cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive Biostatistical Analysis of CpG Island Methylator Phenotype in Colorectal Cancer Using a Large Population-Based Sample

Background The CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) is a distinct phenotype associated with microsatellite instability (MSI) and BRAF mutation in colon cancer. Recent investigations have selected 5 promoters (CACNA1G, IGF2, NEUROG1, RUNX3 and SOCS1) as surrogate markers for CIMP-high. However, no study has comprehensively evaluated an expanded set of methylation markers (including these 5 markers) using a large number of tumors, or deciphered the complex clinical and molecular associations with CIMP-high determined by the validated marker panel.
Kriging with strings of data

The concept of a random function and, consequently, the application of kriging cells for the implicit assumption that the data locations are embedded within an infinite domain. An implication of this assumption is that, all else being equal, outlying data locations will receive greater weight because they are seen as less redundant, hence, more informative of the infinite domain. A two- step kriging procedure is proposed for correcting this siring effect. The first step is to establish the total kriging weight attributable to each string. The distribution of that total weight to the samples in the string is accomplished by a second stage of kriging. In the second stage, a spatial redundancy measure r(n)is used in place of the covariance measure in the data-data kriging matrix. This measure is constructed such that each datum has the same redundancy with the (n)data of the string to which it belongs. This paper documents the problem of kriging with strings of data, develops the redundancy measure r(n),and presents a number of examples.
Cell death in the nervous system.

Programmed cell death is an important process in many types of cell. In the central nervous system of vertebrates, up to 50% of neurons die during development. The fact that in many cases neuronal cell death depends on macromolecular synthesis suggests that there is a genetic program that must be activated for cell death to occur. In this review, general features of cell death are discussed; in addition, the role of putative death-associated genes is outlined. Finally, the influence of neurotrophic factors on cell death is described. Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings 2:14–18, 1997
A high ratio of the testing temperature to the melting temperature: a necessary but not sufficient condition for an alloy anode to exhibit low capacity fade

A CaLi2 alloy with micron-sized particles exhibited low specific capacity and rapid capacity fade. These results can be correlated with its low fracture toughness (KIC≈1 MPa m1/2). A high ratio of the testing temperature to the melting temperature (>0.4) is a necessary but not sufficient condition for an anode material to exhibit low capacity fade. The microstructure must also be considered.
Actuarial models for assessing prison violence risk: revisions and extensions of the Risk Assessment Scale for Prison (RASP).

An investigation and extension of the Risk Assessment Scale for Prison (RASP-Potosi), an actuarially derived scale for the assessment of prison violence, was undertaken through a retrospective review of the disciplinary records of the first 12 months of confinement of a cohort of inmates entering the Florida Department of Corrections in 2002 and remaining throughout 2003 (N = 14,088). A near replication of the RASP-Potosi and additional analyses based on other weighted logistic regression models were performed on an inmate subsample for whom all information categories were available (n = 13,341). Younger age and shorter sentences were associated with increased violent misconduct. Older age, drug conviction, and higher educational attainment were associated with reduced violent misconduct. Regardless of whether the original RASP-Potosi or its progeny were utilized, or the custody level of the inmate sample, the models were modestly successful in predicting prison violence, with the area under the curve (AU...
High temperature thermal expansion behavior of H[Al]ZSM-5 zeolites: The role of Brønsted sites

Abstract High temperature X-ray diffraction technique has been used to measure the thermal expansion behavior of orthorhombic H[Al]ZSM-5 zeolites over a temperature range of 473–1173 K. The presence of Al is found to have a remarkable effect on the negative thermal expansion (NTE) behavior of ZSM-5 even when the total Al 2 O 3 concentration is less than 1 mol%. A low-Al H[Al]ZSM-5 sample with Si:Al ratio of 250:1 shows NTE behavior over the entire temperature range with an average volume expansion coefficient β ∼ −34 × 10 −6 K −1 . In contrast, samples with an Si:Al ratio of 27.5:1 show an initial positive thermal expansion ( β ∼ +39 × 10 −6 K −1 ) between 473 and 673 K and the NTE behavior returns only at higher temperatures ( β ∼ −85 × 10 −6 K −1 ) and continues up to 1173 K. The vibrational density of states obtained from MD simulations of orthorhombic ZSM-5 in this temperature range clearly demonstrate for the first time that the bending of Si–O–Si linkages and the rotational modes of SiO 4 tetrahedra play an important role in controlling the NTE behavior. MD simulations also indicate weak vibrational coupling between the SiO 4 and AlO 4 tetrahedra associated with the Si–OH–Al linkages in the H[Al]ZSM-5 lattice which can explain the experimentally observed absence of NTE behavior in H[Al]ZSM-5 with Si:Al ∼ 27.5:1 at low temperatures. High resolution 27 Al NMR spectroscopic results indicate that the return of the NTE behavior in this zeolite at high temperatures can be explained to be due to the partial expulsion of Al from the tetrahedral framework.
Modeling photosynthetic production optimization for aquaculture ponds

Abstract In an aquaculture pond, the primary production system serves both as the basis for the natural food chain, and as a primary source of dissolved oxygen (DO). As the productivity of the pond system and the standing crop of phytoplankton increases, so does the degree of fluctuation in diel DO concentrations, water quality, and the degree of vertical stratifications of the water column. In highly turbid pond systems the rapid extinction of incident light in the surface layers results in benthic zones serving only as a net oxygen sinks, even while the surface is exposed to full sunlight and is a net oxygen source. As the standing phytoplankton crop is reduced, self shading decreases, as does total food availability and gross production of oxygen, but the stability of the system, in terms of DO fluctuations and water quality, increases. Therefore, in this respect, the trade-off in balancing the pond system is in terms of gross productive potential versus water-quality stability.
Correlates of bribe giving in international business

Using indices of bribe for 19 countries, this study examines the determinants of bribe paying in international business. There is a strong positive correlation between countries where bribe taking is highly prevalent and those countries that are most likely to offer bribes. The propensity to give bribes is determined by economic factors such as per capita income and degree of economic freedom in the country, cultural factors such as power distance and masculinity; and legal regulatory factors such as accounting and tax treatment of bribes. It appears that, to eliminate international bribery, the supply side needs to be addressed in addition to the demand for bribes.
The relationship between constituent property and bending actuation of shape memory composites

Shape memory composites (SMCs) made of shape memory alloy (SMA) wires embedded in a shape memory polymer (SMP) matrix show great promise in adaptive structures due to their ability to combine strong actuation force of SMAs with the large deformation of SMPs. However, in order to advance these SMCs past the proof-of-concept stage, methods for optimizing the material selection and volume fraction balance between the alloy and the polymer must be developed. Before such multi-objective optimization can take place, sensitivity studies must be conducted to determine which parameters are most impactful in determining the ultimate behavior of the SMC. The present study focuses on thermal and mechanical characterization of a group of SMCs composed of Nickel-Titanium SMA and a styrene based SMP in order to elucidate the critical material properties for a functioning SMC. Here, the SMA wires have been trained with a one-way shape memory effect (SME) and integrated on the surface of the SMP. A morphing system has been obtained by introducing SMA wires on the SMP system in the volume fraction range of 0.5% to 1.2%. The results show that the proper modulus balance between the SMP and SMA as well as the balance of activation forces are important features to consider when developing a SMC. Also important is a proper pairing of glass transition temperature for the SMP with the Austenite and Martensite transition temperatures for the SMA. In addition, the current study has shown that during the heating process of the SMC, the thermal expansion of the SMP appears to overcome the actuation forces of the SMA wires, showing that the thermal expansion is also a critical variable for the composite performance. Based on these results, both the SMA and the SMP constituent parameters of temperatures, elastic modulus, actuation force, and thermal expansion are considered with regards to future tailoring the SMC performance.
Sodium Protects Against Nephrotoxicity in Patients Receiving Amphotericin B

Neutropenic patients receiving amphotericin B, frequently in combination with aminoglycosides and vancomycin, were prospectively monitored for the development of nephrotoxicity. Based on previous studies, the authors recommended that these patients receive greater than or equal to 90 meq of sodium/day on each day of amphotericin B administration. Patients who received this amount of sodium on every day of amphotericin B therapy were classified as adequate sodium. The adequate sodium group was further subdivided on the basis of whether or not the adequate sodium was in the form of sodium ticarcillin. Patients not receiving this amount of sodium on every day of amphotericin B therapy were classified as inadequate sodium; overall, these patients received greater than or equal to 90 meq of sodium/day on 74% of days on which they received amphotericin B. The inadequate sodium and adequate sodium groups did not differ significantly with respect to age, gender, diagnoses, or baseline creatinine. The incidence of nephrotoxicity (creatinine greater than or equal to 2.0 mg/dl) was significantly higher, 4 of 14 (29%), in the inadequate sodium group, as compared to the adequate sodium, adequate ticarcillin group, 1 of 35 (3%), or the adequate sodium only group, 1 of 24 (4%), p = .008. To adjust for total amphotericin dose, the risk of nephrotoxicity as a function of time on study was evaluated by the life table method; the risk of nephrotoxicity was significantly greater in the inadequate sodium group, p = .019.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Temporal changes in periphyton standing crop during an unusually dry winter in streams of the Western Cascades, Oregon

The effects of light and discharge on standing crops of periphyton in adjacent shaded and open reaches of first to fourth order streams were examined during winter in three streams of the Western Cascades, Oregon. Standing crops were measured in terms of chlorophylla and periphyton biomass at each site on 8 occasions. Open sites supported higher standing crops of periphyton than shaded sites and increases in standing crop were shown to be related to light input at each site. Biomass increased throughout winter until scouring associated with an unusually late winter freshet reduced periphyton standing crops to their lowest observed levels. It is concluded that periphyton levels are affected by a combination of factors of which light levels, and the periodicity of storm events are of major importance.
A Quantitative Analysis of Meteorological Anomaly Patterns Over the United States, 1900–1977

Abstract Monthly meteorological data for the years 1900–77 are used in an eigenvector analysis of the anomaly patterns of surface temperature, precipitation and sea level pressure over the United States. Approximately 70% of the variance is contained in the first three of 61 temperature eigenvectors and in the first three of 25 pressure eigenvectors. Large-scale patterns of precipitation are also identified, although the compression of the data is somewhat less effective. The first eigenvector of each variable contains anomalies of the same sign over most of the United States; the second and third modes describe gradients in approximately perpendicular directions. Cross correlations between the amplitudes of eigenvectors of different variables are statistically significant, consistent with physical expectations, and, in some cases, are seasonally dependent. The first modes of both temperature and pressure are most persistent in the summer. Persistence on the seasonal time scale is generally largest for te...
Generalized expectancies for problem solving and psychotherapy

One variable in social learning theory which relates to the general problem of adjustment is generalized expectancies for problem solving. In conducting psychotherapy it can be useful for many clients for the therapist to teach and encourage selected expectancies of this kind. The place of generalized expectancies for problem solving within social learning theory is described, and examples for increasing internal control, looking for alternatives, interpersonal trust, understanding the motives of others, long-term planning, and discriminating differences in psychological situations, in the context of psychotherapy, are briefly described.
Inhalation induced stresses and flow characteristics in human airways through fluid-structure interaction analysis

Better understanding of stresses and flow characteristics in the human airways is very important for many clinical applications such as aerosol drug therapy, inhalation toxicology, and airway remodeling process. The bifurcation geometry of airway generations 3 to 5 based on the ICRP tracheobronchial model was chosen to analyze the flow characteristics and stresses during inhalation. A computational model was developed to investigate the airway tissue flexibility effect on stresses and flow characteristics in the airways. The finite-element method with the fluid-structure interaction analysis was employed to investigate the transient responses of the flow characteristics and stresses in the airways during inhalation. The simulation results showed that tissue flexibility affected the maximum airflow velocity, airway pressure, and wall shear stress about 2%, 7%, and 6%, respectively. The simulation results also showed that the differences between the orthotropic and isotropic material models on the airway stresses were in the ranges of 25-52%. The results from the present study suggest that it is very important to incorporate the orthotropic tissue properties into a computational model for studying flow characteristics and stresses in the airways.
Genetic Counselors’ Experiences with Adolescent Patients in Prenatal Genetic Counseling

Adolescents comprise a portion of women who present to genetic counselors prenatally. In this study, prenatal genetic counselors (N = 128) were surveyed regarding their perceptions of genetic counseling sessions for adolescent (ages 13–19) and adult (ages 20–34) patients. Counselors perceived differences in methods used to communicate risk information for adolescent versus adult populations. Respondents reported that it is more difficult for adolescents to understand prognostic information than adults. They also noted differences between adult and adolescent populations with respect to the people who typically accompany the patient to the session. Respondents stated that adolescents were accompanied by a parent, friend, or sibling, which differed from adults who reportedly were accompanied by a significant other, father of the pregnancy, or by no one. These findings suggest it is important to recognize that adolescent patients are in a unique stage of their development which may influence a prenatal genetic counseling session.
Polyhexamethylene biguanide and calcineurin inhibitors as novel antifungal treatments for Aspergillus keratitis.

PURPOSE To establish polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) as an effective treatment for Aspergillus keratitis in a novel murine model. To determine the ability of the calcineurin inhibitors tacrolimus (FK506) and cyclosporine A (CSA) to enhance the activity of PHMB, amphotericin B (AMB), and voriconazole (VCZ) against Aspergillus keratitis. METHODS IN VITRO STUDIES Broth antifungal susceptibility tests were performed with PHMB, AMB, VCZ, and FK506, individually and in combination against Aspergillus fumigatus. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) values were used to analyze antifungal activity. In vivo studies: A novel murine model was created to establish Aspergillus keratitis. Infected mice were randomly assigned to treatment groups receiving saline, CSA, AMB, VCZ, PHMB, AMB+CSA, VCZ+CSA, or PHMB+CSA. An ophthalmologist blinded to the treatment groups assessed disease severity daily based on a grading scale. The mean end change in disease score was compared between groups. RESULTS IN VITRO STUDIES FK506 in combination with PHMB, VCZ, or AMB enhanced fungal growth inhibition. FICI values showed an additive effect between FK506 and PHMB, AMB, or VCZ. PHMB monotherapy eliminated Aspergillus growth starting at 4 μg/mL. In vivo studies: All treatment groups showed a significant improvement in disease score compared to the control group. CSA significantly worsened VCZ activity against Aspergillus keratitis. CONCLUSIONS PHMB is an effective inhibitor of Aspergillus growth. Further investigation of the role of calcineurin inhibitors in the treatment for Aspergillus keratitis is warranted.
Monoclonal antibodies to rabbit α-2-macroglobulin and their use in a sensitive ELISA assay

Abstract α-2-macroglobulin (α-2-M), a plasma proteinase inhibitor, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of lung inflammation. The purpose of this study was to develop a sensitive ELISA assay for rabbit α-2-M to allow us to define the role of this protein in a rabbit model of lung inflammation/injury. Therefore, we developed hybridomas which secrete monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against rabbit α-2-M. From the antibodies produced, two (5B6 and 3C5) were selected. Both of them were of the IgG1 subclass. 5B6 reacted with native α-2-M as well as with the “fast” form of α-2-M (native α-2-M or the “slow” form is converted to the “fast” form by reaction with a proteinase). On the other hand, 3C5 reacted only with “fast” form of α-2-M. With these antibodies, we developed two ELISA assays which were used to determine the concentration of α-2-M in the lung fluids from rabbits with lung injury.
Effects of raising rats on a liquid or solid diet on response choice made with hunger and thirst simultaneously operative

One group of rats was raised normally on a diet of dry pellets, and another group was raised almost completely on a liquid diet of Metrecal, in order to control the amounts of reinforced time spent eating and drinking in each group, hence producing different incentive values for eating and drinking. Both groups were then trained to turn left in a T-maze for dry food and right for water. After 60 h of simultaneous hunger and thirst deprivation, free choice test trials were given. Normally raised rats always turned toward food, but rats raised on Metrecal turned toward food and water about equally often. The results are explained by the different incentive values for eating and drinking produced by the different diets.
A Spectral Theory of Nonlinear Barotropic Motion above Irregular Topography

Abstract If a field of randomly distributed barotropic eddies interacts with underlying topographic features in a rotating reference frame, the flow is observed to develop, after a time the order of an eddy turnaround time τeddy = L/U a component of steady flow which is locked to the topography in the sense of anti-cyclonic circulation around bills. Thereafter, spectral energy transfer is inhibited and the forms both of the energy spectrum of the motion and of the spectrum of vorlicity-topography correlation are dependent on the topographic variance spectrum. If the topographic variation is weak, in that τtopo ≫ τeddy where τtopo = π/fδ is a topographic wave period with f twice the uniform rotation rate and δ a characteristic height of topography relative to the depth of fluid, the flow dynamics approaches that of two-dimensional turbulence. If topographic variation is strong. in that τtopo ≪ τeddy, energy readily scatters into smaller scales. decreasing τeddy until a balance is obtained between topograph...
Formulation of a Method to Assess Capacity Enhancing Technologies

The demand for air travel is expanding beyond the capacity of existing airports and air traffic control. This excess traffic often results in delays and compromised safety. Therefore, a number of initiatives to improve airport capacity and throughput have been proposed. However, in order to assess the impact of these technologies on commercial air traffic one must move beyond the vehicle to a system-ofsystems point of view. This top-level perspective must include consideration of the aircraft, airports, air traffic management and airlines that make up the airspace system. In addition to the analysis of each of these components and their interactions, a thorough investigation of capacity and throughput technologies requires due consideration of other pressures such as economics, safety and government regulations. Furthermore, the air traffic system is inherently variable with constant changes in everything from fuel prices to the weather. Thus, the development of a modeling environment to be used in the evaluation of technological impacts while encompassing all these sources of uncertainty is the subject of this paper.
An In Vivo Evaluation of the Mycobacterial Filtration Efficacy of Three Breathing Filters Used in Anesthesia

Background: The use of breathing filters (BFs) has been recommended to protect the anesthesia apparatus in proven or suspected cases of tuberculosis. Some investigators have also suggested the use of BF to alleviate the need to change anesthesia breathing circuits after each case. This study evaluated the filtration efficacy of three different BFs to prevent mycobacterial contamination of breathing circuits in a model that uses a test animal. Methods: Ten Pall BB25A® (pleated hydrophobic) (Pall Canada Ltd., Mississauga, Ontario, Canada), six DAR Barrierbac S® (felted electrostatic; Mallinckrodt DAR, Mirandola, Italy), and six Baxter Airlife® (felted electrostatic; Baxter Canada, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada) BFs were studied. For each BF tested, 20 ml of a high concentration suspension of Mycobacterium chelonae (range, 2.0 × 10 7 to 9.0 × 10 7 colony-forming units/ ml) was nebulized during 2 h at the proximal end of the endotracheal tube of anesthetized pigs. At the end of the nebulization period, the BFs were sampled for culture. The titer reduction value (number of microorganisms challenging the BF divided by the number of microorganisms recovered downstream of the BF) and the removal efficiency (difference between the number of microorganisms challenging the BF and the number of microorganisms recovered downstream of the BF, divided by the number of microorganisms challenging the BF) were calculated. Results: The median titer reduction values were 5.6 × 10 5 , 6.0 × 105, and 8.0 × 10 8 (P < 0.0005), and the median removal efficiencies were greater than 99.999%, greater than 99.999%, and 100% (P = not significant) for the DAR Barrierbac S®, the Baxter Airlife®, and the Pall BB25A®, respectively. Conclusions: Among the three BFs studied, only the Pall BB25A completely prevented the passage of M. chelonae, thus protecting the anesthesia breathing circuit from mycobacterial contamination.
Between Movement and Party: Islamic Movements in Morocco and the Decision to Enter Party Politics

AbstractTo understand the reasons and the consequences of variation in Islamic movement behavior, this article asks: Why do some Islamic movements choose to form Islamic political parties, while others do not? Adapting a ‘method of difference’, it questions ‘variation’ in Islamic movement behavior ‘within’ the context of Morocco by focusing on two Islamic movements, one of which has shifted to party politics, while the other one has deliberately avoided doing so. Based on qualitative field research findings, this article argues that a movement's strategic objectives, defined by its ideological priorities and its organizational needs, determine whether a movement will shift to party politics. In so doing, this article also looks at the consequences of political participation vis-a-vis non-participation by evaluating the contemporary success and failures of these movements. Throughout these discussions, this article aims to address Islamic movements within the ‘framework of rational behavior’ and to discuss...
Parachute-like Asymmetric Mitral Valve Associated With Mitral Valve Cleft and Atrial Septal Defect in an Adult

e M p a p o APARACHUTE MITRAL VALVE (PMV) is a rare congenital cardiac defect characterized by focalized attachment of he chordae tendineae of both leaflets to a single papillary muscle. n contrast to true PMV, a parachute-like asymmetric mitral alve (PLAMV) has 2 separate papillary muscles, one being ore pronounced with all chordae inserted into this domiant muscle. Most frequently, the involved dominant muscle s a posteromedial papillary muscle. The present case report escribes an occurrence of PLAMV coincident with mitral alve cleft (MVC) and an atrial septal defect (ASD) in an dult. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the occurrence f PLAMV in association with MVC and ASD has not been escribed in the literature in an adult patient.
A Study of the Response of a Small Porous Chamber to Forced Oscillation

An analytical investigation of the pressure response to forced volume oscillations of a shallow cylindrical chamber with a porous end is undertaken. Investigation is in the frequency domain. Both infinite and finite-length chambers are considered. The irreversible gas flow introduces a frequency-dependent phase angle between volume and pressure change. Pressure leads volume at low frequency, and the phase angle becomes zero at high frequency. Curve characteristics suggest applications such as gas damping of vibrating systems.
Insect electroantennogram responses to semiochemicals recorded with an inexpensive personal computer

. . A circuit and accompanying program that allow an inexpensive personal computer to replace an expensive storage oscilloscope in displaying electroantennogram (EAG) recording is described. The maximum amplitude of the EAG is calculated automatically by the computer and appears as an alphanumeric display on the monitor screen. Because the entire EAG trace is stored by the computer, parameters of the EAG trace other than the maximum amplitude are also available for analysis, such as voltages at specified times after antennal stimulation.
Vitamin A2-based photopigments within the pineal gland of a fully terrestrial vertebrate

Fully terrestrial vertebrates were previously thought to exclusively employ vitamin A1 to generate visual pigments. However, recent studies on the visual system of the lizard Anolis carolinensis have shown that its visual pigments are vitamin A2-based. This unexpected result prompted an investigation of the pineal photopigments in this species [13]. HPLC analysis has shown that this extraretinal photoreceptor also exclusively utilizes a vitamin A2-derived chromophore. The adaptive significance of this chromophore within the pineal is unclear. The extended long wavelength sensitivity characteristic of vitamin A2-based visual pigment systems may enhance important visual tasks such as prey detection or mate selection [13]. A similar argument cannot be made for the pineal, whose role is not image formation, but rather detection of the irradiance changes associated with dawn and dusk. We suggest that the pineal may passively utilize whatever retinoids have been adaptively selected by the visual system.
Role for Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 after Focal Cerebral Ischemia: Effects of Gene Knockout and Enzyme Inhibition with BB-94:

It has been shown recently that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are elevated after cerebral ischemia. In the current study, we investigated the pathophysiologic role for MMP-9 (gelatinase B, EC.3.4.24.35) in a mouse model of permanent focal cerebral ischemia, using a combination of genetic and pharmacologic approaches. Zymography and Western blot analysis demonstrated that MMP-9 protein levels were rapidly up-regulated in brain after ischemic onset. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction showed increased transcription of MMP-9. There were no differences in systemic hemodynamic parameters and gross cerebrovascular anatomy between wild type mice and mutant mice with a targeted knockout of the MMP-9 gene. After induction of focal ischemia, similar reductions in cerebral blood flow were obtained. In the MMP-9 knockout mice, ischemic lesion volumes were significantly reduced compared with wild type littermates in male and female mice. In normal wild type mice, the broad spectrum MMP inhibitor BB-94 (batimastat) also significantly reduced ischemic lesion size. However, BB-94 had no detectable protective effect when administered to MMP-9 knockout mice subjected to focal cerebral ischemia. These data demonstrate that MMP-9 plays a deleterious role in the development of brain injury after focal ischemia.
Welcome to Neurophotonics.

It is my great pleasure to introduce SPIE’s new journal Neurophotonics, which is being launched in recognition that advanced optical methods are driving a revolution in the neurosciences. These optical methods for imaging and manipulation of brain structure and function span from visualization of intracellular organelles and protein assemblies to noninvasive macroscopic investigation of cortical activity in human subjects. The methods and applications are growing rapidly and are driving profound advances in understanding brain phenomena such as electrical excitability, neuroglial partnership, neurovascular signaling, metabolic activity, and hemodynamics in health and disease.
A MECHANICAL TECHNIQUE FOR TRIMMING TISSUE BLOCKS IN ELECTRON MICROSCOPY.

A technique is described for mechanical trimming of tissue blocks for electron microscopy with the LKB Ultrotome ultramicrotome. With the use of glass knives as the trimming tool, pyramids of the precise shape desired for sectioning can be easily formed. The apex of the pyramid can be located to within at least 10 μ of the desired region of the tissue. Loss of valuabe specimens due to mistakes made in hand trimming is eliminated. Minimal amounts of material are removed during retrimming. The time required for trimming is not much greater than that required for hand trimming. The quality of sections is improved owing to the smooth sides of the pyramid. In general the technique adds more exactness to this phase of electron microscopy.
Effect of Fixed‐Dose ACE‐Inhibitor/Calcium Channel Blocker Combination Therapy vs. ACE‐Inhibitor Monotherapy on Arterial Compliance in Hypertensive Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

Assessment of vascular compliance may be a useful measurement of the clinical effects of antihypertensive treatment. Both angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and calcium channel blockers are known to improve vascular elasticity. A study was performed to test the hypothesis that combined therapy with an ACE inhibitor and a calcium channel blocker would have additive benefits on vascular compliance at similar levels of blood pressure (BP), as compared with monotherapy with an ACE inhibitor. This 12-week, double-blind study was a substudy of a larger clinical hypertension study conducted in patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Subjects (N = 20) were randomized to either a fixed-dose combination of amlodipine besylate/benazepril HCl or to enalapril monotherapy. BP, heart rate, large- and small-vessel compliance, systemic vascular resistance, and urinary microalbumin excretion were assessed at baseline and after treatment. Both treatments were similarly effective in lowering BP, reducing systemic vascular resistance, and decreasing urinary microalbumin excretion. Improvement in large-vessel compliance was significantly greater among subjects who received ACE-inhibitor/calcium channel blocker combination therapy (52%) as compared with those who received ACE-inhibitor monotherapy (32%; p < 0.05). No significant change in small-vessel compliance was observed with either treatment. Greater improvement in large-vessel compliance with combination therapy was independent of BP lowering.
High-resolution spatial interpolation of weather generator parameters using local weighted regressions

Abstract The time-domain stochastic models for daily weather data known as “weather generators” are very useful for producing time series of arbitrary length that statistically resemble real weather data. One limitation to their use is that synthetic weather series may be needed at locations for which no real data exist, on which to base parameter estimates. This paper describes an approach to defining weather generators at such locations through interpolation of their parameters using weighted local regressions. This flexible method can capture nonlinear parameter variations in space and allows objective and automatic selection of both the regression predictor and the size of each local neighborhood of influence. It is found to perform well for a moderately large region of the northeastern U.S.
Effect of AlAs mole fraction on the integrated luminescence intensity of GaAs/Al x Ga 1 - x As quantum well heterostructures

ABSTRACT The photoluminescent properties of GaAs/AlGa1_,As multiple quantum well structures grown on(100) GaAs substrates by molecular beam epitaxy have been investigated as a function of the AlAs mole fraction. It is found that as the AlAs mole fraction in the AlGai....As barriers is increased, the corresponding photoluminescent peak intensity of the quantum well structures increases and reaches a maximum at an AlAs mole fraction of about 45%. Further increases in the Al content of the barriers beyond 45% results into a decrease in the luminescence efficiency. At the maximumintensity, the peak luminescence from the quantum well structures is enhanced by about two ordersof magnitude (at room temperature) when compared to the luminescence from such structures withan AlAs mole fraction of 20% in the barriers. 1. INTRODUCTION Practical quantum well heterostructures synthesized from GaAs and A1GaiAs epitaxial layers have been extensively studied since their first demonstration in the early 1970s.1'2 Studies designedto understand the properties of these structures for purely fundamental as well as practical reasonshave been conducted. The primary motivation for all these studies, however, has been the drive touse these structures in novel electronic and optoelectronic devices.3'4 In these studies, the methodof molecular beam epitaxy has emerged as one of the most versatile synthesis tools for the arbitraryrestructuring of the properties of systems of quantum wells. Much effort has therefore been invested
Determination of interface dipole and band bending at the Ag/tris (8-hydroxyquinolinato) gallium organic Schottky contact by ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy

Abstract A tris (8-hydroxyquinolinato) gallium (Gaq 3 ) thin film was grown in several steps on a previously in situ evaporated Ag thin film. Ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy (UPS) measurements carried out prior to growth and after each growth step allowed the determination of the alignment of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) relative to the Fermi level of the Ag substrate. The deposition of ultra-thin (submonolayer) initial Gaq 3 films allowed us to distinguish between band bending and interface dipole related high binding energy cutoff (secondary cutoff) shifts, which is necessary to determine the interface dipole with high precision. In order to determine the band bending with high accuracy it was necessary to identify the HOMO position of the submonolayer Gaq 3 films. This was accomplished by removing the Ag related emission background in the low coverage spectra using the Fermi edge intensity as a measure for the Ag related emission. Our results demonstrate that the interface dipole builds up during the growth of the first one or two monolayers during which the HOMO position remains constant. The offset between the HOMO cutoff (low binding energy cutoff of the UP spectra) and the Ag Fermi edge was determined to be 1.67 eV, while the interface dipole amounted to 0.69 eV. In order to find an estimate for the alignment of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) relative to the Ag Fermi edge, the HOMO/LUMO gap (2.70 eV) of Gaq 3 was determined by optical absorption measurements. The LUMO offset was estimated to be −1.04 eV.
On the functional relationship between tariffs and welfare

Abstract This paper uses a model of trade in two commodities between two countries to establish the following proposition. If the foreign offer curve has no points of inflection and if for each home rate of duty the equilibrium most favorable to the home country is selected (or else there is only one equilibrium), then as the rate of duty increases from zero, home welfare first rises then declines while foreign welfare steadily falls.
Within community vegetation structure in the conifer woodlands of the Siskiyou Mountains, Oregon

The conifer woodlands found on serpentine-derived soils in southwest Oregon, USA, are characterized by a debse but discontinuous shrub stratum and a species-rich herbaceous stratum. Quantitative analysis of shrub and herb distributions within 10 sites showed that small-scale patterns within the conifer woodland sites are as important as landscape-scale patterns in community organization. Gradient analysis was used to describe the distribution of herbaceous species with respect to gradients of shrub influence (shading, decreased soil temperature, increased soil moisture, increased litter depth) within sites and topographic moisture among sites. Regression analysis of the resulting species distributions and calculations of alpha and beta diversity showed that (a) the shrub-influence microgradient significantly affected distributions for 15 out of 20 major herbaceous species, and the topographic-moisture gradient influenced 13 out of the 20 species, (b) species richness was higher under intermediate conditions along both gradients, and (c) beta diversity within communities was 2.5 to 3.8 times the beta diversity of the site-to-site topographic-moisture gradient.
Molecular Rulers: An Assessment of Distance and Spatial Relationships of Src Tyrosine Kinase SH2 and Active Site Regions

Abstract The three-dimensional structures of the inactive conformations of Hck and Src, members of the Src protein-tyrosine kinase family, have recently been described. In both cases, the catalytic domain lies on the opposite face of the enzyme from the SH2 and SH3 domains. The active conformation of these enzymes has not yet been described. Given the known role of the SH2 and SH3 domains in promoting substrate binding, enzyme activation likely reorients the relative spatial arrangement between the SH2/SH3 domains and the active site region. We describe herein a series of “molecular rulers” and their use in assessing the topological and spatial relationships of the SH2 and active site regions of the Src protein-tyrosine kinase. These synthetic compounds contain sequences that are active site-directed (-Glu-Glu-Ile-Ile-(F5)Phe-, where (F5)Phe is pentafluorophenylalanine) and SH2-directed (-Tyr(P)-Glu-Glu-Ile-Glu-), separated by a sequence of variable length. The most potent bivalent compound, acetyl-Glu-Glu-Leu-Leu-(F5)Phe-(GABA)3-Tyr(P)-Glu-Glu-Ile-Glu-amide (where GABA is γ-aminobutyric acid), displays a >120-fold enhancement in inhibitory potency relative to the simple monovalent active site-directed species, acetyl-Glu-Glu-Leu-Leu-(F5)Phe-amide. The short linker length (3 GABA residues) between the active site- and SH2-directed peptide fragments suggests that the corresponding domains on the Src kinase can assume a nearly contiguous spatial arrangement in the active form of the enzyme.
Biocompatible, robust free-standing paper composed of a TWEEN/graphene composite

Nonspecific binding (NSB), a random adsorption of biocomponents such as proteins and bacteria on noncomplementary materials,isoneofthebiggestproblemsinbiological applications including biosensors, protein chips, surgical instruments, drug delivery, and biomedicine. Polyoxyethylene sorbitan laurate (TWEEN), a commercially available chemical with aliphatic ester chains, has shown promise as a medical material and in overcomingproblems associated withNSB. [1‐4] However,stability during solution-based processing and uniformity of the materials that have TWEEN coating on flat substrates or nanomaterials using the selfassembled-monolayer (SAM) method has been an important issue. Further, biocompatible materials with high strength are important for several medical applications including stents, nail implants, and strong invasive instruments. Here, we present the production of a free-standing ‘‘paperlike’’ material composed of TWEEN and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) platelets and obtained by simple filtration of a homogeneous aqueous colloidal suspension of TWEEN/RGO hybrid. The ‘‘TWEEN paper’’ was highly stable in water without leakage of TWEEN and is compliant and sufficiently robust to be handled by hand without breaking. Furthermore, the TWEEN paper was noncytotoxic to three mammalian cell lines and biocompatible, inhibiting nonspecific binding of Gram-positive bacteria. [5] In contrast, RGO paper without TWEEN showed nonspecific bacterial binding. TWEEN is composed ofthree chemical parts (Fig. 1a): aliphatic esterchains that can prevent NSB ofbiomolecules, three-terminal hydroxyl groups that are hydrophilic and can be chemically modified for further applications, and an aliphatic chain that can easily be adsorbed on a hydrophobic surface by noncovalent interaction. Protein microarrays on flat substrates with SAM of TWEEN [4] and highly sensitive biosensors, [1‐3] built using field-effect transistor (FET) behavior of individual carbon nanotube (CNT) strands coated with TWEEN, have demonstrated that TWEEN can be effectively used to overcome NSB.
Ceramic chip capacitors as low temperature thermometers

Abstract The results of thermal and magnetic field studies are reported for commercially available ceramic chip capacitors commonly used in hybrid microwave circuits. Capacitors with room temperature values of 51 and 45 pF have been investigated down to 4.2 K and in magnetic fields up to 9.0 T. The results show that these capacitors can be used as accurate, reproducible temperature sensors at low temperatures, especially in high magnetic fields. These capacitors also have the useful properties of small size, ease of mounting, ruggedness and low cost.
Beyond A, C, G and T: augmenting nature’s alphabet

Efforts to expand the genetic alphabet are predicated upon a stable and replicable third base pair. Recent progress has resulted in the development of several candidates that are both stable in duplex DNA and replicated by DNA polymerases with various degrees of efficiency and fidelity. The candidate base pairs draw upon unnatural hydrogen-bonding topologies as well as upon shape complementarity and hydrophobic forces. This review provides a critical comparison of the third base pair candidates and discusses the further work required to expand the genetic alphabet.
Enzymatic activity of poliovirus RNA polymerase synthesized in Escherichia coli from viral cDNA

Plasmids have been constructed that contain DNA sequences that direct the expression of the poliovirus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, in the form of recombinant fusion proteins. Inclusion of an additional gene for the poliovirus protease results in cleavage of the fusion protein to yield a 52-kDa, enzymatically active, polymerase protein, apparently identical to the functional enzyme isolated from virus-infected HeLa cells. A large amount of polymerase protein accumulates as particulate or insoluble material in bacteria, and this protein has little or no activity. However, significant amounts of soluble, active enzyme are recovered, such that the resulting specific activity of crude bacterial extracts is greater than that obtained from virus-infected HeLa cells. Purification of the enzyme from Escherichia coli is readily accomplished, and yields a preparation that will copy poliovirion RNA as template, in the presence of oligo(U) primer. The availability of cloned DNA sequences encoding catalytically active RNA polymerase will allow genetic manipulations to initiate structure-function studies of this enzyme.
Pragmatics: The Verbal Language of Learning Disabled and Nondisabled Boys

This study examined the verbal language complexity and styles of learning disabled and nondisabled boys in social interactions with an adult and with a peer to determine if LD boys' verbal language complexity and styles differed from those of non-LD boys and to determine if LD boys could adapt their verbal language complexity and styles to age of listener. Results indicated that (a) LD boys had less complex verbal language, (b) they could adjust verbal language and style to listener, and (c) both LDs and non-LDs showed particular, complementary communication styles. Findings suggest strategies for remediation and further research in pragmatics.
Predictive power of joint space models constructed with composition techniques

Abstract A comparison of different methods of building joint spaces indicates significant differences across both product classes and modeling techniques in the ability to predict preferences for validation brands. Perceptual spaces constructed with discriminant analysis combined with vector representations of preference gave the best predictions across the product clases analyzed. Also, segment-specific perceptual spaces did not, in general, improve the predictive ability of the models studied.
A comment on the evidence for learning in diptera

We find that the two reviews of dipteran learning in the September 1984 issue ofBehavior Genetics present a more optimistic view than is warranted by a close examination of their references. Also, because of the absence of adequate control experiments, we question whether successful selective breeding for learning ability in the blow fly has yet been demonstrated. Much of our criticism of the two reviews arises from their failure to distinguish between validly measuring learned behavior in individual flies and the inability to infer from group performance that a given individual has learned. We discuss an approach that can be used to measure learning in individual flies as well as in subsequent selective breeding for learning ability.
Measurement of electron-impact single-ionization cross sections of Ar8+

A crossed-electron-ion-beam experiment was used to measure the total ionization cross section for ${\mathrm{Ar}}^{8+}$ in the energy range from 50 to 600 eV. The present results are roughly in agreement with the previous measurements of Defrance et al. [Nucl. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res. B 23, 256 (1987)] above 450 eV. However, the present measurements show a significant contribution below the threshold for direct ionization. The present measurements agree with the distorted-wave calculations of Pindzola et al. [Phys. Rev. A 41, 1375 (1990)] when 3% of the incident ion beam is assumed to be in metastable states and excitation autoionization from metastable states is included.