cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microfluidic device and system for point-of-care blood coagulation measurement based on electrical impedance sensing

Abstract Blood coagulation tests are an integral part of diagnosis and treatment of patients with cardiac disorders. The activated partial thromboplastin time test (aPTT or APTT) is performed on a large scale, in laboratories, to monitor the functioning of the intrinsic and common pathways of the blood coagulation cascade and the concentration of anticoagulants such as heparin among patients. A polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) based microfluidic device has been fabricated and tested to perform APTT as a point-of-care device using whole blood samples by detecting the change in electrical impedance of blood during coagulation. A portable setup consisting of the device and a lock-in amplifier circuit was built and tested for repeatability and stand alone usage. A frequency sweep test was performed on the device and the optimal frequency of operation for maximum output sensitivity was determined. The devices were also tested for their sensitivity to different concentrations of heparin and found to exhibit an expected increase in coagulation time for increasing heparin concentration.
Stress changes ahead of an advancing tunnel

Abstract Instrumentation placed ahead of three model tunnels in the laboratory and ahead of a crosscut driven in a metamorphic rock mass detected stress changes several tunnel diameters ahead of the tunnel face. Stress changes were detected 4 diameters ahead of a model tunnel drilled into nearly elastic acrylic, 2·50 diameters ahead of a model tunnel drilled into concrete, and 2 diameters ahead of a model tunnel drilled into Silver Plume Granite. Stress changes were detected 7·50 diameters ahead of a crosscut driven in jointed, closely foliated gneisses and gneissic granites in an experimental mine at Idaho Springs, Colorado. These results contrast markedly with a theoretical elastic estimate of the onset of detectable stress changes at 1 tunnel diameter ahead of the tunnel face. A small compressive stress concentration was detected 2 diameters ahead of the model tunnel in acrylic, 1.25 diameters ahead of the model tunnel in concrete, and 1 diameter ahead of the model tunnel in granite. A similar stress peak was detected about 6 diameters ahead of the crosscut. No such stress peak is predicted from elastic theory. The 3-dimensional in situ stress determined in the field demonstrate that geologic structure controls stress orientations in the metamorphic rock mass. Two of the computed principal stresses are parallel to the foliation and the other principal stress is normal to it. The principal stress orientations vary approximately as the foliation attitude varies. The average horizontal stress components and the average vertical stress component are three times and twice as large, respectively, as those predicted from the overburden load. An understanding of the measured stress field appears to require the application of either tectonic or residual stress components, or both. Laboratory studies indicate the presence of proportionately large residual stresses. Mining may have triggered the release of strain energy, which is controlled by geologic structure.
Observational learning under imperfect information

Abstract We explore Bayes-rational sequential decision making in a game with pure information externalities, where each decision maker observes only her predecessor's binary action. Under perfect information the martingale property of the stochastic learning process is used to establish convergence of beliefs and actions. Under imperfect information, in contrast, beliefs and actions cycle forever. However, despite the stochastic instability, over time the private information is ignored and decision makers become increasingly likely to imitate their predecessors. Consequently, we observe longer and longer periods of uniform behavior, punctuated by increasingly rare switches.
Instrumentation Considerations For A Bow Shock Radiation Experiment

The Innovative Science and Technology Office is in the planning stages of a sounding rocket experiment. The primary purpose of the proposed experiment will be to passively measure the optical radiation, produced during the boost phase, in the aerodynamically heated bow shock. An assortment of onboard spectrometers and radiometers will gather data from observations made looking forward, along the direction of flight. Spectral and radiometric measurements will be made for altitudes between approximately 40-100 km, and for rocket velocities in the range of 3-4 km/sec. This velocity and altitude profile is different than those studied previously. In earlier work, experimental data has been obtained only under reentry conditions, which correspond to higher velocities. As a preliminary to the design of the instrumentation for this experiment we have been involved in a series of flow field computations in order to make signal strength predictions. The results of these computations are discussed in this paper. These results are then used to develop some of the parameters that will be needed for designing the instrumentation package proposed for this experiment. The reasoning behind some of the specific systems choices will also be elucidated.
Haline Convection in Polynyas and Leads

Abstract A theoretical analysis of haline convection induced by the freezing of sea water is made for a turbulent ocean. The nonlinear equations for two-dimensional flow are solved using the mean field approximation and expanding the variables in Fourier series. It is found that, when the depth of the mixed layer is sufficiently large, the convective process is independent of depth. Expressions for the horizontal spacing of convection cells, maximum vertical velocity, and time required for manifest convection to develop are derived for a range of Schmidt numbers appropriate for the ocean. The analysis is applied to conditions that may be typical of freshly frozen polynyas or leads in the Weddell Sea, and it is concluded that haline convection is probably an effective process as a precursor to Antarctic Bottom Water formation.
Abstract B132: Cruciferous vegetable intake is inversely associated with lung cancer risk among smokers

B132 Inverse associations between cruciferous vegetable intake and lung cancer risk have been consistently reported. However, associations within smoking strata are not consistent. Inadequate control of the confounding effect of cigarette smoking could contribute at least in part to the observed inconsistencies. We conducted a hospital-based case-control study with lung cancer cases and controls matched on smoking status, and then further adjusted smoking status, duration, and intensity in the multivariate models. After controlling for smoking habits and other lung cancer risk factors, we observed strong linear inverse associations between intakes of fruit, total vegetables, and cruciferous vegetables and risk of lung cancer (ORs ranged from 0.53-0.70, with P for trend Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2008;1(7 Suppl):B132.
Individual accessibility and distance from major employment centers: An examination using space-time measures

Distance has often been assumed to be an influence on intraurban accessibility, whether in traditional proximity-based measures of accessibility, or through expectations about distance-minimizing travel behavior and the logic of the monocentric model. This paper examines the importance of distance from major employment centers to individual accessibility in Portland, Oregon, using space-time accessibility measures computed using GIS. The results of this research indicate that distance from these locations has mixed results on individual accessibility. This appears to reflect the importance of time, both the time of day activities are scheduled as well as time constraints, to individual activity patterns.
Topotecan and liposomal doxorubicin in recurrent ovarian cancer: is sequence important?

A variety of agents have emerged to treat patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Most patients receive both topotecan (T) and liposomal doxorubicin (D); however, there are no data regarding the benefit of a sequence—D followed by T (DT) or T followed by D (TD). We identified 89 consecutive patients with recurrent EOC, who received both D and T from January 1994 to January 2004 at Memorial Hospital. We compared the duration of treatment, toxicity, and overall survival (OS) for patients who received either DT or TD. Sixty-four patients received DT, and 25 patients received TD. The groups were balanced regarding age, stage, surgical debulking, platinum sensitivity, prior therapy, and intervening drugs between D and T. Median numbers of cycles on DT and TD were seven and six, respectively (P= 0.61); there was no difference in duration based on platinum sensitivity. Removal from therapy for toxicity was similar, DT (22%) and TD (36%) (P= 0.18). Finally, there was no difference in median OS based on sequence, DT (18.28 months) and TD (17.75 months) (P= NS). Platinum sensitivity did not affect median OS based on sequence. Based on duration, toxicity, and OS there is no advantage of one sequence of D and T when treating patients with recurrent EOC.
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Functionalized PEG Hydrogels Promote Survival and Function of Encapsulated Pancreatic β-Cells

Encapsulating pancreatic islets in a semipermeable poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogel membrane holds potential as an immuno-isolation barrier for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus. The semipermeable PEG hydrogel not only permits free diffusion of nutrients, metabolic waste, and insulin produced from the encapsulated beta-cells, but also provides a size-exclusion effect to prevent direct contact of entrapped islets to host immune cells and antibodies. However, the use of unmodified PEG hydrogels for islet encapsulation is not ideal, as there is no bioactive cue to promote the long-term survival and function of the encapsulated cells. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of a bioactive glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analog, namely, GLP-1-cysteine or GLP-1C, and the fabrication of functional GLP-1 immobilized PEG hydrogels via a facile thiol-acrylate photopolymerization. The immobilization of bioactive GLP-1C within PEG hydrogels is efficient and does not alter the bulk hydrogel properties. Further, the GLP-1 immobilized PEG hydrogels enhance the survival and insulin secretion of encapsulated islets. Overall, this study demonstrates a strategy to modify PEG hydrogels with bioactive peptide moieties that can significantly enhance the efficacy of islet encapsulation.
A one-pot synthesis of beta-C-glucopyranosides from exo-glucal, p-tolylsulfenyl chloride, an alpha-methoxyalkene, and an external nucleophile.

β-C-Glycosides were synthesized in one-pot experiments using the following sequence of four reactions: (i) addition of p-TolSCl to an α-methoxyalkene, (ii) generation of the episulfonium ion from ...
Cooperative learning and test taking: transfer of skills

This experiment evaluated the impact of cooperative interactions among students during studying and test taking. Comparisons were made between four groups: cooperative learning/cooperative testing; cooperative learning/individual testing; individual learning/cooperative testing; individual learning/individual testing. All participants were instructed on a learning and test-taking strategy. Cooperative groups applied the strategy in dyads and individual groups applied the strategy in isolation. Repeated measures analyses of free recall tests over two 2500-word passages indicated positive transfer of cooperative test-taking training to individual study and test taking for a quantitative measure of recall. For recall accuracy, cooperative study training led to better performance and transfer.
An on-line laboratory in cognition and perception

The design of a computer-based laboratory system requires the coordination of pedagogical and technical goals. The development of our on-line laboratory in cognition and perception is described. The laboratory consists of 11 on-line experiments in which the student participates as both experimenter and subject. The software was designed for maximum transportability: Programs were written in a low-level BASIC, with thorough documentation; flexibility is provided both within and across experiments to suit local constraints; and the experiments are supported by a student manual, instructor’s manual, and implementation notes. Criteria for selecting experiments, implementation of the experiments, and preliminary evaluation of the laboratory are discussed.
Nasal and sinus polyposis in children.

Nasal and sinus polyposis in the pediatric population is uncommon and its etiology is unclear. In this 11-year retrospective study, the authors describe the etiologic features and evaluate the effectiveness of endoscopic sinus surgery in 46 children. Patients were divided into three groups according to whether nasal and sinus polyposis was isolated (n = 14), or associated with either asthma (n = 5) or cystic fibrosis (n = 27). An allergy was present in 10% of patients with isolated polyposis, 80% of patients with polyposis associated with asthma, and 22% of patients with polyposis associated with cystic fibrosis. The indications for surgery were disabling symptoms, especially chronic nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, and mouth breathing, and failure to respond to medical treatment. No surgical complications were encountered. Most patients reported improvement in quality of life with reduction of nasal obstruction in 83% of cases and rhinorrhea in 61%. Minor asymptomatic recurrence (i.e., a few micropolyps localized on the roof of the ethmoid cavity) was observed in 24% of the cases in this series, and major recurrence with the same functional symptoms as before surgery in 12%. However, recurrences were higher in patients with cystic fibrosis, because minor recurrence with no clinical manifestation was observed in 32% of these cases and major recurrence in 16%. Endoscopic sinus surgery must be decided in collaboration with the pediatric and pulmonary physicians, and must be performed skillfully. With a mean follow-up of 3.7 years, results in this series are encouraging.
Role of transform continental margins in major crustal growth episodes

Mantle plumes are often invoked as the ultimate cause of major episodes of continent generation. In this paper we explore the potential of normal plate-tectonic processes to generate intense crustal growth. The central problem is localization of rapid crustal growth into small regions. This can be achieved by transport of terranes parallel to the continental edge in orogenic zones, which we deduce from an analysis of the proportion of present-day continental margins that are dominated by strike-slip motion, together with the proportion of subduction zones showing obliquity >30°. There is a 16% probability of margin-parallel terrane transport on a scale >400 km, and a few margins show transport on a scale >1000 km. The results suggest that concentration of juvenile arc materials into restricted locations can explain both the apparent episodicity and rapid genesis of Precambrian juvenile provinces.
Mechanisms of varicose vein formation: valve dysfunction and wall dilation

Varicose veins are a common venous disease of the lower extremity. Although the mechanisms and determinants in the development of varicosities are not clearly defined, recent clinical studies and basic science research have cast some light on possible mechanisms of the disease. In varicose veins, there are reflux and incompetent valves as well as vein wall dilation. Primary structural changes in the valves may make them 'leaky', with progressive reflux causing secondary changes in the vein wall. Alternatively, or concurrently, the valves may become incompetent secondary to structural abnormalities and focal dilation in vein wall segments near the valve junctions, and the reflux ensues as an epiphenomenon. The increase in venous pressure causes structural and functional changes in the vein wall that leads to further venous dilation. Increase in vein wall tension augments the expression/activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which induces degradation of the extracellular matrix proteins and affect the structural integrity of the vein wall. Recent evidence also suggests an effect of MMPs on the endothelium and smooth muscle components of the vein wall and thereby causing changes in the venous constriction/relaxation properties. Endothelial cell injury also triggers leukocyte infiltration, activation and inflammation, which lead to further vein wall damage. Thus, vein wall dilation appears to precede valve dysfunction, and the MMP activation and superimposed inflammation and fibrosis would then lead to chronic and progressive venous insufficiency and varicose vein formation.
1561 MEZLOCILLIN (MEZ) VS. CONVENTIONAL BINATION ANTI-MICROBIAL THERAPY FOR PREMATURE INFANTS ADMITTED TO AN INTENSIVE CARE NURSERY (ICN)

The combination of ampicillin with an aminoglycoside is the conventional antimicrobial therapy for premature infants admitted to an ICN. If MEZ alone is at least as effective as the combined use of ampicillin and amikacin (AMI), it should be preferentially used because it is cheaper and less toxic. Criteria for proven or suspect infections, and for the clinical response to therapy were used to evaluate each infant's response to the selected therapy. This evaluation was done without the knowledge of which antibiotic was used. One-half of 172 premature infants studied were randomly selected to be treated with MEZ. The efficacy of therapy for proven or suspect infections as well as the incidences of apnea, hypotension, and nephrotoxicity in this group were compared to the other group of 86 patients who received the conventional combination therapy. There were no differences between the two patient groups in their birth weights (1.39 kilo vs. 1.42 kilo), gestational ages (30 wks vs. 31 wks), nor in the incidences of apnea or hypotension. The clinical response in patients with suspect (42 patients) or proven (30 patients) infections were no different between the two therapies. AMI therapy was more nephrotoxic as demonstrated by a diminished postnatal rise in creatinine clearance in the patients receiving this drug. (42% vs. 23% rise in creatinine clearance) These data support the use of MEZ in premature infants with the diagnosis of infection.
Developmental aspects of incidental learning in retarded children

One hundred and fourteen educable mentally retarded children divided equally into two groups by mental age (older vs. younger) were exposed to one of three different orienting instructions (incidental-semantic, intentional-control, or incidental-categorize) within an incidental learning paradigm. The experimental task consisted of 18 pictures representing six instances of each of three common taxonomic categories. Older subjects recalled significantly more pictures with better clustering than younger subjects. Subjects receiving incidental-categorize instructions recalled significantly more items and showed significantly more clustering than subjects receiving the other instructions. The superiority of the categorize condition was maintained during a 24-h follow-up session.
Managerial Conservatism, Project Choice, and Debt

The authors show that the incentive for managers to build their reputations distorts firms' investment policies in favor of relatively safe projects, thereby aligning managers' interests with those of bondholders, even though managers are hired and fired by shareholders. This effect opposes the familiar agency problem of risky debt that is imperfectly covenant-protected, wherein shareholders are tempted to favor excessively risky projects in order to expropriate bondholders. Consequently, when managerial concern for reputation results in conservatism, it can actually make shareholders better off ex ante by allowing the firm to issue more debt. They examine how the optimal choice of leverage from the shareholders' standpoint is influenced by takeover activity, and how the adoption of anti-takeover measures affects a firm's investment policy and leverage choice. Article published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Financial Studies in its journal, The Review of Financial Studies.
New cranial material of Simocyon from China, and its implications for phylogenetic relationship to the red panda (Ailurus)

ABSTRACT A well-preserved skull of Simocyon, an extinct hypercarnivorous procyonid, is described from a late Miocene (Baodean; approximately 5.3–9 Ma) locality in north Shaanxi, China. New knowledge about its cranial morphology allows insight into its phylogenetic position among musteloid camivorans. A sister-group relationship between the simocyonines and the ailurines (the East Asian red panda) is proposed on the basis of cranial and dental evidence. Shared derived characters in support of this relationship include: highly arched zygomatic arch; posteriorly extended posterior palatine border; long bony external auditory meatus; a posterolateral process of promontorium; ventrally ridged paroccipital process; anteriorly inclined coronoid crest; and lateral grooves on canines. The simocyonine-ailurine clade is in turn postulated to be within the procyonid clade because of its common possession of an enlarged M2 and an elongated talonid on m2. The new fossil evidence contradicts several recent phylogenetic ...
A Causal Modeling Analysis of Sociodemographics and Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity Behavior of American Adults

Abstract Confusion still exists about the relationships between sociodemographics and adult physical activity behavior. In this paper, data from a national sample of 19,110 adults is examined to determine which of the sociodemographic variables are associated with physical activity behavior, their relative importance, and why these associations may exist. Once one controls for multicollinearity among the sociodemographic variables only age, education, and income maintain any substantive correlation. However, the amount of variance explained is small (R 2 adj = 8%). Two causal models are presented to account for the education: physical activity variance. The relationship is believed to be a spurious one in that there is some other third variable(s) which is speculated to affect both schooling and physical activity behavior. Exposure to sports and physical activity in the schools, though, may enhance the skills necessary for many activities providing an argument for a direct effect of education. Understandi...
Evidence for plantlet regeneration via somatic embryogenesis in the grasses Echinochloa muricata and E. crus-galli var. Oryzicola☆

Abstract Explants for tissue culture were derived from mesocotyl plate tissue of Echinocha crus-galli var. oryzicola and E. muricata seedlings germinated under anaerobic conditions. Callus was initiated in the dark under aerobic conditions on a modified Murashige and Skoog medium plus 10 or 5 mg/l 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 2 mg/l of 6-benzyl-aminopurine (BAP). Transfer of this callus tissue into the light on MS medium containing low auxin (≤ 5 mg/l) readily resulted in the formation of green plantlets. Scanning electron microscopic observations revealed that regeneration occured through the formation of somatic embryros. Capacity for regeneration is maintained after repeated callus subculture. This regenerative capacity via somatic embyros provides a valuable research system for continuing the study of the metabolism and developmental physiology of Echinochloa.
Emerging treatments for premature ejaculation: focus on dapoxetine

Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common problem in men worldwide. It has a significant impact on affected men and their partners in terms of self-esteem, dissatisfaction with their sexual relationships, personal distress, and interpersonal difficulty. Psychological therapies may achieve short-term improvements, but there are limited data on the long-term success of these methods. Oral therapy with long-acting selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) improves intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT), but these agents are designed to be administered daily and may be associated with unwanted sexual side effects and withdrawal symptoms upon abrupt discontinuation. Dapoxetine is a short-acting SSRI that can be taken as needed (prn) by men with PE. It has been studied in five separate multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials involving more than 6000 men with PE. In four studies that evaluated IELT as an endpoint (N = 4843), dapoxetine 30 and 60 mg prn achieved statistically significant increases in IELT versus placebo. Dapoxetine also showed statistically significant improvements in perceived control over ejaculation, PE-related personal distress, and other patient-reported outcomes in all five trials. Dapoxetine treatment is generally well-tolerated, with low incidences of discontinuation syndrome, sexual dysfunction, and treatment-emergent mood symptoms. The most common adverse events with dapoxetine included nausea, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, and somnolence.
XI—Propositional Attitudes?

According to the standard lore on propositions, there are many propositional attitudes, including belief, fear and desire. The standard lore is partly correct: belief is a propositional attitude. But, so this paper argues, fear and desire are never propositional attitudes, not even when the content of the relevant fear or desire can be fully expressed by using a that-clause.
Cell proliferation and cell function of the mesenchymal cells of lathyritic rats, as revealed by the nuclear size.

Es wurden biometrisch mesenchymale Zellen des Paradontiums als Parameter der Zellproliferation und-funktion untersucht. Durch Verfutterung von Lathyrogen odoratus wurde ein Lathyrismus erzeugt mit Veranderungen der Membranfunktion und des Ionenaustausches. Die Kerne der Versuchstiere waren wesentlich grosser als bei den Kontrollen (Dosisabhangigkeit).
Declining trends in the proportion of non-viral sexually transmissible infections reported by STD clinics in the US, 2000-10.

Background Recent budget shortfalls may have resulted in decreases in the number of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) reported from sexually transmitted disease clinics (STDCs) in the United States (US). The objective of this study was to examine the proportion of cases reported from STDCs for three non-viral STIs in the last decade. Methods: Data from the national surveillance database on primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia cases for 2000–10 were extracted. The percentage of cases reported by STDCs for the nation and for each of the 48 contiguous states were then computed. Finally, the χ2 trend test for proportions was used to determine the annual average decrease/increase in the percentage of cases reported by STDCs for the nation and for each state. Results: Results demonstrate that the average annual declines in the proportion of P&S syphilis, gonorrhoea, and chlamydia cases reported from STDCs were 1.43% (P < 0.01), 1.31% (P < 0.01), and 0.31% (P < 0.01), respectively. Additionally, most of the states with statistically significant trends (P < 0.05) in the proportion of cases reported by STDCs had negative slopes: 86% (25/29) for P&S syphilis, 89% (34/38) for gonorrhoea, and 63% (27/43) for chlamydia. Conclusion: These results document the declining role of STDCs in STI prevention and control efforts in the US. Further studies are needed to assess the direct or indirect impact of the decline in the proportion of cases from STDCs on the overall STI control and prevention efforts in the US and its implications for the future.
Electrodiagnostic approach to the patient with suspected radiculopathy

Cervical and lumbosacral radiculopathies are among the most common causes of referral to the electromyographic (EMG) laboratory. Among all the other electrodiagnostic studies (nerve conduction studies, late responses, somatosensory evoked potentials, root electrical and magnetic stimulation studies), the needle electrode (needle EMG) examination is the most specific and sensitive. A good grasp of the anatomic, clinical and electromyographic myotomal charts is essential to localize radiculopathies to single (or more) root lesions.
Diffuse optical imaging of brain activation to joint attention experience

In the early development of social cognition and language, infants tend to participate in face-to-face interactions engaging in joint attention exchanges. Joint attention is vital to social competence at all ages, lacking which is a primary feature to distinguish autistic from non-autistic population. In this study, diffuse optical imaging is used for the first time to investigate the joint attention experience in normal adults. Imaging studies were performed in the frontal regions of the brain (BA9 and BA10) in order to study the differences in the brain activation in response to video clips corresponding to joint attention based skills. The frontal regions of the brain were non-invasively imaged using a novel optical cap coupled to a frequency-domain optical imaging system. The statistical analysis from 11 normal adult subjects, with three repetitions from each subject, indicated that the averaged changes in the cerebral blood oxygenation levels were different under the joint and non-joint attention based stimulus. The preliminary studies demonstrate the feasibility of implementing diffuse optical imaging towards autism-related research to study the brain activation in response to socio-communication skills.
Comprehensive Multisituational Intervention for Problem Behavior in the Community: Long-Term Maintenance and Social Validation

Assessment and intervention approaches for dealing with problem behavior need to be extended so that they can be effectively and comprehensively applied within the community. To meet assessment nee...
The AlloSphere: Immersive Multimedia for Scientific Discovery and Artistic Exploration

The AlloSphere is a spherical space in which immersive, virtual environments allow users to explore large-scale data sets through multimodal, interactive media.
Image contrast in polarization microscopy of magneto-optical disk data-storage media through birefringent plastic substrates.

Using polarized-light microscopy, we have investigated the magnetic domains of perpendicularly magnetized media under several different conditions, including direct observation of the thin-film magnetic layer and observations through the glass or plastic substrates on which the magnetic film was deposited. The results show that the image contrast is reduced with an increasing numerical aperture of the objective lens. They also indicate that the polarization rotation caused by differences between the reflectivity–transmissivity of the p and s components of polarization deteriorate the magnetic image contrast. Furthermore, by comparing the image quality using the same objective lens on samples having different substrates, we found that the images obtained through plastic substrates are worse than those obtained through glass substrates. Birefringence of the plastic substrate is shown to be responsible for the additional degradation of the image contrast.
Age-related changes in aldehyde location on rat tail tendon collagen.

Summary Rat tail tendons were dissolved in denaturants and the α-chains were separated by chromatography and reduced with sodium [3H] borohydride. The distribution of reduced allysine residues among the cyanogen bromide peptides from these chains was studied. In young tendons, 90% of the allysine residues are in the amino-terminal telopeptide region and 10% are elsewhere, probably mostly in the carboxy-terminal region. In older tendons these percentages change to approximately 60% amino-terminal and 30% elsewhere.
Optimal taxation and inflation in an open economy

Abstract This paper examines the role of the inflation tax in the optimal revenue-raising tax package for a small open economy where money is held because it serves to reduce transacttions costs associated with purchasing goods. Consumers choose whether domestic money or foreign money will serve as the medium of exchange for various goods purchases so as to minimize such costs. Results are derived regarding the appropriate role of taxes on domestic and foreign money in the optimal tax structure. It is demonstrated that with a sufficiently rich tax structure Friedman's rule, which calls for a monetary policy that drives the nominal interest rate to zero, is a component of the optimal tax policy.
Eighteen Month Oral Study of Aspirin, Phenacetin and Caffeine in C57BL/6 Mice

Groups of 40 male and 40 female C57BL/6 mice were maintained for 75-80 weeks on meal form diets containing aspirin, phenacetin and caffeine either singly or in combination. The maximum daily doses of phenacetin alone and the APC combination were approximately one-half of their previously determined respective oral LD50's. Mild, nonprogressive histopathologic changes of the urinary tract were noted with these changes first evident in animals given the highest dose of phenacetin. Sulfhemoglobinemia was also induced in all groups of animals given phenacetin alone or in combination indicating that toxic doses were administered oral LD50's. Mild, nonprogressive histopathologic changes of the urinary tract were noted with these changes first evident in animals given the highest dose of phenacetin. Sulfhemoglobinemia was also induced in all groups of animals given phenacetin alone or in combination indicating that toxic doses were administered oral LD50's. Mild, nonprogressive histopathologic changes of the urinary tract were noted with these changes first evident in animals given the highest dose of phenacetin. Sulfhemoglobinemia was also induced in all groups of animals given phenacetin alone or in combination indicating that toxic doses were administered. Under the conditions of this study, evidence of carcinogens was not demonstrated for any of the drugs given alone or in combination.
Reducing institutional barriers to water conservation

Abstract Significant increases in water demands, in conjunction with economic and population growth, stress already scarce water supplies in dry areas. This paper shows that the principle of confronting all water users with the opportunity cost of their actions can be applied to the design of institutions that reduce barriers to water conservation. We apply the principle to the case of temporary water transfers from agriculture to cities, in which the opportunity cost of water used for agriculture is what cities are willing to pay for the water. A significant institutional barrier that blocks temporary market transfers of water is the `use it or lose it' principle of western US water law. Legislation that removes that institutional barrier to conservation by defining short-term water trading to be a beneficial use of water can promote greater total economic benefit from scarce water, if combined with measures for protecting third parties. By removing this barrier to the free flow of information on the opportunity cost of water used in agriculture, legislation can create a market for agricultural water and reduce the cost to cities of securing needed water.
Structural and elastic properties of InN nanowires

Structural and elastic properties of InN nanowires (NWs) have been investigated. It was observed that the NWs bend spontaneously or upon meeting an obstacle in their growth path at angles that are multiples of 30°. Lithographically patterned trenches and barriers were found to influence the growth direction of the NWs, which depending on the angle of incidence, grew along the barrier or got deflected from it. Young's modulus of InN NWs, measured by three point bending method using a NW suspended across a trench, was found to be 266 GPa, which is in between the moduli of bulk and thin film InN. Overall, the InN NW properties were found to be very suitable for applications in nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) and sensors.
Unsteady Periodic Behavior of a Disturbed Tip-Leakage Flow

The unsteady periodic behavior of a tip-leakage flow downstream of a simulated axial compressor rotor has been studied. A linear cascade wind tunnel has been adapted to model this situation. The wind tunnel features a moving endwall to simulate the relative motion between the rotor and casing and vortex generators attached to the moving end wall that produce an idealized periodic unsteady vortical inflow simulating the flow shed by the casing junctions of a row of inlet guide vanes. Detailed three-component mean-velocity and turbulence measurements have been made just downstream of the blade trailing edges and phase averaged with respect to the relative position of the blades and vortex generator wakes. The comparison between the disturbed and undisturbed tip-leakage flows shows that on time average the vortical inflow does not change the flowfield much, except for a slight decrease in streamwise velocity deficit and a small increase in turbulence kinetic energy in the tip-leakage vortex region. However, phase-averaged measurements reveal that the inflow vortices produce significant fluctuations in the size, strength, structure, and position of the tip-leakage vortex, despite the fact that they are about two orders weaker than the tip-leakage vortex. It is hypothesized that the unsteady vortical inflow influences the tip-leakage vortex at its formation, by periodically disturbing the shedding of vorticity from the blade tip.
Increased growth rates of 3C-SiC on Si (100) substrates via HCl growth additive

Growth rates from 10 to 38 μm/h of single crystal 3C-SiC on planar Si (001) substrates have been obtained in a low-pressure horizontal hot-wall CVD reactor. The propane-silanehydrogen gas chemistry system with HCl added as a growth additive, which allows an increased amount of silane to be introduced into the reactor during growth, was used. The 3C-SiC film growth rate versus silane mole fraction was found to be a linear function in the range from 0.43x10-3 to 1.50x10-3. Nomarski optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to characterize the deposited layers. The X-ray rocking curve taken on the (002) diffraction plane of a 12 μm thick 3CSiC (001) layer displayed a FWHM of 360 arcsec, which indicates the films are mono-crystalline.
Effect of Ultra-Stokesian Drag and Particle Interception on Impaction Characteristics

The characteristics of impactors with round or rectangular nozzles have been determined by the numerical solution of the Navier-Stokes equations and of the equation of motion of the particles. The sensitivity of this solution to the system of grid lines was investigated by decreasing the spacing between them; these studies yielded sharper curves and higher √St50 for finer grids. The particle trajectory calculation program included an empirical ultra-Stokesian drag coefficient and a facility for handling particle interception. Studies comparing the results of runs made using the ultra-Stokesian drag law with those assuming Stokes law indicated that the latter underpredicts the √St20 by 5 to 10%. The influence of particle interception was found to be small except at very low Reynolds numbers, the characteristics for which demon strated low-efficiency tails. Dimensional analysis of the impactor system required the introduction of a second dimensionless quantity (in addition to the St) to char acterize the pa...
Isolation of cyanobacteria from the aquatic fern, Azolla

A procedure has been developed to isolate cyanobacteria from the aquatic fern Azolla. The method is based upon recovery of cyanobacterial “bundles” from digests of plants and use of this material as a massive inoculum for nitrogen-free media, followed by prolonged incubation in light. The procedure appears to select for those cells capable of growth in vitro. Isolated cyanobacteria were found to resemble Anabaena sp. morphologically but were capable of heterotrophic growth and had high nitrogenase activity when grown on fructose in the dark.
Determination of surface atomic geometries from angle-resolved photoemission of core levels

Abstract Within the past few years, angle-resolved photoemission from adsorbate core levels has been experimentally investigated in a few laboratories as a new tool for determining surface atomic geometries. This type of measurement is of interest because the initial state is very simple, the emitting site is well defined, and essentially all anisotropy is produced by final-state photoelectron diffraction. Both variable-energy synchrotron radiation up to about 100 eV and standard soft X-ray sources at 1.5 keV have been used for excitation. In studies of various adsorbates (including atomic Na, Se, Te and O, and molecular CO) on transition-metal surfaces (Ni and Cu), several types of anisotropy useful for deriving structural information have been noted. These involve both polar- and azimuthal-angle scans of electron emission direction at constant hv , as well as scans of hv for a fixed normal emission direction. At lower energies, a full multiple-scattering theoretical analysis appears to be necessary, whereas at higher XPS energies, a single-scattering approach has met with some success. Work to date will be briefly reviewed, and the future of the method will be discussed, particularly with reference to the involvement of synchrotron radiation.
Synthesis of 4-substituted-7-methylpyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines

The reactions of 4-chloro-7-methyl-7H-pyrrolo[2,3- d ]pyrimidine(IV) with ethanolic ammonia, thiourea, and aqueous sodium sulfhydrate solution to give the 4-amino(V) and 4-thione(VI) analogs are described. Ultraviolet data and pKa values for IV, V, and VI are reported.
Predicting epistasis from mathematical models

Classically, epistasis is either computed exactly by Walsh coefficients or estimated by sampling. Exact computation is usually of theoretical interest since the computation typically grows exponentially with the number of bits in the domain. Given an evaluation function, epistasis also can be estimated by sampling. However this approach gives us little insight into the origin of the epistasis and is prone to sampling error. This paper presents theorems establishing the bounds of epistasis for problems that can be stated as mathematical expressions. This leads to substantial computational savings for bounding the difficulty of a problem. Furthermore, working with these theorems in a mathematical context, one can gain insight into the mathematical origins of epistasis and how a problem's epistasis might be reduced. We present several new measures for epistasis and give empirical evidence and examples to demonstrate the application of the theorems. In particular, we show that some functions display “parity” such that by picking a well-defined representation, all Walsh coefficients of either odd or even index become zero, thereby reducing the nonlinearity of the function.
Deformation behavior of tantalum and a tantalum tungsten alloy

Abstract A comparative study of the deformation behavior of tantalum and a tantalum 2.5 wt.% tungsten alloy is carried out. High strain-rate experimental data are used to develop phenomenological constitutive relations. The temperature and the strain-rate sensitivity of the flow stresses are compared. It is observed that although the flow stress for the Ta–2.5%W alloy is greater than that of Ta, the corresponding temperature and strain-rate sensitivity is less pronounced. Ta–2.5%W experiences a solid-solution softening, wherein the athermal stress component has increased, while the thermal component has decreased by the alloying.
Quantized spin currents in two-dimensional chiral magnets

Two-dimensional quantum magnets in which reflection and time-reversal symmetries are broken may be classified by integers which reflect the topology of the ground state. An analogy with the quantum Hall effect exists: these integers are Chern numbers which describe a quantized spin current response to an inhomogeneous external magnetic field. Implications for spontaneous chiral symmetry breaking are discussed.
Methadone initiation and rotation in the outpatient setting for patients with cancer pain

BACKGROUND: Methadone is an effective and inexpensive opioid for cancer pain treatment. It has been reported as difficult to use in the outpatient setting because of its variable relative potency and long half-life. The purpose of this study was to determine the outcome of methadone initiation or rotation for cancer pain treatment in outpatient settings. METHODS: Chart review was done of 189 consecutive patients who underwent methadone initiation or rotation at the authors' palliative care outpatient center. Data were collected regarding demographic and clinical characteristics, symptoms, and opioid side effects at baseline and for 2 follow-up visits (F1, F2). Failure was defined as methadone discontinuation by the palliative care physician or patient's hospitalization for uncontrolled pain or methadone-related side effects at F1. RESULTS: One hundred (53%) initiations and 89 (47%) rotations were conducted. Success rates for methadone initiation and rotation were 82 of 89 (92%) and 85 of 100 (84%), respectively. Mean (standard deviation) age was 60 (11) years. One hundred (53%) patients were women, 138 (73%) were white, and 182 (96%) had solid cancers. The main reason for rotation was pain (65 of 89 patients, 47%). Median (interquartile range, IQR) pain scores (Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale/0-10) were 6 (5-8), 4 (3-6), and 3 (2-5) at baseline, F1, and F2, respectively (P < .0001). Median (IQR) daily methadone dose for initiation and rotation was 10 (5-15) mg and 15 (10-30) mg at F1 (P < .0001) and 10 (8-15) mg and 18 (10-30) mg at F2 (P < .0001), respectively. Constipation and nausea improved (P < .005) after initiation/rotation to methadone. Frequency of sedation, hallucinations, myoclonus, and delirium did not increase after initiation/rotation to methadone. CONCLUSIONS: Outpatient methadone initiation and rotation for cancer pain treatment were safe, with high success rates and low side effect profiles. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
A geometric morphometric assessment of change in midline brain structural shape following a first episode of schizophrenia.

Abstract Background: Previous reports indicate that brain structural abnormalities may be progressive in some patients with schizophrenia. Our study was designed to determine deviations in the shape of midline brain structures at the time of onset of symptoms of schizophrenia and 3–5 years later. Methods: Eleven landmarks were located on the midsagittal magnetic resonance imagery brain scans of 55 patients with schizophrenia and 22 nonpsychiatric control individuals. Geometric morphometric methods were used for the extraction of shape variables from landmark coordinates. Permutation tests were used to test the effects of gender, diagnosis, time elapsed since illness onset, and age on brain shape. Results: The diagnosis-by-time interaction and the effect of gender were significantly different from zero ( p p p Conclusions: Some previously identified brain abnormalities are detectable at the time of first hospitalization. The rapid change in midline brain morphology in patients with schizophrenia during the subsequent 3–5 years is consistent with either a neurodegenerative disease process or an effect of treatment with psychiatric drugs. There is a sexual dimorphism in brain morphology that might be reduced by schizophrenia.