self-assembled neotissue. HA administration also upregulated 503 genes, including multiple genes associated with TGF-β1 signalling. Increased sulphated GAG retention indicated that HA could enhance compressive stiffness by increasing the osmotic pressure that negatively charged GAGs create. The gene expression data demonstrate that HA treatment differentially regulates genes related to TGF-β1 signalling, revealing a potential mechanism for altering matrix composition. These results illustrate the potential use of HA to improve cartilage regeneration efforts and better understand cartilage development.
Archaeology meets marine ecology: the antiquity of maritime cultures and human impacts on marine fisheries and ecosystems.

Interdisciplinary study of coastal archaeological sites provides a wealth of information on the ecology and evolution of ancient marine animal populations, the structure of past marine ecosystems, and the history of human impacts on coastal fisheries. In this paper, we review recent methodological developments in the archaeology and historical ecology of coastal regions around the world. Using two case studies, we examine (a) a deep history of anthropogenic effects on the marine ecosystems of California's Channel Islands through the past 12,000 years and (b) geographic variation in the effects of human fishing on Pacific Island peoples who spread through Oceania during the late Holocene. These case studies—the first focused on hunter-gatherers, the second on maritime horticulturalists—provide evidence for shifting baselines and timelines, documenting a much deeper anthropogenic influence on many coastal ecosystems and fisheries than considered by most ecologists, conservation biologists, and fisheries man...
Changing your mind: on the contributions of top-down and bottom-up guidance in visual search for feature singletons.

Observers, searching for targets among distractor items, guide attention with a mix of top-down information— based on observers’ knowledge—and bottom-up information—stimulus-based and largely independent of that knowledge. There are 2 types of top-down guidance: explicit information (e.g., verbal description) and implicit priming by preceding targets (top-down because it implies knowledge of previous searches). Experiments 1 and 2 separate bottom-up and top-down contributions to singleton search. Experiment 3 shows that priming effects are based more strongly on target than on distractor identity. Experiments 4 and 5 show that more difficult search for one type of target (color) can impair search for other types (size, orientation). Experiment 6 shows that priming guides attention and does not just modulate response.
Use of the Lumitex MD Lightmat® Surgical Illuminator for pediatric genital trauma cases: a retrospective case series

Abstract Study Objectives To review the literature regarding repair of pediatric female genital trauma. To review our experience with the use of a lighted retractor at the time of repair of genital trauma in an operating room setting. Study Design Retrospective case series. Setting Texas Children’s Hospital. Participants Patients with genital trauma requiring repair in an operating room setting where the Lumitex MD Lightmat Surgical Illuminator (LM) was utilized. Interventions Use of the LM in pediatric gynecology patients. Results Of the 16 cases where the LM lighted retractor was utilized, 12 were found to be performed secondary to genital trauma, resulting from straddle injury or coital trauma. Four patients were identified as having either congenital reproductive tract anomalies or foreign body. Patients ranged in age from 1-21 years with a mean age of 9 ± 4.91 years at the time of their vaginal repair. The mean operative time was 82 ± 47 minutes, with cases ranging from 37-182 minutes, with a median blood loss of 7 mL and an average hospital stay of 1.2 days. There were no surgical complications. Conclusion Neurosurgeons and otolaryngologists have been optimizing safe visualization of small areas during surgery for years with the use of the LM. In cases of pediatric deep genital trauma, the LM can be used safely for easy visualization, allowing for direct visualization in cases of deep genital trauma.
Dynamic spiral MRI of pulmonary gas flow using hyperpolarized (3)He: preliminary studies in healthy and diseased lungs.

An optimized interleaved-spiral pulse sequence, providing high spatial and temporal resolution, was developed for dynamic imaging of pulmonary ventilation with hyperpolarized (3)He, and tested in healthy volunteers and patients with lung disease. Off-resonance artifacts were minimized by using a short data-sampling period per interleaf, and gradient-fidelity errors were compensated for by using measured k-space trajectories for image reconstruction. A nonsequential acquisition order was implemented to improve image quality during periods of rapid signal change, such as early inspiration. Using a sliding-window reconstruction, cine-movies with a frame rate of 100 images per second were generated. Dynamic images demonstrating minimal susceptibility- and motion-induced artifacts were obtained in sagittal, coronal, and axial orientations. The pulse sequence had the flexibility to image multiple slices almost simultaneously. Our initial experience in healthy volunteers and subjects with lung pathology demonstrated the potential of this new tool for capturing the features of lung gas-flow dynamics.
Optical parametric processes in nonlinear optics.

The basic concepts on optical parametric processes and recent results on practical parametric oscillators are discussed.