cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quench rate and temperature effects on framework ordering in aluminosilicate melts

The effect of temperature on the structure of LiAlSiO 4 and NaAlSiO 4 liquids has been studied by 17 O 3QMAS NMR spectroscopy using glass samples prepared with different fictive temperatures. The abundance of Al-O-Al and Si-O-Si bridging O linkages increases with increasing fictive temperature, indicating that the reaction 2 Al-O-Si ↔ Al-O-Al + Si-O-Si shifts to the right with increasing temperature in the liquid. The observed temperature dependence of Al-O-Al species abundance allows us to estimate the Δ H of this reaction to be 28.8 ± 11.3 kJ/mol for NaAlSiO 4 glasses and 31.7 ± 13.3 kJ/mol for LiAlSiO 4 glasses. Extrapolating our results to higher temperature, we estimate that 13–18% of the bridging O atoms occur as Al-O-Al in NaAlSiO 4 and 15–25% in LiAlSiO 4 at ~2000 K, as compared to 25% Al-O-Al predicted by a statistically random bridging O distribution in compositions with an Al/Si ratio of 1. Using the experimental data to estimate the contribution to configurational heat capacity from Al/Si disordering in NaAlSiO 4 liquid, we find that redistribution of bridging O species with increasing temperature produces a negative d C P / d T above the glass transition and therefore cannot account for the observed positive d C P / d T . We discuss a generalized mechanism for structural rearrangement characterized by a small initial species concentration at T g and a large Δ H , which produces a positive d C P / d T .
Efficient 2-D convolution algorithm with the single-data multiple kernel approach

Abstract A fast implementation of convolution operation is described. The implementation takes advantage of various properties of commonly used kernels. First, the kernel elements are analyzed and rearranged, grouping the kernel elements of the same absolute value together and arranging trivial multiplication cases separately. Then the sequence of computing convolution sums is modified so that all the kernel elements could be multiplied by the same data element at each step. This new algorithm significantly reduces the number of multiplication operations for most widely used kernels. Our experiment shows that the performance improvement of two to seven over the direct implementation is achievable for most kernels. The required overhead (extra memory and preprocessing) is proportional to the kernel size and is negligible.
Vertebrobasilar occlusion following minor trauma in an 8-year-old boy

Abstract An 8-year-old boy developed seizures and coma 2 days after a trivial bicycle accident. Computed tomography falled to show pathology. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head showed infarction of the pons and right cerebellum. Anglography showed occlusion of the right vertebral and basllar arteries. Minor traumatic injuries to the cervical spine may result in vertebrobasilar occlusion. The neurologic manifestations of this disorder and emergency department diagnosis and management are discussed.
Genetic evidence that Shp-2 tyrosine phosphatase is a signal enhancer of the epidermal growth factor receptor in mammals

By using both genetic and biochemical approaches, we have investigated the physiological role of Shp-2, a cytoplasmic tyrosine phosphatase with two Src homology 2 domains, in signaling pathways downstream of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R). In previous studies, a targeted deletion mutation in the SH2-N domain of Shp-2 was introduced into the murine Shp-2 locus, which resulted in embryonic lethality of homozygous mutant (Shp-2−/−) mice at midgestation. By aggregating Shp-2−/− embryonic stem cells with wild-type embryos, we created Shp-2−/−/wild-type chimeric animals. Most chimeras had open eyelids at birth and abnormal skin development, a phenotype characteristic of mice with mutations in EGF-R signaling components. In genetic crosses, a heterozygous Shp-2 mutation dominantly enhanced the phenotype of a weak mutant allele of EGF-R (wa-2), resulting in distinctive growth retardation, developmental defects in the skin, lung, and intestine, and perinatal mortality that are reminiscent of EGF-R knockout mice. Biochemical analysis revealed that signal propagation proximal to the EGF-R upon EGF stimulation was significantly attenuated in wa-2 fibroblast cells, which was exacerbated by the additional Shp-2 mutation. Thus, we provide biological evidence here that protein-tyrosine phosphatase Shp-2 acts to enhance information flow from the EGF-R in mouse growth and development.
Modern Practice Patterns and Survival for Testicular Seminoma: Results from the National Cancer Data Base

Purpose/Objective(s): Large changes in bladder shape and size during a course of radiation therapy (RT) make adaptive RT (ART) appealing in the treatment of this tumor site. We are conducting a two-center clinical phase II trial of daily plan selection based ART for bladder cancer with the primary aim of reducing gastro-intestinal morbidity due to sparing of the bowel and the rectum. We here report early dose/volume outcomes from the first twenty patients treated in this trial. Materials/Methods: All patients received 60 Gy in 30 fractions to the bladder; in thirteen of the patients the pelvic lymph nodes were simultaneously treated to 48 Gy. Daily patient set-up was by use of cone-beam CT (CBCT) guidance and treatment was delivered by volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). The first five fractions were delivered using large, population-based margins; the bladder contours from the CBCTs acquired prior to the first four fractions were used to create a library of three plans, corresponding to a small, medium and large size bladder. All patients were from fraction no. 6 treated using daily online plan selection, where the smallest plan covering the bladder was selected prior to each treatment delivery. Volume ratios of PTV for ART vs. non-ART averaged over the treatment course were calculated. DVHs for bowel cavity and rectum were derived by summation of the selected plans and these were compared to standard non-adaptive RT plans using population-based margins. Results: The frequencies of which the small, medium, and large size plans were used over the (total of 600) fractions were similar; plans were used at a median of 9, 9.5 and 10 fractions, respectively. The median volume ratio of PTV-ART vs. non-ART across the treatment course was 0.70 (range: 0.46-0.89). The median rectal volume receiving 50 Gy or more was 5% (range: 0-41%), compared to 17% (range: 0-62%) if the patients had been treated with standard, non-adaptive RT. For the bowel cavity, the median volume receiving more than 45 Gy was 392 cm3 (range: 84-625 cm3), compared to 487 cm3 (range: 126-710 cm3) if not treated with adaptation. Conclusions: Daily adaptive plan selection in RT of bladder cancer results in a considerable normal tissue sparing, which is expected to reduce the risk of gastro-intestinal morbidity. Author Disclosure: L.P. Muren: None. E. Research Grant; Research grant from Varian Medical Systems to our dept., but not to the project described in the abstract. A. Vestergaard: None. H. Lindberg: None. K.L. Jakobsen: None. J.B.B. Petersen: None. U.V. Elstrom: None.M. Hoyer: None.
[(C5Me5)2U(Me)(OTf)]2: A New Reagent for Uranium Metallocene Chemistry. Preparation of the First Actinide Hydrazonato Complexes

The synthesis and characterization of the first actinide hydrazonato complex, (C5Me5)2U(η2(N,N‘)-CH3NNCPh2)(OTf) (3), has been made possible by use of the organouranium(IV) trifluoromethanesulfonate (triflate) complex [(C5Me5)2U(CH3)(OTf)]2 (2; OTf = OSO2CF3), which is derived from the reaction between (C5Me5)2U(CH3)2 and Ph3COTf. The related chemistry for (C5Me5)2U(CH3)(Cl) is also reported. All new complexes have been structurally characterized.
SYNTHESIS AND STUDY OF PHOSPHINES INCORPORATING 2-CYANOPHENYL GROUPS AND THE X-RAY STRUCTURE OF TRIS(2-CYANOPHENYL)PHOSPHINE

Abstract Both PhP(2-NCC6H4)2 and P(2-NCC6H4)3 have been synthesized from the carbanions generated from 2-bromobenzonitrile and dimethyl phenylphosphonite or triphenyl phosphite. The A1 υ(CO) bands for the Ni(CO)3L complexes of these two ligands along with that from the previously reported Ph2P(2-NCC6H4) have been recorded in dichloromethane solutions. The values (2073.0, 2076.4 and 2079.7 cm−1; decreasing number of Ph rings) reflect the electron-withdrawing nature of the ortho-positioned cyano groups. 31P chemical shifts of the L2PdCl2 complexes of these three ligands have been recorded, and all provide shifts of δ=24.1±1, approximately that for (PPh3)2PdCl2, δ=23.9. The molecular structure of P(2-NCC6H4)3, from X-ray crystallographic studies, is reported. A prominent feature of the structure is that the cyano groups are pointed in the general direction of the phosphorus lone pair. The average distances from phosphorus to cyano carbon and nitrogen atoms were found to be 3.03 and 3.23 A, respectively.
Una clase de modelos bioeconómicos continuos

In this work a qualitative stability analysis of a continuous time bioeconomic model is developed representing the exploitation of an open acces fisheries, by modifying the dynamic version proposed by Smith (1969) to the Schaefer model. It introduces a catch-rate function that is more realistic than the used in catch per unit effort hypothesis (Schaefer, 1954), because harvesting saturation is taken into account when biomass increases. The existence of bioeconomic equilibriums and self-control of the fishery are proved according to changes in parameters, the validity of models applicability is discussed and simulations with PHASER package are shown.
Operator guidance in 2D echocardiography via 3D model to image registration

Ubiquitous use of 2D ultrasound (US) is limited by the difficulty in interpretation of images for an untrained operator. We present a solution for operator guidance through visual cues via registration of US to a 3D model. The method is demonstrated on 2D echocardiography data, where we are able to localize the scan plane in relation to the standard planes on the 3D model. Our algorithm operates by pre-processing both the US and CT images to the most basic information- muscle, blood pool - using classification. Subsequently, these labels are registered using the match cardinality metric for binary labeled images. We evaluated our method on four parasternal long-axis and three parasternal short-axis images from different patients. Results show that our system is able to correctly distinguish between the different US standard views and is able to localize the scan on the 3D model, correctly on five out of seven cases.
Computerized Quantitative Analysis of Kinetic Visual Fields

Kinetic perimetry is still a widely accepted and used means of assessing the visual field. Attempts at quantifying the area of vision for given isopters have been limited to area measurements on visual field charts, which are azimuthal equidistant polar map projections of the inside surface of the perimetry bowl. Such measurements distort the true size of scotomas (or seeing areas) when the boundaries measured are farther from the center of the field on the chart because of cartographic distortion inherent with this projection. We believe that the solid angle in steradians subtended by the scotoma or the seeing area is a more appropriate measure of the visual field than area on a flat representation. We used a simple computer program to determine the solid angle for given isopters of graphed perimetric visual field data.
On the causes of crime and violence: A reply to Aber and Rappaport

Abstract No sensible person would expect that doubling or tripling welfare payments would substantially reduce crime; therefore poverty is not the core problem. It is argued instead that the root cause of the current wave of crime and violence is the unwillingness or inability of parents to socialize their children. Because their task is so difficult, and because single parents are often poorly socialized themselves, the risk of delinquency and crime for the sons of single mothers is seven times that for sons reared by two biological parents.
Materials fabrication from Bombyx mori silk fibroin

Silk fibroin, derived from Bombyx mori cocoons, is a widely used and studied protein polymer for biomaterial applications. Silk fibroin has remarkable mechanical properties when formed into different materials, demonstrates biocompatibility, has controllable degradation rates from hours to years and can be chemically modified to alter surface properties or to immobilize growth factors. A variety of aqueous or organic solvent-processing methods can be used to generate silk biomaterials for a range of applications. In this protocol, we include methods to extract silk from B. mori cocoons to fabricate hydrogels, tubes, sponges, composites, fibers, microspheres and thin films. These materials can be used directly as biomaterials for implants, as scaffolding in tissue engineering and in vitro disease models, as well as for drug delivery.
A bi-polymer micro one-way valve

We have developed an in-plane bi-polymer check-valve for controlling microfluidic flow and preventing contamination between solutions by utilizing the elastic force of a swollen hydrogel. The valve was created using microfluidic tectonics, a fabrication procedure that allows construction of microscale components and autonomous systems using liquid-phase photopolymerization and in situ fabrication. The valve is composed of rigid parts (poly isobornyl acrylate) that provide a base frame, and compliant parts (hydrogel) that seal off the channel. The rigid part was fabricated by filling a polycarbonate cartridge with the isobornyl acrylate based prepolymer followed by UV light exposure through a photomask forming a chamber. To obtain well-defined chamber walls, a double exposing method (first exposure under lower UV dosage, then second exposure after filling the formed channel with DI water) was applied. Next, the chamber was filled with the hydrogel prepolymer mixture and exposed to UV light through a valve mask to define the compliant component of the device, resulting in an in-plane bi-polymer structure. The valve is actively assembled in situ providing precise sealing using low resolution lithography fabrication methods. Valve performance can be adjusted by varying the device geometry. Due to its in-plane structure and in situ fabrication process, microfluidic devices incorporating microvalves can be designed and fabricated conveniently.
Mutagenicity of N-nitroso derivatives of carbofuran and its toxic metabolites.

Carbofuran (CF), an insecticide and nematocide, is metabolically oxidized to two less toxic forms, 3‐hydroxycarbofuran and 3‐ketocarbofuran. The N‐nitroso derivatives of carbofuran and its metabolites were synthesized by reaction with nitrite under acidic conditions. Products of the reaction were obtained by extraction, identified by thin‐layer chromatography, and purified by silica gel column chromatography. All three nitroso derivatives reacted positively with Gries reagent and gave characteristic triplet absorption spectra (387, 402, and 422 nm). Structural confirmation was by nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectroscopy. Mutagenicity was determined by the Ames assay method with Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100. The nitroso derivatives of all three compounds responded similarly, giving a mutation ratio of 45 at 5 μg per plate on TA100. In addition, all three produced chromosome aberrations in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Only two of the three (nitroso‐carbofuran and 3‐hydroxynitr...
Alligatorine phylogeny and the status of Allognathosuchus Mook, 1921

Abstract Whether the extinct crocodylians given the name Allognathosuchus represent a monophyletic assemblage remains controversial, and some have argued that Wannaganosuchus brachymanus Erickson, 1982 is a form of Allognathosuchus. A revised phylogenetic analysis supports a set of relationships in which the type species of Allognathosuchus (A. polyodon) is closer to Alligator than it is to European “Allognathosuchus” or “Allognathosuchus” from the North American Paleocene, and a close relationship between Allognathosuchus and Wannaganosuchus is not supported. One European fossil assigned to Allognathosuchus, A. woutersi, is similar (and possibly referable) to Diplocynodon. Chrysochampsa mlynarskii can be distinguished from all other Early Tertiary alligatoroids, but its relationships to other members of the clade (and whether it should be placed within Allognathosuchus) are unclear. These results support multiple dispersal events of alligatorines from North America to Eurasia, and suggest that the crania...
Stroop Interference, Practice, and Aging

We report two experiments that investigate practice effects on Stroop color-word interference in older and younger adults. Both experiments employed a computerized, single-item version of the Stroop task with a voice response, and both involved practice over hundreds of trials. Both experiments showed generally similar practice patterns, including a practice-related reduction in the size of the color-word interference effect. However, the older group continued to show a larger interference effect throughout practice. These findings indicate that older adults show the same trend in practice-related improvement on the Stroop task as younger adults.
Review: Pathophysiology of Diarrhea Caused by Bacterial Overgrowth of the Small Intestine

ABSTRACT The bacterial overgrowth syndrome constitutes an intestinal problem Involving alterations in motility and injury to the brush border and mucosa, The overgrowth of bacteria also causes secretion, malabsorption, and maldigestion. These alterations result in a clinical syndrome that manifests itself as weight loss, malabsorption of specific nutrients, and (usually) diarrhea. There are known causes of bacterial overgrowth, such as Intestinal diverticuli or surgical procedures involving a vagotomy, but in our experience most cases remain idiopathic. This review evaluates the mechanisms of bacterial overgrowth, as currently understood, and specifically addresses the known causes of diarrhea that results from bacterial contamination of the small intestine.
Student achievement on different types of tasks under cooperative, competitive, and individualistic conditions

Abstract The effects of interpersonal cooperation, competition, and individualistic efforts were compared on math and reading drill-review, story problems, sequencing, triangle identification, and visual sorting according to attributes tasks. Sixty-four first-grade students were included in the study. Subjects were randomly assigned to conditions stratifying on the basis of sex and reading ability so that an approximately equal percentage of males and females and high, average, and low readers were included in each condition. The results indicate that on all six tasks subjects in the cooperative condition achieved higher than did subjects in the competitive condition on all six tasks, and higher than the subjects in the individualistic condition on the drill-review, sequencing, and visual sorting according to attributes tasks. On the triangle identification tasks subjects in the individualistic condition achieved higher than did the subjects in the competitive condition. In general, subjects in the cooperative condition felt that the tasks were easier than did the subjects in the competitive and individualistic conditions.
Annealing of drawn crystalline polymers

The annealing of drawn samples mobilizes the almost fully extended amorphous tie molecules which try to assume the thermodynamically required random conformations. The sample shrinks if annealed with free ends which permits the crystal blocks on different microfibrils and connected by almost fully extended taut tie molecules to move towards the position they had before plastic deformation. Hence the annealed sample has irretrievably lost most of its high axial elastic modulus which in the sample as drawn was caused by the high fraction of taut tie molecules. With fixed ends no shrinkage is possible so that the partial relaxation of interfibrillar taut tie molecules still lets them connect far away blocks. If their fraction is large enough so that in spite of the high surface to volume ratio which drastically depresses the crystallization temperature they can crystallize they do so after cooling to room temperature. The new axial crystalline bridges restore the high elastic modulus of the material before annealing, partially stabilize the sample against shrinkage during a new annealing, but also cause the dead bend effect which is the consequence of the replacement of flexible taut tie molecules in still amorphous conformation by rigid crystalline bridges. The drawing or extrusion at high temperature produces some annealing effects comparable with those of cold drawn material annealed with fixed ends.
Alteration in metabolism of acetylsalicylic acid in children with Down's syndrome: decreased plasma binding and formation of salicyluric acid.

Extract: This paper reports the differences in absorption and distribution in plasma of free and bound salicylate, and the differences in excretion of salicylic and salicyuric acid in the urine of children with Down's syndrome and in control subjects. After oral administration of a single dose of acetylsalicylic acid (35 mg/kg) to normal children, the peak level of salicylic acid in plasma occurred in 2 h and the drug level returned to the base line at approximately 8 h; in children with Down's syndrome, th peak level of salicylic acid occurred in 4 h and the drug level returned to a base line at a approximately 16 h. In children with Down's syndrome, the 24-h excretion of salicylate metabolites in the urine indicated a higher level of free salicylic acid (table I) and a lower level of salicyluric acid (tables II and III) when compared with the control group. Although the concentration of salicylate is small in erythrocytes, children with Down's syndrome showed a higher level when compared with their normal counter part (table IV). The in vitro plasma-binding studies indicated that in comparison with normal subjects, children with Down's syndrome were less capable of binding salicylate (table V). Speculation: Patients with Down's syndrome are a highly abnormal group of individuals because of their morphological, physiological and biochemical aberrations. They are directed and influenced by their abnormalities, one manifestation of which is altered pharmacogenetics. It should be expected that any therapeutic regime must take these differences into consideration and dosage must be calculated not on the basis of body weight but according to the plasma level of the drug or of its active metabolites.
Skew-Normal ARMA Models with Nonlinear Heteroscedastic Predictors

Multivariate skew-normal (SN) distributions (Azzalini and Dalla Valle, 1996) enjoy some of the useful properties of normal distributions, have nonlinear heteroscedastic predictors but lack the closure property of normal distributions (the sum of independent SN random variables is not SN). Recently, there has been a proliferation of classes of SN distributions with certain closure properties, one of the most promising being the closed skew-normal (CSN) distributions of Gonzalez-Farias et al. (2004). We study the construction of stationary SN ARMA models for colored SN noise and show that their finite-dimensional distributions are skew-normal, seldom strictly stationary and their covariance functions differ from their normal ARMA counterparts in that they do not converge to zero for large lags. The situation is better for ARMA models driven by CSN noise, but at the additional cost of considerable computational complexity and a less explicit skewness parameter. In view of these results, the widespread use of...
Synthesis, structural studies and solubility properties of zinc(II), nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes of bulky tris(triazolyl)borate ligands

Abstract Tris(triazolyl)borate (Ttz) ligands are sterically similar to tris(pyrazolyl)borate (Tp) but complexes of Ttz show improved solubility in water and alcohols due to their propensity for forming hydrogen bonds. Recently developed bulky tris(triazolyl)borate ligands can produce four and five coordinate transition metal complexes and serve as models for enzyme active sites in an aqueous environment. Herein we report the synthesis of such complexes, i.e. (TtztBu,Me)ZnCl, (TtztBu,Me)ZnBr, (TtztBu,Me)NiCl, and (TtztBu,Me)CuCl, which were analyzed by X-ray crystallographic and spectroscopic methods [TtztBu,Me = tris(3-t-butyl-5-methyl-1,2,4-triazolyl)borate]. (TtztBu,Me)ZnCl crystallizes as two different polymorphs with cubic and monoclinic symmetry. Both polymorphs of (TtztBu,Me)ZnCl and (TtztBu,Me)ZnBr have tetrahedral zinc atoms whereas the geometries at the metal in (TtztBu,Me)NiCl and (TtztBu,Me)CuCl are distorted tetrahedral. All complexes are methanol soluble and they also dissolve in methanol/water mixtures with up to 60% water.
Dopamine D1A Receptor Regulation of Phospholipase C Isoform

In LTK− cells stably transfected with rat D1A receptor cDNA, fenoldopam, a D1 agonist, increased phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate hydrolysis in a time-dependent manner. In the cytosol, phospholipase C (PLC) activity increased (50 ± 7%) in 30 s, returned to basal level at 4 h, and decreased below basal values by 24 h; in the membrane, PLC activity also increased (36 ± 13%) in 30 s, returned to basal level at 10 min, and decreased below basal value at 4 and 24 h. Fenoldopam also increased PLC-γ protein in a time-dependent manner. The latter was blocked by the D1 antagonist SKF83742 and by a D1A antisense oligodeoxynucleotide, indicating involvement of the D1A receptor. The fenoldopam-induced increase in PLC-γ and activity was mediated by protein kinase A (PKA) since it was blocked by the PKA antagonist Rp-8-CTP-adenosine cyclic 3′:5′-monophosphorothioate (Rp-8-CTP-cAMP-S) and mimicked by direct stimulation of adenylyl cyclase with forskolin or by a PKA agonist, Sp-cAMP-S. Protein kinase C (PKC) was also involved, since the fenoldopam-induced increase in PLC-γ protein was blocked by two different PKC inhibitors, calphostin C and chelerythrine; calphostin C also blocked the fenoldopam-induced increase in PLC activity. In addition, forskolin and a PKA agonist, Sp-8-CTP-cAMP-S, increased PKC activity, and direct stimulation of PKC with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate increased PLC-γ protein and activity, effects that were blocked by calphostin C. We suggest that the D1A-mediated stimulation of PLC occurs as a result of PKA activation. PKA then stimulates PLC-γ in cytosol and membrane via activation of PKC.
Precision tracking of low earth objects with a modified astronomical mount

A Boiler & Chivens astronomical mount has been modified and upgraded to enable precision, tracking of near-earth objects. A. two-step process is employed: 1) ephemeris-based pointing to bring the object in or near the telescope field-of-view, and 2) automatic, video tracking (AVT) to "grab" and center the object. Tracking rates, in excess of 3°/s in each coordinate have been achieved. When operated in the AVT mode, observed pointing errors, even at the above rates, rarely exceed 1 pixel (2 - 5 arcsec).
Seasonal and diurnal variations of atmospheric mercury across the US determined from AMNet monitoring data

Abstract. Speciated atmospheric mercury observations collected over the period from 2008 to 2010 at the Environmental Protection Agency and National Atmospheric Deposition Program Atmospheric Mercury Network sites (AMNet) were analyzed for its spatial, seasonal, and diurnal characteristics across the US. Median values of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM), gaseous oxidized mercury (GOM) and particulate bound mercury (PBM) at 11 different AMNet sites ranged from 148–226 ppqv (1.32–2.02 ng m−3), 0.05–1.4 ppqv (0.47–12.4 pg m−3) and 0.18–1.5 ppqv (1.61–13.7 pg m−3), respectively. Common characteristics of these sites were the similar median levels of GEM as well as its seasonality, with the highest mixing ratios occurring in winter and spring and the lowest in fall. However, discernible differences in monthly average GEM were as large as 30 ppqv, which may be caused by sporadic influence from local emission sources. The largest diurnal variation amplitude of GEM occurred in the summer. Seven rural sites displayed similar GEM summer diurnal patterns, in that the lowest levels appeared in the early morning, and then the GEM mixing ratio increased after sunrise and reached its maxima at noon or in the early afternoon. Unlike GEM, GOM exhibited higher mixing ratios in spring and summer. The largest diurnal variation amplitude of GOM occurred in spring for most AMNet sites. The GOM diurnal minima appeared before sunrise and maxima appeared in the afternoon. The increased GOM mixing ratio in the afternoon indicated a photochemically driven oxidation of GEM resulting in GOM formation. PBM exhibited diurnal fluctuations in summertime. The summertime PBM diurnal pattern displayed daily maxima in the early afternoon and lower mixing ratios at night, implying photochemical production of PBM in summer.
Skin Friction and Fabric Sensations in Neutral and Warm Environments

The influence of skin friction on the perception of fabric texture and pleasantness (acceptability) was studied by exposing eight men to a sequence of environmental conditions: neutral (comfortable), hot-dry, hot-humid, and return to neutral. The air and dew point temperatutes (Ta:Tdp) of these conditions were 23:15°C, 35:15°C, 35 :29°C, and 23:15°C, respectively; air velocity was 0.05 m/s. During each condition, which lasted 20 minutes, six different fabrics (worsted wool, brushed cotton, cotton, silk, linen, and burlap) were slowly pulled across the subject's forearm. Frictional force of fabric pull across the forearm and the subject's ratings of texture and pleasantness (hedonic) were recorded. Arm skin temperature and skin wettedness were recorded continually. The frictional force required to pull each fabric over the skin correlated positively (P < 0.05) with skin wettedness. As force and skin wettedness increased, the subjects rated all fabrics as feeling more textured (rougher) and less pleasant (P...
Design and implementation of a self-calibrating, compact micro strip sensor for in-situ dielectric spectroscopy and data transmission

A compact, on-board, self-calibrating, micro strip sensor is presented. The sensor can make accurate multi-frequency measurements of complex permittivity in real time and transmit this information wirelessly by using the same sensor as a micro strip patch antenna. Such multi-frequency measurements in a multi-phase mixture like soil are used to estimate the concentration of individual constituents like bulk-soil, water, and various nutrients in soil. The sensor architecture comprises of a programmable phase locked loop (PLL) which sweeps through the frequency band of 3-40 MHz. The signal generated by the PLL is allowed to reflect from the micro strip patch which is surrounded by the dielectric medium under test (such as soil or food). The amplitude and phase of incident and reflected signals are captured and impedance due to the surrounding dielectric mixture is calculated. This impedance value is used to estimate the dielectric constant by mapping the input impedance of the micro strip sensor to different surrounding dielectric constant values. The sensor has an inbuilt self-calibrating mechanism which makes it useful for remote, underground and hand held applications.
Chemotactic defects in severe combined immunodeficiency

Cellular and humoral components of leukotaxis were studied serially in four male infants with severe combined immunodeficiency disease. Two of the four, both lacking B and T cells initially, had a significant defect in neutrophil and monocyte chemotaxis. The other two, who had a high number of immunoglobulin-bearing cells (B cells), did not have these cellular abnormalities. In contrast, defective generation of chemotactic factor following endotoxin activation was observed in all patients. The defects were corrected coincident with or soon after successful engraftment of either bone marrow or fetal tissues. The reported deficiencies may be another manifestation of the heterogeneity in SCID.
Pulsed plasma thruster contamination studies

The exhaust plume of the one millipound pulsed plasma thruster has a measurable backflow upstream of the nozzle exit plane which may deposit on and degrade the performance of exposed spacecraft surfaces. High speed photographs and Faraday cup measurements suggest that this backflow is predominantly an electrically neutral, relatively low energy vapor. Articulated collimator quartz crystal microbalance measurements of this backflow were made for a thruster with a radically modified nozzle and a flat plate backflow shield, to determine the backflow sensitivity to nozzle design changes. The results are compared with the original nozzle backflow and show a measurable reduction in the backflow directly upstream of the shield.
Social Comparisons and Adjustment Among Cardiac Patients1

The research examined social comparisons, affiliative choices, and their relation to adjustment among patients in a cardiac rehabilitation program. Consistent with Taylor and Lobel (1989), evaluative and affiliative processes diverged, with patients making downward evaluations (Wills, 1981) but choosing to affiliate with those who were better off than themselves. Consistent with predictions, downward evaluation was associated with better psychological adjustment, supporting the idea that these comparisons meet self-enhancement needs; upward affiliations were associated with hopefulness and inspiration, as well as with the perception that such comparisons provide information that is useful for improving one's own condition. The implications of evaluative comparison and affiliative activities for coping is discussed.
CdTe solar cells and photovoltaic heterojunctions in II–VI compounds

Abstract This paper describes the principal features of polycrystalline CdTe solar cells and their method of fabrication. These cells are prepared such that a p-type copper telluride surface film is an integral part of the photovoltaic junction. Some description is also given of single-crystal cells where the junction is fabricated similarly to that of the films. Solar conversion efficiencies up to 6 per cent have been obtained in film cells, and 7 1/2 per cent for single-crystal ones. The junction is interpreted as a heterojunction between p-type copper telluride and n-type cadmium telluride, the transition region extending well into the CdTe side. The copper telluride film plays a minor part in the absorption of radiation for the production of electron-hole pairs. The method of fabrication, experimental results, and present interpretation are compared to that existing for other CdTe and CdS solar cells.
The influence of dielectric resonator conductive surface impedance on the resonator spectral and energy characteristics

The impedance influence on complex frequencies of hemispherical dielectric resonators has been studied. The expressions for determination of conductor inclusion factor were obtained. The numerical investigations for a Teflon hemispherical resonator with plane surfaces made of different conductors have been made.
Splitting of horseradish peroxidase into prosthetic group and protein as a means of studying the linkages between hemin and protein.

Abstract 1. 1. A study was made of the reactions leading to the splitting of HRP in dilute aqueous solutions at strongly acid and alkaline pH. 2. 2. The acid splitting leads to an acid form of HRP with a maximal extinction at 396.5 mμ (ϵ = 130 cm−1 · mM−1 below pH 1.2). The spectrum of this compound is not changed by the addition of H2O2. The acid HRP compound is formed in a first order reaction. Its pK of formation lies at 2.3. 3. 3. HCN, HF, and HCl lead in acid solutions to spectroscopically well defined compounds. These are formed previously to the acid form of HRP. They are much more susceptible to splitting than HRP itself. 4. 4. The acid form of HRP is decomposed spontaneously in a first order reaction to compound C, which has a spectrum extremely similar to that of protohemin. This step presumably represents the splitting of the last bonds between hemin and protein. 5. 5. Compound C is finally slowly converted into the similar compound D, which is still closely related to protohemin. 6. 6. The acid overall splitting reaction was reversible only when halogen ions were present. 7. 7. The relation between pH and rate of HCl-splitting was computed. 8. 8. Alkaline splitting sets in above pH 12.5. Only one reaction step was observed. The reaction is of apparent first order. Under the experimental conditions of this work, it was not possible to recombine the alkaline-split HRP. 9. 9. The possible chemical reactions upon acid splitting are briefly discussed.
Assessment of Gifted Students for Identification Purposes: New Techniques for a New Millennium.

Abstract The augmented theory of successful intelligence [Sternberg, R. J. (2003b). Wisdom, intelligence, and creativity synthesized . New York: Cambridge University Press] postulates that intelligence comprises creative skills in generating novel ideas; analytical skills in discerning whether they are good ideas; practical skills in implementing the ideas and persuading others of their worth; and wisdom-based skills in employing one's creative, analytical, and practical skills for a common good. The article summarizes three projects designed to identify gifts. In the Rainbow Project, my colleagues and I found that it was possible substantially to increase prediction of first-year university academic performance and simultaneously reduce ethnic-group differences on the predictive test, relative to a standardized test used for admissions in the United States. In the Kaleidoscope Project, my colleagues and I found that students admitted for expanded skills performed as well as did other students, without the ethnic-group differences typically obtained in such measures. In the Aurora Project, Elena Grigorenko, Mei Tan, and their colleagues are seeking to identify giftedness in students at the upper elementary grades. All three projects show that it is possible to apply the augmented theory of successful intelligence in ways that enhance gifted identification.
Honu: syntactic extension for algebraic notation through enforestation

Honu is a new language that fuses traditional algebraic notation (e.g., infix binary operators) with Scheme-style language extensibility. A key element of Honu's design is an enforestation parsing step, which converts a flat stream of tokens into an S-expression-like tree, in addition to the initial "read" phase of parsing and interleaved with the "macro-expand" phase. We present the design of Honu, explain its parsing and macro-extension algorithm, and show example syntactic extensions.
Trellis-coded quantization designed for noisy channels

Trellis-coded quantization (TCQ) of memoryless sources is developed for transmission over a binary symmetric channel. The optimized TCQ coder can achieve essentially the same performance as Ayanoglu and Gray's (1987) unconstrained trellis coding optimized for the binary symmetric channel, but with a much lower implementation complexity for transmission rates above 1 b/sample. In most cases, the optimized TCQ coder also provides larger signal-to-noise ratio than Farvardin and Vaishampayan's (1991) channel-optimized vector quantization. Algorithms are developed for the joint design of trellis-coded quantization/modulation (TCQ/TCM). The jointly designed TCQ/TCM system outperforms the straightforward cascade of separately designed TCQ and TCM systems. The improvement is most significant at low channel signal-to-noise ratio. For a first-order Gauss-Markov source, the predictive TCQ/TCM performance can exceed that of optimum pulse amplitude modulation. >
A longitudinal pilot proton MRS investigation of the manic and euthymic states of bipolar disorder

Several lines of evidence implicate dysfunction in brain energy production as a key component of bipolar disorder. In particular, elevated brain lactate levels observed in this condition suggest a shift from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism, possibly as a result of mitochondrial abnormalities. Most prior imaging studies of brain metabolites were performed in either euthymic or depressed bipolar patients or compared different populations in different mood states. We sought to measure brain metabolite concentrations in the same patients in both manic and euthymic states. Given the dramatic changes in clinical state of bipolar disorder patients, we hypothesized that previously observed abnormalities in lactate concentrations in bipolar disorder might show state dependent changes. In this study 15 patients (mean age 36.1 years) diagnosed with bipolar I disorder underwent proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the anterior cingulate cortex and parieto-occipital cortex during hospitalization for acute mania (mean Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) 22.1). Seven of these subjects returned (mean interval 21.16 months) to have imaging repeated while euthymic (mean YMRS 2.0). A group of age- and gender-matched control participants (N=6) were scanned as well. We report that during mania, bipolar disorder subjects had lactate levels comparable to healthy control subjects but during euthymia these levels were significantly reduced. No significant change was observed for other metabolites. These results implicate mood dependent alterations in energy metabolism in the biology of bipolar disorder. Additionally, this finding has potential use as a biomarker for both evaluating novel treatments as well as diagnostic clarification between mood disorders.
American College of Surgeons trauma centre designation and mechanical ventilation outcomes

Objective The association between hospital volume and outcomes following mechanical ventilation has been previously examined in diverse patient populations. The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Trauma has outlined criteria for trauma centre level designations with specific requirements for both specialty capabilities and hospital volume. Our objective is to determine the relationship between ACS centre designation and outcomes for trauma patients undergoing mechanical ventilation. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the National Trauma Databank (NTDB), identifying 13,933 adult (age ≥ 18) trauma patients receiving mechanical ventilation for greater than 48 h from 2000 to 2004 who were admitted to either an ACS Level I or Level II trauma centre. The primary endpoints examined were mortality, pneumonia and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Univariate analysis defined differences between those patients admitted to ACS Level I and Level II facilities. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify if ACS level designation was an independent risk factor for the goal outcomes. Results Patients admitted to a Level I facility and mechanically ventilated for greater than 48 h were more commonly greater than age 55 (71.3% vs. 67.9%, p < 0.01), hypotensive (SBP < 90) (16.1% vs. 12.8%, p < 0.01), and likely to have sustained injury due to penetrating mechanism (11.1% vs. 5.1%, p < 0.01). On univariate analysis, mortality and the incidence of pneumonia did not differ between the two groups. Level I admission was, however, less commonly associated with the development of ARDS (5.8% vs. 7.7%, p < 0.01) and patients admitted to Level I facilities were significantly more likely to be discharged to home than Level II counterparts (29.7% vs. 22.9%, p < 0.01). Logistic regression revealed that, while ACS Level designation was not a predictive factor for mortality or the development of pneumonia, admission to an ACS Level II facility was an independent predictor for the development of ARDS [p < 0.01, odds ratio, 95% CI: 1.35 (1.18–1.59)]. Conclusion For trauma patients requiring mechanical ventilation for >48 h, ACS trauma centre designation had no effect on overall mortality or the incidence of pneumonia. Compared to Level I counterparts, however, patients admitted to an ACS Level II facility were significantly more likely to develop ARDS following trauma. This finding needs further investigation in a large, prospective analysis.
HEV Control Strategy for Real-Time Optimization of Fuel Economy and Emissions

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEV’s) offer additional flexibility to enhance the fuel economy and emissions of vehicles. The Real-Time Control Strategy (RTCS) presented here optimizes efficiency and emissions of a parallel configuration HEV. In order to determine the ideal operating point of the vehicle’s engine and motor, the control strategy considers all possible engine-motor torque pairs. For a given operating point, the strategy predicts the possible energy consumption and the emissions emitted by the vehicle. The strategy calculates the “replacement energy” that would restore the battery’s state of charge (SOC) to its initial level. This replacement energy accounts for inefficiencies in the energy storage system conversion process. Userand standards-based weightings of time-averaged fuel economy and emissions performance determine an overall impact function. The strategy continuously selects the operating point that is the minimum of this cost function. Previous control strategies employed a set of static parameters optimized for a particular drive cycle, and they showed little sensitivity to subtle emissions tradeoffs. This new control strategy adjusts its behavior based on the current driving conditions. Simulation results of the RTCS and of a static control strategy on a PNGV-type baseline parallel HEV (42 kW engine and a 32 kW motor) using ADVISOR are presented. Comparison of the simulations demonstrates the flexibility and advantages of the RTCS. Compared to an optimized static control strategy, the RTCS reduced NOx emissions by 23% and PM emissions by 13% at a sacrifice of only 1.4% in fuel economy.
Use of Propofol-Containing Versus Benzodiazepine Regimens for Alcohol Withdrawal Requiring Mechanical Ventilation

Background: When chronic, excessive alcohol intake is abruptly halted, patients are at risk for developing life-threatening alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). Benzodiazepines have established efficacy, yet some patients’ symptoms persist despite treatment with high doses. Objectives: The study objective was to compare time to resolution of AWS symptoms in mechanically ventilated patients receiving propofol-containing versus benzodiazepine infusions. Methods: This study was a retrospective cohort analysis of adult patients with ICD-9 codes for AWS who required mechanical ventilation for AWS symptoms. Results: A total of 1637 records were reviewed, and 64 were included. Propofol-containing regimens were used in 46 cases (72%), whereas benzodiazepine infusion monotherapy accounted for 18 cases (28%). Patients were predominantly male (97%), with a mean age of 45 years. Lorazepam-equivalent benzodiazepine doses given prior to intubation were greater in patients receiving propofol infusion (56 vs 15 mg, P = .03...
The LATS2/KPM tumor suppressor is a negative regulator of the androgen receptor.

The androgen receptor (AR) is a member of the steroid receptor superfamily that plays critical roles in the development and maintenance of the male reproductive system and in prostate cancer. Actions of AR are controlled by interaction with several classes of coregulators. In this study, we have identified LATS2/KPM as a novel AR-interacting protein. Human LATS1 and LATS2 are tumor suppressors that are homologs of Drosophila warts/lats. The interaction surface of LATS2 is mapped to the central region of the protein, whereas the AR ligand binding domain is sufficient for this interaction. LATS2 functions as a modulator of AR by inhibiting androgen-regulated gene expression. The mechanism of LATS2-mediated repression of AR activity appears to involve the inhibition of AR NH2- and COOH-terminal interaction. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays in human prostate carcinoma cells reveal that LATS2 and AR are present in the protein complex that binds at the promoter and enhancer regions of prostate-specific anti...