cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sociocultural correlates of cigarette smoking among African-American men versus women: Implications for culturally specific cessation interventions

Low socioeconomic status, racial discrimination, and low acculturation are the major sociocultural correlates of smoking among African-American adults. This study is the first to examine all three variables simultaneously and to analyze gender differences in their association with smoking. Results for the sample revealed that low education and low acculturation predicted smoking but racial discrimination did not. For women, low acculturation was the sole predictor of smoking, whereas for men, socioeconomic status variables were the sole predictors. This suggests that low acculturation may be associated with smoking among African-American women only. Hence, culturally specific smoking cessation programs designed for low-acculturated African-Americans might be effective for African-American women alone.
Mother-infant interaction and the modulation of pituitary-adrenal activity in rat pups after early stimulation.

In Experiment I, handling or electric shock of 2-day-old rat pups triggered pituitary-adrenocortical activity. Interaction between mother and litter after pup treatment affected the magnitude and the time course of the pups' adrenocortical response. Mother-infant interactions following pup treatment on Day 2 were found to affect the responsiveness of pups to later stimulation. In Experiment II handled or shocked pups that were returned to a mother-absent nest were subsequently found to be less responsive to ACTH injection than were pups returned to a mother-present nest following treatment. These data are discussed in terms of the reciprocity and synchrony in mother-infant interactions and the Maternal Mediation hypothesis of early experience.
Qualitative Theory of Nonideal Explosions

Abstract Consideration is given to dynamics of a shock wave followed by a deflagration wave in nonspherical but open configurations. Three principles, overall mass conservation, momentum conservation across the shock, and engulfment of matter by the flame, are applied to obtain simplified descriptions for the structure and dynamics of the wave system. It is shown that the nonideal explosion seeks a similarity condition of constant wave speed. A main conclusion is that in the presence of an inert bounding gas, there exists a maximum shock strength which depends on the efficiency of the wave pattern in the noncombustible. It is inferred that relief to the inert limits intensities of nonideal explosions.
Traumatic posterior acetabular defects reconstructed with iliac crest autograft. A report of two cases.

Abstract In two cases of posterior wall acetabular fracture, the fracture fragment was too comminuted to be fixed per primam. A full-thickness iliac crest autograft was used as initial reconstruction in these two cases. Although the reconstruction was not anatomic, one of the two patients is functioning with only minimum symptoms at five years. Incorporation of the autograft has been documented in both cases. Although the procedure may not accurately reproduce the anatomy of the hip joint, it will appropriately supplement viable acetabular bone structure.
A Flatness Control System Design Based on Actuator Efficiency Factors for Cold Rolling Mill

In order to improve the flatness of cold rolled strips, strategies of closed loop feedback flatness control and rolling force feed forward control were established respectively, based on actuator efficiency factors. As the basis of flatness control system, efficiencies of flatness actuators provide a quantitative description to the law of flatness control. For the purpose of obtaining accurate efficiency factors matrixes of actuators, a self-learning model of actuator efficiency factors was established. The precision of actuator efficiency factors could be improved continuously by correlative measurement flatness data inputs. Meanwhile, the self-learning model of actuator efficiency factors permits the application of this flatness control for all possible types of actuators and every stand type. The developed flatness control system has been applied to a 1250mm single stand 6-H reversible UCM cold mill. Applications show that the flatness control system based on actuator efficiency factors is capable to obtain good flatness.
Two-and four-dimensional anomalies with an instanton background

Abstract The dimensional ladder which joins the d-dimensional gauge anomaly to the (d + 2)-dimensional chiral anomaly is illustrated by solving explicitly the four- and two-dimensional problems of chiral fermions in a background instanton gauge potential.
Color encoding of holographic interferometric fringe patterns with white-light processing

A technique is presented for color encoding holographic interferometric fringe patterns using an extended white-light source. The color encoding is performed on the smeared Fourier spectra which are derived from an on-focus multiplexed interferometric hologram. This color encoding technique offers the advantages of direct comparison of different fringe patterns which can also be transmitted for direct color monitor display and storage. This white-light processing technique is capable of performing complex spatial filtering for fringe pattern recognition and identification. This technique is simple, versatile, and can be performed using coherent, partially coherent, or white light.
Parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) inhibits Runx2 expression through the PKA signaling pathway

The bone-related transcription factor Runx2 (Cbfa1) has been extensively shown to regulate osteoblast differentiation and function. Recent studies demonstrate that Runx2 is also a positive regulator of chondrocyte maturation and vascular invasion in cartilage. Runx2 activity can be modulated in several ways, including direct stimulation of gene expression, post-translational modification, and protein-protein interactions. We have previously reported cooperative effects between BMP and RA downstream signaling involving Smad proteins and Runx2. Furthermore, our previous studies showed that PTHrP inhibits chondrocyte maturation primarily through CREB and AP-1 signaling pathways. In the present study, we investigated the effect of PTHrP on Runx2 expression in chick upper sternal chondrocytes (USCs). We further determined the signaling pathways through which PTHrP regulates Runx2 transcription. Our results show that PTHrP inhibits Runx2 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels concomitant with a PTHrP-mediated suppression of the phenotypic marker of hypertrophy, type X collagen. We further determined potential signaling pathways through which PTHrP inhibits Runx2 expression using protein kinase inhibitors, H89 (PKA inhibitor): Go-6976 (PKC inhibitor): SB203850 (p38 MAPK inhibitor), and U0126 (MEK inhibitor). We show that pretreatment with PKA and, to a lesser extent, PKC inhibitors significantly blocked PTHrP suppression of Runx2, while p38 MAPK and MEK inhibitors had no significant effect. Furthermore, PTHrP suppression of Runx2 mRNA was partially blocked in USCs infected with RCAS-A-CREB, a dominant negative reagent that abrogates CREB activity. Overall, our results demonstrate that PTHrP downregulates Runx2 expression primarily through the PKA signaling pathway.
Scaled particle theory: Solution to the complete set of scaled particle theory conditions: Applications to surface structure and dilute mixtures

We present, so far as we know, the first solution to thecomplete set of conditions developed by scaled particle theory under the usual approximation that G(λ) can be expressed as a Laurent series for 1/2 <λ < ∞. The theory leads to a fourth virial coefficient accurate to 0.6% and fair values for the first derivative of the radial distribution functionǵ(1). The results are used to calculate both boundary tension and boundary adsorption in the hard sphere fluid, as well as the pressure of a dilute hard sphere mixture. It is probable that the nearly linear function we calculate deviates only slightly from the true G(λ) at fluid densities. Some discussion of this point is presented.
A discrete phi^4 system without Peierls-Nabarro barrier

A discrete phi^4 system is proposed which preserves the topological lower bound on the kink energy. Existence of static kink solutions saturating this lower bound and occupying any position relative to the lattice is proved. Consequently, kinks of the model experience no Peierls-Nabarro barrier, and can move freely through the lattice without being pinned. Numerical simulations reveal that kink dynamics in this system is significantly less dissipative than that of the conventional discrete phi^4 system, so that even on extremely coarse lattices the kink behaves much like its continuum counterpart. It is argued, therefore, that this is a natural discretization for the purpose of numerically studying soliton dynamics in the continuum phi^4 model.
Approximate techniques for modeling the performance of complex systems

This survey paper discusses a variety of approximate technique for analyzing and predicting the performance of complex systems, such as computer networks. Such techniques tend to the more readily usable by the persons in charge of design, development, selection, or tuning of such systems than the great majority of the techniques available in the current literature. The discussion is motivated by the author's experience in industry for nine years, during which time he saw numerous instances where performance models gave good results when they were applied in situations where a large number of the assumptions made in developing the models were demonstrably false. These results have motivated him to study the current literature on performance modeling to find out why such models work as well as they do. This has led to the results discussed here. A large portion of the paper is a survey of some of the most interesting techniques for approximately modeling system performance that have been developed recently, along with some theoretical developments which indicate why highly simplified models often work surprisingly well. Since it is rare to find situations where the assumptions made in developing models are really valid, simplified models are normally as accurate as more elaborate models. A few examples of successful use of approximate models are discussed next. The paper concludes with a summary of the most important principles developed and an indication of some of the approaches to approximate modeling which the author feels merit further research.
Cell cycle patterns of thymidylate synthetase and 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate polyglutamates in cultured mouse hepatoma cells

The regulation of thymidylate synthetase activity was investigated throughout the first cell cycle after release from an isoleucine block in synchronous cultures of mouse hepatoma (Hepa) cells. Activity in cell extracts increased with the onset of S phase and the increased activity was attributed to a parallel increase in enzyme concentration as determined by titration with tritiated fluorodeoxyuridylate. The polyglutamate chain length of reduced folate cofactors, which could also influence thymidylate synthetase activity, was unchanged.
Concepts of Infidelity among African American Emerging Adults: Implications for HIV/STI Prevention.

In this study, we used an exploratory methodology to determine what cultural models African American emerging adults use to understand infidelity/cheating. Cultural models are defined as “cognitive schema[s] that [are] intersubjectively shared by a social group” (D’Andrade, 1987, p. 112). We interviewed 144 participants ages 19-22 from three geographically distal sites. Qualitative analysis was conducted using NUDIST and In Vivo Analysis, a form of Grounded Theory. Among those in a main (dyadic) relationship, 37% of females and 57% of males stated they had been unfaithful to their main partner during the past month. We identify five cultural models defining 1) the nature of infidelity, 2) reasons for infidelity, 3) techniques for managing side (extra-dyadic) partners, 4) means of investigating suspected infidelity, and 5) condom use in main and side relationships. Our findings suggest that stressing condom use in side partner relationships may be a particularly effective means of HIV/STI prevention in thi...
Highly Linear and Highly Efficient Dual-Carrier Power Amplifier Based on Low-Loss RF Carrier Combiner

This paper presents a novel power amplifier (PA) architecture for amplifying dual-carrier signals with simultaneous high efficiency and high linearity. This dual-carrier PA is based on two high-efficiency PAs and an innovative RF carrier combiner, which is a diplexer implemented with bandstop filters (BSFs). This special BSF diplexer is capable of combining two carriers with ultra-narrow frequency spacings, e.g., down to 0.25% fractional bandwidth, while maintaining a low combining loss of 1 dB. Compared to conventional diplexers implemented with bandpass filters, this new technology leads to minimized resource usage for achieving the same combining performance. The integrated PA exhibits excellent performance when amplifying dual-carrier signals in terms of linearity and efficiency. Specifically, third-order intermodulations of 40 dBc were measured with 70.2% (60.8%) power-added efficiency for carrier spacing of 10 MHz (5 MHz).
Purification and partial characterization of relaxin and relaxin precursors from the hamster placenta

Previous immunological studies have indicated that the molecular structure of hamster relaxin is quite different from that of porcine relaxin. In the present study, hamster relaxin was purified from placentas and characterized in order to investigate its biochemical properties. Placentas from Days 14 and 15 of gestation were homogenized in 0.26 N HCl-62.5% acetone containing protease inhibitors. After centrifugation, soluble proteins were acetone precipitated. Soluble proteins were applied to a carboxymethyl cellulose ion-exchange column and bound proteins were eluted with 0.1 and 0.3 M NaCl. Western blot analysis detected 16.5-, 18.7-, and 36.0-kDa relaxin-immunoreactive (IR) proteins within the 0.1 M NaCl eluant and detected a 5.6-kDa relaxin-IR protein within the 0.3 M NaCl eluant. The 5.6-kDa protein was purified to homogeneity by gel filtration (Sephadex G-50), ion-exchange HPLC, and C18 -HPLC. Reduction of the 5.6-kDa protein prior to electrophoresis resulted in a single band of lower molecular mass, suggesting that hamster relaxin consists of two chains of approximately equal molecular mass. Isoelectric point of the 5.6-kDa protein was 7.78. The 16.5- and 18.7-kDa IR proteins were copurified by gel filtration and ion-exchange HPLC. At least five isoelectric point variants were observed for the 16.5- and 18.7-kDa proteins. The N-terminal amino acid for the 5.6 and 18.7 relaxin-IR proteins was arginine, and subsequent cycles indicated an identical partial sequence that was consistent with that for relaxins from other species.
Split-cavity cross-coupled extrinsic fiber-optic interferometric sensor.

A new configuration of the fiber-optic extrinsic Fabry–Perot interferometer is demonstrated. This configuration utilizes two sensor heads on a single directional coupler in a split-cavity cross-coupled extrinsic fiber interferometric (SCEFI) arrangement to provide a four-beam interference. The need for quadrature phase biasing is eliminated, with a new spectrum analysis detection scheme devised for the SCEFI in a no-feedback condition. Good agreement between the model for interference and the experimental results is demonstrated. Wide applications for fiber sensor multiplexing and split-cavity etalons for filters in wavelength-division-multiplexing systems are indicated.
CK2 mediates phosphorylation and ubiquitin-mediated degradation of the PML tumor suppressor

The PML tumor suppressor controls growth suppression, induction of apoptosis, and cellular senescence. PML loss occurs frequently in hematopoietic and solid tumors. PML loss often correlates with tumor progression. Casein kinase 2 (CK2) is a stress-activated serine/threonine protein kinase that is oncogenic and frequently overexpressed in human tumor of multiple histological origins. In addition, CK2 overexpression due to gene amplification has been reported to be an adverse prognostic factor in non-small cell lung cancer. At the 5th International Conference on Protein Kinase CK2 in Padova, Italy, we reviewed our recent findings that PML undergoes ubiquitin/proteasome-mediated degradation in immortalized and tumor derived cell lines. PML degradation depends on direct CK2 phosphorylation of PML Ser517. PML mutants that are resistant to CK2 phosphorylation display increased tumor suppressive functions in assays measuring apoptosis, replicative senescence, and in xenograft models. More significantly, CK2 pharmacological inhibition enhances PML tumor suppressive property. These data identify a key post-translational mechanism that controls PML protein levels in cancer cells and suggest that CK2 inhibitors may be beneficial anti-cancer drugs.
Signal processing by pulse-driven molecular arrays

In this paper cellular array processors composed of weakly Coulomb coupled molecules are studied. Equivalent circuits for molecules performing optically induced electron and proton transfer are presented, and pulse-driven computing architectures are proposed. The polymer-like molecular array is processing signals if it is subjected to a sequence of electromagnetic pulses of well-defined frequency, envelope and length. Programming is accomplished by selecting proper sequence of pulses. Universality of the proposed architecture for computing is demonstrated.
A continuous representation of multi-antenna fading channels and implications for capacity scaling and optimum array design

We introduce a continuous representation of multi-antenna (MIMO) fading channels that reveals the effect of array parameters and scattering characteristics on channel degrees of freedom and capacity. It is shown that the intrinsic degrees of freedom in the scattering environment provide an upper bound on the rank of the MIMO channel matrix (and hence the spatial multiplexing gain) and are determined by two key parameters: angular spreads and the scattering correlation scales seen by the transmitter and receiver. Similarly, the spatial signal spaces at the transmitter and receiver are determined by two key parameters each: the aperture size and the smallest scale of signal variation. For any given scattering environment, the continuous representation helps us determine the optimal number of antennas and the antenna spacings to maximize the spatial multiplexing gain (and hence capacity). In particular, we show that linear capacity scaling with the number of antennas is possible in ideally uncorrelated scattering environments with vanishing correlation scales. Conversely, for a non-vanishing scattering correlation scale, the capacity eventually saturates with the number of antennas.
Patient access to medical records and healthcare outcomes: a systematic review

Objectives We conducted a systematic review to determine the effect of providing patients access to their medical records (electronic or paper-based) on healthcare quality, as defined by measures of safety, effectiveness, patient-centeredness, timeliness, efficiency, and equity. Methods Articles indexed in PubMed from January 1970 to January 2012 were reviewed. Twenty-seven English-language controlled studies were included. Outcomes were categorized as measures of effectiveness (n=19), patient-centeredness (n=16), and efficiency (n=2); no study addressed safety, timeliness, or equity. Results Outcomes were equivocal with respect to several aspects of effectiveness and patient-centeredness. Efficiency outcomes in terms of frequency of in-person and telephone encounters were mixed. Access to health records appeared to enhance patients’ perceptions of control and reduced or had no effect on patient anxiety. Conclusion Although few positive findings generally favored patient access, the literature is unclear on whether providing patients access to their medical records improves quality.
Empirical selection of cultivated oat in response to rising atmospheric carbon dioxide

Carbon dioxide is a principle resource for plant growth; as such, the ongoing increase in its concentration may allow breeders to begin selecting for optimal cultivars among current crop lines. Such a program may not be necessary, however, if breeders have, by empirical selection, already chosen the most responsive cultivars. To test this hypothesis, we examined the growth and vegetative characteristics of individual plants of cultivated oat (Avena sativa L.) from seven geographical locations to CO 2 concentration ([CO 2 ]) increases that corresponded roughly to the [CO 2 ] from the 1920s, the current [CO 2 ], and the [CO 2 ] projected for the middle of this century (300, 400, and 500 μmol mol −1 , respectively). In contrast to our predictions, newer lines were less responsive than older lines to rising [CO 2 ] in terms of both leaf area and tiller number. A comparison of phenotypic variability indicated that for almost all measured parameters, older lines had a greater degree of intraspecifi c variability (i.e., newer lines were more uniform). As a consequence, a number of CO 2 -sensitive lines among older cultivars were identifi ed with respect to parameters such as vegetative biomass or tiller production. Our results suggest that for oat: (i) newer lines are not intrinsically more responsive to rising CO 2 levels than older lines; and (ii) phenotypic homogenization among modern lines could hamper efforts to identify desirable characteristics associated with CO 2 responsiveness.
Family- versus Lone-Founder-Controlled Public Corporations: Social Identity Theory and Boards of Directors

We distinguish between “family companies,” involving multiple family members as owners and/or managers, and “lone-founder companies,” involving only the founder and no other family members. We appl...
Energy expenditure at rest and during exercise in nonobese female cyclical dieters and in nondieting control subjects.

The purpose of this research was to determine if resting energy expenditure (REE) and exercise energy expenditure (EEE) differed between nonobese female cyclical dieters (n = 11) and nondieting control subjects (n = 12). Dieters were defined as having intermittent periods of caloric restriction (less than or equal to 4184 kJ/d, or less than or equal to 1000 kcal/d) for greater than or equal to 7-10 d four times in the preceding year. Dieters were significantly (P less than 0.01) heavier (66 vs 57 kg) and fatter (26% vs 21% body fat) than controls subjects whereas fat-free tissue was similar in both groups. Dieters had significantly (P less than 0.003) lower relative REE than did control subjects (2.8 vs 3.1 mL O2.kg-1.min-1; 79 vs 92 kJ.kg body wt-1.d-1, or 19 vs 22 kcal.kg body wt-1.d-1) but absolute REE (kJ/d, or kcal/d) was similar. Regardless of the workload examined, relative EEE was significantly (P less than 0.009) lower in dieters than in control subjects whereas absolute EEEs were similar at each workload. Results indicate an increased efficiency of food utilization during exercise in dieters but no difference in absolute REE. In addition, repeated bouts of dieting may alter body composition.
Variability‐based sequence alignment identifies residues responsible for functional differences in α and β tubulin

α and β Tubulin are well-characterized paralogs with similar structures and functions. We quantify the variability of every amino acid position in both tubulins from the aligned sequences of their numerous known orthologs. By aligning the variability profiles, we identify residues that differ significantly in variability between α and β tubulin. Most of these residues are part of well-defined secondary structures and are clustered around the nucleotide binding pocket, the site of greatest functional difference between the two paralogs. The remaining residues of large difference in variability are located in the N-terminal loop between H1 and S2. We therefore predict that certain residues in this unstructured region also contribute to a functional difference between α and β tubulin. Furthermore, we find the most restrictive variability-based alignment is nearly identical to the true structure-based alignment. Thus, by using a stringent variability-based alignment to approximate the true alignment, the method introduced here may predict sites of functional distinction between paralogous proteins even in the absence of structural information.
Effect of Water Vapor on Dielectric Loss in MgO

A dielectric loss study of porous MgO indicates that H2O absorption on MgO probably leads to the formation of surface defects as well as hydroxide ions. The ac conductivity, σac followed the equation σac=σ1+ KPH2O0.27 from 550° to 800°C when the water partial pressure was varied between 7 × 10−5 and 3 × 10−2 atm.
Organizational Constraints and Individual Mobility: Ability Group Formation and Maintenance

While assignment to ability groups and curriculum tracks is ostensibly based on students' aptitude for learning, previous research has found that student aptitude explains only a small portion of t...
High electrocatalytic activity of tethered multicopper oxidase-carbon nanotube conjugates

Multicopper oxidases linked to multiwall carbon nanotubes via the molecular tethering reagent, 1-pyrenebutanoic acid, succinimidyl ester, displayed high bioelectrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction.
Rapid fluid replacement: A new methodology

The ability to replace fluids rapidly is frequently the limiting factor in the survivability of trauma patients. We describe a fluid infusion system that provides approximately a fourfold increase in flow rates over currently available percutaneous systems. It incorporates a 14 French (4.5-mm internal diameter) catheter introduced into a central vein by the Seldinger technique, and a manifold that allows fluid from five separate IV bags to flow into the patient through one line. In vitro tests demonstrated a gravity flow rate of more than 850 mL/min normal saline and a flow rate under pressure of more than 2.0 L/min. Packed red blood cells diluted to 42% hematocrit flowed at 1,725 mL/min under pressure. In vivo testing in dogs demonstrated a maximum gravity flow rate of approximately 650 mL/min, and a pressurized flow rate of more than 1,600 mL/min normal saline. No unusual sequelae of large-bore catheterization were detected.
Jewish Farmers in Hitler’s Germany: Zionist Occupational Retraining and Nazi “Jewish Policy”

Nazi support for Zionist and non-Zionist occupational retraining programs for young Jews between 1933 and 1941 reflected a desire to facilitate the rapid emigration of Jews from Germany. But this policy encountered considerable opposition from several government and party agencies because the retraining process involved activities they deemed violations of Nazi racial teaching. The policy debates and disagreements among the various offices of the Nazi party and the state reflected the tension between ideology and pragmatism in Nazi Jewish policy, and its relative lack of central planning and direction during the early years of the Third Reich. Eventually, as it so often did, the regime opted for the pragmatic approach by supporting Jewish retraining programs as the most effective way to promote the total emigration of Jews from Germany.
Built upon Love: Architectural Longing after Ethics and Aesthetics - Edited by Alberto Pérez-Gómez

(2007). Built upon Love: Architectural Longing after Ethics and Aesthetics - Edited by Alberto Perez-Gomez. Journal of Architectural Education: Vol. 60, No. 3, pp. 51-52.
The photophysical properties of chromophores at high (100 mM and above) concentrations in polymers and as neat solids

The absorption, fluorescence, and photostability of five conjugated chromophores: perylene, 2,5,8,11-tetra-t-butyl perylene (TTBP), perylene orange (PO), perylene red (PR), and a zwitterionic Meisenheimer complex (MHC), are studied as a function of concentration in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). At 1 mM concentrations, all five molecules exhibit properties consistent with unaggregated chromophores. At higher concentrations, perylene and PO both exhibit excimer formation, while TTBP, PR, and the MHC retain their monomeric fluorescent lineshapes. In these three molecules, however, the fluorescence decay times decrease by 10% (TTBP) to 50% (MHC) at concentrations of 100 mM in PMMA. The fluorescence properties of these highly concentrated samples are sensitive to the sample preparation conditions. In the neat solid where the effective concentration is on the order of 1 M, all three molecules exhibit very fast fluorescence decays, on the order of 150 ps or less, despite the fact that they retain their basic monomeric fluorescence lineshape. In addition to the enhanced nonradiative decay at high concentrations, these three molecules also undergo a concentration-dependent photobleaching. The combined effects of intermolecular nonradiative decay channels and photobleaching appear to be a general obstacle to achieving highly concentrated dye-doped solids.
Avian Semen Cryopreservation: What Are the Biological Challenges?

The value of the ability to cryopreserve and store germplasm has long been recognized for indefinite preservation of genetic material, especially for at-risk populations. In contrast to domestic livestock species, cryogenic storage of poultry semen is not reliable enough for germplasm preservation. The relatively low fertilizing ability of frozen/thawed poultry sperm most likely results from physiological sensitivity to the cryogenic process coupled with the requirement for prolonged sperm functionality in the hen reproductive tract; however, the concept of defining these physiological challenges has been underemphasized. For example, alterations in membrane carbohydrate content and diminished energy production in frozen/thawed sperm have important implications for successful gamete interaction. Recent data suggests that both glycoconjugate content and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generation are affected by cryopreservation. Moreover, susceptibility to the cryogenic process seems to vary among lines and strains of birds, as illustrated by line-specific differences in ATP concentrations of frozen/thawed sperm from pedigreed commercial layers. Research based on biochemical and molecular comparisons of sperm among lines may lead to identification of factors that influence the freezability of poultry semen.
The Rationale for IAGLR's Lifetime Achievement Award (LTA)

It is common practice for any cultural group to recognize its constituency with some form of distinction that is of value to the entire group (Kuhn 1962). Such accolades not only benefit and honor valuable activities of the individual being recognized, but also can serve as a “guidepost” to the cultural group regarding collective values that are beneficial to the function and existence of the group (see Covey 1999). Most professional societies tend to commemorate the activities of its members with various awards, and professional awards are usually directed toward individual excellence in scholarship (merit) or service to the society. The International Association for Great Lakes Research (IAGLR), which promotes a wide range of research interests, has been in existence for some 40 years (Phillips and Veinot 1977). IAGLR evolved from the annual Conference for Great Lakes Research (Kramer 1977, Sweeney 1982). The mission of the society is to “promote all aspects of large lakes research, and communicate research findings through publications and meetings” (see www.iaglr.org). Until recently, however, IAGLR recognized meritorious contributions among its members with one award (Chandler-Misener Award, for the most notable paper in each volume of the journal). This award was established in 1971 to recognize research excellence presented in the best paper published each year; the name of the award honors the international roots of the society founders D. Misenser and D.C. Chandler (McNaught 1993, Beeton and Schneider 1998). Despite its mission, the number of IAGLR merit-oriented awards is low compared with that given by other
Effective field theory in the harmonic oscillator basis

We develop interactions from chiral effective field theory (EFT) that are tailored to the harmonic oscillator basis. As a consequence, ultraviolet convergence with respect to the model space is implemented by construction and infrared convergence can be achieved by enlarging the model space for the kinetic energy. In oscillator EFT, matrix elements of EFTs formulated for continuous momenta are evaluated at the discrete momenta that stem from the diagonalization of the kinetic energy in the finite oscillator space. By fitting to realistic phase shifts and deuteron data we construct an effective interaction from chiral EFT at next-to-leading order. Many-body coupled-cluster calculations of nuclei up to $^{132}\mathrm{Sn}$ converge fast for the ground-state energies and radii in feasible model spaces.
Multilingual Propbank Annotation Tools: Cornerstone and Jubilee

This paper demonstrates two annotation tools related to Propbank: Cornerstone and Jubilee. Propbank is a corpus in which the arguments of each verb predicate are annotated with their semantic roles. Propbank annotation also requires the choice of a sense ID for each predicate, defined in the corresponding frameset file. Jubilee expedites the annotation process by displaying several resources of syntactic and semantic information simultaneously; easy access to each of these resources allows the annotator to quickly absorb and apply the necessary syntactic and semantic information pertinent to each predicate for consistent and efficient annotation. Cornerstone is a user-friendly XML editor, customized to allow frame authors to create and edit frameset files. Both tools have been successfully adapted to many Prop-bank projects; they run platform independently, are light enough to run as X11 applications and support multiple languages such as Arabic, Chinese, English, Hindi and Korean.
Evaluation of a Direct-Injected Stratified Charge Combustion System Using Tracer PLIF

A PLIF measurement system was designed and applied for imaging direct-injected stratified charge fuel preparation. An extensive measurement plane was achieved through novel design features in the system. Measurement and processing uncertainties were assessed at ±15% for the semi-quantitative fuel density. Tracer selection among suggested iso-octane candidates was found not to have a significant effect on PLIF results under the conditions tested. Stratified charge fuel distribution images were acquired for three piston and fuel injector combinations. The effect of piston design in guiding the fuel mixture position was most notable. Fuel distribution features correlated reasonably well with measured data from a thermodynamic engine of similar design.
Plasma disappearance of 125 I-labeled erythropoietin in anesthetized rabbits.

SummaryThe rate of plasma disappearance of 125I-labeled highly purified human urinary erythropoietin (ESF) was compared with that of unlabeled partially purified human urinary ESF in anesthetized rabbits. Plasma T1/2 values for both the labeled and unlabeled ESF were essentially biphasic. The mean half-time disappearance of 125I-labeled ESF was 35.87 min for the rapid phase and 10.25 hr for the slow phase. The half-time disappearances of the unlabeled ESF for the rapid and slow phases were 32.39 min and 7.98 hr, respectively. The T1/2 values of the 125I-labeled ESF and the unlabeled ESF are not significantly different.
Two-Dimensional Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis of CMC Microstructures

A research program has been developed to quantify the effects of the microstructure of a woven ceramic matrix composite and its variability on the effective properties and response of the material. In order to characterize and quantify the variations in the microstructure of a five harness satin weave, chemical vapor infiltrated (CVI) SiC/SiC composite material, specimens were serially sectioned and polished to capture images that detailed the fiber tows, matrix, and porosity. Open source quantitative image analysis tools were then used to isolate the constituents, from which two dimensional finite element models were generated which approximated the actual specimen section geometry. A simplified elastic-plastic model, wherein all stress above yield is redistributed to lower stress regions, is used to approximate the progressive damage behavior for each of the composite constituents. Finite element analyses under in-plane tensile loading were performed to examine how the variability in the local microstructure affected the macroscopic stress-strain response of the material as well as the local initiation and progression of damage. The macroscopic stress-strain response appeared to be minimally affected by the variation in local microstructure, but the locations where damage initiated and propagated appeared to be linked to specific aspects of the local microstructure.
ATP dependence of K-Cl cotransport in dog red blood cells.

Swelling-induced K-Cl cotransport in resealed dog red blood cell ghosts requires the presence of an ATP-generating system (G. C. Colclasure and J. C. Parker. J. Gen. Physiol. 100: 1-10, 1992). The present study shows that the endogenous adenine nucleotide present in the dog ghosts is sufficient to activate K-Cl cotransport, provided that creatine phosphate is incorporated in them. Creatine kinase is not required, because dog red blood cells, unlike those of humans, possess this enzyme. Although some ATP appears to be required for K-Cl cotransport by dog ghosts, an excess of this nucleotide is inhibitory. Creatine phosphate appears to play a special role in generating the ATP required for activation of K-Cl cotransport. If ghost ATP content is manipulated in the absence of creatine phosphate, by simply adding ATP to the hemolysate, no stimulation of K-Cl cotransport occurs. On the other hand, when creatine phosphate is present, K-Cl cotransport is activated. The results are discussed in relation to current views regarding the role of ATP in activation of K-Cl cotransport and the concept of the "phosphocreatine shuttle."
Estimation of the total sulfur amino acid requirement and the effect of betaine in diets deficient in total sulfur amino acids for the weanling pig.

Four experiments were conducted to determine whether betaine (BET) could replace dietary methionine (MET) in diets for weanling pigs. Pigs in each experiment were allotted to treatments on the basis of weight in a randomized complete block design. Each treatment was replicated four (Exp. 4), five (Exp. 1 and 2), or six (Exp. 3) times with five or six pigs per replicate. In Exp. 1, pigs were fed a diet formulated to be deficient in total sulfur amino acids (TSAA) (negative control; NC) or the NC + 0.05 or 0.10% MET or BET during Phase 1 and 0.035 or 0.07% MET or BET during Phase 2. Growth performance was not affected (P > 0.10) by dietary treatments, indicating that the diets were not deficient in TSAA. In Exp. 2, graded levels of TSAA (0.74, 0.79, 0.84, 0.89, or 0.94%) were fed. Overall ADG was increased (0 vs added MET, P 0.10) by diet. Overall ADFI was increased (linear, P 0.10) between pigs fed 0.05% MET or 0.039% BET, but gain:feed was decreased (P < 0.01) in pigs fed 0.039% BET compared with pigs fed 0.05% MET. In Exp. 4, a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used (MET, 0 or 0.072%; cystine, 0 or 0.059%; or BET, 0 or 0.057%). Overall ADG and gain:feed were increased (P < 0.10) in pigs fed MET. The intake of TSAA was increased (P < 0.05), and PUN was decreased (P < 0.10) in pigs fed MET or cystine. Overall ADFI was increased in pigs fed BET or MET independently but not affected when BET and MET were fed together (BET x MET, P < 0.10). The addition of BET to TSAA-deficient diets resulted in increased ADG, which was due to an increase in ADFI (TSAA intake). Thus, BET did not spare MET in this experiment.
Immunotherapy for Advanced Prostate Cancer

The absence of curative therapies for advanced or recurrent forms of prostate cancer mandates continued development of novel, more effective treatment regimens. Due to recent advances in basic and translational research, therapeutic vaccines and monoclonal antibody-based therapies are steadily gaining ground as promising treatment modalities against prostate cancer. Several immunotherapeutic products have recently been investigated in later-phase trials and have reported evidence for clinical benefit while maintaining an excellent quality of life for participants. The cumulative clinical results available to date indicate that immune-based therapies will likely play a role in the treatment of patients with prostate and other malignancies. The objective of this article is to increase awareness of contemporary immunologic therapies and clinical trials of new biologic reagents against prostate cancer. We also seek to encourage urologists to actively participate in clinical trials and evaluate the potential of immunotherapeutic drugs for impacting standards of care.
Meta-analytic re-evaluation of misonidazole in the treatment of high grade astrocytoma

Background The clinical effects of the radiation sensitizer, misonidazole, in the treatment of high grade astrocytoma are equivocal based on available clinical trial data. A meta-analysis was performed in order to evaluate the impact of this compound on treatment outcome for this disease. Methods One year survival data derived from over 1,700 patients enrolled in 9 randomized clinical trials were analyzed using the meta-analytic techniques previously described by Peto et al. This analysis compared the proportion of patients surviving one year treated with misonidazole sensitized radiation therapy (+/- chemotherapy) versus radiation alone (+/- chemotherapy). Results A summary odds ratio was calculated following a statistical analysis showing a lack of heterogeneity among the included studies in terms of their estimate of effect. The calculated Peto odds ratio was 0.92 with a 95% confidence interval of 0.77-1.09. These data indicate that misonidazole treatment is associated with an approximately 8% improved 1 year survival compared with non-misonidazole treatment arms. This odds ratio increased to 0.87 when only those trials using "conventional" radiation therapy schedules were analyzed. Conclusion This analysis suggests that misonidazole may contribute to improved 1 year survival in patients with high grade astrocytoma and that the magnitude of this improvement may be comparable to that seen with the use of chemotherapy in this patient group.
Eat your vegetables.

The article by Fox and Freifeld presents a comprehensive history of the rationale for the neutropenic diet, along with important studies of this diet.
High-dose pilot studies in extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer.

Cachexia is often a severe problem in the management of cancer and other illnesses because it adds to the morbidity of the underlying disease and complicates its treatment. Megestrol acetate has been observed anecdotally to produce weight gain. A review of our experience, and our ongoing phase I/II study of high-dose megestrol acetate for breast cancer, revealed that weight gain occurred in nearly one third (27%) of patients at conventional doses (160 mg/d), and that a marked weight gain (median, 5.1 kg; range, 0.9 to 20.1 kg) occurred in 27 of 28 patients with breast cancer during treatment with high doses of megestrol acetate. Subjective improvement in appetite occurred in most patients at low doses and in most patients at high doses. Further, nearly one half (48%) of patients at conventional doses and virtually all patients at high doses experienced an increased sense of well-being. Our data suggest that megestrol acetate has a potential role in producing subjective improvement, sense of well-being, and increase in appetite and weight, and that the effect may be dose related. Further research is necessary to understand the mechanism of appetite stimulation and/or anabolic effect.
Nutrient intake of marathon runners.

Three-day food records from a large group of marathon runners (291 men, 56 women) were analyzed and compared to various standards of dietary quality. Intake by the runners exceeded two-thirds of the Recommended Dietary Allowance for all nutrients except vitamin D and zinc in female runners. Energy and nutrient intake levels in the marathon runners were higher than those of the general U.S. population except for total fat, vitamin B-12, and zinc in both men and women and sodium in men. In general, runners consumed better diets than the general population. However, both caloric intake and percent energy as carbohydrate were lower than recommended for individuals engaging in endurance exercise. The need for professional help in planning high-carbohydrate diets for runners is indicated. Increasing amounts of training were not associated with significant increases in nutrient densities across three activity categories within this group of runners. However, more than 75% of the runners perceived their diets to be much improved after they began regular training (men 8.2 +/- 0.3 years of running experience, women 6.7 +/- 0.6). Together, these data suggest that regular moderate-to-heavy endurance exercise is associated with a better quantity and quality of nutrient intake than that found in the general population, which may in part be related to the adoption of such exercise by previously sedentary individuals.
Electrical properties of CuPc-based OTFTs with atomic layer deposited HfAlO gate dielectric

CuPc-based organic thin-film transistor (OTFT) with high-k dielectric HfAlO as gate dielectric prepared by atomic layer deposition has been fabricated. Experimental results show that the HfAlO-OTFT has higher mobility, smaller sub-threshold slope and larger on/off ratio than the HfO 2 sample. All these should be attributed to the addition of Al into the HfO 2 film confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, resulting in improved dielectric and interfacial properties. Moreover, the reliablity of the device upon exposure to air is investigated.
A matrix analytic approach to conjugate diameters of an ellipse

Herein, problems pertaining to the conjugate diameters of a nondegenerate ellipse are studied within a matrix analytic framework. Pride of place is reserved for the construction of the matrix associated with the positive definite quadratic form defining a nondegenerate ellipse from a pair of its conjugate diameters. Mathematics Subject Classification: 15A18, 15A23, 15A24, 51N20