cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Introduction to computer programming with JEROO: post-conference workshop

Computer programming, especially object-oriented programming, is often perceived as being difficult to learn and difficult to teach. Moreover, many students lose confidence early in a programming course. Computing teachers must deal with several concerns. Two of those concerns are especially difficult to solve, namely making the subject seem relevant and attracting female students.
A Characteristic-Hull Based Method for Home Range Estimation

Recent literature has reported inaccuracies associated with some popular home range estimators such as kernel density estimation, especially when applied to point patterns of complex shapes. This study explores the use of characteristic hull polygons (CHPs) as a new method of home range estimation. CHPs are special bounding polygons created in GIS that can have concave edges, be composed of disjoint regions, and contain areas of unoccupied space within their interiors. CHPs are created by constructing the Delaunay triangulation of a set of points and then removing a subset of the resulting triangles. Here, CHPs consisting of 95% of the smallest triangles, measured in terms of perimeter, are applied for home range estimation. First, CHPs are applied to simulated animal locational data conforming to five point pattern shapes at three sample sizes. Then, the method is applied to black-footed albatross (Phoebastria nigripes) locational data for illustration and comparison to other methods. For the simulated data, 95% CHPs produced unbiased home range estimates in terms of size for linear and disjoint point patterns and slight underestimates (8–20%) for perforated, concave, and convex ones. The estimated and known home ranges intersected one another by 72–96%, depending on shape and sample size, suggesting that the method has potential as a home range estimator. Additionally, the CHPs applied to estimate albatross home ranges illustrate how the method produces reasonable estimates for bird species that intensively forage in disjoint habitat patches.
Extreme chirped pulse oscillator (XCPO) using a theta cavity design

We demonstrate an extreme chirped pulse mode-locked laser, simultaneously generating near-transform-limited 3.9-ps optical pulses and /spl sim/510-ps linearly chirped output from the oscillator. The design overcomes fundamental limitations of energy extraction and nonlinearities induced by gain dynamics so that we can increase the dc current of the semiconductor optical amplifier up to 600 mA without distortion of the pulse characteristics. The maximum average power of the stretched pulses from the 1.95-GHz harmonically mode-locked semiconductor laser is measured to be 13.4 mW at 600 mA.
Assessment of preliminary prediction techniques for wing leading-edge vortex flows at supersonic speeds

The applicability of existing theoretical models for predicting wing leading edge separated flow characteristics for high-lift supersonic flight was examined with regard to previous experimental force, pressure and flow visualization data. Correlations of data on uncambered delta wings revealed that the upper surface normal force and minimum pressure coefficients decreased nonlinearly with increasing angles of attack. The attainable vacuum pressure decreased with increasing Mach number, while the lower surface normal force increased nonlinearly with increasing speed. The LISTAR and VORCAM linear theory aerodynamic codes generated predictions for comparison with the data. LISTAR displayed better agreement with measured vortex strength and position and lifting characteristics than did VORCAM. The Euler code SWINT was ill-suited to calculating wing performance in separated flows at high lift and low supersonic speeds.
Selective targeting of the nuclear factor-κB pathway enhances tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis-inducing ligand-mediated pancreatic cancer cell death

Abstract Background. Tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), a member of the tumor necrosis factor family, selectively induces apoptosis in various cancer cells; however, certain cancers can evade TRAIL-mediated apoptosis. FLICE-like inhibitory protein (FLIP), an inhibitor of caspase-8, (also known as FLICE) is regulated by the transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) and can contribute to TRAIL resistance. The purpose of our study was to determine whether inhibition of NF-κB can enhance TRAIL-mediated pancreatic cancer cell death and decrease FLIP levels. Methods. The human pancreatic cancer cell lines MIA PaCa-2 and L3.6 were treated with TRAIL, NEMO-binding domain (NBD) peptide (a novel selective NF-κB inhibitor), or a combination of both. Cell viability and apoptosis were measured. Gel mobility shift assays were performed to assess NF-κB binding activity. Western blots were performed to assess FLIP levels after treatment with NBD or infection with an adenovirus encoding mutated IkappaBalpha. Results. The aggressive L3.6 cell line was resistant to TRAIL treatment, whereas MIA PaCa-2 cells were sensitive to TRAIL. The combination of TRAIL and NBD significantly decreased cell viability and increased apoptosis in L3.6 cells. Cellular levels of FLIP were decreased by inhibition of NF-κB (either by NBD treatment or mutant IkappaBalpha infection). Conclusions. Our findings demonstrate resistance of the aggressive L3.6 pancreatic cell line to TRAIL treatment alone; inhibition of NF-κB by NBD increased TRAIL-mediated cell death and decreased FLIP protein levels. Novel agents that selectively target the NF-κB pathway may be useful adjuvant therapies for chemoresistant pancreatic cancers. (Surgery 2002;132:127-34.)
Hospitalizations for gynecologic cancers: trends in length of stay and cost

Objective: To evaluate the association of gynecologic cancer admission diagnosis with hospital charges and length of stay (LOS). Methods: A retrospective study was conducted of admissions for gynecologic cancer using a statewide discharge database, 1994–1996. Results: Of the 8,715 admissions for women with gynecologic cancers, in 3,632 admissions the primary diagnosis was as follows: cancer of the uterus 1,517/3,632 (42%), ovary 1,169/3,632 (32%), cervix 758/3,632 (21%), vulva 158/3,632 (4.4%), and fallopian tube 30/3,632 (0.01%). The mean age was 59. Forty-one percent was covered by Medicare, 16% HMO, 31% private insurer, and 12% self-pay or Medicaid. The admission diagnoses by ICD-9 code and procedures performed during admission were not significantly changed throughout the study period. The mean LOS declined for cancer of the uterus from 5.9 (standard deviation = 6.2) to 4.7 (standard deviation = 6.3) for cancer of the uterus (P = 0.05), but not for the other cancers. The number of gynecologic cancer patients who were insured by Medicaid significantly increased during the study period, P = 0.05. Patients with Medicare and Medicaid had the highest overall charges, compared with other insurers, but significant differences did not persist (1994–1996). Charges for admissions for cancer of the ovary increased significantly from 1994 to 1996 (P <0.05), but not the other cancers. Conclusions: In this period, no significant trends in admitting diagnosis, costs, procedures, or LOS were seen for most gynecologic cancer admissions. Medicare and Medicaid accounted for 53% of the admissions, and the percentage of patients insured by Medicaid increased significantly during the time period.
Structural basis of type 2A von Willebrand disease investigated by molecular dynamics simulations and experiments

The hemostatic function of von Willebrand factor is downregulated by the metalloprotease ADAMTS13, which cleaves at a unique site normally buried in the A2 domain. Exposure of the proteolytic site is induced in the wild-type by shear stress as von Willebrand factor circulates in blood. Mutations in the A2 domain, which increase its susceptibility to cleavage, cause type 2A von Willebrand disease. In this study, molecular dynamics simulations suggest that the A2 domain unfolds under tensile force progressively through a series of steps. The simulation results also indicated that three type 2A mutations in the C-terminal half of the A2 domain, L1657I, I1628T and E1638K, destabilize the native state fold of the protein. Furthermore, all three type 2A mutations lowered in silico the tensile force necessary to undock the C-terminal helix 6 from the rest of the A2 domain, the first event in the unfolding pathway. The mutations F1520A, I1651A and A1661G were also predicted by simulations to destabilize the A2 domain and facilitate exposure of the cleavage site. Recombinant A2 domain proteins were expressed and cleavage assays were performed with the wild-type and single-point mutants. All three type 2A and two of the three predicted mutations exhibited increased rate of cleavage by ADAMTS13. These results confirm that destabilization of the helix 6 in the A2 domain facilitates exposure of the cleavage site and increases the rate of cleavage by ADAMTS13.
Yeast HMGB Proteins Both Disrupt and Compact Nucleosomes

High-mobility group (HMG) proteins are DNA binding proteins believed to play a significant role in reorganizing the conformation of chromatin, facilitating transcription, replication and DNA repair. Both HMO1 and Nhp6A are Saccharomyces cerevisiae HMGB family sequence-nonspecific DNA binding proteins containing HMG box motifs that generate strong bends in DNA. We are studying the hypothesis that binding of HMGB proteins disrupts chromatin, possibly opening binding sites for other factors. To study this architectural function, we have observed nucleosome conformation in complementary single molecule experiments involving atomic force microscopy (AFM) and optical tweezers (OT). In AFM experiments, nucleosome arrays are reconstituted and probed in liquid on mica substrates. Images reveal tightly compacted nucleosomes, which are characterized by small inter-core particle distances. Increasing concentrations of HMGB proteins initially increase average core particle distance, then decrease it as the DNA is compacted. OT experiments unfold arrays of nucleosome core particles, probing structural stability. OT data show that forces of 10 – 20 pN are required to fully disrupt nucleosome core particles, while experiments in the presence of HMGB proteins show unfolding at lower forces (at and below 10 pN). Taken together, these results indicate HMGB proteins alter chromatin structure, possibly by disrupting, but not fully displacing, nucleosomes.
Edge pattern analysis for edge detection and localization

Edge detection process plays an important role in image processing, and at its most basic level classifies image pixels into edges and non-edge pixels. The accuracy of edge detection methods in general image processing determines the eventual success or failure of computerized analysis procedures which follow the initial edge detection determinations. In view of this downstream impact on pattern processing, considerable care should be taken to improve the accuracy of the front-end edge detection. In general, edges would be considered as abrupt changes or discontinuity in intensity of an image. Therefore, most of edge detection algorithms are designed to capture signal discontinuities but the spatial character of especially complex edge patterns has not received enough attention. Edges can be divided into basic patterns such as ramp, impulse, and step: different types have different shapes and consequent mathematical properties. In this paper, the behavior of various edge patterns, under different order derivatives in the discrete domain, are examined and analyzed to determine how to accurately detect and localize these edge patterns, especially reducing double edge response that is one important drawback to the derivative method. General rules about the depiction of edge patterns are proposed. Asides from the ideal patterns already described, other pattern types, such as stair and roof, are examined to broaden the initial analysis. Experiments conducted to test my propositions support the idea that edge patterns are instructive in enhancing the accuracy of edge detection and localization.
The effect of prolonged incubation on RNA polymerase activity from surviving rat uteri.

Abstract An 8-hr incubation of surviving immature rat uteri at 37 ° in tissue culture medium resulted in a 200% increase in DNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity (Nucleoside triphosphate: RNA nucleotidyl transferase, E.C. 2.7.7.6.). This increase in enzyme activity, shown previously to be dependent upon protein synthesis, has now been shown to require a temperature-sensitive (23 °) process as well. Since estradiol-17β-stimulated (4-hr) rat uterine DNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity is also controlled by protein and a similar temperature-sensitive process, the data suggest that the prolonged incubation of non-hormone-treated, immature rat uteri mimics the effect of estrogen.
Unbiased estimates of the Weibull parameters by the linear regression method

For sample sizes from 5 to 100, the bias of the scale parameter was investigated for probability estimators, P = (i − a)/(n + b), which yield unbiased estimates of the shape parameter. A class of unbiased estimators for both the shape and scale parameters was developed for each sample size. In addition, the percentage points of the distribution of unbiased estimate of the shape parameter were determined for all sample sizes. The distribution of the scale parameter was found to be normal by using the Anderson-Darling goodness-of-fit test. How the results can be used to establish confidence intervals on both the shape and scale parameters are demonstrated in the paper.
An acoustic particle counter—Preliminary results

Abstract The detection of dust particles in air by an acoustic phenomenon is described. The particles are passed through a sensor in which they are gradually accelerated to about 100 m./sec. and then the particles are suddenly projected into a wide exit cavity. At this point a pressure pulse is generated by a particle and gives an audible click. The sound pulse lasts 2 to 20 milliseconds, depending on the entrance design, and has an optimum signal-to-noise ratio of 50 1 . This sensor in its present state detects particles down to 5 microns with no change in signal amplitude with size. It has been applied in the laboratory to count ice crystals in supercooled clouds.
Prior third- or fourth-degree perineal tears and recurrence risks.

Abstract Objective: The objective of the present study is to determine the recurrence risk of a third-degree (into the anal sphincter) or a fourth-degree (into the rectum) perineal tear in women with a prior extensive laceration. Methods: Data were gathered from our computerized perinatal database between January 1990 and December 1994. Women who had two consecutive singleton deliveries were chosen as subjects. Results: The rate of an extensive perineal laceration was greater if a tear had occurred in a previous pregnancy (19 of 178 cases, 10.7% vs. 56% of 1563 cases, 3.6%, odds ratio 3.4. A 95% confidence interval: 1.8–6.4; p
Dynamic characteristic of binary srv distillation systems

Abstract This paper reports a simulation study of SRV (secondary reflux and vaporization) distillation system using a perturbed linear model. The important factors which affect the dynamics are the heat transfer rate between the rectifying and the stripping sections, and the mean temperature differences between the process fluid and the cooling or heating medium at the condenser and the reboiler. The system becomes unstable if the mean temperature differences at the condenser and the reboiler are small, and the heat transfer rate between the rectifying and the stripping sections falls within a certain critical range of values. On either side of this range the system is insensitive to any kind of disturbances because of the inherent regulation occurring between them. Modal analysis shows that the external reflux rate activates the slowest mode which contains mainly the contributions of liquid concentrations on all stages.
Position-dependent CCD charge diffusion: results from HST/ACS

Charge diffusion can vary significantly over the area of a thinned CCD due to local differences in the device thickness. This effect can cause variations in the widths of point spread functions over the field of view. Analyses of on-orbit Hubble Space Telescope Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) Wide Field Camera (WFC) star cluster images show a direct relationship between stellar PSF widths and CCD thickness measurements. PSF model fitting was used to separate variations caused by aberrations from charge diffusion effects. The results show that in the ACS/WFC, which undersamples the PSF by a factor of two at 0.5 μm, the core width of a star’s image is determined mostly by charge diffusion and varies by 30% - 40% over the field, with larger differences at shorter wavelengths. This effect should be considered for any instrument that uses thinned CCDs and does not fully sample the optical PSF.
Murine Sertoli cells" major histocompatibility antigens and glycoconjugates

Abstract Sertoli cells, cultured from testes of 2–3-week-old Balb/c mice, contain tripartite nucleoli, exhibit phagocytic function, and have the typical morphologic appearance of Sertoli cells by light microscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis indicated the presence on mouse Sertoli cells of H-2 but not Ia antigens. Alpha-D-mannose and N -acetyl-D-glucosamine determinants are detected on Sertoli cell surface by inhibition of lectin binding using appropriate sugars. Interaction of Sertoli cells with concanavalin A (Con A) or wheatgerm agglutinin (WGA) results in rapid patching of the labeled lectin, which become internalized as perinuclear vesicles. These changes are accompanied by rounding of the Sertoli cell, mimicking cellular changes known to occur when rat Sertoli cells are stimulated in vitro by FSH or cyclic AMP. Thus, Sertoli cells have surface alloantigens that permit them to serve as target to cytotoxic T lymphocytes, but not as antigen presenting cells.
Tensions between the epidemiology and psychology of HIV risk: implications for pre-exposure prophylaxis.

This study focuses on psychological differences in risk-taking patterns and their association with risk compensation motivations in the context of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Participants were 257 HIV-negative MSM and transgender women recruited in New York City. The majority of participants (89.5 %, n = 230), could be classified as either: Intimates (40 %), who report unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) only with a main partner believed to be HIV-negative; Trusters (34 %), who engaged in UAI only with casual partners believed to be HIV-negative; and Gamblers (26 %) who report UAI with partners of unknown serostatus. Partner-based classifications were better predictors of HIV risk perception and other traditional correlates of risk-taking (e.g. impulsivity, sexual compulsivity) than rates of UAI. The three groups differed significantly in PrEP-related risk compensation motivations: sexual pleasure (Gamblers), intimacy (Trusters) and partner pressure (Intimates). These data underscore the importance of focusing the psychological dynamics of risk perception and sexual decision-making.
ION-MOLECULE REACTIONS AT VERY HIGH TEMPERATURES

Rate coefficients have been measured at temperatures in the range 300-1100 K for three ion-molecule reaction systems, O− + NO and CO, and O2+ + CH4. These results are compared with previous studies of temperature and translational energy dependences of ion-molecule reaction rate coefficients. Problems relating to operation of a flowing afterglow apparatus at high temperatures are discussed.
Nitro-Functionalized Oligothiophenes as a Novel Type of Electroactive Molecular Material: Spectroscopic, Electrochemical, and Computational Study

A novel series of terthiophenes bearing electron-donor and electron-acceptor groups at the end α-positions has been prepared. The analysis of the UV−vis, infrared, and Raman spectra, performed with the aid of density functional theory calculations, shows that the asymmetrically substituted nitro compounds PhT3NO2 and BrT3NO2 behave as push−pull systems and present an intense photoinduced charge transfer in the visible spectrum. The symmetrically substituted dinitro compound NO2T3NO2 displays a highly delocalized structure with a low single−double bond length alternation and also displays a low-energy absorption band in the visible region. The novel nitroterthiophenes possess attractive electrochemical properties since they generate stable species both upon oxidation and reduction. Oxidation mainly involves changes in the oligothiophene backbone and leads to the formation of stable cations even for NO2T3NO2. Reduction is mainly nitro-centered but also affects the conjugated structure. Radical anions and di...
Hempel's criterion of maximal specificity

exemplification along with the entities which it ties. Thus the fact reappears in the analysis of the fact. Again, if one clearly separates the analysis from the representation it is seen that the paradox does not arise. For although one needs a composition rule to construct a linguistic picture of the fact from the list given in the analysis, this does not mean that the linguistic picture itself occurs in the analysis. The analysis simply is the list of signs standing for entities. Hence, there is no worry about combining the signs in the list into a sentence which occurs in the list. Thus the desire to secure the difference between exemplification and things becomes a motive for blurring the distinction between the analysis and the representation. One can agree with Bergmann that the difference must be secured and, if I am right, it can be secured without blurring the distinction.
Interactions between serotonergic agonists and antagonists in rats trained with LSD as a discriminative stimulus

Drugs purported to have selective affinities for 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, and 5-HT2 receptors were tested in rats trained with 0.1 mg LSD versus saline. Included were 5-methoxy-dimethyltryptamine (MDMT), 2,5-dimethoxy-4-methyl-amphetamine (DOM), 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin (8-OH-DPAT), m-trifluoromethylphenyl-piperazine (TFMPP), and 5-methoxy-3-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-4-pyridinyl)-1H-indole (RU-24969). Tests were then repeated in the presence of either pizotyline or pirenperone. DOM substituted for LSD and both were blocked by pizotyline and pirenperone. MDMT, 8-OH-DPAT, TFMPP, and RU-24969 substituted less completely and were variably affected by the antagonists. An unexpected result was potentiation of the stimulus or disruptive effects of certain doses of 8-OH-DPAT and TFMPP by pizotyline and pirenperone. The present findings suggest more complex interactions between these drugs than has previously been assumed.
In situ observation of size-scale effects on the mechanical properties of ZnO nanowires

In this investigation, the size-scale in mechanical properties of individual [0001] ZnO nanowires and the correlation with atomic-scale arrangements were explored via in situ high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) equipped with atomic force microscopy (AFM) and nanoindentation (NI) systems. The Young's modulus was determined to be size-scale-dependent for nanowires with diameter, d, in the range of 40 nm ≤ d ≤ 110 nm, and reached the maximum of ∼ 249 GPa for d = 40 nm. However, this phenomenon was not observed for nanowires in the range of 200 nm ≤ d ≤ 400 nm, where an average constant Young's modulus of ∼ 147.3 GPa was detected, close to the modulus value of bulk ZnO. A size-scale dependence in the failure of nanowires was also observed. The thick ZnO nanowires (d ≥ 200 nm) were brittle, while the thin nanowires (d ≤ 110 nm) were highly flexible. The diameter effect and enhanced Young's modulus observed in thin ZnO nanowires are due to the combined effects of surface relaxation and long-range interactions present in ionic crystals, which leads to much stiffer surfaces than bulk wires. The brittle failure in thicker ZnO wires was initiated from the outermost layer, where the maximum tensile stress operates and propagates along the (0001) planes. After a number of loading and unloading cycles, the highly compressed region of the thinner nanowires was transformed from a crystalline to an amorphous phase, and the region near the neutral zone was converted into a mixture of disordered atomic planes and bent lattice fringes as revealed by high-resolution images.
Nuclear Localization of a Double-Stranded RNA-Binding Protein Encoded by the Vaccinia Virus E3L Gene

We produced a B cell hybridoma (TW2.3) from vaccinia virus-infected mice that secreted a monoclonal antibody (MAb) reactive with a 25-kDA early viral protein that was localized by laser scanning confocal microscopy to the nucleus and cytoplasmic viral factory regions of infected cells. By cell-free translation of mRNA selected by hybridization to a complete library of vaccinia virus DNA fragments, the immunoreactive polypeptide was mapped to open reading frame E3L. The RNA start site of an early promoter was located 26 nucleotides upstream of the first methionine codon of E3L. Evidence was obtained that translation initiation occurs in vivo and in vitro at both the first and second methionine codons to produce major and minor polypeptides of 25 and 19 kDa, respectively. Both polypeptides bound double-stranded RNA, confirming the recent report of H.-W. Chang, J. C. Watson, and B. L. Jacobs (Proc. Natl, Acad. Sci. USA 89, 4825-4829, 1992). Other vaccinia virus proteins were not required for the nuclear localization of the E3L protein, since MAb TW2.3 bound to the nuclei of uninfected cells that were transfected with the E3L gene under the control of the SV40 early promoter. We also demonstrated that the E3L protein can bind to nuclei of aldehyde fixed and detergent permeabilized uninfected cells. This binding was abrogated by treatment of the cells with RNase but not DNase. The nuclear and cytoplasmic locations of the double-stranded RNA binding protein are consistent with multiple functions in the vaccinia virus infectious cycle.
Environmental philosophy 2.0: ethics and conservation biology for the 21st century.

Abstract In this essay, I critically engage Sahotra Sarkar’s Environmental Philosophy. The several topics include the conceptual foundations of conservation biology and traditional philosophy of science, naturalism and its implications, and ethical theory and specifically the status of human welfare.
Improved glycemic control and lower frequency of severe hypoglycemia with insulin detemir; long-term experience in 105 children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of the insulin analog detemir on glycemic control and severe hypoglycemia in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A retrospective chart analysis was performed in 105 patients with type 1 diabetes after switching to insulin detemir between 2004 and 2007. In children below 12 yr of age (n = 53), evening neutral protomin hagedorn (NPH) insulin was replaced by insulin detemir if therapeutic goals were not reached and blood glucose levels were unpredictable or hardly controllable. In adolescents above 12 yr of age (n = 52), insulin detemir was started when changing to intensified insulin therapy. RESULTS: In children below 12 yr of age, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) at start was 8.3 +/- 0.8% and after 12 months of treatment with insulin detemir significantly lowered (7.6 +/- 0.6%, p < 0.001). In the age-group above 12 yr of age at the start of the study, the improvement of HbA1c after 12 months of treatment was less pronounced (8.0 +/- 1.2 vs. 7.6 +/- 1.0%) but still significant (p < 0.01). The risk for severe hypoglycemia was significantly decreased compared with patients attending the outpatient clinic between 1995 and 2003 (4.8/100 patient years vs. 7.6/100 patient years, p = 0.003). From the beginning to the end of the follow-up period, body mass index dropped significantly in children below 12 yr of age but no effect was observed in adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: Use of insulin detemir allows a safe nocturnal glycemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes and is associated with significantly improved HbA1c levels and fewer severe hypoglycemic events. This makes insulin detemir a most valuable new tool for the treatment of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.
Synthesis and stability of zeolitic imidazolate framework-68 membranes

Abstract Large pore zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) membranes offer potential for separation of gases with different adsorption affinity on ZIF crystals and separation of liquid molecules by molecular sieving. In this work continuous, highly crystalline, largely c-oriented ZIF-68 membranes were reproducibly synthesized on macroporous zinc oxide supports by the reactive seeding method. The membranes were roughly 50 microns thick and the single component gas permeance measurements obtained adhered to Knudsen diffusion, indicating the presence of limited nonselective defects. The membranes were found to be highly stable at room temperature and ambient conditions, although immersion in water at room temperature and 100 °C caused irreparable damage to the ZIF-68 crystallinity. Immersion in organic solvents did not render the crystallinity notably altered. A prolonged p-xylene pervaporation run indicated that ZIF-68 membranes were susceptible to fouling, by showing an approximately 55% decrease in p-xylene pervaporation flux from when the membrane was fresh to the second data point tested at 4 h. The extent of fouling equilibrated after 4 h on-stream and the pervaporation flux remained constant throughout the remainder of testing. The membrane crystallinity was not degraded by p-xylene pervaporation.
Terrestrial feedback in atmospheric oxygen regulation by fire and phosphorus

The regulation of atmospheric oxygen levels (pO2) occurs on million-year timescales and is effected by modulation of sedimentary organic carbon burial and weathering rates1,2. Until recently it was believed that these processes were dominated by material produced by marine organisms; now it appears that terrestrial plants contribute a significant amount of organic detritus to marine sediments. Here I explore the possibility of a coupling between the rates of terrigenous and marine sedimentary organic carbon burial (BOC) that might stabilize PO2 at or near the present atmospheric level. The coupling involves fire as a means to transfer phosphorus, the nutrient that limits global BOC3,4 and thus global oxygen production rates, from terrestrial to marine environments.
Recombinant human interleukin 2 (rIL-2) enhancement of antibody production by human-human hybridomas.

Abstract We studied the effect of highly purified recombinant interleukin 2 from Escherichia coli (rIL-2) on antibody production by our human hybridomas. Increasing concentrations of rIL-2 were directly related to increased production of immunoglobulin, which reached peak levels of 13–25 μg/ml, a 10- to 20-fold increase over untreated hybridomas. We were unable to demonstrate large quantities of the IL-2 receptor on the hybridomas as measured by an anti-TAC monoclonal antibody. The data suggest that the antibody enhancement phenomenon is mediated by IL-2 and that it is a new, effective way to achieve higher levels of immunoglobulin from human hybridomas.
The Civil War Reminiscences of John Marshall Harlan

Towards the end of his life, John Marshall Harlan wrote a series of essays about various events of his life. Collected together, the documents form the closest thing to an autobiography Harlan was to write. Most of the documents concern Harlan's experiences in the Civil War, and some of them repeat the same stories. Cited often in biographies and articles about Harlan, they have never been published before. The three printed here were chosen not only for their individual interest, but also because, taken together, they form a nearly complete account of Harlan's wartime experiences.
A convergence study of a new partitioned fluid-structure interaction algorithm based on fictitious mass and damping

We develop, analyze and validate a new method for simulating fluid-structure interactions (FSIs), which is based on fictitious mass and fictitious damping in the structure equation. We employ a partitioned method for the fluid and structure motions in conjunction with sub-iteration and Aitken relaxation. In particular, the use of such fictitious parameters requires sub-iterations in order to reduce the induced error in addition to the local temporal truncation error. To this end, proper levels of tolerance for terminating the sub-iteration procedure have been obtained in order to recover the formal order of temporal accuracy. For the coupled FSI problem, these fictitious terms have a significant effect, leading to better convergence rate and hence substantially smaller number of sub-iterations. Through analysis we identify the proper range of these parameters, which we then verify by corresponding numerical tests. We implement the method in the context of spectral element discretization, which is more sensitive than low-order methods to numerical instabilities arising in the explicit FSI coupling. However, the method we present here is simple and general and hence applicable to FSI based on any other discretization. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the method in applications involving 2D vortex-induced vibrations (VIV) and in 3D flexible arteries with structural density close to blood density. We also present 3D results for a patient-specific aneurysmal flow under pulsatile flow conditions examining, in particular, the sensitivity of the results on different values of the fictitious parameters.
A manual method for reducing sugar determinations with 2,2′-bicinchoninate reagent

Abstract A method was developed to analyze reducing sugars manually by use of a 2,2′-bicinchoninate reagent. Potassium phosphate was used to buffer the reagent. Ethylene glycol increased the sensitivity of the assay for several sugars. Sugar determinations can be performed in the presence of borate ion. In comparative assays of a number of monosaccharides and disaccharides, the bicinchoninate reagent was about as sensitive as the Nelson reagent but more convenient to use. The effects of ethylene glycol concentration, reagent pH, heating time, and borate ion on color development were evaluated.
A prospective analysis of the relationship between reported child maltreatment and special education eligibility among poor children

This study presents data from the first large-scale longitudinal study to track the involvement of children reported for maltreatment in both the special education and child welfare systems. A range of state and local administrative databases were combined and cross-sector service histories were established for 7,940 children who had received Aid to Families With Dependent Children between 1993 and 1994. The authors address the following questions: (a) Is maltreatment associated with entry into special education after controlling for other factors? (b) among maltreated children, does maltreatment type or child welfare service use predict special education eligibility? and (c) what is the relationship between maltreatment type and type of educational disability? Results indicate that child maltreatment system involvement generally predates special education entry and is predictive of entry even after controlling for other factors. A range of other associations between factors such as child and maternal characteristics, services received, maltreatment type, and special education classification are detailed. Language: en
A Descriptive Study of “Being with Woman” During Labor and Birth

The objective of this study was to learn more about women's perceptions of the nurse-midwifery practice of “being with woman” during childbirth. The descriptive, correlational design used a convenience sample of 238 low-risk postpartum women in a hospital nurse-midwifery practice, with two childbirth settings: a standard labor and delivery unit and an in-hospital birth center. The main outcome measure was a 29-item seven-response Likert scale questionnaire, the Positive Presence Index (PPI), administered to women cared for during labor and birth by nurse-midwives to measure the concept of being with woman. Statistical analysis demonstrated women who gave birth in the in-hospital birth center or who began labor in the in-hospital birth center prior to an indicated transfer to the standard labor and delivery unit gave higher PPI scores than women who were admitted to and gave birth on the standard labor and delivery unit. Parity, ethnicity, number of midwives attending, presence of personal support persons, length of labor, and pain relief medications were unrelated to PPI scores. Two coping/comfort techniques, music therapy and breathing, were found to be correlated with reported higher PPI scores than those of women who did not use the techniques. These results can be used to encourage continued use of midwifery care and for low client to midwife caseloads during childbirth, and to modify hospital settings to include more in-hospital birth centers.
Influence of Contaminated Fuel on Turbine Vane Surface Deposition

This paper presents the results of an EPRI sponsored test program to determine the extent and chemical makeup of turbine inlet nozzle guide vane surface deposition resulting from extended exposure to contaminated combustion gas. Testing was accomplished in a three-vane cascade facility at a nominal gas temperature level of 1365°. Over the course of the test, the cascade was operated at fixed coolant feed pressure and expansion ratios consistent with engine conditions. The test vanes represented existing hardware featuring porous wall skin cooling. Testing was terminated after 96 h when pressure surface deposits became sufficiently great to significantly alter passage aerodynamics. Key findings included the observation that vane deposition was confined to the airfoil pressure surface and that, despite progressive blockage of cooling air flow, time averaged pressure surface metal temperature levels actually decreased over the course of the test.
On the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of an overlapping Markov chain

Starting with a sequence of i.i.d. [uniform] random variables with m possible values, we consider the overlapping Markov chain formed by sliding a window of size k through the i.i.d. sequence. We study the limiting covariance matrix B k of this Markov chain and give algorithms for constructing the eigenvectors of B k . We also discuss the applicability of the results in strengthening Pearson’s χ2 test as well as the relation to approximate entropy and the usefulness in the area of testing the hypothesis of uniformity of random number generators.
The Perils of Workplace Recognition: Antecedents to Discomfort Associated with Being the Target of Upward Comparisons

This field study of 118 award-winning sales agents (24 male, 94 female) investigated possible antecedents to their experiencing comparison target discomfort (CTD). Award winners' interpersonal sensitivity, empathic concern, and competitive psychological climate, as well as upward comparison threat experienced by the award winners' coworkers, were all expected to increase CTD for award-winning agents. Results lend some support for empathic concern, competitive psychological climate, and coworkers' upward comparison threat as possible antecedents to award winners' CTD and give insight into the potential negative effects of workplace reward systems.
Solid-State NMR Investigation of Promoted Silver Catalysts

Abstract The effects of cesium promoters on silver catalysts, supported by γ-alumina, were studied by adsorbing mono- or dilabeled [13C]ethylene onto the catalysts and performing low-temperature (70 K) solid-state13C NMR measurements on the ethylene. Selective isotopic enrichment was used to investigate the electronic environment present in and around the ethylene molecule as a function of promoter concentration. Changes in the spectroscopic parameters describing the ethylene lineshapes were extracted using a nonlinear least-squares procedure. These parameters were then used to determine the structure of the ethylene molecule on the surface and to probe the changes induced by adding cesium promoters. Similarly, the state of cesium in the catalyst system was investigated by spin-echo double-resonance spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy X-ray fluorescence methods. The results imply that the form of cesium is not that of an oxide but, in all probability, reflect those of a cation–anion pair.
TiNi synthesis from elemental powder components

Commercially, the shape memory alloy TiNi is produced by either vacuum induction melting or by vacuum arc remelting of the pure metal ingots. Powder metallurgy techniques provide an alternative fabrication route but problems arise achieving chemical homogeneity. In this study TiNi compacts were cold pressed from the blended elemental powders and sintered in vacuum for varying times at temperatures from 800 degree(s)C to 1000 degree(s)C. Two heating rates were used, 5 K/min and 10 K/min. A TiNi microstructure could be produced after annealing at 1000 degree(s)C for 6 hrs, although some TiNi3 was still observed. This is likely to be difficult to completely remove as TiNi3 is thermodynamically more stable than TiNi. Thus, homogenization is unlikely to be completed by solid-state diffusion processes. The martensitic B19' structure was observed to be highly oriented after processing.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
First-order semidefinite programming for the two-electron treatment of many-electron atoms and molecules

The ground-state energy and properties of any many-electron atom or molecule may be rigorously computed by variationally computing the two-electron reduced density matrix rather than the many-electron wavefunction. While early attempts fifty years ago to compute the ground-state 2-RDM directly were stymied because the 2-RDM must be constrained to represent an N -electron wavefunction, recent advances in theory and optimization have made direct computation of the 2-RDM possible. The constraints in the variational calculation of the 2-RDM require a special optimization known as a semidefinite programming. Development of first-order semidefinite programming for the 2-RDM method has reduced the computational costs of the calculation by orders of magnitude [Mazziotti, Phys. Rev. Lett. 93 (2004) 213001]. The variational 2-RDM approach is effective at capturing multi-reference correlation effects that are especially important at non-equilibrium molecular geometries. Recent work on 2-RDM methods will be reviewed and illustrated with particular emphasis on the importance of advances in large-scale semidefinite programming.
TREATMENT OF CHRONIC DRUNK DRIVERS: THE TURNING POINT PROJECT

One current area of concern in the United States is how to deal with drunk drivers. This article presents results of an evaluation of Turning Point, a program designed to treat and educate chronic drunk drivers. The evaluation sought to determine whether Turning Point subjects performed better than other chronic drunk drivers after they were released from custody. The analysis concludes that Turning Point subjects were less likely to be arrested for new alcohol-related offenses or for any other offense upon their release from custody.
Postdischarge surveillance for nosocomial wound infection: a brief review and commentary.

Abstract Escalating medical care costs during the last decade have resulted in shorter hospital stays and higher volumes of outpatient surgical procedures. As a result, the proportion of nosocomial surgical wound infections manifesting after discharge will increase. We performed a literature review to assess the current state of the art of postdischarge surveillance for nosocomial wound infection. From 20% to 70% of postoperative surgical site infections do not become apparent until after the patient's discharge, resulting in serious underreporting of true rates. Infections in outpatients are not being identified efficiently. Institutions using self-reporting methods report a low validity for these methods. The Centers for Disease Control and the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations currently have no strong guidelines on the subject. Since valid postdischarge surveillance may become a necessity for a quality infection control program, new national recommendations are needed.
Characterization of the entire transcription unit of the mouse fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF-1) gene. Tissue-specific expression of the FGF-1.A mRNA.

Fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF-1, also known as acidic FGF) is a mitogen for a variety of mesoderm- and neuroectoderm-derived cells, as well as an angiogenic factor in vivo. It has been implicated in angiogenic diseases including atherosclerosis, cancer and inflammatory diseases. In the present study, the entire transcriptional unit of the mouse FGF-1 gene, including four promoters, is characterized. By nucleotide sequence and RNase protection analyses, we have determined that its 3′-end resides 3.2 kilobase pairs downstream from the stop codon. We have previously cloned and characterized the mouse homologue of the human 1B promoter, as well as a novel upstream untranslated exon. In order to elucidate the regulatory mechanism of FGF-1 gene expression, the mouse promoter containing TATA and CAAT consensus sequences (FGF-1.A) was isolated from a P1 library and characterized. We further determined that the mouse heart is the most abundant source for the FGF-1.A mRNA. Finally, via both RNase protection analysis and 5′-rapid amplification of cDNA ends, we determined the transcription start site of the FGF-1.A mRNA.
Regional Outcomes After Admission for High-Risk Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes

Abstract Purpose An analysis of reginal variation across the United States in the treatment and outcomes of patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE ACS) has not been previously performed. Subjects and Methods We assessed contemporary practice and outcomes in 56,466 high-risk patients with NSTE ACS (positive cardiac markers and/or ischemic ST-segment changes) admitted to 310 hospitals across four defined regions in the United States from January 1, 2001, to September 30, 2003. Patient clinical characteristics, acute ( Results Statistically significant but clinically small differences in baseline characteristics including age, gender, rates of diabetes, hypertension, and smoking, as well as medical treatment, including a greater than 5% variation in acute use of beta-blockers, clopidogrel, and statins use, were noted across regions. Adjusted rates of revascularization were similar across regions. Overall in-hospital case-fatality rate was 4.1%, with the highest rates in the Midwest (4.6%) and the lowest in the Northeast (3.5%). Adjusted odds ratios (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI] for death were significantly higher in the Midwest (OR 1.42, CI 1.19-1.70), West (OR 1.40 CI 1.05-1.87), and South (OR 1.33, CI 1.08-1.62), compared with the Northeast. Conclusions Management of high-risk patients with NSTE ACS is relatively uniform across the United States. However, in-hospital case-fatality rates vary significantly by region, and the differences are not explained by adjustment for standard clinical variables.
Goldberger-Treiman discrepancy and the momentum variation of the pion-nucleon form factor and pion decay constant

We suggest that the observed 6% Goldberger-Treiman discrepancy is due in part to a 3% variation in the pionnucleon form factor and in part due to a 3% variation in the pion decay form factor from ${q}^{2}=m_{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{}{}_{}{}^{2}$ to ${q}^{2}=0$.