cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
X-ray diffraction study of nickel oxide reduction by hydrogen

Abstract Hydrogen reduction of porous bulk NiO particles has been studied with in situ hot-stage X-ray diffraction (XRD) in the temperature range 175–300 °C. This technique has the ability to measure NiO disappearance and Ni appearance simultaneously, together with the crystallite size of each. Since the sample was a very thin, 50-μm slab of dispersed 20-μm diameter grains, textural and morphological features normally encountered during studies with fixed beds of NiO particles were absent and measurements reflected only the chemical mechanism and kinetics. The results indicated that reduction in the absence of water added to the reducing gas followed a series of steps: (1) an induction period associated with the initial reduction of NiO and the appearance of Ni metal clusters; (2) acceleration of the reduction rate as the size of the clusters increase; and (3) a pseudo-first-order (excess H 2 ) process in which NiO disappeared and Ni appeared in concert until reduction slowed at a fractional conversion of about 0.8. Crystallite size measurements showed NiO crystallites of about 3 nm in size were transformed into Ni crystallites of more than 20 nm, implying that Ni 0 ion transport following reduction was very fast due to the close proximity of the NiO crystallites being reduced. When 2.2×10 −2 atm of H 2 O was added to the reducing gas, induction times increased by approximately a factor of two and reduction rates decreased (increasingly at lower temperatures) with an apparent activation energy of 126±27 kJ mol −1 compared to 85±6 kJ mol −1 without added water. The lag between NiO reduction and Ni growth observed in previous studies was not seen, indicating that textural and morphological factors are very important in establishing the role of water vapor in the reduction process.
A modular programmable digital UHF transponder

A reprogrammable digital transponder architecture allows a common product design to be scaled to meet varying user capacity requirements, match the transponder to the spacecraft resources, and maximize affordability by minimizing non-recurring costs. On-orbit frequency programmability permits the design and hardware development to proceed in parallel with the frequency coordination process, reducing schedule risks and providing operational flexibility. Leverage of digital processing technologies achieves improved channel performance characteristics compared with traditional implementations while also allowing channel characteristics such as selectivity, adjacent channel rejection, and channel frequency plans to be altered in response to the on-orbit interference environment. Channel passband shapes can also be altered for higher capacity waveforms that require different passband shapes or that need improved phase linearity over wider passbands than legacy waveforms. The ability to change these parameters on-orbit in response to upgraded ground terminal technology made possible by software-based radios will allow extended mission life without compromising communications capabilities. An ultra-high frequency (UHF) transponder with a scalable, expandable (or contractible) modular architecture, on-orbit frequency selection over entire communications bands, and functional reprogrammability through digital signal processing capabilities is described.
Mortality among U.S. underground coal miners: A 23‐year follow‐up

Background The mortality experience over 22–24 years of 8,899 working coal miners initially medically examined in 1969–1971 at 31 U.S. coal mines was evaluated. Methods A cohort life-table analysis was undertaken on underlying causes of death, and proportional hazards models were fitted to both underlying, and underlying and contributing causes of death. Results Elevated mortality from nonviolent causes, nonmalignant respiratory disease (NMRD), and accidents was observed, but lung cancer and stomach cancer mortality were not elevated. Smoking, pneumoconiosis, coal rank region, and cumulative coal mine dust exposure were all predictors of mortality from nonviolent causes and NMRD. Mortality from nonviolent causes and NMRD was related to dust exposure within the complete cohort and also for the never smoker subgroup. Dust exposure relative risks for mortality were similar for pneumoconiosis, NMRD, and chronic airways obstruction. Conclusions The findings confirm and enlarge upon previous results showing that exposure to coal mine dust leads to increased mortality, even in the absence of smoking. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:231–245, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Risk-based concentrations: prioritizing environmental problems using limited data

A difficult task faced by regulatory agencies is that of choosing, on the basis of limited data, which environmental problems to address. This paper incorporates USEPA risk assessment methods into a quantitative approach for prioritizing locations, contaminants and media according to potential health risk. USEPA has developed either a reference dose (a chronic dose without adverse effect) or slope factor (upper bound lifetime cancer risk per mg.kg-1.d-1) for many substances. This work combines these 'toxicological constants' with predetermined risk levels (either a 10(-6) cancer risk or a chronic intake equal to the reference dose) and protective human exposure assumptions (e.g. 70-kg body mass, 30-year exposure, 2-1.d-1 drinking water ingestion, etc.) to produce risk-based concentrations for 596 contaminants in air, drinking water, edible fish and soil. Because USEPA designed its methods to estimate upper bound risks, these risk-based concentrations are likely to be protective of human health. Regulatory officials can use this information to calculate numerical ratios between measured environmental levels and risk-based concentrations. These ratios serve as a surrogate for potential health impacts and can be used to prioritize problems for attention. Ratio calculation and ranking can be automated for searches of computerized environmental databases.
Bone Cell–materials Interactions and Ni Ion Release of Anodized Equiatomic NiTi Alloy

Abstract A laser processed NiTi alloy was anodized for different times in H2SO4 electrolyte with varying pH to create biocompatible surfaces with low Ni ion release as well as bioactive surfaces to enhance biocompatibility and bone cell–material interactions. The anodized surfaces were assessed for their in vitro cell–material interactions using human fetal osteoblast (hFOB) cells for 3, 7 and 11 days, and Ni ion release up to 8 weeks in simulated body fluids. The results were correlated with the surface morphologies of anodized surfaces characterized using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The results show that anodization creates a surface with nano/micro-roughness depending on the anodization conditions. The hydrophilicity of the NiTi surface was found to improve after anodization, as shown by the lower contact angles in cell medium, which dropped from 32° to
Horner's syndrome after carotid artery stenting: case report.

BACKGROUND Angioplasty and stenting of various lesions of the carotid artery is gaining in popularity. Our knowledge of the efficacy and limitations of this promising technology is incomplete. Although Horner's syndrome and its variants have been described after traumatic, spontaneous, or surgical carotid dissection, it has not been reported after carotid artery stenting. CASE DESCRIPTION A 36-year-old woman presented with left neck and ear pain and a 3-year history of rushing noises in her left ear. Angiography demonstrated evidence of dissection of the left internal carotid artery at the skull base with a pseudoaneurysm. The pseudoaneurysm was treated with a 6-mm diameter self-expanding stent in a 4-mm diameter left internal carotid artery. A few hours later, she developed partial Horner's syndrome with a subtle ipsilateral ptosis and miosis without anhidrosis. Angiography performed on the next day did not demonstrate further dissection or aneurysm growth but did show distention of the artery wall because of the stent. She did not develop any further sequelae. CONCLUSION This case suggests that stretching of the artery wall may result in stretching of surrounding structures. The sympathetic fibers surrounding the internal carotid artery are clearly sensitive to this degree of stretch. Possible complications associated with stretch injury must be considered when choosing the stent diameter.
Effects of stereotactic cingulumotomy on a sequential motor task in man.

The effect of bilateral cingulumotomy on sequential tapping behavior was investigated in 6 patients. Contrary to previous clinical studies and predictions derived from data on cingulate lesions in the
Optimizing rapidIO architectures for onboard processing

In this article, we study optimization of a RapidIO network and FPGA-based computation engines to address the taxing requirements of a set of real-time Ground-Moving Target Indicators (GMTI) and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) kernels for Space-Based Radar (SBR). By employing a RapidIO hardware testbed and validated simulation, we determine key trade-offs in design of reconfigurable systems for GMTI and SAR in terms of processing, memory, and network throughput. In addition, we study considerations for timely delivery of latency-sensitive control traffic present in many satellite applications. Based on our results, we propose architectural modifications to further improve performance of SBR systems.
Cognitive-behavioral approach to the treatment of chronic pain patients.

Background and Objectives Chronic pain is both prevalent and costly. Despite advances in understanding the anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry of nociception and development of potent analgesic agents and advanced technology, a significant number of people continue to experience pain and related disability. The perception of and response to pain are influenced by cognitive, affective, and behavioral factors as well as physical pathology. In this article, a selective review of research supporting the important contributions of psychologic factors is provided, a cognitive-behavioral perspective to understanding pain is presented, an integrative treatment and rehabilitation approach based on this perspective is described, and some of the evidence supporting the effectiveness of this treatment approach is summarized. Conclusion Chronic pain by definition persists over a long period—it is a chronic disease. Even the most sophisticated treatments are incapable of eliminating all pain for all pain sufferers. There is also tremendous variation in how patients respond to treatments provided and prescribed. Better treatment outcomes are likely to occur when the psychologic contributors and the physical factors involved are addressed. Moreover, a treatment approach based on the cognitive-behavioral perspective should help patients adapt to residual pain that remains after currently available treatments are undertaken. Thus cognitive-behavioral treatments should be viewed as important complements to more traditional pharmacological, physical, and surgical interventions.
The future of sexual medicine for the urologist

Editor's note: Winston Churchill said, 'I never worry about action, but only inaction'. Experience has taught the medical profession that action, change and adaptation are the rule as novel technologies and therapies are introduced into the mainstream of medical care. Sexual medicine is no exception. Originally thought to be psychogenic in origin, it is now well accepted that erectile dysfunction (ED) is predominately organic in origin in most middle-aged men. Treatment of organic ED has evolved with the introduction of novel, oral therapies, such as phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Adaptation has also led to incorporation of ED into the treatment realm of the primary-care physician. As sexual medicine becomes increasingly non-surgical, the challenge to the surgical specialists will reside in their ability to change and adapt to this ever-burgeoning medical discipline. Lawrence Ross, President-Elect of the American Urological Association, discusses action and change below. If urologists are to remain involved in sexual medicine, then his action plan must be brought to fruition.
Tactical Arborne Reconnaissance Pod System (TARPS) today

The tactical airborne reconnaissance pod system (TARPS), flown on the U.S. Navy's F-14 Tomcat, is the primary source of tactical photographic imagery for America's armed forces today. Designed to be a short-term, interim system it has recently received both sensor and pod upgrades to maintain its effectiveness well past the year 2000 and provide a new baseline for future growth.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Issues in theorizing mathematics learning and teaching: A contrast between learning through activity and DNR research programs

Abstract By continuing a contrast with the DNR research program, begun in Harel and Koichu (2010) , I discuss several important issues with respect to teaching and learning mathematics that have emerged from our research program which studies learning that occurs through students’ mathematical activity and indicate issues of complementarity between DNR and our research program. I make distinctions about what we mean by inquiring into the mechanisms of conceptual learning and how it differs from work that elucidates steps in the development of a mathematical concept. I argue that the construct of disequilibrium is neither necessary nor sufficient to explain mathematics conceptual learning. I describe an emerging approach to instruction aimed at particular mathematical understandings that fosters reinvention of mathematical concepts without depending on students’ success solving novel problems.
Lack of Attenuation in the Antitumor Effect of Tamoxifen by Chronic CYP Isoform Inhibition

Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator used in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Tamoxifen is metabolized to an extremely potent antiestrogen by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6, 2C9, and 3A isoforms. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are potent inhibitors of these CYPs. Since the prevalence of depression in breast cancer patients is nearly triple that of the general population, it is likely that a subgroup of breast cancer patients will receive long-term treatment with both an SSRI and tamoxifen. A case control design was used to investigate the possibility that a resultant decrease in production of the 4-hydroxy metabolite from chronic inhibition results in the attenuation of the antitumor effect of tamoxifen. Twenty-eight patients without recurrences of breast cancer (controls) were matched to an equal number of cases (recurrences) by cancer stage and year of diagnosis. Data were analyzed on all chronic medication exposure (> 3 months) in both cases and controls classified as to their status as CYP 2D6, 2C9, and 3A inhibitors, substrates, or inducers. No significant difference was found for CYP inhibitor or substrate exposure between cases and controls. Indeed, controls showed a slightly greater exposure to inhibitors of the relevant CYP isoforms compared to cases. These results suggested a trend toward the null hypothesis. It is unlikely that the effect of chronic exposure to potent CYP isoform inhibitors affects the antitumor effect of tamoxifen and its 4-hydroxy metabolite, supporting the safety of the continued practice of concomitant SSRI administration to breast cancer patients with depression.
Integrating Critical Approaches to Technology and Service-Learning Projects

Discussions of service learning emphasize opportunities for students to gain real world experience through work in community contexts. Less attention, however, has been given to the role of technology in these projects. Incorporating critical reflection on the rhetorical and social dimensions of technology throughout students' collaborations with clients can help to situate their practices within larger public contexts. This sort of reflection can encourage student engagement on a variety of levels: professional, rhetorical, intellectual, personal, and civic.
Transmural [125I]albumin concentration in the rabbit aorta during acute hypoxia

Abstract We have quantified the concentration profile of 121 I-labeled rabbit albumin in the avascular intima and media of the rabbit descending thoracic aorta following intravenous injection under control and acute hypoxic conditions in vivo. Our purpose was to determine if alterations occurred in the transmural concentration profiles which could be attributed to hypoxia-induced changes in the permeability of the intimal endothelium to plasma-borne macromolecules. The profiles were obtained with frozen serial sections of the aorta from experiments of 30 min duration. Acute hypoxia was induced by addition of nitrogen to the breathing mixture. The hypoxia resulted in arterial pO 2 values of 23–32 mm Hg while the arterial pO 2 in the control animals ranged from 80 to 88 mm Hg. All animals were under sodium pentobarbital anesthesia. The results revealed no detectable changes in the concentration profile in the inner media accompanying hypoxia. However, increases in the label concentration in the outer media of the hypoxic animals suggested either dilation or increased permeability of the adventitial blood vessels.
Population II 6Li as a Probe of Nucleosynthesis and Stellar Structure and Evolution

We discuss the importance of Population II Li-6 as a diagnostic for models of primordial nucleosynthesis, cosmic-ray nucleosyntheses in the early Galaxy, and the structure and evolution of metal-poor solar-type stars. The observation of Li-6 in the subdwarf HD 84937 is shown to be consistent with the existing Population II LiBeB data within the context of a simple three-component model: (1) standard big bang nucleosynthesis, (2) Population II cosmic-ray nucleosynthesis, (3) standard (nonrotating) stellar LiBeB depletion. If this interpretation is correct, we predict a potentially detectable boron abundance for this star: about 2 x 10 exp -12. Subsequent Population II LiBeB observations, and in particular further observations of Population II Li-6, are shown to be crucial to our understanding of the primordial and early galactic creation and destruction mechanisms for light elements.
Satellite-Based Change in Mexican Television Programming and Advertising

L'A. met l'accent sur la nouvelle television mexicaine : a partir du lancement du satellite PanAmSat en 1988, une nouvelle ere de la television s'ouvre desormais a la diffusion d'une centaine de programmes. A travers toute l'Amerique Latine, on assiste a un processus d'internationalisation et de mondialisation qui, au Mexique, est emblematique de nouveaux marches financiers. Depuis, la course aux telespectateurs fait rage entre les differentes chaines cablees
Oxygen Consumption Rates and Oxygen Concentration in Molt-4 Cells and Their mtDNA Depleted (ρ0) Mutants

Respiratory deficient cell lines are being increasingly used to elucidate the role of mitochondria and to understand the pathophysiology of mitochondrial genetic disease. We have investigated the oxygen consumption rates and oxygen concentration in wild-type (WT) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depleted (ρ0) Molt-4 cells. Wild-type Molt-4 cells have moderate oxygen consumption rates, which were significantly reduced in the ρ0 cells. PCMB (p-chloromercurobenzoate) inhibited the oxygen consumption rates in both WT and ρ0 cells, whereas potassium cyanide decreased the oxygen consumption rates only in WT Molt-4 cells. Menadione sodium bisulfite (MSB) increased the oxygen consumption rates in both cell lines, whereas CCCP (carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone) stimulated the oxygen consumption rates only in WT Molt-4 cells. Superoxide radical adducts were observed in both WT and ρ0 cells when stimulated with MSB. The formation of this adduct was inhibited by PCMB but not by potassium cyanide. These results suggest that the reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by MSB were at least in part produced via a mitochondrial independent pathway. An oxygen gradient between the extra- and intracellular compartments was observed in WT Molt-4 cells, which further increased when cells were stimulated by CCCP and MSB. The results are consistent with our earlier findings suggesting that such oxygen gradients may be a general phenomenon found in most or all cell systems under appropriate conditions.
Structure determination and characterization of carbendazim hydrochloride dihydrate.

The objective of this study was to synthesize and characterize the hydrochloride salt of carbendazim with the aim of improving the intrinsic solubility of the parent compound. Carbendazim hydrochloride dihydrate was synthesized for the purpose of increasing the aqueous solubility of the parent drug, carbendazim. This was done with the commonly used saturation and cooling method. The structure was determined by single crystal radiograph crystallography, and the hydrochloride salt was found to be a dihydrate. The salt crystallized in a P 21 21 21 (#19) space group, which is typical for nonplanar, achiral, and noncentrosymmetric molecules. The asymmetric unit is comprised of 1 molecule each of carbendazim and chloride and 2 water molecules. The carbendazim molecules arrange themselves in a helical structure, with the waters and the chloride molecules in the channel linking the helix. The crystal lattice is held together by numerous hydrogen bonds, as well as van der Waals interactions. The melting point of the salt is 125.6°C. The solubility of the salt is 6.08 mg/mL, which is a thousand-fold increase from the intrinsic solubility (6.11 μg/mL) of the free base.
Identity Politics: Lesbian Feminism and the Limits of Community

Acknowledgments 1. Liberalism and Its Problems 2. Lesbianism and Medical Discourse 3. The Woman-Identified Woman 4. Definition and Community 5. Pornography: Male Violence and Female Desire 6. Sadomasochism and the Meaning of Feminism 7. The Limits of Community 8. Rethinking Identity Politics Notes Bibliography Index
The effects of ammonium sulphate and urea upon egg hatching and miracidial survival of Schistosoma mansoni

The effects of various concentrations of ammonium sulphate and urea on egg hatching and miracidial survival of S. mansoni were tested in order to determine if the use of these fertilizers in the ricelands of the Republic of Cameroon could affect the transmission of schistosomiasis. Results indicate that hatching of eggs and survival of miracidia varied with concentrations of tested chemicals and times of exposure. Exposure of S. mansoni eggs to 0.20%-1.00% ammonium sulphate or to 0.50%-4.00% urea reduced their ability to hatch and produce miracidia. A chemical concentration of 1.00% ammonium sulphate or 4.00% urea was found to be sufficient to produce complete inhibition of hatching. High concentrations of both chemicals not only inhibited miracidial emergence but also may be ovocidal. Results obtained from miracidial survival tests indicated that LC5, LC50 and LC95 values for ammonium sulphate were 0.07%, 0.80% and 10.61% after 2 hours of exposure; 0.03%, 0.16% and 0.90% after 4 hours of exposure; and 0.30%, 0.20% and 0.40% after 6 hours of exposure respectively. Similar statistical analyses revealed that the LC5, LC50 and LC95 values for urea were 0.22%, 1.90% and 16.25% after 2 hours of exposure; 0.28%, 0.57% and 1.14% after 4 hours of exposure; and 0.13%, 0.27% and 0.57% after 6 hours of exposure respectively. Although the two fertilizers exerted some adverse effects on S. mansoni eggs and miracidia at relatively high concentrations, neither of them was found to be of practical value. Ammonium sulphate and urea concentrations effective in killing S. mansoni eggs and miracidia were about one to two orders of magnitude greater than the actual field application rates.
Generation of a germ cell-specific mouse transgenic Cre line, Vasa-Cre

Cell type-specific genetic modification using the Cre/loxP system is a powerful tool for genetic analysis of distinct cell lineages. Because of the exquisite specificity of Vasa expression (confined to the germ cell lineage in invertebrate and vertebrate species), we hypothesized that a Vasa promoter-driven transgenic Cre line would prove useful for the germ cell lineage-specific inactivation of genes. Here we describe a transgenic mouse line, Vasa-Cre, where Cre is efficiently and specifically expressed in germ cells. Northern analysis showed that transgene expression was confined to the gonads. Cre-mediated recombination with the Rosa26-lacZ reporter was observed beginning at approximately e15, and was >95% efficient in male and female germ cells by birth. Although there was a potent maternal effect with some animals showing more widespread recombination, there was no ectopic activity in most adults. This Vasa-Cre transgenic line should thus prove useful for genetic analysis of diverse aspects of gametogenesis and as a general deletor line.
Joint Schatten $$p$$p-norm and $$\ell _p$$ℓp-norm robust matrix completion for missing value recovery

The low-rank matrix completion problem is a fundamental machine learning and data mining problem with many important applications. The standard low-rank matrix completion methods relax the rank minimization problem by the trace norm minimization. However, this relaxation may make the solution seriously deviate from the original solution. Meanwhile, most completion methods minimize the squared prediction errors on the observed entries, which is sensitive to outliers. In this paper, we propose a new robust matrix completion method to address these two problems. The joint Schatten $$p$$ p -norm and $$\ell _p$$ l p -norm are used to better approximate the rank minimization problem and enhance the robustness to outliers. The extensive experiments are performed on both synthetic data and real-world applications in collaborative filtering prediction and social network link recovery. All empirical results show that our new method outperforms the standard matrix completion methods.
Splitting intervals II: Limit laws for lengths

In the processes under consideration, a particle of size L splits with exponential rate L α, 0<α<∞, and when it splits, it splits into two particles of size LV and L(1-V) where V is independent of the past with d.f. F on (0, 1). Let Z tbe the number of particles at time t and L tthe size of a randomly chosen particle. If α=0, it is well known how the system evolves: e -tZtconverges a.s. to an exponential r.v. and −L t≈t + Ct 1/2 X where X is a standard normal t.v. Our results for α>0 are in sharp contrast. In “Splitting Intervals” we showed that t -1/α Z tconverges a.s. to a constant K>0, and in this paper we show $$log L_t = \frac{1}{\alpha }log t + 0(1).$$ . We show that the empirical d.f. of the rescaled lengths, $$Z_t^{ - 1} \sum I \{ t^{^{^{1/\alpha } } } L_i \underline \leqslant \cdot \} ,$$ , converges a.s. to a non-degenerate limit depending on F that we explicitly describe. Our results with α=2/3 are relevant to polymer degradation.
Position of Mercenaria regulatory light-chain Cys50 site on the surface of myosin visualized by electron microscopy

Abstract Mercenaria regulatory light-chains, specifically labelled at cysteine 50 with N -iodoacetyl- N′ -biotinylhexylenediamine, were rebound to regulatory light-chain denuded scallop myosin, and the hybrid myosin formed was decorated with avidin. These hybrid myosins were visualized by rotary-shadowing electron microscopy. Three distinct images of avidin-decorated hybrid myosin molecules were obtained. These comprise singly decorated molecules, where the avidin is bound symmetrically or asymmetrically with respect to the two heads of myosin, in addition to “figures-of-five”, where two myosin molecules associate with a centrally placed avidin molecule. Analysis of these images indicates that the Mercenaria regulatory light-chain Cys50 site is located 15 to 35 A from the head-rod junction when the light-chain is bound in situ to myosin. Implications with respect to head topology and probe studies are discussed.
Heterogeneous Sympathetic Innervation in German Shepherd Dogs With Inherited Ventricular Arrhythmia and Sudden Cardiac Death

Background Recently, a colony of German shepherd dogs with inherited spontaneous cardiac arrhythmias and associated sudden death has been developed and characterized. Due to the median age of onset of the arrhythmia (4.5 months), the tendency for the arrhythmia to occur during REM sleep or after exercise, and the absence of structural heart disease, we hypothesized a developmental abnormality of the sympathetic innervation to the heart. Methods and Results We studied 11 dogs from this colony, ranging in age from 6 months to 6 years, and four 7-month-old German shepherd dogs unrelated to the colony as controls. We imaged the distribution of functional myocardial sympathetic innervation and perfusion with [123I]metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) and 201Tl, respectively. Sympathetic nerve distribution was evaluated morphologically by immunocytochemical localization of tyrosine hydroxylase. All of the hearts showed evidence of a regional decrease in MIBG uptake, ranging from 5.3% to 53.4% of the myocardium, where...
Spectroscopic Probe of the Surface of Iron Oxide Nanocrystals

The surface of highly monodisperse nanocrystals of iron oxide (γ-Fe2O3) prepared via a non-hydrolytic controlled oxidation route were investigated using pyrene carboxylic acid and related derivatives (an ester and an alcohol) as spectroscopic probes of the nanocrystal surface.
Values for preventing influenza-related morbidity and vaccine adverse events in children

Influenza vaccination recently has been recommended for children 6–23 months old, but is not currently recommended for routine use in non-high-risk older children. Information on disease impact, costs, benefits, risks, and community preferences could help guide decisions about which age and risk groups should be vaccinated and strategies for improving coverage. The objective of this study was to measure preferences and willingness-to-pay for changes in health-related quality of life associated with uncomplicated influenza and two rarely-occurring vaccination-related adverse events (anaphylaxis and Guillain-Barre syndrome) in children. We conducted telephone interviews with adult members selected at random from a large New England HMO (n = 112). Respondents were given descriptions of four health outcomes: uncomplicated influenza in a hypothetical 1-year-old child of their own, uncomplicated influenza in a hypothetical 14-year-old child of their own, anaphylaxis following vaccination, and Guillain-Barre syndrome. "Uncomplicated influenza" did not require a physician's visit or hospitalization. Preferences (values) for these health outcomes were measured using time-tradeoff and willingness-to-pay questions. Time-tradeoff questions asked the adult to assume they had a child and to consider how much time from the end of their own life they would be willing to surrender to avoid the health outcome in the child. Respondents said they would give a median of zero days of their lives to prevent an episode of uncomplicated influenza in either their (hypothetical) 1-year-old or 14-year-old, 30 days to prevent an episode of vaccination-related anaphylaxis, and 3 years to prevent a vaccination-related case of Guillain-Barre syndrome. Median willingness-to-pay to prevent uncomplicated influenza in a 1-year-old was $175, uncomplicated influenza in a 14-year-old was $100, anaphylaxis $400, and Guillain-Barre syndrome $4000. The median willingness-to-pay for an influenza vaccination for their children with no risk of anaphylaxis or Guillain-Barre syndrome was $50 and $100, respectively. Most respondents said they would not be willing to trade any time from their own lives to prevent uncomplicated influenza in a child of their own, and the time traded did not vary by the age of the hypothetical affected child. However, adults did indicate a willingness-to-pay to prevent uncomplicated influenza in children, and that they would give more money to prevent the illness in a 1-year-old than in a 14-year-old. Respondents also indicated a willingness to pay a premium for a vaccine without any risk of severe complications.
Eigenvalue cluster traces for quantum graphs with equal edge lengths

On a finite metric graph with standard vertex conditions and equal edge lengths, the large magnitude eigenvalues of the Schrodinger op- erator ∆ + q cluster near the eigenvalues of the Laplace operator ∆. Based on the spectral 'periodicity' of ∆, the clusters can be parti- tioned into a finite collection of classes. There is a class dependent formula for the cluster trace (or average eigenvalue shift) in the large magnitude limit which expresses the trace as a function of the edge integrals e q and data from the underlying combinatorial graph.
Proteolytic activation of receptor-bound anthrax protective antigen on macrophages promotes its internalization

Immunofluorescence and other methods have been used to probe the self-assembly and internalization of the binary toxin, anthrax lethal toxin (LeTx), in primary murine macrophages. Proteolytic activation of protective antigen (PA; 83 kDa, the B moiety of the toxin) by furin was the rate-limiting step in internalization of LeTx and promoted clearance of PA from the cell surface. A furin-resistant form of PA remained at the cell surface for at least 90 min. Oligomerization of receptor-bound PA63, the 63 kDa active fragment of PA, was manifested by its conversion to a pronase-resistant state, characteristic of the heptameric prepore form in solution. That oligomerization of PA63 triggers toxin internalization is supported by the observation that PA20, the complementary 20 kDa fragment of PA, inhibited clearance of nicked PA. The PA63 prepore, with or without lethal factor (LF), cleared slowly from the cell surface. These studies show that proteolytic cleavage of PA, in addition to permitting oligomerization and LF binding, also promotes internalization of the protein. The relatively long period of activation and internalization of PA at the cell surface may reflect adaptation of this binary toxin that maximizes self-assembly.
Model-predictive control techniques for hydronic systems implemented on wireless sensor and actuator networks

Motivated by the need to control complex hydronic systems, this paper presents and analyzes control strategies for energy efficient thermal load regulation by means of a model-predictive control (MPC) embedded into a low-power wireless controller. Hydronic systems are found in a wide variety of applications such as building controls, industrial plants, and naval vessels. A laboratory test-bed which models a simple hydronic system is used to assess the proposed control solutions. The key design parameters analyzed by this paper are the form of the objective function and the structure of the model used for open-loop (OL) optimization during each step of the MPC solution. Objective functions were evaluated based on complexity and efficacy in meeting the stated goal of efficient thermal load regulation. The hydronics were modeled as first-order linear differential equations with non-linear time-varying constraints on control, and as bi-linear differential equations in which the control variable is multiplied by the state but constrained linearly. To minimize the objective functions associated with OL trajectories, a gradient descent algorithm was selected which balanced real-time execution with microcontroller (MCU) computing power. Parametric studies were performed in simulation and experiment to show that a low-power MCU could be used to efficiently control hydronic plants using MPC.
Social support, depression, and functional disability in older adult primary-care patients.

Objective The authors asked whether social support and depression are independently associated with functional disability and examined the potential role of social support as a moderator in the depression–functional disability association. Methods Subjects were 305 patients age 60 years and over. Predictor variables were social support, depressive symptoms, and depression diagnosis. Dependent variables were the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale, the Physical Self-Maintenance Scale, and the Physical Functioning subscale of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey. Authors used multiple-regression analyses. Results Depressive symptoms and all dimensions of social support were independently associated with functional disability: the specifics of these relationships varied among types of social support and functional disability. Depression diagnosis was not independently associated with any functional disability measure. Social support (more instrumental help, more perceived satisfaction) moderated some depression diagnosis–functional disability associations, and one depressive symptom–functional disability association. Conclusions The study hypotheses were partially confirmed. Different dimensions of social support have important and varied roles in the depression–functional disability dynamic. Future research is needed to further specify the complex relationships among depression, social support, and functional disability.
Role Transitions and Role Identities during Adolescence: A Symbolic Interactionist View

The purpose of this paper was to use symbolic interactionist concepts to conceptualize selected issues from the scholarship on pubertal change, parent-youth relationships, peer associations, sexuality, part-time work, and school involvements during adolescence. Based on this examination, the possibility was raised that role involvements and the timing of specific role transitions for the young may influence the extent to which adolescence becomes a stormy or tranquil period. A final issue considered the possibility that identity formation is influenced by the extent to which adolescents are capable of mastering the developmental challenges of roles and role transitions.
Hepatorenal lesions in rats fed a low lipotrope diet and exposed to aflatoxin.

A diet low in methionine and cholinc was tested in rats to determine 1) the effect of a low lipotrope diet on DNA synthesis in the renal epithelium; 2) which of the lipotropes is most closely associated with the diet-associated renal lesion; and 3) the effect of superimposing aflatoxin, also associated with a renal lesion, on the low lipotrope diet. The low lipotrope diet caused a marked increase in DNA synthesis in the renal epithelium after 6 weeks but not after 3 weeks. Choline had the least beneficial effect on the renal lesion, whereas methionine was most effec tive in preventing it. When choline, methionine, and vitamin Bi2 were all included in the diet at normal levels, the renal lesion was prevented. Aflatoxin had no appreciable effect on the diet-associated renal lesion but had a damaging effect on the livers of rats fed the low lipotrope diet. It was concluded that 1) DNA synthesis in the injured renal epithelium was increased rather than impaired; 2) methionine was more closely associated with the renal lesion than was either choline or vitamin Biz; and 3) aflatoxin had no appreciable effect on the renal lesion but resulted in a more severe liver response in rats fed the low lipotrope diet.
Exploring the benefits and limits of highly active antiretroviral therapy

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An Improved Algorithm for the Location of Heaviest Segments in Genomic Sequences

The location of heaviest segments in genomic sequences has been effective in the search for diverse groups of regions containing features of interest. Several algorithms have been developed and published to identify either the globally highest scoring segment or all segments scoring the highest in their local environments, some running in time linear with the size of the sequence. In this paper we present a new linear-time variant of the algorithm for locating all highest scoring segments in a given sequence, which we believe is better structured, easier to prove correct, and at least as efficient as these previously published.
Neurobiological origin of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: A review of imaging studies

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are relatively common occurrences in epilepsy centers. Pathophysiology of PNES is still poorly understood. In this paper, the evidence for a neurobiological origin of PNES will be reviewed. Recent evidence suggests altered functional and structural brain connectivity as an underlying pathophysiological mechanism in patients with PNES. Pursuing the concept of connectome in patients with PNES and comparing the findings with healthy individuals may result in a breakthrough in identifying the exact neurobiological origin of PNES. Finding the neurobiological bases and identification of biomarkers of PNES will potentially have important clinical implications in formulating better diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for affected patients.
Preparation of cellular plant organelles from spinach leaves.

Abstract Broken chloroplasts, intact chloroplasts, mitochondria, and microbodies were isolated and purified from spinach leaf tissue using a sequential sedimentation rate-equilibrium density (S-ϱ) centrifugation technique. Organelle pellets (1000g and 3000g) were prepared in 0.5 m sucrose, 1 m m EDTA, 1 m m 2-mercaptoethanol, and 0.1% bovine serum albumin all in 0.05 m Tris buffer, pH 7.5. The organelle pellets were separately layered on linear sucrose-density gradients of 40–80% ( w v ) and centrifuged for 3 hr at 25,000 rpm (ω2t = 74 × 109 rad2 · sec−1) in an ultracentrifuge. The 1000g pellet resolved into broken chloroplasts (without outer envelope and stroma), intact chloroplasts (with outer envelope and stroma) plus mitochondria, and microbodies; the 3000g pellet resolved into broken chloroplasts, mitochondria, and microbodies. Electron micrographs and marker enzymes revealed a high degree of purity. Markers used were glycolate oxidase and slow particulate malic dehydrogenase for microbodies, cytochrome c oxidase and fast particulate malic dehydrogenase for mitochondria, NADP glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase and chlorophyll for intact chloroplasts, and chlorophyll for broken chloroplasts. Estimates of purity using the enzyme markers suggested that the intact chloroplast fraction was about 13% contaminated by mitochondria and 3.5% by microbodies. The mitochondrial fraction was contaminated about 12% with microbodies and was essentially free from chlorophyll. The 3000g microbody fraction was essentially pure. The estimated isopycnic densities for the organelles were: broken chloroplasts, 1.17; intact chloroplasts, 1.21; mitochondria, 1.21; and microbodies, 1.25 g/cm3. When estimated by centrifugation in a 25–50%. ( w v ) sucrose gradient, the sedimentation-rate orders were: intact chloroplasts > broken chloroplasts > microbodies > mitochondria.
Photodegradation of poly(methyl acrylate)

Thin films of poly(methyl acrylate) at room temperature have been photodegraded in air and in vacuum by radiation from a low-pressure mercury source. Changes in intrinsic viscosities, ultraviolet absorption, and volatile products were followed as a function of the energy absorbed. Crosslinking occurs in both air and vacuum, but at a slower rate in air. The apparent quantum yield for random scission in air was 0.013 scissions per quantum absorbed. In air, carbonyl groups are formed along the backbone chain. Most of the volatile products studied appear to orginate from the ester groups in the polymer; formaldehyde, methanol, and methyl formate evolved at a constant rate for doses up to at least 2 × 1020 quanta/g.; quantum yields for each were determined. Carbon dioxide forms in amounts increasing exponentially with dose. Small amounts of carbon monoxide, methane, and hydrogen were detected qualitatively, but monomer was not observed. A mechanism compatible with these findings is suggested.
C to U editing at position 32 of the anticodon loop precedes tRNA 5′ leader removal in trypanosomatids

In all organisms, precursor tRNAs are processed into mature functional units by post-transcriptional changes. These involve 5’ and 3’ end trimming as well as the addition of a significant number of chemical modifications, including RNA editing. The only known example of non-organellar C to U editing of tRNAs occurs in trypanosomatids. In this system, editing at position 32 of the anticodon loop of tRNA Thr (AGU) stimulates, but is not required for, the subsequent formation of inosine at position 34. In the present work, we expand the number of C to U edited tRNAs to include all the threonyl tRNA isoacceptors. Notably, the absence of a naturally encoded adenosine, at position 34, in two of these isoacceptors demonstrates that A to I is not required for C to U editing. We also show that C to U editing is a nuclear event while A to I is cytoplasmic, where C to U editing at position 32 occurs in the precursor tRNA prior to 5’ leader removal. Our data supports the view that C to U editing is more widespread than previously thought and is part of a stepwise process in the maturation of tRNAs in these organisms.
Perceptions of problems in people hospitalized for bipolar disorder: implications for patient education.

This study explored the perceptions of people hospitalized for bipolar disorder in regard to their difficulties in functioning and the most important problem with which they would like the hospital's help. One-hundred-twenty-two patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder completed the Behavior and Symptom Identification Scale (BASIS-32) at the beginning of their hospitalization. The relationships between subjective distress (measured by the BASIS-32 scores) and background characteristics were examined. In addition, participants' perceptions of their most important problems were coded as (1) psychiatric problems, (2) social or physical problems, or (3) no problems, and examined with respect to background characteristics. Race, admission status, and a secondary diagnosis of a substance use disorder were significantly related to overall subjective distress; a substance use disorder diagnosis was significantly related to all five BASIS subscale scores. No background variable was significantly related to the pro...
Formation, Structure, and Material Properties From the Reaction Product of M(OCHMe2)4 (M=Ti, Zr) And HOAc

In an attempt to ultimately control the characteristics of the solutions used for PZT films, we have decided to investigate some of the basic chemistry associated with these mixtures. Frequently these solutions have been generated from Group IV metal alkoxides in acetic acid (HOAc). Therefore, studies of the simple reactivity between M(OCHMe{sub 2}){sub 4}(M = Ti, Zr) and HOAc have been undertaken. These reactions were monitored by {sup 1}H, {sup 13}C, {sup 17}O NMR, FT-IR, TGA/DTA, and single crystal X-ray studies. Films were produced by spin-coat deposition of crystalline material (from the titanium reaction) dissolved in toluene and from aged solutions as well.
Expression of α-Actinin-1 in Human Glomerular Mesangial Cells In Vivo and In Vitro

Recent studies have demonstrated important roles of α-actinins in glomerular disease, while little information is known about the expression profile of α-actinins in human glomerular mesangial cell...