cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Water Resources for Algae-Based Biofuels

Adequate energy and available water resources are two of the major requirements for sustaining human progress, yet modern society faces volatile energy availability, prices, and environmental concerns, as well as shortages of drinking water in many parts of the world. Alternative energy produced from biomass such as algae has great potential to utilize sources of water not suitable for consumption. A factorial experiment with CRD (Complete Randomized Design) arrangement was conducted using three growth media: geothermal water, Bold's Basal Medium (BBM), and combination of 50 percent BBM + 50 percent geothermal water. The experiments were conducted utilizing three combinations of illumination periods (12:12, 16:8, and 24:0) to grow the algae Chlorella sorokiniana (UTEX 1230). The results indicated significant differences in biomass production rates. Statistical analysis showed that 50 percent BBM + 50 percent geothermal water with 16:8 light cycle maximized biomass production. The pH in BBM increased from 7 to 10.37 and was significantly higher than both geothermal water (9.06) and 50 percent BBM + 50 percent geothermal water (9.21).
Effect of adrenocorticotrophic hormone on urinary nitrogen excretion in the normal rat.

SummaryACTH causes an increase in urinary nitrogen excretion with proportionate loss of body weight in the normal rat. The effect of subcutaneous ACTH on nitrogen excretion is manifest on the second day and persists 24 hours after injection is stopped.
Emission Rates, Survival, and Modeled Dispersal of Viable Pollen of Creeping Bentgrass

Dispersal and deposition of pollen of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) was estimated by using CALPUFF, a complex model originally developed to simulate dispersal of particulates and other air pollutants. In fi eld experiments, peak pollen emission rates (8 × 10 6 pollen grains per min per m 2 of a creeping bentgrass stand) occurred between 1000 and 1200 h. Pollen survival under outdoor conditions decreased exponentially with time, and only 1% survived for 2 h. CALPUFF simulations showed deposition of 100,000 viable pollen grains per m 2 at distances of 2 to 3 km from the source fi eld, and deposition of one pollen grain per 10 m 2 at distances of 4.6 to 6.7 km from the source fi eld. Pattern of simulated deposition varied with weather conditions and, to a lesser extent, source fi eld size. Simulation of dispersal by a small thermal vortex produced deposition of one grain per 10 m 2 at 15.3 km from the source fi eld. Overall, the deposition modeling results suggest that pollen-mediated gene fl ow is likely at distances of 2 to 3 km from a source fi eld, and possible at distances up to 15 km.
Trade-offs in larval performance on normal and novel hosts

The evolution of host specialization in phytophagous insects is generally thought to involve genetic trade-offs that prevent individuals from maximizing fitness simultaneously on two or more hosts. Several hypotheses, however, have suggested that trade-offs may not be evident in experiments comparing larval performance on normal and novel hosts. Tests on survivorship, growth rate, and pupal mass among families of the swallowtail butterfly Papilio oregonius on its normal host and on a novel host provide support for these hypotheses, although they do not discriminate among them. Families differed in their relative performance on the hosts, but there was no evidence of a negative genetic correlation between hosts for any of the measures of performance. In addition, there were no correlations among the different measures, corroborating an earlier result suggesting that these different components of performance in the P. machaon species group are under at least partially separate genetic control. These results and similar results published for other insects have now produced a body of studies indicating that genetic trade-offs in individual components of larval performance may not be a major factor preventing shifts onto novel host plants. Trade-offs leading to the evolution of host specialization are more likely to involve coordination among the various components of performance together with ecological factors that allow higher fitness on one host than on others.
The dual sense of the term “element,” attempts to derive the Madelung rule, and the optimal form of the periodic table, if any

ABSTRACT: This article concerns various foundational aspects of the periodicsystem of the elements. These issues include the dual nature of the concept of an“element” to include element as a “basic substance” and as a “simple substance.” Wewill discuss the question of whether there is an optimal form of the periodic table,including whether the left-step table fulﬁls this role. We will also discuss the derivationor explanation of the [ n , n ] or Madelung rule for electron-shell ﬁlling and whetherindeed it is important to attempt to derive this rule from ﬁrst principles. In particular,we examine the views of two chemists, Henry Bent and Eugen Schwarz, who haveindependently addressed many of these issues. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int JQuantum Chem 109: 959–971, 2009 Key words: elements; periodic table; Madelung rule; left-step table The Nature of the Concept of an“Element” D iscussions concerning the fundamental im-portance of the concept of “element” havebeen published by a number of historians and phi-losophers of chemistry in recent years [1–5]. In ad-dition, some chemists have begun to elaborate theirviews on the subject [6, 7]. Much of this workappeals to the published views of Mendeleev in thelate 19th century and also to the work of Paneth inthe 1920s and 30s [8]. Some authors began at thedawn of ancient Greek philosophy, in which therewas considerable discussion upon the most funda-mental components of the nature [9].However, this article will take as its starting pointthe seminal work of Lavoisier [10]. It is generallyagreed that Lavoisier was among the ﬁrst chemists toturn their backs on regarding the elements as unob-
A Novel Fast Segmentation Method of Unstructured Roads

In this paper, a method is presented for road surface segmenting in unstructured roads, which have no lane marking. When the original color images are preprocessed using mathematical morphology, binary image is acquired by a threshold in color space. Next, as the deformable template matches in the binary image, some points of road centerlines can be gained. Then, the road surface can be segmented by the points of the road centerline. The method, DTMARF, is more robust in noisy condition, and costs less computing time than other road interpretation techniques. DTMARF has been integrated into a navigation system, which has driven a test vehicle successfully on off-road in many types of weather conditions.
Dynamic multipliers for a regional input-output model

Regional multiplier is a very useful and popular tool in economic study of a region. However, conventional regional multiplier derived from a static input-output model fails to provide time path of the impact over period. In many cases, it restricts the impact within a year period. To alleviate the problem, this paper introduces a regional dynamic multiplier which makes the impact to spread out over period. In the absence of the technical change, each period multiplier added up to the static multiplier. Utilizing Oklahoma data, the paper estimates the capital coefficients and the dynamic multipliers of Oklahoma regional economy. Finally, it provides a comparative study of dynamic multipliers for various industries.
Thermodynamic theory of the lead zirconate-titanate solid solution system, part III: Curie constant and sixth-order polarization interaction dielectric stiffness coefficients

Abstract Vaiues of the Curie constant (C) and sixth-order polarization interaction dielectric stiffness coefficients (α112 and α123) are needed for the development of a thermodynamic theory for the entire lead zirconate-titanate (PZT) solid solution system. Low-temperature dielectric data measured on pure homogeneous polycrystalline PZT samples were used to determine values of these coefficients at several compositions across the phase diagram. Equations were then fitted to these data to determine the compositional dependence of the coefficients. The Curie constant was found to form a peak in the middle of the phase diagram at the PZT 50/50 composition.
Photodynamic therapy: the nurse's role.

Abstract Patients with neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in persons older than 50 years in developed countries, experience severe visual loss due to choroidal neovascularization, the growth of abnormal vessels under the retina. Photodynamic therapy is a new treatment modality that combines an intravenous injection of a photosensitizing drug, such as verteporfin, and nonthermal laser light application, which destroys choroidal neovascularization without damaging normal surrounding tissue. It has led to new challenges for nurses working in the ambulatory laser setting, including medication preparation, drug administration, and education regarding precautions and potential systemic side effects of photodynamic therapy. (Insight 2001;26:44-8.)
THE EXPORT BEHAVIOR OF SMALLER-SIZED WISCONSIN MANUFACTURING FIRMS

A summary of principal findings regarding the export behavior of 423 small- and medium-sized Wisconsin manufacturing firms. Data were classified according to stages in the export development process and analyzed by multiple regression.
Human Capital, Socioeconomic, and Labor Market Effects on the Wage Differential: A Case for Using Age Cohorts

A comprehensive model was developed to explain gender wage differentials. The model is made up of three major components—human capital variables, socioeconomic variables, and structural components of the labor market. Uniqueness is provided through availability of work history data, correction for selection bias, and control for interaction by age. Men's wages exceed women's for all age cohorts. Decomposition of the wage differential involves examining differences in endowments or characteristics by race, gender, and age cohort. Investment in human capital increases wages but explains little of the differential. Few labor market variables affect wages, yet they explain large percentages of the differential.
Intercalation of graphite by silicon tetrafluoride and fluorine to yield a second-stage salt C24SiF5

Abstract Powdered graphite (either finely broken HOPG or Union Carbide SP1) interacts with 1:1 SiF 4 /F 2 mixture (∼50 atmospheres) at 40°, to yield a second-stage compound ( a 0 = 2.46(1), c 0 = 11.29(1) A) of composition C∼ 24 SiF 5 . This product interacts with excess PF 5 with quantitative displacement of SiF 4 to yield a first-stage fluorophosphate ( a 0 = 2.46(1); c 0 = 7.65(1) A ) according to the equation: C 24 SiF 5 + 2PF 5 → C 24 PF 6 . PF 5 + SiF 4 . The first-stage fluorophosphate falls to a second-stage salt ( a 0 = 2.46(1); c 0 = 10.87 A ) under vacuum: C 24 PF 6 . PF 5 20° → C 24 PF 6 + PF 5 . This is identical to that prepared directly: 24 C + PF 5 + 1 2 F 2 → C 24 PF 6 . Extensive reduction of C 24 PF 6 , at ≈20° : 2C 24 PF 6 + PF 3 → 48C + 3PF 5 to graphite of crystallinity comparable to that of the starting graphite establishes that the initial C 24 SiF 5 does not involve extensive fluorination of the graphite. The ease of displacement of SiF 4 by superior fluoroacids indicates that C 24 SiF 5 can be a valuable precursor for other graphite salts. Ready formation of a first-stage fluoroborate, C 7 BF 4 , I c = 7.70(1) A contrasts with the failure to prepare similarly a first-stage SiF 5 − salt.
The impact of injection on seismicity at The Geysers, California Geothermal Field

Water injection into geothermal systems has often become a required strategy to extend and sustain production of geothermal resources. To reduce a trend of declining pressures and increasing non-condensable gas concentrations in steam produced from The Geysers, operators have been injecting steam condensate, local rain and stream waters, and most recently treated wastewater piped to the field from neighboring communities. If geothermal energy is to provide a significant increase in energy in the United States (the US Department of Energy goal is 40,000 MW by 2040), injection must play a larger role in the overall strategy, i.e., enhanced geothermal systems (EGS). Presented in this paper are the results of monitoring microseismicity during an increase in injection at The Geysers field in California using data from a high-density digital microearthquake array. Although seismicity has increased due to increased injection, it has been found to be somewhat predictable, thus implying that intelligent injection control may be able to control large increases in seismicity.
Cardiopulmonary and noninvasive hemodynamic responses to exercise predict outcomes in heart failure.

Abstract Background An impaired cardiac output response to exercise is a hallmark of chronic heart failure (HF). We determined the extent to which noninvasive estimates of cardiac hemodynamics during exercise in combination with cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPX) responses improved the estimation of risk for adverse events in patients with HF. Methods and Results CPX and impedance cardiography were performed in 639 consecutive patients (mean age 48 ± 14 years), evaluated for HF. Clinical, hemodynamic, and CPX variables were acquired at baseline and subjects were followed for a mean of 460 ± 332 days. Patients were followed for the composite outcome of cardiac-related death, hospitalization for worsening HF, cardiac transplantation, and left ventricular assist device implantation. Cox proportional hazards analyses including clinical, noninvasive hemodynamic, and CPX variables were performed to determine their association with the composite endpoint. There were 113 events. Among CPX variables, peak oxygen uptake (VO 2 ) and the minute ventilation (VE)/carbon dioxide production (VCO 2 ) slope were significant predictors of risk for adverse events (age-adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05–1.11 for both; P P = .01). In a multivariate analysis including CPX and noninvasively determined hemodynamic variables, the most powerful predictive model included the combination of peak VO 2 , peak cardiac index, and the VE/VCO 2 slope, with each contributing significantly and independently to predicting risk; an abnormal response for all 3 yielded an HR of 5.1 ( P Conclusions These findings suggest that noninvasive indices of cardiac hemodynamics complement established CPX measures in quantifying risk in patients with HF.
Theory of metallic glasses. II. Transport and optical properties.

The electronic transport and optical properties of a-Ni, a-${\mathrm{Mg}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Zn}}_{\mathit{x}}$, and a-${\mathrm{Cu}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Zr}}_{\mathit{x}}$ metallic glasses have been studied based on the first-principles electronic-structure results. The calculation provides a direct test for the theory of quantum coherence for the electronic transport process in disordered metals. The calculated low-temperature resistivity values are in good agreement with experiments for all three glass systems. It is shown that the transport properties of metallic glasses are controlled by the magnitude and the shape of the conductivity function, which appears to have a local minimum near the Fermi energy. For a stable glass, the existence of this local minimum gives rise to a negative temperature coefficient of the resistivity, which is purely due to the elastic disorder scattering of the conduction electrons. The Mooij correlation is explained in terms of the competition between this effect and the positive resistivity contribution from the electron-phonon interaction. The phenomenon of resistivity saturation is explained by a model of equivalence of the configurations of ``perfect'' amorphous scattering media. The calculated optical conductivity is in reasonable agreement with limited experimental data. The optical-property calculation at low frequency provides a direct computation of the Drude term for optical transitions in metallic systems.
Pregnancy Is Associated with Decreased Cardiac Proteasome Activity and Oxidative Stress in Mice

During pregnancy, the heart develops physiological hypertrophy. Proteasomal degradation has been shown to be altered in various models of pathological cardiac hypertrophy. Since the molecular signature of pregnancy-induced heart hypertrophy differs significantly from that of pathological heart hypertrophy, we investigated whether the cardiac proteasomal proteolytic pathway is affected by pregnancy in mice. We measured the proteasome activity, expression of proteasome subunits, ubiquitination levels and reactive oxygen production in the hearts of four groups of female mice: i) non pregnant (NP) at diestrus stage, ii) late pregnant (LP), iii) one day post-partum (PP1) and iv) 7 days post-partum (PP7). The activities of the 26 S proteasome subunits β1 (caspase-like), and β2 (trypsin-like) were significantly decreased in LP (β1∶83.26 ± 1.96%; β2∶74.74 ± 1.7%, normalized to NP) whereas β5 (chymotrypsin-like) activity was not altered by pregnancy but significantly decreased 1 day post-partum. Interestingly, all three proteolytic activities of the proteasome were restored to normal levels 7 days post-partum. The decrease in proteasome activity in LP was not due to the surge of estrogen as estrogen treatment of ovariectomized mice did not alter the 26 S proteasome activity. The transcript and protein levels of RPN2 and RPT4 (subunits of 19 S), β2 and α7 (subunits of 20 S) as well as PA28α and β5i (protein only) were not significantly different among the four groups. High resolution confocal microscopy revealed that nuclear localization of both core (20S) and RPT4 in LP is increased ∼2-fold and is fully reversed in PP7. Pregnancy was also associated with decreased production of reactive oxygen species and ubiquitinated protein levels, while the de-ubiquitination activity was not altered by pregnancy or parturition. These results indicate that late pregnancy is associated with decreased ubiquitin-proteasome proteolytic activity and oxidative stress.
Fundamentalists and liberals : personality characteristics of Protestant Christians

Little is known about the personality characteristics of liberal and fundamentalist Protestant Christians. To investigate this issue, we asked attendees of a liberal church and of a fundamentalist church to complete the NEO-FFI. Results indicated that the groups scored similarly on the dimensions of neuroticism, agreeableness, conscientiousness and extraversion. But fundamentalists scored significantly lower than liberals on the dimension of openness to experience (P < 0.001; effect size: r = 0.68), and did so for each item of this subscale. These data suggest a connection between conservative religious beliefs and a general avoidance of novel ideas and experiences.
Spectroscopy of Hot Stars in the Galactic Halo. II. The Identification and Classification of Horizontal-Branch and Other A-Type Stars

We discuss a spectroscopic and photometric technique that enables the identification and classification of field horizontal-branch (FHB) and other A-type stars, even from relatively low signal-to-noise ratio medium-resolution spectra. This technique makes use of broadband UBV colors predicted from model atmosphere calculations and Balmer line profiles and Ca II K equivalent widths determined from synthetic spectra to estimate the physical parameters Teff, log g, and [Fe/H] for stars in the effective temperature range 6000–10,000 K. A comparison of our method with high signal-to-noise ratio spectra of standard stars indicates a scatter in the derived parameters of σ(Teff) = ±250 K, σ(log g) = ±0.14 dex, and σ([Fe/H]) = ±0.12 dex. This precision allows for a separation of low surface gravity FHB and other, generally higher surface gravity, A-type (and somewhat later) stars. We also develop a synthetic-template comparison technique, which is very effective in the identification of metallic-line and peculiar A-type stars. A detailed investigation of the influence of noise in the spectra on the determination of physical parameters shows that, for spectra with signal-to-noise ratios in the range 10 < S/N < 20, the scatter in estimated surface gravity, σ(log g) = ±0.25 dex, is sufficiently small to keep the noise-induced misclassification rate for the hot stars we consider to less than 10%. Effective temperatures of precision σ(Teff) = ±225 K and metallicities of precision σ([Fe/H]) = ±0.3 dex can be obtained.
Human choroid plexus: Morphologic and histochemical alterations with age

The choroid plexus was studied in 217 necropsy specimens from human beings two months to 94 years of age. With advancing age, the height of the cuboidal epithelial cell gradually decreases, many becoming squamous. Cytoplasmic vacuoles increase in number. Focal stratification is not an artefact, and is evidence of proliferation. The proliferated cells eventually desquamate, becoming round, large and foamy as they accumulate intracytoplasmic lipid and degenerate. The findings indicate that cellular desquamation occurs during life. Filaments of mucopolysac-charides are common in the choroid plexus of old people. Stromal alterations associated with increased age consist of a gradual increase in the amount of connective tissue, in number of meningocytes and psammoma bodies, and in severity of hyalinization, fibrosis, fragmentation of connective tissue fibers and calcification. Most psammoma bodies are found in the glomus choroideum. Non-lamellar calcific foci occur mainly in the matrix of the choroidal villi and fronds. Formation of psammoma bodies is associated closely with the meningocytic whorls. Lipids, mucopolysaccharides and mucins are identified in both epithelial and stromal components of the choroid plexus. Lipids appear in the stroma later in life. It is suggested that lipid in the cytoplasm of desquamated choroidal eipthelial cells is one source of lipids in the cerebrospinal fluid.
Tools vs toys: does your technology work for you or play with you?

Purpose – One of the most important decisions any firm can make is the adopting of new technology. This paper aims to propose ten guidelines for “best practices” in adopting new technology.Design/methodology/approach – Using first‐hand business experience, the author presents and discusses common mistakes to avoid when considering the purchase of both new hardware and software technology.Findings – Many firms mistake “new” for “better” and overlook the impact, explicit and implicit, technology changes can have on their organizations, partners, suppliers, customers, and employees.Practical implications – The paper gives a foundational guideline for firms seeking to purchase new technology that will make them both more effective and efficient.Originality/value – In the context of direct marketing, few experts have directly addressed the issues of effectively adopting new technology rather than effectively implementing the technology post‐purchase.
A Method To Assess the Average Molecular Weight for Surface Soft Segments in Poly[(dimethylsiloxane)-urea]s

A gauge has been devised to measure the average molecular weight for surface soft segments in poly[(dimethylsiloxane)−urea]s. This quantity, Ms, is defined analogously to the number-average molecular weight, Mn. Information on the weight fraction of each segment at the surface, which can be measured by techniques such as electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis, is required for the calculation of Ms. The use of this quantity is illustrated by calculating the Ms for a series of copolymers containing soft segments of broad molecular weight distribution. The limitation of this method with respect to the average molecular weight of the soft segments and possible remedies are discussed.
Molecular evolution in Panagrolaimus nematodes: origins of parthenogenesis, hermaphroditism and the Antarctic species P. davidi

As exemplified by the famously successful model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, nematodes offer outstanding animal systems for investigating diverse biological phenomena due to their small genome sizes, short generation times and ease of laboratory maintenance. Nematodes in the genus Panagrolaimus have served in comparative development and anhydrobiosis studies, and the Antarctic species P. davidi offers a powerful paradigm for understanding the biological mechanisms of extreme cold tolerance. Panagrolaimus nematodes are also unique in that examples of gonochoristic, hermaphroditic and parthenogenetic reproductive modes have been reported for members of this genus. The evolutionary origins of these varying reproductive modes and the Antarctic species P. davidi, however, remain enigmatic. We collected nuclear ribosomal RNA gene and mitochondrial protein-coding gene sequences from diverse Panagrolaimus species and strains, including newly discovered isolates from Oregon, to investigate phylogenetic relationships in this nematode genus. Nuclear phylogenies showed that the species and strains historically identified as members of Panagrolaimus constitute a paraphyletic group, suggesting that taxonomic revision is required for Panagrolaimus and related nematode lineages. Strain-specific reproductive modes were mapped onto the molecular phylogeny to show a single origin of parthenogenesis from a presumably gonochoristic ancestor. The hermaphroditic strains were all placed outside a major monophyletic clade that contained the majority of other Panagrolaimus nematodes. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial sequences showed that substantial molecular and geographic diversity exists within the clade of parthenogenetic strains. The Antarctic species P. davidi was found to be very closely related to two Panagrolaimus strains from southern California. Phylogenetic and molecular clock analyses suggested that P. davidi and the California strain PS1579 shared a common ancestor in the very recent evolutionary past. Our study provides a phylogenetic framework for understanding the evolutionary origins and diversification patterns of varying reproductive modes within Panagrolaimus and important insights into the origin of the Antarctic species P. davidi. Panagrolaimus offers a powerful nematode model for understanding diverse evolutionary phenomena including the evolution of asexuality and the adaptive evolution of extreme cold tolerance.
Comparative analysis of halonitromethane and trihalomethane formation and speciation in drinking water: the effects of disinfectants, pH, bromide, and nitrite.

A bench-scale study was performed to investigate formation and speciation of halonitromethanes (HNMs) in raw and treated waters obtained from a drinking water treatment plant. HNM species were measured after chlorination, ozonation−chlorination, chloramination, and ozonation−chloramination, and compared with trihalomethanes (THMs). Pre-ozonation before chlorination resulted in enhanced HNM formation, producing trihalogenated HNMs as major species. Formation of THMs showed very a different formation pattern from HNM formation such that it was much higher in the raw than the treated water, and decreased after pre-ozonation. These findings indicated that precursors and formation pathways for HNMs and THMs are not the same. Increases in pH and bromide concentrations increased HNM and THM formation during ozonation−chlorination and THM formation during chlorination. The bromide effect shifted the formation of HNMs and THMs toward brominated species, with its impact being greater in the treated than raw water. ...
Ex vivo zidovudine (AZT) treatment of CD34+ bone marrow progenitors causes decreased steady state mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and increased lactate production.

Haematopoietic suppression is one of the dose-limiting side effects of chronic zidovudine (AZT) therapy. We tested the hypothesis that AZT would reduce mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content in haematopoietic progenitors causing impaired haematopoiesis and mitochondrial dysfunction. We studied the effects of AZT 0 / 50 M in vitro, on normal human CD34 / haematopoietic progenitor cells cultured ex vivo for up to 12 days. The mean AZT IC50 for granulocyte (phenotype CD15 / /CD14 /) and erythroid (phenotype glycophorin / /CD45 /) cell proliferation was 2.5 M (SD9 / 0.7) and 0.023 M (SD9 / 0.005), respectively. In myeloid-rich cell cultures, the mean lactate content of the media, compared to untreated controls, increased by 86% (SD9 / 23) at 10 M AZT and in erythroid-rich cultures it increased by 134% (SD9 / 24) in the presence of 0.5 M AZT. In myeloid-rich cultures the AZT IC50 for the reduction in the mitochondrial/nuclear DNA content ratio was 5.6 M, whereas in erythroid rich cultures this AZT IC50 was B / 0.00...
Health care information and the protection of personal privacy: ethical and legal considerations

During the early 1990s, the U.S. government addressed the issue of providing universal health care to all its citizens. Although this issue has not been completely resolved, centralization of electronic data and sharing of health care information among insurers and providers have been pursued. The emergence of electronic data banks in health care has raised another issue: each citizen's right to privacy compared with the collective benefit to society when critical data on quality assurance and scientific research are shared by an array of network users. The choices we face are difficult, and the solution may necessarily reflect a compromise that alters traditional beliefs in the right to personal privacy. However, Congress can take the initiative by enacting statutes to ensure that sensitive information contained in electronic patient records is not divulged without a patient's consent and is protected against fraudulent access and abuse.
Cross-linkable Polymers Based on Dialkylfluorenes

We have prepared a series of cross-linkable oligo- and poly(dialkylfluorene)s by nickel(0)-mediated polymerization of 2,7-dibromo-9,9-dialkylfluorene (alkyl = n-hexyl) and 4-bromostyrene. The resulting fully soluble and processable, styryl-functionalized oligomers and polymers can be cross-linked via the vinyl end-groups by curing at 175−200 °C, consistent with the autopolymerization mechanism of styrene. These relatively mild conditions render the materials insoluble and enable multilayering of polymers in organic light emitting devices. At the same time, the electrical and/or optical properties of the cross-linked polymers are preserved and no deleterious species or undesirable byproducts are produced. Furthermore, the cross-linking allows control of the supramolecular ordering of the planarized rigid rod-type fluorene segments in the polymer backbone that leads to suppression of troublesome excimer/aggregate in the photo- and electrolumenescence.
RECENT ADVANCES IN DIFFERENTIAL DISPLAY

Abstract Differential display and RNA arbitrary primed polmerase chain reaction are methods recently designed to identify and isolate differentially expressed genes. Methodological modifications have since been introduced to streamline the techniques. The major effor thas centered on how to eliminate false positives as approached from a variety of angles, ranging from RNA sample preparation, northern blot confirmation, primer length variation, to better experimental design.
RECOMBINANT TNF-α MEDIATED REGULATION OF THE IκB-α/NF-κB SIGNALING PATHWAY: EVIDENCE FOR THE ENHANCEMENT OF PRO- AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY CYTOKINES IN ALVEOLAR EPITHELIAL CELLS

The signaling transduction mechanism mediated by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in the alveolar epithelium is not well characterized. It was subsequently hypothesized that recombinant murine TNF-alpha (rmTNF-alpha) selectively regulates the inhibitory kappa B (I kappa B-alpha)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) pathway and interferes with the endogenous biosynthesis of pro-inflammatory (stimulatory) and anti-inflammatory (inhibitory) cytokines. The cytokine rmTNF-alpha induced, in a time- and dose-dependent manner, the degradation of I kappa B-alpha within the cytosolic compartment, an effect associated with up-regulating its phosphorylation. This allowed the biphasic regulation of selective NF-kappa B subunit nuclear translocation, thereby mediating a dual excitatory mechanism on NF-kappa B activation. The immunoregulatory effect of rmTNF-alpha was associated with a time-dependent induction of pro-inflammatory [interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha] and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokine biosynthesis. These results indicate a novel involvement of an I kappa B-alpha/NF-kappa B-sensitive pathway mediating the effect of TNF-alpha, which is associated with an autocrine, endogenous mechanism mediating the regulation of cytokine signaling.
Sex Determination: Sex on the Brain?

Five newly identified sex-biased transcripts in Drosophila are full of surprises: although they are found in fly heads, and manipulating two of them affects mating behaviors, their genes are expressed sex-specifically in non-neural tissues. The way these genes are regulated suggests new complexities in the sex determination pathway.
High correlations between variations in monthly averages of solar activity and total atmospheric ozone

Estimates of the ozone total columnar content, derived from Nimbus IV IRIS data, have been analyzed to estimate monthly averages of the total global atmospheric ozone. Over a 9-month interval, the variation in this monthly average is approximately an order of magnitude greater than its associated uncertainty, and has characteristics in common with variations in the 10.7 cm solar flux, the Zurich sunspot number, and the total solar Lyman alpha flux. The highest correlation, 0.94, exists between the variation in the total Lyman alpha flux and the variation in the estimated total atmospheric ozone.
Incorporating amplitude information into the PMHT using shot-noise models

Summary form only given. In the past several years the probabilistic multi-hypothesis tracking (PMHT) algorithm has been extended by several authors in a variety of directions. In this paper the PMHT is extended to directly incorporate amplitude by using marked shot-noise (or, compound point process) models to represent the spatial and spectral distributions for stochastic target signals and noise. Incorporating amplitude information into the multitarget tracking algorithm has several potential advantages. This extension may allow the PMHT to process sensor data directly, eliminating the need for a separate detection preprocessing subsystem. This extension also may eliminate the need for a separate background normalization preprocessor because it incorporates the spatial and spectral distribution of the noise into the PMHT likelihood function. Direct use of the amplitude information may yield more accurate tracks, particularly at low signal to noise ratios. In addition, the marked shot-noise model allows one to easily calculate explicit Cramer-Rao lower bounds (CRLBs) for multi-target tracks in clutter. The CRLB on the location of a Gaussian target in uniform clutter is presented as a simple example. The spatial and spectral models of targets and noise are used to parameterize the likelihood function of the sensor data. As in PMHT, the expectation-maximization (EM) method is used to derive maximum likelihood estimates of the target parameters. Marked shot-noise models are used to interpret the spatial and spectral models of the targets and the noise to derive the complete data likelihood function for the EM method. (1 page)
Temporal correlation between intrauterine oxygen tension and endometrial H4-lactic dehydrogenase in the guinea pig.

Ambient oxygen tension can alter carbohydrate metabolism of uterine tissue in vitro by modifying the relative proportions of “H” and “M” subunits of lactic dehydrogenase: low oxygen tension favors production of M-LDH wheras elevated pO2 stimulates H-LDH synthesis (Dawson, Goodfriend and Kaplan, 1964). Previous studies have demonstrated that, in the rat, the luminal surface of the uterus is normally exposed in vivo to alterations in oxygen tension during the estrous cycle (Mitchell and Yochim, 1968a) and pregnancy (Yochim and Mitchell, 1968). Since O2 tension modifies lactic dehydrogenase isozyme distribution, it was hyposthesized (Yochim and Mitchell, 1968) and subsequently substantiated (Yochim, 1975) that increased intrauterine pO2 favors the synthesis of H4-LDH in the endometrium and results in increased oxidative metabolism. Thus, in the rat, the concentration of oxygen to which the endometrium is exposed appears to exert a marked effect on LDH isozyme activity. Subsequently, cyclic alterations in intrauterine oxygen tension have also been observed in the guinea pig (Garris and Mitchell, 1979). The following study was therefore undertaken to determine if the relative proportion of H-LDH present in the endometrium of the guinea pig also correlates with changes in intrauterine oxygen tension.
Flexible test bed for MVDC and HFAC electric ship power system architectures for Navy ships

Several power architectures have been considered for Navy ships and significant effort has been focused on simulation of the various power system topologies. The University of Texas at Austin Center for Electromechanics (UT-CEM) has taken a step forward by assembling a microgrid capable of operating at MW power levels to experimentally validate key elements of these system models. The present system is an MVDC architecture but can easily be reconfigured as an HFAC network. This paper describes the UT-CEM microgrid and plans to demonstrate critical technical issues in naval power systems and enable model validation. The intent is for the microgrid to be a flexible test bed for investigation of naval power systems and to become a useful bridge from theoretical and computer studies to a realistic experimental platform.
FGF and PI3 kinase signaling pathways antagonistically modulate sex muscle differentiation in C. elegans

Myogenesis in vertebrate myocytes is promoted by activation of the phosphatidyl-inositol 3'-kinase (PI3 kinase) pathway and inhibited by fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling. We show that hyperactivation of the Caenorhabditis elegans FGF receptor, EGL-15, similarly inhibits the differentiation of the hermaphrodite sex muscles. Activation of the PI3 kinase signaling pathway can partially suppress this differentiation defect, mimicking the antagonistic relationship between these two pathways known to influence vertebrate myogenesis. When ectopically expressed in body wall muscle precursor cells, hyperactivated EGL-15 can also interfere with the proper development of the body wall musculature. Hyperactivation of EGL-15 has also revealed additional effects on a number of fundamental processes within the postembryonic muscle lineage, such as cell division polarity. These studies provide important in vivo insights into the contribution of FGF signaling events to myogenesis.
Adaptive tracking for pneumatic muscle actuators in bicep and tricep configurations

Adaptive tracking techniques are applied to pneumatic muscle actuators arranged in bicep and tricep configurations. The control objective is to force the joint angle to track a specified reference path. Mathematical models are derived for the bicep and tricep configurations. The models are nonlinear and in general time-varying, making adaptive control desirable. Stability results are derived, and the results of simulation studies are presented, contrasting the nonlinear adaptive control to a nonadaptive PID control approach.
A New Perspective on Loneliness in Later Life

Loneliness in later life remains a serious problem despite extensive research across the life span. Unfortunately, most studies of loneliness that include older adults focus on individuals who are already lonely; findings suggest interventions dependent upon external factors such as socialization and functional status. Such interventions are not always feasible for older adults, who may have experienced social and functional losses. Nurses must adopt a new perspective in examining loneliness in later life. This new perspective should include a more positive approach that focuses on older adults who are not lonely even though they may have experienced decreased socialization or physical function. Identification of strategies employed by these older individuals may be used to help many elders avoid loneliness and help others cope with the related losses so frequent in later life.
On aliasing effects in the contourlet filter bank

The pyramidal directional filter bank (PDFB) for the contourlet transform is analyzed in this paper. First, the PDFB is viewed as an overcomplete filter bank, and the directional filters are expressed in terms of polyphase components of the pyramidal filter bank and the conventional DFB. The aliasing effect of the conventional DFB and the Laplacian pyramid to the equivalent directional filters is then considered, and the conditions to reduce this effect are presented. Experiments show that the designed PDFBs satisfying these requirements have the equivalent filters with much better frequency responses. The performance of the new PDFB is verified by non-linear approximation of images. It is found that improvement of 0.2 to 0.5 dB in PSNR as compared to the existing PDFB can be achieved.
Internal Friction of Progressively Crystallized Glasses

The internal friction of partly crystallized Li2O.-2.75 SiO2 glass fibers, containing a maximum of 78% lithium disilicate crystals, was measured by the torsion pendulum technique. The following changes in the internal friction were observed with increasing crystallization: (1) The low-temperature peak, generally attributed to the stress-induced diffusion of alkali ions, decreased continuously in height and shifted to higher temperatures at the higher crystal contents, (2) the intermediate-temperature peak decreased continuously in height, and (3) a new relaxation, which first appeared as an inflection in the background of the glasses which had been nucleated at 500° C. without any crystallization, became a well-defined peak in the partly crystallized fibers. It is suggested that this new relaxation may be an indication of the early stages of nucleation. Possible explanations are given for the high-temperature relaxation observed in the partly crystallized glasses.
A survey of women obtaining emergency contraception: Are they interested in using the copper IUD?

Abstract Background This study aims to determine if women presenting for emergency contraception (EC) at family planning clinics may be interested in using the copper intrauterine device (IUD) for EC. Study Design This convenience sample survey was offered to women who presented for EC at four participating clinics in urban Utah. Anonymous written questionnaires were distributed. The outcome variable of interest was interest in using the copper IUD for EC. Results Of survey respondents, 320 (34.0%) of 941 said they would be interested in an EC method that was long term, highly effective and reversible. Interested women were not significantly different from noninterested women in relation to age, marital status, education, household income, gravidity, previous abortions, previous sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or relationship status. One hundred twenty women (37.5% of those interested or 12.8% of all those surveyed) would wait an hour, undergo a pelvic exam to get the method and would still want the method knowing it was an IUD. However, only 12.3% of these women could also pay $350 or more for the device. Multivariable regression found the following predictors of interest in the IUD among EC users: non-Hispanic minorities (OR=2.12, 95% CI=1.14–3.93), desire to never be pregnant in the future (OR=2.87, 95% CI=1.38–5.66) and interest in adoption (OR=1.96, 95% CI=1.00–5.73) or abortion (OR=2.68, 95% CI=1.24–4.14) if pregnant when presenting for EC. Conclusion While one third of EC users surveyed at family planning clinics were interested in a long-term, highly effective method of contraception, only a small portion of all EC users may be interested in the copper IUD for EC. Cost is a potential barrier.
Strain Compensated InGaAs/GaAsP Single Quantum Well Thin Film Lasers Integrated onto Si Substrates

Thin film InGaAs/GaAsP lasers with strained single quantum well active regions have been bonded to Si and tested. The thin film laser structure was designed and grown with no net strain using strain compensation.
High-density optically actuated Au nanorod electron emitter arrays

In this work we investigate the use of Au nanorods as optically actuated electron emitter arrays. We have fabricated high-density arrays of 10 nm diameter Au nanorods via electron beam lithography and studied the effects of, emitter array density on charge yield, and laser intensity on emitter morphology, respectively. Additionally, we have numerically simulated the magnitude of the local electric field at the surface of emitter arrays with various layouts and geometries. This investigation thus provides us with a better understanding of optically actuated electron emission phenomena within high-density electron emitter arrays.
A Hybrid Integration Strategy: Community Specific, Context-Medidated and Process-Oriented

Although integration has been a research subject for decades, nowadays we still see problem statements related to integration, which are also very similar to those discussed in articles dated a long time ago. One of the major differences between now and then perhaps is our collective experience in resolving the integration problem by using common semantic models, which is still a mainstream strategy and has resulted in many different types of industry standards. This strategy offers stability and data transparency, but requires tremendous front-loaded effort to establish agreements in terms of data semantics among various software vendors, which is proved to be very difficult to achieve. Besides, the fact that today people are still facing and seeking solutions to the same problem as researchers did decades ago, to some degree, indicated the limitation of this strategy. In this paper, in addition to the review of major integration approaches, the author discusses a hybrid integration strategy, which may potentially provide many benefits for applications such as those supporting dynamic or ad-hoc collaboration among business partners. This type of collaboration happens often in many areas of the AEC industry, such as large-scale capital projects.