cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Associations of topic-specific peer review outcomes and institute and center award rates with funding disparities at the National Institutes of Health

A previous report found an association of topic choice with race-based funding disparities among R01 applications submitted to the National Institutes of Health ('NIH') between 2011 and 2015. Applications submitted by African American or Black ('AAB') Principal Investigators ('PIs') skewed toward a small number of topics that were less likely to be funded (or 'awarded'). It was suggested that lower award rates may be related to topic-related biases of peer reviewers. However, the report did not account for differential funding ecologies among NIH Institutes and Centers ('ICs'). In a re-analysis, we find that 10% of 148 topics account for 50% of applications submitted by AAB PIs. These applications on 'AAB Preferred' topics were funded at lower rates, but peer review outcomes were similar. The lower rate of funding for these topics was primarily due to their assignment to ICs with lower award rates, not to peer-reviewer preferences.
Diversity Entitlement: Does Diversity-Benefits Ideology Undermine Inclusion?

Ideologies are most successful (or most dangerous) when they become common sense—when they become widely accepted, taken-for-granted truths—because these truths subsequently provide implicit guidelines and expectations about what is moral, legitimate, and necessary in our society. In Regents of University of California v. Bakke, the Court, without a majority opinion, considered and dismissed all but one of several "common-sense" rationales for affirmative action in admissions. While eschewing rationales that focused on addressing discrimination and under-representation, the Court found that allowing all students to obtain the educational benefits that flow from diversity was a compelling rationale—essential, even, for a quality education. Although ostensibly pro-diversity, this rationale positioned diversity as conditional on the educational benefit to the student body as a whole, including white students. Armed with social science evidence, subsequent affirmative action jurisprudence in Grutter and Fisher reinforced this rationale. While these cases proved favorable to affirmative action, the reasoning surrounding the benefits of diversity may prove deleterious to inclusion efforts in the long run. In this Essay, we first review the intellectual history of "diversity-benefits" ideology in these key affirmative action cases, focusing on the recruitment of social science by litigants, amici, and the Court. We focus on how these legal actors have used social science to construct a view of diversity as a benefit to all, including dominant groups. In contrast, we note that the impact of discrimination and lack of diversity on historically marginalized groups has been largely, though not entirely, absent from this social science literature. We then examine the interracial contact framework that pervades the diversity-benefits literature, arguing that this approach is psychologically one-sided in that it focuses more on the benefits Whites receive from diversity than on how non-dominant groups experience diversity. Moreover, because diversity-benefits ideology positions Whites as key beneficiaries, it could create a sense of entitlement to diversity. We explain that while it appeals to egalitarian sensibilities, it can simultaneously appeal to Whites' psychological desires to maintain their position at the top of the social hierarchy. Finally, we discuss an experiment we conducted to examine how four rationales based on those in Bakke affect policy support. Preliminary results suggest that diversity-benefits language may lead Whites to support policies that center benefits to white students more than policies tailored for non-dominant racial groups. Furthermore, the study provides initial support for the role that egalitarianism and preference for racial hierarchy together can play in cultivating a common-sense entitlement to diversity.
Electroconvulsive therapy, electric field, neuroplasticity, and clinical outcomes.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains the gold-standard treatment for patients with depressive episodes, but the underlying mechanisms for antidepressant response and procedure-induced cognitive side effects have yet to be elucidated. Such mechanisms may be complex and involve certain ECT parameters and brain regions. Regarding parameters, the electrode placement (right unilateral or bitemporal) determines the geometric shape of the electric field (E-field), and amplitude determines the E-field magnitude in select brain regions (e.g., hippocampus). Here, we aim to determine the relationships between hippocampal E-field strength, hippocampal neuroplasticity, and antidepressant and cognitive outcomes. We used hippocampal E-fields and volumes generated from a randomized clinical trial that compared right unilateral electrode placement with different pulse amplitudes (600, 700, and 800 mA). Hippocampal E-field strength was variable but increased with each amplitude arm. We demonstrated a linear relationship between right hippocampal E-field and right hippocampal neuroplasticity. Right hippocampal neuroplasticity mediated right hippocampal E-field and antidepressant outcomes. In contrast, right hippocampal E-field was directly related to cognitive outcomes as measured by phonemic fluency. We used receiver operating characteristic curves to determine that the maximal right hippocampal E-field associated with cognitive safety was 112.5 V/m. Right hippocampal E-field strength was related to the whole-brain ratio of E-field strength per unit of stimulation current, but this whole-brain ratio was unrelated to antidepressant or cognitive outcomes. We discuss the implications of optimal hippocampal E-field dosing to maximize antidepressant outcomes and cognitive safety with individualized amplitudes.
Security and Design Challenges in Cyber-Physical Systems

Cyber-Physical Systems require the development of security models at cloud interacting with physical systems. The current research discusses the security requirements in the future engineering systems includes the state of security in cloud cyber-physical systems, and a security model in sensor networks in relation to cyber-physical systems. In addition, we develop a model to transfer the packets in a secure environment and provide the simulations to detect the malicious node in the network.
Syphilis of the stomach.

Excerpt That syphilis of the stomach is a comparatively rare lesion is well substantiated by the familiar statistics quoted by Bockus,1Stokes2and many others. That the diagnosis of the condition is...
Site-specific interaction of vaccinia virus topoisomerase I with duplex DNA : minimal DNA substrate for strand cleavage in vitro

Purified vaccinia virus DNA topoisomerase I forms a cleavable complex with duplex DNA at a conserved sequence element 5'(C/T)CCTTdecreases in the incised DNA strand. DNase I footprint studies show that vaccinia topoisomerase protects the region around the site of covalent adduct formation from nuclease digestion. On the cleaved DNA strand, the protected region extends from +13 to -13 (+1 being the site of cleavage). On the noncleaved strand, the protected region extends from +13 to -9. Similar nuclease protection is observed for a mutant topoisomerase (containing a Tyr ---- Phe substitution at the active site amino acid 274) that is catalytically inert and does not form the covalent intermediate. Thus, vaccinia topoisomerase is a specific DNA binding protein independent of its competence in transesterification. By studying the cleavage of a series of 12-mer DNA duplexes in which the position of the CCCTTdecreases motif within the substrate is systematically phased, the "minimal" substrate for cleavage has been defined; cleavage requires six nucleotides upstream of the cleavage site and two nucleotides downstream of the site. An analysis of the cleavage of oligomer substrates mutated singly in the CCCTT sequence reveals a hierarchy of mutational effects based on position within the pentamer motif and the nature of the sequence alteration.
A Layered Approach to Composition and Interoperation in Complex Systems

This chapter introduces three engineering methods to support the evaluation of composition and interoperation in complex systems. Data engineering deals with conceptualization of entities and their relations. Process engineering deals with conceptualization of functions and behaviors. Constraint engineering deals with valid solution spaces for data and processes. It is shown that all three aspects must be considered and supported by a solution. The Levels of Conceptual Interoperability Model is used as the basis for the engineering methods. Several current solutions to support complex systems in knowledge-based environments are evaluated and compared.
Robust agent communities

We believe that intelligent information agents will represent their users interest in electronic marketplaces and other forums to trade, exchange, share, identify, and locate goods and services. Such information worlds will present unforeseen opportunities as well as challenges that can be best addressed by robust, self-sustaining agent communities. An agent community is a stable, adaptive group of self-interested agents that share common resources and must coordinate their efforts to effectively develop, utilize and nurture group resources and organization. More specifically, agents will need mechanisms to benefit from complementary expertise in the group, pool together resources to meet new demands and exploit transient opportunities, negotiate fair settlements, develop norms to facilitate coordination, exchange help and transfer knowledge between peers, secure the community against intruders, and learn to collaborate effectively. In this talk, I will summarize some of our research results on trust-based computing, negotiation, and learning that will enable intelligent agents to develop and sustain robust, adaptive, and successful agent communities.
'no page is ever truly blank': An Interview with Craig Santos Perez

Interview with Craig Santos Perez, the Chamorro poet from Guam whose innovative poetry takes up transoceanic and diasporic indigenous legacies and the ongoing impact of settler colonialism throughout the Pacific islands. Perez is the author of the multi-volume project from unincorporated territory (2008, 2010, 2014).
Chronic lithium administration potentiates brain arachidonic acid signaling at rest and during cholinergic activation in awake rats

Studies were performed to determine if the reported ‘proconvulsant’ action of lithium in rats given cholinergic drugs is related to receptor-initiated phospholipase A2 signaling via arachidonic acid. Regional brain incorporation coefficients k* of intravenously injected [1-14C]arachidonic acid, which represent this signaling, were measured by quantitative autoradiography in unanesthetized rats at baseline and following administration of subconvulsant doses of the cholinergic muscarinic agonist, arecoline. In rats fed LiCl for 6 weeks to produce a therapeutically relevant brain lithium concentration, the mean baseline values of k* in brain auditory and visual areas were significantly greater than in rats fed control diet. Arecoline at doses of 2 and 5 mg/kg intraperitoneally increased k* in widespread brain areas in rats fed the control diet as well as the LiCl diet. However, the arecoline-induced increments often were significantly greater in the LiCl-fed than in the control diet-fed rats. Lithium's elevation of baseline k* in auditory and visual regions may correspond to its ability in humans to increase auditory and visual evoked responses. Additionally, its augmentation of the k* responses to arecoline may underlie its reported ‘proconvulsant’ action with cholinergic drugs, as arachidonic acid and its eicosanoid metabolites can increase neuronal excitability and seizure propagation.
Variation In Quality Of Epilepsy Care And Association With Seizure Control. (P5.042)

OBJECTIVE: To assess the variation in quality of epilepsy care between specialist and sub-specialist based on the documentation of epilepsy quality measures and to assess its association with seizure control. BACKGROUND: Payment for healthcare been dominated by fee-for-service, which provides payment for units of service irrespective of the quality of that care. As payment for healthcare changes to a system that rewards quality, measures of quality will be critical. For this reason, a committee of the AAN developed the Epilepsy Quality Measures (EQM). DESIGN/METHODS: Retrospective review of 1787 charts led to a selection of 232 epilepsy patients based on the inclusion criteria: age 18 to 85 years, anticonvulsant treatment, first clinic visit and 2 follow-ups between 1/2009 and 6/2013. Patients with previous epilepsy surgery were excluded. Two independent reviewers unaware of the study hypothesis extracted demographic, clinical data, and ascertained if the EQM were documented. Counseling about surgical options and women’s health issues were rated when applicable. A subset analysis was performed for medication refractory patients seen by epilepsy specialists. Changes in seizure frequency between first and third visit were abstracted. RESULTS: Patients of general neurologists and patients of epilepsy specialists were comparable with respect to age, gender, seizure type, epilepsy etiology, follow-up length, disease duration, number and type of comorbidities, number and type of anti-epileptic drugs. Epileptologists documented quality care with greater frequency than did neurologists (p<0.001). Median documentation of quality measures was 83% by general neurologists and 95% by epilepsy specialists. There was a significant reduction in seizures from visit 1 to 3 (p<0.001). Seizure frequency change was independent of EQM score at first consultation (p=0.75). CONCLUSIONS: Quality care as measured by the EQM differed between specialty and sub-specialty care in epilepsy. When examining the subspecialists, quality as defined by the EQM, was not associated with improved seizure control. Our study design is limited by ceiling effect, as overall quality of care in this sample was high. Disclosure: Dr. Moura has nothing to disclose. Dr. de Jesus has nothing to disclose. Dr. Andrade has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hoch9s spouse holds stock and/or stock options in Merck, Biogen Idec and Regeneron.
Achieving sink node anonymity under energy constraints in tactical wireless sensor networks

A wireless sensor network (WSN) is a distributed network that facilitates wireless information gathering within a region of interest. The information collected by sensors is aggregated at a central node know as the sink node. Two challenges in the deployment of WSNs are limited battery power of each sensor node and sink node anonymity. The role played by the sink node raises its profile as a high value target for attack, thus its anonymity is crucial to the security of a WSN. In order to improve network security, we must implement a protocol that conceals the sink node’s location while being cognizant of energy resource constraints. In this paper we develop a routing algorithm based on node clustering to improve sink node anonymity while simultaneously limiting node energy depletion. Via MATLAB simulations, we analyze the effectiveness of this algorithm in obfuscating the sink node’s location in the WSN while preserving node energy. We show that the anonymity of the sink node is independent of traffic volume and that the average energy consumed by a node remains consistent across topological variations.
Ski6p Is a Homolog of RNA-Processing Enzymes That Affects Translation of Non-Poly(A) mRNAs and 60S Ribosomal Subunit Biogenesis

We mapped and cloned SKI6 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a gene that represses the copy number of the L-A double-stranded RNA virus, and found that it encodes an essential 246-residue protein with homology to a tRNA-processing enzyme, RNase PH. The ski6-2 mutant expressed electroporated non-poly(A) luciferase mRNAs 8- to 10-fold better than did the isogenic wild type. No effect of ski6-2 on expression of uncapped or normal mRNAs was found. Kinetics of luciferase synthesis and direct measurement of radiolabeled electroporated mRNA indicate that the primary effect of Ski6p was on efficiency of translation rather than on mRNA stability. Both ski6 and ski2 mutants show hypersensitivity to hygromycin, suggesting functional alteration of the translation apparatus. The ski6-2 mutant has normal amounts of 40S and 60S ribosomal subunits but accumulates a 38S particle containing 5′-truncated 25S rRNA but no 5.8S rRNA, apparently an incomplete or degraded 60S subunit. This suggests an abnormality in 60S subunit assembly. The ski6-2 mutation suppresses the poor expression of the poly(A)− viral mRNA in a strain deficient in the 60S ribosomal protein L4. Thus, a ski6 mutation bypasses the requirement of the poly(A) tail for translation, allowing better translation of non-poly(A) mRNA, including the L-A virus mRNA which lacks poly(A). We speculate that the derepressed translation of non-poly(A) mRNAs is due to abnormal (but full-size) 60S subunits.
Selective Thymus Settling Regulated by Cytokine and Chemokine Receptors

To generate T cells throughout adult life, the thymus must import hemopoietic progenitors from the bone marrow via the blood. In this study, we establish that thymus settling is selective. Using nonirradiated recipient mice, we found that hemopoietic stem cells were excluded from the thymus, whereas downstream multipotent progenitors (MPP) and common lymphoid progenitors rapidly generated T cells following i.v. transfer. This cellular specificity correlated with the expression of the chemokine receptor CCR9 by a subset of MPP and common lymphoid progenitors but not hemopoietic stem cells. Furthermore, CCR9 expression was required for efficient thymus settling. Finally, we demonstrate that a prethymic signal through the cytokine receptor fms-like tyrosine kinase receptor-3 was required for the generation of CCR9-expressing early lymphoid progenitors, which were the most efficient progenitors of T cells within the MPP population. We conclude that fms-like tyrosine kinase receptor-3 signaling is required for the generation of T lineage-competent progenitors, which selectively express molecules, including CCR9, that allow them to settle within the thymus.
A feature partitioning approach to casebased reasoning in cognitive radios

Cognitive radios have applied various forms of artificial intelligence (AI) to wireless systems in order to solve the complex problems presented by proper link management, network traffic balance, and system efficiency. Case-based reasoning (CBR) has seen attention as a prospective avenue for storing and organizing past information in order to allow the cognitive engine to learn from previous experience. CBR uses past information and observed outcome to form empirical relationships that may be difficult to model using theory. As wireless systems become more complex and more tightly time constrained, scalability becomes an apparent concern to store large amounts of information over multiple dimensions. This paper presents a quickly accessible data structure designed to reduce access time several orders of magnitude as opposed to traditional similarity calculation methods. A framework is presented for case representation, which provides the core of useful information contained within a case. By grouping possible similarity dimension values into distinct partitions called buckets, we develop a data structure with constant (O(1)) access time.
Influence of planting date and row width on abundance of velvetbean caterpillars (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and southern green stink bugs (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) in soybean.

The influence of soybean planting date and row width on seasonal abundance of velvetbean caterpillars, Anticarsia gemmatalts Hubner, and southern green stink bugs, Nezara viridula (L.), was examined in large field plots during 1987-1988. Late-season populations of velvet bean caterpillars were more abundant in ‘Braxton’ soybeans planted in early June than in early May. They also were more numerous in narrow rows (45 cm) than in wide rows (90 cm), regardless of velvet bean caterpillar population density or sampling date. Southern green stink bugs were more numerous from July to mid-August in soybeans planted in early May than in soybeans planted in mid-Mayor early June. In late September to mid-October, when peak numbers were observed, there were more stink bugs in the narrow-row plantings than in the wide-row plantings. Several planting date, row spacing, and sampling date interactions were noted and are discussed. The canopy closure index (space left open between rows) was higher in the later plantings and wide rows, whereas plant height was higher in the earlier plantings and about the same for both row widths. Plot yields varied among planting dates between years but were higher in narrow rows both years.
DYSPLOIDY IN HYMENOXYS TEXANA (COMPOSITAE)

The two chromosome numbers recorded for Hymenoxys texana, 2n = 16 and 2n = 6, appear to represent dysploid reductions from the base number, x = 15, for the genus. DYSPLOIDY, integral differences in chromosome numbers without appreciable genetic imbalance (also called aneuploidy by many authors; cf. Dyer, Jong, and Ratter, 1970), has been widely documented in many genera and even in some species of Compositae (Solbrig, 1977). In Hymenoxys Cass. (s. str., excluding Tetraneuris E. Greene), a genus of a dozen or so species of southwestern United States, northern Mexico, and central South America, dysploidy has been known for over 25 years (cf. Turner, 1963). Sanderson and Strother (1973) reviewed dysploidy (which they called aneuploidy) in Hymenoxys odorata DC. in which a presumably descending series of chromosome numbers of 2n = 30, 28, 24, and 22 has been shown to be geographically patterned. Here, we document local, perhaps autochtho
Spaghetti Politics: Local Electoral Systems and Alliance Structure in Italy, 1984–2001

This article describes the impact of the Italian electoral reforms of 1993 on the structure of local political alliances. The reform, which moved Italy from a purely proportional representation system to a mixed, largely majoritarian system, was designed to increase transparency, reduce corruption, limit the number of political parties, and create the conditions for a politics of interests rather than a politics of influence. Paradoxically, moving to a mixed electoral system had the opposite effect. In this article we demonstrate this impact by modeling the structure of political alliances at multiple levels (municipal, provincial and regional) of the Italian polity from 1984 to 2001.
Particle size sensitivity of condensation nucleus counters

Abstract The counting efficiency of condensation nucleus counters as affected by aerosol particle size has been studied by many investigators. Literature on this subject was reviewed and it was found that the size for 100% efficiency varies from 0.01 to 0.09 μm depending on the type of counter, the nature of the particle and the investigator. The minimum detectable diameter varies from 0.0014 to 0.005μm. Measurements made at the Environmental Measurements Laboratory (EML) showed that the efficiency of the Pollak and the TSI falls to about 15% at diameters of 0.005 μm. The General Electric and the Environment One do not show this effect, at least when compared with the EML continuous flow counter.
Indications and reimbursement of cardiac computed tomography angiography: History, present and future perspectives

Abstract To comment that cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is an exciting tool in the evaluation of coronary artery disease (CAD) is an understatement. As a new method, however, differing clinical and reimbursement guidelines exist to guide the use of the method, resulting in confusion among referring and interpreting physicians in whether CCTA is reasonably indicated and covered by an individual patient’s payer. Such confusion has slowed the acceptance of CCTA within the medical community. Clinical and reimbursement guidelines related to CCTA indications, including those from public and private payers, are reviewed, summarized, and compared in text and table formats. The commonalities extant within medical society guidelines and gradually within the payer community allow the increasingly frequent use of CCTA for certain indications. Challenges to full-fledged acceptance of the technique based on guideline and payer policies are reviewed and are increasingly being overcome.
ITEM ANALYSIS FOR TEACHER-MADE MASTERY TESTS1

Various item selection techniques are compared on resultant criterionreferenced reliability and validity. Techniques compared include three nominal criterion-referenced methods, a traditional point biserial selection, teacher selection, and random selection. Eighteen volunteer junior and senior high school teachers supplied behavioral objectives and item pools ranging from 26 to 40 items. Each teacher obtained reponses from four classes. Pairs of tests of various length were developed by each item selection method. Estimates of test reliability and validity were obtained using responses independent of the test construction sample. Resultant reliability and validity estimates were compared across item selection techniques. Two of the criterion-referenced item selection methods resulted in consistently higher observed validity. However, the small magnitude of improvement over teacher or random selection raises a question as to whether the benefit warrants the necessary extra effort on the part of the classroom teacher.
DNA repair in human progeroid cells

Summary Human diploid fibroblast cells derived from normal subjects and from patients with progeria or progeroid syndromes were examined for the extent of their ability to repair γ-ray-induced single-strand breaks in their DNA. Cells irradiated and incubated as monolayers showed normal repair in all cell lines studied. Progeroid cells that were treated with trypsin, irradiated, and allowed to repair in suspension with shaking showed slightly less repair after long times than did normal cells. However, if the cells were not shaken, the progeroid cells remaining in suspension showed DNA degradation and an inability to repair DNA strand breaks in contrast to normal cells.
A class of symmetric bivariate uniform distributions

A class of symmetric bivariate uniform distributions is proposed for use in statistical modeling. The distributions may be constructed to be absolutely continuous with correlations as close to±1 as desired. Expressions for the correlations, regressions and copulas are found. An extension to three dimensions is proposed.
Antioxidant level and redox status of coenzyme Q10 in the plasma and blood cells of children with diabetes mellitus type 1

Hyperglycaemia has been reported to cause increased production of oxygen free radicals. Oxidative stress may contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. Coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ(10)) is known for its key role in mitochondrial bioenergetics and is considered as a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger. This study was conducted to evaluate plasma and blood cell concentrations of CoQ(10) in accordance to its redox capacity in children with diabetes mellitus type 1. CoQ(10) plasma and blood cell concentrations and redox status were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection in 43 children with diabetes mellitus type 1 and compared with 39 healthy children. In addition, the diabetic patients were subdivided according to their haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values into two groups, that is, those with good control ( 8%), and the CoQ(10) status was compared between the two groups. Children with type 1 diabetes showed increased plasma levels of CoQ(10) in comparison to healthy children. While CoQ(10) erythrocyte and platelet concentrations did not differ, in the diabetes group, the platelet redox status differed with a significantly increased part of reduced CoQ(10). This difference in concentration and redox status in comparison to healthy controls may be attributed to the subgroup of patients with poor control, as the subdivision of diabetic patients according to their HbA1c values shows. In diabetic children, especially in those with poor control, an increase in plasma concentration and intracellular redox capacity of the antioxidant CoQ(10) may contribute to the body's self-protection during a state of enhanced oxidative stress.
Assessing asthma control and associated risk factors among persons with current asthma - findings from the child and adult Asthma Call-back Survey.

Introduction: Monitoring the level of asthma control is important in determining the effectiveness of current treatment which may decrease the frequency and intensity of symptoms and functional lim...
BEYOND COMMON FACTORS: MULTILEVEL‐PROCESS MODELS OF THERAPEUTIC CHANGE IN MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY

A number of scholars have proposed the common factors perspective as the future direction of marriage and family therapy (MFT). Although intuitively appealing, the case for the common factors perspective is not as clear-cut as proponents portray. In its current form, the common factors perspective overlooks the multilevel nature of practice, the diversity of clients and settings, and the complexity of therapeutic change. In contrast, comprehensive process-based change models are analternative to the limitations of common factors. In this article, we consider the limitations of the common factors perspective and propose the necessary and sufficient components and processes that might comprise comprehensive, multilevel, process-based therapeutic change models in MFT.
AN UNUSUAL HOPF BIFURCATION: THE RAILWAY BOGIE

The railway bogie model introduced by Cooperrider [1972] exhibits a Hopf bifurcation as the speed of the train vtr is increased. This Hopf bifurcation is unusual because the amplitude of the family...
Thermal constraints on basin-scale flow systems

An important constraint on basin-wide flow systems is the thermal regime. Studies of high temperatures above fault zones which penetrate geopressured sediments and heat flow in orogenic zones have been used to document both pathways and velocities of pore fluid movement. Similarly, the high temperature (100–150°C) at shallow depths (<1.5km) inferred from studies of fluid inclusions associated with Late Paleozoic Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) lead-zinc deposits places a very restrictive constraint on their formation by regional fluid migration. We have used numerical models of fluid and heat transport to evaluate the viability of sediment compaction by overthrusting and topographically driven recharge as driving mechanisms for regional fluid migration. Sediment compaction by overthrusting leads to Darcy velocities on the order of cm/yr, too low to have significant effects on the temperature field unless flow is channelized. Topographically driven recharge can lead to fluid velocities on the order of m/yr. However, it is difficult to achieve the extremely high temperatures (100–150 °C) at shallow depths (<1.5km) associated with MVT deposits unless heat flow values greater than 100 mW/m2 are used. Thus, there are fundamental limitations on the ability of either mechanism to continuously transport large amounts of heat for millions of years on a basin-wide scale. Temporal or spatial focusing of flow is likely to have played a critical role in the genesis of phenomena such as MVT deposits.
Preparation, Phase Equilibria, and Crystal Chemistry of Lanthanum, Praseodymium, and Neodymium Hydroxide Chlorides

Abstract The preparation of hydroxide chlorides of lanthanum, praseodymium, and neodymium has been achieved by hydrothermal methods at 550°C and 1530 atm. Three phases (Ln(OH)3, Ln(OH)2.55Cl0.45, and Ln(OH)2Cl) have been characterized by analytical and X-ray methods. The observed compositions are closely defined by the x = 0, 0.5, and 1 members of the homologous anion substitution series, Ln(OH)3−xClx. The previously unreported Ln(OH)2.55Cl0.45 phases are clearly substoichiometric in chloride and are described by the Ln7(OH)18Cl3 composition. X-ray diffraction data for the phases at x = 0.45 show a pronounced UCl3-type substructure and complex superstructure reflections that have been indexed on a hexagonal cell. For the lanthanum phase, a = 17.662 (6) and c = 3.914(1) A. Efforts to obtain single crystals have been unsuccessful. Thermal decomposition processes of the hydroxide chlorides have been investigated, and the characterization of LaO(OH)0.55Cl0.45, a monoclinic YOOH-type intermediate phase, is reported. Structural features and phase equilibria of the hydroxide chlorides are discussed and analogies with the hydroxide nitrate systems are drawn.
U.S. publication trends in social and administrative pharmacy: Implications for promotion and tenure

Abstract Background There is no consensus on the preferred approach to assess journal quality. Procedures previously used include journal acceptance or rejection policies, impact factors, number of subscribers, citation counts, whether the articles were refereed or not, and journals cited in books within the discipline. This study built on the work of previous authors by using a novel approach to assess journal quality in social and administrative pharmacy (SAdP). Objectives To determine U.S. SAdP faculty perceptions of prestigious journals for their research, SAdP faculty perceptions of prestigious journals by their promotion and tenure (P&T) committees, and current research trends in SAdP. Methods A census of U.S. colleges and schools of pharmacy was conducted using an e-mailed survey and an open-ended approach requiring respondents to list their preferred journals. Results Seventy-nine SAdP faculty reported that the 5 most prestigious journals were JAMA , New England Journal of Medicine , Health Affairs , Health Services Research , and Medical Care . These journals were selected because respondents wished to seek broad readership. Conclusions Results of this study can be used as a guide by U.S. SAdP faculty and P&T committees to assess the quality of publications by pharmacy administration faculty with the caveat being that pharmacy versus nonpharmacy journals will be chosen based on the fit of the article with the audience.
Initial experience with sutureless proximal anastomoses performed with a mechanical connector leading to clampless off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery

Abstract Background We report our early experience with the Symmetry Aortic Connector (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN) used for sutureless proximal aortosaphenous vein graft anastomoses without any cross clamp during coronary bypass procedures. Methods Between November 2001 and August 2002, 206 saphenous vein to aorta proximal anastomoses were created in 132 patients using the Symmetry device. All procedures were performed as part of off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery without any aortic clamping. Intraoperative variables and postoperative data were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Results All 206 anastomoses (100%) were successfully completed with the connector. Severe atherosclerotic disease of the aorta was documented in 16 patients (12%). Four anastomoses (2%) required additional suture placement. Predeployment problems occurred with 3 grafts (2.5%) during loading of the connector. Average number of distal bypasses was 3.2 per patient. One patient (0.7%) required reoperation for bleeding from a proximal anastomosis. Six patients (4.5%) had perioperative myocardial infarction documented by electrocardiographic changes. Thirty-day operative mortality was 3% (4 patients). Intraoperative transit time flow measurement was performed in all cases (100%). Postoperative angiography in 43 patients at a median 3 months postoperatively revealed occlusion of 9 of the 81 saphenous vein grafts (11%). Conclusions The initial experience with a proximal saphenous vein graft to aorta anastomosis using the Symmetry connector demonstrates safety and ease of use. There is however some concern with early graft closure. A prospective randomized study is needed to clarify these concerns.
Peptide and protein molecular weight determination by electrophoresis using a high-molarity tris buffer system without urea

Various buffer systems were examined for their ability to resolve and provide molecular weight determinations of proteins and peptides over a wide size range using electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels. Sharp bands and high resolution were achieved in the 1300 to 100,000 molecular weight range using a modified Laemmli discontinuous buffer system with high concentrations of Tris in the resolving gel (0.75 M) and in the running buffer (0.05 M). Linear gradient gels (8 to 25% acrylamide) were tested with and without varying concentrations of urea and/or glycerol and/or sucrose. At this high molarity of Tris, the inclusion of urea, glycerol, or sucrose proved unnecessary for successful peptide electrophoresis. Gels run without these reagents showed superior resolution throughout the entire molecular weight range when run with Tris at 0.75 and 0.05 M, respectively, obviating the need for urea or other additives as used in other systems. A single gel is thus able to resolve an entire range from large proteins to small peptides.
κ -Complete Uniquely Complemented Lattices

We show that for any infinite cardinal κ, every complete lattice where each element has at most one complement can be regularly embedded into a uniquely complemented κ-complete lattice. This regular embedding preserves all joins and meets, in particular it preserves the bounds of the original lattice. As a corollary, we obtain that every lattice where each element has at most one complement can be embedded into a uniquely complemented κ-complete lattice via an embedding that preserves the bounds of the original lattice.
Call setup strategy tradeoffs for universal digital portable communications

Abstract This paper proposes and analyzes a criterion for database update frequency in universal portable digital communication (UPDC), based on the rate of diffusion of mobile subscribers. More frequent updates reduce the search area, which reduces expected paging time and paging traffic at the expense of database size.
INSTRUMENTATION FOR FLUORESCENCE MICROSCOPY WITH PICOSECOND TIME RESOLUTION

— Time-resolved fluorescence microscopy using excitation by actively mode-locked dye lasers and analysis by time-correlated single photon counting is shown to be an effective way of obtaining a high degree of spatial and temporal resolution. The imaging capabilities of the microscope make for optimal instrument response functions even with inexpensive photomultiplier tubes. Thus far limited (by the laser source) to long wavelength visible excitation, the excellent light collection and imaging, coupled with the sensitivity of single photon counting make it highly probable that the much weaker U-V second harmonics of the visible dyes will be useable. Certainly the potential of using the third harmonic line (355 nm) of a mode-locked c.w. Nd: YAG laser, or fundamental lines from mode-locked c.w. ion lasers as excitation sources will enhance the technique. Nevertheless, with visible-absorbing dyes only it is possible to excite such fluorochromes as chlorophylls, porphyrins, xanthenes (rose bengal, erythrosin B), phycobiliproteins, thionine dyes, ethidium bromide, and so on. Furthermore, this technique can be straightforwardly extended for polarized light measurements thereby allowing determinations of rotational diffusion of fluorochromes in cells and organelles. The extension to variable temperature situations is easy to conceive. In addition to its use for examination of cellular and sub-cellular entities, the equipment described can be profitably employed wherever spatial resolution may provide extra information, such as studies of powders and the structures of surfaces and interfaces.
Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Biosensors for Live-Cell Visualization of Protein Phosphorylation

Fluorescence-based, genetically encodable biosensors are widely used tools for real-time analysis of biological processes. Over the last few decades, the number of available genetically encodable biosensors and the types of processes they can monitor have increased rapidly. Here, we aim to introduce the reader to general principles and practices in biosensor development and highlight ways in which biosensors can be used to illuminate outstanding questions of biological function. Specifically, we focus on sensors developed for monitoring kinase activity and use them to illustrate some common considerations for biosensor design. We describe several uses to which kinase and second-messenger biosensors have been put, and conclude with considerations for the use of biosensors once they are developed. Overall, as fluorescence-based biosensors continue to diversify and improve, we expect them to continue to be widely used as reliable and fruitful tools for gaining deeper insights into cellular and organismal function.
In Situ Immersion Plating of Copper and Nickel on Aluminum Using Laser Pulses for Oxide Removal

Copper and nickel are electrodeposited onto aluminum by using a pulsed laser, which removes the native oxide in situ. The method is shown to work on aluminum simply immersed in a plating electrolyte, via exchange plating, or on aluminum with an imposed potential as part of an electrochemical cell in the electrolyte. The electrochemistry of the plating bath controls transient events following the laser strike, with anodic dissolution of aluminum dominating initially. At open circuit, it is shown that the identity of the plating metal determines the time constant for the recovery of potential transients: 5 ms for copper and 20 ms for nickel. Analogous experiments in acid with no plating metal reveal that re-formation of the aluminum oxide layer after ablation is ~ 100 times slower than exchange plating. The magnitude of the temporal voltage change resulting from ablation agrees with that calculated by means of an Evans plot. Subsequent plating on the immersion-plated regions, minutes or even hours after the immersion, yields deposits with good adhesion.
Early time errants during field-induced pair creation

We explore the electron-positron pair-creation process associated with an electrostatic force that is localized in space and turned on in time. We find that during early times electrons are created (referred to as errants) that move in a direction that would be expected for a particle of the opposite charge. We study the errants’ energy spectrum and their production probability as a function of the duration during which the force is turned on.
Plate force due to bending at subduction zones

[1] Bending of the lithosphere at subduction zones generates stresses that contribute to the force balance on plates. We determine the net horizontal force on subducting plates by imposing a simple kinematic description of strain in the equations that govern the mechanical equilibrium of a thin viscous sheet. The magnitude of the force depends on the velocity, thickness, and curvature of the subducting plate. Using representative values for old oceanic lithosphere, we obtain an effective horizontal force that is nearly 40% of the buoyancy force due to slabs in the upper mantle.
Management of postexenteration perineal hernias by myocutaneous axial flaps

Abstract Two cases of perineal hernias following pelvic exenteration are presented. Each was treated by means of myocutaneous axial flaps, the type used being dependent on the nature of the defect. A bulbocavernosus axial flap was used in one patient and a gracilis myocutaneous axial flap in the other. Factors contributing to perineal hernias are discussed. Satisfactory results can be obtained using axial flaps for treatment of this uncommon condition.
Gene therapy for brain tumors.

"Gene therapy" can be defined as the transfer of genetic material into a patient's cells for therapeutic purposes. To date, a diverse and creative assortment of treatment strategies utilizing gene therapy have been devised, including gene transfer for modulating the immune system, enzyme prodrug ("suicide gene") therapy, oncolytic therapy, replacement/therapeutic gene transfer, and antisense therapy. For malignant glioma, gene-directed prodrug therapy using the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene was the first gene therapy attempted clinically. A variety of different strategies have now been pursued experimentally and in clinical trials. Although, to date, gene therapy for brain tumors has been found to be reasonably safe, concerns still exist regarding issues related to viral delivery, transduction efficiency, potential pathologic response of the brain, and treatment efficacy. Improved viral vectors are being sought, and potential use of gene therapy in combination with other treatments is being investigated.
Hybrid siloxane epoxy coatings containing quaternary ammonium moieties

An ever increasing concern over bacterial infections caused by consumer products as well as medical devices is obvious from the recent surge in literature documenting the need for novel self-decontaminating coatings. Within, we report a hybrid ionic organic/inorganic siloxane epoxy system containing quaternary ammonium moieties. This novel low surface energy antimicrobial coating is capable of self-decontaminating in a variety of environments. The system is designed to be used as an over-coating, for devices that are prone to come into contact with pathogenic bacteria. These coatings have been synthesized, characterized, and analyzed for both physical and antimicrobial properties. Preliminary antimicrobial evaluation indicates a direct correlation between antimicrobial activity and hydrophobicity of the biocidal functional group within the resin matrix. These coatings have demonstrated the ability to eliminate up to 99.9% of pathogenic bacteria on the surface. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Execution edge of pit traders and intraday price ranges of soft commodities

Intraday activity of open outcry pit traders and mechanics of price formation are important for short-term traders, money managers and regulatory bodies. In particular, congestions of stop-loss and limit orders, as well as subsequent highs/lows of the daily prices are among the most important features traders are interested in. We present a comparison of range-based and close-to-open volatility estimators for US-traded soft physical commodities. The comparison indicates that pit traders are able to identify the congestions of pre-placed stop orders, reach them and liquidate on them, or let the prices run. The comparison also suggests a substantial execution edge of soft commodities pit traders compared to currencies traders.
Exact Near Field Synthesis for a Rectangular Aperture Exciting a Lossy Half-Space

An analysis is given for determining the aperture illumination on the surface of a conducting half-space when a component of the sub-surface electric field is prescribed. No far field or quasi-near field approximations are made. For the examples considered the conduction currents are comparable with the displacement currents. Physical limitations of the procedure are identified. A forward confirming calculation is performed by discretizing the aperture distribution by an array of 64 magnetic dipoles.
Interaction and Interviewer Bias in a Survey of the Aged

Differential net interviewer effects were measured in a statewide survey of aged people. 54 interviewers (college faculty members, students, and members of a senior citizens organization) conducted the survery in a 29-county area in Georgia. Attitudes toward the aged were measured by a semantic differential administered to each interviewer. Three dimensions of Instrumental—Ineffective, Autonomous—Dependent and Personal Acceptability—Unacceptability were used along with demographic information to identify interviewers with contrasting characteristics. Life satisfaction indicators and number of not ascertained responses were used as criterion measures to test the effects of interviewer's age, sex, race, faculty-student status, intrusiveness, retired status, and attitudes toward the aged.