cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High-efficiency photoelectrochemical hydrogen production using multijunction amorphous silicon photoelectrodes

Photoelectrochemical solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiencies as high as 7.8% (based on the lower heating value of hydrogen) have been demonstrated in outdoor testing using a photocathode fabricated from triple junction amorphous silicon-solar cells and a separate catalytic anode. The tests were conducted in a specially designed Teflon-sealed reactor in 1 N KOH with a photoactive area of 0.27 cm2 and anode and cathode areas of 1 cm2. The hydrogen production rates, inferred from direct measurement of the anodic/cathodic currents and confirmed by independent volumetric and gas chromatographic measurements of the evolved hydrogen, were in excellent agreement with the rates expected from the measured solid-state JV behavior of the solar cell and the overpotentials of the thin-film catalysts. The thin-film catalysts, CoMo hydrogen catalysts deposited by sputtering from a compound target and NiFeyOx oxygen catalysts deposited from nickel−iron Permalloy target by reactive sputtering, have, in separate tests, sh...
Selecting test item types to evaluate library skills

Abstract When designing tests for library classes, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of different question types. Selected-response test items may be better for evaluating knowledge of library facts; constructed-response questions may elicit internalization of knowledge; and alternative-response may be good options for evaluating complex library schools such as developing a search strategy. Library literature seems to lack articles discussing testing students enrolled in for-credit library classes. This article outlines the advantages and disadvantages of various question types according to the education literature, and examines a test case in which students in a for-credit library course were given a take home quiz with search story problems. Hopefully this article will encourage others to examine their test-writing, and share similar ideas and best practices for developing testing materials for library courses.
Structure of haptoglobin and the haptoglobin-hemoglobin complex by electron microscopy.

The human serum protein, haptoglobin, forms a stable, irreversible complex with hemoglobin. Haptoglobin is composed of two H chains, which are connected via two smaller L chains to give a protein of 85,000 Mr. In the complex, each H chain binds an alpha beta dimer of hemoglobin for a total molecular weight of 150,000. The scanning transmission electron microscope has been used to derive new information about the shape and structure of haptoglobin and hemoglobin, and about their relative orientation in the complex. The micrographs of negatively stained images show that haptoglobin has the shape of a barbell with two spherical head groups, which are the H chains. These are connected by a thin filament with a central knob, which corresponds to the L chains. The overall length of the molecule is about 124(+/- 8) A and the interhead distance is 87 (+/- 7) A. In the haptoglobin-hemoglobin complex, the head groups are ellipsoidal and under optimal staining conditions bilobal . Thus, the alpha beta dimers are binding to the H chains, but off the long axis of the barbell by 127 degrees in a trans configuration. This angle considerably restricts the region on the surface of the H chain structure that can contain the hemoglobin binding site. The interhead group distance for complex is 116.5(+/- 6.3) A or 30 A greater than for haptoglobin. The N terminus of the beta chain was located on the trans off-axis configured barbell structure of complex by using a hemoglobin that was crosslinked between the alpha beta dimers in the region of the beta N terminus. The distances and angles that are measured on the micrographs for the native and crosslinked complex molecules permit the directions of two of the alpha beta dimer ellipsoid axes to be assigned. Taken together, these data provide an approximate relative orientation for the binding of the alpha beta dimer to the H chain of haptoglobin.
Chronicle of an unforetold death.

Within hours after her sudden and unexpected death, I notified the dean of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, on whose faculty she served, that Barbara had apparently died of a coronary occlusion. He relayed the news around the world. Devoted to improving effectiveness and equity in health care, Barbara received many tributes. Because she died while swimming alone, an autopsy was required. The immediate cause of death was “pool drowning,” but the underlying condition, “cerebral hemorrhage,” stunned me. The pathologist attributed the massive hemorrhage to cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), listing “anticoagulation therapy” on the death certificateunder“other significant conditions.”No significant occlusion of any of her coronary arteries was found. A scalp bruise adjacent to a larger bruise on her right temporalis muscle was observed, but no skull fractures. Patchy microhemorrhages were observed in the cerebral cortex.
Scalar wave analysis of distributed and moving sources by means of Huygens construction

Abstract The present paper presents several applications of wave front construction associated with stationary distributed and moving point sources. The scalar wave equation which is used models both isotropic and anisotropic media, in which the displacement is parallel to an axis of symmetry and is independent of distance along the axis. The stationary sources are distributed along parabolic and hyperbolic curves, while the point source is subjected to both uniform and accelerating motion along a straight line, uniform motion around a circular path and back and forth motion along a straight line. The wave fronts are constructed explicitly by the method of envelopes and special attention is paid to the formation of cusps on the wave front. If the method presented here for wave front analysis is carried out in advance, then one can gain a better insight into expected motion behind the wave front.
Peasant policy within the Nicaraguan Agrarian Reform, 1979–89

Abstract The literature on the Nicaraguan Agrarian Reform includes various constructive and informative critiques. These critiques arose at different times on individual issues. This paper argues that taken as a whole the literature and data support a stronger conclusion than that drawn within the literature itself. The criticisms actually identify a continuous trend of anti-peasant bias in the design and implementation of the agrarian reform. Attempts to adjust the reform to address the criticisms were largely implemented in a piecemeal, inconsistent fashion. The trend continued even into the last stages of the reform during which peasant production was prioritized.
Relationship between the relationship of trapped holes and interface state generation in the Si/SiO 2 system

We have discovered a general relationship between the location of trapped holes and the subsequent generation of interface states. It has been previously established with photon-assisted tunneling techniques that there are two types of trapped holes near the Si/SiO 2 interface. These types are distinguished by their location and behavior upon electron capture. The first type ("near-interfacial trapped holes") are observed after x-ray irradiation at low temperature, and are located between 20A and 70A from the interface. These holes completely disappear upon electron capture. The second type ("interfacial trapped holes") are detected after high-field stress (Fowler-Nordheim tunneling) and lie within about 15A of the interface. In contrast to near-interfacial trapped holes, these holes immediately become interface states when they capture electrons. The experiments show that these two types of interface states are not independent, but rather holes are first trapped in the near-interfacial sites, and then are converted to interfacial trapped holes by thermal energy or very high fields.
Wavenumber measurement of weak CO2 laser lines around 10.6 μm

Abstract An experimental method is described in which a tunable semiconductor diode laser and the regular CO 2 laser lines are utilized to measure the wavenumber of CO 2 laser lines to an accuracy of about ±5 × 10 −4 cm −1 . Twenty new CO 2 laser lines have been measured over the 943 to 951 cm −1 region.
Comparative analysis of crowding in multiple locations: Results from fifteen years of research

Abstract Crowding is one of the most frequently studied phenomena in the outdoor recreation literature, but almost all the research focuses on single populations or settings and individual‐level analysis. The present study uses comparative analysis of aggregate data to explore questions that single studies cannot answer. Data come from more than 17,000 individuals in 35 studies of 59 different settings or activities located throughout the northeast, midwest, and northwest United States and New Zealand. All the studies used the same single‐item measure to assess visitor judgments of crowding. Dividing the nine‐point response scale to reflect the percentage of respondents reporting some degree of crowding produced a single crowding rating for each setting. Crowding scores ranged from 12 to 100%, with a mean of 57% (standard deviation, 22%). The analyses suggest that crowding varies by time, resource availability, accessibility and convenience, and management strategy. Factors that did not affect crowding in...
polι-dependent lesion bypass in vitro

Based upon phylogenetic relationships, the broad Y-family of DNA polymerases can be divided into various subfamilies consisting of UmuC (polV)-like; DinB (polIV/polkappa)-like; Rev1-like, Rad30A (poleta)-like and Rad30B (poliota)-like polymerases. The polIV/polkappa-like polymerases are most ubiquitous, having been identified in bacteria, archaea and eukaryotes. In contrast, the polV-like polymerases appear restricted to bacteria (both Gram positive and Gram negative). Rev1 and poleta-like polymerases are found exclusively in eukaryotes, and to date, poliota-like polymerases have only been identified in higher eukaryotes. In general, the in vitro properties of polymerases characterized within each sub-family are quite similar. An exception to this rule occurs with the poliota-like polymerases, where the enzymatic properties of Drosophila melanogaster poliota are more similar to that of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and human poleta than to the related human poliota. For example, like poleta, Drosophila poliota can bypass a cis-syn thymine-thymine dimer both accurately and efficiently, while human poliota bypasses the same lesion inefficiently and with low-fidelity. Even in cases where human poliota can efficiently insert a base opposite a lesion (such as a synthetic abasic site, the 3'T of a 6-4-thymine-thymine pyrimidine-pyrimidone photoproduct or opposite benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide deoxyadenosine adducts), further extension is often limited. Thus, although poliota most likely arose from a genetic duplication of poleta millions of years ago as eukaryotes evolved, it would appear that poliota from humans (and possibly all mammals) has been further subjected to evolutionary pressures that have "tailored" its enzymatic properties away from lesion bypass and towards other function(s) specific for higher eukaryotes. The identification of such functions and the role that mammalian poliota plays in lesion bypass in vivo, should hopefully be forthcoming with the construction of human cell lines deleted for poliota and the identification of mice deficient in poliota.
American Indian Disability Legislation and Programs Findings of the First National Survey of Tribal Governments

American Indian tribes are sovereign nations, and, like most U.S. civil rights legislation, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 therefore specif ically excluded reservations from its coverage. As a result, little is known about the status of disability policies among Indian nations. American Indian tribes were surveyed to collect information about issues related to disability legislation, to learn whether the tribe had developed written legislation or policy pertaining to disability issues, to discover the availability of and accessibility to tribal programs for individuals with disabilities, and to ascertain the views of tribal leaders about disability issues. Questionnaires were sent to a random sample of 192 tribes from the 48 contiguous states and 142 Alaska Native villages. One hundred twelve (58%) surveys from the lower 48 states and 31 (22%) from Alaska were completed and returned. Only 6% of the respondents indicated that their tribal governments were very familiar with major disability le...
Fabrication and Chemical Durability of Ceramic Technetium-Based Pyrochlores and Perovskites as Potential Waste Forms

Technetium-99 is a key radioisotope from a nuclear waste perspective because of its long half-life (t1/2= 2.13x105 years) and its abundance in used nuclear fuel. As such, it is targeted in separation strategies such as UREX+, for isolation and encapsulation in solid waste forms for final disposal in a nuclear repository. We report here results regarding the incorporation of Tc-99 into ternary oxides of different structure types: pyrochlore (Nd2Tc2O7), perovskite (SrTcO3), and layered perovskite (Sr2TcO4). The objective was to determine synthesis conditions of these ceramic waste forms to immobilize Tc-99 as Tc (IV) and to harvest crystallographic, thermophysical and hydrodynamic data. The fabricated ceramic technetates exhibit good crystallinity and lattice parameters and atomic coordinates could be refined with high accuracies. Thermophysical properties of the oxides, such as the critical temperature (Tc) for superconductivity, were analyzed using AC magnetic susceptibility measurements. In our efforts to compare hydrodynamic properties of the ceramic waste forms with those to Tc-bearing borosilicate glass, we applied the standard test method ASTM C1220-10. Hereby matrix corrosion and Tc-leaching of Tc-99 containing LAWE4 type borosilicate glass and ceramic specimens were compared by static leaching experiments.
LSD, mescaline and serotonin injected into medial raphe nucleus potentiate apomorphine hypermotility

Abstract Microinjections of LSD (0.05 μg), mescaline (0.5 μg) and serotonin (10 μg) into the medial raphe nucleus of rats resulted in a strong potentiation of apomorphine (1 mg/kg i.p.)-induced hypermotility. The potentiating effect of LSD or serotonin was suppressed by simultaneous injections of methysergide (0.05 μg) or cyproheptadine (0.05 μg) into the medial raphe nucleus. The same doses of LSD injected into the dorsal raphe nucleus and of LSD and mescaline injected into the nucleus accumbens failed to influence locomotor activity, whereas injections of higher doses of LSD and mescaline into the nucleus accumbens inhibited spontaneous and apomorphine-stimulated locomotor activity. It is concluded that the potentiating effect of systemically administered low doses of hallucinogens was triggered by preferential actions on the serotonergic system in the medial raphe nucleus.
Sequence diversity and conservation of the poly(A)-binding protein in plants

Abstract Although the poly(A)-binding protein (PABP) is relatively conserved among eukaryotes, there is a surprising degree of divergence within the Arabidopsis thaliana PABP gene family which is unique for any species investigated to date. To determine whether divergent PABPs are present in another dicot species and whether members of a PABP multigene family are conserved between plant species, cDNAs encoding PABP were isolated from Nicotiana tabacum and were compared with PABP from the Arabidopsis gene family as well as other plant species. Arabidopsis PAB2 is considerably more conserved with the tobacco (a dicot) and wheat (a monocot) PABPs so far isolated reflecting the evolution of higher plants whereas Arabidopsis PAB5 has diverged significantly from these plant PABPs. Analysis of individual domains within PABP demonstrated that of the four N-terminal RNA recognition motif (RRM) domains in Arabidopsis PAB5, RRM1, RRM2, RRM4 exhibit a higher degree of conservation with other plant PABPs whereas RRM3 and particularly the C-terminal domain have diverged from the other higher plant PABPs analyzed. These data support the hypothesis that PABP underwent gene duplication during plant evolution and that individual domains within PABP have evolved at different rates.
Parathyroid Hormone and Thyrocalcitonin Function in Adrenalectomized Rats

The effect of adrenalectomy on the ability of the parathyroids or appropriate cells in the thyroid in the rat to respond to low or high calcium challenge was studied. Using 200 g male rats the following experimental groups were included: controls, parathyroidectomized (PTX), adrenalectomized (ADX), parathyroidectomized- adrenalectomized concurrently, parathyroidectomized 5 days after adrenalectomy, thyroidectomized (TX) and thyroidectomizedadrenalectomized concurrently. High calcium challenge was administered by intraperitoneal injection of 5 mg Ca/100 g body wt in 2 injections. The following results were noted: 1) Adrenalectomy alone had little or no effect on plasma calcium and phosphate levels under the conditions of these experiments, though it decreased urinary excretion of phosphate and increased by 30% the plasma concentration of 45Ca administered 2 weeks prior to the experimental studies. 2) Parathyroidectomy in adrenalectomized rats differed from that in adrenal-intact rats in that the rate of fa...
Energy-efficient large-scale matrix multiplication on FPGAs

Energy efficiency has emerged as one of the key performance metrics in computing. In this work, we present an energy efficient design for large-scale matrix multiplication. As a baseline architecture, we use a highly optimized on-chip matrix multiplication architecture extended to support large matrices using external memory. Based on the matrix multiplication algorithm and the DRAM model, we present an efficient data layout for storing the input matrices. This data layout reduces the energy consumed by the external memory by minimizing the number of row activations in a DRAM. By exploiting the matrix multiplication algorithm, modular structure of the DRAM, and the high bandwidth between the on-chip and the external memory, we propose a memory activation schedule. This memory activation schedule is based on a realistic DRAM model and reduces the memory energy, which is the dominant energy of the design. Our proposed scheme improves the energy efficiency (defined as the number of operations per Joule) of the baseline architecture by 1.6×, 1.3×, and 1.2× for 32K×32K 16-bit fixed point, 32K×32K single precision floating point, and 16K×16K double precision floating point matrix multiplication, respectively.
A new barium titanium (III) pyrophosphate: BaTi2(P2O7)2

The new barium titanium (III) pyrophosphate BaTi2(P2O7)2 has been prepared by conventional high temperature solid state reaction at 900°C in a fused silica tube. BaTi2(P2O7)2 crystallizes with four formula units in a cell with dimensions a = 10.680(3) A, b = 10.564(4) A, c = 9.834(4) A/, β = 102.88(3)° and V = 1081.6(6) A3 in space group C62h  C2c (No. 15) of the monoclinic system. The single crystal structure refinement gives a final structure solution with R index on F2o of 0.018 for 99 variables and GOF = 1.05. BaTi2(P2O7)2 displays a new layered type structure which consists of layers of slightly distorted TiO6 octahedra with (P2O7) and (BaO10) polyhedra between the layers. The structural framework is built up from corner-sharing TiO6 octahedra and P2O7 pyrophosphate groups, to give rise to [Ti2(P2O7)2]2− units and to form tunnels where the barium cations reside. Magnetic susceptibility measurements on selected single crystals confirm the presence of Ti3+ (d1) ions with spin S = 12. The high oxidative thermal stability of BaTi2(P2O7)2 versus the stabilities of other trivalent titanium cation-containing compounds, including Ti2O3, TiPO4, and BaTi2(PO4)3, owing to possible anion matrix effects are discussed.
Does bare-stent TIPS increase the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis?

Does bare-stent TIPS increase the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis?
Sociological conceptions of personality

Sociological conceptions of personality are identified and synthesized by means of a number of propositions derived from definitional and theoretical themes in the literature. These propositions are tested in content analyses of references to personality found in textbooks of introductory sociology. Questions addressed include the extent to which personality lies within the domain of sociology, the degree of conceptual consensus, and the distinctiveness of sociological approaches to personality. Is there a good fit between expected and observed conceptions? The answers are in the main negative. It is suggested that the trait-bound conception of personality has diffused from classical personology to sociology and that conceptions of personality within sociology remain quite traditional in this and other respects. Conclusions of the study assess the implications for the field of sociology of personality as well as for the status of personality in sociology more broadly.
Stimulus encoding and the relationship between stimulus recognition and association formation

Four experiments investigated the relation between stimulus recognition and association formation. Subjects learned to associate trigram-digit or trigram-word pairs by either study-associative matching or study-recall procedures. Following training, subjects were given a stimulus recognition and matching or recall task. Stimulus recognition was facilitated when the trigrams were paired with representative words but not with digit responses. The probability of response recall, given nonrecognition of the stimulus, was above chance with the trigram-word pairs but not with the trigram-digit pairs, suggesting that subjects need only to retrieve an encoded version of the nominal stimulus in order to have access to response recall.
Alteration by fasting of the effects of methylprednisolone on carbohydrate metabolism in the normal dog

Abstract Replacement regimen of cortisol was found to increase hepatic glucose release and overall glucose uptake by tissues (glucose turnover) in the postabsorptive adrenalectomized or hypophysectomized dog, but had no effect in the normal dog. A more potent glucocorticoid, methylprednisolone, has been reported to increase glucose turnover in the normal dog. In the present study, measurements of glucose turnover are correlated with measurements of liver glycogen and of plasma glucose, lactate and insulin. The studies were done in normal postabsorptive and starved dogs, in the control state and during a methylprednisolone regimen. Glucose turnover was measured in unanesthetized, trained dogs, using glucose -6- 14 C, which was administered in tracer amounts as a priming injection following immediately by a constant infusion. Methylprednisolone (2–2.5 mg/kg/day for 3–4 days) increased glucose turnover in the postabsorptive state. Plasma glucose concentration was unchanged, but lactate and insulin levels were elevated and liver glycogen was markedly increased. Fasting for 5 days decreased glucose turnover as well as liver glycogen and plasma insulin, with little change in plasma levels of glucose and lactate. Administration of methylprednisolone for 3–4 days with continuation of the fast did not alter significantly the plasma levels of glucose and lactate, but insulin levels increased to values seen in the postabsorptive state. The most striking effect was the increase in liver glycogen from the low values of the long-fasted state to values exceeding those in the postabsorptive state. Despite the elevated glycogen content hepatic glucose release (and turnover) was not increased above the depressed values of the long-fasted state. It was established that these glycogen stores could be mobilized by glucagon infusion.
A Method for Temporary Inhibition of Coagulation in the Blood of Insects1

Any desired degree of inhibition of coagulation in the blood of the cockroach may be obtained by treating the roaches (Blatella germanica and Periplaneta orientalis) with acetic acid vapors when the time of exposure and temperature are controlled. The apparatus and technique employed in subjecting the cockroaches to acetic acid vapor together with some data obtained by the use of this method are presented.
The influence of three genes on whether adolescents use contraception, USA 1994–2002

In a further contribution to recent investigations of the relevance of genetic processes for demographic outcomes, we investigate genetic associations with whether adolescents use contraception. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, we find that variants in the dopamine transporter gene DAT1, the dopamine receptor gene DRD2, and the monoamine oxidase gene MAOA are associated with unprotected sexual intercourse. Consistent with previous analyses of these data, the genotypes DRD2*A1/A2, DRD2*A2/A2, DAT1*9R/10R, and MAOA*2R/ are associated with higher odds of unprotected sexual intercourse than other genotypes at these loci. The DRD2 associations apply to both men and women, whereas the other associations apply to women only. These results are robust to controls for population stratification by continental ancestry, do not vary by contraceptive type, and are consistent with previous research showing that these genetic variants are associated with higher rates of impulsivity.
Determination of tamoxifen and metabolites in human serum by high-performance liquid chromatography with post-column fluorescence activation

Sensitive and reproducible analyses were developed for assaying tamoxifen, monohydroxytamoxifen, N-desmethyltamoxifen, metabolite E [trans-1(4-hydroxyphenyl)1,2-diphenylbut-1-ene] and a new metabolite, metabolite Y [trans-1(4-hydroxyethoxyphenyl)-1,2-diphenylbut-1-ene] in human serum using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Three different systems were developed for specific purposes. All chromatography was performed using serum extracts made with hexane-butanol. Detection was by fluorimetry of phenanthrene derivatives formed by on-stream UV irradiation with a newly described device for post-column irradiation of the HPLC stream. This device may be of use in other HPLC systems requiring post-column photochemical reactions.
The islands of Calleja complex of rat basal forebrain. III. Histochemical evidence for a striatopallidal system.

The characteristics of the islands of Calleja complex (ICC) in the basal forebrain of the rat were studied with immunohistochemistry, histofluorescence, acetylcholinesterase staining, India ink vascular perfusions, electron microscopy, and steroid autoradiography. The ICC contains clusters of granule cells and associated medium-sized and large cells in the surrounding neuropil of the olfactory tubercle and septum-nucleus accumbens interface. The ICCs were found to contain monoamine fibers (dopamine and norepi-nephrine), neuroactive peptide fibers (leu-enkephalin, met-enkephalin, substance P, cholecystokinin, luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone), acetyl-cholinesterase-containing somata and dendrites, and medium-sized and large cells that concentrate [3H] estradiol. The specific overlap and combination of putative neurotransmitters in separate compartments of the ICC suggest that these structures contain striatum- and pallidumlike components. Striatumlike regions are defined as the zone in the rim regions of the ICC and are innervated predominantly by dopamine and cholecystokinin inputs. Pallidumlike regions are defined as the synaptic zone near the medium-sized and large cells of the cap and core regions of the ICC and they are innervated predominantly by enkephalin, substance P, and gamma aminobutyric acid inputs. The morphology, connections, and neurotransmitter relationships of the ICC, therefore, resemble classical Striatopallidal systems. The additional presence of substances involved in the reproductive neuroendocrine systems (luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone, estradiol-binding cells), especially in the medial ICC, suggest that some ICC are involved in an endocrine corticostriatopallidal system. These endocrine systems resemble other neocortically and allocortically originating corticostriatopallidal systems in terms of their cell types, connections, and neurotransmitter systems. A functional role for the ICC in extrapyramidal motor systems is proposed.
Neuropsychological testing in the screening for cochlear implant candidacy

Objective: To demonstrate the utility of neuropsychological assessment in the screening process for pediatric cochlear implant candidacy. Study Design: Prospective and ongoing evaluation of children with profound bilateral hearing loss using age-specific neuropsychological test batteries. Methods: Eighteen children who met audiological criteria for cochlear implantation were evaluated by two age-specific neuropsychological tests. The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales survey assesses several domains of behavioral functions (communication, daily living skills, socialization, and gross motor skills). The Mullen Scales of Early Learning assesses the child's visual perception, speech and language, and motor abilities. The Leiter International Performance Scale-Revised assesses intellectual ability. Results: All patients underwent the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales survey. Overall scores were lower than normative means with a mean composite score in the 7th percentile. In addition, there was a strong inverse correlation between score and age of testing. Ten children were assessed using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning, and, again, there was a strong inverse correlation between score and age of testing. Intellectual ability was assessed in seven children using the Leiter International Performance Scale-Revised and was found to be lower than normative means with a mean score in the 13th percentile. Conclusions: Neuropsychological testing of profoundly deaf children provides a detailed and accurate assessment of the child's cognitive, behavioral, and motor functions. The profoundly deaf child does not develop at the same rate as normal children in cognitive and behavioral domains. Neuropsychological testing is a useful tool for screening for cochlear implant candidacy and has the potential to track changes before and after implantation.
Attenuation of Choroidal Neovascularization by β2-Adrenoreceptor Antagonism

Objectives To determine whether β-adrenergic blockade inhibits choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in a mouse model of laser-induced CNV and to investigate the mechanism by which β-adrenoreceptor antagonism blunts CNV. Design Mice were subjected to laser burns, inducing CNV, and were treated with daily intraperitoneal injections of propranolol hydrochloride. Neovascularization was measured on choroidal-scleral flat mounts using intercellular adhesion molecule 2 immunofluorescence staining. The effect of β-adrenoreceptor signaling on expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was investigated using primary mouse choroidal endothelial cells (ChECs) and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. These cells were incubated with β-adrenoreceptor agonists and/or antagonists and assayed for Vegf messenger RNA and protein levels. Setting University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Participants Wild-type 6-week-old female C57BL/6j mice. Main Outcome Measures Inhibition of CNV after propranolol treatment and Vegf messenger RNA and protein expression after treatment with β-adrenoreceptor agonists and antagonists. Results Propranolol-treated mice demonstrated a 50% reduction in laser-induced CNV. Treatment with norepinephrine bitartrate stimulated Vegf messenger RNA expression and protein secretion in ChECs and RPE cells. This effect was blocked by β 2 -adrenoreceptor antagonism and mimicked by β 2 -adrenoreceptor agonists. Conclusions Attenuation of CNV is achieved by β-adrenergic blockade. The β 2 -adrenoreceptors regulate VEGF expression in ChECs and RPE cells. Clinical Relevance Antagonists of β-adrenoreceptors are safe and well tolerated in patients with glaucoma and cardiovascular disease. Thus, blockade of β-adrenoreceptors may provide a new avenue to inhibit VEGF expression in CNV.
Infrastructure associated emissions for renewable diesel production from microalgae

Abstract Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for microalgae biofuel infrastructure are sometimes neglected during a life-cycle analysis (LCA). Construction materials were found for a baseline facility designed to produce renewable diesel in the United States. Material use was amortized over the material lifetime of thirty years and then, using emission factors available in GREET 2, energy use and GHG emissions were found per MJ of renewable diesel (MJ RD). For the baseline, infrastructure GHG emissions were 8.9 gCO 2 e/MJ RD. Plastic and concrete had the largest emissions, and the growth ponds used the most materials of any unit operation. Fossil fuels comprised 97% of all energy use, which came predominately from natural gas at 0.090 MJ/MJ RD. A sensitivity analysis showed that changes to the pond liner thickness and material lifetime had the largest effects with the lifetime increasing the GHG emissions 28% over the baseline. Increasing the productivity (up to 50 g/m 2 /d) or lipid content (up to 50 wt.%) decreased the emissions. Infrastructure emissions were compared to those from the fuel-cycle of a reduced emission scenario, showing that infrastructure related emissions ranged from 17% to 57% of the fuel-cycle emissions, with higher values at lower productivities.
Methodological advances and plans for improving regulatory success for confirmatory studies

Regulatory success for new medical products requires convincing statistical results from planned analyses for relevant and reliable data from well-designed clinical studies. Statistical methodology has a critical role for such success through strengthening the robustness of study findings to sources of bias, variability and spurious events. Areas of particular importance for statistical methodology include the structure for study design, the schedule and procedures for data collection, and plans for primary data analyses. This paper discusses some challenging statistical issues for these areas and suggests potential strategies for addressing them. The objective of these strategies as well as other methodological advances is the minimization of ambiguity in the findings of confirmatory studies. In this way, their effective use can enhance regulatory success.
An alternate finite difference operator for plates of variable stiffness

A finite difference approximation for the equilibrium equation of a thin, laterally loaded, elastic plate of variable stiffness is developed; it uses plate stiffnesses at node points and at points midway between the nodes of the rectangular grids. Displacement and moment results using this operator and an alternate one are compared.
Genetic Analysis of the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 UL20 Protein Domains Involved in Cytoplasmic Virion Envelopment and Virus-Induced Cell Fusion

The herpes simplex virus type 1 UL20 protein (UL20p) is an important determinant for cytoplasmic virion morphogenesis and virus-induced cell fusion. To delineate the functional domains of the UL20 protein, we generated a panel of single and multiple (cluster) alanine substitutions as well as UL20p carboxyl-terminal truncations. The UL20 mutant genes could be broadly categorized into four main groups: Group I UL20 mutant genes complemented for both virus production and virus-induced cell fusion; Group II UL20 mutant genes did not complement for either virus-induced cell fusion or infectious virus production; Group III UL20 mutant genes complemented for virus-induced cell fusion to variable extents but exhibited substantially decreased ability to complement UL20-null infectious virus production; Group IV mutant genes complemented for infectious virus production but had variable effects on virus-induced cell fusion; this group included two mutants that efficiently complemented for gBsyn3, but not for gKsyn1, virus-induced cell fusion. In addition, certain recombinant viruses with mutations in either the amino or carboxyl termini of UL20p produced partially syncytial plaques on Vero cells in the absence of any other virally encoded syncytial mutations. These studies indicated that the amino and carboxyl termini of UL20p contained domains that functioned both in infectious virus production and virus-induced cell fusion. Moreover, the data suggested that the UL20p's role in virus-induced cell fusion can be functionally separated from its role in cytoplasmic virion morphogenesis and that certain UL20p domains that function in gB-syn3 virus-induced cell fusion are distinct from those functioning in gKsyn1 virus-induced cell fusion.
Rate of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease is not affected by the alpha-1-antichymotrypsin A allele or the CYP2D6 B mutant

Abstract Patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) show considerable heterogeneity in the rate at which they decline cognitively. The biological basis for this heterogeneity is unknown. We genotyped 86 subjects with diagnoses of probable AD to determine if they carried the alpha-1-antichymotrypsin (ACT) A allele, which has been associated with AD, or the CYP2D6 B mutant, found at increased frequency in the Lewy body variant (LBV) of AD. We then examined longitudinally-collected cognitive data to determine if these genetic markers were associated with rate of cognitive decline. Our results indicate that neither the ACT A allele nor the CYP2D6 B allele have a significant association with rate of decline on the Folstein Mini Mental State examination. Further, subjects with both the ACT A allele and the apolipoprotein ϵ4 allele showed no evidence of accelerated decline. These findings suggest that any increased risk of developing AD or LBV conferred by these markers is not necessarily accompanied by a more rapid rate of decline.
X-ray micro-modulated luminescence tomography (XMLT)

Imaging depth of optical microscopy has been fundamentally limited to millimeter or sub-millimeter due to strong scattering of light in a biological sample. X-ray microscopy can resolve spatial details of few microns deep inside a sample but contrast resolution is inadequate to depict heterogeneous features at cellular or sub-cellular levels. To enhance and enrich biological contrast at large imaging depth, various nanoparticles are introduced and become essential to basic research and molecular medicine. Nanoparticles can be functionalized as imaging probes, similar to fluorescent and bioluminescent proteins. LiGa5O8:Cr3+ nanoparticles were recently synthesized to facilitate luminescence energy storage with x-ray pre-excitation and subsequently stimulated luminescence emission by visible/near-infrared (NIR) light. In this paper, we propose an x-ray micro-modulated luminescence tomography (XMLT, or MLT to be more general) approach to quantify a nanophosphor distribution in a thick biological sample with high resolution. Our numerical simulation studies demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach.
Acquired coenzyme Q10 deficiency in children with recurrent food intolerance and allergies

The current study evaluated 23 children (ages 2-16 years) with recurrent food intolerance and allergies for CoQ10 deficiency and mitochondrial abnormalities. Muscle biopsies were tested for CoQ10 levels, pathology, and mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) activities. Group 2 (age >10 years; n = 9) subjects had significantly decreased muscle CoQ10 than Group 1 (age <10 y; n = 14) subjects (p = 0.001) and 16 controls (p<0.05). MRC activities were significantly lower in Group 2 than in Group 1 (p<0.05). Muscle CoQ10 levels in study subjects were significantly correlated with duration of illness (adjusted r(2) = 0.69; p = 0.012; n = 23). Children with recurrent food intolerance and allergies may acquire CoQ10 deficiency with disease progression.
Commensurability and strong vortex pinning in nanopatterned Nb films

We present a study combining magnetization measurements and direct magneto-optical flux imaging on Nb films, which contain periodic arrays of nanoholes and have been grown on anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) substrates. The magnetization measurements reveal pronounced matching effects in the critical current over the entire temperature range from 4.2 K to ${T}_{c}$. The flux images do not reveal signatures of a domain (terraced) state. Instead, the flux profiles obtained from the images are consistent with the development of a conventional critical state with enhanced vortex pinning. Even though the critical current density in the patterned samples is largely enhanced as compared to the unpatterned reference samples, the self-fields corresponding to the critical state are substantially smaller than the first matching field, ${H}_{1}$. For this reason, a domain state does not appear, and strong pinning arises in a state that is almost commensurate.
Limitations of angiotensin inhibition

Angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs) have beneficial effects in patients with cardiovascular disease and in those with diabetes-related and diabetes-independent chronic kidney diseases. These beneficial effects are independent of the antihypertensive properties of these drugs. However, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and combinations of agents in these two classes are limited in the extent to which they inhibit the activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Angiotensin breakthrough and aldosterone breakthrough may be important mechanisms involved in limiting the effects of ACE inhibitors and ARBs. Whether direct renin inhibitors will overcome some of the limitations of ACE-inhibitor and ARB therapy by blocking the deleterious effects of the RAAS remains to be proven. This important area is, however, in need of further investigation.
Cellular Regulation of Growth: (Summary)

Editor's Note : The original manuscript comprising the Fifth Herman Beerman Lecture delivered by Dr. Albert Szent-Gyorgyi (Science, Vol. 149, No. 3681, July 16, 1965) is here presented in summary by the author.
Enhanced plasmid DNA delivery using anionic LPDII by listeriolysin O incorporation

Background A major obstacle to achieving effective DNA-based therapeutics is efficient delivery of the DNA to its site of action in the cell. Upon internalization by endocytosis, the endosomal membrane represents a critical physical barrier preventing access of DNA to the cell cytosol. In order to overcome the membrane barrier and facilitate cytosolic entry, the endosomolytic bacterial protein listeriolysin O (LLO) is a potentially promising agent. Methods LLO was incorporated in an anionic liposome-entrapped polycation-condensed DNA delivery system (LPDII). Plasmid DNA was condensed using protamine sulfate and then complexed to anionic liposomes. LLO was incorporated into the delivery vehicle through encapsulation in anionic, pH-sensitive liposomes. Transfection levels were monitored using a model reporter plasmid encoding luciferase in P388D1 cells, a macrophage-like cell line. Results Transfection using the anionic LPDII delivery platform was enhanced through incorporation of LLO. Additionally, the net charge of the condensate, the lipid composition, and the total amount of LLO-liposomes were all capable of modulating the transfection levels of the vehicle. Importantly, in the presence of serum, transfection levels using the LLO-containing LPDII system were comparable to established cationic lipid delivery systems. Conclusions LLO is capable of facilitating transfection using an anionic LPDII system. This anionic delivery vehicle represents the successful combination of the LPDII system for condensation of the DNA with the unique endosomolytic properties of LLO for improved transfection using plasmid DNA. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel materials synthesis using an intense pulsed ion beam

Initial experiments on evaporation from metallic and ceramic targets using a pulsed light ion beam source is reported. The source is an intense ion beam produced by a 1.2 MV, 300 kJ Anaconda generator fitted with an extraction diode. Beam fluences of 10--20 J/cm[sup 2] gives a deposition rate of about 30--50 nm per shot, for both brass and YBa[sub 2]Cu[sub 3]O[sub 7-x] (1-2-3) targets. This is about 1000 times greater than comparable rates from pulsed laser deposition (PLD). Single-shot ablated 1-2-3 films, deposited on Si, were analyzed using RBS; the measured stoichiometry was close to 1-2-3 in favorable cases, but shot-to-shot reproducibility was poor. Approximately 1% of the available ion beam energy was utilized for these initial experiments. The potential for producing large area coatings from multi-cation targets and nanophase powders using pulsed ion beam deposition will be discussed.
Rapid Determination of Aluminum in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms by Neutron Activation

A rapid, efficient, and highly accurate assay by neutron-activation analysis is presented for aluminum content as a function of the aluminum compounds contained in complex antibiotic formulations. The assay requires no chemical isolation or cleanup. The relatively short half-life of 28Al allows rapid analysis, and the technique favors the detection of aluminum over possible interferences by longer lived radionuclides.
Origins of Metastatic Traits

How cancer cells acquire the competence to colonize distant organs remains a central question in cancer biology. Tumors can release large numbers of cancer cells into the circulation, but only a small proportion of these cells survive on infiltrating distant organs and even fewer form clinically meaningful metastases. During the past decade, many predictive gene signatures and specific mediators of metastasis have been identified, yet how cancer cells acquire these traits has remained obscure. Recent experimental work and high-resolution sequencing of human tissues have started to reveal the molecular and tumor evolutionary principles that underlie the emergence of metastatic traits.
Effects of Nd:YAG laser photoradiation on intra-abdominal tissues: a histological study of tissue damage versus power density applied

Liver, spleen, and pancreas were subjected to laser photoradiation of 50- to 100-Watt power levels. Samples were evaluated by light microscopy at 0 hours and 7, 14, and 21 days. Four zones of cellular damage were visible in liver and pancreas: coagulum, cavitation, acidophilia, and transition. Only the first three zones were clearly visible in the spleen. Mean lateral tissue penetration was 3.1 mm in liver, 3.3 mm in spleen, and 1.0 mm in pancreas. No significant increase in lateral penetration occurred with increasing power. Normal healing was observed in liver and spleen. Pancreatitis was found in all samples at 7 days postoperatively. At power levels of 80 W or less, recovery was observed. Above 80 W, pancreatic pseudocysts and necrosis led to death of the animals.
The styloid or “Eagle” syndrome: An unexpected consequence

The development and pathogenesis of the elongated styloid process with a calcified stylohyoid ligament are reviewed and discussed. A case report is presented to demonstrate that, although the related symptoms may be mild, unless the patient is aware of the cause of the discomfort, a "cancerophobia" may cause great emotional distress.
Niacin and HDL Cholesterol — Time to Face Facts

For the past four decades, the concentration of cholesterol contained in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles has been a major focus of research and a target for potential prevention opportunities. Data from observational epidemiologic studies have consistently shown a strong inverse association between HDL cholesterol concentration and the risk of coronary heart disease that is linear and graded, at least through the majority of the HDL cholesterol distribution encountered in the general population.1 But clinical trials have yet to show a causal role for HDL cholesterol or to deliver the longed-for outcome of reducing the risk of coronary heart disease and . . .
Determinants of faculty pay: An agency theory perspective.

This study tested 12 hypotheses on the determinants of faculty pay using an agency theory perspective. The sample consisted of 353 professors of management. Data were collected from survey response...