cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transport of dipolar excitons in disordered systems

Abstract We study the interaction of dipolar excitons in a disordered lattice with a classically fluctuating bath to elucidate the effects of dephasing on phenomena connected with Anderson localization. We find general agreement with recent approximate analytical theory — the existence of incipient localization for dipolar excitons for a sufficiently disordered lattice and for states beyond a quasi-mobility edge. An interesting interplay with the band structure of dipolar excitons leads to some unusual results in the weakly disordered case.
TH-C-332-05: Quantification of Breast Density with Dual Energy Mammography

Purpose: To investigate a quantitative method for measuring breast density (the percentage of glandular breast tissue) with dual energy mammography using a dual exposure / dual kVp technique. Method and Materials: An analytical simulation model was developed to determine the mean glandular dose required to quantify breast density to within an accuracy of 1%. The simulation considered stochastic x‐ray and detector noise sources in a dual energy breast density image. The breast was modeled as a semicircle 10 cm in radius with homogenous equal thicknesses of adipose and glandular tissues. Monoenergetic beams were simulated with an ideal detector and polyenergetic spectra were simulated with an energy integrating detector modeled after an existing clinical system. A surrogate breast phantom was constructed to simulate a range of breast densities from 0 to 100%. The phantom was imaged using a full field digital mammographysystem at 25 kVp and 39 kVp with an additional 2 mm Al filter added to the high energy image. Dual energy images were generated with a non linear basis decomposition algorithm to yield image thickness maps of glandular and adipose tissue. Breast density was quantified using the dual energy images.Results: For a 4.2 cm breast of 50% density, optimal energies determined from simulation, for monoenergetic beams and an ideal detector, were 19 keV and 71 keV. For an energy integrating detector and polyenergetic spectra, optimal energies were 20 and 69 kVp. The estimated required dose for either technique was less than 0.1 mGy. For dual energy images, the known (K) and measured (M) breast densities were related by M = 1.007K − 0.006 (r = 0.999). RMS error for all densities was calculated to be less than 2% of the mean density. Conclusion: The results suggest that breast density can be accurately measured with dual energy mammography.
Physical examination findings in patients who present to the emergency department with congestive heart failure

Study objectives: The diagnosis of congestive heart failure (CHF) is difficult because physical examination and chest radiograph findings are not reliably identified. We describe the frequency of specific physical examination findings and chest radiograph evidence of CHF in an emergency department (ED) population and determine whether traditional heart failure risk factors affect the presence of these findings. Methods: Patients were identified from a convenience sample of patients with an ED or inpatient diagnosis of CHF according to medical record review who initially presented with a chief complaint of chest discomfort, dyspnea, or leg edema from October 2000 to December 2003. The presence of the physical examination findings of rales, S3, and jugular venous distention (JVD) was based on physician documentation in the ED. The presence of chest radiograph evidence of CHF was based on the radiologist interpretation, which was not collected until January 2002. Traditional risk factors for CHF analyzed were age older than 60 years, sex, history of diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, CHF, and renal insufficiency (creatinine >1.7 mg/dL). In some instances, these risk factors were based on patient self-report. A univariate analysis was performed to determine whether any of the traditional risk factors were significant predictors of physical examination findings or evidence of CHF on chest radiograph. Any significant variables were entered into a multivariate analysis for each endpoint. Descriptive statistics were used, including χ 2 testing; odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are given. Results: CHF was diagnosed in 537 patients who met study criteria. Of these patients, the presence of rales was documented in 67% (176/537), S3 2% (10/537), JVD 11% (61/537), and CHF on chest radiograph in 51% (165/321). History of hypertension was a significant multivariate predictor of CHF on chest radiograph. There were no predictors of the presence of an S3. History of CHF and renal insufficiency were predictors of JVD on physical examination. Only age was predictive of the presence of rales (Table). Conclusion: The presence of physical examination and chest radiograph findings of CHF are unreliable in identifying these patients in the ED. In addition, traditional risk factors for CHF have limited influence on predicting the occurrence of such findings.Table, abstract 325Univariate Analysis, OR (95% CI)Multivariate Analysis, OR (95% CI)CHF on chest radiographHypertension1.8 (1.3–2.9)1.7 (1.1–2.7)Renal insufficiency1.6 (1.0–2.6)1.5 (0.9–3.6)JVDHistory of CHF2.2 (1.2–4.1)2.1 (1.2–4.1)Renal insufficiency1.9 (1.1–3.2)1.9 (1.1–3.2)RalesAge >60 y2.5 (2.7–2.7)2.4 (1.7–3.6)Renal insufficiency1.5 (1.0–2.1)1.4 (0.9–2.0)
Electrochemical Characterization of Charge Injection at Electrodeposited Platinum Electrodes in Phosphate Buffered Saline

Platinum exhibits biocompatibility and chemical stability over a wide potential range and hence is a candidate material for implantable electrodes. Electrodeposition is of interest for the fabrication of implantable electrodes since it is compatible with a wide range of patterning techniques, including conventional microfabrication, soft-lithography, and electrochemical template synthesis. We show that surface roughness of platinum electrodes deposited from ammonium hexachloroplatinate solution is dependent on the deposition potential. We demonstrate that 600 μm diameter electrodeposited platinum microelectrodes can inject 200 nC of charge in a 2 ms biphasic pulse with a potential window as small as 200 mV.
Two case illustrations of the use of behavior-modification techniques in the school setting

Two cases are presented to illustrate the use of behavior-modification techniques by the teacher in dealing with problem children in the classroom setting. In the first case, the academic performance of a low-achieving boy was improved by using free time as a reinforcer for academic work. Initially he could use the free time that he earned to see a high school girl, and later to read or to build puppets. In the second case, a group contingency approach was used to control the deviant behavior of a fourth-grade boy and to improve his academic work. The boy's appropriate or inappropriate behavior resulted in positive or negative consequences, respectively, for the entire group. The influence of the peer group seemed to be an important factor in bringing about desired changes in the boy's behavior.
Financial incentives: current realities and challenges for physicians.

Managed care has become the dominant delivery system in many areas of the United States. Nearly three fourths of privately insured Americans now receive network-based health care through health maintenance organizations (HMOs), preferred provider organizations (PPOs), and various point-of-service hybrid arrangements.1 Physicians receive over one third of their revenue from managed care, and more than one third of physicians receive some revenue from capitated contracts.2 Of managed care's many features, financial incentives to physicians have received the most attention.3 Particular attention has been focused on HMOs that use risk-based capitation financing. Such financing arrangements encourage prevention and cost-effective practice, but also have the potential to discourage care that may be medically appropriate, especially if the omission of such care is unlikely to lead to other negative consequences (e.g., enrollment turnover because of dissatisfaction, revenue losses associated with malpractice cases). Policy makers are concerned that payment incentives confronting individual physicians under some managed care arrangements may distort physicians' clinical judgment.4 Health maintenance organizations vary in how much they rely on financial incentives for cost control, both alone and in combination with other mechanisms, such as utilization review and prior approval policies or broader organizational design aimed at changing physician orientation. Hillman has characterized the balance between these two approaches as the difference between incentives and rules.5 Despite some variation, virtually all HMOs depend at least in part on financial incentives using techniques like capitation, withheld funds, and bonuses. This article discusses the current use of financial incentives in managed care. It is organized in three parts. The first part is conceptual and includes general assumptions about financial incentives and their role in managed care, a framework to provide context for them, and four key variables to use in defining the form of financial incentives. The second part is empirical and presents findings from a recent national survey of managed care plans to illustrate how incentives are structured in managed care and the organizational context in which they operate. The third part presents the observations of the author, a nonclinician researcher, and highlights key challenges facing the medical community as it decides how to respond to managed care. Effects of financial incentives in managed care will not be discussed. Though there are several review articles on the performance of managed care, studies focused on the effects of different methods of paying physicians in managed care plans are rare.3,6–8 Rapid change in managed care organizations as well as physician involvement in a number of different health plans present substantial barriers to these types of studies. As a result, most studies have not isolated the effects of financial incentives on physician behavior from effects attributable to organizational or individual physician factors.
A major influence of sex-specific loci on alcohol preference in C57Bl/6 and DBA/2 inbred mice

C57Bl/6 mice reproducibly prefer to ingest more 10% ethanol in a two-bottle choice paradigm than do DBA/2J mice. In this paper we report the identification of two new sex-specific alcohol preference (Alcp) loci. Melo and associates (1996) identified two loci: Alcp1, a male-specific locus on Chromosome (Chr) 2, and Alcp2, a female- and cross-specific locus on Chr 11. We have additionally identified Alcp3, a male-specific locus on Chr 3, and Alcp4, a female-specific locus on Chr 1. We have also performed a statistical analysis to exclude the possibility of undiscovered major alcohol preference loci that are not sex-specific in our backcross paradigm. Our results indicate that alcohol preference in C57BL/6 mice, as measured in our backcross, is largely controlled in a sex-specific manner.
Authoritarian Attitudes, Democracy, and Policy Preferences among Latin American Elites

This article examines the prevalence and consequences of authoritarian attitudes among elites in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela. We focus on the connection between antidemocratic elite attitudes and support for democracy; the causes and effects of authoritarian attitudes among elites and their implications for authoritarianism; and the impact of authoritarian attitudes beyond social policy preferences to other policy areas that have indirect implications for order. Contrary to some of the literature, we find that antidemocratic attitudes affect elites’ support for democracy. Our analysis also speaks to the debate on the origins of authoritarianism. Much of the evidence supports Altemeyer’s notion that perceived threat raises levels of authoritarianism, rather than Feldman’s contention that threat strengthens the influence of authoritarian attitudes. Finally, we demonstrate that there is a broader influence of authoritarian attitudes on economic policy preferences, but only where those policies appear to have implications for social order. It can intimidate politicians, journalists, and religious leaders who might otherwise oppose repression. It can elect a dictator into office, as it did most notably in Germany in 1933. It can encourage a bold, illegal grab for power, as it did in Italy in 1922, and has violently done in so many other places since. (Altemeyer 1996, 8)
Sinking of Volcanic Ash in Uncompacted Sediment in Williams Lake, Washington

Volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount St. Helens on 18 May 1980 fell into Williams Lake in eastern Washington and was temporarily suspended at the sediment-water interface. After several months of compaction, the ash layer broke up and sank into lower density uncompacted lake sediment. Stratigraphic time displacements of several hundred years and a failure to recognize discontinuous ash layers in sediment cores are possible consequences of this process.
Predictive multiscale theory for design of heterogeneous materials

A general multiscale theory for modeling heterogeneous materials is derived via a nested domain based virtual power decomposition. Three variations on the theory are proposed; a concurrent approach, a simplified hierarchical approach and a statistical power equivalence approach. Deformation at each scale of analysis is solved either (a) by direct numerical simulation (DNS) of the microstructure or (b) by higher order homogenization of the microstructure. If the latter approach is chosen, a set of multiscale homogenized constitutive relations must be derived. This is demonstrated using a computational cell modeling technique for a four scale metal alloy. In each variation of the theory, a transfer of information occurs between the scales giving a coupled formulation. The concurrent approach achieves a more comprehensive coupling than the hierarchical approach, making it more accurate for dynamic fast time scale simulations. The power equivalence approach is strongly coupled and is useful for performing larger scale simulations as the expensive multiple scale DNS boundary value problems are replaced with statistical higher order continua. Furthermore, these continua may be solved on a single spatial discretisation using an extended finite element framework, making the theory applicable within existing high performance computing codes.
Phase equilibria and crystal chemistry of the CaO–12Nd2O3–CoOz system at 885 °C in air

Abstract The phase diagram of the CaO– 1 2 Nd 2 O 3 –CoO z system at 885 °C in air has been determined. The system consists of two calcium cobaltate compounds that have promising thermoelectric properties, namely, the 2D thermoelectric oxide solid solution, (Ca 3− x Nd x )Co 4 O 9− z (0≤ x ≤0.5), which has a misfit layered structure, and Ca 3 Co 2 O 6 which consists of 1D chains of alternating CoO 6 trigonal prisms and CoO 6 octahedra. Ca 3 Co 2 O 6 was found to be a point compound without the substitution of Nd on the Ca site. The reported Nd 2 CoO 4 phase was not observed at 885 °C. A ternary (Ca 1− x Nd 1+ x )CoO 4− z ( x =0) phase, or (CaNdCo)O 4− z , was found to be stable at this temperature. A solid solution region of distorted perovskite (Nd 1− x Ca x )CoO 3− z (0≤ x ≤0.25, space group Pnma ) was established. In the peripheral binary systems, while a solid solution region was identified for (Nd 1− x Ca x ) 2 O 3− z (0≤ x ≤0.2), Nd was not found to substitute in the Ca site of CaO. Six solid solution tie-line regions and six three-phase regions were determined in the CaO–Nd 2 O 3 –CoO z system in air.
A Ribonuclease A Variant with Low Catalytic Activity but High Cytotoxicity

OnconaseTM, a homolog of ribonuclease A (RNase A) with low ribonucleolytic activity, is cytotoxic and has efficacy as a cancer chemotherapeutic. Here variants of RNase A were used to probe the interplay between ribonucleolytic activity and evasion of the cytosolic ribonuclease inhibitor protein (RI) in the cytotoxicity of ribonucleases. K41R/G88R RNase A is a less active catalyst than G88R RNase A but, surprisingly, is more cytotoxic. Like OnconaseTM, the K41R/G88R variant has a low affinity for RI, which apparently compensates for its low ribonucleolytic activity. In contrast, K41A/G88R RNase A, which has the same affinity for RI as does the K41R/G88R variant, is not cytotoxic. The nontoxic K41A/G88R variant is a much less active catalyst than is the toxic K41R/G88R variant. These data indicate that maintaining sufficient ribonucleolytic activity in the presence of RI is a requirement for a homolog or variant of RNase A to be cytotoxic. This principle can guide the design of new chemotherapeutics based on homologs and variants of RNase A.
γδ T Cell Receptors Recognize the Non-classical Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) Molecule T22 via Conserved Anchor Residues in a MHC Peptide-like Fashion

The molecular mechanisms by which γδ T cells recognize ligand remain a mystery. The non-classical MHC molecule T22 represents the best characterized ligand for murine γδ T cells, with a motif (W … EGYEL) present in the γδ T cell receptor complementary-determining region 3δ (CDR3δ) loop mediating γδ T cell recognition of this molecule. Produced through V(D)J recombination, this loop is quite diverse, with different numbers and chemical types of amino acids between Trp and EGYEL, which have unknown functional consequences for T22 recognition. We have investigated the biophysical and structural effects of CDR3δ loop diversity, revealing a range of affinities for T22 but a common thermodynamic pattern. Mutagenesis of these CDR3δ loops defines the key anchor residues involved in T22 recognition as W … EGYEL, similar to those found for the G8 CDR3δ loop, and demonstrates that spacer residues modulate but are not required for T22 recognition. Comparison of the location of these residues in the T22 interface reveals a striking similarity to peptide anchor residues in classically presented MHC peptides, with the key Trp residue of the CDR3δ motif completing the deficient peptide-binding groove of T22. This suggests that γδ T cell recognition of T22 utilizes the conserved ligand-presenting nature of the MHC fold.
Consumer Attitudes Toward Fresh and Frozen Fish

Studies indicate that many consumers hold a persistent belief that frozen fish is substantially inferior to fresh. Focus group interviews were conducted in two U.S. locations to explore consumer perceptions about frozen fish. The discussion uncovered several fundamental misconceptions; many participants believed that frozen fish is less nutritious than bonier than fresh, and that only the “off cuts: are used for freezing. One way of overcoming these impressions and providing assurance to the consumer, is to sell frozen fish products in vacuum sealed see-trough packages. It is essential to provide clear instructions for handling and to confirm that frozen fish is an nutritious as fresh. This research also highlights the need for concerted efforts to rectify possible misunderstanding about aquaculture fish products.
Music Improvisation and Composition in the General Music Curriculum

This article describes an approach to general music where assignments in music improvisation and composition are embedded into the curriculum, that is, creative assignments are given as an outgrowth of curriculum content and directly related to instruction and activities in conceptual learning and skill development in the classroom. Such an approach to general music education can make possible the teaching and learning of standards-based, sequentially-designed curriculum and the nurturing of students’ creative thinking in music, an almost simultaneous process. Included are practical suggestions for meeting National Standards Three (Improvisation) and Four (Composition) by embedding composition assignments into the general music curriculum per age categories of elementary, middle, and high school learners supported by descriptions of examples from the field.
The solubility mechanisms of volatiles in silicate melts and their relations to crystal-andesite liquid equilibria

Abstract The anionic structure of magmatic liquids has been estimated at 1 atm and at pressures corresponding to those of the upper mantle. These estimates are based predominantly on spectroscopic data on binary metal oxide-silica and ternary metal oxide-silica-alumina melts. Structural information on melt compositions in aluminate-silica joins has been used to provide detailed information on the role of Al3+ in natural magma at atmospheric and high pressure. Regardless of pressure, andesitic melts may be described as combinations of chain, sheet, and three-dimensional network units. Nearly all Al3+ in the magmatic liquid resides in the three-dimensional network units. This Al3+ is locally charge-balanced with Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+. In the latter two cases, Al3+ and Si4+ are ordered, whereas for Na+ and K+, Si4+ and Al3+ are randomly mixed. Solution of water in natural magma results in the formation of new nonbridging oxygens in addition to OH groups attached to Si4+ and metal cations. On the basis of determined solution mechanisms of CO2 and H2O in silicate melts, thermodynamic properties of HO+CO2, fluids and hydrous silicate melts and melting phase relations in peridotite-H2O-CO2, systems, it is found that natural andesitic magma in equilibrium with spinel Iherzolite in the upper mantle (10–20 kbar) must contain at least 5–7 wt.% H2O. Andesitic magma with 5–7 wt.% H2O in solution may be described as a mixture of Al-free three-dimensional units, sheets, and chains with a small proportion (less than 10%) of monomers.
In Joy and in Sorrow: Women, Family, and Marriage in the Victorian South, 1830-1900

Preface, Foreword, Introduction, 1 Precursor to the Victorian Age: The Concept of Marriage and Family as Revealed in the Correspondence of the Izard Family of South Carolina, 2 Family and Female Identity in the Antebellum South: Sarah Gayle and Her Family, 3 "An Outrage upon Nature": Incest and the Law in the Nineteenth-Century South, 4 "Southern Dishonor": Flesh, Blood, Race, and Bondage, 5 "Our Family, White and Black": Family and Household in the Southern Slaveholders' World View, 6 Strategies of Survival: Free Negro Families and the Problem of Slavery, 7 Distress and Discord in Virginia Slave Families, 1830-1860, 8 Toward a Kinder and Gentler America: The Southern Lady in the Greening of the Politics of the Old South, 9 The Clays of Alabama: The Impact of the Civil War on a Southern Marriage, 10. House and Home in the Victorian South: The Cookbook as Guide, 11. A Family Tradition of Letters: The Female Percys and the Brontean Mode, 12. The Political Economy of Sharecropping Families: Blacks and Poor Whites in the Rural South, 1865-1915, 13. A Woman Made to Suffer and Be Strong: Ella Gertrude Clanton Thomas, 1834-1907, 14. A Victorian Father: Josiah Gorgas and His Family, Epilogue, Appendix for "An Outrage upon Nature" Notes Contributors
Payments Netting in International Cash Management: A Network Optimization Approach

Rationalization of global production and operations by multinational corporations have created a large volume of inter-company funds flows. By a process of netting interaffiliate payments, significant savings in cost can be realized. Shapiro formulated the multinational payment netting problem using linear programming. This paper presents a network optimization approach that is both computationally efficient and intuitively appealing. Further, the proposed approach recognizes the need to integrate the netting system with the MNC's overall cash management systems as well as by explicitly accounting for cash outflows on account of transfer costs. Additionally, the paper provides insight into actual corporate netting practices.
Complex Interaction of Eolian and Marine Sedimentation in Permian White Rim Sandstone, Elaterite Basin, Southeast Utah: ABSTRACT

Two depositional units distinguished in the Permian White Rim Sandstone of the Elaterite basin indicate episodes of both eolian and marine sedimentation. The lower unit is a thick section of large-scale, high-angle, cross-bedded quartzarenite. The tabular cross-bed sets average 2.6 m (8.5 ft) in height and contain inversely graded translatent strata and small ripple trains with high ripple indices. Some exposures reveal large barchan dune forms. This lowest unit comprises most of the formation and is sharply cut and scoured by the overlying unit. The upper unit is a thin veneer that ranges from 1 to 5.3 m (3 to 17 ft) in thickness and possesses End_Page 934------------------------------ characteristic marine structures. An idealized vertical sequence within the veneer consists (in ascending order) of a laminated sandstone facies (in places containing chert pebbles), cross-stratified (0.3-m or 1-ft sets) sandstone facies, and an oscillation ripple sandstone facies. The upper part of the oscillation ripple sandstone facies may contain 6-sided polygonal structures filled with coarse-grained sandstone and chert pebbles, or it may be covered by a massive facies that contains abundant fluid-escape structures. Variations on the idealized veneer stratigraphy exist where some facies are absent, but the vertical sequence order is maintained. Most of the formation is interpreted to be eolian in origin. Northerly winds deposited the large cross-bed sets in an extensive dune field. This event was followed by a period of marine transgression that reworked the uppermost part of the formation and formed the thin veneer. The abundance of fluid-escape structures and oscillation ripples in the veneer indicates rapid deposition by marine processes. The distinctive stratigraphy within the veneer reflects a deepening trend with the rising transgression. End_of_Article - Last_Page 935------------
Computer‐Generated Cutting Patterns Reduce Shearing Scrap

The problem of how to cut small, rectangular panels from larger stock‐sized material with minimum scrap is common in many industries. In 1975, Hewlett‐Packard's Palo Alto printed circuit facility began using a computer‐generated shearing pattern technique that has proved very successful. This paper describes the Company's experience in implementing this system. Acknowledgement is hereby made to the Californian Circuits Association for their permission to reproduce the paper which was originally presented at a recent CCA conference.
Gemfibrozil, a lipid-lowering drug, inhibits the induction of nitric-oxide synthase in human astrocytes.

Gemfibrozil, a lipid-lowering drug, inhibited cytokine-induced production of NO and the expression of inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS) in human U373MG astroglial cells and primary astrocytes. Similar to gemfibrozil, clofibrate, another fibrate drug, also inhibited the expression of iNOS. Inhibition of human iNOS promoter-driven luciferase activity by gemfibrozil in cytokine-stimulated U373MG astroglial cells suggests that this compound inhibits the transcription of iNOS. Since gemfibrozil is known to activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α), we investigated the role of PPAR-α in gemfibrozil-mediated inhibition of iNOS. Gemfibrozil induced peroxisome proliferator-responsive element (PPRE)-dependent luciferase activity, which was inhibited by the expression of ΔhPPAR-α, the dominant-negative mutant of human PPAR-α. However, ΔhPPAR-α was unable to abrogate gemfibrozil-mediated inhibition of iNOS suggesting that gemfibrozil inhibits iNOS independent of PPAR-α. The human iNOS promoter contains consensus sequences for the binding of transcription factors, including interferon-γ (IFN-γ) regulatory factor-1 (IRF-1) binding to interferon-stimulated responsive element (ISRE), signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) binding to γ-activation site (GAS), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), activator protein-1 (AP-1), and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β (C/EBPβ); therefore, we investigated the effect of gemfibrozil on the activation of these transcription factors. The combination of interleukin (IL)-1β and IFN-γ induced the activation of NF-κB, AP-1, C/EBPβ, and GAS but not that of ISRE, suggesting that IRF-1 may not be involved in cytokine-induced expression of iNOS in human astrocytes. Interestingly, gemfibrozil strongly inhibited the activation of NF-κB, AP-1, and C/EBPβ but not that of GAS in cytokine-stimulated astroglial cells. These results suggest that gemfibrozil inhibits the induction of iNOS probably by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB, AP-1, and C/EBPβ and that gemfibrozil, a prescribed drug for humans, may further find its therapeutic use in neuroinflammatory diseases.
Structural Features and Chaperone Activity of the NudC Protein Family.

The NudC family consists of four conserved proteins with representatives in all eukaryotes. The archetypal nudC gene from Aspergillus nidulans is a member of the nud gene family that is involved in the maintenance of nuclear migration. This family also includes nudF, whose human orthologue, Lis1, codes for a protein essential for brain cortex development. Three paralogues of NudC are known in vertebrates: NudC, NudC-like (NudCL), and NudC-like 2 (NudCL2). The fourth distantly related member of the family, CML66, contains a NudC-like domain. The three principal NudC proteins have no catalytic activity but appear to play as yet poorly defined roles in proliferating and dividing cells. We present crystallographic and NMR studies of the human NudC protein and discuss the results in the context of structures recently deposited by structural genomics centers (i.e., NudCL and mouse NudCL2). All proteins share the same core CS domain characteristic of proteins acting either as cochaperones of Hsp90 or as independent small heat shock proteins. However, while NudC and NudCL dimerize via an N-terminally located coiled coil, the smaller NudCL2 lacks this motif and instead dimerizes as a result of unique domain swapping. We show that NudC and NudCL, but not NudCL2, inhibit the aggregation of several target proteins, consistent with an Hsp90-independent heat shock protein function. Importantly, and in contrast to several previous reports, none of the three proteins is able to form binary complexes with Lis1. The availability of structural information will be of help in further studies on the cellular functions of the NudC family.
Rapid detection of traumatic effusion using surgeon-performed ultrasonography.

Background: In the injured patient, rapid assessment of the thorax can yield critical information for patient management and triage. Objectives: The objectives of this prospective study were (1) to determine if experienced surgeon sonographers could successfully use a focused thoracic ultrasonographic examination to detect traumatic effusion, and (2) to compare the accuracy and efficiency of ultrasonography with supine portable chest radiography. Methods: Surgeon-sonographers performed thoracic ultrasonographic examinations on patients with blunt and penetrating torso injuries during the Advanced Trauma Life Support secondary survey. All patients also underwent portable chest radiography. Performance times for ultrasonography and chest radiography were recorded. Comparisons were made of the performance times and accuracy of both tests in detecting traumatic effusion. Results: In 360 patients, there were 40 effusions, 39 of which were detected by ultrasonography and 37 of which were detected by chest radiography. The 97.5% sensitivity and 99.7% specificity observed for thoracic ultrasonography were similar to the 92.5% sensitivity and 99.7% specificity for portable chest radiography. Performance time for ultrasonography was significantly faster than that for chest radiography (1.30 ± 0.08 vs. 14.18 ± 0.91 minutes, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Surgeons can accurately perform and interpret a focused thoracic ultrasonographic examination to detect traumatic effusion. Surgeon-performed thoracic ultrasonography is as accurate but is significantly faster than supine portable chest radiography for the detection of traumatic effusion.
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor activates the receptor tyrosine kinase RET and promotes kidney morphogenesis

Abstract The receptor tyrosine kinase RET functions during the development of the kidney and the enteric nervous system, yet no ligand has been identified to date. This report demonstrates that the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) activates RET, as measured by tyrosine phosphorylation of the intracellular catalytic domain. GDNF also binds RET with a dissociation constant of 8 nM, and 125I-labeled GDNF can be coimmunoprecipitated with anti-RET antibodies. In addition, exogenous GDNF stimulates both branching and proliferation of embryonic kidneys in organ culture, whereas neutralizing antibodies against GDNF inhibit branching morphogenesis. These data indicate that RET and GDNF are components of a common signaling pathway and point to a role for GDNF in kidney development.
Dynamical filtering equations for Stochastic Hybrid System state estimation

This paper considers the topic of state estimation for the Stochastic Hybrid System (SHS). The SHS is a class of dynamical systems which can accurately describe many interacting continuous and discrete dynamics. State estimation for the SHS, also called hybrid estimation, is an important yet challenging problem. While most previous research has addressed the hybrid estimation for some special classes of the SHS, this paper solves this problem for the general SHS which is a class of continuous-time stochastic processes defined on a hybrid state space. The major contribution of this paper is the proposal of dynamical filtering equations for hybrid estimation. With a given sequence of noisy observations, the filtering equations describe the evolution of the probability distribution function (pdf) of the estimated hybrid state.
Tazarotene: a review of its pharmacological profile and potential for clinical use in psoriasis.

Psoriasis appears to be a T-cell-mediated, HLA-associated genetic skin disease that profoundly alters epidermal differentiation in a reversible manner. The topical treatment of mild-to-moderate stable plaque psoriasis is limited by side-effects, cosmetic problems, and often by unsatisfactory efficacy, while systemic therapy is usually not warranted because of safety concerns. Tazarotene is the first member of a novel acetylenic and non-isomerisable class of retinoids to undergo extensive clinical testing. Tazarotene therapy regulates gene transcription via interaction with specific nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RARs), thereby modulating the three key pathogenic factors in psoriasis. Systemic absorption is minimal and, in contrast to some other retinoids, elimination is rapid. The results of Phase II and Phase III controlled clinical studies have shown tazarotene to be an effective treatment for psoriasis. The clinical response is rapid, and in many patients was sustained for several weeks following dis...
Changes in the cyclic 3', 5'-adenosine monophosphate system of rat mammary gland during lactation cycle.

Abstract Several aspects of the cyclic 3′,5′-adenosine monophosphate system of rat mammary glands were investigated including effects of stage of pregnancy and lactation upon tissue cyclic 3′, 5′-adenosine monophosphate amounts and adenyl cyclase, cyclic 3′, 5′-adenosine monophosphate phosphodiesterase, and protein kinase activities. Cyclic 3′, 5′-adenosine monophosphate decreased at early lactation, and this decrease coincided with an increase in phosphodiesterase activity. Adenyl cyclase activity remained unchanged from late pregnancy to end of lactation. At late pregnancy, activity of protein kinase was about the same as during lactation indicating that increase in protein kinase activities in the glands precedes increases in activities of other major enzymes and the increase in ribonucleic acids in late pregnancy or early lactation. Epinephrine, prolactin, growth hormone, thyroxine, and prostaglandin caused 60, 80, 140, 200, and 270% increases in adenyl cyclase activity in vitro.
Chemical and Physical Characteristics of Pulsed Electrical Discharge Within Gas Bubbles in Aqueous Solutions

The chemical and physical characteristics of pulsed electrical discharge within gas bubbles immersed in an aqueous solution were investigated using a reactor with long protrusion length high voltage needle electrodes. Argon gas was introduced at the base of the needle electrode causing gas bubbles to flow upwards in contact with the needle. The effects of needle protrusion length were evaluated by using 2, 4, and 6 cm length needles under a wide range of power input (3–78 W). No significant differences in chemical or electrical characteristics were found among the different protrusion lengths. H2 and H2O2 generation rates were proportional to input power and the energy yield efficiency for these species was not affected dramatically by input power. The results of discharge within bubbles in aqueous solution were also compared with those for direct liquid phase discharge and gas phase discharge above the liquid surface.
Chemosensitivity of murine renal carcinoma.

A non-endocrine dependent, spontaneous carcinoma of the kidney in a Wistar-Lewis rat has been studied for sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents. Two tumour models have been employed. Subcutaneously transplanted flank nodules were used to screen single agents for antitumour activity. A model of intraperitoneal metastatic disease was employed to test further agents which had demonstrated some effectiveness in the nodule model. Single agents that proved ineffective were streptozotocin, neocarzinostatin, chlorozotocin and carminomycin. 5-FU, bleomycin and hydroxyurea were also ineffective at the doses tested. Agents that were effective included cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vinblastine, vindesin, and maytansine. The most effective combination therapy appeared to be cyclophosphamide with vindesin and cisplatin.
A THEORETICAL MODEL FOR THE STUDY OF NEUTRON EFFECTS ON TUMORS

Aspects of neutron radiotherapy for tumnors are presented fromn an entirely theoretical point of view. A model is proposed assuming: loss of reproductive integrity is some portion of the tumor mass; limitation of the effects to a specific tumor mass; exhibition by the tumor cells of a multibit survival curve; continuation past the survival curve shoulder in an indefinite exponential trend; interpretation of recovery as damage recuperation at the cellular level; application of observed irradiated phenomena in free cells to tumor masses; time intervals between radiation doses sufficient for maximumn possible recovery; and a recovery rate independent of linear energy transfer. From a purely theoretical analysis and in the absence of experimental data on the subject, it was impossible to make predictions of immediate practical value. It seemed possible to anticipate, however, that necrotic tumors with an insufficient blood supply would be particularly responsive to neutron treatment. In special cases, when the state of oxygenation of the cells may be thought to improve during fractionated therapy, a mixed treatment could also be considered. (H.M.G.)
Areal-Averaged Spectral Surface Albedo from Ground-Based Transmission Data Alone: Toward an Operational Retrieval

We present here a simple retrieval of the areal-averaged spectral surface albedo using only ground-based measurements of atmospheric transmission under fully overcast conditions. Our retrieval is based on a one-line equation. The feasibility of our retrieval for routine determinations of albedo is demonstrated for different landscapes with various degrees of heterogeneity using three sets of measurements: (1) spectral atmospheric transmission from the Multi-Filter Rotating Shadowband Radiometer (MFRSR) at five wavelengths (415, 500, 615, 673, and 870 nm); (2) tower-based measurements of local surface albedo at the same wavelengths; and (3) areal-averaged surface albedo at four wavelengths (470, 560, 670 and 860 nm) from collocated and coincident Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) observations. These integrated datasets cover both temporally long (2008–2013) and short (April–May 2010) periods at the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Southern Great Plains site and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Table Mountain site, respectively. The calculated root mean square error (RMSE), defined here as the root mean squared difference between the MODIS-derived surface albedo and the retrieved areal-averaged albedo, is quite small (RMSE ≤ 0.015) and comparable with that obtained previously by other investigators for the shortwave broadband albedo. Good agreement between tower-based measurements of daily-averaged surface albedo for completely overcast and non-overcast conditions is also demonstrated.
Establishing a tumour bank: banking, informatics and ethics

The six divisions of the Cooperative Human Tissue Network in the USA bank and distribute tens of thousands of tissue specimens to researchers annually. Major operational concerns include: maintaining tissue integrity, managing informatics, and protecting patient confidentiality. Increasing molecular genetics testing is also resulting in an increased demand for high-quality nucleic acids.
Where is the “D” in dissonance?1

Summary The experiment tested the hypothesis that cognitive dissonance has a general drive arousal component which facilitates performance on simple cognitive tasks and impairs performance on complex cognitive tasks After writing a consonant or a dissonant essay dealing with proposed changes in university parking regulations, subjects were given either a simple or a complex task (rote memory or creativity). To maximize dissonance, free choice regarding participation was deliberately emphasized, resulting in a high proportion of subjects who refused to comply with the request Data from refusers were retained and compared with data obtained from compliers Appropriate control groups were employed in order to ascertain whether the results were attributable to the process of self-selection among complier and refuser subjects The dissonance manipulation was successful subjects who wrote dissonant essays subsequently displayed more favorable attitudes toward the parking proposal Their performance on complex cognitive tasks was not unpaired, however, nor did they perform better on simple cognitive tasks than did subjects who experienced no dissonance Subjects who refused to write dissonant essays did better on the complex task than subjects who complied in either the consonant or dissonant conditions Data from the control groups indicated that refusers did not differ from compliers in their initial attitudes toward the proposal nor in their ability to perform the complex cognitive task The results seem to be due to the facilitating effects of refusing to comply with the dissonance instructions, and suggest that the practice of eliminating subjects who refuse to comply may result in the loss of some highly informative data
Connecting People and Place Prosperity: Workforce Development and Urban Planning in Scholarship and Practice

In recent years, the field of workforce development has emerged as a distinct area of policy and practice. While planning scholars have begun to engage with the workforce development field, its relevance and points of connection to planning scholarship remain underexplored. This article attempts to define the workforce development field by articulating its core concerns as well as its domains of practice and scholarship outside the planning field. The article locates workforce development within three stands of planning scholarship, concluding that workforce development represents an important bridge for planners between “place” and “people” prosperity within communities.
THE EXTRACTION CHROMATOGRAPHY OF CALIFORNIUM AND EINSTEINIUM WITH A HIGH MOLECULAR WEIGHT QUATERNARY AMMONIUM NITRATE.

Abstract The separation of californium and einsteinium by extraction chromatography was studied using a high molecular weight quaternary ammonium nitrate (Aliquat-336 nitrate) absorbed on hydrophobic diatomaceous earth. LiNO3 solution was used as the elutriant. Column performance as a function of mesh size, flow rate, and temperature was studied by measuring the number of theoretical plates obtained for Cf(III) elutions on columns with a capacity of 0·15 m-mole of NO3−/ml of bed. The distribution coefficient for Cf(III) was measured as a function of nitrate normality for the quaternary ammonium nitrate extractant absorbed on diatomaceous earth and dissolved in xylene. The extraction chromatography method was applied to the separation of both tracer and microgramme quantities of Cf and Es. The separation factor [Es(III)/Cf(III)] was 1·46. Columns were operated at room temperature and relatively fast flow rates (∼1 ml/cm2 per min).
Articulation in verbal learning

Summary With three levels of list difficulty (one level in a preliminary study), no evidence of any effect of minimizing articulatory movements was found on rate of learning. This was true in free-learning of trigrams with articulation minimized during study, during recall, or during both.
Intravenous adenosine as first-line prehospital management of narrow-complex tachycardias by EMS personnel without direct physician control

This study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravenous adenosine therapy for prehospital treatment of narrow-complex tachycardias with a presumptive field diagnosis of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) by paramedics without direct physician control. A ten-month prospective case series was designed in an urban EMS system that has paramedics operating under standing orders before physician radio contact. All patients with PSVT field diagnosis were included. Diagnosis of PSVT was made by regular, narrow-complex tachycardia with a heart rate greater than 160 beats/min by field ECG. Interpretation was performed solely by paramedics; ECG transmission was not available. In hemodynamically stable patients, vagal maneuvers were followed by intravenous placement and administration of adenosine was recommended by the manufacturer. If three adenosine boluses failed to convert the arrhythmia, patients were monitored and transported, with electrical cardioversion available. Data collection included demographic, history, medications, vital signs, and EGG tracings. Of 14 included patients, 31 were correctly diagnosed with PSVT (75.6%), with mean ventricular rate of 205 beats/min (SD 7 beats/min); one had sinus tachycardia; nine had atrial fibrillation (AF) (22%). Of the 31 cases correctly diagnosed as PSVT, 28 converted to sinus rhythm after adenosine (90.3%). Of those converted, 16 required a single dose (57.1%), nine required one additional dose (32.1%), and three required two additional doses (10.8%). None reverted to PSVT after adenosine conversion during the study period (conversion to arrival at emergency department). No significant difference in length of asystolic pause or in outcome was detected between the true PSVT cases and the AF cases receiving adenosine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Effects of ceria-doping on a CO2 hydrogenation iron–manganese catalyst

Abstract Hydrogenation of CO 2 to hydrocarbons is investigated over ceria-doped iron-based catalysts. While the addition of low levels of Ce leads to a marginal improvement in the catalyst's CO 2 hydrogenation ability, a decrease is observed when doping levels are raised to 10 wt.%. Even though the overall CO 2 conversion is only marginally, lower than with the undoped catalyst, the product distribution is shifted away from C 2 –C 5+ HC and towards CO. It was found that the addition of Ce leads to ceria particles being formed upon iron and thus most likely leading to a reduction in available chain-growth active sites on the iron.