cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Heat capacity and thermodynamic functions of transition metal ion (Cu2+, Fe2+, Mn2+) exchanged, partially dehydrated zeolite A (LTA)

Abstract We have measured the heat capacity from 1.8 to 300 K of partially dehydrated zeolite A (LTA), fully exchanged with Cu2+, Fe2+, and Mn2+ ions. The samples have a broad excess heat capacity contribution centered around 4 K, which we attribute to local electric fields splitting the magnetic moments of the cations. The excess heat capacity is modelled using a sum of several Schottky anomalies. From these models, we conclude that the cations in the Cu2+ zeolite reside in at least four distinct coordination environments, and that some of the coordination environments in all three zeolites are highly asymmetric. We also report theoretical fits of the heat capacity data, and values of the standard thermodynamic functions CP,m, Δ0KTSm°, Δ0KTHm°, and Φm° at smooth temperatures. The standard molar entropies at 298.15 K are 71.8 J·K−1·mol−1 for Cu-zeolite A (Cu0.22Al0.49Si0.51O2⋅1.04 H2O), 71.1 J·K−1·mol−1 for Fe-zeolite A (Na0.01Fe0.23Al0.50Si0.51O2⋅0.77 H2O), and 66.0 J·K−1·mol−1 for Mn-zeolite A (Mn0.26Al0.49Si0.50O2⋅0.53 H2O).
Teledermatology expedites urgent care for a case of acral melanoma with cutaneous in-transit metastases.

Access to a dermatologist improves melanoma health outcomes.1 Yet, patients in the United States face significant barriers to dermatologic care,2 a problem that can be partially ameliorated through telemedicine or the “use of medical information exchanged via electronic communications to improve a patient's clinical health status.”3 As a highly visual specialty, dermatology is particularly well-suited for telemedicine (ie, teledermatology).4 This report details a patient case in which teledermatology was essential for identifying an atypical lesion as amelanotic melanoma. This case is a prime example of teledermatology's utility in expediting urgent dermatologic care, especially for rare skin cancers, the atypical appearances of which often result in missed diagnosis and worse prognosis.
Zoom disrupts the rhythm of conversation.

Small, variable transmission delays over Zoom disrupt the typical rhythm of conversation, leading to delays in turn initiation. This study compared local and remote (Zoom) turn transition times using both a tightly controlled yes/no Question and Answer (Q&A) paradigm (Corps et al., 2018) and unscripted conversation. In the Q&A paradigm (Experiment 1), participants responded yes/no as quickly as possible to prerecorded questions. Half of the questions were played over Zoom and half were played locally from their own computer. Local responses had an average latency of 297 ms, whereas remote responses averaged 976 ms. These large increases in transition times over Zoom are far greater than the estimated 30-70 ms of audio transmission delay, suggesting disruption of automated mechanisms that normally guide the timing of turn initiation in conversation. In face-to-face conversations (Experiment 2), turn transition times averaged 135 ms, but transition times for the same dyads over Zoom averaged 487 ms. We consider the possibility that electronic transmission delays disrupt neural oscillators that normally synchronize on syllable rate, at around, 150-300 ms per cycle (Wilson & Wilson, 2005), and enable interlocutors to effortlessly and precisely time the initiation of their turns. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Sulphide quinone reductase contributes to hydrogen sulphide metabolism in murine peripheral tissues but not in the CNS.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is gaining acceptance as a gaseous signal molecule. However, mechanisms regarding signal termination are not understood. We used stigmatellin and antimycin A, inhibitors of sulphide quinone reductase (SQR), to test the hypothesis that the catabolism of H2S involves SQR. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH H2S production and consumption were determined in living and intact mouse brain, liver and colonic muscularis externa using gas chromatography and HPLC. Expressions of SQR, ethylmalonic encephalopathy 1 (Ethe1) and thiosulphate transferase (TST; rhodanese) were determined by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. KEY RESULTS In the colonic muscularis externa, H235S was catabolized to [35S]-thiosulphate and [35S]-sulphate, and stigmatellin reduced both the consumption of H235S and formation of [35S]-thiosulphate. Stigmatellin also enhanced H2S release by the colonic muscularis externa. In the brain, catabolism of H235S to [35S]-thiosulphate and [35S]-sulphate, which was stigmatellin-insensitive, partially accounted for H235S consumption, while the remainder was captured as unidentified 35S that was probably bound to proteins. Levels of mRNA encoding SQR were higher in the colonic muscularis externa and the liver than in the brain. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These data support the concept that termination of endogenous H2S signalling in the colonic muscularis externa occurs via catabolism to thiosulphate and sulphate partially via a mechanism involving SQR. In the brain, it appears that H2S signal termination occurs partially through protein sequestration and partially through catabolism not involving SQR. As H2S has beneficial effects in animal models of human disease, we suggest that selective inhibition of SQR is an attractive target for pharmaceutical development.
A structural view of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis

Mitochondria-mediated apoptosis plays a central role in animal development and tissue homeostasis, and its alteration results in a range of malignant disorders including cancer. Upon apoptotic stimuli, the mitochondrial proteins cytochrome c and Smac/DIABLO are released into the cytosol, where they synergistically activate caspases by activating Apaf-1 and relieving the apoptotic inhibition by IAPs. Recent biochemical and structural studies reveal a molecular basis for these important events and identify an evolutionarily conserved mechanism of apoptosis from fruit flies to mammals.
Trends in Pregnancy Weight Gain Within and Outside Ranges Recommended by the Institute of Medicine in a WIC Population

Objectives: To examine the proportion of women with a pregnancy weight gain below, within, and above ranges recommended by the Institute of Medicine from 1990 to 1996. Methods; Our study population included women attending Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) clinics in five states who delivered a liveborn singleton infant at term (N = 120,531). Pregnancy weight gain was self-reported at the postpartum visit Results: Only 34% of women gained weight within recommended ranges and there was little change in this proportion from 1990 to 1996. The proportion of women gaining less than their recommended weight decreased from 23.4% to 22.0%, and the proportion gaining more than recommended increased from 41.5% to 43.7% during the study period. Stratified analyses revealed similar trends within all race-ethnicity, age, parity, trimester of WIC initiation, and trimester of prenatal care initiation strata and among women in low, average, and high prepregnancy body mass index categories. There was no change in the weight gain distribution among obese women. Absolute and relative increases in the proportion of women gaining more weight than recommended were greatest among women who were underweight, Asian or Native American, less than 20 years of age, multiparous, and who initiated WIC and prenatal care in the third trimester. Conclusions: Pregnancy weight gain increased among this population of WIC participants from 1990 to 1996.
Internet Privacy and Security: A Startup's Perspective Information Dynamics in the Networked Society, April 4–5, 2002

SafeWeb, a venture-backed startup founded by a team of physics PhDs, created an Internet privacy service which was used by millions of people worldwide. Despite widespread adoption, its advertising-based business model proved unsupportable, and the service was discontinued in late 2001. SafeWeb's main product now is a hardware device based on its core technology (the Secure Extranet Appliance), which is used by enterprise security customers such as corporations and government agencies. I discuss my experiences as co-founder of SafeWeb, and topics such as the Internet in China and the future of privacy in the information age.
Ultra-thin distributed Bragg reflectors via stacked single-crystal silicon nanomembranes

In this paper, we report ultra-thin distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) via stacked single-crystal silicon (Si) nanomembranes (NMs). Mesh hole-free single-crystal Si NMs were released from a Si-on-insulator substrate and transferred to quartz and Si substrates. Thermal oxidation was applied to the transferred Si NM to form high-quality SiO2 and thus a Si/SiO2 pair with uniform and precisely controlled thicknesses. The Si/SiO2 layers, as smooth as epitaxial grown layers, minimize scattering loss at the interface and in between the layers. As a result, a reflection of 99.8% at the wavelength range from 1350 nm to 1650 nm can be measured from a 2.5-pair DBR on a quartz substrate and 3-pair DBR on a Si substrate with thickness of 0.87 μm and 1.14 μm, respectively. The high reflection, ultra-thin DBRs developed here, which can be applied to almost any devices and materials, holds potential for application in high performance optoelectronic devices and photonics applications.
A note on characterization of the shorted operation

In this article, an alternative characterization of the shorted operation defined on the class of all positive operators on a Hilbert space is presented.
Global Warming and Originalism: The Role of the EPA in the Obama Administration

Anthropogenic warming will devastate the world if it is not abated. Abating such warming will require a long-term strategy that starts with immediate and drastic action in the form of new laws designed to restrict greenhouse gas emissions. In the wake of Massachusetts v. EPA, President Obama is likely to issue an executive order requiring the EPA Administrator to issue strict regulations addressing greenhouse gas emissions from mobile sources under the Clean Air Act. However, such executive action will surely spark a flood of lawsuits challenging the scope of executive power. This Note addresses the merits of such lawsuits and uses unitary executive theory to argue that the President’s executive power includes the power to control the EPA rule-making process.
Moral cognition and childhood aggression.

Childhood aggression is of great interest because of the impact such behavior has on the welfare of others. Recent advances in understanding the development of children’s aggressive behavior have emphasized the role of cognitive factors, since an individual’s aggressive behavior is ultimately subject to cognitive control (Dodge, 1986; Huesmann, 1988). Paradoxically, the literature on cognition and aggression has not been informed by the literature on the development of children’s moral reasoning. Instead, they have developed in two separate strands that minimally relate to one another. In large part, the lack of connection between these two literatures stems from a paradigmatic clash which has made the integration of research on cognitive correlates of childhood aggression and research on children’s moral development problematic. Recent advances in theory and research in moral development, however, offer the possibility of a rapproachment between these two paradigms.
Fractographic Analysis of Initiation and Growth of Fatigue Cracks at Rivet Holes

A series of fatigue tests were performed on riveted panels of clad 2024-T3 without epoxy bonds. Fatigue crack initiation occurred at the apex of the rivet hole chamfers. Transgranular fatigue crack growth by ductile striation formation occurred through the sheet. The fracture features at low, medium and high growth rates were examined with the SEM. Microscopic crack propagation rates as measured by fatigue striation spacings correlate with macroscopic crack growth rates observed. The fatigue crack growth rate is fairly constant over a length of 6 mm (0.25 in.) from the edge of the rivet hole, due to the fact that the stress intensity range is approximately constant in this region. Transition to fast fracture and unstable crack propagation is readily identified due to marked yielding of the cladding material.
Seasonal variations in N2O emissions from central California

[1] We estimate nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from Central California for the period of December 2007 through November 2009 by comparing N2O mixing ratios measured at a tall tower (Walnut Grove, WGC) with transport model predictions based on two global a priori N2O emission models (EDGAR32 and EDGAR42). Atmospheric particle trajectories and surface footprints are computed using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) and Stochastic Time-Inverted Lagrangian Transport (STILT) models. Regression analyses show that the slopes of predicted on measured N2O from both emission models are low, suggesting that actual N2O emissions are significantly higher than the EDGAR inventories for all seasons. Bayesian inverse analyses of regional N2O emissions show that posterior annual N2O emissions are larger than both EDGAR inventories by factors of 2.0 ± 0.4 (EDGAR32) and 2.1 ± 0.4 (EDGAR42) with seasonal variation ranging from 1.6 ± 0.3 to 2.5 ± 0.4 for an influence region of Central California within approximately 150 km of the tower. These results suggest that if the spatial distribution of N2O emissions in California follows the EDGAR emission models, then actual emissions are 2.7 ± 0.5 times greater than the current California emission inventory, and total N2O emissions account for 8.1 ± 1.4% of total greenhouse gas emissions from California.
Cytotoxicity of PEGylated liposomes co-loaded with novel pro-apoptotic drug NCL-240 and the MEK inhibitor cobimetinib against colon carcinoma in vitro

The overactivation of signaling pathways, such as the PI3K and MAPK, which are crucial to cell growth and survival, is a common feature in many cancer types. Though a number of advances have been made in the development of molecular agents targeting these pathways, their application as monotherapies has not significantly improved clinical outcome. A novel liposomal preparation was developed, co-loaded with NCL-240, a small-molecule inhibitor of the PI3K/mTOR pathway, along with cobimetinib, a MEK/ERK pathway inhibitor. This combination drug-loaded nanocarrier, (N+C)-LP, was able to significantly enhance the cytotoxicity of these drugs against colon carcinoma cells in vitro demonstrating a clear synergistic effect (combination index of 0.79). The (N+C)-LP was also able to induce cell cycle arrest of the cells, specifically in the G1 phase thereby preventing their progression to the S-phase, typical of the action of MEK inhibitors. Analyzing the apoptotic events, it was found that this effect on cell cycle regulation is followed by the induction of apoptosis. The quantified distribution of apoptotic events showed that the (N+C)-LP induced apoptosis significantly by over 3-4 fold (P<0.001) compared to other treatment groups. The co-loaded liposomal preparation was also targeted to the transferrin receptor of cancer cells by modifying the surface of the liposome with transferrin. FACS analysis showed that transferrin-mediated targeting enhanced the association of liposomes to HCT 116 cells by almost 5-fold. This could potentially allow for cancer cell-specific effects in vivo thereby minimizing any non-specific interactions of the liposomes with non-cancerous cells. Taken together, this study clearly shows that the combined inhibition of the PI3K and MEK pathways correlates with a significant anti-proliferative effect, due to cell-cycle regulation leading to the induction of apoptosis.
Peace Education: How We Come to Love and Hate War

1. The centrality of war in history 2. Destruction 3. Masculinity and the warrior 4. Patriotism 5. Hatred 6. Religion 7. Pacifism 8. Women and war 9. Existential meaning 10. The challenge to education.
Defective replication of psoralen adducts detected at the gene-specific level in xeroderma pigmentosum variant cells.

Abstract Replication of damaged DNA is suspected to play an important role in cell cycle, genetic stability, and survival pathways. Using psoralen photoaddition as prototype DNA damage and the renaturing agarose gel electrophoresis technique to measure DNA cross-linking in individual genes, Vos and Hanawalt previously observed efficient bypass replication of psoralen monoadducts in human genes (J.-M. H. Vos and P. C. Hanawalt, Cell 50:789-799, 1987). To understand the mechanism of bypass replication in human cells, mutants affected in such a process would be useful. We now report that cells from individuals suffering from the hereditary recessive syndrome xeroderma pigmentosum variant (XPV) are hypersensitive to killing induced by photoactivated psoralen. In addition, analysis of psoralen-mediated DNA cross-linking in the rRNA genes indicated that although repair of psoralen adducts was similar to that of normal individuals, XPV cells were markedly deficient in the ability to bypass psoralen adducts during replication; in comparison with normal cells, approximately half as many monoadducts were bypassed during replication in XPV cells. Furthermore, in contrast to normal cells, replication of interstrand cross-links was not detected in XPV. This is the first demonstration of a deficiency in bypass replication detected at the gene-specific level in vivo. A model involving a strand-specific defect in recombinational bypass in XPV is proposed.
A 34.5 GHz 200 kW CW TM/sub 11/-HE/sub 11/ mode converter for gyrotron applications

Future plans call for increasing the uplink and downlink frequencies used for communication with deep space probes from the present 2 GHz and 8 GHz bands into the millimeter band, 32-35 GHz. High power transmitters, of the order of several hundred kilowatts CW will be required in the millimeter band. The only sources presently capable of producing this power level are gyro devices. In order to produce these power levels gyro devices employ unconventional interaction cavities. These cavities resonate in higher order waveguide modes, and typically deliver the output signal into an oversize circular waveguide in a higher order waveguide mode, such as a TE/sub 0N/ mode. If the power is to be used constructively, for example to illuminate a reflector antenna, a Gaussian beam is typically required. Transformation of the TE/sub 0N/ mode into a Gaussian beam is achieved through the use of several mode converters. One possible system of mode converters is depicted. The mode converters used to generate the TM/sub 11/ mode required for testing the TM/sub 11/-HE/sub 11/ mode converter are described.
Id1, but not Id3, directs long-term repopulating hematopoietic stem-cell maintenance.

E-proteins are widely expressed basic helix-loop-helix (HLH) transcription factors that regulate differentiation in many cell lineages, including lymphoid, muscle, and neuronal cells. E-protein function is controlled by HLH inhibitors such as Id and SCL/TAL1 proteins, which recently have been suggested to play a role in hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) differentiation. However, the precise stages when these proteins are expressed and their specific functions are not entirely clear. Using a knock-in mouse model where the sequence for the enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP) was inserted downstream of the Id1 promoter, we were able to track Id1 expression on an individual cell basis and detected Id1 expression in long-term repopulating HSCs (LT-HSCs). Functional assays showed that the Id1/GFP+Lin−Sca1+c-kitHi population was highly enriched for LT-HSCs. Consistent with this expression pattern, Id1 deficiency led to a 2-fold reduction in the number of LT-HSCs defined as Lin−Sca1+c-kitHiCD48−CD150+. Primary bone marrow transplantation studies revealed that Id1 is dispensable for short-term engraftment. In contrast, both Id1−/− whole bone marrow and Lin−Sca1+c-kitHiThy1.1Lo-enriched HSCs, but not Id3−/− marrow, displayed impaired engraftment relative to wild-type controls in secondary transplantation assays. These findings suggest a unique role for Id1 in LT-HSC maintenance and hematopoietic development.
Environmental Factors in Engine Design for Military Applications

The paper describes the extreme conditions of environment to which military equipment is subjected, and the problems involved and techniques used to enable engines to operate in these environments. Among the effects considered are low and high temperature, high altitude, ingested dust, high humidity and salt spray. Data are also included on noise-level requirements and techniques for noise suppression in gas turbines. Most of the subject matter relates to gas turbines, but comparisons are made in some instances with reciprocating engines in order to clearly delineate basic differences in design and technical approaches for solving environmental problems. The paper indicates that partial solutions have been achieved and that research and development is being continued to achieve more complete solutions.Copyright © 1965 by ASME
The Maintenance of Treatment Effects in the Long‐Term Management of Obesity

This article reviews the efficacy of strategies designed to improve the maintenance of treatment effects in the long-term management of obesity. Included are the results from controlled trials that evaluated strategies such as extended therapy, relapse prevention training, monetary incentives, food provision, and peer support as well as the use of very-low-calorie diets and phar-macotherapy. Improved maintenance of weight loss was observed in behavior therapy extended beyond 6 months and in long-term pharmacotherapy (dexfenfl-uramine or the combination of fenfluramine + phentermine) used in conjunction with behavior therapy or dietary counseling. Following the termination of long-term therapy, a regaining of weight was observed across all treatment modalities. These findings are discussed in terms of a “continuous-care” model of obesity management.
Perceived Admiration and Transition to Parenthood for Black and White Married Couples

Perceived admiration was examined in this study as a mediator of marital quality and transition to parenthood among Black American and White American couples. Positive and negative dimensions of marital quality were assessed for husbands (n = 148) and wives (n = 155) during their 1st and 3rd years of marriage in a large-scale survey. Findings revealed that transitioning Black American husbands reported lower marital tension than transitioning White American husbands. Perceived admiration mediated the link between transition to parenthood and marital well-being for wives, and between transition to parenthood and marital tension for husbands. Results suggest that perceived admiration plays a critical role in understanding the transition to parenthood, regardless of race. Insights are offered for practitioners who provide relationship or parental counseling and education to couples during the transition to parenthood.
The M1: A Custom Mechatronics Platform for Robotics Education

This paper presents the details of a compact embedded-computing module designed to meet a variety of pedagogical objectives within mechatronics, controls, and robotics. Built around an ATmega32U4 microcontroller, the 1.8 × 4.0 centimeter module has flash memory for program and data storage, 25 general-purpose input/output lines, four timer/counters, 12 channels of 10-bit analog-to-digital conversion, and support for a variety of serial communications protocols, including USB. The unit adapts easily to a solderless breadboard for quick prototyping, and requires only an external 5-volt power source for operation. Furthermore, it can be programmed directly over a USB connection to a computer, thereby eliminating the need for a separate programming device. As a member of the AVR family of microcontrollers, the development tools for the processor are freely available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. When assembled in sufficient quantity, the part cost for each module is approaching $ 10US, making it a low-cost solution for a variety of tasks. To enable students and professors to explore both the module and the host of application principles, we have chosen to post the design files and documentation on a publicly-accessible wiki, leaving room for collaborative improvements and the sharing of technology with other educational institutions.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Learning the microstructure of successful behavior

Reinforcement signals indicating success or failure are known to alter the probability of selecting between distinct actions. However, successful performance of many motor skills, such as speech articulation, also requires learning behavioral trajectories that vary continuously over time. Here, we investigated how temporally discrete reinforcement signals shape a continuous behavioral trajectory, the fundamental frequency of adult Bengalese finch song. We provided reinforcement contingent on fundamental frequency performance only at one point in the song. Learned changes to fundamental frequency were maximal at this point, but also extended both earlier and later in the fundamental frequency trajectory. A simple principle predicted the detailed structure of learning: birds learned to produce the average of the behavioral trajectories associated with successful outcomes. This learning rule accurately predicted the structure of learning at a millisecond timescale, demonstrating that the nervous system records fine-grained details of successful behavior and uses this information to guide learning.
Group work: 1985 and 2001

Abstract Currently, trainers focus on individual, interpersonal, and group levels. Global interdependence and turbulence demand powerful sponsors and intergroup and system skills to manage future social change.
Formative and Summative Evaluation: Related Issues in Performance Measurement.

Abstract Wholey first defines “performance measurement” and then explains how it can serve both formative and summative evaluation functions. He also offers the view that formative evaluation is typically more useful than summative for governmental purposes, and that performance measurement is more useful than one-shot evaluations (of either formative or summative stripe). Challenges to evaluators wishing to contribute to performance measurement methodology are outlined.
Analysis of tongue positions: language-specific and cross-linguistic models.

A factor‐analytic model, PARAFAC, has been shown to yield highly significant and interpretable results when applied to the analysis of tongue shapes in particular languages. However, the forms of the solutions differ from language to language. A conceptual model that provides an account for cross‐language variability in terms of coordinative structures that may vary in a language‐specific manner is developed. This model rationalizes both the success of the PARAFAC procedure within languages and the poor cross‐language replicability of PARAFAC solutions. We consider methods for quantitatively comparing the results of PARAFAC analyses of data from different languages using data from Icelandic and English as a test case. A cross‐language factor solution that accounts for 90% of the variance in tongue position measurements is presented and interpreted in terms of the conceptual model.
BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF 17-α-HYDR0XYPROGESTERONE IN THE MOUSE, RABBIT AND HUMAN BEING*

INTRODUCTION IT WAS reported in a previous publication (1) that 17-α-hydroxyprogesterone is 60 times more potent than progesterone as measured by the Hooker-Forbes bioassay in the mouse. In the rabbit, however, Junkmann found that the free compound was inactive (2). As there appeared to be a species difference, and as the addition of the hydroxyl group to the 17 position of other steroids of low potency increases their activity, it was of interest to extend this study to include the rabbit and the human being. The progestational reaction in the rabbit has been accepted as the biological criterion for this class of compounds since progesterone was first isolated, and use in human therapy is one of the most practical goals in the study of progestational compounds. Recently, 17-α-hydroxyprogesterone and its caproate ester have gained attention by clinical use. Junkmann (2) found that the caproate ester of 17-α-hydroxyprogesterone, but not the free compound, had prolonged action in the rabbit. Davis and Wied ...
Computational chemistry: Dances with hydrogen cations.

Life depends on the flow of hydrogen cations in water, yet their dynamic behaviour when in complex with water molecules is unknown. The latest computer simulations cast light on the jiggling of these hydrated ions.
Scanning tunneling optical spectroscopy in mercury cadmium telluride and related compounds

Abstract We consider II–VI narrow gap semiconducting alloys: mercury cadmium telluride, Hg (1− x ) Cd ( x ) Te (MCT), mercury zinc telluride, Hg (1− x ) Zn ( x ) Te (MZT), and mercury zinc selenide, Hg (1− x ) Zn ( x ) Se (MZS). MCT is emphasized for actual calculations, but a table of values needed in all calculations is presented. These materials are of interest because of their application to infrared detectors and related devices, and because they are candidates for low gravity crystal growth to improve uniformity. We present new calculations of the scanning tunneling optical spectroscopy (STOS) current from which the local energy gap, a function of x , and hence the stoichiometry ( x ) can be determined as a function of position with presumably high spatial resolution. The low temperature tunneling current (vs. photon frequency) has a sharper onset at the band gap than the low temperature optical absorption. This sharp onset originates from the rapid increase in the integrated transmission probabilities and is greatly enhanced by large diffusion lengths. Thus, STOS should be a competitive technique, compared to optical absorption, for determining the local stoichiometry, a property that is important for characterizing crystals.
Transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy for treatment of thin flaps or caps after complicated laser in situ keratomileusis.

Abstract PURPOSE: To report transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy treatment of corneal irregularities produced during laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in which there is a thin flap or cap associated with central corneal scarring or epithelial ingrowth that threatens vision. METHODS: Case reports. The thickness of the abnormal corneal flap or cap and associated scarring or epithelial ingrowth is estimated at the slit lamp or measured with an optical pachymeter. If residual myopia is sufficiently high to allow complete ablation of the flap or cap in the central cornea, a transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy is performed in which the epithelium is completely ablated with the excimer laser in phototherapeutic keratectomy mode; residual myopia is corrected using photorefractive keratectomy. RESULTS: This method was used successfully in two eyes of two patients in which a thin cap was associated with a transverse cut through the central cornea or a donut-shaped flap associated with epithelial ingrowth in the central cornea. In both cases, the abnormal cap or flap was ablated, central corneal clarity restored, and visual function improved. CONCLUSION: Transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy may be effective in treating central corneal thin cap or flap abnormalities associated with LASIK.
Non-coding RNAs and the advent of new directions in therapeutics

A huge explosion in the discovery of non-coding RNAs and their tremendous contributions to control of gene expression have truly revolutionized our thinking about biological processes and the origin of disease. MicroRNAs, for example, form a network of fine controls for genes that affect multiple cellular activities and single miRNAs can have multiple targets. MicroRNAs are now known to have a regulatory role in virtually every aspect of cell and organ function. The molecular biology underlying the cellular production of miRNAs, including synthesis, processing, targeting control over cellular gene expression and protein synthesis, has been one of the most rapidly developing fields in recent years. Still there is much to learn about the types of ncRNAs and their various roles in determining the epigenetic status of chromosomes and their post-mRNA function in processes as broadly ranging and diverse as embryonic development and cell fate determination, the acquisition of immunity, brain biology and growth. In addition to normal processes, they are significantly involved in diseases that are heritable, acquired or involve infectious agents. Because aberrant or compromised expression of these regulatory elements appears to have pivotal roles in health, longevity and responses to medical intervention, miRNAs are likely to become important therapeutic targets and gene therapies in their own right.
Optimal sequential file search: A reduced-state dynamic programming approach

This paper continues the study of a file search problem in 1994 by Monahan. The objective is to determine whether or not a record is in a sequential file whose contents are initially unknown. Costly information regarding the contents of positions within the file can be purchased. The problem of determining an optimal search and disposition strategy is formulated as a Markov decision process whose state space is polynomial in the number of possible records in the file. As a result, the computational effort required to determine transition probabilities and expected payoffs is also polynomial.
Identification of frontal lobe epileptic foci in children using positron emission tomography.

Summary: Purpose: Presurgical evaluation for intractable frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE) is difficult and invasive, partly because anatomic neuroimaging studies with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) typically do not show a discrete lesion. In adult patients with FLE, functional neuroimaging of glucose metabolism with positron emission tomography (PET) is less sensitive in detecting focal metabolic abnormalities than in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Comparable data on children with FLE are not available. Methods: We used high-resolution PET scanning of glucose metabolism to evaluate 13 children (age 17 months to 17 years; mean age 9.5 years) with intractable FLE being considered for surgical treatment. Only children with normal CT and MRI scans were included. Results: Hypometabolism including the frontal lobe was evident in 12 of the 13 children, was unilateral in 11 of 13, and was restricted to the frontal lobe in 8 of 13. One child showed bilateral frontal cortex hypometabolism and another had anictal PET scan demonstrating unilateral frontal cortex hyper-metabolism surrounded by hypometabolism. Additional hypo–metabolic areas outside the frontal cortex were observed in 5 children in parietal and/or temporal cortex. Localization of seizure onset on scalp EEG was available in 10 children and corresponded to the location of frontal lobe PET abnormality in 8. However, in 4 of the 10 children, the extent of hypometabolism exceeded the epileptogenic region indicated by ictal EEG. In 2 of the 13 children, the abnormality evident on EEG was more extensive than that evident on PET. In the remaining 3 children for whom only interictal EEG data were available, the PET foci did not correspond in location to the interictal EEG abnormalities. In 11 of the 13 children, the presumed region of seizure onset in the frontal lobe, as based on analysis of seizure semiology, corresponded to the locations of frontal lobe glucose metabolism abnormalities. Conclusions: Although high-resolution PET appears to be very sensitive in localizing frontal lobe glucose metabolic abnormalities in children with intractable FLE and normal CT/ MRI scans, the significance of extrafrontal metabolic disturbances requires further study; these may represent additional epileptogenic areas, effects of diaschisis, seizure propagation sites, or secondary epileptogenic foci.
Epidemiological model for Clostridium difficile transmission in healthcare settings.

Objective. Recent outbreaks of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) have been difficult to control, and data indicate that the importance of different sources of transmission may have changed. Our objectives were to evaluate the contributions of asymptomatic and symptomatic C. difficile carriers to new colonizations and to determine the most important epidemiological factors influencing C. difficile transmission.Design, Setting, and Patients. Retrospective cohort study of all patients admitted to medical wards at a large tertiary care hospital in the United States in the calendar year 2008.Methods. Data from six medical wards and published literature were used to develop a compartmental model of C. difficile transmission. Patients could be in one of five transition states in the model: resistant to colonization (R), susceptible to colonization (S), asymptomatically colonized without protection against CDI (C−), asymptomatically colonized with protection against CDI (C+), and diseased (ie, with CDI; D).Re...
The binding of vincristine, vinblastine and colchicine to tubulin

Abstract Preparations of tubulin were examined for their ability to bind vincristine, vinblastine, and colchicine, as measured by adsorption on DEAE impregnated filter paper. Vincristine and vinblastine were found to bind very rapidly with tubulin ( 4 hr). When varying concentrations of the alkaloids were employed, and the data examined on a Scatchard plot, it was found that colchicine had an association constant of 1.8 × 10 6 liters/mole, while vinblastine and vincristine had constants of 6.0 × 10 6 liters/mole and 8.0 × 10 6 liters/mole respectively. In addition, it was found that the ratio of molar binding of colchicine was always twice that of vinblastine or vincristine.
Was there an implicit full guarantee at financial institutions in Thailand? Evidence of risk pricing by depositors

Abstract Several Asian crisis models assume that a full implicit deposit guarantee played a major role in promoting the 1997 financial crisis. Contrary to this assumption, this paper provides evidence of risk pricing at Thai financial institutions from 1993 to 1997. Risk pricing differentiates risk between finance company and bank deposits and between small and large deposits. Our monitoring results indicate a flight to quality as the crisis approaches. These results have implications for the modeling of financial crises and for the limitations of monitoring in mitigating moral hazard behavior. Policy aimed at financial stability should not only encourage market monitoring, but also facilitate the mechanisms that link monitoring to risk taking. Journal of Comparative Economics 32 (3) (2004) 519–541.
Some Implications of a New Value for the Primordial Solar Deuterium-Hydrogen Ratio

THE relative abundances of hydrogen and deuterium at the time of formation of the solar system are generally assumed to be indicated by their abundances in carbonaceous meteorites and terrestrial sea water, namely D/H=1.5 × 10−4 by number. An independent estimate of this ratio in the primitive Sun has recently been given1 which suggests that the previously accepted ratio is high by an order of magnitude. The purpose of this article is to investigate briefly some astrophysical implications of a primordial solar D/H ratio of 1.5 × 10−5.
An Empirical Investigation of the Consistency of Nested Logit Models with Utility Maximization

Global conditions under which nested logit models are consistent with utility maximization are provided by Daly and Zachary and by McFadden. Recently, Borsch-Supan and Herriges and Kling have provided conditions under which a nested logit model is locally consistent. However, previous work has not discussed implementation of these conditions. Here, three alternative approaches to checking and formally testing for the consistency conditions using classical statistics are investigated. In addition, a Bayesian approach to interpreting and imposing the local consistency conditions is provided. The application is based on anglers' choices regarding sportfishing alternatives in southern California.
Vibrational spectra of solid and molten phases of the alkali metal tetrafluoroborates

Raman and ir spectra of the low temperature (orthorhombic) and high temperature (cubic) solid phases of KBF/sub 4/, RbBF/sub 4/, and CsBF/sub 4/ were measured, and Raman spectra of the molten salts (including LiBF/sub 4/) were observed. Studies of the low temperature phase include a determination of the longitudinal optical mode frequencies of the ..nu../sub 3/ mode by polarized specular reflectance ir spectroscopy. The frequency shift observed for the Raman active component of ..nu../sub 1/ in crystalline lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, and cesium fluoroborates is interpreted in terms of a model based on an isolated BF/sub 4/-ion contained in a static field. (auth)
An Approach to the Modular Design of Medical Research Systems

This paper reports on the design and development of a database system capable of collection, storage, and sharing of infertility research data, specifically non-surgical fertility treatments, excluding in vitro fertilization techniques (non-IVF)1 for researchers at the University of Virginia's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (UVA OBGYN). The created system will be used to study the effectiveness of different fertilization treatment methods, and ultimately improve infertility medical practice. In addition, the design aspects of this system are an important initial step towards the standardization of medical research records, in any hospital and clinic, regardless of medical specialty. The presented system design requirements emphasize database modularity, data distribution, and compliance with HIPAA regulations.
Interpretation of functional series expansions

While much research has been devoted to the implementation and application of Volterra and Wiener functional series expansions in the identification and characterization of biological systems, little effort has been focused on the fundamental problem of interpreting the resulting kernels. This paper describes the application of the series to the components of a known model of the human pupil control system. As more complicated elements are put together, insight into kernel interpretation is built up incrementally until the total system is identified. Practical limitations and methods are also discussed.
ANALYSIS OF URINARY METABOLITES OF ESTRADIOL-4-C14. I. IN HUMAN MAMMARY CARCINOMA*

ABSTRACT A method is described whereby detailed information on the metabolism of an administered dose of estradiol-4-C14 is obtained. The method involves gradient elution chromatography onsilica gel followed by paper chromatography. Among the metabolites determined are: estrone, estradiol, estriol, 2-methoxyestrone, 16-ketoestrone, 16-epiestriol, 17-epiestriol, and a mixture of ketols. Excretion of these metabolites in a postmenopausal woman with carcinoma of the breast has been expressed in terms of several parameters. These include: 1) the percentage of daity neutral and phenolic fractions, 2) the percentage of total radioactivity excreted daily, 3) the percentage of the injected dose excreted daily, and 4) thecumulative percentage of the injected dose excreted during the collection period. In addition, the ratios of various metabolites have been calculated.
Secondary Ion Imaging with a CCD Camera

A digital image processing system based on a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera interfaced to a Texas Instruments Professional Computer (TIPC) has been implemented on the Cameca IMS-3F Ion Microscope to improve lateral imaging capabilities. The CCD sensor, produced at TI, generates a 376 × 288 pixel image, and a hardware interface to the TIPC provides an 8-bit grayscale (256 levels) for subsequent storage and display. The Cameca ion microscope projects secondary ions from the sample onto a microchannel plate/fluorescent screen combination. The CCD array images the screen directly and no vacuum modifications to the Cameca are required. Nitrogen cooling of the CCD imager to reduce thermal noise allows low light levels to be integrated for several minutes and displayed on the TIPC, providing a substantial increase in sensitivity over the standard optics. False color imaging enhances the contrast of various features in the ion image to provide ease of identification. A variety of software options, such as frame mosaicking, multiple frame overlays, color threshold modification and histogram equalization are available. The TIPC has also been interfaced to the Cameca controlling computer to allow display of ion images during depth profiling.
Striking Behavior of the Largemouth Bass and Use of the Binomial Distribution for its Analysis

Abstract Three hundred tagged largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) 14 to 29.5 cm long were divided into experimental groups of 100 fish which were designated as control, bait fishing, and artificial lure fishing. Since individuals were “known” by tag numbers, it was possible to test the hypotheses of (1) unequal vulnerability to angling among individuals and (2) hook avoidance learning. Results revealed that some conditioning or learning occurred among naive bass exposed to live bait angling for the first time. In the case of artificial lures and/or bass which were no longer naive, individuals appeared to have equal probability of capture and seemingly struck at random.
Side-chain structural requirements for sterol-induced regulation ofPhytophthora cactorum physiology.

The influence of cholesterol. (E)-17(20)-dehydrocholesterol, sitosterol, (Z)-17(20)-dehydrocholesterol and 20-isocholesterol on growth and sexual morphogenesis inPhytophthora cactorum has been examined. Optimal growth-response and production of oospores occurred with the 3 former sterols, which posseesed “right-handed” side chains (C22trans-oriented to C13). Abnormal hyphae and aborted oospores were evident in mycelia cultured with sterols having side chains with “left-handed” structures, i.e., 20-isocholesterol and (Z)-17(20)-dehydrocholesterol. The induction of the sexual cycle lacked a selectivity for stereochemistry in the side chain. The results are interpreted to imply that fungal recognition of the sterol molecule in the reproductive phase of the life cycle is of 2 types: one involves discrimination of stereochemical features of the sterol side chain (oospore production); in the other, no functional significance can be attributed to conformation or configuration of side chain moieties (sexual structure induction). Growth response to dietary sterol seeems to fall into the former category.