cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Long-range atmospheric transport of cloudactive aerosol to Iceland☆

Abstract During a study of cloud-condensation nuclei (CCN), condensation nuclei (CN) and various chemical constituents of the aerosol at Irafoss, Iceland, an episode of long-range transport of CCN and pollution aerosol from Eurasia was observed. This air was enriched in CCN by factors of 2–5 and in pollution aerosol by factors of 5–10 compared to near-background air from the west Atlantic and Arctic. CCN spectra of the aged European air were enhanced primarily in the largest particles, those active at the lowest supersaturations. The CCN appeared to be explained largely by nonmarine SO=4 and some yet-unidentified constituent of the aerosol, possibly organic matter. From these results, one may predict that anthropogenic CCN can be transported throughout the Arctic in a fashion similar to that already observed for SO4=.
Fragile phase stability in ( 1 − x ) Pb ( Mg 1 ∕ 3 Nb 2 ∕ 3 O 3 ) − x Pb Ti O 3 crystals: A comparison of [001] and [110] field-cooled phase diagrams

Phase diagrams of [001] and [110] field-cooled (FC) $(1\ensuremath{-}x)\mathrm{Pb}({\mathrm{Mg}}_{1∕3}{\mathrm{Nb}}_{2∕3}{\mathrm{O}}_{3})\text{\ensuremath{-}}x\mathrm{Pb}\mathrm{Ti}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ or PMN-$x\mathrm{PT}$ $(0.15\ensuremath{\leqslant}x\ensuremath{\leqslant}0.38)$ crystals have been constructed, based on high-resolution x-ray diffraction data. Comparisons reveal several interesting findings. First, a region of abnormal thermal expansion $(c\ensuremath{\ne}a)$ above the dielectric maximum was found, whose stability range extended to higher temperatures on application of electric field $(E)$. Second, the rhombohedral $(R)$ phase of the zero-field-cooled (ZFC) state was replaced by monoclinic ${M}_{A}$ in the [001] FC diagram, but with monoclinic ${M}_{B}$ in the [110] FC. Third, the monoclinic ${M}_{C}$ phase in the ZFC and [001] FC diagram was replaced by an orthorhombic $(O)$ phase in the [110] FC diagram. Finally, in the [001] FC diagram, the phase boundary between tetragonal $(T)$ and ${M}_{A}$ phases was extended to lower PT content $(x=0.25)$; whereas in the [110] FC diagram, this extended region was entirely replaced by the $O$ phase. These results clearly demonstrate that the phase stability of PMN-$x\mathrm{PT}$ crystals is quite fragile\char22{}depending not only on modest changes in $E$, but also on the direction along which $E$ is applied.
Pyroelectric crystal neutron production in a portable prototype vacuum system

Abstract Pyroelectric crystals are being used to ionize and accelerate D 2 gas into a deuterated target to achieve D–D fusion at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). Previous results from RPI yielded up to 5.9×10 4 neutrons over one thermal cycle; however, these results were not reproducible from one experiment to another. A portable prototype vacuum system has been developed that enhances reproducibility of results. A thermal management system consisting of two thermoelectric module temperature controllers was developed to improve the reproducibility of the thermal cycle. Twenty-eight experiments were conducted over a period of three days to determine the optimum ambient gas operating pressure of the vacuum system. The optimum operating pressure was found to be 26 mTorr which is much higher than operating pressures that have been previously reported. Reproducibility of the results has been improved. At optimum pressure, five consecutive experiments yielded an average of 9×10 3 neutrons with a standard deviation of 14% for each thermal cycle. While the neutron yield is lower than previous results, increased reproducibility in a more stable vacuum environment may allow for an increase in neutron yield in the future.
Melanocytes in Development, Regeneration, and Cancer

The genes required for stem cell specification and lineage restriction during embryogenesis also play fundamental roles in adult tissue regeneration and cancer. This "development-regeneration-cancer" axis is exemplified by the vertebrate pigmentation system. Melanocytes exhibit almost unlimited self-renewal capacity during regenerative processes such as mammalian hair recoloration and zebrafish fin regeneration. Melanoma utilizes many regulatory signals and pathways required during ontogeny and regeneration. A discussion of these interconnections highlights how studies of stem cell function in embryonic and regenerative contexts can yield insights into melanoma biology.
The role of delayed childbearing in the prevention of obstetric fistulas.

Abstract Objective To examine the role of delayed childbearing in the prevention of obstetric fistulas (OFs). Methods Data on 4798 deliveries in Niger (1995–1998), 3552 in Nigeria (1996–1999), and 6789 in Tanzania (1991–1996) were analyzed with logistic regression models. Results Young maternal age and primiparous status were identified as correlates of prolonged/obstructed labor. The annual incidence of OFs in Nigeria was found to be 2.11 per 1000 births, with 9817 cases developing each year, 28% in women and girls younger than 20 years. The predicted proportion of women experiencing prolonged/obstructed labor would be reduced by 11.2% in Niger, 11.4% in Nigeria, and 13.1% in Tanzania if the risks associated with young maternal age at first delivery and primiparity were eliminated. Conclusions Community programs to educate young, newly married women about delaying childbearing until they reach physical maturity should be implemented in countries with a high incidence of OFs.
The use of radiofrequency ablation in gastrointestinal stromal tumor.

Editor: Yamanaka et al are to be congratulated on their study of radiofrequency (RF) ablation in a series of seven patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) with liver metastases (1). Two further important points can be drawn from their study and should be highlighted. The first point is that RF ablation does have a role in selected patients with metastatic GIST in the context of multimodality management. In their study, three patients did not resume imatinib after RF ablation. Importantly, each of these patients had three or fewer lesions. In patients with more widespread metastatic disease, RF ablation could potentially be performed in conjunction with systemic therapy. One advantage that RF ablation has over catheterbased intraarterial therapy (ie, chemoembolization, radioembolization) is that it allows for minimal interruption of systemic treatment. In contrast, intraarterial therapy may result in longer interruptions of systemic therapy because of potential procedure-related liver dysfunction and postembolization syndrome. RF ablation has a particular role in patients who have a solitary area of disease progression, in the context of metastatic disease that is otherwise effectively controlled by tyrosine kinase therapy. RF ablation can delay a change in systemic therapy by achieving local control at the site of solitary progression. In our previous study of 13 patients with GIST who were treated with RF ablation, 12 achieved a response at the RF ablation site, and 1 had stable disease after the first RF ablation procedure (2). The median time to progression from date of ablation to progression at the RF ablation site was 28 months (95% confidence interval undefined). The median time to progression at other sites from date of RF ablation was 26 months (95% confidence interval, 1–51). At the time of analysis, seven patients were on first-line imatinib, and a further five patients continued on first-line imatinib for a median of 11 months (range, 8–28 months) after RF ablation. We have also treated 2 GIST
House Dust Collection Efficiency of the High Volume Small Surface Sampler on Worn Carpets

The High Volume Small Surface Sampler (HVS3) is a dust-sampling vacuum that allows for set airflow and back pressure during sampling, increasing precision. Total dust collection efficiency of the HVS3 has been evaluated only on new carpets—not worn carpets. We performed a factorial study to assess the impact of carpet wear, dust deposition level, carpet type, and relative humidity during sampling on HVS3 collection efficiency. House dust was aerosolized in a 1-m3 exposure chamber and allowed to settle on test carpets and reference filters. Dust was embedded into the carpets and later extracted with the HVS3 under controlled environmental conditions according to established protocols. Overall collection efficiency was high, 88.3%. Collection efficiency was significantly higher at low relative humidity levels (30%) relative to high (75%) (p = < 0.0001), though differentially between cut-pile and closed-loop carpets. Collection efficiency of carpets with high wear was significantly lower than those with midl...
Fetal cardiac development and hemodynamics in the first trimester

Objective To describe fetal cardiac and hemodynamic development in the first trimester of pregnancy. Subjects and methods Forty-eight pregnancies were prospectively studied with transvaginal ultrasound and color Doppler. Fetal heart rate and size were documented together with the presence of inflow and outflow waveforms and valve signals. Results Heart rate and size showed a positive correlation with gestational age. At 6 weeks of gestation, 20% of the cardiac cycle was occupied by the isovolumic contraction time (ICT); the isovolumic relaxation time (IRT) occupied 16% and remained unchanged, while the ICT progressively shortened and was not measurable after 12 weeks. The peak inflow velocities had changed from monophasic to biphasic by 10 weeks of gestation. At 7 weeks of gestation, semilunar valves were detected in 10% of examinations and the atrioventricular valves in 3%. The detection rate for both valves at 12 weeks was ≥ 90%. In pregnancies that miscarried, the detection rate for both was < 25%. Conclusions The Doppler signals that characterize the heart during the first trimester suggest effective heart compliance by 12 weeks. Normal valve development can be inferred from non-invasive Doppler recordings.
Microstructure development of chars derived from high-temperature pyrolysis of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) hulls

Fast pyrolysis of biomass is a thermochemical conversion process that provides an economic production of pyrolysis oils/bio-oils. The process also results in a residual solid residue, char, that comprises carbon and mineral ash that can be a potential source of fuel or a valuable co-product. Depending on the exposure time and temperature, pyrolysis can increase the interfacial surface areas of the residual char thereby enhancing its absorptive capacity. Char residues can be used for physical or chemical absorption and as catalyst support or base material for fertilizers. The reactions that occur during char combustion or gasification are heterogeneous hence the reaction rates are microstructure dependent. Ashes from biomass derived chars can be high either in calcium or silica with the latter exceeding 90% levels in certain grain hull residues. Depending on the microstructural transformations which occur during thermal degradation of the biomass, silica-laden ashes can be a potential source of pozzolan for the construction industry. In this study, the microstructure of the chars derived from fast pyrolysis of barley-hull was studied using environmental scanning electron microscopy under low vacuum conditions. The results indicate a gradual increase in convoluted microstructure related to the superficial organization of epidermal cells, including stomata and trichomes that eventually assume the form of various morphotypes of phytoliths. Characterization of the temporal events of high temperature evolution of the hull microstructure provides practical implications of its combustion reactivities and also provides information useful for predicting potential masonry applications for the resulting ash.
Unmanned ground vehicle swarm formation control using potential fields

A novel technique is presented for organizing swarms of robots into formation utilizing artificial potential fields generated from normal and sigmoid functions. These functions construct the surface swarm members travel on, controlling the overall swarm geometry and the individual member spacing. Limiting functions are defined to provide tighter swarm control by modifying and adjusting a set of control variables forcing the swarm to behave according to set constraints, formation and member spacing. The swarm function and limiting functions are combined to control swarm formation, orientation, and swarm movement as a whole. Parameters are chosen based on desired formation as well as user defined constraints. This approach compared to others, is simple, computationally efficient, scales well to different swarm sizes, to heterogeneous systems, and to both centralized and decentralized swarm models. Simulation results are presented for a swarm of four and ten particles following circle, ellipse and wedge formations. Experimental results are also included with four unmanned ground vehicles (UGV).
Satellite SAR Remote Sensing of Great Lakes Ice Cover, Part 2. Ice Classification and Mapping

During the 1997 winter season, shipborne polarimetric backscatter measurements of Great Lakes (freshwater) ice types using the Jet Propulsion Laboratory C-band scatterometer, together with surface-based ice physical characterization measurements and environmental parameters, were acquired concurrently with Earth Resource Satellite 2 (ERS-2) and RADARSAT Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data. This polarimetric data set, composed of over 20 variations of different ice types measured at incident angles from 0° to 60° for all polarizations, was processed to radar cross-section to establish a library of signatures (look-up table) for different ice types. The library is used in the computer classification of calibrated satellite SAR data. Computer analysis of ERS-2 and RADARSAT ScanSAR images of Great Lakes ice cover using a supervised classification technique indicates that different ice types in the ice cover can be identified and mapped, and that wind speed and direction can have an influence on the classification of water as ice based on single frequency, single polarization data. Once satellite SAR data are classified into ice types, the ice map provides important and necessary input for environmental protection and management, ice control and ice breaking operations, and ice forecasting and modeling efforts.
The Efficacy of Somatic Symptoms in Assessing Depression in Older Primary Care Patients

Abstract This investigation tested the hypothesis that somatic symptoms such as reduced energy, loss of interest, and sleep disturbance are accurate indices of depression in older medical patients. The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form General Health Survey (SF-20) were administered to 90 primary care older patients of a large HMO. Exploratory factor analysis of the BDI-II identified three factors (Cognitive/Distress, Depressed Mood, and Somatic). A second-order factor analysis confirmed that all somatic items contributed to the second-order factor of depression. Item analyses also supported the consistency, severity discrimination, and classification efficiency of somatic items. These findings suggest that somatic symptoms, including fatigue, anhedonia, loss of interest, sleep disturbance, and concentration problems should be included when assessing older primary care patients for depression. Although these symptoms may be signs of physical decline, presentat...
Monte Carlo analysis of ionic polymers with cluster morphology

A computational micromechanics model applying Monte Carlo methodology has been developed to predict the equilibrium state of a single cluster of an ionomeric polymer with cluster morphology. No assumptions are made regarding the distribution of charge or the shape of the cluster. Assuming a constant solvated state, the model tracks the position of individual ions within a given cluster in response to ion-ion interaction, mechanical stiffness of the pendant chain, cluster surface energy, and external electric field loading. Expressions are developed to directly account for forces imposed on ions due to ion-cluster surface interaction. The model is applied to study the impact of counterion size. Predictions suggest that smaller counterions lead to a system which better facilitates ion transport than larger counterions. Results further suggest that, regardless of ion size, ion pairing is rarely complete; this in turn suggests that the classic assumptions will tend to under-predict electromechanical actuation response in general.
The Effect of Relative Age on Achievement in Middle School.

To determine the relationship between relative age and achievement in middle school, standardized math and reading scores for a sample of middle-class, suburban middle school students (N = 933) were examined. Analysis of variance revealed a significant difference among relative age groups in only one area, sixth-grade reading, F(2, 146) = 3.1, p < .05. There was no main effect for gender and no interaction between age and gender in sixth, seventh, or eighth grade. When the birth month of students who had repeated one or more grades was examined, it was revealed that a large percentage of these students would have been the youngest in the class when beginning school. Results suggest that a relationship between relative age and achievement may exist in the lower grades but diminishes or disappears by seventh or eighth grade because of the retention of a larger proportion of the youngest children.
Establishing long‐range connectivities in polynuclear aromatics through the use of two‐dimensional MLEV‐17‐based isotropic mixing

A method for observing long range 1H;1H coupling pathways of polynuclear aromatics using the HOHAHA (TOCSY) experiment is described. The method affords a potentially superior alternative to the more established long range optimized COSY (LRCOSY) experiment. Hexahelicene derived phenanthro[3′,4′:3,4]phenanthro[2,1-b]thiophene is employed as a model compound to demonstrate the method.
A decrease in maternal plasma concentrations of sVEGFR-2 precedes the clinical diagnosis of preeclampsia.

Objective The aim of this study was to examine if maternal plasma concentrations of soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (sVEGFR)-2 change prior to the diagnosis of preeclampsia. Study Design A longitudinal study was conducted in normal pregnant women (n = 160) and patients with preeclampsia (n = 40). Blood samples were collected at 7 gestational age intervals from 6 weeks to term. Plasma concentrations of sVEGFR-2 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Analysis was performed with cross-sectional and longitudinal (mixed effects model) approaches. Results Mothers destined to develop preeclampsia have lower plasma sVEGFR-2 concentrations than those who will have a normal pregnancy (longitudinal approach; P P = .001) or 6-10 weeks prior to the diagnosis ( P Conclusion A lower maternal plasma sVEGFR-2 concentration precedes the development of preeclampsia, both term and preterm.
Significant Association of ANKK1 and Detection of a Functional Polymorphism with Nicotine Dependence in an African-American Sample

The dopaminergic system in the brain plays a critical role in nicotine addiction. Genetic variants in the dopaminergic system, including those in dopamine receptor genes, represent plausible candidates for the genetic study of nicotine dependence (ND). We investigated various polymorphisms in the dopamine D2 receptor gene (DRD2) and its neighboring ankyrin repeats and kinase domain containing 1 gene (ANKK1) to determine whether they were associated with ND. We examined 16 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at DRD2 and 7 SNPs at ANKK1 in our Mid-South Tobacco Family cohort, which consisted of 2037 participants representing two distinct American populations. Several SNPs (rs7131056, rs4274224, rs4648318, and rs6278) in DRD2, along with the Taq IA polymorphism (rs1800497) in ANKK1, revealed initial significant associations with ND in European Americans, but not after correction for multiple testing, indicating a weak association of DRD2 with ND. In contrast, associations for ANKK1 with ND in the African-American and pooled samples, specifically for SNP rs2734849, remained significant after correction. With a non-synonymous G to A transition, rs2734849 produces an amino-acid change (arginine to histidine) in C-terminal ankyrin repeat domain of ANKK1. Using the luciferase reporter assay, we further demonstrated that the variant alters expression level of NF-κB-regulated genes. Since DRD2 expression is regulated by transcription factor NF-κB, we suspect that rs2734849 may indirectly affect dopamine D2 receptor density. We conclude that ANKK1 is associated with ND and polymorphism rs2734849 in ANKK1 represents a functional causative variant for ND in African-American smokers.
Asset Location and Integration: Several Old and New Ideas

Noting how difficult it is to making up one’s mind when it comes to designing and funding wealth transfer structures, the author proceeds to identify the numerous pitfalls that must be navigated. While being mindful of the fact that simple statements are often inappropriate when applied to the facts of a particular investor, it is possible to consider a few general principles, even though whether a particular investment, tax strategy, wealth transfer strategy, or marriage (between the two) is right for clients depends upon many personal factors and considerations. Yet, one can offer three main conclusions: Use grantor trusts to hold tax oblivious investments and, at times, to increase the income tax basis of the trust portfolio. Consider whether, post-new UBTI rules, charitable remainder trusts should hold higher weightings in hedge funds. Revisit use of charitable lead trusts (CLTs), a fertile area in which to practice asset location and integration activities.
Parvovirus B19: Characteristics, diseases and diagnosis

Abstract Parvovirus B19 is small, unenveloped, single-stranded DNA virus. It is the causative agent of fifth disease and is capable of causing severe fetal infections and illnesses in adults ranging from arthropathy to chronic anemia. It has been shown to be the cause of transient aplastic crises in patients with an underlying hemolytic disease. Detection methods for a parvovirus B19 infection include antibody serology studies; DNA-based methods, such as PCR; and various methods based on antigen detection. This review explores the basic biology of parvovirus B19 and the clinical pathologies of the human diseases it can cause. Some of the current and most popular diagnostic methods are discussed in light of which method would be the best choice for establishing diagnoses in particular clinical situations.
Ocular manifestations of drug abuse

Abuse of drugs, including some used clinically and others with no legal or clinical use, can cause ocular injury and disease. Ocular manifestations of drug abuse may be due to the substances themselves, to invasive methods of administration, or to injury suffered during states of altered consciousness. Grouping the drugs into five categories (opiates, marijuana, stimulants, depressants and hallucinogens), the authors describe the pharmacologic, congenital, toxic, infectious, embolic, and psychological ocular manifestations of their abuse.
Distribution of larval fishes related to potential navigation impacts on the upper Mississippi River, pool 7

Abstract Ichthyoplankton samples were collected twice monthly during spring and summer 1981 from a variety of habitats in Navigation Pool 7 of the upper Mississippi River. Larval-fish distributions in the pool and variations in those distributions were analyzed relative to potential impacts of increased commercial navigation. Although as many as 66 species of adults have been found in the area (33 considered common), only 17 taxa were identified from our collections. In April and May, most larvae were collected in main-channel and main-channel-border areas next to major expanses of shallow backwaters. White bass Morone chrysops, yellow perch Perca flavescens, and crappies Pomoxis spp. were predominant. Numerous catostomids also were taken. In June and July, most larvae were taken in the lower pool. Freshwater drum Aplodinotus grunniens and gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum predominated in these samples, which also included many cyprinids and centrarchids. Diel patterns of abundance varied with species and ...
Differentiating between nucleation and crystal growth in mineralizing tissues and macromolecules.

Abstract To expedite kinetic studies of nucleation, methods of distinguishing between “nucleated” and “nondashnucleated” collagen and rachitic epiphyseal cartilage were investigated. “Nucleated” rachitic cartilage or collagen was produced by preliminary exposure to a calcifying solution. In contrast to “nondashnucleated” rachitic cartilage, “nucleated” rachitic cartilage was found to calcify following (1) treatment with 1.0 mM/l of CuCl 2 for 2 hr or (2) 10 min of heating in H 2 O at 76 °C or (3) exposure to 1.0 mM/l Mg ++ and 3.0 mM iodoacetate in calcifying solution. Of these tests, only the CuCl 2 was useful for differentiating “nucleated” from “nondashnucleated” collagen. “Nondashnucleated” collagen required a minimum Ca × P of 50–60, depending on the source of the collagen, but once nucleated, these substances continued to calcify at a Ca × P of 20 or less. A commercially prepared collagen used in studies of “nucleation” behaves as if it were “pre-nucleated”. It is suggested that all organic substances employed for nucleation studies be examined for pre-existing “nuclei”.
Effect of chronic and acute 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) administration on the function and structure of cultured chromaffin cells.

Cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells were treated chronically with various concentrations of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) in the culture medium for 2-8 days or acutely for 10-15 min. Culture of cells with MPTP for periods of 2-8 days resulted in a marked loss of total cellular catecholamines and a parallel reduction in secretory response, but not the ratio of stimulated to unstimulated secretion. By the eighth day in culture, at the highest MPTP concentration (1000 ?M), cell catecholamine content and secretion were only about 10% that of untreated cells. The proportion of total cellular catecholamines secreted was not altered by MPTP, suggesting that the secretory process was unaffected by the drug. The loss of secretory output was not prevented by inhibitors of monoamine oxidase or catecholamine uptake, drugs known to prevent MPTP-induced damage to central dopaminergic neurons. The subcellular organelles of MPTP-treated cells appeared relatively normal except for extensive depletion of the vesicle contents, in agreement with the biochemical data. The severity of the depletion appeared to be lessened in cells treated with monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Short term exposure to MPTP at concentrations less than 100 ?M had little effect on secretion induced by carbachol. Higher concentrations of MPTP increased unstimulated release and reduced stimulated release. Pretreatment of the cells with MPTP resulted in a lasting reduction in their subsequent secretory responsiveness. MPTP alone, at concentrations greater than 100 ?M induced catecholamine release that was unaffected by pretreatment of the cells with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or the catecholamine uptake inhibitor desipramine. MPTP-induced secretion by intact cells was calcium-dependent, while the small increase by permeabilized cells was not.
Linguistics: Evolution and Language Change

Linguists have long identified sound changes that occur in parallel. Now novel research shows how Bayesian modeling can capture complex concerted changes, revealing how evolution of sounds proceeds.
COMPOSITION AND TASTE EVALUATION OF RICE MILLED TO DIFFERENT DEGREES

Although brown rice is more nutritious than well milled white rice, the outer seed coat contributes a definitely different flavor and texture which is disliked by many consumers. Changes in milling time and pressure in a McGill No. 3 laboratory scale rice mill gave varying degrees of bran removal (3–10%). Reduction of only small percentages of the outer bran layers yielded cooked products with a typical white rice flavor and less of the strong bran flavor and tough texture of brown rice. Samples were cooked using a standardized procedure and submitted to a panel of tasters. The average panel ranks showed no significant preference for any of the samples. However, detailed analysis of the data indicated that about half preferred the lightly milled samples and half preferred the conventional “well milled” white rice. The undermilled rice showed increased milling yields and protein, fiber, fat, vitamin and mineral levels over white rice. These factors indicate improved nutrition for consumers at a favorable price, and reduced energy consumption in the milling process.
Prognostic Significance of 5-Year PSA Value for Predicting Prostate Cancer Recurrence After Brachytherapy Alone and Combined With Hormonal Therapy and/or External Beam Radiotherapy

Purpose To analyze the prognosis and outcomes of patients who remain free of biochemical failure during the first 5 years after treatment. Methods and Materials Between 1991 and 2002, 742 patients with prostate cancer were treated with brachytherapy alone ( n = 306), brachytherapy and hormonal therapy ( n = 212), or combined implantation and external beam radiotherapy (with or without hormonal therapy; n = 224). These patients were free of biochemical failure (American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology [ASTRO] definition) during the first 5 post-treatment years and had a documented 5-year prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value. The median follow-up was 6.93 years. Results The actuarial 10-year freedom from PSA failure rate was 97% using the ASTRO definition and 95% using the Phoenix definition. The median 5-year PSA level was 0.03 ng/mL (range, 0–3.6). The 5-year PSA value was ≤0.01 in 47.7%, >0.01–0.10 in 31.1%, >0.10–0.2 in 10.2%, >0.2–0.5 in 7.82%, and >0.5 in 3.10%. The 5-year PSA value had prognostic significance, with a PSA value of ≤0.2 ng/mL ( n = 661) corresponding to a 10-year freedom from PSA failure rate of 99% with the ASTRO definition and 98% with the Phoenix definition vs. 86% (ASTRO definition) and 81% (Phoenix definition) for a PSA value ≥0.2 ng/mL ( n = 81; p Conclusion The results of this study have shown that the prognosis for patients treated with brachytherapy and who remain biochemically free of disease for ≥5 years is excellent and none developed metastatic disease during the first 10 years after treatment. The 5-year PSA value is prognostic, and patients with a PSA value
Construction and characterization of ack deleted mutant of Clostridium tyrobutyricum for enhanced butyric acid and hydrogen production.

Clostridium tyrobutyricum produces butyrate, acetate, H2, and CO2 as its main fermentation products from glucose and xylose. To improve butyric acid and hydrogen production, integrational mutagenesis was used to create a metabolically engineered mutant with inactivated ack gene, encoding acetate kinase (AK) associated with the acetate formation pathway. A non-replicative plasmid containing the acetate kinase gene (ack) fragment was constructed and introduced into C. tyrobutyricum by electroporation. Integration of the plasmid into the homologous region on the chromosome should inactivate the target ack gene and produce ack-deleted mutant, PAKEm. Enzyme activity assays showed that the AK activity in PAK-Em decreased by 50%; meanwhile, phosphotransacetylase (PTA) and hydrogenase activities each increased by 40%. The sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) results showed that the expression of protein with 32 kDa molecular mass was reduced significantly in the mutant. Compared to the wild type, the mutant grew more slowly at pH 6.0 and 37 °C, with a lower specific growth rate of 0.14 h -1 (vs 0.21 h -1 for the wild type), likely due to the partially impaired PTA-AK pathway. However, the mutant produced 23.5% more butyrate (0.42 vs 0.34 g/g glucose) at a higher final concentration of 41.7 g/L (vs 19.98 g/L) as a result of its higher butyrate tolerance as indicated in the growth kinetics study using various intial concentrations of butyrate in the media. The mutant also produced 50% more hydrogen (0.024 g/g) from glucose than the wild type. Immobilized-cell fermentation of PAK-Em in a fibrous-bed bioreactor (FBB) further increased the final butyric acid concentration (50.1 g/L) and the butyrate yield (0.45 g/g glucose). Furthermore, in the FBB fermentation at pH 5.0 with xylose as the substrate, only butyric acid was produced by the mutant, whereas the wild type produced large amounts of acetate (0.43 g/g xylose) and lactate (0.61 g/g xylose) and little butyrate (0.05 g/g xylose), indicating a dramatic metabolic pathway shift caused by the ack deletion in the mutant.
Template-based prediction of protein 8-state secondary structures

Accurately predicting protein secondary structures is important to many protein structure modeling applications. In this paper, we investigate a template-based approach to enhance 8-state secondary structure prediction accuracy. The rationale is to construct structural templates from known protein structures with certain sequence similarity. The information contained in templates is then incorporated as features with sequence, evolutionary, and heuristic information to train neural networks. Our computational results show that templates containing structural information are effective features to enhance 8-state secondary structure prediction. A 7-fold cross-validated Q8 score of 78.85% is obtained.
A longitudinal study of the order of onset of alcohol dependence and major depression.

Alcohol dependence and major depression commonly occur together; however, few studies have assessed prospectively the magnitude of the risk that one disorder imparts on the subsequent occurrence of the other. We used data from the first two waves of the Epidemiologic Catchment Area community survey (n=14 480) to estimate the odds of either major depression or alcohol dependence being followed by the other disorder after 1 year of follow-up. The odds of developing major depression associated with low, medium, and high levels of alcoholic symptoms at baseline were 1.66, 3.98, and 4.32 for females (P<0.001), and 1.19, 2.49, and 2.12 for males (P=0.026). Conversely, odds ratios indicating the 1-year follow-up risk of incident alcohol dependence within low, medium, and high categories of baseline depressive symptomatology were 2.75, 3.52, and 7.88 for females (P<0.001) and 1.50, 1.41, and 1.05 for males (P=0.091). Individuals with alcohol dependence appeared more likely to meet lifetime diagnostic criteria for both disorders after 1 year than individuals with depression. These results suggest that both alcohol dependence and major depression pose a significant risk for the development of the other disorder at 1 year.
Combined electron-hole dynamics at UV-irradiated ultrathin S i − S i O 2 interfaces probed by second harmonic generation

UV irradiation of ultrathin SiO2 on Si can lead to injection of both holes and electrons into the oxide. 4.9-eV photons lead to electron injection while 6.7-eV photons open up the hole injection channel. The holes and electrons can trap, generating electric fields of opposite signs. Second harmonic generation ~SHG! is sensitive to both the sign and magnitude of the electric field at the buried interface, revealed by opposing electric field induced second harmonic ~EFISH! generation contributions. The SHG response of UV-irradiated Si-SiO2 slowly evolves to the SHG pattern characteristic for unirradiated Si-SiO 2 . We attribute the phenomenon to combined dynamics of electrons and holes at the Si-SiO2 interface. The behavior of charge carriers, electrons and holes, at semiconductor/dielectric interfaces dictates the behavior of electronic devices. Complex dynamics of hot carriers may occur in the ultrathin SiO2 layer that comprises the ;2 ‐ 3 nm gate dielectrics in modern devices. At these thicknesses, a number of fundamental problems related to charge transport arise, e.g., dielectric reliability. 1 These problems may have significant consequences for the operation of semiconductor devices in microelectronic and optoelectronic applications. Charge traps in the Si/SiO2 system can be characterized by electric methods such as capacitance-voltage and currentvoltage measurements. 1,2 The nondestructive and in situ character of surface specific optical techniques, such as SHG, can offer temporal, spatial, and spectral resolution providing additional insight into oxide trap characterization and carrier dynamics at any optically accessible interface. 3‐7 SHG sensitivity to charge, strain, micro-roughness as well as the progress of chemical reactions on semiconductor interfaces has been demonstrated. 8‐1 9
A scheme for defining partial higher-order functions by recursion

This paper describes a scheme for defining partial higher-order functions as the least fixed points of monotone functionals. The scheme can be used to define both single functions by recursion and systems of functions by mutual recursion. The scheme is implemented in the IMPS Interactive Mathematical Proof System. The IMPS implementation includes an automatic syntactic check for monotonicity that succeeds for many common recursive definitions.
Impact of radiologic intervention on mortality in necrotizing pancreatitis: the role of organ failure.

Background Our group previously reported that organ failure and mortality in necrotizing pancreatitis (NP) are not different between patients with infected and sterile necrosis. Since that report, management of this disease has evolved to include image-guided percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) to improve morbidity and mortality. We evaluated the effect of PCD on mortality in NP. Design Retrospective analysis. Setting Tertiary care referral center. Patients A total of 689 consecutive patients treated for acute pancreatitis between 2001 and 2005, of whom 64 (9.3%) had pancreatic necrosis documented on contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Main Outcome Measures Mortality and organ failure. Results In the 64 patients with documented NP, overall mortality was 16%. Thirty-six patients (56%) had organ failure according to the Atlanta classification. Compared with patients with sterile necrosis, those with infected necrosis did not have an increased prevalence of organ failure or increased need for intubation, pressors, or dialysis but had an increased mortality. Mortality in patients treated conservatively was 1 of 29 (3%); in those with PCD alone, 6 of 11 (55%); in those with PCD and surgery, 2 of 17 (12%); and in those with surgery alone, 1 of 7 (14%). All patients treated with PCD alone had organ failure, whereas 10 (59%) of those with PCD and surgery had organ failure. Conclusion The use of PCD did not improve the mortality of NP among patients with organ failure.
PRICING SYSTEM AND THE ALLOCATION OF CONTRACTUAL METROPOLITAN POLICE SERVICES

The paper's main objective is to show that a market pricing system will, up to a certain output level, permit an economically efficient solution to the problem of allocating contractor's police services among the metropolitan political areas. But once additional police inputs succeed in establishing relatively low levels of criminal activity, the market mechanism will have a tendency to break down. A market dysfunction takes place because further increases of police services will not be able to elicit the expected decreases in crime. Failure of the market pricing system gives rise to an ancillary conclusion that other inputs besides police are needed to wage a successful battle against the rising levels of criminality.
Obesity and Inflammation: New Insights into Breast Cancer Development and Progression

The importance of inflammation in promoting carcinogenesis and tumor progression is well recognized. Chronic inflammation caused by a variety of infectious agents can lead to the development of several common malignancies. Similarly, inflammatory bowel disease is a well-known risk factor for colorectal cancer. Much less is known about the link between inflammation and the development of breast cancer. Recent data suggest that obesity causes both in-breast and systemic inflammation that contribute to the development and progression of breast cancer. This observation has potentially important implications in terms of prevention and treatment of breast cancer, especially given the rising worldwide overweight and obesity rates. Inflamed white adipose tissue (WAT) within the breast is associated with elevated levels of proinflammatory mediators, enhanced expression of aromatase (the rate-limiting enzyme for estrogen biosynthesis), and increased estrogen receptor-α (ER-α)-dependent gene expression. Systemic consequences of obesity including altered adipokine levels, elevated circulating estrogen levels, and insulin resistance are also believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. Collectively, these findings suggest a significant role for inflammation in the pathogenesis of breast cancer in obese and overweight patients.
Comparison of the Hydration and Diffusion of Protons in Perfluorosulfonic Acid Membranes with Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to determine the hydrated morphology and hydronium ion diffusion coefficients in two different perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) membranes as functions of water content. The structural and transport properties of 1143 equivalent weight (EW) Nafion, with its relatively long perfluoroether side chains, are compared to the short-side-chain (SSC) PFSA ionomer at an EW of 977. The separation of the side chains was kept uniform in both ionomers consisting of −(CF2)15− units in the backbone, and the degree of hydration was varied from 5 to 20 weight % water. The MD simulations indicated that the distribution of water clusters is more dispersed in the SSC ionomer, which leads to a more connected water-channel network at the low water contents. This suggests that the SSC ionomer may be more inclined to form sample-spanning aqueous domains through which transport of water and protons may occur. The diffusion coefficients for both hydronium ions and water mole...
A slope-dependent disjoining pressure for non-zero contact angles

A thin liquid film experiences additional intermolecular forces when the film thickness h is less than roughly 100 nm. The effect of these intermolecular forces at the continuum level is captured by the disjoining pressure Π. Since Π dominates at small film thicknesses, it determines the stability and wettability of thin films. To leading order, Π = Π(h) because thin films are generally uniform. This form, however, cannot be applied to films that end at the substrate with non-zero contact angles. A recent ad hoc derivation including the slope h x leads to Π = Π(h, h x ), which allows non-zero contact angles, but it permits a contact line to move without slip. This work derives a new disjoining-pressure expression by minimizing the total energy of a drop on a solid substrate. The minimization yields an equilibrium equation that relates Π to an excess interaction energy E = E(h, h x ). By considering a fluid wedge on a solid substrate, E(h, h x ) is found by pairwise summation of van der Waals potentials. This gives in the small-slope limit Π = B h 3 (α 4 - h 4 x + 2hh 2 xh xx ), where a is the contact angle and B is a material constant. The term containing the curvature h xx is new; it prevents a contact line from moving without slip. Equilibrium drop and meniscus profiles are calculated for both positive and negative disjoining pressure. The evolution of a film step is solved by a finite-difference method with the new disjoining pressure included; it is found that h xx = 0 at the contact line is sufficient to specify the contact angle.
Increasing the luminosity with the beam-beam interaction luminosity monitor

At the Cornell Electron/positron Storage Ring CESR, a fast luminosity monitor has been implemented. The monitor works by measuring the amplitude of oscillation of a given bunch while the corresponding opposing bunch is shaken. A disadvantage with the luminosity monitor is that the monitor signal, besides being a measure of the luminosity, is also dependent upon other factors such as the vertical tune and the vertical beta function at the IP. To overcome this deficiency, a software program has been developed to give a normalized signal that only depends upon the specific luminosity. In HEP conditions, this normalized signal is used as input to an "optimizer" program that automatically varies machine parameters to keep the luminosity at a maximum.
Ligand diffusion, receptor binding, and internalization: Zeroth‐order kinetics

The exact, analytical solution for steady-state diffusion and zeroth-order surface reaction at a cell-wall chemoreceptor site is presented. Following Berg (1993), and others, the receptor is modeled as a chemically active circular site on an impermeable, inert cell wall. Explicit values of the dimensionless site-specific rate constant mark the regions of chemical-, transitional- and diffusion-controlled kinetics. Particularly when the Michaelis-Menten constant is small relative to the ligand bulk concentration, this simple form of the receptor-site reaction current should provide a useful model for cell growth-factor internalization, nutrient uptake, and certain cellular signaling behaviors. Various biophysical conditions that cause site mass-transport resistance in cellular site-reaction kinetic processes are discussed.
FREEZE PEELING IMPROVES QUALITY OF TOMATOES

SUMMARY— A process of peeling tomatoes using low temperature-short time freezing was perfected. Liquid nitrogen (BP-196°C was used as the refrigerant for freezing the skin and only a thin layer of cells just beneath the skin. The fruit was immediately thawed, after which the skin was quickly and easily removed from the fruit. Liquid nitrogen-peeled samples were evaluated for loss of peel and trim, as well as lycopene and carotene in the peeling process and these losses compared with samples peeled in boiling water. The losses in peel and trim were reduced by approximately 50%, and significantly less lycopene was lost by nitrogen peeling. The peel and trim of fall tomatoes had a greater amount of lycopene and carotene than spring tomatoes. The nitrogen-peeled samples were canned without additives, with sodium chloride and with calcium chloride added and compared with samples peeled with boiling water. There was a decrease in the percentage of broken fruit in the canned tomatoes peeled by liquid nitrogen. Titratable acidity and °Brix were higher and pH was lower in these samples. Color of the homogenized canned product was not statistically different; however, the nitrogen-peeled tomatoes had a better visual color. The calcium chloride added-nitrogen-peeled samples possessed a higher degree of firmness than the comparably treated boiling-water-peeled samples, indicating that the nitrogen-peeled tomatoes utilized the added calcium to a greater extent in firming.
Reducing Base Reactions With Gyroscopic Actuation of Space-Robotic Systems

In this paper, control-moment gyroscopes (CMGs) are proposed as actuators for a spacecraft-mounted robotic arm to reduce reaction forces and torques on the spacecraft base. With the established kinematics and dynamics for a CMG robotic system, numerical simulations are performed for a general CMG system with an added payload. The analysis of an added payload's effects on otherwise reactionless CMG systems motivates the examination of possible operations concepts to reduce base reactions and power consumption. Simulation results for an example closed-loop maneuver show that base reactions can be significantly reduced, or even eliminated, with CMG actuation while using the same amount of power as a robotic system driven by conventional joint motors.
Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in patients aged ≥90 years

Abstract This report describes the acute and intermediate-term results of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) performed on all patients aged ≥90 years at the time of PTCA over a 6.5-year time frame at 7 high-volume academic institutions.