cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inflation, taxes and housing: A theoretical analysis

Abstract This paper examines the real effects of inflation under a distortionary tax system. The presence of a tax subsidy to housing substantially alters the effects of inflation on the capital intensity of production and on the market interest rate. The analysis suggests that not taxing the flow of services from housing has caused inflation to reduce capital intensity, thereby decreasing U.S. productivity. Furthermore, this tax subsidy has caused inflation to raise the real interest rate while reducing the after-tax real returns to assets.
Comparison of reporting of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis in association with selective COX-2 inhibitors.

Background: Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis are closely related severe acute life-threatening, drug-induced skin disorders. The US FDA Adverse Events Reporting System (AERS) has received reports of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis associated with the use of the recently introduced selective cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor NSAIDs, two of which are also sulfonamides. Objective: The objective of this study is to review cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis reported to the FDA associated with the use of the selective COX-2 inhibitor NSAIDs celecoxib, rofecoxib and valdecoxib, and to compare reporting rates of the two conditions associated with these drugs to each other, meloxicam (an oxicam NSAID that came on the US market at a similar time) and the background incidence rate. Methods: We reviewed all US cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis reported to the FDA AERS database associated with the use of celecoxib, rofecoxib, valdecoxib and meloxicam since these agents were first marketed. We utilised AERS and drug use data to calculate reporting rates for each drug after the first 2 years of marketing. We obtained the background rate from the medical literature. Results: Up to the end of March 2004, there were 63 cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis reported with valdecoxib use, 43 with celecoxib, 17 with rofecoxib (the non-sulfonamide coxib) and none for meloxicam. In the first 2 years of marketing the reporting rate for Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis with valdecoxib was 49 cases per million person-years of use, 6 cases per million person-years for celecoxib and 3 cases per million person-years for rofecoxib. The reporting rates for the sulfonamide coxibs were substantially higher than the background rate of 1.9 cases per million population per year, with the valdecoxib rate being 8–9 times that of celecoxib and approximately 25 times that of the background rate. Conclusion: There is a strong association between Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis and the use of the sulfonamide COX-2 inhibitors, particularly valdecoxib. Physicians should be aware of the possibility of this serious life-threatening event when prescribing these drugs and advise patients to discontinue use at the earliest possible sign or symptom.
Optimal decentralized flow control of Markovian queueing networks with multiple controllers

Abstract A Markovian queueing network model is used to derive decentralized flow control mechanisms in computer communication networks with multiple controllers. Under the network optimization criterion, finding the optimal decentralized flow control that maximizes the average network throughput under an average network delay bound becomes a team decision problem. It is shown that the network optimization problem depends on the parameters of the network only through the conditional estimates of the total arrival and departure rates. Using linear programming, the network optimal control is demonstrated to be a set of window-type mechanisms. Under the user optimization criterion, each individual user maximizes its average throughput subject to a constraint on its average time delay. Finding the optimal decentralized flow control under the individual user's performance results in a multiple objective optimization problem and leads to a game theoretic formulation. Structural results which simplify the problem are presented. It is shown that the user optimization problem depends on the parameters of the network and the action of the other users only through the conditional estimate of the user service rate. The Nash equilibrium solution under the game theoretic formulation is demonstrated to be a set of window-type mechanisms. Finally, the class of decentralized flow control problems with Nash equilibrium solutions is characterized.
The coding and transformation of spatial information

The present paper examines the mental processes involved in inferring perspective changes that result either from the rotation of a spatial array or from the rotation of the viewer of that array. Piaget has shown that viewer-rotation problems are difficult when children must choose among pictures or models of an array from differing perspectives. We showed earlier that, with parallel tasks, array-rotation problems are much easier than viewer-rotation problems. We proposed that in solving these problems, subjects interpret the instructions literally, recoding the position of the viewer vis-a-vis the array for viewer-rotation problems and recoding the array with respect to its spatial framework for arrayrotation problems. At that time, we proposed a second principle to explain why Piagetian perspective problems are so difficult; namely, that children have special difficulty in recoding viewer position (egocentrism). The present experiments show that, when subjects are asked a different sort of question on such tasks, viewer-rotation problems become easy and array-rotation problems become difficult. The results show that the difficulty of the Piagetian perspective task is not due to egocentrism; i.e., to difficulty recoding viewer position. The results of all these rotational-transformation tasks can be explained if we add a different second principle to the principle of literalness of problem interpretation. This new second principle posits that the array is fixed vis-a-vis the spatial context rather than that the viewer is fixed vis-a-vis the array.
E. coli F1 ‐ATPase: Site‐directed mutagenesis of the β‐subunit

Residues βGlu-181 and βGlu-192 of E. coli F1-ATPase (the DCCD-reactive residues) were mutated to Gln. Purified βGln-181 F1 showed 7-fold impairment of ‘unisite’ Pi formation from ATP and a large decrease in affinity for ATP. Thus the β-181 carboxyl group in normal F1 significantly contributes to catalytic site properties. Also, positive catalytic site cooperativity was attenuated from 5 × 104- to 548-fold in βGln-181 F1. In contrast, purified βGln-192 F1 showed only 6-fold reduction in ‘multisite’ ATPase activity. Residues βGly-149 and βGly-154 were mutated to Ile singly and in combination. These mutations, affecting residues which are strongly conserved in nucleotide-binding proteins, were chosen to hinder conformational motion in a putative ‘flexible loop’ in β-subunit. Impairment of purified F1-ATPase ranged from 5 to 61%, with the double mutant F1 less impaired than either single mutant. F1 preparations containing βIle-154 showed 2-fold activation after release from membranes, suggesting association with F0 restrained turnover on F1 in these mutants.
Pre-operative opioid analgesia reduces clinical success of laparoscopic gastric electrical stimulation placement in patients with gastroparesis.

Gastroparesis is a common chronic and costly disorder for which medical therapy is often unsuccessful. Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) has been used to treat refractory cases, however, response is variable and difficult to predict. This study aims to assess whether pre-operative opioid analgesics (OA) use affects clinical success of GES. Records of 128 patients who underwent laparoscopic GES placement from March 2001 to September 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. Data collected included demographics, surgical outcomes, and clinical parameters. Pre- and post-operative opioid analgesic dosing (No = 0 morphine equivalents (ME)/day, Low = 0–40 ME/day, Mid = 41–80 ME/day, High >80 ME/day), as well as clinical symptom assessment was collected for up to 3 years post-operatively. Clinical success was defined as (1) OA reduction of >50 %, (2) maintenance of weight, or (3) symptom improvement. Descriptive statistics were computed for all factors. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Fifty-three patients were on OA pre-operatively compared to 69 patients who were not. Patients not on OA pre-operatively were less likely than those on OA pre-op group to be on OA post-operatively (p = 0.005); however, there were no differences in weight or symptom improvement. Sub-group analysis of the 53 patients on OA demonstrated significant improvement in clinical symptoms in the low-morphine cohort compared to the mid-morphine cohort (p = 0.02), and OA dosing post-operatively in the low-morphine cohort diminished significantly compared to mid- and high-morphine cohort (p = 0.032). There was no significant difference in weight. OA dosing pre-operatively significantly affects clinical success of GES placement. Criteria for offering GES implantation may need to take OA dosing into consideration.
Susceptibility and acquired immunity of two subspecies of cotton rats to their respective strains of filarial worm parasites.

Abstract Two subspecies of cotton rats, Sigmodon hispidus hispidus and S. h. texianus appear to be equally susceptible to primary infections of the two strains of filarial worms, Litomosoides carinii , which they harbor in nature. Acquired immunity as measured by retarded growth and development of worms of challenging infections as compared with those of primary infections, appears to develop equally in either strain of rat with either strain of worms. When the two strains of rats were immunized and challenged with the two strains of worms in all possible combinations, some slight differences were observed between strains of rats and between strains of parasites. The differences were large, however, when worms from immunized rats were compared with those from non-immunized rats, regardless of the strains of rats or the strain of immunizing or challenging worms. There may be some evidence of slight differences between the strains of worms in their adaptation to their respective geographically isolated hosts. The comparability of work using different strains, which has been published to date, does not appear to be invalidated. In future experiments comparisons should be made within strains and not between strains.
A FAST AND ACCURATE ALGORITHM FOR COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF METABOLIC PATHWAYS

Pathways show how different biochemical entities interact with one another to perform vital functions for the survival of an organism. Comparative analysis of pathways is crucial in identifying functional similarities that are difficult to identify by comparing individual entities that build up these pathways. When interacting entities are of single type, the problem of identifying similarities by aligning the pathways can be reduced to graph isomorphism problem. For pathways with varying types of entities such as metabolic pathways, alignment problem is even more challenging. In order to simplify this problem, existing methods often reduce metabolic pathways to graphs with restricted topologies and single type of nodes. However, these abstractions reduce the relevance of the alignment significantly as they cause losses in the information content. In this paper, we describe an algorithm to solve the pairwise alignment problem for metabolic pathways. A distinguishing feature of our method is that it aligns different types of entities, such as enzymes, reactions and compounds. Also, our approach is free of any abstraction in modeling the pathways. We pursue the intuition that both pairwise similarities of entities (homology) and the organization of their interactions (topology) are important for metabolic pathway alignment. In our algorithm, we account for both by creating an eigenvalue problem for each entity type. We enforce the consistency while combining the alignments of different entity types by considering the reachability sets of entities. Our experiments show that our method finds biologically and statistically significant alignments in the order of milliseconds. Availability: Our software and the source code in C programming language is available at .
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Phospholipid Bilayers and Monolayers Using a Polarizable Force Field

The assumptions that underlie empirical force field models based on fixed molecular charge densities become questionable in the strongly heterogeneous electrostatic environment of bilayer membranes. Membranes contain regions that are polar (bulk water) highly charged (zwitterionic lipid head groups) and decidedly non-polar (hydrocarbon core). Using a recently developed polarizable Drude oscillator force field for lipids and water we present a study that illustrates the significant role played by electronic polarization effects in the electrostatic modeling of a phospholipid membrane. Specifically, we show that the inclusion of such many-body polarization effects can bring macroscopic electrostatic properties into quantitative precision with experimental observation.
Reactions of alkylphosphorus, arsenic, and antimony hydrides and halides with dibenzylmercury. An improved procedure for cyclopolyarsines

Abstract Dibenzylmercury is a convenient and general reagant for the formation of homoatomic catenates from primary alkyl phosphines, arsines and stibines. From CH3PH2, CH3AsH2 and C2H5AsH2, the products are Hgo and the cyclopentamers, (CH3P)5, (CH3As)5 and (C2H5As)5, respectively. From CH3SbH2, the solid, polymeric product, (CH3Sb)x, is obtained. With (CH3)2AsH, both the condensation product, (CH3)2AsAs(CH3)2, and the substitution product, (CH3)2AsCH2C6H5, are obtained. With dibenzylmercury, CH3PCl2, CH3AsCl2, and CH3SbCl2 give only the monosubstitution product CH3E(Cl)CH2C6H5 (E = P, As or Sb) and HgCl2. With CH3AsI2, disubstitution occurs giving (in addition to HgI2) CH3As(CH2C6H5)2, and with (CH3)2AsI, (CH3)2AsCH2C6H5. In all cases the conversion of starting materials to the indicated products is very high.
Mesospheric OH temperatures: Simultaneous ground-based and SABER OH measurements over Millstone Hill

We present rotational temperature measurements of the mesospheric OH emission layer using a meridional imaging spectrograph at Millstone Hill (42.6N, 72.5W). The system is equipped with a state-of-the-art bare-CCD detector and can yield simultaneous quasimeridional images of the mesospheric OH and O2 intensity and temperature fields at 87 and 94 km altitude during the course of each night. A cross-validation study of the rotational OH temperature measurements obtained on 61 nights during the autumnal months of 2005–2007 was undertaken with near-simultaneous kinetic temperature measurements made by the SABER instrument aboard the NASA TIMED satellite during overpasses of Millstone Hill. Excellent agreement was obtained between the two datasets with the small differences being attributable to differences in the spatial and temporal averaging inherent between the two datasets. 2009 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Potential Disconnect between Observations of Hydrophytic Vegetation, Wetland Hydrology Indicators, and Hydric Soils in Unique Pitcher Plant Bog Habitats of the Southern Gulf Coast

Abstract The Sarracenia spp. (pitcher plant) bogs located along the southern Gulf of Mexico represent a unique natural resource characterized by endangered and endemic wetland floral communities that include a number of carnivorous plants (e.g., pitcher plants and Drosera spp. [sundews]). Despite the prevalence of obligate wetland plant species and indicators of wetland hydrology, the soils underlying this niche ecosystem often lack clear indicators of hydric soil morphology, posing challenges to wetland delineation and resource management. The National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils and an interagency team of soil scientists investigated saturated conditions and anaerobic soil conditions in pitcher plant bogs. Our results demonstrate that many of the pitcher plant-bog soils examined failed to meet an approved hydric soil indicator. Herein, we discuss potential factors preventing the formation of typical hydric soil morphologies including: low organic-matter content, high iron-concentrations, extens...
Glycoside primers of Psittacanthus cucullaris.

Bioassay-directed chromatographic separation of the ethyl acetate extract of the whole plant of Psittacanthus cucullaris afforded a new phenolic xyloside, ellagic acid-4-O-β-xyloside-3,3‘,4‘-trimethyl ether (1) together with four known compounds, ellagic acid-4-O-β-xyloside-3,3‘-dimethyl ether (2), gallic acid, β-sitosterol, and β-sitosterol β-d-glucoside. The structure of the new compound was determined by spectroscopic methods. Like other β-d-xylosides, compounds 1 and 2 stimulated the formation of glycosaminoglycan chains when fed to the cultured Chinese hamster ovary cells.
Predictors of parenting among economically disadvantaged Latina mothers: mediating and moderating factors.

Structural equation modeling was used to examine the role of ecological risk factors, maternal psychological distress, and social network support on the parenting behaviors of 535 economically disadvantaged Latina mothers, who were surveyed for the Welfare Children, & Families: A Three City Study. We predicted that ecological risk would influence mothers' parenting through their psychological distress but that social support would buffer the effects of ecological risk on mothers' depressive symptoms. As predicted, ecological risk was associated with higher contemporaneous psychological distress, which, in turn, predicted lower positive parenting behaviors approximately 18 months later. Social network support buffered the impact of the ecological risk on mothers' symptoms of psychological distress and, thereby, also buffered its indirect effect on parenting behaviors. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Increased ionized calcium and left ventricular contractility during hemodialysis.

Abstract Routine hemodialysis is associated with an increase in left ventricular contractility that is independent of a change in preload, but the mechanisms responsible are unknown. We investigated the importance of three distinct effects that regularly occur in hemodialysis and could potentially improve left ventricular contractility: the removal of uremic toxins, the increase in the plasma ionized calcium concentration, and the increase in the plasma bicarbonate concentration. Three different dialysates were used for each of eight stable patients on long-term hemodialysis, and left ventricular contractility was assessed by two-dimensional echocardiography before and after each dialysis. In the first procedure neither the ionized calcium nor the bicarbonate concentration was allowed to increase, and left ventricular contractility did not improve. In the second procedure, ionized calcium increased (from 4.4 to 5.4 mg per deciliter, P<0.001), bicarbonate concentration was held constant, and contractility ...
Simple replica micromolding of biocompatible styrenic elastomers

In this work, we introduce a simple solvent-assisted micromolding technique for the fabrication of high-fidelity styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS) microfluidic devices with high polystyrene (PS) content (42 wt% PS, SEBS42). SEBS triblock copolymers are styrenic thermoplastic elastomers that exhibit both glassy thermoplastic and elastomeric properties resulting from their respective hard PS and rubbery ethylene/butylene segments. The PS fraction gives SEBS microdevices many of the appealing properties of pure PS devices, while the elastomeric properties simplify fabrication of the devices, similar to PDMS. SEBS42 devices have wettable, stable surfaces (both contact angle and zeta potential) that support cell attachment and proliferation consistent with tissue culture dish substrates, do not adsorb hydrophobic molecules, and have high bond strength to wide range of substrates (glass, PS, SEBS). Furthermore, SEBS42 devices are mechanically robust, thermally stable, as well as exhibit low auto-fluorescence and high transmissivity. We characterize SEBS42 surface properties by contact angle measurements, cell culture studies, zeta potential measurements, and the adsorption of hydrophobic molecules. The PS surface composition of SEBS microdevices cast on different substrates is determined by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). The attractive SEBS42 material properties, coupled with the simple fabrication method, make SEBS42 a quality substrate for microfluidic applications where the properties of PS are desired but the ease of PDMS micromolding is favoured.
Scattering of Phonons by Nano and Micro Particles

Scattering theory for the scattering of phonons by particulate scatterers is developed in this paper. Recently the author introduced the generalized equation of phonon radiative transport (GEPRT) in particulate media which included a phase function to account for the anisotropic scattering of phonons by particulate scatterer. Solution of the GEPRT showed that scattering cross section is different than the thermal transport cross section. In this paper formulations for the scattering and transport cross section for horizontally shear (SH) wave phonon or transverse wave phonon without mode conversion is developed. The development of the theory of scattering and the transport cross section is exactly analogous to the Mie scattering theory for photon transport in particulate media. Results show that transport cross section is very different than the scattering cross section. It is also shown that for SH (horizontally shear) phonons the scattering and transport cross sections are proportional to ω8 rather than the well accepted value of ω4 in the Rayleigh regime where ω is the frequency of the SH phonons. The theory of phonon scattering developed in this paper will be useful for the predictive modeling of thermal conductivity of practical systems such as nano composites, nano-micro particle laden systems and etc.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Immediate and long-term consequences of vascular toxicity during zebrafish development

Proper formation of the vascular system is necessary for embryogenesis, and chemical disruption of vascular development may be a key event driving developmental toxicity. In order to test the effect of environmental chemicals on this critical process, we evaluated a quantitative assay in transgenic zebrafish using angiogenesis inhibitors that target VEGFR2 (PTK787) or EGFR (AG1478). Both PTK787 and AG1478 exposure impaired intersegmental vessel (ISV) sprouting, while AG1478 also produced caudal and pectoral fin defects at concentrations below those necessary to blunt ISV morphogenesis. The functional consequences of vessel toxicity during early development included decreased body length and survival in juvenile cohorts developmentally exposed to inhibitor concentrations sufficient to completely block ISV sprouting angiogenesis. These data show that concentration-dependent disruption of the presumed targets for these inhibitors produce adverse outcomes at advanced life stages.
IL-9 Regulates Allergen-Specific Th1 Responses in Allergic Contact Dermatitis

The cytokine IL-9, derived primarily from T-helper 9 (Th9) lymphocytes, promotes expansion of the Th2 subset and is implicated in the mechanisms of allergic asthma. We hypothesize that IL-9 also has a role in human allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). To investigate this hypothesis, skin biopsy specimens of positive patch–test sites from non-atopic patients were assayed using quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry. The cytokines IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-17A, IL-9, and PU.1, a Th9 associated transcription factor, were elevated when compared with paired normal skin. Immunohistochemistry on ACD skin biopsies identified PU.1+CD3+ and PU.1+CD4+ cells, consistent with Th9 lymphocytes, in the inflammatory infiltrate. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from nickel-allergic patients, but not nonallergic controls, show significant IL-9 production in response to nickel. Blocking studies with mAbs to HLA-DR (but not HLA-A, -B, -C) or chloroquine significantly reduced this nickel-specific IL-9 production. In addition, blockade of IL-9 or IL-4 enhanced allergen-specific IFN-γ production. A contact hypersensitivity model using IL-9−/− mice shows enhanced Th1 lymphocyte immune responses, when compared with wild-type mice, consistent with our human in vitro data. This study demonstrates that IL-9, through its direct effects on Th1 and ability to promote IL-4 secretion, has a regulatory role for Th1 lymphocytes in ACD.
Serum Concentrations of Insulin-Like Growth Factor II Are Not Changed by Short Term Fasting And Refeeding

To determine the factors that regulate insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II), we raised polyclonal antibodies to this peptide and developed a RIA that measures IGF-II in serum or plasma samples after extraction of IGF-binding proteins by C18 cartridge chromatography. The IGF-II antiserum was highly specific, exhibiting no cross-reactivity with IGF-I or insulin at the highest concentrations tested (10(-6) mol/L). As little as 0.43 micrograms/L IGF-II was detectable, and 50% displacement of tracer occurred at 1.7 microgram/L. The serum IGF-II concentrations of normal adults [mean, 634 +/- 170 (+/- SD) micrograms/L], patients with acromegaly (570 +/- 146 micrograms/L), and patients with hypopituitarism (156 +/- 58 micrograms/L) were similar to those reported by others. In eight obese subjects injected with GH (0.1 mg/kg ideal BW, im, every 48 h for 16 days), serum IGF-II concentrations did not rise significantly, whereas IGF-I concentrations increased 67%. Sixteen normal subjects, within 15% of ideal body weight, were fasted for 5 days on two to four occasions and refed diets of differing protein and calorie contents. Their mean serum IGF-II concentration before fasting (691 +/- 26 micrograms/L) was not significantly different from that after fasting (674 +/- 21 micrograms/L) or after refeeding (641 +/- 20 micrograms/L). In contrast, their mean IGF-I concentration decreased 42% with fasting and rose with refeeding. Unlike IGF-I, serum IGF-II concentrations do not appear to be regulated by short term changes in nutritional status. It is clear from this study and others that IGF-II and IGF-I are regulated differently despite their structural homology and the similarity of their actions in vitro.
An Analysis of Transient and Sustained Voltages in Ground-Fault Neutralizer Systems

THE first ground-fault neutralizer (Petersen coil) in the United States was installed on the Alabama Power Company system in 1921. The technical press at that time devoted considerable attention to the substantial improvement in service continuity which was obtained with the neutralizer, and also described the overvoltages which occurred on the system during switching operations.1 Since this first application, more than fifty ground-fault neutralizers have been installed on systems in the United States in all voltage classes from 22 kv to 230 kv. Considering the total number of neutralizer-years of successful operating experience that have now been accumulated, it can therefore be stated that the ground-fault neutralizer has definitely proved its value as a service protective device, and that practical means have been found to eliminate the overvoltage troubles encountered in the first application. The very favorable operating record obtained to date indicates that ground-fault neutralizers may be expected to find increasingly widespread application in the future.2,3,4,5 The question of overvoltages, however, is still raised from time to time with reference to prospective applications of ground-fault neutralizers, presumably because of the attention which the overvoltage problem has received in the past,6,7,8,9,10 and it is felt that an analysis of the possible causes of and the means used to control overvoltages is in order. It is the specific purpose of this paper, therefore, to present data to indicate possible sources of overvoltages in ground-fault neutralizer systems, to point out the factors affecting the voltage magnitudes, and to show how the overvoltages are limited by present design and application practices.
An evaluation of relations among antisocial behavior, psychopathic traits, and alcohol problems in incarcerated men.

Background The association between antisocial behavior and alcohol problems is well established, but the role that psychopathic traits and other factors such as drinking patterns and motives and family history play in this relationship has not been subjected to much empirical scrutiny. Methods A large sample (n= 329) of male Federal Correctional Institution inmates participated in structured interviews designed to permit diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder and to assess facets of psychopathic personality as defined by the Hare Psychopathy Checklist–Revised. Prisoners also completed self-report questionnaires that addressed alcohol use, drinking problems, motives for drinking, and paternal alcoholism history. Results Analyses revealed that the relation between antisocial behavior and alcohol problems was moderated by scores on the emotional detachment component of psychopathy, and that self-descriptions of drinking for the purpose of coping with negative emotions mediated the positive relation between antisociality and self-reported alcohol problems. Conclusions These findings highlight complexities in the link between antisociality and drinking problems and encourage consideration of distinct facets of psychopathy to enhance understanding of it. They further suggest possible mechanisms (e.g., paternal alcoholism history, coping motives) that may contribute to the development and maintenance of alcohol problems in criminal populations.
Par6B and Atypical PKC Regulate Mitotic Spindle Orientation during Epithelial Morphogenesis

Cdc42 plays an evolutionarily conserved role in promoting cell polarity and is indispensable during epithelial morphogenesis. To further investigate the role of Cdc42, we have used a three-dimensional matrigel model, in which single Caco-2 cells develop to form polarized cysts. Using this system, we previously reported that Cdc42 controls mitotic spindle orientation during cell division to correctly position the apical surface in a growing epithelial structure. In the present study, we have investigated the specific downstream effectors through which Cdc42 controls this process. Here, we report that Par6B and its binding partner, atypical protein kinase C (aPKC), are required to regulate Caco-2 morphogenesis. Depletion or inhibition of Par6B or aPKC phenocopies the loss of Cdc42, inducing misorientation of the mitotic spindle, mispositioning of the nascent apical surface, and ultimately, the formation of aberrant cysts with multiple lumens. Mechanistically, Par6B and aPKC function interdependently in this context. Par6B localizes to the apical surface of Caco-2 cysts and is required to recruit aPKC to this compartment. Conversely, aPKC protects Par6B from proteasomal degradation, in a kinase-independent manner. In addition, we report that depletion or inhibition of aPKC induces robust apoptotic cell death in Caco-2 cells, significantly reducing both cyst size and number. Cell survival and apical positioning depend upon different thresholds of aPKC expression, suggesting that they are controlled by distinct downstream pathways. We conclude that Par6B and aPKC control mitotic spindle orientation in polarized epithelia and, furthermore, that aPKC coordinately regulates multiple processes to promote morphogenesis.
Characterization of light element impurities in gallium-nitride-phosphide by SIMS analysis

GaNP thin films grown by epitaxial processes show little or no carbon or oxygen incorporation when measured by secondary ion mass spectrometry. Accurate determination of impurity concentration is important for understanding the optical and electrical properties of this material. A new method for background subtraction is proposed, with the main assumption that the background contribution is inversely proportional to the secondary ion matrix signal. The total impurity concentration, i.e. the sum of real and background, is given by the inverse function. Efforts are taken to reduce background limits before background subtraction is performed. As the matrix signal increases, the background contribution becomes insignificant as the total impurity level approaches the real level. Multiple data points are obtained from several sputter rates. The real impurity level is obtained from the least-squares fit of the total impurity concentration versus matrix signal. Background subtraction via inverse function is an intuitive method that can be effectively used to remove gas-phase contributions in measurements of light elements in the thin films grown by epitaxial processes.
Polarized Light Study of Enamel and Dentin Dysplasia

Twelve teeth from three patients with enamel and dentin dysplasia were investigated by polarized light microscopy. Clinically and radiographically, the changes were similar to amelogenesis imperfecta. Polarized light examination revealed poorly mineralized enamel and regions of dysplastic globular masses in enamel. The dentinal tubules were sparse, irregular, and tortuous.
Steroid 13C chemical shifts. Assignments via shift reagents

The use of Yb(DPM)3 as an aid in assigning the 13C chemical shifts of steroids is described. The 13C spectra of cholesterol, i-cholesterol, and epi-i-cholesterol have been determined in the presence and absence of the reagent. A computer program was used to position the lanthanide using five or six readily assigned lines. All other carbon resonances were then calculated and assignments made. Application of the technique with Eu(DPM)3 was less satisfactory especially for those carbons near the coordination site. Cholesterol served as the model compound, and the technique then applied to the i-steroids.
The Semiconductor Chemical Sensor

Abstract Several methods of detecting the presence of various chemical species are considered. A specific example of atomic hydrogen in lead selenide is examined and used to illustrate some important principles.
A first-principles derivation procedure for wake-body models in vortex-induced vibration: Proof-of-concept

Abstract A generalized variational equation based on the extended Hamilton's principle is presented as the starting point for a procedure from which wake-body models for the two-dimensional vortex-induced vibration of a cylinder can be derived. The case of an elastically mounted cylinder with a transverse degree-of-freedom in a uniform flow is offered as a “model problem” through which this derivation procedure is illustrated. A number of wake-body models from the literature are shown to be recoverable from the more general model derived here. The correspondence with these “classical” models is presented as evidence of the feasibility of incorporating this methodology into vortex-induced vibration modeling. Unlike these comparison models, however, which are often assigned an ad hoc form, any assumptions made in arriving at the derived wake-body model are explicitly stated.
Cumulative yields of tin and antimony nuclides from thermal-neutron fission of 235U

Abstract The following cumulative fission yields have been measured and are reported: 27·06-hr 121 Sn, 0·0122±0·008%; ∼6-yr 121 Sn, 0·0019±0·0006%; 127-day 123 Sn, 0·0019±0·0001%; 9·67-day 125 Sn, 0·0116±0·0004%; 125 Sb, 0·0291±0·0015%; 2·1-hr 127 Sn, 0·067±0·0008%; 127 Sb, 0·103±0·004%; 128 Sn, 0·314±0·019% 129 Sb, 0·62±0·03%. These yield values are compared with those previously published, and average or recommended values are used with considerations of nuclear charge division to derive the following chain yields for the indicated mass numbers: 121, 0·0140 ±0·0010%; 123, 0·0160±0·0012%; 125, 0·027±0·003%; 127, 0·103±0·004%; 128, 0·36±0·06%; 129, 0·63±0·04%. It has been determined that 82·6±0·9% of 127 Sb decays to 9·3 hr 127 Te and that 83·4 ±1·1% of 129 Sb decays to 68·7-min 129 Te.
Legacies of the Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm.

Abstract To celebrate W. Owen Saxton's 65th birthday, this paper presents some of the impact that the Gerchberg–Saxton algorithm has had over the last 40 years. We explore some of the fundamental concepts underlying the success of the Gerchberg–Saxton algorithm, in the context of how it stimulated many related methods for estimating fields and deepening the understanding of the relationships between complex objects, images and their Fourier transforms.
Laser Photolytic Fragmentation-Fluorescence Spectrometric Determination of Nitromethane

An experimental system has been developed wherein a pulsed laser beam photofragments molecules of a gaseous sample introduced into a vacuum chamber. Fluorescence of the fragments so produced is observed. Studies of emission by photoproducts of the excimer laser photolysis of nitromethane at 193 nm are reported here. The principal fragment emission occurs at 431 nm, due to the CH A2Δ-X2Π transition. A limit of detection for nitromethane of 1.6 × 108 molecules is reported, corresponding to an interrogated sample volume of 0.0375 cm3 and a chamber pressure of 1.3 × 10−7 Torr (i.e., a concentration of 4.2 × 109 molecules/cm3). The linear dynamic range extends over 3.5 decades in nitromethane pressure. The fragment fluorescence measurements can be made with excellent precision (relative standard deviation of less than 4%). The CH fragment fluorescence signal is linear in the first power of laser fluence over the range of 60 to 135 mJ/pulse (0.8-1.8 J/cm2).
Genetic linkage of the Rps1 and L2 loci in soybean

Genome mapping of important genes in soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr., is rather limited compared with that of other major crops. Such genetic information is needed by those involved in soybean genetic improvement. In this study, genetic linkage of the Rps1 locus controlling reaction to Phytophthora megasperma Drechs. f. sp. glycinea T. Kuan & D.C. Erwin, and the L2 locus controlling pod wall color was tested. Populations segregating for both genes were derived from the cross Bedford × D78-3173. At maturity the pod wall color of F 2 plants was recorded. The F 3 seedlings derived from those plants were evaluated in a greenhouse for reaction to race 1 of P. megasperma using the hypocotyl puncture inoculation method. The chi-square test for linkage was significant (P<0.0005) (.)
Modelling pelagic biogeography

Abstract Various combinations of physical and biological models are used to explore factors that determine the distribution of organisms in the world's oceans. The physical models examined include simple box models with parameterized inter-box exchanges that take into account variable box geometries, and specified continuous flows either in the Eulerian frame as stream-functions or as Lagrangian trajectories. A 1-dimensional mixed-layer model and a primitive equation channel model are introduced as examples of dynamical models depicting ocean physics. Biological models are discussed starting with a simple nitrogen (N), phytoplankton (P), zooplankton (Z) and detritus (D), NPZD formulation. The equilibria of this model is explored analytically as an example of computing steady state solutions, and then considering where in parameter space extinction occurs. Nonlinearities and expansion of NPZD to multi-species models are also treated. This is followed by the introduction of a nonlinear three-component food chain model, multi-species Lotka-Voltera competition models, and finally a discussion of structured population models including a derivation of a genetics model written in terms of genotypes. The physical models are then coupled with the biological ones in a series of examples. Both the box model with Lotka-Voltera multi-species population dynamics, and the 1-dimensional mixed-layer model with NPZD are used to demonstrate how the existence of spatial and temporal niches can allow a large number of species to coexist within biogeographic domains even though conditions at most sites and times are not conducive to supporting such diversity. These models recreate the basic diversity patterns observed in the pelagic ecosystem at various latitudes. The box model simulations also demonstrate the tendency for diffusive models to overestimate the dispersion of a species. In order to explore the dynamics of the edges of biogeographic domains a three species food chain model is combined with a Lagrangian trajectory calculation that specifies the dynamics of populations in a meandering jet environment. This model shows that the interaction of biological and physical dynamics can produce complex species distribution patterns that would be difficult to interpret from field observations of species abundance alone. Finally, results from a population genetics box model show that even when there is significant exchange of organisms between domains and natural selection affects allele and genotype proportions, genotype frequencies are in approximate Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. This demonstrates the overly restrictive nature of some of the Hardy-Weinberg assumptions and provides a means for exploring population dynamics in a biogeographic context.
Object Oriented Simulation: A Modeling and Programming Perspective

This tutorial is based on the book with the same title, published by Springer, 2009. The tutorial presents an introduction to object oriented simulation modeling and using the OOSimL simulation language for implementing the simulation models. The emphasis is on early introduction to simulation because simulation is considered an important area in the computing curricula.An overview of relevant object-oriented modeling principles and then an introduction to object-oriented modeling and simulation using the process interaction approach with the new language, OOSimL. In addition to the simulation concepts, a brief exposure is included to developing models with the Eclipse integrated development environment. The simulation language was designed and developed for teaching OO simulation early in undergraduate programs in computing. Object orientation enhances the modeling and implementation of various families of systems. The OOSimL compiler generates Java code and C++ code. This simulation language was designed and developed for teaching OO simulation to students of computing (Computer Science, Software Engineering, and related disciplines). The language supports and promotes standard object-oriented (and software engineering) concepts and principles.
SU‐E‐T‐636: Comparison of RapidArc‐Based Radiosurgery with Cone‐Based Cyberknife Treatment for Multiple Intracranial Tumors

Purpose: To investigate the feasibility of RapidArc technique on intracranial radiosurgery for multiple lesions. Methods: Six patients who were previously treated using cone‐based technique, Cyberknife were included in this study. These patients have multiple lesions (6–9, mostly metastasis). In our current clinical practice, each lesion was planned and treated individually. The prescription was 15–21 Gy at 80% with single fraction. These cases were replanned with RapidArc on the platform of Varian Truebeam STx equipped with high resolution MLC leaves of 2.5mm at center. The maximum dose rate is 1400 MU/min at 6 MV for flattering filter free mode. Because of long span of multiple lesions, the targets were divided into two groups with two isocenters. Each plan with one isocenter contains 4 non‐coplanar arcs, and dose optimization was performed with the two plans combined. Critical organs, such as eyes, brainstem and brain were constrained. The individual Cyberknife plans were summed to compare with the RapidArc plan. Scenarios of setup error were simulated during RapidArc treatment. Results: RapidArc plans can achieve comparable target coverage and normal tissue avoidance to Cyberknife plans. The brain dose volume histogram (DVH) curves of the two techniques are similar in spite of different appearance of their 3D dose distributions. MU is much higher for summed Cyberknife plan. Because RapidArc can treat several lesions together, the complete treatment time for all lesions is significantly reduced. However RapidArc treatment is susceptible to setup error, which may cause increase in normal tissue dose and decrease in target dose coverage. The level of discrepancy depends on the magnitude of setup error, location and dose distribution of the target. Conclusion: Multiple brain lesions treatment with RapidArc radiosurgery is clinically feasible with setup error fully accounted. It can provide dose performance comparable to cone‐based Cyberknife treatment.
Germacra-12,6β-olides from Montanoa revealii and M. mollissima

Abstract Montanoa revealii and M. mollissima yielded a series of germacra-12,6β-olides similar to those previously reported from M. hibiscifolia and M. pteropoda.
Effects of Pretreatment with Rational Emotive Bibliotherapy and Rational Emotive Audiotherapy on Clients Waiting at Community Mental Health Center

Bibliotherapy and audiotherapy, commonly used as adjuncts in the practice of rational emotive therapy, were assessed for pretreatment effects on applicants to a community mental health center. 34 c...
Metastatic neonatal Wilms' tumor: a case report with review of the literature.

An unusual case of congenital Wilms' tumor is discussed. Although the very exstence of neonatal Wilms' has been challenged, this case represents a well documented example, rendered all the more unusual by concurrent metastatic disease and a second primary malignancy in the posterior fossa.
Urinary retention in female patients induced by adenocarcinoma of urethra.

Abstract Acute urinary retention in middle-aged females is an infrequent occurrence; therefore,when such a patient presents to the urologist, an aggressive diagnostic evaluation is warranted. Carcinoma of the urethra might be the underlying pathologic process causing urinary retention. Herein, we present 2 cases of acute urinary retention triggered by adenocarcinoma of theurethra. In 1 patient the diagnosis was delayed due to severe superimposed infection which responded poorly to medication. Anterior exenteration and radiotherapy were used in the management of both patients.
A FUNCTION MODEL-BASED APPROACH TO DEVELOP A MICRO-TITER TRAY MANUFACTURING AUTOMATION SYSTEM FOR DNA MICROARRAY FABRICATION

This paper proposes a function model-based approach to develop manufacturing automation systems. Methods for manufacturing automation system integration and main function component design based on a function model are discussed. System cost and main function component optimization are performed in the early design stage to find low risk cost-effective solutions. To illustrate the idea, the proposed approach has been applied to a simple example of designing a flexible micro-titer tray manufacturing automation system used to fabricate DNA microarrays.