cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Empirical Analysis of the City Limits Typology

Although Paul Peterson's City Limits has been influential, Peterson's assumptions about the capacity of local government actors to categorize and order policy preferences have been challenged. The author of this article tests the extent that mayors categorize and order their policy preferences using survey data from the Fiscal Austerity and Urban Innovation Project and factor analysis. This article finds that mayors in the United States categorize and order their policy preferences according to the City Limits policy typology.
Neurovisual Control in the Quake II Environment

A wide variety of tasks may be performed by humans using only visual data as input. Creating artificial intelligence that adequately uses visual data allows controllers to use single cameras for input and to interact with computer games by merely reading the screen render. In this research, we use the Quake II game environment to compare various techniques that train neural network (NN) controllers to perform a variety of behaviors using only raw visual input. First, it is found that a humanlike retina, which has greater acuity in the center and less in the periphery, is more useful than a uniform acuity retina, both having the same number of inputs and interfaced to the same NN structure, when learning to attack a moving opponent in a visually simple room. Next, we use the same humanlike retina and NN in a more visually complex room, but, finding it is unable to learn successfully, we use a Lamarckian learning algorithm with a nonvisual hand-coded controller as a supervisor to help train the visual controller via backpropagation. Last, we replace the hand-coded supervising nonvisual controller with an evolved nonvisual NN controller, eliminating the human aspect from the supervision, and it solves a problem for which a solution was not previously known.
Demonstration of a decision analysis methodology for assessing the performance of the Yucca Mountain site in Southern Nevada

Abstract This study develops a methodology for making decisions involving complex earth science systems and demonstrates its feasibility in relation to issues of radioactive waste storage at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. The basic approach involves a team of experts working together to identify and evaluate the key events, processes and parameters that are critical to the decision process. This basic information and calculational models required to represent various phenomena are integrated in a logic tree. The logic tree for the Yucca Mountain analysis is composed of 11 nodes that represent climatic, volcanic and tectonic events, various chemical and mass transport processes, and engineering factors that bear on the performance of the repository. These inputs are integrated into a software package to make calculations of expected releases of radioactivity as a function of time at the accessible environment. The demonstration application identified infiltration, container design and waste leaching rates, and various mass transport parameters as key factors that critically affect releases. At this stage, the most important outcome of the modeling effort is the demonstration that this approach to decision analysis of a radioactive waste repository is feasible with current knowledge and technology. Further, it shows that rational and defensible decisions can be made regarding the acceptability of a site even in the face of recognized uncertainties.
Comparative pronounceability ratings (p) of 100 CVCs in two college populations

A sample of 100 CVCs was presented to 200 Ss from widely-separated college populations at the Universities of Georgia and Montana in order to obtain comparative ratings of pronounceability (p). The results indicated high within-population reliability coefficients (r ≥.98) and a high between-population correlation coefficient (r =.975). When the ratings were grouped by fives into 20 pairs of means, the Montana norms regressed linearly on the Georgia norms with r =.993.
Association of race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and breast cancer subtypes in the National Cancer Data Base (2010-2011).

To estimate the odds of breast cancer subtypes in minority populations versus non-Hispanic (NH) whites stratified by socioeconomic status (SES) [a composite of individual-level SES (insurance status) and area-level SES (median household income quartile from 2000 U.S. Census data)] using a large nationwide cancer database. We used the National Cancer Data Base to identify breast cancer cases diagnosed in 2010 and 2011, the only 2 years since U.S. cancer registries uniformly began collecting HER2 results. Breast cancer cases were classified into five subtypes based on hormone receptor (HR) and HER2 status: HR+/HER2−, HR+/HER2+, HR−/HER2+ (HER2-overexpressing), HR−/HER2− (TN), and unknown. A polytomous logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) comparing the odds of non-HR+/HER2-subtypes to HR+/HER2− for racial/ethnic groups controlling for and stratifying by SES, using a composite of insurance status and area-level income. Compared with NH whites, NH blacks and Hispanics were 84 % (OR = 1.84; 95 % CI 1.77–1.92) and 17 % (OR = 1.17; 95 % CI 1.11–1.24) more likely to have TN subtype versus HR+/HER2−, respectively. Asian/Pacific Islanders (API) had 1.45 times greater odds of being diagnosed with HER2-overexpressing subtype versus HR+/HER2− compared with NH whites (OR = 1.45; 95 % CI 1.31–1.61). We found similar ORs for race in high and low strata of SES. In a large nationwide hospital-based dataset, we found higher odds of having TN breast cancer in black women and of HER2-overexpressing in API compared with white women in every level of SES.
Monitoring of Cigarette Smoking Using Wearable Sensors and Support Vector Machines

Cigarette smoking is a serious risk factor for cancer, cardiovascular, and pulmonary diseases. Current methods of monitoring of cigarette smoking habits rely on various forms of self-report that are prone to errors and under reporting. This paper presents a first step in the development of a methodology for accurate and objective assessment of smoking using noninvasive wearable sensors (Personal Automatic Cigarette Tracker - PACT) by demonstrating feasibility of automatic recognition of smoke inhalations from signals arising from continuous monitoring of breathing and hand-to-mouth gestures by support vector machine classifiers. The performance of subject-dependent (individually calibrated) models was compared to performance of subject-independent (group) classification models. The models were trained and validated on a dataset collected from 20 subjects performing 12 different activities representative of everyday living (total duration 19.5 h or 21411 breath cycles). Precision and recall were used as the accuracy metrics. Group models obtained 87% and 80% of average precision and recall, respectively. Individual models resulted in 90% of average precision and recall, indicating a significant presence of individual traits in signal patterns. These results suggest the feasibility of monitoring cigarette smoking by means of a wearable and noninvasive sensor system in free living conditions.
A family history of substance dependence obscures the group differences in brain function associated with HIV-1 and ART

Abstract Background Recently, the NIH called for additional research on the topic of viral and host factors contributing to impaired cognitive and neural function in HIV/AIDS patients and their response to antiretroviral treatment. This investigation responds to that call by examining a host factor, a family history of substance dependence, often overlooked in cognitive and neuroimaging studies of HIV/AIDS. Methods We categorized 146 HIV-1 seropositive patients receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART) and 92 seronegative volunteers by the presence or absence of alcohol, cocaine, or heroin dependence affecting a biological parent. Seropositive patients were further categorized by the estimated ability of their individual ART regimens to penetrate the CNS. The indicator of brain function was a 3–7 Hz oscillatory electroencephalographic response (theta ERO) evoked by target stimuli presented during a simple selective attention task. Results The analysis revealed that the presence of a family history of substance dependence obscured the reduction in frontal theta ERO power accompanying the presence of HIV-1 as well as the improvement in frontal theta ERO power accompanying treatment with ART agents estimated to have greater ( n = 41) versus lesser ( n = 105) CNS penetrance. Secondary analyses employing sLORETA source localization techniques revealed that the source of the theta ERO response was similarly reduced by the presence of either HIV-1 or a family history of substance dependence. Conclusions We conclude that a family history of substance dependence complicates and obscures the subtle neurophysiological changes which typically accompany HIV/AIDS and ART. Studies of new therapeutic agents for HIV-1-associated cognitive and neurophysiological impairments must consider this complication and exclude or control it.
Fast-Beam Laser Spectroscopy of Molecular Ions

Historically, studies of stable atoms and molecules containing one and two electrons were crucial to the development of the quantum theory of matter. For example, attempting to explain from first principles the simple spectrum of the one-electron hydrogen atom led N. Bohr to discover quantization of angular momentum. The puzzle of the missing triplet ground state in the two-electron helium atom was solved by W. Pauli’s postulation of the famous and far-reaching Exclusion Principle. The theory of the covalent chemical bond was developed by W. Heitler and F. London for the two-electron hydrogen molecule. The discovery by W. E. Lamb and R. C. Retherford that the 22S1/2 level of the hydrogen atom was displaced from the 22P1/2 level, contrary to the prediction of the theory of P. A. M. Dirac, spurred the development of modern quantum electrodynamics. The list of such advances can be extended greatly.
Photochemical isomerization of cyclopentadienylmetal complexes

Abstract The linkage isomers CpM(CO)nSCN and CpM(CO)nNCS (Cp = η-C5H5; M = Fe, n = 2; M = Mo, n = 3) are interconverted by 366 nm irradiation in tetrahydrofuran solution at 30°C. Molybdenum and tungsten halide complexes CpM(CO)2-(PPh3)X undergo cistrans isomerization and disproportionation to CpM(CO)(PPh3)2X and CpM(CO)(PPh3)2X under similar conditions (benzene solution).
Follower-maturity and preference for leader-behavior style.

This paper reports research designed to investigate the relationship between the maturity of followers and their preference for leader-behavior style. Ss were 108 student-clinicians who were participating in practicum training in a hearing and speech clinic under the direction of clinical supervisors. Inexperienced student clinicians preferred a leader-behavior style that emphasized consideration, while the more experienced preferred their leaders to initiate more structure.
Hirschsprung's disease complicating colon atresia

An infant with the rare association of colon atresia, total colonic Hirschsprung's disease, and tetralogy of Fallot is presented. While Hirschsprung's disease associated with atresia of the colon has been reported five times previously, this is the first case with associated congenital cardiac disease. As in previous reports, initial operations to relieve obstruction due to the colon atresia failed because of the unrecognized aganglionosis. This infant initially had an ileostomy performed as a newborn and then two failed attempts at closure of the ileostomy. In this case, as in four previously reported cases, histological examinations of resected colon from the initial operations were first reported as normal and only under the pressure of increasing clinical evidence was the pathology reviewed and the absence of ganglion cells appreciated. We stress the importance of suspecting the coexistence of Hirschsprung's disease and colon atresia when a functional obstruction is present after repair of the atresia.
A high-throughput screen reveals new small-molecule activators and inhibitors of pantothenate kinases.

Pantothenate kinase (PanK) is a regulatory enzyme that controls coenzyme A (CoA) biosynthesis. The association of PanK with neurodegeneration and diabetes suggests that chemical modifiers of PanK activity may be useful therapeutics. We performed a high throughput screen of >520000 compounds from the St. Jude compound library and identified new potent PanK inhibitors and activators with chemically tractable scaffolds. The HTS identified PanK inhibitors exemplified by the detailed characterization of a tricyclic compound (7) and a preliminary SAR. Biophysical studies reveal that the PanK inhibitor acts by binding to the ATP–enzyme complex.
Experimental Evaluation of an Adaptive Actuator Control Scheme for Real-Time Tests of Large-Scale Magneto-Rheological Damper Under Variable Current Inputs

A Magneto-Rheological (MR) fluid damper is a semi-active device for vibration control of engineering structures subjected to dynamic loading. The characteristics of MR dampers vary under different current inputs to achieve optimized vibration control of structural systems. Experimental evaluation of MR dampers under different control laws is necessary before the device can be accepted by the practical design community. Real-time hybrid simulation provides an economical and efficient dynamic testing technique by accounting for the damper rate-dependency and the damper-structure interaction. A successful real-time hybrid simulation requires accurate actuator control to achieve reliable experiment results. A servo-hydraulic actuator usually introduces a time delay due to servo-hydraulic dynamics. The variable current inputs induced by semi-active control laws would pose additional challenges for actuator control by introducing variable delay in a real-time hybrid simulation. In this paper an adaptive compensation technique is experimentally evaluated for real-time hybrid simulation involving an MR damper under variable current inputs. Predefined band-limited white noise is used as the displacement command for the servo-hydraulic actuator and current command for the MR damper. The adaptive compensation scheme is demonstrated to achieve accurate actuator control and therefore shows great potential for real-time hybrid simulation of structural systems with semi-active energy dissipation devices.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Distance and Discrete Space

Let us say that space is discrete if and only if every finite extended region of space is composed of finitely many atomic regions of space. I assume here that regions of space are individuals rather than sets of points, and have mereological structure; their parts are all and only their subregions. A region of space is an atomic region if and only if it has no proper parts, i.e., if and only if it is a mereological atom. In what follows, I will simply call atomic regions of space 'atoms'. Let us assume that, necessarily, all atoms are unextended regions, i.e., points of space. According to the Weyl Tile argument, no world with discrete space could approximate a world with continuous space because (1) the Pythagorean theorem fails to hold in worlds with discrete space and (2) it is not even approximated as the number of points in a finite region approaches infinity. 1 Consider the following space (asterisks represent points).
Bulk and emulsion copolymerizations of n-butyl acrylate and poly(methyl methacrylate) macromonomer

Bulk and emulsion copolymerizations of an -unsaturated poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) macromonomer with n-butyl acrylate (n-BA) were investigated. The reactivity of PMMA macromonomer in bulk copolymerization with n-BA was found to be lower than that of methyl methacrylate monomer with n-BA. The incorporation of PMMA macromonomer into poly(butyl acrylate) (PBA) latex particles by miniemulsion copolymerization was proved by high performance liquid chromatography-silica adsorption spectroscopy. Dynamic mechanical studies showed that PMMA macromonomer was grafted to the PBA backbone, and the degree of grafting increased as the ratio of PMMA macromonomer to n-BA increased. Microphase separation of the PMMA macromonomer grafts was observed at higher ratio of macromonomer (higher or equal to 10% weight of macromonomer based on total polymer phase). The n-BA/PMMA macromonomer copolymer behaved completely differently from the physical blend of PBA and PMMA macromonomer particles of the same composition.
Prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis in cats and dogs in eastern Tennessee.

Fox AS, Kazacos RR, Gould NS, et al.: 1985, Fatal eosinophilic meninogoencephalitis and visceral larva migrans caused by the raccoon ascarid Baylisascaris procyonis. N Engl J Med 312:16191623. effective. 2. Kazacos RR, Boyce WM: 1989, Baylisascaris larva migrans. J Outbreaks similar to the 1 reported here will continue to Am Vet Med Assoc 195:894-903. occur as raccoons become more common as pets and coexist 3. Kazacos RR, Reed WM, Kazacos EA, Thacker HL: 1983, Fatal with human beings in urban and rural areas. It is important cerebrospinal disease caused by Baylisascaris procyonis in dothat physicians, public health officials, veterinarians, and the mestic rabbits. J Am Vet Med Assoc 183:967-971. general public be made aware of the Zoonotic potential and 4. Richter CB, Kradel DC: 1964, Cerebrospinal nematodosis in take necessary precautions when handling or harboring racPennsylvania groundhogs (Marmota monax). Am J Vet Res 25: 1230-1235. coons.
Medial axis construction and applications in 3D wireless sensor networks

The medial axis of a shape provides a compact abstraction of its global topology and a proximity of its geometry. The construction of medial axis in two-dimensional (2D) sensor networks has been discussed in the literature, in support of several applications including routing and navigation. In this work, we first reveal the challenges of constructing medial axis in a three-dimensional (3D) sensor network. With more complicated geometric features and complex topology shapes, previous methods proposed for 2D settings cannot be extended easily to 3D networks. Then we propose a distributed algorithm with linear time complexity and communication cost to build a well-structured medial axis of a 3D sensor network without knowing its global shape or global position information. Furthermore we apply the computed medial axis for safe navigation and distributed information storage and retrieval in 3D sensor networks. Simulations are carried out to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed medial axis-based applications in various 3D sensor networks.
Experimental investigation of the creep behavior of MgO at high pressures

Abstract The high-temperature rheological behavior of polycrystalline periclase, MgO, has been investigated using the deformation-DIA on a synchrotron beamline at pressures up to 10 GPa. Significant experimental scatter in stress measurement illustrates current limitations of this technique. Although temperature and stress sensitivities are not well constrained, there is a clear dependence of creep rate on pressure. Based on our results, the creep rate of MgO depends on confining pressure with an activation volume of V* ≈ 2.4 × 10−6 m3/mol. The grain-scale view of deformation processes reveals, as other D-DIA studies have, that subpopulations of grains, grouped by orientation, obey slightly different flow laws. The measurements also reveal that stress heterogeneity in the sample, whether caused by external conditions or processes internal to the sample itself, contribute a significant portion of the overall uncertainty in stress measurement.
Systematic Reviews: Identifying relevant studies for systematic reviews

Abstract Objective : To examine the sensitivity and precision of Medline searching for randomised clinical trials. Design - Comparison of results of Medline searches to a “gold standard” of known randomised clinical trials in ophthalmology published in 1988; systematic review (meta-analysis) of results of similar, but separate, studies from many fields of medicine. Populations : Randomised clinical trials published in in 1988 in journals indexed in Medline, and those not indexed in Medline and identified by hand search, comprised the gold standard. Gold standards for the other studies combined in the meta-analysis were based on: randomised clinical trials published in any journal, whether indexed in Medline or not; those published in any journal indexed in Medline; or those published in a selected group of journals indexed in Medline. Main outcome measure - Sensitivity (proportion of the total number of known randomised clinical trails identified by the search) and precision (proportion of publications retrieved by Medline that were actually randomised clinical trials) were calculated for each study and combined to obtain weighted means. Searches producing the “best” sensitivity were used for sensitivity and precision estimates when multiple searches were performed. Results : The sensitivity of searching for ophthalmology randomised clinical trials published in 1988 was 82%, when the gold standard was for any journal, 87% for any journal indexed in Medline, and 88% for selected journals indexed in Medline. Weighted means for sensitivity across all studies were 51%, 77%, and 63%, respectively. The weighted mean for precision was 8% (median 32.5%). Most searchers seemed not to use freetext subject terms and truncation of those terms. Conclusion - Although the indexing terms available for searching Medline for randomised clinical trials have improved, sensitivity still remains unsatisfactory. A mechanism is needed to “register” known trials, preferably by retrospective tagging of Medline entries, and incorporating trials published before 1966 and in journals not indexed by Medline into the system.
The Florida Investigation of Primary Late Preterm and Cesarean Delivery: The accuracy of the birth certificate and hospital discharge records

(1) Assess the accuracy of public health data sources used to investigate primary late preterm cesarean delivery (PLPCD) and (2) compare differences in data accuracy by hospital PLPCD rate classification. This analysis uses data from the Florida Investigation of Late Preterm and Cesarean Delivery (FILPCD), an investigation of singleton, PLPCD's that occurred from 2006 to 2007 in hospitals classified with either a low or high PLPCD rate (high rate 39.4-58.3 %, low rate 11.9-25.1 %). Three data sources were validated with maternal medical records: birth certificates, hospital discharge data, and combined birth certificate and hospital discharge data. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and kappa values were calculated. A summary measure of kappa values was compared by hospital PLPCD rate classification using the paired sample Wilcoxon signed rank test. Large variations in accuracy of data elements were found by hospital PLPCD rate classification, with low PLPCD rate hospitals demonstrating higher overall data accuracy. The summary measure of agreement was significantly higher for low PLPCD rate hospitals compared to high PLPCD rate hospitals (0.60 vs. 0.50, p < 0.01). Accurate estimates of CD and late preterm birth are vital for public health practitioners and policy makers who seek to address the growing concern over recent increases in CD and late preterm birth. Understanding the potential for systematic differences in reporting accuracy by hospital PLPCD rate is important to data quality improvement efforts.
Descriptive Epidemiology of Injury and Illness Among Cruise Ship Passengers

Abstract Study objective: To provide information, which can be used in the formation of guidelines concerning medical facilities and staff on cruise ships, on the descriptive epidemiology of the medical conditions encountered by cruise ship physicians. Methods: A retrospective descriptive epidemiologic study design was used to evaluate patient physician encounters on cruises originating in a calendar-year period for the 4 ships of a major cruise ship line with cruises originating in the United States. Demographic data regarding sex and age of the passengers on these ships were available for each cruise. We collected information on patient age, sex, chief complaint, diagnoses, treatment, and patient disposition recorded in the patients' medical records in the ships' medical logs. Results: Seven thousand one hundred forty-seven new patient visits occurred in a population of 196,171 passengers and 1,537,298 passenger days; 56.7% of passengers were female, and 60.7% of patients were female; 43.3% of passengers and 39.6% of patients were male. Visits to the ship infirmaries were made for the following reasons: 18.2% of visits were related to injuries, 69.3% were related to medical conditions, and 12.5% were unspecified or other conditions. The most common diagnosis was respiratory tract infection (29.1%); 11% of patients had a serious or potentially life-threatening diagnosis. The most common group of prescription medications prescribed was antibiotics. Conclusion: Many different injuries and illnesses occur on board cruise ships. The spectrum is similar in many respects to the patients presenting to emergency departments. Cruise lines must prepare for the initial treatment and stabilization of patients with serious illnesses or injuries with appropriately qualified and equipped medical personnel and establish procedures for disembarkation of patients to facilities capable of handling such conditions. [Peake DE, Gray CL, Ludwig MR, Hill CD: Descriptive epidemiology of injury and illness among cruise ship passengers. Ann Emerg Med January 1999;33:67-72.]
U.S. Energy Policy Response to International Food Prices: The Costs and Effects of Corn Ethanol Production1

Following a decade of relatively low food prices, the U.S. Congress has responded to internal and external political pressure by offering economic incentives for domestic corn-based ethanol production. The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, however, contains no provisions for long-term protection of corn ethanol producers and attempts to develop the infrastructure necessary to shift the current corn-ethanol supply to the market. This paper traces the underlying causes of this policy reversal, focusing on the effect of diverted corn supply on retail food inflation and the subsequent response from domestic and international consumers. It explains the mechanisms that determine corn prices in the United States and prices in other industries, and shows the positive effect of global ethanol production on international food prices. In light of increasing costs and shifting political preferences, a diversified biofuel portfolio should emerge in the medium term, which would alleviate the current strain on food supply and stabilize inflation. To facilitate a smooth transition from corn ethanol production to that of more sustainable forms of renewable energy, Congress should continue to invest in emerging energy industries, while negotiating with domestic producers and foreign governments for long-term reductions in food and energy subsidies.
Design, Analysis and Fabrication of a Graphite/Epoxy Electronics Enclosure Flanged Aperture, with Supporting Electromagnetic Interference Test Data:

The structural design of a rectangular metal electronics enclosure for airborne or space applications is straightforward and contained in a number of texts. However, the design of a composite electronics enclosure, optimized for weight and structural and thermal load paths, has not been addressed. In particular, the design of flanges that attach the walls to one another or the enclosure to its cover is an important topic because of the need for EMI shielding and flange structural stability in a random vibration environment. Several carbon fabric/epoxy flanged aperture (two overlapping flanges with gap) designs were considered for integration into a composite electronics enclosure. The design evaluation was based on structural integrity, EMI shielding effectiveness, ease of fabrication, development time, number of parts, total cost, and total weight. The most promising design consisted of two overlapping "L" flanges with a double EMI gasket in the aperture. This design was analyzed for instability of the f...
Synthesis, characterization, and electrocatalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol by a pair of geometric isomers of [Ru(trpy)(4,4′-Me2dppi)(OH2)]2+ where 4,4′-dppi is 3,6-di-(4-methylpyrid-2-yl)pyridazine

Abstract The geometric isomers, in -[Ru(trpy)(4,4′-Me 2 dppi)Cl] + ( 1a ), in -[Ru(trpy)(4,4′-Me 2 dppi)OH 2 ] 2+ ( 1b ), and in -[Ru(trpy)(4,4′-Me 2 dppi)(NCCH 3 )] 2+ ( 1c ), out -[Ru(trpy)(4,4′-Me 2 dppi)Cl] + ( 2a ), out -[Ru(trpy)(4,4′-Me 2 dppi)OH 2 ] 2+ ( 2b ), and out -[Ru(trpy)(4,4′-Me 2 dppi)(NCCH 3 )] 2+ ( 2c ), where trpy is 2,2′,2″-terpyridine and 4,4′-Me 2 dppi is 3,6-di-(4-methylpyrid-2-yl)pyridazine, were synthesized and characterized by UV–Vis and 1 H NMR spectroscopy. The in and out notation refers to the orientation of the non-imine group which is directed towards the center of the complexes in the in complexes and away from the center in the out complexes. Compounds 1a and 2c were additionally characterized by X-ray crystallography. Reaction of 1a or 2a with aqueous silver ion produces the corresponding aqua complexes, 1b and 2b , which after dissolution in acetonitrile produces the analogous acetonitrile complexes, 1c and 2c . The redox properties of 1a , 1b , 2a , and 2b were examined using cyclic voltammetry. In acetonitrile, compounds 1a and 2a display reversible 1e − waves assigned to the Ru(III)/Ru(II) couple, while in aqueous solutions 1b and 2b show pH-dependent 2e − waves corresponding to the formation of Ru(IV)O complexes. Second-order rate constants, k cat , for oxidation of benzyl alcohol derivatives by the Ru(IV)O complex 2b were determined electrochemically. Complex 1b severely passivated the working electrode upon oxidation, and reliable catalytic rate constants could not be measured. This passivation may be related to self oxidation of the Me 2 dppi ligand by the electrochemically generated Ru(IV)O complex.
Comparison of several types of allografts in Biomphalaria glabrata (Mollusca: Pulmonata).

Interpretation of prior studies on molluscan allografts is complicated by the variety of experimental methods used and recurring reports of acute rejection of digestive gland implants. In this study, allografts of adult digestive gland, saccular kidney, mantle, albumin gland, brain, ovotestis, heart, or amoebocyte-producing organ (APO) were implanted into the hemocoel of Biomphalaria glabrata snails, and their histological condition at 60 days post implantation (DPI) was compared with that of preimplantation tissues. Also, digestive gland tissue, still surrounded by body wall, was implanted from immature donors and examined at 120 DPI. All 60-day allografts maintained some degree of normal cell and tissue structure, and most displayed additional evidence of viability, i.e., contraction (heart), hyperplasia (APO), gametogenesis (ovotestis), secretion (albumin gland, digestive gland, and kidney), shell deposition (mantle), or neuroma formation (brain). Recipient hemocytic reaction was minimal or absent, except that in three of six ovotestis implants and five of seven digestive gland implants, variable numbers of acini were undergoing phagocytosis by hemocytes or had been reduced to granulomas. Among seven implants examined at 120 DPI, digestive gland acini were found in five (with one instance of hemocytic encapsulation). Thus, in this study, acute rejection of allografts did not occur. Although the observed hemocytic reactions could be viewed as evidence of chronic graft rejection, the inconsistent and protracted nature of these responses suggests instead that they represent resorption of degenerating tissue damaged by nonimmunological effects, e.g., mechanical trauma, heterotopic location, or autolysis.
Investigation of geochemical indicators to evaluate the connection between inland and coastal groundwater systems near Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, Hawai‘i

Abstract Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park (KAHO) is a coastal sanctuary on the western side of the Island of Hawai‘i that was established in 1978 to preserve, interpret, and perpetuate traditional Native Hawaiian culture and activities. KAHO contains a variety of culturally and ecologically significant water resources and water-related habitat for species that have been declared as threatened or endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or are candidate threatened or endangered species. These habitats are dependent on coastal unconfined groundwater in a freshwater-lens system. The coastal unconfined-groundwater system is recharged by local infiltration of rainfall but also may receive recharge from an inland groundwater system containing groundwater impounded to high altitudes. The area inland of and near KAHO is being rapidly urbanized and increased groundwater withdrawals from the inland impounded-groundwater system may affect habitat and water quality in KAHO, depending on the extent of connection between the coastal unconfined groundwater and inland impounded-groundwater. An investigation of the geochemistry of surface-water and groundwater samples in and near KAHO was performed to evaluate the presence or absence of a connection between the inland impounded- and coastal unconfined-groundwater systems in the area. Analyses of major ions, selected trace elements, rare-earth elements, and strontium-isotope ratio results from ocean, fishpond, anchialine pool, and groundwater samples were consistent with a linear mixing process between the inland impounded and coastal unconfined-groundwater systems. Stable isotopes of water in many samples from the coastal unconfined-groundwater system require an aggregate recharge altitude that is substantially higher than the boundary between the coastal unconfined and inland impounded systems, a further indication of a hydrologic connection between the two systems. The stable isotope composition of the freshwater component of water samples from KAHO indicates that about 25–70% of the freshwater is derived from the inland impounded system.
Protein-SV40 DNA complex stable in high salt and sodium dodecyl sulfate.

Abstract A protein-DNA complex which is stable in concentrated salt solutions and in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate has been extracted from purified viruses and is found in the nicked circular DNA fraction. The protein is visualized as a “dot” on the DNA molecule by electron microscopy using a modified version of the ethidium bromide mounting technique. The position of the dot is at 0.67 genome units clockwise from the ecoRI restriction site on the SV40 DNA map.
‘Doing Life’: Gender Relations in a Night Nursing Sub‐Culture

This paper explores a night nursing sub-culture which is struggling to survive. The context is the NHS in the UK. This exclusively female group within an organization numerically dominated by women evokes hostile reactions from other cultural groups within the NHS, based on its perceived espousal of ‘female’ ways of being. Increasingly threatened by the new managerialism of the NHS, the permanent night shift faces extinction as a group. This paper describes the night nurse culture as it exists in a general hospital and offers some insights into the way that gender relations evolve to sustain male power in an organization where women are numerically dominant.
Some properties of ethyl cellulose films

Abstract An investigation of the properties of ethyl cellulose films prepared by casting on glass from a limited number of different solvents has been carried out. It appears that the solvent power of a given solvent for ethyl cellulose may be the prime factor which determines film properties in essentially amorphous polymers of this type. Briefly, it has been found that thermodynamically poorer solvents for ethyl cellulose lead to films of higher birefringence, higher densities, lower brittle-point temperatures, and in general greater toughness. Modulus of flexure and the softening point appear to be relatively independent of solvent composition. A simple theory has been proposed to correlate solvent power and cross-section birefringence. More random modifications of ethyl cellulose films have been obtained by annealing glass casts. As one would expect, the shrinkage in the plane of the films parallels the cross-section birefringence. These annealed films have lower moduli and lower brittle-point temperatures, and the long-range high birefringence of glass casts has disappeared. An exceedingly low brittle-point temperature has been obtained by annealing films cast from benzene on glass. Essentially isotropic films prepared on a nonrigid surface, i.e. mercury, also have lower moduli than glass casts, and a considerable change in the stress-elongation curve has been observed, a decrease in yield stress and tensile strength being accompanied by more than a twofold increase in elongation. The noticeable effect of solvent composition on film properties when films are prepared on rigid casting surfaces largely disappeared when films were prepared on mercury. Lower brittle-point temperatures appear to be associated with the more isotropic films obtained by annealing or by casting on mercury.
The effects of partial mortality on the fecundity of three common Caribbean corals

The recent intensification of human disturbances in the Caribbean has increased the prevalence of partial mortality on coral colonies. Partial mortality can change colony size by directly shrinking colonies or by splitting colonies into fragments. A reduction in colony size can also adversely affect fecundity and fitness as internal resources shift away from reproduction toward colony maintenance. This study aimed to determine whether three Caribbean coral species, Siderastrea siderea, Montastraea faveolata, and Diploria strigosa, along the reef tract in Puerto Morelos, Mexico (20o52′N, 86o51′W), continued to dedicate resources to reproduction when colonies were fragmented to pre-maturation size. Contrary to expectations, eggs were found in colonies that were smaller than the maturation size and had been subjected to partial mortality. The continued dedication of resources toward reproduction, even in the smallest colonies, suggests that resource trade-offs away from reproduction are not as rigid as previously suggested in stressed corals.
Tactual discrimination learning in monkeys

Abstract Results of studies of tactual discrimination learning in monkeys indicate that tactual learning is more difficult than visual for the naive monkey. The posterior parietal cortex, but not other cortical association areas, appears to be necessary for full utilization of tactual input, and lesions of this area produce deficits in discrimination learning which are analogous to tactual agnosia in man. A model is presented in terms of which discrimination learning, and deficits in discrimination learning, are described.
Brachytherapy management of the retroverted uterus using ultrasound-guided implant applicator placement

Abstract Purpose Patients with a retroverted uterus present a dilemma for brachytherapy in gynecologic malignancies because of the challenges of the procedure and the risk of uterine perforation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and outcome of ultrasound-guided brachytherapy applicator placement and intraoperative uterine anteversion in patients with gynecologic malignancies, who have a retroverted uterus. Methods and materials Thirty-three brachytherapy insertions were performed in 18 patients with retroverted uterus (cervical cancer, 17; vaginal cancer, 1). The endocervical canal was dilated, the intrauterine Fletcher tandem was inserted in retroverted fashion and then anteverted along with the uterus under continuous ultrasound guidance. The anteverted tandem position was secured with vaginal packing and use of a second and/or third flange on the tandem stem. Treatment was delivered with low-dose-rate brachytherapy using afterloading with 137 Cs. Brachytherapy was combined with external beam radiation in all patients. Median post-therapy follow-up was 2.17 years (range, 0.75–9.25 years). Results Procedure. Ultrasound-guided dilation of the cervix was achieved in all procedures. Sounding of the retroverted uterus up to the fundus was accomplished successfully in all but one procedure (because severe retroflexion of the uterus and fixation of the fundus to the sacrum). Ultrasound-guided anteversion of the inserted tandem and uterus was achieved in all procedures. No ultrasonographic evidence of perforation was seen in any of the procedures. Intraoperative radiographs showed satisfactory position of the applicators in 31 of the 33 procedures; 2 cases were re-packed resulting in acceptable final applicator position. No backward rotation of the tandem was observed over the duration of the low-dose-rate brachytherapy application. The mean ratio between the dose to the rectum and Point A was 73%; the ratio between the dose to the bladder and Point A was 76%. Outcome. In the 17 patients with cervical cancer, 2-year pelvic tumor control rate was 100%, and 2-year actuarial disease-free survival was 73%. The patient with vaginal cancer has no evidence of disease 5 months post-therapy. There was one complication (1/18 patients, 5.5%): a rectal stricture in a patient with stage IVA cervical cancer requiring colostomy. Conclusions The use of ultrasound-guided uterine anteversion for brachytherapy applicator placement is feasible and results in acceptable outcome and complication rates in a population otherwise difficult to manage and at high risk for uterine perforation. Based on these results, this method is likely preferable to brachytherapy with a retroverted tandem, or to the omission of brachytherapy.
Regulation of the human ascorbate transporter SVCT2 exon 1b gene by zinc-finger transcription factors

The sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter (SVCT) 2 is crucial for ascorbate uptake in metabolically active and specialized tissues. This study focused on the gene regulation of SVCT2 exon 1b, which is ubiquitously expressed in human and mouse tissues. Although the human SVCT2 exon 1b promoter does not contain a classical TATA box, we found that it does contain a functional initiator that binds Yin Yang-1 (YY1) and interacts with upstream Sp1/Sp3 elements in the proximal promoter region. These elements in turn play a critical role in regulating YY1-mediated transcription of exon 1b. Formation of YY1/Sp complexes on the promoter is required for its optional function. YY1 with Sp1 or Sp3 synergistically enhanced exon 1b promoter activity as well as the endogenous SVCT2 protein expression. Further, in addition to Sp1/Sp3, both EGR-1 and EGR-2 were detected in the protein complexes that bound the three GC boxes bearing overlapping binding sites for EGR/WT1 and Sp1/3. The EGR family factors WT1 and MAZ were found to differentially regulate exon 1b promoter activity. These results show that differential occupancy of transcription factors on the GC-rich consensus sequences in the SVCT2 exon 1b promoter contributes to the regulation of cell and tissue expression of SVCT2.
Persistence of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder into adulthood: what have we learned from the prospective follow-up studies?

Objectives: Longitudinal studies of children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) into adolescence have all reported high rates of ADHD. However, findings from studies into adulthoo...
Fluorocarbon‐hydrocarbon interactions in interfacial and micellar systems

The interactions of fluorocarbons and hydrocarbons in liquid mixtures are known to be highly nonideal. Recent research has indicated that the unusual characteristics of such interactions have a significant influence on the behavior of many interfacial and micellar systems in which such interactions occur. Results from several different studies are presented. These involve (a) properties of partially fluorinated surfactants and lipids, including comments on the use of fluorine substituted groups as spectroscopic probes; (b) surface tensions of nonideal mixtures of liquid fluorocarbons and hydrocarbons and their interfacial tensions against water; (c) adsorptions of fluorocarbon and hydrocarbon surfactants to air/water, hexane/water, and perfluorohexane/water interfaces and a comparison of relative affinities; (d) formation of mixed micelles of fluorocarbon and hydrocarbon surfactants and evidence of partial miscibility of micelles; (e) comparison of adsorption of fluorocarbon and hydrocarbon surfactants to graphon; and (f) comparison of wetting of hydrocarbon-like solids by aqueous solutions of fluorocarbon and hydrocarbon surfactants.
Leucine aminopeptidase variation and fitness parameters in the estuarine bivalve Geukensia demissa

Investigations into several potential fitness parameters in collections of the estuarine bivalve Geukensia demissa (Dillwyn), (from Newport Bay and Alamitos Bay in southern California, conducted from 1981 to 1984) under both field and laboratory conditions, revealed differences in growth rate, tissue weight, and mortality which were correlated with leucine aminopeptidase-1 (LAP-1) genotype. The results of these fitness studies are consistent among themselves and with the results of previous population genetic studies on G. demissa. As a whole, these studies suggest that differential fitness among LAP-1 genotypes in conjunction with a variable environment act to maintain the LAP-1 polymorphism in natural populations of this species.
The Matrix-Binding Domain of Microfibril-Associated Glycoprotein-1 Targets Active Connective Tissue Growth Factor to a Fibroblast-Produced Extracellular Matrix

It is advantageous to use biomaterials in tissue engineering that stimulate extracellular matrix (ECM) production by the cellular component. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) stimulates type I collagen (COL1A1) transcription, but is functionally limited as a free molecule. Using a matrix-binding domain (MBD) from microfibril-associated glycoprotein-1, the fusion protein MBD-CTGF was targeted to the ECM and tested for COL1A1 transcriptional activation. MBD-CTGF produced by the ECM-synthesizing fibroblasts, or provided exogenously, localized to the elastic fiber ECM. MBD-CTGF, but not CTGF alone, led to a two-fold enhancement of COL1A1 expression. This study introduces a targeting technology that can be used to elevate collagen transcription in engineered tissues and thereby improve tissue mechanics.
DEFICIENCIES OF TRAVEL-FORECASTING METHODS RELATIVE TO MOBILE EMISSIONS.

This paper examines the ability of conventional travel‐forecasting models to respond to forecasting needs created by the Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) of 1990 and the air‐quality lawsuit brought against the Metropolitian Transportation Commission, San Francisco. Initially, the probable response of travel behavior to the various transportation control measures of the CAAA are reviewed. The ability of the travel‐forecasting models to reflect each of the various responses is examined, concluding that only those transportation‐control measures (TCMs) resulting in a change in travel mode, auto occupancy, or destination can be modeled. Most remaining TCMs require significant model changes. Similarly, with capacity changes, three of the seven potential changes in travel behavior can be modeled, if the models are run through a series of feedback loops. For emissions modeling, the inputs cannot be obtained with the required specificity. Short‐run and longer‐run changes are identified that should be made to curre...