cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
REAL-TIME BLADDER-LAYER RECOGNITION: AN APPROACH TO OPTICAL BIOPSY

The lining of the bladder is comprised of well defined layers that are clearly visible in optical coherence tomography (OCT) images of healthy bladder tissue. These layers are disturbed when cancerous cells are present. Consequently, recognition and classification of the layers of the bladder is very important in recognizing and staging bladder cancer. We present an algorithm that uses texture analysis, the k-means clustering algorithm, and edge detection software to segment OCT images of the lining of the bladder. We visually segmented 101 OCT images of bladder tissue, ran our algorithm on the images, and compared the results. The segmentation matched 59% of the time, matched reasonably well, with clear sources of error 29% of the time, and was incorrect 12% of the time. The combination of this algorithm with future texture analysis of the segmented layers will provide the tools required to perform a real-time optical biopsy using OCT
Lysophosphatidic acid stimulates phospholipase D activity and cell proliferation in PC-3 human prostate cancer cells.

Phospholipase D (PLD) is activated in mammalian cells in response to a variety of growth factors and may play a role in cell proliferation. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive metabolite potentially generated as a result of PLD activation. Two human prostate cancer cell lines, PC-3 and LNCaP, express membrane PLD activity. The effects of LPA on PLD activity and proliferation were examined in PC-3 cells, which express hPLD1a/1b. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) induced a prolonged activation of PLD, as detected in both intact cells and membranes. LPA induced a transient activation of PLD that was maximal by 10 minutes. The EC50 for LPA-induced PLD activation was approximately 1 μM. Pertussis toxin did not inhibit activation of PLD by LPA or PMA. Ro-31-8220 and bisindolylmaleimide I, inhibitors of protein kinase C, blocked activation by PLD by both PMA and LPA. PMA-induced activation of PLD did not appear to require translocation of PLDs from cytosol to membrane. LPA stimulated proliferation of PC-3 cells with an EC50 of approximately 0.2 μM; this response was not inhibited by pertussis toxin. Perillyl alcohol, an anti-cancer drug, reversibly inhibited proliferation in response to either serum or LPA but did not inhibit activation of PLD by PMA or LPA. These data establish that LPA activates PLD and stimulates proliferation via Gi-independent pathways in a human prostate cancer cell line. J. Cell. Physiol. 174:261–272, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Three-dimensional shape pattern recognition using vertex-edge graphs

Abstract A method for computer recognition of shape patterns from a three-dimensional (3D) boundary representation of a solid object is described. The vertices of the object in the solid modelling database are classified by analysing the topology and geometric properties surrounding the vertices. Using vertex types to label the nodes of a vertex-edge (V-E) graph of a designed object, a labelled graph with sufficient shape information for recognition is established. The graphs for regional shape patterns can be defined in the forms of these labelled graphs. The recognition of each single regional pattern requires matching the pattern graph to subgraphs embedded in the labelled graph for the object. A hierarchy can be established for shape patterns identified by this method. The role of pattern recognition for CAD/CAM integration has been discussed in this research.
Chronic cannulation of the rat nasal passage.

Abstract This note describes the fabrication of a simple, inexpensive, odor-free cannula and swivel connector that can be chronically implanted in the rat nasal passage. The threaded cannula is held in place by threads in the nasal bone and in a cap of dental cement. With this cannula, implanted animals may move freely during olfactory stimulation, and require no special training to attend to the odor. All flow parts and materials in contact with the animal are of teflon.
A Phase II Study of Sagopilone (ZK 219477; ZK-EPO) in Patients With Breast Cancer and Brain Metastases

Abstract Background Patients with progressive metastatic breast cancer to the central nervous system (CNS) have limited treatment options. Patients and Methods We conducted a phase II study of sagopilone, an epothilone B analogue that crosses the blood-brain barrier, in patients with breast cancer brain metastases. Women were treated with 16 mg/m 2 or 22 mg/m 2 intravenously every 21 days. The primary endpoint was CNS objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints included toxicity, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Using modified, high-resolution magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), we also evaluated changes in vessel tortuosity with treatment. Results Fifteen women were enrolled; all had progressive CNS disease despite whole-brain radiotherapy. Two patients achieved a partial response (ORR, 13.3%) and remained in the study for 6 cycles. Responses were not associated with normalization of tumor-associated vessels on correlative imaging studies. Median PFS and OS were 1.4 months and 5.3 months, respectively. The most common grade 3 toxicities were lymphopenia and fatigue. Enrollment was stopped prematurely because of limited observed activity and slow accrual. Conclusions Sagopilone was associated with modest CNS activity in patients with breast cancer; however median PFS was disappointing. Further studies should examine other potentially active agents and/or combinations for this challenging clinical problem.
The fractal geometry of thermal and chemical time series from the active layer, Alaska

Two data sets were used to examine the fractal geometry of constituent time series. Soil temperature and soil water ionic concentration observations were collected in August 1991 at proximal sites at the Caribou-Poker Creeks Research Watershed near Fairbanks, Alaska. The second data set contains thermal records of the 1984 active layer freezeback from Toolik Lake. Following Fourier transformation, log (variance) was plotted as a function of log (wavelength) and three parameters were generated: the exponent (S) of the power law fit to the variance spectrum, the Hausdorff-Besicovitch Dimension (Dhb) and the Coefficient of Determination (R2). This procedure measures both the degree of roughness of a time series (Dhb) and the degree to which the time series approaches a ‘pure’ fractal condition (R2 = 1.0). The Caribou-Poker Creeks data set demonstrates that time series from different microenvironments can be discriminated in (R2, S) space. The thermal records from Toolik Lake show that, during formation of the isothermal ‘zero curtain’ layer, heat transfer is accomplished primarily by non-conductive processes. The zero-curtain effect is characterized by a ‘pink noise’ spectrum with strong cyclic elements, an increase in Dhb and a corresponding decrease in R2. The methods were applied here to a single probe, but confirm previous analyses employing apparent thermal diffusivity calculations and spectral comparisons requiring data from multiple levels. La geometrie fractale de deux series de donnees temporelles a ete etudiee. Des observations de la temperature du sol et de la concentration ionique de l'eau du sol ont ete rassemblees en aoǔt 1991 dans des sites proches du Centre de Recherche des eaux de Caribou-Polker Creeks pres de Fairbanks en Alaska. La seconde serie de donnees consiste dans des enregistrements thermiques au moment du retour du gel dans la couche active en 1984, pres du Lac Toolik. Suivant la transformation de Fourier, le logarithme de la variance, a ete reporte comme une fonction du logarithme de la longuer d'onde et 3 parametres ont ete generes: l'exposant (S) loi du puissance adapte au spectre de la variance, la dimension Hausdorff-Besicovitch (Dhb) et le coefficient de determination (R2). Cette procedure mesure a la fois le degre d'irregularit d'une serie temporelle et le degre auquel, les series de temps approachent une condition fractale pure (R2 = 1.0).
Extracting paleoclimate signals from sediment laminae: An automated 2-D image processing method

Lake sediments commonly contain laminations and the occurrence and quantitative attributes of these microstrata contain signals of their depositional environment, limnological conditions, and past climate. However, the identification and measurement of laminae and their attributes remains a largely semi-manual process that is tedious, labor intensive, but subject to human error. Here, we present a method to automatically measure and accurately extract lamina properties from sediment core images. This method is comprised of four major components: (1) image enhancement that includes noise reduction and contrast enhancement to improve signal-to-background ratio and resolution of laminae; (2) identification of 1-D laminae for a user-chosen area in an image; (3) laminae connectivity analyses on the 1-D laminae to obtain a lamina stratigraphy; and (4) extraction and retrieval of the primary and derived lamination stratigraphic data. Sediment core images from Lake Hitchcock and Lake Bosumtwi were used for algorithm development and testing. Our experiments show a complete match between laminae produced by the software and manual process for images from Lake Hitchcock. Quantitative comparisons reveal an insignificant discrepancy in the number of laminae identified automatically by the software and manually by researchers, and in over 90% of the cases the position mismatch of individual laminae is less than one pixel between the software and the manual method for the experimental images from Lake Bosumtwi.
A two-dimensional gas fluidized bed for hydrodynamic and elutriation studies

Abstract A two-dimensional fluidized bed having the dimensions of 52.1 cm (20.5 in) by 2.00 cm (0.787 in) is designed and tested for its use in hydrodynamic and elutriation studies. The fluidization column is provided with a calming section and freeboard which are 45.7 cm (18.0 in) and 129.5 cm (51.0 in) high respectively. A porous distributor plate is provided whose pressure drop is found to vary linearly with air velocity in the range of current interest. Fluidization experiments with three sand particles (788, 488 and 167 μm), glass beads (427 μm), millet (2064 μm) and green peas (4578 μm) are reported. Bed expansion and bubble growth characteristics are examined in some detail. Variations of bed height and pressure drop with fluidization velocity are analyzed to establish bed voidage as a function of gas velocity, and minimum fluidization velocity. The latter is also measured for three particles in a 0.305 m square fluidized bed. These studies reveal that two-dimensional fluidized beds are great tools for making novel qualitative investigations for mechanistic details of processes taking place in three-dimensional fluidized beds. Currently, investigations are underway for elutriation phenomenon.
Advances in Cytokinin Signaling

Cytokinins are essential plant hormones that control various processes in plants' development and response to external stimuli. The Arabidopsis cytokinin signal transduction pathway involves hybrid histidine protein kinase sensors, phosphotransfer proteins, and regulators as transcription activators and repressors in a phosphorelay system. Each step is executed by components encoded by multigene families. Recent findings have revealed new functions, new feedback loops, and connections to other signaling pathways.
Wind-tunnel evaluation of NASA developed control laws for flutter suppression on a DC-10 derivative wing

Two flutter suppression control laws were synthesized, implemented, and tested on a low speed aeroelastic wing model of a DC-10 derivative. The methodology used to design the control laws is described. Both control laws demonstrated increases in flutter speed in excess of 25 percent above the passive wing flutter speed. The effect of variations in gain and phase on the closed loop performance was measured and compared with analytical predictions. The analytical results are in good agreement with experimental data.
GABA levels in CSF of neurological patients by high performance liquid chromatography

Abstract Recently we have developed a simple and sensitive assay for the measurement of GABA in fluids and tissues by high performance liquid chromatography [16]. The only sample preparation required is deproteinization and usually 100 μl of CSF is all that is required for a reliable determination of OABA. We have measured GABA CSF levels in patients with various neurological disorders as well as in a few control specimens. The control values, around 300 nM, agree with published results. Patients with Parkinson's disease or Huntington's chorea had CSF GABA levels ranging from 26–150 nM with occasional high values and are in general agreement with those reported by Enna et al. [7]. Cerebrospinal fluid GABA levels in patients with myoclonus, stroke, dystonia and other miscellaneous neurological disorders ranged from 50–600 nM, without any recognizable pattern. From the results obtained thus far, low levels of CSF GABA are not necessarily limited to patients with Huntington's chorea or Parkinson's disease.
Habitat Preservation and Restoration: Do Homebuyers have Preferences for Quality Habitat?

Abstract This research examines homebuyers' preferences for nearby riparian habitat, an important issue because quality riparian habitat competes for water resources with other activities in semi-arid regions and because federal and local governments allocate significant resources to riparian habitat preservation and restoration plans. Riparian vegetation surveys comprising comprehensive measures of the ecological characteristics of riparian habitat were completed in the metropolitan Tucson study area and the data incorporated into a hedonic analysis of single family residential house prices. The results indicate that high quality riparian habitat adds value to nearby homes and that instead of indiscriminately valuing “green” open space, nearby homebuyers distinguish between biologically significant riparian vegetation characteristics. This research also suggests that it is worthwhile to account for the heterogeneity of natural amenities in hedonic analysis. Furthermore the results suggest that riparian preservation and restoration programs are more likely to receive public support if they incorporate features that are preferred by nearby homeowners. Our study's results show that household preferences for existing riparian habitat match features of the ecologically-functional riparian habitat envisaged in a recently funded joint federal-city urban riparian restoration project in Tucson, Arizona.
Training in Human Relations Skills as a Preferred Mode of Treatment for Married Couples

While effective communication is recognized as important to marital adjustment, few therapeutic alternatives specifically attempt to teach improved communication skills in a systematic manner. In this study, five couples experiencing marital difficulties participated in a traditional therapy group with emphasis upon cathartic release and problem solving. A similar group of five couples participated in a training group consisting of a systematic didactic and experiential approach emphasizing the ability to discriminate and communicate helpfully. The results of outcome measures assessing gain in interpersonal skills and overall functioning indicate significant improvement in the training as compared to the traditional group.
A survey of emergency department staff about challenges and recommendations for emergency department care of extended care facility patients.

Abstract Objectives Extended care facility (ECF) patients who transfer to emergency departments (EDs) can pose problems when complicated health problems require extra resources. Higher numbers of older patients are projected to use EDs, so we aimed to identify problems now to implement solutions before they worsen in the future. Design This was a prospective survey research study. Setting ED in a safety net teaching hospital in the Midwest. Participants ED personnel. Measurements Confidential, anonymous survey collected views and opinions of ED personnel about problematic issues related to emergency care of ECF residents. The survey targeted communication problems, patient satisfaction concerns, difficult characteristics of patient population, need for education, need for research—and solicited open-ended remarks. Results ED staff reported concern about flawed communication and poor documentation from the ECF. Based on job title, divergent viewpoints were reported about pharmacological challenges and comfort levels in managing older patients in the ED. Top training priorities were special needs of older adults, detecting abuse in older adults, and specific medical and psychosocial issues associated with older adults. Increased communication among all levels of geriatric care is recommended, especially from extended care facility staff before patient arrival at the ED. Conclusion Because population projections predict an increasing trend of older adults, health care providers must think ahead and prepare for future medical needs. This survey was an inexpensive and effective way to identify next steps. We plan to use the survey results to initiate collaboration with ED staff, EMS providers, and ECF staff to identify specific actions to improve acute care for elderly patients—for the present and the future.
THE NORMALIZATION OF EJECTED-ELECTRON SPECTRA USING AUGER PEAKS

Abstract A technique is described that uses Auger peaks to correct pairs of ejected-electron spectra for three types of instrumental effects in a crossed-beam apparatus with an atomic cadmium target. By comparing Auger peaks that occur in autoionizing spectra taken 180° apart, it is possible to energy-align the spectra to 1 meV, to normalize their relative intensity to 2%, and to correct for different energy resolutions to within 1%.
P2Y2 Nucleotide Receptor-Mediated Responses in Brain Cells

Acute inflammation is important for tissue repair; however, chronic inflammation contributes to neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and occurs when glial cells undergo prolonged activation. In the brain, stress or damage causes the release of nucleotides and activation of the G(q) protein-coupled P2Y(2) nucleotide receptor subtype (P2Y(2)R) leading to pro-inflammatory responses that can protect neurons from injury, including the stimulation and recruitment of glial cells. P2Y(2)R activation induces the phosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a response dependent upon the presence of a SH3 binding domain in the intracellular C terminus of the P2Y(2)R that promotes Src binding and transactivation of EGFR, a pathway that regulates the proliferation of cortical astrocytes. Other studies indicate that P2Y(2)R activation increases astrocyte migration. P2Y(2)R activation by UTP increases the expression in astrocytes of alpha(V)beta(3/5) integrins that bind directly to the P2Y(2)R via an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) motif in the first extracellular loop of the P2Y(2)R, an interaction required for G(o) and G(12) protein-dependent astrocyte migration. In rat primary cortical neurons (rPCNs) P2Y(2)R expression is increased by stimulation with interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), a pro-inflammatory cytokine whose levels are elevated in AD, in part due to nucleotide-stimulated release from glial cells. Other results indicate that oligomeric beta-amyloid peptide (Abeta(1-42)), a contributor to AD, increases nucleotide release from astrocytes, which would serve to activate upregulated P2Y(2)Rs in neurons. Data with rPCNs suggest that P2Y(2)R upregulation by IL-1beta and subsequent activation by UTP are neuroprotective, since this increases the non-amyloidogenic cleavage of amyloid precursor protein. Furthermore, activation of IL-1beta-upregulated P2Y(2)Rs in rPCNs increases the phosphorylation of cofilin, a cytoskeletal protein that stabilizes neurite outgrowths. Thus, activation of pro-inflammatory P2Y(2)Rs in glial cells can promote neuroprotective responses, suggesting that P2Y(2)Rs represent a novel pharmacological target in neurodegenerative and other pro-inflammatory diseases.
Relationship between mirror dimensions and failure stress for optical fibers

Standard glass optical fiber was intentionally damaged and strength tested in tension for a wide range of failure stress values. The mirror/mist boundary on each specimen was measured and compared to the measured failure stress. When the size of the fracture mirror is small compared to the fiber diameter, the well-known linear square root dependence of strength on mirror size was reaffirmed. However, when the mirror size approaches the fiber diameter, this relationship does not hold. The classical relationship overestimates the failure stress for large mirrors. It was determined that the circular shape of the fiber contributes to, but can not fully account for, departure from the classical strength/mirror relationship. A new empirical relationship was developed to enable predictive determinations of failure stress to levels as low as 20 to 25 kpsi (0.14 to 0.17 GPa).
Compositional evolution of the zoned calcalkaline magma chamber of Mount Mazama, Crater Lake, Oregon

The climactic eruption of Mount Mazama has long been recognized as a classic example of rapid eruption of a substantial fraction of a zoned magma body. Increased knowledge of eruptive history and new chemical analyses of ∼350 wholerock and glass samples of the climactic ejecta, preclimactic rhyodacite flows and their inclusions, postcaldera lavas, and lavas of nearby monogenetic vents are used here to infer processes of chemical evolution of this late Pleistocene — Holocene magmatic system. The 6845±50 BP climactic eruption vented ∼50 km3 of magma to form: (1) rhyodacite fall deposit; (2) welded rhyodacite ignimbrite; and (3) lithic breccia and zoned ignimbrite, these during collapse of Crater Lake caldera. Climactic ejecta were dominantly homogeneous rhyodacite (70.4±0.3% SiO2), followed by subordinate andesite and cumulate scoriae (48–61% SiO2). The gap in wholerock composition reflects mainly a step in crystal content because glass compositions are virtually continuous. Two types of scoriae are distinguished by different LREE, Rb, Th, and Zr, but principally by a twofold contrast in Sr content: High-Sr (HSr) and low-Sr (LSr) scoriae. HSr scoriae were erupted first. Trace element abundances indicate that HSr and LSr scoriae had different calcalkaline andesite parents; basalt was parental to some mafic cumulate scoriae. Parental magma compositions reconstructed from scoria wholerock and glass data are similar to those of inclusions in preclimactic rhyodacites and of aphyric lavas of nearby monogenetic vents.
CYTOPLASMIC MICROTUBULE AND WALL MICROFIBRIL ORIENTATION IN ROOT HAIRS OF RADISH.

The fine structure of young root hairs of radish was studied, with special attention to cytoplasm-wall relationships. Hairs up to 130 µ in length were examined after fixation of root tips in glutaraldehyde followed by osmium tetroxide. Microtubules occur axially aligned in the cytoplasm just beneath the plasmalemma, and extend from the base of the hair to within 2 to 3 µ of the tip. Poststaining with uranyl acetate and lead citrate clearly reveals in thin sections the presence of the two layers of cellulose microfibrils known from studies on shadowed wall preparations: an outer layer of randomly arranged microfibrils arising at the tip, and a layer of axially oriented microfibrils deposited on the inside of this layer along the sides. The youngest microfibrils of the inner, oriented layer first appear at a distance of about 25 µ from the tip. Although the microfibrils of the inner layer and the adjacent microtubules are similarly oriented, the oriented microtubules also extend through the 20- to 25-µ zone near the tip where the wall structure consists of random microfibrils. This suggests that the role of microtubules in wall deposition or orientation may be indirect.
Analysis of a block gauss-seidel iterative method for a finite element discretization of the neutron transport equation

We prove the convergence of a finite element discretization of the neutron transport equation. The iterative solution of the resulting linear system by a block Gauss-Seidel method is also analyzed. This procedure is shown to require less storage than the direct solution by Gaussian elimination, and an estimate for the rate of convergence is used to show that fewer arithmetic operations are required.
Enhanced Electromechanical Responses of IPCNC Actuators

In this presentation, we will show several progresses in Ionic Polymer Conductor Network Composite Actuators (IPCNC) studies. First of all, we successfully fabricated ultra high volume fraction vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VA-CNTs)/polymer composite electrodes which markedly improved the electromechanical performance of IPCNC actuators. The experimental results show that the continuous paths through inter-VA-CNT channels and low electrical conduction resistance due to the continuous CNTs lead to fast actuation speed (>10% strain/second). The experimental results also demonstrate that the VA-CNTs create anisotropic elastic property in the composite electrodes, which suppresses the vertical strain and markedly enhances the actuation strain (>8% strain under 4 volts). The data here show the promise of optimizing the electrode morphology in IPCNCs by the ultrahigh volume fraction VA-CNTs for ionic polymer actuators to achieve high performance.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Health‐related Content of Selected Sunday Comic Strips

Comic strips a useful tool in health education are popular reading in the United States with an estimated 90000000 regular readers. This study examined the appearance of health-related topics in selected comics how often they appeared and in which comics health-related topics appeared most often. 9871 Sunday comic strips from the 1956 1968 1972 and 1980 editions of the St. Louis Globe-Democrat and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch were analyzed. Each comic strip was classified as one of six types (Humor Real-Life Action-Adventures Fantasy Serious and Other) depending on its predominant nature. Other data recorded from the strips included name frequency and percentage of health-related categories demographics of comic strip characters and setting and situation of health-related topics. A health-related categories demographics of comic strip characters and setting and situation of health-related topics. A health-related topic was found in 792 of the comics. The three categories with the most health-related topics were Illness (110) Gender Roles (99) and Safety (88). The Grin and Bear It comic contained more references (130) to health-related topics than any other strip. It was found that comics classified as "humorous" tended to have the most references to health (598) whereas the "serious" type had the least (10). Also adult characters appeared much more frequently than teens and children with male characters appearing twice as often as female ones. By studying patterns in presentation of health-related topics decreases were found in the number of comics dealing with Illness and Gender Roles especially Illness. The demographic ratios observed in the comics studied appears to hold true for all comic strips. Because mass media often constitutes the main source of the publics health information school health educators should consider integrating comic strips into their teaching. Discussions on drinking depression and dieting may all be prompted with comic strips. Lastly guidelines offered on comic use include the use of realistic accurate and up-to-date content the emphasis should be on information and education rather than on humor and recreation the health idea should be clearly represented in an artistic manner appropriate for the age group of the intended audience.
Evidence for the presence of a first order Raman spectrum in the high temperature phase of SrTiO3

Abstract Evidence is presented showing the existence of a first order Raman spectrum in the cubic phase of SrTiO 3 , both from the temperature dependence of the line intensities and also of their frequencies. In particular a line is present whose frequency agrees throughout a large temperature range with that of the transverse optical soft mode obtained by neutron diffraction.
On the nature of "fibrils" and tubules in developing enamel of the opossum, Didelphis marsupialis.

The origin and nature of the contents of enamel tubules in developing teeth of the opossum, Didelphis marsupialis , are described and illustrated by electron microscopy. The tubules contain cell processes (the “fibrils” of earlier workers) which are extensions of ameloblast cytoplasm originating at the mineralizing front of the enamel. The “fibril” is bounded by plasma membrane initially, and is devoid of organelles; the main structural component being longitudinally oriented filaments. The wall of the surrounding tubule is composed of crystallites and of small (ca. 150 A diameter) particles (stippled material?). Preliminary observations on tooth germs prior to enamel formation show there to be an overlapping or interdigitation of odontoblast processes and the cytoplasm of presumptive ameloblasts. This cytoplasmic relationship is maintained during subsequent enamel development and would account for the continuity of enamel and dentine tubules in the adult state.
Reaction Rates of Electrons in Picosecond Pulse Radiolysis

HUNT and co-workers have used pulse radiolysis to study the reaction rate constants of hydrated electrons with solutes in the time range 20–350 ps (for review see ref. 1). Using various solutes over a range of solute concentrations (mainly Cs≥ 0.4 M), they obtained Open image in new window reaction rate constants which differed by a factor of 2–3 in most cases from those obtained in dilute solutions, as determined by pulse radiolysis with ∼ 0.1–1.0 µs pulses of electrons. Furthermore, from the observed decrease in the initial yield of hydrated electrons, it was concluded that a precursor of the hydrated electron was scavenged by high concentrations of solutes and e− rate constants were derived. This provided experimental evidence for the postulated2,3 reactions of the “dry electron” e−. Schwarz4 has indicated that the time-dependent rate constant effect for nearly diffusion-controlled reactions could explain some of the results obtained in the picosecond time region.
On optimal multilayer cyclotomic space-time code designs

High rate and large diversity product (or coding advantage, or coding gain, or determinant distance, or minimum product distance) are two of the most important criteria often used for good space-time code designs. In recent (linear) lattice-based space-time code designs, more attention is paid to the high rate criterion but less to the large diversity product criterion. In this paper, we consider these two criteria together for multilayer cyclotomic space-time code designs. In a previous paper, we recently proposed a systematic cyclotomic diagonal space-time code design over a general cyclotomic number ring that has infinitely many designs for a fixed number of transmit antennas, where diagonal codes correspond to single-layer codes in this paper. In this paper, we first propose a general multilayer cyclotomic space-time codes. We present a general optimality theorem for these infinitely many cyclotomic diagonal (or single-layer) space-time codes over general cyclotomic number rings for a general number of transmit antennas. We then present optimal multilayer (full-rate) cyclotomic space-time code designs for two and three transmit antennas. We also present an optimal two-layer cyclotomic space-time code design for three and four transmit antennas. The optimality here is in the sense that, for a fixed mean transmission signal power, its diversity product is maximized, or equivalently, for a fixed diversity product, its mean transmission signal power is minimized. It should be emphasized that all the optimal multilayer cyclotomic space-time codes presented in this paper have the nonvanishing determinant property.
Quantum, classical, and multi-scale simulation of silica–water interaction: molecules, clusters, and extended systems

Over the past 6 years, we have engaged in a multi-faceted computational investigation of water-silica interactions at the fundamental physical and chemical level. This effort has necessitated development and implementation of simulation methods including high-accuracy quantum mechani- cal approaches, classical molecular dynamics, finite element techniques, and multi-scale modeling. We have found that water and silica can interact via either hydration or hydroxylation. Depending on physical conditions, the former process can be weak (<0.2 eV) or strong (near 1.0 eV). Compared to hydration, the latter process yields much larger energy gains (2-3 eV/water). Some hydroxylated silica systems can accept more water molecules and undergo further hydroxylation. We have also studied the role of external stress, effects of finite silica system size, different numbers of water molecules, and temperature dependences.
Relationship between the Seismic Coefficient and the Unfactored Geosynthetic Force in Reinforced Earth Structures

AbstractThis paper presents an integrated analytical method for calculating the resultant unfactored geosynthetic force in reinforced earth structures under seismic loading conditions. The method utilizes a pseudostatic limit equilibrium approach for assessing the internal stability of a reinforced earth structure, assuming a potential rotational failure along a log spiral trace. A closed-form solution is presented for determining the sum of all horizontal forces mobilized in the geosynthetic reinforcement along their intersection with the critical log spiral surface. This mobilized sum is then redistributed among the individual layers to determine the unfactored reinforcement forces that are needed to resist the applied seismic acceleration. Parametric studies were utilized, and the results are presented in a series of design charts for different conditions. Such charts can be used to determine the required tensile strength of the reinforcement for a given seismic coefficient. Alternatively, for a given ...
Stability of Lotka-Volterra model

By assuming the positivity of the equilibrium state of Lotka-Volterra model of n-species in the community in the absence of random fluctuations, sufficient conditions are given for the stability of the equilibrium state of such a multispecies model. Using this information, stability analysis of Lotka-Volterra model of n-species in the community under random environmental perturbations is investigated. This analysis provides a partial solution to one of the fundamental problems in modelling of dynamic systems, namely to what extent randomness in the system causes the change in behavior of the system relative to its deterministic version. The presented analysis incorporates the stochastic population model discussed by Montroll as a special case. Furthermore, our study provides direct stability analysis of the equilibrium state of the populations without the knowledge of the probability densities of the species in the community.
Epicuticular wax constituents of North American and European Euphorbia esula biotypes

Abstract The epicuticular leaf wax of four North American and one Austrian Euphorbia esula biotypes was examined as a potential source of chemotaxonomic information relative to intraspecies classification. Analysis (GC and GC/MS) shows general similarity of wax constituent character among all biotypes but differences in specific component yields between the North American and Austrian biotypes. Distinctive variation in occurrence of five triterpenes (α- and β-amyrin, δ-amyrenone, 24-methylenecycloartenol and lupeyl acetate) was observed between the North American and Austrian biotypes.
Oral vaccination of white-tailed deer using a recombinant Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine expressing the Borrelia burgdorferi outer surface protein A: prospects for immunocontraception.

PROBLEM: Reduction of excess numbers of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is a prime example of a potential use for immunocontraception as a means of wildlife population management. Oral vaccination appears to be the most pragmatic way to deliver immunocontraceptive vaccines to free-roaming populations of deer, but there was little, if any, prior evidence that oral vaccination is a viable concept in deer. METHOD OF STUDY: We used live Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) in a recombinant form (rBCG), which expressed Borrelia burgdorferi outer surface protein A, to test whether deer vaccinated orally with a specific antigen expressed in a live vector produce detectable antibody titers. RESULTS: The data indicate that oral vaccination of deer with an expressed antigen is feasible, as demonstrated by peak antibody titers to the expressed antigen. Also, peak titers measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were highest in orally vaccinated deer: 1600 in deer vaccinated by injection and 6400 in those vaccinated orally. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrate that it is feasible to vaccinate deer orally with a live vector.
Gene transfer of a fibronectin peptide inhibits leukocyte recruitment and suppresses inflammation in mouse collagen-induced arthritis.

Objective Cell adhesion plays an essential role in arthritis by recruiting and retaining leukocytes in the joint. Fibronectin, a major extracellular matrix component in synovium, plays a central role in cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions through ligation of cell surface integrins. The present study was designed to determine the effects of gene transfer of a 15–amino acid peptide derived from the 33-kd carboxy-terminal cell and heparin-binding domain of fibronectin (FN-C/H-II) on established arthritis in mice. Methods Plasmid DNA encoding a FN-C/H-II minigene under control of the cytomegalovirus promoter was injected intravenously into mice with established collagen-induced arthritis, and the effects on leukocyte adhesion and recruitment to the joints was determined. Results Following injection, circulating FN-C/H-II could be detected for at least 5 days. Treated mice demonstrated a marked reduction in progression of arthritis. Not only was disease progression halted, but a significant improvement in joint swelling was observed within 2 days of treatment. Leukocyte adhesion and recruitment were inhibited by FN-C/H-II, both in vitro and in vivo. Histologic evaluation revealed a marked reduction in infiltration of both neutrophils and lymphocytes into synovium, persisting for at least 10 days. Conclusion These results suggest that antagonism of cell adhesion by soluble fibronectin peptides may provide an approach to attenuating chronic arthritis.
A Sociocultural Investigation of the Effects of Peer Interaction on Play

Abstract This study examined Vygotsky's theoretical notion that play creates the zone of proximal development by investigating the effects of peer interaction within the context of constructive play with blocks. The authors used the Play Observation Scale (Rubin, 1989) to observe 100 four-year-olds in naturalistic settings. Forty-eight children were selected from the original sample for participation in play sessions in a laboratory setting. Sample selection was based on gender, unfamiliarity, and play level displayed during the sample selection process. Data collected were examined in terms of block play, communication, and peer collaboration. Results of an overall MANOVA conducted for boys and girls found a significant interaction between treatment (play level) and gender. Follow-up MANOVAs were significant for girls, but not for boys. Subsequent univariate tests found significant differences in block play for girls in treatment groups. A pairwise MANOVA found that girls who display fewer play skills en...
Design and fabrication of tunable MSM PD for FTTP and data center networks

An integrated tunable MSM PD based on Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) that is fabricated on Si and InP. Tuning is achieved by thermally controlling the bandgap of the semiconductor using a Nickel Chromium (NiCr) microheater.
Overview of partial orientational and positional ordering in concentrated systems

This paper provides an overview of the static behavior of systems with partial orientational and positional ordering of the species. The understanding of the static behavior provides the foundation needed to understand the dynamic properties of such systems, which are described in more detail in other papers in this issue. More specifically, this paper provides an overview of the fact that species of different dimensions exhibit similar types of partial ordering of the species. This paper further provides an overview of liquid crystalline (LC) phases and molecules, including discussions of types of chemical structures (both rigid and semiflexible) in LC molecules (both nonpolymeric and polymeric); thermotropic and lyotropic LCs; nematic and multiple smectic LC phases; reentrant nematic LC phases; cholesteric LC phases and blue phases; smectic crystal phases; columnar phases; micelles and lamellar LC structures; LC phase transitions; LC glasses; viscosities of LC phases; and dynamic textures and patterns in LC phases.
Coherent states in a Rydberg atom: Quantum mechanics

We present the quantal dynamics of electronic wave packets in the hydrogen atom in the presence of circularly polarized microwave and magnetic fields in regions of classical stability. Whereas wave packets may disperse without the stabilizing influence of a magnetic field, in its presence stable motion can be maintained for wave packets that are localized either at global equilibria that are either a maximum or minimum in a zero-velocity surface. Because these extrema are locally harmonic their vacuum states are truly coherent states in the original sense of Schr\"odinger.
Effective theory for ω ≪ k ≪ gT color dynamics in hot non-Abelian plasmas

A proper sequence of effective theories, corresponding to larger and larger distance scales, is crucial for analyzing real-time equilibrium physics in hot non-Abelian plasmas. For the study of color dynamics (by which I mean physics involving long wavelength gauge fluctuations), an important stepping stone in the sequence of effective theories is to have a good effective theory for dynamics with wave number k well below the Debye screening mass. I review how such dynamics is associated with inverse time scales $\ensuremath{\omega}\ensuremath{\ll}k.$ I then give a compact way to package, in the $\ensuremath{\omega}\ensuremath{\ll}k$ limit, B\"odeker's description of $k\ensuremath{\ll}m$ physics, which was in terms of Vlasov equations with collision terms. Finally, I show how the resulting effective theory can be reformulated as a path integral.
The CHIP framework: Automatic coding and analysis of parent-child conversational interaction

CHIP is a computer program for the automatic coding and analysis of parent-child conversational interaction. The program was developed because manual coding of large collections of computerized transcripts cannot possibly be completed within a reasonable time span. CHIP codes parent-child conversational data as stored in transcript files and computes a series of descriptive statistics based on these codes. Parental responses to child utterances and child responses to parent utterances are both coded. This allows for an analysis of the reciprocal relationship between parental and child language. Three longitudinal corpora from CHILDES (totaling 151,900 utterances) were coded and analyzed by CHIP. The results indicated a high degree of contingency between parental and child language for different word classes across a large span of development. Two main points are argued: (1) Automatic data coding and analysis programs are important new tools for transcript analysis, and (2) CHIP, as an example of such a tool, can provide detailed information concerning the exact nature of parent-child conversational interactions.
The acute abdomen during pregnancy.

The term acute abdomen designates symptoms and signs of intraperitoneal disease usually treated best by surgical operation. 1 The most common cause of the acute abdomen in pregnancy is appendicitis; however, over the past decade there have been case reports of new and bizarre causes of the acute abd
Fluctuation Scattering of Magnetic Excitations in a Nearly Critical Singlet-Ground-State System: Double-hcp Pr

The temperature dependence of the magnetic-excitation spectrum in a singlet-doublet system is calculated by use of a generalized Vaks-Larkin-Pikin diagram technique. The first-order terms in the high-density expansion representing scattering on single-site fluctuations give an almost complete description of the line shapes in double-hcp praseodymium at any temperature.
Isolation and characterization of impurities in docetaxel

During the process development of docetaxel, two polar impurities (Impurities I and II) and two non-polar impurities (Impurities III and IV) were detected by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). All the impurities were isolated by Medium Pressure Liquid Chromatography (MPLC). The Impurities I, II, III and IV were identified as 13-[(4S,5R)-2-oxo-4-phenyl-oxazolidine-5-carboxy]-10-deacetyl baccatin III ester, 2'-epi docetaxel, 7-epi docetaxel and 13-[(4S,5R)-2-oxo-4-phenyl-oxazolidine-3,5-dicarboxyl-3-tert-butyl)]-10-deacetyl baccatin III ester, respectively, based on one- (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy data. The Impurity IV was crystallized and the structure was solved by single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD). Two impurities (Impurities II and III) were found to be process related, while the remaining two impurities (Impurities I and IV) turned out to be isomers. The formation of these impurities was discussed.
Detection of food gums on polyamide strips using horseradish peroxidase—benzidine staining and laser-beam densitometry

Abstract Solutions of food gums were applied to polyamide strips, stained with horseradish peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7)—benzidine (HRP-B) and scanned with a laser densitometer. The staining technique was effective for anionic gums, including algin, carrageenan, carboxymethylcellulose, gum arabic, pectin, propyleneglycol alginate and xanthan, but ineffective with the neutral gums, guar gum, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and locust bean gum. Cellulose acetate strips were also examined but were less effective because of high background staining. For carrageenan a band containing 20 ng could be readily detected. Standard curves for carrageenan concentrations from 0.008 to 0.4% were linear, with r > 0.95 for samples run on the same strip. There was substantial variation from strip to strip, but consistent results were obtained when all bands (samples and standards) were on the same strip. Analysis of carrageenan that was added to milk and heated showed recoveries close to 100%.
The Number of Times an Anonymous Rule Violates Independence in the 3 × 3 Case

If an anonymous rule f always outputs a transitive relation and satisfies Pareto, then, by Arrow’s theorem, f violates the condition of independence. We give lower and upper bounds for the number of times an anonymous rule violates independence in the case of three alternatives and three voters.