cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A multi-analyte serum test for the detection of non-small cell lung cancer

In this study, we appraised a wide assortment of biomarkers previously shown to have diagnostic or prognostic value for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with the intent of establishing a multi-analyte serum test capable of identifying patients with lung cancer. Circulating levels of 47 biomarkers were evaluated against patient cohorts consisting of 90 NSCLC and 43 non-cancer controls using commercial immunoassays. Multivariate statistical methods were used on all biomarkers achieving statistical relevance to define an optimised panel of diagnostic biomarkers for NSCLC. The resulting biomarkers were fashioned into a classification algorithm and validated against serum from a second patient cohort. A total of 14 analytes achieved statistical relevance upon evaluation. Multivariate statistical methods then identified a panel of six biomarkers (tumour necrosis factor-α, CYFRA 21-1, interleukin-1ra, matrix metalloproteinase-2, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and sE-selectin) as being the most efficacious for diagnosing early stage NSCLC. When tested against a second patient cohort, the panel successfully classified 75 of 88 patients. Here, we report the development of a serum algorithm with high specificity for classifying patients with NSCLC against cohorts of various ‘high-risk’ individuals. A high rate of false positives was observed within the cohort in which patients had non-neoplastic lung nodules, possibly as a consequence of the inflammatory nature of these conditions.
A Model for Informative Censoring

Abstract In the usual model for censored survival analysis, observations are of the form X = min(T, C), where T and C are nonnegative random variables representing lifetime and censoring time, respectively. Under the usual assumption of independence of T and C, the Kaplan-Meier estimator (KME) is the appropriate estimator of S(t) = Pr(T > t). The KME can lead to substantial overestimates of survival probabilities if the event of censoring indicates an unfavorable prognosis for future survival. We consider an alternative model in which censoring only occurs in a subpopulation defined by the frailty distribution. A self-consistent estimator of the survival function appropriate to the model is obtained.
Myocardial viability assessment by contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging

Recent progress in the diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease has intensified the need to differentiate viable from nonviable myocardium with accuracy and high spatial resolution. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) had been investigated as a potential technique to assess
Terrestrial and Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Assemblages as a Function of Wetland Type across a Mountain Landscape

Abstract Fens and wet meadows are important mountain wetland types, but influences on assemblage structure of associated invertebrates are poorly understood compared with other aspects of the ecology of these habitats. We sought to determine the relative contributions of terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates to diversity and abundance in these wetlands, the extent to which terrestrial and aquatic invertebrate assemblages differ with wetland type, and to what degree the aquatic assemblages vary as a function of slow sheet flow. We compared assemblages in fens and wet meadows, with and without flow, at 80 backcountry sites dispersed across the 6200 km2 landscape of Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, U.S.A., using standard aquatic and terrestrial sweep netting. Cicadellid leafhoppers, aphids, and thomisid crab spiders were the most abundant terrestrial taxa. Cicadellids, Lepidoptera, anthomyiid, muscid, chloropid, and ephydrid flies, and thomisids...
A model for in-reactor stress rupture of austenitic stainless steels

Abstract A model for in-reactor stress rupture is proposed based on stress-induced creep cavity formation on a fraction of an evolving distribution of helium bubbles. The observed creep rates, ductility and rupture times for some high temperature in-reactor data and the relatively high ductilities in breeder spectra at lower temperatures are predicted correctly. At low stresses, the rupture exposure scales as α 1//trHe/dpa δ2 and the total ductility 1//trHe/dpa δ.
Continuous chemical monitoring with osmotically pumped water samplers: OsmoSampler design and applications

Long-term osmotically pumped fluid samplers, or OsmoSamplers, were developed to reliably and autonomously collect continuous small-volume water samples for monitoring aqueous environments in remote locations for up to several years. OsmoSamplers provide sequential milliliter-size samples that, when analyzed, yield high-resolution time-series for a wide range of dissolved components. These instruments fill an important niche that has not been addressed by automated samplers or in situ analyzers. OsmoSamplers can be customized for flow rate and duration for addressing numerous scientific questions. The samplers consist of an osmotic pump that continuously pulls fluid sample into a long small-bore tube. They are thus extremely simple, reliable, and require neither electrical power nor moving parts. Upon recovery, fluid samples are extracted from subsections of the sample tubing, where each subsection integrates a discrete time interval. The time-stamped subsamples are then analyzed for chemical species of interest. Sample smearing due to static and dynamic diffusion and mixing is kept to a minimum by the use of small-bore tubing (0.5 to 1.2 mm inside diameter) and low flow rates (0.1 to 12 mL d−1). Theory and laboratory experiments show that sample smearing is not significantly greater than that calculated from static diffusion alone. OsmoSamplers have been tested in the laboratory and deployed at sea. Results from laboratory tests and field deployments illustrate initial results and potential applications.
Boundary value problems for asymptotically homogeneous elliptic second order operators

Abstract In this paper we show the Dirichlet and Neumann problems over exterior regions have unique solutions in certain weighted Sobolev spaces. Two applications are given: (1) The Dirichlet problem for semi-linear operators, and (2) a Helmholtz decomposition for vector fields on exterior regions.
EEG source imaging in epilepsy—practicalities and pitfalls

EEG source imaging (ESI) is a model-based imaging technique that integrates temporal and spatial components of EEG to identify the generating source of electrical potentials recorded on the scalp. Recent advances in computer technologies have made the analysis of ESI data less time-consuming, and have rekindled interest in this technique as a clinical diagnostic tool. On the basis of the available body of evidence, ESI seems to be a promising tool for epilepsy evaluation; however, the precise clinical value of ESI in presurgical evaluation of epilepsy and in localization of eloquent cortex remains to be investigated. In this Review, we describe two fundamental issues in ESI; namely, the forward and inverse problems, and their solutions. The clinical application of ESI in surgical planning for patients with medically refractory focal epilepsy, and its use in source reconstruction together with invasive recordings, is also discussed. As ESI can be used to map evoked responses, we discuss the clinical utility of this technique in cortical mapping-an essential process when planning resective surgery for brain regions that are in close proximity to eloquent cortex.
Anatomy of the turtle cerebellorubral circuit studied in vitro using neurobiotin and biocytin

Abstract We have combined the rapid anterograde and retrograde transport of neurobiotin and biocytin with the extended viability of the isolated turtle brainstem-cerebellum to conduct in vitro studies of the chelonian cerebellorubral circuit. Tracers were pressure injected in 15–25 nl quantities and the optimal transport time was 16 h. Tissue sections were incubated with avidin-biotin-HRP complex and reacted with DAB. Retrogradely labeled soma, dendrites and axons, and anterogradely labeled axons and to a lesser extent terminals were visible with both tracers. Red nucleus injections resulted in dense retrograde label in the contralateral lateral cerebellar nucleus and a heavily labeled contralateral rubrospinal tract. Cerebellar nucleus injections revealed light retrograde and dense terminal label in the contralateral red nucleus, together with retrograde label in a cell cluster in the ipsilateral ventrolateral medullary reticular formation, an area we identify as the lateral reticular nucleus. Injections into this medullary region resulted in heavy mossy fiber input to the ipsilateral cerebellum and moderate retrograde label in the contralateral red nucleus. These results identify prominent recurrent projections between the lateral cerebellar nucleus, red nucleus and lateral reticular nucleus, in addition to revealing other features of the cerebellorubral circuit.
A single amino acid substitution (G103D) in the type II collagen triple helix produces Kniest dysplasia

Kniest dysplasia is a moderately severe chondrodysplasia phenotype that results from mutations in the gene for type II collagen, COL2A1. Characteristics of the disorder include a short trunk and extremities, mid-face hypoplasia, cleft palate, myopia, retinal detachment, and hearing loss. Recently, deletions of all or part of exon 12 have been identified in individuals with Kniest dysplasia, suggesting that mutations within this region of the protein may primarily result in the Kniest dysplasia phenotype. We used SSCP to analyze an amplified genomic DNA fragment containing exon 12 from seven individuals with Kniest dysplasia. An abnormality was identified in one patient. DNA sequence analysis demonstrated that the patient was heterozygous for a G to A transition that implied substitution of glycine103 of the triple helical domain by aspartate. The mutation was not observed in DNA from either of the clinically unaffected parents of the proband. Protein microsequencing demonstrated expression of the abnormal allele in cartilage. These data demonstrate that point mutations which result in single amino acid substitutions can produce Kniest dysplasia and further support the hypothesis that alteration of a domain, which includes the region encoded by exon 12, in the type II collagen protein leads to this disorder.
Determination of elements in native and bypass human coronary artery plaque deposits from the same heart using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry

As part of an ongoing study on atherosclerotic arteries, the concentrations of 12 elements in a native and by-pass human coronary artery plaque deposits from five human hearts were determined using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). These elements were Ca, P, Na, K, Mg, Zn, Cu, Pb, Fe, Al, Si, and S. For Zn, Ca, Pb, Fe, Al, and Si, the levels were at the fractional micromol/g levels and they probably played an unimportant role in plaque development. Sulfur levels varied from 23 to 140 micromols indicative of the possible presence of homocysteine, but there appeared to be no consistent relationship between by-pass and native concentrations. The calcium and phosphorus concentrations were relatively high in all cases, but the ratio of their molecular concentrations did not correspond to hydroxyapatite, which is conventionally considered to be the chemical form of calcium in heart plaque. In the mature native plaque, high calcium/phosphorus ratios indicated calcium in chemical forms other than hydroxyapatite. In undeveloped by-pass plaque, the phosphorus concentration was too high to be as hydroxyapatite but may be phospholipids. Because it is difficult to get suitable samples, only five heart samples were available. Therefore, these results should be treated as preliminary.
Modeling Attrition in Organizations from Email Communication

Modeling people's online behavior in relation to their real-world social context is an interesting and important research problem. In this paper, we present our preliminary study of attrition behavior in real-world organizations based on two online datasets: a dataset from a small startup (40+ users) and a dataset from one large US company (3600+ users). The small startup dataset is collected using our privacy-preserving data logging tool, which removes personal identifiable information from content data and extracts only aggregated statistics such as word frequency counts and sentiment features. The privacy-preserving measures have enabled us to recruit participants to support this study. Correlation analysis over the startup dataset has shown that statistically there is often a change point in people's online behavior, and data exhibits weak trends that may be manifestation of real-world attrition. Same findings are also verified in the large company dataset. Furthermore, we have trained a classifier to predict real-world attrition with a moderate accuracy of 60-65% on the large company dataset. Given the incompleteness and noisy nature of data, the accuracy is encouraging.
Experimental investigation of reaction coronas on olivine in Apollo 14 high-grade breccias

Reaction coronas of pyroxene plus or minus ilmenite occur around clasts of olivine in Apollo 14 high-grade metamorphic breccias. In experiments of several months duration, there was no evidence of corona formation at 1000 C, but at 1050, with oxygen fugacity at or above Ilm-Ru-Fe and below Fe-Fe(1-x)O, incipient coronas formed around Fo(50-70), Fo(68), En(69) + Fe. Reduction of olivine under these conditions is inconsistent with the calculated stability relations and is attributed to uncertainties in the activity coefficient for olivine or pyroxene. The experiments also suggest that vesicularity in the Apollo 14 high-grade breccias may correlate with the amount of glassy material in their unmetamorphosed precursors. The metamorphic event is attributed to burial in a hot ejecta blanket, such as that of the Imbrium event.
Redistricting and partisan fluidity: do we really know a gerrymander when we see one?

Abstract Redistricting analysis and the concept of gerrymandering are based on the assumption that the electorate is comprised of durable racial, ethnic or partisan blocs of voters. Accordingly, vote dilution analysis is employed to determine whether the constituencies comprised of these durable blocs have had their aggregate voting power diminished by a particular redistricting scheme. In this article, I demonstrate that this assumption does not hold for partisan redistricting analysis because partisan blocs of voters are not durable. Instead, their partisan profile changes in response to incumbency, electoral competition and redistricting . These findings not only contradict prevailing analyses of redistricting, but also undermine the logic of remedial redistricting.
Residual resistivity dipoles

Current flow past lattice defects in metals is associated with a localized conduction band polarization. This has become generally recognized in electromigration theory, but there is disagreement about the details of the polarization pattern. Discussions by others have emphasized polarization terms which are first order in the perturbation potential. This paper analyzes the polarization terms which are proportional to scattering probabilities and thus related to the increase in resistivity. These are second order, or higher, in the scattering potential. A simple physical picture is used to estimate the size of this dipole moment associated with the residual resistivity. A quantum mechanical discussion is given for the one-dimensional case. The conditions under which the polarization can be expected to be linear in the scattering cross-section is discussed.
Toward an evolutionary task parallel integrated MPI + X programming model

The Bulk Synchronous Parallel programming model is showing performance limitations at high processor counts. We propose over-decomposition of the domain, operated on as tasks, to smooth out utilization of the computing resource, in particular the node interconnect and processing cores, and hide intra- and inter-node data movement. Our approach maintains the existing coding style commonly employed in computational science and engineering applications. Although we show improved performance on existing computers, up to 131,072 processor cores, the effectiveness of this approach on expected future architectures will require the continued evolution of capabilities throughout the codesign stack. Success then will not only result in decreased time to solution, but would also make better use of the hardware capabilities and reduce power and energy requirements, while fundamentally maintaining the current code configuration strategy.
Satisfaction with weight loss: examining the longitudinal covariation between people's weight-loss-related outcomes and experiences and their satisfaction.

Background Recent research has shown that satisfaction with weight loss is predictive of weight loss maintenance, yet empirical evidence for how people derive satisfaction with weight loss is quite limited.
Intramuscular and intravaginal vaccination of pregnant cows with thymidine kinase-negative, temperature-resistant infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (bovine herpes virus 1).

Abstract To test the safety and efficacy of a thymidine kinase-negative (TK − ), temperature-resistant (TR) mutant of bovine herpes virus-1 (BHV-1) in pregnant cows, seronegative cows, 2–5 months pregnant, were vaccinated intramuscularly (i.m.) or intravaginally (i.vag.) with this candidate vaccine virus. I.m. vaccinated cows did not shed virus i.vag. or intranasally (i.n.), but i.vag. vaccinated cows replicated virus i.vag. for 8–9 days postvaccination (p.v.) Some of the cows were challenge exposed i.n. at 46 days p.v. with virulent TK + BHV-1(Cooper). Vaccinated cows showed no clinical disease signs p.v. or postchallenge and responded anamnestically postchallenge. All cows delivered live calves. Pre-colostrum sera of the calves were negative for BHV-1 antibodies.
Surface chemistry and extreme pressure lubricant additive properties of chloroform on iron

Abstract The growth kinetics and composition of films formed by the thermal decomposition of chloroform are very similar to those for methylene chloride reported previously [P.V. Kotvis et al., Wear 147 (1991) 401; 153 (1992) 305; Appl. Surf. Sci. 40 (1989) 213; Langmuir 9 (1993) 467], both depositing films that consist of an iron halide and incorporating carbon. Raman spectroscopy suggests that less carbon is incorporated into the layer grown from chloroform, an effect that is proposed to reflect the initial carbon : chlorine ratio in the precursor reactants. The tribological properties measured using a pin and V-block apparatus from the seizure load as a function of the additive concentration are very similar in both cases, showing an initial increase in seizure load up to additive concentrations of ≈ 2 wt% of chlorine and remaining constant thereafter, the main difference being that the saturation seizure load is higher when using chloroform than when methylene chloride is the additive. This effect is explained since the interfacial coefficient of friction of films grown from chloroform are lower than those from methylene chloride so that, for a particular applied load, the interfacial temperature is lower in the former case. Since the seizure load in the plateau region (at high additive concentrations) corresponds to the load at which the interface reaches the melting point of FeCl2, this temperature is attained at a higher load with CHCl3 than CH2Cl2. It is possible that the amount of carbon incorporated into the iron halide anti-seizure film affects the resulting coefficient of friction.
Self Organized Compound Semiconductor Nanocrystallite Distributions in SiO2 on Silicon Synthesized by Ion Implantation

The temporal and spatial evolution of sequentially and single ion implanted Cd and Se concentration distributions into thermally grown SiO 2 on (001)-Si were investigated. Ex-situ rapid thermal annealing was performed to initiate the reaction-diffusion driven material transport, nanocrystal nucleation and growth. Finally this leads to the formation of buried distinct layers of CdSe nanocrystals. The spatiotemporal evolution of the concentration distributions were quantitatively analyzed by dynamic Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS). It will be shown, that there is a correlated diffusion of Cd and Se when both elements were implanted in overlapping concentration profiles, whereas the single implanted Cd and Se exhibit a completely different diffusion behaviour. In the region of the supersaturated solid solution reaction to thermodynamically stable CdSe clusters takes place. The steep concentration gradient provokes indiffusion of the stoichiometric compound. In the case of a surplus of Cd over Se and long annealing times self-organized, nearly periodic and correlated concentration variations of Cd and Se can be observed. Comparison of the profiles indicate that this pattern formation is controlled by the diffusion and precipitation of the over stoichiometric Cd.
Leading the way in biomedical engineering: an interview with Robert Langer. Interview by Hannah Stanwix, Commissioning Editor.

Professor Robert Langer obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University (NY, USA) in 1970. He received his Sc.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MA, USA) in 1974. He is currently the David H Koch Institute Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Professor Langer is a member of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Sciences. At the age of 43 he was the youngest person in history to be elected to all three United States National Academies. Throughout his career, Professor Langer has received over 200 awards including, notably, the Charles Stark Draper Prize (considered the equivalent of the Nobel Prize for engineers), the 2008 Millennium Prize, the 2006 United States National Medal of Science and the 2012 Priestley Medal. In 1996 he was awarded the Gairdner Foundation International Award (the only engineer ever to have been awarded this accolade). Professor Langer has also been the recipient of the Lemelson-MIT prize, which he was awarded with for being "one of history's most prolific inventors in medicine." Professor Langer was selected by Time Magazine in 2001 as one of the 100 most important people in the USA. He has received honorary degrees from several universities worldwide, including Harvard University (MA, USA), the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine (NY, USA), Yale University (CT, USA), the ETH Zurich (Zurich, Switzerland), the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology (Haifa, Israel), the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (Israel), the Universite Catholique de Louvain (Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (NY, USA), Willamette University (OR, USA), the University of Liverpool (Liverpool, UK), Bates College (ME, USA), the University of Nottingham (Nottingham, UK), Albany Medical College (NY, USA), Pennsylvania State University (PA, USA), Northwestern University (IL, USA) and Uppsala University (Uppsala, Sweden), and was awarded with the University of California San Francisco Medal in 2009. Professor Langer has founded over 20 biotechnology companies and authored more than 1175 articles. He has over 800 issued or pending patents. Professor Langer is the most cited engineer in history.
Treating cancer by targeting a weakness.

Most targeted therapies for cancer are designed to bind a specific protein expressed by cancer cells. Two recent studies indicate that a new approach may work: attacking a tumor at its weak spot.
Design and Characterization of Carbon Nanofibers for Via Applications

This paper presents results for structural characterization of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) for interconnect via applications. Vertically aligned CNFs were grown in a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) system. We characterized the surface topographies of CNF via structures using atomic force microscopy (AFM). We also demonstrated the capability of capturing one single CNF using the AFM current-sensing technique. Moreover, the correlation between the CNF density and via resistances was analyzed theoretically.
Glutamine- and N-acetylglutamate-dependent carbamoyl phosphate synthetase in elasmobranchs

High levels of glutamine- and N-acetyl-L-glutamate-dependent carbamoyl phosphate synthetase activity are present in liver extracts of marine species of fish that retain high levels of urea in their tissues for the purpose of osmoregulation. The function of the synthetase in these species appears to be related to urea synthesis.
A Mössbauer spectrometer system with data processing capability

Abstract A Mossabauer spectrometer based on a PDP-8L mini-computer has been designed and constructed. The computer supplies both the signal for the source motion and the data storage. The resulting spectrometer system has wide versatility of operation and data processing. It has been operating in a stable manner over the past two years in studies of iron oxidation and corrosion processes utilizing both the Mossbauer transmission and backscattering modes. The data processing capability is demostrated by the analysis and stripping of both the metal and oxide peaks from an electron backscattered spectrum of an oxidized iron surface.
Selective adaptation with reversible figures: Don’t change that channel

An adaptation-test paradigm was used in two experiments examining processes underlying the perceived reversals of a rotating Necker cube. Adaptation and test cubes were either the same or different with respect to their visual fields of presentation (Experiment 1) or their sizes (Experiment 2). Results of both experiments indicated that, following subjects’ adaptation to a different cube, reversal rate of the test cube did not differ from that obtained without prior adaptation experience. In contrast, reversal rate of the test cube was elevated following adaptation to the same cube. Additional findings of Experiment 1 were that a test cube presented to the same visual field as the adaptation cube yielded a higher reversal rate than did a simultaneously presented cube in the opposite visual field. Also, the reversal rate of one cube was not influenced by the simultaneous presentation of a second cube. Results of both experiments were interpreted in terms of the fatigue and recovery of multiple, largely independent, localized neural channels. Thus, the results tie reversible-figure illusions to other visual phenomena thought to involve similar fatigue processes within localized visual channels (e.g., tilt, motion, and size aftereffects).
Unmet need for recommended preventive health services among clients of California syringe exchange programs: Implications for quality improvement

Abstract Background Comprehensive preventive services are recommended for injection drug users (IDU), including screening tests, vaccinations, risk reduction counseling, and sterile syringes. Syringe exchange programs (SEP) may facilitate receipt of preventive services by IDUs, but whether SEP clients receive recommended preventive care is not known. We examined use of recommended preventive services by clients of 23 SEPs throughout California. Methods Five hundred and sixty SEP clients were recruited from 23 SEPs throughout California between March and September 2003. Receipt of 10 recommended preventive services and source of care (SEP versus non-SEP providers) was ascertained from client interviews. Results On average, SEP clients received only 13% of recommended preventive services and 49% of clients received none of the recommended services. Of services that were received, 76% were received from SEPs. In multivariate analysis, use of drug treatment and more frequent SEP visits were associated with receipt of recommended preventive services by clients. Conclusions SEPs are often the only source of preventive care for their IDU clients. Still, SEP clients fail to receive most recommended preventive services. Interventions to increase use of preventive services and improve the quality of preventive care received by IDUs, such as increased access to drug treatment and SEPs, are needed.
Software piracy and spending across different economic groups

This study investigates the extent of relationships between the cultural and economic development levels in a given country and software piracy and spending rates by using the structural equation modelling technique. When analysing both developing and developed markets together, we find that the cultural differences (degree of individualism, 'IDV') and the level of gross national income significantly impact the rate of software piracy, thereby creating a correlative relationship between those two factors and software-spending. However, when the software markets are classified into developed versus developing markets, the findings differ.
Using GPS and recall to understand water collection in Kenyan informal settlements

This paper uses interviews and Global Positioning System (GPS) loggers to measure the time taken to collect water in two large informal settlements in Kenyan cities. Collection times were measured, and collection paths mapped, in two low-income urban settlements, comparing water access conditions in Nyalenda in Kisumu (where the utility has introduced a new piped water system) with Kibera in Nairobi (where no such improvement has been made). The use of GPS tracking provides a better understanding of time spent collecting water compared to interview data, but the two methods combined provide insights that neither could have suggested alone.
Edentulous impression procedures for maximum retention and stability

Abstract A thorough diagnostic survey and a critical evaluation is essential before making adequate impressions. A standardized impression procedure which, with slight occasional variations, will suffice for the vast majority of patients has been described. A method of delineating correct border extensions has been described. Careful execution of all the various steps in the technique will assure the realization of the objectives and uniformly gratifying results. The procedures suggested are basically sound, comparatively simple to apply, and can be mastered by any conscientious dentist.
Comparison of the human, canine and swine E apoproteins

A comparative study of the E apoprotein isolated from the d<1.02 lipoproteins of human, canine and swine plasma revealed that the various apo-E preparations had similar molecular weights (37,000–39,000) and had similar amino acid compositions in that glutamic acid, alanine, leucine and arginine were present in high concentrations. The various preparations showed partial immunochemical cross-reactivity, demonstrating significant sequence homology between the species. However, determination of the amino-terminal amino acid sequence by automated Edman degradation showed each apo-E was different, demonstrating that the amino-terminal portion of the E apoprotein was a variable region of this protein.
Computational determination of effects of electric fields upon “trigger linkages” of prototypical energetic molecules

For five prototypical energetic molecules (nitrobenzene, methyl azide, methyl nitrate, nitromethane, and dimethylnitramine), we examine computationally the effects of external electric fields upon their “trigger linkage” bonds, the breaking of which is believed to play a key role in detonation initiation. The bonds are, respectively, CNO2, NN2, ONO2, CNO2, and NNO2. The calculations are at the B3PW91/6–31G** level. We find that fields along these bonds that reinforce the molecules' intrinsic polarities also lower their energies and increase the bonds' stretching vibration frequencies. This suggests a strengthening of the bonds. Fields in the opposite direction do the reverse. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Long-term reinforced fixed provisional restorations

Extensive prosthodontic treatment often requires fabrication of long-term provisional restorations. Numerous materials and techniques have been described for prolonged insertion of interim restorations. This article describes a procedure for fabrication of long-term reinforced heat-processed provisional restorations based on a diagnostic wax-up. Reinforced heat-processed provisional restorations reduced flexure, which minimizes progressive loss of cement and diminished the possibility of recurrent decay. Occlusal stability and vertical dimension were maintained because of greater wear resistance. Occlusion, tooth contours, and pontic design developed in the provisional restoration were duplicated in the definitive restoration. The use of a matrix from a diagnostic wax-up facilitated fabrication of the prosthesis, and made the procedure less time-consuming and more predictable.
Control of Poorly Soluble Drug Dissolution in Conditions Simulating the Gastrointestinal Tract Flow. 1. Effect of Tablet Geometry in Buffered Medium

The dissolution rate of a solid drug from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is affected by the properties and flow dynamics of the liquid medium surrounding the tablet, as well as by the chemical nature of the drug. In this study, naproxen was used as a poorly soluble model drug. The dissolution medium was buffered with acetate, citrate, or phosphate buffer of varied concentrations and pH. GI flow conditions around a stationary tablet were simulated in a laminar flow device by anchoring the tablet on the floor of its channel having a rectangular cross section. Fresh, buffered solution was passed across the tablet and the effluent was collected for analysis and calculation of the dissolution rate. The dissolution rate was found to vary nonlinearly with the exposed tablet height, reaching a maximum at a tablet height approximately half the channel height. This maximum rate was attributed to an optimal combination of (1) eddy mixing and local turbulence generated by the flow impingement on the bluff object (tablet) and (2) the exposed tablet surface area available for dissolution. This effect was further confirmed by using dye-enhanced visual analysis of flow patterns at varied flow rates and exposed tablet heights. Elevation of the tablet to approximately the channel half-height significantly magnified the dissolution rate increase observed on exposure to buffered medium. Thus, tablet height and exposed surface area are major factors in determining dissolution rate, especially in conditions where the dissolving species reacts with the solvent. These results suggest that standard in vitro dissolution rate methods do not qualitatively indicate incremental changes in rate with altered tablet geometry or dissolution medium.
Observations of the Embryos of Graupel

Abstract Embryos in natural graupel particles were studied with a setereomicroscope by carefully disassembling samples gathered at two locations globally apart. For the majority of graupel particle clearly identifiable embryos did not exist, suggesting that embryos of graupel occurred as a result of rime breakup. In some cases, ice particles, frozen drops, plates, dendritic crystals, and broken crystals were found as embryos; the minimum sizes of embryos of graupel were 0.3 mm (dendritic crystal) and 0.1 mm (others). Isometric crystals, which show a high probability of growing into graupel due to their fast fall velocities, were also confirmed as being embryos of graupel.
Financial intermediary services and growth

Abstract This paper constructs a model in which financial intermediaries arise in response to economic conditions and then examines how the financial services provided by these intermediaries—facilitating portfolio diversification, providing liquidity risk management, and gathering and processing information—affect economic growth. In addition, the paper shows that the predictions of the model are generally consistent with recent empirical evidence: measures of financial intermediary services are importantly related to the rate of economic growth, and there is some evidence that financial intermediary services stimulate economic development.
Self-regulation of prejudiced responses: Implications for progress in prejudice-reduction efforts.

A model suggesting that prejudice-related discrepancy experiences facilitate prejudice reduction efforts is proposed and tested. Prejudice-related discrepancies concerning gays were activated among low and high prejudiced Ss in 2 experiments. Results indicated that low-prejudiced (LP) Ss' violations of their LP and well-internalized attitudes produced compunction, self- and discrepancy-focused thoughts, attention to discrepancy-relevant information (Experiment 1), and a slowing of responses (Experiment 2). These findings indicated that LP Ss' discrepancies instigated a self-regulatory cycle that, theoretically, should help in achieving control over subsequent prejudiced responses. Evidence of effective self-regulation was found in a task following discrepancy activation
Local Load Redistribution Attacks in Power Systems With Incomplete Network Information

Power grid is one of the most critical infrastructures in a nation and could suffer a variety of cyber attacks. Recent studies have shown that an attacker can inject pre-determined false data into smart meters such that it can pass the residue test of conventional state estimator. However, the calculation of the false data vector relies on the network (topology and parameter) information of the entire grid. In practice, it is impossible for an attacker to obtain all network information of a power grid. Unfortunately, this does not make power systems immune to false data injection attacks. In this paper, we propose a local load redistribution attacking model based on incomplete network information and show that an attacker only needs to obtain the network information of the local attacking region to inject false data into smart meters in the local region without being detected by the state estimator. Simulations on the modified IEEE 14-bus system demonstrate the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed model. The results of this paper reveal the mechanism of local false data injection attacks and highlight the importance and complexity of defending power systems against false data injection attacks.
Yeasaying and the Kirton Adaption-Innovation Inventory

The Kirton Adaptation-Innovation Inventory (Kirton, 1976) has demonstrated utility for identifying stylistic differences in individual approaches to problem-solving. The present study examined the influence of acquiescent response style (Yeasaying) on this instrument among 89 American undergraduates and found little or no evidence that the KAI is affected by yeasaying.
Getting Down to Basics in Western Civilization: It's about Time

According to Tinto (1993), more students leave college than graduate, especially at the community college level. Much of the blame for this attrition has been attributed to a lack of adequate preparation for college-level courses. Consequently, many colleges must provide remedial programs despite the objections of opponents of remediation who believe these programs fail to prepare students sufficiently. The authors of this article, however, demonstrate that a learning community that links English-as-a-second-language remedial-reading and remedial-writing courses to a rigorous 3-credit history course can integrate learners into college and improve academic performance.
Influence of Carotenoids on the Infra-Red Spectrum of Bacteriochlorophyll in Chromatium

ALTHOUGH it is well known that the infra-red maxima in the absorption spectrum of Chromatium exhibit considerable variability, the basis of this phenomenon has remained obscure. Wassink et al. 1 described in detail the variations which they observed in the infra-red spectrum of both the organisms and colloidal extracts. After considering several explanations, these authors took the view that all these infra-red maxima represent one pigment, namely, bacteriochlorophyll bound to different proteins. More recently, Duysens2 also has claimed that each of the infra-red peaks represents bacteriochlorophyll; however, he has not tried to explain the existence of more than one peak. Work in this laboratory has led to a hypothesis of the ultra-structure of the bacterial chromatophore3. It was posulated from this model that the transfer of energy from carotenoids to bacteriochlorophyll has spatial requirements which are met only when the chromatophore is in a suitable environment and further that the complexity of the infra-red spectrum is related to the interaction between these two pigment systems. At this time both postulates have received experimental support. Variation in the concentration of inert solute in the suspension medium has pronounced effects upon the efficiency with which quanta absorbed by the carotenoids are used for photophosphorylation by isolated chromatophores4. The loss of the ability to transfer energy is also correlated with specific changes which appear in the infra-red spectrum. These changes which appear in the infra-red spectrum of isolated chromatophores are comparable to the differences which are observed in organisms with differing carotenoid content.
Secondary structures formed by random RNA sequences.

Summary Three techniques (optical melting curves, sedimentation in the presence and absence of dimethylsulfoxide, and resistance to RNase Tl) are used to investigate different aspects of the structure of random RNA sequences. The hypochromicity of melting curves indicate that these sequences have about 60% base-pairing, but the low T m and large σ T suggest that the base-pairing is much less stable than that observed in rRNA. Both the small hydrodynamic radius revealed in sedimentation studies and the relatively low resistance to RNase are interpreted as confirming the presence of base-pairing but base-pairing which is disorderly .
Tabulation of exact masses and comparison of isotope patterns expected for geoporphyrin molecular ions in electron ionization mass spectra

Abstract Exact masses (±0.0001 u) are tabulated (Cmin− C50) for free-base, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, vanadyl (VO), and Ga complexes of the major geoporphyrin skeletal types and several commercially available porphyrin complexes. The data in these tables are intended as a resource to aid in geoporphyrin identification (i.e. determination of carbon number, skeletal type and metal chelated) by low-resolution electron ionization-mass spectrometry (EI-MS) and by high-resolution EI-MS in cases where exact mass determination is performed. A comparison is made of the isotope patterns calculated for the molecular ions of the various porphyrin skeletal types as free-base species and as the seven metal complexes mentioned above. The isotope pattern of a metalloporphyrin molecular ion is shown to be a useful aid in identifying the metal complexed. Correction of molecular ion abundances (i.e. porphyrin abundances) for overlap of molecular ion isotope peaks and for overlap of fragment ion peaks with molecular ion peaks, both of which can occur when analyzing complex geoporphyrin mixtures, is discussed.
History dependent stochastic automata: A formal view of evolutionary learning

We develop a theoretical framework for the study of evolutionary learning systems. the formalism we use is that of history dependent stochastic automata with suitable structure, as well as related structures. This formalism provides a natural setting in which to describe the learning of classification hierarchies, of control hierarchies and notions of selfreference, all of which are derived as consequences of the ability to learn by association.
Female Gnathia marleyi (Isopoda: Gnathiidae) feeding on more susceptible fish hosts produce larger but not more offspring

The reproductive success of female Gnathia marleyi (Crustacea: Isopoda) was examined among individuals from eight species belonging to five families of common Caribbean reef fishes of St. John, US Virgin Islands that differ in susceptibility to G. marleyi infestation. Fish were placed in cages during times of peak gnathiid activity. Gnathiids were recovered from host fishes and reared to adulthood in the laboratory. Ovigerous females were then placed in individual containers until offspring were released. Measures of reproductive success used were the number of hatched zuphea 1 larvae that emerged from the brood pouch, “brood size,” and the average total length of newly emerged zuphea larvae, “average z-length.” Among the five host fish families tested, females that fed on the two families most susceptible to gnathiid infestation (Haemulidae and Lutjanidae) produced longer larvae than those feeding on the three less susceptible host families. However, there was no significant difference in the number of viable offspring produced. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the relationship between the source of the blood meal and any measure of reproductive success in female gnathiid isopods. These findings open the door to future research on potential differences in host blood quality and defense mechanisms that may cause variations in susceptibility to gnathiid among different host fishes.
Phylogenetic origins and adaptive evolution of avian and mammalian haemoglobin genes

Recent years have seen rapid growth in amino acid sequence data on globins and nucleotide sequence data on haemoglobin genes and pseudogenes, and cladistic analysis1 of these data continues to reveal new facets of globin evolution. Our present findings demonstrate: (1) avian and mammalian embryonic α genes (π and ξ, respectively) had a monophyletic origin involving an α locus duplication about 400 Myr ago soon after the duplication which separated α and β genes; (2) much later in phylogeny, independent β-gene duplications produced the embryonic ρ locus of birds and embryonic ɛ and fetal γ loci of mammals. This parallels the earlier finding2 that myoglobins evolved more than once from generalized globin ancestors. Here we support the view2 that such globin evolution resulted from natural selection acting on mutations in duplicated genes. Thus, our evidence contradicts the neutralist view3,4 in which almost all amino acid substitutions in descent to extant globins evaded positive selection.
A Variable Field Magnetic Extraction Channel for ORIC

An improved magnetic beam extraction channel for the Oak Ridge Isochronous Cyclotron (ORIC) has been designed to significantly reduce the external field disturbance and provide uniform in-channel field. This will make beam extraction near ?r = 1 more predictable. The new channel consists of an iron tube of constant cross section with independently adjustable windings, both inside and outside the iron. The windings have a cos? current density distribution. The iron tube is 1 meter long with a bore of 6 cm; aperture for beam is 4 cm. The external field is negligible except for small perturbations in the field arising from the geometry modifications required at the ends so that the beam can enter and leave. The field reduction inside the channel is variable from 0.4 to 0.6 Tesla without significant change in either the internal field uniformity or the external field level.
Elastic electron-tin scattering

Abstract Elastic differential cross sections for 330 MeV electrons on the nine stable tin isotopes were measured. A family of simple charge distributions was postulated and a phase shift analysis performed. The charge distribution parameters are displayed as a function of mass number for the modified Gaussian fit which was preferred.