cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Contextural Aspect for the Structure of Architectural Systems

In a heuristic educational environ possessing a holistic philosophy to problem definition, it is intrinsic to establish a teaching/learning setting for building design that investigates the interconnectedness of the physio-psychological behavioral criteria of the architectural place with its contiguous environment. The emphasis upon human behavioral comfort and the uniqueness of the characteristics and determinants of each site contributes to the excitement of the learning sequence.
Long-term experience with liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma

The effect of the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) system on the post-transplant survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been fully elucidated. Our objective is to review the results of liver transplantation (LT) for HCC at the Massachusetts General Hospital over a period of 12 years, with special emphasis on the effect of the MELD system. A retrospective review of 73 patients who underwent liver transplantation for HCC between 1995 and 2007. Outcome measures included demographics, tumor stage at explant, patient survival, and tumor recurrence. On pathologic review of the explanted liver, 12.3% of patients were classified as stage I; 42.5% as stage II, 21.9% as stage III, and 23.3% as stage IV. The overall actual survival rate was 85% at 1 year, 82% at 3 years, 73% at 5 years, and 66% at 10 years. Overall tumor recurrence was 11%. Survival rates were higher after the MELD system (5 year survival 60% before MELD vs. 85% after MELD). Recurrence decreased from 21% to 7.5%. We showed improved survival for HCC after LT over the last 12 years, and especially improved survival and decreased recurrence in the time since the implementation of the MELD system.
Does a family history of cancer increase the risk for postmenopausal endometrial carcinoma? A prospective cohort study and a nested case-control family study of older women

BACKGROUND As part of the hereditary nonpolyposis colon carcinoma (HNPCC) constellation of neoplasia caused by defects in mismatch repair genes, some endometrial carcinomas are known to have a genetic contribution to etiology. However, most endometrial carcinomas occur in postmenopausal women, presumably without the HNPCC defect. Consequently, the genetic contribution to these cases is unclear. The objective of this study was to determine whether family history of cancer is a risk factor for endometrial carcinoma in older women. METHODS The authors analyzed incident endometrial carcinoma data, as well as data on family history of various cancers in first-degree relatives, from a cohort of 24,848 postmenopausal Iowa women ages 55–69 years who were cancer free at baseline in 1986. Because a positive family history is dependent on many factors, including the age of the patient, the number of relatives, and the distribution of other risk factors in relatives, the authors also conducted a nested case–control study on family members of 95 patients with endometrial carcinoma diagnosed during 1988–1989 and 91 cancer free controls who were chosen randomly from subjects matched for age (±1 year). RESULTS During 10 years of follow-up of the cohort, 322 incident endometrial carcinoma cases occurred. Women who reported a positive family history of cancer overall or at any specific site (e.g., the endometrium, colon, or breast) were not at increased risk for endometrial carcinoma. Adjustment for potential confounders, such as age, obesity, parity, oral contraceptive use, and estrogen replacement therapy, did not alter these results. Analysis of the family members of the cases and controls produced little evidence to suggest that this lack of association between family history and endometrial carcinoma could be explained by unequal distribution of known risk factors among relatives. Case family members were slightly older than control family members, but no significant differences were found in body mass index (kg/m2), age at menarche, age at menopause, or number of pregnancies. Relation to a case or control was not associated with increased risk of endometrial, ovarian, breast, or colon carcinoma for family members. Controlling for a variety of potential confounders did not alter the results. CONCLUSIONS No evidence was found that genetics contribute to the risk of postmenopausal endometrial carcinoma for women with no personal cancer history. Cancer 1999;85:2444–9. © 1999 American Cancer Society.
Use of alprenolol in acute cardiac arrhythmias.

Abstract Alprenolol, a new beta adrenergic receptor blocking agent, was evaluated as an antiarrhythmic drug in 49 patients with 78 episodes of premature contractions or tachyarrhythmias of supraventricular or ventricular origin. A clinically and statistically significant reduction in frequency of premature contractions was obtained. In addition, a clinically and statistically significant reduction in ventricular rate occurred in those patients with tachyarrhythmias. No severe adverse effects were noted during the study. The results indicate that alprenolol can be used safely and effectively in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias occurring during acute myocardial infarction. Congestive heart failure was not considered a contraindication when it was judged clinically that the arrhythmia aggravated the heart failure.
Serratia Endocarditis in a Pediatric Burn Patient: Cure With Cefotaxime

A 7-year-old girl sustained a 62% third-degree burn. Serratia marcescens bacteremia and endocarditis subsequently developed. This infection was refractory to standard single and combination antimicrobial therapy. Sterilization of her bloodstream, with resolution of her tricuspid vegetations was achieved with cefotaxime sodium (HR 756), a new third-generation cephalosporin that has excellent activity against Serratia sp. ( JAMA 1981;246:983-984)
Goldfish (Carassius auratus) vitellogenin: Induction, isolation, properties and relationship to yolk proteins

Abstract 1. 1. A chromatographic procedure for isolating intact, highly purified vitellogenin from the plasma of the goldfish, Carassius auratus, is described. 2. 2. Vitellogenin is normally present in the plasma of females during the breeding season, but is not found in males; however, estradiol-17β induces the appearance of vitellogenin in male plasma. 3. 3. Native (dimeric_ goldfish vitellogenin has a molecular weight of about 380,000 and contains 15.4% protein-nitrogen and 0.79% protein-phosphorus; amino acid profiles were compared for vitellogenins from goldfish, Salmo gairdneri and Xenopus laevis. 4. 4. At least three polypeptides, ranging in molecular weight from 140,000 to 147,000, were identified by sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis of vitellogenin; native (dimeric) vitellogen is comprised of two such polypeptides together with approx 20% lipid. 5. 5. Native goldfish yolk protein consists of a lipovitellin and a phosvitin fraction; the former yields one class of at least two large polypeptides ( mol. wt = 105,000 and 110,000 ) and another class of up to four small polypeptides ( mol. wt = 19,000–25,000 ) on sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis, while the phosvitin fraction yields at least two polypeptides ( mol. wt = 7600 and 14,500 ) on Sephadex-gel filtration. 6. 6. In this teleostean species, multiple vitellogenin polypeptides are apparently processed into multiple yolk protein polypeptides within the growing oocyte.
A 10μA on-chip electrochemical impedance spectroscopy system for wearables/implantables

This work proposes a new time-domain integration method to realize Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). Unlike traditional EIS systems which use a quadrature sinusoid stimulus, we propose a low-frequency, low-amplitude sinusoid stimulus, which is realized through a sinusoid DAC without the need for analog filter. The error caused by harmonic generation can be suppressed through integration in detection. The response current is sensed by a switched capacitor integrator with control synchronized with sinusoid DAC. The integration output is sampled and digitized by an 8-bit SAR ADC. The (1×1.1)mm2 prototype is fabricated in a 130nm CMOS process. It consumes 10μA from a 1.2V supply.
Cathodic stripping analysis complicated by adsorption processes: Determination of 2-thiouracil at a rotating silver disk electrode

Abstract A new method of interpretation of cathodic stripping peak current data is proposed where slow adsorption/desorption of the solution species to be determined is involved. Mechanisms of processes taking place during deposition and stripping steps which are complicated by adsorption/desorption are considered. As an example of such a system, the electrodeposition and stripping of a 2-thiouracil silver compound at the rotating silver disk electrode have been investigated at physiological pH=7.2. Two concentration regions for the determination of 2-thiouracil, which appear in nature as a pyrimidine base of nucleic acid, have been found. The first region involves microphase deposition which occurs if the total charge passed through the electrode during cathodic stripping of the most easily removed material is less than 70 μC/cm2. The second region, for charges greater than 200 μC/cm2, corresponds to macrophase stripping. The effect of concentration, potential sweep rate, rotation speed, deposition potential and other parameters on the shape and height of the stripping peaks have been determined. The lowest concentration of 2-thiouracil determined was 6×10−8 mol/dm3.
Synthesis of functionalized polycarbosilanes via One-Pot ADMET polymerization-macromolecular substitution

Three substituted unsaturated polycarbosilanes were prepared from the same parent using a two-step, one-pot ADMET polycondensation−nucleophilic substitution route. Condensation metathesis of di(4-p...
Dynamics of femtosecond laser-induced breakdown in water from femtoseconds to microseconds

Using time-resolved imaging and scattering techniques, we directly and indirectly monitor the breakdown dynamics induced in water by femtosecond laser pulses over eight orders of magnitude in time. We resolve, for the first time, the picosecond plasma dynamics and observe a 20 ps delay before the laser-produced plasma expands. We attribute this delay to the electron-ion energy transfer time.
On the cone of nonnegative circuits

We discuss three equivalent formulations of a theorem of Seymour on nonnegative sums of circuits of a graph, and present a different (but not shorter) proof of Seymour's resut.
The effects of molecular reorientation on the absorption of intense light by organic-dye solutions

Abstract Equations are presented for the spectral and orientational distribution of unexcited dye molecules in the field of an intense giant laser pulse. The solute dye molecules are linear oscillators that may be broadened either homogeneously or inhomogeneously, and may reorient by sudden jumps over large angles or by small angular steps (brownian rotational motion). The equations are employed to analyze the intensity dependence of fluorescence polarization observed by Mourou and Denariez-Roberge for the system cryptocyanine-glycerin. Their data are consistent with an excited-state deactivation time T 1 = 0.4 ± 1.0 ns and a rotational diffusion constant D = 20/ T 1 = 5.0 × 10 9 s −1
The role of grafted skin in the regeneration of x-irradiated axolotl limbs.

Abstract The primary aim of these experiments was to follow the cells descended from limb skin through the process of limb regeneration to determine what range of differentiations these cells may assume. Triploid hindlimb or forelimb skin was grafted to the denuded thighs of diploid host axolotls that had previously received 3000 R of X irradiation across both hindlimbs and the intervening pelvic area. The host limbs were then amputated through their grafts and permitted to regenerate. Cartilage, perichondrium, joint connective tissue, general connective tissue, dermis, and epidermis were present in all the regenerated limbs, but only 10% of the regenerates contained muscle. Tabulation of nucleolar numbers showed that the majority of cells in each regenerated tissue originated from the grafted skin. A strong correlation was demonstrated between the forelimb or hindlimb origin of the skin grafts and the number of digits regenerated.
Ultrasensitive stain for proteins in polyacrylamide gels shows regional variation in cerebrospinal fluid proteins

A new silver stain for electrophoretically separated polypeptides can be rapidly and easily used and can detect as little as 0.01 nanogram of protein per square millimeter. When employed with two-dimensional electrophoresis, it should permit qualitative and quantitative characterization of protein distributions in body fluids and tissues. It has been used to demonstrate regional variations in cerebrospinal fluid proteins.
Part Time Versus Full Time Teaching of Dermatology, with Special Reference to Research1

In his presidential address at the First Annual Meeting of the Society for Investigative Dermatology in 1938, Dr. George M. MacKee (1) stated that one of the main objectives of the organization is to coordinate and correlate investigative work that relates to the skin. Since that time, three presidents, namely Stokes (2), Weidman (3) and Beerman (4) have presented papers discussing investigative problems in dermatology and syphilology.
Thresholds for high-cycle fatigue in a turbine engine Ti–6Al–4V alloy

Abstract The characterization of critical levels of microstructural damage that can lead to fatigue-crack propagation under high-cycle fatigue loading conditions is a major concern for the aircraft industry with respect to the structural integrity of turbine engine components. The extremely high cyclic frequencies characteristic of in-flight loading spectra necessitate that a damage-tolerant design approach be based on a crack-propagation threshold, Δ K TH . The present study identifies a practical lower-bound large-crack threshold under high-cycle fatigue conditions in a Ti–6Al–4V blade alloy (with ∼60% primary α in a matrix of lamellar α+β). Lower-bound thresholds are measured by modifying standard large-crack propagation tests to simulate small-crack behavior. These techniques include high load-ratio testing under both constant- R and constant- K max conditions, performed at cyclic loading frequencies up to 1 kHz and R -ratios up to 0.92. The results of these tests are compared to the near-threshold behavior of naturally-initiated small cracks, and to the crack initiation and early growth behavior of small cracks emanating from sites of simulated foreign object damage.
Determination of atmospheric and surface parameters from simulated AIRS/AMSU/HSB sounding data: Retrieval and cloud clearing methodology

Abstract New state of the art methodology is described to analyze AIRS/AMSU/HSB data in the presence of multiple cloud formations. The methodology forms the basis for the AIRS Science Team algorithm which will be used to analyze AIRS/AMSU/HSB data on EOS PM1. The cloud clearing methodology requires no knowledge of the spectral properties of the clouds. The basic retrieval methodology is general and extracts the maximum information from the radiances, consistent with the channel noise covariance matrix. The retrieval methodology minimizes the dependence of the solution on the first guess field and does not require modelling or knowledge of the first guess error characteristics. Results are shown for AIRS Science Team simulation studies with multiple cloud formations. These simulation studies imply that temperature soundings can be produced under partial cloud cover with RMS errors better than 1°K in 1 km thick layers from the surface to 700 mb, 1 km layers from 700 mb to 300 mb, 3 km layers from 300 mb to 30 mb, and 5 km layers from 30 mb to 1 mb, and moisture profiles can be obtained with an accuracy of about 10% absolute errors in 1 km layers from the surface to 200 mb.
Transketolase Is a Major Protein in the Mouse Cornea

Earlier experiments in this laboratory identified a highly expressed 65-68-kDa protein in both mouse and human corneas (Cuthbertson, R. A., Tomarev, S. I., and Piatigorsky J. (1992) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 89, 4004-4008). Here, we demonstrate that this protein is transketolase (TKT; EC 2.2.1.1), an enzyme in the nonoxidative branch of the pentose-phosphate pathway, based on peptide and cDNA isolation and sequence analysis of mouse cornea protein and RNA samples, respectively. While expressed at low levels in a number of tissues, the 2.1-kilobase TKT mRNA was expressed at a 50-fold higher level in the adult mouse cornea. The area of most abundant expression was localized to the cornea epithelial cell layer by in situ hybridization. Western blot analysis confirmed TKT protein abundance in the cornea and indicated that TKT may comprise as much as 10% of the total soluble protein of the adult mouse cornea. Soluble cornea extracts exhibited a correspondingly high level of TKT enzymatic activity. TKT expression increased progressively through cornea maturation, as shown by Northern blot, in situ hybridization, Western blot, and enzymatic analyses. TKT mRNA and protein were expressed at low levels in the cornea prior to eye opening, while markedly increased levels were observed after eye opening. Taken together, these observations suggest that TKT may be a cornea enzyme-crystallin, and suggest that the crystallin paradigm and concept of gene sharing, once thought to be restricted to the lens, apply to other transparent ocular tissues.
Description of the LINK system used for MUC-4

The University of Michigan's natural language processing system, called LINK, is a unification-based system which we have developed over the last four years. Prior to MUC-4, LINK had been used to extract information from free-form texts in two narrow application domains. One application corpus contained terse descriptions of symptoms displayed by malfunctioning automobiles, and the repairs which fixed them. The other corpus described sequences of activities to be performed on an assembly line. In empirical testing in these two domains, LINK correctly processed 70% of previously unseen descriptions. A template was counted as correct only if all of the fillers in the template were filled correctly. In addition, LINK generated incomplete (but not incorrect) templates for another 15% of the descriptions.
Oxalate uptake by everted sacs of rat colon. Regional differences and the effects of pH and ricinoleic acid

Hyperoxaluria is a complication of disorders associated with steatorrhea. The colon is the presumed site of enhanced oxalate absorption in patients with steatorrhea. We performed studies of colonic mucosal oxalate uptake in everted sacs of rat colon to determine the kinetics of colonic oxalate transport and to evaluate the effect of both pH and ricinoleic acid, a hydroxy fatty acid, on colonic oxalate uptake. Our study demonstrated that oxalate is transported throughout the colon by passive diffusion. Tissue uptake increased linearly with increasing oxalate concentrations and was unaffected by metabolic inhibitors, oxygen deprivation, or temperature changes. There were pH-dependent regional differences of oxalate uptake both in the presence and absence of ricinoleic acid. In the absence of ricinoleic acid, the highest oxalate uptake occurred at the lower pH values (5.4 and 6.4). In the presence of ricinoleic acid oxalate uptake was enhanced at the higher pH values (7.4 and 8.4); a finding most likely related to decreased solubility of ricinoleic acid at pH 5.4 and 6.4. Intraluminal pH is an important determinant of colonic oxalate uptake in the presence and absence of ricinoleic acid.
Factors Affecting Broiler Breeder Performance. 5. Effects of Preproduction Feeding Regimens on Reproductive Performance

Three preproduction feeding regimens were used to determine their effects on reproductive performance of broiler breeder females. Three hundred 16-week-old Arbor Acre females were divided into three treatment groups. Treatment 1 was placed on full feed at 17 weeks of age and remained on this schedule for 5 weeks. At 22 weeks of age they were placed on a diet consisting of 136 g of feed per bird per day and remained on this schedule until the experiment was terminated at 60 weeks of age. Treatments 2 and 3 reached peak feed intake at 26 and 30 weeks of age, respectively. Age at maturity, eggs per hen housed, and feed conversion were significantly affected by preproduction feeding regimens. Treatment 1 matured significantly earlier than Treatments 2 and 3; however, feed conversion was significantly higher (grams of feed per egg) than in Treatments 2 and 3. In general, shell quality; and egg weights were lower in Treatment 1 than in Treatments 2 and 3 throughout most of the experiment. There were no differences in shell quality or egg weights between Treatments 2 or 3. There was a significant difference in egg production among all treatments at the 60-week production period, Treatment 1 being the lowest and Treatment 3 being the highest.
Stereoselective synthesis of a novel carbamoyl oxybiotin

Abstract Utilizing an l -serine derived enantiopure aminobutenolide as a chiral template, an efficient synthesis of a doubly modified novel biotin analog has been achieved. In view of the renewed interest in understanding the various biological roles of biotin, the title analog could provide some as yet unreported structure–activity relationship information on this important vitamin.
Towards Cost-competitive Solar Towers – Energy Cost Reductions based on Decoupled Solar Combined Cycles (DSCC)

Abstract A preliminary analysis of the potential for cost reduction of the innovative decoupled combined cycle concept for Solar Towers was presented in SolarPACES 2012 [1] . This work has been continued with a more detailed analysis of the cost-competitiveness of the decoupled solar combined cycle (DSCC) concept and is presented in this paper. Solar towers that use a combined Brayton – Rankine cycle, in which the Brayton cycle is decoupled from the Rankine cycle by means of the thermal storage system, have shown up as a cost-effective alternative due to their increased flexibility in the design and operation leading to better efficiencies and reduced costs. This paper is focused in the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) reduction that can be achieved by a mid-scale DSCC Solar Tower plant based mainly on already existing components and concepts, alongside simple and short term technological developments. Since today's costs of medium size gas turbines are very competitive, while the specific cost of steam turbines still decreases significantly with size, this paper presents the analysis of a multi-tower system using several small Brayton cycles feeding a single oil-based storage system that, in turn, is used to drive a superheated Rankine cycle in a decoupled way (Fig. 1). This paper presents a stochastic analysis of the cost and performance of the proposed DSCC plant by providing probabilistic cost and efficiency distributions to the most sensitive figures. The results obtained show that the DSCC concept has the potential to achieve cost reductions in the LCOE in the order of 25% with a probability greater than 90%, based upon short term technological developments and adaptations.
Facile Resolution OF N-tert-Butoxy-Carbonyl Amino Acids: The Importance of Enantiomeric Purity in Peptide Synthesis

Abstract Twenty five pairs of N-tert-butoxycarbonyl (N-t-Boc) protected racemic amino acids were separated using a hydroxypropyl derivatized β-cyclodextrin bonded phase column in the reversed-phase mode. Most of the N-t-Boc-amino acids are base-line separated in 30 minutes or less. The retention behavior, the effect of structure on chiral recognition, and the effect of mobile phase composition are discussed. It was found there is a maximum resolution value when the mobile phase contains from 5% to 10% acetonitrile (or ∼20% methanol) for many of the N-t-Boc-amino acids. Others were found to resolve better with acetonitrile concentrations between 90–97%. It was found that the higher the pH, the shorter the retention and the better the resolution. The optimum concentration of buffer solution was 1% triethylammonium acetate. N-t-Boc-amino acids are used extensively in peptide synthesis. Relatively small enantiomeric impurities in these starting materials can translate into peptide products containing signific...
Seasonal variabilities in the distribution of the microclimatic factors and evapotranspiration in a shortgrass steppe

Ecosystem models designed to simulate the long-term dynamics of soil-vegetation-atmosphere interactions require information on the properties of the land surface and the temporal pattern of the microclimate variables. This paper describes the seasonal distributions of microclimatic factors in a semi-arid shortgrass steppe and a potential method for estimating evapotranspiration in sparse vegetation. The shortgrass steppe is located in the piedmont of north-central Colorado. Microclimate measurements were taken between 1986 and 1989. Precipitation showed wide variability between the years and could significantly account for the seasonal differences in growth and biomass yield of the native vegetation. Small (0.5 cm or less) precipitation (rain and/or dew) events, determined from the positive increments in hourly lysimeter measurements, contribute 8–10% to the total annual precipitation at the site. The total net radiation (Rn) was found to be 47% of the total incident solar radiation. The ratio of surface soil heat flux to Rn (GsRn) was found uniformly equal to 0.167 during the vegetated season (April–October). Midday sensible heat flux (H) was found to be linearly related to the difference between the temperatures of the soil measured at 0.025 m depth and the air above the canopy. The ratio of H and Rn taken at midday was found to be linearly proportional to the ratio of the daily totals of H and Rn. A method for estimating daily evapotranspiration (ETday) based on the energy balance approach was developed. This method was found suitable for estimating ETday in the shortgrass steppe under high soil moisture conditions and/or on days following rainfall. For potential application of this method of estimating ETday to dry soil conditions, integration of plant transpiration controls into the ETday equation is suggested.
A transferable nonorthogonal tight-binding scheme for germanium

A minimal-parameter tight-binding theory incorporating explicit use of nonorthogonality of the basis is used to generate a transferable scheme for germanium. Good results are obtained for high-pressure bulk phases and vibrational frequencies. Diamond structure is found to be the ground state even when compared with the clathrate structure. The results for clusters show good agreement with ab initio predictions.
Decentralized constraint enforcement using reference governors

This paper presents an application of reference governors to decentralized constrained systems that consist of multiple connected subsystems. Our approach is based on developing a reference governor for each subsystem and ensuring constraint satisfaction for a tightened set of constraints. In such a way, constraints are handled locally on a subsystem level but ensure constraint-admissibility for the entire system. This research is motivated by its potential use for distributed control of aircraft engines and we report an aircraft engine example to illustrate the theory. We also consider the case of large-scale systems and develop results that do not require the reconstruction of the full state of the plant in each of the subsystems. An example based on interconnected mass-spring-damper systems illustrates the results.
Transducing the Dpp Morphogen Gradient in the Wing of Drosophila: Regulation of Dpp Targets by brinker

Abstract Dpp, a TGFβ, organizes pattern in the Drosophila wing by acting as a graded morphogen, activating different targets above distinct threshold concentrations. Like other TGFβs, Dpp appears to induce transcription directly via activation of a SMAD, Mad. However, here we demonstrate that Dpp can also control gene expression indirectly by downregulating the expression of the brinker gene, which encodes a putative transcription factor that functions to repress Dpp targets. The medial-to-lateral Dpp gradient along the anterior–posterior axis is complemented by a lateral-to-medial gradient of Brinker, and the presence of these two opposing gradients may function to allow cells to detect small differences in Dpp concentration and respond by activating different target genes.
Evolution of graphene mediated magnetic coupling between Fe-chains

Abstract First principles electronic structure studies on the structure, stability, and magnetic coupling of Fe-chains at the zigzag edges of graphene ribbons have been carried out within a gradient-corrected density functional formalism. Our studies indicate that Fe sites in the chain undergo a structural rearrangement into Fe–Fe pairs. The Fe sites within a given chain are ferromagnetically aligned, but chains across the ribbon have an antiferromagnetic ground state. Studies on ribbons of increasing width show that the energy difference between magnetic states decreases with increasing width attaining a value of only 8.9 meV per unit cell for chains separated by 2 nm.
Consolidation of the packing material in chromatographic columns under dynamic axial compression IV. Mechanical properties of some packing materials

Dynamic axial compression columns were packed with three C18 silica materials used as statinalry phases in preparative chromatography, one made of irregular and two of spherical particles. Measurements of column lenght vs. time and axial compression pressure, obtained for several columns, have been previously reported. These results are discussed here in terms of packing density, internal porosity, and external porosity, as allowed by the use of independent measurements of the density of the silica skeleton and the pore volume. The compressibilities and Young moduli of the columns are calculated and compared to results obtained in soils mechanics for various soil types. The results indicate that the preparative columns packed with silica particles exhibit a behavior intermediate between that of uniform fine and medium-sized sands. The angular silica material exhibits higher compressibility than both spherical silica materials on first compression. Upon recompression, one of the spherical silicas studied exhibits high compressibility and thus elasticity, suggesting a looser packing structure than the other spherical material; this is supported by calculation of the external porosities of the two materials. Results with respect to the kinetic theory of consolidation in soils mechanics are also presented.
Proton Conduction in 1H-1,2,3-triazole Polymers: Imidazole-Like or Pyrazole-Like?

Proton transport (PT) plays an important role in many biological processes as well as in materials for renewable energy devices. Gaining insights into functional group requirements for PT would aid the design of new materials that provide enhanced proton conduction. In this report, we outline our efforts to understand the most probable proton conduction pathway in 1H-1,2,3-triazole systems. In triazole-based systems, both imidazole- and pyrazole-like pathways are possible. By systematically comparing structurally analogous polymers based on N-heterocycles and benz-N-heterocycles, we find that the imidazole-like pathway makes a significant contribution to the proton transfer in 1H-1,2,3-triazole systems, while the contribution from pyrazole-like pathway is negligible.
Modern mass spectrometry for coatings

For the analysis of polymers soft ionization mass spectrometry, in which only molecular ions are observed, can provide the complete distribution of chains (length, composition, end-groups) in under ten minutes on microgram quantities of material. Moreover, molecular ion information of neat organic pigments or those present in crosslinked networks can also be furnished. No other analytical technique can supply these data in such a short time. The application of mass spectrometry to the characterization of materials used in today's high performance automotive coatings is presented. These include functional monomers, several acrylic copolymers, organic pigments and an epoxide prepolymer. While there are a variety of mass spectrometric techniques, in this paper we will highlight the techniques that we have found useful for the characterization of organic coating components. The selection of the mass spectrometric technique is dictated by the molecular weight of the material and to a lesser extent the chemical composition. We used potassium ionization of desorbed species (K + IDS) performed on a quadrupole mass spectrometer for materials under 1000 Daltons (Da). However, many of the ingredients used in current automotive finishes fall between 1000 and 10000 Da. For these materials we used a Fourier transform mass spectrometer (FTMS) which is well suited for this mass range and boasts the highest resolution and mass accuracy available. Direct desorption/ionization using a carbon dioxide laser is our standard method of sample introduction. Recently, we coupled a gel permeation chromatograph to our FTMS using an electrospray ionization interface. This hyphenated technique offers one of the most powerful characterization methods for the coatings chemist.
Economic interdependence and common stochastic trends: A comparative analysis between EMU and non-EMU stock markets

Abstract Whether economic interdependence among countries is a contributing factor to cointegration and common stochastic trends in international stock markets is indiscernible due to contradictory results from prior empirical work. This study aims to add clarity to this issue through a more distinct grouping of countries and methodological enhancements. A comparative analysis of cointegration is conducted between stock market price indices of major Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and non-EMU countries. The conventional Johansen methodology is augmented with several diagnostic techniques (that have not been all inclusive in previous studies) to ensure the robustness of test results. Major findings pertinent to investors and policymakers are that economic interdependence appears to be the important contributing factor and that the U.S. stock market does not exert influences on long-run performances of other included stock markets. Furthermore, while the UK is not an EMU member, it may be viewed as a quasi EMU participant due to its stock market being cointegrated with and yet one of the common stochastic trends (besides those of Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands) within the EMU stock markets under investigation.
A pot study investigating the relationship between tree mulch decomposition and nutrient element availability

Abstract Studies of the relationship of tree mulch decomposition, nutrient element release and uptake by beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were conducted in excavated compartments. Treatments consisted of single and mixed species combinations of freshly cut biomass additions from the following tropical leguminous trees: 1) Calliandra calothrysus, 2) Gliricidia sepium, 3) Inga edulis, 4) Inga edulis and Calliandra calothrysus, and 5) Inga edulis and Gliricidia sepium. We measured resin‐extractable phosphorus (P), mineral nitrogen (N), nutrient uptake by beans, and bean biomass during sequential harvesting. The Calliandra treatment had significantly higher bean biomass by day 34 with greater P uptake. This was most strongly correlated to resin‐extractable P that showed significant difference in the Calliandra treatment by Day 19. Comparisons with field studies showed similar trends.
Postnatal pulmonary hypertension after repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia: predicting risk and outcome.

Abstract Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) after congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) repair remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Although treatment advances have improved overall survival, a new cohort of patients is surviving with PH beyond the postnatal period. Because the clinical entity of postnatal persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHTN) in CDH patients has not been published, the authors undertook a retrospective study of our neonatal CDH experience to characterize this group of infants. Methods: Charts of all infants with CDH treated at this institution from January 1991 to June 1997 were reviewed (n = 51). Persistent pulmonary hypertension by echocardiographic (Echo) measurements at the time of discharge identified PPHTN patients. Control survivors had normal pulmonary artery pressures at discharge. Physiological parameters and the results of therapeutic interventions were analyzed to predict PPHTN. Results: Seven infants (four boys, three girls) had PPHTN at discharge. Significant differences with the control group were noted in length of stay, duration of intubation, and duration of nitric oxide therapy. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) duration was not significantly different between the groups. By 12 months of age, PPHTN resolved in six patients (87%), and one died at 13 months. Regardless of therapy, two parameters showed 100% positive predictive value for identifying patients with PPHTN ( P Conclusions: With current treatment strategies for CDH, infants can survive with persistent pulmonary hypertension beyond the newborn period. The long-term survival rate is excellent, and normalization of pulmonary artery pressures can be expected. PPHTN can be predicted in those infants with Echo-defined pulmonary hypertension at 2 months.
Homogeneous Preparation of Fluorescent-Derivatized Insulin and Its Application to Competitive Chromatographic Immunoassays

A homogeneously labeled insulin sample was prepared using 6-aminoquinolyl-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate (AQC) as the fluorescent-labeling reagent, and this was successfully applied to a chromatographic immunoassay. This labeled insulin was prepared by tagging all the three amino groups with AQC. Both CE and chromatographic immunoassay experiments indicated that the prepared insulin still kept its immunoaffinity to its antibody. It was observed that appropriate concentrations of acetonitrile (ACN) were efficient in lowering the quenching of the fluorescent signal of tagged insulin, in keeping the dilute, tagged insulin in solution, and in improving its peak shape during a chromatographic immunoassay. The tagged insulin was found to be 20–400 times more sensitive than native insulin detected under ultraviolet detection conditions. A competitive chromatographic immunoassay system was set up and calibrated. The system was used for analyses of an insulin-spiked urine sample, with a 96% recovery obtained.
Molecular contingencies: reinforcement probability

Pigeons obtained food by responding in a discrete-trials two-choice probability-learning experiment involving temporal stimuli. A given response alternative, a left- or right-key peck, had 11 associated reinforcement probabilities within each session. Reinforcement probability for a choice was an increasing or a decreasing function of the time interval immediately preceding the choice. The 11 equiprobable temporal stimuli ranged from 1 to 11 sec in 1-sec classes. Preference tended to deviate from probability matching in the direction of maximizing; i.e., the percentage of choices of the preferred response alternative tended to exceed the probability of reinforcement for that alternative. This result was qualitatively consistent with probability-learning experiments using visual stimuli. The result is consistent with a molecular analysis of operant behavior and poses a difficulty for molar theories holding that local variations in reinforcement probability may safely be disregarded in the analysis of behavior maintained by operant paradigms.
Proliferation of Immature T Cells within the Splenocytes of Athymic Mice by Pseudomonas Exotoxin A

Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A has been shown to stimulate splenocytes from athymic nude mice. The present studies were performed to characterize the exotoxin A-responsive cells within the splenocytes of athymic nude mice. The results of these studies indicate that exotoxin A-responsive cells were represented in the nylon wool-adherent cell population and in the Ig-depleted splenocyte population (IgNA). Flow microfluorimetry analysis indicated that exotoxin A induced the expansion of Thy1+, CD3-, CD4-, and CD8- cells which also expressed the heat-stable antigen (HSA), an antigen expressed on immature T lymphocytes. Depletion of Thy1+ cells abrogated the exotoxin A-induced proliferation; however, depletion of CD4+ and CD8+ cells did not affect the exotoxin A-induced proliferation of IgNA cells. Thus, the results indicate that exotoxin A stimulates the proliferation of immature T cells within the splenocytes of nude mice that are Thy1+, HSA+, CD3-, CD4-, CD8-.
A Bibliography Relating to the Broad Seal War in New Jersey, 1838-1840

T h e Broad Seal War was the result of a contested election between the W h i g and Democratic Parties for the six N e w Jersey seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. T h e Congressional election took place on October 9-10, 1838, before N e w Jersey was organized into Congressional districts. Thus all the seats were chosen at large by voters from the entire state. T h e Governor (William Pennington) and Privy Council had the obligation of totaling the votes received from the county clerks and issuing certificates stamped with the "broad seal" of the state to the victors. After doing so, the W h i g governor and his Whig-dominated council announced that all six incumbent W h i g candidates were re-elected by an extremely narrow margin. Only Joseph Fitz Randolph collected significantly more votes than his Democratic opponents.
Recent advances in understanding neural systems that support inhibitory control

Although it is agreed that the right lateral prefrontal cortex plays a prominent role in inhibitory control, the exact psychological processes it implements remain unclear, as do the precise neural substrates of such control. Recently debated is the issue of whether the right inferior cortex is specifically involved in inhibition of action, or whether this region monitors the environmental context to provide information as to which goals are attainable under current conditions. Another issue of debate is whether there is a common neural substrate for inhibitory control or whether different neural systems are involved in inhibitory control in different domains — motoric, cognitive, and emotional. The present review examines the current state of thought on these two important issues.
Participation in cognitively-stimulating activities is associated with brain structure and cognitive function in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease

This study tested the hypothesis that frequent participation in cognitively-stimulating activities, specifically those related to playing games and puzzles, is beneficial to brain health and cognition among middle-aged adults at increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Three hundred twenty-nine cognitively normal, middle-aged adults (age range, 43.2–73.8 years) enrolled in the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention (WRAP) participated in this study. They reported their current engagement in cognitive activities using a modified version of the Cognitive Activity Scale (CAS), underwent a structural MRI scan, and completed a comprehensive cognitive battery. FreeSurfer was used to derive gray matter (GM) volumes from AD-related regions of interest (ROIs), and composite measures of episodic memory and executive function were obtained from the cognitive tests. Covariate-adjusted least squares analyses were used to examine the association between the Games item on the CAS (CAS-Games) and both GM volumes and cognitive composites. Higher scores on CAS-Games were associated with greater GM volumes in several ROIs including the hippocampus, posterior cingulate, anterior cingulate, and middle frontal gyrus. Similarly, CAS-Games scores were positively associated with scores on the Immediate Memory, Verbal Learning & Memory, and Speed & Flexibility domains. These findings were not modified by known risk factors for AD. In addition, the Total score on the CAS was not as sensitive as CAS-Games to the examined brain and cognitive measures. For some individuals, participation in cognitive activities pertinent to game playing may help prevent AD by preserving brain structures and cognitive functions vulnerable to AD pathophysiology.
Auditory Memory-Search:

A methodology for an auditory analogue to the visual memory-search task first reported by Sternberg in 1966 was developed to test the effects of processing load with high levels of practice using auditory stimuli and to examine the generality of hypotheses of processing mode based on visual memory search. Simultaneously presented pure tones discriminable by frequency and location were used in a single-presentation, search task. The number of tones in the memory and test sets, the presence or absence of a match, and categorical differences between targets and distractors were varied in a fixed-set procedure using consistent mapping of stimuli to responses such that tones used in the memory set were never used as distractors. Results demonstrated that subjects were able to perform the search tasks even when as many as four pure tones were presented simultaneously. Under conditions in which target and distractor ensembles were composed of a mixture of high and low tones, accuracy and mean reaction time conti...
Improving Drought Resistance and Persistence in Turf-Type Tall Fescue

Improving tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) drought resistance is important for water conservation and persistence under drought stress. A 1996 to 1998 field study was conducted at Griffin, GA, to (i) assess effectiveness of a unique breeding/selection protocol designed to enhance drought/high temperature stress tolerances in tall fescue, and (ii) to determine the most drought resistant and persistent cultivars or ecotypes among 12 tall fescues. Six experimentals developed under various cydes of the GA breeding protocol ('Southeast' or 96-2, 96-3 to 96-7) were compared with five commercial cultivars and a Rutgers germplasm pool (RGP-1). The five grasses with the least average leaf firing (LF) during repeated dry-downs in 1997 and 1998 were from the GA gene pool, with average LF of four grasses exhibiting LF ≤ 14% compared with LF ≥ 29% for the commercial/ RGP-1 pool. Persistence (percentage turf coverage) after 24 mo of repeated drought stress cycles revealed an average of 91 and 76% for the GA and commerical/RGP-1 pools, respectively, with Southeast and experimental 96-6 exhibiting the highest canopy coverage at 93%. Grasses demonstrating the best combined ranking of LF ≤ 14%; least change of turf quality (TQ) under repeated drought stress events with ATQ < 1.4; highest average TQ at TQ ≥ 6.4; and within the lowest evapotranspiration (ET) group (ET ≤ 2.72 mm d -1 ) were all from the GA gene pool (Southeast, 96-5, 96-6, 96-7). This research provided strong documentation that significant enhancement of drought resistance and tall fescue persistence can be achieved by use of the GA breeding/selection protocol.
Neuromodulation of the occipital nerve in pain management

Electrical neuromodulation is a therapeutic option for treating chronically painful conditions that are resistant to more conventional treatments. Peripheral neuromodulation is an option for treating occipital neuralgias in cases where conservative treatments have failed. In this paper, we describe the relevant anatomy, proposed mechanisms of action, and procedural aspects of using peripheral neuromodulation to treat occipital neuralgias. We conclude that peripheral neuromodulation can be an efficacious treatment option; however, further well-controlled studies are warranted.