cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Viscous liquids and the glass transition. VIII. Effect of fictive temperature on dielectric relaxation in the glassy state

Abstract The influence of fictive temperature Tf (defined as the temperature in the transition range at which the sample was annealed to equilibrium) on dielectric loss tangent in the glassy state has been investigated in six molecular glass systems, of which four have well-defined β-relaxations. The temperature range used extended from a little below the glass transitions temperature Tg to 77 K, and the frequency range was from 300 Hz to 50 kHz. A tendency for some structural relaxation to occur at an appreciable rate below the transformation range, already reported by others, was apparent in our studies, and prevented a quantitative answer to the question of how much the β-relaxation strength depends on Tf. Qualitatively, it was found that in two of the substances the β-relaxation strength decreases as Tf was lowered; in two others the results were ambiguous. In all substances the background dielectric loss, a general feature of the glassy state on which secondary relaxations, when present, are superposed, was significantly dependent on Tf: the percentage change in tan δ per degree change in Tf was about 1–3% in most of the substances, and 5–8% in one of them, although in all cases it tended to decrease as temperature decreased. This is a remarkable sensitivity to Tf, compared to, for example, glass density, which varies by 0.02–0.04% per degree change in Tf. The molecular origin of the background loss is not well understood, but it has been related to anharmonicity, which in turn has been suggested to make a significant contribution to the thermodynamics of the liquid at Tg.
The paradox of export-oriented import protection: Reassessing South Korea's trade policy

As an instrument for intervention, import protection can be used to pursue both outward-oriented and inward-oriented trade policies. Although the negative consequence of inward-oriented protection has been well documented, the impact of an outward-oriented import protection policy remains largely unknown. This study investigates the impact of such a policy in the case of South Korea. Empirical data on Korea's import protection, export incentives, output growth, and export performance are compiled and tested in a supply side framework. The findings of this study suggest that the well-documented import protection measure is an integral element of Korea's export-oriented trade policy and that it will be in the self interest of Western business to respond strategically to such outward-oriented protection measures. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Oxygen tension influences the differentiation, maturation and apoptosis of human megakaryocytes

Megakaryocytes (Mks) mature adjacent to bone marrow (BM) sinus walls and subsequently release platelets within the sinusoidal space or in lung capillaries. As the sites for platelet release have higher levels of oxygen tension (pO2) than the core of the BM where stem and progenitor cells reside, we investigated whether pO2 influences Mk maturation. Mks were generated from CD34+ cells (from mobilized peripheral blood from cancer patients) under 5% and 20% O2. At day 15, CD41+ Mk expansion in 20% and 5% O2 cultures was 85-fold and 31-fold respectively. Twenty percent O2 cultures also had higher levels of high ploidy (≥ 8N, eightfold higher) and proplatelet-forming (fivefold higher) Mks. At day 21, 20% O2 cultures had a fivefold higher number of apoptotic Mks. In contrast, 5% O2 promoted Mk colony-forming unit (CFU-Mk) generation and maintenance. Similar results were observed in cultures initiated with CD41+ Mks, indicating that pO2 directly affects Mks. The change from 20% to 5% O2 on day 5 and day 7 delayed both maturation and apoptosis, suggesting that these two processes are closely linked. These results were confirmed in CD34+ cultures from normal BM samples. These data may provide insights into in vivo Mk maturation, such as an explanation for hypoxia-induced thrombocytopenia in animals.
Neuronal and glial gap junctions in the goldfish preoptic area, a thin section and freeze-fracture study

In freeze-fracture, both large macular gap junctions and long thin gap junctions surrounded by a strand of tight junction were found on neurosecretory cells. Preoptic neurons show large areas of soma-to-soma apposition, but thin section showed no evidence for gap junctions between neuronal somata. Neurosecretory cell neurites formed parallel bundles in neuropil lateral to the nucleus, and gap junctions were found between the neurites. These junctions apparently correspond to macular junctions seen on neurosecretory elements in freeze-fracture. Some large macular gap junctions found in freeze-fracture presumably correspond to junctions seen between glial cells in thin section. However, glial membranes lacked characteristics distinguishing them from neuronal membranes. In one instance, a large apparent glial sheet process formed both macular and long thin gap junctions on different surfaces. The long thin gap junctions that were surrounded by a strand of tight junction were formed with a large neurosecretory cell soma. Extensive pinocytosis was observed at some membranes forming gap junctions.
The reaction mechanism of aldose reductase from Rhodotorula.

Abstract Aldose reductase (alditol:NADP + oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.21) from Rhodotorula catalyzes an essentially irreversible oxidation of NADPH by glyceraldehyde at pH 7.5. At pH 9.0 the reverse reaction could be demonstrated. Initial velocity and product inhibition data indicate that the reaction mechanism at pH 7.5 is Ordered Bi Bi while at pH 9.0 it is Random Bi Bi. Activation of the reverse reaction by high glycerol concentrations was observed. Substrate activation of the forward reaction could not be demonstrated. Multivalent anions were observed to competitively inhibit the forward and activate the reverse reactions. A model is suggested which offers a unified explanation for changes in reversibility, reaction mechanism and effects of multivalent anions as well as substrate activation.
Single-walled carbon nanotubes in the intact organism: near-IR imaging and biocompatibility studies in Drosophila.

The ability of near-infrared fluorescence imaging to detect single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in organisms and biological tissues has been explored using Drosophila melanogaster (fruit flies). Drosophila larvae were raised on food containing ∼10 ppm of disaggregated SWNTs. Their viability and growth were not reduced by nanotube ingestion. Near-IR nanotube fluorescence was imaged from intact living larvae, and individual nanotubes in dissected tissue specimens were imaged, structurally identified, and counted to estimate a biodistribution.
Rational syntheses of cyclic hexameric porphyrin arrays for studies of self-assembling light-harvesting systems.

Two new cyclic hexameric arrays of porphyrins have been prepared in a rational, convergent manner. The porphyrins in each cyclic hexamer are joined by diphenylethyne linkers affording a wheel-like array with a diameter of ∼35 A. One array is comprised of five zinc (Zn) porphyrins and one free base (Fb) porphyrin (cyclo-Zn5FbU) while the other is comprised of an alternating sequence of two Zn porphyrins and one Fb porphyrin (cyclo-Zn2FbZn2FbU). The prior synthesis employed a one-flask template-directed process and afforded alternating Zn and Fb porphyrins or all Zn porphyrins. More diverse metalation patterns are attractive for manipulating the flow of excited-state energy in the arrays. The rational synthesis of each array employed three Pd-mediated coupling reactions with four tetraarylporphyrin building blocks bearing diethynyl, diiodo, bromo/iodo, or iodo/ethynyl groups. The final ring closure yielding the cyclic hexamer was achieved by reaction of a porphyrin pentamer + porphyrin monomer or the joinin...
Multi-scale decomposition tool for Content Based Image Retrieval

Content Based Image Retrieval (CBIR) is a technical area focused on answering “Who, What, Where and When,” questions associated with the imagery. A multi-scale feature extraction scheme based on wavelet and Contourlet transforms is proposed to reliably extract objects in images. First, we explore Contourlet transformation in association with Pulse Coupled Neural Network (PCNN) while the second technique is based on Rescaled Range (R/S) Analysis. Both methods provide flexible multi-resolution decomposition, directional feature extraction and are suitable for image fusion. The Contourlet transformation is conceptually similar to a wavelet transformation, but simpler, faster and less redundant. The R/S analysis, uses the range R of cumulative deviations from the mean divided by the standard deviation S, to calculate the scaling exponent, or a Hurst exponent, H. Following the original work of Hurst, the exponent H provides a quantitative measure of the persistence of similarities in a signal. For images, if information exhibits self-similarity and fractal correlation then H gives a measure of smoothness of the objects. The experimental results demonstrate that our proposed approach has promising applications for CBIR. We apply our multiscale decomposition approach to images with simple thresholding of wavelet/curvelet coefficients for visually sharper object outlines, salient extraction of object edges, and increased perceptual quality. We further explore these approaches to segment images and, the empirical results reported here are encouraging to determine who or what is in the image.
Vernier scaling in shortened optical correlators

Vernier transform scaling is achieved in a shortened optical correlator by placing the input spatial light modulator (SLM) between the telephoto transform lens pair. Translating the SLM changes the Fourier transform scale but not the position of the transform plane.
A revision of PassifloraL.subgenusDecaloba(DC.) Rchb.supersectionCieca (Medik.) J. M. MacDougal & Feuillet (Passifloraceae).

Passiflora subgenus Decaloba supersection Cieca is a monophyletic group of herbaceous to woody climbers found in subtropical and tropical regions of the world. The 19 species recognized here are primarily distributed in the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. Two species, Passiflora suberosa and Passiflora pallida, are also naturalized in various regions of the Old World. The species of the supersection are recognized by their small, apetalous, usually greenish flowers with the filaments of the corona mostly in two series. The plants commonly lack c-glycosylflavones but possess flavonol 3-O-glycosides. The supersection contains two problematic species complexes, Passiflora suberosa and Passiflora coriacea. Phylogenetic relationships within supersection Cieca are investigated by means of phenetic and cladistic analyses of morphological and molecular (ITS 1 & 2) characters. The morphological and molecular data sets were analyzed separately because of incongruity due to taxon sampling and the complicated evolutionary history of entities within the Passiflora suberosa complex. All analyses confirm the monophyly of the supersection. They also show that the Passiflora suberosa complex is a non-monophyletic group of cryptic species, and inter-taxic hybridization and polyploidy have contributed to the confusing and complex pattern of variation evident within the group. Four taxa that were formerly included in this complex are recognized: Passiflora pallida, Passiflora suberosa subsp. suberosa, Passiflora suberosa subsp. litoralis, and Passiflora tridactylites. On the basis of molecular and morphological data, three species from the Passiflora coriacea complex are recognized: Passiflora coriacea, Passiflora sexocellata, and Passiflora megacoriacea. A key, detailed descriptions, distribution maps, and illustrations are included in the revision. Pollination, dispersal, and herbivory of the group are reviewed. The distribution and ecology of the species within the supersection are also discussed.
Novel application of digital microfluidics for the detection of biotinidase deficiency in newborns.

Objective Newborn screening for biotinidase deficiency can be performed using a fluorometric enzyme assay on dried blood spot specimens. As a pre-requisite to the consolidation of different enzymatic assays onto a single platform, we describe here a novel analytical method for detecting biotinidase deficiency using the same digital microfluidic cartridge that has already been demonstrated to screen for five lysosomal storage diseases (Pompe, Fabry, Gaucher, Hurler and Hunter) in a multiplex format.
Photoreactivity of lysergic acid diethylamide and its possible utility as a photoaffinity labeling reagent.

Abstract Aqueous solutions of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) are extremely sensitive to light in the near-ultraviolet region of the spectrum. This rather efficient photoreaction yields a variety of products which have very low affinity for LSD-binding sites on plasma membranes from Fasciola hepatica. Since this photoreaction may be elicited by normal white fluorescent lighting in the laboratory, it represents a potential source of error in determining the binding affinity of LSD. Utilizing this photoreactivity advantageously, [3H]LSD was used to photolabel membrane proteins. Covalent binding ol [3H]LSD was shown to be a function of the duration of illumination and was inhibited by 5-hydroxytryptamine and nonradioactive LSD. Sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of [3H]LSD labeled membranes from F. hepatica showed two proteins which were selectively labeled by the photoreactive ([3H]LSD. This method of direct photolabeling with non-derivatized [3H]LSD may allow identification of LSD-binding proteins in a variety of systems.
Subgroups of parvalbumin-expressing interneurons in layers 2/3 of the visual cortex.

The input, processing, and output characteristics of inhibitory interneurons help shape information flow through layers 2/3 of the visual cortex. Parvalbumin (PV)-positive interneurons modulate and...
Sleep dysfunction and thalamic abnormalities in adolescents at ultra high-risk for psychosis.

Background Sleep dysfunction is a pervasive, distressing characteristic of psychosis, yet little is known regarding sleep quality prior to illness onset. At present, it is unclear whether sleep dysfunction precedes the emergence of psychotic symptoms, signifying a core feature of the disorder, or if it represents a consequence of prolonged contact with aspects of schizophrenia and its treatment (e.g., medication use or neurotoxicity) or co-morbid symptoms (e.g., depressive and manic symptomatology). The current study examined sleep dysfunction in adolescents at ultra high-risk (UHR) for psychosis, relationships between sleep disturbances and psychosis symptoms, volume of an integral sleep-structure (thalamus), and associations between thalamic abnormalities and sleep impairment in UHR youth.
Nondestructive, contrast enhanced imaging of biological tissues using photorefractive recycling

Summary form only given. Many biological samples are nearly transparent. In order to observe the structure of such tissues and cells in a microscope, either the samples must be stained, or optical processing techniques are required to enhance the image. In many cases image processing is preferable because, unlike staining of the sample, it allows observation without killing or disturbing the tissues under study. One well established technique that enhances the contrast of phase objects is high pass filtering. In this method, the background illumination is removed thereby enhancing the contrast of the image. A disadvantage of this technique is that most of the energy in the illuminating beam is discarded. It therefore yields weak images, especially at low power levels that must not be exceeded when imaging living tissues. Recently our group has demonstrated a technique to amplify filtered images by recycling the energy rejected by the filter. The technique is ideal for biomedical imaging because it produces a strong high-contrast image with only weak nondestructive illumination of the sample itself. We apply this technique with good results to different biological samples.
Urinary Leukotriene E4 Levels Increase Upon Exposure to Hypobaric Hypoxia

Study objective To determine whether urinary leukotriene E 4 (uLTE 4 ) levels increase upon exposure to high altitude, and also to ascertain the relationship between ULTE 4 levels and symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS). Design Prospective, unblinded, single-factor (altitude) experimental study. Settings US Army research laboratory facilities at sea level ([SL] 50 m), 1,830 m, and 4,300 m. Participants Eight healthy male subjects ranging in age from 19 to 24 years. Measurements ULTE 4 levels and symptoms of AMS were measured at just above SL (50 m), 3M days after being transported from SL to moderate altitude (MA) (1,830 m), and 1½ days after ascent from 1,830 to 4,300 m (high altitude [HA]). Symptoms of AMS were assessed using standard indexes derived from the Environmental Symptoms Questionnaire weighted toward cerebral (AMS-C) and respiratory (AMS-R) manifestations. Oxygen saturation was measured noninvasively by pulse oximetry at SL and HA. Results The mean (±SEM) ULTE4 levels (pg/mg creatinine) were 67.9 (±13.2) at SL; 82.3 (±5.5) at MA; and 134.8 (±19.4) at HA (p Conclusions We conclude that ULTE 4 levels increase shortly after exposure to HA even after staging for 4 days at MA. Although this study does not clearly demonstrate a relationship between uLTE 4 levels and symptoms of AMS, it supports the hypothesis that leukotrienes may be involved in the pathophysiologic state of AMS.
Intraband scattering in the exciton states of molecular crystals

Abstract Pulsed-laser excitation and fast electronic detection were used to time-resolve luminescent exciton-band to vibron-band transitions in neat crystals of 1,4-dibromonaphthalene (DBN) and naphthalene (N) and in crystals of DBN doped with chemical inpurities. It was found for these systems that the rate of scattering from the initially prepared set of k states to other k states was fast on the nanosecond time scale of the experiments. These results contrast with microsecond thermal equilibration times reported for exciton bands of other systems. The fast relaxation in N is thought to result from the two-dimensional band structure and from the exciton bandwidth being larger than most phonon frequencies. The fast relaxation in the DBN systems is thought to result from multiphonon processes and from scattering at lattice defects.
Normal-incidence reflection of slow atoms from an optical evanescent wave

We demonstrate specular reflection for laser-cooled atoms dropped onto a gradient-light-force mirror. Transit times of 264 msec are observed for atoms dropped from a height of ~2.0 cm and bouncing twice on the evanescent wave before being detected. Of the ~107 atoms initially dropped, ~3 × 103 are detected after 264 msec.
Concurrent Alcoholism and Social Anxiety Disorder: A First Step Toward Developing Effective Treatments

Background: Social anxiety disorder (also called social phobia) is an anxiety disorder in which affected individuals fear the scrutiny of others. Clinical reports suggest that individuals with social anxiety disorder often use alcohol to alleviate anxiety symptoms, a practice that leads to alcohol abuse and/or dependence in approximately 20% of affected individuals. The present study investigated whether simultaneous treatment of social phobia and alcoholism, compared with treatment of alcoholism alone, improved alcohol use and social anxiety for clients with dual diagnoses of social anxiety disorder and alcohol dependence. Methods: The design was a two-group, randomized clinical trial that used 12 weeks of individual cognitive behavioral therapy for alcoholism only (n = 44) or concurrent treatment for both alcohol and social anxiety problems (n = 49). Outcome data were collected at the end of 12 weeks of treatment and at 3 months after the end of treatment. Results: Results with intent-to-treat analyses showed that both groups improved on alcohol-related outcomes and social anxiety after treatment. With baseline scores covaried, there was a significant effect of treatment group on several drinking measures. Counter to the hypothesis, the group treated for both alcohol and social anxiety problems had worse outcomes on three of the four alcohol use indices. No treatment group effects were observed on social anxiety indices. Conclusions: Implications for the staging of treatments for coexisting social phobia and alcoholism are discussed, as well as ways that modality of treatments might impact outcomes.
Immunofluorescent Localization of Myosin at the Anterior Pole of the Coccidian, Toxoplasma gondi1

Indirect immunofluorescence using anti-myosin rabbit sera showed myosin localized in a characteristic pattern at the anterior pole of Toxoplasma gondii. This polar fluorescent staining was abolished by pre-absorption of the anti-sera with myosin extracted from avian muscle. Both intracellular and extracellular T. gondii showed similar patterns when formaldehyde-fixed, but neither showed polar fluorescence when acetone was used as the sole fixative. Immunofluorescent staining of live T. gondii revealed no polar fluorescence, suggesting that myosin is not present on the outer parasite membrane. Anti-myosin serum did not prevent host cell invasion and plaque formation in the presence of human complement. Inhibition of contractile proteins with cytochalasin D inhibited T. gondii motility and infectivity in a plaque formation assay. The pattern of polar fluorescence described here resembles the IgM-associated polar staining frequently detected in human sera, but we believe it is a different phenomenon because human sera that showed such staining retained their activity after pre-absorption with avian myosin. The unusual localization of myosin at the anterior pole of T. gondii tachyzoites may play a role in the function of anterior organelles, which are thought to facilitate the invasion of host cells.
Infected total knee arthroplasty treated by arthroscopic irrigation and débridement.

Sixteen patients with infected total knee arthroplasties (4 postoperative and 12 late hematogenous) were treated by arthroscopic irrigation and debridement. All patients had < or = 7 days of knee symptoms, and there were no radiographic signs of osteitis or prosthetic loosening. Six of the 16 original total knee arthroplasties (38%) did not need prosthesis removal at a mean follow-up of 64 months (range, 36-151 months). Ten other knees were treated with irrigation, debridement, and hardware removal within 7 weeks of the latest procedure used to try to retain components. Two (13%) of these cases ultimately required an arthrodesis for persistent infection. Although we still believe that this method is preferable to resorting immediately to implant removal for acute infections, arthroscopic debridement was less efficacious for most situations when compared with open treatment. We would use arthroscopic irrigation and debridement only under selected circumstances (medically unstable or anticoagulated patients).
Preliminary assessment of 10 μm particulate sampling at eight locations in the united states

Abstract The first year of data for 10 μm particles from the Environmental Protection Agency's Inhalable Particulate Network are summarized and discussed. The discussion includes comparison among the various samplers and particulate size fractions. The data base is composed of measurements made on an every-sixth-day sampling schedule at eight different locations in 1982, This preliminary review indicates that the overall ratio of the 10 μm fraction (PM10) to Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) is 0.485 and the relationship is reasonably linear. The relationships between PM10 and the 15 μm fraction (IP) are very linear for all sites, increasing the utility of the existing Inhalable Particulate data bases.
Tomonaga's model and the Kondo problem

An expression for the free energy of thes-d-exchange Hamiltonian for the caseS=1/2 is derived using Tomonaga's model for the description of the free electrons. Thereby a formal equivalence can be established to the thermodynamics of a classical gas of charged particles distributed on a ring with alternating charges interacting via a log sin-potential. Although we are unable to calculate the free energy in a closed form, the result clearly indicates that as the exchange interaction changes sign the behavior of the free energy is changed significantly for low temperatures.
Compressed sensing in MIMO radar

Compressed sensing is a technique for efficiently sampling signals which are sparse in some transform domain. Recently, the idea of compressed sensing has been used in the radar system. When the number of targets on the range-Doppler plane is small, the target scene can be reconstructed by employing the compressed sensing techniques. In this paper, we extend this idea to the MIMO radar. In the MIMO radar, the compressed sensing technique can be used to reconstruct the target scene when the signals are sparse in the range-Doppler-angle space. To effectively reconstruct the target scene, it is required that the correlation between the target responses be small. In this paper, a waveform design method is introduced to reduce the correlations between target responses. Because of the increased dimensionality in MIMO radars as compared to phased array radars, the impact of compressed sensing will be very significant there.
Local Recurrence Among Patients With Early-Stage Breast Cancer Treated With Intraoperative Radiation Therapy: The Effect of Systemic Therapy

one-tailed paired-sample t-test was utilized to contrast the percentage of total dose delivered to each of these structures (Vx) utilizing each modality. Results: Combining the advantages of sharper dose distributions and reduced setup margins, the BSRT-device reduced dose to all normal structures with similar target coverage. The V5, V20, V50, V80, and V100 of the ipsilateral breast were significantly reduced (p < 0.01 in all cases) by a mean of 10.2%, 45.4%, 56.7%, 61.2%, and 69.0%, respectively. Dose to the chest wall, ipsilateral lung, and skin were also significantly decreased. The maximum dose delivered (“hot spot”) was slightly higher on average with BSRT-device. Conclusions: The BSRT-device significantly reduces dose to all normal structures, as compared to IMRT PBI, based upon parameters that have been established as markers for toxicity and negative cosmetic outcomes. It allows for similar target coverage with only mild increases in maximum dose points. These findings suggest the potential for improved cosmetic outcomes with utilization of this novel BSRT-device as compared to current non-invasive PBI solutions. Author Disclosure: J.W. Snider III: None. Y.D. Mutaf: None. S.J. Feigenberg: None. A. Hall: None. P. Vadnais: None. W.F. Regine: None. E.M. Nichols: None.
New Tricks from an Old Master

In this issue of Immunity, Zhu et al. (2012) report a mouse reporter strain for the transcription factor T-bet. This reagent provides for the resolution of some longstanding issues in T helper cell development.
Acoustofluidic Relay Sequential Trapping and Transporting of Microparticles via Acoustically Excited Oscillating Bubbles

We report an on-chip acoustofluidic method for sequential trapping and transporting of microparticles via acoustically oscillating bubbles. The size and location of bubbles were precisely controlled by lithography. When the acoustic waves were turned off, particles followed the streamlines dictated by laminar flow. When the acoustic waves were turned on, particles were attracted to and trapped in a vortex near the surface of bubble. Therefore, particles could move across the microfluidic channel with programmed trajectories. Additionally, a theoretical model based on acoustic radiation force and drag force due to acoustic microstreaming was established to help design this particle-trapping and -transporting system.
The Continuing Expansion of Drug Courts: Is That All There is?

In March 2011, Deviant Behavior published my research article, “Drug Court as Both a Legal and Medical Authority.” Based on ethnographic research of “Capital County's Drug Court,” 1 it described ho...
275 GHz 3-mask integrated GaAs sampling circuit

A monolithic GaAs diode sampling head with 275 GHz ( −3dB) bandwidth gated by a nonlinear-transmission-line (NLTL) strobe pulse generator and fabricated using three masks at 3 μm resolution is reported. The sampling circuit step response, measured using a second NLTL as a testsignal, showed a l.9 ps (10–90%) convolved falltime and 24% peak to peak ringing.
What (Little) We Know about Formal Group Discussion Procedures: A Review of Relevant Research

Communication educators have long recommended the use offormal discussion procedures by members of small decision-making groups. However, most of the research that has been performed examining the value offormal procedures has been ambiguous or inconsistent. The goal of this article is to examine a series of questions concerning the use of formal procedures, interpret research relevant to these questions, and describe what needs to be determined before the use offormal procedures can be defended on empirical grounds.
Data-dependent k/sub n/-NN and kernel estimators consistent for arbitrary processes

Let X/sub 1/, X/sub 2/,... be an arbitrary random process taking values in a totally bounded subset of a separable metric space. Associated with X/sub i/ we observe Y/sub i/ drawn from an unknown conditional distribution F(y|X/sub i/=x) with continuous regression function m(x)=E[Y|X=x]. The problem of interest is to estimate Y/sub n/ based on X/sub n/ and the data {(X/sub i/, Y/sub i/)}/sub i=1//sup n-1/. We construct appropriate data-dependent nearest neighbor and kernel estimators and show, with a very elementary proof, that these are consistent for every process X/sub 1/, X/sub 2/,.
Glomerular Filtration Rate in Children with Solid Tumors: Normative Values and a New Method for Estimation

Many chemotherapy regimens used in children are nephrotoxic. Accurate dosing of these medications requires that some estimation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) be performed prior to initiating chemotherapy. However, few studies evaluating normal GFR in children exist. The authors report normal values for GFR for children with nonhematogenous malignancies using a highly accurate method of directly measuring GFR and an equation for estimating absolute GFR in these children. Children with nonhematogenous malignancies with no evidence of renal involvement or prior use of nephrotoxic agents had their GFR measured using an iothalamate infusion methodology. A total of 111 children (males and females) with a mean age = 7.95 years (range 2.8 months-19.5 years) were included in the study. GFR adjusted for body surface area (mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) increases in the first 2 years of life and then plateaus at a level comparable to adult values. GFR adjusted for body surface area for males >2 years = 131.3 &#45 22.5, fem...
Thio-β-D-glucosides: Synthesis and Evaluation as Glycosidase Inhibitors and Activators

Structurally simple 1-thio-β-D-glucopyranosides were synthesized and tested as potential inhibitors toward several fungal glycosidases from Aspergillus oryzae and Penicillium canescens. Significant selective inhibition was observed for α- and β-glucosidases, while a weak to moderate activation for α- and β-galactosidases.
Prenatal alcohol exposure increases TNFα-induced cytotoxicity in primary astrocytes

We examined the effect of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) on tumor necrosis factor-alpha-(TNFalpha) induced cell death in primary astrocyte cultures. Flow cytometry revealed that PAE increased the sensitivity of astrocytes to the cytotoxic effects of TNFalpha when compared to astrocytes prepared from pair-fed and chow-fed controls. In a number of cell types, TNFalpha regulates cell growth or death, in part, by the hydrolysis of sphingomyelin to ceramide and sphingosine-1-phosphate (SPP). Using a 3-(4. 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) cytotoxic assay we found that PAE increased the sensitivity of astrocytes to the cytotoxic effects of TNFalpha, sphingomyelinase (SMase), and C(2)- and C(6)-ceramide. The increasing cellular concentrations of SPP, a sphingolipid metabolic that induces cell growth, protected the cells from TNFalpha-induced cell death. N, N-dimethylsphingosine (DMS), which inhibits SPP production, and N-oleoylethanolamine, which inhibits acid ceramidases, increased TNFalpha-induced cytotoxicity in astrocytes prepared from PAE rats. These studies suggest that PAE shifts the balance of sphingolipid metabolism in favor of a pathway that increases the susceptibility of astrocytes to the cytotoxic effect of TNFalpha.
Effects of diet, ultraviolet exposure, and gender on the ultraviolet absorbance of fish mucus and ocular structures

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can be damaging to fish skin and ocular components. Coral reef fishes are regularly exposed to potentially harmful radiation. It was recently discovered that tropical marine fishes possess UV-absorbing compounds in their mucus. This experiment demonstrates significant effects of both diet and ultraviolet exposure on the UV-absorbing compounds in the mucus of a tropical wrasse, Thalassoma duperrey. Fish that are exposed to UV radiation increase the UV absorbance of their mucus only if UV-absorbing compounds are provided in their diet. Fish that are protected from UV radiation decrease the UV absorbance of their mucus regardless of diet. Mucus from female T. duperrey absorbed less UV and females had higher rates of skin damage than males. Females sequester UV-absorbing compounds in their pelagic eggs as well as their epithelial mucus, whereas males do not sequester these compounds in the testes. Spectral transmission through the whole eye was not affected by diet or UV manipulations, but corneal tissue transmission decreased significantly in the UV-exposed individuals. These results demonstrate that coral reef fish can adapt to UV exposure, so long as UV-absorbing compounds are available in the diet.
Linear Dynamic Recursive Estimation from the Viewpoint of Regression Analysis

Abstract A large class of useful multivariate recursive time series models and estimation methods has appeared in the engineering literature. Despite the interest and utility which this recursive work has when viewed as an extension of regression analysis, little of it has reached statisticians working in regression. To overcome this we (a) present the relevant random-β regression theory as a natural extension of conventional fixed-β regression theory and (b) derive the optimal recursive estimators in terms of the extended regression theory for a typical form of the recursive model. This also opens the way for further developments in recursive estimation, which are more tractable in the regression approach and will be presented in future papers.
Emergency Intracranial Pressure Monitoring in Pediatrics Management of the Acute Coma of Brain Insult

Over an 18-month period, 56 pediatric patients who sustained severe neurologic insults under went intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring. Indications for monitoring ICP were (1) a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 7 or less or (2) loss of consciousness with inability to utter recognizable words or follow commands. Diagnoses were head trauma (n = 40), Reye's syndrome (n = 10), and hypoxic encephalopathy due to near-drowning (n = 6). Eighty per cent of patients had ICP el evations requiring treatment. The complication rate was 5.3 per cent, with no serious compli cations or infections noted. Overall mortality was 14 per cent, but patients with hypoxic en cephalopathy had significantly higher mortality (33%) when compared to patients with head trauma (12.5%) or Reye's syndrome (10%). Other factors associated with a poor outcome included presence of an intracranial mass lesion, GCS score, ICP elevations, hypoxemia, hypotension, hypercarbia, and the presence of multiple injuries (p < 0.01). Early diagnosis and...
Logística Integral: Una alternativa para crear valor y ventajas competitivas en las pequeñas y medianas empresas (pymes) del Sector Calzado

This paper discusses the competitive advantage asthe result that firms seek to achieve in a global andhypercompetitive, to achieve this we need strategies that encourage these competitive advantages in a changing and dynamic environment, one of these strategies is integrated logistics, which seeks to balance the structure of the business valuechain and achieve efficient interaction and operation areas in a waythat the activities projected value creation in SMEs sector footwear. The operations of small and medium companies have a particular context where advantages and disadvantages, which can be consolidated or not a company at the international level, prior to thisit necessary to consider the implementation of the logistics that drives change and consolidation the creation of business value. 60 surveys were applied to SME companies attached tothecamera shoe and the database COFOCE (Coordinator for the Promotion of Foreign Trade of the State of Guanajuato), where in addition to implementing the survey, made a tour of the facilitiestions and chatted informally reality and context of the company, which also generated useful qualitative information. This is intended to know the reality of small and medium-sized companies in Leon, Guanajuato, to identify the aspects necessary to reverse these disadvantages identified, including lack of development of logistics, absence of strategic planning, application of information technologyand communication, lack of international competitiveness and lack of value creation along the chain of business value.
Ethics in a Mountain State County Jail

This research was conducted to identify and explain factors that shape staff and inmate perceptions of ethical behavior within a correctional setting. Prior research has found that staff do perceiv...
Acid and pepsin secretion in patients with esophagitis refractory to treatment with H2 antagonists.

The basis for treatment of esophagitis is suppression of gastric acid secretion. To determine whether lack of healing with standard treatment with H2 antagonists might be due to abnormal gastric secretion, 30 patients who remained unhealed after 12 weeks' therapy with histamine H2 antagonists were compared with 20 patients who healed after 6 or 12 weeks' therapy. The groups were matched with regard to age, weight, sex, and presence of hiatal hernia or duodenal ulcer. There were no significant differences in fasting gastric juice volume, pH, or acid or pepsin concentrations. All 30 refractory patients had basal acid output (BAO) <10 meq/h, and 16 of 30 had BAO <2 meq/h—that is, there was no evidence of hypersecretion in any refractory patients. Moreover, basal and maximal acid and pepsin outputs were not higher in non-healing patients. Refractory patients had a higher prevalence of initial severe (grade 3 or 4) esophagitis (80% versus 35% in those who healed, p < 0.01) and of strictures (73 versus 15%, p <...
Orlistat — A Novel Weight Loss Therapy

OBJECTIVE:To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical safety and efficacy, drug interactions, and therapeutic issues related to the use of orlistat for treatment of obesity.DATA SOURCES:English-language articles were identified from MEDLINE (1966–July 2000), Roche Laboratories, organizational guidelines, National Institutes of Health and Food and Drug Administration Web sites, and Doctor's Guide online. Key words included obesity, orlistat, and lipase inhibitors. References were also identified from reference sections of published articles.STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, human trials were selected for review and discussion.DATA SYNTHESIS:Orlistat is the first agent in the lipase inhibitor class of antiobesity drugs. Orlistat is minimally absorbed and has been shown to reduce body weight by inhibiting absorption (by ∼30%) of ingested dietary fat. Safety and efficacy have been established in one- and two-year double-blind, placebo-con...
A 3.3 V, 12b, 50MSample/s A/D converter in 0.6 /spl mu/m CMOS with over 80 dB SFDR

A 12-b analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is optimized for spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) performance at low supply voltage and suitable for use in modern wireless base stations. The 6-7-b two-stage pipeline ADC uses a bootstrap circuit to linearize the sampling switch of an on-chip sample-and-hold (S/H) and achieves over 80-dB SFDR for signal frequencies up to 75 MHz at 50 MSample/s (MSPS) without trimming, calibration, or dithering. INL is 1.3 LSB, differential nonlinearity (DNL) is 0.8 LSB. The 6-b and 7-b flash sub-ADCs are implemented efficiently using offset averaging and analog folding. In 0.6-/spl mu/m CMOS, the 16-mm/sup 2/ ADC dissipates 850 mW.
Legal Moralism and Liberalism

One of the few benefits of growing older is that one is offered the opportunity for pleasures of nostalgia. This conference provides many such pleasures for me. It allows me to return to a university at which I spent many happy and productive years and to honor Joel Feinberg—a man for whom I have great esteem and affection. I am also pleased to have as my commentators two persons for whom I hold similar feelings: Herbert Morris and Jean Hampton. To Joel Feinberg and Herbert Morris, I also owe debts of intellectual and personal gratitude, for these two men have both played important roles in my philosophical life—roles that they have perhaps forgotten or of which they were never even aware.
Exaggerated coronary vasoreactivity to endothelin-1 in aged rats: role of protein kinase C.

Objective : The interaction between advanced age and increased susceptibility to ischemic insult is well documented. Age-related increases in coronary vascular resistance, in part due to impaired dilator responses, have been reported. Our aim was to determine the role of endothelin-1 (ET-1) on enhanced constrictor responses in aged coronary arteries (CAs) and whether protein kinase C (PKC) signaling mechanisms impact ET-1 responses. Methods : Vasoreactivity was assessed in CAs isolated from aged (24 months; n =16) and adult (4 months; n =21) male F344 rats following ET-1 (10−10–10−8) with and without specific ETA/ETB receptor antagonists (BQ-123, 1 μM; BQ-788, 30 nM) or the PKC inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide (Bis; 10−6 M). Constrictor responses to KCl (80 mM) were also measured and voltage-gated Ca2+ channel (VGCC) determined in isolated coronary smooth muscle cells. Dilator responses to acetylcholine (ACH) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were assessed. Results : Passive diameter was greater (357 ± 19 vs. 309 ± 9; p <0.02) while spontaneous tone was similar in 24 months vs. 4 months. ET-1 resulted in greater constriction in 24 months vs. 4 months (79% vs. 67%; p <0.01). Group differences persisted following selective ETB inhibition with BQ-788 ( p <0.02), while BQ-123 abolished contractile responses to ET-1. Importantly, inhibition of ET-1 constriction by Bis occurred in 24 months but not 4 months ( p <0.01). Constrictor responses to KCl and peak VGCC current density were similar in 24 months vs. 4 months (48% vs. 50%). No age-related differences were observed in ACH- or SNP-mediated dilation. Western blotting revealed increases in Ca2+-sensitive PKCα, -βI, and -βII levels with age, while eNOS and ETA receptor protein levels were unchanged. Conclusion : Aberrant ETA constrictor responses and directional changes in PKC are likely to contribute to coronary vascular pathology with advanced age.
Powder Metallurgy and Industrial Hygiene

(1946). Powder Metallurgy and Industrial Hygiene. American Industrial Hygiene Association Quarterly: Vol. 7, No. 4, pp. 26-30.
Future Concerns of Adult Siblings of Persons with Traumatic Brain Injury.

This study examined future concerns conveyed by adult siblings who provided regular caregiving support to their brothers and sisters with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The authors surveyed a national sample of 280 adult siblings of persons with TBI. Using a constant comparative approach to text analysis, the authors analyzed responses to the question “What are your concerns regarding the future for your sibling with TBI?” Common themes of such concerns were related to the caregiving siblings' roles as future caregivers and their perceptions of the quality of professional care provided to their injured family members. Also, participants endorsed concerns for their injured siblings' independence, recovery, and relationships with family and friends. Clinical, advocacy, and research implications of these findings are discussed.
A system for indexing tables, algorithms and figures

Indexing objects such as documents, figures, tables and algorithms in a single system presents challenges in schema mapping, detecting overlapping objects in documents, presenting results from such an system to users. We propose a federated approach to indexing and retrieving such objects in academic papers
Cytoplasmic Effects on Agronomic Characters in Maize

The objective was to find out the role of the interaction of cytoplasms of diverse origin with various genotypes in determining ten agronomic characters in maize. The characters studied were: yield; ear height; plant height; ear length; days to mid-silk; number of leaves; incidence of smut; number of tillers: number of ears and moisture content. Six exotic cytoplasm stocks from five different countries were compared with two corn-belt cytoplasms by means of reciprocal crosses. Each entry of a pair of crosses had the same genotype but different cytoplasm.
Architectural Implications of Silicon Photonics in High Performance Computing

Silicon photonics brings a major promise in increasing communication bandwidth between endpoints. Supercomputers are potentially the first adopters of this new technology, but state-of-the-art node architectures are unable to take advantage of the increased data rates. In this talk we will describe the major bottlenecks of existing supercomputer architectures and the changes that are needed to fully exploit silicon photonics.
A Facile Mechanism for Recharging Li2O2 in Li–O2 Batteries

Li–air is a novel battery technology with the potential to offer very high specific energy, but which currently suffers from a large charging overpotential and low power density. In this work, we use ab initio calculations to demonstrate that a facile mechanism for recharging Li2O2 exists. Rather than the direct decomposition pathway of Li2O2 into Li and O2 suggested by equilibrium thermodynamics, we find an alternative reaction pathway based on topotactic delithiation of Li2O2 to form off-stoichiometric Li2–xO2 compounds akin to the charging mechanism in typical Li-ion intercalation electrodes. The low formation energy of bulk Li2–xO2 phases confirms that this topotactic delithiation mechanism is rendered accessible at relatively small overpotentials of ∼0.3–0.4 V and is likely to be kinetically favored over Li2O2 decomposition. Our findings indicate that at the Li2O2 particle level there are no obstacles to increase the current density, and point to an exciting opportunity to create fast charging Li–air...
Adolescent Physical Activity Role of School Support, Role Models, and Social Participation in Racial and Income Disparities

Few youth meet current physical activity recommendations. Protective social factors such as having a role model, social participation, and adult support at school may help promote youth physical activity. This study used data from the 2011-2012 California Health Interview Survey to examine the extent to which role models, social participation, and support at school promote physical activity among groups at risk of inactivity and obesity, specifically low-income youth and youth of color. In a model including all adolescents, those who participated in organizations outside school, did volunteer work, reported higher support from adults at school, and reported having an athlete as a role model were more physically active. However, associations varied by gender, income, and race/ethnicity. These findings suggest that some of these protective social factors, especially school support, may help promote physical activity among Latino, African American, and low-income youth, groups at increased risk of physical i...