cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of thigh strength on incident radiographic and symptomatic knee osteoarthritis in a longitudinal cohort

Objective To assess whether knee extensor strength or hamstring:quadriceps (H:Q) ratio predicts risk for incident radiographic tibiofemoral and incident symptomatic whole knee osteoarthritis (OA) in adults ages 50–79 years. Methods We followed 1,617 participants (2,519 knees) who, at the baseline visit of the Multicenter Osteoarthritis (MOST) Study, did not have radiographic tibiofemoral OA and 2,078 participants (3,392 knees) who did not have symptomatic whole knee OA (i.e., did not have the combination of radiographic OA and frequent knee symptoms). Isokinetic strength was measured at baseline, and participants were followed for development of incident radiographic tibiofemoral OA, or incident symptomatic whole knee OA at 30 months. Generalized estimating equations accounted for 2 knees per subject, and multivariable models adjusted for age, body mass index (BMI), hip bone mineral density, knee surgery or pain, and physical activity score. Results In the studies of incident radiographic and incident symptomatic knee OA, mean ± SD ages were 62.4 ± 8.0 years and 62.3 ± 8.0 years, respectively, and mean ± SD BMI scores were 30.6 ± 5.8 kg/m2 and 30.2 ± 5.5 kg/m2, respectively. Knee extensor strength and H:Q ratio at baseline significantly differed between men and women. Neither knee extensor strength nor the H:Q ratio was predictive of incident radiographic tibiofemoral OA. Compared with the lowest tertile, the highest tertile of knee extensor strength protected against development of incident symptomatic whole knee OA in both sexes (adjusted odds ratio 0.5–0.6). H:Q ratio was not predictive of incident symptomatic whole knee OA in either sex. Conclusion Thigh muscle strength does not appear to predict incident radiographic OA, but does seem to predict incident symptomatic knee OA.
Enzyme immunoassay for diagnosis of neonatal chlamydial conjunctivitis.

C H LA M Y D I A T R A C H O M A T I S is the m o s t c o m m o n identifiable infectious cause of neonatal conjunctivitis, accounting for !7% to 32% of all cases? 4 However, cultures for C. trachomatis are not widely available, require cell culture methods, and may take 2 to 7 days to perform. Availability of rapid antigen detection tests for detection of C. trachomarls would provide an alternative to culture and aid in making the correct diagnosis and instituting appropriate therapy. Chlamydiazyme (Abbott Laboratories, North Chicago, Ill.) is a solid-phase enzyme immunoassay for the direct detection of chlamydial antigen in clinical specimens and has been evaluated in genital specimens in adults. We compared this method with chlamydial culture for the diagnosis of conjunctivitis in infants.
Transient expression of selected catecholaminergic traits in cranial sensory and dorsal root ganglia of the embryonic rat

We describe the transient expression of catecholaminergic traits in cranial sensory and dorsal root ganglia of the embryonic rat in vivo. Isolated cells expressing tyrosine hydroxylase (T-OH) immunoreactivity were initially detected in trigeminal (V) ganglion anlages as early as gestational Day 10.5 (E10.5; 18-22 somites). Neurofilament (NF) protein was also evident in V at these early stages. By E11.5 (27-30 somites) clusters of T-OH-positive cells were visible in V. Many of these cells were bipolar; others sent processes into the primitive brainstem. In addition, cells expressing T-OH were apparent in primordia of sensory ganglia serving the glossopharyngeal (IX) and vagal (X) cranial nerves. By this stage (E11.5) all cranial sensory ganglia were rich in NF protein, but immunoreactivity was confined to cellular processes rather than perikarya. By E12 (35-37 somites), only a few, faintly positive T-OH-containing cells were evident in V. However, DBH- and T-OH-positive cells were visible within the more caudal nodose and petrosal ganglia. Furthermore, isolated bipolar cells expressing T-OH were detected in rostral dorsal root ganglia at this stage. Catecholamine fluorescence could not be detected in any sensory ganglia even after maternal treatment with inhibitors of monoamine oxidase. Catecholaminergic cells were not seen at any stage in anlages of the acousticovestibular nucleus. Immunoreactive T-OH was undetectable in all ganglia by E13.5 (46-48 somites). These findings highlight the fact that transient expression of the catecholamine phenotype during development is a widespread phenomenon, evident in a variety of cell types of diverse embryonic origin.
Perspectives on why digital ecologies matter: combining population genetics and ecologically informed agent-based models with GIS for managing dipteran livestock pests.

It is becoming clear that handling the inherent complexity found in ecological systems is an essential task for finding ways to control insect pests of tropical livestock such as tsetse flies, and old and new world screwworms. In particular, challenging multivalent management programs, such as Area Wide Integrated Pest Management (AW-IPM), face daunting problems of complexity at multiple spatial scales, ranging from landscape level processes to those of smaller scales such as the parasite loads of individual animals. Daunting temporal challenges also await resolution, such as matching management time frames to those found on ecological and even evolutionary temporal scales. How does one deal with representing processes with models that involve multiple spatial and temporal scales? Agent-based models (ABM), combined with geographic information systems (GIS), may allow for understanding, predicting and managing pest control efforts in livestock pests. This paper argues that by incorporating digital ecologies in our management efforts clearer and more informed decisions can be made. I also point out the power of these models in making better predictions in order to anticipate the range of outcomes possible or likely.
Calibration frequency as determined by analysis of machine stability

Simple statistical analysis is applied to the evaluation of the output measurements of equipment used in radiotherapy. The calibration frequency is calculated based on the stability of the equipment and the performance parameters required by the quality control criteria.
Properties of ferroelectric ultrathin films from first principles

Advances in first-principles computational approaches have, over the past ten years, made possible the investigation of basic physical properties of simple ferroelectric systems. Recently, first-principles techniques also proved to be powerful methods for predicting finite-temperature properties of solid solutions in great details. Consequently, bulk perovskites are rather well understood nowadays. On the other hand, one task still remains to be accomplished by ab-initio methods, that is, an accurate description and a deep understanding of ferroelectric nanostructures. Despite the fact that nanometer scale ferroelectric materials have gained widespread interest both technologically and scientifically (partly because of novel effects arising in connection with the reduction of their spatial extension), first-principles-based calculations on ferroelectric nanostructures are rather scarce. For instance, the precise effects of the substrate, growth orientation, surface termination, boundary conditions and thickness on the finite-temperature ferroelectric properties of ultrathin films are not well established, since their full understandings require (i) microscopic insights on nanoscale behavior that are quite difficult to access and analyze via experimental probes, and (ii) the development of new computational schemes. One may also wonder how some striking features exhibited by some bulk materials evolve in the corresponding thin films. A typical example of such feature is the morphotropic phase boundary of various solid solutions, where unusual low-symmetry phases associated with a composition-induced rotation of the spontaneous polarization and an enhancement of dielectric and piezoelectric responses were recently discovered. In this paper, recent findings resulting from the development and use of numerical first-principles-based tools on ferroelectric ultrathin films are discussed.
Zinc finger protein Zac1 is expressed in chondrogenic sites of the mouse.

Zac1 is a zinc finger transcription factor that elicits antiproliferative activity and is a potential tumor suppressor gene. Through a detailed spatiotemporal study by in situ hybridization of mouse embryos, we have found that Zac1 transcript is predominantly localized in developing chondrogenic tissue, in addition to the central nervous system as reported elsewhere. Zac1 is also expressed transiently in the myocardium, skeletal muscle, and basal aspect of the stratified embryonic epithelia. During cartilage development, the pattern of Zac1 expression is in close accordance with the distribution of type II collagen mRNA in mesenchymal condensation and prehypertrophic chondrocytes. In mouse ATDC5 cells undergoing in vitro chondrogenesis, the Zac1 mRNA is up-regulated in parallel with genes expressed in precartilage but the Zac1 expression is low when type II collagen mRNA is markedly increased in differentiated cells. Together, these results suggest that Zac1 is a potential regulatory gene involved in chondrogenic differentiation. Developmental Dynamics 229:340–348, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Canine invasive transitional cell carcinoma cell lines: In vitro tools to complement a relevant animal model of invasive urinary bladder cancer

Abstract Objectives Urinary bladder cancer is the fifth most common form of cancer in humans in the United States. Urinary bladder cancer also occurs in pet dogs, and naturally-occurring bladder cancer in pet dogs very closely resembles invasive bladder cancer (intermediate to high grade invasive transitional cell carcinoma, InvTCC) in humans. Pet dogs with InvTCC offer a highly relevant resource for preclinical studies in bladder cancer. For translational research in which findings are moved from in vitro experiments through in vivo studies in dogs to human trials, access to human and canine bladder cancer cell lines is important. Cell lines derived from canine InvTCC have been lacking. Here we describe eight such cell lines. Materials and methods Eight cell lines were established from canine InvTCC. Cells were characterized using immunocytochemistry, evaluated for anchorage independent growth in soft agar, and assessed for tumorigenicity in athymic mice. Western blotting was used to identify expression of proteins of interest in human InvTCC. Results The cell lines were confirmed to be of epithelial origin by their expression of cytokeratin and E-cadherin. Seven cell lines were found to be tumorigenic in athymic mice, and 4 of these cell lines grew in an anchorage independent manner. The cell lines expressed several proteins of interest associated with bladder cancer prognosis and progression in humans, including p53, cox-2, and pRb protein. Conclusions These established cell lines can be used for comparative bladder cancer research and to evaluate new therapy approaches in vitro prior to in vivo testing.
Effects of Cure and Sizing on Fiber-Matrix Bond Strength

Experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of cure and sizing on the bond strength between graphite fiber bundles and epoxy resins. Fiberite 976 and 934 resins and Thornel T300 (3K) fibers were used in the tests. The fibers were either uncoated (no siz ing) or coated with different types of sizing. Pure resin specimens and resin specimens containing a single coated or uncoated fiber bundle were prepared by curing in a mold at different temperatures. The specimens were subjected to three-point bending, and the load versus deflection curves were recorded. Photomicrographs of fiber bundles em bedded in the resin were also taken. The data show the influence of the cure temperature (and the corresponding degree of cure) on the fracture strain and on the stiffness of the pure resins. The data also indicate the effects of cure temperature and sizing on the fiber bundle-resin bond strength (as manifested by the specimen's fracture strain), and the effect of sizing on the geometry of the bundle and on the ...
An ab initio molecular orbital theory and density functional theory study of the conformational free energies of methyltetrahydro-2H-thiopyrans

Abstract Ab initio Hartree–Fock calculations using the 6-31G(d), 6-31G(2d), 6-31G(d,p), 6-311G(d,p), 6-31+G(d), and 6-311+G(d,p) basis sets, second-order Moller–Plesset perturbation theory (MP2) using the same basis sets, and density functional theory [SVWN/DN∗, SVWN/DN∗∗, pBP/DN∗, pBP/DN∗∗, BLYP/6–31G(d), B3BLYP/6–31G(d)] were used to calculate the geometry optimized structure of tetrahydro-2H-thiopyran (tetrahydrothiopyran, thiacyclohexane, thiane) and the conformational enthalpy (ΔH°), entropy (ΔS°), and free energy (ΔG°) of the chair conformers of methylcyclohexane and 2-methyl-, 3-methyl-, and 4-methyltetrahydro-2H-thiopyran. The DFT methods generally overestimate the conformational free energies (−ΔG°) while some of the MP2 methods give values closer to the experimental results. The MP2/6-311G(d,p) calculated value (− Δ G°=1.46 kcal/mol ) for 2-methyltetrahydro-2H-thiopyran is in excellent agreement with the experimentally reported value and the MP2/6-21G(2d) calculated value (− Δ G°=1.46 kcal/mol ) for 3-methyltetrahydro-2H-thiopyran is also in excellent agreement with the experimentally reported value. The equatorial preference of the methyl group is discussed in terms of the repulsive nonbonded interactions in the equatorial conformer, gauche butane (torsional) interactions in the axial conformer, and repulsive nonbonded interactions of the axial methyl group with the ring carbons and hydrogens.
Hodgkin lymphoma-related vanishing bile duct syndrome and idiopathic cholestasis: statistical analysis of all published cases and literature review

Background. Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)-related vanishing bile duct syndrome (VBDS) and idiopathic cholestasis (IC) are rare conditions that often lead to liver failure and death. The available literature consists primarily of case reports, resulting in little clarity as to the clinical course and ideal treatment for this disease. Material and methods. We performed a literature search from which we identified all published cases of HL-related VBDS or IC, and created a database of detailed presentation, treatment, and outcome information for all patients. Patient and disease factors were analyzed for an association with overall survival and liver failure-free survival. A case presentation introduces this analysis. Results. Thirty-seven cases of HL-related VBDS/IC were identified. Median follow-up was 7 months; 1-year OS and liver failure-free survival (LFFS) are 43% and 41%, respectively. Sixty-five percent of the patients died while 30% were alive with normal or near-normal stable liver function and no evidence...
Building upon everyday play

Most of today's video game strategies are based on a static set of game controls and player actions that remain oblivious to the player's context and own creativity. Building Upon Everyday Play is the result of a collaboration of Control Freaks, a pervasive gaming experience project, and Exemplar, a toolkit that uses programming-by-demonstration to author sensor-based interactions. In combination, Building Upon Everyday Play furthers a pervasive gaming experience through appropriation of objects in the player's environment and enables new ways to play. The project consists of a combination of a portable, wireless motion-sensing clamp that can be attached to everyday objects to turn them into game controllers by proxy, and a programming-by-demonstration system that translates sensor data reported by the controller into game events. In the demonstration, participants will be able to play custom video games projected on a large 2D screen by attaching the clamp to their bodies or provided household objects, and to invent their own moves to control the provided games.
The N-terminal region of p27 inhibits HIF-1α protein translation in ribosomal protein S6-dependent manner by regulating PHLPP-Ras-ERK-p90RSK axis.

P27 was identified as a tumor suppressor nearly two decades, being implicated in cell-cycle control, differentiation, senescence, apoptosis and motility. Our present study, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, revealed a potential role of p27 in inhibiting S6-mediated hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) protein translation, which contributed to the protection from environmental carcinogen (sodium arsenite)-induced cell transformation. Our findings showed that depletion of p27 expression by knockout and knockdown approaches efficiently enhanced S6 phosphorylation in arsenite response via overactivating Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway, which consequently resulted in the stimulation of p90RSK (90 kDa ribosomal S6 kinase), a direct kinase for S6 phosphorylation. Although PI3K/AKT pathway was also involved in S6 activation, blocking AKT and p70S6K activation did not attenuate arsenite-induced S6 activation in p27−/− cells, suggesting p27 specifically targeted Ras/ERK pathway rather than PI3K/AKT pathway for inhibition of S6 activation in response to arsenite exposure. Further functional studies found that p27 had a negative role in cell transformation induced by chronic low-dose arsentie exposure. Mechanistic investigations showed that HIF-1α translation was upregulated in p27-deficient cells in an S6 phosphorylation-dependent manner and functioned as a driving force in arsenite-induced cell transformation. Knockdown of HIF-1α efficiently reversed arsenite-induced cell transformation in p27-depleted cells. Taken together, our findings provided strong evidence showing that by targeting Ras/ERK pathway, p27 provided a negative control over HIF-1α protein synthesis in an S6-dependent manner, and abrogated arsenite-induced cell transformation via downregulation of HIF-1α translation.
The Effects of 401(K) Participation on the Wealth Distribution: An Instrumental Quantile Regression Analysis

We use instrumental quantile regression approach to examine the effects of 401(k) plans on wealth using data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation. Using 401(k) eligibility as an inst...
Articulation Accuracy and Vocabulary Size Contributions to Phonemic Awareness and Word Reading in English Language Learners.

Relationships among articulation, vocabulary, phonemic awareness, and word reading were examined in 45 children who spoke either Hmong or Spanish as their primary language. A theoretical perspective suggesting that English articulation and vocabulary would influence children's English phonemic awareness and English word reading was developed. Articulation influenced both kindergarten phonemic awareness and 1st-grade word reading. Letter-sound knowledge was also associated with kindergarten phonemic awareness, and 1st-grade phonemic awareness was related to 1st-grade word reading. The results are discussed in relationship to 2nd-language speech, articulation, and beginning reading.
Variation-tolerant SRAM sense-amplifier timing using configurable replica bitlines

A configurable replica bitline (cRBL) technique for controlling sense-amplifier enable (SAE) timing for small-swing bitline SRAMs is described. Post-silicon selection of a subset of replica bitline driver cells from a statistically designed pool of cells facilitates precise SAE timing. An exponential reduction in timing variation is enabled by statistical selection of driver cells, which can provide 14x reduction in SAE timing uncertainty with 200x less area and power than a conventional RBL with equivalent variation control. We describe the post-silicon test and configuration methodology necessary for cRBLs. To demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed cRBL technique, we present measured results from a 90 nm bulk CMOS 64 kb SRAM testchip.
Performance of a Smart Direct Fire Projectile Using a Ram Air Control Mechanism

The effectiveness of a direct fire penetrator projectile equipped with an actively controlled ram air actuation mechanism is investigated through dynamic simulation. The ram air control mechanism consists of a rotary sleeve valve which directs airflow from an inlet in the center of the nose to side ports. The coupled dynamics of the projectile, inertial measurement unit, and flight control system are included in the system model. This work shows that a ram air control mechanism provides sufficient control authority to significantly reduce dispersion of a direct fire penetrator, even in the presence of moderate levels of sensor bias and noise.
Anatomical relationships between Sylvian fissure and the sphenoid ridge.

During pterional craniotomy, the sphenoid ridge is resected to facilitate the dissection of the arachnoid in the Sylvian fissure. It is a common intra-operative perception that a deep sphenoid ridge often accompanies a shallow fissure. We explored this unique relationship between the sphenoid ridge and the Sylvian fissure. We studied 46 fresh adult cadavers and measured the depth of both the sphenoid ridges and the Sylvian fissure. The deepest portion of the sphenoid ridge was determined and its depth measured by using a narrow ruler with a sliding gauge. The depth of the Sylvian fissure was measured from the middle cerebral artery bifurcation perpendicularly to the surface of the temporal pole where the arachnoid was cut. An inverse relationship exists between the Sylvian fissure and the sphenoid ridge. The depth of the sphenoid ridge averages 7.28 mm +/- 0.3 mm while the depth of the Sylvian fissure averages 9.0 mm +/- 0.4 mm. Approximately 25% of studied population have deep ridges, i.e. greater than 10 mm, and approximately 25% have shallow ridges, i.e. less than 4 mm. The extent to which the sphenoid ridge projects into the Sylvian fissure determines the depth of the Sylvian fissure thus explaining their inverse relationship. Importantly, encountering a shallow sphenoid ridge during surgery most likely will result in the dissection of a deep Sylvian fissure while a deep ridge predicts a shallow fissure.
Small cell carcinoma of the prostate

Pure small-cell carcinoma (SCC) of the prostate is a rare entity and one of the most aggressive malignancies of the prostate. Histologically, prostatic SCCs of the prostate are part of a spectrum of anaplastic tumours of the prostate and are similar to SCCs of the lungs. In most cases, SCC of the prostate is associated with conventional prostatic adenocarcinoma. Both components of these mixed tumours frequently share molecular alterations such as ERG gene rearrangements or AURKA and MYCN amplifications, suggesting a common clonal origin. The clinical behaviour of small-cell prostate carcinomas is characterized by extensive local disease, visceral disease, and low PSA levels despite large metastatic burden. Commonly, the emergence of the SCC occurs in patients with high-grade adenocarcinoma who are often treated with androgen deprivation treatment (ADT). However, SCCs do not usually benefit from ADT. A biopsy of accessible lesions is strongly recommended to identify those with SCC pathological features, as management is undoubtedly affected by this finding. Chemotherapy is the standard approach for treating patients with either localized or advanced prostatic SCC. Despite the emergence of more-aggressive treatment modalities, the prognosis of men with prostatic SCC remains dismal.
Nonlinear decay of a disturbance in an unbounded viscous fluid

The nonlinear decay of a disturbance is calculated by an iterative solution to the Navier-Stokes equations. The general expressions obtained for successive approximations are suitable for machine computations, within the limitations of the computer capacity. For the initial condition a three-dimensional cosine distribution with two harmonic terms is assumed. The nonlinear interaction of these harmonic terms then produces new harmonics. As the iteration process proceeds, a large number of harmonics, at wave numbers higher or lower than, or the same as the original ones, are generated. This process appears to be similar to that occurring in the early stages of the development of turbulence by flow through a grid.
Transduction of TAT fusion proteins into osteoclasts and osteoblasts

Abstract It has been difficult to transduce primary cultures of bone cells with proteins of interest. Here, we report the development and validation of a new technology for transduction of osteoblasts and osteoclasts with peptides and moderately sized proteins. Fusion proteins between TAT, an 11 amino acid Arg-rich sequence derived from the HIV protein, and either hemagglutinin or calcineurin Aα were synthesized and purified. Exposure of osteoblasts and osteoclasts in primary culture to either TAT-HA or TAT-calcineurin Aα resulted in a rapid (within 10 min) intracellular movement of the fusion protein evident on co-immunostaining. Almost 99% of cells were transduced and the fusion protein was retained in ∼50% of the cells for up to 5 days. TAT did not abolish the functionality of calcineurin Aα; the fusion protein stimulated osteoblast differentiation and inhibited osteoclastic resorption. We expect that our studies will provide a firm basis for the future development of TAT fusion proteins for critical molecules involved in bone cell differentiation and function.
Are Children Improving? Results from Outcome Measurement in a Large Mental Health System

Standardized outcome assessment was implemented in a large county mental health system. This study examines changes in children’s emotional and behavioral problems after 6 months of treatment and identifies factors associated with treatment improvement. Results from 3,215 youth indicated that externalizing and internalizing problems significantly decreased from intake to 6 months and that ethnicity, gender, and age were associated with caregiver-reported changes in symptomatology. While there was improvement associated with entry into treatment, the magnitude of symptom reduction was small to medium and not associated with amount of care, providing only limited support for the impact of routine out-patient care.
Convergence analysis of a covolume scheme for Maxwell's equations in three dimensions

This paper contains error estimates for covolume discretizations of Maxwell's equations in three space dimensions. Several estimates are proved. First, an estimate for a semi-discrete scheme is given. Second, the estimate is extended to cover the classical interlaced time marching technique. Third, some of our unstructured mesh results are specialized to rectangular meshes, both uniform and nonuniform. By means of some additional analysis it is shown that the spatial convergence rate is one order higher than for the unstructured case.
Evidence for cohort or generational differences in the drinking behavior of older adults

Data from a survey of 928 older Bostonians show that there is a negative correlation between age and alcohol consumption among older adults: i.e., “old-old” people-those who are seventy-five years old or older—are more likely to abstain and less likely to drink in any quantity than the “younger-old”—those aged sixty-seventy-five years old. Since the study collected only cross-sectional data, it is not clear whether there are developmental trends in alcohol consumption-that people drink less as they grow older—or whether there are cohort or generational effects. However, several retrospective data suggest that there are cohort or generational patterns of drinking behavior by older adults. Very old respondents, who now drink less than their younger counterparts, report consistently different patterns of life-long drinking habits; they report different parental drinking habits, and they have consistently different attitudes toward the effects of alcohol consumption upon health. The survey provides no insight...
Acoustic Prediction of Severity in Commonly Occurring Voice Problems

The relative effectiveness of three acoustic measures (jitter, shimmer, and harmonic/noise ratio) in predicting the dysphonic severity of a diverse clinical population singly and together was inves...
Einführung von Fluor und fluorhaltigen funktionellen Gruppen

Die wichtigsten konzeptionellen Fortschritt auf dem Gebiet der Fluorierungen der letzten zehn Jahre wurden durch die Organo- und Ubergangsmetallkatalyse ermoglicht. Die schwierigste Umwandlung ist weiterhin die Bildung der C-F-Stammbindung, was in erster Linie eine Folge der hohen Hydratationsenergie von Fluorid, starker Metall-Fluor-Bindungen und der hoch polarisierten Bindungen zu Fluor ist. Den meisten Fluorierungen fehlt es immer noch an Allgemeingultigkeit, Vorhersagbarkeit und Kosteneffizienz. Trotz der Einschrankungen sind fluorierte Verbindungen mit modernen Fluorierungsmethoden leichter zuganglich als je zuvor. Vor allem beginnen sich die modernen Methoden auf Forschungsgebiete auszuwirken, die keine grosen Materialmengen benotigen, z. B. die Wirkstoffentwicklung und die Positronenemissionstomographie. Diese Entwicklungen werden in diesem Aufsatz zusammengefasst und vor dem Hintergrund konventioneller Fluorierungsmethoden diskutiert.
AN ELECTRON DIFFRACTION INVESTIGATION OF THE PERI-BONDS IN PERYLENE,

Abstract : The molecular structure of perylene was studied in the vapour phase by the sector electron diffraction method. The average carbon-carbon bond distance in perylene apart from the peri-bonds was found to be about 0.010 A longer than the average carbon-carbon bond distance in the naphthalene molecule. The peri-bond length was determined to be 1.493=0.015 A. (Author)
Thai and U.S. Community Mediation

The approaches of 111 Thai and a matched set of 111 U.S. community mediators are investigated. Results show that Thai mediators are more apt to be assertive in their mediations; they put disputants together, demand concessions, criticize disputants, and threaten them more frequently than do U.S. mediators. Thai mediators more frequently seek harmony by asking disputants to forgive each other and to apologize.
Synoviocyte innate immune responses: TANK-binding kinase-1 as a potential therapeutic target in rheumatoid arthritis

Objectives. Innate immune responses in the rheumatoid synovium contribute to inflammation and joint destruction in RA. Two IkB kinase (IKK)-related kinases, TNF receptor associated factor (TRAF) family member-associated nuclear factor k-light-chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB) activator (TANK)binding kinase 1 (TBK1) and IKKe, potentially regulate synovitis by activating IFN response genes. These kinases induce the expression of inflammatory mediators such as C-X-C motif ligand 10 (CXCL10)/IFN-ginduced protein 10 kDa (IP-10) in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). Since IP-10 is a promising therapeutic target in RA, we evaluated whether blocking TBK1 might be an effective way to modulate IP-10 expression. Methods. Wild-type (WT) and IKKe � /� FLS were transfected with TBK1 or control small interfering RNA (siRNA) and stimulated with polyinosinic acid : polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)]. Gene expression was assayed using quantitative PCR. Cytokine production in culture supernatants was measured by Luminex multiplex analysis. IFN-regulatory factor (IRF3) dimerization was determined by native PAGE. IFN-b and IP-10 promoter activity was measured using luciferase reporter constructs. Results. Initial studies showed that siRNA markedly decreased TBK1 expression in cultured FLS. Poly(I:C)-induced IRF7 gene expression was inhibited in the absence of TBK1, but not IKKe. IRF3 gene expression was similar to WT cells in TBK1 or IKKe-deficient FLS. IRF3 dimerization required both TBK1 and IKKe. Surprisingly, IRF3-mediated gene and protein expression of IFN-b and IP-10 was dependent on TBK1, not IKKe. Promoter constructs showed that TBK1 decreased IP-10 gene transcription and IP-10 mRNA stability was unaffected by TBK1 deficiency. Conclusion. Based on the selective regulation of IP-10 in FLS, TBK1 appears to be the optimal IKK-related kinase to target in RA.
Immunosuppressive Effects of Virulent Strain of Hemorrhagic Enteritis Virus in Turkeys Vaccinated Against Newcastle Disease

Abstract One week after infection with a virulent strain of hemorrhagic enteritis virus (HEV), turkeys were vaccinated for Newcastle disease. The effect of a virulent strain of HEV on turkeys’ immune response to Newcastle disease vaccine and the mitogenic response of their whole blood peripheral lymphocytes were examined. The results revealed a statistically significant difference (P
Mild electrocatalytic hydrogenation and hydrodeoxygenation of bio-oil derived phenolic compounds using ruthenium supported on activated carbon cloth

Electrocatalytic hydrogenation (ECH) is an option for stabilizing or upgrading bio-oil that employs mild conditions (≤80 °C and ambient pressure) compared to hydrotreatment. In this study, phenol, guaiacol (2-methoxyphenol), and syringol (2,6-dimethoxyphenol) were chosen as model lignin-like substrates because of their abundance in bio-oil and their high resistance to hydrogenation relative to the carbonyl compounds. Cathodic reduction was catalyzed by ruthenium supported on activated carbon cloth (Ru/ACC), a novel electrocatalyst. Incipient wetness impregnation and cation exchange methods were employed to prepare the electrocatalyst using three different ruthenium precursors. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that ruthenium nanoparticles within the range of 10 to 20 nm were deposited on the support by both catalyst synthesis methods. Catalysts prepared by cation exchange were more active than those prepared using incipient wetness impregnation, presumably because of support surface functionalization by the oxidation pretreatment. When using incipient wetness impregnation, catalysts synthesized with precursor hexaammineruthenium(III) chloride showed the best activity and electrochemical efficiency, followed by catalysts prepared with ruthenium(III) chloride and ruthenium(III) nitrosyl nitrate. The Ru/ACC electrocatalyst reduced guaiacol, phenol and syringol with similar electrochemical efficiencies, but temperature was an important variable; the electrochemical efficiency for guaiacol reduction increased from 8% at 25 °C to 17% at 50 °C, but then dropped back to 10% at 80 °C. Solution pH also affected catalyst activity and product selectivity, with acidic conditions favoring guaiacol conversion, electrochemical efficiency and cyclohexanol selectivity.
The effect of BCNU on mouse skin and spinal cord in single drug and radiation exposures

Abstract We set out to determine whether any interaction occurs between BCNU and radiation for the mouse skin and spinal cord. Single doses of BCNU of 10, 20, or 30 mg/kg were injected intraperitoneally as a function of time before or after irradiation of the foot or spinal cord of anesthesized C3H mice. Enhancement of the radiation skin reaction (dose enhancement factor=1.3) was seen when BCNU (30 mg/kg) was given 1 day, 6 hr, and 2 hr prior to irradiation of the foot with 2,500 rad, and a larger DEF of 1.6 was observed when BCNU was given immediately before the radiation dose. However, with a different mouse strain (BALB/c) not anesthetized at the time of irradiation, no significant enhancement following a dose of 20 mg/kg BCNU was observed. Experiments are in progress to determine the cause of these differences BCNU (10 mg/kg) was given 24 hr or immediately prior to various single doses of radiation to a 12 mm segment of the mouse spinal cord (T 11–12 to L 1–2 ), and the subsequent myelitis was scored monthly. The addition of BCNU to irradiation did not accelerate the development of myelitis, nor the ultimate proportion of animals developing hind limb paralysis: the 50% myelitis dose at 10 months (MD 50/10 mo ) values for irradiation alone, BCNU at the time of irradiation and 24 hr before were 3,722, 3,795 and 3,853 rad, respectively.
Hindlimb venous distention evokes a pressor reflex in decerebrated rats.

The distention of small vessels caused by an increase in blood flow to dynamically exercising muscles has been proposed as a stimulus that activates the thin fiber (groups III and IV) afferents evoking the exercise pressor reflex. This theory has been supported by evidence obtained from both humans and animals. In decerebrated unanesthetized rats with either freely perfused femoral arteries or arteries that were ligated 3 days before the experiment, we attempted to provide evidence in support of this theory by measuring arterial pressure, heart rate, and renal sympathetic nerve discharge while retrogradely injecting Ringer’s solution in increasing volumes into the femoral vein just as it excited the triceps surae muscles. We found that the pressor response to injection was directly proportional to the volume injected. Retrograde injection of volumes up to and including 1 mL had no significant effect on either heart rate or renal sympathetic nerve activity. Cyclooxygenase blockade with indomethacin attenuated the reflex pressor response to retrograde injection in both groups of rats. In contrast, gadolinium, which blocks mechanogated channels, attenuated the reflex pressor response to retrograde injection in the “ligated rats,” but had no effect on the response in “freely perfused” rats. Our findings are consistent with the possibility that distension of small vessels within exercising skeletal muscle can serve as a stimulus to the thin fiber afferents evoking the exercise pressor reflex.
Ethical Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract Traumatic brain injury is a frequently occurring event. Often it is not diagnosed in a timely manner. Neurofeedback interventions have not yet been recognized as a treatment of choice. This lack of acceptance of neurofeedback as a treatment of choice may well be due to a scarcity of published control group studies. In addition, the use of the quantitative electroencephalography, one of the most promising diagnostic and treatment planning tools, has been opposed by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN). Yet sufficient clinical and published research data exist to warrant the use of the quantitative electroencephalography as a supplemental tool for diagnostic and treatment planning purposes and the use of various neurofeedback interventions for overcoming many of the symptoms of traumatic brain injury. Practitioners must remain current on both clinical and research data if they are to practice both ethically and competently. In addition, they must attend to other ethical issues such as informed c...
Labor Supply on the PGA TOUR The Effect of Higher Expected Earnings and Stricter Exemption Status on Annual Entry Decisions

The unique nature of the PGA TOUR allows exempt players to have a large measure of discretion in the number of tournaments they enter in a given year. Recent policy changes on the PGA TOUR suggest that TOUR players may be responsive to exemption status and expected earnings. Using the previous year’s real earnings per event as a proxy for expected earnings and controlling for player effects and exemption status, ordinary least squares results indicate that players’ annual entry decisions change with an exemption status change but not with higher expected earnings. An exempt, non-elite PGA TOUR player whose exemption is set to expire in at least 2 years enters slightly fewer tournaments, whereas an increase in expected earnings has no effect on tournaments entered. This suggests that the PGA TOUR would do well not to ignore possible effects of future policy changes on player annual entry decisions.
On the Timing and Pricing of Dividends: Web Appendix

We present evidence on the term structure of the equity premium. We recover prices of dividend strips, which are short-term assets that pay dividends on the stock index every period up to period T and nothing thereafter. It is short-term relative to the index because the index pays dividends in perpetuity. We find that expected returns, Sharpe ratios, and volatilities on short-term assets are higher than on the index, while their CAPM betas are below one. Short-term assets are more volatile than their realizations, leading to excess volatility and return predictability. Our findings are inconsistent with many leading theories.
Maximum likelihood method for blind identification of multiple autoregressive channels

We present a two-step maximum likelihood (TSML) algorithm for blind identification of single-input-multiple-output (SIMO) channels modeled as an autoregressive (AR) system. The AR-TSML algorithm provides a new and useful alternative to a previously developed TSML algorithm for a moving-average (MA) system. The AR-TSML algorithm is shown to be more robust than the MA-TSML algorithm if the channel impulse responses have long tails.
Solubility and stability of zeolites in aqueous solution: II. Calcic clinoptilolite and mordenite

The solubilities of Ca-exchanged clinoptilolite (Cpt-Ca) and Ca-exchanged mordenite (Mor-Ca) have been measured in aqueous solutions between 25 and 275 °C and at saturated water vapor pressures. Natural zeolites were cation exchanged to close to Ca end-member composition (90% for Cpt-Ca, and 98% for Mor-Ca). The controlling dissolution reactions may be written as: ![Formula][1] ![Formula][2] These reactions are reversible as shown by equilibrium constants calculated for approach from under- and supersaturation. The log K sp for Cpt-Ca increases from −26.9 at 25 °C to a maximum of −16.9 at 275 °C, whereas for Mor-Ca the equilibrium constant varies from −25.3 at 25 °C to −17.7 at 265 °C. The solubilities for both zeolites increase with increasing temperature showing a positive enthalpy for the dissolution reaction. At lower temperatures Cpt-Ca is slightly more soluble than Mor-Ca, which agrees with natural observations where mordenite and clinoptilolite commonly occur together spatially but mordenite is in general the higher-temperature phase. A comparison with other exchanged clinoptilolites indicates that Cpt-Ca is more stable than the Na, K, and Mg varieties. The results demonstrate that the exchanged cation has a large effect on the solubility behavior, and that divalently exchanged varieties are less soluble than monovalent varieties. From the solubility constants, the standard Gibbs free energies of formation for hydrous Cpt-Ca and Mor-Ca at 25 °C and 1 bar were determined to be −6387 ± 5 kJ/mol and −6275 ± 7 kJ/mol respectively. However, compared to the hydration states and the aluminosilicate structure, the effect of the cation on the Gibbs free energies of formation is small. [1]: /embed/tex-math-1.gif [2]: /embed/tex-math-2.gif
MozArt: an immersive multimodal CAD system for 3D modeling

3D modeling has been revolutionized in recent years by the advent of computers. While computers have become much more affordable and accessible to the masses, computer modeling remains a complex task involving a steep learning curve and extensive training. In this paper we describe the MozArt Table, our effort to redefine the interface for computer modeling to make it more accessible to lay users. We have explored both the hardware and software aspects of the interface, specifically, the use of intuitive speech commands and multitouch gestures on an inclined interactive surface. The paper describes our approach, hardware setup and the technology used to make it work.
The treatment of ocular myasthenia with plasmapheresis: Three case reports

Three patients with myasthenia gravis primarily involving ocular muscles had repeated plasmapheresis after unsatisfactory response to more standard therapy with anticholinesterase and steroid therapy. All had a dramatic response within days lasting weeks to months. The authors conclude that plasmapheresis may play an important adjunctive role in the management of certain patients with disabling ocular myasthenia.
Ultraviolet Inactivation Kinetics of Escherichia coli and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis in Annular Reactors

Terrorist threats have precipitated the need for information on the ultraviolet (UV) resistance of potential biothreat agents in food processing, such as Yersinia pestis. The objective of this study was to characterize the resistance of the Yersinia species to UV treatment using a single-lamp annular UV reactor. A novel method is proposed to measure the inactivation kinetics of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, a surrogate of Y. pestis. This proposed method can overcome the disadvantages of the traditional collimated beam approach for liquids with high absorptive properties, such as liquid foods. As a reference, an inactivation rate of Escherichia coli K12 in caramel model solutions was measured first. Both first-order and series-event inactivation models were used to fit UV inactivation data. For the series-event model, an inactivation constant of k(SE)= 0.675 cm(2)/mJ and threshold n= 4 were obtained for E. coli K12 with the coefficient of determination R(2)= 0.987 and the standard deviation of log(10) reductions sigma(y)= 0.133. For Y. pseudotuberculosis, k(SE)= 0.984 cm(2)/mJ and n= 3 were obtained with R(2)= 0.972 and sigma(y)= 0.212. In contrast, for the first-order inactivation model, the first-order inactivation constant k(1)= 0.325 cm(2)/mJ with R(2)= 0.907 and sigma(y)= 0.354 was found for E. coli; and k(1)= 0.557 cm(2)/mJ with R(2)= 0.916 and sigma(y)= 0.402 was obtained for Y. pseudotuberculosis. Based on R(2), sigma(y), and the maximum absolute and relative errors, the series-event inactivation model describes the UV inactivation kinetics of Y. pseudotuberculosis and E. coli better than the first-order model. It is apparent that Y. pseudotuberculosis is less resistant to UV light than E. coli K12.
Constrained optimization for neural map formation: a unifying framework for weight growth and normalization

Computational models of neural map formation can be considered on at least three different levels of abstraction: detailed models including neural activity dynamics, weight dynamics that abstract from the neural activity dynamics by an adiabatic approximation, and constrained optimization from which equations governing weight dynamics can be derived. Constrained optimization uses an objective function, from which a weight growth rule can be derived as a gradient flow, and some constraints, from which normalization rules are derived. In this article, we present an example of how an optimization problem can be derived from detailed nonlinear neural dynamics. A systematic investigation reveals how different weight dynamics introduced previously can be derived from two types of objective function terms and two types of constraints. This includes dynamic link matching as a special case of neural map formation. We focus in particular on the role of coordinate transformations to derive different weight dynamics from the same optimization problem. Several examples illustrate how the constrained optimization framework can help in understanding, generating, and comparing different models of neural map formation. The techniques used in this analysis may also be useful in investigating other types of neural dynamics.
An integrated engineering simulation environment

An implementation of a novel concept called the integrated engineering simulation object-oriented environment (IESE) is presented. At the core of the IESE is an object-oriented database system that uses semantic data models and graphics-oriented manipulations. An online rule-based expert system is incorporated to enforce constraints on connections. Examples of application of the IESE to electromagnetic transient simulations are presented. The generality of this approach to engineering software development is established, and it is shown that extremely diverse applications (including graphics interfaces) can be accommodated by simple modifications to database schemata, without reprogramming. >