cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reconstruction of the Experimental Slamming Force Distribution Based on POD

A new technique for determining the continuous hydrodynamic load distribution along a slender floating body on the basis of a small set of force data is presented. This technique is based on a combination of proper orthogonal decomposition and polynomial spline approximation under integral constraints. The input data are provided by the time-histories of the lumped vertical forces acting on several longitudinal portions (segments) of a segmented-hull model. The set of force data, obtained by subtracting from the total force the Froude-Krylov force, defines the vector process to which POD is applied. The tests are carried out in regular waves with a choice of model speed and wave parameters so as slamming occurs. The identified distribution of force per unit length over the impacting hull segments is then compared with a modified Von-Karman model (with 3D correction) which accounts for the water uprise in the expression of the slamming force and variable entry velocity.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Metal thiolate compounds: Processable ceramic precursors

Full crystallographic characterization has been obtained for [Hg(SBz)2]∞ (9), ClHgSBz · TMEDA (10), [ClHgS-i-Pr]∞ (11), [ClHg(S-neo-Pent)·0.5Py]∞ (12), In[S-2,4,6-(i-Pr)3C6H2]3·2MeCN (13), [In(S-2-MeO,5-Me, C6H3)3]2 (14) and In(S-o-C6H4CH2N(CH3)2)3 (15). Relevent metal thiolate interactions, terminal and bridging, are highlighted within the realm of thermolytic conversion of these species into binary metal thiolates. Pertinent crystallographic data for these compounds include:9: C2/c,a=22.599(4)A,b=4.334(1)A,c=29.596(5)A,β=106.76(1)°,V=2775.6A3,Z=8,R=3.6%;10: P $$\bar 1$$ ,a=8.136(2)A,b=9.958(7)A,c=11.834(3)A,α=108.71(2)°,β=92.93(2)°,γ=109.05(2)°,V=845.3A3,Z=2,R=5.0%;11: C2,a=21.430(7)A,b=4.678(2)A,c=6.724(2)A,β=90.43°,V=674.0A3,Z=2,R=3.9%;12: C2,a=16.732(2)A,b=11.200(1)A,c=11.929(2)A,β=104.21(1)°,V=2167.1A3,Z=4,R=3.5%;13: P $$\bar 1$$ ,a=13.680(8)A,b=13.815(6)A,c=15.155(9)A,α=77.77(4)°,β=72.57(4)°,γ=88.18(4)°,V=2669.1A3,Z=8,R=12.0%;14: C2,a=8.323(2)A,b=24.970(4)A,c=12.466(2)A,β=104.32(2)°,V=2510.1A3,Z=4,R=8.2%;15: P21/c,a=17.587(5)A,b=11.786(2)A,c=13.865(2)A,β=101.66(2)°,V=2814.6A3,Z=4,R=3.2%. The molecules-to-materials transition, from a relatively simple divalent system, to the more mechanistically complex trivalent metal system is outlined.
A selective learning algorithm for certain types of learning failure in multi-layer perceptrons

Summary form only given, as follows. A simple selective learning algorithm for use with multilayer perceptrons is presented. This algorithm has proved useful in certain types of problems where learning failure occurs using standard backpropagation. Examples of these problems are included. The algorithm is based on the RMS output error computed across all output nodes and all training patterns. The learning rate is decreased for all individual output nodes each time the error is less than a user-chosen multiple of the RMS error corresponding to the previous pass. This algorithm has produced convergence where the standard fixed-again backpropagation failed. >
Prediction Method for Buried Pipeline Voltages Due to 60 Hz AC Inductive Coupling Part I-Analysis

The voltages induced on gas transmission pipelines by 60 Hz ac power transmission lines sharing a joint right-of-way are predicted using electrical transmission line theory. Thevenin equivalent circuits for pipeline sections are developed which allow the decomposition of complex pipeline-power line geometries. Programmable hand calculator techniques are used to determine inducing fields, pipeline characteristics, and Thevenin circuits.
Diversity of culturable denitrifying bacteria: Limits of rDNA RFLP analysis and probes for the functional gene, nitrite reductase

Sequence divergence in the ribosomal genes of known strains and isolates of aquatic denitrifying bacteria was investigated using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. The same cultures were characterized for their homology with antibody and gene probes for nitrite reductase (NiR), a key enzyme in the denitrification pathway, and for amplification with a set of polymerase chain reaction primers designed to amplify a portion of the NiR gene. The NiR probes were developed from Pseudomonas stutzeri (ATCC 14405) and several P. stutzeri strains were included in the analyses. The RFLP analysis clustered most of the P. stutzeri strains together, but detected considerable diversity within this group. Isolates from three aquatic environments exhibited within —and among — habitat diversity by RFLP. Hybridization with the NiR probes and amplification with the NiR primers were not correlated with the clustering of strains by rDNA RFLP analysis. The relationships among strains deduced from ribosomal DNA RFLP reflect heterogeneity within the P. stutzeri group and among other pseudomonads, and the patterns differ from those inferred from specificity of the NiR probes.
Optimal Injection Strategies for the Propagation of Surfactant Mixtures Through Porous Media

The chromatographic movement of surfactant mixtures through porous media is examined to see if injection strategies exist which minimize the amount of surfactant required in a tertiary oil recovery chemical flood. The model used accounts for mixed micelle formation. Expressions are derived which represent the surfactant required to expose an entire reservoir to an arbitrary 'effective oil recovery mixture'. Mixtures considered contain cosolvents and one, two or three surfactant components. Conditions under which an optimum will exist and the location of the optimum are discussed for the systems considered. Conclusions based on observations about these systems are then extended to cover surfactant mixtures currently available commercially. 9 refs.
A Multivariate Sample-Selection Model: Estimating Cigarette and Alcohol Demands with Zero Observations

Heckman's sample-selection model is generalized to the multivariate case and used to estimate demands for cigarettes, beer, and wine by individuals in the United States. The specification allows correlations between the error terms of multiple selection and level equations, and nests the popular bivariate sample-selection model and two-part model. Empirical results suggest that the proposed model performs better than the restricted specifications. Differentiated effects of variables on probabilities and levels of consumption also suggest rejection of the Tobit system. Gender differences are present, and demographic variables are more important than income in determining consumption of cigarettes, beer, and wine.
Relationships between Computer and Video Game Play and Creativity among Upper Elementary School Students

This study explored relationships between time spent playing video games in a typical week and general creativity, as measured by a common assessment. One hundred eighteen students in 4th and 5th grades answered questions about their video game play and completed the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (Torrance, Orlow, & Safter, 1990). While significant relationships were found between creativity and two variables (gender and grade), no significant relationship was found between time spent playing video games in a typical week and creativity, when controlling for gender and grade. Additional analyses examined relationships of creativity with skills used in video games and context in which the games were typically played and these also did not reveal significant relationships. This study provides initial evidence that video game play may not, in fact, influence children's general creativity levels.
The biology of time across different scales

Animals time events on scales that span from microseconds to days. In contrast to the technologies devised by humans to keep track of time, biology has developed vastly different mechanisms for timing across these different scales.
The chemotactic receptor for human C5a anaphylatoxin

HOST defence and inflammatory responses are controlled and amplified by receptor-mediated events often initiated by a chemotactic factor that directs the approach of phagocytic cells1. Complement receptors CR1 and CR3 are responsible for the phagocytic and adhesive properties of neutrophils 2,3, whereas the C5a receptor mediates the pro-inflammatory and chemotactic actions of the complement anaphylatoxin CSa4–6. In addition to stimulating chemotaxis, granule enzyme release and superoxide anion production, this receptor stimulates upregulation of expression and activity of the adhesion molecule MAC-1, and of CR1, and a decrease in cell-surface glycoprotein 1 GOMEL-14 on neutrophils7–9. In vivo, the C5a receptor may participate in anaphylactoid and septic shock 10–12. The human C5a receptor was cloned from U937 and HL-60 cells and identified by high affinity binding when expressed in COS-7 cells. The deduced amino-acid sequence of the receptor reveals the expected motifs befitting its interaction with cellular GTP-binding proteins.
An Investigation of the Predictive Validity of the Slosson Intelligence Test with Learning Disabled Kindergarten Children

The purpose of this study was to investigate the predictive validity of the Slosson Intelligence Test (SIT) as a screening instrument in the identification of learning-disabled preschool children. The SIT scores of 98 "high risk" kindergarten children were correlated with the scores they obtained on the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI). The SIT scores were correlated .56 with the WPPSI Verbal IQ scores and .53 with Performance IQ scores. The SIT mean was 107.3 whereas the WPPSI Full Scale mean was 94.2. It was concluded that the predictive validity of the SIT was very low and that results obtained with the instrument at the kindergarten level were highly inaccurate and very misleading.
Phonon-mediated tuning of instabilities in the Hubbard model at half-filling

We obtain the phase diagram of the half-filled two-dimensional Hubbard model on a square lattice in the presence of Einstein phonons. We find that the interplay between the instantaneous electron-electron repulsion and electron-phonon interaction leads to new phases. In particular, a ${d}_{{x}^{2}\ensuremath{-}{y}^{2}}$-wave superconducting phase emerges when both anisotropic phonons and repulsive Hubbard interaction are present. For large electron-phonon couplings, charge-density-wave and $s$-wave superconducting regions also appear in the phase diagram, and the widths of these regions are strongly dependent on the phonon frequency, indicating that retardation effects play an important role. Since at half filling the Fermi surface is nested, a spin-density wave is recovered when the repulsive interaction dominates. We employ a functional multiscale renormalization-group method [Tsai et al., Phys. Rev. B 72, 054531 (2005)] that includes both electron-electron and electron-phonon interactions, and take retardation effects fully into account.
Molecular Basis for Protein Kinase C Isozyme-Selective Binding: The Synthesis, Folding, and Phorbol Ester Binding of the Cysteine-Rich Domains of All Protein Kinase C Isozymes

The protein kinase C (PKC) family of enzymes plays a crucial role in cellular signal transduction and tumor promotion. Conventional and novel PKC isozymes consist of a catalytic domain for protein ...
The Multidimensional Structure of Mythological Hybrid (Part-Human, Part-Animal) Figures

Summary Thirty young adults scaled paired pictures of 32 mythological hybrid (part-human, part-animal) beings for perceived similarity, each S rating only a fraction of the 496 unique stimulus pairs. Four factors were extracted from the data by multidimensional scaling, each factor representing a dimension which Ss used to organize perceived differences between the stimuli. Factor 1 reflected several characteristics; it primarily represented an anatomical configuration characterized by animal-headedness versus human-headedness and by two human legs versus other kinds of body support. Factor 2 reflected several characteristics: differences in civilization, in artistic medium, in artistic style, and in sexual anatomy; also, the presence or absence of anomalies involving laterality. Factor 3 represented mammalian quadrupedal versus human bipedal body support. Factor 4 represented the presence or absence of wings. These factors were compared to factors previously yielded by unidimensional studies which employ...
Instrumental and Expressive Learning: Some Comparisons

Preferences for and learning activity in instrumental (basic or skill mastery) and expressive (enjoyment or self-fulfillment) education are examined. Interviews with 256 Nebraskans, fifty-five or older, provided information to examine hypotheses of 1) greater preference for instrumental learning (supported), 2) no preference differences according to age, sex, and location groupings (partially supported), 3) predicted preference for expressive learning by white collar workers and college graduates (not supported), and 4) no preference differences according to race, marital status, and social class groupings (partially supported). Comparisons with earlier (1972) data are included; an increased overall preference for instrumental education was found.
Powered instrumentation and tissue effects in the nose and paranasal sinuses.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW The technologic cornerstones of endoscopic sinus surgery initially rested on the endoscope and CT scanning. In the mid-1990s, the advent of powered instrumentation, in particular the microdebrider, advanced the surgeon's ability to treat polypoid disease, sinus and nasal disease in a bleeding field, choanal atresia, antral choanal polyps, and inferior turbinate hypertrophy. This review evaluates both positive and negative tissue effects secondary to powered instrumentation. RECENT FINDINGS Recent reports of deleterious outcomes with powered instrumentation require a reevaluation of the role of powered instrumentation and consideration of factors that lead to injury. The rapidity of injury makes the powered instrument especially dangerous in inexperienced hands. One third of participants in a recent survey were unaware that powered instruments could be involved in orbital injury and half were unaware that cranial injuries could be secondary to powered instrumentation. SUMMARY Microdebriders will continue to advance the field of endoscopic surgery, providing clearer operative fields and causing less tissue trauma in experienced hands. However, the severity of complications, including the potential for rapidly aspirating orbital and cerebral contents when laminae are violated, must be appreciated and respected.
Concatenated fountain codes

This paper investigates fountain communication over discrete-time memoryless channels. Fountain error exponent achievable by linear complexity concatenated fountain codes is derived.
The continuum elastic and atomistic viewpoints on the formation volume and strain energy of a point defect

We discuss the roles of continuum linear elasticity and atomistic calculations in determining the formation volume and the strain energy of formation of a point defect in a crystal. Our considerations bear special relevance to defect formation under stress. The elasticity treatment is based on the Green's function solution for a center of contraction or expansion in an anisotropic solid. It makes possible the precise definition of a formation volume tensor and leads to an extension of Eshelby's [Proc. R. Soc. London Ser. A 241 (1226), 376] result for the work done by an external stress during the transformation of a continuum inclusion. Parameters necessary for a complete continuum calculation of elastic fields around a point defect are obtained by comparing with an atomistic solution in the far field. However, an elasticity result makes it possible to test the validity of the formation volume that is obtained via atomistic calculations under various boundary conditions. It also yields the correction term for formation volume calculated under these boundary conditions. Using two types of boundary conditions commonly employed in atomistic calculations, a comparison is also made of the strain energies of formation predicted by continuum elasticity and atomistic calculations. The limitations of the continuum linear elastic treatment are revealed by comparing with atomistic calculations of the formation volume and strain energies of small crystals enclosing point defects.
Minority cancer patients and their providers: pain management attitudes and practice.

BACKGROUND The goals of the current studies were: 1) to determine the pain treatment needs of socioeconomically disadvantaged African-American and Hispanic patients with recurrent or metastatic cancer and 2) to assess the attitudes of health care professionals who treat them. METHODS In the first study 108 African-American and Hispanic patients with metastatic or recurrent cancer and pain completed a survey about their pain intensity, pain interference, and attitudes toward analgesic medications. Physicians also rated their patients' pain and the adequacy of the patients' current analgesic prescriptions was assessed. In the second study 55 physicians and nurses who treat these patients completed a questionnaire regarding cancer pain and its management in their practice settings. RESULTS Approximately 28% of the Hispanic and 31% of the African-American patients received analgesics of insufficient strength to manage their pain. Although the majority of patients received appropriate analgesics, 65% reported severe pain. Physicians underestimated pain severity for 64% of the Hispanic and 74% of the African-American patients. Physicians were more likely to underestimate the pain severity of female patients than male patients. Inadequate pain assessment, patient reluctance to report pain, and lack of staff time were perceived as barriers to pain management. CONCLUSIONS Although the data suggest recent improvements in analgesic prescribing practices for African-American and Hispanic cancer patients, the majority of patients reported high levels of pain and limited pain relief from analgesic medications. Inadequate pain assessment remains a major barrier to optimal cancer pain treatment. Cancer 2000;88:1929–38. © 2000 American Cancer Society.
SYSTEMIC RESISTANCE INDUCED BY LOCALIZED VIRUS INFECTIONS: EXTENT OF CHANGES IN UNINFECTED PLANT PARTS.

Abstract Necrotic lesions caused by tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) in 3–4 lower leaves of a tobacco plant induced resistance to TMV in up to 16 noninoculated leaves; the resistance was characterized by the development of fewer and much smaller lesions in response to subsequent inoculation with TMV than developed in comparably inoculated normal leaves. Similar resistance was not induced by Pseudomonas tabaci or by mechanical or chemical injury. No resistance developed unless leaves containing the initial TMV infections remained on the plant for about 3 days. Leaving the initially inoculated leaves on the plant for longer periods resulted in progressively higher levels of resistance up to periods of about 7 days, but delaying the removal for still longer periods resulted in no further increase in resistance. Once a leaf became resistant, it remained so for at least 42 days, the longest period tested. When the 3 lower leaves of tobacco plants were inoculated with TMV and then removed 7–10 days later, the next 9–16 leaves, but not those above the 16th, became resistant regardless of whether the tested leaves had developed before or after removal of the originally inoculated leaves. Some leaves that became resistant were no more than leaf initials when the leaves containing the original infections were removed. The respiration rate of disks cut from resistant tissues did not differ significantly from that of disks from normal tissues, nor did resistant and normal tissues differ in quantity of total or individual free amino acids. Polyphenoloxidase activity, as determined manometrically, was essentially the same in extracts from resistant leaves as in extracts of normal leaves.
An X-ray Diffraction Study of Three Mesophases Showing Smectic A Morphology

Abstract A diffraction study is reported of highly oriented samples of the smectic A mesophases of bis(p-n-hexyloxyphenyl)mercury (BHPM), ethyl p-azoxybenzoate (EPAB), and thallium stearate (TLST). Data were collected from stepped drops for the latter two compounds. Distortions of the first kind make a significant contribution to the lattice imperfections in these mesophases, while distortions of the second kind are less important than anticipated for such fluid materials. After correction for distortions, the structure amplitudes of the sharp meridional reflections decrease monotonically with order. The rate of decrease followed the order BHPM>EPAB>TLST, hence the numbers of reflections which could be collected were 2,3 and 6, respectively. Least-squares refinement of one to three parameters for proposed model structures was used to best fit the observed structure amplitudes. No suitable representation could be obtained using a two parameter model for the smectic phase of BHPM, but those of the other two...
Variations of Balloon-occluded Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration (BRTO): Balloon-occluded Antegrade Transvenous Obliteration (BATO) and Alternative/Adjunctive Routes for BRTO

Alternative routes for transvenous obliteration are often sought in the management of gastric varices, as well as in the management of other nongastric varices (ectopic varices) such as duodenal and mesenteric varices. These alternative routes can be classified into A-portal venous access routes and B-systemic venous access routes. Anecdotally, alternative routes are more commonly required with duodenal and mesenteric varices compared with gastric varices. Twelve percent (2-19%) of patients with gastric varices require alternative/adjunctive variceal access routes. The most common alternative route described for transvenous obliteration of gastric varices is the percutaneous transhepatic route, which is commonly referred to in the Japanese literature as percutaneous transhepatic obliteration (PTO). The percutaneous transhepatic obliteration route can be performed alone or in combination with the more traditional balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) transrenal route. Percutaneous transhepatic obliteration by itself is successful in 44-100% of cases for obliterating gastric varices and is rarely unsuccessful when it is combined with BRTO. Other alternative routes are less commonly described and as a result, their clinical outcomes are relatively anecdotal. However, they are technically more challenging and are less commonly successful. These routes include, but are not confined to transphrenic, transileocolic, trans-TIPS (transvenous intrahepatic portosystemic shunt), transgonadal, transazygous, and transrenal capsular vein approaches.
Scarcity's Enhancement of Desirability: The Role of Naive Economic Theories

According to psychological research, scarcity increases an object's desirability. Although inconsistent with the assumptions of formal economic theory, this effect of scarcity may be attributable to people's naive (or informal) economic theories. More specifically, scarcity's enhancement of desirability may be mediated by the belief that scarce things are more expensive than available ones. Existing research relevant to this explanation for the effects of scarcity, as well as the implications of this explanation for future research, are discussed.
Inshore circulation in the Southern California Bight, 1974 1977

Abstract From September 1974 through April 1977 nine cruises were made between Dana Point and Del Mar in the Southern California Bight to study the circulation in the inshore region within about 40 km of the coast. Observations were usually along three lines, 37 km apart, nearly normal to the coast. On each line STD (salinity-temperature-depth) stations were occupied at intervals of 2 km over the sharp bottom slope in the inshore area and at intervals of 7 km in the deep water farther offshore. The geostrophic flow at the sea surface relative to 500 dbar was found to be toward the south-southeast along the coast in March 1975, March and June 1976, and April 1977 and toward the north-northwest in September 1974, September and December 1975, and October 1976. It was weak and showed hardly any significant pattern near the end of January 1977. This variation appears to represent the seasonal variation of the California Current, which extends close to the coast in March and April and stays offshore during the rest of the year. At depths of 200 to 300 m, near the core of the California Undercurrent, the geostrophic flow relative to 500 dbar was predominantly north-northwestward throughout the study period. Although there was a significant variation in its speed, it was not possible to determine its time scale. In October 1976 and January 1977, temperature in the upper 300 m was higher (by 2 to 3°C at 0 to 100 m) than that normally expected during these months. At the same time, temperature-salinity curves shifted toward high salinity in the temperature range 9 to 12 or 13°C (depth 100 to 300 m) in October 1976, and the shift (maximum exceeded 0.3%) extended from 9°C (300 m) to the surface temperature in January 1977. This anomalous distribution is believed to be a coastal manifestation of a large-scale warming of the surface water in the eastern North Pacific that persisted from September 1976 through February 1977.
Terminal deletion of the long arm of chromosome 4 in a mother and two sons

Deletion of chromosome 4q31-->pter has been characterized as a distinctive malformation syndrome. We report a mother and two sons with deletion of the long arm (q) of chromosome 4 del(4)(q34.2).
Presence in normal human testes of a chorionic-gonadotropin-like substance distinct from human luteinizing hormone.

Abstract The high rate of human chorionic gonadotropin production by testicular tumors caused us to investigate the possibility that normal human testes contain small amounts of that substance. Extracts of human testes obtained at autopsy demonstrated parallel inhibition curves to the human chorionic gonadotropin standard in a radioimmunoassay specific for the hormone. The immunoreactive material was adsorbed onto concanavalin A, a reaction characteristic of glycoproteins, and was eluted within the chorionic gonadotropin range on Sephadex G-100 column chromatography. Solubilized receptor proteins for the hormone could not be identified in the extracts. The demonstration that the normal human testes contain a glycoprotein similar or identical to human chorionic gonadotropin suggests that the fetal genome responsible for production of the hormone during pregnancy is not completely suppressed in the adult. Excessive production of this glycoprotein may account for the high levels of human chorionic gonadotrop...
Do snoring sounds arouse the snorer

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Respiratory cycle-related electroencephalographic (EEG) changes (RCREC), especially in delta and sigma frequencies, are thought to reflect subtle, breath-to-breath inspiratory microarousals that are exacerbated in association with increased work of breathing in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We wondered whether snoring sounds could create these microarousals, and investigated whether earplugs, anticipated to alter snoring perception, might affect RCREC. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: An accredited, academic sleep laboratory. PATIENTS: Adults (n = 400) referred for suspected OSA. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects were randomly assigned to use earplugs or not during a night of diagnostic polysomnography. RESULTS: Two hundred three of the participants were randomized to use earplugs. Earplug use was associated with lower RCREC in delta EEG frequencies (0.5-4.5 Hz), although not in other frequencies, after controlling for potential confounds (P = 0.048). This effect of earplug use was larger among men in comparison with women (interaction term P = 0.046), and possibly among nonobese subjects in comparison with obese subjects (P = 0.081). However, the effect of earplug use on delta RCREC did not differ significantly based on apnea severity or snoring prominence as rated by sleep technologists (P > 0.10 for each). CONCLUSIONS: This randomized controlled trial is the first study to show that perception of snoring sounds, as modulated by earplugs, can influence the cortical EEG during sleep. However, the small magnitude of effect, lack of effect on RCREC in EEG frequencies other than delta, and absence of effect modulation by apnea severity or snoring prominence suggest that perception of snoring is not the main explanation for RCREC. CITATION: Chirakalwasan N; Ruzicka DL; Burns JW; Chervin RD. Do snoring sounds arouse the snorer? SLEEP 2013;36(4):565-571. Language: en
Multichannel Robot for Image-Guided Brachytherapy

In low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy, precise placement of needle and accurate delivery of radioactive seeds are very important and challenging. Therefore, development of robotic systems for performing brachytherapy is gaining significant momentum. In this paper, we present a multichannel robotic system developed for image-guided brachytherapy (IGBT), especially radioactive seed implantation in prostate gland. The developed multichannel robotic system is capable of inserting a large number of needles concurrently and depositing seeds automatically. Numerous techniques perfected by a variety of experiments have been implemented in the system design and development. Thus, this system possesses potential several advantages such as reduction of target displacement, edema, and operating time as compared to single needle insertion technique. Feasibility and efficacy of this robot has been demonstrated with experimental results. Seeds can be delivered with about within 0.2mm accuracy.
Formation of Heteromeric Kv2 Channels in Mammalian Brain Neurons

The formation of heteromeric tetramers is a common feature of voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels. This results in the generation of a variety of tetrameric Kv channels that exhibit distinct biophysical and biochemical characteristics. Kv2 delayed rectifier channels are, however, unique exceptions. It has been previously shown that mammalian Kv2.1 and Kv2.2 are localized in distinct domains of neuronal membranes and are not capable of forming heteromeric channels with each other (Hwang, P. M., Glatt, C. E., Bredt, D. S., Yellen, G., and Snyder, S. H. (1992) Neuron 8, 473–481). In this study, we report a novel form of rat Kv2.2, Kv2.2long, which has not been previously recognized. Our data indicate that Kv2.2long is the predominant form of Kv2.2 expressed in cortical pyramidal neurons. In contrast to the previous findings, we also found that rat Kv2.1 and Kv2.2long are colocalized in the somata and proximal dendrites of cortical pyramidal neurons and are capable of forming functional heteromeric delayed rectifier channels. Our results suggest that the delayed rectifier currents, which regulate action potential firing, are encoded by heteromeric Kv2 channels in cortical neurons.
A perturbed hard-sphere-chain equation of state for normal fluids and polymers using the square-well potential of variable width

A perturbed hard-sphere-chain (PHSC) equation of state is developed for normal fluids and polymers, including mixtures. The new PHSC equation of state for pure fluids uses a perturbation term based on the analytic solution by Chang and Sandler to the second-order perturbation theory of Barker and Henderson for the square-well fluid of variable width. The reference equation of state is the modified Chiew equation of state for athermal mixtures of hard-sphere chains as used in the original PHSC equation of state. The analytic solution by Chang and Sandler is simplified such that theory is readily extended to mixtures by conventional mixing rules. Using an optimum system-independent reduced well width, the new PHSC equation of state correlates the vapor pressures and liquid densities of saturated liquids with good accuracy. Combined with one-fluid type mixing rules for the perturbation term, theory is applied to liquid-liquid and vapor-liquid equilibria for binary mixtures where all components have the same reduced well width. Calculations were also made for a polymer solution where each component has a different reduced well width. In solvent/polymer systems, calculated liquid-liquid equilibria are sensitive to the reduced well width. The perturbation term, however, neglects chain connectivity.
Boryls Bound to Iron Carbonyl. Structure of a Rare Bis(boryl) Complex, Synthesis of the First Anionic Boryl, and Reaction Chemistry That Includes the Synthetic Equivalent of Boryl Anion Transfer

The synthesis, structure, and reaction chemistry of iron carbonyl boryl complexes are described. Bis(boryl) complexes were prepared by reaction of Na2[Fe(CO)4] with chlorocatecholborane and substituted chlorocatecholboranes. An X-ray diffraction study of [Fe(CO)4(BCat*)2] (BCat* = −BO2C6H3-4-t-Bu) was performed and showed significant distortions from octahedral geometry. These bis(boryl) complexes underwent exchange reactions with alcohols, amines, and silylamides. They were converted to anionic compounds by reaction with LiN(SiMe3)2, and these anionic boryls are the first such examples. The anionic character allowed for nucleophilic substitutions. These complexes reacted with ClSnMe3 to yield a mixed boryl−stannyl compound in high yield. In contrast, reaction with methyl iodide or methyl triflate did not lead to an isolable alkylboryl complex. Instead, rapid formation of MeBCat occurred, a rare transformation that substitutes a boryl group for halide.
Scars in billiards : the phase space approach

Abstract Although scars in the eigenfunctions of classically chaotic systems were originally observed in the configuration space representation, we show that these can be better visualized in phase space. On the quantitative side, a recent theory of scars is extended to billiards. For the stadium detailed agreement between theory and numerical experiment is found.
Violent Islamist extremism in global context: Statement to the United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs

The metaphor of a staircase to terrorism provides the political, economic, cultural and socio‐psychological framework for understanding the development and adoption of a fanatical Islamist ideology that is one of the factors associated with radicalization and terrorism. The staircase metaphor points to the necessity of both short‐term and long‐term anti‐terrorism strategies, aimed respectively at people on the higher and lower floors. The most important long‐term challenge is to resolve the New Global American Dilemma, bringing US foreign policy practices more in line with expressed ideals. A second challenge is to implement omniculturalism to more effectively integrate Muslims in the European Union, where the threat of home‐grown terrorism is more serious than in the United States
Dopa-responsive dystonia: clinical and family study in Taiwanese.

Abstract We report the clinical features of four female patients with dopa-responsive dystonia (DRD), and the survery of the family members. The patients were 2 sisters and 2 sporadic patients from 3 families. Their age of onset ranged between 5 and 13 years. The clinical manifestation was characterized by limb dystonia which was relieved by l -dopa treatment. Diurnal fluctuation disappeared 15 years later in one patient. There was a wide spectrum of Parkinsonian features and variability of dystonia. Response of l -dopa was still excellent 20 years later. In survey of the family members, there was neither bradykinesia, rigidity, tremor nor dystonia.
On the importance of the measurement of consumption in tests of Ricardian equivalence

Abstract The contradictory results in the Ricardian equivalence literature may be due largely to the use of alternative consumption measures. Within Kormendi's (1983) empirical framework, changing the empirical treatment of the service flow from consumer durables has dramatic effects.
Age-related differences in diffusion model boundary optimality with both trial-limited and time-limited tasks

In two-choice decision tasks, Starns and Ratcliff (Psychology and Aging 25: 377–390, 2010) showed that older adults are farther from the optimal speed–accuracy trade-off than young adults. They suggested that the age effect resulted from differences in task goals, with young participants focused on balancing speed and accuracy and older participants focused on minimizing errors. We compared speed–accuracy criteria with a standard procedure (blocks that had a fixed numbers of trials) to a condition in which blocks lasted a fixed amount of time and participants were instructed to get as many correct responses as possible within the time limit—a goal that explicitly required balancing speed and accuracy. Fits of the diffusion model showed that criteria differences persisted in the fixed-time condition, suggesting that age differences are not solely based on differences in task goals. Also, both groups produced more conservative criteria in difficult conditions when it would have been optimal to be more liberal.
Epitope Mapping of Rat Cytochrome P450 2B1 Using Glutathione S-Transferase-2B1 Fusion Constructs

Abstract We have previously produced 12 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against rat cytochrome P450(CYP)2B1, and 8 of these inhibit CYP2B1 catalytic activity to varying extents. Using competitive binding studies we showed that this collection of 12 MAbs recognize at least 6 spatially distinct epitopes. The complete coding sequence of CYP2B1 DNA in plasmid pSR-P450 was inserted into a glutathione S-transferase (GST) expression vector pGEX-1λT so that it was in frame with the GST gene. Expression of GST-CYP2B1 was detected with most of the MAbs in Western blots except those which were conformation-specific. Fourteen different constructs were then made using PCR with oligonucleotide primers having EcoRI sites at their ends and were introduced into the GST expression vector at the EcoRI site. Each fusion construct was expressed in Escherichia coli, subjected to SDS–PAGE, blotted, and probed individually with each MAb. MAbs, which inhibited catalytic activity and were mutually competitive in binding to CYP2B1 (viz. BEA33, BE44, BE45, and BE28), recognized several fusion constructs and by deduction recognized amino acids 250–261 in CYP2B1. Other antibodies inhibiting catalytic activity recognized amino acids 262–272 (BEF29) and 306–491 (BE46, B50, and BE49) on CYP2B1. Non-inhibitory MAbs BE26 and BE32 were mapped to region 380–398 in CYP2B1. It was interesting to note that MAbs BEA33 and BE26, which also recognize spatially distinct epitopes on human CYP2E1 but not rat CYP2E1, had corresponding regions of high homology in human CYP2E1 but not rat CYP2E1. Identifying the epitopes recognized by this collection of MAbs will add to our understanding the sequences that may be important for producing inhibitory and specific antibodies to closely related antigens.
Response-Order Effects in Likert-Type Scales:

The present study argued that the meaning of verbal labels of a Likert-type response scale was affected by the presentation order of the scale labels. It was proposed that subjects tended to choose the first alternative acceptable to them from among the ordered response categories so that a primacy effect was predicted. Findings supported the hypothesis. In addition, this response-order effect interfered with the threshold values, with factor structures estimated by factor analysis based on polychoric correlations, and with the item and person parameters estimated by the graded response model. Practical implications of the response-order effects were discussed.
Are norepinephrine levels at baseline related to depression levels at 12 months

Are Norepinephrine Levels at Baseline Related to Depression Levels at 12 Months? Cheryl A. Westlake, 1 Lorraine S. Evangelista, 2 Lynn Doering, 2 Kathleen A. Dracup 3 ; Nursing, California State University, Fullerton, CA; 2 Nursing, University of California, Los Angeles, CA; 3 Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, CA Background: Depression has been identiﬁed as an important predictor of mortality in patients with advanced heart failure. We hypothesized that patients with increased severity of disease as measured by increased serum norepinephrine levels and reduced functional status as measured by decreased six minute walk distance would be more severely depressed at one year. In addition, we sought to identify the role of other potential predictors of depression, namely, demographic factors (age and employment status) and baseline psychological variables (depression and neuroticism). Methods: Data were collected at baseline and 12 months from 52 patients with symptoms of heart failure and an ejection fraction ⱕ 40%. Baseline assessment included age, employment status, six- minute walk distance, norepinephrine levels, depression (Beck Depression Inventory), and neuroticism (Eysenck Personality Inventory). Results: On average, patients were 53.04 (±13.2) years old. The majority were male (n ⫽ 36, 69.2%) and unemployed (n ⫽ 36, 69.2%). On average, patients demonstrated a six minute walk distance of 1348.4 ⫾ 222.4 feet and had an ejection fraction of 26.1 (±6.9)%. Levels of norepinephrine were moderate (688.8 ⫾ 337.4), while depression was mild (9.8 ⫾ 7.0), and neuroticism was low (⫺0.8 ⫾ 3.9). Thirty-six (69.2%) patients were receiving beta-blocker therapy. At 12 months, patients reported mild levels of depression (9.9 ⫾ 7.8). Age (r 2 ⫽ ⫺0.30; p ⫽ 0.03), employment status (r 2 ⫽ 0 .47; p ⬍ 0.01), baseline depression (r 2 ⫽ 0 .49; p ⬍ 0.01), and baseline neuroticism (r 2 ⫽ 0.29; p ⬍ 0.01) were related to depression at 12 months. There was no relationship between serum norepinephrine levels or functional status and depression. In a stepwise linear regression, age, employment status, baseline depression and neuroticism accounted for 8.8%, 31.9%, 46.8%, and 46.9% of the variance in depression at 12 months, respectively. Conclusion: Although intriguing as measures of illness severity, serum norepinephrine and functional status do not appear to be related to self-reported depression at one-year. However, younger age, unemployment, and baseline depression and neuroticism accounted for almost half the variance in depression at 12 months. These ﬁndings can assist clinicians to identify patients at risk for depression. Stepwise Linear Regression Variable Age Employment Baseline Depression Baseline Nueroticism R 2 F p
Environmental Impacts of High-Emitting Vehicles

High-emitting vehicles (HEVs), also known as high emitters, are responsible for a large proportion of total mobile-source emissions, even though they represent a small portion of the total vehicle fleet. Studies conducted in the 1990s indicated that between 7% and 12% of the vehicle fleet accounted for 41% to 63% of total carbon monoxide (CO) emissions; 10% of vehicles were responsible for 47% to 65% of hydrocarbon (HC) emissions; and 10% of vehicles were responsible for 32% of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. However, these conclusions were confined both temporally and spatially because the studies used remote-sensing data or inspection and maintenance test data that were collected at a specific location and time. Consequently, the objective of this study is to quantify the contribution of HEVs at a network level by using comprehensive modal emission models (CMEMs) and Virginia Tech-Micro (VT-Micro) microscopic vehicle emission models. This study applies two approaches besides the use of the CMEM and VT-M...
Nonparametric benchmark analysis in risk assessment: a comparative study by simulation and data analysis

We consider the finite sample performance of a new nonparametric method for bioassay and benchmark analysis in risk assessment, which averages isotonic MLEs based on disjoint subgroups of dosages, and whose asymptotic behavior is essentially optimal (Bhattacharya and Lin, Stat Probab Lett 80:1947–1953, 2010). It is compared with three other methods, including the leading kernel-based method, called DNP, due to Dette et al. (J Am Stat Assoc 100:503–510, 2005) and Dette and Scheder (J Stat Comput Simul 80(5):527–544, 2010). In simulation studies, the present method, termed NAM, outperforms the DNP in the majority of cases considered, although both methods generally do well. In small samples, NAM and DNP both outperform the MLE.
1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Reduces Extracellular Matrix-Associated Protein Expression in Human Uterine Fibroid Cells

Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) are the most common benign tumors associated with excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM)-associated proteins that increase fibroid tumorigenicity. Herein, we determined the expression levels of vitamin D receptor (VDR) protein in human uterine fibroids and compared these levels to those in adjacent normal myometrium. Using Western blot analysis, we found that more than 60% of uterine fibroids analyzed (25 of 40) expressed low levels of VDR. We also found that the biologically active 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25[OH]2D3), which functions via binding to its nuclear VDR, induced VDR in a concentration-dependent manner and reduced ECM-associated fibrotic and proteoglycans expression in immortalized human uterine fibroid cell line (HuLM). At 1–10 nM concentrations, 1,25(OH)2D3 significantly induced (P < 0.05) nuclear VDR, which was further stimulated by higher concentrations of 1,25(OH)2D3 in HuLM cells. 1,25(OH)2D3 at 10 nM also significantly reduced (P < 0.05) the protein expression of ECM-associated collagen type 1, fibronectin, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in HuLM cells. We also found that 1,25(OH)2D3 reduced mRNA and protein expressions of proteoglycans such as fibromodulin, biglycan, and versican in HuLM cells. Moreover, the aberrant expression of structural smooth muscle actin fibers was reduced by 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment in a concentration-dependent manner in HuLM cells. Taken together, our results suggest that human uterine fibroids express reduced levels of VDR compared to the adjacent normal myometrium and that treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3 can potentially reduce the aberrant expression of major ECM-associated proteins in HuLM cells. Thus, 1,25(OH)2D3 might be an effective, safe, nonsurgical treatment option for human uterine fibroids.
Noncompetitive peak decay analysis of drug–protein dissociation by high-performance affinity chromatography

The peak decay method is an affinity chromatographic technique that has been used to examine the dissociation of solutes from immobilized ligands in the presence of excess displacing agent. However, it can be difficult to find a displacing agent that does not interfere with detection of the eluting analyte. In this study, a non-competitive peak decay method was developed in which no displacing agent was required for analyte elution. This method was evaluated for the study of drug-protein interactions by using it along with high-performance affinity chromatography to measure the dissociation rate constants for R- and S-warfarin from columns containing immobilized human serum albumin (HSA). Several factors were considered in the optimization of this method, including the amount of applied analyte, the column size, and the flow rate. The dissociation rate constants for R- and S-warfarin from HSA were measured at several temperatures by this approach, giving values of 0.56 (± 0.01) and 0.66 (± 0.01) s −1 at pH 7.4 and 37°C. These results were in good agreement with previous values obtained by other methods. This approach is not limited to warfarin and HSA but could be employed in studying additional drug-protein interactions or other systems with weak-to-moderate binding.