cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lenvatinib with or Without Everolimus in Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma After Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Therapies.

INTRODUCTION Lenvatinib (Len) plus everolimus (Eve) is an approved therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) after first-line vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGFR-TKIs), but limited data exist on the efficacy of Len ± Eve after progression on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and VEGFR-TKIs. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with mRCC at our institution who were treated with Len ± Eve after ICI and VEGFR-TKI. A blinded radiologist assessed objective response as defined by RECIST version 1.1. Descriptive statistics and the Kaplan-Meier method were used. RESULTS Fifty-five patients were included in the analysis. Of these patients, 81.8% had clear-cell histology (ccRCC), and 76.4% had International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium intermediate-risk disease. Median number of prior therapies was four (range, 2-10); all patients had prior ICIs and VEGFR-TKIs, and 80% were previously treated with ICI and at least two VEGFR-TKIs, including cabozantinib. One patient (1.8%) achieved a complete response, and 11 patients (20.0%) achieved a partial response, for an overall response rate (ORR) of 21.8%; 35 patients (63.6%) achieved stable disease. In all patients, median progression-free survival (PFS) was 6.2 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.8-9.4) and median overall survival (OS) was 12.1 months (95% CI, 8.8-16.0). In patients with ccRCC, ORR was 24.4%, PFS was 7.1 months (95% CI, 5.0-10.5), and OS was 11.7 months (95% CI, 7.9-16.1). 50.9% of patients required dose reductions and 7.3% discontinued treatment because of toxicity. CONCLUSION Len ± Eve demonstrated meaningful clinical activity and tolerability in heavily pretreated patients with mRCC after disease progression with prior ICIs and VEGFR-TKIs. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE As the therapeutic landscape for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma continues to evolve, this single-center, retrospective review highlights the real-world efficacy of lenvatinib with or without everolimus in heavily pretreated patients. This article supports the use of lenvatinib with or without everolimus as a viable salvage strategy for patients whose disease progresses after treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapies, including cabozantinib.
Applying Macro Fiber Composite Patches to Morph Complex Aircraft Structure

An investigation to observe the morphing capabilities of actuated macro fiber composite patches on multi-curved aircraft surfaces was conducted. Inattentive positioning of these patches can reduce desired surface deflection and mitigate aerodynamic performance. An initial study was performed on a 2-D fiber reinforced airfoil to observe the morphology of the cross-section when macro fiber composite patches were actuated in different chordwise positions. This was achieved through iterative finite element analysis using a thermal expansion method analogous to piezoelectric effects. The study was adapted to a complex 3-D wing surface where positioning and fiber orientation were considered. The kinematic performance was evidently affected for multi-curved versus more curvy-linear structures, where reduced surface curvature was favorable for more trailing edge deflection. In addition, effects of non-linearity of piezoceramic composites were observed in tandem on these complex surfaces using digital image correlation. Hysteresis and creep effects by virtue displayed kinematic behavior as a function of time and structural geometry. For a multi-curved wing, the residual strain due to hysteresis and creep were less apparent than for a reduced multi-curved surface.
Combining neuroimaging and behavior to discriminate children with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder with and without prenatal alcohol exposure.

In many patients, ostensible idiopathic attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may actually stem from covert prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), a treatment-relevant distinction. This study attempted a receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) classification of children with ADHD into those with PAE (ADHD+PAE) and those without (ADHD-PAE) using neurobehavioral instruments alongside magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of supraventricular brain white matter. Neurobehavioral, MRS, and DTI endpoints had been suggested by prior findings. Participants included children aged 8–13 years, 23 with ADHD+PAE, 19 with familial ADHD-PAE, and 28 typically developing (TD) controls. With area-under-the-curve (AUC) >0.90, the Conners 3 Parent Rating Scale Inattention (CIn) and Hyperactivity/Impulsivity (CHp) scores and the Behavioral Regulation Index (BRI) of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF2) excellently distinguished the clinical groups from TD, but not from each other (AUC 0.80) discrimination. Neuroimaging combined with CIn and BRI achieved AUC 0.72 and AUC 0.84, respectively. But neuroimaging combined with CHp yielded 14 excellent combinations with AUC ≥ 0.90 (all p < 0.0005), the best being Glu·AD·RD·CHp/(NAA·FA) (AUC 0.92, sensitivity 1.00, specificity 0.82, p < 0.0005). Using Cho in lieu of Glu yielded AUC 0.83. White-matter microstructure and metabolism may assist efforts to discriminate ADHD etiologies and to detect PAE, beyond the ability of commonly used neurobehavioral measures alone.
A high-performance dipole surface drive for large travel and force

We report unparalleled travel, force, precision and repeatability with an electrostatically actuated dipole surface drive. We have successfully demonstrated motors that generate several hundred micronewtons while traveling 50 microns at 60 V. Without external feedback control, the motors can be positioned with nanometer resolution and repeatability. The manufacture of these motors uses a two-level polysilicon deposition, a wafer bond and two anisotropic deep silicon etches.
Significance of Landsat-7 Spacecraft Level Thermal Balance and Thermal Vacuum Test for ETM+ Instrument

The thermal design and the instrument thermal vacuum (T/V) test of the Landsat-7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) instrument were based on the Landsat-4, 5 and 6 heritage. The ETM+ scanner thermal model was also inherited from Landsat-4, 5 and 6. The temperature predictions of many scanner components in the original thermal model had poor agreement with the spacecraft and instrument integrated sun-pointing safehold (SPSH) thermal balance (T/B) test results. The spacecraft and instrument integrated T/B test led to a change of the Full Aperture Calibrator (FAC) motor stack "solar shield" coating from MIL-C-5541 to multi-layer insulation (MLI) thermal blanket. The temperature predictions of the Auxiliary Electronics Module (AEM) in the thermal model also had poor agreement with the T/B test results. Modifications to the scanner and AEM thermal models were performed to give good agreement between the temperature predictions and the test results. The correlated ETM+ thermal model was used to obtain flight temperature predictions. The flight temperature predictions in the nominal 15-orbit mission profile, plus margins, were used as the yellow limits for most of the ETM+ components. The spacecraft and instrument integrated T/B and TN test also revealed that the standby heater capacity on the Scan Mirror Assembly (SMA) was insufficient when the Earth Background Simulator (EBS) was 1 50C or colder, and the baffle heater possibly caused the coherent noise in the narrow band data when it was on. Also, the cooler cool-down was significantly faster than that in the instrument T/V test, and the coldest Cold Focal Plane Array (CFPA) temperature achieved was colder.
Testing to Discriminate

Background: The original premise of Workers Compensation was to protect employees when they became injured at work through no fault of their own. To date, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most depilating nerve damaging ailments in the computerized workplace, and is second to amputations and fractures. As a means of minimizing these costs, some employers are implementing pre-employment screening as a way of weeding out which potential employee could cost the company large dollar amounts in the future. Method: A review of literature, which showed both the employer and the employee’s argument was reviewed in order to present both sides of the pre-employment testing argument. Results: Both quantitative and qualitative research reveal that there is no one sure fire all encompassing way to know whether or not an employee will contract Carpal Tunnel Syndrome while working for any given employer.Conclusions: The findings from this literature review proved that employers are becoming more sophisticated in the way they discriminate against injured employers. In order to combat this, potential employees need to understand that while the injury that is shared with another potential employee is similar, the differences lie in how each of the potential employees contracted the injury.
Tuning of the transmission resonance in Aharonov-Bohm quantum rings

We investigate the total transmission probability of a nanoscale Aharonov-Bohm (AB) ring with an embedded quantum dot in one of its arms and a magnetic flux passing through its center. We find a peculiar quantum transport though this system such as a symmetric Breit- Wigner (BW) and an asymmetric Fano transmission resonance. The transition from BW to Fano resonance (or vice verse) occurs by tuning the magnetic AB flux threading through the AB ring, indicating the Fano asymmetric parameter is extended to a complex number. Unique properties of the AB phase coexistent with Fano interference are examined.
UNDERGROUND AQUIFER STORAGE OF HOT WATER FROM SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTORS

A study has been made on the physical feasibility of using underground aquifers as a storage system for hot water from solar energy collectors. Two different numerical models were used in this study. The first is a sophisticated program that computes the transient heat and mass flow in three dimensional water-saturated porous media. The second is a simplified model which considers a horizontal two-dimensional aquifer in which steady state fluid flow is assumed. Four cases were considered: a) daily storage, b) seasonal storage with semiannual cycles, c) seasonal storage with annual cycles, and d) a two-well (doublet) system, in which one well supplies the water to be heated by solar energy and the other well stores the heated water underground. The hydrodynamic and thermal behavior of the storage system were analyzed and illustrated. In all cases studied, the energy retrieval was found to be over 80 percent.
Plasma generation with a thin-wire discharge for use as pseudospark discharge initiation

Summary form only given. A study of thin-wire discharges for plasma generation in and as a trigger for pseudospark switches is presented. The large ratio of cathode to anode area in a thin-wire discharge results in robust and reliable plasma generation over the usual switch hold off pressure range of 0.05-1 Torr. In addition, the small wire area results in small current collection during the main switch conduction phase, simplifying the trigger protection circuit. The wire trigger arrangement enables a reduction in size of the pseudospark switch as it needs no additional volume than the cathode cavity already existing. The wire can be floated during the main discharge, minimizing ion bombardment and sputtering and contributing to long life. The expected long life characteristic compares advantageously with the competing commercial dielectric surface discharge trigger system, also capable of operating over large ranges of pressures.
Evolving Paradigms in the Management of Multiple Myeloma: Novel Agents and Targeted Therapies

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a clonal plasma cell disorder defined by bone marrow infiltration and osteolytic bone lesions and is the second most common hematologic malignancy after non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The landscape of MM treatment was transformed at the dawn of the twenty-first century by the introduction of novel agents including proteasome inhibitors (bortezomib) and immunomodulatory drugs (thalidomide, lenalidomide), which have prolonged the survival of MM patients. The recently revised International Myeloma Working Group diagnostic criteria for MM added validated biomarkers (clonal bone marrow plasma cell ≥60%, involved:uninvolved serum free light chain ratio ≥100, or >1 focal lesion on magnetic resonance imaging) to identify near inevitable progression to symptomatic MM requiring therapy. In addition, the definition of myeloma-defining CRAB features (hypercalcemia, renal failure, anemia, and bone lesions) has been refined based on advances in imaging and laboratory techniques since the 2003 IMWG consensus. Despite expanded treatment options, MM remains an incurable disease. Drug resistance and clonal evolution remain problematic, and novel therapeutic agents are needed. New approaches to myeloma treatment include anti-CD38 antibodies, next generation proteasome inhibitors, epigenetic modulation with histone deacetylase inhibitors, and targeting the tumor microenvironment. In this article, the diagnosis, staging, and prognostic stratification of newly diagnosed MM will be reviewed. Clinical data pertaining to the emerging targeted agents will be discussed, and a suggested framework for integration of these new therapeutic options will be provided.
Decreased levothyroxine requirement in women with hypothyroidism during androgen therapy for breast cancer.

Objective: To determine the effects of androgen administration on measures of thyroid function and thyroid hormone replacement doses in women with breast cancer. Design: Consecutive patients with m...
Do government spending multipliers depend on the level of government debt? US historical data evidence

This article examines state-dependent effects of government debt on government spending multipliers. For the estimation, a new quarterly US historical debt series is constructed. The empirical findings reveal that effects of government spending on the economy as well as the estimated multipliers significantly differ by the level of debt.
Age vs stage models of career attitudes of women: A partial replication and extension

Abstract This study was completed to determine if the developmental models proposed by Levinson, Darrow, Klein, Levinson, and McKee (1978) , Levinson (1986 , in press), and Super, 1957 , Super, 1984 described differences in the career attitudes and intentions of professional women. In addition, this study was developed to be a partial replication of Ornstein, Cron, and Slocum (1989) . A survey assessing organizational commitment, satisfaction, intention to leave, willingness to relocate, desire for promotion, timing of promotion, and career stage was completed by 204 female managers. On the basis of their responses to the career stage instrument and their ages, respondents were categorized according to Levinson's age stages and Super's psychological stages. Multivariate analyses of variance were conducted to determine if there were any systematic changes in career attitudes across age or stage categories. Findings suggest that shifting career attitudes are a function of age rather than psychological stage.
"As Per Your Request": A History of Business Jargon

Conventional phrases have existed in business letters since at least 1589, but both the number of phrases in conventional use and the phrases which consti tute jargon have changed. Texts have criti...
Dental caries and paradental disturbances

Although factors other than nutrition unquestionably play a role in dental and medical disorders, data suggest that knowledge of a person’s nutrition-set-up is of importance in dental and medical work.
Perinatal Bisphenol A Exposure in C57B6/129svj Male Mice: Potential Altered Cytokine/Chemokine Production in Adulthood

Pregnant mice (n = 3) were exposed to BPA by intraperitoneal injection, from gestation day 9.5 until end of lactation. Male offspring were evaluated for cytokine production at 20 wk-of-age. One pregnant control mouse produced no males, precluding statistical analysis. However, recurring shifts in cytokines were suggested in the adult BPA offspring. Serum showed a numeric increase in 16 of 21 basal cytokine levels. ConA-stimulated splenocytes showed a numeric increase in 17 of 21 cytokines, and LPS-stimulated splenocytes an increase in 18 of 21 cytokines. The cytokine profile was one of TH1 up-regulation more than TH2, and with skewing toward TH17 responses.
Clinical outcome of a cohort of patients eligible for therapeutic angiogenesis or transmyocardial revascularization

Abstract Background Newer methods of coronary revascularization are being investigated in patients who are not candidates for coronary artery bypass grafting or percutaneous intervention. Our objective was to determine the proportion of patients eligible for newer methods of revascularization and determine their 1-year clinical outcome. Methods Five hundred consecutive charts and angiograms from patients undergoing diagnostic angiography for coronary artery disease from January to May of 1998 were reviewed to assess the suitability for revascularization. Patients ineligible for conventional revascularization were followed up for 1 year. Results Fifty-nine patients of the 500 studied were identified who had refractory ischemia but were not candidates for traditional revascularization. The 59 patients ineligible for traditional methods of revascularization had a rehospitalization rate of 128% (76 total hospitalizations), a 25.5% rate of myocardial infarction (15 of 59), and a mortality rate of 16.9% (10 of 59). Conclusions The prognosis of many patients eligible for newer methods of revascularization on maximal medical therapy is poor. (Am Heart J 2001;142:72-4.)
Fundamental Economic Comparisons of Solid Waste Policy Options

Abstract This paper examines the sources of externalities associated with post-consumer waste. A paradigm economy is constructed to compare the market and real income effects of disposal charges, recycling subsidies, user fees, and litter taxes with those of the status quo policy. The supply and demand equations of the general equilibrium system are derived and simulations are performed for each policy. Under certain assumptions, including zero transactions costs, it is concluded that real income can be maximized with a disposal charge policy, which is also the only innovative policy to assure no reduction of real income compared to the status quo, regardless of production technologies. User fees and litter taxes are found to be the next most desirable; and recycling subsidies, the least.
Thermal requirements of Diaeretiella rapae (M'Intosh) on Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia Mordwilko, Hom., Aphididae) hosts

Studies were undertaken to assess the effect of temperature on development, and to estimate the thermal requirements (t and K) and upper developmental thresholds of three developmental periods (i.e. egg-mummy, mummy-adult, egg-adult) in Diaeretiella rapae (M'Intosh) (Hym., Aphidiidae) from China on Diuraphis noxia (Mordwilko) (Hom., Aphididae) hosts. Experiments were conducted at 5 constant temperatures: 10.0, 15.5, 21.1, 26.7, and 29.4°C (±1.0°C). Photoperiod and humidity conditions were maintained at 14L: 10D and 50-70% R.H., respectively. In general, the developmental times and rates for the three developmental periods in D. rapae were influenced by the temperature to which they were exposed. Developmental times for the egg-mummy period increased from 7.3 days at 29.4°C to 28.5 days at 10.0°C; for the mummy-adult period from 4.6 days at 29.4°C to 20.0 days at 10.0°C; and for the egg-adult period from 11.3 days at 29.4°C to 48.3 days at 10.0°C. At all five temperatures, the developmental times for the egg-mummy period were longer than the developmental times for the mummy-adult period. There were no differences in developmental times between males and females at the temperatures tested except at 15.5°C where males developed slightly faster than females (P < 0.011), i.e. 23.2 and 24.0 days, respectively. The estimated t and K values were, respectively, 2.47°C and 198.99 degree-days for the egg-mummy period; 3.89°C and 106.45 degree-days for the mummy-adult period; and 3.56°C and 292.29 degree-days for the egg-adult period. The upper developmental threshold for the three developmental periods is considered to be above, but near 29.4°C since the developmental rate decelerated but did not cease at this temperature.
Pediatric Hemophilia: A Review

The hemophilias are the most common X-linked inherited bleeding disorders, which if not properly managed can lead to chronic disease and lifelong disabilities. The challenges and issues in newborns are different from that in older children and adults. Bleeding events still predominate as the diagnostic trigger in children, however, the sites of bleeding vary with age. While delivery-associated intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), circumcision, and venipuncture bleeding are common in the newborn period, joint disease and head trauma occur in the older child and adolescent. Awareness of clinical manifestations and treatment complications are crucial in instituting appropriate management and implementing preventive strategies. Currently, inhibitors and ICH are the most challenging complications and prophylaxis is emerging as the optimal preventive care strategy.
Progressive patterns in breast diseases

Abstract The progressive increase of cyclic nucleotide values from normal breast tissue to benign disease to cancer suggests a natural progression of breast diseases. A promotional role for caffeine and other methylxanthines on fibrocystic breast disease in predisposed women, which has been established, coupled with epidemiological studies which showed a lower incidence of breast cancer in populations abstaining from caffeine support the hypothesized progression.
Effect of P(O2) and Ag content on the decompisition pathway of Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox

Abstract The decomposition pathway of Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O x (Bi2212) with 0, 2 and 10 wt.% Ag added has been examined at 0.01, 0.21, and 1 bar P (O 2 ) by performing scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) and microprobe analysis on oil quenched samples. A series of pseudo-ternary phase diagrams at each P (O 2 ) was constructed to describe the evolution of the phase assemblage with temperature. Ag sdhowed limited solubility (2–3 wt.%) in the ceramic melt which depressed the reaction temperature of each step along the decomposition pathway. The first solid phases to form upon the peritectic decomposition of Bi2212 were Bi 9 Sr 11 Ca 5 O x (9 11 5) and (Sr 1− x Ca x ) 14 Cu 24 O 41 (14,24) in 1 bar O 2 , (9 11 5) and (Sr 1− x Ca x )CuO 2 (11) in 0.21 bar O 2 , and (11), (Sr 1− x Ca x ) 2 CuO 3 (21) and Bi 2 (Sr 1− x Ca x ) 3 O x (23 x ) in 0.01 bar O 2 .
Heat transport in proximity structures.

We study heat and charge transport through a normal diffusive wire coupled with a superconducting wire over the region smaller than the coherence length. Because of partial Andreev reflection of quasiparticles from the interface, the subgap thermal flow is essentially suppressed and approaches zero along with energy, which is specific for diffusive structures. Whereas the electric conductance shows a conventional reentrance effect, the thermal conductance $\ensuremath{\kappa}$ rapidly decreases with temperature which qualitatively explains the results of recent experiments. In the Andreev interferometer geometry, $\ensuremath{\kappa}$ experiences full-scale oscillations with the order parameter phase difference.
Serum metalloproteinases MMP-2, MMP-9, and metalloproteinase tissue inhibitors in patients are associated with arteriovenous fistula maturation.

Objective Many vascular surgeons construct arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) for hemodialysis access as the primary choice access. A significant number of AVFs fail to mature, however, leading to patient frustration and repeated operations. Metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, particularly MMP-2 and MMP-9, may be important for AVF maturation. We therefore sought to identify whether serum MMP levels could serve as a biomarker for predicting future successful AVF maturation. Methods Blood was collected from patients with chronic renal insufficiency at the time of surgery for long-term hemodialysis access. Serum was separated from whole blood and ultracentrifuged at 1000 g for 10 minutes. Serum aliquots were frozen at –80°C until used for analysis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to assay levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase type 2 (TIMP-2), and TIMP type 4 (TIMP-4). Clinical end points were used to divide patients into failed and matured AVF groups. Successful maturation was considered in patients who had specific duplex findings or 1 month of successful two-needle cannulation hemodialysis. MMP/TIMP ratios were calculated as an index of the MMP axis activity because MMP activity parallels alterations in TIMP levels. Results Of 20 enrolled patients, AVF maturation was successful in 13 and failed in 7. Serum levels of MMP-2/TIMP-2 were significantly higher in patients with matured AVFs vs levels in those that failed ( P = .003). Similarly, a trend toward increased serum levels of MMP-9/TIMP-4 was found in patients with successful AVF ( P = .06). Conclusions MMP-2 and TIMP-2 levels were different among patients whose AVF matured vs those who did not. Further follow-up studies to determine the predictability of AVF maturation using relative patient serum levels of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 should be performed.
Developing Loyalty Programs for Convention Attendees: An Exploratory Study

Reward programs build loyalty for hospitality businesses. Such programs are rare in the convention industry, despite the fact that the industry is challenged to increase attendance while maximizing profits. This study evaluated the attributes of a possible reward program for convention attendees. Attendees at a large international convention completed a survey on which they rated potential reward program attributes and benefits. Benefits were classified into four primary dimensions: monetary, redemption, functional, and recognition; and two secondary categories: tangible–intangible and direct–indirect. Attendees prefer tangible, monetary rewards directly related to the convention. Suggestions are provided for creating effective reward programs that could increase loyalty for conventions.
Trapping of two-dimensional electrons in substrate potentials

We report preliminary measurements of high (ripplon-limited) electron mobility on helium films supported by a hydrogen-coated glass substrate. From the smooth dependence of the mobility as a function of helium film thickness we deduce that no polaron transition occurs on films thicker than 500 A at T>1 K. On poorer quality substrates we observe a rapid drop in the mobility at a substrate-dependent critical film thickness. We interpret these drops as due to localization in variations in the substrate potential.
Security, Muscularity and Morality: Three Comments on Etzioni

Democracy has become increasingly accepted over the last two centuries, but the process has mostly been one of persuasion, fashion leadership, and luck, not forceful evangelism. Although democracy can sometimes be established by force, this has generally not worked well when favorable conditions are absent. Intervention for the purpose of restoring basic security where it is severely threatened or under attack is unlikely to happen much, held back by a lack of interest, an extremely low tolerance for casualties, and an increasing aversion to long-term policing in the international community. The obsessive bipartisan quest to control nuclear proliferation— particularly since the end of the cold war—has been substantially counterproductive and has often inflicted major costs on innocent people. Rather than killing large numbers of foreigners in the service of worst case scenario fantasies, one way to reduce the likelihood some countries would go nuclear would be to stop threatening them.
Studies on the energy coupling sites of photophosphorylation. I. Separation of site I and site II by partial reactions of the chloroplast electron transport chain.

Abstract 1. The transport of electrons from H2O to lipophilic oxidants such as oxidized p-phenylenediamines and 2,5-dimethylquinone, when observed in the presence of the plastoquinone antagonist dibromothymoquinone, has a pH optimum of approximately 7.5 and is independent of the presence or absence of ADP and phosphate. Nevertheless the electron transport supports phosphorylation with an efficiency ( P e 2 ) of 0.3–0.4 and this efficiency is practically pH independent. A reversible proton uptake is associated with the electron transport. The energy coupling site responsible for the phosphorylation, which must be before plastoquinone, we have designated Site II, while the well-known rate-determining coupling site after plastoquinone and before cytochrome f is referred to as Site I. 2. The transport of electrons from reduced 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol (DCIP) to methylviologen, when observed in the presence of the Photosystem II inhibitor 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea, is remarkably similar in most respects to the overall Hill reaction (e.g. H2O→methylviologen). The rate of electron flow is markedly stimulated by ADP and phosphate. Electron transport and phosphorylation have the same pH optimum of about 8.5. The P e 2 ratio is also strongly pH dependent, showing a similar pH optimum of 8.0–8.5. However, the absolute value of the P e 2 ratio observed for the partial reaction reduced DCIP→methylviologen is lower than the P e 2 ratio observed for the overall reaction H2O→methylviologen at all pH values. The maximum P e 2 value observed for the reduced DCIP→methylviologen raction is 0.5–0.6 at pH 8.0–8.5 while the maximum value for the H2O→methylviologen reaction under the same conditions is about 1.1. 3. When the P e 2 ratios for the two partial reactions (H2O→dimethylquinone and reduced DCIP→methylviologen) are added together at all pH values from 6 to 9, the resulting curve is very close to the P e 2 -pH profile experimentally obtained for the overall Hill reaction H2O→methylviologen. It seems probable, therefore, that the transport of electrons from reduced DCIP to methylviologen utilizes only the rate-determining coupling Site I while the overall transport of electrons from H2O to methylviologen utilizes both Site I and Site II.
ENHANCEMENT OF METHANE FORMATION FROM METHANETHIOL ADSORBED ON A STRAINED NI FILM ON W(001)

The selective formation of methane from the decomposition of methanethiol increases as the coverage of Ni thin films is increased from 0 to 2 monolayers (ML) on W(001). The methane selectivity starts at 30% on the clean W(001) surface, rises to 70% when the Ni coverage is 1 ML, dips to 60% at 1.5 ML, and then continues to rise to >85% when the Ni coverage is 2 ML. This is the largest selectivity for methane formation yet reported for this reaction in ultrahigh vacuum. Accompanying the increase in selectivity is a sequential decrease in the methane desorption temperature. The methane desorbs at 350 K from methanethiol on clean W(001), at 290 K from a 1 ML Ni film, and at 210 K from a 2 ML Ni film. On thick (>5 ML), unannealed films, the desorption temperature increases to 270 K and the selectivity is reduced to 70%. S 2p soft X-ray photoemission indicates that the C−S bond is cleaved between 300 and 350 K on clean W(001) and between 250 and 300 K on a 1 ML Ni film. On the 2 ML Ni film, there is considerabl...
Spectroscopic isolation of ES complexes of myosin subfragment-1 ATPase by fluorescence quenching.

Abstract It was found that the fluorescence of 1,N 6 -ethenoadenosine triphosphate (e-ATP) bound to myosin subfragment-1 (S-1) is resistant to quenching by acrylamide, while free e-ATP is effectively quenched. Thus in the presence of acrylamide the bound e-ATP is still highly fluorescent, while free e-ATP is much less fluorescent. The Stern-Volmer constants of bound and free e-ATP are 6.83 and 57.86 M −1 , respectively. Therefore it is easy to distinguish spectro-scopically the nucleotide-ligated S-1 from nucleotide-free S-1. Moreover acrylamide does not alter the S-1-Mg 2+ -e-ATPase behavior.
Optical resonators for free-electron lasers

Since its first demonstration in 1976 the free-electron laser has evolved rapidly, producing coherent radiation over a spectral range extending from the millimeter to the ultraviolet. Recent establishment of user facilities is enabling its use as an investigative tool in a number of scientific disciplines. Its ability to generate tuneable, high power radiation over a wide range of wavelengths interests medical, industrial and military users. However, exploiting the many features of this intrinsically high power laser poses new challenges in optical resonator design. We review significant advances in optical resonators for free-electron lasers including the influence of this peculiar gain medium on resonator designs.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Are variations in running economy in humans associated with ground reaction force characteristics

It was hypothesized that certain ground reaction force (GRF) variables are positively correlated with running economy (RE; the aerobic demand at a single speed of running). Excessive momentum changes, quantified by linear impulse measures, as well the free moment applied to the running surface could be considered potentially wasteful efforts in terms of metabolic energy requirements. Recreational runners (n=16) ran on a treadmill at 3.35 m·s–1 for physiological measurements and overground for biomechanical measurements. Correlation coefficients were calculated between RE and total vertical impulse (TVI), net impulses in three orthogonal directions, and descriptors of the free moment. The TVI and the net vertical impulse were the only GRF characteristics significantly correlated to RE (r=0.62, r=0.60, respectively). Greater overall muscle support requirements during ground contact, as represented by TVI, may have been responsible for greater aerobic demand.
Comparison of the surface wave method and the indentation method for measuring the elasticity of gelatin phantoms of different concentrations.

Abstract The speed of the surface Rayleigh wave, which is related to the viscoelastic properties of the medium, can be measured by noninvasive and noncontact methods. This technique has been applied in biomedical applications such as detecting skin diseases. Static spherical indentation, which quantifies material elasticity through the relationship between loading force and displacement, has been applied in various areas including a number of biomedical applications. This paper compares the results obtained from these two methods on five gelatin phantoms of different concentrations (5%, 7.5%, 10%, 12.5% and 15%). The concentrations are chosen because the elasticity of such gelatin phantoms is close to that of tissue types such as skin. The results show that both the surface wave method and the static spherical indentation method produce the same values for shear elasticity. For example, the shear elasticities measured by the surface wave method are 1.51, 2.75, 5.34, 6.90 and 8.40 kPa on the five phantoms, respectively. In addition, by studying the dispersion curve of the surface wave speed, shear viscosity can be extracted. The measured shear viscosities are 0.00, 0.00, 0.13, 0.39 and 1.22 Pa.s on the five phantoms, respectively. The results also show that the shear elasticity of the gelatin phantoms increases linearly with their prepared concentrations. The linear regressions between concentration and shear elasticity have R2 values larger than 0.98 for both methods.
Bottom temperatures of skating skis on snow.

Thermocouples provide information about ski and skier performances and snow conditions. V1 skating superimposed a strong, cyclic signal on the general heating due to friction. The power spectra of these cycles gave information about the skier's technique. The greatest temperature response at the base of a skating ski was just behind the foot, where the ski is heavily loaded. The longitudinal profiles showed generally increasing temperatures along the length of the ski. Harder, more durable waxes are needed behind the foot, where most of the weight is carried, but the gliding temperatures are highest there. Heating increased with both speed and solar input. Solar radiation absorption heats the ski base directly and raises its temperature considerably. The color of the ski base and the amount of sunshine should be considered when choosing a wax. Language: en
Transactions: a construct for reliable distributed computing

Transactions have proven to be a useful tool for constructing reliable database systems and are likely to be useful in many types of distributed systems. To exploit transactions in a general purpose distributed system, each node can execute a transaction kernel that provides services necessary to support transactions at higher system levels. The transaction model that the kernel supports must permit arbitrary operations on the wide collection of data types used by programmers. New techniques must be developed for specifying the synchronization and recovery properties of abstract types that are used in transactions. Existing mechanisms for synchronization, recovery, deadlock management and communication are often inadequate to implement these types efficiently, and they must be adapted or replaced.
Elevated temperature nanoindentation characterization of poly(para-phenylene vinylene) conjugated polymer films

Abstract Temperature dependent mechanical properties of poly( p -phenylene vinylene) (PPV) were investigated using quasi-static (QS) and dynamic nanoindentation (NI) at temperatures over the range of 25 to 100 °C. The reduced modulus decreased from about 4.40 GPa to 3.64 GPa over this temperature range. The plasticity indices at all measurement temperatures were lower than the critical value of 0.875, characterizing material “sink-in”, rather than “pile-up” during measurements. The plasticity index showed a non-monotonic trend, with a minimum value at around 70 °C. Analysis of indentation stress relaxation data, obtained at different temperatures, was also performed using generalized Maxwell viscoelastic models. From these analyses, a relaxation mode, with a characteristic relaxation time of approximately 0.5 s, was evident. The characteristic time remained relatively unchanged over the temperature range of 25 to 100 °C. However, the relaxation modulus associated with this mode showed the expected decrease with increase in temperature.
Materials for thermoelectric energy conversion

The field of thermoelectric energy conversion is reviewed from both a theoretical and an experimental standpoint. The basic theory is introduced and the thermodynamic and solid state views are compared. An overview of the development of thermoelectric materials is presented with particular emphasis being placed on the most recent developments in high-temperature semiconductors. A number of possible device applications are discussed and the successful use and suitability of these devices for space power is manifest.
Chasmogamous and Cleistogamous Pollination in Salpiglossis sinuata

Pollen from chasmogamous flowers of Salpiglossis sinuata L. could not be induced to germinate in vitro unless stigmatal extract was applied to the culture medium. The substance that induces pollen germination in the stigmatal extract is water-soluble and heat-stable. Crosses could not be achieved between chasmogamous and cleistogamous flowers because of structural incompatibility. Pollinated pistils of chasmogamous flowers release a large amount of ethylene. The burst of ethylene release is due to an interaction between pollen tubes and stylar tissue and is directly proportional to the quantity of pollen placed on the stigma. Cleistogamous flower buds also produce a burst of ethylene at the time of pollination within the closed flower. The ethylene release may be a cause of reduced corolla development associated with cleistogamous flowers.
Communicating Sexual Identities: A Typology of Coming Out

This study examines 258 narratives from 130 individuals to develop a typology of lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) coming out conversations. After exploring current strengths and limitations of coming out models and establishing the need for examining coming out conversations, data are analyzed to create a typology of seven common ways coming out conversations are enacted (pre-plan- ned, emergent, coaxed, confrontational, romantic/sexual, educational/activist, or mediated). In addition to providing much-needed inquiry into LGB coming out conversations, this article encourages potential further research into practical aspects of coming out conversations and other LGB-oriented disclosure practices as well as the development of broader models of coming out.
Star defects on flat and spherical surfaces

We investigate the Dierker-Pindak-Meyer star defect observed in freestanding hexatic liquid crystal films. We derive general formulae for the energy of arbitrary vortex configurations both on flat films and on the surface of spherical vesicles. We find that equilibrium defect configurations in general have no identifiable symmetry and that configurations with nearly 6-fold, 5-fold, and 4-fold symmetry are possible. Configurations with nearly 5-fold symmetry are, however, favored by the conditions in the Dierker-Pindak experiment
Nitroxyl-induced T1 relaxation rates as a probe of conformation in peptide hormones

Proton spin-lattice relaxation rates in the N-H region of the n.m.r. spectra of aqueous LHRH and angiotensin II were measured in the presence of varying concentrations of 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinoxyl. At peptide concentrations of 3-7 mM and nitroxyl concentrations up to three times the peptide concentration, the relaxation rate is linearly dependent on nitroxyl concentration. Second order rate constants for nitroxyl induced relaxation in water are in the 200-1000s-1 M-1 range, and are dependent more on conformational factors than on side chain bulk. Exclusion of the radical from the hydration sphere of imidazolium ion appears to occur. The measurements for LHRH agree with earlier observations of the effect of the nitroxyl on linewidths. A two- to three-fold decrease in sensitivity of the amide protons of at least three of the residues in angiotensin II when the His6 imidazole is protonated indicates a conformational transition related to this ionization.
Some Female Stereotypes of Male Body Build-Behavior Relations.

90 female college students, ranging in age from 16.9 to 40.2 yr., assigned items from a list of 30 phrases, which described various personality traits and social behaviors, to photographs representing an adult male endomorph, mesomorph, and ectomorph. The endomorph and ectomorph were associated with socially “negative” items, whereas the mesomorph was associated with socially “positive” items; these results were in accord with those of other studies investigating such stereotypes and support the hypothesis that a common body build-behavior stereotype exists in a child's socializing environment.
FINITE DEFLECTIONS OF A SIMPLY SUPPORTED RIGID-PLASTIC CIRCULAR PLATE LOADED DYNAMICALLY

Abstract A theoretical analysis is presented for the dynamic behavior of a simply supported rigid, perfectly plastic annular plate subjected to a rectangular pressure pulse. It is shown that this theory, which considers the simultaneous influence of membrane forces and bending moments, predicts final deformations which are considerably smaller than those given by the corresponding bending theory even when maximum deflections only of the order of the plate thickness are permitted. It is believed that this theoretical analysis could be developed further in order to describe the behavior of plates having other support conditions and different dynamic loading characteristics.
Estradiol replacement in ovariectomized rats is antihyperalgesic in the formalin test.

Abstract A subcutaneous implant of 17β-estradiol or progesterone provides steady-state serum hormone levels from 7 to 24 days after implantation and allows the evaluation of the effects of the replacement with these hormones on phase 1 and phase 2 formalin-induced behaviors in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Graded doses of 17β-estradiol (5% to 40%) reduce formalin-induced behavior by 35% to 49% during phase 2 but not during phase 1, as measured with an automated formalin apparatus. The maximal response is seen with 20% 17β-estradiol. The antihyperalgesic effect of 20% 17β-estradiol is significant at 8 days after implantation and persists at 21 days. In contrast, graded doses of progesterone have no effect on either phase of formalin. The estrogen receptor antagonist tamoxifen completely prevents the antihyperalgesic effect of the 20% 17β-estradiol implant. Formalin-induced behaviors during phase 2 are significantly less in proestrus females and OVX rats given 20% 17β-estradiol compared with OVX control rats. Also, the formalin-induced increase in serum corticosterone is attenuated in OVX control rats compared with proestrus females and OVX rats given 20% 17β-estradiol. These results indicate that estrogen replacement in OVX rats restores the maximal corticosterone response to tonic pain and, by an estrogen receptor–mediated process, inhibits tonic pain. Perspective Hormone replacement (HR) therapy remains a widely used modality. We used a pharmacokinetically based rat HR model that results in continuous physiological levels of 17β-estradiol to demonstrate the analgesic (antihyperalgesic) effects of estrogen replacement in an inflammatory pain model (formalin). These results suggest a potentially important consequence of HR therapy.
High post-transplant virological response in hepatitis C virus infected patients treated with pretransplant protease inhibitor-based triple therapy.

Background & Aims Prevention of recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) following liver transplant (LT) with pre-LT antiviral therapy is limited by poor tolerability and efficacy. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of NS3/4A protease inhibitor (PI)-based triple therapy in patients awaiting LT. Methods Consecutive patients treated with triple therapy pre-LT from two centers were prospectively enrolled in an observational cohort. Overall 12 week sustained virological response (SVR12) was the primary outcome. Pre- and post-LT (pTVR) virological response rates and safety were secondary outcomes. Results Twenty-nine patients (mean age 57.9, 79% male, 66% prior non-responders) were treated with telaprevir (93%) or boceprevir-based (7%) triple therapy for a median (range) of 27 (3–50) weeks, including a pegylated-interferon and ribavirin lead-in in 18%. Median (range) MELD at treatment was 8 (6–16), 39% had hepatocellular carcinoma and all patients were Child-Turcotte-Pugh class A (62%) or B (38%). Twelve patients underwent LT, 75% with undetectable viral load. The overall SVR12 rate was 52%, including pre-LT SVR12 of 41% in patients who completed treatment and follow-up on the wait list and pTVR12 of 67% among transplanted patients. The pTVR12 rate was 89% among those patients with undetectable viral load at LT. Serious adverse events occurred in nine (31%) patients including one (3%) on-treatment death and eight (28%) hospitalizations. Conclusions Overall SVR12 and pTVR12 rates are high among patients treated with PI-based triple therapy while awaiting LT, even in this difficult to treat population. However, caution is needed as early discontinuation and serious adverse events are common.