cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sex and age effects on outcomes of total hip arthroplasty after inpatient rehabilitation.

Abstract Vincent HK, Alfano AP, Lee L, Vincent KR. Sex and age effects on outcomes of total hip arthroplasty after inpatient rehabilitation. Objective To retrospectively examine the effects of sex and age on the inpatient rehabilitation outcomes of patients after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Design Exploratory, retrospective study. Setting A university-affiliated rehabilitation hospital. Participants Male and female THA patients (N=332) were stratified into age brackets ( Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Length of stay (LOS), FIM instrument scores, FIM efficiency (FIM/LOS), hospital costs, and discharge disposition location were collected by chart review. Results Regardless of age, women had lower FIM scores at admission and discharge than men ( P P =.001). Women accrued higher total hospital charges than men ($13,099 vs $11,141; P P P P =.015), and 37% higher in men than women ( P =.001). Patients 85 years and older were discharged less frequently to home than patients less than 85 years ( P Conclusions All patients made functional improvement after inpatient rehabilitation, but women and patients 85 years and older had longer LOS and lower FIM efficiency, incurred greater hospital charges, and were less likely to be discharged to home than men and younger counterparts.
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of [Ag(H-dpa) (η2-styrene)]BF4: Comparing Silver and Copper for Olefin Binding

The molecular structure of the complex bis-(2-pyridyl)amine(η2-styrene)silver(I) tetrafluoroborate has been determined. The geometry about the Ag+ ion is pseudo-trigonal planar, with coordination sites occupied by the two pyridyl nitrogen atoms and the midpoint of the alkene double bond. Crystal packing of the molecule is influenced by hydrogen bonding of the amine with the tetrafluoroborate anion, in addition to intermolecular Ag+···aromatic contacts. 1H NMR confirms crystallographic data that suggest weak metal to olefin π-backbonding. Crystal data: space group P21/n, a = 12.764(3), b = 10.590(2), c = 13.624(3) A, β = 91.17(3)°, V = 1841.3(7) A3, Z = 4, R = 0.0453, wR 2 = 0.1098. The geometry about the Ag+ ion in [Ag(H-dpa)(η2-styrene)]BF4 is pseudo-trigonal planar, with coordination sites occupied by the two pyridyl nitrogen atoms and the midpoint of the alkene double bond. Crystal packing of the molecule is influenced by hydrogen bonding of the amine with the tetrafluoroborate anion, in addition to intermolecular Ag+···aromatic contacts.
α2-Noradrenergic antagonist administration into the central nucleus of the amygdala blocks stress-induced hypoalgesia in awake behaving rats

Stress-induced hypoalgesia (SIH) is an adaptive behavioral phenomenon mediated in part by the amygdala. Acute stress increases amygdalar noradrenaline levels and focal application of α2-adrenoceptor agonists in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) is antinociceptive. We hypothesized that α2-adrenoceptor antagonist administration into the CeA may block SIH. Bilateral microinjections of drug or saline via chronically implanted CeA cannulae were followed by either a period of restraint stress or rest. The nocifensive paw-withdrawal latency (PWL) to a focused beam of light was measured. PWLs were longer in restrained rats, constituting SIH. Microinjection of the α2-adrenoceptor antagonist idazoxan into the CeA prior to restraint blocked SIH. Idazoxan administration in unrestrained rats had no effect. Microinjection of the α2-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine in unrestrained rats caused dose dependent hypoalgesia, mimicking the effects of environmental stress. α2-Adrenoceptor function in the CeA is necessary for restraint-induced SIH.
Probabilistic choice: A simple invariance.

When subjects must choose repeatedly between two or more alternatives, each of which dispenses reward on a probabilistic basis (two-armed bandit ), their behavior is guided by the two possible outcomes, reward and nonreward. The simplest stochastic choice rule is that the probability of choosing an alternative increases following a reward and decreases following a nonreward (reward following ). We show experimentally and theoretically that animal subjects behave as if the absolute magnitudes of the changes in choice probability caused by reward and nonreward do not depend on the response which produced the reward or nonreward (source independence ), and that the effects of reward and nonreward are in constant ratio under fixed conditions (effect-ratio invariance )--properties that fit the definition of satisficing . Our experimental results are either not predicted by, or are inconsistent with, other theories of free-operant choice such as Bush-Mosteller, molar maximization, momentary maximizing, and melioration (matching).
Dislocation structures of copper single crystals for fatigue tests under variable amplitudes

Abstract The dislocation structures of copper single crystals oriented for single slip and cycled at constant strain amplitude are now well understood in the literature. However, little work has been done on the dislocation structures produced under variable loading. The present thin foil transmission electron microscopy studies were undertaken to compare the structures resulting from different loading conditions (high-low sequences) and to connect the cyclic deformation behavior under variable loading with the dislocation structures. The observations were found to be interesting; for example, a structure of persistent slip band ladders and dislocation cells can reconvert to loop patches by cycling at low amplitudes for many cycles. This reconversion is explained by the fact that the equilibrium between dislocation multiplication and annihilation normally observed at constant amplitude breaks down with respect to dipolar wall structures when the amplitude is reduced.
Electrocardiographic changes in exchange transfusions.

Summary Eight babies with erythroblastosis were studied by continuous observation of their electrocardiograms while they were having replacement transfusions. Skeletal muscle tremors appeared after about each 100 c.c. of blood were exchanged and were abolished by the injection of calcium. There were no significant changes between tracings taken before starting and at the conclusion of the procedure.
Corporate Structure and Community Size: Factors Affecting Occupational Community Within the Pulp and Paper Industry

An occupational community is a bounded work culture characterized by common norms, values, work practices, and conceptions of identity closely related to work. Most occupational community studies are developed as case studies of workers in a particular setting. In this article we adopt a comparative case study approach to understand commonalities and differences within two pulp and paper mills. The mills differ in demographic setting (metropolitan and non-metropolitan) and corporate structure, factors that we argue qualitatively affect the nature of occupational community as experienced by the workers themselves. The article contributes to the literature on the culture of work and workplace in manufacturing ubiquitous products (paper) from an important natural resource, timber.
Ethanol's role: an economic assessment.

Expansion of the ethanol industry depends on a mix of low grain prices, stable or increasing petroleum prices through the 1990s, and assurance that subsidies for production will continue through 2000 or beyond. While expansion of the ethanol industry would increase ethanol's contribution to energy security, reduce air quality problems associated with carbon monoxide, and support farm income through increases in corn prices, alternative means of achieving these goals exist. This article assesses factors affecting ethanol's competitiveness and the tradeoffs involved in using ethanol to meet national goals.
The Berry and Reinhardt Autoconversion Parameterization: A Digest

Abstract The simplified version of the Berry and Reinhardt parameterization used for initiating rain from cloud droplets is presented and is compared with 12 other versions of itself from the literature. Many of the versions that appear to be different from each other can be brought into agreement with the original parameterization by making the same assumptions: a mean diameter based upon mass or volume and distribution shape parameters chosen to give the same cloud mass relative variance as the original Berry and Reinhardt parameterization. However, there are differences in how authors have chosen to parameterize the cloud number concentration sink and rain number concentration source, and those choices, along with model limitations, have important impacts on rain development within the scheme. These differences among versions are shown to have important time-integrated feedbacks upon the developing initial rain distribution. Three of 12 implementations of the bulk scheme are shown to be able to reprodu...
Protein alterations in Manduca sexta midgut and haemolymph following treatment with a sublethal dose of Bacillus thuringiensis crystal endotoxin

Abstract A single sublethal dose of Bacillus thuringiensis crystal toxin was delivered to fifth instar larvae of Manduca sexta to examine the effect of the toxin on the peritrophic membrane, midgut, and haemolymph. Twelve major peptide bands, ranging in size from above 200 kd down to 24 kd, were seen in silver-stained polyacrylamide gels of control peritrophic membranes. Twenty-four hours after toxin treatment four major glycoproteins were much reduced or absent from the peritrophic membranes. Concurrently, a new 32 kd protein (PM10) appears in the peritrophic membrane. This protein is still present 72 hr after toxin treatment when the peritrophic membranes' glycoproteins have returned to control levels, and the insect has apparently recovered from the toxin. A comparison of gels of the soluble midgut proteins revealed several bands which are common to both the midgut and the peritrophic membranes. Midgut contents taken from larvae 24 hr after toxin treatment had a large number of bands which were not present in the midgut contents of control larvae. Although the protein profile of haemolymph taken from larvae 24 hr following toxin treatment was apparently unaltered from control haemolymph, 72 hr following treatment a protein band, designated M13, was induced. M13 is associated with the immune response in M. sexta . This is the first report that the proteins associated with the immune response are induced by something other than a bacterial injection.
Jamming in attractive granular media

The jamming transition is studied numerically in systems of particles with attraction. Unlike the purely repulsive case where a single transition separates the jammed from unjammed phase, the presence of even an infinitesimal amount of attraction yields two distinct transitions: connectivity and rigidity percolation. We measure critical exponents of these two percolation transitions and find that they are different than the corresponding lattice values. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Beyond the Limit of Deep X-ray Surveys: Galaxies or AGN?

The great sensitivities of the Chandra X-ray Observatory and XMM-Newton are allowing us to explore the X-ray emission from galaxies at moderate to high redshift. By using the stacking method with CXO data, we show that we can detect the ensemble emission from normal elliptical, spiral and irregular galaxies out to redshifts approaching one. The average X-ray luminosity can then be compared with the results of models of the evolution in the numbers of X-ray binaries and can possibly be used to constrain models of star formation. In order to account for the increasing luminosity of spiral galaxies from low to moderate redshift, AGN components may need to be invoked.
X-ray acoustic computed tomography with pulsed x-ray beam from a medical linear accelerator

Purpose: The feasibility of medical imaging using a medical linear accelerator to generate acoustic waves is investigated. This modality, x-ray acoustic computed tomography (XACT), has the potential to enable deeper tissue penetration in tissue than photoacoustic tomography via laser excitation. Methods: Short pulsed (μs-range) 10 MV x-ray beams with dose-rate of approximately 30 Gy/min were generated from a medical linear accelerator. The acoustic signals were collected with an ultrasound transducer (500 KHz central frequency) positioned around an object. The transducer, driven by a computer-controlled step motor to scan around the object, detected the resulting acoustic signals in the imaging plane at each scanning position. A pulse preamplifier, with a bandwidth of 20 KHz–2 MHz at −3 dB, and switchable gains of 40 and 60 dB, received the signals from the transducer and delivered the amplified signals to a secondary amplifier. The secondary amplifier had bandwidth of 20 KHz–30 MHz at −3 dB, and a gain range of 10–60 dB. Signals were recorded and averaged 128 times by an oscilloscope. A sampling rate of 100 MHz was used to record 2500 data points at each view angle. One set of data incorporated 200 positions as the receiver moved 360°. The x-ray generated acoustic image was then reconstructed with the filtered back projection algorithm. Results: The x-ray generated acoustic signals were detected from a lead rod embedded in a chicken breast tissue. The authors found that the acoustic signal was proportional to the x-ray dose deposition, with a correlation of 0.998. The two-dimensional XACT images of the lead rod embedded in chicken breast tissue were found to be in good agreement with the shape of the object. Conclusions: The first x-ray acoustic computed tomography image is presented. The new modality may be useful for a number of applications, such as providing the location of a fiducial, or monitoring x-ray dose distribution during radiation therapy. Although much work is needed to improve the image quality of XACT and to explore its performance in other irradiation energies, the benefits of this modality, as highlighted in this work, encourage further study.
Interaction of Bartonella bacilliformis with human erythrocyte membrane proteins

Intracellular invasion is an important aspect of Carrion's disease caused by Bartonella bacilliformis. Both the hematic and tissue phases of the disease involve the initial attachment of the organism to erythrocytes and endothelial cells, respectively. Using two different approaches, preliminary evidence is provided that B. bacilliformis interacts with multiple surface-exposed proteins on human erythrocytes. Utilizing Western blot analysis, it was demonstrated that the organism binds several biotinylated erythrocyte proteins with approximate molecular masses of 230, 210, 100, 83 and 44 kDa. There was enhanced Bartonella binding to the 44 kDa protein and binding to a 25 kDa protein following exposure of intact red cells to trypsin. Moreover, there was a complete abrogation of binding to these proteins following exposure of erythrocytes to sodium metaperiodate oxidation, indicating the significance of carbohydrate moieties in the interactions of Bartonella with the erythrocyte. In a second approach, similar binding proteins or putative receptors were identified when Bartonella was co-incubated with isolated membrane proteins from red cell ghosts. A comparison of the molecular weights of these putative receptors with known erythrocyte proteins and their immunoreactivity to specific antisera suggested that the 230 and 210 kDa proteins are the alpha and beta subunits of spectrin; the 100 and 83 kDa proteins are band 3 protein and glycophorin A, respectively; and the 44 and 25 kDa proteins are the respective dimeric and monomeric forms of glycophorin B. Consistent with this notion was the binding of Bartonella to purified preparations of alpha and beta spectrin and glycophorin A/B.
Long‐term histological effects of preemptive antiviral therapy in liver transplant recipients with hepatitis C virus infection

The long-term effects of preemptive antiviral therapy on fibrosis progression in liver transplant recipients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) were examined in a cohort of consecutive liver transplant recipients who received preemptive antiviral therapy for 48 weeks (95% were virologic nonresponders). Control patients were transplanted during this same period but did not receive preemptive therapy. Patients were followed to the date of last biopsy and censored at the time of subsequent HCV treatment. Eighty-six patients surviving ≥90 days were included. Treated and control patients were similar, except that treated patients had longer histological follow-up (60 versus 50 months), a lower median Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score at liver transplant (17 versus 23), and a shorter median length of hospital stay (6 versus 9.5 days). In the uncensored analysis, the cumulative probability of a Batts-Ludwig fibrosis score ≥ 2 at 48 months post–liver transplant was 22% in the preemptive therapy group and 49% in the nonpreemptive therapy group (P = 0.08). In multivariate analysis, preemptive therapy was associated with a 48% reduced risk of a fibrosis score ≥ 2 (hazard ratio = 0.52, 95% confidence interval = 0.24-1.12, P = 0.09), but this failed to achieve statistical significance. Receipt of preemptive therapy was associated with a delay in subsequent HCV therapy for moderate to severe disease (fibrosis score ≥ 2 or moderate necroinflammatory activity) with a median time of 36.3 months versus 20.3 months in the preemptive and nonpreemptive groups (P = 0.004). We conclude that preemptive antiviral therapy in virologic nonresponders delays the time to subsequent HCV treatment and may confer a reduced risk of fibrosis progression. Further study of preemptive antiviral therapy is warranted. Liver Transpl 14:1491–1497, 2008. © 2008 AASLD.
The distributional impact of foreign deposits on federal deposit insurance premia

Abstract Rapid growth of deposits in U.S. foreign bank branches and current U.S. government policies have combined to create a new inequality in the deposit insurance system. Our research shows that smaller banks are substantially subsidizing the insurance costs of the larger, multinational institutions. When insurance premiums are viewed in the context of an implicit tax, it is highly regressive with the wealth transfer growing over time. Recent reform proposals do not fully address important international influences and therefore underestimate the scope of the problem.
Diabetes and cognitive decline in elderly African Americans: A 15-year follow-up study

Abstract Background Diabetes mellitus is associated with an increased risk for cognitive impairment and vascular factors seem to play a role in this relationship. In a sample involving elderly African Americans, we tested the hypothesis that diabetes accelerates cognitive decline and explored possible mediating mechanisms within a follow-up period of 15 years. Methods A total of 1702 subjects, of whom 441 had diabetes, were given the community screening interview for dementia to measure cognitive functioning at six different time points spread over a 15-year follow-up period. Mixed effects models with repeated measures were used to examine the association of diabetes and vascular risk factors with cognitive scores over time. Results African American subjects with diabetes reported having a significant accelerated cognitive decline as compared with those without diabetes ( P = .046), when controlling for basic demographics and baseline comorbid conditions (heart disease, hypertension, stroke, and depression). Adjusting for incident heart disease, and especially stroke, weakened this association ( P = .098), thereby indicating a mediating effect of stroke on the association between diabetes and cognitive decline. However, when incident stroke was incorporated into the model, the effect for participants with diabetes increased greatly ( P = .007). Conclusions Diabetes, mediated by cerebrovascular pathology, accelerates cognitive decline within a follow-up period of 15 years in a sample comprising African Americans.
Effect of side chain length on film structure and electron mobility of core-unsubstituted pyromellitic diimides and enhanced mobility of the dibrominated core using the optimized side chain

Pyromellitic diimides (PyDIs) are π-conjugated electron-transport materials based on an unusually small aromatic core (benzene), which provides low temperature processing and transparency in much of the visible range. We synthesized PyDI derivatives with a systematic series of fluoroalkyl side chains and investigated their film structures and electrical performances in thin-film transistors. The effect of the length of the fluorinated segment in fluoroalkylmethylene side chains was examined. Shorter side chains within this series induce higher electron mobilities, with a maximum of 0.026 cm2 V−1 s−1 achieved with the perfluorobutylmethyl side chain. Atomic force microscopy images and X-ray diffraction peak widths were used as indications of crystallinity correlating with the mobility trend. The perfluorobutylmethyl side chain, when attached to 3,6-dibromo PyDI using a total of three synthetic steps, allowed nearly parallel PyDI cores and an exceptional mobility of 0.2 cm2 V−1 s−1, accompanied by a correspondingly excellent morphology and effective intermolecular packing illustrated by a single crystal X-ray structure. This is the highest PyDI mobility yet reported, and is an unusually high mobility for a compound with such a small core, having such low visible range absorbance, and requiring so few synthetic steps.
A high power, coherently enhanced THz source

We propose a compact Smith-Purcell device can potentially generate hundreds of Watts of THz radiation, based on a train of short electron bunches from an rf photoemission gun at an energy of a few MeV.
Two-Year Randomized Controlled Trial and Follow-up of Dialectical Behavior Therapy vs Therapy by Experts for Suicidal Behaviors and Borderline Personality Disorder

Context Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a treatment for suicidal behavior and borderline personality disorder with well-documented efficacy. Objective To evaluate the hypothesis that unique aspects of DBT are more efficacious compared with treatment offered by non–behavioral psychotherapy experts. Design One-year randomized controlled trial, plus 1 year of posttreatment follow-up. Setting University outpatient clinic and community practice. Participants One hundred one clinically referred women with recent suicidal and self-injurious behaviors meeting DSM-IV criteria, matched to condition on age, suicide attempt history, negative prognostic indication, and number of lifetime intentional self-injuries and psychiatric hospitalizations. Intervention One year of DBT or 1 year of community treatment by experts (developed to maximize internal validity by controlling for therapist sex, availability, expertise, allegiance, training and experience, consultation availability, and institutional prestige). Main Outcome Measures Trimester assessments of suicidal behaviors, emergency services use, and general psychological functioning. Measures were selected based on previous outcome studies of DBT. Outcome variables were evaluated by blinded assessors. Results Dialectical behavior therapy was associated with better outcomes in the intent-to-treat analysis than community treatment by experts in most target areas during the 2-year treatment and follow-up period. Subjects receiving DBT were half as likely to make a suicide attempt (hazard ratio, 2.66; P = .005), required less hospitalization for suicide ideation (F 1,92 =7.3; P = .004), and had lower medical risk (F 1,50 =3.2; P = .04) across all suicide attempts and self-injurious acts combined. Subjects receiving DBT were less likely to drop out of treatment (hazard ratio, 3.2; P 1,92 =6.0; P = .007) and psychiatric emergency department visits (F 1,92 =2.9; P = .04). Conclusions Our findings replicate those of previous studies of DBT and suggest that the effectiveness of DBT cannot reasonably be attributed to general factors associated with expert psychotherapy. Dialectical behavior therapy appears to be uniquely effective in reducing suicide attempts.
Prion generation in vitro: amyloid of Ure2p is infectious

[URE3] is a prion (infectious protein) of the Ure2 protein of yeast. In vitro, Ure2p can form amyloid filaments, but direct evidence that these filaments constitute the infectious form is still missing. Here we demonstrate that recombinant Ure2p converted into amyloid can infect yeast cells lacking the prion. Infection produced a variety of [URE3] variants. Extracts of [URE3] strains, as well as amyloid of Ure2p formed in an extract-primed reaction could transmit to uninfected cells the [URE3] variant present in the cells from which the extracts were made. Infectivity and determinant of [URE3] variants resided within the N-terminal 65 amino acids of Ure2p. Notably, we could show that amyloid filaments of recombinant Ure2p are nearly as infectious per mass of Ure2p as extracts of [URE3] strains. Sizing experiments indicated that infectious particles in vitro and in vivo were >20 nm in diameter, suggesting that they were amyloid filaments and not smaller oligomeric structures. Our data indicate that there is no substantial difference between filaments formed in vivo and in vitro.
Probability and Logic

Probability and logic are two branches of mathematics that have important philosophical applications. This article discusses several areas of intersection between them. Several involve the role for probability in giving semantics for logic or the role of logic in governing assignments of probability. Some involve probability over non-classical logic or self-referential sentences.
Laminar symmetry-plane boundary layer on a sharp spinning body at incidence.

Let the true values of the orbital elements be a = 1500 miles, e = 0.1, i = 1.4, Q = - 1.0, co = 0.6, tt = 0 sec. The y-axis is in the direction of the moon's motion with the x-axis completing a right-handed system. The moon is assumed to be in a circular orbit of radius 239,000 miles with an angular speed of 0.000002646659 rad/sec. The observing station is placed at the center of the Earth. \JL = 1175.525 miles3/sec2. These values give $! = -0.95247, s2 = 0.80792, s3 = 237611.9, s3 = 0.00058475. Substituting in the formulas we obtain approximate values for the orbital elements: a = 1500.86, e = 0.1027, co = 0.6448, sin/ = 0.98930 (true value is 0.98545). From the true values we find t = 4.133 when s is first equal to w. Thus tt = 4.133 sec, the true value being 0. Completing and Improving the Solution Having found approximate values for the five elements, we can choose a sign for cosz and guess a value for the sixth element Q. With six elements we can integrate the equations of motion for the lunar satellite with major perturbations included, using rt as the starting time. As the integration proceeds residuals are produced by comparing integrated values with observed values of range and range rate. Using standard statistical theory we form a function of the residuals and the orbital elements which is to be minimized by varying Q while holding the other five elements fixed at the values found by the method previously described. This minimization problem is not difficult since it is one-dimensional. We assume data available from a sufficient number of revolutions of the satellite to determine Q. The procedure described in this paragraph must be repeated with the sign of cos i changed. With approximations for six orbital elements we can compute approximate values of uz, uz, and uz at the times associated with a set of range and range rate measurements taken during a pass of the satellite in front of the moon. The procedure for finding five elements can now be repeated, using the following exact equations. z = suz — wz, z = suz + suz— vvz z = suz + 2sii_ + su. — w7
Characteristics of large group support systems

In this paper, we present an evaluation of large group support systems and literature in three fields: group support systems (GSS), computer supported cooperative work, and online self-organizing social systems. In addition to literature, we investigated over 25 large group systems (18 are presented here). Since GSS research has typically specialized in smaller groups, this research serves to categorize groupware applications and introduce GSS researchers to large groupware concepts and the large groupware landscape.
Spectroscopic differentiation between O-atom vacancy and divacancy defects, respectively, in TiO2 and HfO2 by X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Defect state features have been detected in second derivative O K edge spectra for thin films of nano-crystalline TiO"2 and HfO"2. Based on soft X-ray photoelectron band edge spectra, and the occurrence of occupied band edge 4f states in Gd(Sc,Ti)O"3, complementary spectroscopic features have been confirmed in the pre-edge ( 545eV) regimes of O K edge spectra. Qualitatively similar spectral features have been obtained for thin films of HfO"2 and TiO"2, and these have been assigned to defect states associated with vacancies. The two electrons/removed O-atom are not distributed uniformly over the TM atoms defining the vacancy geometry, but instead are localized in equivalent d-states: a d^2 state for a Ti monovacancy and a d^4 state for a Hf divacancy. This new model for electronic structure provides an unambiguous way to differentiate between monovacancy and divacancy arrangements, as well as immobile (or fixed) and mobile vacancies.
Ultralong-Range Polaron-Induced Quenching of Excitons in Isolated Conjugated Polymers

In conjugated polymers, radiative recombination of excitons (electron-hole pairs) competes with nonradiative thermal relaxation pathways. We visualized exciton quenching induced by hole polarons in single-polymer chains in a device geometry. The distance-scale for quenching was measured by means of a new subdiffraction, single-molecule technique—bias-modulated intensity centroid spectroscopy—which allowed the extraction of a mean centroid shift of 14 nanometers for highly ordered, single-polymer nanodomains. This shift requires energy transfer over distances an order of magnitude greater than previously reported for bulk conjugated polymers and far greater than predicted by the standard mechanism for exciton quenching, the unbiased diffusion of free excitons to quenching sites. Instead, multistep “energy funneling” to trapped, localized polarons is the probable mechanism for polaron-induced exciton quenching.
FBSOA of dielectrically isolated LD MOSFETs and LIGBTs

Dielectrically isolated lateral power devices are used in high voltage ICs for smart power applications. LDMOSFETs are preferred in high frequency applications, while LIGBTs are used in applications requiring low forward voltage drops. It is important that these devices exhibit a good FBSOA for achieving controlled turn-on and turn-off and for short circuit protection. In this paper, the FBSOA of LDMOSFETs and LIGBTs is reported based on extensive two dimensional numerical simulations and measurements performed on fabricated devices. The dependence of the FBSOA of the LDMOSFET on the drift region length and epi-thickness has been studied. In the case of the LIGBT, a comparative study of different structures which improve the FBSOA is presented.
Surface Infiltration Rate of Permeable Pavements

Asphalt surfaces have greatly increased the amount of pollutant-carrying runoff entering surface waters. To counteract this, permeable pavement can be installe…
Further studies of the enzyme composition of mutant cells in X-linked uric aciduria.

Assay procedures have been developed for the determination of hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT) and adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT) activity in erythrocytes and for HGPRT and inosinic acid dehydrogenase activity in fibroblasts. In normal erythrocytes the mean activity for HGPRT using hypoxanthine as substrate was 39.09 mμmols/hr/μl of cells. The mean value for patients with the Lesch-Nyhan syndrome was 0.003 mμmols/hr/μl. Nearly all of the obligate heterozygotes studied had normal levels of HGPRT activity in both erythrocytes and fibroblasts. The normal erythrocyte mean level of APRT activity was 23.56 mμmols/hr/μl. All subjects with complete or partial deficiency of HGPRT and heterozygotes had elevated APRT activity. There were no differences among the inosinic acid dehydrogenase (IMPDH) activities of fibroblasts from subjects who were normal, HGPRT-deficient, or hyperuricemic without HGPRT deficiency.
Trust and Commitment in Service Relationships

ABSTRACT This essay tnkes a constructive look at what seems to be incomplete information in Donald J. Shemwell, Jr. and J. Joseph Cronin, Jr.'s recent article in this journal (Vol. J, No. 2), about trust and commitment in service relationships. Wc believe that the information is critical to appreciating fully Shemwell and Cronin's contribution to the marketing literature.
Vinyl acetate decreases intracellular pH in rat nasal epithelial cells.

Vinyl acetate is a synthetic organic ester that has been shown to produce nasal tumors in rats following exposure to 600 ppm in air. The proposed mechanism of action involves the metabolism of vinyl acetate by carboxylesterases and the production of protons leading to cellular acidification. While vinyl acetate‐induced decreases in intracellular pH (pHi) have been demonstrated in rat hepatocytes, comparable data from nasal epithelial cells do not exist. Using an in vitro assay system, we have determined the effects of vinyl acetate exposure on pHi in respiratory and olfactory nasal epithelial cells from rats. The respiratory and olfactory epithelial cells were isolated from dissected maxillo- and ethmoturbinates by enzyme digestion. The cells were plated; loaded with the pH-sensitive dye, carboxyseminaphthorhodafluor-1 (SNARF1); and observed using confocal microscopy. Individual cellular analysis demonstrated that both respiratory and olfactory epithelial cells responded to vinyl acetate exposures with a dose-dependent decrease in pHi. Changes occurred at 100 M but reached a plateau above 250 M. Maximal decreases in pHi were 0.3 pH unit in respiratory epithelial cells. While pHi values were normally distributed for the respiratory epithelial cells, the olfactory epithelial cells demonstrated a bimodal distribution, indicating at least two populations of cells, with only one population of cells responding to vinyl acetate. Acidification in these cells did not plateau but continued to increase at 1000 M. Bis(p-nitrophenyl)phosphate (BNPP), a carboxylesterase inhibitor, was able to attenuate the vinyl acetate‐induced decrease in pHi. Data obtained from the isolated cells were validated using tissue explants. These results are consistent with the proposed mode of action for vinyl acetate and supply further data for developing appropriate risk assessments for vinyl acetate exposure.
What are we measuring? an examination of self‐reported functional status measures

Functional status questionnaires are being used in various types of studies. To determine factors related to self-reported functional ability for rheumatoid arthritis patients, we examined the relationship between a functional and mental health questionnaire and objective disease-specific measures. Using 3-5 predictor variables, we explained 43-57% of the variance in patients' self-reported functioning. Mental and physical health perceptions were significant predictors for each self-reported functional measure. The relationships among mental health and self-reported functioning should be considered when interpreting studies that use functional status questionnaires.
A high-throughput digital imaging screen for the discovery and directed evolution of oxygenases.

Abstract Background: Oxygenases catalyze the hydroxylation of a wide variety of organic substrates. An ability to alter oxygenase substrate specificities and improve their activities and stabilities using recombinant DNA techniques would expand their use in processes such as chemical synthesis and bioremediation. Discovery and directed evolution of oxygenases require efficient screens that are sensitive to the activities of interest and can be applied to large numbers of crude enzyme samples. Results: Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) couples the phenolic products of hydroxylation of aromatic substrates to generate colored and/or fluorescent compounds that are easily detected spectroscopically in high-throughput screening. Coexpression of the coupling enzyme with a functional mono- or dioxygenase creates a pathway for the conversion of aromatic substrates into fluorescent compounds in vivo . We used this approach for detecting the products of the toluene-dioxygenase-catalyzed hydroxylation of chlorobenzene and to screen large mutant libraries of Pseudomonas putida cytochrome P450 cam by fluorescence digital imaging. Colors generated by the HRP coupling reaction are sensitive to the site of oxygenase-catalyzed hydroxylation, allowing the screen to be used to identify catalysts with new or altered regiospecificities. Conclusions: The coupled oxygenase-peroxidase reaction system is well suited for screening oxygenase libraries to identify mutants with desired features, including higher activity or stability and altered reaction specificity. This approach should also be useful for screening expressed DNA libraries and combinatorial chemical libraries for hydroxylation catalysts and for optimizing oxygenase reaction conditions.
Starting Fire with Gunpowder revisited: Inuktitut New Media content creation in the Canadian Arctic

En 1991 fut produit le documentaire canadien Starting Fire with Gunpowder, dont le sujet etait l’histoire des premieres productions mediatiques de l’Inuit Broadcasting Corporation (IBC). Il examinait comment la creation d’un contenu en inuktitut dans les medias pouvait constituer un moyen efficace d’improvisation creative, de preservation linguistique et culturelle et de transmission des savoirs traditionnels. Presque 20 ans plus tard, Internet represente l’un des principaux moyens de communication pour les jeunes Inuit du Nord canadien. Cependant, reste a savoir si la qualite des medias en inuktitut disponibles electroniquement peut se comparer a l’exemple de la preservation culturelle et linguistique instauree par les visionnaires de l’IBC a ses debuts. Cet article prend le contrepied des approches theoriques voulant que les Inuit soient linguistiquement et culturellement vulnerables. Il considere les contenus en inuktitut des nouveaux medias comme une concretisation du mot airaq (‘racines comestibles’) utilise ici comme un modele de la force, de la resilience et de l’adaptabilite. L’article conclut que la creativite et la prolificite des premieres productions de l’IBC devraient constituer la norme de reference pour une nouvelle generation de createurs de nouveaux medias en inuktitut.
Localized Storm Tracks in the Absence of Local Instability

Abstract An idealized, linear barotropic model on an f plane is used to demonstrate the existence of a zonally localized storm track in the absence of any kind of local instability; with a background flow consisting of two jets separated by a local minimum, two distinctly localized eddy streamfunction variance (and eddy kinetic energy) peaks emerge on either side of the local jet minimum. In contrast, the decrease of the eddy vorticity variance at the jet minimum is essentially negligible. As the stretching deformation field of the background flow strengthens, the transient eddy is deformed irreversibly in the deformation region. The resulting enstrophy cascade toward smaller scale plays an important role in terminating the model's storm tracks, and in this case the second storm track downstream of the local jet minimum is substantially weakened.
A controlled study of the therapeutic portacaval shunt.

A prospective controlled trial of the therapeutic portacaval shunt was conducted with 79 patients randomized for medical, end-side or side-side anastomosis. At 5 years no significant differences in survival were established among the groups, although a trend favoring end-side shunt was discernible. In the medical series, 70% have experienced variceal bleeding and about two-thirds of these have died. Fatality related to liver failure, however, was significantly more common after surgery. No substantial differences between the two surgical shunts were observed with regard to bleeding, encephalopathy, or hepatic function, although the side-side shunt provided better control of ascites. Retrospective analysis on the basis of special clinical features did not identify subgroup(s) of patients for whom surgical treatment would be advantageous. Nevertheless, published data do not exclude the possibility that a therapeutic portacaval shunt may allow longer survival for the patient with a single major variceal hemorrhage.
Implementation of Panorama Virtual Browser and Improvements

As an efficient interactive representation of virtual environment, 2D images show a 3D scene when a 360° panoramic image is presented. Visitors can virtually walk-around in the scene with a panorama browser with hotspot pop-up enabled. An implementation of panorama browser along with the optimization algorithms involved in the generation of panoramic images is introduced in this article. Also the hotspot pop-up technique is introduced. The browser has been successfully used on Sam Houston State University Virtual Hotel Tour system with timely mouse click response and large interactive scene window.
Materials Interaction in Cofired Platinum /Alumina High Density Feedthrough for Implantable Applications

Neurostimulator applications will require much higher I/O feedthrough density for hermetic implantable enclosures, often greater than 100 I/O. This work evaluates the development of high-density platinum via structure cofired in alumina. The platinum was observed to melt when cofired at 1550°C, almost 200°C below its melting point, independent of the particle size (nano to micron size particles) or particle morphology. An analysis of the effect of particle size (nano to micron size Pt), firing atmosphere (air, hydrogen, inert), firing temperatures, intermetallic reactions and additives to control thermal expansion and adhesion strength was performed to evaluate and minimize this exothermic reaction. The interaction of platinum and alumina has been evaluated using X-ray diffraction and SEM.
Changes in nucleic acid concentration with starvation in the blue crab Callinectes sapidus Rathbun

ABSTRACT Changes in nucleic acid concentration as a result of starvation followed by feeding were determined over a 30-day period in juvenile Callinectes sapidus Rathbun. RNA concentration decreased by 31% within three days of starvation. The decrease was continuous over the 30― day starvation period and reached a level 27% of the control crabs by day 30. DNA concentration decreased by 21% between days three and six but remained stable during the rest of the starvation period. Juvenile C. sapidus exhibited a high capacity for recovery from long-term starvation. DNA concentration increased by 35% and 22% when crabs were fed for five days after being deprived of food for 15 and 30 days, respectively, while RNA concentration increased by 129% and 91%. We have found RNA concentration and the ratio of RNA to DNA to be a reliable and sensitive index of nutritional stress in view of the large and rapid changes in nucleic acid concentration, especially during the early stages of starvation.
Host Status of the Apple Maggot (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Colorado

The apple maggot, Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh), is present throughout the major commercial fruit-growing counties (Mesa and Delta) of Colorado. A trapping program was initiated in 1987 to evaluate the host status of the apple maggot in Colorado and to compare the efficacy of the various trap types. No apple maggot adults were trapped in commercial apple orchard locations. Trap catches were low in abandoned apple orchard locations compared with trap catches in adjacent native hawthorn, Crataegus rivularis Nutt. No larvae or pupae were obtained from apple fruit collected from unsprayed abandoned orchards. At this time, it appears that the apple maggot has not successfully expanded its host range to include apples in Colorado. Red spheres baited with butyl hexanoate did not trap more apple maggot adults than Pherocon AM traps in July, but baited spheres trapped more adults than Pherocon AM traps in the months of August and September. Red baited spheres did not trap more adults than red unbaited spheres throughout the entire season.
Proinsulin C-peptide replacement in type 1 diabetic BB/Wor-rats prevents deficits in nerve fiber regeneration.

We recently reported that early gene responses and expression of cytoskeletal proteins are perturbed in regenerating nerve in type 1 insulinopenic diabetes but not in type 2 hyperinsulinemic diabetes. We hypothesized that these differences were due to impaired insulin action in the former type of diabetes. To test this hypothesis, type 1 diabetic BB/Wor-rats were replaced with proinsulin C-peptide, which enhances insulin signaling without lowering blood glucose. Following sciatic nerve crush injury, early gene responses such as insulin-like growth factor, c-fos, and nerve growth factor were examined longitudinally in sciatic nerve. Neurotrophic factors, their receptors, and β-tubulin and neurofilament expression were examined in dorsal root ganglia. C-peptide replacement significantly normalized early gene responses in injured sciatic nerve and partially corrected the expression of endogenous neurotrophic factors and their receptors, as well as neuroskeletal protein in dorsal root ganglia. These effects translated into normalization of axonal radial growth and significantly improved axonal elongation of regenerating fibers in C-peptide-replaced BB/Wor-rats. The findings in C-peptide replaced type 1 diabetic rats were similar to those previously reported in hyperinsulinemic and iso-hyperglycemic type 2 BB/Z-rats. We conclude that impaired insulin action may be more important than hyperglycemia in suppressing nerve fiber regeneration in type 1 diabetic neuropathy.
TOXICITY TO PROTOZOA OF THALIDOMIDE BREAKDOWN PRODUCTS; COUNTERACTION BY NICOTINIC ACID AND GLUTAMINE.

SummaryThe toxicity of thalidomide and some of its breakdown products were tested on protozoa, mainly the flagellate Ochromonas danica. Toxicity attributed to the phthalimide ring or phthalic acid was reversed by nicotinic acid. Glutamine contributed to this reversal, especially with compounds having a phthalimide group or a partly hydrogenated phthalic acid; glutamine was especially effective with Doriden which has a glutarimide group, but lacks a phthalimide group. These results with protozoa are in accord with the reported teratogenicity of nicotinamide antagonists.