cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spectral discrimination of NTS explosions and earthquakes in the southwestern United States using high‐frequency regional data

A high-frequency seismic station has been operating since March, 1987, near Nelson, NV. Records of earthquakes at regional distances from the station show substantially more energy at frequencies above 10 Hz than records of nuclear tests of comparable magnitude on the Nevada Test Site. This contradicts the predictions made by investigators who have advocated high-frequency monitoring for nuclear test detection and identification. Measuring the slopes of the Pg velocity spectra between 4 and 30 Hz successfully discriminates 11 NTS explosions from 36 earthquakes recorded in the first seven months of operation. The spectral differences may result from the respective source depths, with the earthquakes occurring deeper and in faster material than the explosions.
Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence: a comment on Cozzuol et al. (2013)

The recent description of a new species of Amazonian tapir is inadequately supported by the genetic, morphological, and ethnographic information provided by the authors.
Shadow Systems and Attractors in Reaction-Diffusion Equations,

For a pair of reaction diffusion equations with one diffusion coefficient very large, there is associated a reaction diffusion equation coupled with an ordinary differential equation (the shadow system) with nonlocal effects which has the property that it contains all of the essential dynamics of the original equations. Key words: Attractors, shadow systems, reaction-diffusion equations
Optical design of a coastal ocean imaging spectrometer

We present an optical design for an airborne imaging spectrometer that addresses the unique constraints imposed by imaging the coastal ocean region. A fast (F/1.8) wide field system (36°) with minimum polarization dependence and high response uniformity is required, that covers the spectral range 350–1050 nm with 3 nm sampling. We show how these requirements can be achieved with a two-mirror telescope and a compact Dyson spectrometer utilizing a polarization-insensitive diffraction grating.
5‐Year Evaluation of Durapatite Ceramic Alloplastic Implants in Periodontal Osseous Defects

Six patients who participated in a clinical study comparing the response of periodontal osseous defects to either grafting with Periograf (durapatite) hydroxylapatite (HA) ceramic or debridement alone (DEBR) were followed under an active maintenance program for 5 years. Mean values for gingival recession and attachment levels remained essentially stable following either treatment over the 5 year period. However, mean probeable pocket depths shifted from being significantly (P < 0.05) shallower for DEBR sites at 6 months and 1 year to being significantly shallower for HA sites at 5 years. The probing pocket depth change for grafted sites was steady and the change from presurgical values was significantly greater than the change for DEBR areas, which became about 1.5 mm deeper over the 5 year postsurgical period. Intrapatient comparisons showed that recession, attachment gain, and pocket depth decrease were most frequently greater for the Periograf-treated sites. Assessment of the pattern of clinical change...
Physical activity and breast cancer survival

Physical activity improves quality of life after a breast cancer diagnosis, and a beneficial effect on survival would be particularly welcome. Four observational studies have now reported decreased total mortality among physically active women with breast cancer; the two largest have also reported decreased breast cancer specific mortality. The estrogen pathway and the insulin pathway are two potential mechanisms by which physical activity could affect breast cancer survival. Randomized trials are ongoing but trials of lifestyle factors are notoriously challenging to perform. Women with breast cancer have little to lose and may possibly gain from moderate exercise.
Temperature in Kaluza-Klein cosmologies☆

Abstract The temperature behavior is discussed for three typical equations of state in Kaluza-Klein cosmologies: (i) p = p ′ = ( λ − 1) ϱ , (ii) ϱ = − p = p ′, (iii) ϱ = p = − p ′.
Hyperendemic penicillinase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae genital infections in an inner city population

Purpose: To determine: 1) the proportion of Neisseria gonorrhoeae caused by penicillinase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae (PPNG) in our inner-city population; 2) any difference in the isolation rates of PPNG between adolescents and adults; 3) co-infection rates with Chlamydia trachomatis in this adolescent population; and 4) the appropriateness of current CDC recommendations for initial treatment of patients with suspected gonococcal infection. Methods: Genital cultures for GC were obtained from 1990 patients seen in the emergency room or primary care clinics. Of these, 285 were adolescents between 12 and 19 years of age. All adolescent patients were tested for chlamydial infection. Comparisons of gonococcal infection rates were made between adults and adolescents and between males and females. The rates of symptomatic versus asymptomatic adolescents were compared. Results: Genital cultures were positive for GC in 13% of the patients tested. Of these, 51% were identified as being caused by PPNG. Among the adolescents, cultures were positive in 25%, and 63% of these were identified as PPNG. The rate of PPNG was significantly higher in adolescents than in adults. The rate of PPNG was highest in adolescent females and lowest in adult males. There was no difference in the rate of PPNG between adolescents and adult males. Of the 71 adolescents with GC, 58% were coinfected with C. trachomatis . Adolescents with PPNG had a higher rate of concomitant infection with C. trachomatis than those with a penicillin-sensitive strain. Adolescents with N. gonorrhoeae were more likely to be infected with PPNG if they had GU symptoms. Conclusions: Our data supports the most recent CDC recommendations that the initial treatment for suspected N. gonorrhoeae be effective against PPNG. Furthermore, chlamydia screening and treatment is warranted in patients suspected of having an STD.
Do you need to clamp a patent left internal thoracic artery-left anterior descending graft in reoperative cardiac surgery?

Background Dogma suggests optimal myocardial protection in cardiac surgery after prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) with patent left internal thoracic artery (LITA) pedicle graft requires clamping the graft. However, we hypothesized that leaving a patent LITA–left anterior descending (LAD) graft unclamped would not affect mortality from reoperative cardiac surgery. Methods Data were collected on reoperative cardiac surgery patients with prior LITA-LAD grafts from July 1995 through June 2006 at our institution. With the LITA unclamped, myocardial protection was obtained initially with antegrade cardioplegia followed by regular, retrograde cardioplegia boluses and systemic hypothermia. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons National Database definitions were employed. The primary outcome was perioperative mortality. Variables were evaluated for association with mortality by bivariate and multivariate analyses. Results In all, 206 reoperations were identified involving patients with a patent LITA-LAD graft. Of these, 118 (57%) did not have their LITA pedicle clamped compared with 88 (43%) who did. There were 15 nonsurvivors (7%): 8 of 188 (6.8%) in the unclamped group and 7 of 88 (8.0%) in the clamped group ( p = 0.750). Nonsurvivors had more renal failure ( p = 0.007), congestive heart failure ( p = 0.017), and longer perfusion times ( p = 0.010). When controlling for independently associated variables for mortality, namely, perfusion time (odds ratio 1.014 per minute; 95% confidence interval: 1.004 to 1.023; p = 0.004) and renal failure (odds ratio 4.146; 95% confidence interval: 1.280 to 13.427; p = 0.018), an unclamped LITA did not result in any increased mortality (odds ratio 1.370; 95% confidence interval: 0.448 to 4.191). Importantly, the process of dissecting out the LITA resulted in 7 graft injuries, 2 of which significantly altered the operation. Conclusions In cardiac surgery after CABG, leaving the LITA graft unclamped did not change mortality but may reduce the risk of patent graft injury, which may alter an operation.
Release of feeding by the sweet taste in rats: oropharyngeal satiety.

In rats which are hungry but not thirsty, the intake of a saccharin solution occurs in discrete “meals”. We show that the control of meal size in this case is exclusively oropharyngeal. The augmentation of postingestive factors has no effect on meal size or on intake pattern. This is true whether they are augmented during the intake period by concurrent injections, or prior to it by gavage. Therefore, oropharyngeal factors such as taste can initiate, and also terminate, a “meal” under these special conditions.
Kindlin-2 is required for myocyte elongation and is essential for myogenesis

Integrins are required for normal muscle differentiation and disruptions in integrin signaling result in human muscle disease. The intracellular components that regulate integrin function during myogenesis are poorly understood. Unc-112 is an integrin-associated protein required for muscle development in C. elegans. To better understand the intracellular effectors of integrin signaling in muscle, we examined the mammalian homolog of Unc-112, kindlin-2. Kindlin-2 expression is upregulated during differentiation and highly enriched at sites of integrin localization. RNAi knockdown of kindlin-2 in C2C12 cells results in significant abnormalities during the early stages of myogenesis. Specifically, differentiating myocytes lacking kindlin-2 are unable to elongate and fail to fuse into multinucleated myotubes. These changes are correlated with decreased cell substratum adhesion and increased cell motility. They are also associated with redistribution of a known kindlin-2 binding partner, integrin linked kinase (ILK), to the membrane insoluble subcellular fraction. In all, our study reveals kindlin-2 as a novel integrin adaptor protein important for muscle differentiation, and identifies it particularly as a critical regulator of myocyte elongation.
Characteristics of the Achilles Tendon Reflex Following Isometric and Isotonic Exercise

Abstract An investigation was conducted to determine the effects of fatiguing exercise upon the Achilles tendon reflex. Eleven subjects performed one of four exercise tasks on each of four separate days. The exercise conditions involved low-intensity isometric, high-intensity isometric, low-intensity isotonic or high-intensity isotonic exercise. The low-intensity tasks required a 25% MVC load, while the high-intensity conditions required a 50% MVC load. Results showed that low-intensity isometric exercise reduced reflex force, as well as the time needed to reach peak force, while high-intensity exercise produced an enhancement of reflex force. Half-relaxation time was faster after subjects executed low-intensity isometric exercise, but generally somewhat prolonged following high-intensity isometric exercise. Thus, the Achilles tendon reflex may be either enhanced or depressed depending upon the type and intensity of exercise performed.
Effect of boron on vitamin D deficient rats

The effects of different levels of dietary boron were determined in vitamin D deficient rats. Vitamin D deficient diets containing either 0.158 ppm or 2.72 ppm of boron were fed to rats for 11 w, and calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus apparent absorption and balance were measured in the twelfth week. Higher apparent absorption and balance values for calcium and phosphorus were observed in the rats with higher dietary boron, but very few differences were seen in body wt, organ wt, and bone parameters. Balance measurements represented the present status of the rats after 12 w on the diets, but other measurements represented an accumulation over the lifetime of the rat, including a suckling period with ample vitamin D and boron. The data demonstrated that when rats are vitamin D deficient, as indicated by hypocalcemia, the level of boron in the diet affects mineral balance.
The effect of cationic liposome pretreatment and centrifugation on retrovirus-mediated gene transfer

Pretreatment of retroviral supernatants with the cationic liposomes DOTMA-DOPE (Lipofectin), DC-Chol-DOPE and DOSPA-DOPE (Lipofectamine) was found to enhance static transductions of TF-1 target cells. The relative effectiveness at increasing transduction efficiencies (TE) was: DOSPA > DC-Chol > DOTMA, resulting in average increases over nontreated controls of 11.9-, 6.2- and 1.2-fold, respectively. This pretreatment was found to be synergistic when combined with centrifugation, having the same order of effectiveness, and resulting in 57-, 35- and 27-fold increases over nontreated controls. For Lipofectamine and DC-Chol-DOPE liposomes, the combined approach yielded 2.2- and 1.3-fold increases over untreated centrifuged samples. Individual colonies picked from colony-forming unit granulocyte-macrophage assays of infected CD34+ cells were screened for the presence of the transgene by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Colonies from cells infected using centrifugation were positive 27% of the time, while the combined approach had positive colonies 31 and 50% of the time for DC-Chol and Lipofectamine, respectively. The addition of protamine sulfate to the liposome-supernatant mixture during pretreatment was found to be inhibitory. With increasing centrifugal force, the TE of cells infected with Lipofectamine pretreated and untreated supernatants increased proportionally. However, the TE of the cells infected with the pretreated supernatants was significantly higher than the TE of the cells infected with untreated supernatants at all points examined. The increase in TE associated with liposomal pretreatment of retroviral supernatants was not shown to be attributed to a nonreceptor-mediated pathway for viral entry into the cell.
Selection of soybean mutants with increased concentrations of seed methionine and cysteine

Soybean [Glycine max. (L.) Merr.] protein, which is deficient in the sulfur amino acids, especially methionine, is consumed world-wide by both humans and other animals. Methionine deficiency is caused by an abundance of the β-chain of β-conglycinin, a seed storage protein that lacks methionine, De noyo synthesis of the β-chain is inhibited by an elevated concentration of methionine. The objectives of our investigations were to mutagenize soybean seeds, characterize a methionine over-producing phenotype, and select several methionine over-producing genetic lines, Mutant lines with a methionine over-producing phenotype were isolated and crossed. Seeds from a cross, designated H82 × 20a 2 , contained a normal seed nitrogen concentration and an 18% increase in seed sulfur concentration. The S/N atomic ratio of line H82 × 20a 2 was 16.2% greater than that of the parental line. Amino acid analyses of seeds from the derived and parental lines revealed mole percentages of 1.84 and 1.51, respectively, for methionine and 1.685 and 1.32, respectively, for cysteine. Thus, seed methionine and cysteine concentrations of H82 × 20a 2 were each approximately 20% greater than those of the parental line. Protein produced by the derived lise may fulfill nutritional requirements for methionine and cysteine.
Ethnic/racial matching of clients and social workers in public child welfare

Abstract Although considerable debate exists throughout the human-service literature regarding the potential benefits and limitations associated with ethnic/racial matching of clients and workers, there are few studies that examine the prevalence of this practice with large representative samples. This study utilizes a secondary analysis of data collected from 4813 public-child-welfare workers throughout California. Using census data to control for county-specific population demographics, American-Indian, Hispanic/Latino(a), Caucasian, and Asian-American child-welfare workers are more than two times more likely to have caseloads with a high percentage of clients who match their race/ethnicity than workers self-identified as another race/ethnicity. African-American workers are 1.28 times more likely than other workers to have a caseload with a high proportion of African Americans. Findings suggest that the observed difference in likelihood of ethnic/racial matching with African-American workers compared with other ethnic groups is explained by an over representation of African Americans on public-child-welfare caseloads and/or under-representation of African Americans as public-child-welfare staff.
Multiarm Molecular Brushes: Effect of the Number of Arms on the Molecular Weight Polydispersity and Surface Ordering

Individual molecules of multiarm starlike molecular brushes were visualized by atomic force microscopy. In the studied series of brushes, the number of arms varied from one for a linear chain to four, while the length of the side chains was kept approximately constant. Molecular visualization provided a unique opportunity for independent size characterization of the brush arms separately from that of the entire molecule. In agreement with the Schulz-Flory theory for chain coupling, the polydispersity of the total length was significantly lower than that of the arm length. The variation in polydispersity had an effect on molecular ordering. Lateral compression of the starlike brushes caused a transition from an extended dendritic-like conformation to a compact disklike conformation. In contrast to one-, two-, and three-arm brushes, the four-arm molecules with a lower polydispersity index of 1.04 demonstrated local hexagonal order.
Phosphorothioate Oligonucleotides as Potential Antiviral Compounds Against Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Herpes Viruses

Abstract Phosphorothioate oligonucleotides (S-oligos) with and without sequence specificity complementary to viral genes were found to have activities against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and herpes simplex virus type 2. The potential usage of S-oligo as an antisense molecule and as antiviral compound is discussed.
NONEQUILIBRIUM PHASE TRANSITIONS IN CATALYSIS AND POPULATION MODELS

A wide variety of far-from-equilibrium models, arising in fields such as surface catalysis, autocatalytic chemical reactions, and epidemic or population models, exhibit phase transitions into an absorbing state. When continuous, these transitions typically belong to the universality class of directed percolation, but unusual phase diagrams and new kinds of critical behavior have also been identified.
Single Event Upset Rate Estimates for a 16-K CMOS SRAM

A radiation-hardened 16-K CMOS SRAM has been developed for satellite and deep space applications. The RAM memory cell was modeled to predict the critical charge, necessary for single-particle upset, as a function of temperature, total dose, and hardening feedback resistance. Laboratory measurements of the single event cross section and effective funnel length were made using the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory's 88-inch cyclotron to generate high energy krypton ions. The combination of modeled and measured parameters permitted estimation of the upset rate for the ramcell, and the mean-time-to-failure for a 512-K word, 22-bit memory system employing error detection and correction circuits while functioning in the Adam's " 90% worst case" cosmic ray environment. This paper is presented in the form of a tutorial review, summarizing the results of substantial research efforts within the single event community.
Precision versus approximation: the trade off in assessing kidney function and drug dosing.

Aristotle(384–322BC)Caringforpatientsrequiresdata. Somedataderivefrommeasurement(i.e.,precision),somefrom estimates (i.e., an approximation), andsomefromexperienceorjudgment. Whengiventhechoicebetweenameasurementandanestimate,clinicianspreferthemeasuredvalue. However,itisoftennotfeasibletoobtainameasurement. Inthosecases,anestimateorapproximationispre-ferredtofaultyinformationortonoinformationat all. These principles apply to evaluatingkidneyfunction.Thegoldstandardtoevaluatekidneyfunctionhaslongbeentomeasureglomerularfiltrationrate(GFR)usingafiltrationmarker(e.g.,inulin,iothalamate). However,measuringGFRisnotclinically feasible. It requires expertise andspecialtrainingtoperform,istimeconsuming,andisexpensive. Surrogatemarkershavebeenusedtocompensatefortheinherentdifficultiesin measuring GFR. Serum creatinine (S
Depression of T lymphocyte response by non-T suppressor cells in lung cancer patients: a possible prognostic value of suppressor-cell activity.

In the present study, we have utilized a suppressor-cell assay using a separated cell culture system. This system is based on the observations that the monocytedepleted and monocyte-enriched E- cells from healthy subjects act as helper cells (which are radiosensitive) to the T-lymphocyte response. Some of these two non-T cells from patients with neoplastic disease act as suppressor cells, which are radioresistant, to the T-lymphocyte response. For suppressor-cell activity of the x-irradiated monocyte-depleted and monocyte-enriched E- cells on autologous T-lymphocyte response to PHA, suppressor cell:responding cell ratio of 1:5 was utilized. The PHA response of purified T lymphocytes alone was within normal limits (≥50,000 cpm/culture) in 24 (80%) and it was depressed in only six (20%) of 30 untreated lung cancer patients. Of these six patients with depressed PHA response, five had stage III disease and only one had stage I disease. There was a helper cell activity of these two non-T cells on PHA response of T lymphocytes in each of 15 control healthy subjects and of five patients with benign pulmonary disease. In contrast, of 30 patients, 24 (80%) had a suppressor activity of monocyte-depleted E- cells with an average of 39% inhibition and 26 (87%) had a suppressor activity of monocyte-enriched E- cells with an average of 50% inhibition. Suppressor-cell activity in lung cancer patients correlated well with the extent of the disease. Five (63%) or six (75%) of eight patients with stage I and II had a suppressor activity of monocytedepleted or monocyte-enriched E- cells, respectively. On the other hand, 19 (86%) or 20 (91%) of 22 patients with stage III had a suppressor activity of monocyte-depleted or monocyte-enriched E- cells, respectively. A suppressor activity was observed in all six patients with small-cell-type lung cancer (one with stage I, one with stage II and four with stage III). In one patient with bronchioalveolar type (stage I), no suppressor cell activity was demonstrated. A suppressor-cell activity was seen in a majority (67% to 89%) of the remaining 23 patients with large cell, adenocarcinoma, and squamous cell type. In five patients with an initially significant suppressor-cell activity, the subsequent studies were performed during remission. A suppressor-cell activity of monocyte-depleted E- cells or monocyte-enriched E- cells on PHA response was significantly diminished in five or four cases, respectively, indicating the influence of tumor on the suppressor cell activity. Our data clearly suggest that one mechanism for the depression of cellmediated immunity seen in lung cancer patients may be the non-specific suppression of T lymphocyte functions by circulating suppressor cells and that the suppressor-cell activity may be of value to prognosticate the subsequent course of the disease in patients with lung cancer.
Characterizing Metasurfaces/Metafilms: The Connection Between Surface Susceptibilities and Effective Material Properties

A metafilm is a type of metasurface, a two-dimensional equivalent of a metamaterial, and is essentially a surface distribution of electrically small scatterers arranged in a judiciously chosen pattern. In previous work, we have shown that the most appropriate way to characterize a metafilm is by its effective electric and magnetic surface susceptibilities, and we discussed methods for retrieving these surface susceptibilities. Nevertheless, some researchers have continued to characterize metasurfaces in terms of bulk effective material properties. In this letter, we first clarify sign conventions (and nomenclature) used for surface susceptibilities and correct sign errors in previous publications. We then discuss the connection between the surface susceptibilities of a metafilm and effective material properties of a thin material slab. The two subtle but important aspects discussed here are: 1) the interpretation of a thin material slab by its surface susceptibilities, and 2) the equating of a metafilm (which has its own unique surface susceptibilities) to a thin material slab with effective material properties.
Connections between current π -electron theories

Connections are given between the theoreticalπ-electron theory in an ordinary atomic orbital basis and semiempirical theories in an orthogonalized basis, neglecting terms of third order. An expression is derived for a one-electron operator with the properties, usually assigned to the effective Hamiltonian of the Huckel method. The non-local part of this operator is shown to give only small contributions also for heteromolecules and lone pairs. Not only short-range forces but also long-range forces, originating from the exchange operator. contribute essentially to the effective bonding. Numerical applications have been madee.g. to aniline andp-benzoquinone.
How to model amplification of strong earthquake motions by local soil and geologic site conditions

A simple equation is proposed to describe the physical nature of the frequency dependent amplification of strong earthquake shaking by local soil and geologic site conditions. For high frequencies, the amplification effects compete with anelastic attenuation. For long periods, along the period axis, the amplification can be described by a low-pass filter with roll-off near the period for which the quarter wavelength of wave motion in soil, or in sediments, coincides with their thickness. In the intermediate period range the amplification depends only on the impedance jump between the ‘soft’ surface materials and ‘hard’ basement, and is independent of the thickness of soil or of sedimentary layers.
Reversal of clonidine toxicity by naloxone

Clonidine is a centrally acting antihypertensive agent used in the management of essential hypertension. Oral clonidine loading is now used frequently in the management of hypertensive urgencies (ie, increases in arterial pressure not associated with acute, life-threatening end-organ injury). We report the case of a patient with an acute inferior myocardial infarction associated with blunt chest trauma who developed an abrupt and unexplained increase in arterial pressure 24 hours after admission and who was treated with oral clonidine (0.5 mg in divided doses over two hours). Drug therapy was followed by prolonged (four hours) systemic arterial hypotension (mean arterial pressure
Escaping amyloid fate

Small molecules that safely antagonize amyloidogenesis are desperately needed for many devastating disorders that plague humankind, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. New work brings important mechanistic insights into how one promising candidate, (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), diverts amyloid-β and α-synuclein down innocuous folding trajectories at the expense of the deleterious states populated during amyloidogenesis.
On delay-minimized data harvesting with mobile elements in wireless sensor networks

We consider the problem of routing and scheduling a set of mobile elements that act as mechanical carriers of data, harvesting them from sensor nodes and delivering them to a sink. The objective is to minimize the data delivery latency. Most of the existing work has focused on designing delay minimizing routes for the mobile nodes by leveraging variants of the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP). We show that TSP-based routes can lead to delay that is arbitrarily worse than the optimal. The main insight is that as data generation rates of sensors may vary, some sensors need to be visited more frequently than others. To that end, we consider a network with a single sink and develop a path splitter algorithm that "splits" a TSP-based route into several loops intersecting at the sink. Numerical results show that our algorithm can improve average delay by more than 40% in some instances while requiring a modest computational effort to modify the TSP-based route. The work is useful in prolonging sensor network lifetime and in relaying data in partitioned networks.
Updated comparison of economics of fusion reactors with advanced fission reactors

The projected cost of electricity (COE) for fusion is compared with that from current and advanced nuclear fission and coal-fired plants. Fusion cost models were adjusted for consistency with advanced fission plants and the calculational methodology and cost factors follow guidelines recommended for cost comparisons of advanced fission reactors. The results show COEs of about 59--74 mills/kWh for the fusion designs considered. In comparison, COEs for future fission reactors are estimated to be in the 43--54 mills/kWh range with coal-fired plant COEs of about 53--69 mills/kWh ($2--3/GJ coal). The principal cost driver for the fusion plants relative to fission plants is the fusion island cost. Although the estimated COEs for fusion are greater than those for fission or coal, the costs are not so high as to preclude fusion's competitiveness as a safe and environmentally sound alternative.
Understanding Process and Affective Factors in Small Group versus Individual Learning with Technology

Based on 198 independent findings from 71 studies with experimental or statistical controls, the results of this meta-analysis indicate that, on average, students learning with computers in small groups attempted a greater amount of task (d+ = +0.15), used more learning strategies (d+ = +0.36), had more positive attitude toward small group learning (d+ = +0.54), but needed more task completion time (d+ = −0.21) as compared to students learning with computers individually. No significant difference was found on student attitude toward instruction whether they learned in small groups or individually. However, effect sizes varied significantly, ranging from extremely positive to extremely negative in each of the outcomes analyzed. Significant predictors concerning technology and task characteristics included type of programs, instructional control, feedback, and task structure. Significant predictors concerning grouping and learner characteristics included group learning strategy, group work experience, and ...
Use of transmittance near-infrared spectroscopy to predict the mechanical properties of 1- and 2-year-old transgenic aspen

The investigation of genetically modified trees requires rapid and reliable techniques to measure the mechanical properties at an early age in order to give timely feedback to forest geneticists. In this study, transmittance near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy was used to predict the green mechanical properties of 1- and 2-year-old transgenic and wild-type aspen. Green modulus of elasticity (MOE) in three-point bending and green ultimate compression strength (UCS) parallel to the grain were predicted from the NIR spectra of dry wood meal pellets. Green UCS had strong correlation (R 2 = 0.91) and green MOE had good correlation (R 2 = 0.78) with the spectra. The latter could be explained by the moderate correlation of MOE with the lignin content of the transgenic samples, suggesting that besides chemical composition MOE also depends on anatomical properties. The ratio of performance to deviation value suggested that the calibration model of both UCS (2.94) and MOE (1.91) could be used for screening.
A Quick Response: QR Code Use at the Harold B. Lee Library

The use of quick response (QR) codes in libraries is just beginning to evolve, with a varied and vast future. At the Harold B. Lee Library of Brigham Young University, two projects that use QR codes have been implemented. This article presents details of these implementations and briefly describes QR code uses at other libraries. In addition, some pros and cons, cautions, and potential implementation issues are discussed.
Shirt fold mimicking pneumothorax on chest radiograph: accurate diagnosis by ultrasound.

events, which are unfortunately to be expected when agents that potentiate haemostasis are used, particularly in patients with a high likelihood of atherothrombosis [4]. In the original study [3], therapeutic benefits, consisting in the reduction of the size of intracerebral haematoma and, most importantly, in a 35% reduction in mortality, appeared to outweigh the adverse effects of thrombotic complications. Unfortunately, a recent statement of the manufacturer [5], which was released after the publications of Marietta et al. [1] and Edlow [2], has dampened the enthusiasm that, like any practising clinician, I had nurtured after the original publication [3]. In the frame of a phase 3 randomised controlled trial involving 821 patients with intracranial haemorrhage, rFVIIa produced no effect on the primary outcomes of the study (mortality and disability at 90 days), in spite of a significant reduction in the size of intracerebral haematomas [4]. Most importantly, on the basis of these disappointing results, the manufacturer of rFVIIa has chosen not to seek to license this agent for the treatment of spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage, which remains a dramatic unsolved clinical problem, as emphasised by Marietta et al. [1] and Edlow [2].
Pressure-induced changes in solvent sorting by solute molecules

Abstract The ultraviolet spectra of 4-amino-5-methylacridine in acidified aqueous organic media show that the solvent sorting characteristic of the conjugate acid is most extensive with dimethylsulfoxide, and that it is diminished by pressure.
Effective energy functions for protein structure prediction

Protein structure prediction, fold recognition, homology modeling and design rely mainly on statistical effective energy functions. Although the theoretical foundation of such functions is not clear, their usefulness has been demonstrated in many applications. Molecular mechanics force fields, particularly when augmented by implicit solvation models, provide physical effective energy functions that are beginning to play a role in this area.
Naloxone-induced inhibition of ethanol dependence in mice.

IT has been suggested that tetrahydroisoquinoline (TIQ) alkaloids formed in vivo after ethanol ingestion represent metabolic sequelae linking the types of addiction caused by ethanol and the opiates1,2. The theory derives from the fact that biosynthesis of opiate alkaloids involves TIQ intermediates3, and that TIQ formation from β-arylalkylamines and aldehydes proceeds rapidly at physiological pH (ref. 4). There have been strong criticisms of this hypothesis5–7, but the demonstration of an effect on opiate activity by certain neuroamine-derived TIQs8–10 prompted us to investigate the question further. Specifically, it was interesting to know the effect of naloxone, an agent known to block the development of dependence to opiates11, on the development of dependence on ethanol.
Fall from Grace: The Failed Crusade of the Christian Right

Originally published in 1989 to great acclaim, this compelling book documents not just the well-known leaders of the born again movement, but the lives of the followers as well. A balanced and thought-provoking analysis of the rise and fall of America's Christian Right.--Booklist. With a new afterword.
Transformation of human lymphocytes by Epstein-Barr virus is inhibited by phosphonoacetic acid.

PHOSPHONOACETIC acid (PAA) is an inhibitor of herpes simplex virus and of several other herpes viruses. It acts as a specific inhibitor of two viral DNA polymerases, those of herpes simplex and of Marek's disease (a herpes-induced leukaemia in chickens)1,2. We have used PAA as a probe to investigate the possible existence of a virus-directed DNA polymerase and its role in replication of viral genomes during the transformation and proliferation of normal human peripheral lymphocytes induced by Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), -which is a herpes virus closely associated with the development of several neoplasms in man.
Open chain versus cyclic 14-electron triatomics: molecular structures and vibrational frequencies of P2Si, P2C, SiN2 and Si2S

Abstract Since the studies of Walsh in the 1950s, triatomic molecules have provided a field of investigation for the fundamentals of bonding. A general consensus has been that rings are higher in energy than open chains due to the strain associated with narrow bond angles. The 14-valence-electron triatomics P 2 Si, P 2 C, SiN 2 , and Si 2 S were investigated using ab initio molecular quantum mechanical methods. Double zeta plus polarization (DZP) and triple zeta plus double polarization (TZ2P) basis sets have been used in conjunction with self-consistent field (SCF), single and double excitation configuration interaction (CISD) and coupled cluster (CCSD) methods. The all third period P 2 Si and Si 2 S were found to have rings as their lowest-energy geometries. The ring geometry of P 2 C is high in energy because it necessitates formation of a carbene. The ring geometry of SiN 2 is only about 5 kcal/mol above the linear SiNN isomer.
Genotype-Dependent Serologic Reactivities in Patients Infected With Hepatitis C Virus in the United States

Objective To evaluate the serologic reactivities in patients infected with different hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes to four HCV proteins that are components of the second-generation recombinant immunoblot assay. Material and Methods Serum samples from 36 patients with chronic HCV infection were obtained. RNA was extracted by using chaotropic lysis and isopropanol precipitation. Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction of the NS-5 region was performed, followed by automated single-pass dideoxy sequencing of desalted amplification products. Classification of isolated HCV subtypes was based on Simmonds' system. All samples were tested for antibodies to proteins 5-1-1, C100-3, C33c, and C22-3 with the second-generation recombinant immunoblot assay. Results Reactivity to protein 5-1-1 was significantly lower for patients with genotypes 2b and 3a than for those infected with HCV types 1a or 1b ( P Conclusion These data indicate that the genotype-dependent differences in serologic reactivities are substantial among patients with chronic HCV infection.
The odd-even invariant of an oriented matroid

This paper introduces the "odd-even invariant" of an oriented matroid. This is a nonnegative integer associated with the oriented matroid which does not change upon reorientation of the oriented matroid. As is shown here, it is also invariant under duality. Additional results are obtained, for uniform oriented matroids.
Transmission Electron Microscopy Study of Ni Silicides Formed during Metal-Induced Silicon Growth

Abstract Polycrystalline silicon thin films grown on a Ni prelayer by the metal-induced growth (MIG) technique were studied by cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy and shown to possess a columnar structure. A Ni silicide transition region is formed due to the reaction between a fine-grained metallic Ni with atomic Si provided by the deposition source. This region exhibits a stratified structure as revealed by selected area diffraction patterns. The top layer is found to be a pure NiSi2 phase, which provides nucleation sites for the epitaxial Si growth. The bottom layer represents a mixture of several randomly oriented phases with a more Ni-rich composition. Co-existence of the above mentioned phases suggests that the silicide formation is controlled by the Ni-to-Si concentration ratio rather than temperature. No migration of the Ni silicide precipitates into the silicon film is observed. The formation mechanism of poly-Si on a Ni prelayer is discussed.
X rays may be twice as potent as γ rays for malignant transformation at low doses

The introduction in the 1950s of 60Co teletherapy units and megavoltage X-ray accelerators for radiotherapy prompted several studies which showed that the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of orthovoltage X rays, compared with 60Co γ rays, was ∼1.1–1.2 (refs 1, 2). Subsequently, radiation therapists confirmed that the effect of established treatment protocols using orthovoltage X rays could be duplicated with the higher energy radiation by increasing the dose by ∼10%, when radiation doses are of the order of tens of grays (or thousands of rads). The dependence of biological effectiveness on photon energy led to recommendations in which the quality factor, Q, which is an RBE for radiation protection purposes, was set at unity for X and γ rays as well as for electrons or other directly ionizing particles having a linear energy transfer (LET) of <3.5 keV µm−1. Over the past decade, however, several studies have shown differences in RBE between various low-LET radiations having LET values within the range designated for standard radiation3–6. Underbrink et al.7 found an RBE for orthovoltage X rays relative to 60Co γ rays of ∼2 at 0.04 Gy, for induction of pink mutations in the stamen hairs of Tradescantia. Schmidt et al.8 scored chromosome aberrations in human lymphocytes, and at 0.25 Gy found the RBE of 200-kVp X rays relative to 3-MeV electrons to be also ∼2. Here we have compared 60Co γ rays and orthovoltage X rays over the dose range 0.03–1.5 Gy using malignant transformation in mammalian cells in vitro9–13 as an end point. Our findings indicate that whereas the transformation incidence seems similar for X and γ rays at high doses, the malignant potential of X rays is about twice that of γ rays at 0.03 Gy.
Navigating a Sea of Change: Identity Misalignment and Adaptation in Academic Entrepreneurship:

The commercialization of university–held research discoveries is increasingly seen as a promising source of revenue, and a growing number of universities are adding policies and incentives in an at...
Quantitative analysis of the structural events associated with antidiuretic hormone-induced volume reabsorption in the rabbit cortical collecting tubule

We quantitatively examined the influence of antidiuretic hormone (ADH)-dependent volume reabsorption on the morphology of the rabbit cortical collecting tubule. Estimates of cell volume and the geometry of the lateral intercellular spaces were extracted from differential interference contrast images of perfused nephron segments using the morphometric procedures described in the preceding paper (K.L. Kirk, D.R. DiBona and J.A. Schafer,J. Membrane Biol.79:53–64, 1984). The results indicate that ADH addition in the presence, but not absence, of a lumen-to-bath osmotic gradient (130 to 290 mOsm) stimulated transepithelial volume flow and simultaneously increased the volumes of both the cells (+28%) and the lateral intercellular spaces (+78%). In addition, the formation of cytoplasmic vacuoles could be observed during the latter stages of the swelling response, and vacuole formation continued well after new steadystate values for transepithelial water flow and cell volume had been reached. Two main conclusions can be drawn from these results. First, the cytoplasmic vacuoles comprise a slowly filling compartment that lies in parallel to the transepithelial pathway for ADH-stimulated volume reabsorption. Second, from the magnitude of the cell volume increase, we estimate that the hydraulic conductivities of the opposing cell membranes are nearly equal during maximal ADH stimulation.
A randomized trial of bupropion and/or nicotine gum as maintenance treatment for preventing smoking relapse.

Aim To investigate the efficacy of maintenance treatment with bupropion and/or nicotine gum for reducing smoking relapse. Design, setting and participants A 48-week study was conducted at a university-based smoking cessation clinic between February 2001 and October 2005. A total of 588 smokers received bupropion and nicotine patch in 8 weeks of open-label treatment (OLT); 289 abstainers during the last 4 weeks of OLT were randomized in double-blind placebo-controlled fashion to one of four arms for 16 weeks of maintenance treatment (MT) followed by 24 weeks of non-treatment follow-up (NTFU). Intervention Bupropion (300 mg/day) and 2 mg nicotine gum, used alone or combined, and comparable placebo pill and placebo gum. Behavioral counseling at all visits. Outcome Time to relapse (TTR) from randomization. Relapse is defined as the first 7 consecutive days of smoking. Abstinence verified by carbon monoxide ≤ 8 parts per million. Findings TTR was longer with extended active treatments compared to placebo (median days to relapse: bupropion + placebo = 136, nicotine + placebo = 98, bupropion + nicotine = 90, double placebo = 71). Hazard ratios (HR) for relapse were statistically significant for bupropion + placebo versus double placebo during MT (HR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.37–0.92) and to the end of NTFU (HR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.42–0.96). However, bupropion's advantage dissipated upon stopping the drug. Gum use was low, preventing a valid assessment; but analysis restricted to gum users suggested a weak effect of extended nicotine gum. Conclusion Maintenance treatment with bupropion exerted a modest benefit for preventing smoking relapse; the optimum duration of bupropion treatment was unclear. Further research is needed to ascertain the merits of extended use of nicotine gum, other nicotine replacement agents and other treatments known to aid smokers for preventing relapse once abstinence is achieved.
Acetophenone glycosides from thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.).

Four acetophenone glycosides were isolated from the butanol-soluble fraction of thyme extracts. Their structures were determined by spectral methods (MS, NMR, and 2D-NMR). Among them, two new compounds, 4-hydroxyacetophenone 4-O-[5-O-(3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxybenzoyl)-β-d-apiofuranosyl]-(1→2)-β-d-glucopyranoside (1) and 4-hydroxyacetophenone 4-O-[5-O-(4-hydroxybenzoyl)-β-d-apiofuranosyl]-(1→2)-β-d-glucopyranoside (2), were determined. Compound 1 showed weak cytotoxicity, inhibiting DNA synthesis of human leukemia cells. Keywords: Thyme; acetophenone glycoside; Thymus vulgaris L.
Temporal Relation of the First Heart Sound to Closure of the Mitral Valve

The objective of this study is to describe the mechanism of production of the first heart sound (S1). The temporal relation between the major components of S1 and (1) cessation of flow across the mitral valve, (2) closure of the valve, and (3) time of peak rate of rise of left ventricular pressure (peak LV dP/dt), were investigated in open-chest dogs. Phasic flow across the mitral valve was recorded by a supraannular electromagnetic flow probe, and timing of valve closure was determined by synchronized cinefluorogram of the motion of the valve cusps after they were made radio opaque. Closure of the mitral valve did not occur at the crossing point of atrial and ventricular pressures (at the beginning of systole), but 20-40 msec later due to inertia of mitral flow. The first major component of the first sound coincided with two simultaneous events: cessation of mitral flow and closure of the valve. It did not show a fixed temporal relationship to time of peak dP/dt.