cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DIAGNOSIS OF PULMONARY HYPERTENSION IN CHILDREN WITH ENDOCARDIAL CUSHION DEFECTS BY M-MODE ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY

Selective Echo parameters have been used in separating children with VSD with and without pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). This study was performed to assess specific Echo parameters in pts with endocardial cushion defects (ECD) with and without PAH. 22 pts (2 months - 11 years, 17 females/5 males) were compared with 27 normal controls (C). 5 pts had ASD I°, 3 pts had VSD of the ECD variety and 14 pts had complete A-V canal. Pts were divided into Group I (GI) 4 pts with pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) 50 mm Hg were recognized with no false positive. Thus, these two parameters (early tricuspid closure and increased right isovolumic contraction index) are useful in detecting PAH in children with ECD and could be used to optimize the time of cardiac catheterization.
Changes in Phosphate Potential on Re-wetting Air-dry Soil

WHEN soil is suspended in dilute calcium chloride solution the calcium dihydrogen phosphate potential (pH2PO4 + ½pCa) varies with the soil : solution ratio1 and with the period for which the soil is in suspension2. Air-drying and re-wetting also affect the phosphate potential2. Laboratory measurements lacking precision will help little in predicting phosphate availability in field soils.
Isotropic Maxwell-Garnett model for biisotropic-in-biisotropic mixtures

The Rayleigh scattering response of an electrically small biisotropic sphere immersed in an ambient biisotropic medium has been utilized in constructing a Maxwell-Garnett model of a composite material formed by randomly dispersing biisotropic spheres in a biisotropic host medium. It is anticipated that this work will be of interest for estimating the electromagnetic properties of particulate media.
Generation of anti-ssDNA Antibodies by persistent immunization of mice with sheep erythrocytes

Immunization of (DBA/2) mice with sheep erythrocytes (1 X 10(8) red cells, once weekly for 2 months) elicited anti-sheep erythrocyte antibodies, a part of which combined with ssDNA. By contrast, immunization with rat (Fisher) erythrocytes (1 X 10(8) red cells, once weekly for 2 weeks) did not elicit antibodies cross-reactive with ssDNA. The antibody response (IgM and IgG) to sheep erythrocytes rose sharply and subsequently tapered off (usually within the first 2 weeks). The level of IgG antibodies cross-reactive with ssDNA increased and, after ca. 1 month, decreased. No increase in anti-trinitrophenyl antibodies was detected. These results suggest the existence of a homeostatic mechanism. The anti-ssDNA antibodies bound to sheep erythrocytes, ssDNA and, marginally, to trinitrophenyl-gelatin; they did not bind to poly-D-glutamic acid, rat erythrocytes or mouse erythrocytes. Treatment of sheep red blood cells with neuraminidase, proteinase K, trypsin, or DNase did not alter the erythrocytes' capacity to bind the anti-ssDNA antibodies; solubilization of the erythrocytes with Triton X-100 abolished the binding. Neither a methanol:chloroform (1:1) extract (which contains the erythrocyte phospholipids) nor the residue (left after the extraction) bound anti-ssDNA antibodies. The determinant mediating the binding could be conformational.
Burning rate of solid wood measured in a heat release rate calorimeter

Burning rate is a key factor in modeling fire growth and fire endurance of wood structures. This study investigated the burning rate of selected wood materials as determined by heat release, mass, loss and charring rates. Thick samples of redwood, southern pine, red oak and basswood were tested in a heat release rate calorimeter. Results on ignitability and average heat release, mass loss and charring rates are reported for a heat flux range between 15 and 55 kw m−2. In this range, burning rate increased linearly with heat flux. Burning rate was very species dependent. Heat release rate was related to mass loss by effective heat of combustion, which also increased with heat flux. Charring rate was related to mass loss rate and original wood density. Important char property data such as yield, density and contraction are reported. A simplified calculation method is proposed for calculating mass loss rate and charring rate based on heat release rate.
Effect of coherent multiple scattering on the transmission of H 2 + through thin foils

Results are presented of a Monte Carlo simulation of the passage of fast ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}^{+}$ ions through thin carbon foils, with emphasis on the transmitted fraction. An essential feature of the calculation is that the Coulomb interaction between the constituent protons and the multiple scattering of each in the foil is treated simultaneously. The agreement between previous experimental data and the simulation is excellent.
A reconstructive algorithm for plastic surgery following extensive chest wall resection

Chest wall reconstruction following extensive resection is greatly facilitated by the use of vascularised flaps and prosthetic material. Plastic surgeons are often asked to assist with coverage of large chest wall defects. However, in addition to soft tissue coverage, we need to address other important issues such as the status of the pleural cavity, and the requirement for skeletal support. The purpose of this report is to analyse our experience, provide a reconstructive algorithm following the ablative procedure and review the literature. Two hundred chest wall resections were performed from 1975 to 2000. Defect location was divided into anterior (n = 73) lateral (n = 36) anterior-lateral (n = 36) posterior-lateral (n = 19) posterior (n = 22) and forequarter (n = 14) Average number of ribs resected was four. One hundred and fifty-eight patients (79%) required chest wall reconstruction with either prosthetic material and/or flap closure. Mesh closure was required in 85 cases (43%), being highest for lateral defects (61%), and lowest for anterior defects (31%). Vascularised flaps were needed in 112 patients (56%), more common in anterior defects (79%), and less common for the posterior-lateral defects (26%). Inpatient complication rate was 27% (43/158) following reconstruction, with a mortality of 6% (10/158). Chest wall reconstruction is common following extensive resection. This includes management of the pleural cavity, skeletal support and soft tissue coverage. A better understanding of the respiratory mechanics and local thoracoabdominal anatomy is crucial for managing these complex defects. The need for skeletal support was more prevalent in lateral and posterior-lateral defects. Flap reconstruction was required more often to cover large anterior defects, with regional flaps predominating.
The neuro-steroid, 5-androstene 3β,17α diol; induces endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy through PERK/eIF2α signaling in malignant glioma cells and transformed fibroblasts.

Abstract In this study, we identified a mechanism by which the neuro-steroid, 5-androstene 3β,17α diol (17α-AED) induces autophagy in human malignant glioma cells and transformed fibroblasts. 17α-AED treatment induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, identified by the partial activation of an unfolded protein response in T98G, U87MG, U251MG, LN-18, LN-229 and LN-Z308 glioma cell lines. In this regard, there were increased levels of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) and glucose-regulated protein of 78 kDa transcripts but no splicing of X-box-binding protein 1 mRNA or processing of activating transcription factor-6 in glioma cells treated with the neuro-steroid. 17α-AED induced eukaryotic translational initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) phosphorylation in glioma cells which correlated with microtubule-associated protein-light chain 3 (LC3) conversion from LC3-I to -II. In transformed murine embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) that are deficient of eIF2α function or T98G glioma cells transfected with a dominant-negative eIF2α construct, 17α-AED induced LC3 conversion was significantly reduced as compared to control cells. Neuro-steroid treatment caused the activation of the eIF2α kinase, protein kinase-like ER kinase (PERK) but not other eIF2α kinases in glioma cells. Moreover, eIF2α phosphorylation and LC3 conversion, in response to 17α-AED treatment, was blocked in MEFs that lacked PERK activity. T98G cells transfected with a dominant-negative PERK construct exhibited an attenuated response to neuro-steroid treatment in terms of decreases in: eIF2α activation; CHOP expression; the incidence of autophagy; and cytotoxicity. These results demonstrate that ER stress is linked to 17α-AED induced autophagy by PERK/eIF2α signaling in human malignant glioma cells and transformed fibroblasts.
Occupations and Publics: A Framework for Analysis

An analytical framework is proposed for the systematic study of occupations in their social environments. This paper explores the ways in which occupations influence and are influenced by specific social contexts, taking into account both subjective and factual elements of the environment. Drawing upon past research on social stratification and current social developments, the framework is systematically illustrated, with emphasis on the dynamic nature of the connective relationships between occupations and publics. Neglected areas of research and theory are derived using the framework.
Insulin resistance in adolescents with type 2 diabetes is associated with impaired exercise capacity.

Context: The incidence of pediatric type 2 diabetes (T2D) is rising, with unclear effects on the cardiovascular system. Cardiopulmonary fitness, a marker of morbidity and mortality, is abnormal in adults with T2D, yet the mechanisms are incompletely understood. Objective: We hypothesized that cardiopulmonary fitness would be reduced in youth with T2D in association with insulin resistance (IR) and cardiovascular dysfunction. Design, Setting, and Participants: We conducted a cross-sectional study at an academic hospital that included 14 adolescents (age range, 12–19 yr) with T2D, 13 equally obese adolescents and 12 lean adolescents similar in age, pubertal stage, and activity level. Main Outcome Measures: Cardiopulmonary fitness was measured by peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) and oxygen uptake kinetics (VO2kinetics), IR by hyperinsulinemic clamp, cardiac function by echocardiography, vascular function by venous occlusion plethysmography, body composition by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, intramyocellu...
d-Amphetamine-induced inhibition of central dopaminergic neurons: mediation by a striato-nigral feedback pathway

Lesions of the striato-nigral pathways (that is, crus cerebri or vicinity of the tail of the caudate nucleus) markedly attenuate depressant effects of intravenous d-amphetamine on central dopaminergic cell activity. These results, coupled with previous data showing that microiontophoretic application of d-amphetamine directly onto dopaminergic cells does not produce significant slowing, provide direct support for the hypothesis that the depressant effect of d-amphetamine on these cells is mediated through a striato-nigral neuronal feedback loop.
Purification and characterization of phenoloxidase isoforms from Taiwanese black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon)

Two phenoloxidase (PPO) isoforms were purified from Taiwanese black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) purified via ammonium sulfate precipitation and high performance hydrophobic interaction chromatography on phenyl Sepharose CL-4B. Optimal DL-a-3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (D, L-DOPA) oxidation by these isoforms was observed to occur at pH 6.0, and at 45°C. The isoforms showed both mono- and di-PPO activities, and preferential medabolism of both monoand di-phenolic substrates lacking a carboxyl group either directly attached to the ring, or in the side chain moiety of the phenolic structure.
Effect of inoculation and applied nitrogen on yield, growth and nitrogen fixation of two peanut cultivars

Abstract Applications of ammonium nitrate (108 kg/ha application) and commercial inoculum (11.2 kg/ha) were made to the peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cvs. ‘Argentine’ (spanish) and ‘Florigiant’ (virginia) in 1978 and 1979. Both cultivars nodulated abundantly, even in the absence of inoculation, but plants of the cv. Florigiant were generally larger, yielded more, had a higher harvest index, and showed greater nodulation and higher N2(C2H2) fixation values than those of cv. Argentine. Inoculation did not increase plant weight or yield, though N2 fixation traits were improved in 1 year. Applications of nitrogen increased plant weight 49% in 1978 and 24% in 1979 and fruit yield by 37% in 1978 and 21% in 1979 but reduced harvest index from 37 to 34.9% in 1978 and reduced N2-fixing traits in both years. There is no evidence from this study to indicate any need for inoculation to peanuts in soils with high populations of the appropriate Rhizobium. However, the increase in plant weight and fruit yield with the application of nitrogen, although not economic, suggests that either the peanut-rhizobia symbiosis does not fix enough nitrogen for maximum yield or that fixed nitrogen is not utilized as efficiently as fertilizer nitrogen.
In vivo generation of hydrogen peroxide from 6-hydroxydopamine.

Es gelang, die Erythrocytenkatalase der Maus durch Injektion von 6-Hydroxydopamin und in Gegenwart von 3-Amino-1,2,4-triazol zu hemmen, was auf die Wasserstoffperoxyd-Entwicklung hinweist und mit der Rolle des H2O2 bei der Degeneration der Nervenenden durch 6-Hydroxydopamin in Einklang steht.
Inductive Skin Depth Measurements in the Heavy-Electron Superconductor UPt3

We report radio frequency, r.f., skin depth, δi, measurements in the anisotropic superconductor UPt3. For the r.f. field h||c-axis δi has a weaker low-temperature dependence than the T2 behavior of the d.c. penetration depth reported by Gross et al. A similar temperature dependence is obtained for two other geometries h||a-axis, j||b-axis and h||a-axis, j||c-axis. In addition we report a frequency dependence to the skin depth at temperatures much less than Tc. These results are interpreted as evidence for Bogoliubov quasi-particle–hole contribution to the shielding currents in an anisotropic superconductor.
Primary products of the O+C2H4 reaction

Abstract The H-atom yield of the O + C2H4 reaction at 298 K was measured by Lyman-α resonance fluorescence in discharge-flow experiments at He pressures of 0.4–6. Torr under conditions where secondary reactions are unimportant. The rate constants of O + C2H4 and H + C2H4 were also measured, the former being invariant with pressure. The absolute H-atom yield is 79 ± 14% indicating theat H + C2H3O is a major product channel.
Effect of pCO 2 on the growth, respiration, and photophysiology of massive Porites spp. in Moorea, French Polynesia

I tested the hypothesis that high pCO2 (76.6 Pa and 87.2 Pa vs. 42.9 Pa) has no effect on the metabolism of juvenile massive Porites spp. after 11 days at 28 °C and 545 μmol quanta m−2 s−1. The response was assessed as aerobic dark respiration, skeletal weight (i.e., calcification), biomass, and chlorophyll fluorescence. Corals were collected from the shallow (3–4 m) back reef of Moorea, French Polynesia (17°28.614′S, 149°48.917′W), and experiments conducted during April and May 2011. An increase in pCO2 to 76.6 Pa had no effect on any dependent variable, but 87.2 Pa pCO2 reduced area-normalized (but not biomass-normalized) respiration 36 %, as well as maximum photochemical efficiency (F v/F m) of open RCIIs and effective photochemical efficiency of RCIIs in actinic light (∆F/ $$ F_{\text{m}}^{\prime } $$ ); neither biomass, calcification, nor the energy expenditure coincident with calcification (J g−1) was effected. These results do not support the hypothesis that high pCO2 reduces coral calcification through increased metabolic costs and, instead, suggest that high pCO2 causes metabolic depression and photochemical impairment similar to that associated with bleaching. Evidence of a pCO2 threshold between 76.6 and 87.2 Pa for inhibitory effects on respiration and photochemistry deserves further attention as it might signal the presence of unpredictable effects of rising pCO2.
NetReplay: a new network primitive

In this paper, we describe Net-Replay, a new network primitive to help application end points conduct in-band characterization of the glitches they encountered. In Net-Replay, each network infrastructure element remembers a small amount of information for every packet observed at the element over a certain time interval. Furthermore, network elements expose a simple "packet marking" interface, using which they can indicate to end-points whether or not they had seen a particular packet in the past. When application end-points observe glitches, they replay (i.e. retransmit) the packets which observed the glitch and leverage feedback from network elements to determine the type and location of the glitch encountered by the packets. We discuss how end-host network stacks should be modified to leverage Net-Replay in this fashion. We also consider how network infrastructure can support Net-Replay in a lowoverhead fashion.We argue that Net-Replay can enable applications to detect a variety of glitches and react to them in an accurate and informed manner, while ensuring that the infrastructure stays simple and fast. We believe that proactive support from the network in the form of Net-Replay-like functionality is crucial to ensure robust performance of future Internet applications, many of which are likely to be highly demanding and far less tolerant of network glitches than traditional applications.
The Dilemma of Dispositions.

or twenty years, I have helped to prepare teachers for middle and high school classrooms. As with most lengthy journeys, mine as a teacher educator has taken different pathways, and I have now commenced the third leg of the journey. Early in my career, I emphasized mainly what teachers should know: levels of Bloom's taxonomy, types of stimulus variation, and findings of wait-time research, for example. Next, I moved toward a greater focus on what teachers should do. I stressed the skills of teaching through microteaching episodes and writing lesson plans. Although I still teach essential pedagogical knowledge and skills, I have begun to accentuate the "be" part of becoming a teacher. Recently, I have made a more conscious effort to shape teacher candidates' dispositions. This article presents how I have attempted to impact the affective aspect of being a teacher and describes ways for practicing teachers to cultivate their dispositions.
Heat Pipe Solar Receivers for Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) Plants

This paper introduces separate-type heat pipe (STHP) based solar receiver systems that enable more efficient operation of concentrated solar power plants without relying on a heat transfer fluid. The solar receiver system may consist of a number of STHP modules that receive concentrated solar flux from a solar collector system, spread the high concentrated solar flux to a low heat flux level, and effectively transfer the received heat to the working fluid of a heat engine to enable a higher working temperature and higher plant efficiency. In general, the introduced STHP solar receiver has characteristics of high heat transfer capacity, high heat transfer coefficient in the evaporator to handle a high concentrated solar flux, non-condensable gas release mechanism, and lower costs. The STHP receiver in a solar plant may also integrate the hot/cold tank based thermal energy storage system without using a heat transfer fluid.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Re-Mediating Current Activity for the Future

The growing poverty and inequity in America should create a sense of urgency in researchers to leverage what we know for the public good—to intervene more productively and vigorously in an ever mor...
A Guinea Pig's History of Biology

The triumphs of recent biology - understanding hereditary disease, the modern theory of evolution - are all thanks to the fruit fly, the guinea pig, the zebra fish and a handful of other organisms, which have helped us unravel one of life's greatest mysteries - inheritance.Jim Endersby traces his story from Darwin hand-pollinating passion flowers in his back garden in an effort to find out whether his decision to marry his cousin had harmed their children, to today's high-tech laboratories, full of shoals of shimmering zebra fish, whose bodies are transparent until they are mature, allowing scientists to watch every step as a single fertilised cell multiples to become millions of specialised cells that make up a new fish. Each story has - piece by piece - revealed how DNA determines the characteristics of the adult organism. Not every organism was as cooperative as the fruit fly or zebra fish, some provided scientists with misleading answers or encouraged them to ask the wrong questions.
Building and Maintaining a Statewide Transportation Framework

Creating and maintaining up-to-date, sharable, geographic information systems-transportation data are challenging. Many states are working on transportation framework efforts to build a complete, consistent, and current transportation data layer in conjunction with the National Spatial Data Infrastructure and Geospatial One-Stop efforts. An effort was made to systematically reexamine transportation data-sharing issues as part of the development of a transportation framework for the state of Washington. Business needs were assessed for spatial and temporal accuracy needs of stakeholders and users of a statewide transportation framework. A conceptual model was developed for a transportation framework with emphasis on data flows to update and maintain it and other transportation databases. An update clearinghouse is proposed to collect and disseminate data about new and modified road features. A synthesis of issues is presented, including determining the desired robustness of the transportation framework and cost-allocation principles for possible add-on enhancements.
Alienation: A Cross-Cultural Analysis

Summary This study examines alienation in two different cultural groups. One sample is Middle Eastern, and the other is American. Students from a transitional society expressed greater feelings of alienation; they felt more powerless and scored higher on the normlessness, meaninglessness, and social isolation scales. These relationships were not altered when socioeconomic status and sex were controlled with one exception—American students with a professional background showed higher normlessness than Middle Eastern respondents of the same occupational level. The variability in results obtained within and across the cultural groups studied is explained in terms of cultural context effects.
PUF proteins bind Pop2p to regulate messenger RNAs

PUF proteins, a family of RNA-binding proteins, interact with the 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) of specific mRNAs to control their translation and stability. PUF protein action is commonly correlated with removal of the poly(A) tail of target mRNAs. Here, we focus on how PUF proteins enhance deadenylation and mRNA decay. We show that a yeast PUF protein physically binds Pop2p, which is a component of the Ccr4p-Pop2p-Not deadenylase complex, and that Pop2p is required for PUF repression activity. By binding Pop2p, the PUF protein simultaneously recruits the Ccr4p deadenylase and two other enzymes involved in mRNA regulation, Dcp1p and Dhh1p. We reconstitute regulated deadenylation in vitro and demonstrate that the PUF-Pop2p interaction is conserved in yeast, worms and humans. We suggest that the PUF-Pop2p interaction underlies regulated deadenylation, mRNA decay and repression by PUF proteins.
Unusual Performance of Standard 230-Kv Impulse and Tank-Type Oil Circuit Breakers on Field Tests

The requirements of the United States Bureau of Reclamation for 230-kv circuit breakers at Grand Coulee Dam which would far exceed present-day standard circuit-breaker ratings, required field tests to check the performance of standard circuit breakers in order to predict the required designs for higher ratings. Standard 3,500 megavlt-amperes (mva) low oil content impulse- and tank-type oil circuit breakers were tested on the meximum capacity available of over 7,000 mva. Usually satisfactory performance was observed under all test conditions indicating that standard circuit breakers of these types incorporatting modern methods of arc interruption, will require but little change to adapt them to the Grand Coulee Dam requirements for ratings of 10,000 mva.
The topographical order of 18 S and 20 S ribosomal ribonucleic acids within the 45 S precursor molecule

Nucleoli isolated from the Novikoff rat tumor were used to study the biosynthesis and methylation of ribosomal RNA in vitro . Nucleolar nascent preribosomal RNA was labeled in limited regions with methyl - 3 H groups by incubation of nucleoli with S -adenosyl- l -[ methyl - 3 H]methionine under conditions which minimize degradation and further elongation of the RNA chains. The labeled nucleolar RNA was subsequently extracted by phenol treatment and fractionated by sucrose gradient centrifugation into 0 to 20 S, 20 to 30 S, and 30 to 50 S fractions. This produces an analogous effect of dividing the 45 S preribosomal RNA into three regions as far as the ribose methylation is concerned; the first region represents 17% of the 45 S RNA from the 5′-end (0 to 20 S), the second region represents 31% of the 45 S RNA from the middle segment (20 to 30 S), and the third region represents 52% of the 45 S RNA from the 3′-end (30 to 50 S). The methylated nucleotide patterns (both base and ribose) of these fractions were analyzed and compared with the patterns of the ribosomal RNAs. The ribose methylation patterns of the 0 to 20 S fraction resembled more closely those of 18 S ribosomal RNA, and the ribose methylation patterns of the 30 to 50 S fraction resembled more closely those of 28 S ribosomal RNA. A marker alkali-stable trinucleotide, probably UmpGmpU, known to be present only in 28 S ribosomal RNA, was found to be labeled and concentrated in the 30 to 50 S fraction under these conditions. Preferential inhibition by 0·5 m -KCl of the methylation of nascent RNA sedimenting as the lower molecular weight fraction led to the production of methylated patterns resembling more closely those of 28 S ribosomal RNA. It is concluded from these data that 18 S ribosomal RNA is located nearer to the 5′-end and 28 S ribosomal RNA is nearer to the 3′-end of the 45 S preribosomal RNA. The results also demonstrate the validity and utility of these procedures for the study of ribosomal RNA synthesis in vitro .
Intratumoral CD4+CD25+ regulatory T-cell-mediated suppression of infiltrating CD4+ T cells in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Most non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) are of B-cell origin, but the tumor tissue can be variably infiltrated with T cells. In the present study, we have identified a subset of CD4+CD25+ T cells with high levels of CTLA-4 and Foxp3 (intratumoral Treg cells) that are overrepresented in biopsy specimens of B-cell NHL (median of 17% in lymphoma biopsies, 12% in inflammatory tonsil, and 6% in tumor-free lymph nodes; P = .001). We found that these CD4+CD25+ T cells suppressed the proliferation and cytokine (IFN-γ and IL-4) production of infiltrating CD4+CD25- T cells in response to PHA stimulation. PD-1 was found to be constitutively and exclusively expressed on a subset of infiltrating CD4+CD25- T cells, and B7-H1 could be induced on intratumoral CD4+CD25+ T cells in B-cell NHL. Anti-B7-H1 antibody or PD-1 fusion protein partly restored the proliferation of infiltrating CD4+CD25- T cells when cocultured with intratumoral Treg cells. Finally, we found that CCL22 secreted by lymphoma B cells is involved in the chemotaxis and migration of intratumoral Treg cells that express CCR4, but not CCR8. Taken together, our results suggest that Treg cells are highly represented in the area of B-cell NHL and that malignant B cells are involved in the recruitment of these cells into the area of lymphoma.
Clinical Validity of the Children's Category Test-Level 2 in a Mixed Sample of School-Aged Children

The Children's Category Test (CCT) is a widely used measure of problem solving with adequate psychometric properties. Yet, Shriver and Vacc (n.d.) were fairly critical of the CCT in The Mental Measurement Yearbook and highlighted its limitations. Thus, to explore the clinical validity of the widely used CCT-Level 2 (CCT-2) version, results of that test were analyzed post hoc in a sample of 265 children with mixed etiology referred for neuropsychological testing at a private outpatient laboratory. Overall, the CCT-2 correctly classified 57.7% of the sample, with 72.2% accuracy in classifying the Neuropsychologically Normal Clinical Comparison group but only 54% for the Brain Injured group. Predictive power was further reduced when the Brain Injury group was subdivided. Predictive power fell to 27.2%, with the best predictions coming for the Mental Retardation (MR) group (58.3%) and the lowest for the Learning Disorder NOS group (2.5%). The current findings suggest that the CCT's clinical application should be used with caution.
Pattern formation and evolution in diblock copolymer thin films above the order–disorder transition

Research on diblock copolymer thin films has been devoted primarily toward understanding and controlling microstructural and topographical features at temperatures below the order–disorder transition (ODT), where ordered phase separated structures exist. Recently, we showed that the topography of thin liquid diblock films above the ODT form a hierarchy of patterns, depending on the film thickness. One of these topographies is a “spinodal-like” pattern. Through the use of a pair correlation analysis we show that the structural evolution of this pattern is characterized by four stages. The first involves the amplification of surface perturbations, followed by the formation of an interconnected, “spinodal-like,” pattern. The onset of the third stage is associated with the breakup of the interconnected pattern and the eventual formation of droplets of irregular shapes. The final stage involves evolution toward the formation of circular droplets.
AlSb/InAs HEMT's for low-voltage, high-speed applications

The design, fabrication, and characterization of 0.1 /spl mu/m AlSb/InAs HEMT's are reported. These devices have an In/sub 0.4/Al/sub 0.6/As/AlSb composite barrier above the InAs channel and a p/sup +/ GaSb layer within the AlSb buffer layer. The HEMT's exhibit a transconductance of 600 mS/mm and an f/sub T/ of 120 GHz at V/sub Ds/=0.6 V. An intrinsic f/sub T/ of 160 GHz is obtained after the gate bonding pad capacitance is removed from an equivalent circuit. The present HEMT's have a noise figure of 1 dB with 14 dB associated gain at 4 GHz and V/sub Ds/=0.4 V. Noise equivalent circuit simulation indicates that this noise figure is primarily limited by gate leakage current and that a noise figure of 0.3 dB at 4 GHz is achievable with expected technological improvements. HEMT's with a 0.5 /spl mu/m gate length on the same wafer exhibit a transconductance of 1 S/mm and an intrinsic f/sub T/L/sub g/, product of 50 GHz-/spl mu/m.
Novel tin supramolecular compounds and coordination polymers: Influence of aromatic dicarboxylates on the crystal structures

Abstract Six tin based coordination compounds containing pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylate (pydc), terephthalate (ta), or naphthalene-2,6-dicarboxylate (ndc) ligands have been synthesized hydro-/solvo-thermally and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 1 and 2 are polymorphs with chemical composition of Sn(Hpydc)2 and have strikingly different 1D supramolecular structures due to the different linking mode of the monoprotonated pydc ligand. Compound 1, the major phase, crystallizes in the space group P21/n (a = 16.4038(8) A, b = 48.092(2) A, c = 19.0217(9) A, β = 90.066(1)°) and compound 2, the minor phase, crystallizes in the space group P21/n (a = 9.680(3) A, b = 12.793(4) A, c = 12.591(4) A, β = 108.703(7)°). Compound 3, Sn(pydc)(DMF), crystallizes in the space group P21/c (a = 11.4932(6) A, b = 8.4885(5) A, c = 12.0493(6) A, β = 100.568(1)°,) with infinite 1D helical chains extended along the crystallographic b-axis. Compound 4, Sn2(O)(pydc), crystallizes in the space group C2/c (a = 13.5948(14) A, b = 6.6759(7) A, c = 20.200(2) A, β = 90.007(2)°), and is a 3D coordination polymer that contains edge-shared Sn4O2 clusters arranged into 1D stair-like structures that are stacked to form small channels. Compound 5, Sn3(O)(ta)2, which crystallizes in the space group P ‾1 (a = 6.9436(6) A, b = 7.1505(6) A, c = 19.1353(16) A, α = 83.714(1)°, β = 89.686(1)°, γ = 64.034(1)°) and compound 6, Sn3(O)(ndc)2, which crystallizes in the space group P ‾1 (a = 7.0892(10) A, b = 7.2714(10) A, c = 23.400(3) A, α = 86.699(2)°, β = 85.914(2)°, γ = 63.423(2)°), are structurally related and form tin oxide layers consisting of bridged Sn3O clusters, that are connected to adjacent layers by the ta and ndc ligands, respectively.
Theory of chiral modulations and fluctuations in smectic- A liquid crystals under an electric field

Chiral liquid crystals often exhibit periodic modulations in the molecular director; in particular, thin films of the smectic-C* phase show a chiral striped texture. Here, we investigate whether similar chiral modulations can occur in the induced molecular tilt of the smectic-A phase under an applied electric field. Using both continuum elastic theory and lattice simulations, we find that the state of uniform induced tilt can become unstable when the system approaches the smectic-A-smectic-C* transition or when a high electric field is applied. Beyond that instability point, the system develops chiral stripes in the tilt, which induce corresponding ripples in the smectic layers. The modulation persists up to an upper critical electric field and then disappears. Furthermore, even in the uniform state, the system shows chiral fluctuations, including both incipient chiral stripes and localized chiral vortices. We compare these predictions with observed chiral modulations and fluctuations in smectic-A liquid crystals.
Controlled Flooding Search with Delay Constraints

In this paper we consider the problem of query and search in a network, e.g., searching for a specific node or a piece of data. We limit our attention to the class of TTL (time-to-live) based controlled flooding search strategies where query/search packets are broadcast and relayed in the network until a preset TTL value carried in the packet expires. Every unsuccessful search attempt results in an increased TTL value (i.e., larger search area) and the same process is repeated. Every search attempt also incurs a cost (in terms of packet transmissions and receptions) and a delay (time till timeout or till the target is found). The primary goal is to derive search strategies (i.e., sequences of TTL values) that minimize a worstcase cost measure subject to a worst-case delay constraint. We present a constrained optimization framework and derive a class of optimal strategies, shown to be randomized strategies, and obtain their performance as a function of the delay constraint. We also use these results to discuss the trade-off between search cost and delay within the context of flooding search.
Effects of winter legumes, inorganic N, and hybrid maturity on characters in maize

Abstract Much research involving legumes and inorganic nitrogen (N) on growth characters of corn (Zea mays L.) has been primarily concerned with grain yield. As cost of N and grower emphasis on short and midseason hybrids in corn production increase, data are needed on additional stalk and stem characteristics when grown under modern cultural practices of high grain yields. To secure these data, a 2‐year field experiment was conducted near Athens, GA. The objectives of the experiment were to evaluate under a range of cultures the effects of winter legumes, inorganic N, and time of hybrid maturity on various agronomic characters of hybrid corns when grown at a high plant population (64,582 plants/ha) and no tillage after seeding. Experimental treatments included: three whole‐plot treatments, (A) arrowleaf, Trifolium vesiculosum Savi; (b) crimson, Trifolium incarnatum L.; and (C) fallow; five split‐plot treatments that included three N rates of 0, 90, and 180 kg/ha and three corn hybrid maturities (early, m...
Equivalent hydraulic conductivity of an experimental stratigraphy: Implications for basin‐scale flow simulations

[1] Critical issues facing basin-scale groundwater flow models are the estimation of representative hydraulic conductivity for the model units and the impact of nonrepresentation of within-unit conductivity heterogeneity on the model flow prediction. In this study, high-resolution, fully heterogeneous basin-scale hydraulic conductivity map is generated by scaling up an experimental stratigraphy created by physical sedimentation processes and by assuming increasing conductivity for increasing gray scale (proxy for sand content). A fully heterogeneous model is created, incorporating the complete conductivity variation. Two hydrogeologic framework models are also created, one of coarser stratigraphic division. A novel numerical up-scaling method is developed to compute an equivalent conductivity for each irregularly shaped framework model unit by conducting basin-scale flow experiments in the fully heterogeneous model. In each experiment, different boundary conditions are specified, subjecting the basin to various flow conditions. To evaluate the impact of using equivalent conductivity on the prediction of basin-scale hydraulic head and groundwater flow, the flow experiments conducted in the fully heterogenous model are repeated in the framework models. Results indicate that for most deposits, the behavior of the equivalent conductivity with increasing ln(K) variance is consistent with the prediction of an analytic-stochastic theory. The equivalent conductivity is also insensitive to the boundary condition and the number of flow experiments performed, indicating the possible emergence of an effective conductivity. Although all equivalent conductivities are full tensors, the off-diagonal term is 2–3 orders of magnitude smaller than the diagonal terms. Ignoring the off-diagonal term has minimal impact on the framework-model-predicted hydraulic head and groundwater flow paths, when compared to the impact of nonrepresentation of within-unit conductivity heterogeneity. Under certain boundary conditions, significant head deviation can develop within framework model units that contain trended or strongly stratified deposits. However, the accuracy of head prediction is improved when the length of the no-flow boundary is increased. In a topography-driven system, progressive degradation is observed in the prediction of basin-scale flow pattern, flow rate, and location of recharge/discharge, when the progressively up-scaled framework models are used. In summary, the accuracy of the framework models is controlled by the level of stratigraphic division, conductivity heterogeneity, and boundary conditions.
Effects of decalcification on the microstructure and surface area of cement and tricalcium silicate pastes

Abstract Thin coupons of white portland cement (WPC) and tricalcium silicate paste were decalcified by leaching in concentrated ammonium nitrate solutions, resulting in calcium-to-silicon molar ratios (C/S) ranging from 3.0 (control) down to 0.3. The microstructure and surface area were measured using both small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and nitrogen gas sorption. The intensity in the SANS data regime corresponding to the volume fractal C-S-H gel phase increased significantly on leaching, and the total surface area per unit specimen volume measured by SANS doubled on leaching from C/S=3.0 to near C/S=1.0. The nitrogen BET surface area of the WPC pastes, expressed in the same units, increased on decalcification as well, although not as sharply. The primary cause of these changes is a transformation of the high-density “inner product” C-S-H gel, which normally has a low specific surface area as measured by SANS and nitrogen gas sorption, into a morphology with a high specific surface area. The volume fractal exponent corresponding to the C-S-H gel phase decreased with decalcification from 2.3 to 2.0, indicating that the equiaxed 5 nm C-S-H globule building blocks that form the volume fractal microstructure of normal, unleached cement paste are transformed by decalcification into sheetlike structures of increasing thickness.
"Interaction-free" quantum measurements

Using the complementary wave-like and particle-like natures of photons, one can make "interaction-free" measurements (IFM)-the presence of an object can be determined with no photons being absorbed. By using an application of the quantum Zeno effect (weakly and repeatedly testing for the object's presence so that the otherwise coherent evolution of the interrogating photon is inhibited), we have demonstrated the feasibility of IFMs with an efficiency of >85%, higher than that possible in the original IFM scheme, where, at most, half of the measurements could be interaction free. We also investigate various interaction-free imaging systems, demonstrate imaging with a resolution <5 /spl mu/m, and define the limits to these systems. We also discuss in which sense interaction-free measurements really are not.
Reflex-triode geometry of the virtual-cathode oscillator

An eight-stage four-hundred kilovolt Marx bank, in connection with a 60 nanosecond pulse-forming line, is constructed and utilized as a pulsed source to power a planar version of the virtual cathode oscillator (vircator). Eight .1/spl mu/F capacitors, charged to 50 kV each, are switched in series by dry-air pressurized spark gaps. The energy from the bank charges a 23 ohm oil transmission line, breaking a peaking gap when the maximum voltage is reached, delivering a 60 ns-300 kV pulse to the diode. The design of the planar or reflex-triode geometry vircator is based upon claims of high efficiency by Didenko et al. A previously constructed TTU vircator includes a unique E-beam source, the brush cathode; in which a circular array of pins is used as an explosive field emission source to produce relatively high beam currents. The anode consists of a round wire mesh through which the E-beam passes, generating a dense cloud of negative charge known as a virtual cathode. This initial phase of testing is composed of basic operation of the entire system and baseline output power and efficiency measurements.
Surface and Lamina Propria Lipids of Bovine Gingiva

In terms of both quality and quantity, the surface lipids are noticeably different from the lamina propria lipids. The surface lipids are mainly structural in nature (cholesterol, cholesterol esters, and phospholipids), whereas the lamina propria lipids are mostly of storage types (triglycerides). The surface lipids are also more unsaturated, whereas the lamina propria lipids are more saturated. Even though gingiva is histologically similar to skin, bovine gingival surface lipids are different from the bovine skin surface lipids. Further studies are needed to investigate the importance of surface lipids in regulating the various physiologic functions of gingiva.
Predictors of outcome in small cell carcinoma of the cervix--a case series.

Abstract Objective. The objective of this study was to determine whether clinicopathologic findings or the immunohistochemical presence of molecular markers are predictive of clinical outcome in patients with small cell carcinoma of the cervix (SCCC). Methods. A retrospective review of cases of carcinoma of the cervix was conducted to identify SCCC. From 1978 to 1999, 16 patients were identified at our institution with the diagnosis of SCCC. Microscopic sections of paraffin-embedded tissue specimens were evaluated for confirmation of diagnosis. Specimens were immunohistochemically stained with antibodies to three neuroendocrine markers: neuron-specific enolase, chromagranin (CGR), and synaptophysin. Specimens were also stained for protein expression of p53, erbB2, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and c- myc. The relationship between molecular markers and clinical outcome was determined. Results. All 16 cases met the histologic criteria for SCCC. Fourteen of 16 tumors (88%) stained positive for neuroendocrine differentiation. Eleven of 16 patients (69%) died from disease with a median survival of 19 months; there were 3 long-term survivors (greater than 5 years). CGR was positive in 8 (50%) specimens and was found to be highly predictive of death ( P = 0.001). Complete loss of p53 protein was seen in 8 patients, 7 of whom died with a median survival of 20 months. Conclusion. Immunohistochemistry can be helpful in confirming difficult cases of SCCC. Further studies are necessary to define molecular markers that may be predictive of outcome in patients with SCCC.
Healthcare resource utilization and economic impact of a ≥2 g/dL decrease in hemoglobin in osteoarthritis patients

AbstractObjective:In non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) users, chronic occult blood loss may lead to decreases in hemoglobin, which may lead to increased healthcare expenditures. This study, therefore, sought to quantify healthcare resource utilization of ≥2 g/dL hemoglobin decrease in osteoarthritis patients.Methods:Using a large US managed care database, osteoarthritis patients aged ≥18 years who had exposure to ≥90 days of non-selective or selective COX-2 NSAID use, a hemoglobin value within 6 months before index NSAID, and at least one hemoglobin value 24 months after were evaluated. Resource utilization was evaluated in those with ≥2 g/dL hemoglobin drop vs patients with ≤0.5 g/dL hemoglobin drop (control).Results:Of 1800 NSAID users meeting inclusion criteria, 228 patients [mean (SD) = 59.8 (9.3) years] had ≥2 g/dL hemoglobin drop vs 1572 controls [mean (SD) = 58.3 (8.0) years]. Despite relatively low absolute rates, endoscopic procedures were more commonly observed in the ≥2 g/dL hemoglob...
PEP-based optimal training for MIMO systems in wireless channels

In this paper, PEP (pairwise error probability) is derived for MIMO systems in the presence of channel estimation error, where the channel is estimated using training insertion and linear channel estimation. This training-based PEP expression is utilized to design the training sequence and for optimal power allocation between the training and data symbols. The loss of coding gain due to the training is quantified at high SNR. It is shown that both the proposed PEP-based and the existing capacity-based optimal training approach of B. Hassibi and B. Hochwald (IEEE Trans. Inform. Theory, vol. 49, no. 4, pp. 951-963, 2003) reveal the same power allocation for constant modulus (CM) constellations. The performance of our optimal power allocation scheme falls between the nonoptimized equal power allocation and perfectly known channel cases, and converges to the latter for larger data transmission intervals. Numerical and simulation results are presented to justify the usefulness of our analytical findings.
An Atlas of the Epstein-Barr Virus Transcriptome and Epigenome Reveals Host-Virus Regulatory Interactions

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is associated with multiple human tumors, persists as a minichromosome in the nucleus of B lymphocytes and induces malignancies through incompletely understood mechanisms. Here, we present a large-scale functional genomic analysis of EBV. Our experimentally generated nucleosome positioning maps and viral protein binding data were integrated with over 700 publicly available high-throughput sequencing data sets for human lymphoblastoid cell lines mapped to the EBV genome. We found that viral lytic genes are coexpressed with cellular cancer-associated pathways, suggesting that the lytic cycle may play an unexpected role in virus-mediated oncogenesis. Host regulators of viral oncogene expression and chromosome structure were identified and validated, revealing a role for the B cell-specific protein Pax5 in viral gene regulation and the cohesin complex in regulating higher order chromatin structure. Our findings provide a deeper understanding of latent viral persistence in oncogenesis and establish a valuable viral genomics resource for future exploration.