cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Defect Assisted Carrier Multiplication in Amorphous Silicon

Recent studies show disordered materials such as amorphous silicon (a-Si), in spite of their low mobility, can efficiently amplify photocurrent via carrier multiplication process. Detectors with a thin (~40nm) a-Si multiplication layer has demonstrated single photon sensitivity at high speed under room temperature. It is believed that the abundance of bandtail states that cause low mobility of the amorphous materials actually contribute to the detector’s superior performance because carrier impact ionization involving these states, which can be modeled by donor-acceptor pairs (DAPs), relax the k-selection rule of the many-body carrier multiplication process. Our paper presents a theoretical framework to calculate the carrier multiplication process in a-Si or other disordered materials involving DAPs. Our analysis also establishes the relations between detector characteristics and key parameters such as the density of band tail states, layer thickness, and applied electric field. DAP assisted carrier multiplication rate is computed first. Carrier multiplication coefficients for electrons and holes under given applied field are then calculated using a trial distribution function that satisfies both the continuity equation and the energy balance equation. Our analysis shows that thinner a-Si gives rise to higher multiplication efficiency than thicker a-Si because of its higher carrier kinetic energy when the layer thickness is shorter than the length of energy relaxation by phonon scattering. Using the calculated carrier multiplication coefficients, voltage dependent gain of the device is computed and the results agree well with the measured results of a-Si cycling excitation process (CEP) detectors.
E-102 Basilar artery occlusion with involvement of posterior circulation branches and associated functional outcome: a preliminary analysis of single center registry

Introduction Acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) accounts for 1% of all ischemic strokes and is associated with high mortality and morbidity. The purpose of study was to analyze functional outcome of patients with BAO in relation to the location of occlusion, posterior circulation branches and time interval from last known well (LKW) to groin puncture. Methods This is a descriptive, retrospective study from a single center database. We reviewed patients presenting with BAO or with symptomatic high grade stenosis in basilar artery at UNMH between 2007 and 2017. Data was collected on secured Redcap™ database. The imaging data was reviewed by two independent physicians separately. Patients with no available imaging or follow up data, and no identifiable BAO or high grade stenosis on vascular imaging, were excluded. The outcome was defined as 1–3 months modified Rankin Scale (mRS). All patients were divided into three group based on their follow up mRS. Patients with mRS 0–2, patients with mRS 3–5 and patients with mRS 6. Results A total of 66 patients with stenosis or occlusion of posterior circulation presenting with acute ischemic stroke were identified. Out of 66, complete imaging review of 52 patients was completed. Out of 52, no BAO occlusion or high grade stenosis was identified in 11 patients on vascular imaging. In 8 patients, there was no follow up mRS score or baseline vascular imaging available. Thirty two patients were included in the final analysis, out of which, 10 patients were mRS 0–2 group, 6 patients were in mRS 3–5 group and 16 patient were in mRS 6 group (see Table 1). Mean age in both groups was 64.7, 51.6 and 69.2 years respectively with male predominance. Hypertension was the most common baseline comorbidity in all groups. In mRS 6 group, 37.5% had occlusion in vertebrobasilar junction. Thrombectomy was performed in 40%, 33.3% and 37.6% patients repectively. The last known well (LKW) to groin puncture time was increased in patients with mRS 6. Conclusion This retrospective analysis of BAO database depicts that older age, presence of HTN, history of prior stroke, location of clot at vertebrobasilar junction, and absence of bilateral posterior communicating arteries is associated with higher mortality. Moreover, delayed time to groin puncture was also observed in patients with higher mortality. Large scale studies are needed to validate these findings. Disclosures A. Zafar: None. S. Suriya: None. M. Farooqui: None. A. Ikram: None. S. Ortega-Guiterrez: None. M. Torbey: None.
17 – Line Graphs

Publisher Summary This chapter covers the basics of customizing line graphs using keywords with the PLOT and OPLOT commands. The plotting symbol is specified with the PSYM keyword. Lines connecting the plot symbols are turned on by making PSYMnegative. The line style is specified with the LINESTYLE keyword. Axis scaling is controlled separately for each axis with the (XYZ) STYLE, (XYZ) RANGE, (XYZ) TICKS, and (XYZ) MINOR keywords. When the graph is drawn by the PLOT command, the axes are scaled to fit the original data provided to PLOT. To correctly plot multiple curves within a single window, the maximum and minimum values for the abscissa and ordinate need to be determined for all the graphs to be drawn before calling a PLOT. Once those values are known, the range of the graph can be set with the XRANGE and YRANGE keywords. Log-linear, linear-log, and log-log plots can be created with the XLOG and YLOG keywords, which direct PLOT to use logarithmic scaling for the abscissa and ordinate, respectively.
Beyond expectation: Advanced materials design, synthesis, and processing to enable novel ferroelectric properties and applications

Ferroelectrics and related materials (e.g., non-traditional ferroelectrics such as relaxors) have long been used in a range of applications, but with the advent of new ways of modeling, synthesizing, and characterizing these materials, continued access to astonishing breakthroughs in our fundamental understanding come each year. While we still rely on these materials in a range of applications, we continue to re-write what is possible to be done with them. In turn, assumptions that have underpinned the use and design of certain materials are progressively being revisited. This perspective aims to provide an overview of the field of ferroelectric/relaxor/polar-oxide thin films in recent years, with an emphasis on emergent structure and function enabled by advanced synthesis, processing, and computational modeling.
Spontaneous splenic rupture secondary to Epstein-Barr Virus-induced infectious mononucleosis

Abstract Spontaneous splenic rupture is a rare but life-threatening complication of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-induced infectious mononucleosis (IM). It occurs in less than 0.5% of cases and is the most frequent cause of death in IM. We report a case of a 13-year old female presenting with hemodynamic instability following diagnosis of EBV-induced IM. Abdominal CT was positive for grade III splenic laceration with active extravasation and exploratory laparotomy with splenectomy was performed. Postoperatively, she recovered appropriately, received vaccinations, and was discharged on postoperative day 5. Follow up has revealed no complications and return to normal activity.
Loan Syndication Participation by Investment Banks and Nonbank Financial Entities

We analyze participation by investment banks and other nonbank lenders in syndicated loan financings. We find that investment banks are more likely than commercial banks to lead syndicates to riskier borrowers and they participate more often than commercial banks in the riskier tranches of multi-facility loans. Though non-bank entities such as insurance companies and mutual funds rarely play lead roles in syndications, they also participate more frequently in riskier, multi-facility syndicated credits. Maskara (2010) argues that multi-facility syndicated loans derive economic value from the participation of lender groups with varying levels of risk aversion. We find empirical support for his theoretical arguments.
Moderators of the association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and exposure to anaesthesia and surgery in children

Abstract Background Children's exposure to anaesthesia has been associated with risk of developing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The goal of this study was to determine if selected patient characteristics moderate the association between exposure to anaesthesia and ADHD. Methods In a cohort of children born in between 2006 and 2012, exposure to anaesthesia before the age of 5 yr was categorised into unexposed, singly, or multiply exposed. Weighted proportional hazard regression was performed to evaluate the hazard ratios (HRs) of ADHD diagnosis related to anaesthesia exposure. Interaction analyses were performed to evaluate potential moderators. Results Among 185 002 children in the cohort, 9179 were diagnosed with ADHD. Compared with unexposed children, a single exposure to anaesthesia was associated with a HR of 1.39, (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32–1.47) for ADHD. Multiple exposures were associated with a HR of 1.75 (95% CI, 1.62–1.87). In the analyses evaluating moderators of the association between exposure and ADHD, only the interaction for race was statistically significant (P=0.006); exposure increased the incidence of ADHD to a greater extent in non-White compared with White children. Among children with a single exposure, the age at exposure did not affect the relationship between exposure and incidence of ADHD (P=0.78). Conclusions Exposure of young children to anaesthesia and surgery is associated with an increased incidence of ADHD, with more exposures associated with greater risk. Compared with White children, non-White children are at greater risk for reasons that are unknown but need to be further explored.
UBE4B levels are correlated with clinical outcomes in neuroblastoma patients and with altered neuroblastoma cell proliferation and sensitivity to epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors

BACKGROUND: The UBE4B gene, which is located on chromosome 1p36, encodes a ubiquitin ligase that interacts with hepatocyte growth factor-regulated tyrosine kinase substrate (Hrs), a protein involved in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) trafficking, suggesting a link between EGFR trafficking and neuroblastoma pathogenesis. The authors analyzed the roles of UBE4B in the outcomes of patients with neuroblastoma and in neuroblastoma tumor cell proliferation, EGFR trafficking, and response to EGFR inhibition. METHODS: The association between UBE4B expression and the survival of patients with neuroblastoma was examined using available microarray data sets. UBE4B and EGFR protein levels were measured in patient tumor samples, EGFR degradation rates were measured in neuroblastoma cell lines, and the effects of UBE4B on neuroblastoma tumor cell growth were analyzed. The effects of the EGFR inhibitor cetuximab were examined in neuroblastoma cells that expressed wild-type and mutant UBE4B. RESULTS: Low UBE4B gene expression is associated with poor outcomes in patients with neuroblastoma. UBE4B overexpression reduced neuroblastoma tumor cell proliferation, and UBE4B expression was inversely related to EGFR expression in tumor samples. EGFR degradation rates correlated with cellular UBE4B levels. Enhanced expression of catalytically active UBE4B resulted in reduced sensitivity to EGFR inhibition. CONCLUSIONS: The current study demonstrates associations between UBE4B expression and the outcomes of patients with neuroblastoma and between UBE4B and EGFR expression in neuroblastoma tumor samples. Moreover, levels of UBE4B influence neuroblastoma tumor cell proliferation, EGFR degradation, and response to EGFR inhibition. These results suggest UBE4B-mediated growth factor receptor trafficking may contribute to the poor prognosis of patients who have neuroblastoma tumors with 1p36 deletions and that UBE4B expression may be a marker that can predict responses of neuroblastoma tumors to treatment. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Dysregulated Negative Emotional Reactivity as a Predictor of Chronic Peer Victimization in Childhood

This study examined the relations of dysregulated negative emotional reactivity, emotional distress, and chronic peer victimization in childhood. A model was proposed whereby dysregulated reactivity was directly and indirectly related to concurrent peer victimization through victimization-related emotional distress. The model further proposed that dysregulated reactivity directly incrementally predicted longitudinal peer victimization above and beyond the effect of concurrent victimization. Two hundred thirteen 9- to 13-year-old children and their parents completed measures of dysregulated reactivity and victimization experiences at baseline and 6-month follow-up. Children also related narratives of personal victimization experiences at baseline that were coded to assess victimization-related emotional distress. Model testing strongly supported the direct association of dysregulated reactivity with concurrent victimization and incremental predictive effects of dysregulated reactivity on peer victimization over time. Model testing also provided support for an indirect effect of dysregulated reactivity on concurrent peer victimization through victimization-related emotional distress. This study demonstrated the powerful role that dysregulated negative emotional reactivity plays in the development of chronic peer victimization over time. Aggr. Behav. 00:1-14, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Language: en
Strength and fractue toughness of YSZ/alumina composites for solid oxide fuel cells

The 10-mol % ytrria-stabilized zirconia (10-YSZ) composites reinforced with 0 to 30 mol % of alumina were fabricated via hot pressing. Flexure strength and fracture toughness of the composites were determined at ambient temperature and 1000°C in air. Both flexure strength and fracture toughness increased with increasing alumina content, regardless of temperature, reaching a maximum at 30 mol% of alumina. Increased fracture toughness (up to 50 to 65 % at both temperatures) through crack deflection was believed to be responsible for enhanced flexure strength.
Genetics of Congenital Tooth Agenesis

Tooth agenesis is the most common congenital anomaly in humans. It has variable expression and most severe forms segregate in families, which allowed for the application of strategies for gene identification. A subset of those cases is caused by mutations in PAX9, MSX1, AXIN2, EDA, EDAR, EDARADD, and WNT10A. However, the vast majority of cases of tooth agenesis is less severe and may be the result of hypomorphic genetic variations in multiple genes. Of particular interest is the association of tooth agenesis with other conditions such as cleft lip and palate and cancer. Individuals born with oral clefts have a much higher chance to have tooth agenesis outside the cleft area. Cases of tooth agenesis caused by mutations in AXIN2 can also develop colorectal cancer. These types of cases suggest the understanding of the aetiology of developmental disruptions of dental development can also impact other relevant fields of medicine. Key Concepts: Oligodontia (agenesis of six or more teeth excluding third molars) is not common in the population (0.3%). Hypodontia (agenesis of less than six teeth excluding third molars) can be as common as 11% in the population. Mutations in genes such as PAX9, MSX1, and AXIN2 explain just a small percentage of oligodontia cases segregating in an autosomal dominant fashion. Mutations in genes such as WNT10A explain just a small percentage of hypodontia cases segregating in an autosomal dominant fashion. X-linked inheritance of isolated oligodontia can be caused by mutations in ectodermal dysplasia genes. Tooth agenesis is four times more common in individuals born with oral clefts, as well as in their relatives. Individuals with oligodontia caused by mutations in AXIN2 are at higher risk for colorectal cancer. Keywords: hypodontia; oligodontia; cancer; cleft lip and palate; MSX1; PAX9; AXIN2; EDA; WNT10A, ectodermal dysplasia
Hormones and Cognition: Current Concepts and Issues in Neuropsychology

This article provides an extensive and comprehensive review of the effects of hormones on cognition. Studies detailing specific neurocognitive functions affected by variation in hormone levels across the life span are presented. Dysregulation of hormone levels is considered from models of both normal and diseased functioning. Patterns of cognitive dysfunction are described for a range of syndromes involving the neuroendocrine system, and evidence of specific neurophysiological mechanisms that can account for these findings is outlined. This review includes discussion of treatment outcomes and the permanency of endocrine-related cognitive dysfunction. The authors present a set of guidelines for clinical neuropsychologists to use for assessment of patients with neuroendocrine system dysfunction. Clinical and methodological issues in research and treatment settings are discussed.
Role of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate in the induction of hepatic enzymes. II. Effect of N6,O2'-dibutyryl cyclic adenosine 3'-5'-monophosphate on the kinetics of ribonucleic acid synthesis in purified rat liver nuclei.

Abstract N6,O2'-Dibutyryl cyclic 3',5'-AMP stimulated the rate of incorporation of 3H-uridine into nuclear RNA in two consecutive waves without affecting the accumulation of labeled uridine in the free pool of the nuclei. N6,O2'-Dibutyryl cyclic 3',5'-AMP exerted its maximal effect at a concentration of 10-4m. At this concentration the cyclic nucleotide had no effect on the rate of nuclear ATP synthesis. The first wave of RNA synthesis consisted mainly of 45, 32, and 18 S ribosomal RNA and its synthesis was fully inhibited by 0.2 µg per ml of actinomycin D. In contrast the second wave of RNA synthesis consisted mainly of heterogeneous RNA ranging from 7 to 18 S and its synthesis was completely inhibited by 0.04 µg per ml of α-amanitin. Both the Mg++-low salt and the Mn++-high salt-stimulated RNA polymerases showed an increased activity in the presence of 10-4 m N6, O2'-dibutyryl cyclic AMP.
Combining variable length codes and turbo codes

We propose a joint source-channel coding system which utilizes turbo codes and reversible variable length codes (RVLCs). Particular attention is given to the construction of RVLCs with good error-correcting properties, in order to assure good performance in the error floor region. Furthermore, we design an iterative joint source-channel decoder, which exhibits decoding convergence at a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The proposed system exhibits superior performance at all SNR levels, relative to a standard system that involves turbo codes and Huffman codes.
Curve Tracking Control for Legged Locomotion in Horizontal Plane

We derive a hybrid feedback control law for the lateral leg spring (LLS) model so that the center of mass of a legged runner follows a curved path in horizontal plane. The control law enables the runner to change the placement and the elasticity of its legs to move in a desired direction. Stable motion along a curved path is achieved using curvature, bearing and relative distance between the runner and the curve as feedback. Constraints on leg parameters determine the class of curves that can be followed. We also derive an optimal control law that stabilizes the orientation of the runner's body relative to the velocity of the runner's center of mass.
Etanercept in combination with sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine, or gold in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively determine the efficacy and safety of etanercept in combination with sulfasalazine (SSZ), hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), and gold in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: A prospective open-label study enrolled 119 patients with RA who had active disease despite stable therapy with SSZ (n = 50), HCQ (n = 50), or intramuscular gold (n = 19). Primary efficacy endpoints consisted of American College of Rheumatology responses at 24 and 48 weeks. Safety was established at regularly scheduled visits. RESULTS: Patients in each etanercept combination showed significant improvement at both 24 and 48 weeks. Toxicity withdrawals by 48 weeks included gold (n = 1): proteinuria; HCQ (n = 5): septic wrist and bilateral pneumonia, rash, optic neuritis, breast cancer, squamous cancer of the tongue; and SSZ (n = 5): otitis media, elevated liver function indicators, pericarditis, rash, and gastroenteritis. The most common adverse events not requiring discontinuation from the study were injection site reactions (43% of patients) and upper respiratory type infections (34%). CONCLUSION: This study is the first to prospectively evaluate the safety of etanercept in combination with SSZ, HCQ, and gold in patients with RA. Etanercept in combination with SSZ, HCQ, or gold was efficacious and well tolerated, with a discontinuation rate of 9% (11/119) for adverse events at 48 weeks.
An advanced passive diffusion sampler for the determination of dissolved gas concentrations

[1] We have designed and tested a passive headspace sampler for the collection of noble gases that allows for the precise calculation of dissolved gas concentrations from measured gas mixing ratios. Gas permeable silicon tubing allows for gas exchange between the headspace in the sampler volume and the dissolved gases in the adjacent water. After reaching equilibrium, the aqueous-phase concentration is related to the headspace concentration by Henry's law. Gas exchange between the water and headspace can be shut off in situ, preserving the total dissolved gas pressure upon retrieval. Gas samples are then sealed in an all metal container, retaining even highly mobile helium. Dissolved noble gas concentrations measured in these diffusion samplers are in good agreement with traditional copper tube aqueous-phase samples. These significantly reduce the laboratory labor in extracting the gases from a water sample and provide a simple and robust method for collecting dissolved gas concentrations in a variety of aqueous environments.
Cl-Dependent Na-H Exchange: A Novel Colonic Crypt Transport Mechanism

: This communication summaries a series of observations of the transport function of the crypt of the rat distal colon. Development of methods to study both 22Na uptake by apical membrane vesicles prepared from crypt cells and intracellular pHi (pHi), fluid movement (Jv), and bicarbonate secretion during microperfusion of the crypt has led to the identification of (1) a novel Cl-dependent Na-H exchange (Cl-NHE) that most likely represents the coupling of a Cl channel to a Na-H exchange isoform that has not as yet been identified and (2) bicarbonate secretion that appears to be most consistent with HCO3 uptake across the basolateral membrane by a mechanism that is closely linked to Cl transport and its movement across the apical membrane via an anion channel. Na-dependent fluid absorption is the constitutive transport process in the crypt, while fluid secretion is regulated by one or more neurohumoral agonists. Cl-NHE is responsible for both the recovery/regulation of pHi in crypt cells to an acid load and fluid absorption.
Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis for Shallow-Water Wave Control

An adjoint sensitivity method based on the shallow-water equations is developed for water wave control in river and estuarine systems. The method is used to compute the gradient of a user-defined objective function in the \iN-dimensional parameter space consisting of system control settings with just one solution of the basic problem and one solution of the associated adjoint problem. Characteristic equations are derived for the adjoint problem and a new formalism is proposed for the sensitivity of shallow-water flow to boundary changes in depth and discharge. New adjoint boundary conditions are developed for river and estuarine forecasting models with open-water inflow and outflow sections. This gives rise to new expressions for sensitivities at these sections. Characteristic analysis of the adjoint and basic problems shows that sensitivities propagate in the reverse time direction along the characteristic paths of the basic problem. The Riemann variables of the adjoint problem are shown to precisely describe the sensitivity of the objective function to changes in depth and discharge at system boundaries. The method is extended to two space dimensions by bicharacteristic analysis.
Shoulder pain in wheelchair users with tetraplegia and paraplegia.

Abstract Objective: To compare the prevalence and intensity of shoulder pain experienced during daily functional activities in individuals with tetraplegia and individuals with paraplegia who use manual wheelchairs. Design: Self-report survey. Setting: General community. Participants: Fifty-five women and 140 men, 92 subjects with tetraplegia and 103 subjects with paraplegia who met inclusion criteria of 3 hours per week of manual wheelchair use and at least 1 year since onset of spinal cord injury. Main Outcome Measures: Respondents completed a demographic and medical history questionnaire and the Wheelchair User's Shoulder Pain Index (WUSPI), a measure of pain during typical daily activities. Results: More than two thirds of the sample reported shoulder pain since beginning wheelchair use, with 59% of the subjects with tetraplegia and 42% of the subjects with paraplegia reporting current pain. Performance-corrected WUSPI scores were significantly higher in subjects with tetraplegia than in subjects with paraplegia. Conclusions: Both the prevalence and intensity of shoulder pain was significantly higher in subjects with tetraplegia than in subjects with paraplegia. Efforts to monitor and prevent shoulder pain should continue after rehabilitation.
Positive solutions and conjugate points for systems of differential equations

where x E R” and A(t) is a real continuous II x nmatrix satisfying certain sign conditions. They showed that if A(t) = (q j(Q) . IS such that aij(t) B 0, i # j, i, j = 1,. . . , n (as observed in [3], there is no loss in generality in assuming fij(t) 2 0, i, j = 1, . . . , n) and if A is symmetric, then if T is the first conjugate point of (1 .l) to the right oft = 0 the equation has a nontrivial solution x(t) such that
Ethical reasoning and selection-socialization in accounting

Abstract This paper extends the work of researchers who have examined the ethical reasoning of CPAs in professional practice. Its purpose is to explore the influence of accounting firm socialization upon the individual CPA's level of ethical reasoning. Based on cognitive-developmental theory, and using a well-known measure of ethical reasoning, two hypotheses regarding selection-socialization are explored. To test these hypotheses, a triangulated research design was incorporated, employing cross-sectional, longitudinal and experimental methods. Findings of all three studies corroborate the existence of ethical socialization whereby those progressing to manager and partner positions within the firm tend to posses lower and more homogeneous levels of ethical reasoning. Experimental findings also suggest that firm managers' promotion decisions are biased in favor of individuals possessing ethical reasoning that is closer to their own capacity. This implies that the ethical culture of the accounting firm stymies an individual's development to higher levels of ethical reasoning.
Pediatric perspective on prenatal counseling for myelomeningocele.

BACKGROUND: Over the past 35 years, advances in the prenatal diagnosis of spina bifida using ultrasound and laboratory testing have increased the number of patients seeking prenatal counseling. METHODS: Traditionally, this counseling has been provided by practitioners with little direct experience in the care of individuals with spina bifida across their life span. RESULTS: Physicians experienced in the care of children with spina bifida are able to provide information that is not available from other sources. CONCLUSIONS: This review provides a broad overview of many of the issues encountered during prenatal counseling sessions and emphasizes the additional value of the pediatric perspective during the process of informed decision making or preparation for an the birth of an affected child. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 76:645–653, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Glacio-Isostasy: New Data from West Greenland and Geophysical Implications

Two postglacial uplift curves of simple exponential form are defined for separate parts of the Sondre Stromfjord area by the altitudes and C 14 ages of 21 in situ marine shell samples, each of which is ecologically or stratigraphically related to a strandline. (Mean deviations between data and statistically best-fit curves are less than 165 yr or 5.5 m) One curve represents the zone of maximum uplift, ∼125 km west of the present ice sheet margin, which has risen 145 ± 5 m since ∼8,800 yr B.P. The initial uplift rate of about 105 m per 1,000 yr is the highest reported for Greenland. The other curve represents a zone ∼50 km west of the present ice sheet, where 75 ± 5 m of postglacial uplift began ∼7,300 yr B.P. at an initial rate of about 60 m per 1,000 yr. The Sondre Stromfjord uplift data and two sets of data from East Greenland define four exponential uplift curves with remarkably consistent exponential constants (0.7 to 0.8). The mathematical and physical consistency of these four curves has the following major implications: (1) postglacial uplift has been a relatively simple isostatic process, and has occurred at an exponentially decreasing rate that is a direct function of glacio-isostatic disequilibrium; (2) the half-life of isostatic recovery is 870 to 990 yr, and the relaxation time is 1,250 to 1,430 yr, which yields an effective viscosity between 4 × 10 20 and 4 × 10 21 poises for the earth materials involved in isostatic compensation; (3) these constants, derived from exponential uplift curves, do not appear to vary as a function of ice-margin retreat rates. This result indicates that the crust is very flexible laterally, and together with other data, suggests that the flexural parameter of the lithosphere may be as low as 20 km.
Evaluating Management and Soil and Weather Contributions to Potential Nitrate Leaching from a Pennsylvania Dairy Farm using NLEAP

Developing approaches to reduce nitrate-N (NO 3 -N) leaching from farms requires an understanding of the factors influencing the potential for NO,-N leaching. An annual screening analysis, NLEAP, was used to determine NO 3 -N leaching potential (NL) from a 110-ha mixed crop and dairy farm in a central Pennsylvania limestone valley for each of 9 yr. The farmer management goal was to meet the animal and crop needs as much as posssible with internal farm resources. Nitrate-N leaching potential was estimated from annual field N balances (NAL) and a yearly soil and weather factor (SWF) based on winter and summer rainfall, soil bulk density, rooting depth, and soil hydrologic group. Primary crops grown were corn (Zea mays L.) and alfalfa-timothy (Medicago sativa L.-Phleum pratense L.). A geographic information system was used to calculate and map SWF, NAL, and NL. The magnitutude and aerial distribution of field SWF was significantly different (Kolomogorov-Smirnov, D-max, p = 0.05) for most year-to-year comparisons. The excess of N inputs over outputs (field NAL) was low for all fields and did not vary significantly during the 9-yr period. The NL was <25 kg ha -1 for 75% of the farm and <50 kg ha ' for 85% of the farm for all years of the study. The careful and conservative N management strategy by the farmer, reflected in the consistently low NAL, had an overriding impact on potential NO 3 -N leaching from the farm.
Neural net spectral pattern recognition

Present remote sensing systems are capable of producing digital image data at rates which far exceed the exploitation capabilities of existing processing systems. Automated image classification and interpretation tools are necessary to optimize the use of remotely sensed multispectral imagery. We have investigated the use of artificial neural networks (ANN) for spectral pattern recognition in multispectral imagery for both polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) data. We have used ANN to segment SAR and TM scenes into a few broad land use/land cover (LU/LC) types (e.g., vegetation, bare soil, water, etc.). We believe that these broad landuse classes can be subclassified further into more refined types (e.g., vegetation, class can be partitioned into different vegetation types) using spectral information, spatial shape indicators, and contextual image information such as texture.
Blacks and whites differ in responses, but not tolerance, to orthostatic stress.

This study tested the hypothesis that normotensive black males differ from white males in their autonomic and cardiovascular responses to severe orthostatic stress. College age men (9 blacks, 9 whites) underwent graded lower body negative pressure (LBNP; 10 mmHg steps of 6 min each) to either –100 mmHg or presyncope. LBNP tolerance between the two groups did not differ (LBNP tolerance index: 378 ± 34 vs 404 ± 19mmHg·min, blacks vs whites). Responses to LBNP common to all subjects (≤ –40 mmHg), including spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity (sequence technique), did not differ between groups except whites experienced an earlier and more pronounced decline in total peripheral conductance than blacks (P < 0.01). At test termination, the heart rate variability measure of low frequency/high frequency ratio increased more in blacks than whites (5.2 ± 1.1 vs 2.7 ± 0.7 units; P < 0.05) while cardiac output and total peripheral conductance were lower in whites (both P < 0.05). These data suggest that blacks and whites have similar LBNP tolerances. They maintain blood pressure equally well when exposed to graded LBNP to presyncope, yet they differ in their mechanisms for doing so.
Off-wafer fabrication and surface modification of asymmetric 3D SU-8 microparticles

This protocol details a method of fabricating off-wafer, multilayered, asymmetric microparticles from the epoxy-based photosensitive polymer SU-8. Also included are methods for altering the surface properties of SU-8 and introducing functional groups for further covalent coupling reactions. These techniques may be used to create microparticles for applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering. Microparticle design, fabrication and surface modification can be completed in 2 d.
Coping and appraisal in potential relapse situations among adolescent substance abusers following treatment

Abstract The present study investigates coping in high risk for relapse situations of 50 teen substance abusers. Coping responses were elicited for both a self‐generated and a hypothetical high risk for relapse situation. Based on Marlatt's cognitive behavioral model of relapse, we predicted that abstainers and relapsers would have similar responses for self‐generated situations in which they all abstained, while relapsers would appraise the hypothetical relapse situation as more stressful and endorse fewer coping strategies than abstainers. The results largely confirmed predictions, showing no coping differences among outcome groups for successful abstinence situations, while abstainers and minor relapsers endorsed more problem‐focused coping strategies than major relapsers for hypothetical high risk situations.
Dependency Parsing by Belief Propagation

We formulate dependency parsing as a graphical model with the novel ingredient of global constraints. We show how to apply loopy belief propagation (BP), a simple and effective tool for approximate learning and inference. As a parsing algorithm, BP is both asymptotically and empirically efficient. Even with second-order features or latent variables, which would make exact parsing considerably slower or NP-hard, BP needs only O(n3) time with a small constant factor. Furthermore, such features significantly improve parse accuracy over exact first-order methods. Incorporating additional features would increase the runtime additively rather than multiplicatively.
Evaluation of a simple method for measuring blood cholesterol levels using non-laboratory observers

Abstract Purpose: Blood cholesterol is a good estimator of risk for coronary heart disease. Six criteria for a screening cholesterol measurement are: (1) high predictive value of elevated cholesterol compared with a "gold standard" cholesterol measurement; (2) high correlation with the national reference system for cholesterol; (3) acceptable results obtainable by volunteer observers; (4) results available quickly; (5) reproducible results; and (6) low cost. We hypothesized that cholesterol measurements performed on the Reflotron by volunteer nurses would meet these criteria. Subjects and methods: We recruited 345 subjects (160 men, 185 women, aged 20 to 84) and measured their blood cholesterol level by a method calibrated under the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Lipid Standardization Program (Labchol) and on the Reflotron (R-chol method). Results: Comparison of the results showed good agreement (slope = 0.937; intercept=0.27 mmol/liter). Comparison of the risk assignments made by the R-chol method against those made by the Labchol method, using the 1987 Adult Treatment Panel classification criteria, showed that the R-chol method has a sensitivity of 0.79 and a specificity of 0.98. Assuming a national prevalence of hypercholesterolemia of 25 percent, the positive predictive value is 0.92 and the negative predictive value is 0.93. The cost per screen was $1.25. Conclusion: These data show that volunteer observers can obtain screening cholesterol results on the Reflotron that are accurate, reliable, quickly available at a low cost, and have high predictive value for hypercholesterolemia.
Current treatment approaches to leishmaniasis.

Purpose of reviewThe leishmaniases consist of cutaneous, mucosal, and visceral syndromes. The classic treatment is with pentavalent antimonials. The disadvantages of the antimonials are their requirement for intramuscular or intravenous injection each day for 20-28 days, their toxicity, and the rece
A mapped finite difference study of noise propagation in nonuniform ducts with mean flow

The primary objective of this work is to study noise propagation in acoustically lined variable area ducts with mean fluid flow. The method of study is numerical in nature and involves a body-fitted grid mapping procedure in conjunction with a factored-implicit finite difference technique. The mean fluid flow model used is two-dimensional, inviscid, irrotational, incompressible, and nonheat conducting. Fully-coupled solutions of the linearized gasdynamic equations are obtained for both positive and negative Mach numbers as well as for hard and soft wall conditions. The factored-implicit finite difference technique used did give rise to short wavelength perturbations, but these were dampened by the introduction of higher order artificial dissipation terms into the scheme. Results compared favorably with available numerical and experimental data.
Suppression of the in vitro secondary antibody response of rabbit lymphoid cells by Concanavalin A.

SummaryThe effect of various concentrations of concanavalin A (Con A) on the in vitro secondary antibody response of rabbit lymph node and spleen cells to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) was studied. Complete suppression of the IgM plaque-forming cell (PFC) response of both lymph node and spleen cultures was observed when 10 μg/ml of Con A was added at the time of initiation of the cultures whereas only partial suppression was observed when 1 μg/ml of Con A was added. Moreover, marked suppression of the immune responses of both spleen and lymph node cultures was observed when 10 μg/ml of Con A was added at 24 hr after antigenic challenge and to a lesser extent when added at 48 hr. Suppression of the IgM PFC response was also detected when spleen cultures were exposed to 10 μg/ml of Con A for as little as 2 hr after antigenic challenge. However, substantial increases in DNA synthesis were observed only in those cultures which were in contact with Con A for at least 24 hr. Finally evidence is presented that th...
Consumption of leaf detritus by a stream shredder: Influence of tree species and nutrient status

Four species of riparian vegetation (alder, birch, willow and poplar) were fertilized with nitrogen, phosphorus, nitrogen + phosphorus, or no fertilizer (control). The resulting leaf detritus (leached but not microbially colonized) was offered to a stream shredder, Hydatophylax variabilis (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae). In one experiment, shredder consumption of leaf detritus from different nutrient treatments (within tree species) was compared, and in a second experiment, consumption of different tree species (within nutrient treatments) was compared. Larvae preferred leaf detritus from nitrogen + phosphorus treatments (except in poplar where nitrogen treatment was preferred). Alder was preferred over other tree species for all treatments. Chemical and physical analyses of leaf litter showed differences between tree species and nutrient treatments in nutrient content, tannins and leaf toughness. Leaf consumption by larvae was positively associated with nitrogen content and negatively associated with condensed tannin content. Species composition and nutrient status of riparian vegetation may strongly influence detrital food webs in streams.
Narratives As Zones Of Dialogic Constructions: A Bakhtinian Approach To Data In Qualitative Research

Narratives have become increasingly important in the field of applied linguistics, as recent publications have illustrated, yet narrative analysis could still be considered undertheorized. This article outlines a specific, dialogical approach to the narrative analysis of data in qualitative research. Building on Bakhtin's notion of dialogue, it claims that personal narratives are uniquely positioned to capture the interplay between humans' individual and autobiographic experiences on the one hand, and larger, socio-cultural discourses on the other. Narrators can actively construct relations with others and reposition themselves on the planes of both textual and visual media. The article illuminates that through strategies such as double-voicing, narratives function as a tool for repositioning, resistance, and agency.
Studies of the spectral characteristics of alkali‐isomerized autoxidized fatty acids

The nature and extent of the interferences by autoxidized fatty acids in the application of spectrophotometric methods of fatty acid analysis are described. A simplified countercurrent extraction procedure for the quantitative removal of the oxygenated fraction of autoxidized fatty acid esters was developed. By means of a preliminary interesterification process it was found possible to apply the extraction procedure in the analysis of autoxidized glyceridic fats.
Intrathecal catheterization alone induces neuroimmune activation in the rat.

Intrathecal (i.t.) catheterization in the rat has been used extensively for drug delivery in various experimental paradigms. These indwelling i.t. catheters have been associated with inflammatory processes and tissue reactions external to the spinal cord in numerous clinical and animal studies. The purpose of this study was to determine whether i.t. catheter placement produced glial activation and changes in specific cytokine expression, i.e. neuroimmune activation, within the spinal cord which might cause altered sensory processing. Rats underwent i.t. catheterization or sham surgery and were killed at 3 or 14 days postsurgery (n ≥ 3 per group). Spinal cord segments were taken at the cervical level, tip of the catheter and distal to the catheter (thoracic levels). Immunohistochemistry was used to examine spinal localization of the cytokines, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10 and glial activation (OX-42 for microglia and anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein for astrocytes). At 3 and 14 days after i.t. catheterization, there was an elevation in OX-42 and GFAP expression as compared to control (n= 3) and sham surgery (n=4) groups. IL-10-like immunoreactivity was significantly increased in both the dorsal and ventral horns 14 days after i.t. placement as compared to the sham and normal groups. Conversely, IL-6-like immunoreactivity was not significantly different from sham or normal groups. These cytokine findings are discussed in the context of a differential role of specific cytokines in the potential generation of pain states or in the production of analgesia. This study demonstrated that i.t. catheterization induces robust neuroimmune activation that manifests as increases in glial markers and specific cytokine expression. This method should be controlled for, or alternate methods used for, drug delivery in nociceptive animal models that require spinally administered agents.
Hypogammaglobulinemia in BLT Humanized Mice – An Animal Model of Primary Antibody Deficiency

Primary antibody deficiencies present clinically as reduced or absent plasma antibodies without another identified disorder that could explain the low immunoglobulin levels. Bone marrow-liver-thymus (BLT) humanized mice also exhibit primary antibody deficiency or hypogammaglobulinemia. Comprehensive characterization of B cell development and differentiation in BLT mice revealed other key parallels with primary immunodeficiency patients. We found that B cell ontogeny was normal in the bone marrow of BLT mice but observed an absence of switched memory B cells in the periphery. PC-KLH immunizations led to the presence of switched memory B cells in immunized BLT mice although plasma cells producing PC- or KLH- specific IgG were not detected in tissues. Overall, we have identified the following parallels between the humoral immune systems of primary antibody deficiency patients and those in BLT mice that make this in vivo model a robust and translational experimental platform for gaining a greater understanding of this heterogeneous array of humoral immunodeficiency disorders in humans: (i) hypogammaglobulinemia; (ii) normal B cell ontogeny in bone marrow; and (iii) poor antigen-specific IgG response to immunization. Furthermore, the development of strategies to overcome these humoral immune aberrations in BLT mice may in turn provide insights into the pathogenesis of some primary antibody deficiency patients which could lead to novel clinical interventions for improved humoral immune function.
An algorithm for maximizing expected log investment return

Let the random (stock market) vector X \geq 0 be drawn according to a known distribution function F(x), x \in R^{m} . A log-optimal portfolio b^{\ast} is any portfolio b achieving maximal expected \log return W^{\ast}=\sup_{b} E \ln b^{t}X , where the supremum is over the simplex b \geq 0, \sum_{i=1}^{m} b_{i} = 1 . An algorithm is presented for finding b^{\ast} . The algorithm consists of replacing the portfolio b by the expected portfolio b^{'}, b_{i}^{'} = E(b_{i}X_{i}/b^{t}X) , corresponding to the expected proportion of holdings in each stock after one market period. The improvement in W(b) after each iteration is lower-bounded by the Kullback-Leibler information number D(b^{'}\|b) between the current and updated portfolios. Thus the algorithm monotonically improves the return W . An upper bound on W^{\ast} is given in terms of the current portfolio and the gradient, and the convergence of the algorithm is established.
Recent Development in Carbohydrate-Based Cancer Vaccines

Tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs) are important molecular markers on the cancer cell surface, useful for the development of therapeutic cancer vaccines or cancer immunotherapies. However, because of their poor immunogenicity and/or immunotolerance, most TACAs fail to induce T cell-mediated immunity that is critical for cancer therapy. This review summarizes the recent effort to overcome this problem via constructing TACA conjugates with improved immunogenicity, such as by covalently coupling TACAs to proper carrier molecules to form clustered or multi-epitopic conjugate vaccines, coupling TACAs to a T cell peptide epitope and/or an immunostimulant epitope to form fully synthetic multi-component glycoconjugate vaccines, and developing vaccines based on chemically modified TACAs, which is combined with metabolic engineering of cancer cells.