cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tectonic and eustatic control on channel formation, erosion, and deposition along a strike-slip margin, San Diego, California, USA

Abstract Active margins are characterized by small mountainous streams, which contribute significantly to global sediment transport from land to sea. The response of active margin streams to base-level change due to eustatic sea-level cycles is less well understood than passive margin streams, which form the basis of most sequence stratigraphic models. The southern California margin offers an opportunity to investigate the evolution of small mountainous streams along a strike-slip margin over a sea-level cycle. High-resolution CHIRP data were examined from the Silver Strand littoral cell in San Diego, California, which is located in a region of localized transtension associated with a step in the Newport Inglewood-Rose Canyon fault zone. CHIRP data reveal active faulting on multiple fault strands, a subaerial surface likely formed from MIS 4 to MIS 2, fluvial incision associated with MIS 2, and the transgressive surface formed during sea-level rise from MIS 2 to MIS 1. Interpreted acoustic units observed in the data include the Cretaceous outcropping Rosario Group, Miocene to Pliocene prograding clinoforms, subaerial deposits associated with MIS 4 to MIS 3, channel fill and transgressive lag deposits formed during the most recent sea-level transgression, and Holocene marine sediment. The CHIRP data examined in this study build upon findings from other seismic studies, sediment cores, trenching, and outcrops that have been examined on- and offshore San Diego. Combined, these data suggest that the fault-controlled pull-apart basin formed in this region influences sediment transport and deposition throughout the last glacial cycle. During highstand, the fault-controlled wide shelf, subsiding basin, and circulation patterns result in trapping of sediment in San Diego Bay and nearshore, cutting off sediment delivery to the deep-sea. During lowstand, the fault controlled morphology creates a drainage divide that deflects streams to the south which lengthens and reduces slope of the drainage pathways. These findings are in contrast to observations in other fault controlled littoral cells along the southern California margin where sediment delivery to the deep-sea remains active during highstand, highlighting the variability of stream response to base-level change along active margins.
Non-cancer mortality in workers in the meat and delicatessen departments of supermarkets (1950–2006)

We studied non-cancer mortality in 10,701 workers in the meat and delicatessen departments of supermarkets because they have increased exposure to a variety of microorganisms that infect and cause disease in food animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep, and poultry, to which subjects in the general population are also exposed, albeit to a lesser degree. These workers were also exposed to fumes from the wrapping machine. Standardized mortality ratios were estimated in the cohort as a whole and in race/sex subgroups, using the US population for comparison. Study subjects were followed up from January 1950 to December 2006. Significantly increased deaths from diabetes, ischemic heart disease, pulmonary embolism, chronic bronchitis, peritonitis, intracranial and intraspinal abscess, other bacterial diseases, and significantly decreased deaths from diffuse diseases of connective tissue, functional diseases of the heart, intracerebral hemorrhage, occlusion/stenosis of the precerebral and cerebral arteries, and various types of accidents were observed in certain race/sex subgroups or in the cohort as a whole. The observed increased risks of several infectious conditions suggest that the increased occupational exposure to microorganisms may be responsible for at least some of the observed excess deaths, while exposure to fumes may also contribute to the excess of chronic bronchitis. The findings are important not only for supermarket workers and other workers in the meat and poultry industries, but also because the general population is exposed to these microorganisms found in food animals and their products. Nested case-control studies within cohorts that include both workers in supermarkets and other sectors of the meat and poultry industries, are now needed to examine specific risks from occupational exposures while adequately controlling for confounding factors, so that the role of these infectious agents in the occurrence of these diseases in workers and in general population subjects can be adequately assessed.
Emerging Growth Companies

The JOBS Act defines eEmerging Growth Companies (EGCs) merging growth companies (EGCs) in the United States as firms with less than $1 billion in revenue. The act targets these firms, allowing them to raise up to $1 million by selling ownership stakes (equity capital), or taking on debt (loans) via crowdfunding. These firms can raise a maximum of $1 million on an annual basis.
Vitamin K Activity and Metabolism of Vitamin K-1 Epoxide-1,4-Diol

Vitamin K-1 epoxide, the major metabolite of vitamin k-1, has similar activity to vitamin K-1 in inducing prothrombin synthesis and protein carboxylation. The high activity of K-1 epoxide could be due to its conversion to vitamin K-1 hydroquinone without going through vitamin K-1. A logical intermediate in this conversion would be vitamin K-1 epoxide-1,4-diol. The epoxide diol was synthesized and clearly stimulated prothrombin synthesis in vitamin K deficient rats at a minimum dose of 100 micrograms/kg body weight. Since vitamin K-1 produced a similar response at a minimum dose of 1 microgram/kg, the epoxide diol had about 1% of the activity of vitamin K-1. [3H]K-1 or [3H]epoxide could not be detected as metabolites of [3H]epoxide diol indicating that the activity of epoxide diol was probably not due to its conversion to K-1 hydroquinone, since any [3H]hydroquinone formed would be oxidized in air to [3H]K-1 during analysis. Vitamin K-1 epoxide diol represents a new type of structure possessing vitamin K activity. It is probably not active itself but has to be converted to an active compound since there is a delay in the response to the diol and the activity is completely blocked by Warfarin.
Abstract B24: Attenuated expression of a novel mitochondrial and metabolic gene contributes to acquired gefitinib resistance in lung tumors

Therapeutic benefits provided by tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as Gefitinib (Iressa) and Erlotinib (Tarceva) have been limited by resistance which contributes to treatment failure and cancer-related mortality. Dysregulated metabolism (Warburg effect), a property of cancer cells has been linked to drug resistance, but the mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, MRC-9 (normal “non-cancer” cells), as well as A549, H1650, H1792 and H1975 lung adenocarcinoma cell lines (from ATCC; Manassas, VA) were used in order to examine those process(es) involved in the development of gefitinib resistance. Gefitinib is a specific, targeted agent against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) that competes for ATP-binding sites in the tyrosine activation domain of the receptor. Gefitinib-resistant H1650G cells were generated by subjecting parental H1650 cells to chronic gefitinib exposure for 12-16 weeks, and continuous culture under gefitinib selection. Consistent with existing literature, micro-array analysis of gefitinib-resistant H1650G cells confirmed differential expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) genes, such as vimentin, fascin1 and keratin19 compared to parental H1650 cells. Importantly, we uncovered the loss of a mitochondrial/metabolic gene intimately involved with glycolysis as a contributor to acquired gefitinib resistance in lung cancer cell lines and clinical specimens. Loss of expression of the novel target correlated with decreased ATP generation, and concomitant up-regulation of autophagy marker (LC3II), consistent with a compensatory mechanism of energy generation. Depletion (siRNA) of EGFR in parental H1650 cells was employed to mimic attenuated expression of the receptor due to sustained gefitinib treatment in H1650G cells, and correlated with decreased expression of the mitochondrial/metabolic target. This observation connects the EGFR signaling pathway with a novel mitochondrial/metabolic gene, and provides new insight into the development of acquired gefitinib resistance and adaptations by resistant cancer cells. The findings identify a novel potential target for therapeutic intervention, or biomarker functions that would enable informed patient selection with respect to gefitinib resistance. Citation Format: Imoh S. Okon, Kathleen A. Coughlan, Ming-Hui Zou. Attenuated expression of a novel mitochondrial and metabolic gene contributes to acquired gefitinib resistance in lung tumors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Precision Medicine Series: Drug Sensitivity and Resistance: Improving Cancer Therapy; Jun 18-21, 2014; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2015;21(4 Suppl): Abstract nr B24.
The effect of dorzolamide on aqueous humor dynamics in normal human subjects during sleep.

Abstract Objective The purpose of the study was to measure the effect of the topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, 2% dorzolamide hydrochloride, on the rate of aqueous humor flow in sleeping humans. Design A randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled study. Participants Twenty-five normal human subjects. Intervention Topical instillation of 2% dorzolamide hydrochloride versus topical placebo. Main outcome measures Rate of aqueous humor flow in sleeping humans and intraocular pressure immediately after awakening from sleep. Results The rate of flow in sleeping subjects at night (12 am to 6 am) was 1.28 ± 0.30 μl/min (mean ± standard deviation; n=25) in placebo-treated eyes, whereas the nighttime flow in dorzolamide-treated eyes was 1.17 ± 0.38 μl/min ( P = P = 0.032). In contrast, the daytime (8 am to 4 pm) rate of flow in ambulatory subjects was 2.97 ± 0.64 μl/min in placebo-treated eyes and 2.60 ± 0.63 μl/min ( P = 0.032) in dorzolamide-treated eyes, resulting in a daytime reduction of 13% ( P = Conclusions Topically administered dorzolamide hydrochloride is effective for reducing the rate of aqueous humor flow in normal human eyes during the day and at night during sleep. The efficacy of dorzolamide at these two times is approximately half that of systematically administered acetazolamide.
Single event testing of DC/DC converters for space flight

Hybrid DC/DC converters from two major manufacturers were tested for single event transient and catastrophic single event induced failures. The converters were evaluated under a range of loading conditions and input voltages.
Working with Survivors of Childhood Trauma

Abstract Survivors of childhood trauma are disproportionately represented in the clinical population. However, evidence suggests that therapists often are not prepared to provide appropriate treatment or to anticipate and manage the effects this work has on them. In this article, the nature of trauma is described and the unique features of and challenges associated with working with survivors of childhood trauma are identified. The supervision needs of clinicians who work with trauma survivors are identified and supervisory skills that support the therapist in the work are presented.
Lipid metabolism in pregnancy. VI. Lipoprotein composition and hepatic lipids in the fed pregnant rat.

To determine possible mechanisms for hyperlipidemia in the fed pregnant rat and to evaluate the rat as a model for hyperlipidemia in human pregnancy, we have measured lipoprotein composition and hepatic lipid content in age-matched nonpregnant and pregnant rats in mid and late gestation (days 12, 19, and 21). Up to the time of morning sacrifice, rats had ad libitum access to a standard chow diet containing 4.5% fat by weight. Four lipoprotein fractions were isolated by sequential ultracentrifugation: chylomicrons and very low, low, and high density lipoproteins (VLDL, LDL, and HDL, respectively). Preliminary feeding studies demonstrated the operationally defined chylomicron fraction to reflect fat absorption. Hepatic triglyceride and cholesterol were measured after Folch extraction and silicic acid treatment. In nonpregnant rats, 77–88% of the total triglyceride is contained in the chylomicron and VLDL fractions, with nearly equal amounts of triglyceride in each fraction. By late gestation (days 19 and 21...
The Lobster Tale An Exercise in Critical Thinking

Professors in management and business are encouraged to incorporate critical thinking as an objective in their courses. “The Lobster Tale” provides an opportunity to engage students in various levels of critical thinking, ranging from a relatively superficial reading to an examination of the deeper, often hidden issues. Using the foundations of critical theory and systems theory, the story draws on economics, social theory, philosophy, and other disciplines to present a simplified version of the complexities found in our global environment. It can be used to supplement a variety of courses in the business curriculum and to encourage students to challenge not only assumptions but also conventional wisdom and, perhaps, knowledge itself.
Sulfhydryl reducing agents distinguish two subtypes of angiotensin II receptors in the rat brain.

Abstract Two angiotensin II receptor subtypes were distinguished in the rat brain using in vitro receptor autoradiography based on the differential effects of sulfhydryl reducing agents on 125 I-sarcosine 1 , isoleucine 8 angiotensin II binding in various brain nuclei. At several nuclei, e.g. the hypothalamus, circumventricular organs and the dorsal medulla, 125 I-sarcosine 1 , isoleucine 8 angiotensin II binding was strongly inhibited by 30 mM β-mercaptoethanol or 5 mM dithiothreitol, whereas at other nuclei, e.g. the lateral septum, colliculi, locus coeruleus and medial amygdala, sulfhydryl reducing agents had either little effect on radioligand binding or enhanced the binding. The distribution of the sulfhydryl reducing agent inactivated subtype corresponds exactly with the distribution of DuP 753 sensitive (designated as AII α ) 125 I-sarcosine 1 , isoleucine 8 angiotensin II binding sites 25 . The subtype not inhibited by sulfhydryl reducing agents corresponds with the DuP 753 insensitive (designated as AII β ) sites in the brain 25 . The sulfhydryl reducing agent effect on brain angiotensin II receptor subtypes is similar to that seen in angiotensin II receptor subtypes in peripheral tissues. These observations indicate that many previous studies of brain angiotensin II receptor binding that included 5 mM dithiothreitol in the assay medium overlooked the sulfhydryl reducing agent inactivated (AII α ) receptor subtype.
Indomethacin prevents ventilation-induced decreases in pulmonary vascular resistance of the middle region in fetal lambs.

ABSTRACT: Previously, we reported that the major site of pulmonary vascular resistance in fetal lambs occurred in the middle region defined by vascular occlusion, and that this region exhibited the greatest decrease upon ventilation with O2. To assess the relative individual contributions of ventilation and oxygenation to this decrease, we determined the distribution of pressures across the pulmonary circulation in isolated perfused lungs from 20 fetal lambs (131–137 d gestation) by inflow and outflow vascular occlusions. A membrane oxygenator was included in the extracorporeal circuit to control the Po1 at 4 kPa (30 torr) in the unventilated fetal lungs. Half of the fetal lungs were ventilated first without changing the initial gas tensions, and the others were oxygenated first by changing the initial gas tensions to a hyperoxic mixture [Po2 = 26.6 kPa (200 torr)] without ventilation. Finally, both groups of lungs were ventilated and oxygenated. In addition, indomethacin was added to the perfusate (0.112 mM, or 40 μg/mL) in half of the preparations in each group to determine the effect of prostaglandins on the distribution of pressures during these conditions. The decrease in the total pulmonary vascular resistance with ventilation and/or oxygenation was primarily due to changes in the middle pressure gradient (ΔPm). In fetal lungs without indomethacin, ventilation without oxygenation reduced ΔPm from 6.1 ± 0.8 to 2.5 ±1.0 kPa, or 74% of the total ventilation- and oxygenation-induced decrease in ΔPm (final value = 1.2 ± 0.6 kPa). In contrast, oxygenation without ventilation produced a decrease in ΔPm from 5.5 ± 0.7 to 3.8 ± 0.5 kPa, only 40% of the total decrease in ΔPm (1.2 ± 0.4 kPa). Furthermore, in fetal lungs with indomethacin, only oxygenation first caused a reduction in the resistance of the middle region, suggesting that dilator prostaglandins are not involved in the response to increased oxygen. We conclude that recruitment and/or distension of the small pulmonary vessels functionally located in the middle region by the mechanical effect of ventilation is dependent on dilator cyclooxygenase products, and that this mechanical effect is a major factor involved in the decrease in pulmonary vascular resistance occurring at birth.
Cdon mutation and fetal ethanol exposure synergize to produce midline signaling defects and holoprosencephaly spectrum disorders in mice.

Holoprosencephaly (HPE) is a remarkably common congenital anomaly characterized by failure to define the midline of the forebrain and midface. HPE is associated with heterozygous mutations in Sonic hedgehog (SHH) pathway components, but clinical presentation is extremely variable and many mutation carriers are unaffected. It has been proposed that these observations are best explained by a multiple-hit model, in which the penetrance and expressivity of an HPE mutation is enhanced by a second mutation or the presence of cooperating, but otherwise silent, modifier genes. Non-genetic risk factors are also implicated in HPE, and gene–environment interactions may provide an alternative multiple-hit model to purely genetic multiple-hit models; however, there is little evidence for this contention. We report here a mouse model in which there is dramatic synergy between mutation of a bona fide HPE gene (Cdon, which encodes a SHH co-receptor) and a suspected HPE teratogen, ethanol. Loss of Cdon and in utero ethanol exposure in 129S6 mice give little or no phenotype individually, but together produce defects in early midline patterning, inhibition of SHH signaling in the developing forebrain, and a broad spectrum of HPE phenotypes. Our findings argue that ethanol is indeed a risk factor for HPE, but genetically predisposed individuals, such as those with SHH pathway mutations, may be particularly susceptible. Furthermore, gene–environment interactions are likely to be important in the multifactorial etiology of HPE.
Reliability of histopathologic assessment for the differentiation of recurrent hepatitis C from acute rejection after liver transplantation

Histopathologic assessment is considered essential for the differentiation of recurrent hepatitis C (RHC) from acute cellular rejection (ACR) after liver transplantation (LT); however, there is limited information regarding its reliability. The aim of this study was to determine the interobserver and intraobserver agreement of the histopathologic diagnosis of RHC vs. ACR, and to determine the reliability of specific histopathologic features for the differentiation of RHC from ACR. Liver biopsy specimens from 105 consecutive patients transplanted for hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related liver disease were studied retrospectively. All the biopsies were performed for evaluation of abnormal liver enzymes within the 1st year after LT. The slides were blindly coded and assessed by 5 liver-transplant pathologists, practicing at 3 medical centers. The pathologists were asked to render a diagnosis, and determine the severity of the disease. Four of the pathologists were asked to determine the presence and severity of 36 histopathologic features. A total of 34 of the samples were then blindly resubmitted to each of the 4 pathologists to determine the intraobserver agreement. There was a slight agreement (κ = .12) among the 5 pathologists on the histopathologic diagnosis. All 5 pathologists were in agreement on the diagnosis of RHC in only 5 patients (5%) and on the diagnosis of ACR in only 2 patients (2%). The best agreement among any 4 pathologists was fair (κ = .20). Slight to moderate agreement occurred on the main histological features considered to be important in the diagnosis of ACR. Intraobserver agreement ranged from slight (κ = .19) to moderate (κ = .42) among 4 pathologists. In conclusion, the histopathologic differentiation of RHC from ACR after LT had relatively low interobserver and intraobserver agreement rates, and hence showed low reliability. Histopathologic assessment should be used cautiously for the differentiation of RHC from ACR post-LT. (Liver Transpl 2004;10:1233–1239.)
The enterics as foodborne pathogens

Abstract The pathogenicity of enteric bacteria such as Vibrio cholerae and Salmonella typhi is undisputed and has been widely recognized by microbiologists and the public in general for many years. However, very little is known about the mechanisms that attribute the characteristics of virulence to these microbes, except perhaps for cholera toxin, which is required for V. cholerae to produce Asiatic (Epidemic) cholera. Cholera and typhoid fever basically have been controlled in Europe and North America by proper water and sewage treatment, leaving a niche to be filled by other bacteria. These microbes, the so-called ‘emerging pathogens’, which include members of the genera Vibrio, Salmonella , and other enteric bacteria, account for the vast majority of gastroenteritis cases reported in Europe and North America. Their emergence as pathogens may be due to their mutation, which enables them to co-exist with certain animals ( S. enteritidis may fall into this category), or to the transfer of plasmids bearing virulence determinants between various enteric genera.
Spin polarization and annihilation for radicals and diradicals

The extent of spin polarization in unrestricted Hartree–Fock and density functional B3LYP calculations has been determined for a few monoradicals as well as the corresponding diradicals containing these monoradicals as functional groups. Simple relations are found that explain the very high value for the average spin after projecting out the triplet component from a broken-spin calculation on the singlet state. The implications of these results for estimating the energy of the low-spin diradical by spin projection or by the Heisenberg Hamiltonian are discussed. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005
Organization of the bovine gene encoding the endothelial nitric oxide synthase

The bovine endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene plus 2.9 kilobases of 5'-flanking sequence has been isolated and characterized. The gene spans 20 kilobases and contains 26 exons and 25 introns. Two transcription start sites have been determined by primer extension analysis which are located 170 and 240 base pairs upstream, respectively, from the methionine translational initiation codon. Evidence supporting the upstream boundary region for transcriptional initiation was also obtained by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The 5'-flanking region lacks a typical TATA box but contains numerous putative transcription factor binding sites. These include consensus sequences for an AP-1 site, an NF-1 site, a tumor necrosis factor responsive element, two sterol regulatory elements, 3 acute-phase response element, two sterol regulatory elements, 3 acute-phase response elements, 6 GATA motifs, 16 CACCC boxes, 5 Sp1 sites, 15 estrogen half-palindromic motifs, and 9 fluid shear stress-responsive elements. The isolated gene promoter directs basal transcription of a luciferase reporter gene when transiently transfected into bovine aortic endothelial cells. High sequence homology of the promoter region to the human endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene promoter (75% nucleotide identity in 1.6 kilobases of 5'-flanking sequence) suggests evolutionary conservation of transcriptional regulation. Isolation and characterization of the bovine endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene should facilitate further investigation of mechanisms by which gene expression is regulated.
A class of limit theorems for singular diffusions

Abstract We consider singular diffusions on R k . Under a verifiable criterion for the stability in distribution of such diffusions, a broad subset of the range of the infinitesimal generator of the diffusion is identified. For functions in this set functional central limit theorems and laws of iterated logarithm are derived.
ETHANOL INDUCED DEPRESSION OF DNA SYNTHESIS IN ASTROCYTES

The principal neuropathological abnormality in fetal alcohol syndrome is a disorder of neuronal migration. This developmental process is directed by radial glial (astrocytic) cells. One potential deleterious effect of ethanol on these cells is an inhibition of proliferation. To address this possibility we utilized primary cultures of dissociated neonatal rat brain, which we and others have shown to consist of >90% astrocytes. Cell proliferation was assessed by measurement of DNA synthesis (from [3H]thymidine) and protein deposition. The effect of ethanol, added on day 3 (the time of first cell attachment), on DNA synthesis on day 7, the time of peak cell proliferation in control cells, and on protein deposition on day 10 is shown in the Table, as percent of control. The activity of glutamine synthetase (an astrocyte specific enzyme) on day 18 is also shown. The relative specificity of the effect of ethanol was shown by demonstrating no comparable effect on glycoprotein synthesis (from [3H]mannose) or on sterol synthesis (from [14C]acetate). The data thus show a significant decrease in DNA synthesis in developing astrocytes at concentrations of ethanol observable within the range of human intoxication (10-40mM). (NIH-HD-07464)
Laser-induced transformation of carbonated apatite to fluorapatite on bovine enamel

Previous studies have shown that irradiation of dental enamel by carbon dioxide (CO2) laser irradiation, with and without fluoride, can inhibit the acid-induced surface dissolution of the carbonated apatite (CAP) mineral of the tooth. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that laser treatment together with fluoride (F) can effectively transform the CAP in caries-like lesions to fluorapatite (FAP), which is orders of magnitude less soluble than CAP. Samples of both sound and caries-like enamel were irradiated by CO2 laser at 9.6 μm , 25 pulses per spot, 2 μs pulse duration and 1J/cm2 fluence, with and without F treatment. The surface acid-dissolution rate was measured, together with untreated controls in a specially constructed apparatus. FAP formation was assessed by chemical analysis. Results showed dissolution rate reductions of 49%, 73%, and 87% for fluoride treatment, laser alone, and the laser/F combination respectively. Carbonate loss (measured by FTIR) coincided with dissolution rate reduction. High F concentrations were incorporated into the laser treated samples, producing marked dissolution rate reductions, most likely related to the formation of FAP.
Synthesis, homopolymerization, and block copolymerization of N‐ethyl‐2‐ethynyl‐pyridinium trifluoromethanesulfonate with styrene and butadiene

A novel acetylenic monomer 2-N-ethyl pyridinium trifluoromethane sulfonate (2EPyEtTf) was synthesized and polymerized. Diblock copolymers of 2EPyEtTf with styrene and with butadiene were prepared. Initiation of the polymerization by living anionic polystyryl - -Li + and polybutadienyl - -Li + (Scheme 1) resulted in polystyrene-block-poly(N-ethyl-2-ethynylpyridinium trifluoromethanesulfonate) (PS 57 PA 8 ), and polybutadiene-block-poly(N-ethyl-2-ethynylpyridinium trifluoromethanesulfonate)(PB 30 PA 8 ). These amphiphilic block molecules contain rigid, conjugated, and strongly hydrophilic polyacetylene chain fragments attached to hydrophobic polystyrene or flexible polybutadiene chain fragments. The structure of these copolymers was studied by FTIR, UV-visible, and NMR spectroscopy. GPC and viscometry were also used to obtain information on the molecular mass and the molecular mass distribution. Thermal behavior was investigated by means of TGA and DSC. Both block copolymers were shown to form stable monolayers at the air-water interface. The positively charged rigid polyacetylene portion of the copolymer is believed to be partially submerged, while the more flexible hydrophobic chains are forced out of the water. Multilayers of PB 30 PA 8 deposited using the Langmuir-Blodgett technique were found to be less uniform than in the case of the previously reported polystyrene-block-poly(2E-PyMeTf)(PS 12 PA 4 ) copolymer (Balogh et al., Macromolecules, 29, 1996). Polycation-polyanion self-assembly deposition was also investigated, using polystyrenesulfonate (PSS) as polyanion. While PS 57 PA 8 /ASS layer-by-layer deposition was not uniform, it was found that PB 30 PA 8 /ASS gave homogenous and stable films on hydrophilic glass substrates.
Self-consistent effective-mass theory for intralayer screening in graphite intercalation compounds

The effective-mass-approximation differential equations appropriate for impurities in a graphite host are constructed and are used to solve self-consistently for the screening response surrounding a single intercalant atom. The screening cloud is found to have a very slow algebraic decay with a characteristic length of 3.8 \AA{} in the case studied. This rather long length is due to both the semimetallic and the two-dimensional character of graphite. A Thomas-Fermi description of screening is found to be adequate, but a linear-response theory is not. From these results we conclude that the transferred charge in alkali-metal---graphite intercalation compounds is distributed nearly homogeneously on a carbon plane. We discuss recent theoretical and experimental work in light of these results.
Small Prototype Gamma Spectrometer Using CsI(Tl) Scintillator Coupled to a Solid-State Photomultiplier

Small solid-state photomultipliers (SSPMs) are an alternative scintillator light-detection technology to traditional photomultiplier tubes that offer advantages such as lower bias voltages and insensitivity to magnetic fields. A digital spectrometer using a commercially available SSPM was constructed and characterized at Oregon State University as a prototype for small, highly-mobile, low-power, robust spectroscopy devices. The SSPM has over 19,000 microcells in a photo-sensitive area of 6.32 × 6.32 mm and was coupled to 6 × 6 × 10 mm reflectively-coated CsI(Tl) crystals. The rest of the spectrometer consists of a fast preamplifier and 200 MHz, 12-bit digital pulse processor based around a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). The efficiency, resolution, linearity, and peak-to-Compton ratio of the system were characterized.
Lipid vesicle interaction with EMT-6 tumor cells and effect on subsequent cell growth.

Abstract Artificial lipid vesicles of varying composition were incubated with EMT-6 tumor cells, after which the transfer of vesicle lipids to the cells and their growth in vitro were determined. Vesicles composed of phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, and gangliosides could transfer phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol to the cells, but this transfer had no effect on the subsequent growth of the cells. However, preincubation of the cells with vesicles containing sterylamine or phosphatidylserine did inhibit the subsequent growth of the cells in a tissue culture assay system. It might be possible to deliver to certain cells growth inhibitory compounds carried in lipid vesicles.
Satisfaction and Discontinuation of Contraception by Contraceptive Method Among University Women

This study examined the association between contraceptive method and satisfaction and discontinuation. Few studies have examined these issues in the university setting and how they may potentially impact unintended pregnancy rates. This study examined data from 172 college women aged 18–36 years enrolled in the Study on Contraceptive Knowledge in Students, a cross-sectional study conducted at a large, public university. Logistic regression was used to model the association between current type of contraceptive method used (non-coital dependent vs. coital dependent) and satisfaction as well as previous type of contraceptive method used and discontinuation of that method. Nearly 80% of contracepting women currently used a non-coital dependent method. After adjustment for age, race, and location where contraception was obtained, current non-coital dependent users were significantly more likely to be satisfied with their contraceptive method compared to women using coital dependent methods (OR = 4.73, 95% CI: 1.64, 13.63). After adjustment for age, race, and history of pregnancy, women who used non-coital dependent methods of contraception were 91% less likely to have discontinued their method compared to women who used coital dependent methods (OR = 0.09, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.20). Healthcare workers and public health professionals can counsel women on using contraceptive methods that best suit their needs. By doing so, patient satisfaction and consistent contraceptive use may improve and lead to a decrease in unintended pregnancies.
Ethical Issues in Treatment and Intervention Research With Children and Adolescents With Behavioral and Mental Disorders

Large numbers of children and adolescents in the United States and worldwide are affected by behavioral and mental disorders that result in a substantial burden of suffering for them and their fami...
Cryogenic Balance Technology at the National Transonic Facility

This paper provides an overview of force measurement at the National Transonic Facility (NTF). The NTF has unique force measurement requirements that dictate an integration of all aspects of balance design, production, and calibration. An overview of current force measurement capabilities is provided along with new balance development efforts. Research activities in the areas of thermal compensation and balance calibration are presented. Also, areas of future research are detailed.
Regionalism in Asia: Past and Future

In order to predict the future of East Asia in the wake of the 1997-98 financial crisis, Kenneth B. Pyle looks to the region's past for lessons. He assesses East Asia's 'old new orders' and deduces six major lessons from their history that can be applied to the current post-Cold-War interregnum. The region is gaining an unprecedented power to shape its own system and to influence the international order, but its current institutions are built on extremely fragile foundations. The risk is that we are in an age of rising nationalism within the region and the emergence of strategic rivalries, arms races, and competition for limited resources. Finally, in looking at Japan, Pyle predicts that the currently awkward US-Japan alliance will determine the region's stability, despite the fact that Japan will most likely continue to shy away from a proactive role in the area. These lessons lead to the argument that events will drive the region's international relations in the future and that the region must seize thi...
Design and control of fault-tolerant permanent magnet machines

This paper discusses design and control techniques for fault tolerant permanent-magnet (PM) machines that are suitable for applications where safety is of paramount importance. Back-EMF based design and analysis approach for a multiphase air-core linear motor has been presented in this paper. Apart from the design approach, fault tolerant techniques for current control in both time and frequency domains have also been discussed. In time domain, an iterative learning based control method is also presented and is found to be very robust. Both open-circuit and short-circuit fault tolerant operation have been discussed in this paper.
Flexural resistance models for concrete decks reinforced with fiber-reinforced polymer bars

A major portion of maintenance budgets in the United States is usually directed to deck replacement on the aging population of bridges. Concrete deck deterioration, which is mainly due to corrosion of steel reinforcing bars, often takes place before the design life of the bridge is achieved. Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) bars offer a tensile reinforcement alternative that would eliminate corrosion-related problems. Estimation of the flexural capacity of concrete elements reinforced with FRP bars relies on the same concepts of equilibrium and compatibility used for other materials. Incorporation of these concepts in a load and resistance factor design format requires a reliability study and calibration of the new system. This paper presents statistically derived resistance models for concrete decks reinforced with FRP bars. The resistance models are based on a detailed layered-section analysis that takes into account the nonlinearities of the materials. A wide range of parameters was considered, including...
Exercise, diet, or physical characteristics as determinants of HDL-Levels in endurance athletes

Abstract Serum lipids, lipoproteins, apolipoproteins, physical characteristics, and 10-day dietary records of 20 male distance runners (aged 20–42 years) were compared with those of 14 sedentary controls (aged 23–34 years). Runners had significantly greater levels (mean ± SD) of high density lipoproteins (HDL) whether estimated as HDL-cholesterol (66 ± 12 vs 46 ± 10 mg/dl) or as the major HDL apolipoproteins, apoA-I (170 ± 36 vs 124 ± 27 mg/dl) or apoA-II (39 ± 5 vs 34 ± 4 mg/dl). Runners were leaner with considerably less body fat (8.3 ± 1.7 vs 16.2 ± 3.9%) than the sedentary men despite consuming 20% more calories. Moreover, the additional calories consumed were largely carbohydrate. This comparison illustrates that high absolute quantities of dietary carbohydrate do not depress HDL levels in lean individuals engaged in exercise training. Furthermore, the results suggest that dietary factors may be as important as exercise itself in producing the lipoprotein pattern characteristic of endurance athletes.
Leak Current Rectification in Myxicola Giant Axons Constant field and constant conductance components

Early leak current, i.e. for times similar to the time to peak of the transient current was measured in Myxicola giant axons in the presence of tetrodotoxin. The leak current-voltage relation rectifies, showing more current for strong depolarizing pulses than expected from symmetry around the holding potential. A satisfactory practical approximation for most leak corrections is constant resting conductance. The leak current-voltage curve rectifies less than expected from the constant field equation. These curves cannot be reconstructed by summing the constant field currents for sodium and potassium using a PNa/PK ratio obtained in the usual way, from zero current constant field fits to resting membrane potential data. Nor can they be reconstructed by summing the constant field current for potassium with that for any other single ion. They can be reconstructed, however, by summing the constant field current for potassium with a constant conductance component. It is concluded that the leak current and the resting membrane potential, therefore, are determined by multiple ionic components, at least three and possibly many. Arguments are presented suggesting that ion permeability ratios obtained in the usual way, by fitting the constant field equation to resting membrane potential data should be viewed with skepticism.
Some challenges and grand challenges for computational intelligence

When the terms “intelligence” or “intelligent” are used by scientists, they are referring to a large collection of human cognitive behaviors— people thinking. When life scientists speak of the intelligence of animals, they are asking us to call to mind a set of human behaviors that they are asserting the animals are (or are not) capable of. When computer scientists speak of artificial intelligence, machine intelligence, intelligent agents, or (as I chose to do in the title of this essay) computational intelligence, we are also referring to that set of human behaviors. Although intelligence means people thinking, we might be able to replicate the same set of behaviors using computation. Indeed, one branch of modern cognitive psychology is based on the model that the human mind and brain are complex computational “engines,” that is, we ourselves are examples of computational intelligence. 2. Turing’s Vision and the Turing Test for Humanoid Behavior The idea, of course, is not new. It was discussed by Turing in the 1940s. In the play about Turing’s life, Breaking the Code [Whitemore 1987], Turing is shown visiting his old grammar school and delivering a talk to the boys, in which he offers a vision of the thinking computer. The memories of those of Turing’s colleagues of the 1940s who are still alive confirm that he spoke often of this vision. In 1950, he wrote of it, in a famous article [Turing 1950], in which he proposed a test (now called the Turing Test (TT)) for computational intelligence. In the test, a human judgment must be made concerning whether a set of observed behaviors is sufficiently similar to human behaviors that the same word—intelligent—can justifiably be used. The judgment is about behavior not mechanism. Computers are not like human brains, but if they perform the same acts and one performer (the human) is labeled intelligent, then the other must be labeled intelligent also. I have always liked the Turing Test because it gave a clear and tangible vision, was reasonably objective, and made concrete the tie to human behavior by using the unarticulated criteria of a human judge. Turing Award winner Jim Gray, who works in fields of Computer Science other than AI, appears to agree. His list of challenges for the future includes: “The Turing test: Win the imitation game 30% of the time.” Significantly, he adds: “Read and understand as well as a human. Think and write as well as a human,” [Gray 2003]. I will have more to say about necessary conditions for these human activities later. But there are problems with the Turing Test (TT). Human intelligence is very multidimensional. However, the judge must fuse all of these dimensions into a
iksim: A fast algorithm for indicator kriging and simulation in the presence of inequality constraints, hard and soft data

Abstract iksim is a fast program for indicator kriging and simulation of continuous or categorical variables in the presence of inequality constraints, hard and soft data. The speed advantage of iksim program results from the FFT spectral simulation of the non-conditional p-field. To maintain the full speed of median IK in the presence of missing indicator values corresponding to constraint intervals or soft data, the missing values can be reconstructed using the marginal z -distribution. The algorithm, program structure, data file formats, parameter file, and some validation checks are presented.
Ischemic preconditioning does not acutely improve load-insensitive parameters of contractility in in vivo stunned porcine myocardium.

Abstract Objective: Ischemic preconditioning has been shown to have no beneficial effect on segment shortening in in vivo regionally stunned myocardium. The purpose of this study was to determine whether ischemic preconditioning improves the recovery of postischemic ventricular function when contractility is assessed by load-insensitive measurements including end-systolic pressure length relations, preload recruitable stroke work, and preload recruitable stroke work area in in vivo regionally stunned porcine myocardium. Methods : Open chest, pentobarbital-anesthetized pigs were used. Regional ventricular function was monitored by measurements of segment shortening, stroke work, end systolic pressure length relations, preload recruitable stroke work, and preload recruitable stroke work area. The control group was submitted to 15 minutes of left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion and 3 hours of reperfusion. The preconditioned group underwent 2 cycles of 5-minute left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion and 10-minute reperfusion before 15 minutes of occlusion. Results : There was no infarct in either group. The preconditioning protocol significantly depressed preischemic segment shortening but not regional stroke work. Ischemic preconditioning had no significant beneficial effect on regional stroke work, end-systolic pressure length relations, preload recruitable stroke work, or preload recruitable stroke work area. Conclusions : These results confirm that ischemic preconditioning does not ameliorate in vivo porcine myocardial stunning and indicate that ischemic preconditioning may have a limited cardioprotective role during cardiac operation. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1999;117:810-7)
The NIST x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy database

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has made available the second version of the NIST X-ray photoelectron Spectroscopy Database. This paper reports on recent upgrades to the database to make the information more up-to-date and to make data searching and display more convenient and efficient for the user. Additional data are included in the database together with the capability to search using large chemical synonym lists, chemical formulae and other chemical classification schemes
Titanium Nitride Formation by Low Energy Ar Ion Bombardment and UV-Light Irradiation During Deposition

Titanium nitride films were produced by a newly developed photon and ion beam assisted deposition system (PHIBAD system). With an electron beam evaporator titanium was deposited on silicon substrates in a controlled nitrogen environment. The growing δ-TiN films were bombarded with argon ions and illuminated with UV-light. The results demonstrate that the impurity content, the nitrogen to titanium ratio of the films, the microstructure and the crystal alignment are changed using UV-light irradiation during ion assisted deposition.
Glycoprotein D or J delivered in trans blocks apoptosis in SK-N-SH cells induced by a herpes simplex virus 1 mutant lacking intact genes expressing both glycoproteins.

We have made two stocks of a herpes simplex virus 1 mutant lacking intact U S 5 and U S 6 open reading frames encoding glycoproteins J (gJ) and D (gD), respectively. The stock designated gD −/+ , made in cells carrying U S 6 and expressing gD, was capable of productively infecting cells, whereas the stock designated gD −/− , made in cells lacking viral DNA sequences, was known to attach but not initiate infection. We report the following. (i) Both stocks of virus induced apoptosis in SK-N-SH cells. Thus, annexin V binding to cell surfaces was detected as early as 8 h after infection. (ii) U S 5 or U S 6 cloned into the baculovirus under the human cytomegalovirus immediate-early promoter was expressed in SK-N-SH cells and blocked apoptosis in cells infected with either gD −/+ or gD −/− virus, whereas glycoprotein B, infected cell protein 22, or the wild-type baculovirus did not block apoptosis. (iii) In SK-N-SH cells, internalized, partially degraded virus particles were detected at 30 min after exposure to gD −/− virus but not at later intervals. (iv) Concurrent infection of cells with baculoviruses did not alter the failure of gD −/− virus from expressing its genes or, conversely, the expression of viral genes by gD −/+ virus. These results underscore the capacity of herpes simplex virus to initiate the apoptotic cascade in the absence of de novo protein synthesis and indicate that both gD and gJ independently, and most likely at different stages in the reproductive cycle, play a key role in blocking the apoptotic cascade leading to cell death.