cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Three-dimensional scattering and the Heisenberg inequality

Abstract We show that it is possible to concentrate a radially symmetric potential around the origin in three-dimensional space, without having its backscattering amplitude spread out as a function of the wave number. This result is impossible within the Born approximation. In fact, this result is a three-dimensional version of some recent work showing that the nonlinear scattering transform allows for better localization properties than its linearized version, namely the Fourier transform.
Long-term performance of Clarion 1.0 cochlear implant users.

Objective/Hypothesis: To evaluate the long-term performance of adult Clarion 1.0 cochlear implant users. Study Design: This was a retrospective, longitudinal study evaluating word discrimination in quiet for 31 adult cochlear implant patients with preimplantation sentence scores of less than 10%. Methods: The length of the study was 135 months with a mean follow-up length of 93 (median, 96) months. For the duration of the study, all subjects used the Clarion 1.0 cochlear implant with speech processors programmed for the use of the continuous interleaved sampling strategy. Results: There was no significant growth or decline in speech perception after 24 months postimplantation unless adverse medical events were experienced. Age at implantation was significantly and substantially negatively correlated (−11% word score per decade, r = 0.68) with most recent score, maximum score, time to maximum score, range of performance, 24- to 130-month mean score, and for any longitudinal data point tested: 3 to 6 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years. There were no age-related declines in performance. There were no observed correlations between duration of deafness and any of the variables listed above. Conclusions: The lack of correlation between duration of deafness and performance in a cohort without residual hearing suggests the presence of a strong correlation between age and speech performance with a cochlear implant. That the cochlear implant is a safe therapy for the treatment of profound deafness is supported by the stability of scores through the 10-year study period as well as a zero rate of device failures or explantation.
Novel tetrahydrofuran structures derived from β–β-coupling reactions involving sinapyl acetate in Kenaf lignins

Free radical coupling of sinapyl γ-acetate or cross-coupling between sinapyl acetate and sinapyl alcohol yields novel tetrahydrofuran β–β-(cross-)coupled dehydrodimers. Such substructures are therefore anticipated in naturally acetylated lignins, e.g. in Kenaf, if sinapyl acetate is a component of the lignin monomer pool. The DFRC (derivatization followed by reductive cleavage) method, modified by replacing all acetyl reagents and solvents with their propionyl analogs (DFRC′), allows the analysis of naturally acetylated lignins. DFRC′ treatment of the sinapyl acetate-derived dimers or crossed dimers gave diagnostic products that retain at least one acetate group on a sidechain γ-position; the products have been authenticated by comparison of their mass spectra and GC retention times with those of synthesized compounds. DFRC′ of Kenaf lignins produces the same diagnostic products as from the dimers, implicating the presence of the various tetrahydrofuran units in Kenaf lignins. With data from the model compounds in hand, NMR analysis of Kenaf lignins elegantly confirms the presence of such substructures in the polymer, establishing that acetates on Kenaf lignins arise through incorporation of sinapyl acetate, as a lignin precursor, via enzyme-mediated radical coupling mechanisms.
The flageolet player: the ultimate amateur musician

O N 3 April 1661 Samuel Pepys wrote in his diary, 'At night into the garden to play on my flagilette, it being Mooneshine-where I stayed a good while; and so home and to bed.'1 The instrument he enjoyed playing was his flageolet, a small pipe with a whistle mouthpiece and holes for two thumbs and four fingers. Pepys was an enthusiastic amateur musician, unusual only because his diary entries between 166o and 1669 allow us glimpses of his informal music-making, an activity that usually went unrecorded. The flageolet had a special place in Pepys's life: he carried it with him to play when the mood or a place suited, by himself or in company of friends. The flageolet was, in fact, the perfect instrument for casual music-making. Pepys was determined that his wife should learn to play the flageolet, and arranged lessons for her with Thomas Greeting. On 11 September 1667 he wrote delightedly, 'my wife and I [spent] part of the night at the Flagilette, which she plays now anything upon almost, at first sight and in good time.' Mrs Pepys, like other flageolet players of the time,
Uptake, accumulation, and metabolism of carbofuran and fenamiphos by the phytoparasitic nematodes Meloidogyne javanica and M. incognita

Abstract This study used 14 C-labeled carbofuran and fenamiphos to show that carbofuran was extremely unstable in Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica . After 48 hr of exposure, approximately 2% of the total radioactivity was recovered as parent and 3–5% as 3-hydroxy-carbofuran and 3-keto-carbofuran. Over 90% of the applied 14 C was associated with the water-soluble metabolites. In contrast, fenamiphos was rather stable in both nematode species, with approximately 70 and 30% of the total radioactivity recovered as parent and fenamiphos sulfoxide, respectively. Metabolite uptake studies showed that fenamiphos reached equilibrium within the nematodes after approximately 24 hr, whereas carbofuran did not reach an equilibrium even after 96 hr of incubation. These data indicate that the difference in biological activity (fenamiphos is about 10 times more active than carbofuran) is due largely to the rapid metabolization of carbofuran and the biological stability of fenamiphos in nematodes
AUTONOMIC RESPONSIVITY AS A FUNCTION OF LEVEL OF SUBJECT INVOLVEMENT.

The relations between physiological activity and psychological variables are of much concern to students of human behavior. This paper reports a study of the effects on the autonomic nervous system of such psychological factors as anxiety and personal involvement.
The synergy between voting and acceptance of answers on stackoverflow, or the lack thereof

Stack Overflow's primary goal is to serve as a platform for users to solicit answers regarding programming questions, though its archives are often used by other users who face similar issues and thus it serves a secondary purpose of documenting common problems. The two driving mechanisms for filtering out low quality posts and highlighting the best answers are community votes and the mark of acceptance by the original question asker. But does the asker's choice always match the popular vote? If so, is the asker's choice influenced by the community vote or is the community vote biased towards the accepted answer? And if the asker and community disagree, then can we determine any particular characteristics of posts that influence the choice of the asker and community differently, such as its size, readability, presence of code snippets and external links as well as similarity to the original question? In this paper, we explore the answers to these questions by studying a data-set of all posts on Stack Overflow from its launch in September 2008 to September 2014.
Sulfate Reduction in Sediment Interstitial Fluids in Lakes Michigan and Erie

Sulfate disappears from the interstitial fluids of recent sediments in Lakes Michigan and Erie within a zone extending no more than a few centimeters below the sediment-water interface. The results of concomitant analyses of the fluids for dissolved carbon dioxide, pH, total ammonia nitrogen, and redox potential suggest that sulfate is undergoing reduction in this zone. Stoichiometrically consistent increases in dissolved ammonia and carbon dioxide accompany sulfate reduction. Application of a simplified steady state reaction-diffusion model to the observed sulfate profiles yielded inferred rates of sulfate reduction (l0−11 to 10−9 mol L−1s−1) that are similar to those reported for marine muds.
Quality of Near-Surface Waters in Southern Illinois

The “ring average” method of generating trend surfaces has been applied to water chemistry data from shallow water wells in southern Illinois. The method is a slight modification of a well-known geophysical technique. Basically the method acts as a filter which removes anomalies with dimensions smaller than the diameter of the ring. The trend maps generated by the technique are presented and discussed in this paper. Between the Salem-Woodward structural block and the Wabash Valley Fault Zone water chemistry shows marked changes. These changes suggest that this is a zone of upward moving waters from deep stratigraphic units. The process of reverse osmosis filtration appears to explain some observed phenomena, but by no means all of them. The reasons why the bounding structural features are so effective is not clear either.
Moral Dilemmas of Modern War: Torture, Assassination, and Blackmail in an Age of Asymmetric Conflict. By Michael L. Gross

Moral Dilemmas of Modern War: Torture, Assassination, and Blackmail in an Age of Asymmetric Conflict. By Michael L. Gross (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2010), xi + 319 pp. $27.99/£17.99 p...
Simulation and Experimental Study of Nanowire Assembly by Dielectrophoresis

Although dielectrophoretic (DEP) assembly has been demonstrated to be an efficient way to align nanowires or nanotubes for making nanodevices based on one-dimensional nanostructures, misalignment is often observed in experimental implementation. This unfavorable observation discourages researchers’ enthusiasm in making devices by DEP. To make DEP assembly in a controllable fashion, theoretical and simulation studies are indispensable. However, traditional analysis on DEP is based on a zero-dimensional model derived from the interaction between a nonuniform electric field and dielectric particles, which might not be directly applicable to nanowires or nanotubes. In this paper, we propose an approach similar to finite element method to calculate the total DEP force and torque on the one-dimensional nanostructure by considering the dimensional effect. It is shown from the simulation that the magnitude of DEP force is related to the conductivity of the nanostructure and the frequency of the electric field, which provides feasibility on controllable and selective assembly of the nanowires or nanotubes. To study the trajectory of single nanowire or nanotube assembled by DEP, a comprehensive model involving DEP force, DEP torque, drag force, drag torque, and Brownian motion is proposed. The one-dimensional nanostructure is predicted from the simulation to either attach one electrode and align at certain direction or bridge the electrodes. The theoretical and simulation study indicate that the alignment of one-dimensional nanostructure is mainly related to its length, the gap size of the electrodes as well as the initial contact position of the nanowire or nanotube onto the electrode. The predication from the simulation has been confirmed by assembled zinc oxide nanowires and carbon nanotubes using DEP.
A low-power oxygen inductively coupled plasma for spectrochemicaln analysis—III. Excitation mechanism

Abstract The excitation mechanism in an analytical oxygen inductively coupled plasma (ICP) is discussed. In addition to the local thermal equilibrium mechanism, charge transfer from oxygen ions to the analytes in the analytical zone also plays an important role in excitation. A comparison of the excitation mechanism between the oxygen ICP and an argon ICP discharge is presented.
The healing of extraction wounds in the presence of retained root remnants and bone fragments.

Abstract In 18 young adult male and female albino rats, 22 maxillary first molars were extracted in such a manner as to permit the retention of the apical portion of one or more root remnants and bone fragments. The animals were sacrificed at periods ranging from one to one hundred eight days after the extractions. The microscopic findings in the course of healing in the presence of retained root remnants and bone fragments were analyzed.
Tapered fiber bundles for combining high-power diode lasers.

Tapered fiber bundles are often used to combine the output power of several semiconductor lasers into a multimode optical fiber for the purpose of pumping fiber lasers and amplifiers. It is generally recognized that the brightness of such combiners does not exceed the brightness of the individual input fibers. We report that the brightness of the tapered fibers (and fiber bundles) depends on both the taper ratio and the mode-filling properties of the beams launched into the individual fibers. Brightness, therefore, can be increased by selection of sources that fill a small fraction of the input fiber’s modal capacity. As proof of concept, we present the results of measurements on tapered fiber-bundle combiners having a low-output etendue. Under low mode-filling conditions per input multimode fiber (i.e., fraction of filled modes ≤ 0.29), we report brightness enhancements of 8.0 dB for 19 × 1 bundles, 6.7 dB for 7 × 1 bundles, and 4.0 dB for 3 × 1 combiners. Our measured coupling efficiency variations of ∼1%–2% among the various fibers in a given bundle confirm the uniformity and quality of the fabricated devices.
The lattice parameters of La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu and Yb

Abstract Lattice parameters of La, Ce (β and γ), Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu and Yb were determined on well-characterized, high-purity metals in the form of small-grained wires. The effect of sample preparation on the lattice parameters of these metals is discussed. A method to obtain crystallographically-pure polycrystalline d.h.c.p. lanthanum is presented.
The effect of polarization on radar detection of lightning

The polarization dependence of lightning echoes received with a 23-cm wavelength radar is estimated theoretically and experimentally. The reduction in the lightning radar cross-section due to the transmission of circular polarization instead of linear is measured to be about 4 dB and is much smaller than the 15-30 dB reduction in reflectivity of weak precipitation regions. The 8.7 dB average reduction in reflectivity maxima has been observed. This leads to an increase in the detected lightning flash rate by as much as 40%. The radar cross-section ratio of circular to linear polarization obtained experimentally suggests that lightning elements tend to be horizontally oriented.
Tetrahydrobiopterin and biogenic amine metabolism in the hph-1 mouse.

:hph-1 mice, which have defective tetrahydrobiopterin biosynthesis due to decreased GTP cyclohydrolase I activity, have been used to investigate the effects of tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency on aromatic l-amino acid monooxygenases and brain monoamine metabolism. Liver tetrahydrobiopterin levels were decreased, and tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency and reduced levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and their metabolites in the brain occurred both pre- and postnatally. Chronic subcutaneous tetrahydrobiopterin elevated brain levels to values higher than those seen in controls but had no effect on monoamine metabolism. In vivo activities of tyrosine hydroxylase and tryptophan hydroxylase were significantly decreased. There was a 30% decrease in the in vitro activity of striatal tyrosine hydroxylase and 50% decrease in liver phenylalanine hydroxylase. Western blotting demonstrated that the lower monooxygenase activities resulted from a reduced absolute amount of tyrosine hydroxylase and phenylalanine hydroxylase protein. The findings suggest involvement of tetrahydrobiopterin in the control of the steady-state concentration of the aromatic l-amino acid monooxygenases. In addition, demonstration of central monoamine changes in the hph-1 mouse make it a possible model system for the investigation of the neuropathological mechanisms in Dopa-responsive dystonia, which has recently been linked with mutations in the gene for GTP cyclohydrolase I.
Virtual screening leads to the discovery of novel non-nucleotide P2Y1 receptor antagonists

The P2Y1 receptor (P2Y1R) is a G protein-coupled receptor naturally activated by extracellular ADP. Its stimulation is an essential requirement of ADP-induced platelet aggregation, thus making antagonists highly sought compounds for the development of antithrombotic agents. Here, through a virtual screening campaign based on a pharmacophoric representation of the common characteristics of known P2Y1R ligands and the putative shape and size of the receptor binding pocket, we have identified novel antagonist hits of µM affinity derived from a N,N’-bis-arylurea chemotype. Unlike the vast majority of known P2Y1R antagonists, these drug-like compounds do not have a nucleotidic scaffold or highly negatively charged phosphate groups. Hence, our compounds may provide a direction for the development of receptor probes with altered physicochemical properties.
Counting ordered pairs

Providing an algebraic proof that φ is indeed a bijection is an instructive exercise. By exploiting the multiplicative structure of the codomain, we can construct a map ψ : Z+ × Z+ → Z+ which is immediately recognized as a bijection. (No need to resort to algebraic calculation or a pictorial argument with diagonals.) For each pair of positive integers m and n, let ψ(m, n) = 2m−1(2n − 1). Bijectivity of ψ is equivalent to the fact that every positive integer has a unique representation as the product of an odd positive integer and a non-negative integer power of 2. As one referee noted, this fact is also key to Glaisher’s bijection between partitions of a positive integer into odd parts and partitions with distinct parts [1, Ex. 2.2.6; 4, p. 12].
Peroxynitrite Inactivates Tissue Plasminogen Activator

UNLABELLED Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) has a prominent role in physiological fibrinolysis in vivo. Thrombosis has been associated with clinical scenarios (e.g., atherosclerotic disease) known to involve local decreases in tPA activity with concomitant formation of reactive nitrogen species such as peroxynitrite (OONO(-)), a molecule formed from nitric oxide and superoxide. We hypothesized that exposure of tPA to OONO(-) would result in a decrease in tPA activity. OONO(-) was generated with 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1), a molecule that produces both nitric oxide and superoxide. Recombinant tPA was incubated at 37 degrees C for 60 min with 0 microM SIN-1; 100 microM SIN-1; 100 microM SIN-1 and 4000 U/mL recombinant human superoxide dismutase; or 4000 U/mL recombinant human superoxide dismutase (n = 8 separate reactions per condition). Changes in tPA activity were assessed by addition of tPA samples to tissue factor-exposed human plasma and measuring clot fibrinolysis with a thrombelastograph. Exposure to SIN-1 resulted in a decrease in tPA-mediated fibrinolysis (<1% activity of tPA not exposed to SIN-1) that was significantly (P < 0.001) different from the other three conditions. There were no significant differences between the other conditions. We conclude that tPA is inhibited by OONO(-), and that OONO(-) may have a role in clinical thrombotic scenarios. IMPLICATIONS Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) has a prominent role in fibrinolysis in vivo. Thrombosis has been associated with clinical scenarios involving decreases in tPA activity with concomitant formation of the oxidant peroxynitrite. We determined that peroxynitrite decreased tPA activity via thrombelastography. Peroxynitrite-mediated tPA inactivation may have a role in thrombotic states.
The inability of CBA/N mice to proliferate in response to Fc fragments from human immunoglobulin is an age-related defect

Abstract Spleen cell preparations from young adult (3 months old) and aged (12 months old) CBA/N mice were compared for their ability to proliferate in response to Fc fragments derived from human immunoglobulin. Aged CBA/N spleen cells were capable of being stimulated by Fc fragments whereas young adult CBA/N spleen cells were unresponsive to Fc. The inability of the young adults to respond was not due to an active, suppressor cell-mediated effect. The data indicate that the X-linked defect in the CBA/N lymphocyte responsiveness is not a permanent developmental blockade but a delay in B-cell maturation.
Activation of the melanocortin-4 receptor causes enhanced excitation in presympathetic paraventricular neurons in obese Zucker rats

Sympathetic nerve activity is increased in obesity-related hypertension. However, the central mechanisms involved in the increased sympathetic outflow remain unclear. The hypothalamic melanocortin system is important for regulating energy balance and sympathetic outflow. To understand the mechanisms by which the melanocortin systems regulates sympathetic outflow, we investigated the role of melanocortin 4 receptors (MC4R) in regulating presympathetic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) neurons. We performed whole-cell patch-clamp recordings on retrogradely labeled PVN neurons projecting to the rostral ventrolateral medulla in brain slices from obese zucker rats (OZRs) and lean zucker rats (LZRs). The MC4R agonists melanotan II (MTII) and α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) increased the firing activity and depolarized the labeled PVN neurons from both LZRs and OZRs in a concentration-dependent manner. MTII produced significant greater increase in the firing activity in OZRs than in LZRs. Blocking MC4R with the specific antagonist SHU9119 had no effect on the basal firing rate but abolished the MTII-induced increase in the firing rate in both OZRs and LZRs. Furthermore, intracellular dialysis of guanosine 5'-O-(2-thodiphosphate), but not bath application of kynurenic acid and bicuculline, eliminated the MTII-induced increase in firing activity. In addition, MTII had no effect on the frequency and amplitude of glutamatergic excitatory postsynaptic currents and GABAergic inhibitory postsynaptic currents in labeled PVN neurons. Collectively, our findings suggest that MC4R contributes to the elevated excitability of PVN presympathetic neurons, which may be involved in obesity-related hypertension.
Dispersive Erosion and Entisol-Panspot Genesis in Sodium-Affected Landscapes

In Natriboroll complexes, commonly barren, eroded Entisol or remnant Natriboroll areas occur that are devoid of vegetation. This study investigates the genesis, stratigraphy, and characteristics of panspots. The study consists of a detailed grid sampling of 121 pedons in a 20 by 20 m area of panspots (Entisol), revegetated panspots (Entisol), and Glossic and Leptic Natriborolls. Topographic and soil morphological parameters were compared with electrical conductivity, soluble Ca, Mg, HCO₃, Cl, SO₄, exchangable H, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), particle size, and water-dispersible clay. Field evidence clearly showed dispersion-induced erosion resulting from a documented rainstorm. Water-dispersible clay supported these observations. Morphologic indicators of leaching intensity and results from a salinity survey showed soil properties consistently related to surface vegetation density. In barren panspots, no development was evident but, in revegetated panspots, a leaching regime was evident and modest structural development could be seen. Chemical and morphological data suggested two water-movement regimes in panspot development. A diagrammatic model illustrates the role of throughflow and discharge of saline-sodic water and mechanical/dispersive erosion in panspot genesis. Revegetated panspot zones result from a renewal of soil development that slowly reverses the effects of dispersive erosion. Lateral water flow in anisotropic, sodic parent materials is a major factor in the development of panspots.
Movements, distribution, and abundance of Great Argus Pheasants (Argusianus argus) in a Sumatran rainforest.

ABSTRACT. We used radiotelemetry, habitat sampling, camera trapping, and line-transect surveys to explore movement patterns, distribution, and abundance of Great Argus Pheasants (Argusianus argus) in Sumatra, Indonesia. We radiotracked six adult and one subadult males. Territories averaged 14.5 ± 8.5 ha, and home-range size did not vary by month or by relative abundance of selected plant foods. Daily travel distance (849 ± 211 m) varied significantly between months but did not reflect changes in plant foods. Territories were used almost exclusively by resident males. Males preferentially used undisturbed forest (habitat I). Vegetation structure at male display sites and random points indicated that display sites were located in undisturbed forest, with few lianas and small leaf size on trees adjacent to the display site. Between 1998 and 2001, we conducted five line-transect surveys in conjunction with camera-trap surveys. Density estimates of calling males varied from 0.4 to 2.5 males km-2, and the total...
Sub-grain Boundary Spacing in Directionally Crystallized Si Films Obtained via Sequential Lateral Solidification

In this paper, we report on the average linear density of sub-grain boundaries that are found in directionally solidified microstructures obtained via sequential lateral solidification of Si thin films. Specifically, we have characterized the dependence of the sub-grain boundary density on the film thickness, incident energy density, and per-pulse translation distance. The investigation was confined to analyzing directionally solidified microstructures obtained using straight-line beamlets. It is found that the average spacing of the sub-grain boundaries depended approximately linearly on the film thickness, where it varied from 0.28m at a thickeness of 550A to ∼0.75μm at 2,000 A. In contrast, variations in either the energy density or the per-pulse translation distance within the investigated SLS process parameter domain were found to have a negligible effect on the spacing. Discussion is provided on a preliminary model that invokes polygonization of thermal-stress generated dislocations, and on implications of the dependence of device performance on the film thickness.
Polyuria associated with high-dose methotrexate in two patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia:

Although methotrexate has an established safety profile in clinical practice, severe morbidity can still occur on rare occasions. We report two patients with leukemia treated with high dose methotrexate. Both patients developed profound polyuria that required aggressive fluid resuscitations during the treatments. Renal toxicity is a known complication of methotrexate, but polyuria associated with its use has not been reported before. Polyuria started shortly after the initiation of the medicine in both patients. The polyuria resolved as the drug level in blood became undetectable. The episodes of polyuria were transient and recurred every time when the patients received methotrexate. The clinical pictures were not compatible with classical drug induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. It is possible that the drug interferes with adenosine metabolism, which in turn alters the tubular ability of solute and fluid reabsorption.
Novel associations between FAAH genetic variants and postoperative central opioid-related adverse effects

Opioid effects are potentiated by cannabinoid agonists including anandamide, an endocannabinoid. Inter-individual variability in responses to opioids is a major clinical problem. Multiple deaths and anoxic brain injuries occur every year because of opioid-induced respiratory depression (RD) in surgical patients and drug abusers of opioids and cannabinoids. This study aimed to determine specific associations between genetic variants of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and postoperative central opioid adverse effects in children undergoing tonsillectomy. This is a prospective genotype-blinded observational study in which 259 healthy children between 6 and 15 years of age who received standard perioperative care with a standard anesthetic and an intraoperative dose of morphine were enrolled. Associations between frequent polymorphisms of FAAH and central postoperative opioid adverse effects including, RD, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and prolonged stay in Post Anesthesia Recovery Room (postoperative anesthesia care unit, PACU) due to RD and PONV were analyzed. Five specific FAAH single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) had significant associations with more than twofold increased risk for refractory PONV (adjusted P<0.0018), and nominal associations (P<0.05) with RD and prolonged PACU stay in white children undergoing tonsillectomy. The FAAH SNP, rs324420, is a missense mutation with altered FAAH function and it is linked with other FAAH SNPs associated with PONV and RD in our cohort; association between PONV and rs324420 was confirmed in our extended cohort with additional 66 white children. Specific FAAH polymorphisms are associated with refractory PONV, opioid-related RD, and prolonged PACU stay due to opioid adverse effects in white children undergoing tonsillectomy.
Practical Limitations in Achieving Shaped Modal Sensors With Induced Strain Materials

The purpose of this work is to explore practical limitations associated with the design of distributed modal sensors from induced strain materials for two-dimensional structures and illuminate difficulties associated with positioning sensors on structures in general. Results from this study indicate that a true modal sensor cannot be realized on a two-dimensional structure unless the boundary conditions are all pinned. This result stems from the fact that the sensor aperture must be orthogonal with respect to the structural mode (eigenfunction) and the curvature of the structural mode to render a distributed modal filter. The only class of functions satisfying this condition are sinusoidal functions. In addition, positioning of distributed strain sensing material is shown to be critical to the performance of the sensor over a specified bandwidth, specifically in the vicinity of structural resonances.
Novel endothelin B receptor transcripts with the potential of generating a new receptor.

Abstract Using RT-PCR and rapid amplification of 5′ cDNA ends (5′ RACE), we have cloned three previously unrecognized endothelin B receptor ( EDNRB ) transcripts from a human melanoma cell line. Three distinct types of cDNAs ( EDNRBΔ1 , Δ2 and Δ3 ) were identified. EDNRBΔ1 starts upstream of the published transcription start site of hEDNRB without splicing, whereas, EDNRBΔ2 and EDNRBΔ3 are alternatively spliced. EDNRBΔ1 and EDNRBΔ2 share the same transcription initiation site and are 560 bp upstream of the conventional hEDNRB , whereas that of EDNRBΔ3 is 939 bp upstream from that described for the conventional hEDNRB . Interestingly, many transcription factor motifs are detectable in the upstream regions of these transcription initiation sites. The predicted amino acid sequences reveal that EDNRBΔ1 and EDNRBΔ2 produce the same protein as the conventional hEDNRB , but EDNRBΔ3 would give rise to additional in-frame 89- or 83-amino-acid residues at the N-terminus. EDNRBΔ3 generates the same amino acid sequence at the C terminus, but utilizes the polyadenylation signal within the open reading frame, resulting in a shorter 3′UTR. These transcripts are widely expressed in human tissues, but their expression patterns vary between different tissues.
RRR‐α‐Tocopheryl succinate inhibits proliferation and enhances secretion of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) by human breast cancer cells

Abstract The RRR‐α‐tocopheryl succinate form of vitamin E inhibits the proliferation of estrogen receptor‐positive and estrogen receptor‐negative human breast cancer cell lines in a dose‐dependent manner in vitro. Analyses of cell‐conditioned medium from RRR‐α‐tocopheryl succinate growth‐inhibited cells revealed the presence of a potent antiproliferative activity. Characterization of the antiproliferative activity as transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) was established by 1) growth inhibition of the TGF‐β‐responsive Mv1Lu‐CCL‐64 mink lung and murine CTLL‐2 cell lines, 2) combination of physical characteristics including heat stability, acid stability, and Bio‐Gel P‐60 column chromatography elution profile, and 3) neutralization of the antiproliferative activity in the conditioned media by antibodies specific for TGF‐β.
Network-based visual analysis of tabular data

Tabular data are pervasive. Although tables often describe multivariate data without explicit network semantics, it may be advantageous to explore the data modeled as a graph or network for analysis. Even when a given table design conveys some static network semantics, analysts may want to look at multiple networks from different perspectives, at different levels of abstraction, and with different edge semantics. We present a system called Ploceus that offers a general approach for performing multi-dimensional and multi-level network-based visual analysis on multivariate tabular data. Powered by an underlying relational algebraic framework, Ploceus supports flexible construction and transformation of networks through a direct manipulation interface, and integrates dynamic network manipulation with visual exploration for a seamless analytic experience.
Mass spectrometric analysis of deuterium dual labeled blood lipids.

A gas chromatography selected ion monitoring mass spectrometer technique was developed to analyze deuterium dual labeled blood lipid samples from a human feeding experiment. In the metabolism experiment, described elsewhere, [2H2] labeled cis and [2H4] labeled trans fatty acids were fed to a human subject as a single pulse in order to determine whether the human body differentiates between cis and trans fatty acids in the diet. The analytical method described here was developed to accurately measure the ratio of [2H2]methyl oleate to [2H4]methyl elaidate in the presence of large amounts of [2H0] methyl oleate in samples derived from separated fractions of blood lipids. The technique is different from most selected ion monitoring methods in that the internal standard was fed to the subject along with the experimental material; the samples contained large amounts of unlabeled material chemically identical to the labeled material and the ratio of [2H2] to [2H4] fatty esters was of principal interest rather than the absolute value. Nine standards were analyzed eight or more times to form a basis for statistical evaluation of the method. Analysis of the plasma phosphatidyl ethanolamine fraction from the metabolic experiment is given as an example.
Learning names for materials: Factors constraining and limiting hypotheses about word meaning ☆

Abstract Children's ability to learn new words quickly ( Carey, 1978 ; Dickinson, 1984b ; Heibeck & Markman, in press) indicates that they have strategies for constraining hypotheses about word meaning. The initial hypotheses children entertain about the meaning of words that name materials were examined in two studies. The first study examined the effects of linguistic constraint supplied by count/mass syntactic information and of conceptual constraints—Object Bias for Solids (i.e., words applied to solids name objects, not materials; Soja, Carey, & Spelke, 1985 ), and Substance Bias for Nonsolids (i.e., words applied to nonsolids name materials). A second study investigated the effects of providing more explicit information about word meaning by including the phrase “made of” when words were presented. In both studies, 16 children, aged 3, 4, and 5, were introduced to an object or material and told a name for it in phrases that varied the information provided. They then were shown two items and asked to indicate which was an example of the presentation stimulus. Mass syntax was somewhat effective in helping children map words to material concepts, but conceptual constraints were more important. Children of all ages were poor at learning names for materials when the word referred to unfamiliar objects made of unfamiliar materials, but the phrase “made of” helped reduce the effect of the Object Bias for Solids among 5-year-olds. Age-related developments suggest that acquisition of material names also is affected by improving access to material concepts.
Fits of non-rutherford cross sections and their inclusion in the RUMP simulator

It is well known that the cross section for proton scattering from low-Z (2–14) nuclei may be significantly greater than Rutherford. In carbon the resonant enhancement is about 60 times that of the Rutherford predication. Failure to account for this enhancement in modeling programs such as RUMP will lead to a gross overestimate of the carbon present in the sample. We have obtained a numerical approximation to the experimental cross section (⩽, 2 MeV) for carbon, nitrogen, fluorine and silicon. These fits have been incorporated in the RUMP simulator. The fitting procedure and inclusion into RUMP should be readily extended to higher energies and other nuclei. Examples of backscattering analyses with the non-Rutherford cross sections will be compared with analyses using the unmodified RUMP and with the experimental spectra.
Pyridoxine chemistry. VIII. synthesis of 5‐norpyridoxol

5-Norpyridoxol (3,5-dihydroxy-4-hydroxymethyl-6-methylpyridine, I) has been synthesized. In contrast to the other two isomeric norpyridoxols (II and III), it proved to be inhibitory to Saccharomyces carlsbergensis. Improved methods of synthesis for some intermediates previously described have been developed.
Modeling Nonlinear Growth With Three Data Points Illustration With Benchmarking Data

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate ways to model nonlinear growth using three testing occasions. We demonstrate our growth models in the context of curriculum-based measurement using the fall, winter, and spring passage reading fluency benchmark assessments. We present a brief technical overview that includes the limitations of a growth model with three time points, and how nonlinear growth can be modeled and the associated limitations. We present results for a piecewise growth mixture modeling approach to model nonlinear growth for 1 to 3 classes, as well as to further explain individual differences and to capture heterogeneity of growth patterns. We discuss our interpretation of these results, as well as the implications of different methods for modeling nonlinear growth with three occasions.
Dynamics of spinning particles in classical and quantum theory

The equations of motion of various classical relativistic theories are considered and compared with the (Lorentz) covariant oneparticle quantum equations. A remarkable formal analogy is found in the case of a free particle. The various classical theories correspond to different aspects of the actual quantum equations of motion if an external field is present.
Behavioral effects of cocaine on a transgenic mouse model of cortical-limbic compulsion.

Abstract We previously created a transgenic mouse model of cortical–limbic induced compulsions in which dopamine D1 receptor-expressing (D1+) neurons in restricted regional subsets of the cortex and amygdala express a neuropotentiating cholera toxin (CT) transgene. These `D1CT' mice engage in complex behavioral abnormalities uniquely resembling human compulsions, such as non-aggressive biting of cagemates during grooming, repeated leaping and episodes of perseverance of any and all normal behaviors. Because both compulsions and cocaine-induced behaviors may represent forms of psychomotor activation that have a shared or overlapping neurological basis, we have examined the behavioral response of these `compulsive' mice to cocaine. In both control and D1CT mice, cocaine increased the amount of time spent engaged in typical cocaine-dependent stereotypies such as locomotion, sniffing, or gnawing, while the remainder of behaviors within their normally complete behavioral repertoires decreased. Cocaine also decreased, rather than facilitated, the incidence of D1CT transgene-induced compulsion-like behaviors such as repeated leaping and perseverance of any and all normal behaviors. The indistinguishable cocaine responses of D1CT and normal mice, as well as the masking (rather than potentiation) of D1CT mouse compulsion-like behaviors by cocaine, suggests that cortical–limbic induced compulsions are significantly different in their origin or circuitry from cocaine-induced stereotyped behaviors. Specifically, these data suggest that the motor circuits stimulated in compulsions represent only a subset of the parallel circuits stimulated by cocaine. These data are, thus, consistent with the hypothesis that topographically restricted subsets of parallel cortical–striatal–thalamic loops induce different types of compulsive behaviors.
Regulation of blood fatty acids and glycerol in lactating cows.

Abstract Responses of blood plasma glycerol and free fatty acids (FFA) to 2.5 to 5.0mg L-norepinephrine (NE) in nine lactating (3 to 5 weeks) and nine nonlactating (3 to 5 weeks prepartum) cows were compared at 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60min after intravenous iniection. Mean control values ( μ M) for nonlactating and lactating cows were: glycerol, 98 and 118; FFA, 379 and 420. Post NE injection means ( μ M) for nonlactating and lactating cows were: glycerol, 119 and 120; FFA, 430 and 557. Response to NE was apparently higher (P∼.12) for FFA and lower (P
Esophageal reconstruction with intraoperative dilatation of the hypopharynx for the management of chronic corrosive esophageal strictures. A technical tip

Chronic corrosive strictures of the upper cervical esophagus and hypopharynx resulting from ingestion of caustic substances are a challenging surgical entity when repeated endoscopic dilatations fail to yield satisfactory results. Restoring the continuity of the upper digestive tract by esophageal substitution at healthy tissue margins not only compromises the integrity of the swallowing mechanism, but also often requires the performance of a tracheostomy in order to ensure avoidance of recurrent aspirations. We describe three cases of corrosive upper cervical esophageal strictures treated with intraoperative dilatation of the proximal hypopharyngeal stump and concurrent 'stenting' of the pharyngeal anastomosis with the conduit replacing the esophagus. All patients tolerated the procedure well. Avoidance of both impairment of deglutition and respiratory complications, as well as restoration of normal esophageal function, was successfully accomplished.
Human CMV vaccine trials: What if CMV caused a rash?

There are no apparent biologic obstacles to immunization against fetal/placental infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV), and vaccine candidates have been developed. The major obstacles for a human CMV vaccine are difficulties associated with the design and execution of efficacy trials. These trials will be prolonged with difficulties in recruiting subjects, and hampered by several factors: First is a lack of public awareness of CMV, making recruitment into vaccine trials difficult. Second is that trials using fetal infection as an endpoint will be prolonged since vaccine administration must occur preconception. Third, behavioral changes by subjects will affect infection rates, and controls for behavioral changes will have to be in place in any clinical trial. Fourth, not all women are at equal risk for CMV infections. High risk women may become infected by contact with young children or via sexual activity. Thus, the mode of acquisition may be a confounding variable in vaccine efficacy trials. In spite of these potential obstacles, successful evaluation of CMV vaccines is possible and likely when considered against similar obstacles encountered by several other recently licensed vaccines.
Another quasi-experimental study of understanding/appreciation of editorial satire.

College students completed a 17-item scale measuring the "propensity to argue controversial topics" and 7 other nominal-scale independent variables. They then read three editorial satires and checked which of five statements was the intended thesis of each satire's author. They also rated each satire on interestingness and funniness. Analysis indicated dependence between understanding of satire and sex and regular readership of "The Far Side."
Moment method analysis of coplanar parasitic subarrays

The spectral domain full-wave analysis and the moment method were used to analyze coplanar parasitic subarrays. The first configuration studies was a radiating-edge-gap-coupled three-element subarray. It was found that convergence problems are encountered if entire domain cavity-mode basis functions are used. Consequently, piecewise-sinusoidal (PWS) expansion modes were used instead. The gap widths for the five cases considered were in multiples of each other, in the range of 0.0825-1.32 cm. >
Naltrexone Salt Selection for Enhanced Transdermal Permeation Through Microneedle-Treated Skin

The passive delivery rate of naltrexone (NTX) through intact skin is too slow to achieve therapeutic plasma levels in humans from a reasonably sized transdermal patch. A physical enhancement method--microneedles (MNs)--has been shown to afford a substantial increase in the percutaneous flux of NTX hydrochloride in vitro. However, for better therapeutic effect and decrease in the transdermal patch area, further enhancement is desired. The purpose of this study was to identify a NTX salt that would (1) provide elevated in vitro percutaneous drug transport across MN-treated skin as compared with that of the NTX hydrochloride and (2) prove nonirritating to the skin in vivo. The pH-solubility profiles of NTX salts were investigated with three drug salts showing improved solubility at physiologically relevant skin surface pH of 5.0. The skin-irritation potential of NTX glycolate and lactate gels was not greater than that of placebo gel in the guinea pig model. Additionally, in vitro diffusion studies indicated that NTX glycolate provides around 50% enhancement in the flux through MN-treated skin at the cost of doubling the drug concentration in the donor solution. Overall, a new NTX glycolate salt appears to be a promising candidate for MN-assisted transdermal drug delivery system.
Genetic Diversity in a Morphologically Conservative Invasive Taxon: Multiple Introductions of Swamp Eels to the Southeastern United States

Genetic analysis of introduced populations, especially in morphologically conservative taxa, can clarify introduction histories, identify management units and source populations, provide a more realistic es- timate of the frequency of successful invasion, and suggest strategies for preventing further introductions. In the last 7 years, populations of swamp eels, referred to the Asian genus Monopterus (Family Synbranchidae) on the basis of external morphology, have been discovered in aquatic habitats near Atlanta, Georgia; Tampa, Florida; North Miami, Florida; and most recently in close proximity to Everglades National Park in Home- stead, Florida. Swamp eels are large predators capable of dispersal over land and have the potential to dis- rupt already threatened ecosystems. We analyzed mitochondrial DNA sequences from four known popula- tions in the continental United States and samples from Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and two locations in China to determine introduction histories, source populations, genetic diversity, and relationships among populations. Our results indicate that there have been at least three independent introductions of genetically distinct forms. Introduced populations in close proximity (separated by � 40 km) are genetically distinct. The level of sequence difference among introduced populations reaches levels seen among sister families of teleost fishes for the same region of the mitochondrial genome. These genetically distinct introduced populations in all likelihood represent at least two and possibly three species. Regardless of species status, these genetically distinct lineages may be expected to vary in ecological or life-history traits, representing different potential threats to the ecosystems where they have been introduced. Given the success of swamp eels in invading many habitats around the world, further study of these eels is warranted to elucidate the characteristics of successful invaders and invasions.