cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A tin precursor for the synthesis of no‐carrier‐added [*I]MIBG and [211At]MABG

Radioiodinated MIBG has shown considerable promise as an imaging agent for cardiac and oncologic applications, and also as a targeted radiotherapeutic for treating patients with neuroendocrine tumors. This radiolabeled agent, synthesized at a no-carrier-added level, has demonstrated advantages over the carrier-added preparation in preliminary clinical studies. Earlier we developed a silicon precursor from which both radioiodinated MIBG and the α-particle-emitting 211At analog [211At]MABG could be synthesized at a no-carrier-added level. In order to increase the practicality of this approach, we have developed a synthesis of a tin precursor in two steps from a readily available starting material. This tin precursor, N, N′-bis(tert-butyloxycarbonyl)-3-(trimethylstannyl)benzylguanidine (Bis-Boc MTMSBG) was evaluated for the synthesis of n.c.a. [*I]MIBG and [211At]MABG via halodestannylation. The radiochemical yields were 83 ± 9% (n=7), 30 ± 21% (n=2), 77 ± 2% (n=2), and 66 ± 7% (n=4) for labeling with 131I, 124I, 125I, and 211At, respectively. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lactobacillus Bacteremia and Endocarditis: Review of 45 Cases

Lactobacilli are part of normal gastrointestinal and genitourinary flora but are an uncommon cause of bacteremia. We reviewed the cases of 45 patients with clinically significant lactobacillus bacteremia occurring over 15 years. Underlying conditions were common, including cancer (40%), recent surgery (38%), and diabetes mellitus (27%). Twenty-two patients were in the intensive care unit at the time of onset of lactobacillus bacteremia. Eleven of the 45 patients were receiving immunosuppressive therapy, 11 were receiving total parenteral nutrition, and 23 had received antibiotics without activity against Lactobacillus prior to the occurrence of bacteremia. Bacteremia was polymicrobial in 27 patients and developed during hospitalization in 39. Thirty-one patients died, but only one death was attributable to lactobacillus bacteremia. Lactobacilli are relatively avirulent pathogens that produce bacteremia in patients with serious underlying illnesses, many of whom have received prior antibiotic therapy that may select out for the organism. While rarely fatal in itself, lactobacillus bacteremia identifies patients with serious and rapidly fatal illness.
Effects of phosphorus application method and rate on furrow-irrigated ridge-tilled grain sorghum

Abstract Conservation tillage systems, including ridge‐tillage, have become increasing popular with producers in the central Great Plains because of their effectiveness in controlling soil erosion and conserving water. A major disadvantage of the ridge system is that nutrient placement options are limited by lack of any primary tillage options. The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of method of phosphorus (P) placement and rate on irrigated grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] grown in a ridge‐tillage system on a soil low in available P. This experiment was conducted from 1993 to 1995 on a producer's field near the North Central Kansas Experiment Field at Scandia, Kansas on a Carr sandy loam soil (course, loamy, mixed, calcareous, mesic, Typic Udifuvents). Treatments consisted of fertilizer application methods, surface broadcast, single band starter (5 cm to the side and 5 cm below seed), dual band starter (one band on each side of the row), and knifed in the center of the r...
Reliability of Self-Assembly Vertical Interconnects in Magnetically Aligned Anisotropic Conductive Adhesive for Electronic Packaging Applications

A self-assembly process in a magnetically aligned anisotropic conductive adhesive (MA-ACA) is a novel approach to selectively create high-density vertical interconnects by magnetic interaction between ferromagnetic input-output pads and particles. In order to characterize self-assembly vertical interconnects created in an MA-ACA, quad-flat no-lead chips with 40 daisy chain pads were assembled on a printed circuit board. In reliability tests, the dc resistance of self-assembly test samples was observed to be 35.9% and -12.1% changed at temperatures of 85°C and -55°C, respectively, after 700 thermal shock cycles and 0.4% changed after an 8-h vibration test. In contrast, the dc resistance was observed to be significantly 41.4 Ω increased due to humidity absorption after an 85°C temperature-85% humidity test for 500 h. Thus, in order to prevent humidity percolation in the self-assembly vertical interconnects, a Parylene-C material was used as a barrier layer. The dc resistance change of Parylene-deposited test samples with a thickness of 10 μm was observed to be greatly 85.2% reduced after an 85°C temperature-85% humidity test. In addition, based on a Weibull distribution model, the mean time to failure of self-assembly vertical interconnects was estimated to be importantly 94.7% improved. Consequently, the proposed self-assembly packaging using a Parylene material is applicable to cost-effective electronic applications.
A robust quadrilateral membrane finite element with drilling degrees of freedom

A quadrilateral membrane finite element with drilling degrees of freedom is derived from variational principles employing an independent rotation field. Both displacement based and mixed approaches are investigated. The element exhibits excellent accuracy characteristics. When combined with a plate bending element, the element provides an efficient tool for linear analysis of shells.
Roles of Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase in Interferon-γ-dependent Phosphorylation of STAT1 on Serine 727 and Activation of Gene Expression

STAT1 must be phosphorylated on serine 727 to be fully active in transcription. We show that phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and its effector kinase Akt play an important role in the serine phosphorylation of STAT1 and in the activation of gene expression in response to interferon-gamma (IFN gamma). IFN gamma activates PI3K as well as Akt in a variety of cell lines. Specific inhibition of PI3K abrogates IFN gamma-induced, but not interleukin-1- or tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced, phosphorylation of STAT1 on serine and reduces STAT1-dependent transcription and gene expression by approximately 7-fold. Constitutively active forms of PI3K or Akt activate and their dominant-negative derivatives inhibit STAT1-driven transactivation in response to IFN gamma. In addition to PI3K and Akt, JAK1, JAK2, and the tyrosine 440 STAT1 docking residue of IFNGR1 are required for STAT1 to be phosphorylated on serine. Taken together, these results suggest that the following events lead to the activation of STAT1 upon IFN gamma stimulation: 1) PI3K and Akt are activated by the occupied receptor and Tyr-440 is phosphorylated by the activated JAKs; 2) STAT1 docks to Tyr-440; and 3) Tyr-701 is phosphorylated by the JAKs and Ser-727 is phosphorylated by a kinase downstream of Akt.
Imaging of the Hepatobiliary Tract

Over the past two decades, ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) have emerged as the principal imaging methods for diagnostic examination of the liver and biliary tree. The other noninvasive imaging techniques, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), oral cholecystography, and nuclear scintigraphy, are used for difficult diagnostic problems, and invasive studies, such as angiography and direct cholangiography (transhepatic or retrograde), are increasingly used for treatment. Recent Technical Advances Advances in electronics have improved diagnostic imaging. Perhaps the most important advance in liver imaging has been the introduction of helical or spiral CT scanning.1 With conventional CT scanners, the CT table remains . . .
Fading of Proton Tracks in Vacuum

The fading of the latent images due to protons has been compared for photographic emulsions maintained in air and in vacuum after the exposure was made. The fading in vacuum was found to be approximately 10 percent of that in air indicating a purely chemical origin for the phenomenon of fading. At the present time it is speculative whether the residual 10 percent arises from the same source in which case it could be eliminated by merely improving the vacuum, or comes from an altogether distinct process. Some suggestions are advanced concerning a possible Ag atom evaporation process.
Measurement of the Rate Constant for H• Abstraction from Methylisobutyryl Radical by (C5Ph5)Cr(CO)3•

In the presence of the metalloradical (C5Ph5)Cr(CO)3• thermolysis of the radical source AIBMe (dimethyl 2,2‘-azobis(isobutyrate)) gave MMA and (C5Ph5)Cr(CO)3H. A high concentration of (C5Ph5)Cr(CO)3• discouraged chain growth when AIBMe was heated in MMA, making the monomeric MMA radical (i.e., methylisobutyryl) the dominant organic radical and enabling us to measure the H• transfer rate constant, ktr(monomer), from the methylisobutyryl radical to (C5Ph5)Cr(CO)3•. The result, 5.2 × 105 M-1 s-1 at 70 °C, is smaller than the chain transfer rate constant previously determined for chain-carrying radicals during MMA polymerizations (1.4 × 106 M-1 s-1 at 70 °C).
Corrosion fatigue crack growth and electrochemical reactions for an X-70 linepipe steel in carbonate-bicarbonate solution

Abstract The rate of corrosion fatigue crack growth in an X-70 linepipe steel, exposed to a deaerated carbonate-bicarbonate ( 1N Na 2 CO 3 + 1N NaHCO 3 ) solution (pH = 9.7), was examined as a function of frequency and temperature. The crack growth experiments were conducted under a constant stress intensity range and free corrosion conditions, and covered frequencies from 0.03 to 10 Hz and temperatures from 275 to 355 K. Companion measurements of the transient electrochemical reactions of the carbonate-bicarbonate solution with bare steel surfaces were made using a low-alloy, high-strength steel. Correlations between the crack growth and electrochemical charge transfer data are used to demonstrate electrochenucal reaction control of crack growth. The frequency and temperature dependence are interpreted in terms of a model for electrochemical reaction controlled crack growth.
Development and validation of scales to measure attitudes influencing monetary donations to charitable organizations

Charitable organizations are under increasing financial pressure to attract and retain private donors. However, scales measuring consumer attitudes toward giving to charity have yielded ambiguous results in the past. Scales to measure consumer attitudes toward the act of helping others and toward charitable organizations are developed and tested for dimensionality and internal consistency using advocated procedures. The resulting measures are important to academicians, policymakers, and practitioners in the development of theory, public policy, and marketing strategy.
Saccate Plant Microfossils from the Permian of Western Australia

Abstract Systematic descriptions of saccate plant microfossils from the northern Perth Basin are given. Twenty-nine species are described, five of which are new. Three new combinations are proposed. The stratigraphic distribution of each species is given.
Folding of the voltage-gated K+ channel T1 recognition domain.

Voltage-gated K+ channels (Kv) are tetramers whose assembly is coordinated in part by a conserved T1 recognition domain. Although T1 achieves its quaternary structure in the ER, nothing is known about its acquisition of tertiary structure. We developed a new folding assay that relies on intramolecular cross-linking of pairs of cysteines engineered at the folded T1 monomer interface. Using this assay, we show directly that the T1 domain is largely folded while the Kv protein is still attached to membrane-bound ribosomes. The ER membrane facilitates both folding and oligomerization of Kv proteins. We show that folding and oligomerization assays can be used to study coupling between these two biogenic events and diagnose defects in assembly of Kv channels.
Change of refractive index of water as a function of temperature

A partially compensated Michelson interferometer with cube-corner reflectors was used to measure the change of refractive index of water as a function of temperature. The change of refractive index was observed almost continuously from 20 to 35 °C; the results indicate 1×10−5 as the upper limit of irregularities of the temperature dependence of the refractive index of water. Some deviation from a smooth curve was observed in the temperature region of 34.5 °C, indicating probable structure in the refractive-index-vs-temperature curve of water.
Preparative scale thin-film dialysis apparatus

A thin-film dialysis apparatus capable of processing large volumes of material is described. Dialysis casing, of defined molecular weight cutoff, is stretched on a compact frame producing a thin-film configuration. The dialysis unit is rotated by a variable speed motor with the direction of rotation periodically alternated by an electronic reversing control. This device utilizes the entire membrane area, eliminates solution stratification, and minimizes viscosity effects; membrane clogging is minimized should gelation or precipitation occur. The solutions are in contact only with the dialysis membrane; the construction materials are Teflon and polymethylmethacrylate (Plexiglas). At a load factor of 0.5 ml/cm of dialysis casing the half-time for solute removal, t1/2, for 8 M urea was 7 +/- 1 min; over 99% of the denaturant was removed in 1.5 h. The following operational factors are discussed: load capacity, rotation rate, membrane, ratio of internal to external solutions and solute contributions.
Sequential and competitive adsorption of bovine serum albumin and β-lactoglobulin, and their resistance to exchange with α-lactalbumin and β-casein

Abstract The sequential and competitive adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and β-lactoglobulin at silanized silica surfaces were investigated using protein radiolabeling and in situ ellipsometry. Simultaneous adsorption of 14C-labeled BSA and β-lactoglobulin revealed an initial dominance of the surface by β-lactoglobulin, with subsequent replacement by BSA. In sequential adsorption experiments, where the surface was contacted with 14C-labeled BSA followed by contact with protein-free buffer and addition of β-lactoglobulin, most of the adsorbed BSA was not removed. The effect of adding α-lactalbumin, β-casein and β-lactoglobulin to adsorbed BSA, and the effect of adding α-lactalbumin, β-casein and BSA to adsorbed β-lactoglobulin, were investigated using in situ ellipsometry. β-Casein was the most effective eluting agent, while α-lactalbumin was the least effective. The abilities of α-lactalbumin and β-casein to exchange with adsorbed BSA and β-lactoglobulin were evaluated with reference to a simple kinetic model for protein adsorption and exchange. The model is based on a mechanism allowing for reversible adsorption followed by either a surface-induced conformational change yielding an irreversibly adsorbed form, or exchange with a dissimilar protein from the solution. Differences in exchange behavior were generally found to be explainable with reference to the rate constant for surface-induced conversion of the adsorbed protein as opposed to that describing exchange of adsorbed protein with a dissimilar protein. This suggests that under these experimental condition exchange was mediated by a protein-surface interaction, i.e. a displacement mechanism, where protein-protein associations were of minor significance.
Requests at Work Negotiating the Conditions for Conversation

This article is based on a longitudinal study of communication in a business environment. The majority of interactions in this business environment are conversation for action, that is, conversatio...
A New Scheme for the Optimum Design of Stiffened Composite Panels with Geometric Imperfections

Compressive load carrying capability of thin walled stiffened composite panels, which are among the most utilized structural elements in engineering, are highly sensitive to geometric imperfections. Therefore, their imperfections must be accounted for during the design of the panels. Existing analysis codes can predict the nonlinear postbuckling behavior of a structure with specified imperfections. However, precise definition of the geometric imperfection profile of a nonexistent composite panel early in the design is practicalIy impossible. This is due to the variety of uncertainties that are involved in the manufacturing of these panels. This paper introduces a new design methodology that uses a manufacturing model and a convex model for uncertainties in conjunction with a nonlinear finite element design tool to obtain a more realistic, better performing final designs. Two important ingredients of this approach are that: a) the approach uses a rigorous model or the uncertainties in the panel profile and b) it accounts for the relation between the imperfection profile and the design variables (e.g., ply orientation and the number of plies) through the use of a manufacturing model. The paper shows that the new design method yields designs with much higher failure loads than those obtained by using a current design approach, which uses an empirical model of uncertainties. for the perfect structure, yields an estimated lower bound of the limit load for the imperfect panel. Knockdown factors are often adopted as the lower bound of the buckling loads obtained experimentally for a range of distinct structures, materials and -manufacturing processes. Such an approach has several drawbacks. The knockdown factors needed to be updated periodically to include new experimental results. Furthermore, this approach cannot differentiate between panels produced by rough manufacturing procedures (and, therefore, have low limit loads associated them) from those produced by more refined techniques (and hence carry at larger loads). This implies that the panel designs with low initial imperfeclions produced by refined manufacluring approaches may be overly conservative. More importantly, variations in the manufacturing process may yield panels that will be incapable of carrying the design load.
Polarization predictions for inflationary CMB power spectrum features

Temporal features during single-field inflation that break the time-translation invariance of the de Sitter expansion lead to the breaking of scale invariance in the curvature and cosmic microwave background temperature power spectra. The large-angle temperature power spectrum is known to contain low to moderate significance features whose inflationary interpretation also allows for substantial tensor contributions. We conduct a model-independent analysis of large-angle features using 20 principal components for the temporal history including the possibility of non-negligible tensor contributions. The suppression of power at low multipoles beginning with a glitch at multipoles $\ensuremath{\ell}\ensuremath{\sim}20--40$ implies deviations in two to three of them with $2--3\ensuremath{\sigma}$ deviations in each, with larger values reflecting cases where tensors are allowed. If tensors are absent, the corresponding $E$-mode polarization features follow a similar pattern but are predicted to be up to twice as large. They offer the opportunity to soon double the significance of inflationary features or eliminate them as an explanation of temperature features. The tensor degeneracy with features in the temperature power spectrum is broken not only by $B$ but also by $E$ polarization. A precision measurement of $E$-mode polarization at multipoles from $\ensuremath{\ell}\ensuremath{\sim}20--60$ can potentially provide an independent constraint on tensors that is less subject to dust foreground uncertainties.
Analyzing the Complexity of Finding Good Neighborhood Functions for Local Search Algorithms

A drawback to using local search algorithms to address NP-hard discrete optimization problems is that many neighborhood functions have an exponential number of local optima that are not global optima (termed L-locals). A neighborhood function ? is said to be stable if the number of L-locals is polynomial. A stable neighborhood function ensures that the number of L-locals does not grow too large as the instance size increases and results in improved performance for many local search algorithms. This paper studies the complexity of stable neighborhood functions for NP-hard discrete optimization problems by introducing neighborhood transformations. Neighborhood transformations between discrete optimization problems consist of a transformation of problem instances and a corresponding transformation of solutions that preserves the ordering imposed by the objective function values. In this paper, MAX Weighted Boolean SAT (MWBS), MAX Clause Weighted SAT (MCWS), and Zero-One Integer Programming (ZOIP) are shown to be NPO-complete with respect to neighborhood transformations. Therefore, if MWBS, MCWS, or ZOIP has a stable neighborhood function, then every problem in NPO has a stable neighborhood function. These results demonstrate the difficulty of finding effective neighborhood functions for NP-hard discrete optimization problems.
Impact of α-Targeted Radiation Therapy on Gene Expression in a Pre-Clinical Model for Disseminated Peritoneal Disease when Combined with Paclitaxel

To better understand the molecular basis of the enhanced cell killing effected by the combined modality of paclitaxel and 212Pb-trastuzumab (Pac/212Pb-trastuzumab), gene expression in LS-174T i.p. xenografts was investigated 24 h after treatment. Employing a real time quantitative PCR array (qRT-PCR array), 84 DNA damage response genes were quantified. Differentially expressed genes following therapy with Pac/212Pb-trastuzumab included those involved in apoptosis (BRCA1, CIDEA, GADD45α, GADD45γ, GML, IP6K3, PCBP4, PPP1R15A, RAD21, and p73), cell cycle (BRCA1, CHK1, CHK2, GADD45α, GML, GTSE1, NBN, PCBP4, PPP1R15A, RAD9A, and SESN1), and damaged DNA repair (ATRX, BTG2, EXO1, FEN1, IGHMBP2, OGG1, MSH2, MUTYH, NBN, PRKDC, RAD21, and p73). This report demonstrates that the increased stressful growth arrest conditions induced by the Pac/212Pb-trastuzumab treatment suppresses cell proliferation through the regulation of genes which are involved in apoptosis and damaged DNA repair including single and double strand DNA breaks. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that 212Pb-trastuzumab potentiation of cell killing efficacy results from the perturbation of genes related to the mitotic spindle checkpoint and BASC (BRCA1-associated genome surveillance complex), suggesting cross-talk between DNA damage repair and the spindle damage response.
Opportunities and Challenges for Rural Transit: Lessons Learned From the Job Access and Reserve Commute Program

Rural areas present special challenges for meeting the transportation needs of individuals, especially people without cars. Recognizing this, the Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) program was established in 1998 to assist states and localities develop transportation services to connect welfare recipients and other low-income residents to jobs and other support programs. This study documents case studies of eight rural areas receiving JARC funding in 1999. The report highlights specific program elements, including the implementation process, transportation services provided, and the solutions developed to deal with the challenges of distance and low population densities that rural transit systems frequently face.
Modeling and validation of a molded polycarbonate continuous-flow polymerase chain reaction devic

A continuous flow polymerase chain reaction (CFPCR) system was designed, fabricated from molded polycarbonate, and tested. Finite element modeling was used to simulate the thermal and Microfluidic response of the system. The mold insert for the initial prototypes was fabricated using the X-ray LIGA microfabrication process and device components produced by hot embossing polycarbonate. Commercial thin film heaters under PID control were used to supply the necessary heat flux to maintain the steady-state temperatures in the PCR. The simulated transient temperature response at start up was compared to the experimental response. The simulated steady state temperature profile along the channel generated by the finite element analysis was compared to the experimental temperature profile displayed by liquid crystals. Experimental and simulated results were within 5% of each other, validating the thermal design of the CFPCR device.
Abolition of G protein inhibition of α1A and α1B calcium channels by co-expression of the β3 subunit

Three different classes of alpha 1 Ca2+ channel (alpha 1A, alpha 1B, alpha 1C) were expressed in Xenopus oocytes to determine whether G protein-mediated inhibition is an inherent property of the alpha 1 subunit itself, and if so, whether co-expression of auxiliary subunits modulates the inhibition seen. From our data it is apparent that either alpha 1A or alpha 1B Ca2+ channels expressed alone are sufficient for voltage-dependent G protein inhibition. alpha 1C Ca2+ channels expressed alone do not exhibit the G protein inhibition seen in alpha 1A and alpha 1B channels. Additionally, co-expression of the beta 3 subunit abolishes the ability of G proteins to inhibit currents through alpha 1A and alpha 1B Ca2+ channels. Differential sensitivity of alpha 1 as well as modulation of properties by beta 3 provide a potential mechanism for the regulation of G protein-mediated inhibition in neurons.
Bench-Scale Reactor Tests of Low Temperature, Catalytic Gasification of Wet Industrial Wastes

Bench-scale reactor tests are under way at Pacific Northwest Laboratory to develop a low temperature, catalytic gasification system. The system, licensed under the trade name Thermochemical Environmental Energy System (TEES[reg sign]), is designed for to a wide variety of feedstocks ranging from dilute organics in water to waste sludges from food processing. The current research program is focused on the use of a continuous feed, tubular reactor. The catalyst is nickel metal on an inert support. Typical results show that feedstocks such as solutions of 2 percent para-cresol or 5 percent and 10 percent lactose in water or cheese whey can be processed to [gt] 99 percent reduction of chemical oxygen demand (COD) at a rate of up to 2 L/hr. The estimated residence lime is less than 5 min at 360C and 3,000 psig, not including 1 to 2 min required in the preheating zone of the reactor. The liquid hourly space velocity has been varied from 1.8 to 2.9 L feedstock/L catalyst/hr depending on the feedstock. The product fuel gas contains 40 percent to 55 percent methane, 35 percent to 50 percent carbon dioxide, and 5 percent to 10 percent hydrogen with as much as 2 percent ethane,more » but less than 0.1 percent ethylene or carbon monoxide, and small amounts of higher hydrocarbons. The byproduct water stream carries residual organics amounting to less than 500 mg/L COD.« less
Neurotrophic activity in the central and peripheral nervous systems of the cat. Effects of injury

Abstract Neurotrophic activity for ciliary ganglion neurons in culture was found in both central and peripheral nervous system of the cat. The activity found in extracts of spinal cord supported the survival of 100% of the test neurons during 24 h and was characterized by a slope of −56 ± 13 in the linear portion of the dose-response curve. Sciatic nerve extract supported the survival of only 60% of the test neurons; its dose-response curve had a slope of −20 ± 4. Extracts of meninges, spinal rootlets, dorsal root ganglia and muscle supported 100% of the test neurons; two slopes were observed in their dose-response curves, which conincided with those of spinal cord and sciatic nerve dose-response curves. The two different slopes may correspond to two different active molecules, tentatively denominated I and II, having distinct distributions in the assayed tissues. In the spinal cord, both direct injury and deafferentiation led to increases in neurotropic activity. In the peripheral nervous system, transections leadinng to death of dorsal root ganglion neurons or to degeneration of their axons were accompanied by decreases in activity II. Activity I in dorsal roots and dorsal root ganglia was unaffected by injury and may be associated with non-neuronal cells or extracellular matrix components.
On the manner in which crossbreeding takes place in bacteriophages and bacteria

In order to explain several discrepancies between the gene-recombination phenomena in phages and in higher organisms, we assume that theT2 phage, after entering the bacterium, divides in three parts corresponding to the three “chromosomes' whichHershey andRotman have traced in this phage. The three parts are supposed to be able to divide further by rupture or by the action of other “chromosome fragments”. Each fragment is supposed able to reproduce inside the bacterium as a more or less independent unit and before lysis of the bacterium the various parts are assumed to reunite in complete sets of genes each forming a new phage.
La Mancha Negra: Substance Abuse, Violence, and Sexual Risks Among Hispanic Males

Hispanics are disproportionately affected by substance abuse, intimate partner violence, and HIV. Although the relationship between these conditions has been documented in the literature, few studies have explored the intersection of these health problems and their culture-related risk factors in an integrative manner. The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences that Hispanic heterosexual males in South Florida have with substance abuse, violence, and risky sexual behaviors. Three focus groups with a total of 25 Hispanic adult men are completed and analyzed using grounded theory. Three core categories emerge from the data. These include la cuna de problemas sociales (the cradle of social problems), ramas de una sola mata (branches from one same tree), and la mancha negra (the black stain). This study suggests that substance abuse, violence, and risky sexual behaviors are linked conditions with common cultural and socioenvironmental risk factors and consequences.
Seasonality in atypical depression.

One definition of atypical depression has emphasized the reversed vegetative symptoms (hypersomnia and hyperphagia) (Aarons et al 1985) in the context of a nonendogenous (or mood reactive) depressive state (Ravaris et al 1980). This clinical picture overlaps with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) (Rosenthal et ai 1984), which is a syndrome of recurrent depressions associated with fatigue, hypersomnia, hyperphagia, carbohydrate craving, weight gain, and interpersonal difficulties. Whether the two conditions are variants of a common underlying disorder is unclear although, based on the lack of response to phototherapy in eight atypical depressive patients, Stewart et al (1990) have suggested that atypical depression and SAD are separate disorders. A comparison of seasonality in several clinical populations and normals (Hardin et al 1991) showed that patients with SAD, subsyndromal SAD, and eating disorders had significantly higher seasonality scores than bipolar disorder, major depression (including a subset of atypical depressives), and normals. Clinically we noted that although atypical depressives may not meet specific criteria for SAD (especially the seasonal onset and remission), many of them exhibit a seasonal pattern of severity comparable to the SAD patients. In
Min-max game theory and algebraic Riccati equations for boundary control problems with continuous input-solution map. Part II: The general case

We consider the abstract dynamical framework of [LT3, class (H.2)] which models a variety of mixed partial differential equation (PDE) problems in a smooth bounded domain Ω ź źn, arbitraryn, with boundaryL2-control functions. We then set and solve a min-max game theory problem in terms of an algebraic Riccati operator, to express the optimal quantities in pointwise feedback form. The theory obtained is sharp. It requires the usual "Finite Cost Condition" and "Detectability Condition," the first for existence of the Riccati operator, the second for its uniqueness and for exponential decay of the optimal trajectory. It produces an intrinsically defined sharp value of the parameterź, here calledźc (criticalź),źcź0, such that a complete theory is available forź >źc, while the maximization problem does not have a finite solution if 0 <ź <źc. Mixed PDE problems, all on arbitrary dimensions, except where noted, where all the assumptions are satisfied, and to which, therefore, the theory is automatically applicable include: second-order hyperbolic equations with Dirichlet control, as well as with Neumann control, the latter in the one-dimensional case; Euler-Bernoulli and Kirchhoff equations under a variety of boundary controls involving boundary operators of order zero, one, and two; Schroedinger equations with Dirichlet control; first-order hyperbolic systems, etc., all on explicitly defined (optimal) spaces [LT3, Section 7]. Solution of the min-max problem implies solution of theHź-robust stabilization problem with partial observation.
L5: A carbohydrate epitope involved in neural development

Abstract The L5 carbohydrate epitope is developmentally regulated in the vertebrate nervous system, both at very early stages (neural induction) and during postnatal development. Here, we review the evidence indicating that, during gastrulation, L5 may be a marker for cells competent to respond to neural inducing signals emanating from Hensen's node (the ‘organizer’) and that it may itself be involved in the response to neural induction. In postnatal cerebellar development, when L5 is found on astrocytes, it participates in the outgrowth of astrocytic processes on extracellular matrix components. Finally, we indicate the structural relatedness of the L5 carbohydrate and Le x , CD15 and SSEA-1.
Deterministic learning theory and a parallel cascaded one-step learning machine

For a one-layered hard-limited perceptron, it is well known that if the training set given is not linearly separable in the state space, the machine just cannot learn no matter what learning method we use. This separability property is generally studied from a geometrical point of view. This paper reports the derivation of an algebraic criterion of the separability of a given mapping set. Then a one-step learning method is derived which will either instruct the machine to find the required weight matrix in one non-iterative step, or inform the teacher that the given mapping set is inseparable or not learnable no matter what learning rule is used. A parallelly cascaded two- layered perceptron is then derived which may surpass all these learning difficulties.
Familial neuroblastoma: Report of a kindred with a high incidence of infantile tumors

A family is reported in which two siblings, ages 6 months and 4 years, respectively, had tumors of neural crest origin. The younger had a fatal neuroblastoma with elevated catecholamine excretion, while the older had a ganglioneuroblastoma. Their paternal cousin died of a neuroblastoma compressing the spinal canal in 1941. Three other paternal relatives died of tumors involving the kidney or scalp in infancy and childhood, but the histologic diagnoses cannot be confirmed. No hereditary pattern can be defined unless tumor maturation and regression in clinically unaffected parents is postulated.
Deuterium nuclear magnetic resonance of deuterium oxide in nylon 6 under active uniaxial deformation

The large strain uniaxial tensile deformation behavior of nylon 6 plasticized by deuterium oxide is investigated by an in situ stretching device built in a deuterium nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) probe. The D2O molecules probe the environment of the amorphous regions in nylon 6; they do not exist in a “free” state and remain associated with the amide groups by hydrogen bonding during deformation. Deuterium NMR spectra show that the quadrupolar splitting varies linearly with strain throughout the experiment, indicating that the orientation of the D2O molecules in the amorphous regions is simply a function of strain and not of stress. The line width increases rapidly with strain at low to moderate strains but more slowly at large strains (in the strain-hardening regime). From low to moderate strains, larger changes in line width arise from a decrease in the translational motion of the D 2O molecules between amide groups in the amorphous chains during elastic deformation and during the transformation of the lamellar structure of nylon 6 to a fibrillar one. At large strains, the existence and deformation of the fibrillar structure cause a slower decrease in the translational motion of the plasticizer. q 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Issues for Women with Heterosexually Transmitted HIV Disease

The encouraging outcome of new antiretroviral therapies has not been accompanied by a decrease in the incidence of HIV disease. There are reports of increases in AIDS in select geographical areas, minorities, and women. In 1997, 39% of cases in women were from heterosexual contact, whereas in men 7% of cases were from heterosexual contact. It is the most common mode of transmission in women globally and the only category of transmission in which the incidence of opportunistic infection has increased in the United States. Female anatomy, physiology, and sexual practices contribute to increasing risk of transmission, although there are no major biomedical differences in development of the disease related to gender. Two case examples illustrate the vulnerabilities, life-settings, pressures, and methods of coping for this population. Extensive discussion and review of the literature on the epidemiology, testing, disclosure, health care services, and prevention of transmission in women bring into focus strateg...
An evaporation-based microfluidic sample concentration method

We present a method for sample concentration within microfluidic devices using evaporation-induced flow. Evaporation-induced flow is easy to incorporate into microfluidic designs and can be used to concentrate a wide variety of molecules. The practicality of this method was demonstrated with 0.2 μm fluorescent spheres and FITC-labeled BSA. Thirty two percent of the 0.6 μL fluorescent sphere suspension was concentrated into a well within a microfluidic device. In the same amount of time, 93% of the 0.6 μL FITC-labeled BSA solution was concentrated.
Incidence of Latent Infection of Immature Peach Fruit by Monilinia fructicola and Relationship to Brown Rot in Georgia.

Peach fruit are most susceptible to infection by Monilinia fructicola during the preharvest ripening stage. Although various sources of inoculum for preharvest infection have been characterized, the role of latent infection of immature fruit in the carryover of M. fructicola from the spring (blossom blight phase) to the preharvest period (fruit rot phase) is unknown for the southeastern United States. From 1997 to 1999, immature peach fruit were collected at 14-day intervals from orchards in middle and northern Georgia. Fruit were surface disinfested and treated with paraquat (1997) or frozen overnight (1998 and 1999) to induce tissue senescence and activate latent infections. Across sites and years, the incidence of latent infection remained low until the final sampling date 7 to 12 days before harvest. The incidence of latent infection on the final sampling date ranged from 0 to 22.0% and correlated significantly with both the incidence of blossom blight earlier in the season (r = 0.9077, P = 0.0332) and the incidence of fruit rot at harvest (r = 0.9966, P = 0.0034). There also was a significant association between the incidence of latent infection at the onset of pit hardening (between 7 and 10 weeks before harvest) and subsequent fruit rot incidence (r = 0.9763, P = 0.0237). Weather variables (cumulative rainfall or rainfall frequency) alone did not correlate with fruit rot incidence (P > 0.05), whereas combined latent infection-rainfall variables did. The results suggest that latent infections can serve as a source of inoculum for subsequent fruit rot in peach orchards in Georgia. Despite its significant association with fruit rot incidence, the potential for using latent infection incidence as a biological indicator of disease risk at harvest may be limited; the assessment of latent infection during the fruit ripening stage (similar to the timing of the final sampling date in this study) would not provide sufficient lead time for preharvest disease management decisions, whereas an earlier assessment (e.g., at the onset of pit hardening) would require large sample sizes due to the low incidence of latent infection present during that period.
A fully dry self-assembly process with proper in-plane orientation

A fully dry self-assembly method for chip-to-wafer stacking is developed in this paper. The assembly elements and substrate have complementary and interlocking features that place the assembly parts in the designated binding sites on the substrate. Proper in-plane orientation is achieved by deploying secondary features on the parts and substrate. These features are fabricated by a series of silicon deep RIE, sidewall passivation coating and isotropic etching. Experimental results show 100% assembly is accomplished on substrates with 2cm diameter, and 95% of assembly is done within 1 minute.
THE EFFECT OF SOMATOSTATIN ON PLATELET AGGREGATION1

Somatostatin was infused intravenously over two hours to rabbits in a dose of 1.5 µg⁄kg⁄min with an. initial loading dose of 50 µg/kg This dose inhibited platelet aggregation in response to both ADP and collagen. Lower doses of SRIFhad no effect. The addition of SRIF in vitro to either human or rabbit platelet rich plasma also had no effect on collagen or ADP-induced platelet aggregation.
Perceived Judicial Hostility to Criminal Trials Effects on Public Defenders in General and on Their Relationships with Clients and Prosecutors in Particular

It is clear that plea bargaining has become the primary method for criminal case disposition in the United States. It also is likely that defense attorneys, like other courtroom work group actors, generally benefit from such an expedited system of justice. What is less clear, however, is the degree that they may feel stressed by getting too much of a good thing. This article presents data that suggest that judicially created “no-trial option” environments rank among the highest of potential stressors confronting public defenders. Apart from the strong general effects such environments have on defenders, regression analyses suggest that such environments tend to moderately exacerbate defender-client and defender-prosecutor conflicts as well.
Auction algorithms for network flow problems : a tutorial introduction

This paper surveys a new and comprehensive class of algorithms for solving the classical linear network flow problem and its various special cases such as shortest path, max-flow, assignment, transportation, and transhipment problems. The prototype method, from which the other algorithms can be derived, is the auction algorithm for the assignment problem. This is an intuitive method that operates like a real auction where persons compete for objects by raising their prices through competitive bidding; the prices can be viewed as dual variables. Conceptually, auction algorithms represent a significant departure from the cost improvement idea that underlies primal simplex and dual ascent methods; at any one iteration, they may deteriorate both the primal and the dual cost. Auction algorithms perform very well for several important types of problems, both in theory and in practice, and they are also well suited for parallel computation.
Novel micro-threading techniques on the Cell Broadband Engine

The Cell Broadband Engine (CBE) is a heterogeneous multi-core processor with unique design properties for high-performance computing. It consists of one Power Processing Element (PPE) and eight Synergistic Processing Elements (SPEs) connected with the Elements Interconnect Network (EIB). It employs some novel techniques, such as software managed cache, to hide memory latency and guarantees, by default, maximum utilization for the overall system resources. However, utilization of these facilities requires complex designs and implementations of algorithms to get the best performance. In this paper we discuss our micro-threading model realized by a nano-kernel implemented on top of each SPE [16] [17]. SPE's Nano-kernel, or SPENK, employs the micro-threading model to increase CBE resources utilization while simplifying the programming model. Our framework boosted the processor's overall performance by a factor of five compared to the current threading model. It allowed us to build a distributed model for SPEs' tasks management and automated Local Storage (LS) management. We tested our framework on two types of algorithms: (1) uniform memory access algorithms, such as parallel summation, and (2) Non-uniform or irregular memory access algorithms, specifically the parallel tree spanning algorithm. We have also investigated the optimal parameterization of micro-threads on each SPE to automatically reach the best possible performance. Using proper parameterization of micro-threads, we could achieve three to fivefold performance improvement.
The LP/IP hybrid method for construction time-cost trade-off analysis

Construction planners face the decisions of selecting appropriate resources, including crew sizes, equipment, methods and technologies, to perform the tasks of a construction project. In general, there is a trade-off between time and cost to complete a task - the less expensive the resources, the longer it takes. Using Critical Path Method (CPM) techniques, the overall project cost can be reduced by using less expensive resources for non-critical activities without impacting the duration. Furthermore, planners need to adjust the resource selections to shorten or lengthen the project duration. Finding the optimal decisions is difficult and time-consuming considering the numbers of permutations involved. For example, a CPM network with only eight activities, each with two options, will have 28 alternatives. For large problems, exhaustive enumeration is not economically feasible even with very fast computers. This paper presents a new algorithm using linear and integer programming to obtain optimal resource ...
Radar Target Detection Framework Based on False Discovery Rate

A new framework is presented for the detection of targets in clutter and noise. Conventional radar detection techniques involve testing each test cell separately at a predefined probability of false alarm. In this paper, we formulate a novel surveillance paradigm that controls the false discovery rate (FDR) for a specified surveillance area (SA), which consists of a number of test cells. FDR is defined as the expectation of the ratio of the number of false alarms to the total number of cells classified as targets over the entire SA. It is observed that control of FDR results in an increase in the probabilities of detection and false alarm with an increase in the number of targets in the SA. This is achieved without the actual knowledge of the number of targets in the SA. To control the increase of the probability of false alarm and to confine it within a prespecified range, we propose a hybrid detection strategy involving both SA-based testing and per-cell testing. Our proposed hybrid approach, based on the concept of algorithm fusion, provides substantial improvement in detection performance in target-rich environments at the cost of a controlled increase in the false alarm rate. Analytical and simulation results are provided to demonstrate the performance of the proposed approach.
Remote control system for energy efficient home

This paper introduces the development of an innovative remote home appliances control system for applications in energy efficient smart homes. The system parses its control command based on email interfaces. The paper firstly provides an overview of the system and the major components. It describes the e-mail command protocols, power line communication protocol, as well as the remote control algorithms used in the system. A pilot system has been successfully implemented. The results of testing indicate the remote control system is reliable and fast responsive. It provides an important control for reduce energy consumption in buildings. Aspects of the system that can be further improved are discussed.