cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SYNTACTIC CONTRASTS IN CHILD BILINGUALISM1

Contrasts in the simultaneous acquisition of two languages in bilingual children support the theory that languages share deep structures and that differences derive from language-specific rules. Twelve bilingual children, age 6 to 8, participated in a study of the sequencing and rate of acquisitions for late-developing syntactic structures. Comprehension tests examined linguistic competence over a wide range of structures. A statistical analysis provided the basis for interpreting the general pattern of acquisitions; case grammar gave the framework for the linguistic analysis. Empirical evidence points to a parallelism in the acquisition of shared structures. Differences reflect language contrasts. If one assumes that first and second-language learning are qualitatively the same processes, the sequential order in which the bilingual child acquires the structures of his two languages may have significance for the adult learner of English and for the development of TESOL materials.
Miscible porous media displacements in the quarter five-spot configuration. Part 2. Effect of heterogeneities

Direct numerical simulations are employed to investigate the coupling between the viscous fingering instability and permeability heterogeneities for miscible displacements in quarter five-spot flows. Even moderate inhomogeneities are seen to have a strong effect on the flow, which can result in a complete bypass of the linear growth phase of the viscous fingering instability. In contrast to their homogeneous counterparts (cf. Part 1, Chen & Meiburg 1998), heterogeneous quarter five-spot flows are seen to exhibit a more uniform dominant length scale throughout the entire flow domain. In line with earlier findings for unidirectional displacements, an optimal interaction of the mobility and permeability related vorticity modes can occur when the viscous length scale is of the same order as the correlation length of the heterogeneities. This resonance mechanism results in a minimal breakthrough recovery for intermediate correlation lengths, at fixed dimensionless flow rates in the form of a Peclet number Pe. However, for a constant correlation length, the recovery does not show a minimum as Pe is varied.Confirming earlier observations, the simulations show a more rapid breakthrough as the variance of the permeability variations increases. However, this tendency is far more noticeable in some parameter regimes than in others. It is furthermore observed that relatively low variances usually cannot change the tendency for a dominant finger to evolve along the inherently preferred diagonal direction, especially for relatively small correlation lengths. Only for higher variances, and for larger correlation lengths, are situations observed in which an off-diagonal finger can become dominant. Due to the nonlinear nature of the selection mechanisms at work, a change in the variance of the heterogeneities can result in the formation of dominant fingers along entirely different channels.
Orthogonal solid‐phase synthesis of human gastrin‐I under mild conditions

An approach to the solid-phase segment condensation synthesis of the 17-peptide amide human gastrin-I has been developed. N alpha-amino and side-chain protection were provided by 9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc) and tert.-butyl groups, and a series of anchors cleavable under mild conditions were used. The N-terminal pentapeptide pGlu-Gly-Pro-Trp-Leu-OH was prepared using a p-alkoxybenzyl ester linkage made by a preformed handle strategy. Cleavage, in 65% yield, was with the new Reagent M: CF3COOH-CH2Cl2-beta-mercaptoethanol--anisole (70:30:2:1), which was optimized to preserve the labile tryptophan residue. A new preformed handle procedure expedited solid-phase synthesis of the protected "middle" hexapeptide, Fmoc-(Glu(OtBu]5-Ala-OH, anchored as an o-nitrobenzyl ester. Chains were not lost during this assembly, and final photolytic cleavage (350 nm) in toluene--CF3CH2OH (4:1) occurred in 59% yield. Both protected intermediates were purified by simple gel filtration, whereupon they were shown to be pure by analytical HPLC, and gave satisfactory NMR and FABMS spectra. Last, the C-terminal hexapeptide, Tyr(tBu)-Gly-Trp-Met-Asp(OtBu)-Phe, was assembled on a tris(alkoxy)benzylamide "PAL" support. For the polymer-supported segment condensation, the middle and N-terminal pieces were added respectively in greater than 98% and 89% yields (judged by amino acid analysis and solid-phase sequencing), by overnight couplings in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) mediated by benzotriazolyl N-oxytrisdimethylaminophosphonium hexafluorophosphate (BOP) in the presence of 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt) and N-methylmorpholine (NMM). Racemization was 4% and 11% respectively at Ala and Leu. Cleavage with Reagent M followed by reversed-phase chromatography gave pure gastrin-I in an overall 30% isolated yield. These results compare favorably with those from a stepwise assembly.
Contribution of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) to Upregulation of Anti-DNA Antibody in Transgenic Mice

Abstract Genes linked to the MHC class II contribute to human and murine lupus, but multiple genes are required to produce and upregulate pathogenic autoantibodies. In NZB/NZW mice, nephritogenic IgG anti-dsDNA is provided by NZW (H-2 z ), but the origin of the upregulating signals is unknown. They could be from NZB (H-2 d ) or NZW (H-2 z ) or require heterozygocity. Our aim was to determine whether NZW can provide upregulating signals for the nephritogenic autoantibody introduced to normal mice via transgenes encoding a NZB/NZW IgG2a antibody to DNA. These transgenic mice spontaneously secrete serum IgG2a anti-DNA, some develop clinical nephritis with proteinuria and azotemia, but none die of fatal nephritis. We bred mice to produce offspring of H-2 b/d , H-2 b/b , H-2 b/z and H-2 d/z haplotypes (H-2 b , H-2 d and H-2 z derived from C57BL/6, BALB/c and NZW, respectively). Transgenic H-2 b/d mice had significantly higher levels of serum anti-DNA antibodies compared with H-2 b/b haplotypes from 20 to 40 weeks of age ( P b/d mice in an attempt to increase both quantities of anti-DNA and prevalence of nephritis. However, serum levels of anti-DNA antibodies were similar in transgenic mice of H-2 b/z and H-2 d/z haplotypes. The anti-DNA levels declined with age in both groups. No mice developed fatal nephritis. In conclusion, H-2 d/z heterozygocity is not adequate for development of severe lupus nephritis and the NZW H-2 z background cannot provide upregulating signals for anti-DNA in the absence of the NZB background. Genes from the NZB background, in addition to H-2 d , are required for sustained upregulation of IgG anti-DNA.
Reliability of Broadband Middle-Ear Power Reflectance in Younger and Older Adults: Application of Generalizability Theory

Purpose To assess the reliability of broadband middle-ear power reflectance (BMEPR) and transmittance profiles for chirp and tonal stimuli using generalizability theory (GT). Method In adults without a history of middle-ear disease, the authors assessed the reliability of BMEPR to chirp and tonal stimuli using a multivariate approach based on an analysis of variance model (GT). For comparisons with other published studies, Pearson's product–moment correlation coefficients (Pearson's r) also were used. Results Based on GT with chirp stimuli, overall BMEPR measures had good reliability; however, the reliability of individual profiles across frequencies and ears was less than optimal. Lower generalizability coefficients were found when transmittance was evaluated. Test–retest reliability using Pearson's r was better for right versus left ears, and mid-frequencies were generally more reliable than those at either extreme of the frequency range. In contrast, tonal stimuli had higher generalizability coefficien...
Arthroscopic assessment of carpal instability

The evaluation, classification, and treatment of carpal instability continues to be one of the most controversial topics in hand surgery. One explanation is the lack of standardized findings and radiographic criteria. No good modality to date has been proposed to accurately aid in evaluating carpal instability. Wrist arthroscopy has become increasingly useful in the assessment of mechanical wrist pain. With this technology, specific patterns of injury can more accurately be identified by direct visualization. This will also aid in implementing a reproducible, less subjective means of describing wrist instability. The treatment can then be focused on management of the specific ligamentous injury responsible for the pattern of instability visualized. The following is an attempt to categorize these instability patterns as seen through arthroscopy and provide our proposed treatment options.
Chlorine isotope evidence for multicomponent mantle metasomatism in the Ivrea Zone

Abstract Metasomatism of the Finero peridotite (Ivrea Zone, Italy) has previously been ascribed to mantle melts generated in a rift or plume setting, and/or to subduction fluids. We combine Cl, H, and O stable isotope geochemistry with petrologic and major and trace element data to further constrain sources and setting of the metasomatic agents and to assess fluid infiltration mechanisms. Relatively unmetasomatized samples from the Balmuccia peridotite serve as our control population (δ37Cl = − 0.7 to + 0.4‰; n = 13). We analyzed 47 samples from four Finero rock types: (1) spinel harzburgite with minor amphibole ± phlogopite, (2) harzburgite with several percent phlogopite ± amphibole, (3) amphibole-rich segregations, and (4) phlogopite segregations. δ37Cl values range from − 2.0 to + 2.1‰ and cannot be reconciled with metasomatism by a single homogeneous fluid. Three components describe most of the sample variability: (A) endmember spinel peridotite, as represented by the Balmuccia samples; (B) a “hydrated clinopyroxenite” component with low δ37Cl and high Si, Al, Ca and δD responsible for formation of Type 3 amphibole segregations; and (C) a component with high δ37Cl, δD, Cl, Cr, LILE, and HFSE that formed Type 4 phlogopite segregations. Type 1 and 2 peridotite compositions are consistent with different degrees of mixing between these three components. Centimeter-scale isotopic gradients indicate that much of the fluid infiltration was channelized rather than pervasive. The data support metasomatism in a forearc wedge, with fluids sourced from at least two subducted components with distinct chemical and isotopic compositions (e.g., δ37Cl +2‰). Overall, our results show that relatively shallow and heterogeneous fluid release events from the downgoing slab can profoundly modify the mantle wedge.
Crystal structure of anhydrous poly[bis­(μ2-sarcosinato-κ3O,N:O′)copper(II)]

The title compound, [Cu(C3H6NO2)2]n, is a bis-complex of the anion of sarcosine (N-methyl­glycine). The asymmetric unit consists of a copper(II) ion, located on a center of inversion, and one mol­ecule of the uninegative sarcosinate anion. The copper(II) ion exhibits a typical Jahn–Teller distorted [4 + 2] coordination geometry. The four shorter equatorial bonds are to the nitro­gen and carboxyl­ate O atoms of two sarcosinate anions, and the longer axial bonds are to carboxyl­ate O atoms of neighboring complexes. The overall structure is made up from two chains formed by these longer axial Cu—O bonds, one extending parallel to [011] and the other parallel to [0-11]. Each one-dimensional array is connected by the equatorial bridging moieties to the chains on either side, creating an extended two-dimensional framework parallel to (100). There is a single inter­molecular hydrogen-bonding inter­action within the sheets between the amino NH group and an O atom of an adjacent mol­ecule.
Performance analysis of a relational data base management system

The effect on the performance of data management systems of the use of extended storage devices, multiple processors and prefetching data blocks is analyzed with respect to one system, INGRES. Benchmark query streams, derived from user queries, were run on the INGRES system and their CPU usage and data reference patterns traced. The results show that the performance characteristics of two query types: data-intensive queries and overhead-intensive queries, are so different that it may be difficult to design a single architecture to optimize the performance of both types. It is shown that the random access model of data references holds only for overhead-intensive queries, and then only if references to system catalogs are not considered data references. Significant sequentiality of reference was found in the data-intensive queries. It is shown that back-end data management machines that distribute processing toward the data may be cost effective only for data-intensive queries. It is proposed that the best method of distributing the processing of the overhead-intensive query is through the use of intelligent terminals. A third benchmark set, multi-relation queries, was devised, and proposals are made for taking advantage of the locality of reference which was found.
Relational Enhancement How the Relational Dimension of Social Capital Unlocks the Value of Network-Bridging Ties

We propose and test a novel approach to the dilemma that the very network-bridging structure most likely to provide access to novel knowledge may be ill-suited for the cooperation needed to success...
Computational studies of nonlinear elastic dumbbell models of Boger fluids in a cross-slot flow

Abstract The flow of a viscoelastic fluid in a cross-slot flow is studied numerically for two different versions of the elastic-dumbbell model, namely, the Chilcott–Rallison model (FENE-CR) and the same model but with conformation-dependent friction modeled via the Hinch–de Gennes scaling (FENE-CD). It is shown that the FENE-CR and FENE-CD models both predict a local reduction in the streamwise velocity downstream of the stagnation point. The reduction in the velocity is shown to result from the presence of highly stretched dumbbells near the streamlines emanating from the stagnation point, and is in reasonable agreement with existing experimental observations on high molecular weight polymer solutions. However, the FENE-CR model is shown to produce a birefringent strand whose length in the streamwise direction is significantly shorter than observed experimentally. Better agreement with experimental observations is found with the FENE-CD model, which exhibits a much slower relaxation from the extended state, thus producing a birefringent strand which extends substantially farther downstream than for the FENE-CR model. The effect of a conformation-dependent friction coefficient similar to the one proposed by Larson [R.G. Larson, The unravelling of a polymer chain in a strong extensional flow, Rheol. Acta 29 (1990) 371–384] is also considered.
The Role of Copper in Protein Foams

Chefs have known that whipping egg white proteins (EWP) in a copper bowl will improve foam stability. The improved stability is attributed to a copper–conalbumin complex or alteration of sulfhydryl reactivity. Whey proteins bind copper and show copper-induced changes in disulfide bonds; therefore, they may also be responsive to whipping in a copper bowl. EWP and whey protein isolate (WPI) solutions were whipped in the presence of 1 mM CuSO4 or in a copper bowl with and without sugar followed by overrun and yield stress measurements and angel food cake formation. Dilational elasticity and surface tension were also measured for WPI solutions. Whipping in a copper bowl or adding 1 mM CuSO4 significantly improved stability of EWP foams while having no effect on WPI foams. Copper caused disulfide-linked dimer formation of β-lactoglobulin and decreased dilational elasticity and surface tension, but these modifications were insufficient to change the bulk properties of foams. The addition of 10 mM CuSO4 to WPI solutions was sufficient to increase foam stability to levels similar to EWP; however, the more stable foams formed less stable cakes. It was concluded that the effect of whipping in a copper bowl on foam properties is mainly dependent on the specific proteins forming the foam.
The urinary excretion of heparan sulfate by juvenile- and adult-onset diabetic patients.

The daily urinary excretions of total polymeric glycosaminoglycans and of polymeric heparan sulfate have been measured in the urine of juvenile-onset and adult-onset diabetics of both sexes and in those of normal controls.The results indicate that diabetic patients excrete more polymeric heparan sulfate than their controls, either in an absolute amount or as a percentage of the total glycosaminoglycans excreted.These results suggest that in the course of diabetes there is an increased degradation of heparan sulfate to large oligosaccharide fragments. These are excreted before being completely degraded to monosaccharides and inorganic sulfate.
Collaborating the Course: Organized Flexibility in Professional Writing.

Although the number of comprehensive studies that outline methods for incorporating collaborative writing into the professional writing classroom has increased, most studies discuss only one or two assignments throughout the term. This article describes an entire course focused on shared-document writing. Over a four-year period, students indicated that they valued the time allowed to coordinate groups and to understand and complete assignments. Structuring such a course necessitates assigning work that is related to a single topic and providing students with choices, including a voice in group formation and evaluation.
Life at Low Volume Change: Hydrostatic Pressure as a Selective Factor in the Aquatic Environment

The changes in system (biomolecules plus solvent) volume that accompany most biochemical reactions are large enough to cause strong perturbations of the reactions by hydrostatic pressure. Therefore, below a certain depth, adaptations are required to reduce volume changes and, thereby, the effects of pressure on biochemical structures and functions. These adaptations play important roles in establishing the depth distribution patterns of aquatic species. The pressures at which perturbation becomes strong enough to favor selection for pressure-adapted proteins differ among classes of proteins. Dehydrogenase enzymes, e.g. , lactate and malate dehydrogenases, are especially pressure-sensitive. Species occurring below approximately 500 m (corresponding to 51 atm pressure) have dehydrogenases with reduced pressure sensitivities relative to shallower-living species. Thus, selection for pressure-adapted proteins may characterize organisms found in over 80 percent of the biosphere, by volume. The reduced sensitivities to pressure of dehydrogenases from deep-living species are linked to reductions in the catalytic efficiencies (kcat values) of the enzymes, suggesting that adaptation to pressure exacts a price in enzymatic performance. For skeletal muscle actins, pressure adaptations of subunit assembly reactions are observed only in species living below 2,000–3,000 m. Reductions in volume changes may be achieved by controlling the changes in water structure, i.e. , solvent volume, that accompany catalysis, ligand binding, and protein assembly. These reductions in solvent volume changes may be effected by reducing the reliance on hydrophobic effects and by closely regulating the shifts in exposure to solvent of water-structuring protein groups over the entire protein surface. Adaptation to pressure may involve amino acid substitutions throughout the protein, not only in the active sites.
Volume element for loop diagram in the string picture of dual models

Abstract Using perturbation theory and the vertex function for the joining and separation of strings, we calculate the momentum-independent part of the orientable loop diagram in the string picture of the orbital dual model. The calculation is done for the case where spacetime has the critical dimensionality.
PERIODICITY OF ABSORPTION PROPERTIES IN PIGMENTS BASED ON VITAMIN A2 FROM FISH RETINAE.

THE results presented here concern the absorption properties and vitamin A base of visual pigments extracted from the retinae of eighteen species of fishes inhabiting North American waters. The methods used here have been fully described elsewhere1. All retinal extracts were tested for pigment homogeneity by the method of partial bleaching2. The results are listed in Table 1.
Substrate-Specific Activation of the Mitotic Kinase Bub1 through Intramolecular Autophosphorylation and Kinetochore Targeting

During mitosis of human cells, the kinase Bub1 orchestrates chromosome segregation through phosphorylating histone H2A and the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome activator Cdc20. Bub1-mediated H2A-T120 phosphorylation (H2A-pT120) at kinetochores promotes centromeric sister-chromatid cohesion, whereas Cdc20 phosphorylation by Bub1 contributes to spindle checkpoint signaling. Here, we show that phosphorylation at the P+1 substrate-binding loop of human Bub1 enhances its activity toward H2A but has no effect on its activity toward Cdc20. We determine the crystal structure of phosphorylated Bub1. A comparison between structures of phosphorylated and unphosphorylated Bub1 reveals phosphorylation-triggered reorganization of the P+1 loop. This activating phosphorylation of Bub1 is constitutive during the cell cycle. Enrichment of H2A-pT120 at mitotic kinetochores requires kinetochore targeting of Bub1. The P+1 loop phosphorylation of Bub1 appears to occur through intramolecular autophosphorylation. Our study provides structural and functional insights into substrate-specific regulation of a key mitotic kinase and expands the repertoire of kinase activation mechanisms.
Effect of Phytoplankton Cell Geometry on Carbon Isotopic Fractionation

The carbon isotopic compositions of the marine diatom Porosira glacialis and the marine cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. were measured over a series of growth rates (μ) in a continuous culture system in which the concentration and carbon isotopic composition of CO2(aq) were determined. These data were compared with previously published isotopic results of growth rate experiments using the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum and the marine haptophyte Emiliania huxleyi. Systematic relationships were found to exist between μ/[CO2(aq)] and carbon isotopic fractionation (ϵP) for each species. Maximum isotopic fractionation (ϵf) for P. glacialis, E. huxleyi, and P. tricornutum was ∼25‰, suggesting that this value may be typical for maximum fractionation associated with Rubisco and β-carboxylases for marine eukaryotic algae. By contrast, ϵf determined for Synechococcus clone CCMP838 was ∼7‰ lower. The slopes of the lines describing the relationship between ϵP and μ/[CO2(aq)] for eukaryotic algal species were different by a factor of more than 20. This result can be accounted for by differences in the surface area and cellular carbon content of the cells. Comparison of chemostat experimental results with calculated results using a diffusion based model imply that the algae in the experiments were actively transporting inorganic carbon across the cell membrane. Our results suggest that accurate estimates of paleo-[CO2(aq)] from ϵP measured in sediments will require knowledge of growth rate as well as cell surface area and either cell carbon quota or cell volume. Given growth rate estimates, our empirical relationship permits reliable calculations of paleo-[CO2(aq)] using compound-specific isotopic analyses of C37 alkadienones (select haptophytes) or fossilized frustules (diatoms).
Changing Demographics and Providing Dental Services for Hispanic Children

General population demographics in the United States are undergoing dramatic changes. Long term customary populations which provided the bulwark for many successful dental practices are being replaced by the many minority populations, in particular the Hispanic population. Despite these significant general population developments, the demographic profile of the dental profession has experienced (and apparently – based on dental student populations – will continue to experience) limited changes. The economic strength of the profession may well be predicated upon its responses to these developments.
Efficient implementation and optimization of run-time checking in PASCAL

Complete run-time checking of programs is an essential tool for the development of reliable software. A number of features of the programming language PASCAL (arrays, subranges, pointers, record variants (discriminated type unions), formal procedures, etc.) can require some checking at run-time as well as during compilation. The problem of efficiently implementing such checking is considered. Language modifications to simplify such checking are suggested. The possibility of optimizing such checking is discussed.
Direct-water-cooled Germanium power rectifier

SINCE THE DEVELOPMENT of large-area germanium rectifier cells in 1952, over 20,000 kw of d-c power have been installed and are in service. An equally large amount of germanium rectifier units for converting alternating current to direct current are on order with the various manufacturers of this type of equipment. The first commercial germanium rectifier units used a germanium rectifier stack as shown in Fig. 1. The germanium rectifier cell was sealed with lacquer, making it partially impervious to moisture and atmosphere. This stack was then immersed in a tank containing perchlorethylene and connected with other stacks to form a number of 3-phase bridge rectifiers. The tray was then cooled by running tap water through a thin copper tube surrounding the germanium rectifier stacks. Later, the germanium rectifier stacks were installed in a tank and the perchlorethylene recirculated through several tanks and a water-to-perchlorethylene heat exchanger, to remove the losses from the germanium rectifier stacks. A recent tray using this construction is shown in Fig. 2 which forms part of a 65-volt d-c unit at 15,000 amperes.
The Apparent Shape of X-ray Lines and Absorption Limits

Effect of instrumental factors on the observed intensity distribution of x-ray lines and at absorption limits.---(1) Slit width. In the case of two slits of equal width, sharp lines reflected from a perfect crystal should give an isosceles triangle distribution. If the two slit widths are unequal, the triangle is truncated; this may shift the relative position of the lines of a partly resolved doublet. (2) Slit height widens the isosceles triangles slightly, making the long-wave-length side less steep. (3) Non-uniform energy distribution over the focal spot produces corresponding lack of symmetry. An actual distribution curve obtained with very narrow slits showed two unequal maxima near the edges of the spot. The same three factors affect the apparent sharpness of the absorption limit. In particular, the finite slit width results in the rounding off of a sharp discontinuity into a skew-symmetrical S curve consisting of parts of two parabolas whose axes are vertical and separated a distance equal to the angular slit width.Intensity distribution in the $K\ensuremath{\alpha}$ doublet of Mo.---The curves correspond to monochromatic lines of width.0003A or less. The relative intensity is very close to 2 (2.01). There is no line between them with intensity greater than 1 percent that of $K{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{1}$.Sharpness of the K absorption limit of Ag.---The curve obtained agrees with that for a limit which is sharp within experimental error,.0002A.
Prolonged Fasting as a Method of Mood Enhancement in Chronic Pain Syndromes: A Review of Clinical Evidence and Mechanisms

Periods of deliberate fasting with restriction to intake of solid food are practiced worldwide, mostly based on a traditional, cultural, or religious background. Recent evidence from clinical trials shows that medically supervised modified fasting (200-500 kcal nutritional intake/day) with periods from 7 to 21 days is efficacious in the treatment of rheumatic diseases and chronic pain syndromes. Here, fasting is frequently accompanied by increased alertness and mood enhancement. The beneficial claims of fasting are supported by experimental research, which has found fasting to be associated with increased brain availability of serotonin, endogenous opioids, and endocannabinoids. Fasting-induced neuroendocrine activation and mild cellular stress response with increased production of neurotrophic factors may also contribute to the mood enhancement of fasting. Fasting treatments may be useful as an adjunctive therapeutic approach in chronic pain patients. The mood-enhancing and pain-relieving effect of therapeutic fasting should be further evaluated in randomized clinical trials.
Outcome analysis of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck and hepatitis C virus.

Objective/Hypothesis: Infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a global problem with over 170 million people infected. Recently, we have noticed that a large number of patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) have also been diagnosed with HCV. A review of the literature reveals little information concerning this patient population. The objective of this study was to compare the outcome of SCCHN patients who have been exposed to HCV with naive SCCHN patients. Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Methods: A retrospective chart review from June 1991 through December 2002 was performed to identify patients diagnosed with SCCHN who were screened for HCV. Patients were stratified into two groups (HCV positive and HCV negative). Data were recorded on patients for status of disease at last clinic visit, pretreatment serum albumin and hematocrit levels, and RNA quantities of HCV. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t test to compare serum albumin and hematocrit levels. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to compare outcomes. The log-rank test was used to determine significance. Cox regression was used to examine the association of prognostic predictor variables with overall survival and disease-free survival. Results: There was no difference noted in 5 year survival between hepatitis C positive and hepatitis C negative groups in overall outcomes (66.7% vs. 67.9%, P = 1.000) or 5 year disease-free survival (90.5% vs. 80.8%, P = .514). The two groups, HCV positive versus HCV negative, also had similar serum albumin levels (3.62 g/dL vs. 3.72 g/dL, P = .37) as well as serum hematocrit levels (42.9% vs. 41.0%, P = .12). Serum levels of hepatitis C RNA were obtained in seven patients, with only one being undetectable. The only prognostic predictor variable that was significantly associated with overall survival was age. None of the predictor variables were significantly associated with disease-free survival. Conclusion: Co-infection with HCV, although prevalent in the Veterans Administration Hospital population, did not affect patient outcome as defined by disease-free survival. Patients who were seropositive for HCV had comparable serum albumin levels as well as serum hematocrit when compared with HCV negative patients.
A l-band superstrate lens enhanced antenna and array for tactical operations

The design of a 1.2 GHz microstrip antenna utilizing a superstrate layer for gain enhancement is presented. An 4 × 1 antenna array is also studied with the effects of various inter-elemental spacings investigated. The single antenna element achieves 5.74 dB of gain enhancement in simulation through the use of the superstrate lens. The 4 × 1 superstrate array achieves approximately 2.5 dB of gain enhancement in simulation.
Permanence of brain sex differences and structural plasticity of the adult brain

Sex differences in brain structure have been widely recognized since the pioneering studies of Raisman and Field (1). For the most part, brain sex differences are thought to arise in perinatal development through the actions of testosterone secreted by the developing testes, and these sex differences are believed to persist in the absence of gonadal hormones in adult life, very much like the basic plan of the male and female reproductive tracts, which are also developmentally determined. As shown in Fig. 1, the basic plan of brain and body sex differences is the result of a cascade of events beginning with the role of the sex-determining genes in sexual differentiation and continuing with the actions of hormones in embryonic, neonatal, peripubertal, and adult life. The emphasis on early developmental programming of brain structural sex differences was reinforced over several decades by the long-standing view that the brain is not capable of significant structural changes in adulthood. However, this view is changing, and in this issue of the Proceedings, Cooke et al. (2) describe a brain sex difference controlled entirely by circulating androgens. The postereodorsal nucleus of the medial amygdala is larger in male rats and females, but castration of adult males causes the volume of the nucleus to decrease to female levels within 4 weeks, whereas testosterone treatment of adult females for 4 weeks enlarges volume of this nucleus to male levels. Not only is the volume of the anatomical nucleus affected, but the individual cell soma areas are also increased in size by androgen, irrespective of genetic sex of the animal. These interesting findings are not as heretical as they might have seemed a few years ago, and they should be interpreted in light of new evidence for the structural plasticity of the adult brain at different …
Why Some HOPE Scholarship Recipients Retain the Scholarship and Others Lose It

The study we report here examined parental, pre-course, and in-course predictors of students’ probability of retaining (n = 136) or losing the HOPE scholarship (n = 41). The study was conducted in a multi-section, entry-level course (n = 203) for the Teacher-Education Program at a large state university in the southeastern U.S. Logistic regression that included a special computation of standardized beta weights was used in determining the predictive strength of selected variables and groups of variables. The variables with the strongest standardized beta weights included class attendance, critical thinking ability, and high school GPA. Of the various sub-groups of variables, pre-course and in-course variables generated the strongest prediction models. All models did much better in predicting retention than loss of HOPE scholarships.
Theoretical Response of a Polar-Display Instantaneous-Frequency Meter

Polar-display instantaneous-frequency meters are finding increasing application as frequency monitor receivers and as modulation analyzers. These systems indicate signal frequency by the angular coordinate of a cathode-ray-tube spot and signal amplitude by the radial coordinate. This paper derives the responses (spot loci) produced by signals of interest, including the sum of two sinusoids, amplitude-modulated carriers, angle-modulated carriers, and carriers with combined amplitude and angle modulation. Differences between actual responses and responses expected from a static analysis are studied. Conditions under which the amplitudes and frequencies of two simultaneously applied sinusoids can and can not be determined from the display are derived.
Placenta detachment: unexpected high concentrations of 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) in fetal blood and its mitogenic effect on placental cells in bovine.

Abstract The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to determine whether there is a profile of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) concentrations in fetal bovine blood and tissues during pregnancy, parturition and the early neonatal period and (2) to determine whether 5-HT has a ‘mitogenic’ effect on cultured placentome cells in bovine. Results revealed a 5-HT concentration profile in fetal blood. Overall concentrations of 5-HT in fetal blood were 6.6 times (P Characterized trophoblast cells and a heterogeneous population of bovine cotyledon cells treated with 5-HT (2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 μ m ) incorporated between 2.0 and 3.0 times more3[H]-thymidine than untreated controls, indicating a dose-dependent (r=0.94) positive mitogenic effect of 5-HT. Both groups of cultured cells responded equally. Five-HT treatment did not affect either cell number or cell size. It was concluded that a 5-HT concentration profile exists in fetal bovine blood and tissues and that 5-HT has the ability to act as a mitogen in bovine placental cells.
Measuring Stable Carbon Isotope Ratios of Small Samples of Soil‐Respired Carbon Dioxide in a Maize–Soybean Rotation

Abstract Stable carbon (C) isotope analysis of soil‐respired carbon dioxide (CO2) has proven to be useful in studies that attempt to separate heterotrophic (i.e., bulk soil microbial) respiration from autotrophic (i.e., root and root‐associated microbial) respiration. Many studies have relied upon the use of a site that has been under long‐term cultivation of plants using a single photosynthetic pathway (C3 or C4) whereby plants and soils have contrasting δ13C signatures. Relatively large gas samples are normally collected in these studies, and CO2 is concentrated in the laboratory prior to δ13C analysis, thus limiting the number of samples that can be handled at one time. The present study investigated the use of a maize–soybean rotation in which roots were excluded from small areas within the site. Small (12‐mL) gas samples containing soil‐respired CO2 were analyzed without further treatment using an automated cryogenic trap in line with a continuous‐flow delivery system in which a gas chromatography co...
Long-term follow-up and resection of a postoperative false aortic aneurysm

This report describes the course and operative findings in a 66-year-old man with a densely calcified false aneurysm of his ascending aorta 19 years after replacement of a severely stenosed bicuspid aortic valve with a McGovern-Chromie prosthesis. This report emphasizes the need to consider this possibility, even in patients with a very remote prior operation.
Transient theory of cavity-modified spontaneous emission.

We present a numerical and analytical study of a multimode Jaynes-Cummings model describing the spontaneous decay of a single atom in a high-Q cavity. The theory of cavity-modified spontaneous emission is discussed in terms of quantities that have clear physical interpretations: the photon wave packet radiated by the atom, its reflection by the cavity boundaries, and its reabsorption by the atom. Multimode corrections to the single-mode Jaynes-Cummings model are calculated. The multimode corrections are formulated in terms of quantities that may be calculated by solving the single-mode equations of motion.
Romiplostim in chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura

Abstract Background: Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is characterized by platelet deficiency due to platelet destruction and/or inadequate production. Initial therapy consists of corticosteroids or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg). Patients with chronic refractory disease might undergo splenectomy. Although there is no treatment of choice in those who do not respond to splenectomy, immunosuppressive agents are typically prescribed. Romiplostim is the first available drug in a recently developed class of agents that work through stimulation of the thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor (c-Mpl) to increase platelet production. Objective: The aim of this report was to review the mechanism of action, pharmacology, clinical activity, and adverse events associated with the use of romiplostim for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in patients with chronic ITP. Methods: MEDLINE, Google Scholar, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, and Web of Science were searched for English-only clinical trials and reviews (publication dates: 2000-June 1, 2009; key terms: romiplostim, Nplate, ITP, and idiopathic and immune thrombocytopenic purpura ). Abstracts from the 2000–2008 meetings of the American Society of Hematology and references from relevant articles were reviewed. Results: A total of 6 studies were included. Romiplostim is the first marketed agent developed to directly stimulate the bone marrow to produce platelets. Produced in Escherichia coli using recombinant DNA technology, it is an Fc-peptide fusion protein. It works intracellularly in a manner similar to that of the naturally occurring TPO to activate the transcriptional pathways, leading to increased platelet production via stimulation of the c-Mpl receptor. Romiplostim was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of chronic ITP primarily based on the findings from 2 multicenter, randomized, placebocontrolled, parallel-group studies in 125 adult patients with chronic ITP and an insufficient response to corticosteroids, IVIg, and/or splenectomy. The most common prior treatments were corticosteroids (94%) and IVIg (80%). Sixty-three patients (50%) were splenectomized a median of 6.6 years earlier. Baseline platelet counts were 9 cells/L. The initial dose of romiplostim was 1 μg/kg/wk SC, with adjustments to maintain platelet counts between 50 and 200 × 10 9 cells/L. The primary end point was a durable platelet response (≥50 × 10 9 cells/L for ≥6 of the last 8 weeks of treatment). The proportion of patients in whom a durable platelet response was achieved was significantly greater with romiplostim than with placebo (49% vs 2%, respectively; P P Conclusions: Based on the findings from this review, romiplostim administration has been associated with a durable platelet response in these patients with refractory chronic ITP. Romiplostim has been found to be generally well tolerated.
HCI metacomputing: universal syntax, structured editing, and deconstructible user interfaces

There is a classic design tension between user-friendly user interface design and expert-friendly user interface design. There is also a classic design tension between binary data format design and printable data format design. This work attempts to expose both sets of design tensions as having the same cause and solution. We observe an opportunity to redefine the baseline for "human-readable" formats by pairing a universal binary syntax with a universal structured editor and explore the rippling implications that it could have on human-computer interaction and the computing landscape at large. We discuss how this paradigm solves a host of typical bugs and developer pain points as well as making software more flexible, how it can be used to add a self-descriptive capacity to information representations ranging from data formats to user interfaces, and finally, how that creates new outlets for end-users to apply tiers of computational literacy for their own empowerment.
Particle transport in low-energy ventilation systems. Part 1: theory of steady states

UNLABELLED Many modern low-energy ventilation schemes, such as displacement or natural ventilation, take advantage of temperature stratification in a space, extracting the warmest air from the top of the room. The adoption of these energy-efficient ventilation systems still requires the provision of acceptable indoor air quality. In this work we study the steady state transport of particulate contaminants in a displacement-ventilated space. Representing heat sources as ideal sources of buoyancy, analytical models are developed that allow us to compare the average efficiency of contaminant removal between traditional and modern low-energy systems. We found that on average traditional and low-energy systems are similar in overall pollutant removal efficiency, although quite different vertical distributions of contaminant can exist, thus affecting individual exposure. While the main focus of this work is on particles where the dominant mode of deposition is by gravitational settling, we also discuss additional deposition mechanisms and show that the qualitative observations we make carry over to cases where such mechanisms must be included. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS We illustrate that while average concentration of particles for traditional mixing systems and low energy displacement systems are similar, local concentrations can vary significantly with displacement systems. Depending on the source of the particles this can be better or worse in terms of occupant exposure and engineers should take due diligence accordingly when designing ventilation systems.
Antimicrobial herb and spice compounds in food.

Herbs and spices containing essential oils (EOs) in the range of 0.05–0.1% have demonstrated activity against pathogens, such as Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus, in food systems. Application of herbs, spices and EOs with antimicrobial effects comparable to synthetic additives is still remote for three major reasons: limited data about their effects in food, strong odor, and high cost. Combinations of techniques have been successfully applied in several in-food and in vitro experiments. This paper aims to review recent in-food applications of EOs and plant-origin natural antimicrobials and recent techniques for screening such compounds.
Thrombomodulin improves early outcomes after intraportal islet transplantation.

Primary islet nonfunction due to an instant blood mediated inflammatory reaction (IBMIR) leads to an increase in donor islet mass required to achieve euglycemia. In the presence of thrombin, thrombomodulin generates activated protein C (APC), which limits procoagulant and proinflammatory responses. In this study, we postulated that liposomal formulations of thrombomodulin (lipo-TM), due to its propensity for preferential uptake in the liver, would enhance intraportal engraftment of allogeneic islets by inhibiting the IBMIR. Diabetic C57BL/6J mice underwent intraportal transplantation with B10.BR murine islets. In the absence of treatment, conversion to euglycemia was observed among 29% of mice receiving 250 allo-islets. In contrast, a single infusion of lipo-TM led to euglycemia in 83% of recipients (p = 0.0019). Fibrin deposition (p < 0.0001), neutrophil infiltration (p < 0.0001), as well as expression TNF-α and IL-β (p < 0.03) were significantly reduced. Significantly, thrombotic responses mediated by human islets in contact with human blood were also reduced by this approach. Lipo-TM improves the engraftment of allogeneic islets through a reduction in local thrombotic and inflammatory processes. As an enzyme-based pharmacotherapeutic, this strategy offers the potential for local generation of APC at the site of islet infusion, during the initial period of elevated thrombin production.
A pixilated design of high pressure xenon gamma-ray spectrometer

Abstract A pixilated anode design of a high pressure xenon gamma-ray spectrometer is investigated. This design is composed of a single planar cathode and four anode pixels embedded in the center of a “non-collecting” anode plate. This design removes the Frisch grid which can suffer from excessive micro-phonics in real-world applications. To investigate the energy resolution of this design, the charge collecting efficiency and waveform of induced charge on each anode were calculated via tracking electron cloud drifting.