cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metal complexes as photochemical nitric oxide precursors: Potential applications in the treatment of tumors

The bioregulatory molecule NO plays key roles in cancer biology and has been implicated in both tumor growth and suppression. Furthermore, it is a γ-radiation sensitizer that may enhance selective killing of neoplastic tissues. For these reasons, there is considerable interest in developing methods for NO delivery to specific physiological targets. In this Perspective, we describe ongoing investigations focused on photochemical methodologies to deliver therapeutic doses of NO to such targets utilizing transition metal complexes that are nitric oxide precursors. The photochemical strategy has the advantages that it allows for precise control of the timing, location, and dosage for the targeted delivery of a bioactive agent.
The Political Economy of the Car

“What happens if the Chinese all have cars?” This question, posed on page 3 of Matthew Paterson’s Automobile Politics: Ecology and Cultural Political Economy, provides a thematic link between the two books reviewed in this essay, Paterson’s and Kelly Sims Gallagher’s China Shifts Gears: Automakers, Oil, Pollution, and Development. At one level, this link is quite loose. For Paterson, China is one among many examples of the growth in the geographical spread of, and therefore the environmental impact of, car culture, an example that he does not discuss in any particular detail. For Gallagher, China is the focus of the study. Beyond a common focus on cars and the environment the books have little in common, in terms of empirics or methodology. At another level, however, the common focus on the effects of car culture provides an important link. The two books offer radically different approaches to a fundamentally similar set of concerns. These two approaches are emblematic of two distinct literatures in the aeld of global environmental politics. Gallagher’s book is an example of what might be called the policy approach to global environmental politics. This approach is consistent with the mainstream approach to international political economy as practiced in the United States, as found in journals such as International Organization. This approach focuses on minimizing environmental externalities from international economic activity while at the same time minimizing the cost to that activity of controlling environmental externalities. Paterson’s book is an example of the critical approach to global environmental politics, consistent with an approach to international political economy that is more likely to be considered mainstream in Britain than the United States, and is found in journals such as Review of International Political Economy. This approach focuses on the ways in which environmental degradation is part and parcel of
Psychiatric Diagnosis as a Function of Assessor Profession and Sex.

Diagnostic impressions formed by 26 clinicians after intake interviews with 200 randomly assigned outpatients at a community mental health center were analyzed by assessor discipline and sex and by patient sex and age level. Professional status was positively related to diagnostic severity among male assessors—nurses, social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists made increasingly higher proportions of psychotic diagnoses. Female therapists were less likely than their male counterparts to render psychotic diagnoses. This finding was most robust for doctoral interviewers, especially psychologists, and for patients who were female or under 30. Results are discussed in relation to the need for a model of the diagnostic process that allows for the role of practitioner attributes. Previous largely negative findings may have had their source in the failure of contrived analogue procedures to evoke emotions in the rater comparable in intensity to those aroused in the real-life encounter.
Differentiating Adolescent Suicide Attempters from Ideators: Examining the Interaction between Depression Severity and Alcohol Use

Depressed mood, frequency of alcohol use, and their combination were examined to see if they differentiated nonsuicidal adolescents from those with suicidal ideation and adolescents with suicidal ideation from those who have made a suicide attempt. Hierarchical logistic regressions indicated that frequency of alcohol use did not differentiate nonsuicidal adolescents from those with current suicidal ideation, but severity of depressed mood did so. In contrast, alcohol use was a significant differentiating factor between adolescents who had attempted suicide compared to those with suicidal ideation only, with severity of depressed mood not being significant. However, there was also a significant interaction effect such that for adolescents with suicidal ideation and low levels of depression, increased frequency of alcohol use was associated with increased odds of a suicide attempt. These findings suggest that alcohol use may hasten the transition from suicidal ideation to suicide attempt in adolescents with low levels of depressed mood.
The biogenetic-type total synthesis of ajmaline

Abstract Chemical steps 14→15→20→21→22→23a→23b→24a→24b→25→29→30→42→43→44→45→46→1 constitute the first biogenetic-type total synthesis of the indole alkaloid ajmaline.
Influence of ultrasonic surface acoustic waves. on local friction studied by lateral force microscopy

We studied dynamic friction phenomena introduced by ultrasonic surface acoustic waves using a scanning force microscope in the lateral force mode and a scanning acoustic force microscope. An effect of friction reduction was found when applying surface acoustic waves to the micro-mechanical tip-sample contact. Employing standing acoustic wave fields, the wave amplitude dependent friction variation can be visualized within a microscopic area. At higher wave amplitudes, a regime was found where friction vanishes completely. This behavior is explained by the mechanical diode effect, where the tip’s rest position is shifted away from the surface in response to ultrasonic waves.
Dynamics of DNA molecules in gel studied by fluorescence microscopy.

The dynamics of individual DNA molecules in a thin gel were studied with fluorescence microscopy. Driven by an electric field, molecules hooked around isolated obstacles and became extended. By analyzing molecular images, we identified the reptation tube and primitive chain. When the field was turned off, the molecules relaxed. The relaxation time tau1 and primitive chain length at equilibrium depend on N, the size of the molecule in base pairs, consistently with reptation theory. Using five yeast chromosomal DNAs ranging in size from 245 kb to 980 kb, we found that: These results constitute a way of sizing individual DNA molecules by imaging rather than by gel electrophoresis.
Modeling coupled sorption and transformation of 17β-estradiol-17-sulfate in soil-water systems.

Abstract Animal manure is the primary source of exogenous free estrogens in the environment, which are known endocrine-disrupting chemicals to disorder the reproduction system of organisms. Conjugated estrogens can act as precursors to free estrogens, which may increase the total estrogenicity in the environment. In this study, a comprehensive model was used to simultaneously simulate the coupled sorption and transformation of a sulfate estrogen conjugate, 17β-estradiol–17-sulfate (E2–17S), in various soil–water systems (non-sterile/sterile; topsoil/subsoil). The simulated processes included multiple transformation pathways (i.e. hydroxylation, hydrolysis, and oxidation) and mass transfer between the aqueous, reversibly sorbed, and irreversibly sorbed phases of all soils for E2–17S and its metabolites. The conceptual model was conceived based on a series of linear sorption and first-order transformation expressions. The model was inversely solved using finite difference to estimate process parameters. A global optimization method was applied for the inverse analysis along with variable model restrictions to estimate 36 parameters. The model provided a satisfactory simultaneous fit ( R 2 adj = 0.93 and d = 0.87) of all the experimental data and reliable parameter estimates. This modeling study improved the understanding on fate and transport of estrogen conjugates under various soil–water conditions.
The soviet crisis of the early 1980s and Mikhail Gorbachev's rise to power

(1990). The soviet crisis of the early 1980s and Mikhail Gorbachev's rise to power. Socialism and Democracy: Vol. 6, No. 2, pp. 1-15.
Imprint testing of ferroelectric capacitors used for non-volatile memories

Abstract A set of criteria is presented, based on the polarization versus electric field hysteresis characteristics, which can be used to reveal a tendency towards imprint failure in ferroelectric capacitors. A series of pulsed voltage waveforms, generated by the RT66A ferroelectric tester, are utilized to validate our established criteria for the tendency towards imprinting. The tests have been performed on hetero-structure Pb(ZrxTi1−x)O3(PZT)-based capacitors produced by a pulsed laser ablation depositon technique (PLAD). The loss of retained charge in the ferroelectric capacitors is considered in light of the imprint test methodology. Rates of retention loss and imprint are extracted from the experimental data and treated as separate processes that lead to device failure. The rate of approach towards imprint failure is found to be influenced by the magnitude of the read pulse.
The sequencing expression, purification, and steady-state kinetic analysis of quinolinate phosphoribosyl transferase from Escherichia coli.

Abstract The nadC gene from Escherichia coli was isolated and sequenced. The gene was then cloned into an expression vector and, following transformation, the resulting bacteria were able to produce quinolinate phosphoribosyl transferase as about 2% of the soluble protein. The enzyme was purified in five steps leading to a homogeneous preparation. The enzyme reaction shows an ordered binding mechanism where the magnesium ion complex of 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate binds first followed by quinolinic acid. The products are pyrophosphate, CO 2 , and nicotinate mononucleotide. Product inhibition studies show that nicotinate mononucleotide is a competitive inhibitor with respect to 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate while pyrophosphate is noncompetitive with respect to both 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate and quinolinic acid. Phthalic acid and fructose-1,6-bisphosphate were used as dead-end inhibitors. Phthalate was competitive with respect to quinolinic acid but uncompetitive with respect to 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate. Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate was a competitive inhibitor with respect to 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate and noncompetitive with respect to quinolinic acid. The K m values for the substrates are 15.6 μ M for 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate and 6.4 μ M for quinolinic acid.
Stress drop for three M∼4.3–4.7 (1992–1994) Parkfield, CA, earthquakes

In a previous paper (Fletcher and Spudich, 1998) we determined the slip distribution for the three M∼4.3 to 4.7 Parkfield events that occurred between Oct. 20, 1992 and Dec. 20, 1994. The rupture characteristics of these events are of particular interest because they are the largest events to occur at Parkfield since the 1966 mainshock. To further investigate the rupture process of these events, we compute the static stress change or stress drop caused by the slip using a boundary integral method from Quin and Das (1989) adapted for the forward modeling case of computing stresses from a static slip distribution. We find that the initial phase at or very near the hypocenter has the largest stress change in all cases. This peak has a value of about 3.8 MPa for the Oct. 20, 1992 event (which also has the smallest magnitude of the three at 4.3) and about 45 MPa for the other Nov. 14, 1993 and 60 MPa for the Dec. 20, 1994 event. The rest of the stress release is comparatively small and smooth for the Nov. 14, 1993 event, which is the deepest event and the most impulsive. The pattern of stress release of the other two events (Oct. 20, 1992 and Dec. 20, 1994) is more complex with a greater spatial extent. The spatial distribution of stress is approximately similar to the spatial distribution of slip, but with the larger initial peak in stress drop at the hypocenter.
P-951 - Medicare Part D, generic prescribing and adherence to antidepressant therapy

Introduction In the U.S., Medicare Part D coverage gap poses concern for antidepressant adherence, but wide availability of generic antidepressants may mitigate the effect. Objectives and aims To assess the effects of coverage gap and generic prescribing on antidepressant adherence among a cohort of Medicare patients experiencing a new episode of depression. Methods We used 2007 Medicare Part D drug event file to examine antidepressant use over the 6 months following antidepressant initiation. We estimated Cox proportional hazard models to assess the effects of the two factors on the risk of antidepressant treatment disruption. We estimated mixed-effects linear models to assess the effects on monthly days of antidepressant possession. All analyses were stratified by Part D low-income subsidy (LIS) status and Medicare entitlement (aged vs. disabled). Results Receiving a generic (vs. brand) antidepressant on the first script was associated with a significantly reduced risk of treatment disruption across all four populations: hazard ratios ranged from 0.66 (p = 0.006) among disabled patients not receiving LIS to 0.88 (p = 0.020) among aged patients receiving LIS. For patients not receiving LIS, experience of coverage gap was associated with increased risk of disruption only among the disabled (hazard ratio = 2.15, p = 0.006). Analysis of monthly antidepressant possession produced consistent results and indicated that the beneficial effect of generic first script was comparable with or outweighed the detrimental effect of coverage gap. Conclusions Part D coverage gap adversely affected antidepressant adherence by disabled patients not receiving LIS. Increased generic prescribing may help improve adherence among all patients.
The carbohydrate-binding domain of overexpressed STBD1 is important for its stability and protein-protein interactions.

STBD1 (starch-binding domain-containing protein 1) belongs to the CBM20 (family 20 carbohydrate binding module) group of proteins, and is implicated in glycogen metabolism and autophagy. However, very little is known about its regulation or interacting partners. Here, we show that the CBM20 of STBD1 is crucial for its stability and ability to interact with glycogen-associated proteins. Mutation of a conserved tryptophan residue (W293) in this domain abolished the ability of STBD1 to bind to the carbohydrate amylose. Compared with the WT (wild-type) protein, this mutant exhibited rapid degradation that was rescued upon inhibition of the proteasome. Furthermore, STBD1 undergoes ubiquitination when expressed in COS cells, and requires the N-terminus for this process. In contrast, inhibition of autophagy did not significantly affect protein stability. In overexpression experiments, we discovered that STBD1 interacts with several glycogen-associated proteins, such as GS (glycogen synthase), GDE (glycogen debranching enzyme) and Laforin. Importantly, the W293 mutant of STBD1 was unable to do so, suggesting an additional role for the CBM20 domain in protein–protein interactions. In HepG2 hepatoma cells, overexpressed STBD1 could associate with endogenous GS. This binding increased during glycogenolysis, suggesting that glycogen is not required to bridge this interaction. Taken together, our results have uncovered new insights into the regulation and binding partners of STBD1.
Violence Against Women in Video Games: A Prequel or Sequel to Rape Myth Acceptance?

Current research suggests a link between negative attitudes toward women and violence against women, and it also suggests that media may condition such negative attitudes. When considering the tremendous and continued growth of video game sales, and the resulting proliferation of sexual objectification and violence against women in some video games, it is lamentable that there is a dearth of research exploring the effect of such imagery on attitudes toward women. This study is the first study to use actual video game playing and control for causal order, when exploring the effect of sexual exploitation and violence against women in video games on attitudes toward women. By employing a Solomon Four-Group experimental research design, this exploratory study found that a video game depicting sexual objectification of women and violence against women resulted in statistically significant increased rape myths acceptance (rape-supportive attitudes) for male study participants but not for female participants.
Homotopy Type and Euler Characteristic of Partially Ordered Sets

Many results about the homotopy type of posets can be conveniently proved using one topological theorem due to Quillen. This paper contains a proof of that theorem and several applications. Also included is a purely combinatorial theorem which is closely related to Quillen's theorem and which generalizes Rota's Galois connection theorem.
Vaccines as physically and chemically well-defined pharmaceutical dosage forms

Although the identification and develop ment of highly immunogenic antigens often seems to be the key step in the creation of new and more effective vaccines, their formulation into stable prophylactic medicines, often in the presence of adjuvants to boost immune responses, can be an equally important challenge. This transformation of molecules into medicines is, however, often a difficult process due to the molecular complexity of most vaccines as well as some controversy over the degree to which vaccines can be treated
The influence of cold insoluble globulin on platelet morphological response to substrata

Light microscopic studies have been carried out on the attachment and morphological responses of washed human platelets in serum-free medium to fibrinogen-coated, collagen-coated and uncoated tissue culture plastic substrata. Platelets were observed to attach to the substratum, extend filipodia and undergo spreading. Subsequently, lysis of platelets occurred. On uncoated tissue culture plastic substrata, the addition of cold insoluble globulin to the incubations had no effect on the above morphological changes. On the other hand, on the protein coated substrata, there was very little platelet spreading or lysis without the addition of cold insoluble globulin.
Sampled‐data state feedback stabilization of a class of nonlinear systems based on Euler approximation

In this paper, sampled-data control of locally Lipschitz nonlinear systems is studied. The controller is designed entirely in the discrete-time domain. The design is based on the approximate discrete-time model of the continuous-time system obtained using the Euler method. The analyses of the closed loop system establish trajectory convergence, which implies asymptotic/exponential convergence for arbitrarily small sampling time. The major contribution of this paper is that asymptotic/exponential convergence of the closed loop system is proved under some additional conditions for a sufficiently small but nonzero sampling time. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Nonsense-Mediated mRNA Decay

Disclosed are compositions and methods relating to nonsense mediated decay (NMD) particularly in the 'pioneer' round of translation. The present invention provides methods of treating disorders relating to NMD and methods of screening substances for use in the study of or treatment of conditions relating to NMD.
Prediction of infrared intensities

Abstract Receent attempts to predict the infrared intensities of fluorine-containing molecules will be reviewed. These efforts make use of the concept of the atomic polar tensor, introduced by Biarge, Herranz and Morcillo, rather than the electro-optical parameter -formalism, but the model is not basically different. The atomic polar tensor for the F atom is obtained from an analysis of the infrared intensities of CH 3 F, it is used in the prediction or the intensities of the infrared-active, fundamental vibrations of fluoromethanes (CH 2 F 2 CHF 3 and CF 4 ), hexafluorides (SF 6 and UF 6 ), pentafluorides (UF 5 ,IF 5 ,BrF 5 , ClF 5 ) and of free radicals (CF + 2 and CF + 3 ). These results are summarized and reviewed.
Incorporating environmental issues in a filament winding composite manufacturing system simulation

This paper presents SimBuilder, a simulation system incorporating environmental and quality concerns into a traditional manufacturing simulation environment. These simulations can be used to generate a complete material balance around a particular manufacturing process and can be made available to design engineers to aid in life cycle design assessments. An example developed for the filament-winding composite manufacturing industry is presented.
When Size Really Matters: Size-Dependent Properties and Surface Chemistry of Metal and Metal Oxide Nanoparticles in Gas and Liquid Phase Environments†

It is clear if one peruses the pages of The Journal of Physical Chemistry and other journals of the American Chemical Society that in the years around the beginning of the twenty first century, and in particular the year two thousand eight, there is a great deal of interest in the physical chemistry of nanoparticles. In this article, the focus is on some of the interesting and often not well understood size-dependent properties and surface chemistry of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles in gas and liquid phase environments. Challenges that remain and suggestions for future research needs are also presented at the end of this article.
Behavioral Ecology of Conservation in Traditional Societies

A common exhortation by conservationists suggests that we can solve ecological problems by returning to the attitudes of traditional societies: reverence for resources, and willingness to assume short-term individual costs for long-term, group-beneficial sustainable management. This paper uses the 186-society Standard Cross-Cultural Sample to examine resource attitudes and practices. Two main findings emerge: (1) resource practices are ecologically driven and do not appear to correlate with attitude (including sacred prohibition) and (2) the low ecological impact of many traditional societies results not from conscious conservation efforts, but from various combinations of low population density, inefficient extraction technology, and lack of profitable markets for extracted resources.
Nature of the Photoreactivable Ultra-Violet Lesion in Deoxyribonucleic Acid

Reaction mechanisms involved in the reactivation of biological activity of ultraviolet-inactivated transforming desoxyribonucleic acid were investigated. Emphasis was placed on the role of thymine dimers in biological reactivation in Escherichia coli desoxyribonucleic acid split by treatment with a yeast extract in the presence of light. Results from a series of studies indicate that the yeast photoreactivating preparation had little or no biological effect except that resulting from breakage of thymine dimers. It is concluded that the proportion of photoreactivable damage varies with different wave-lengths of inactivating radiation. (C.H.)
A microstructural flow-induced crystallization model for film blowing: validation with experimental data

The two-phase microstructural/constitutive model for film blowing of Doufas and McHugh (D-M) (J Rheol 45:1085–1104, 2001a) is validated against online film data of a linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) at a variety of processing conditions. The D-M model includes the effects of thermal and flow-induced (enhanced) crystallization (FIC) coupled with the rheological response of both the melt and semicrystalline phases under fabrication conditions. The model predictions of bubble radius, velocity, and crystallinity profiles are in quantitative agreement with available experimental data over a wide range of blow-up ratios (BUR), take-up ratios (TUR), and bubble cooling rates using the same set of material/model parameters. The model naturally predicts the location of the frost line as a consequence of system stiffening due to crystallization overcoming the pitfalls of traditional modeling approaches that impose it as an artificial boundary condition. For a wide range of processing conditions, it is found that key film mechanical properties including elongation to break, yield stress, tensile modulus, and tear strength correlate well with predicted locked-in extensional stresses and molecular orientation at the frost line enabling development of quantitative structure-process-properties relationships that are useful in product and process development. The D-M model for film blowing is physics-based including elements of molecular rheology (polymer kinetic theory), suspension, and nucleation theories as well as irreversible thermodynamics principles, yet being tractable for continuum-based numerical simulations with practical industrial applicability. The FIC enhancement factor of the model is shown to be proportional to $\exp \left (\lambda _{\text {eff},\textnormal {w}}^{2} -1\right )$ , where λ eff,w is a molecular chain stretch ratio of the whole chain and proportional to exp (λ 2 − 1), where λ is the stretch ratio of the remaining (uncrystallized) amorphous chain, consistent with fundamental kinetic Monte Carlo simulations of flow-induced nucleation of Graham and Olmsted (Phys Rev Lett 103:115702-1–115702-4, 2009).
Sitting or tilt position for infant lumbar puncture does not increase ultrasound measurements of lumbar subarachnoid space width.

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to determine whether subarachnoid space width at the site of lumbar puncture in infants changed between 3 positions: flat lateral decubitus, 45-degree tilt, and sitting.MethodsHealthy infants younger than 4 months presenting electively to a pediatric radiolog
Unusual response of the inferior olive to gliomas.

In 31 of 78 cases of gliomas of the brain stem the lesions involved the olivary nuclei. Eighteen of the lesions were bilateral. In 3 of the cases of bilateral tumors in which the lesions extended partly into the olive from the rostral end of that structure, the gray matter of the olivary nuclei had a diffuse, enlarged and unusual cellular appearance. These cells were demonstrated to be astrocytic in origin. They were judged to be reactive astrocytes arising in response to some influence of the neoplasm, the effects of which are limited to the astrocytes of the gray matter of the olives.
The clock genes period 1 and period 2 mediate diurnal rhythms in dioxin-induced Cyp1a1 expression in the mouse mammary gland and liver.

Transcription factors expressing Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) domains are key components of the mammalian circadian clockworks found in most cells and tissues. Because these transcription factors interact with other PAS genes mediating xenobiotic metabolism and because toxin responses are often marked by daily variation, we determined whether the toxin-mediated activation of the signaling pathway involving several PAS genes, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and AhR nuclear translocator (ARNT), fluctuates rhythmically and whether this diurnal oscillation is affected by targeted disruption of key PAS genes in the circadian clockworks, Period 1 (Per1) and Per2. Treatment with the prototypical Ahr ligand, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), had inductive effects on a key target of AhR signaling, Cyp1A1, in both the mammary gland and liver of all animals. In wild type mice, the amplitude of this TCDD-induced Cyp1A1 expression in the mammary gland and liver was significantly greater (23-43-fold) during the night than during the daytime. However, the diurnal variation in the TCDD induction of mammary gland and liver Cyp1A1 expression was abolished in Per1(ldc), Per2(ldc) and Per1(ldc)/Per2(ldc) mutant mice, suggesting that Per1, Per2 and their timekeeping function in the circadian clockworks mediate the diurnal modulation of AhR-regulated responses to TCDD in the mammary gland and liver.
Response to light of various retinal cell types during spreading depression.

Abstract The retina in low Cl − media gives rise to spreading depression (SD) accompanied by a large, receptor side negative potential change (SDP). Changes during SD in the membrane potential and the responsiveness to light of various retinal cell types are studied, using a pair of intra- and extracellular electrodes and applying dim white light flashes to the retina at 5 sec intervals throughout the experiment. The study shows that the amaerine and ganglion cells depolarize strongly during SD to complete loss of response to light, and that the start of depolarization in these cell types precedes a little that of SDP. The other cell types continue to respond to light flashes during SD, though their response amplitude decreases as the cells depolarize due probably to an increase in [K + ] 0 accompanying SD. The results suggest that the amaerine and ganglion cells take an initiative role in the SD generation, and that the changes in the other cell types are mostly of passive nature.
An Inverter for Traction Applications

An inverter configuration with an auxiliary shutoff circuit designed for traction applications is described. The auxiliary shutoff energy adds to the main shutoff energy providing the necessary shutoff capability at stall and low motor speeds where maximum traction is required. The auxiliary shutoff is automatically programmed so that its effect diminishes gradually as the motor speed increases. Such programming results in a reliable inverter where the volt-ampere rating of thyristors are best utilized to provide active power and safety margin. The inverter can be used in conjunction with a chopper, providing variable dc voltage, to convert a fixed dc voltage source to a variable frequency and amplitude ac source. The inverter can also be used in conjunction with a controlled rectifier, providing variable dc voltage, to convert the 60-Hz fixed frequency and voltage commercial supply to a variable voltage and frequency ac supply.
Surgery: Is indocyanine green dye useful in robotic surgery?

Indocyanine green dye continues to be adopted in robot-assisted surgical procedures; its role has expanded from partial nephrectomy to now include reconstructive procedures. Further studies are required to evaluate whether it is simply an interesting tool in the armamentarium or a technique that can improve patient outcomes.
A framework for expert system development in statistical quality control

Abstract We have proposed a framework for developing expert systems for statistical process control applications. The knowledge base is partitioned into three sets: domain-independent, analysis rules, which determne whether or not the sample observations indicate a lack-of-control; intrpretive rules, which analyze the patterns in the chart in terms of process changes; and domain-dependent diagnostic rules, which assist in determining assignable causes and corrective action. This structure allows some portability between applications and customizing to specific applications.
Solubility of benzil in binary alkane + methyl tert-butyl ether solvent mixtures

Experimental solubilities are reported for benzil (1,2-diphenylethanedione) dissolved in six binary mixtures containing methyl tert-butyl ether with hexane, heptane, octane, cyclohexane, methylcyclohexane and 2,2,4-trimethylpentane at 25 °C. Results of these measurements are used to test two mathematical representations based upon the combined nearly ideal binary solvent (NIBS)/Redlich−Kister equation and modified Wilson model. For the six systems studied, the combined NIBS/Redlich−Kister equation was found to provide the more accurate mathematical representation of the experimental data, with an overall average absolute deviation between measured and calculated values being on the order of 0.3%. Slightly larger deviations were noted in the case of the modified Wilson equation.
A Copyright Primer for Small Undergraduate Libraries

Campus librarians play a central role in conversations revolving around copyright compliance. The sheer volume of information provided within library physical and virtual spaces affirms the role libraries play in current copyright debates. Regardless of the function of librarians on any particular campus, it is important to confront the myriad of copyright issues on a college campus from a position of respect for the learner and the copyright owner. This article functions as a copyright primer which librarians can use to help formulate compliance strategies concerning copyrighted material. Other libraries are encouraged to use the primer as a departure point for developing their own philosophy and guidelines. At the University of St. Francis, emphasizing the user as a potential “reproducer” of content is one key to building an understanding of caution and care. The idea of “spontaneous” fair use is also a central and unique function of this primer.
GROWTH IN MEDEOLA VIRGINIANA CLONES I. FIELD OBSERVATIONS.

The pattern of clonal growth in Medeola virginiana was mapped over twelve square meters in a successional white pine forest of eastern Massachusetts. From these maps and an additional sample of excavated plants, the distances and angles of divergence of daughter ramets from the base of the parent shoot were measured for 213 plants. All clonal growth parameters were found to be highly variable in the neld, with coefficients of variation ranging from 17-92%. The rules describing the pattern of growth of daughter ramets were found to be considerably more complicated than previously reported (Bell, 1974). The mortality of tubers, the natural variation of parameters of growth, and the complex patterns of daughter production all call into question the ability of idealized, deterministic models of growth to predict the form of clones and the position of ramets in the field.
The “Semi-involuntary Institution” Revisited: Regional Variations in Church Participation among Black Americans

This study explores contemporary regional variations in Afican American religious life. Building on a rich tradition of historical and ethnographic research on the Black church, we contrast the religious environments that have traditionally prevailed in the Black communities of the rural South and urban non-South. We emphasize regional variations in (1) the social role of religious institutions, (2) the availability of alternative lifestyles and secular opportunities for status and resources, and (3) the social norms and community expectations regarding church involvement. A series of hypotheses regarding patterns and correlates of church participation are then tested, using data from the National Survey of Black Americans. Findings indicate that historical regional variations in African American religious life persist in the contemporary period. Moreover, our results suggest that the rural southern Black church retains its traditional "semiinvoluntary" character, and we discuss the broader theoretical implications of this issue forfuture research in the sociology of religion. Throughout American history, the Black church has occupied a distinctive position in the individual and collective lives of African Americans. Research over the years has consistently reported that Blacks attend church more frequently, participate in other church-related affairs more often, and belong to more church-affiliated organizations than their white counterparts (Glenn 1964; Jacobson, Heaton & Dennis 1990; Roof & McKinney 1987). Studies indicate that
RKR Franck-Condon factors for blue and ultraviolet transitions of some molecules of astrophysical interest and some comments on the interstellar abundance of CH, CH+ and SiH+☆

RKR Franck-Condon factors for thirteen of the blue and ultraviolet transitions of AlF, AlO, BH, BD, CH, CD, CH(+), SiO and SiH(+) have been calculated. The interstellar abundances of CH, CH(+) and SiH(+) are discussed with regard to recent laboratory measurements, our Franck-Condon factors, and observations of the sun and the interstellar medium.
On the RF Power-Handling Capabilities of Forward- and Inverse-Mode SiGe HBT RF Switches Fabricated on Thick-Film SOI

The radio frequency (RF) power-handling capability of forward- and inverse-mode diode-connected SiGe HBT RF switches fabricated on SOI is investigated. Two types of n-p-n SiGe HBTs, each with a different collector doping profile, are used in the ON path of the RF switch. Measured results show that the inverse-mode switches outperform the forward-mode switches in both off-state insertion loss and power handling and compression characteristics. A framework for understanding the differences observed in the distortion performance of the forward- and inverse-mode SiGe HBT switches is developed.
Perispinal etanercept for treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

BACKGROUND Increasing basic science and clinical evidence implicates inflammatory processes and resulting glial activation in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease. Excess TNF-alpha, a cytokine with pleotropic effects in the CNS, has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of AD. In addition to its pro-inflammatory effects, TNF-alpha affects synaptic transmission; and glutamate, NMDA, and amyloid pathways. More specifically, TNF-alpha, produced by glia, has been shown to affect both synaptic strength and to mediate synaptic scaling, a homeostatic mechanism important to the control of neural networks. A recently published small, open-label pilot study suggested that inhibition of the inflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha utilizing the perispinal administration of etanercept may lead to sustained cognitive improvement for six months in patients with mild, moderate, and severe Alzheimer's disease. RESULTS Continued open-label clinical experience with this new treatment modality, now for more than two years, suggests that weekly maintenance treatment with perispinal etanercept may have a sustained positive effect. In addition, rapid clinical improvement, within minutes of dosing, has been observed on a repeated basis in multiple patients. DISCUSSION It is hypothesized that perispinal administration of etanercept may enable rapid delivery to the CNS via the cerebrospinal venous system, resulting in improvement in synaptic mechanisms which have been dysregulated by excess TNF-alpha. TNF-alpha modulation in Alzheimer's disease may also act by influencing glutamate, NMDA, amyloid and other inflammatory pathways. Methods of perispinal administration, as described in the pilot study, may prove useful for delivering other therapeutics, particularly large molecules, to the CNS. Further study in randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials and in basic science studies is merited.
Reproductive factors and risk of premenopausal breast cancer by age at diagnosis: are there differences before and after age 40?

We examined the relationship between reproductive factors and risk of premenopausal breast cancer among women less than age 40 compared with older premenopausal women. We documented 374 incident cases of breast cancer diagnosed before age 40, and 2,533 cases diagnosed at age 40 and older among premenopausal women in the Nurses’ Health Study cohorts. Biennial questionnaires were used to determine age at menarche, age at first birth, parity, breastfeeding, and other reproductive factors. Multivariate relative risks (RR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models within age at diagnosis groups. Tumors in younger women were significantly more likely to be higher grade, larger size, and hormone receptor negative than were tumors in older premenopausal women (p < 0.0001). There was no significant heterogeneity according to age in associations between reproductive factors and risk of premenopausal breast cancer. First birth at age 30 or older increased breast cancer risk in both age groups (age <40: RR 1.10, 95 % CI 0.80–1.50; age ≥40: RR 1.16, 95 % CI 1.02–1.32; p-heterogeneity = 0.44). Risk of premenopausal breast cancer decreased with each additional year of age at menarche in both age groups (age <40: RR 0.93, 95 % CI 0.87–0.99; p trend = 0.02; age ≥40: RR 0.94, 95 % CI 0.91–0.97; p trend = <0.0001). Among premenopausal parous women, breastfeeding was protective regardless of age at diagnosis (age <40: RR 0.84, 95 % CI 0.57–1.22; age ≥40: RR 0.85, 95 % CI 0.72–0.99; p-heterogeneity = 0.79). In the largest prospective examination of reproductive risk factors and risk of breast cancer before and after age 40, we found that younger women were more likely to develop tumors with less favorable prognostic characteristics. However, associations between reproductive factors and risk of breast cancer were similar regardless of age at diagnosis of premenopausal breast cancer.
Water management in relation to control of Phytophthora capsici in vegetable crops

Abstract Moisture, as free water or atmospheric humidity, is a driving force in the biology and ecology of Phytophthora capsici. Free water and soil matric potential are significant factors affecting mycelial growth, sporangial formation, zoospore release, and oospore production of this pathogen. Soil moisture and relative humidity in the atmosphere are critical in determining survival of mycelium and other propagules in the soil and on the plant. Plant infection by P. capsici and disease development are favored by rainfall and high soil moisture, and periodic flooding contributes to a more severe disease. Movement of surface water in the field plays an important role in dispersal of P. capsici and disease increase, and atmospheric humidity affects development of fruit rot. Contamination of irrigation water sources with P. capsici has been reported in a few states in the United States, and limited studies have been conducted to develop tactics to mitigate the impact of contaminated irrigation water. Proper irrigation management and other cultural practices should be implemented to reduce incidences of the disease, such as raised beds, mulching, irrigation methods, and avoidance of excess water. Effect of irrigation water quality on disease development merits further study and developing comprehensive moisture-based forecasting models would help predict disease epidemics and timely application of management approaches.
Analysis of the Developmental Test of Visual Perception and the Motor-Free Visual Perception Test.

To identify children with learning problems and to compare test results, 28 kindergarten children were tested with the Developmental Test of Visual Perception and the Motor-free Visual Perception Test. The tests identified some children already noted by the teacher to exhibit characteristics of learning difficulty, failed to confirm the teacher's judment in others, and identified some children with previously undetected difficulties. Basic differences in the two tests are reported.
Positioning and guidance of neurons on gold surfaces by directed assembly of proteins using Atomic Force Microscopy.

We demonstrate that Atomic Force Microscopy nanolithography can be used to control effectively the adhesion, growth and interconnectivity of cortical neurons on Au surfaces. We demonstrate immobilization of neurons at well-defined locations on Au surfaces using two different types of patterned proteins: 1) poly-D-lysine (PDL), a positively charged polypeptide used extensively in tissue culture and 2) laminin, a component of the extracellular matrix. Our results show that both PDL and laminin patterns can be used to confine neuronal cells and to control their growth and interconnectivity on Au surfaces, a significant step towards the engineering of artificial neuronal assemblies with well-controlled neuron position and connections.
ON THE MEASUREMENT OF 218PO DIFFUSIVITY USING THE TWO-FILTER METHOD

Abstract Determining the diffusion coefficient of 218 Po is an important application of the two-filter method (Thomas and LeClare, 1970, Hlth Phys. 18 , 113). Air containing a known concentration of 222 Rn is drawn through a cylindrical tube with filters at both ends. The 218 Po activity on the downstream filter relative to the 222 Rn concentration in air is interpreted to determine the diffusivity of 218 Po. Previously, the interpretation scheme was based on a theoretical analysis of 218 Po transport and production in a tube by Tan (1969, Int. J. Heat Mass Trans. 12 , 471), and Tan and Hsu (1970, Int. J. Heat Mass Trans. 13 , 1887). Their analysis did not account for radioactive decay of airborne 218 Po within the apparatus nor for the perturbation of the fluid flow caused by the flow resistance of the downstream filter. Also, simplified analytical air flow profiles were assumed in that analysis. In this paper, the two-filter method is re-analyzed numerically, by solving the continuity equation, the Navier-Stokes equations and the species conservation equation for a tube. Full account is taken of the effects of radioactive decay of 218 Po, and the flow resistance of the downstream filter. The results of the new analysis lead to a downward correction of reported diffusivities of 218 Po by about 10–20%.
Issues in building dynamic real-time systems

The issues involved in building dynamic, hard real-time systems, in which resource availability and requirements are not fixed, are discussed. It is shown that the problem of ensuring timing correctness in dynamic real-time systems has three aspects: resource requirements, resource availability, and guarantees. These issues overlap, and a single mechanism or technique may address several issues. The R-Shell, an object-oriented framework that structures resources in a class hierarchy so that they can be selected or substituted dynamically is described. >
Nonrandomized comparison between stent deployment and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in acute myocardial infarction.

Abstract Background Compared with angioplasty, elective stent implantation has improved short-term and long-term outcome with a decrease in abrupt closure and a reduced 6-month restenosis rate. Although primary angioplasty during acute myocardial infarction has improved outcome, recurrent ischemic events and restenosis are still a problem. Methods Outcomes for 166 consecutively treated patients who underwent stent insertion procedures within 24 hours after the onset of acute myocardial infarction were compared with those for a similar group of patients (n = 212) who underwent consecutive balloon angioplasty procedures at one tertiary care institution. The objective of this study was to examine in-hospital and late clinical outcomes for the 2 groups. Results The procedural success rate for stenting in acute myocardial infarction was 100%; that for angioplasty was 98%. Mortality rates during hospitalization were similar for the stent group and the angioplasty group (4.0% vs 2.0%). The rate of in-hospital acute reocclusion necessitating urgent percutaneous reintervention was significantly lower for the stent group (0% vs 3%, P = .02). Six months after the procedure, the stent group had a significantly lower need for revascularization of the infarct-related artery (8% vs 20%, P = .001) and a significantly lower incidence of combined serious clinical events (death, acute occlusion, emergency bypass, target vessel revascularization, and nonfatal myocardial infarction; 12% vs 30%, P = .00003). Conclusion Compared with balloon angioplasty, stent deployment in the setting of acute myocardial infarction was associated with significantly lower frequency of in-hospital acute occlusion and significantly less need for target-vessel revascularization 6 months after myocardial infarction. (Am Heart J 2000;139:44-51.)