cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structure sensitivity of scattered Ne+ ion fractions from a Ni{100} surface

The incident, α, and azimuthal, δ, angle dependence of the sampling depth and scattered ion fractions for 4 and 8 keV Ne+ scattering from a clean Ni{100} surface have been investigated. Time-of-flight techniques are used for velocity analysis of both neutrals (N) and ions (I). Spectra of N + I and N (obtained by electrostatic deflection of I) allow determination of scattered Ne+ ion fractions as Y = [(N + I)− N]/(N + I). The results show that (i) the ion fractions exhibit a strong dependence on α and δ, (ii) the critical incident angle αc used in structure determinations is dependent on the type of scattering spectra collected, i.e., N + I or I only, and (iii) layer-specific information can be obtained by a judicious choice of α and δ.
Catalysis of olefin isomerizations by boron trifluoride

The kinetics of isomerization of butenes by boron trifluoride with acetic acid or methanol as cocatalysts have been re-examined. The results, over a wide concentration range, and at temperatures from −20 to +20°C, are consistent with previous data, but it is shown that the previously suggested mechanism cannot apply. By using deuterated acetic acid as cocatalyst it has been found that isomerization exactly parallels protonation, which is consistent with a mechanism involving a classical carbonium ion.
The influence of social experience on the behavior of male cockroaches,Nauphoeta cinerea

The influence of social experience on rates of agonistic behavior was investigated in a cockroach, Nauphoeta cinerea. Social experience was manipulated by establishing three types of groups of four identically aged males: (1) ran-domly chosen, socially naive males (control); (2) males of similar status and activity level (from treatment 1); and (3) males returned to their original hierarchy after experiencing treatment 2. In the control groups, we found stable hierarchies, significant differences in the rate of agonistic behaviors exhibited among different status males, and a significant relationship between social status and level of agonism. We also compare activity levels within and among groups after males had novel social experiences. Among similar status individuals, we found less activity than when they wereintheir original groups. When males were returned to their original groups, the level of activity increased compared to the level of activity before treatment. The social status of males was unstable after these treatments. Losing tended to result in relatively more subordinate behavior, and winning in relatively more dominant behavior by a male. Within groups, the rate of agonism also increased over 5 days in groups of males that had no previous interactions with each other, while the rate of agonism remained the same in groups of familiar males. We interpret these results in light of male-male assessment and the maintenance of social status in this species.
Ultrastructural evidence for selective noradrenergic innervation of CNS vagal projections to the fundus of the rat.

Abstract We reported pharmacological data suggesting that stimulation of the vago-vagal reflex activates noradrenergic neurons in the hindbrain that inhibit dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) neurons projecting to the fundus, but not to the antrum [Ferreira Jr., M., Sahibzada, N., Shi, M., Panico, W., Neidringhaus, M., Wasserman, A., Kellar, K.J., Verbalis, J., Gillis, R.A., 2002. CNS site of action and brainstem circuitry responsible for the intravenous effects of nicotine on gastric tone. J. Neurosci. 22, 2764–2779.]. The purpose of this study was to use an ultrastructural approach to test the hypothesis that noradrenergic terminals form synapses with DMV fundus-projecting neurons, but not with DMV antrum-projecting neurons. A retrograde tracer, CTβ-HRP, was injected into the gastric smooth muscle of either the fundus or the antrum of rats. Animals were re-anesthetized 48 h later and perfusion-fixed with acrolein and paraformaldehyde. Brainstems were processed histochemically for CTβ-HRP, and immunocytochemically for either DβH or PNMT by dual-labeling electron microscopic methods. Most cell bodies and dendrites of neurons that were retrogradely labeled from the stomach occurred at the level of the area postrema. Examination of 482 synapses on 238 neurons that projected to the fundus revealed that 17.4 +/− 2.7% (n = 4) of synaptic contacts were with DβH-IR terminals. Of 165 fundus-projecting neurons, 4.4 +/− 1.5% (n = 4) formed synaptic contacts with PNMT-IR terminals. In contrast, the examination of 384 synapses on 223 antrum-projecting neurons revealed no synaptic contact with DβH-IR terminals. These data provide proof that norepinephrine containing nerve terminals synapse with DMV fundus-projecting neurons but not with DMV antrum-projecting neurons. These data also suggest that brainstem circuitry controlling the fundus differs from circuitry controlling the antrum.
Response to Comment on "Synthesis of Ultra-Incompressible Superhard Rhenium Diboride at Ambient Pressure"

Dubrovinskaia et al . question our demonstration that rhenium diboride (ReB2) is hard enough to scratch diamond. Here, we provide conclusive evidence of a scratch through atomic force microscopy depth profiling and elemental mapping. With high hardness, high-bulk modulus, and the ability to withstand extreme differential stress, ReB2 and related materials should be investigated regardless of their cost, which is not prohibitive.
Destruction of Salmonella oranienburg in egg yolk containing various concentrations of salt at low temperatures.

Abstract Salmonella oranienburg was inoculated into egg yolk containing 10, 14, 18, 22, 25 and 35% salt. Samples were stored at –25, 16, 25 and 36°C. Storage above freezing destroyed all viable test organisms. Survival time was less at higher salt concentrations and temperatures. Egg yolk can be pasteurized at relatively low temperatures in the package.
Z-Selective ruthenium metathesis catalysts: Comparison of nitrate and nitrite X-type ligands

Two new Ru-based metathesis catalysts, 3 and 4, have been synthesized for the purpose of comparing their catalytic properties to those of their cis-selective nitrate analogues, 1 and 2. Although catalysts 3 and 4 exhibited slower initiation rates than 1 and 2, they maintained high cis-selectivity in homodimerization and ring-opening metathesis polymerization reactions. Furthermore, the nitrite catalysts displayed higher cis-selectivity than 2 for ring-opening metathesis polymerizations, and 4 delivered higher yields of polymer.
“Miles Davis Concerts and Interviews in the Vault,” Wolfgang’s Vault

At http://www.wolfgangsvault.com/miles-davis/. The 1980s and 1990s were boom years for the recording industry as labels, major and independent, emerged from the economic downturn of the late 1970s ...
Image, word, action: interpersonal dynamics in a photo-sharing community.

Abstract In online photo-sharing communities, the individual's expression of self and the relationships that evolve among members is determined by the kinds of images that are shared, by the words exchanged among members, and by interpersonal actions that do not specifically rely on images or text. This article examines the dynamics of personal expression via images in Flickr, including a proposed system for identifying the dimensions of imagistic communication and a discussion of the psychological meanings embedded in a sequence of images. It explores how photographers use text descriptors to supplement their images and how different types of comments on photographs influence interpersonal relationships. The “fav”—when members choose an image as one of their favorites—is examined as one type of action that can serve a variety of interpersonal functions. Although images play a powerful role in the expression of self, it is the integration of images, words, and actions that maximize the development of rela...
Efficacy of permanent pacing in the management of high-risk patients with long QT syndrome.

BACKGROUND From the international long QT syndrome (LQTS) study, 30 patients with corrected QT interval (QTc) of more than 0.44 second 1/2 were identified who had permanent pacemakers implanted for management of recurrent syncope or aborted cardiac arrest. METHODS AND RESULTS Pacemakers were implanted on average 7 years after the onset of the first syncopal episode. Most of the patients were female (87%), the average age at implantation was 19 +/- 13 years, the mean QTc was 0.55 +/- 0.08 second, and 57% were receiving antiadrenergic treatment for LQTS when the pacemaker was placed. Using birth as the time origin, the median cardiac event rate was significantly (p less than 0.001) reduced by pacing from 0.5 to 0 events per patient per year, with 21 patients experiencing no cardiac events during an average pacemaker follow-up of 49 months per patient. In 10 patients in whom the demand atrial pacing rate was faster than the intrinsic sinus rate, the average heart rate was increased 23 beats/min (from 58 to 81 beats/min) with pacing with reduction in the QT interval from 0.59 seconds to 0.46 seconds. CONCLUSIONS The beneficial effects of pacing in high-risk LQTS patients probably relate to the prevention of bradycardia, pauses, and the shortening of long QT intervals--factors that are known to be arrhythmogenic in this syndrome. Permanent cardiac pacing reduces the rate of recurrent syncopal events in high-risk LQTS patients, but it does not provide complete protection.
Insight into the Binding of Divalent Cations to Sepia Eumelanin from IR Absorption Spectroscopy

Abstract IR absorption spectroscopy is used to examine the binding of the divalent cations Mg(II), Ca(II), Zn(II) and Cu(II) to melanin granules isolated from the ink sacs of Sepia officinalis. The functional groups of the melanin granules interacting with the bound metal ions are deduced by examining the effect of metal concentration on transition frequencies associated with the COOH, NH and OH moieties of the pigment. The coordinating groups vary with metal ion and with concentration. For the experimental conditions used (initial solution pH of 4, ionic strength of 100 mM and a melanin concentration of 1 mg mL−1) Mg(II), Ca(II) and Zn(II) bind to carboxylate groups and Cu(II) binds predominantly to phenolic (catechol) groups However, at a concentration of 10 mM Cu(II) also shows evidence of binding to carboxylate and amine groups, reflecting a secondary binding site that becomes populated as the catechol sites are depleted.
Experimental study of the interaction of ceramic breeder pebble beds with structural materials under thermo-mechanical loads

This paper presents the first results obtained in a facility constructed at the University of California, Los Angeles to study the interaction of ceramic breeder pebble beds with structural materials in conditions relevant to fusion energy power plant blanket operations. The experiments study the thermo-mechanical performance of lithium meta-titanate oxide (Li2TiO3) pebbles and silicon carbide clad constrained by a low thermal expansion alloy in vacuum and He atmosphere. The results show that large deformations due to induced thermal stresses are present during the first heat cycle but afterward are accommodated by a combination of pebble re-arrangement within the bed and thermally induced creep deformation. Initial results of a numerical simulation of the experiments using a finite element code that includes creep deformation is also presented. Planned operation of the UCLA thermo-mechanics test facility is summarized to conclude the paper. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Admitting a Bad Influence: Contracting the Public Service

Abstract Emulation of the private sector is a longstanding controversy in public administration, but could it constitute a bad influence, of the kind that parents seek to guard against by scrutinizing their children's peers? Effectiveness provides a perspective on how helpful or harmful private sector influence has been for the public service. The practice of contracting-out under the A-76 process receives particular scrutiny relative to maintaining the effectiveness of public agencies. A second perspective on private sector influence examines, through the theoretical perspective of transaction-cost economics, the promise of cost savings that justified recent acceleration of contracting-out. The author, himself a government contractor, also bases his analysis on personal experience.
Self-reported immature defense style as a predictor of outcome in short-term and long-term psychotherapy.

Objective Identification of pretreatment patient characteristics predictive of psychotherapy outcome could help to guide treatment choices. This study evaluates patients' initial level of immature defense style as a predictor of the outcome of short-term versus long-term psychotherapy. Method In the Helsinki Psychotherapy Study, 326 adult outpatients with mood or anxiety disorder were randomized to individual short-term (psychodynamic or solution-focused) or long-term (psychodynamic) psychotherapy. Their defense style was assessed at baseline using the 88-item Defense Style Questionnaire and classified as low or high around the median value of the respective score. Both specific (Beck Depression Inventory [BDI], Hamilton Depression Rating Scale [HDRS], Symptom Check List Anxiety Scale [SCL-90-Anx], Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale [HARS]) and global (Symptom Check List Global Severity Index [SCL-90-GSI], Global Assessment of Functioning Scale [GAF]) psychiatric symptoms were measured at baseline and 3–7 times during a 3-year follow-up. Results Patients with high use of immature defense style experienced greater symptom reduction in long-term than in short-term psychotherapy by the end of the 3-year follow-up (50% vs. 34%). Patients with low use of immature defense style experienced faster symptom reduction in short-term than in long-term psychotherapy during the first year of follow-up (34% vs. 19%). Conclusion Knowledge of patients' initial level of immature defense style may potentially be utilized in tailoring treatments. Further research on defense styles as outcome predictors in psychotherapies of different types is needed.
Prolactin variants in the rat adenohypophysis.

Abstract Prolactin (PRL) heterogeneity in the rat pituitary gland was first reported in 1978. Since then, multiple forms of the hormone in the rat pituitary gland have been reported by other investigators. Some of these variants have been ascribed to posttranslational modifications, while the origin of the others is as yet undefined. In this study, the nature, distribution and origin(s) of PRL size variants in the rat adenohypophysis were defined by Western blotting. Northern blot hybridization analysis and pulse-chase approaches. Thirteen structurally related variants, grouped into species with apparent molecular weights (Mr) 97−34000, 31000, 24000 and 22–17000, were consistently obtained on the basis of their electrophoretic mobilities in nonreducing polyacrylamide gels. Many of the M r , forms were disulphide-linked aggregates. Northern blot analysis suggested that the 24000 monomeric PRL was encoded by the 0.9 kb mRNA species, while the 45000 variant could be encoded by the 1.9 kb mRNA. Four PRL variants in the M r range of 25/2-46000 were synthesized concurrently by the mammotrophs in culture. Newly synthesized high M r variants were also released into the medium and could be detected as early as 1 min after synthesis. Collectively these results suggest that structurally related PRL variants in the rat pituitary gland are due to a combination of posttranscriptional and posttranslational modification of a single gene product. In addition high M r , variants are preferentially secreted over low M r forms, probably through an alternative secretory pathway.
Proton magnetic spectroscopic imaging of the child's brain: the response of tumors to treatment.

Our aim was to determine and/or predict response to treatment of brain tumors in children using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI). We studied 24 patients aged 10 months to 24 years, using MRI and point-resolved spectroscopy (PRESS; TR 2000 TE 65 ms) with volume preselection and phase-encoding in two dimensions on a 1.5 T imager. Multiple logistic regression was used to establish independent predictors of active tumor growth. Biologically vital cell metabolites, such as N-acetyl aspartate and choline-containing compounds (Cho), were significantly different between tumor and control tissues (P < 0.001). The eight brain tumors which responded to radiation or chemotherapy, exhibited lower Cho (P = 0.05), higher total creatine (tCr) (P = 0.02) and lower lactate and lipid (L) (P = 0.04) than16 tumors which were not treated (except by surgery) or did not respond to treatment. The only significant independent predictor of active tumor growth was tCr (P < 0.01). We suggest that tCr is useful in assessing response of brain tumors to treatment.
A NON-COMPENSATORY CHOICE MODEL INCORPORATING ATTRIBUTE CUTOFFS

Abstract This research proposes an extension to the traditional compensatory utility maximization framework which has guided most theoretical and statistical work in choice modeling applications, including those in transportation demand estimation work. Attribute cutoffs are incorporated into the decision problem formulation; it is then argued on extant empirical evidence that individuals may view these constraints as “soft”. This leads to the formulation of a penalized utility function that allows for constraint violation, but at a cost to the overall evaluation of the good. The proposed model is able to represent fully compensatory, conjunctive and disjunctive choice strategies, as well as combinations thereof. The properties of the proposed theoretical model are examined and discussed. From the theoretical framework, statistical models of choice behavior are easily derived; in their simplest forms, these models can be estimated using existing software. A Stated Preference choice experiment is analyzed using the proposed model, which is found to be highly consistent with observed choices and superior to a structural two-stage choice set formation model.
Grinding teeth for masticatory efficiency and gingival health

Abstract An approach to rational therapy of some problems commonly encountered in periodontally involved mouths has been outlined. These problems include food impaction and impingement against and into the gingival margins and papillae, and loosening of teeth through periodontal traumatism. The thesis points out that periodontal disease and its sequelae, the loss of teeth, are not due to a departure from Nature's plan. Primitive man had the same problems as does modern man. It is unscientific to think that the mouth and teeth were intended to be a masticatory machine. A therapeutic approach must attempt to limit treatment to disease and its causes.
Low threshold current surface emitting AlGaAs/GaAs laser with 45° metallised reflector

A surface emitting AlGaAs/GaAs DH laser having one etched facet integrated with a 45° metallised reflector is demonstrated with a threshold current as low as 70 mA for a 6 μm (gain-guided) shallow mesa stripe geometry. The etched facet/45° mirror combination was fabricated by tilted ion beam milling through the p-metallisation of the processed wafer. A surface emitter with power as high as 70 mW is achieved with a 50μm stripe.
Image-based modeling of the response of experimental 3D microstructures to mechanical loading

Abstract A three-dimensional (3D) spatial and crystallographic reconstruction of an austenitic steel microstructure was generated using optical microscopy, serial sectioning, and electron backscatter diffraction, and was incorporated into an image-based finite element model to simulate the mesoscale mechanical response of the real microstructure. The effects of crystallographic orientation and the interactions between applied loads, constraints, and microstructure are discussed. Advanced 3D visualization techniques are used to identify critical microstructural features at which the onset of plasticity, failure and fracture are predicted to occur.
Linking Noncompliant Behaviors and Programmatic Responses The Use of Graduated Sanctions in a Felony-Level Drug Court

Drug courts are charged with positively influencing the behavior of a difficult-to-treat population. Sanctions represent a drug court's efforts to instill accountability in participants, an important component of behavior modification. This research examined the application of sanctions within a drug court's proactive supervision model and sanctions matrix. An exploratory analysis of individual-level factors (including risk level, treatment characteristics, and punishment history) that increase the likelihood of receiving a sanction was conducted. Factors related to receiving any type of sanction and a drug sanction, and whether receiving a sanction was related to program retention were examined. Most participants (71%) received a sanction. On average, each participant received 4 sanctions and 259 sanctions were given over a 2-year period. The majority of people (77%) continued to be actively enrolled after receiving a sanction. Practice and policy implications regarding the use of sanctions within the context of offender change are discussed. Language: en
Central cardiovascular effects of prostacyclin

Abstract The central cardiovascular effects of prostacyclin (PGI 2 ) were studied in rats anesthetized with halothane. Prostacyclin (5–5000 ng/300 g) was injected intravenously, intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) and into discrete hypothalamic nuclei (50 ng/300 g). Injection of prostacyclin intracerebroventricularly showed a dose-dependent vasodepressor and cardiac-accelerating effect; however the intracerebroventricular responses were less potent than those obtained with intravenous administration of prostacyclin. Injection of prostacyclin into the dorsomedial nucleus of the hypothalamus elicited tachycardia and a moderate increase in plasma epinephrine concentration, without any change in the systemic blood pressure. The cardiac-accelerating response obtained by injection of PGI 2 into the dorsomedial nucleus was not abolished by acute bilateral adrenalectomy. It is concluded that cardiovascular responses obtained by intracerebroventricular injections of PGI 2 probably represent peripheral effects of this prostaglandin. Injections into discrete brain nuclei may provide better information as to the central effects of prostacyclin. The present report suggests that PGI 2 modulates heart rate by an action in the region of the dorsomedial nucleus of the hypothalamus.
Integrated photo-bioelectrochemical system for contaminants removal and bioenergy production.

An integrated photobioelectrochemical (IPB) system was developed by installing a microbial fuel cell (MFC) inside an algal bioreactor. This system achieves the simultaneous removal from a synthetic solution of organics (in the MFC) and nutrients (in the algal bioreactor), and the production of bioenergy in electricity and algal biomass through bioelectrochemical and microbiological processes. During the one-year operation, the IPB system removed more than 92% of chemical oxygen demand, 98% of ammonium nitrogen, and 82% of phosphate and produced a maximum power density of 2.2 W/m3 and 128 mg/L of algal biomass. The algal growth provided dissolved oxygen to the cathode reaction of the MFC, whereas electrochemical oxygen reduction on the MFC cathode buffered the pH of the algal growth medium (which was also the catholyte). The system performance was affected by illumination and dissolved oxygen. Initial energy analysis showed that the IPB system could theoretically produce enough energy to cover its consumpt...
Heat processing menu items with rotating hot air versus deep fat frying

Abstract Two heat processing methods, rotating hot air and deep fat frying, were compared for energy consumption and their effect on quality of four menu items. The rotating hot air system simulated the frying process. The menu items were steak fries, veal patties, chicken strips and cod fillets. Quality attributes measured included product yields, moisture, crude fat, food energy, and shear force. For the small batch sizes studied, the hot air system consumed less energy than the fryer. The moisture content was always less in the fryer; the fat content and food energy levels were always greater. Reasons for these trends were discussed.
Estimation of Population Mean and Total in a Finite Population Setting Using Multiple Auxiliary Variables

This paper introduces a new sampling design in a finite population setting, where potential sampling units have a wealth of auxiliary information that can be used to rank them into partially ordered sets. The proposed sampling design selects a set of sampling units. These units are judgment ranked without measurement by using available auxiliary information. The ranking process allows ties among ranks whenever units cannot be ranked accurately with high confidence. The ranking information from all sources is combined in a meaningful way to construct strength-of-agreement weights. These weights are then used to select a single sampling unit for full measurement in each set. Three different levels of sampling design, level-0, level-1, and level-2, are investigated. They differ in their replacement policies. Level-0 sampling designs construct the sample by sampling with replacement, level-1 sampling designs constructs the sample without replacement of the fully measured unit in each set, and level-2 sampling designs construct the sample without replacement on the entire set. For these three designs, we estimate the first and second order inclusion probabilities and construct estimators for the population total and mean. We develop a bootstrap resampling procedure to estimate the variances of the estimators and to construct percentile confidence intervals for the population mean and total. We show that the new sampling designs provide a substantial amount of efficiency gain over their competitor designs in the literature.
An active audio steganography attacking method using discrete spring transform

The significant development of cell phone and mobile network in recent years leads to some security concerns caused by increasing capacity of the networks and the large margin of the multimedia data. Audio steganography is a proven way to hide information in digital audio signals, where many schemes have been effective at hiding large amounts of data. In order to prevent the malicious threat of the audio steganog-raphy, the countermeasure of audio steganography is also an important topic. In this paper, we propose a novel steganographic attack which can defeat audio steganography algorithms while maintaining an acceptable audio distortion level. The attacking method is based on a proposed transform called discrete spring transform. Similar to the time scale modification, the spring transform disables the synchronization of the hidden information. Furthermore, the proposed method has some advantages over the traditional time scale modification, therefore the steganography method which can resist to the time scale modification still can be defeated by the proposed method. The simulation results show that the proposed method successfully defeat some audio steganography methods which are resistant to the time scale modification with subjective auditory quality score no worse than -0.1.
Determination of solidus-liquidus temperatures in the uo2 + x system (−0.50<x<0.20)

Abstract Solidus and liquidus temperatures for urania have been determined to ±15 °C over the composition range UO 1.50 to UO 2.23. The congruent composition is UO 2.00 (2865 °C) and the monotectic composition is UO 1.46 (2425 °C). Data were obtained by a thermal arrest technique, using samples sealed in tungsten or rhenium. The absolute accuracy of the temperature measurements was verified by melting Ta, Mo and Al 2 O 3 (sapphire) as standards. For oxygen-excess compositions, data for Wcontained and Re-contained samples agree well in spite of the extremely different types of interaction in the two systems. Rhenium dissolves in molten UO 2 + x and separates out as the element on cooling with no net change in the urania. Tungsten dissolves in the melt and separates out during cooling as a mixture of W and U x WO 3 . The remaining urania is stoichlometric.
ENDOSCOPIC SURGERY FOR INTRAVENTRICULAR BRAIN TUMORS IN PATIENTS WITHOUT HYDROCEPHALUS

Objective Endoscopy usually is avoided in patients without hydrocephalus because of presumed difficulties with ventricular cannulation and intraventricular navigation. The feasibility of endoscopic tumor management in patients without hydrocephalus was assessed on the basis of achieving the surgical objective and assessing procedure-related morbidity. Methods Eighty patients who underwent endoscopic management for an intraventricular brain tumor were identified from a prospective database. Of these patients, 15 had an intraventricular tumor without concomitant hydrocephalus and underwent primary endoscopic surgery for biopsy or resection. The surgical technique, the success rate, and patient outcome were assessed and then compared with 65 hydrocephalic patients who underwent similar procedures. Results Tumors were located in the third ventricle in 11 patients and the lateral ventricle in 4 patients. The ventricular compartment was cannulated successfully and the intended goal was accomplished in all patients (100%); 12 had successful diagnostic sampling and 3 had complete colloid cyst resection. There were no operative complications related to the endoscopic procedure, and no patient required subsequent intervention for hydrocephalus. The results in this group of patients did not differ with the success and morbidity after endoscopic tumor surgery in patients with hydrocephalus. Conclusion Endoscopic biopsy or resection of intraventricular brain tumors in patients without hydrocephalus is feasible. The described procedure uniformly satisfied the intended surgical goal. The absence of ventriculomegaly in patients with an intraventricular brain tumor should not serve as a contraindication to endoscopic tumor biopsy or resection.
Double-Stranded DNA Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Hybrids for Optical Hydrogen Peroxide and Glucose Sensing

The unique optical properties of semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are exquisitely sensitive to variations in the surrounding environments. Here, we have studied the redox chemistry of SWNTs encased with double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) reacted with either hydrogen peroxide H2O2 or glucose in the presence of the glucose oxidase enzyme. The DNA-SWNT hybrids are prepared in aqueous solution by sonication that cuts the DNA into short fragments of 100−300 base pairs which efficiently wrap individual nanotubes. The DNA-SWNT hybrids are optically sensitive to H2O2 and glucose, and the hybrid surface can be regenerated by dialytically removing the hydrogen peroxide. This study reinforces the potential of DNA-SWNT hybrids for use in immunoassays and glucose sensing.
Aminoborane Polymers as Precursors of Ceramic Materials

A series of polymeric materials was prepared through the condensation of t ri ethyl borane or tris(dimethylamino)borane with polyfunctional amines. The amines examined and the ceramic yields of the corresponding condensation products after pyrolysis under vacuum at 800°C were as follows: Methylene dipyrazole – 52%, o-phenylenediamine – 85%, 3,3’ diaminobenzidine – 59% and diethylenetriamine – 12%. Volatile products evolved in the pyrolyses were identified and the solid residues characterized by chemical analyses and spectroscopie means.
Spatial Gaussian Mixture Model for gender recognition

Patch-based approaches have become popular in many computer vision applications over recent years. An intrinsic flaw of this framework, missing of the spatial information, however, restricts its usage in face related applications where the spatial configuration is relatively settled. In this paper, we introduce a new patch feature representation, namely Spatial Gaussian Mixture Models (SGMM), which enhances the traditional GMM approach by taking the spatial information into consideration at both local and global scales. In the meantime, SGMM inherits all the merits of GMM, such as precise appearance description and robustness to image misalignment. The experiments on gender recognition demonstrate that the SGMM representation achieves more than 40% relative error reduction compared with either GMM or SVM-based approaches.
The quantifier semigroup for bipartite graphs

In a bipartite graph there are two widely encountered monotone mappings from subsets of one side of the graph to subsets of the other side: one corresponds to the quantifier "there exists a neighbor in the subset" and the other to the quantifier "all neighbors are in the subset." These mappings generate a partially ordered semigroup which we characterize in terms of "run-unimodal" words.
Production of strange particles in π+p interactions at 5.5 GeV/c

Abstract Results are presented on some final states involving strange particles produced in 5.5 GeV/c π+p collisions. Production of Δ(1238), Y1∗(1385) and K∗(890) resonances is pronounced in both quasi two-body and three-body reactions. Total and partial cross sections are given for several channels. The reactions π + p → Y 1 ∗ (1385) K + and π + p → Y 1 ∗ (1385) K ∗ (890) are compared with the predictions of an absorptive peripheral model.
Efficient Modeling of PIN Diode Switches Employing Time-Domain Electromagnetic-Physics-Based Simulators

This paper presents an efficient full-wave time-domain simulator for accurate modeling of PIN diode switches. An equivalent circuit of the PIN diode is extracted under different bias conditions using a drift-diffusion physical model. Net recombination is modeled using a Shockley-Read-Hall process, while generation is assumed to be dominated by impact ionization. The device physics is coupled to Maxwell's equations using extended-FDTD formulism. A complete set of results is presented for the on and off states of the PIN switch. The results are validated through comparison with independent measurements, where good agreement is observed. Using this modeling approach, it is demonstrated that one can efficiently optimize PIN switches for better performance.
A Theory of Explicitly Formulated Strategy

When a CEO tries to formulate 'a strategy', what is she looking for? What exactly is 'a strategy', why does it matter, and what are its properties?This paper defines an explicitly formulated 'strategy' as the 'smallest set of choices and decisions sufficient to guide all other choices and decisions,' which formally captures the idea of strategy as a plan boiled down to its most essential choices. I show that this definition coincides with the equilibrium outcome of a game where a person can - at a cost - look ahead, investigate, and announce a set of (intended or actual) choices to the rest of the organization. Strategy is also - in some precise sense - the smallest set of decisions that needs to be decided centrally to ensure that all decisions are consistent (by giving a clear direction).The paper analyzes what characteristics make a decision 'strategic' and when and how having a strategy creates value, including when a strategy 'bet' can create value. It shows how understanding the structure of strategy may enable a strategist to develop the optimal strategy without a comprehensive optimization. And it derives some broader organizational implications.
Impact of positive surgical margins after radical prostatectomy

p s s s T m m w a o adical prostatectomy provides excellent longterm survival for patients with clinically loalized prostate cancer. A significant number of atients, however, will ultimately have disease reurrence after surgery.1 Biochemical recurrence oes not ultimately guarantee significant metastatic isease and/or death, but for the vast majority of atients, it precedes these clinical manifestations. ecurrence depends on many factors, including prosate-specific antigen (PSA) levels preoperatively, PSA inetics, clinical stage, Gleason score, pathologic tage, and surgical margin status.2 Uniquely, the urgical margin status depends on tumor biology, s well as the surgical technique. Beyond staging, argin status can provide prognostic information or patients and physicians. The incidence of positive margins reported in ublished studies varies widely, from 4% to more han 40%.3–6 The reasons for this range include the ra in which patients underwent therapy, the risk actors and tumor characteristics of the patient poplation, and the technique of pathologic review. Depite the incidence disparity, the overall rate of posiive margins seems to have declined recently. This as been due seemingly to a combination of stage igration with more organ-confined tumors,7–9 as ell as surgical technique considerations.10–13 Inreasing attention has been paid to attempts to miniize positive margins as their negative impact has ecome clearer. We examined the definition and impact of surgial margin status, as well as the factors that influnce the likelihood of a positive margin.
Histidine and aspartic acid residues important for immunoglobulin G endopeptidase activity of the group A Streptococcus opsonophagocytosis-inhibiting Mac protein

The secreted Mac protein made by serotype M1 group A Streptococcus (GAS) (designated Mac5005) inhibits opsonophagocytosis and killing of GAS by human polymorphonuclear neutrophils. This protein also has cysteine endopeptidase activity against human immunoglobulin G (IgG). Site-directed mutagenesis was used to identify histidine and aspartic acid residues important for Mac IgG endopeptidase activity. Replacement of His262 with Ala abolished Mac5005 IgG endopeptidase activity. Asp284Ala and Asp286Ala mutant proteins had compromised enzymatic activity, whereas 21 other Asp-to-Ala mutant proteins cleaved human IgG at the apparent wild-type level. The results suggest that His262 is an active-site residue and that Asp284 and Asp286 are important for the enzymatic activity or structure of Mac protein. These Mac mutants provide new information about structure-activity relationships in this protein and will assist study of the mechanism of inhibition of opsonophagocytosis and killing of GAS by Mac.
Crime and property values: Evidence from the 1990s crime drop

Abstract Does a dramatic drop in crime lead to an increase in property values? To date, the literature on how crime influences property values has focused solely within a single metropolitan area and has been limited primarily to cross-sectional analysis. In this study we exploit the dramatic, nationwide decrease in crime that occurred in the 1990s to examine the relationship between changes in crime rates and property values. To do this, we compile information on changes in property values and crime during the 1990s in nearly 3000 urban zip codes throughout the U.S. Using a fixed-effects framework as well as an instrumental variables strategy, our analysis implies a large and statistically significant association between crime and property values. The estimated elasticities of property values with respect to crime range from − 0.15 to − 0.35. Furthermore, zip codes in the top decile in terms of crime reduction saw property value increases of 7–19% during the 1990s. Both the empirical analysis and a graphical analysis are suggestive that decreasing crime leads to increasing property values.
The alliance hypothesis for human friendship.

Background: Exploration of the cognitive systems underlying human friendship will be advanced by identifying the evolved functions these systems perform. Here we propose that human friendship is caused, in part, by cognitive mechanisms designed to assemble support groups for potential conflicts. We use game theory to identify computations about friends that can increase performance in multi-agent conflicts. This analysis suggests that people would benefit from: 1) ranking friends, 2) hiding friend-ranking, and 3) ranking friends according to their own position in partners’ rankings. These possible tactics motivate the hypotheses that people possess egocentric and allocentric representations of the social world, that people are motivated to conceal this information, and that egocentric friend-ranking is determined by allocentric representations of partners’ friend-rankings (more than others’ traits). Methodology/Principal Findings: We report results from three studies that confirm predictions derived from the alliance hypothesis. Our main empirical finding, replicated in three studies, was that people’s rankings of their ten closest friends were predicted by their own perceived rank among their partners’ other friends. This relationship remained strong after controlling for a variety of factors such as perceived similarity, familiarity, and benefits. Conclusions/Significance: Our results suggest that the alliance hypothesis merits further attention as a candidate explanation for human friendship.
Mathematics Assessment Accommodations: Implications of Differential Boost for Students with Learning Disabilities.

The inclusion of students with learning disabilities (LD) in assessment is deemed critical to improve the quality of educational opportunities for these students and to provide meaningful and usefu...
Gray Foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) as a Potential Reservoir of a Bartonella clarridgeiae-Like Bacterium and Domestic Dogs as Part of a Sentinel System for Surveillance of Zoonotic Arthropod-Borne Pathogens in Northern California

Two species of Bartonella, a novel Bartonella clarridgeiae-like bacterium and B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii, were isolated from rural dogs and gray foxes in northern California. A novel B. clarridgeiae-like species was isolated from 3 (1.7%) of 182 dogs and 22 (42%) of 53 gray foxes, while B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii was isolated from 1 dog (0.5%) and 5 gray foxes (9.4%). PCR and DNA sequence analyses of the citrate synthase (gltA) gene and the 16S-23S intergenic spacer region suggested that strains infecting dogs and gray foxes were identical. Fifty-four dogs (29%) and 48 gray foxes (89%) had reciprocal titers of antibodies against Bartonella spp. of ≥64. The high prevalence of bacteremia and seroreactivity to Bartonella spp. in gray foxes suggests that they may act as a reservoir species for the B. clarridgeiae-like species in this region. Domestic dogs were also tested for other arthropod-borne infectious agents. Fifty-one dogs (28%) were positive for Dirofilaria immitis antigen, seventy-four (40%) were seroreactive to Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and five (2.7%) were seropositive for Yersinia pestis. Fourteen dogs (7.6%) were PCR positive for A. phagocytophilum. Polytomous logistic regression models were used to assess the association of Bartonella antibody titer categories with potential risk factors and the presence of other vector-borne agents in domestic dogs. Older dogs were more likely to be seroreactive to Bartonella spp. There was no association between the exposure of dogs to Bartonella and the exposure of dogs to A. phagocytophilum in this study.
The Science of Wealth. Adam Smith and the Framing of Political Economy

The article reviews the book "The Science of Wealth: Adam Smith and the Framing of Political Economy," by Tony Aspromourgos.
Maintaining Fluid and Electrolyte Balance During Exercise

The well-documented benefits and popularity of sports and fitness have led to an increased demand for products that not only replace sweat losses but also provide fuel for continued high-intensity ...
Increased Expression of Regeneration and Tolerance Factor in Individuals with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Regeneration and tolerance factor (RTF) plays a pivotal role in successful pregnancy outcome and has potent immunomodulating properties. During pregnancy, it is abundantly expressed in the placenta and on peripheral B lymphocytes. Several lines of evidence suggest that both successful pregnancy outcome and progression from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection to AIDS are associated with a Th2-type response. As a result, we hypothesized that the cellular expression of RTF may also be increased during infection with HIV. Using flow cytometric analysis, we showed a significantly (P < 0.01) increased expression of RTF on CD3+ cells obtained from individuals with HIV over that for individuals without HIV. On average, 32.1% of the CD3+ cells from individuals with HIV expressed high levels of RTF. In contrast, an average of only 6.7% of the CD3+ cells from individuals without HIV expressed high levels of RTF. Similar results were obtained when CD19+ cells from individuals with (mean, 44.1%) and without (mean, 25.8%) HIV were evaluated. Linear regression analysis suggested that high levels of RTF expression by CD3+ cells correlated better with viral load (r value, 0.46) than with absolute CD4 count (r value, 0.09). While additional experiments are necessary to delineate the precise immunologic role of RTF, our current data suggest that RTF expression during HIV infection may be a useful marker of immune activation.
A study of rough surface scattering effects using the higher-order small slope approximation

Understanding scattering cross sections of randomly rough surfaces is critical for designing terrain and sea surface remote sensing systems. The classical physical optics (PO) and small perturbation methods (SPM) have been applied extensively, but have limitations. Recently developed scattering theories, such as the small slope approximation (SSA) (Voronovich, A. "Wave scattering from rough surfaces", Springer, 1994), attempt to overcome those classical limitations. Although the SSA is formulated as an infinite series, most previous studies examine only the lowest order term. This term, denoted /spl sigma//sup 00/, is second-order in surface "quasi-slope" (Broschat, S.L. and Thorsos, E.I., J. Acoust. Soc. Am., vol.101, p.2615-25, 1997). The second and third terms, /spl sigma//sup 01/ and /spl sigma//sup 11/, respectively, are third and fourth-order corrections in surface "quasi-slope". We present simplified forms for /spl sigma//sup 01/ and /spl sigma//sup 11/ for penetrable surfaces under the assumption of a Gaussian random process surface with an isotropic Gaussian correlation function. These surfaces are, admittedly, simple compared to many natural surfaces, but the Gaussian model is still commonly applied in many studies.
Semicontinuous Low-Dose-Rate Teletherapy for the Treatment of Recurrent Glial Brain Tumors: Final Report of a Phase I/II Study

Purpose Semicontinuous low-dose-rate teletherapy (SLDR) is a novel irradiation strategy that exploits the increased radiosensitivity of glial cells in a narrow range of reduced dose rate. We present the final report of a prospective Phase I/II study testing the feasibility of SLDR for the treatment of recurrent gliomas. Methods and Materials Patients with previously irradiated recurrent gliomas were enrolled from November 1993 to March 1998. Patients received SLDR, delivered 6 to 8 hours/day at a dose rate of 40 to 50 cGy/hour for a total dose of 30 to 35 Gy given over 12 days using a modified cobalt-60 treatment unit. Acute central nervous system toxicity after SLDR treatment was the primary endpoint. Overall survival was a secondary endpoint. Results Twenty patients were enrolled (14 World Health Organization Grade 4 glioma, 5 Grade 2 glioma, 1 ependymoma). No patients developed ≥Grade 3 central nervous system toxicity at 3 months without radiographic evidence of tumor progression. Overall survival after SLDR was 56% at 6 months, 28% at 12 months, and 17% at 24 months. One patient survived >48 months, and 1 patient survived >60 months after SLDR treatment. Re-resection before SLDR treatment significantly improved 1-year overall survival for all patients and patients with Grade 4 glioma. Conclusion The delivery of SLDR is feasible in patients with recurrent gliomas and resulted in improved outcomes for patients who underwent re-resection. There were 2 long-term survivors (>48 months). This pilot study supports the notion that reduced dose rate influences the efficacy and tolerance of reirradiation in the treatment of recurrent gliomas.