cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design of 250-MW CW RF system for APT

The design for the RF systems for the APT (Accelerator Production of Tritium) proton linac is presented. The linac produces a continuous beam power of 130 MW at 1300 MeV with the installed capability to produce up to a 170 MW beam at 1700 MeV. The linac is comprised of a 350 MHz RFQ to 7 MeV followed in sequence by a 700 MHz coupled-cavity drift tube linac, coupled-cavity linac, and superconducting (SC) linac to 1700 MeV. At the 1700 MeV, 100 mA level the linac requires 213 MW of continuous-wave (CW) RF power. This power will be supplied by klystrons with a nominal output power of 1.0 MW. 237 klystrons are required with all but three of these klystrons operating at 700 MHz. The klystron count includes redundancy provisions that are described which allow the RF systems to meet an operational availability in excess of 95 percent. The approach to achieve this redundancy is presented for both the normal conducting (NC) and SC accelerators. Because of the large amount of CW RF power required for the APT linac, efficiency is very important to minimize operating cost. Operation and the RF system design, including in-progress advanced technology developments which improve efficiency, are discussed. RF system performance is also predicted. Because of the simultaneous pressures to increase RF system reliability, reduce tunnel envelope, and minimize RF system cost, the design of the RF vacuum windows has become an important issue. The power from a klystron will be divided into four equal parts to minimize the stress on the RF vacuum windows. Even with this reduction, the RF power level at the window is at the upper boundary of the power levels employed at other CW accelerator facilities. The design of a 350 MHz, coaxial vacuum window is presented as well as test results and high power conditioning profiles. The transmission of 950 kW, CW, power through this window has been demonstrated with only minimal high power conditioning.
Development of a Clinical Forecasting Model to Predict Comorbid Depression Among Diabetes Patients and an Application in Depression Screening Policy Making.

Introduction Depression is a common but often undiagnosed comorbid condition of people with diabetes. Mass screening can detect undiagnosed depression but may require significant resources and time. The objectives of this study were 1) to develop a clinical forecasting model that predicts comorbid depression among patients with diabetes and 2) to evaluate a model-based screening policy that saves resources and time by screening only patients considered as depressed by the clinical forecasting model.
Demonstration of quasi-2D optomechanical cavities within a full bandgap phononic crystal

We demonstrate simultaneous strong confinement and interaction of photons and phonons in a quasi two-dimensional (2-D) slab.
Stressful life events and illness onset: A review of crucial variables

The purpose of this paper is to stimulate more systematic research into the link between stress and illness, by proposing a model summarizing the variables previously related to illness onset and suggesting an improved methodology for measurement of life events. Despite the long-recognized role of factors other than the presence of a disease agent in the etiology of illness, only a weak, though statistically significant, link between stressful life events and illness onset has been supported thus far. The somewhat disappointing results of previous stress research may be due to problems in measurement of both life stress and illness and/or inadequate conceptualization of a model incorporating the multitude of variables significant to illness onset.
Targeting Eukaryotic Translation in Mesothelioma Cells with an eIF4E-Specific Antisense Oligonucleotide

Background: Aberrant cap-dependent translation is implicated in tumorigenesis in multiple tumor types including mesothelioma. In this study, disabling the eIF4F complex by targeting eIF4E with eIF4E-specific antisense oligonucleotide (4EASO) is assessed as a therapy for mesothelioma. Methods: Mesothelioma cells were transfected with 4EASO, designed to target eIF4E mRNA, or mismatch-ASO control. Cell survival was measured in mesothelioma treated with 4EASO alone or combined with either gemcitabine or pemetrexed. Levels of eIF4E, ODC, Bcl-2 and β-actin were assessed following treatment. Binding to a synthetic cap-analogue was used to study the strength of eIF4F complex activation following treatment. Results: eIF4E level and the formation of eIF4F cap-complex decreased in response to 4EASO, but not mismatch control ASO, resulting in cleavage of PARP indicating apoptosis. 4EASO treatment resulted in dose dependent decrease in eIF4E levels, which corresponded to cytotoxicity of mesothelioma cells. 4EASO resulted in decreased levels of eIF4E in non-malignant LP9 cells, but this did not correspond to increased cytotoxicity. Proteins thought to be regulated by cap-dependent translation, Bcl-2 and ODC, were decreased upon treatment with 4EASO. Combination therapy of 4EASO with pemetrexed or gemcitabine further reduced cell number. Conclusion: 4EASO is a novel drug that causes apoptosis and selectively reduces eIF4E levels, eIF4F complex formation, and proliferation of mesothelioma cells. eIF4E knockdown results in decreased expression of antiapoptotic and pro-growth proteins and enhances chemosensitivity.
The Home Schooling “Market”: Results and Implications of Current Research

ABSTRACT One of the biggest forces in primary and secondary education today is the home schooling movement–parents opting to forego sending their children to public or private schools in order to teach them themselves in their own home. As this movement grows, more and more students entering higher education will have been home schooled. This is becoming a market segment that many colleges and universities cannot afford to ignore. The current paper reviews the research which has been conducted on home schooling to answer four questions of importance to college or university officials as they contemplate targeting this group: (1) why do parents home school? (2) what are the characteristics of home schoolers? (3) would home schoolers make good college students? and (4) how could a college or university effectively reach out to home schoolers? By answering these four questions, college and university officials can better decide whether or not they should target home schooled students and, if they do, how to ...
A thermodynamic theory of short-term and creep rupture strength of materials

Abstract The objective of the work is the investigation of the relationship between the mechanisms of the short-term tensile strength and the creep rupture strength at testing temperatures more than 2/3 of the materials’ melting temperatures. The fundamental equations relating the materials tensile strength to the creep rupture strength at different temperatures and structural factors are obtained. These equations are derived by the use of the phenomenological and statistical thermodynamics of the crystalline lattice. The derived theoretical equation is used to determine creep on the bases of experimental values of the short-term test. The agreement between experimental and theoretical values of the creep is demonstrated. The presented results can be applied for prediction of the creep strength of new materials, particularly materials with enhanced mechanical properties.
Pretreatment factors associated with 3-year (144-week) virologic and immunologic responses to potent antiretroviral therapy.

OBJECTIVE To examine pretreatment factors associated with longer term (144 weeks) responses to antiretroviral therapy (ART). METHODS Of 1498 ART-naive subjects randomized to ART regimens, including > or =3 agents, 1083 patients who had plasma HIV RNA (vRNA) levels and CD4 cell counts at baseline and week 144 were analyzed. Primary baseline factors evaluated were CD4 cell count, vRNA level, gender, race, and age, using multivariable Cox, log-binomial, and linear regression models. RESULTS Shorter time to achieving a vRNA level <50 copies/mL was associated with lower baseline vRNA level (P < 0.001), older age (P = 0.007), and lower baseline CD4 cell count (P = 0.055). After adjusting for race, gender, and baseline CD4 cell count, older age was associated with a vRNA level <50 copies/mL at week 144 (P = 0.018). Greater CD4 count increases from baseline to week 144 (mean = 284 cells/microL) were seen in younger men, blacks, and subjects with higher pretreatment vRNA levels; the effect of pretreatment vRNA level was most apparent in women. CONCLUSIONS Older age was the most important baseline predictor of a vRNA level <50 copies/mL at week 144; lower pretreatment vRNA level and older age were the most important predictors of time to a vRNA level <50 copies/mL. The influence of pretreatment factors on increases in CD4 cell counts differed between men and women.
The Formation and Manipulation of Collective Identity: A Framework for Analysis

Local identities that residents of marginalized neighborhoods in Latin America create and cultivate serve as important political tools. Using case studies of marginalized urban neighborhoods in the capital city of the Dominican Republic, I argue that differences in grassroots organization reactions to government overtures in marginalized neighborhoods can be explained by looking more closely at the elements forming collective identity: salient shared characteristics, group consciousness, and opposition to a dominant order. These factors – which vary by neighborhood – lend themselves to specific policy preferences for identity holders.
Unholy Wars: Afghanistan, America and International Terrorism: John K. Cooley

Book reviewed in this article: Reaping the Whirlwind: The Taliban Movement in Afghanistan: Michael Griffin
Tumor imaging in small animals with a combined micro-CT/micro-DSA system using iodinated conventional and blood pool contrast agents.

X-ray based micro-computed tomography (CT) and micro-digital subtraction angiography (DSA) are important non-invasive imaging modalities for following tumorogenesis in small animals. To exploit these imaging capabilities further, the two modalities were combined into a single system to provide both morphological and functional data from the same tumor in a single imaging session. The system is described and examples are given of imaging implanted fibrosarcoma tumors in rats using two types of contrast media: (a) a new generation of blood pool contrast agent containing iodine with a concentration of 130 mg/mL (Fenestra™ VC, Alerion Biomedical, San Diego, CA, USA) for micro-CT and (b) a conventional iodinated contrast agent (Isovue®-370 mg/mL iodine, trademark of Bracco Diagnostics, Princeton, NJ, USA) for micro-DSA. With the blood pool contrast agent, the 3D vascular architecture is revealed in exquisite detail at 100 µm resolution. Micro-DSA images, in perfect registration with the 3D micro-CT datasets, provide complementary functional information such as mean transit times and relative blood flow through the tumor. This imaging approach could be used to understand tumor angiogenesis better and be the basis for evaluating anti-angiogenic therapies. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Equality versus Inequality

Human beings are fundamentally equal from a moral point of view. They are not, and never have been, fully equal from a descriptive, factual, or empirical point of view. For some of us equality in its moral meaning is a goal, an aim, an ideal, a hope, an aspiration, an obligation. The goal is never fully attained nor is it likely to be. Egalitarian goals and aspirations confront stubborn human limitations.
Sustaining Earth: Thoughts on the present and future roles of mineralogy in environmental science

Sustaining Earth, in the face of both technology thrusts and population dynamics, depends on our ability to maintain a delicate balance between human-promoted planetary modification and decline thresholds for land (soils), water, atmosphere, and biological systems. Mineralogy, as much as any other single science, will be central to this process. A set of links between Earth sustainability issues and the science of mineralogy are formulated and discussed in this discourse. The strongest ties exist in the areas of mineral-water and mineral-atmosphere interactions. Minerals are also particularly important in human disease generation. In addition, due to the role of minerals as invaluable economic resources, the environmental consequences of mining also come into play. New subdisciplines have recently emerged to bring mineralogy even closer to Earth sustainability issues, particularly mineral-microbe interaction science and nanomineralogy.
Pbx1 is essential for adrenal development and urogenital differentiation

Pbx1 encodes a TALE (three amino acid loop extension) class homeodomain protein that participates in multimeric transcriptional complexes to regulate developmental gene expression. Previous studies demonstrate a critical role for Pbx1 as a developmental regulator whose absence results in embryonic lethality and multiple tissue and organ system abnormalities. Here we report a requirement for Pbx1 in the differentiation of urogenital organs, where Pbx1 is widely expressed in mesenchymal tissues. The complete lack of adrenal glands and formation of gonads displaying rudimentary sexual differentiation correlated with decreased cellular proliferation in Pbx1(-/-) genital ridges. Furthermore, expression of steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1), a nuclear receptor essential for adrenal organogenesis, was reduced to minimal levels in Pbx1 mutants, indicating an upstream function for Pbx1 in adrenocortical development. Finally, loss of Pbx1 markedly reduces urogenital ridge outgrowth and results in impaired differentiation of the mesonephros and kidneys and the absence of Mullerian ducts. These findings establish a Pbx1-dependent pathway that regulates the expansion of SF-1 positive cells essential for adrenal formation and gonadal differentiation and demonstrate an early requirement for Pbx1 in urogenital development.
Nearly Complete Skeleton of Tetraclaenodon (Mammalia, Phenacodontidae) from the Early Paleocene of New Mexico: Morpho-Functional Analysis

We describe the relatively complete skeleton of Tetraclaenodon undoubtedly associated with its dentition, from the Torrejonian interval of the Nacimiento Formation in the San Juan Basin, New Mexico. Tetraclaenodon is the most primitive and oldest genus of the family Phenacodontidae and is very important for assessing the phylogenetic relationships of the family. The newly described skeleton belonged to a lightly built terrestrial mammal that could use trees for shelter. The structure of the ulna, manus, femur, crus, and pes corresponds to that of a typical terrestrial mammal, while morphological features such as the low greater tubercle of the humerus, long deltopectoral crest, pronounced lateral supracondylar crest, and hemispherical capitulum indicate some scansorial adaptations of Tetraclaenodon. The postcranial skeleton of Tetraclaenodon does not exhibit the cursorial adaptations seen in later phenacodontids and early perissodactyls. Phylogenetic analysis did not recover monophyletic “Phenacodontidae”; instead, phenacodontids formed a series of sister taxa to the Altungulata clade. Tetraclaenodon is the basal-most member of the “Phenacodontidae” + Altungulata clade.
Supercritical and subcritical combustion of lox with hydrogen in an axisymmetric laminar diffusion flame

Combustion of liquid oxygen (LOX) with H 2 under super- and subcritical conditions was studied both theoretically and experimentally. In the theoretical work, a comprehensive model was formulated and solved numerically to simulate combustion processes of LOX, supplied from a circular tube at its rate of consumption, with ambient hydrogen gas flowing parallel to the axial direction of LOX-supplying tube. The model was based on the conservation equations for a multicomponent system, with consideration of gravitational body force, solubility of ambient gases in liquid, and variable thermophysical properties. A fugacity-based multicomponent thermodynamic analysis with quantum-gas mixing rules was carried out to characterize the solubility of ambient gas at the LOX surface. A stable onion-shaped LOX/H 2 /He diffusion flame was achieved at a pressure of 30 atm. The calculated flame shape agreed well with the shape of the observed luminous flame. Under a supercritical combustion situation at 68 atm, the calculated flame shape exhibited a pearlike contour. From the simulation results, it was found that two counter-rotating vortex structures existed in the flame region due mainly to the combustion-induced baroclinic torque as well as buoyancy-induced flow acceleration and entrainment of the surrounding H 2 /He mixture. From the comparison of calculated results using the flame-sheet model and those based upon equilibrium calculations, the flame-sheet model was found to be able to predict the location of the flame front as well as distributions of temperature, velocity, and major constiuent species with reasonable accuracy.
Cooperative enhancement at the Drosophila Sgs-3 locus☆

The Drosophila glue gene Sgs-3 is specifically expressed in the secretory cells of the salivary glands of third instar larvae. We have assayed the expression of gene fusions to determine the role of cis-acting Sgs-3 sequences in conferring this pattern of expression. These experiments define two regulatory regions required for expression of reporter genes from the Sgs-3 promoter. One region, between 106 and 56 bp upstream of the Sgs-3 mRNA 5′ end is sufficient for low but correct tissue- and stage-specific expression. A second region, lying between 629 and 130 bp 5′ of the RNA start site is functionally equivalent; that is, it alone will also direct low level, specific expression. These two regions act synergistically to give high level expression. More distant upstream regions function to further increase levels of expression. These two regulatory elements can confer a salivary gland-specific pattern of expression on a heterologous promoter and are also sufficient to drive gene expression in other Drosophila species, implying conservation of regulators.
Observation of precursor control over film stoichiometry during the chemical vapor deposition of amorphous TixSi1-xO2 films

Amorphous thin films of composition TixSi1-xO2 have been grown by low-pressure vapor deposition on silicon (100) substrates using Si(OEt)4 and either Ti(OiPr)4 or anhydrous Ti(NO3)4 as the sources ...
Preparation of Exfoliated Epoxy/α-Zirconium Phosphate Nanocomposites Containing High Aspect Ratio Nanoplatelets

High-crystallinity α-zirconium phosphate (α-ZrP) crystals which contain stacks of high aspect ratio nanoplatelets were synthesized and exfoliated with tetra-n-butylammonium hydroxide in aqueous dispersion. The exfoliated α-ZrP nanoplatelets were then transferred into water-miscible organic solvents, such as acetone, by centrifugation and re-dispersion. The resulting exfoliated α-ZrP nanoplatelets in organic solvents can be easily utilized to prepare polymer nanocomposites. Through such an approach, epoxy/α-ZrP nanocomposites containing high aspect ratio α-ZrP nanoplatelets have been prepared. The presence of the well-exfoliated nanocomposite structure is confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy.
A strategic decision model for evaluating inland freight hub locations

Abstract This research identifies criteria that can be used to evaluate existing or potential inland multimodal freight hubs. Inland hubs are essential for a more efficient freight distribution system and can play an important role in improving the livability and economic vitality of a region. The research uses data gathered from subject-matter experts to determine the relevant criteria needed to evaluate the location of inland freight hubs. Findings are then categorized in a multi-criteria decision framework. Decision makers can use the findings to identify factors that will provide strategic inputs that are vital to the location decision process.
Fault-Tolerant Decoders for Cyclic Error-Correcting Codes

High-speed cyclic code decoders, which are central to modern communication systems, when implemented in dense very large scale integration (VLSI), are susceptible to pernicious momentary internal soft fails presenting a demanding error-control challenge. However, special structures inherent in such decoders offer new methods for incorporating distributed error control throughout their designs. The underlying design principles and motivations are emphasized providing a variety of options to meet various requirements. Bose-Chaudhuri-Hocquenghem (BCH) codes are used to exemplify the new techniques as applied to the usual three standard subsystems present in a decoder. The first and last parts, syndrome calculations and transform inversion, both involve finite field transforms suggesting the effective application of fast transform algorithms. Error control features are based upon the chord properties of the transform coefficients including even fast algorithms. The third subsystem, the Berlekamp-Massey algorithm, can be protected through a chord recursion property affiliated with the error location connection polynomial. The propagation and spread of internal errors are studied and a special sink register compares several quantities, available in close proximity, to their easily recomputed counterparts. Most of these results are applicable to generalized to decoders for codes over higher ordered alphabets such as Reed-Solomon codes.
TEOM: A novel technique for investigating sorption in proton-exchange membranes

A new technique, namely, the tapered element oscillating microbalance (TEOM) is successfully utilized to investigate the equilibrium water and methanol vapor phase sorption and desorption in Nafion ® membrane at different relative humidity (RH) and temperatures. The water sorption was found to increase with temperature from 30 ◦ Ct o 90 ◦ C. This is explained by the increase in the flexibility of polymer chains via a decrease in Young’s modulus of membrane with temperature. The effect of various pretreatments, e.g., heating, vacuum treatment, and hot pressing on the water sorption properties is also investigated. It is observed that the water sorption for Nafion ® membrane depends both on the pretreatment of the membrane and on the temperature of sorption. The desorption isotherm exhibits a hysteresis with respect to sorption for both water and methanol. This hysteresis behavior may be attributed to the relaxation or viscoelastic properties of Nafion ® membrane. In summary, TEOM appears to be an attractive technique for characterizing sorption–desorption behavior of proton exchange membranes.
Nesting biology of the spider wasps (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae) which prey on burrowing wolf spiders (Araneae: Lycosidae, Geolycosa)

Summary Four species of pompilid wasps are known to prey on the burrowing wolf spiders, Geolycosa. Observations were made on the nesting biology of three species, Anoplius cylindricus, A. marginalis and Pompilus scelestus. The wasp species appear to form a continuum of habitat and prey selection types (fig. 6). A. cylindricus is restricted in habitat and is only known to prey on Geolycosa. A. marginalis occurs in a wider range of habitats and preys on Geolycosa and other lycosids. Both species of Anoplius modify the Geolycosa burrow to form a nest. P. scelestus has a wide range of habitat and prey types and when preying on Geolycosa moves the spider from its burrow to a separate nest site.
Around stable forking

In the past few years various conjectures have been made concerning therelationship between simple theories and stable theories. The general thrustis that in a simple theory T forking should be accounted for by some kindof \stable fragment" of T. These issues were raised in discussions betweenHart, Kim and Pillay in the Fields Institute in the autumn of 1996, but itis quite likely that others have also formulated such problems. The purposeof this paper is to clarify some of these questions and conjectures as well asto prove some relations between them. The theory of local stability, namelythe study of ˚(x;y)-types where ˚(x;y) is a stable formula, will play animportant role. The present paper is closely related to the rst author’spaper [6], where some positive results are obtained for supersimple theoriesand simple 1-based theories. One of the properties we will consider is \stableforking"; if a type p(x) 2S(M) forks over a subset Aof Mthen this should
Conceiving and dying in Afghanistan

Since the first International Safe Motherhood Conference in 1987 there has been increased focus on maternal health and maternal mortality. The design and implementation of effective programmes for maternal health require data of adequate quality despite the challenges of generating such data. Typical approaches have produced data of low quality and limited usefulness. Therefore Linda Bartlett and colleagues’ report in today’s Lancet is of particular merit for its use of rigorous methodology. The methodology of the reproductive-age mortality study (RAMOS) while costly and cumbersome represents the gold standard for measuring maternal mortality. Bartlett and colleagues should be commended for their efforts under difficult circumstances to identify all deaths in women of reproductive age in the study area and further assess whether the deaths were due to maternal causes. With their two-stage methodology Bartlett and colleagues recorded 154 maternal deaths in a population of more than 90000 a national maternal mortality ratio of 1600–2200 maternal deaths per 100000 livebirths in Afghanistan and 6500 maternal deaths per 100000 livebirths (in Badakshan province)—the highest maternal mortality ratio ever reported. Maternal mortality compared with other causes of mortality remains a relatively rare event and for this reason is commonly expressed per 100 000 rather than per 1000. (excerpt)
Beyond usability: taking social, situational, cultural, and other contextual factors into account

Design and evaluation in mainstream HCI have often relied on scientific measurements of efficiency and error. Although usability and usefulness are still primary concerns for HCI, researchers and designers in the field are attempting to move beyond, investigating a variety of approaches such as user experience, aesthetic interaction, ambiguity, slow technology, and various ways to understand the social, cultural, and other contextual aspects of our world. While some are driven by non-utilitarian theoretical frameworks, many are not informed by any particular framework or theory. Regardless, there has not been a coherent body of discussion in the field of HCI. This SIG will provide a forum for people to discuss current and future design approaches that move beyond usability. It will address both the relation of underlying paradigms and the relation of design and research.
Diastolic dysfunction and thin filament dysregulation resulting from excitation-contraction uncoupling in a mouse model of restrictive cardiomyopathy.

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) has been linked to mutations in the thin filament regulatory protein cardiac troponin I (cTnI). As the pathogenesis of RCM from genotype to clinical phenotype is not fully understood, transgenic (Tg) mice were generated with cardiac specific expression of an RCM-linked missense mutation (R193H) in cTnI. R193H Tg mouse hearts with 15% stoichiometric replacement had smaller hearts and significantly elevated end diastolic pressures (EDP) in vivo. Using a unique carbon microfiber-based assay, membrane intact R193H adult cardiac myocytes generated higher passive tensions across a range of physiologic sarcomere lengths resulting in significant Ca2+ independent cellular diastolic tone that was manifest in vivo as elevated organ-level EDP. Sarcomere relaxation and Ca2+ decay was uncoupled in isolated R193H Tg adult myocytes due to the increase in myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity of tension, decreased passive compliance of the sarcomere, and adaptive in vivo changes in which phospholamban (PLN) content was decreased. Further evidence of Ca2+ and mechanical uncoupling in R193H Tg myocytes was demonstrated by the biphasic response of relaxation to increased pacing frequency versus the negative staircase seen with Ca2+ decay. In comparison, non-transgenic myocyte relaxation closely paralleled the accelerated Ca2+ decay. Ca2+ transient amplitude was also significantly blunted in R193H Tg myocytes despite normal mechanical shortening resulting in myocyte hypercontractility when compared to non-transgenics. These results identify for the first time that a single point mutation in cTnI, R193H, directly causes elevated EDP due to a myocyte intrinsic loss of compliance independent of Ca2+ cycling or altered cardiac morphology. The compound influence of impaired relaxation and elevated EDP represents a clinically severe form of diastolic dysfunction similar to the hemodynamic state documented in RCM patients.
State Minimum Wage Laws: Examining the Case of Illinois

ABSTRACT As of August 2005, seventeen states have raised their minimum wages above the federal level of $5.15. Using Kingdon's agenda setting model, this article analyzes lessons from a case study of Illinois, the first Midwestern state to raise its minimum, up to $6.50 in January 2005. This legislative success was a result of a mix of factors including a change in the State's political environment with the election of a new governor, and collaboration between advocates and researchers who provided a rigorous analysis of the potential effects of raising the minimum wage. The paper makes recommendations for future research, as efforts are underway in multiple states to consider wage raises through open referendums and traditional legislative channels in 2006.
Photogeneration of a bioelectric field by red and far‐red irradiation in soybean hypocotyls

Abstract. Changes in the bioelectric field potential at the apical end of dark-grown soybean (Glycine max) hypocotyls after exposure to several wavelengths of light have been monitored with an electrometer. A small dose of 660 nm radiation brings about a rapid positive rise in the potential. A following small dose at 760 nm prevents the increase, suggesting a phytochrome action. Pre-irradiation with 660 nm enables a subsequent larger dose of 760 nm, which by itself is without effect, to elicit a delayed rise in the potential. A large dose at 710 nm induces a delayed increase in the field potential. The increase is prevented by a following dose at 550 nm, but not at 660 nm.
Palladium−Polyimide Nanocomposite Membranes: Synthesis and Characterization of Reflective and Electrically Conductive Surface-Metallized Films

Palladium-surface-metallized polyimide films were prepared by an unusual macromolecular-matrix-mediated, single-stage synthetic protocol first reported by Taylor et al. (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1980, 102, 876). Several Pd(II) complexes, [PdCl2(SMe2)2], [PdBr2(SMe2)2], and Pd(CF3COO)2, were dissolved in the poly(amic acid)s of 3,3‘,4,4‘-benzophenonetetracarboxylic acid dianhydride (BTDA)/4,4‘-oxydianiline (4,4‘-ODA) and 3,3‘-diaminobenzophenone (BPDA)/4,4‘-ODA in the solvent dimethylacetamide. Films cast onto glass plates from these Pd(II)-doped resins were thermally cured to 300 °C in air, which resulted in air-side surface-metallized membranes. The films were characterized by both specular and diffuse reflectivity and by conductivity measurements as a function of the cure time and temperature. Maximum specular reflectivities of ca. 50% were observed at 530 nm. After maximum specular reflectivities were achieved in the thermal cure cycle at 300 °C from 0.5 to 2 h, the film surface quickly degraded upon further ...
Glomerular basement membrane width and proteinuria in the aging hamster kidney.

Abstract The morphological and functional aspects of the glomerular basement membrane of aging hamsters were investigated. Measurements were taken from electron micrographs of glomerular basement membrane in the renal cortex of neonatal, mature and senescent hamsters. The thickness of this structure was found to increase over one hundred per cent from birth to maturity, and ninety per cent from maturity to senescence. In addition, the total amount of protein excreted over a 24 hr period in the urine of hamsters ranging in age from four to 74 weeks was determined. A significant increase in the protein content of the urine was found, with that of the young adults ranging from 0 to 4·5 mg, and that of the senescent animals ranging from 4·5 to 150 mg. When the width values were correlated with the amount of protein excreted by the same animals, a significant degree of concordance was established.
Generational Risks for Cancers not Related to Tobacco, Screening, or Treatment in the United States

BACKGROUND: To assess trends in cancer, the authors evaluated the risk of 1 generation compared with that 25 years earlier (generational risk) for 3 groupings of cancers: those related to tobacco; those that reflect advances in screening or treatment; and a residual category of all other cancers. METHODS: In individuals ages 20 years to 84 years, age-period-cohort models were used to summarize time trends in terms of generational risk and average annual percentage change for US cancer incidence (1975-2004) and mortality (1970-2004) rates associated with these 3 cancer groupings. RESULTS: Adult white men today developed 16% fewer tobacco-related cancers and had 21% fewer deaths because of those cancers than their fathers' generation, whereas adult white women experienced increases of 28% and 19%, respectively, relative to their mothers. The incidence of commonly screened cancers rose 74% in men and 10% in women, whereas mortality fell 25% in men and 31% in women. For cancers that have not been linked chiefly to tobacco or screening, the incidence was 34% and 23% higher in white men and white women, respectively, than in their parents' generation 25 years earlier. Mortality in this residual category decreased 14% in men and 18% in women. Results among blacks were qualitatively similar to those among whites. CONCLUSIONS: Despite declining overall cancer death rates, adults are experiencing increased incidence of cancers that are not associated with tobacco or screening relative to their parents. Future research should examine whether similar patterns are exhibited in other modern nations and should identify population-wide avoidable risks that could account for unexplained increases in these residual cancers. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Low self-esteem prospectively predicts depression in adolescence and young adulthood

Low self-esteem and depression are strongly correlated in cross-sectional studies, yet little is known about their prospective effects on each other. The vulnerability model hypothesizes that low self-esteem serves as a risk factor for depression, whereas the scar model hypothesizes that low self-esteem is an outcome, not a cause, of depression. To test these models, the authors used 2 large longitudinal data sets, each with 4 repeated assessments between the ages of 15 and 21 years and 18 and 21 years, respectively. Cross-lagged regression analyses indicated that low self-esteem predicted subsequent levels of depression, but depression did not predict subsequent levels of self-esteem. These findings held for both men and women and after controlling for content overlap between the self-esteem and depression scales. Thus, the results supported the vulnerability model, but not the scar model, of self-esteem and depression.
Evaluation of the concentric-circles method for estimating capillary-tissue diffusion distances☆

Abstract The concentric-circles method for estimating the complete distribution of distances from any point in the tissue of animals to the nearest capillary was evaluated. Models representing capillaries in transverse sections of muscle tissue were devised, using dots at various densities in ordered, random, or contagious (clustered) arrays. The distribution of distances from random points to the nearest capillary in each model was derived mathematically. These values were compared to values estimated by a method using sets of concentric circles placed over the models. In each set of circles, the smallest circle containing a capillary was recorded. The concentric-circles method generated estimates of median and maximal distances to the nearest capillary, and provided complete distributions of distances that were statistically similar to predictions, and deviated from predictions by an average of less than 10%.
Indirect effects and distributed control in ecosystems: Distributed control in the environ networks of a seven-compartment model of nitrogen flow in the Neuse River Estuary, USA—Time series analysis

The methods of network environ analysis (NEA) currently apply to steady-state models. Networks of real ecosystems are near steady-state in long-term mean characteristics, but are dynamic in short-term responses. A formal mathematical approach to dynamic NEA analysis has never been fully developed, though Hippe [Hippe, P.W., 1983. Environ analysis of linear compartmental systems: the dynamic, time-invariant case. Ecol. Model. 19, 1–26] offers one approach. Another potential approach to addressing this limitation is to analyze a discrete-time series of steady-state models, each a snapshot for the time period it represents. Using concepts from open-loop control theory, four throughflow-based ecological control terms (control ratio, CR; control difference, CD; system control, scj; and total system control, TC) as developed using an environ framework are evaluated for 16 consecutive seasons of nitrogen cycling in the Neuse River Estuary, North Carolina, USA. Results of this assessment offer a quantitative measure of the quasi-dynamic distributed control in this network. The NOx and Sediment components assume opposing but dominant roles (high scj magnitudes) in all 16 seasons. Low total compartmental throughflow (Ti) to respective boundary inflow (zi) or outflow (yj) ratios are shown to be indicators of component control dominance, suggesting a role for boundary flows in the consideration of a system component's dominance. This conclusion may also be a property of the high cycling nature of this nitrogen model (average Finn cycling index of 89% for all 16 seasons). TC appears to be correlated with total system throughflow (TST), suggesting that TST may indicate a system's distributed control patterns. This correlation may likewise be fruitful if TST proves to be an indicator for system stability, an important and logical consideration in the notion of control.
Phenserine: a physostigmine derivative that is a long-acting inhibitor of cholinesterase and demonstrates a wide dose range for attenuating a scopolamine-induced learning impairment of rats in a 14-unit T-maze

Phenserine ((−)-N-phenylcarbamoyl eseroline), a carbamate analog of physostigmine (Phy), is a long-acting inhibitor of cholinesterase. We have assessed the potential clinical value of phenserine for cholinomimetic therapy of cognitive impairments associated with aging and Alzheimer's disease by evaluating its duration of in vivo activity against rat plasma acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and its effect on attenuating a scopolamine-induced impairment in learning performance of young rats in a shock-motivated 14-unit T-maze. Phenserine achieved maximum AChE inhibition of 73.5% at 5 min and maintained a high and relatively constant inhibition for more than 8 h. For analysis of effects on learning performance, 69, 3-month-old male Fischer-344 rats were pretrained in a straight runway to avoid electric footshock. On the following day, each animal received 15 trials in the 14-unit T-maze. Sixty minutes prior to the maze training, each rat received the first IP injection of either vehicle (Tween 80, ethanol and 0.9% NaCl) or phenserine at 1.5, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 7.5, or 10.0 mg/kg. Then 30 min prior to the training, each animal received a second IP injection of either 0.9% NaCl or scopolamine hydrochloride (0.75 mg/kg; SCOP). Compared to the vehicle-SCOP group, all but the 7.5 mg/kg dose of phenserine significantly ameliorated error performance, runtime, shock frequency and shock duration in SCOP-treated rats at the final block of three trials. Appearing to have a long effect and a wide therapeutic window, phenserine deserves further study as a cognitive enhancer.
Acetylcholinesterase Monoclonal Antibody-Induced Sympathectomy: Effects on Immune Status and Acute Morphine-Induced Immunomodulation

Abstract The present study examined the role of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) in immunomodulation by using the acetylcholinesterase monoclonal antibody (AChE mAb)-induced sympathectomy model. As part of this investigation, the effects of AChE mAb treatment on the immune alterations produced by acute morphine treatment also were explored. Experimental rats received tail vein injections of murine monoclonal IgG2b antibodies against rat brain acetylcholinesterase, which produce a destruction of cholinergic, sympathetic preganglionic neurons and a resultant decrease in sympathetic activity. Control rats received tail vein injections of murine IgG antibodies, which do not affect sympathetic preganglionic neurons or sympathetic activity. One week after antibody treatment, rats received a subcutaneous injection of 15 mg/kg morphine or the saline vehicle. One hour after the morphine or saline injections, rats were sacrificed and immune assays were conducted. AChE mAb treatment increased the mitogen-stimulated proliferation of splenic T cells and interleukin-2 (IL-2) production by stimulated splenocytes, indicating that these immune measures are sensitive to the AChE mAb-induced alteration in sympathetic function. Treatment with AChE mAb did not alter the mitogen-stimulated proliferation of splenic B cells or blood T cells, splenic natural killer (NK) cell activity, or the production of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) by stimulated splenocytes, indicating that these immune measures are relatively insensitive to the AChE mAb-induced alteration in sympathetic activity. The AChE mAb-induced alteration in sympathetic activity did not affect the suppressive effects of acute morphine treatment on the mitogen-stimulated proliferative response of splenic T and B cells and blood T cells, splenic NK cell activity, and the production of IFN-γ and IL-2 by stimulated splenocytes.
Development and validation of a computational multibody model of the elbow joint

Computational multibody models of the elbow joint can provide a powerful tool to study joint biomechanics, examine muscle and ligament function, soft tissue loading, and the effects of joint trauma. Such models can reduce the cost of expensive experimental testing and can predict some parameters that are difficult to investigate experimentally, such as forces within ligaments and contact forces between cartilage covered bones. These parameters can assist surgeons and other investigators to develop better treatments for elbow injuries and thereby increase patient care. Biomechanical computational models of the elbow exist in the literature, but these models are typically limited in their applicability by artificially constraining the joint (e.g. modeling the elbow as a hinge joint), prescribing specific kinematics, simplifying ligament characteristics or ignoring cartilage geometries. The purpose of this thesis was to develop anatomically correct subject specific computational multibody models of elbow joints and validate these models against experimental data. In these models, the joints were constrained by three-dimensional deformable contacts between articulating geometries, passive muscle loading, and multiple bundles of non-linear ligaments wrapped around the bones. In this approach, three-dimensional bone geometries for the model were constructed from volume images generated by computed tomography (CT) scans obtained from cadaver elbows. The ligaments and triceps tendon were modeled as spring-damper elements with non-linear stiffness. Articular cartilage was represented as uniform thickness solids covering the articulating bone surfaces. Finally, the model was validated by placing the cadaver elbows in a mechanical testing apparatus and comparing predicted kinematics and triceps tendon forces to experimentally measured values. A small improvement in predicted kinematics was observed compared to experimental values when the lateral ulnar collateral and annular ligament were wrapped around the bone. Some reductions of RMS error were also observed when a non-linear toe region was modeled in the ligament compared to models that had only a linear force-displacement relationship. None of these changes were statistically significant (ANOVA p-value was greater than 0.05)
Assessment and Psychological Treatment of Depression in Older Adults with Terminal or Life‐Threatening Illness

Depression decreases the quality of life and hinders efforts to palliate symptoms of adults with terminal or life-threatening illness. Nevertheless, depression often may go undetected and untreated in palliative care and hospice settings due to a number of factors, including the overlap of depressive symptoms with those of serious medical illness and concern that frail elderly patients cannot tolerate psychotherapy or antidepressant treatment. In this paper we review the available research regarding assessment and treatment of depression in older adults with terminal or life-threatening illness, focusing on patients who are seen in palliative care, cancer treatment, or hospice settings. Although the prevalence of depression is relatively high in these settings in mixed-age adult samples, studies focused exclusively on older adults are rare and there appear to be no randomized controlled trials of psychotherapy conducted to date that specifically address their needs. There are, however, promising psychological approaches featured in case reports and pilot studies that are consistent with empirically supported therapies for the general treatment of depression in older adults. Based on these preliminary findings and reports, we offer tentative recommendations for the assessment and treatment of depression in terminally ill older adults. We conclude that controlled research on psychotherapy for late-life depression is both feasible and urgently needed in palliative care, cancer care, and hospice settings.
Far infrared photonic crystals operating in the Reststrahl region

We report here far infrared photonic crystals comprised of a lattice-matched pair of semiconductor materials: GaP and Si, or GaAs and Ge, or AlAs and GaAs. The crystals operate in a wavelength range where the real refractive index of one material undergoes a major dispersion associated with the LO and TO phonon absorption peaks. Using electromagnetic theory, we investigated the photonic-bandgap response for both TE and TM polarizations. Propagation losses for two types of crystals are estimated in this paper. These structures offer promise for the integration of III–V materials (GaP, GaAs) on group IV (Si, or Ge) for practical, active, far infrared photonic devices, such as light sources, amplifiers, modulators, reconfigurable waveguides and switches.