cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Factor Analysis of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R): An Examination of the Standardization Sample.

Abstract Orthogonal and oblique factor analyses were performed using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R) standardization sample (Wechsler, 1981). Using objective criteria, it was decided to retain two factors. Evidence for a strong general intelligence (g) factor was found from both the orthogonal and oblique rotations. Whereas the verbal IQ provided an acceptable estimate of the Verbal Comprehension factor, a purer measure was found in the form of a Verbal Comprehension Deviation Quotient containing only the Information, Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Similarities subtests. The performance IQ was found to be an inadequate measure of the Perceptual Organization factor. A Perceptual Organization Deviation Quotient, containing only the Block Design and Object Assembly subtests, was recommended as an effective alternative. Analysis of the variance components for each subtest at every age level revealed that a substantial proportion of subtests at a wide range of age levels evidence either high or intermediate levels of specific variance. These results are discussed in terms of interpreting individual subtest scores and patterns. Each of the study's major findings are compared with prior work done with the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) (Wechsler, 1955).
Age-related morphologic changes alter robustness of neuronal function

Aging and neurodegenerative disorders significantly alter both neuronal function and morphology. We have shown recently that, if uncompensated by altered ion channel distributions, morphologic changes in aging increase neuronal excitability [1]. Different combinations of active conductances can evoke similar firing patterns, giving rise to functional homeostasis. To elucidate possible mechanisms of homeostasis in the parameter space defined by ionic conductances, we recently utilized thermal random walks to identify regions (an ensemble) within which the functional output of a neuron is maintained. Typically a number of such regions, which are topologically disconnected from each other, are identified. The eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the ensemble covariance matrix serve as measures for its size and orientation, and the capacity for functional homeostasis or robustness is measured by the set of largest (robust) eigenvalues and corresponding eigenvectors. In this study, we explore how functional homeostasis might be affected by the kinds of morphologic changes that occur with aging or neurodegenerative disorders. To this end, we extract the change in orientation and extent of the ensembles found for the original model by subjecting it to three kinds of perturbations involving morphology and desired firing properties. First, we mimic age-related morphologic degeneration by reducing the number of spines in the original neuron. Second, we increase the number of spines in the original neuron, mimicking a younger one. The third perturbation also involves increased spines, however, the target firing rate is reduced so as to also mimic the electrophysiology of a younger neuron. We find that, for all the perturbations considered, the initial ensembles remain topologically disconnected, although they change in size and orientation. In particular, while the sensitive eigendirections remain unchanged, the robust eigendirections change in orientation, suggesting that functional robustness of a neuron is determined largely by its morphology. Consequently, possible homeostatic mechanisms, that enable a young neuron to maintain function, are able to do so less efficiently as the neuron undergoes age related morphologic changes .This is so because a homeostatic mechanism would be more effective if it were to orient itself along the robust eigendirections of the ensembles, and become less so as the robust directions change due to morphologic changes. Although morphologic perturbations drastically change robust eigendirections, preliminary evidence indicates that these directions may be restored through appropriate compensatory changes in functional output. In conclusion, the need to maintain functional robustness may be responsible for altered function as a neuron ages.
Prediction of targeted Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium inactivation in fresh cut cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L.) using electron beam irradiation

Abstract Pathogens internalize in fresh produce. When using e-beam accelerators to treat the produce, it must be designed to ensure that the entrance dose will translate into the effective dose delivered at the interior of the food. The low penetration capacity of e-beam accelerators makes this a difficult task. If dose is non-uniform at different locations within the product, under-or-over-dosage could compromise safety and quality. We calculated the dose required for “targeted” inactivation of S . typhimurium LT2 internalized in fresh cantaloupe flesh using e-beam irradiation. Target inactivation is the estimation of the dose required to inactivate bacteria to the target level at a certain depth in the product. Growth and mobility data were used for simulation of irradiation protocols in a commercial facility (10 MeV e-beam linear accelerator) using radiation theory. Bacterial infestation and internalization into cantaloupe would require more than 1.0 kGy and compensators should be used to reduce the dose required at a certain depth in the produce.
Risk and Corporate Rates of Return

Abstract : Although economists have great interest in the correlation between risk and profits, few studies have attempted to quantify the relationship. Consequently, this paper considers the concept of risk differentials in corporate profit and proposes a model for measuring them. Using this model, the risk-rate of return relationship was estimated for a sample of firms in various industry groups. For each industry group, average risk-adjusted rates of return were also obtained.
Cyclin is degraded by the ubiquitin pathway

Cyclin degradation is the key step governing exit from mitosis and progress into the next cell cycle. When a region in the N terminus of cyclin is fused to a foreign protein, it produces a hybrid protein susceptible to proteolysis at mitosis. During the course of degradation, both cyclin and the hybrid form conjugates with ubiquitin. The kinetic properties of the conjugates indicate that cyclin is degraded by ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis. Thus anaphase may be triggered by the recognition of cyclin by the ubiquitin-conjugating system.
Chemistry and high-voltage dielectrics

Development of high-voltage dielectrics to meet the increasingly exacting demands of modern applications challenges chemical ingenuity and constitutes the broad avenue of chemical approach to the problem of high-voltage engineering
Determination of inorganic phosphate in serum and saliva using a synthetic receptor

A C3v symmetric synthetic receptor (1) was employed in an indicator-displacement assay to determine the phosphate concentrations in both horse serum and human saliva at biological pH. The determination of the phosphate concentrations in the serum and saliva using the colorimetric assay were 1.6 and 5.1 mM, respectively. These results further accentuate the usefulness of synthetic receptors in truly practical applications.
Accuracy and precision in the estimation of peak areas: The effects of apodization

Abstract Weiss, G.H., Kiefer, J.E. and Ferretti, J.A., 1988. Accuracy and precision in the estimation of peak areas: the effects of apodization. Chemometrics and Intelligent Laboratory Systems , 4: 223-229. The problem of finding optimal apodization functions for the numerical estimate of peak areas is investigated. The formalism in such studies is presented and the effects are analyzed for a set of functions of the type exp[(- t / T f ) α ], where α = 1, 2 are the most frequently used values of this parameter. A measure of generalized error that combines bias and instrumental noise effects in peak area measurements is used to compare different apodization functions. It is found that increasing the value of α always decreases the generalized error but at the cost of requiring more precise knowledge of T 2 *. Effects of varying other parameters available to the experimenter are also studied.
On the barriers to planarity and the isotope effect in cyclobutane and cyclobutane-d8

Abstract The infrared and Raman data on the ring-puckering vibration in cyclobutane and cyclobutane-d8 have been reexamined including the coordinate dependence of the reduced mass in the Hamiltonian. This was done for the purpose of estimating the importance of these small terms in the determination of barrier heights for four-membered rings and also on the determination of the dihedral angle corresponding to the potential minimum. The conclusions reached are that there is an isotopic dependence of the barriers to planarity in cyclobutane and cyclobutane-d8 yielding a difference of ∼14 cm−1, but the precise value of the difference in barrier heights is ill determined. The higher-order kinetic energy terms in the Hamiltonian can account for a spread of ∼3 cm−1 in each of the barriers derived for cyclobutane and cyclobutane-d8, depending on the details of the model used for the vibration, but not a difference of 14 cm−1, which undoubtedly indicates the effects of coupling with other vibrational modes. It is also found that the derived values of the dihedral angles are quite sensitive to the details of the vibrational model, in fact, much more so than to the uncertainties in the bond distances and bond angles. A relationship between the potential constants derived for cyclobutane and cyclobutane-d8 assuming an effective constant reduced mass and those derived for a semirigid model is demonstrated.
Comparison of a low osmolarity nonionic radiographic contrast agent with a standard medium on renal function in cyanotic and normal dogs

Renal dysfunction may follow administration of iodinated radiographic contrast agents. This complication may be less common when low osmolarity nonionic agents are used. Although potential benefits from the use of low osmolarity nonionic contrast may be minimal in individuals with normal physiology, a greater benefit has been postulated in the presence of chronic cyanosis. To test this hypothesis, six adult mongrel dogs underwent anastomosis of the inferior vena cava to the left atrium. This produced chronic cyanosis with a mean pO2 of 48 +/- 4 mm Hg and polycythemia with a mean hematocrit of 56 +/- 2 gm%. Three to 5 months after preparation, these cyanotic dogs and five control dogs each received diatrizoate (a high osmolarity ionic agent) or ioversol (a low osmolarity nonionic agent), 465 mg iodine/kg body weight, by intravenous bolus injection. One month later, each animal received the other agent. The order of administration was randomized. Renal function studies, including serum creatinine and creatinine clearance, were performed precontrast, after 60 min, and 24 hr postcontrast. Neither agent adversely affected renal function in either the cyanotic or the normal group. We conclude that at the doses that are commonly used in clinical practice, high osmolarity ionic contrast agents do not create a greater risk of renal injury than do low osmolarity nonionic agents in this model of cyanosis.
Segregation of alloying elements in passive systems—I. XPS studies on the Ni–W system

Abstract A method has been developed for analyzing XPS depth profiles to quantify the segregation of alloying elements in passive systems, for determining the relative extents of selective dissolution and selective oxidation of the alloying elements, and for understanding the mechanisms involved. A sputter kinetic model is proposed to correct depth profiles when preferential sputtering occurs. Analysis of XPS depth profiles for a passivated Ni–W (5.86%) alloy has been performed to illustrate the method.
A pertussis/cholera toxin sensitive G-protein may mediate vasopressin-induced inositol phosphate formation in smooth muscle cell.

Abstract Arg-vasopressin (AVP) stimulates the production of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate, inositol-1,4-bisphosphate and inositol-1-phosphate in A10 smooth muscle cell line. The AVP stimulation is rapid, time and dose dependent with an ED 50 value of 5 nM. Protein kinase C activator, phorbol ester blocks the AVP effect on the production of inositol phosphates, suggesting that AVP induced phospholipase C (PLC) activation is under the negative feedback regulation by diacylglycerol production. Prolonged overnight treatment with either pertussis toxin and cholera toxin resulted partial inhibition of AVP-induced production of inositol phosphates. This result suggests that a noval G-protein similar to transducin might be involved in the AVP-induced PLC activation.
Duloxetine for the treatment of post-prostatectomy stress urinary incontinence.

Objectives : Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a known complication following prostatectomy. Duloxetine, a combined serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, can decrease SUI by increasing urethral sphincter contractility. We examined the outcomes of patients with mild to moderate post-prostatectomy SUI treated with duloxetine. Methods : We conducted a retrospective review of men treated with duloxetine to manage mild to moderate post-prostatectomy SUI from 2006 to 2012. All patients received oral duloxetine 30 mg once a week, then 60 mg thereafter. Patients were seen one month later to determine drug efficacy and side effects. Results : In total, 94 men were included in the study. Daily pad usage decreased from 2.9 (range: 1-5) to 1.6 (range: 0-4) (p < 0.05). Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) scores decreased from 13.0 (range: 6-18) to 7.9 (range: 2-16) (p < 0.05). Linear satisfaction scores improved from 0.8 (range: 0-2) to 2.0 (range: 1-3) (p < 0.05). Following a 1-month duloxetine trial, 33/94 (35%) men reported satisfactory SUI improvement and requested to continue the medication. The drug was discontinued in 61/94 (65%) patients due to poor efficacy in 32/94 (34%), intolerable side effects in 14/94 (15%) or both in 15/94 (16%). Reported side effects included fatigue, light-headedness, insomnia, nausea and dry mouth. Conclusions : Duloxetine improved post-prostatectomy SUI in 47/94 (50%) men following a 1-month trial. However, only 33/94 (35%) patients were able to tolerate the drug. Duloxetine may be considered a treatment option for men with mild to moderate post-prostatectomy SUI.
Strategy, Climate Change, and the Japanese Firm: Rethinking the Global Competitive Landscape of a Warming Planet

Because of the growing awareness of the important role the business sector plays in global environmental governance, there is a critical need for a more nuanced understanding of how multinational corporations in Japan and other advanced industrialized countries manage their corporate environmental and social responsibility concerns. This paper examines the current and future direction of Japanese business responses to the climate change issue and seeks to advance our understanding of the important links among climate change, business strategy, and Japanese companies. Three issues and questions will be analyzed in this paper. First, how and in what manner has Japanese industry responded to previous energy and environmental management challenges? Second, how are Japanese companies responding to the challenges posed by global climate change? Third, what are the important issues and questions in designing and developing the next generation of climate change strategies for Japanese companies?
Active deformable sheets: prototype implementation, modeling, and control

Active deformable sheets are integrated smart planar sheet structures performing off-plane deformations under computer actuation and control, to take up a desired dynamic 3-D morphology specified in CAD software or obtained by 3-D scanning of a solid surface. The sheet prototypes are implemented in the laboratory by elastic neoprene foil layers with embedded asymmetric grids of shape memory alloy (SMA) wires [nickel-titanium Naval Ordinance Laboratory (Nitinol)], which on electrical contraction bend the sheet to the necessary local curvature distribution. An analytical model of such prototypes, consisting of an electrical, thermal, material, and mechanical module, as well as a more complex finite element mechanical simulation of the sheet structure, have been developed and validated experimentally. Besides open-loop control of the sheet curvatures by modulation of the SMA wire actuation current, a closed-loop control system has been implemented, using feedback of the wire electrical resistance measurements in real time, correlating to the material transformation state. Prototypes with a reflective foil surface are also tested as cylindrical reflectors with real-time variable focal length. The active deformable sheets are intended for applications such as reconfigurable airfoils and aerospace structures, optics and electromagnetic reflectors, flexible and rapid tooling, and microrobotics.
Situational influences on linear and nonlinear use of information

Abstract Comparison of linear and nonlinear models of decision-making typically leads to the conclusion that a linear model is equal to or superior to other models. In the present study, linear, conjunctive, and disjunctive models of subjects' decisions were compared in situations in which it was hypothesized that nonlinear use of information would be likely. Specifically, subjects' performance was evaluated in a 3(cue distribution: normal, positively skewed, and negatively skewed) × 2(decision-making unit: group or individual) × 3(number of cues: 2, 4, or 8) × 3(model of the decisions: linear, conjunctive, or disjunctive) design. The results indicated significantly superior subject performance in group rather than individual conditions and superiority of the linear model over the conjunctive and disjunctive models especially for group conditions and the two-cue conditions. The linear model was superior to the conjunctive and disjunctive model overall, but for many subjects the linear and conjunctive models were virtually equal. It is suggested that future studies might involve tasks and cue labels that suggest a nonlinear combination of data and that methodologies designed to identify subjects' hypotheses about functional relationships be used more frequently.
Cine EPID evaluation of two non-commercial techniques for DIBH.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of two noncommercial techniques for deep inspiration breathhold (DIBH) treatment of left-sided breast cancer (LSBC) usingcine electronic portal imaging device (EPID) images. Methods: 23 875 EPID images of 65 patients treated for LSBC at two different cancer treatment centers were retrieved. At the Milford Regional Cancer Center, DIBH stability was maintained by visual alignment of inroom lasers and patient skin tattoos (TAT). At the South Shore Hospital, a distance-measuring laser device (RTSSD) was implemented. For both centers,cine EPID images were acquired at least once per week during beam-on. Chest wall position relative to image boundary was measured and tracked over the course of treatment for every patient and treatment fraction for which data were acquired. Results: Median intrabeam chest motion was 0.31 mm for the TAT method and 0.37 mm for the RTSSD method. The maximum excursions exceeded our treatment protocol threshold of 3 mm in 0.3% of cases (TAT) and 1.2% of cases (RTSSD). The authors did not observe a clinically significant difference between the two datasets. Conclusions: Both noncommercial techniques for monitoring the DIBH location provided DIBH stability within the predetermined treatment protocol parameters (<3 mm). The intreatment imaging offered by the EPID operatingmore » incine mode facilitates retrospective analysis and validation of both techniques.« less
Adsorption mechanisms of translationally-energetic O2 and N2: direct dissociation versus direct molecular chemisorption

Abstract A direct dissociation mechanism has been traditionally assigned to molecular beam data that exhibit an increase in the initial adsorption probability with increasing kinetic energy. Yet, recent experiments of nitrogen and oxygen adsorption provide support for an alternative high kinetic energy pathway in which incident energy assists in surmounting barriers to molecular chemisorption on a surface as the first step to dissociation. Moreover, systems for which the experimental evidence supports such a mechanism also demonstrate that molecularly chemisorbed intermediates can be spectroscopically observed at low temperatures and coverages from exposure to a gas in thermal equilibrium at room temperature. Likewise, such observations have not been measured for systems which are consistent with direct dissociation. A consideration of this trend regarding the existence of molecularly chemisorbed states and the implications for the dominant, dissociative chemisorption pathway at high kinetic energy is presented for a number of gas surface systems.
Statistical Decoding of Potent Pools Based on Chemical Structure

Summary. Pooling experiments are used as a cost-effective approach for screening chemical compounds as part of the drug discovery process in pharmaceutical companies. When a biologically potent pool is found, the goal is to decode the pool, i.e., to determine which of the individual compounds are potent. We propose augmenting the data on pooled testing with information on the chemical structure of compounds in order to complete the decoding process. This proposal is based on the well-known relationship between biological potency of a compound and its chemical structure. Application to real data from a drug discovery process at GlaxoSmithKline reveals a 100% increase in hit rate, namely, the number of potent compounds identified divided by the number of tests required.
Nonlinear optical properties of PbS nanocrystals grown in polymer solutions

Lead sulfide nanocrystals were grown in toluene solutions of poly(2-methoxy-5-(2′-ethyl-hexyloxy)-p-phenylene vinylene, polyethylene, poly(1-butene), poly(1-decene), and polystyrene. The PbS nanocrystal diameter was controlled by the polymer used for synthesis and ranged from 4 to 9 nm. Strong nonlinear absorption was observed in open aperture Z-scan measurements of solutions containing the synthesized nanocomposites. The best fit to the experimental data gave high values for βeff in the range of 100−200 cm/GW. The nonlinear absorption of these polymer grown nanocrystals was not observed in nanocrystals grown in polyvinyl alcohol or with oleic acid capping. These differences in nonlinear optical absorption were due to surface chemistry, as the polymer synthesized nanocrystals were free of strongly bonding groups such as surfactant capping or hydroxyl groups. The βeff values in these materials also showed no dependence on nanocrystal size.
Imperfect gold standards for biomarker evaluation.

BackgroundSerum creatinine has been used as the diagnostic test for acute kidney injury (AKI) for decades despite having imperfect sensitivity and specificity. Novel tubular injury biomarkers may revolutionize the diagnosis of AKI; however, even if a novel tubular injury biomarker is 100% sensitive and 100% specific, it may appear inaccurate when using serum creatinine as the gold standard.ConclusionsIn general, the apparent diagnostic performance of a biomarker depends not only on its ability to detect injury but also on disease prevalence and the sensitivity and specificity of the imperfect gold standard. Apparent errors in diagnosis using a new biomarker may be a reflection of errors in the imperfect gold standard itself rather than poor performance of the biomarker.
Attendance at Health Promotion Programs: Baseline Predictors and Program Outcomes

As part of a family cardiovascular health promotion project, 111 Mexican-American and 95 Anglo-American families with fifth- or sixth-grade children were assigned to either a primary prevention program involving 18 sessions or to a control condition. This article evaluates predictors of attendance at the year long sequence of sessions in the intervention group. In addition it considers the relationship between attendance and program outcomes. Low baseline scores on physical activity and cardiovascular fitness measures were associated with higher attendance for both children and adults. High initial health knowledge and self-motivation were also associated with attendance. Multiple regression analysis showed that adult attendance was significantly predicted by a model including completion of a three-day food record, low exercise, higher socioeconomic status, family adaptability, and self-motivation. Attendance was correlated with greater knowledge gains and larger reductions in blood pressure. The results indicate that motivated families who are in greater need of conditioning attended more sessions in a health promotion program.
On the use of positional proximity in IR-based feature location

As software systems continue to grow and evolve, locating code for software maintenance tasks becomes increasingly difficult. Recently proposed approaches to bug localization and feature location have suggested using the positional proximity of words in the source code files and the bug reports to determine the relevance of a file to a query. Two different types of approaches have emerged for incorporating word proximity and order in retrieval: those based on ad-hoc considerations and those based on Markov Random Field (MRF) modeling. In this paper, we explore using both these types of approaches to identify over 200 features in five open source Java systems. In addition, we use positional proximity of query words within natural language (NL) phrases in order to capture the NL semantics of positional proximity. As expected, our results indicate that the power of these approaches varies from one dataset to another. However, the variations are larger for the ad-hoc positional-proximity based approaches than with the approach based on MRF. In other words, the feature location results are more consistent across the datasets with MRF based modeling of the features.
Instability of inertial Alfvén waves in transverse sheared flow

[1] We study the stability of dispersive Alfvenic structures with transverse scales near the electron inertial length c/ωpe. As demonstrated by Seyler and Wu [2001], inertial Alfven waves can be driven unstable by the parallel current sheets associated with the Alfvenic structures. In this paper we extend that study by including the effect of the transverse sheared flow due to the E × B drift. We show that the sheared flow decreases the growth rate of the instability, but the instability still exists even in the presence of the shear. In addition, we show that the sheared flow itself can drive the plasma unstable. Owing to a resonance between the sheared flow velocity and the phase velocity of the Alfven wave, energy can be transferred from the sheared flow to the wave, driving the plasma unstable. We present an extensive analytical study of the linear stability. The result of this paper shows how inertial Alfven waves can be generated in the auroral region and may explain the origin of broadband extremely low frequency (BBELF) waves associated with Alfvenic structures.
Strike While the Iron Is Hot: Science, Social Forces and Ego-Dystonic Homosexuality

The author discusses the history of organized psychiatry from 1973 to 1986 and details the process that lead to the removal of the diagnosis of “ego-dystonic homosexuality” from the psychiatric diagnostic manual.
Orthodontic treatment and temporomandibular disorders

The relationship between orthodontic treatment and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) has long been of interest to the practicing orthodontist, but only during the past decade have a significant number of clinical studies been conducted that have investigated this association. This interest in orthodontics and TMD in part was prompted in the late 1980s after litigation that alleged that orthodontic treatment was the proximal cause of TMD in orthodontic patients. This litigious climate resulted in an increased understanding of the need for risk management as well as for methodologically sound clinical studies. The findings of current research investigating the relation of orthodontic treatment and TMD can be summarized as follows: (1) signs and symptoms of TMD may occur in healthy persons; (2) signs and symptoms of TMD increase with age, particularly during adolescence, until menopause, and therefore TMDs that originate during orthodontic treatment may not be related to the treatment; (3) in general, orthodontic treatment performed during adolescence does not increase or decrease the chances of development of TMD later in life; (4) the extraction of teeth as part of an orthodontic treatment plan does not increase the risk of TMD; (5) there is no increased risk of TMD associated with any particular type of orthodontic mechanics; (6) although a stable occlusion is a reasonable orthodontic treatment goal, not achieving a specific gnathologic ideal occlusion does not result in signs and symptoms of TMD; and (7) thus far, there is little evidence that orthodontic treatment prevents TMD, although the role of unilateral posterior crossbite correction in children may warrant further investigation.
Instructional Design Tools: A Critique and Projections for the Future.

This article critiques the instructional design tools described in the special issue of Educational Technology Research and Development, Volume 50 Number 4, “Computer-Based Tools for Instructional Design.” Although focusing on four tools, (a) digital management systems, (b) CASCADE, (c) knowledge management systems, and (d) ADAPTIT, the author also comments on the introductory article (van Merrienboer and Martens), and compares the four described tools with earlier models.
Abstract 742: Development of novel naphthalimide derivatives as potential melanoma therapeutics

Over the years, several naphthalimide analogs with varying efficacy have been reported as having promising anti-cancer properties. Some analogs such as mitonafide, a tolemerase inhibitor, have shown an interesting antitumor activity both preclinically and in phase I and phase II clinical trials. However, it suffers from severe toxicity issues, especially central nervous system (CNS) toxicity. Because of toxicity issues, mitonafide could only be delivered by i.v. infusion, and still CNS toxicity is a major issue. This problem was overcome by adapting a delivery strategy of 5 days continuous infusion, but this regimen was not effective in NSCLC or colorectal cancer patients, while still having severe myelotoxicity in the latter case. These observations warranted optimization of mitonafide structure by adding appropriate functional groups that could help reduce systemic toxicity, while keeping the key naphthalimide moiety intact. We hypothesized that incorporation of functional groups such as isothiocyanate group which is present various naturally occurring agents found in cruciferous vegetables would enhance the bioavailability and reduce systemic toxicity levels. By analogy, isoselenocyanate group which has recently been shown by us to follow a similar mechanism with enhanced potency was also introduced. Furthermore, we also synthesized a series of mitonafide analogs with functional alterations such as thiourea and selenourea in place of N,N-dimethyl functionality in mitonafide, with or without nitro substitution. Interestingly, all the sulfur analogs [IC 50 (72 h): 2-9 uM] were more cytotoxic than their corresponding selenium derivatives [IC 50 (72 h): 11-24 uM], as observed by the MTS assay in various human melanoma cell lines. This was in sharp contrast to our earlier studies, where isosteric selenium analogs were more effective in killing multiple cancer cells and about 3 times more effective in inhibiting melanoma tumor development. Furthermore, the sulfur analogs effectively induced apoptosis in UACC 903 human melanoma cells. Nitro substitution or increase in alkyl chain length did not seem to make any significant difference in the activity of these compounds. Though the IC 50 values were 2-4 times lower for mitonafide [IC 50 (72 h): 1-2 uM] compared to novel isothiocyante or thiourea derivatives, these new derivatives were well tolerated when injected i.p. in mice everyday for a month. The new naphthalimide derivatives thus hold solid promise as melanoma therapeutics. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 742.
Chemoprevention of nonmelanoma skin cancer.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in human beings. The increased incidence of skin cancer has brought much attention to the process by which these tumors develop and how they can be prevented. Efforts have been made to educate the public about the importance of protecting skin from excessive ultraviolet light. Despite this work, the incidence of skin cancer continues to increase. Available compounds may be useful in the chemoprevention of skin cancer. Chemoprevention is defined as oral or topical use of dietary or pharmacologic agents to inhibit or reverse the development of cancer. Potential agents included are the retinoids; difluoromethylornithine; T4 endonuclease V; polyphenolic antioxidants, such as (−)-epigallocatechin gallate, found in green tea and grape seed extract; silymarin; isoflavone genestein; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; curcumin; lycopene; vitamin E; beta-carotene; and selenium. Many of these agents are available over the counter as topical or oral preparations. Learning objective At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be familiar with the chemopreventive agents and their efficacy, as well as any significant side effects associated with them.
Premature sperm incorporation into the primary oocyte of the polychaete Pectinaria: male pronuclear formation and oocyte maturation.

Abstract Immature oocytes of the annelid Pectinaria were prematurely fertilized while in the germinal vesicle stage. Fertilization was morphologically normal except for the formation of an enlarged fertilization cone which persisted even after sperm incorporation. However, at 30 min postinsemination, no signs of male pronuclear morphogenesis were detected. Ultrastructural data show that in the cytoplasm of a GV-stage oocyte the sperm nuclear envelope remains intact and the enclosed chromatin remains condensed. Prematurely fertilized eggs were then induced to undergo germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD). Subsequently male pronuclear development occurred. Thus, the factors in the Pectinaria oocyte which are necessary for sperm transformation develop in the maturing cytoplasm and are dependent upon GVBD. Such prematurely fertilized oocytes fail to display the normal arrest of meiosis at Metaphase I, but instead progress directly to formation of the female pronucleus. Occurrences of normal first cleavage were observed suggesting that prematurely incorporated sperm can be recruited for participation in development.
Coherent oscillation in four-wave mixing of interacting excitons

Abstract We report the observation of quantum beat-like oscillations in transient four-wave mixing (FWM) of heavy-hole and light-hole excitonic transitions that share no common upper or lower states. Theoretical analysis shows that these oscillations arise from polarization interference mediated by exciton–exciton interactions. Our results also underscore that in self-diffracted FWM both quantum beats and polarization interference arise from interference of macroscopic optical polarizations.
Generation of thermal neutron scattering libraries for beryllium carbide

Beryllium carbide is under investigation as a possible structural or moderator material in fission and fusion systems. While many of the physical properties of beryllium carbide have already been studied, neutronic properties such as the thermal scattering cross-section are not well known. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the scattering cross section of beryllium carbide through quantum mechanical ab-initio simulations. In benchmarking the calculation, physical properties such as the lattice parameter and heat capacity are also computed and compared against measured data.
The Influence of Force Molting on the Incidence of Uncollectable Eggs

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to determine the influence of force molting on egg shell quality. Approximately 15,000 Honegger and 15,000 Babcock hens, 17 months of age, were force molted using conventional methods. Just prior to force molting, the incidence of shell-less, ultra-thin shell and thin-shell eggs (uncollectable) was determined. Sheets of metal were hung at random beneath the cages of 800 birds in each population to catch all eggs that dropped through the cages. Fifty hard-shell eggs were collected at 2-hr. intervals from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and specific gravity and egg weight were determined. The above procedure was repeated at 8, 13 and 24 weeks after the molt. The hens in both experiments were laying an average of 12.6% uncollectable eggs prior to molt. The incidence was reduced to 2.9%, 1.4% and 8.1% for the 8, 13 and 24-week post-molt period, respectively. Egg weight significantly increased at the 8-week (experiments 1 and 2) and 24-week (experiment 1) test periods. Egg specific gravity was increased only by the 13-week test period in experiments 1 and 2. Time of oviposition had no influence on the degree of increase in specific gravity or weight of eggs caused by force molting. It was concluded that the incidence of uncollectable eggs can be significantly reduced at least 3 months by force molting.
Chromatin Disassembly Mediated by the Histone Chaperone Asf1 Is Essential for Transcriptional Activation of the Yeast PHO5 and PHO8 Genes

Nucleosome loss from a promoter region has recently been described as a potential mechanism for transcriptional regulation. We investigated whether H3/H4 histone chaperones mediate the loss of nucleosomes from the promoter of the yeast PHO5 gene during transcriptional activation. We found that antisilencing function 1 (Asf1p) mediates nucleosome disassembly from the PHO5 promoter in vivo. We show that nucleosome disassembly also occurs at a second promoter, that of the PHO8 gene, during activation, and we demonstrate that this is also mediated by Asf1p. Furthermore, we show that nucleosome disassembly is essential for PHO5 and PHO8 activation. Contrary to the current dogma, we demonstrate that nucleosome disassembly is not required to enable binding of the Pho4p activator to its PHO5 UASp2 site in vivo. Finally, we show that nucleosomes are reassembled over the PHO5 promoter during repression. As such, nucleosome disassembly and reassembly are important mechanisms for transcriptional activation and repression, respectively.
Altitude estimation of maneuvering targets in mimo over-the-horizon radar

Target altitude estimation is an important problem in over-the-horizon radar (OTHR) systems for target tracking and classification. Narrow signal bandwidth and rich propagation environment in OTHR render this problem difficult and challenging. In this paper, we develop a novel technique that allows accurate altitude estimation for a maneuvering target during its ascending or descending flight. The proposed technique considers a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) OTHR platform and utilizes the difference in the Doppler signatures generated in a micro-multipath propagation environment. The separability of the multi-component Doppler signatures in the time-frequency domain is used to individually estimate the elevation angles of these paths, which are otherwise infeasible to obtain, due to their small angular separation. The estimated elevation angle information is then used to achieve a reliable estimate of the target altitude.
Optimal routing in Chord

We propose optimal routing algorithms for Chord [1], a popular topology for routing in peer-to-peer networks. Chord is an undirected graph on 2b nodes arranged in a circle, with edges connecting pairs of nodes that are 2k positions apart for any k ≥ 0. The standard Chord routing algorithm uses edges in only one direction. Our algorithms exploit the bidirectionality of edges for optimality. At the heart of the new protocols lie algorithms for writing a positive integer d as the difference of two non-negative integers d′ and d″ such that the total number of 1-bits in the binary representation of d′ and d″ is minimized. Given that Chord is a variant of the hypercube, the optimal routes possess a surprising combinatorial structure.
Parallel radioisotope collection and analysis in response to the Fukushima release

Two independent radionuclide aerosol air samplers were operated at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in close proximity during the Fukushima reactor releases. One system was an automated aerosol collection and analysis unit, whereas the other was a manual sampler of simpler design. The samples collected from each sampler showed correlation in radionuclide activity, although some variations were observed. During this unique event, the small variations observed between the co-located air samplers illustrate the effectiveness of a way to acquire useful parallel samples for scientific purposes. The results in radionuclide activity concentration show that, in some circumstances, use of a manual high volume air sampler in parallel to a complex automated sampler can produce results that are of comparable quality to International Monitoring System samples.
Dependance of Lindenmayer System (L-System) Parameters on Flow Characteristics in Engineered Biomaterials

Large thick tissue constructs have reported limited success primarily due to the inability of cells to survive deep within the scaffold. Without access to adequate nutrients, cells placed deep within the tissue construct will die out, leading to non-uniform tissue regeneration. In this research, we present several Lindenmayer system generated conduit networks in two and three-dimensional architecture with several degrees of complexity. The conduit network maintains a parent-child relationship between each branch of the network. Several L-system parameters have been studied—branching angle, branch length, ratio of parent to child branch diameter etc. We have developed a multi-physics based numerical model to predict the dependence of these L-system design parameters on the flow characteristics within the tissue construct. The implication of the simulation results will be discussed in terms of the design of 3D in-vitro tissue model systems.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Multilevel approach to ATC problems: on-line strategic control of flights

This paper deals with the ‘on-line strategic control’ of flights viewed in the framework of a multilevel model of the air traffic control functions. In particular, this problem is'solved by a decomposition in two sequential sub-problems called ‘altitude control’ and ‘speed control’. For each of these, the mathematical optimization model and the corresponding solution algorithm are developed. Finally, computational tests and results are reported and discussed.
Comparison of super resolution reconstruction acquisition geometries for use in mouse phenotyping

3D isotropic imaging at high spatial resolution (30-100 microns) is important for comparing mouse phenotypes. 3D imaging at high spatial resolutions is limited by long acquisition times and is not possible in many in vivo settings. Super resolution reconstruction (SRR) is a postprocessing technique that has been proposed to improve spatial resolution in the slice-select direction usingmultiple 2D multislice acquisitions. Any 2D multislice acquisition can be used for SRR. In this study, the effects of using three different lowresolution acquisition geometries (orthogonal, rotational, and shifted) on SRR images were evaluated and compared to a known standard. Iterative back projection was used for the reconstruction of all three acquisition geometries. The results of the study indicate that super resolution reconstructed images based on orthogonally acquired low-resolution images resulted in reconstructed images with higher SNR and CNR in less acquisition time than those based on rotational and shifted acquisition geometries. However, interpolation artifacts were observed in SRR images based on orthogonal acquisition geometry, particularly when the slice thickness was greater than six times the inplane voxel size. Reconstructions based on rotational geometry appeared smoother than those based on orthogonal geometry, but they required two times longer to acquire than the orthogonal LR images.
A nonparametric procedure for evaluation of true and false positives

A procedure is presented for the evaluation of single-point estimates of true and false positives without strong underlying parametric assumptions. The method is based upon the area operating characteristic and the Green area rule. Estimates of sampling error are also available. The procedure is extended to a strong one-parameter relation between true and false positives.
PROBLEM SOLVING AND BEHAVIOR THERAPY REVISITED

Over three decades ago, D'Zurilla and Goldfried (1971) published a seminal article delineating a model of problem-solving training geared to enhance social competence and decrease psychological distress. Since that time, a substantial amount of research has been conducted to test various hypotheses that this model has engendered. Much of this research can be categorized into three lines of inquiry: (a) whether a relationship between problem solving and distress exists; (b) whether effective problem solving serves to attenuate the deleterious effects of stressful life events that in general increase the likelihood of experiencing psychological distress; and (c) whether training individuals experiencing a variety of psychological problems and disorders is an effective means by which to decrease their pathology and enhance their overall quality of life. This article provides an overview of this literature and especially highlights the flexible nature of problem-solving therapy with regard to targeted problems and populations, clinical treatment goals, and modes of implementation. Recommendations regarding future research directions are offered.
Effect of asbestos fibers on aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase and aminopyrine N-demethylase activities of rat liver microsomes.

Chrysotile asbestos fibers impair the activities of rat liver microsomal aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH), aminopyrine (AP) N-demethylase and dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) demethylase in vitro. This inhibition is concentration-dependent. Preincubation of 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC)-pretreated rat liver microsomes with chrysotile depresses the overall metabolism of [G-3H] benzo[a]pyrene (BaP). Various forms of asbestos employed inhibit AHH activity to the same extent. However, other types of asbestos are not as effective as chrysotile in diminishing AP demethylase activity. Chrysotile and crocidolite fibers are not found to significantly change the apparent Km of AHH activity, from 3-MC-pretreated rat liver microsomes, for BaP. Increasing the microsomal protein concentration partially abolishes the inhibition of AHH activity caused by chrysotile fibers. Inhibition of AP demethylase and AHH activities is attenuated by bovine serum albumin (BSA) or ferritin. Depression of AHH activity by crocidolite is significantly reversed by ferritin. Since polymers such as ferritin override enzyme inhibition by chrysotile as well as crocidolite, surface chemical groups of the fibers may be involved in enzyme modification.
AIDS in an infant causing severe failure to thrive

A nine-month-old female Jamaican infant presented with a history of severe failure to thrive, recurrent pneumonia and developmental delay. She was found to have hepatosplenomegaly, generalised lymphadenopathy and hypotonia. Investigations revealed polyclonal hypergammaglobulinaemia, cytomegalovirus in her urine, and patchy lung infiltrates on her chest radiographs. Three separate tests were positive for human immunodeficiency virus in both the infant and her mother, suggesting vertical transmission, and confirming AIDS as the cause of the severe failure to thrive.