cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Remote X-ray fluorescence experiments for future missions to Mercury

Abstract To date, the only deep space mission to Mercury, Mariner 10, as well as ground-based observations have failed to provide direct measurements of that planet's composition. Such measurements are fundamental for the understanding of Mercury's origin and the inner solar system's history. The spin-stabilized Mercury Orbiter proposed for launch in the first or second decade of the twenty-first century as part of the ESA's Horizon 2000-plus plan could address this problem by including the X-ray spectrometer proposed here. X-ray spectrometers act as detectors for the X-ray emission induced by the solar flux incident on planetary surfaces. This emission is strongly dependent on the chemical composition of the surface as well as on the solar spectrum. Characteristic fluorescent lines, the most prominent being the K-alpha lines, are of sufficient intensity for major elements (Mg, Al, Si, Ca, Fe) to allow orbital measurement by remote X-ray detectors. The X-ray spectrometers described here will all have established heritage for space missions by 2000. These instruments have previously flown, are being flown as part of the NASA NEAR (Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous) or Clark SSTI (Small Science and Technology Initiative) missions, or are now under development as part of NASA Facility Instrument Development Program. The instrument package would probably consist of an array of solid state detectors for surface measurements, as well as one which would act as a solar monitor. Calculations of anticipated results have been done for a variety of orbital and instrument configurations, and a variety of lunar soil compositions which could be analogous: anorthositie gabbro bearing soils from lunar highlands (Apollo 16), high-Mg basalt-rich soils from a KREEP-bearing area (Apollo 15), and mare basalt bearing soils (Apollo 12). The mission being considered here should result in maps of abundances of major elements, including Mg, Al, Si, Ca, and Fe, for much of Mercury's surface, with resolutions ranging from tens to hundreds of kilometers depending on the element, the orbital eccentricity and altitude of the spacecraft.
Detection of leaf and canopy EWT by calculating REWT from reflectance spectra

The spectral characteristics of and the interaction between leaves and light were analysed based on the optical absorption coefficients of foliar water and biochemical components. The equations for calculating the radiative-equivalent water thickness (REWT) of leaves and canopy were presented based on the difference in reflectance at 945 and 975 nm. Because of the direct reflection on leaf surface and the leaf internal scattering, the REWT derived from the Beer-Lambert principle was different from the leaf or canopy equivalent water thickness (EWT). Two independent datasets at canopy or leaf scales were designed to calibrate and validate the relationships between EWT and REWT. The results show that (1) the leaf or canopy REWT can be calculated from the reflectance difference between 945 and 975 nm; (2) the leaf REWT was 3.3 times larger than the EWT with a significant determination coefficient (R2) of 0.80 for our dataset and 0.86 for the Leaf Optical Properties Experiment (LOPEX'93) dataset; (3) the canopy REWT was 1.4 times larger than the EWT with a significant R2 of 0.56 for the winter wheat canopy spectral dataset in 2002, and 0.61 for the 2004 dataset. Therefore, the leaf or canopy EWT can be detected by calculating REWT from the difference in reflectance at 945 and 975 nm. Furthermore, because the relationship between REWT and EWT reflected the interaction of light with leaves or canopy, the multiple scattering optical pathlength in the near-infrared (NIR) bands can also be calculated by the ratio of REWT to EWT.
Nanotribology of polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) in the presence of electric field

Polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) is one of the most widely used piezoelectric materials in micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) and nano-electromechanical systems (NEMS) due to its excellent properties. Its applications range from biological to electric devices, such as an artificial hip joint, a microgripper, and a force sensor. It is critical to understand friction, adhesion, and wear mechanisms of this material. In this study, effect of piezoelectricity and lubricant with electric field on tribological properties was investigated, using poled and unpoled PVDF. To understand the tribological properties at nano- and macroscales, scale effect was also studied using an AFM and a tribometer. Relevant mechanisms are discussed.
HYPEROXIA CAUSES DISEQUILIBRIUM IN THE REGULATORS OF FIBRINOLYSIS IN THE LUNG

Fibrin deposition occurs in acute and chronic pulmonary injury: in the alveoli-with hyaline membrane disease (HMD); and in the interstitium-with chronic inflammatory conditions such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The mechanism underlying fibrin deposition in the lung is unknown, but may involve a disequilibrium of the protease-anti-protease balance in the fibrinolytic pathway. We have isolated and partially characterized a 50 kDA protein from multiple components of developing lungs-fetal bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), fetal primary type II cells in culture and fetal lung fibroblasts (WI38, IMR90) in culture-which is a plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAD as demonstrated by reverse fibrin autography (RFA). We have also isolated a 57 kDA protein from these same sources that is a plasminogen activator (PA). We investigated the PA/PAI balance during hyperoxia both in vivo-in BAL from newborn rabbit pups exposed to F1O2 85%; and in vitro-in serum-free conditioned media collected from fetal lung fibroblasts (WI-38) exposed to oxygen concentrations from 21 to 95%. BAL after hyperoxia demonstrates a predominance of PA with little PAI detectable. In contrast, fetal lung fibroblasts exposed to oxygen concentrations for 24, 18 or 72 hours produced primarily a PAI. We conclude that hyperoxia alters the balance of PA and PAI in the lung. We speculate that the predominance of PAI may favor fibrin deposition in the interstitital component.
Following through: the consistency of survivorship care plan use in United States cancer programs.

The Institute of Medicine suggests that consistent survivorship care plan (SCP) use involves developing and delivering SCPs to all cancer survivors and their primary care providers (PCPs). We describe the consistency of SCP use in US cancer programs and assess its relationship with cancer-program-level determinants. We surveyed employees knowledgeable about survivorship practices in cancer programs reporting current SCP use (n = 36, 81 % response rate). We operationalized consistent SCP use as whether SCPs were (1) developed for ≥75 % survivors, (2) delivered to ≥75 % survivors, (3) delivered to ≥75 % PCPs, and (4) all of the above. We use descriptive statistics to report SCP use consistency and evaluate associations using Fisher’s exact and Wilcoxon rank sum tests. SCPs were developed for ≥75 % survivors in five programs (15 %), eight (25 %) delivered ≥75 % SCPs to survivors, seven (23 %) delivered ≥75 % SCPs to PCPs, and only one program (4 %) met all three criteria. We found relationships between SCP use consistency and geographic region (p = .05), initiating SCP use in response to survivors’ requests (p = .03), and membership in the National Cancer Institute’s National Community Cancer Centers Program (p = .01). SCP use is highly inconsistent. Survivors and cancer care quality improvement organizations may play a key role in improving the consistency of SCP use in US cancer programs. Survivors can initiate SCP use. Cancer care quality improvement organizations can specify how cancer programs’ compliance with SCP guidelines will be assessed. Future research should identify mechanisms underlying the relationships that we found.
Evolution of the electronic orbital alignment in metal-atom-rare-gas fractional collisions

We have developed an analytic model within the ``orbital-locking and -following'' approximation to explain the observed polarization spectrum in the metal-atom--rare-gas fractional collision experiments of Olsgaard and co-workers [Phys. Rev. A 48, 1987 (1993)]. We obtain an expression for the observed polarization spectrum that can be interpreted in terms of the evolution of the electronic orbital alignment from point to point on the intermediate excited-state potential-energy curve. The results, using model potentials for the metal-atom--rare-gas interaction, are in good agreement with the experimental polarization data.
Prevalence of estrogen or estrogen-progestin hormone therapy use.

Abstract Objective To use nationally representative data to produce prevalence estimates of combination estrogen–progestin therapy and estrogen-only therapy by covariates, and to evaluate differences between current use of short duration (less than 5 years) and current long-term use. Methods We analyzed data from female respondents 40 years of age and older ( n = 9400) who were interviewed in the 1999 National Health Interview Survey. Hormone therapy use was categorized into four types: current estrogen–progestin therapy use, current estrogen-only therapy use, former hormone therapy use, and never use. We calculated the prevalence of hormone therapy by different levels of previously identified covariates of hormone therapy, as well as overall prevalence of hormone therapy use by length of use. Results Approximately 24% of women aged 40 years or older were current hormone users. Of these, 30% were taking estrogen–progestin therapy, and 70% were taking estrogen-only therapy. The prevalence of hormone use differed dramatically by hysterectomy status and age, and less so by many demographic, health-risk behavior, medical access, and medical history variables. Among women with no hysterectomy, the associations with many of the covariates were stronger for estrogen–progestin therapy use than for estrogen-only therapy use. Only 3% of women were estimated to be current estrogen–progestin therapy users for 5 or more years, whereas 10% were current estrogen-only therapy users for 5 or more years. Conclusion Although many women at midlife and older were current hormone users, very few were long-term users of estrogen–progestin therapy.
Genotyping the Prop-1 mutation in Ames dwarf mice

The Ames dwarf mouse phenotype is based on a homozygous single gene mutation in the Prop-1 gene that markedly extends life span. Since its discovery, interest in breeding these mice as a model to study retardation of aging has increased dramatically. However, the homozygous Prop-1 mutants are infertile, which necessitates breeding heterozygotes. Heterozygotes cannot be distinguished from the wildtype, while the homozygote dwarf phenotype only becomes apparent after about 3 weeks. Hence, there is a need for a simple test to genotype individual animals at an early stage for the absence or presence of one or two copies of the Prop-1 mutant gene. Here we present a Prop-1 genotyping protocol, based on a PCR reaction followed by a PflMI digestion.
Structure and mechanical properties of Ti–6Al–4V with a replicated network of elongated pores

Abstract Ti–6Al–4V, with a network of elongated, open pores aligned along two perpendicular directions, is produced by a two-step replication process: (i) Ti–6Al–4V powder or foil preforms containing low-carbon steel wire meshes are densified by hot pressing under transformation superplasticity conditions; (ii) porosity is created by electrochemical dissolution of the low-carbon steel wires and the adjacent Fe-containing Ti–6Al–4V matrix. If high-carbon steel wires are used, Fe diffusion into Ti–6Al–4V is inhibited by a carbide layer forming at the wire/matrix interface, and pores exactly replicate the shape of the wires. Ti–6Al–4V with ∼19% and 34% porosity, without and with Fe–Ti interdiffusion respectively, shows low oxygen contamination and good compressive ductility. Strength and stiffness, as measured by compression testing and ultrasonic measurements, are compared with simple analytical models and numerical finite-element models.
Punishment and Rehabilitation Attitudes toward Sex Offenders Versus Nonsexual Offenders

Punishment (PUN) and rehabilitation (REH) attitudes toward sex offenders/offenses (SO) and nonsexual offenders/offenses (NSO) were compared in a sample of 355 undergraduates, in response to brief vignettes depicting a sexual and nonsexual offense, conceptually matched for seriousness and severity. Participants assigned higher PUN scores to individuals who committed sexual offenses, whether the offenders were children, adolescents, or adults. REH attitudes showed the reverse pattern—sexual offenders were assigned lower REH scores than nonsexual offenders—with the exception of child offenders, for whom REH attitudes did not differ between sexual and nonsexual offenses. PUN attitudes increased monotonically with offender age, regardless of offender type. Offender age had the opposite effect on participants' REH attitudes for nonsexual offenders, and there was no effect of offender age on REH ratings for sex offenders. Results are discussed in the context of sexual abuse as a potential “moral panic” and recen...
Contending Visions of Arabic Linguistics and their Historical Roots

In the spring semester of 2007, I was asked by the head of the linguistics program at a US university to teach a graduate class on Arabic structure, as a required class on structure of a non-Indo-E...
Skeletal morphology and development of the olfactory region of Spea (Anura: Scaphiopodidae)

The nasal capsules of anurans are formed by an intricate set of sac-like cavities that house the olfactory organ and constitute the beginning of the respiratory system. In tadpoles, nasal capsules do not have a respiratory function, but each is composed of a single soft tissue cavity lined with olfactory epithelium. Our study has revealed that in Spea the nasal cartilages and septomaxillae are de novo adult structures that form dorsal to the larval skeleton of the ethmoid region. The only element of the adult nasal capsule that is partially derived from the larval skeleton is the solum nasi. Development of the nasal skeleton begins at about Gosner Stage 31, with chondrification of the septum nasi and lamina orbitonasalis. The alary cartilage and superior prenasal cartilage are the first of the anterior nasal cartilages to chondrify at Gosner Stage 37. By Gosner Stages 40/41, the ethmoid region is composed of the larval structures ventrally and the adult structures dorsally. By Stage 44, the larval structures have eroded. The adult nasal capsule is characterized by: (1) a septum nasi that projects ventrally beyond the plane of the nasal floor; (2) a paranasal commissure that forms the ventral margin of the fenestra nasolateralis; and (3) a large skeletal support for the eminentia olfactoria formed by the nasal floor and vomer. The timing of chondrification of the anterior nasal cartilages and the development of the postnasal wall, inferior prenasal cartilage, fenestra nasolateralis, and paranasal commissure are discussed and compared with those of other anuran species. This study also includes a discussion of the morphology of the skeletal support for the eminentia olfactoria, a structure best developed in distinctly ground-dwelling frogs such as spadefoot toads. Finally, we propose a more precise restriction of the terminology that is used to designate the posterior structures of the olfactory region of anurans.
TANF child-only cases: Identifying the characteristics and needs of children living in low-income families

In a ‘child-only’ case the adult is not included in the welfare benefit calculation and aid is provided only for the child(ren). The proportion of child-only cases within the caseloads of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) welfare program continues to increase while overall TANF cases decrease. Given relatively limited information about the children and adults in child-only cases, this analysis presents the major findings from a review of studies on characteristics of children and caregivers in child-only cases with implications for child welfare and welfare-to-work services.
Routing protocols for inter-vehicular networks: A comparative study in high-mobility and large obstacles environments

An ad hoc network is composed of mobile nodes without the presence of a fixed infrastructure. Communications among nodes are accomplished by forwarding data packets for each other, on a hop-by-hop basis along the current connection to the destination node. In particular, vehicle-to-vehicle communications have been studied, in recent years, to improve driver safety. As more of such applications of high-mobility ad hoc networks emerge, it is critical that the routing protocol employed is capable of efficiently coping with the high-frequency of broken links (i.e., robust with respect to high-mobility). This paper presents a comprehensive comparative study in a city environment of eight representative routing protocols for wireless mobile ad hoc networks and inter-vehicular networks developed in recent years. In a city environment, communication protocols need adapt fast moving nodes (e.g., vehicles on streets) and large obstacles (e.g., office buildings). In this paper, we elaborate upon extensive simulation results based on various network scenarios, and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of these techniques with regard to their support for highly mobile nodes.
A Science and Risk Based Proposal for Understanding Scale and Equipment Dependencies of Small Molecule Drug Substance Manufacturing Processes

ICH Q8(R2) established general guidelines around the Relationship of a Design Space to Scale and Equipment (Section 2.4.4); however, the guideline is not intended to provide guidance on scientific strategy for the application and implementation. It is widely recognized that drug product processes are typically scale and equipment sensitive; however, the same expectation should not be applied broadly to drug substance processes due to fundamental difference between the disciplines. This paper proposes a scientific perspective and strategy of how to develop design spaces that include scale and equipment knowledge for drug substance processes, and how to use that knowledge to mitigate the risk when changing from laboratory thorough commercial facilities.
Misattributions in attribution research: Choices of scientific certainty vs. understanding of reality: A rejoinder

Fincham (1984) has argued that Nogami and Streufert (1983) advanced a thesis which (1) attempts to empirically demonstrate that attributions for an accident are lower with severe as opposed to less severe outcomes and (2) applies these data to account for previous contradictory findings of the ‘defensive attribution’ literature. The present authors show that Fincham's attribution of intent to Nogami and Streufert is in error and that the divergent views of Nogami and Streufert versus those of Fincham and associates reflect legitimate but different approaches toward the problem of attribution theory and research.
Moving Volume KinectFusion.

Newcombe and Izadi et al’s KinectFusion [5] is an impressive new algorithm for real-time dense 3D mapping using the Kinect. It is geared towards games and augmented reality, but could also be of great use for robot perception. However, the algorithm is currently limited to a relatively small volume fixed in the world at start up (typically a ∼ 3m cube). This limits applications for perception. Here we report moving volume KinectFusion with additional algorithms that allow the camera to roam freely. We are interested in perception in rough terrain, but the system would also be useful in other applications including free-roaming games and awareness aids for hazardous environments or the visually impaired. Our approach allows the algorithm to handle a volume that moves arbitrarily on-line (Figure 1).
Mechanisms and rate constants for the vibrational relaxation of HD(v=4, 5, and 6) in collisions with HD, 4He, and D2

The relaxation of highly vibrationally excited HD with several collision partners is examined using direct overtone excitation and time‐resolved photoacoustic detection of the subsequent change in translational energy of the gas. Analysis of such data for HD(v=4, 5 and 6) self‐relaxation yields vibration‐translation (V‐T) and vibration–vibration (V–V) rate constants for collisions between HD(v=1 to 6) and HD(v=0). The V‐T rate constant becomes larger than the V–V rate constant above v=4. Similarly, relaxation data for the HD(v=4 and 5)–4He systems is analyzed and the HD–4He V‐T rate constants at v=4 and v=5 are presented. The differences in the quantum number scaling of the V‐T rates for the HD–HD and HD–4He systems are discussed. Finally, the time‐resolved photoacoustic data for HD(v=4) relaxing in collisions with D2 shows the effect of the rapid, near‐resonant V–V energy transfer between HD in the v=1 through v=4 levels and D2 in v=0.
Regional distribution in the rat central nervous system of a mRNA encoding a portion of the cardiac sodium/calcium exchanger isolated from cerebellar granule neurons.

Abstract The cardiac Na + Ca 2+ exchanger is a bidirectional electrogenic ion transporter that exchanges three Na + ions for each Ca 2+ ion and plays a critical role in returning sarcolemma Ca 2+ concentrations to their resting levels. Because of the importance that the Na + Ca 2+ exchanger may play in maintaining neuronal Ca 2+ homeostasis in the central nervous system, we subcloned a 456 bp portion of the Na + Ca 2+ exchanger cDNA from RNA isolated from primary cultures of rat cerebellar granule neurons using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This cDNA fragment was sequenced and shown to share 91.4% sequence identity with the human and 88% sequence identity with the canine cardiac Na + Ca 2+ exchangers. The PCR amplification product was used to analyze the distribution of this portion of the Na + Ca 2+ exchanger mRNA in various regions of the CNS by both Northern blotting and in situ hybridization histochemistry. The Northern analysis showed that the rank order of abundance of this mRNA was: hippocampus > cortex > cerebellum > hypothalamus > midbrain > striatum. The in situ hybridization data indicated that the corresponding mRNA containing this portion of the exchanger was present in numerous brain regions including multiple cortical layers, the hippocampus, septal nuclei, various thalamic nuclei, cerebellum, hypothalamus, olfactory bulb, brainstem, in various regions of the thoracic spinal cord and to a lesser extent in the striatum. The differential distribution of the mRNA as revealed by the in situ hybridization pattern suggests that either additional molecular variants exist or that different Na + Ca 2+ exchange mechanisms may be operative in those cell types that contain low amounts of this fragment of the exchanger mRNA.
Finite presentability of SL 1(D)

Let D be a finite dimensional division algebra over a local field of characteristic p and let SL 1(D) denote the group of elements of reduced norm 1 in D. In this paper we prove that SL 1(D) is finitely presented as a profinite group.
COGNITIVE COMPLEXITY, AFFECTIVE STIMULUS VALENCE, AND INFORMATION TRANSMISSION

Two experiments were conducted to test hypotheses derived from complexity theory regarding the interactive effect of situational variables and cognitive complexity of a communicator on the informational value of written communications. Complexity theory suggests that cognitively complex encoders, utilizing more dimensions of judgment in recognizing differences, are better able than cognitively simple encoders to distinguish the intended meaning of a communication from all competing, but inaccurate interpretations. Further, evidence exists which indicates that affective bias toward the referent of communication may lessen differences due to cognitive complexity. Much controversy has developed over the specific form of the interaction effect. Results of the experiments indicate that the superiority of cognitively complex encoders over cognitively simple ones is not limited by affective stimulus valence.
New insights into pigmentary pathways and skin cancer

The ability of cells to respond to and to mitigate environmental stress is crucial for their survival. Constitutive and facultative pigmentation have evolved in order for human skin to contend with high levels of terrestrial ultraviolet radiation (UVR). When this melanin 'shield' is compromised, individuals are exposed to increased skin cancer risk. The purpose of this review is to discuss new insights into the genetic basis of phenotypic risk factors for skin cancer, their connection to pigmentation and tanning, the precise molecular connections linking UVR to the tanning response, and potential methods of modulating pigmentation that avoid genotoxic damage. Highly translational implications of this research include a scientific basis on which to counsel patients regarding the carcinogenicity of UVR exposure related to tanning and potential new tanning agents that may actually protect against skin cancer by circumventing the need for UVR exposure.
Inflammatory Factors Mediate Vulnerability to a Social Stress-Induced Depressive-like Phenotype in Passive Coping Rats

Abstract Background Coping strategy impacts susceptibility to psychosocial stress. The locus coeruleus (LC) and dorsal raphe (DR) are monoamine nuclei implicated in stress-related disorders. Our goal was to identify genes in these nuclei that distinguish active and passive coping strategies in response to social stress. Methods Rats were exposed to repeated resident-intruder stress and coping strategy determined. Gene and protein expression in the LC and DR were determined by polymerase chain reaction array and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and compared between active and passive stress-coping and unstressed rats. The effect of daily interleukin (IL)-1 receptor antagonist before stress on anhedonia was also determined. Results Rats exhibited passive or active coping strategies based on a short latency (SL) or longer latency (LL) to assume a defeat posture, respectively. Stress differentially regulated 19 and 26 genes in the LC and DR of SL and LL rats, respectively, many of which encoded for inflammatory factors. Notably, Il-1β was increased in SL and decreased in LL rats in both the LC and DR. Protein changes were generally consistent with a proinflammatory response to stress in SL rats selectively. Stress produced anhedonia selectively in SL rats and this was prevented by IL-1 receptor antagonist, consistent with a role for IL-1β in stress vulnerability. Conclusions This study highlighted distinctions in gene expression related to coping strategy in response to social stress. Passive coping was associated with a bias toward proinflammatory processes, particularly IL-1β, whereas active coping and resistance to stress-related pathology was associated with suppression of inflammatory processes.
Optimization of direct arylation polymerization conditions for the synthesis of poly(3‐hexylthiophene)

Direct arylation polymerization (DArP) is an emerging alternative to Stille and Suzuki polymerizations. This method is attractive as it allows preparation of high-molecular-weight conjugated polymers in good yield without the need to metallate monomers. Despite this promise, for poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and related polymers that have β-protons on the thiophene ring, DArP is known to produce β-defects, which make the polymer properties different from polymers produced by traditional methods. Here, we demonstrate that DArP conditions based on simple, inexpensive, and bench-stable reagents can be tuned to limit the amount of defects and produce P3HT with properties remarkably similar to Stille P3HT. Specifically, lowering the reaction temperature, lowering the amount of catalyst, and using a bulkier carboxylate ligand is critical. Optimized conditions include reacting 2-bromo-3-hexylthiophene with 0.25 mol % of Pd(OAc)2, 1.5 equivalents of K2CO3, and 0.3 equivalents of neodecanoic acid in N,N-dimethylacetamide at 70 °C and give DArP P3HT with ∼60% yield, regioregularity of 93.5%, molecular weight of 20 kDa, polydispersity of 2.8, and melting point of 217 °C, providing a very close match to Stille P3HT, which is obtained with 70–80% yield, 91–94% regioregularity, molecular weight of 15–25 kDa, polydispersity of 2.5–2.8, and melting point of 214–221 °C. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 2660–2668
Control of Cattle Grubs with Coumaphos Applied by Sprayer and Spray-Dip Machine

For systemic control of cattle grubs, Hypoderma spp., in beef cattle, the U. S. Department of Agriculture (1964) recommends that coumaphos be applied once as a 0.375% spray; twice as a 0.25% spray, with treatments not more than 90 days apart; or as a “pour-on” treatment of 1/8 to 1/2 pt/animal of 4–5% in oil or water. For effective control of grubs, a sufficient volume of spray must be applied with enough pressure to cause the insecticide to penetrate the hair coat of the animal and thoroughly wet the skin. The correct volume and pressure depend upon the size of the animal and the characteristics of the animal's hair.
Factors associated with long-term antibody production induced by hepatitis B vaccine in patients undergoing hemodialysis: a retrospective cohort study.

Study Objective. To assess the influence of various clinical factors on antibody production induced by hepatitis B vaccine in patients receiving hemodialysis up to 24 months after vaccination. Design. Retrospective cohort study. Setting. Outpatient dialysis center. Patients. Adult patients undergoing hemodialysis who received a three-dose series of intramuscular hepatitis B vaccine 40 ug at time 0, 1, and 6 months, according to protocol. Measurements and Main Results. Antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) titers were monitored quarterly, and booster doses were given according to protocol. Patients with anti-HBs of at least 10 mIU/ml were considered seropositive. Clinical variables—age, diabetes mellitus status, serum albumin level, and equilibrated Kt/V (eKt/V; Kt/V is a measure of urea clearance during dialysis, used to quantify the delivered dose of hemodialysis)—were compared between seropositive and seronegative patients 12 months (cohort 1) and 24 months (cohort 2) after vaccination. In cohort 1 (66 patients), 24 (36.4%) were seropositive at 12 months. In cohort 2 (40 patients), 15 (37.5%) were seropositive at 24 months. Comparison of seropositive and seronegative patients revealed no statistically significant differences in mean age, sex, serum albumin level, or eKt/V. However, at 24 months, patients with diabetes were 2.5 times more likely to demonstrate seropositivity than those without diabetes (60% vs 24%, respectively, p=0.02). Conclusion. Long-term seroprevalence induced by hepatitis B vaccine was low in our patients 12 and 24 months after vaccination. These results were comparable to previously reported long-term results. Larger, prospective studies would be needed to confirm the finding that patients with diabetes had superior hepatitis B vaccine-induced antibody production at 24 months.
The Moderating Effect of Leader-Member Exchange in the Relationship Between Self-Efficacy and Performance

Abstract Self-efficacy has been confirmed empirically as a determinant of performance and its utility has been demonstrated for such workplace functions as succession planning and team building. The effects of leader-member exchange (LMX) have also been studied in terms of such a construct's effect on subordinate performance. This study considers the potentially moderating effect of LMX on food-service managers' self-efficacy and their workplace performance. While the relationship between self-efficacy and performance has been established in diverse fields, this study indicates the causal linkage is also strong in foodservice management. Moreover, it appears that LMX is a strong moderator, affecting those with higher levels of self-efficacy most significantly.
The systemic lupus erythematosus patient and transfusion medicine

Abstract The role of the blood bank laboratory with regard to the SLE patient has been usually restricted to blood transfusion therapy. With the developing science of transfusion medicine however, the role is changing. There have been studies regarding red cell-bound proteins, associations with the Rg blood group and C4A deficiency, complement receptors, HLA Class I expression, anti-cardiolipin antibodies, lymphocyte function associated antigen-1, autoantibody production, drug-induced lupus and decreased clearance of sensitized red cells by the reticuloendothelial system. Some of this new work is very exciting as it may lead to clues in treatment possibilities. The traditional investigative tools used in the blood bank for the provision of blood products for transfusion are also discussed.
Comparison of isometric and isotonic responses of human small airway smooth muscle in vitro

The difference between isometric and isotonic responses of human small airway smooth muscle to a number of pharmacological agonists was studied. The isotonically measured sensitivity to methacholine was 1.4 times less than the isometrically measured value (p less than 0.05), and similar small discrepancies were found for histamine, leukotriene, prostaglandin F2 alpha, isoproterenol, and theophylline. Maximal isometric force and isotonic shortening after methacholine were linearly related (p less than 0.01). The between-methods difference is relatively small. Because the difference was of similar magnitude and in the same direction in all tissues studied, it is of little practical importance for conventional pharmacological experiments.
An analysis of expected-outcome

Abstract Static evaluators have been used in every game program ever written. These heuristic functions attempt to differentiate between strong and weak moves by assigning them values based on directly detectable game features. Despite their ubiquity, evaluation functions are not well understood; the development of a theory of evaluator design has been too long coming. In fact, the general consensus is that no theory is possible, because expertise is required to develop even a simple evaluator. One recently introduced ‘generic’ evaluation function, the expected-outcome model, proposed evaluating a node as the expected value of a game's outcome, given random play from that node on. Experimental studies conducted on evaluators designed under this model yielded encouraging results in tac-tac-toe, Othello, and chess. This paper analyzes the expected-outcome model on a simple class of game trees, and shows that the moves recommended under the assumptions of random play and perfect play are identical. This vind...
Independence and Interdependence: Relationships in Selected Pieces of The Voices We Carry

writings in new and sometimes startling ways. Mary Jo Bona's 1994 The Voices We Carry is an anthology of contemporary Italian-American women writers. Bona subdivides her fourteen selections into four thematic areas: the history of Italian-Americans, new encounters with Italy, the family, and the end of the immigrant generation. I approached Bona's anthology trying to determine what I could deduce about the identity of Italian-American women writers from the evidence in the fictions. Were they all addressing the same issues? Did they all feel similarly about those issues? What I noticed was that although each story dealt with individuals in relationships, the relationships were very different: some were happy, bringing the individuals portrayed closer because of their interactions, while others were sterile and joyless. It seemed that the relationships that showed a high level of conflict and stress involved at least one person who was seeking independence and self-determination and whose behavior placed his or her individual interest and desire over that of the group. Relationships that were portrayed as fulfilling and mutually satisfactory proved to have reciprocity, empathy, and interdependence as the central values. They were not hierarchical, and the individual felt empowered by
Formation of molecular species of mitochondrial cardiolipin 2. A mathematical model of pattern formation by phospholipid transacylation

Formation of the unique molecular species of mitochondrial cardiolipin requires tafazzin, a transacylase that exchanges acyl groups between phospholipid molecular species without strict specificity for acyl groups, head groups, or carbon positions. However, it is not known whether phospholipid transacylations can cause the accumulation of specific fatty acids in cardiolipin. Here, a model is shown in linear algebra representation, in which acyl specificity emerges from the transacylation equilibrium of multiple molecular species, provided that different species have different free energies. The model defines the conditions and energy terms, under which transacylations may generate the characteristic composition of mitochondrial cardiolipin. It is concluded that acyl-specific cardiolipin patterns could arise from phospholipid transacylations in the tafazzin domain, even if tafazzin itself does not have substrate specificity.
Current rampup by lower-hybrid waves in the PLT tokamak.

Recent lower-hybrid current-drive experiments have clearly demonstrated that the current in a tokamak discharge can be maintained by rf drive alone. We have extended the operating regime of such plasmas to include ramping up of the current. We find that at densities of \ensuremath{\sim}2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{12}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ approximately 20% of the launched rf power is converted to magnetic field energy.
Intraclass recognition with distortion-invariant filters

Correlation filters with sharp delta-function correlation peaks (such as phase only filters and minimum average correlation energy (MACE) filters) do not easily recognize images on which they were not trained. We show that the MACE filter cannot recognize intermediate images of true class objects (e. g. aspect views or rotations midway between two training images). New Gaussian-MACE filters offer a solution to this problem.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
How sensitive are trends to data definitions Results for East Asian and G5 countries

This paper examines whether test results characterizing per capita output as either trend or difference stationary are sensitive to whether output is valued in domestic currency terms, or in some international numeraire, such as the Summers-Heston international dollar. Using the conventional ADF test, and the Kwiatkowsi et al. test with a trend stationary null, we find that for economies such as those of the East Asian countries, the best description of the persistence of the data does depend upon the valuation of output. No such discrepancy is found for the output series of the G5 countries. We conclude that researchers should be extremely cautious about making generalizations regarding the time-series properties of output.
Methods of Inducing Immunological Tolerance to Tissue Allografts and Xenografts

Abstract Despite the remarkable progress in clinical organ transplantation in the past two decades, significant problems remain to be solved. These problems include rejection, late opportunistic sepsis, spontaneous neoplasms, metabolic complications, and drug toxicity. In this article, various experimental models of tolerance and ways of inducing tolerance to tissue allographs are discussed.
An explication of secret sharing schemes

This paper is an explication of secret sharing schemes, emphasizing combinatorial construction methods. The main problem we consider is the construction of perfect secret sharing schemes, for specified access structures, with the maximum possible information rate. In this paper, we present numerous direct constructions for secret sharing schemes, such as the Shamir threshold scheme, the Boolean circuit construction of Benaloh and Leichter (for general access structures), the vector space construction of Brickell, and the Simmons geometric construction. We discuss the connections between ideal schemes (i.e., those with information rate equal to one) and matroids. We also mention the entropy bounds of Capocelli et al. Then we give a very general construciton, called the decomposition construction, and numerous applications of it. In particular, we study schemes for access structures based on graphs and the many interesting bounds that can be proved; and we determine the exact value of the optimal information rate for all access structures on at most four participants.
Estimating HIV incidence: An ill-posed problem

Abstract Back calculation is the generic name given to a variety of statistical procedures that estimate the distribution of HIV infection incidence over time from AIDS surveillance data. The estimation of HIV infection incidence from AIDS data is an ill-posed problem. That is, almost without exception, these diverse procedures assume a limited class of infection distributions in order to facilitate a unique solution to the selection of the distribution of HIV infection incidence over time. In this work, a new and more general solution to the ill-posed linear inverse problem is proposed weerein a more general context is developed that employs all possible HIV distributions. The result is that there are now many infection distributions that are necessarily equally consistent with observed AIDS case data. This situation is explored by comparing the estimators with, respectively, the minimum and the maximum number of total infections. Examples using risk-specific AIDS case data for the United States are included. The back calculation procedure here employs two constrained least absolute value problems. Although the least absolute value estimates are preferred for their epidemiological interpretation, the methods could just have easily used constrained least squares.
Logic Devices with Spin Wave Buses: Potential Advantages and Shortcoming

The authors analyze the performance and estimate the efficiency of the spin-wave based logic devices. The main potential advantage of using spin wave for information transmission and processing is that a bit of information can be transmitted without use of an electric current. Spin-wave based devices may find an application as an interface between the electronic and magnetic circuits. The authors show the schematics of the integration of the spin-wave based devices with conventional electron-based circuit. The input information is received in the form of voltage pulses. Next, it is converted into the spin wave signals, where logic state 1 and 0 corresponds to the phases of the spin waves. Spin-wave based device accomplishes computation using spin wave signals and provides the output on the form of voltage pulses.
In-situ transmission electron microscopy study of electric-field-induced grain-boundary cracking in lead zirconate titanate

The field-driven in-situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technique was developed to examine micromechanisms of field-induced cracking in ferroelectric ceramics. The technique was constructed by combining a selectively deposited thin film electrode configuration with a modified hot stage to deliver a required electric voltage to a ferroelectric TEM specimen. Under cyclic electric fields, microcracks were found to initiate from pores at the triple junctions and propagate along the grain-boundary in a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramic. Grain-boundary cavitation and coalescence of microcracks were directly observed for the first time during field-induced fracture of PZT at room temperature. The results suggest that dielectric breakdown of the grain-boundary phase was conducive to grain-boundary cavitation, and the crack growth followed the progressive accumulation of the cavity density with electric cycling.
The incidence of pedestrian distraction at urban intersections after implementation of a Streets Smarts campaign

Pedestrians distracted by digital devices or other activities are at a higher risk of injury as they cross streets. We sought to describe the incidence of pedestrians distracted by digital devices or other activities at two highly traveled urban intersections after the implementation of a pedestrian safety intervention at one of the intersections. This was an observational field study of two urban intersections. Two investigators were stationed at each of the four corners of the intersection. Each pair of observers included one “person counter” and one “behavior counter”. The “person counter” tallied every individual who approached that corner from any of the three opposing corners. The “behavior counter” tallied every individual approaching from the three opposing corners who were exhibiting any of the following behaviors: 1) eating, 2) drinking, 3) wearing ear buds/headphones, 4) texting, 5) looking at mobile phone or reading something on mobile phone, or 6) talking on mobile phone. Every 15 min, each pair of observers rotated to the next corner of the same intersection, allowing each pair of observers to complete one 15-min observation at each of the four corners of the intersection. Intersection A had stencils at the curb cuts of each corner alerting pedestrians to put down a digital device while crossing the intersection while intersection B did not. 1362 pedestrians were observed; of those, 19 % were distracted by another activity at both intersections. Of the total, 9 % were using ear buds/headphones; 8 % were using a digital device (talking, texting, or looking down at it); and 2 % were eating or drinking. Inter-observer validity among observers (kappa) was 98 %. Of those that were distracted, 5 % were either using an assistive device (cane, walker, motorized scooter) or walking with a child (either on foot or in stroller). There were no differences in the proportion of pedestrians who were distracted at either intersection, except that more pedestrians were talking on a cell phone while crossing intersection B. It is unclear to what degree a pedestrian safety messaging campaign is effective in decreasing distraction by digital devices. Further evaluation of the effect of posted warnings about pedestrian distraction on the safety of crossing behaviors is needed.
GEOmetadb: powerful alternative search engine for the Gene Expression Omnibus.

The NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) represents the largest public repository of microarray data. However, finding data in GEO can be challenging. We have developed GEOmetadb in an attempt to make querying the GEO metadata both easier and more powerful. All GEO metadata records as well as the relationships between them are parsed and stored in a local MySQL database. A powerful, flexible web search interface with several convenient utilities provides query capabilities not available via NCBI tools. In addition, a Bioconductor package, GEOmetadb that utilizes a SQLite export of the entire GEOmetadb database is also available, rendering the entire GEO database accessible with full power of SQL-based queries from within R. Availability: The web interface and SQLite databases available at http://gbnci.abcc.ncifcrf.gov/geo/. The Bioconductor package is available via the Bioconductor project. The corresponding MATLAB implementation is also available at the same website.
Derivative-free family of higher order root finding methods

Most higher order root finding methods require evaluation of a function and/or its derivatives at one or multiple points. There are cases where the derivatives of a given function are costly to compute. In this paper, higher order methods which do not require computation of any derivatives are derived. Asymptotic analysis has shown that these methods are approximations of root iterations. One of the main features of the proposed approaches is that one can develop multi-point derivative-free methods of any desired order. For lower order methods, these correspond to the Newton, and Ostrowski iterations. Several examples involving polynomials and entire functions have shown that the proposed methods can be applied to polynomial and non-polynomial equations.