cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Superionic Conductivity in Lithium-Rich Anti-Perovskites

Lithium ion batteries have shown great promise in electrical energy storage with enhanced energy density, power capacity, charge–discharge rates, and cycling lifetimes. However common fluid electrolytes consisting of lithium salts dissolved in solvents are toxic, corrosive, or flammable. Solid electrolytes with superionic conductivity can avoid those shortcomings and work with a metallic lithium anode, thereby allowing much higher energy densities. Here we present a novel class of solid electrolytes with three-dimensional conducting pathways based on lithium-rich anti-perovskites (LiRAP) with ionic conductivity of σ > 10–3 S/cm at room temperature and activation energy of 0.2–0.3 eV. As temperature approaches the melting point, the ionic conductivity of the anti-perovskites increases to advanced superionic conductivity of σ > 10–2 S/cm and beyond. The new crystalline materials can be readily manipulated via chemical, electronic, and structural means to boost ionic transport and serve as high-performance s...
Surface Modification by Ion Beam Enhanced Deposition

Copper films given multiple sequences of Ta implantation and Cu depositions were analyzed using electron microscopy, backscattering, and Auger spectroscopy. Ta retention is 92% following direct implantation, and 100% retention was achieved for the same Ta dose if sputtered Cu is replaced during implantation. Lateral migration of Ta and microroughness were observed for all cases studied. Evidence for TaC formation is presented.
One-Dimensional Control Systems

The structure of one-dimensional control systems is particularly easy to analyze. One obtains a complete picture of the system behavior by studying the dynamics for constant control values, using some calculus. But the class of one-dimensional systems is sufficiently rich to furnish interesting examples for much of the theory developed in the previous chapters, including some not so obvious counterexamples. The concepts of global theory and linearization theory can be characterized explicitly for one-dimensional systems, which allows us to compute control sets, chain control sets, domains of attraction, spectral intervals, and invariant manifolds directly in terms of the system dynamics. With these characterizations we can go one step further and analyze the (local and global) bifurcation structure completely-something that is only partially possible in higher dimensions (see Sections 9.2 and 9.4).
Performance-Based Field Methods for Analyses of Substituted Phenols by Thermal Desorption Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

Performance-based field methods that provide qualitative and screening level data for phenol and its substituted (chloro, methyl, and nitro) analogues were developed for soil analysis. The methods give results in under 5 min/sample. A more quantitative field method for soil and water also was developed. The method can provide data in under 20 min/sample inclusive of sample preparation. Measurement performance of thermal desorption gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (TDGC/MS) for both soil and water samples are presented. MS with selective ion monitoring and a compound-specific data analysis algorithm provides data with measurement precision and accuracy of about 40%. The more quantitative method yields data comparable with those obtained by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standardized methods, with measurement precision and accuracy of ±30%.
Gate Switchable Transport and Optical Anisotropy in 90° Twisted Bilayer Black Phosphorus

Anisotropy describes the directional dependence of a material’s properties such as transport and optical response. In conventional bulk materials, anisotropy is intrinsically related to the crystal structure and thus not tunable by the gating techniques used in modern electronics. Here we show that, in bilayer black phosphorus with an interlayer twist angle of 90°, the anisotropy of its electronic structure and optical transitions is tunable by gating. Using first-principles calculations, we predict that a laboratory-accessible gate voltage can induce a hole effective mass that is 30 times larger along one Cartesian axis than along the other axis, and the two axes can be exchanged by flipping the sign of the gate voltage. This gate-controllable band structure also leads to a switchable optical linear dichroism, where the polarization of the lowest-energy optical transitions (absorption or luminescence) is tunable by gating. Thus, anisotropy is a tunable degree of freedom in twisted bilayer black phosphorus.
The policy process in Washington: a conceptual template for public affairs programming

Professional and scholarly literatures are rich at individual steps within Washington policy formulation. But a single, guiding template for the entire process—from start to finish—is absent. This creates two difficulties: practitioners toil additionally to explain process intricacies to senior business managers, and educators labor to teach students the public affairs process. This article fills the void. As the policy process unfolds, options to mold policy outcomes in Washington change and increase substantially over time. Knowing what stage one faces within the policy process prescribes communication strategy and tactics. What begins narrowly ends broadly with a virtually universal right to make the government listen and respond. The United States virtually stands alone among democracies globally in the organization of its policy process. This study offers a single, holistic approach to the US public policy process and ways to influence it. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spin-orbitronics: Skyrmion Hall effect

Two independent teams have demonstrated that the current-driven motion of a topological charge experiences a transverse deflection analogous to charged particles in the classical Hall effect.
Evaluation of six sample preparation procedures for qualitative and quantitative proteomics analysis of milk fat globule membrane

Proteomic analysis of membrane proteins is challenged by the proteins solubility and detergent incompatibility with MS analysis. No single perfect protocol can be used to comprehensively characterize the proteome of membrane fraction. Here, we used cow milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) proteome analysis to assess six sample preparation procedures including one in-gel and five in-solution digestion approaches prior to LC-MS/MS analysis. The largest number of MFGM proteins were identified by suspension trapping (S-Trap) and filter-aided sample preparation (FASP) methods, followed by acetone precipitation without clean-up of tryptic peptides method. Protein identifications with highest average coverage was achieved by Chloroform/MeOH, in-gel and S-Trap methods. Most distinct proteins were identified by FASP method, followed by S-Trap. Analyses by Venn diagram, principal-component analysis, hierarchical clustering and the abundance ranking of quantitative proteins highlight differences in the MFGM fraction by the all sample preparation procedures. These results reveal the biased proteins/peptides loss occurred in each protocol. In this study, we found several novel proteins that were not observed previously by in-depth proteomics characterization of MFGM fraction in milk. Thus, a combination of multiple procedures with orthologous properties of sample preparation was demonstrated to improve the protein sequence coverage and expression level accuracy of membrane samples.
Catheter Ablation of Atrial Flutter and Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation are two of the most common arrhythmias seen in clinical practice and the most common indications for referral for catheter ablation. While they are historically grouped together, research over the past 20 years has shown that atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation are distinct arrhythmias with different electrophysiological mechanisms. This review will consider the development of and current approach to catheter ablation of atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation.
Prenatal Tetanus, Diphtheria, Acellular Pertussis Vaccination and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

BACKGROUND: Increasing vaccination of pregnant women makes it important to assess safety events potentially linked to prenatal vaccination. This study investigates the association between prenatal tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk in offspring. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of mother-child pairs with deliveries January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2014 at Kaiser Permanente Southern California hospitals. Maternal Tdap vaccination from pregnancy start to delivery date was obtained from electronic medical records. A diagnosis of ASD was obtained by using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Revision codes. Children were managed from birth to first ASD diagnosis, end of membership, or end of follow-up (June 30, 2017). Cox proportional hazards models estimated the unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for the association between maternal Tdap vaccination and ASD, with inverse probability of treatment weighting to adjust for confounding. RESULTS: Women vaccinated were more likely to be Asian American or Pacific Islander, be nulliparous, have a higher education, receive influenza vaccination prenatally, and give birth at term. ASD was diagnosed in 1341 (1.6%) children, and the incidence rate was 3.78 per 1000 person years in the Tdap exposed and 4.05 per 1000 person years in the unexposed group (HR: 0.98, 95% confidence interval: 0.88–1.09). The inverse probability of treatment weighting–adjusted analyses revealed that prenatal Tdap vaccination was not associated with an increased ASD risk (HR: 0.85, 95% confidence interval: 0.77–0.95). CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal Tdap vaccination was not associated with an increased ASD risk. We support recommendations to vaccinate pregnant women to protect infants, who are at highest risk of death after pertussis infection.
Flux-balance Vlasov simulation with filamentation filtration

Abstract An Eulerian phase-space discretized Vlasov–Poisson simulation code that incorporates filamentation filtration is introduced. The code is based on the flux-balance method, which is extended to include the filtration. A novel method for removing a localized numerical instability at the velocity boundaries is introduced and it is shown that the code is otherwise stable for a limited but effective range of filamentation filter widths. It is demonstrated that filamentation filtration does not remove the recurrence problem; recurrence does arise in the absence of filamentation. Simulations of one-dimensional, electrostatic Landau damping, and two-stream instability are presented. For these simulations, favorable comparisons with the results of a well-established Fourier–Fourier transformed spectral code are discussed.
Effects of fertilization and crown release on white oak (Quercus alba) masting and acorn quality

Abstract Forest management practices that influence mast production in oaks (Quercus spp.) are ecologically and economically important for regeneration of future oak forests, timber products, and wildlife that consume acorns. We conducted a 10-year experiment in upland oak-hickory forests of eastern Tennessee to determine the influence of canopy release, fertilization (addition of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), and their combined influence on white oak (Quercus alba) acorn production, acorn size and quality, and acorn depredation. We used a robust before-after-control-impact design where we collected pre-treatment acorn production (acorns/m2 of crown) data from 120 white oaks for 5 years, applied canopy release and fertilizer treatments and then monitored post-treatment acorn production on the same trees for an additional 5 years. Acorn production was temporally variable with 6 of 10 years being near complete mast failures (≤3.67 ± 8.52 acorns/m2 of crown). Also, production varied greatly among individual trees with 11% of trees classified as excellent producers accounting for 31% of all acorns produced, and 41% of trees classified as poor producers accounting for only 17% of all acorns produced. Canopy-released and canopy-released-and-fertilized trees increased acorn production 65% and 47%, respectively, following treatment relative to control trees, with effects greatest in trees classified as poor producers. Fertilization did not influence acorn production or size and did not consistently influence acorn quality. Furthermore, acorn depredation rates did not differ among treatments. Our results indicate crown release is an important management practice when management objectives include increasing white oak acorn production in closed-canopy conditions, whereas fertilization does not influence acorn production.
It’s Symbiotic: Exploring the Facilitators and Outcomes of a Successful Community-University Research Partnership

This study examines a community–university partnership formed as part of a funded research project. Using case study methodologies, the authors explored the characteristics and facilitators of a co...
Making Technology Foresight (and Systems Studies?) Useful

“Systems analyses” rarely are taken seriously — we rhapsodize with each other, but don’t often add value to policy or managerial decision processes. “Technology foresight analyses” fare similarly. Neither form of analytical process is worth doing unless it affects decision making. What can we do to change this? I address this issue for technology foresight, with overtones pointed to the systems community.
Measurements of the reaction e/sup +/e/sup -/. -->. gamma gamma. at center-of-mass energies in the range 6. 2--7. 4 GeV. [Cross sectios, lepton propagator]

Measurements of the cross section for the pair-annihilation reaction e/sup +/e/sup -/ ..-->.. ..gamma gamma.. at angles close to 90degree, relative to Bhabha scattering at 4degree, are reported at center-of-mass energies in the range 6.2--7.4 GeV. These measurements provide a fundamental test of quantum electrodynamics (QED) for spacelike values of the invariant four-momentum transfer q/sup 2/ as high at -40 (GeV/c)/sup 2/, which in this reaction is carried by the lepton propagator. A principal feature of the detection apparatus is the use of large NaI(Tl) total-absorption spectrometers. The results are in agreement with the predictions of QED.
Hydrothermal corrosion of 2nd generation FeCrAl alloys for accident tolerant fuel cladding

Abstract As part of an effort to develop advanced fuel cladding for use in light water reactors, several FeCrAl alloys have been developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. A second generation of these alloys bearing additional alloying elements over the previously tested model alloys were tested in boiling water reactor (BWR) conditions to determine their resistance to hydrothermal corrosion. Coupons with alloy compositions Fe–10Cr–6Al–2Mo, Fe–13Cr–5Al–2Mo, Fe–13Cr–6Al–2Mo, Fe–13Cr–7Al–2Mo, and Fe–13Cr–5Al–2Mo–1Nb were tested in normal water chemistry (NWC) and hydrogen water chemistry (HWC) for 9 months in continuously refreshing autoclaves. Commercial FeCrAl alloy APMT and Zircaloy-2 were also tested for comparison. Among samples exposed to HWC, Fe–13Cr–7Al–2Mo performed worst with an average mass loss of 1.3 mg/cm2 over 9 months. This mass loss represents an estimated thickness loss of approximately 60 μm over 6 years. Samples exposed to NWC had very small mass losses of less than 0.15 mg/cm2 or mass gains up to 0.05 mg/cm2. Based on the results of this testing, the 2nd generation FeCrAl alloys tested exhibit low wall thickness loss and are suitable in terms of corrosion resistance for use as LWR cladding in BWR-HWC and BWR-NWC under normal operating conditions.
The Evolving Relationship between Conservative States and Access to Contraception

Poor access to contraception can lead to several undesired health outcomes, including high rates of unintended pregnancy, high rates of teen pregnancy, spontaneous preterm delivery, preeclampsia and maternal death. Properly addressing these public health issues often require a coordinated response at the state government level. States with conservative legislatures have traditionally fought attempts to expand access to contraception. However, several of these states are now implementing policies that increase access to their citizens. While the motives for each state differ, the goals are the same: reduce poor health outcomes by increasing access to contraception.
Single Sign-On: A Solution Approach to Address Inefficiencies During Sign-Out Process

In a Single Sign-on (SSO) environment, an Identity Provider (IDP) authenticates a user for the first Service Provider (SP). The IDP creates an active IDP session and stores its information in the user’s web browser. Each SP also creates and maintains one active service session. Using state-transition diagrams, we illustrate sign-in and sign-out processes. An information security vulnerability situation is created because users are unaware of an active IDP session in the user’s browser and signs-out only from SP sessions. One solution to this problem is educating users. Another solution is to implement the SSO that ensures the termination of the IDP session as soon as user signs-out from all services that the IDP authenticated. The first solution appears to be simple, but practically an impossible task to educate millions of web based SSO users worldwide. The second solution is better because one good implementation solves the problem for all users. In this article, we propose several solutions for terminating the hidden active IDP session. Also, we review the data storage-methods commonly used for storing information of SP and IDP sessions in the browsers. Moreover, we propose a browser extension for conveniently and efficiently managing active SP and IDP sessions. In our proposed browser extension, we have recommended IndexedDB browser storage for storing active session information. We believe our proposed browser extension is simple, but efficient solution for eliminating hidden active IDP session.
MORPHOLOGIC VARIATIONS OF THE INFERIOR ALVEOLAR NERVE CANAL THROUGH THREE-DIMENSIONAL COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

BACKGROUND The Inferior alveolar nerve is the main nerve supply to the mandible, and its location and position related to the surrounding structures are critical during surgical procedures. The introduction of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) with low radiation dose and high resolution has improved the anatomic visualization of the canal. OBJECTIVE(S) The aim of this study was to investigate the morphologic variations of the inferior alveolar canal in 10 CBCT data sets through 3D computed tomography assessment. STUDY DESIGN Ten CBCT scans were randomly selected from the archived cases database of the Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Department at The University of Iowa. Institutional review board approval was obtained. The inclusion criteria consisted of visualization of the complete inferior alveolar canal and the third molar bilaterally, no pathosis associated with the mandible, and no motion or metallic artifacts that might affect the image quality. The distance between 10 fixed anatomic landmarks (lingula, sigmoid notch, angle of mandible, mental foramen, buccal cortex of the mandible, symphysis, mandibular foramen, posterior surface of the most distal molar, condyle, and inferior border of the mandible) were measured and the length and angulation of the inferior alveolar canal were measured. All measurements were performed by an OMR twice with at least 1 week between measurements. RESULTS There were variations in the inferior alveolar canal length and angulation between the right and left sides of the mandible. The right mental foramen was located slightly posteriorly from the symphysis compared with the left side. The mandibular canal was around 30 mm away from the distal aspect of the presented molars on the both sides. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS Three-dimensional imaging obtained from CBCT scans provides comprehensive knowledge of the anatomic location and the course of the canal within the mandible.
SGLT2 Inhibition Increases Fasting Glucagon but Does Not Restore the Counterregulatory Hormone Response to Hypoglycemia in Participants with Type 1 Diabetes.

Individuals with type 1 diabetes have an impaired glucagon counterregulatory response to hypoglycemia. Sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT) inhibitors increase glucagon concentrations. We evaluated whether SGLT inhibition restores the glucagon counterregulatory hormone response to hypoglycemia. Adults with type 1 diabetes (n = 22) were treated with the SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin (5 mg daily) or placebo for 4 weeks in a randomized, double-blind, crossover study. After each treatment phase, participants underwent a hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemic clamp. Basal glucagon concentrations were 32% higher following dapagliflozin versus placebo, with a median within-participant difference of 2.75 pg/mL (95% CI 1.38-12.6). However, increased basal glucagon levels did not correlate with decreased rates of hypoglycemia, and thus do not appear to be protective in avoiding hypoglycemia. During hypoglycemic clamp, SGLT2 inhibition did not change counterregulatory hormone concentrations, time to recovery from hypoglycemia, hypoglycemia symptoms, or cognitive function. Thus, despite raising basal glucagon concentrations, SGLT inhibitor treatment did not restore the impaired glucagon response to hypoglycemia. We propose that clinical reduction in hypoglycemia associated with these agents is a result of changes in diabetes care (e.g., lower insulin doses or improved glycemic variability) as opposed to a direct, physiologic effect of these medications on alpha cell function.
Test–retest reproducibility of the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 ligand [ 18 F]FPEB with bolus plus constant infusion in humans

Purpose [18F]FPEB is a promising PET radioligand for the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5), a potential target for the treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the test–retest reproducibility of [18F]FPEB in the human brain.
The chemokine CXCL12 and the HIV‐1 envelope protein gp120 regulate spontaneous activity of Cajal–Retzius cells in opposite directions

Activation of the CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) in Cajal–Retzius cells by CXC chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) is important for controlling their excitability. CXCR4 is also a co-receptor for the glycoprotein 120 (gp120) of the envelope of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), and binding of gp120 to CXCR4 may produce pathological effects. In order to study CXCR4-dependent modulation of membrane excitability, we recorded in cell-attached configuration spontaneous action currents from hippocampal stratum lacunosum-moleculare Cajal–Retzius cells of the CXCR4-EGFP mouse. CXCL12 (50 nM) powerfully inhibited firing independently of synaptic transmission, suggesting that CXCR4 regulates an intrinsic conductance. This effect was prevented by conditioning slices with BAPTA-AM (200 μM), and by blockers of the BK calcium-dependent potassium channels (TEA (1 mM), paxilline (10 μM) and iberiotoxin (100 nM)). In contrast, exposure to gp120 (pico- to nanomolar range, alone or in combination with soluble cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4)), enhanced spontaneous firing frequency. This effect was prevented by the CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 (1 μM) and was absent in EGFP-negative stratum lacunosum-moleculare interneurons. Increased excitability was prevented by treating slices with BAPTA-AM or bumetanide, suggesting that gp120 activates a mechanism that is both calcium- and chloride-dependent. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that CXCL12 and gp120 modulate the excitability of Cajal–Retzius cells in opposite directions. We propose that CXCL12 and gp120 either generate calcium responses of different strength or activate distinct pools of intracellular calcium, leading to agonist-specific responses, mediated by BK channels in the case of CXCL12, and by a chloride-dependent mechanism in the case of gp120.
A Shoelace Left Untied: Teachers Negotiate Class and Ethnicity in a City of Northern England.

Using qualitative research methods supported by demographic data, the role of castelike class patterns in British schooling and the participation of teacher mentalities in maintaining images of working-class students and their families within urban communities were examined. The common American assumption that race is the most salient, if not the sole, designator of resistance to schooling was challenged as teachers and administrators in three urban schools in the north of England presented their experiences and views of working with low-income urban students. In returning as an American researcher to the city of her British family, the author brings a unique cross-cultural lens to the analysis of ethnicity and class.
Interaction of Staphylococcal α-Toxin with Artificial and Natural Membranes

Comparison of hemolytic activity and chromate-releasing activity of partially purified preparations of staphylococcal alpha-toxin indicated the presence of a lytic factor other than alpha-toxin. This lytic release factor (RF) was isolated from the preparations and was shown to be active against both lipid spherules and erythrocytes. Heat-purified alpha-toxin (HP alpha-toxin) disrupted spherules, with the formation of fragments which always showed the presence of ring structures similar in dimensions (ca. 90 A) to pure alpha 12S-toxin. The interaction of HP alpha-toxin with spherules was accompanied by loss of hemolytic activity and adsorption of toxic protein. The alpha 12S-toxin, although only weakly hemolytic, was shown to be lytic for spherules. An alpha 12S-free toxin rapidly disrupted spherules, with formation of fragments with attached rings similar in dimensions to the alpha 12S molecule. Lipid monolayer experiments showed that HP alpha-toxin could penetrate lipid monolayers by virtue of a hydrophobic interaction. Effects of HP alpha-toxin on rabbit and human erythrocyte ghosts were similar to its effects on spherules, in that rings appeared on membrane fragments. Toxin-lysed rabbit erythrocytes showed similar rings on the resulting membrane fragments. However, rings were not seen on toxin-treated rabbit erythrocytes in the prelytic lag phase; this result and the fact that human erythrocytes are largely insensitive to alpha-toxin were interpreted as evidence against a lytic mechanism involving ring formation as the primary event. Rings were interpreted as toxin polymers similar to alpha 12S molecules, formed from specifically orientated active toxin molecules at the surface of lipid structures. Possible mechanisms for toxin lysis of spherules and erythrocytes are discussed.
Propagating Waves and Target Patterns in Chemical Systems

The discovery of propagating waves of various types in chemical reagents has provoked a great deal of research, during the last ten years, into the phenomenology and the underlying mechanisms for such wavelike activity. The research has been performed by natural scientists and mathematicians alike. Most of it has been experimental, but much computer simulation and mathematical analysis has also been done. Chemical wave activity is believed to be prevalent in biological organisms, but the most readily accessible reagent for laboratory study is that discovered by Belousov and Žabotinskiĭ. This mixture has oscillatory or excitable kinetics, depending on the concentrations of the various chemicals in the solution. Both of these regimes have at least two natural time scales: During one period of an oscillation or during one excited “excursion”, most of the variation in the concentration of the reactants occurs within a brief interval of time. The time scale associated with this brief spurt of activity is much shorter than that associated with the slow variation which occurs before and after. This is well known from experiment and computation, and is evident from scaling analyses of model kinetic equations performed in [1] and elsewhere. Spatial structures are also prevalent in unstirred layers of this reagent ([23]; [2], [22], [24], and references therein). Target patterns (expanding concentric circular waves) are among the most prevalent of these structures. Here again, disparate space and time scales are evident from computer simulation of propagating waves [3].
A Review of “Handbook of Theological Education in Africa” and “Asian Handbook for Theological Education and Ecumenism”

These two handbooks, jointly planned, organized, and executed by evangelicals (connected with the Oxford Center for Mission Studies) and ecumenicals (associated with the World Council of Churches a...
New approaches to estimation of magnetotelluric parameters

Fully efficient robust data processing procedures were developed and tested for single station and remote reference magnetotelluric (Mr) data. Substantial progress was made on development, testing and comparison of optimal procedures for single station data. A principal finding of this phase of the research was that the simplest robust procedures can be more heavily biased by noise in the (input) magnetic fields, than standard least squares estimates. To deal with this difficulty we developed a robust processing scheme which combined the regression M-estimate with coherence presorting. This hybrid approach greatly improves impedance estimates, particularly in the low signal-to-noise conditions often encountered in the dead band'' (0.1--0.0 hz). The methods, and the results of comparisons of various single station estimators are described in detail. Progress was made on developing methods for estimating static distortion parameters, and for testing hypotheses about the underlying dimensionality of the geological section.
Narrow-band imaging cystoscopy to evaluate bladder tumours--individual surgeon variability.

Study Type – Diagnosis (exploratory cohort) Level of Evidence 2b OBJECTIVE To assess individual urologist variability using narrow-band imaging (NBI) cystoscopy to evaluate bladder tumours. PATIENTS AND METHODS In all, 50 patients underwent white-light and NBI cystoscopy to evaluate for recurrent bladder tumours. Endoscopic images in each patient were independently viewed by four urologists assessing presence or absence of tumour. Their findings were correlated with biopsy results. RESULTS In all, 26 patients had recurrent tumour and 24 had benign histology. There were no significant differences among urologists detecting recurrent tumour or in determining final pathology. CONCLUSIONS There does not appear to be a ‘learning curve’ for adapting to NBI-surveillance cystoscopy in patients with bladder cancer.
Towards nonpeptide agonists: Design of ‘true’ peptidomimetics

This paper outlines the basic strategy to design ‘true’ peptidomimetics, i.e., nonpeptide compounds that bind to the same receptor site as the parent peptide. Design of highly selective and potent agonist analogs of δ-opioid peptides based on development of the 3D model for the δ-opioid pharmacophore is described. The design employed molecular modeling in combination with synthesis, biological testing, NMR spectroscopy and X-ray studies. The designed compounds were able to bind to δ-opioid receptors with affinities and selectivities comparable to those for DPDPE, a well-known δ-selective agonist. They also showed moderate δ-agonistic activity.
Time-dependent density functional study of transport in molecular junctions

Electron transport in nanostructures is calculated and compared using a time-independent and a time-dependent first-principles framework. The time-independent approach uses the nonequilibrium Green's-function technique to calculate the current, while the time-dependent method extracts the current from the time propagated wave function. The approaches have been tested using gold-benzene-dithiolate-gold and gold-bipyridine-gold molecular junctions. The reasons for the differences in the current-voltage curves predicted by the two methods are discussed.
How large-capacity hatcheries can alter interannual variability of Salmon production

Abstract A theoretical model of salmon hatchery production dynamics exhibits dramatic year-to-year variation in salmon abundance. The model is a two-parameter Ricker curve with a fixed upper boundary on stock size imposed by hatchery capacity. In this model returns to large-capacity hatcheries, including yields to the fishery, fluctuate in response to enhanced productivity of returns per parent at low parental densities. The mechanism responsible for the model's dynamic behavior is the nonlinear Ricker curve. Qualitatively similar results hold for any dome-shaped, spawner-return relationship provided it is sufficiently steep-sided. These results suggest theoretical limits on hatchery capacity and caveats for the effectiveness of salmon enhancement or ocean ranching programs.
Monte Carlo analysis of SP-off-RP data

Abstract SP-off-RP questions are a recent innovation in choice modelling that solicits information from respondents in a different way than standard stated-preference (SP) experiments. In particular, the alternatives and choice of a respondent in a real-world setting are observed, and the respondent is asked whether he/she would choose the same alternative or switch to another alternative if the attributes of the chosen alternative were less desirable in ways specified by the researcher and/or the attributes of non-chosen alternatives were more desirable in specified ways. This construction, called “stated-preference off revealed-preference” (SP-off-RP), is intended to increase the realism of the stated-preference task, relative to standard SP exercises, but creates endogeneity. In this paper, we present a series of Monte Carlo exercises that explore estimation on this type of data, using an estimator that accounts for the endogeneity. The results indicate that, when the variance in the processing error by respondents is the same for SP-off-RP data as for standard SP data, the two solicitation methods provide about the same level of efficiency in estimation, even though the SP-off-RP data contain endogeneity that the estimator must handle while the SP data do not involve endogeneity. For both solicitation methods, efficiency rises, as expected, as the variance of the processing error decreases. These results imply that, if respondents are able to answer SP-off-RP questions more accurately than standard SP questions (and hence have lower variance of processing error), then SP-off-RP data are more efficient that standard SP data. This implication needs to be viewed cautiously, since (i) the actual processing error for each solicitation method is not measured in the current study, and (ii) the results are for the specific data generation processes that are used in the Monte Carlo exercises.
The human FE65 gene: genomic structure and an intronic biallelic polymorphism associated with sporadic dementia of the Alzheimer type

The FE65 protein binds to the intracellular domain of the beta-amyloid precursor protein (sPP) and may modulate the internalization of sPP. This gene is highly expressed in regions of the brain specifically affected in dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT). As a prelude to further investigations of the role of FE65 in the metabolism of sPP and in the pathogenesis of DAT, we have determined the entire genomic structure and sequence of human FE65 and have discovered several polymorphisms in this gene. Human FE65 contains 14 exons ranging in size from 6 to 735 bp. All splice sites conform to consensus sequences except for the donor site of intron 10. The 5’ end of FE65 mRNA was identified by rapid amplification of the cDNA 5’ end and is 31 bp longer than the previously published cDNA sequence. The 5’-flanking region of this gene is TATA-less and is very GC-rich with at least five putative Sp1 binding sites. In comparison to the genomic rat FE65 sequence, the human FE65 5’-untranslated region is 134 bp longer and has an extra exon (exon 1, 86 bp). To identify mutations/polymorphisms of the coding regions of this gene, we performed blinded analysis of 457 Caucasian case-control samples from a large epidemiological study of sporadic DAT. Screening was conducted by single-strand conformation polymorphism. Four minor variants were found within the coding region, with frequencies between 0.002 and 0.015; two of the four result in amino acid substitutions. The more informative biallelic polymorphism (a trinucleotide deletion and a single base substitution) was found within intron 13 (84 bp), which interrupts two exons encoding the βPP binding site. The frequency of the minor allele in this intron was 0.097 in DAT cases and 0.161 in controls (Χ2=7.78, P=0.0054). Having at least one copy of the minor allele was associated with a decreased risk for DAT (Χ2=9.20, P<0.005, odds ratio=0.49, 95% CI 0.31–0.77). Multivariate analysis showed that this association was independent of the APOE genotype. These results suggest that either FE65 itself or a closely linked gene influences the pathogenesis of sporadic DAT. The interaction of FE65 with βPP and the association of a FE65 polymorphism with DAT lend credence to the hypothesis that the metabolism of βPP is central to the pathogenesis of common sporadic forms of DAT.
Structural distortions of the [Fe4S4]2+ core of [Fe4S4(S-t-C4H9)4]2− in different crystalline environments and detection and instability of oxidized ([Fe4S4]3+) clusters

Abstract The structural and redox chemistry of the clusters [Fe4S4(SR)4]2− with R = t-alkyl have been investigated for the purpose of determining the structures of the same cluster in different environments and the stability of the oxidized species [Fe4S4(SR)4]1−. (Me3NCH2Ph)2[Fe4S4(S-t-Bu)4] crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c with no imposed symmetry. (Et4N)2[Fe4S4(S-t-Bu)4] crystallizes in the tetragonal space group I 4 2m with D2d symmetry imposed on the cluster. The [Fe4S4]2+ cluster cores in both compounds exhibit compressed tetragonal structures with different extents of distortion from Td symmetry. These structures are compared to those of other [Fe4S4]2+ clusters by means of core shape parameters. Clusters with R = t-alkyl (t-Bu, C(CH3)2CH2OH, C(CH3)2CH2NHPh) in DMF exhibit, in addition to the usual 2−/3− and 3−/4− redox reactions common to all [Fe4S4(SR)4]2− species, discrete one-electron oxidations near −0.1 V vs. s.c.e. Cyclic voltammetry of [Fe4S4(S-t-Bu)4]2− reveals an essentially reversible 1−/2− couple with E 1 2 = −0.12 V, supporting the authenticity of clusters containing an oxidized ([Fe4S4]3+) core. This couple cannot be electrochemically resolved from multi-electron oxidation in the case of clusters in DMF with other types of R substituents, a behavior apparently due to cathodic potential shifts by t-alkyl groups. Stability of oxidized clusters is low, and [Fe4S4(S-t-Bu)4]1− could not be generated in appreciable concentrations at longer times by coulometric or chemical oxidation. The relative stabilities of analogue and protein [Fe4S4]3+ clusters are discussed. Preparations of four new [Fe4S4(SR)4]2− cluster salts are described including water-soluble (Et4N)2[Fe4S4(SC(CH3)2CH2OH)4].
Cell interaction during lymphocyte activation.

Adherent cells were separated from stimulated lymphocytes by a layer of agarose to determine the requirement for lynphocyte interaction with adherent cells. The results demonstrated that the presence of plastic adherent cells was obligatory for oxidative activation, but contact of plastic adherent cells with oxidized nonadherent lymphocytes was not. A similar relationship was found to exist between adherent and nonadherent populations during PHA and Con A stimulation. In contrast, the responses of PWM- and ZnC12-stimulated lymphocytes were not augmented by the presence of adherent cells unless the two populations were in contact.
On the Rate of Convergence of the Two-Dimensional α-Models of Turbulence to the Navier–Stokes Equations

Rates of convergence of solutions of various two-dimensional α-regularization models, subject to periodic boundary conditions, toward solutions of the exact Navier–Stokes equations are given in the L ∞-L 2 time-space norm, in terms of the regularization parameter α, when α approaches zero. Furthermore, as a paradigm, error estimates for the Galerkin approximation of the exact two-dimensional Leray-α model are presented in the L ∞-L 2 time-space norm. Simply by the triangle inequality, one can reach the error estimates of the solutions of Galerkin approximation of the α-regularization models toward the exact solutions of the Navier–Stokes equations in the two-dimensional periodic boundary conditions case.
Rapid analysis of starch, amylose and amylopectin by high-performance size-exclusion chromatography.

Abstract Starch components, amylose and amylopectin, were analyzed by high-performance size-exclusion chromatography. These two-components were separated using a two-column system (E-Linear and E-1000) and dimethyl sulphoxide as the mobile phase. The void volume (V o = 2.22 ml) was measured using tobacco mosaic virus. Column calibration was accomplished with dextrans of known average molecular weight (Mwrange = 10,100—2,000,000). The elution volume of amylopectin ( V e = 2.5 ml) indicated that this starch component was fractionated on the column system despite its very large molecular size. Standard curves were prepared from various mixtures of purified corn and wheat amylose and amylopectin. From the linear relationships obtained, the percentages of both components in corn and wheat starches were determined. The method developed proved useful to monitor the purity of amylose and amylopectin preparations, and to estimate rapidly the amylose:amylopectin ratio of starch samples.
Evoked Auditory Brainstem Responses In Pre-Term Neonates:

Computer averaging can be used in recording low amplitude, far-field reflections of electrical activity in stimulated auditory pathways ascending the brainstem in man. These evoked responses were recorded from pre-term neonates in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Orange County Medical Center. Recordings were made while the infants were in environmentally-regulated isolettes with the use of conventional EEG electrodes. Clicks at 65, 45, and 25 dB SL (re: normal hearing adults) were applied via a headphone. Seven components were found within the first 15 msec following stimulation. Latency (msec) and amplitude (nanovolts) were measured and compiled with the individual infant's estimated gestational age. Results from clinically normal and abnormal patients were grouped separately, and brainstem pathology reports were evaluated on patients which expired. Responses from normal subjects decreased in latency with maturation. Amplitudes and latencies in abnormal patients deviated from the established normal pa...
Heterosocial Avoidance in College Males: Four Studies

The heterosocial skill deficits of nondating college men were explored in four separate assessment studies. The first two experiments compared dating and nondating men on numerous self-report, observational, and performance measures. The third study empirically established what social norms govern the initiation of conversations with strangers, and assessed the relative knowledge of these norms among daters and nondaters. The final study obtained naturalistic samples of heterosocial avoidance behaviors among daters and nondaters. Overall, nondaters were primarily characterized by the avoidance of interactions; by low self-ratings of skill, confidence, and approach behaviors; and by less knowledge about social cues and norms. The Survey of Heterosexual Interactions—a self-report measure employed throughout the studies is also presented in an appendix, along with normative data.
Working with the Emotionally Sensitive Adolescent

ABSTRACT Emotionally sensitive adolescents are difficult to teach, to live with, and to counsel. The incidence of the overly sensitive adolescent seems to be increasing. This paper explores this syndrome, relevant issues, causes, symptoms and basic counseling concerns. Emotional sensitivity can lead to such different outcomes as crime, creativity, substance abuse or extreme withdrawal. Implications for teachers, counselors and parents are discussed.
Diminished expression of CD40 ligand by activated neonatal T cells.

Abstract CD40 and CD40 ligand (gp39) mediate contact-dependent T-B cell interaction. We determined the expression of CD40 ligand by activated neonatal T cells and the response of neonatal B cells when activated through CD40. Although expression of CD40 ligand peaked simultaneously in both activated adult and neonatal cells, neonatal T cells expressed significantly less CD40 ligand surface protein and mRNA than adult T cells. Activated thymocytes also expressed far less CD40 ligand than adult T cells. Consistent with these results, activated neonatal T cells exhibited less helper function than activated adult T cells. Neonatal T cells primed and restimulated in vitro expressed CD40 ligand in amounts comparable with adult T cells and provided B cell help more effectively. This suggests that the poor expression of CD40 ligand reflects antigenic naivete rather than an intrinsic defect of neonatal T cells. Neonatal B cells cultured with soluble CD40 ligand (sgp39) and IL-10 produced IgM in amounts comparable with adult cells, but much less IgG and IgA. Nevertheless, neonatal B cells were capable of proliferation and class switching, since sgp39 and IL-4 induced proliferation and IgE production comparable to adult B cells and production of modest amounts of IgG. Together, these results indicate that diminished CD40 ligand expression, along with decreased production of lymphokines, may be responsible, at least in part, for the transient immunodeficiency observed in human neonates.
Synthesis of novel 2,3-substituted-2,4-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidine-5,7-diones

Novel 2,3-substituted-2,4-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidine-5,7-diones were successfully synthesized with moderate to good yields using a new synthetic approach. The structures of the regio-isomers in this series were determined by single crystal X-ray analysis and NMR spectra.
A comparison of first‐year, fifth‐year, and former teachers on efficacy, ego development, and problem solving

Differences in first-year (N=50), fifth-year (N=49) and former (N=30) teachers on measures of efficacy, ego development, and problem solving were analyzed. The three groups were graduates from the same university who responded to a written survey. ANOVA was used for each variable across all groups, with an alpha level of.05, and the Scheffe multiple range test was used to determine significance between groups. On measures of efficacy and ego development, both first-year and fifth-year teachers scored significantly higher than former teachers, but did not differ from each other. There were no significant differences among the groups on the measure of problem solving.