cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Magnesium inhibition of calcite dissolution kinetics

Abstract We present evidence of inhibition of calcite dissolution by dissolved magnesium through direct observations of the (104) surface using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and vertical scanning interferometry (VSI). Far from equilibrium, the pattern of magnesium inhibition is dependent on solution composition and specific to surface step geometry. In CO 2 -free solutions (pH 8.8), dissolved magnesium brings about little inhibition even at concentrations of 0.8 × 10 −3 molal. At the same pH, magnesium concentrations of less than 0.05 × 10 −3 molal in carbonate-buffered solutions generate significant inhibition, although no changes in surface and etch pit morphology are observed. As concentrations exceed magnesite saturation, the dissolution rate shows little additional decrease; however, selective pinning of step edges results in unique etch pit profiles, seen in both AFM and VSI datasets. Despite the decreases in step velocity, magnesium addition in carbonated solutions also appears to activate the surface by increasing the nucleation rate of new defects. These relationships suggest that the modest depression of the bulk rate measured by VSI reflects a balance between competing reaction mechanisms that simultaneously depress the rate through selective inhibition of step movement, but also enhance reactivity on terraces by lowering the energy barrier to new etch pit formation.
Multiple debondings' detection in honeycomb sandwich structures using multi-frequency elastic guided waves

Due to the complex nature of sandwich structures, damage detection in honeycomb sandwich structures inherently imposes many challenges. In this study, leaky guided wave properties generated by piezoelectric wafer actuators/sensors in honeycomb sandwich structures are first simulated by the finite element method. In the numerical model, the detailed honeycomb core geometry is considered. Differential features due to presence of debonding are determined through an appropriate damage index analysis of the signals at the normal and debonded conditions. The image of the debonding is formed by using a probability analysis of the leaky guided wave at each frequency. The final image of the structure can be fused from multi-frequency leaky guided waves. A new method for multi-debonding detection is proposed. Based on the analysis, information about the debondings in the honeycomb sandwich structures can be quantitatively characterized.
Immediate mitral valve replacement following gunshot wound to the heart.

Controversy exists in management of cardiac trauma as to whether or not injuries of the cardiac valves or septum should be repaired at initial operation. A patient is presented who required immediate mitral valve replacement for acute disruption of the mitral valve apparatus following a transventricular gunshot injury. The need to consider early repair or replacement of injured cardiac valves when they appear to have hemodynamic significance is emphasized. Language: en
Do human transposable element small RNAs serve primarily as genome defenders or genome regulators

It is currently thought that small RNA (sRNA) based repression mechanisms are primarily employed to mitigate the mutagenic threat posed by the activity of transposable elements (TEs). This can be achieved by the sRNA guided processing of TE transcripts via Dicer-dependent (e.g., siRNA) or Dicer-independent (e.g., piRNA) mechanisms. For example, potentially active human L1 elements are silenced by mRNA cleavage induced by element encoded siRNAs, leading to a negative correlation between element mRNA and siRNA levels. On the other hand, there is emerging evidence that TE derived sRNAs can also be used to regulate the host genome. Here, we evaluated these two hypotheses for human TEs by comparing the levels of TE derived mRNA and TE sRNA across six tissues. The genome defense hypothesis predicts a negative correlation between TE mRNA and TE sRNA levels, whereas the genome regulatory hypothesis predicts a positive correlation. On average, TE mRNA and TE sRNA levels are positively correlated across human tissues. These correlations are higher than seen for human genes or for randomly permuted control data sets. Overall, Alu subfamilies show the highest positive correlations of element mRNA and sRNA levels across tissues, although a few of the youngest, and potentially most active, Alu subfamilies do show negative correlations. Thus, Alu derived sRNAs may be related to both genome regulation and genome defense. These results are inconsistent with a simple model whereby TE derived sRNAs reduce levels of standing TE mRNA via transcript cleavage, and suggest that human cells efficiently process TE transcripts into sRNA based on the available message levels. This may point to a widespread role for processed TE transcripts in genome regulation or to alternative roles of TE-to-sRNA processing including the mitigation of TE transcript cytotoxicity.
Dietary Sources of Long-Chain n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

In Reply. —Dr Siguel suggests that consumption of seafood is not the primary dietary source of the long-chain n-3 PUFAs EPA and DHA. Among vegetarians and persons who consume low amounts of linoleic acid (C 18:2n-6 ), dietary intake of alphalinolenic acid (C 18:3n-3 ) from other foods such as tofu, soybean oil, and canola oil may increase cell membrane levels of EPA. 1 The purpose of our study was to assess the relation of the dietary intake and cell membrane levels of long-chain n-3 PUFAs derived from seafood and the risk of primary cardiac arrest in the community. In Seattle, Wash, seafood such as salmon, which is high in long-chain n-3 PUFAs, is an important component of the diet. As we noted, there was a strong correlation between dietary intake of long-chain n-3 PUFAs from seafood and red blood cell membrane long-chain n-3 fatty acid levels. The mean (SD) red blood
Non-linear hydrophobic-induced pKa shifts: Implications for efficiency of conversion to chemical energy

Abstract By using one Asp or one Glu per thirty residues in a polytricosapeptide capable of exhibiting a hydrophobic folding and assembly transition and stepwise converting a set of the five Val residues (most proximal to the Asp or Glu residue) to more-hydrophobic Phe residues, a non-linear hydrophobic-induced p K a shift was observed with a Δ p K a of 0.4 (Asp) and 0.3 (Glu) on addition to 2 Phe residues per 30mer but with a Δ p K a of 4.7 (Asp) and 2.7 (Glu) on going from 4 Phe/30mer to 5 Phe/30mer. As a shift in p K a can be equivalent to the conversion to chemical energy from whatever energy input — mechanical, chemical, electrochemical, pressure or light — which effects a change in hydrophobicity, the non-linear hydrophobic-induced p K a shift means increased efficiency of energy conversion with increased hydrophobicity of the protein-based polymer.
Permanency planning for children: Obstacles and remedies

Abstract Recent changes in legislation and policy have removed some of the obstacles to use of permanency-planning procedures for children; nevertheless, many remain. These include personal obstacles, such as conceptions of and attitudes about permanency planning, lack of knowledge about human development and methods of change, and use of ineffective assessment and intervention methods, as well as environmental obstacles such as inappropriate incentive systems. Personal obstacles, for example, lack of effective skills, are directly related to environmental ones, such as lack of well designed educational opportunities.
MO-A-217A-02: Prostate and Pelvic Lymph Node Anatomy for Contouring

Three‐dimensional image guided radiotherapy requires familiarity with axial anatomy of human body to facilitate accurate contouring of target volume for radiotherapytreatment planning. In this session we will review the axial anatomy of male pelvis using images from the visible human project. There will be a review of the literature on how the contour guidelines were formulated and their clinical application on a CTimage set. Learning Objectives: 1. Know the common anatomical landmarks in pelvis used for contouring. 2. Know the contouring guidelines used in published contouring atlas. 3. Know how to use the contouring guidelines in the clinic.
An Impedance-Based System Modeling Approach for Induced Strain Actuator-Driven Structures

This paper presents the theoretical development and experimental verification of a system model of piezoelectric (PZT) patch actuators for induced strain actuation of two-dimensional active structures. The model includes the dynamic interaction between PZT actuators and their host structures. Analytical solutions of the output behavior of the PZT actuators have been developed based upon the actuator input impedance and the mechanical impedance of the host structures. The impedancebased model was then applied to thin plates and thin shells, and to beams. The case studies demonstrate the generality and utility of the impedance modeling approach. A simply-supported thin plate with surface-bonded PZT patches was built and tested so that the ability of the impedance model to accurately predict the dynamic performance of the actuator and the host structure has been verified. When compared with conventional static models, the impedance modeling method offers insight into the dynamic coupling of the integrated PZT/substrate systems.
Potential of helical tomotherapy to reduce dose to the ocular structures for patients treated for unresectable sinonasal cancer.

Purpose: To compare intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) treatment plans generated by segmental multileaf collimator (SMLC) and helical tomotherapy (HT) techniques for patients with unresectable sinonasal cancer. Methods and Materials: SMLC-IMRT and HT-IMRT plans for 5 patients with cancer of the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity were independently optimized using the Eclipse treatment planning system (Varian Medial Systems, Palo Alto, CA) and Tomotherapy HI-ART treatment planning system (Tomotherapy, Inc, Madison, WI). The goal was to deliver a prescribed dose of 70 Gy to at least 95% of the planning target volume (PTV) encompassing gross tumor over 35 treatments whereas respecting constraints to organs at risk, notably the ocular structures. Results: HT-IMRT reduced the maximum doses to the optic chiasm, as well as to the ipsilateral optic nerve and retina (P < 0.05, for all). Maximum doses to these structures were reduced by 10%, 16%, and 14%, respectively, using HT-IMRT compared with SMLC-IMRT. Additionally, the mean dose to the ipsilateral lacrimal gland was reduced by 32% using HT-IMRT. With respect to conformality, HT-IMRT improved dose homogeneity by decreasing "hot-spots." The mean percentage of PTV70 receiving greater than 77 Gy (110% of the prescribed dose) was 4.0% for the HT-IMRT plans compared with 17.8% for the SMLC-IMRT plans (P = 0.001). Conclusions: HT-IMRT has the potential to improve dose homogeneity to PTVs whereas reducing dose to the optic structures. Clinical implications are discussed.
Quantum physics: Putting a spin on photon entanglement.

Entanglement between a photon and a stationary particle is a key resource for quantum communication. The effect has now been observed for a photon and a single electron spin in a semiconductor nanostructure. See Letters p.421 & p.426 Future quantum networks will combine ideally stationary quantum bits (qubits), such as single electron spins, with 'flying' qubits, which are photons that transfer quantum states between distant qubits. It has therefore been a long-standing challenge in the field of quantum computation and communication to couple a single electron spin to a single photon in a solid-state platform. Two groups working independently have now achieved that goal, by demonstrating entanglement between a photon and a single electron spin trapped in a semiconductor 'quantum dot' structure. The quantum dot acts as the stationary node. This achievement is a small step towards eventual implementation of quantum networks that can support long-distance quantum communication.
Killing two birds with one stone? Why we need two separate questions on race and ethnicity in the 2020 census and beyond

The lack of theoretical and methodological clarity about “race” and ethnicity is a major stumbling block for mapping and ameliorating inequalities among Latinas/os and other marginalized groups in the United States as well as across the globe. In this article, I examine the findings of the Alternative Questionnaire Experiment Final Report of the 2010 U.S. Census. I explore the value-added by analyzing the social outcomes of Latinos by ethnicity (national origin, ancestry, cultural background) and race (racial status). I argue that you cannot kill two birds with one stone; you cannot capture two analytically distinct concepts with one question.
Hysteresis, cooperativity, and depth averaging in dynamic random-dot stereograms.

Experiments were performed to assess the response of the human visual system to dynamic random-dot patterns composed of disparity mixtures. In Experiment 1, the perceived depth and relative stability of two patterns were compared; one pattern depicted two transparent layers of dots, and the other depicted a volume of dots. Two effects were found: (1) the volume pattern exhibited a large degree of disparity averaging; and (2) asymmetries were observed in the relative stability of these two patterns. Experiment 2 was designed to determine whether these findings could be attributed to spatially localized processes occurring-at the location of disparity discontinuities. This was accomplished by introducing unpaired noise points localized either along the disparity discontinuities or in the center of the layered and volume patterns. The amount of depth averaging and the direction of the asymmetry did not appear to depend on processes localized along the disparity discontinuities. Results of these experiments, taken in conjunction with those of previous studies, suggest that hysteresis is independent of cooperative persistence mechanisms.
Fission barriers for light elements (A = 180–212)☆

Abstract Fission barriers for elements in the mass range A =180–212 have been calculated in the Two Center Shell Model using the Strutinsky prescription. The theoretical predictions agree well with recent experimental results.
Dual inhibition of PI3K and PARP demonstrates synergistic anti-tumor activity in endometrioid endometrial cancer patient derived xenografts

(USC) cell lines with and without HER2/neu gene amplification to afatinib, an EGFR, HER2, and HER4 irreversible tyrosine kinase inhibitor and to test the efficacy of afatinib in the treatment of HER2 amplified USC xenografts. Methods: Eight of fifteen primary USC cell lines (4 with HER2 amplification and 4 without) demonstrating similar in vitro growth rates were treated with scalar concentrations of afatinib. Effects on cell growth, signaling and cell-cycle distribution were determined by flow cytometry assays. Mice harboring xenografts of HER2/neu amplified USC were treated with afatinib by gavage to determine the effect on tumor growth and overall survival. Results: Primary chemotherapy–resistant USC cell lines harboring HER2/neu gene amplification were exquisitely sensitive to afatinib exposure (mean ± SEM IC50 = 0.0056 μM± 0.0006 μM) and significantly more sensitive than HER2/neu non-amplified USC cell lines (mean ± SEM IC50 = 0.563 μM± 0.092 μM, P b 0.0001). Afatinib exposure resulted in abrogation of cell survival, inhibition of HER2/neu autophosphorylation and S6 transcription factor phosphorylation in HER2/neu overexpressing USC and inhibited the growth of HER2 amplified tumor xenografts improving overall survival (p = 0.0017). Conclusions: Afatinib may be highly effective against HER2/neu amplified chemotherapy resistant USC. The investigation of afatinib in patients harboring HER2/neu amplified USC is warranted.
A preliminary study of the Hg flux from selected Ohio watersheds to Lake Erie

Abstract New measurements of riverine dissolved and particulate Hg fluxes into Lake Erie from 12 northern Ohio watersheds have been determined from samples collected in April 2002 and analyzed using ultra-clean techniques with cold-vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry. Total Hg concentrations ranged through 2.5–18.5 ng L −1 , with a mean of 10.4 ng L −1 with most Hg in particulate form. Dissolved Hg concentrations ranged through 0.8–4.3 ng L −1 , with a mean of 2.5 ng L −1 . Highest total Hg concentrations were observed in western rivers with primarily agricultural land use and eastern rivers with mixed land use in their watersheds. Total suspended solid concentrations ranged through 10–180 mg L −1 with particulate Hg concentrations ranging through 47–170 ng g −1 , with a mean of 99 ng g −1 . Particulate Hg was similar to published data for central Lake Erie bottom sediments but much lower than for bottom sediments in western Lake Erie. Total Hg concentrations were positively correlated with suspended sediment concentrations and negatively with dissolved N O 3 - concentrations. The total estimated annual Hg fluxes from these rivers into Lake Erie is estimated to be 85 kg, but because only one event was sampled during high flow conditions, this may be an overestimate. This is much lower than previous published estimates of riverine Hg input into Lake Erie.
Friction Coefficients of Ions in Aqueous Solution at 25 °C

The diffusion coefficients of ions and of uncharged solutes in aqueous solution at 25 °C and at infinite dilution are studied by computer simulation using the SPC/E model for water and solute−water potentials employed in previous work (Koneshan, S.; et al. J. Phys. Chem. 1998, 102, 4193−4204). The mobilities of the ions calculated from the diffusion coefficients pass through a maximum as a function of ion size, with distinct curves and maximums for positive and negative ions in qualitative agreement with experiment. We aim to understand this at a microscopic level in terms of theoretical studies of the friction coefficient ζ, which is related to diffusion coefficient by the Stokes−Einstein relation. This provides one method of calculating ζ, but it can also be obtained in principle from the random force autocorrelation function which is the starting point of molecular theories of the friction. Molecular and continuum theories divide the friction into hydrodynamic and dielectric components calculated in di...
SINTERING AND MICROSTRUCTURE OF MULLITE AEROGELS

Mullite (3Al2O3·2SiO2) was prepared by a sol-gel process and dried by supercritical extraction with CO2. The aerogel (<0.05 of the theoretical density of mullite) experienced a shrinkage of up to 0.6 and reached a density of only ∼0.5 of theoretical after 1 h at 1350°C Mechanically compacted aerogels, however, sintered to nearly theoretical density below 1200°C. This density is somewhat higher than those of gels prepared by conventional drying (i.e., exposure to the atmosphere) and is considerably higher than mullite prepared from mixed powders at higher temperatures. Although the X-ray diffraction pattern of the sintered gels was almost identical to that of mullite, transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive microanalysis showed two types of grain structure. Elongated grains with an Al/Si atomic ratio corresponding to that of stoichiometric mullite were surrounded by equiaxed grains with a lower Al/Si ratio.
An exploratory investigation of response latency in computerized administrations of the Marlowe-crowne social desirability scale

Abstract Response latencies obtained from a computer administered version of the Marlowe-Crowne social desirability scale (MC) were examined. Not unexpectedly, reading speed accounted for a major portion of the variance in response latency. However, after controlling for reading speed, the proportion of individuals in the sample endorsing an item on the MC and the item-total correlation contributed unique variance. Latencies for true responses to items on the MC were found to be quicker than for false responses for respondents in two separate samples. In the larger study (N=169), there was a significant interaction between true/false response and scoring direction with true responses to items considered socially desirable if answered false having the shortest average response latency and false responses to items scored as socially desirable if answered true having the longest average response latency. The second sample of participants (N=40) had shorter response latencies for true responses and for items scored as socially desirable if answered true; there was not a significant interaction.
Beyond Subject Specialization: The Creation of Embedded Librarians

The concept of the embedded librarian takes subject specialization to another plane. The article that follows discusses the embedded librarian as an evolutionary product and speculates on the reasons driving the change from the library to the department or center for the delivery of information services. Four drivers for change are explored with examples from a major research library, and several questions are posed related to the future of this new service model.
Experimental evidence for separate mechanisms mediating accommodative vergence and vergence accommodation

An experiment is described which qualitatively measures the state of accommodative vergence under binocular viewing conditions. Results show that under conditions of forced vergence, accommodative vergence maintains a value considerably different from vergence accommodation. These results indicated that accommodative vergence and vergence accommodation are mediated by separate neural processes.
Comparison of the Life Experiences And Personal Functioning of Men And Women in Prison

Although some researchers have studied backgrounds and needs of persons who are incarcerated, few investigators have examined the multiple occurrence of these life factors within the same sample and even fewer have compared the differences between men and women on these variables. The author examined differences between 81 incarcerated men and women in the history and severity of substance abuse, family-of-origin factors, previous abuse and neglect, and current personal functioning. Results indicated that although the women consistently had more problems in these areas than did their male counterparts, male respondents also displayed a significant need for services. Recommendations for relevant programming for both incarcerated men and women are presented, and the role of social work in effective service delivery is discussed.
Quantifying nanoscale order in amorphous materials via scattering covariance in fluctuation electron microscopy

Abstract Fluctuation Transmission Electron Microscopy (FTEM) has a unique ability to probe topological order on the 1–3 nm length scale in diffraction amorphous materials. However, extracting a quantitative description of the order has been challenging. We report that the FTEM covariance , computed at two non-degenerate Bragg reflections, is able to distinguish different regimes of size vs. volume fraction of order. The covariance analysis is general and does not require a material-specific atomistic model. We use a Monte-Carlo approach to compute different regimes of covariance, based on the probability of exciting multiple Bragg reflections when a STEM nanobeam interacts with a volume containing ordered regions in an amorphous matrix. We perform experimental analysis on several sputtered amorphous thin films including a-Si, nitrogen-alloyed GeTe and Ge 2 Sb 2 Te 5 . The samples contain a wide variety of ordered states. Comparison of experimental data with the covariance simulation reveals different regimes of nanoscale topological order.
Speaking through text: the influence of real-time text on discourse and usability in IM

Real-time, character-by-character transmission of messages in synchronous forms of text-based communications has seen a recent resurgence in CMC. We evaluated the impact of real-time text display on the usability of an instant messaging (IM) client. Participants were randomly assigned to dyads to participate in two discussion tasks using IM with both real-time text and enhanced message-by-message display (i.e., line-by-line display with additional cues to show when the remote party is typing). We found that real-time text helped users better coordinate turns and lead to less self-editing of messages, but had no overall influence on users' typing ability and provided minimal support for collaborative completion of sentences. Users who typed less or had less experience with IM tended to prefer real-time text. These findings have significance for several forms text-based CMC, including IM, chat, text telephony, and collaborative document editing.
Effects of two selection batteries on decoy effects in job-finalist choice

The decoy effect occurs when manipulation of an inferior option influences preferences between two superior options. Although this phenomenon has been demonstrated for choices among job finalists, it has not been tested in situations in which candidates enter the final stage of selection on uneven ground. The results of the present investigation suggest that information from the first stage of selection interacts with manipulation of the decoy's characteristics to influence choice. Specifically, the frequency with which the targeted option was chosen for a job depended on whether the target was also the highest ranked candidate entering the final stage of selection. Results also suggest significant effects of nondominated decoys on choice. Practical implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Nitrogen availability influences regeneration of temperate tree species in the understory seedling bank

While we have a good mechanistic understanding of effects of light avail- ability on tree seedling regeneration in forests, we know little of the processes controlling seedling responses to changes in nutrient availability in the understory (low light). To examine how nitrogen availability may influence patterns of seedling regeneration in mixed temperate forests in eastern North America, we investigated nitrogen impacts on the dy- namics of both coniferous and broad-leaved tree species in the understory. In addition, we compared these regeneration responses across coniferous (eastern hemlock) and broad- leaved (red oak) stand types. We applied nitrogen (0, 2.5, or 7.5 g-m-12yr-1) to replicated understory plots in three hemlock and three red oak dominated stands, and examined seedling survival and growth for three coniferous and three broad-leaved species over two years. Nitrogen addition influenced different demographic stages in contrasting ways, lead- ing to a complex series of seedling responses to increased nitrogen availability in the understory. Hemlock was the only species to show a positive survival response to nitrogen addition, and these effects only became apparent after the first growing season. In contrast, a suite of midsuccessional species (red maple, white pine, and red spruce) underwent nitrogen-induced declines in survival, particularly at early stages of regeneration. Both successional position and species' habitat preferences emerged as better determinants of species' responses to nitrogen deposition in the understory than did leaf habit (coniferous vs. broad-leaved). Effects were often, but not always, more marked in hemlock stands (characterized by very low light availability), suggesting nitrogen-induced declines in seed- ling abundance were likely due to an imbalance between above- and belowground resources. In the present study, we have clearly demonstrated that nitrogen availability can be an important determinant of understory seedling bank dynamics in mixed temperate forests in eastern North America. Nitrogen-induced changes in seedling performance in the un- derstory will ultimately influence the spatial and temporal patterns of regeneration of these mixed forests.
N6-methyladenosine marks primary microRNAs for processing

The first step in the biogenesis of microRNAs is the processing of primary microRNAs (pri-miRNAs) by the microprocessor complex, composed of the RNA-binding protein DGCR8 and the type III RNase DROSHA. This initial event requires recognition of the junction between the stem and the flanking single-stranded RNA of the pri-miRNA hairpin by DGCR8 followed by recruitment of DROSHA, which cleaves the RNA duplex to yield the pre-miRNA product. While the mechanisms underlying pri-miRNA processing have been determined, the mechanism by which DGCR8 recognizes and binds pri-miRNAs, as opposed to other secondary structures present in transcripts, is not understood. Here we find in mammalian cells that methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) methylates pri-miRNAs, marking them for recognition and processing by DGCR8. Consistent with this, METTL3 depletion reduced the binding of DGCR8 to pri-miRNAs and resulted in the global reduction of mature miRNAs and concomitant accumulation of unprocessed pri-miRNAs. In vitro processing reactions confirmed the sufficiency of the N(6)-methyladenosine (m(6)A) mark in promoting pri-miRNA processing. Finally, gain-of-function experiments revealed that METTL3 is sufficient to enhance miRNA maturation in a global and non-cell-type-specific manner. Our findings reveal that the m(6)A mark acts as a key post-transcriptional modification that promotes the initiation of miRNA biogenesis.
Cultural practices for Lesquerella production

WhileLesquerella fendleri has good potential of becoming a domestic, water-efficient source of hydroxy fatty acids in the United States, little research has been done outside of Arizona to determine its environmental response and cultural requirements. This study examined the effects of planting date, irrigation rate and fertilizer on growth and yield in Oregon, and it also evaluated tolerance to existing herbicides as a first step in developing cost-effective weed control programs. An October planting failed, while a March planting generally out-yielded a May planting. Seed yield was maximized at irrigation plus precipitation in the range of 959 to 1111 mm. Fertilizer response was indefinite, although response to phosphorus sometimes occurred. Herbicides with excellent potential include trifluralin and benefin pre-plant incorporated, and fluazifop post-emergent. Potential herbicides also include pendimethalin preemergent, and oxyfluorfen, dicamba and clopyralid postemergent. In addition to further studies on herbicide, irrigation, fertilizer and planting date effects, studies to optimize other cultural practices (e.g., row width, plant density, seed source, varietal development) that increase oil yield and quality while reducing input cost are required if lesquerella production is to occur in Oregon.
Phase II trial of gemcitabine in advanced sarcomas.

BACKGROUND Care for patients with advanced sarcomas is mainly palliative. Gemcitabine, a nucleoside antimetabolite, is an analog of deoxycytidine that has shown antitumor activity in several tumors. The aim of the current study was to determine the clinical activity of gemcitabine in patients with sarcomas. METHODS The authors evaluated gemcitabine in patients with histologically confirmed sarcomas; one prior exposure to chemotherapy treatment was allowed. Prior radiation was allowed if given to non-indicator lesions. Treatment consisted of gemcitabine 1250 mg/m2 intravenously over 30 minutes, every week × three, cycles repeated q28 days. RESULTS Twenty nine of 30 patients were evaluable; one patient refused to initiate study treatment. The mean age was 50 years (range, 22-81 years); 59% were male, and 35% had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 (vs. 1 or 2). Patients were histologically classified as leiomyosarcoma (seven gastrointestinal, four retroperitoneal, two inferior vena caval, three of the extremity, and two uterine), synovial (two patients), malignant fibrous histiocytoma (two patients), fibrosarcoma (one patient), osteosarcoma (two patients), liposarcoma (one patient), hemangiosarcoma (one patient), or giant cell (one patient). Patients received an average of two cycles (range, one to eight). Eighty three percent of patients discontinued treatment due to progression and 14% due to toxicity/refusal. Hematologic toxicities ≥ Grade 3 were seen in 32% of patients and consisted of leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. Anorexia (Grade 1/2 in 6 patients, Grade 3 in 1 patient), nausea (Grade 1/2 in 7 patients, Grade 3 in 1 patient), and lethargy (Grade 1/2 in 19 patients) were the most frequently observed nonhematologic toxicities. One patient experienced Grade 3 edema and muscle infarction. A different patient experienced unexplained Grade 3 chest pain. One partial response was observed in a uterine leiomyosarcoma patient lasting at least three months. Overall response rate was 3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0-15). Median time -to progression was 2.1 months (95% CI: 1.8–3.0). CONCLUSIONS The current gemcitabine regimen demonstrated acceptable levels of toxicity, but it failed to produce the number of responses needed to justify expansion of the current study. This regimen is not recommended for advanced sarcomas. Cancer 2002;94:3225–9. © 2002 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.10602
Direct observation of counseling on colorectal cancer in rural primary care practices

To better understand colorectal cancer (CRC) screening practices in primary care, medical students directly observed physician-patient encounters in 38 physician offices. CRC was discussed with 14% of patients ≥50 years of age; 87% of discussions were initiated by the physician. The rate of discussions varied among the practices from 0% to 41% of office visits. Discussions were more common for new patient visits, with younger patients, and in the 24% of offices that utilized flow sheets. The frequency of CRC discussions in physician offices varies widely. More widespread implementation of simple office systems, such as flow sheets, is needed to improve CRC screening rates.
Modernization and the Status of the Aged in China: Decline or Equalization?*

Most models of modernization propose that the status of the aged declines with technological and economic development. These models usually conceptualize the lowered status of the aged as a residual or latent consequence of modernization. Rarely do they address age stratification as a political issue, and they fail to differentiate between subgroups of the aged. We compare accounts of the cultural and structural context of the aged before and after China's socialist revolution, giving particular attention to the role of the family, the state, and technological factors in social change. Technological development and urbanization have not been extensive, and a decline in the traditional authority of the aged has paralleled educational advances and a demographic transition. Government family policies and China's labor-intensive economy facilitate the interdependence of age groups and sex roles. These observations suggest current models of the status of the aged should be revised to incorporate conceptualizations of age and sexual stratification and the role of governmental policies in directing social change. The transformations occurring in many societies today are frequently attributed to processes of modernization. The aged is one social category thought to be particularly affected by these changes. The social status of older people refers both to their relative control over interpersonal and institutional rewards and to the compliance and deference associated with participation in social life (Dowd, 1975). The status of the aged is commonly considered high in "pre-modern" societies, but usually reversed with the occurrence of modernization (Palmore and Whittington, 1971; Press and McKool, 1972). This paper explores what we term the "modernization model" and its central proposition, that there is an inverse relationship between modernization and the status of the aged. Our purpose is to determine whether qualifications may be warranted in the face of existing historical and contemporary descriptions of Chinese life. Given the paucity of data on different age groups in China, we cannot "test" the model in any strict sense, and we will not compare China rigorously with other cultures. We propose, however, that the case of China can expand our understanding of the relationship between the aged and society. Although the directions of Chinese modernization are by no means certain (Whyte et al., 1977), an examination of the aged in a country whose ideology and social structure differ considerably from the West can be fruitful.
Flecainide enantiomers: Disposition in human subjects and electrophysiologic actions in vitro

The antiarrhythmic agent flecainide is administered as a racemate. The disposition of the individual enantiomers and their electrophysiologic actions are unknown. We therefore determined trough plasma levels of S-(+)-flecainide and R-(−)-flecainide in 13 patients who were receiving long-term oral flecainide therapy. In addition, the effects of the enantiomers on action potential characteristics in canine cardiac Purkinje fibers were assessed. Plasma concentrations of R-(−)-flecainide were significantly higher than those of the S-(+)-enantiomer (−/+ ratio, 1.10 ± 0.13, mean ± SD; range, 0.89 to 1.32, p < 0.01), suggesting that the drug undergoes enantioselective disposition. In the in vitro experiments, both enantiomers reduced phase 0 action potential Vmax (an index of the fast inward sodium current) and shortened action potential duration at 50% and 90% repolarization, but no differences between the enantiomers were detected. The time constants for development of Vmax depression were significantly longer for S-(+)-flecainide (13.4 ± 1.5 seconds) compared with R-(−)-flecainide (8.9 ± 0.6 seconds, p < 0.01). Thus, although S-(+)-flecainide and R-(−)-flecainide undergo modest enantioselective disposition, they exert similar electrophysiologic effects. These studies have provided no evidence to indicate that administration of a single enantiomer, rather than the racemic drug, would offer any advantage. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1989) 46, 584–590; doi:10.1038/clpt.1989.189
Undersampled frequency shift ON-OFF keying (UFSOOK) for camera communications (CamCom)

Camera communications is the use of an image sensor to receive LED modulated data. This paper shows how frequency shift ON-OFF keying - at frequencies that avoid flicker - can be used to encode bits while at the same time being successfully decoded by a low frame rate camera using subsampling. This is done by selecting mark and space frequencies that are harmonics of the camera frame rate and then processing the subsampled aliased frequencies to decode bit data.
Adsorption from Binary Solutions of Nonelectrolytes

A lattice model for adsorption from binary solutions is developed using the Ono-Kondo equations. The resulting adsorption isotherm is derived and analyzed for systems with partial and complete miscibility. Results are compared with experimental data for the systems benzene-cyclohexane, benzene-heptane, benzene-nitrobenzene, and toluene-brombenzene on silica gel, as well as cyclohexane-nitrobenzene on alumina and sebacic acid-di-isopropyl ether on graphon.
SEASONALITY OF EELGRASS, EPIPHYTE, AND GRAZER BIOMASS AND PRODUCTIVITY IN SUBTIDAL EELGRASS MEADOWS SUBJECTED TO MODERATE TIDAL AMPLITUDE

Abstract Epiphyte and eelgrass ( Zostera marina L.) biomass and production and herbivorous gastropod ( Lacuna spp.) biomass were measured monthly for two years in a subtidal meadow subjected to moderate tidal amplitude in the San Juan Islands, WA, USA. Major physical and chemical factors (e.g., nutrient concentrations, light, and temperature) were measured concurrently. Eelgrass biomass varied from 72.2 ± 16.5 gdw m −2 in winter to 445.0 ± 78.2 gdw m −2 (mean ± 90% CI) in summer. Eelgrass productivity averaged 1767 gdw m −2 y −1 . Epiphyte biomass varied from 2.1 ± 0.8 gdw m −2 in winter to 202.3 ± 99.9 gdw m −2 in summer. Epiphyte production was 577 gC m −2 in 1990–1991 and 291 gC m −2 during 1991–1992. Light availability was the best predictor of eelgrass biomass and productivity. With the exception of ammonium, availability of water column nutrients was not positively correlated with measures of autotrophic biomass or productivity. Productivity and autotrophic biomass of this subtidal community are similar to literature maxima for intertidal meadows.
Fabrication and testing of trilayers with a high deposition rate plasma-polymerized spacer

Abstract A great deal of effort has recently been directed toward the development of digital optical storage systems using Ga-Al-As lasers for both reading and writing. The relatively low output power of these devices necessitates sensitive optical storage media if reasonable data rates are to be achieved. At the same time, it is desirable that the material exhibit archival properties. One method of reducing the writing energy for a wide variety of materials is to incorporate them within an optical structure that improves the optical efficiency. In particular, trilayer structures consisting of an aluminum layer 30 nm thick, a spacer layer about 100 nm thick and a thin storage layer offer the potential of improved sensitivity for a wide range of active materials, but their use requires the fabrication of a low thermal conductivity optically clear spacer layer approximately one-quarter wave thick. Because of manufacturing considerations, it is desirable that this layer be deposited at relatively high rates in an inexpensive process. Here we describe the investigation of the plasma polymerization of various monomers for this purpose. It has been found that stable films of perfluoro-2-butene can be deposited at rates greater than 1 nm s-1. Trilayer structures using this material as the spacer layer are compared with more conventional materials.
Penicillium viridicatum mycotoxicosis in the rat. IV. Attempts to modify the tissue responses

Male rats were fed a rice culture of Penicillium viridicatum at a dietary concentration of 50% and were administered tripelennamine hydrochloride, syrosingopine or prednisolone. Other groups fed the fungal diet at 25% dietary concentration were administered prednisolone or tetracycline. One group fed this diet was castrated prior to feeding. Tripelennamine, syrosingopine and tetracycline were not effective in reducing the incidence or severity of the ocular scrotal and lesions that developed in the test rats. Prednisolone was somewhat effective in reducing the incidence and severity of scrotal lesions and decreased the severity of the ocular lesions. Tetracycline, but not tripelennamine or syrosingopine, reduced the severity of the hepatic lesions. Castration effectively prevented the scrotal lesions, but did not alter those of the eye and liver.
Broca's localization theory reconsidered.

SummaryThe paper gives an account ofBroca's historical article “Remarques sur le siege de la faculte du langage articule” (1861). It focuses on Broca's reflections regarding the general faculty of language. By virtue of a critical analysis ofBroca's arguments it is demonstrated that Broca did not advocate the theories of his forerunners, but that he attempted to modify strict localization by proposing localization according to convolutions.
Effect of mixing probabilities on the bias of cross-validation under separate sampling

Cross-validation is commonly used to estimate the overall error rate of a designed classifier in a small-sample expression study. The true error of the classifier is a function of the prior probabilities of the classes. With random sampling these can be estimated consistently in terms of the class sample sizes, but when sampling is separate, meaning these sample sizes are determined prior to sampling, there are no reasonable estimates from the data and the prior probabilities must be “estimated” outside the experiment. We have conducted a set of simulations to study the bias of cross-validation as a function of these “estimates”. The results show that a poor choice for estimating these probabilities can significantly increase the bias of cross-validation as an estimator of the true error.
Clonal variation in foliar chemistry of quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.)

Abstract We surveyed foliar morphological and chemical variation in 31 clones of Populus tremuloides in northern lower Michigan. Significant variation among clones was exhibited for leaf weight, specific leaf area, nitrogen, starch, phenolic glycosides (salicortin and tremulacin) and condensed tannins. Variation among clones with respect to nitrogen, starch, salicortin, tremulacin and condensed tannin concentrations was 1.7-, 8.0-, 10.3-, 5.9-, and 2.1-fold, respectively. Interactions between aspen and phytophagous insects in this region are likely to be influenced by substantial interclonal variation in secondary chemistry.
CONTROLLING EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AGGRESSIVE OUTBURSTS WHEN FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS FAILS

This article describes and illustrates a treatment program aimed at addressing intermittent extremely dangerous aggressive behavior in an 11-year-old girl who was blind, multiply handicapped, and profoundly mentally retarded. In the month preceding treatment she had injured a peer, a paid careprovider, and her mother. Functional analysis produced no clear antecedents to aggression. Punishment was used to introduce a superordinate contingency. Differential reinforcement of alternative behavior combined with contingent restraint reduced, then eliminated aggression. Follow-up at an age equivalent of 4 years, 6 months indicated a continued absence of aggression. Results are discussed in regards to the balance between research methodology, agency policy, right to effective treatment, and social validity.
Role of the Checkpoint Clamp in DNA Damage Response

DNA damage occurs during DNA replication, spontaneous chemical reactions, and assaults by external or metabolism-derived agents. Therefore, all living cells must constantly contend with DNA damage. Cells protect themselves from these genotoxic stresses by activating the DNA damage checkpoint and DNA repair pathways. Coordination of these pathways requires tight regulation in order to prevent genomic instability. The checkpoint clamp complex consists of Rad9, Rad1 and Hus1 proteins, and is often called the 9-1-1 complex. This PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen)-like donut-shaped protein complex is a checkpoint sensor protein that is recruited to DNA damage sites during the early stage of the response, and is required for checkpoint activation. As PCNA is required for multiple pathways of DNA metabolism, the checkpoint clamp has also been implicated in direct roles in DNA repair, as well as in coordination of the pathways. Here we discuss roles of the checkpoint clamp in DNA damage response (DDR).
Nanoelectromechanical resonator arrays for ultrafast, gas-phase chromatographic chemical analysis

Miniaturized gas chromatography (GC) systems can provide fast, quantitative analysis of chemical vapors in an ultrasmall package. We describe a chemical sensor technology based on resonant nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) mass detectors that provides the speed, sensitivity, specificity, and size required by the microscale GC paradigm. Such NEMS sensors have demonstrated detection of subparts per billion (ppb) concentrations of a phosphonate analyte. By combining two channels of NEMS detection with an ultrafast GC front-end, chromatographic analysis of 13 chemicals was performed within a 5 s time window.