cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the proportionality assumption in the competing risk analysis

Abstract Chiang (1961, 1968) was the first to give a systematic account on the probability of death from specific causes in the presence of competing risks under what is called “proportionality assumption” i.e. µi (t)|µ(t) is independent of t for each i. He studied the relationship between the partial crude and the corresponding crude probabilities and developed their estimates. The theory of competing risks has also been applied to the statistical studies of life testing and medical follow-up. The proportionality assumption was later attacked by Kimball (1969) and defended by Chiang (1970). This paper examines the various statements made by Kimball and Chiang based on the proportionality assumption. These statements are modfied and mathematical proofs under more general assumptions are supplied. Also the relation between the variations in the crude probabilities and the variations in the intensity functions is analyzed.
Quantitative evaluation of left ventricular function using computed tomography

Computed tomography(CT) provides a noninvasive technique with high resolution cross‐sectional tomographic images which allow volume measurements of an object, independent of its geometric configuration. A phantom of known volume with controllable periodic motion was used to validate the CT method of volume determination. A good correlation (P<0.05) was achieved. Missing angle reconstruction algorithms for gating were applied to estimate left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction in an experimental animal, and the results compared with a standard angiographic method. Left ventricular volumes correlated poorly, whereas the ejection fraction obtained correlated well (r=0.9). The discrepancies may be attributed in part to the CT method in which difficulties were recognized in defining the left ventricular borders at the base of the heart and partial volume effect, and in part to inaccuracies in the standard angiographic method. Once validated, this method has been applied to the animal model in the form of a pilot study.
Ion-ion collision dynamics in two-dimensional Cartesian space

Ion-ion collision dynamics are studied by direct solution of the time-dependent Schroedinger and Dirac equations on a two-dimensional Cartesian lattice. The time-dependent Dirac equation is solved in both its two- and four-component forms using difference offsetting on the lattice to mitigate the fermion doubling pathology. For Pd{sup 46+} on Pd{sup 45+}, which energetically corresponds to U{sup 92+} on U{sup 91+} in a three-dimensional space, total inelastic probabilities are calculated at a fixed ion velocity and several impact parameters. In this intermediate energy range, the total inelastic probabilities from the Schroedinger and two- and four-component Dirac equations are in reasonable agreement, although the detailed collision dynamics reveal interesting differences. (c) 2000 The American Physical Society.
ASYMMETRIC SYNTHESIS OF PROLINE USING COBALT(III)-TETRAAMINE COMPLEXES

Abstract The decarboxylation reaction of δ -cis-β-[Co(L1)(pdH)]2+ complex yielded δ -cis-β-[Co(L1) (R-pro)]2+, while the δ -cis-β-[Co(L2) (S-pro)]2+ was obtained from the reaction of δ -cis-β-[Co(L2) (pdH)]2+, where L1 is (3R)3-methyl-1, 6-bis[(2S)-pyrrolidin-2-yl]-2, 5-diazahexane, L2 is (3S) 3-methyl-1, 6-bis-[(2S)-pyrrolidin-2-yl]-2, 5-diazahexane, and pdH is the pyrrolidine-2, 2-dicarboxylate ion. The asymmetrically synthesized prolines were isolated via the decomposition of the decarboxylated complexes. The proline isolated from δ -cis-β-[Co(L1) (R-pro)]2+ showed a specific rotation of +12.0, representing a 24% excess of R-proline over S-proline, while the proline isolated from δ -cis-β-[Co(L2) (S-pro)]2+ showed a specific rotation of -10.0, indicating a 20% excess of S-proline over R-proline.
Discontinuous DNA replication: accumulation of Simian virus 40 DNA at specific stages in its replication.

Agarose gel electrophoresis has been used to display simian virus 40 (SV40) replicating DNA molecules as a linear function of the extent of replication from molecules that had replicated 15% of the genome to molecules that had replicated 95%. This method allowed quantitation of the relative number of DNA molecules throughout replication. SV40 replicating DNA containing uniformly labeled nascent DNA chains was isolated from intact CV-1 cells at the peak of viral DNA synthesis. The DNA pool contained 2·0 ± 0·5 times more molecules 60% to 90% replicated than 20% to 50% replicated. This asymmetrical distribution did not occur continuously throughout DNA replication, but began with molecules 60% to 70% replicated. The late-replicating molecules were found predominantly in a major peak at 89% replication and two smaller peaks at 81% and 79% replication. These results were confirmed by experiments in which viral replicating DNA, briefly labeled with [α-32P]dCTP in isolated nuclei, were allowed to continue replication in an excess of unlabeled dCTP. The initial distribution of SV40 replicating DNA was similar to that observed in intact cells. Upon continued incubation, about 40% to 60% of the molecules matured into circular forms of viral DNA by the time DNA synthesis had ceased. Of the replicating DNA molecules that remained, fewer than 10% had not progressed to 50% replication, while more than 70% of the molecules were at least 80% replicated. The latter molecules had accumulated in two prominent peaks at 89% and 80% replication, a third peak was sometimes seen at 77% replication. DNA was located both by directly measuring the radioactivity in gel slices and by autoradiography. These data demonstrate discontinuities in the rate that DNA replication forks advance as they approach each other to terminate replication. Consequently, SV40 replicating DNA molecules accumulate in at least two or more discrete stages during the replication process.
Solid-Phase Synthetic Strategy and Bioevaluation of a Labeled δ-Opioid Receptor Ligand Dmt-Tic-Lys for In Vivo Imaging

A general solid-phase synthetic strategy is developed to prepare fluorescent and/or lanthanide-labeled derivatives of the δ-opioid receptor (δOR) ligand H-Dmt-Tic-Lys(R)-OH. The high δ-OR affinity (Ki = 3 nM) and desirable in vivo characteristics of the Cy5 derivative 1 suggest its usefulness for structure−function studies and receptor localization and as a high-contrast noninvasive molecular marker for live imaging ex vivo or in vivo.
Experiments on Patterns and Noise in Hydrodynamic Systems

There is a close relationship between the spatial structure of hydrodynamic flows and the onset of chaos in these systems. In this lecture, I describe this relationship in the context of three experiments (1). Competing patterns or modes of oscillation of the free surface of a fluid layer give rise to chaotic time evolution that can be explained by a relatively simple model (2). Competing spatial periodicities in the electrohydrodynamics of a layer of nematic liquid crystal give rise to commensurate, incommensurate, and apparently spatially chaotic phases (3). New experiments on the evolution of Rayleigh-Benard convection patterns provide a test of models in which a functional of a two-dimensional order parameter field evolves toward a minimum. Since this work has been or will be reported in detail elsewhere, we give only a brief summary here with references to the original work.
Distinguishing between yield advances and yield plateaus in historical crop production trends

Food security and the conservation of natural ecosystems largely rely on the increase in crop yields. Here, the authors examine global crop yield trends since 1960, and establish a robust statistical framework for estimating historical trajectories and identifying yield plateaus.
A modern perspective on the Conrad Discontinuity

V. Conrad in 1925 postulated that seismic energy propagated in a lower crustal layer with a velocity intermediate between that of the upper crust and mantel. That suggestion led to the idea of a universal or at least pervasive midcrustal velocity discontinuity, a concept that soon became widely, albeit not universally, accepted. As early studies of earthquake records were supplanted by data from controlled-source refraction surveys, references to the “Conrad discontinuity” in the continental crust became common in theliterature. As more and increasingly detailed data have been collected, the nature and even the existence of this feature has been called into question. However, some results of deep seismic reflection profiling seem to indicate a distinction between upper and lower crust, which suggests that a midcrustal boundary may indeed exist in some areas. In light of these developments and the continuing debate over the nature of the continental crust, it is appropriate at this time to examine the historical development of the concept of the Conrad discontinuity and the objections and responses and how recent data affect perspectives on the Conrad discontinuity.
Elimination of Self-coloured Birds

STATISTICAL data on the real value of colour markings in the survival of animals in the field are so uncommon that the publication of the following fragment may be excused.
Determination of zero shear viscosity of warm asphalt binders

Abstract With the increasing awareness of the warm asphalt technology, it is imperative to study the properties of the binders containing the warm asphalt additives thoroughly, especially since not much research has been conducted on warm asphalt binder properties to date. Also, in the recent years, researchers have observed that the SHRP rutting parameter G ∗ /sin δ is not very effective in predicting the rutting performance of binders, especially in case of modified binders. Zero shear viscosity (ZSV) has been evaluated to determine its effectiveness in predicting the rutting behavior of asphalt binders. Thus, in this paper, the ZSV of five asphalt binders with and without the warm asphalt additives, Asphamin ® and Sasobit ® , were calculated using the different models and test methods available in literature. From the test results, it was observed that the addition of the warm asphalt additives increased the ZSV of all the five binders used in this study. It was also observed that the different test methods gave different ZSV values, and that the selection of the test methods and the testing parameters are crucial parameters.
The heterogeneous character of the dilute acid hydrolysis of crystalline cellulose

The end-attack model proposed by Sharples ( Trans. Faraday Soc ., 53 , 1003 (1957)) for the dilute acid hydrolysis of crystalline cellulose was tested using the results from the size-exclusion chromatographic analysis of samples of crystalline cellulose I and cellulose II hydrolyzed in 6. 1 N HCl at 107°C. The differential number distribution of the molecular weight of hydrolyzed cellulose was found to be approximately exponential, a result which is consistent with the end-attack model. Differences in the rates of hydrolysis of cellulosic materials appear to arise from differences in both the degree of polymerization and the microstructure of hydrolyzed cellulose. Evidence is also presented which suggests that the recrystallization upon hydrolysis results in part from the lateral accretion of chains which are cleaved during the hydrolysis of amorphous regions in the cellulose microfibrils.
USE OF THE MENTAL FUNCTION INDEX IN OLDER ADULTS RELIABILITY, VALIDITY, AND MEASUREMENT OF CHANGE OVER TIME

The Mental Function Index is a weighted combination of scores on three brief tests. The Index was developed to aid in the discrimination of elderly persons with early cases of senile dementia from nondemented elderly individuals. In a previous report (Am J Epidemiol 1981;114:515-27), the authors described preliminary results with the Index in 195 elderly persons in a southern California retirement community. The present study seeks to assess whether similar results can be achieved in samples other than that from which the discriminant function defining the Index was derived. Seven separate studies were done on a total of 210 persons, comprising subjects recruited from a teaching hospital which serves a predominantly lower to lower-middle class population, referrals from the same physicians as in the earlier study, and (for the reliability sample) persons from the upper-middle class community which was the major referral source. It was found that scores on the brief measures correlate 0.86 with those on the three Halstead-Reitan subtests most sensitive to brain damage and to aging. The Index provides a graded measure of disease severity comparable to global neurologic assessment (r = -0.84) and level of social function (r = 0.76). Entry Index is a crude predictor of cognitive status in older adults after several years. Changes in the Index over time parallel those in independent measures of change. The results suggest that the Index will be useful for assessment of disease severity and of longitudinal change, as well as for diagnostic screening, in population studies of senile dementia.
Factors affecting the emulsifying and rheological properties of gum acacia in beverage emulsions

Abstract Gum acacia, a natural hydrocolloid, is extensively used as an emulsifier/stabilizer in beverage emulsions. Factors that may affect emulsion formation, emulsion stability and viscosity of the emulsion concentrate were studied to assess their significance, including proximal composition of the gum (protein content and mineral content), gum processing prior to emulsion preparation (pasteurization and demineralization), and pH of the dilute emulsion. Protein content was not related to emulsion stability, whereas minerals decreased stability presumably due to an electrostatic screening effect. Both pasteurization and demineralization favored stability, most likely by promoting protein unfolding and eliminating the screening effect, respectively. Emulsions were less stable at pH=2.5 than at higher pH levels (4.5 and 5.5). There was a significant difference between the two gum species studied (Senegal and Seyal) in their sensitivity to these treatments. The viscosity of the emulsion concentrate was decreased by pasteurization and increased by demineralization. Protein load at the O/W interface and thickness of the adsorbed layer of emulsifier were not related to emulsion stability. The most important colloidal interactions in dilute beverage emulsions are van der Waals, electrostatic and polymeric steric.
Overview of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy with an emphasis on vitamins and ginger

Patients suffering from nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) frequently do not receive therapy, in part because of fears of adverse effects of medications on the fetus. Several vitamin-based and herbal therapies have been shown to be effective and safe. Two randomized trials of vitamin B(6) have shown a benefit in reducing NVP. Women taking periconceptional multivitamins are less likely to have severe NVP. The combination of vitamin B(6) and doxylamine (previously marketed in the United States as Bendectin) has been shown to be safe for the fetus and effective in reducing NVP. Ginger was shown, in 2 studies, to reduce NVP. Vitamin B(1) (thiamine) deficiency can lead to Wernicke's encephalopathy in women with severe NVP. Replacement is needed for all women with vomiting of more than 3 weeks' duration. Prophylaxis with multivitamins and therapy with B(6), with or without doxylamine, are safe and effective therapies for NVP.
The Problem of Pluralism

Scholars around the country are engaged in studying the new religious pluralism. However, this scholarship to date has been conducted without much theoretical guidance. While there is general acknowledgment that the old assimilation model is inadequate for understanding the dynamics of contemporary religious pluralism, alternative models have not been forthcoming. This essay is an attempt to move the study of religious pluralism forward by charting out the theoretical dimensions of the research problem. Then, using secularization theory and the idea of an American civil religion as theoretical guides, two models for understanding contemporary pluralism are discussed
Marked neurotrophic effects of diffusible substances released from non-target cerebellar cells on thalamic neurons in culture.

Abstract A primary culture of thalamic cells from 6-day-old postnatal rats was co-cultured for 6 days with neocortical or cerebellar cells (neurons and astrocytes_ from the same litter using a Transwell mesh system. The survival of thalamic neurons grown on the lower well, which were affected by substances released from cells grown on the upper wells, was remarkably promoted by both neocortical co-cultures (target for thalamic projection neurons) and cerebellar co-cultures (non-target). When the cells were seeded on mesh at lower density, the neurotrophic effects of neocortical co-cultures on thalamic neurons (204% of control) were significantly greater than those of cerebellar co-cultures (138%). When the cells were seeded on mesh at higher density, the effects of cerebellar co-cultures increased dramatically (517% of control), while the neurotrophic effects of neocortical co-cultures did not change. Morphologically, the survival of multipolar-shaped thalamic neurons was remarkably improved, as compared to the survival of monopolar, bipolar, and tripolar-shaped thalamic neurons. Basic fibroblast growth factor slightly promoted thalamic neuronal survival (136%), whereas nerve growth factor had no effect. These results suggest that neocortical and cerebellar cells release diffusible factor(s) that promote the survival of specific subpopulation of thalamic neurons, and that at least one of the non-target cerebellar cell-derived factor(s) might be more potent than those released from target neocortical cells.
Entry exclusion of the IncN plasmid pKM101 is mediated by a single hydrophilic protein containing a lipid attachment motif.

Abstract The eex gene(s) of pKM101, which mediates that plasmid's entry exclusion phenotype, is located within a cluster of tra genes that are thought to encode a mating bridge. We have determined the DNA sequence of the region containing eex, including the points of insertion of two flanking tra:: Tn5 insertions. Sequence analysis of this interval strongly suggests that it contains only one gene. This gene is transcribed in a clockwise direction on the circular map of pKM101 and appears to be translationally coupled to neighboring tra genes. A Tn5 insertion that causes a null eex mutation disrupts this ORF. Computer analysis of the predicted eex protein suggests that it may be exported and covalently modified by the addition of lipid moeitics. eex was amplified by polymerase chain reaction, subcloned, and fused to the Escherichia coli lac promoter. The resulting plasmid was sufficient to mediate entry exclusion. The degree of exclusion was greatly enhanced by overexpression of this gene.
Isolation and characterization of spleen acid deoxyribonuclease.

IN recent years several methods have been described for the partial purification of spleen acid deoxyribonuclease (DNase)1–4 (see also ref. 5 for a critical review). The isolation of the enzyme in a pure form was considered to be of interest, particularly in view of the results obtained in an examination of the kinetics of the enzymatic degradation of deoxyribonucleic acid6. The preparation procedure as well as a preliminary physical and chemical characterization of the enzyme are reported in the present communication.
Fatal occupational injuries associated with forklifts, United States, 1980–1994

Background This paper describes deaths of American workers involving forklifts during the 15-year period from January 1, 1980 to December 31, 1994. Methods Death certificate data were obtained from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH’s) National Traumatic Occupational Fatality (NTOF) surveillance system. The narrative fields on the death certificate were searched for keywords indicating that a powered industrial vehicle (PIV) or forklift was involved in the death. This study examined the circumstances of the forklift-related deaths, the nature of the injury, and the decedent’s age, gender, race, occupation, and industry. Average annual employment data from the Bureau of the Census were used to calculate civilian fatality rates by age, gender, industry, and occupation. Results A total of 1,021 deaths were identified. The average age of the fatally injured worker was 38 years; the 1,021 forklift-related deaths resulted in a total of 27,505 years of productive life lost. The three most common circumstances of the fatalities were forklift overturns (22%), pedestrian struck by forklifts (20%), and worker crushed by forklift (16%). The greatest proportion of the fatalities (37%) occurred to workers in Manufacturing, followed by Transportation, Communication, and Public Utilities, (TCPU), (17%), Construction (16%), Wholesale Trade (8%), and Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing (AFF) (7%). The highest forklift-related fatality rates per ten million workers occurred among transport operatives (34.0) and laborers (32.0). Conclusions Many of the fatalities resulting from forklift ‘‘overturns’’ might have been prevented if the operator had been restrained with a lap/shoulder belt. Careful consideration should be given to separating pedestrian and forklift traffic, and restricting the use of forklifts near time clocks, exits, and other areas where large numbers of pedestrians pass through an area in a short time. Additionally, systematic traffic control, including rules for pedestrian and forklift traffic, will be necessary to reduce the enormous injury and death toll associated with forklifts. Am. J. Ind. Med. 36:504‐512, 1999. fl 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc. y
Psychophysiological assessment during exposure in driving phobic patients

A comprehensive assessment of fear or anxiety requires measurement of both self-report and physiological responses. Respiratory abnormalities have been rarely examined during real-life exposure, although they are an integral part of fear. Twenty-one women with a specific driving phobia and 17 nonphobic women were psychophysiologically monitored during 2 highway-driving sessions; phobic women completed an additional session. Respiratory movements, end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide, an electrocardiogram, skin conductance, and skin temperature were recorded. Phobic patients differed from control participants both physiologically and experientially before, during, and after exposure. Effect size during exposure was large for the authors' measure of hyperventilation. Discriminant analysis indicated that multiple physiological measures contributed nonredundant information and correctly classified 95% of phobic and control participants. Thus, selected respiratory and autonomic measures are valid diagnostic and therapeutic outcome criteria for this situational phobia.
Maternal phylogenetic relationships and genetic variation among Arabian horse populations using whole mitochondrial DNA D-loop sequencing

Maternal inheritance is an essential point in Arabian horse population genetics and strains classification. The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequencing is a highly informative tool to investigate maternal lineages. We sequenced the whole mtDNA D-loop of 251 Arabian horses to study the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of Arabian populations and to examine the traditional strain classification system that depends on maternal family lines using native Arabian horses from the Middle East. The variability in the upstream region of the D-loop revealed additional differences among the haplotypes that had identical sequences in the hypervariable region 1 (HVR1). While the American-Arabians showed relatively low diversity, the Syrian population was the most variable and contained a very rare and old haplogroup. The Middle Eastern horses had major genetic contributions to the Western horses and there was no clear pattern of differentiation among all tested populations. Our results also showed that several individuals from different strains shared a single haplotype, and individuals from a single strain were represented in clearly separated haplogroups. The whole mtDNA D-loop sequence was more powerful for analysis of the maternal genetic diversity in the Arabian horses than using just the HVR1. Native populations from the Middle East, such as Syrians, could be suggested as a hot spot of genetic diversity and may help in understanding the evolution history of the Arabian horse breed. Most importantly, there was no evidence that the Arabian horse breed has clear subdivisions depending on the traditional maternal based strain classification system.
Effective Hamiltonian for the pyrochlore antiferromagnet: Semiclassical derivation and degeneracy

In the classical pyrochlore lattice Heisenberg antiferromagnet, there is a macroscopic continuous ground-state degeneracy. We study the semiclassical limit of large spin length $S$, keeping only the lowest-order (in $1∕S$) correction to the classical Hamiltonian. We perform a detailed analysis of the spin-wave modes, and using a real-space loop expansion, we produce an effective Hamiltonian, in which the degrees of freedom are Ising variables representing fluxes through loops in the lattice. We find a family of degenerate collinear ground states, related by gaugelike ${Z}_{2}$ transformations, and provide bounds for the order of the degeneracy. We further show that the theory can readily be applied to determine the ground states of the Heisenberg Hamiltonian on related lattices and to field-induced collinear magnetization plateau states.
A Unified Route to the Welwitindolinone Alkaloids: Total Syntheses of (−)-N-Methylwelwitindolinone C Isothiocyanate, (−)-N-Methylwelwitindolinone C Isonitrile, and (−)-3-Hydroxy-N-methylwelwitindolinone C Isothiocyanate

As part of a comprehensive strategy to the welwitindolinone alkaloids possessing a bicyclo[4.3.1]decane core, we report herein concise asymmetric total syntheses of (−)-N-methylwelwitindolinone C isothiocyanate (2a), (−)-N-methylwelwitindolinone C isonitrile (2b), and (−)-3-hydroxy-N-methylwelwitindolinone C isothiocyanate (3a) from a common tetracyclic intermediate. The crucial vinyl chloride moiety was installed through electrophilic chlorination of a hydrazone, but only after adjustment of reactivity to circumvent a facile skeletal rearrangement. Selective desulfurization and oxidation of 2a provided access to 2b and 3a, respectively. Notably, this work provides corrected 1H and 13C NMR spectral data for 3a.
Free radical-induced alterations of myocardial membrane proteins.

Abstract Rat myocardial membranes exposed to the free radical-generating systems, Fe2+/ascorbate, Cu2+/t-butylhydroperoxide, linoleic acid hydroperoxide, and soybean lipoxygenase (Type I) undergo lipid peroxidation. This is evidenced by the accumulation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and the loss of both extractable phospholipids and their polyunsaturated acyl groups. Lipid peroxidation is accompanied by alterations of membrane proteins including the general loss of polypeptides and accumulation of high-molecular weight material. The most sensitive protein is a polypeptide with a molecular weight of 28 kDa. At low levels of oxidation, this protein moves incrementally to slightly higher apparent molecular weight. At higher oxidant levels or longer periods of oxidation, the protein disappears completely from the SDS-PAGE gel. The “28K reaction” occurs prior to the massive, oxidant-induced lipid alterations and may thus indicate specific adduct formation between this protein and certain peroxidized membrane phospholipids.
Radloassay of dihydroorotase utilizing ion-exchange chromatography

Abstract Carbamyl- l -aspartate and l -dihydroorotate have been clearly separated from each other by ion-exchange chromatography on polyethyleneimine-cellulose thin layers. Highly purified lithium [ 14 C]carbamyl- l -aspartate has been synthesized as a substrate for dihydroorotase (EC 3.5,2.3) from mouse Ehrlich ascites carcinoma. Utilizing the chromatographic procedures developed, an assay procedure for dihydroorotase is described which enables one to measure rapidly and sensitively the amounts of both carbamyl- l -aspartate and l -dihydroorotate. This permits determination of equilibrium constants and reaction velocities in either the biosynthetic or degradative directions.
MEASUREMENT ISSUES IN USING PAPER AND PENCIL INSTRUMENTS: CONTRASTING THE VIEWS OF ACADEMIC RESEARCHERS, TEACHERS, AND OD CONSULTANTS

This paper examines the validity standards applied to paper and pencil questionnaires by four social science roles: academic researchers, expert consultants, teachers, and organization development (OD) process consultants. These roles, influenced by their key stakeholders (e.g., clients, reviewers, students), employ different validity standards and socialize firm beliefs about these standards. The resulting divergence of attitudes toward measurement inhibits learning from other roles and slows social science advancement. This paper examines the assumption that each role must apply the same validity standards.
Optimization of 2 Mil Al Wire Wedge Bond of D-PAK

Wire bonding is the most critical process in package assembly manufacturing. Among the wire bond-related failure mechanisms wedge bond heel crack is quite common and critical in the semiconductor industry. This paper focuses on enhancing the robustness of Al wire wedge bond heel in D-PAK under the reliability test of temperature cycling. The Al wire wedge bond shape can be approximately described by the wedge bond cross section, bond length and wire loop profile. To understand the impact of these 3 parameters, an orthogonal test is designed with three factors and two levels. The wedge bond cross section is screened out as the most important factor from the simulation results by the nonlinear FE code ANSYSreg. Then, detailed DOE simulations on the wedge bond cross section are conducted to obtain the optimal one. According to this guidance, practical tests based on the shape of bond cross section under temperature cycling are carried out experimentally. Packages with two different bond cross sections of Al wire are tested in the reliability lab under temperature cycling. It is found that packages with the recommended Al wire bond cross section are more robust, which confirms the simulation results
RAD001 (Everolimus) Inhibits Growth of Prostate Cancer in the Bone and the Inhibitory Effects Are Increased by Combination With Docetaxel and Zoledronic Acid

Introduction mTOR activity is increased in advanced prostate cancer (CaP) as a result of a high rate of PTEN mutations. RAD001 (Everolimus) is a new orally available mTOR inhibitor. The objective of our study was to evaluate the effects of RAD001 on the growth of CaP in the bone, both alone and in combination with docetaxel and zoledronic acid. Methods C4-2 CaP cells were injected into tibiae of mice and the animals were treated with RAD001, docetaxel, and zoledronic acid alone or in combination. Histomorphometrical analysis, serum PSA measurements, bone mineral density (BMD), and µCT were used to determine the effects of treatment on tumor and bone. Results All three agents alone decreased tumor volume, and RAD001 and docetaxel also decreased levels of serum PSA by 68% and 65%, respectively (both P < 0.01). Combinations of the agents were more effective in decreasing tumor volume than single agents. Three-drug treatment showed the greatest effect: 64% inhibition versus control (P < 0.01). Treatment with RAD001 interfered with the weight loss associated with growth of this tumor in the bone (non-RAD001 groups: 4.0% decrease in body weight, P = 0.0014; RAD001 groups: increase of 3.6% in body weight, P = 0.0037). Conclusions RAD001 inhibited growth of C4-2 cells in bone, an effect augmented by addition of docetaxel and zoledronic acid. Moreover RAD001 had a significant impact on maintenance of body weight. RAD001 may hold promise for its effects on both metastatic CaP and the important syndrome of tumor cachexia. Prostate 68:861–871, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Learners’ strategies with a grammar application: the influence of language ability and personality preferences

This case study investigated the ways pre-major and pre-minor students of Spanish interacted with a grammar application from four perspectives. Firstly, using the computer’s tracking ability to collect learners’ behaviors, the study set out to uncover the different ways learners approached the application. Secondly, the study assessed the influence of two learner variables on learning behaviors: language abilities determined by a placement test and personality preferences measured by Jung-Myers-Briggs-Typology based approach. Thirdly, the study assessed whether the frequency of various behaviors resulted in different knowledge increases. Finally, the study categorized the uncovered behaviors into the learning strategies covered in the Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL) (Oxford 1990). The study concludes with implications for software improvement, as well as with indications of likely directions for future research.
Can a woman refuse sex if her husband has a sexually transmitted infection? Attitudes toward safer-sex negotiation among married women in Bangladesh.

In developing countries, HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy take an enormous toll on women's reproductive health, yet preventive programmes are lacking as married women's risks are frequently underestimated. We examined predictors of married Bangladeshi women's attitudes towards safer-sex negotiation using data on 15,178 currently married women aged 15–49 from the 2011 Bangladesh Demographic Health Survey. Approximately 92% of women believed that a wife's refusal to have sex with her husband is justified if he has an STI. Multilevel logistic regression analysis revealed that the likelihood of a woman holding this belief increased with her autonomy, as measured by the ability to go to a health centre/hospital without another adult, participation in household decision making and rejection of wife beating (p < 0.001). Other significant predictors were knowledge/awareness of STIs (p < 0.05), living in Dhaka division (p < 0.001) and younger age (p < 0.01). Our findings suggest...
The psychological experience of child and adolescent sex trafficking in the United States: Trauma and resilience in survivors.

To date, little empirical data exists examining the psychological experience of survivors of child sex trafficking in the form of prostitution, nor does current scientific data suggest how American women and children are recruited into the sex trade and sold for sex within the United States. This qualitative research study analyzed the narratives of interviews with 6 survivors of child and adolescent sex trafficking to assess factors that influenced their ability to survive, leave the sex trade, and reintegrate back into the community. Data were analyzed with an ecological systems model and a number of patterns emerged within participants' microsystems, mesosystems, and macrosystems. In the survivor microsystem, participants' insecure attachments led to their vulnerability to recruitment; within the mesosystem unsafe relationships contributed to increased emotional insecurities; in the macrosystem, participants were raised in environments that desensitized them to prostitution. In regard to escape and resilience, in the survivor microsystem participants left the sex trade because of pregnancy or mental health symptoms; in this mesosystem, participants needed safe relationships and increased self-worth; at the level of the macrosystem, once participants left the industry they began processing their traumatic experiences through the mental health system. These data provide unprecedented insights into the psychological effects that the sex trade has on the individuals involved, shedding light on an unexplored issue that has a profound, yet furtive presence in the United States. Keywords: Human trafficking Language: en
Deletion 9p22‐pter and loss of Y as primary chromosome abnormalities in a squamous cell carcinoma of the vocal cord

Loss of distal 9p is a common genetic alteration in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. A vocal cord lesion incorporating a carcinoma-in-situ and a focus of invasive carcinoma revealed loss of the Y chromosome and a 9p22 rearrangement with loss of 9p22-pter. Loss of 9p22-pter appears to be a primary autosomal abnormality in this squamous cell carcinoma.
Magnetic resonance and bioluminescence imaging of macrophage homing to experimental abdominal aortic aneurysms

Macrophage infiltration is a prominent feature of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) progression. We used a multimodality imaging approach - magnetic resonance (MRI) and bioluminescence (BLI) - to study macrophage homing and accumulation in experimental AAA disease.
1621 APICAL MEMBRANE LIPID FLUIDITY (LF) INFLUENCES PHOSPHATE (Pi) TRANSPORT IN FETAL KIDNEY

Plasma Pi in early life is high and renal Pi excretion low relative to that in adults. Renal tubular Pi transport kinetics and membrane LF was investigated in apical membrane vesicles (BBMV) in 6 fetal (F) lambs and pregnant ewes (E). Results: KmPi was similar in BBMV in the F and E but Vmax Pi was greater in F. Alkaline phosphatase enrichment, lipid saturation index and [cholesterol/phospholipid], [sphingomyelin/phosphatidylcholine] ratios were not different, however, protein/lipid ratios was higher in E. The results demonstrate greater renal tubular Pi transport capacity in F compared to E and increased VmaxPi in F is due, in part, to greater membrane LF. Relative increased VmaxPi in F may be due to difference in carrier function rather than to an increase in carrier concentration. This may involve more rapid cycling of Pi carrier from lumen to cytoplasmic surfaces in F.
Toddlers' use of metric information and landmarks to reorient.

Mobile organisms can keep track of spatial location (both their own location and that of objects in the environment) using either an external referent system or one centered on the self and updated by information about movement through space. When the latter system is disabled (e.g., by rapid turning), aspects of the external world must be used to reestablish orientation. Recently, it has been claimed that, both for rats and for human toddlers, reorientation is achieved using a geometric module that accepts only information about the metric properties of the environment (C. R. Gallistel, 1990; L. Hermer & E. S. Spelke, 1994, 1996). In a series of experiments, this paper confirms that geometric information is used for reorientation by young children, but gives reason to doubt that the use of this information is achieved using a module impenetrable to nongeometric information.
Supramolecular Chemistry of Chiral Rhenium Lewis Acids of the Formula [(η5-C5R5)Re(NO)(CO)(PPh3)]+: Synthesis and Crystal Structure of a 2:1 Adduct of an Ammonia Complex and 18-Crown-6

When ether is added by vapor diffusion to a CH3CN solution of racemic [(η5-C5H5)Re(NO)(PPh3)(NH3)]+PF6- (1+PF6-) and 18-crown-6 (1:2 mol ratio), a 2:1 adduct of composition {(1+)(18-crown-6)(1+)}2PF6-·OEt2 crystallizes (94%). A crystal structure shows opposite enantiomers of the cations about a crown-based inversion center, each with three N···H···O hydrogen bonds to complementary sets of ether oxygensa meso assembly. NMR data also establish binding in solution.
Limits of Delocalization in Through-Conjugated Dinitrenes: Aromatization or Bond Formation?

Dinitrenes 4 and 5 both can form quinonoidal structures by conjugative bond formation. However, ESR spectroscopy detects a thermally populated, excited-state, triplet quinonoidal structure only for 4, with a zero-field splitting of |D/hc| = 0.0822 cm-1, |E/hc| ≅ 0.0 cm-1. The tendency to maintain aromaticity in the additional ring of 5 favors a dinitrene structure (with one less formal π-bond) over a quinonoidal structure. The thermally populated quintet state of 5 has a zero-field splitting of |D/hc| = 0.287 cm-1, |E/hc| ≤ 0.002 cm-1.
A Positive Charge Preservation at Position 116 of αA-Crystallin Is Critical for Its Structural and Functional Integrity†

An autosomal dominant congenital cataract associated with a missense mutation, Arg-116 to Cys (R116C), in the coding sequence of human αA-crystallin has been reported. Subsequent study of this mutant, generated by site-directed mutagenesis, showed significant changes in secondary and tertiary structures, partial loss of chaperone activity, and substantially increased oligomeric size. The study presented here aims to show whether these changes are due to the loss of a positive charge at this position or due to the presence of an extra Cys. To show this, Arg-116 in αA-crystallin was mutated to Lys (R116K), Cys (R116C), Gly (R116G), and Asp (R116D) and expressed in Escherichia coli cells. The wild-type (αA-wt) and mutant proteins were purified by size exclusion chromatography and characterized by measurements of circular dichroism, intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence, and TNS fluorescence and by determination of molecular masses and chaperone function which was assessed as the ability to suppress target protei...
Highly Sensitive and Simple Method for Determination of Free 3-Methoxy-4-Hydroxyphenylglycol in Plasma by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Using a Sep-Pak Alumina B Cartridge

Abstract A novel sample clean-up procedure for the determination of free 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) in plasma in described. MHPG was purified with Sep-Pak alumina B cartridge followed by ethyl acetate extraction from the cartridge. High-performance liquid chromatography with amperometric detection was used for separation and detection of MHPG and the internal standard 3-ethoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (EHPG). This method provided good, clean chromatograms with base-line separation of the appropriate peaks. This technique is sensitive, reliable and less time-consuming than other methods. Thus, only 0.5 ml of plasma is needed and the within-analysis and between-analysis coefficients of variation were 5.2% and 13% respectively. The plasma MHPG values in normal control were in good agreement with those using more complex methods.
International Policing and State Sovereignty: A New Methodological Approach

Fighting Terrorism and Drugs: Europe and International Police Cooperation. By Jorg Friedrichs. London: Routledge, 2008. 280 pp., $140.00 cloth (ISBN-13: 978-0-4154-0892-9). In Fighting Terrorism and Drugs: Europe and International Police Cooperation , author Jorg Friedrichs poses a novel question: Under what conditions and circumstances will a state cede its monopoly on coercive power, and specifically the power to police the actions of individuals and groups within the state, to an international regime? That is, when and under what conditions will a state compromise its own sovereignty to address these threats cooperatively with other state actors? In the current international environment where states are beset by a variety of criminal threats including terrorism, this is far from a theoretical question. The project which Jorg Friedrichs tackles is ambitious and exhaustive in scope. His research project on “The Internationalization of the Monopoly on the Legitimate Use of Force” was carried out at International University in Bremen, Germany between 2003 and 2006 and involved teams of researchers coding data from official sources including archival data, press releases, journal articles, memories, and background interviews. In addition to the book itself, the author provides a website (http://www.joerg-friedrichs.de/policingdata) where readers can access raw data as well as the code-books for the project. Friedrichs attempts for the first time to place the phenomenon of international police cooperation within the context of the international relations literature rather than simply analyzing it as its own discrete phenomenon. His work makes a significant contribution to the discussion in …
Preliminary reference earth model

A large data set consisting of about 1000 normal mode periods, 500 summary travel time observations, 100 normal mode Q values, mass and moment of inertia have been inverted to obtain the radial distribution of elastic properties, Q values and density in the Earth's interior. The data set was supplemented with a special study of 12 years of ISC phase data which yielded an additional 1.75 × 10^6 travel time observations for P and S waves. In order to obtain satisfactory agreement with the entire data set we were required to take into account anelastic dispersion. The introduction of transverse isotropy into the outer 220 km of the mantle was required in order to satisfy the shorter period fundamental toroidal and spheroidal modes. This anisotropy also improved the fit of the larger data set. The horizontal and vertical velocities in the upper mantle differ by 2–4%, both for P and S waves. The mantle below 220 km is not required to be anisotropic. Mantle Rayleigh waves are surprisingly sensitive to compressional velocity in the upper mantle. High S_n velocities, low P_n velocities and a pronounced low-velocity zone are features of most global inversion models that are suppressed when anisotropy is allowed for in the inversion. The Preliminary Reference Earth Model, PREM, and auxiliary tables showing fits to the data are presented.
Serum N-glycan and O-glycan analysis by mass spectrometry for diagnosis of congenital disorders of glycosylation

Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDGs) are caused by defects in genes that participate in biosynthetic glycosylation pathways. To date, 19 different genetic defects in N-glycosylation, 17 in O-glycosylation, and 21 in multiple glycosylation are known. Current diagnostic testing of CDGs largely relies on indirect analysis of glycosylation of serum transferrin. Such analysis alone is insufficient to diagnose many of the known glycosylation disorders. To improve the diagnosis of these groups of CDGs, we have developed serum or plasma N- and O-glycan profiling using a combination of MALDI-TOF/MS and LC-MS/MS technologies. Using this approach, we analyzed samples from nine patients with different known multiple glycosylation disorders, including three with COG deficiencies, one with TMEM165-CDG, two with PGM1-CDG, and three with SLC35A2-CDG, and one patient with combined type I and type II of unknown molecular etiology. Measurement of the relative quantities of various N- and O-glycan species clearly differentiates patients and controls. Our study demonstrates that structural analysis and quantitation of combined N- and O-glycan profiles are reliable diagnostic tools for CDGs.
MEASUREMENT OF ELECTRICAL SKIN RESISTANCE DURING INTERVIEWS

Previous investigators have shown that the level of a patient's electrical skin resistance before and after a psychotherapeutic interview is related to the content of the interview (4, 5). Their findings make it reasonable to expect that changes in skin resistance within an interview will throw some light on the nature of the moment-to-moment interaction between patient and therapist. The present paper describes the development of apparatus for making continuous measurements of skin resistance during therapeutic interviews. ELECTRODES In attempting to measure skin resistance continuously, we soon discovered that none of the commercially available electrode-holders is satisfactory, because every electrode-holder is made so that it either fails to maintain firm contact with the skin or causes the patient so much discomfort that the psychotherapy is disrupted. Thus, we found it necessary to design one. Our electrode-holder, constructed as shown in Fig. 1, keeps the electrodes in firm contact with the skin. At first we made the electrode-holder of Bake