cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chronic Ethanol Ingestion Impairs TGF-α-Stimulated Receptor Autophosphorylation

Abstract The effects of chronic ethanol feeding on the binding of transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) and TGF-α-stimulated receptor autophosphorylation were investigated in isolated rat hepatocytes. When hepatocytes were isolated from rats that were fed an ethanol liquid diet for 6–8 weeks, these cells exhibited a marked impairment of TGF-α-stimulated autophosphorylation of the receptor that binds this growth factor compared with hepatocytes from the pair-fed controls. This impaired autophosphorylation of receptor tyrosine residues was accompanied by significant decreases in the amount of surface-bound TGF-α. Immunoanalysis indicated no changes in receptor number, indicating that decreased receptor content was not responsible for decreased TGF-α binding in the hepatocytes from the ethanol-fed rats. In conclusion, chronic ethanol feeding reduced TGF-α binding to hepatocytes with a concomitant decrease in the ability of the receptor tyrosine kinase to autophosphorylate its tyrosine residues. These changes were not accompanied by decreased receptor protein content. These defects could lead to altered signal transduction and to impaired reparative and regenerative processes in the liver.
Energy transfer and stimulated emission dynamics at 11 μm in Nd-doped SiN_x

Neodymium (Nd) doped amorphous silicon nitride films with various Si concentrations (Nd:SiNx) were fabricated by reactive magnetron co-sputtering followed by thermal annealing. The time dynamics of the energy transfer in Nd:SiNx was investigated, a systematic optimization of its 1.1 μm emission was performed, and the Nd excitation cross section in SiNx was measured. An active Nd:SiNx micro-disk resonator was fabricated and enhanced radiation rate at 1.1 μm was demonstrated due to stimulated emission at the whispering gallery resonant modes. These results provide an alternative approach for the engineering of Si-based optical amplifiers and lasers on a silicon nitride materials platform.
An agent-based learning framework for modeling microbial growth

Abstract The overall idea of this paper is to study the intelligent behavior of microbes in a binary substrate environment with agent-based learning models. Study of microbial growth enables understanding of industrially relevant processes such as fermentation, biodegradation of pollutants, antibody production using hybridoma cells, etc. Artificial intelligence techniques such as genetic algorithms and agent-based learning methodologies have been used to study microbial growth. Specifically, the objective is to (1) qualitatively model the intelligent growth characteristics of the microbes using a minimal set of generic rules as against algebraic/differential mathematical relationships and (2) propose a suitable hypothesis that explains the origin of intelligence through learning in the microbes. A microbial cell has been modeled as a collection of agents characterized by a set of resources and an objective to survive and grow. The actions of the agents are governed by generic rules such as survival, growth and division as is common for any individual in a resource-limited competitive environment. The interaction of the agents with the environment and other fellow agents enables them to “learn” and “adapt” to the changes in the environment and thus defines the dynamics of the system. The origin of intelligence in the microbes has been studied by both a simple learning rule of imitation and rule discovery studies.
Laser alteration of the mechanical properties of photostructurable glass-ceramic

ABSTRACT Photostructurable glass-ceramics (PSGCs) pr esent an attractive alternative to silicon as substrates for microfabrication. Moving a laser beam with a focal volume a few microns across and a few tens of microns high through a transparent PSGC induces a cascade of r eactions that results in selective crystallization in the laser-exposed regions. The process offers excellent 3-D shaping control. Crystal formation alters many material properties, including opacity, index of refraction, etch rates, density, stiffness, and strength. Presented here are the resu lts of bulk mechanical measurements of the mass density and the velocity of sound in several phases of Foturan, a commercially available PSGC. The measurements are nondestructive and easily repeatable at many stages of pro cessing. From the velocity and the mass density, we calculated the elastic modulus for each Foturan phase. The measured samples included native, amorphous Foturan; exposed Foturan that was not thermally treated; and exposed, thermally treated Foturan. Results show that Foturan becomes somewhat stiffer with higher crystal content; the elastic modulus of Foturan rises from about 78 GPa in the original amorphous glass stat e to about 88 GPa in a crysta l-rich, exposed, baked state. The speed of sound in Foturan rises from about 5.8 km/s to 6.1 km/s. Keywords: Foturan, photostructurable glass-ceramics, direct-write, elastic modulus, ultrasonic testing, nondestructive testing
Phaeohyphomycosis from Exophiala jeanselmei with Concomitant Nocardia asteroides Infection in a Renal Transplant Recipient: Case Report and Review of the Literature

A 59-year-old black man who received a cadaveric renal transplant 15 months earlier developed subcutaneous nodules on his right upper extremity that were identified as phaeohyphomycosis caused by Exophiala jeanselmei. The man was admitted 4 weeks later with a swollen left arm and had Nocardia asteroides in this area and in the apex of his left lung. He was treated with surgical excision, and itraconazole, imipenem-cilastatin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. With the potential presence of more than one microorganism in an immunocompromised patient, it is important to identify and differentiate them correctly to direct appropriate therapy.
Electronic transitions of aryl phosphines

Abstract Absorption and emission properties of Ph3P, MePh2P and Ph2P(CH2)nPPh2 (from n = 1 to n = 6) (Ph  phenyl; Me  methyl) are reported. The maximum absorption band at 250 - 260 nm has been assigned to a π → π* transition centered on the benzene ring. The lowest energy excited electronic state of the aryl phosphines has been assigned to an 1 → aπ transition associated with an obscured absorption band at about 300 nm. The lowest excited singlet and triplet state energies are calculated to be 79 - 82 kcal mol−1 and 75 - 77 kcal mol−1 respectively.
Passive Immunotherapy for Anthrax Toxin Mediated by an Adenovirus Expressing an Anti-Protective Antigen Single-Chain Antibody

Abstract In the 2001 U.S. bioterror attacks, 33,000 individuals required postexposure prophylaxis, 18 subjects contracted anthrax (11 inhalation, 7 cutaneous), and despite optimal medical therapy, 5 deaths resulted. Rapid protection against anthrax is required in a bioterrorism scenario; this study describes an in vivo gene transfer-based therapy that uses a human adenovirus (Ad)-based vector (AdαPAscAb) encoding a single-chain antibody directed against protective antigen (PA), a critical component of Bacillus anthracis lethal toxin. Following AdαPAscAb administration to mice, anti-PA single-chain antibody and anti-PA neutralizing activity were detected in serum over a 2-week period. Substantial survival advantage from anthrax lethal toxin was conferred by AdαPAscAb following administration from 1 to 14 days prior to toxin challenge, compared to no survival associated with an Ad vector expressing a control single-chain antibody. Passive immunotherapy with an Ad-based vector may be a rapid, convenient approach for protecting a susceptible population against anthrax, including use as an adjunct to antibiotic therapy.
Effect of relaxation training on students' persistence and academic performance.

Considering anxiety to be a major debilitative factor among high-risk students, an attempt was made to evaluate the effectiveness of relaxation training on students' persistence and academic performance. Although 15 EMG-biofeedback subjects showed greater persistence (contact hours) than the 14 subjects given progressive relaxation, both techniques had beneficial effects on academic performance compared to 12 no-treatment controls.
Quantitative comparison of quadratic covariance-based anomalous change detectors

Simulations applied to hyperspectral imagery from the AVIRIS sensor are employed to quantitatively evaluate the performance of anomalous change detection algorithms. The evaluation methodology reflects the aim of these algorithms, which is to distinguish actual anomalous changes in a pair of images from the incidental differences that pervade the entire scene. By simulating both the anomalous changes and the pervasive differences, accurate and plentiful ground truth is made available, and statistical estimates of detection and false alarm rates can be made. Comparing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves that encapsulate these rates provides a way to identify which algorithms work best under which conditions.
Evaluation of adjuvant chemoradiation therapy for ampullary adenocarcinoma: the Johns Hopkins Hospital - Mayo Clinic collaborative study

Background: The role of adjuvant chemoradiation therapy for ampullary carcinoma is unknown. Previous literature suggests that certain populations with high risk factors for recurrence may benefit from adjuvant chemoradiation. We combined the experience of two institutions to better delineate which patients may benefit from adjuvant chemoradiation. Methods: Patients who underwent curative surgery for ampullary carcinoma at the Johns Hopkins Hospital (n = 290; 1992-2007) and at the Mayo Clinic (n = 130; 1977-2005) were reviewed. Patients with <60 days of follow-up, metastatic disease at surgery, or insufficient pathologic data were excluded. The final combined study consisted of 186 patients (n = 104 Johns Hopkins, n = 82 Mayo). Most patients received 5-FU based chemoradiation with conformal radiation. Cox proportional hazards models were used for survival analysis. Results: Median overall-survival was 39.9 months with 2- and 5-year survival rates of 62.4% and 39.1%. On univariate analysis, adverse prognostic factors for overall survival included T3/T4 stage disease (RR = 1.86, p = 0.002), node positive status (RR = 3.18, p < 0.001), and poor histological grade (RR = 1.69, p = 0.011). Patients who received adjuvant chemoradiation (n = 66) vs. surgery alone (n = 120) showed a higher rate of T3/T4 stage disease (57.6% vs. 30.8%, P < 0.001), lymph node involvement (72.7% vs. 30.0%, P < 0.001), and close or positive margins (4.6% vs. 0.0%, P = 0.019). Five year survival rates among node negative and node positive patients were 58.7% and 18.4% respectively. When compared with surgery alone, use of adjuvant chemoradiation improved survival among node positive patients (mOS 32.1 vs. 15.7 mos, 5 yr OS: 27.5% vs. 5.9%; RR = 0.47, P = 0.004). After adjusting for adverse prognostic factors on multivariate analysis, patients treated with adjuvant chemoradiation demonstrated a significant survival benefit (RR = 0.40, P < 0.001). Disease relapse occurred in 37.1% of all patients, most commonly metastatic disease in the liver or peritoneum. Conclusions: Node-positive patients with resected ampullary adenocarcinoma may benefit from 5-FU based adjuvant chemoradiation. Since a significant proportion of patients develop metastatic disease, there is a need for more effective systemic treatment.
Suramin Determination by Capillary Electrophoresis

Abstract Suramin is an anti-prostate-tumor drug, which has a narrow therapeutic range and long half-life. For these reasons, frequent monitoring of the drug is required to minimize toxicity. A rapid assay to measure suramin levels in serum by CE is described here. Serum samples deproteinized with acetonitrile (containing 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine as internal standard) were electro-phoresed for 2.5 min at 15 KV in a CAPSO buffer (63 mmol/L) pH 9.7 with detection at 254 nm. The test by area under the peak is linear between 50–500 mg/L. The effects of several factors such as voltage, buffer pH and ionic strength on peak height and migration time were studied. This method demonstrates the potential of CE in the clinical chemistry laboratory.
Role of the 't Hooft interaction in the calculation of the properties of scalar mesons

A survey of the literature dealing with the quark-model configurations of the scalar-isoscalar light mesons suggests that a theoretical model is needed to deal with these characterizations, since various researchers have come to widely different conclusions concerning the nature of the \ensuremath{\sigma}(500--600) or the ${f}_{0}(980),$ basing their analysis on an attempt to fit experimental data with models for the wave functions of these states. In an earlier work we demonstrated that our generalized Nambu--Jona-Lasinio model may be used to provide a very good fit to the mixing angles and decay constants of the \ensuremath{\eta}(547) and ${\ensuremath{\eta}}^{\ensuremath{'}}(958)$ mesons. It was found that the \ensuremath{\eta}(547) was mainly a flavor octet state. On the other hand, when we use our model to describe the scalar-isoscalar ${f}_{0}(980)$ meson, we find that it is mainly a singlet state, in agreement with the recent suggestion of Ochs. We stress that these results for the properties of the pseudoscalar and scalar mesons arise from the different behavior of the 't Hooft interaction in the two cases. In this work we demonstrate that the singlet-octet flavor representation largely brings the interaction matrix to diagonal form, with some residual singlet-octet mixing due, in part, to the 't Hooft interaction and to the difference of the up (or down) and the strange quark constituent mass values. We find that, if we neglect the coupling to the two-meson continuum and use the same interaction that was used in our study of the \ensuremath{\eta} mesons, the ${f}_{0}(980)$ has a mass of 981 MeV and is the $q\overline{q}$ state of lowest energy. That result implies that the \ensuremath{\sigma}(500--600) is not a $q\overline{q}$ state, but is generated dynamically in \ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{\pi} scattering, as well have discussed in an earlier work. We suggest that the proper treatment of the 't Hooft interaction leads to a unified interpretation of the pseudoscalar and scalar meson characteristics.
An Analysis Capability for System of Systems Research

This paper proposes an analysis capability for systems of systems research in military settings. A new approach is needed due to the increasingly complex socio-technical nature of Command and Contr...
Movement Building and the United States Social Forum

Despite the growing academic literature on the World Social Forum process, few scholars have attempted to systematically analyze the social, cultural, and political impact of the forums. This has to do in part with the inherent difficulties of assessing movement consequences, which is particularly complicated for an activity geared toward creating ‘open spaces.’ This article presents an analytic framework for evaluating the impact of the social forums through an analysis of the 2010 United States Social Forum (USSF) in Detroit from the perspective of a local Boston-based delegation called the Boston Freedom Rides. We then use that framework to consider the impact of the 2010 USSF, bridging the academic literature on movement outcomes with activist perspectives. We make two related claims. First, the social forums, and the USSF in particular, should be viewed and their impact assessed in light of their generativity as ‘movement-building machines’: infrastructures designed for the production of social capit...
Natural Convection in a Vertical Enclosure With Internal Permeable Screen

This paper documents the thermal insulation effect of a screen installed inside a vertical rectangular enclosure (e.g., double-glazed window). The screen is a venetian blind system made out of horizontal strips that can be rotated. The focus is on the “closed” position, where the strips almost touch. The effect of this permeable screen on the temperature field, the flow field, and the overall heat transfer rate is determined numerically. The study shows that there exists a ceiling (critical) conductance for the air leakage through the screen, above which the screen does not cause a significant drop in the overall heat transfer rate. A numerical example shows how this critical conductance can be used to calculate the critical spacing that can be tolerated between two consecutive strips in the screen.
Age-dependent expression of proteins in the cladoceran Daphnia magna under normal and heat-stress conditions

Abstract 1. 1. Newly synthesized proteins and total protein synthesis were examined in eight different age-groups in the cladoceran Daphnia magna , under normal and heat-stressed conditions. 2. 2. Protein expression varied with the age of the animal as well as in response to heat-shock. 3. 3. Heat-shock does not induce the same heat-shock proteins (HSP) in all age groups. 4. 4. Some of the HSP are present constitutively and are upregulated in heat stress. 5. 5. If HSP confer protection to the organism, there may be unwanted variation in tolerance to environmental stressors in organisms used in bioassays.
Benthic Macroinvertebrates as Indicators of Environmental Degradation in the Southern Nearshore Zone of the Central Basin of Lake Erie

The benthic macroinvertebrates of the central basin of Lake Erie were sampled with a Ponar grab in the summers of 1978 and 1979 along a 155-km reach of the nearshore zone (≤ 12 km offshore) in Ohio, U.S.A., at depths of less than 20 m. The major groups and their most abundant species were, in order of overall abundance, Oligochaeta (Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri, L. cervix-L. claparedeianus group, L. maumeensis), Sphaeriidae (Pisidium casertanum, P. henslowanum, Sphaerium corneum, Musculium transversum), and Chironomidae (Procladius sp., Chironomus spp.). The average abundance of oligochaetes in the harbors was 21,000 individuals m−2 in 1978 and 12,700 m−2 in 1979, compared with 1,500 m−2 and 1,200 m−2, respectively, in the areas outside of harbors. Comparison of the macrobenthic assemblages with those in other regions of the Great Lakes, using several numerical indices as well as indicator species distributions, indicated that the general area of the nearshore zone outside of harbors possesses a moderate degree of organic enrichment, with a gradient of decreasing pollution in an offshore direction. The harbors appeared to be severely degraded, as reflected by the high densities of oligochaetes and the almost complete absence of all but the most pollution-tolerant species. The documentation of species distributions will enable future assessments of changes in the nearshore benthic communities.
Environmental life-cycle assessment of transit buses with alternative fuel technology

Abstract The paper presents a life-cycle assessment of costs and greenhouse gas emissions for transit buses deploying a hybrid input–output model to compare ultra-low sulfur diesel to hybrid diesel-electric, compressed natural gas, and hydrogen fuel-cell. We estimate the costs of emissions reductions from alternative fuel vehicles over the life cycle and examine the sensitivity of the results to changes in fuel prices, passenger demand, and to technological characteristics influencing performance and emissions. We find that the alternative fuel buses reduce operating costs and emissions, but increase life-cycle costs. The infrastructure requirement to deploy and operate alternative fuel buses is critical in the comparison of life-cycle emissions. Additionally, efficient bus choice is sensitive to passenger demand, but only moderately sensitive to technological characteristics, and that the relative efficiency of compressed natural gas buses is more sensitive to changes in fuel prices than that of the other bus types.
A Test of Independence Based on the Likelihood of Cut-Points

We define a test statistic C n based on the sum of the likelihood ratio statistics for testing independence in the 2 × 2 tables defined at n sample cut-points (X i , Y i ). The asymptotic distribution of C n , given the cut-points, is sum of dependent χ2 variables with one degree of freedom. We use the bootstrap to obtain the distribution of C n . We compare the performance of several tests of bivariate independence, including Pearson, Spearman, and Kendall correlations, Blum-Kiefer-Rosenblatt statistic, and C n under several copulas and given marginal distributions.
Effect of nickel substitution on defect chemistry, electrical properties, and dimensional stability of calcium-doped yttrium chromite

Abstract The effect of nickel substitution on defect chemistry, electrical properties, and dimensional stability of calcium-doped yttrium chromite was studied for use as an interconnect material in high temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The compositions of Y 0.8 Ca 0.2 Cr 1 − x Ni x O 3 ± δ (x = 0–0.15), prepared using the glycine nitrate process, showed single phase orthorhombic perovskite structures over a wide range of oxygen partial pressures (4.6 × 10 − 20 atm ≤ p O 2 ≤ 0.21 atm at 900 °C). X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated that most of the nickel ions replacing chromium ions are divalent and act as acceptor dopants, leading to a substantial increase in conductivity. In particular, the conductivity at 900 °C in air increased from 10 S/cm to 34 S/cm with 15% nickel substitution, and an increase in charge carrier density was confirmed by Seebeck measurements, which validated the predominant Ni 2+ oxidation state. A point defect model was derived, and the relationship between electrical conductivity and oxygen partial pressure was successfully fitted into the proposed model. The defect modeling results indicated that nickel substitution improves the stability of calcium-doped yttrium chromite toward reduction and suppresses the oxygen vacancy formation, which results in significantly increased electrical conductivity in reducing environment. The electrical conductivity of Y 0.8 Ca 0.2 Cr 0.85 Ni 0.15 O 3 ± δ at 900 °C in reducing atmosphere ( p O 2 = 10 − 17 atm) was 5.8 S/cm, which was more than an order of magnitude higher than that of Y 0.8 Ca 0.2 CrO 3 ± δ (0.2 S/cm). Improved stability in reducing atmosphere was further confirmed by dilatometry measurements showing reduced isothermal “chemical” expansion, and the isothermal expansion in reducing atmosphere ( pO 2 = 10 − 17 atm) at 900 °C decreased from 0.07% for Y 0.8 Ca 0.2 CrO 3 ± δ to 0.03% for Y 0.8 Ca 0.2 Cr 0.85 Ni 0.15 O 3 ± δ . Based on these results, enhanced electrical performance and mechanical integrity is expected with nickel substitution on calcium-doped yttrium chromite in SOFC operating conditions.
Ca2+ signaling in gerbil CA3 hippocampal neurons following transient in vivo ischemia

Abstract Using the gerbil model of post-ischemic neuron death in the hippocampal CA1 region, it was recently shown that there is a strong down-regulation of voltage-gated Ca 2+ influx in neurons examined at 2 days after the ischemic insult (Connor, J.A., Razani-Boroujerdi, S., Greenwood, A.C., Cormier, R.J., Petrozzino, J.J. and Lin, R.C., Reduced voltage-dependent Ca 2+ signaling in CA1 neurons after brief ischemia in gerbils, J. Neurophysiol., 81 (1999) 299–306). The aim of the present study was to determine whether a similar change occurs in pyramidal neurons of the CA3 region that are relatively resistant to transient ischemia. In vitro intracellular recordings and fluorometric Ca 2+ measurements were made from CA3 neurons in coronal slices prepared from controls and 1 or 2 days following in vivo ischemia. In slices from control and post-ischemic animals, the electrophysiological properties of CA3 neurons were consistent with significant voltage-gated Ca 2+ influx, leading to spike frequency adaptation. Quantitative results indicated no significant difference in Ca 2+ transients evoked by action potential trains. This Ca 2+ signaling was compared with responses in CA1 neurons from the same preparations, which showed substantially diminished Ca 2+ influx at 2 days post-ischemia. These findings suggest that diminished Ca 2+ -signaling is not a general feature of pyramidal neurons following ischemia, but is characteristic of neurons destined to die.
Cadmium-induced ultrastructural changes in suspension-cultured tobacco cells (Nicotiana tabacum L. var. Xanthi)

Abstract Suspension-cultured tobacco cells were exposed to 44.5, 89, and 178 μM Cd during a 5-day culture period and examined by transmission electron microscopy on days 1, 3, and 5. No structural changes in the mitochondria, cell membranes or in the cytoplasmic density were observed. Nuclei and chromatin appeared unchanged at Cd levels ⩽ 89 μM, but a small percentage of the nuclei became irregularly invaginated in cells exposed to 178 μM Cd. The most apparent changes induced by Cd in the tobacco cells were significant increases in cell volume and the formation of numerous small vesicles in the cytoplasm. The significance of these findings, in relationship to the physiological effects of Cd in the tobacco cells is discussed.
Vertical Education Enhancement – A Model for Enhancing STEM Education and Research

Abstract The Vertical Education Enhancement (VEE) model is developed to enhance Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and research to meet new challenges in a dynamic global environment. It integrates the vertical levels of career progression that is built on 1) a curriculum that adapts to the needs of present and emerging markets, 2) community outreach and collaborations/partnerships with industry and government sectors, and 3) research and grants. The model uses periodic assessment and continuous improvement process to ensure success. Recent results include 80% of graduates taking jobs in STEM fields, full accreditation of two engineering technology programs, and increased funding.
Interaction of 14-Mev neutrons with deuterons

By coincidence counting of recoil deuterons in a proportional counter telescope the angular distribution for $n\ensuremath{-}d$ scattering has been measured using monoergic neutrons of 14-Mev energy. The measurements covered the angular range corresponding to neutrons being scattered at angles between 180\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and 70\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} in the center of mass system, and by extrapolation an approximate curve was obtained over all angles. Upper limits can be placed on the probability of the $n\ensuremath{-}2n$ disintegration process for ejection of protons in the angular range from 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to 120\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} in the center of mass system.
Sorting of Chromogranin B into Immature Secretory Granules in Pheochromocytoma (PCI2) Cellsa

Two tyrosine sulfated proteins, chromogranin B and secretogranin II, are targeted into regulated secretory granules, which are stored until stimulation causes them to fuse with the plasma membrane. In PC12 cells, [35S]-sulfate labels chromogranin B, secretogranin II and proteoglycans just before they are sorted into the regulated and constitutive secretory pathways. Chromogranin B was secreted by both the regulated and constitutive secretory pathways. In contrast, very little secretogranin II was secreted constitutively. Formation of regulated and constitutive secretory vesicles from the trans Golgi network was reconstituted in vitro. Mechanically permeabilized PC12 cells released regulated and constitutive vesicles containing sulfated markers. At early chase times, chromogranin B was predominantly released from permeabilized cells in small vesicles that comigrated with constitutive secretory vesicles containing proteoglycans. At intermediate chase times the vesicles containing chromogranin B resembled immature secretory granules containing secretogranin II. At very long chase times chromogranin B and secretogranin II were found in mature secretory granules that did not escape the permeabilized cells in vitro. We conclude that chromogranin B is sorted into immature regulated secretory granules with lower efficiency than secretogranin II.
A constitutive model for creep of lead-free solders undergoing strain-enhanced microstructural coarsening: A first report

Lead-free solder joints in microelectronic applications frequently have microstructures comprising a dispersion of intermetallic particles in a Sn matrix. During thermomechanical cycling (TMC) of the solder joint, these particles undergo strain-enhanced coarsening, resulting in a continuously evolving, creep behavior. Because the extent of coarsening is dependent on the stress/strain state, which is dependent on the location within a joint, it is important that creep models used in joint-life prediction incorporate these effects. Here, an approach for incorporating the effect of in-situ second-phase particle coarsening in a dislocation-creep model applicable to lead-free solder alloys is proposed. The formulation, which can be expressed in a closed analytic form following some simplifications, incorporates the effects of both static- and strain-enhanced coarsening and accounts for the effects of inelastic-strain history and hydrostatic constraint. Predictions of coarsening based on the model agreed reasonably well with experimentally observed trends. Because of its simplicity, the microstructurally adaptive creep model proposed here can be easily incorporated in current finite-element codes for joint behavior simulation.
Dissociation Energies of Group VIa Gaseous Homonuclear Diatomic Molecules. II. Selenium

A simultaneous Knudsen‐torsion effusion experiment has been performed to establish equilibrium constants for the equilibrium S2(g)⇌2S(g). The gas was supplied from elemental sulfur vaporized from one‐half of an alumina double oven to the other half from which effusion took place. Thrid‐law values for the dissociation energy of S2(g) average to 101.7 ± 2.9 kcal/mole. As a test of the method, the dissociation energy of I2(g) was determined as 36.17 ± 0.77 kcal/mole in comparison with an accepted value of 35.538 kcal/mole.
High resolution inelastic proton scattering near A = 50

Abstract The yield of the deexcitation gamma ray following inelastic proton scattering to the first excited states of 46Ti, 48Ti, 50Cr, 54Fe, and 56Fe has been studied for proton energies between 2.5 and 3 MeV with energy resolution of approximately 1700 eV. For all targets except 54Fe, angular distributions of the gamma-ray yield have been measured as a means of assigning spins and parities to resonances observed in the excitation functions. A total of approximately 160 resonances have been observed and assigned in this way. This work has shown the first excited state of 50Cr to have spin 2. In addition, the spacings of 5 2 + levels in the compound nuclei 47V, 51Mn, and 57Co are consistent with the dependences on neutron excess and shell structure observed in neutron total cross section measurements. There are also indications in the data of a maximum in the D-wave proton strength function in the neighborhood of mass number 47.
Characteristics of families that complain following pediatric emergency visits.

Objective.—The voicing of unsolicited observations by patients and families is a form of participation in the health care system. We investigated whether visits by patients of different race/ethnicities were equally represented in unsolicited complaints filed with a medical center's Office of Patient Affairs (OPA) regarding pediatric emergency visits. Methods.—We conducted a population-based retrospective study, including pediatric emergency visits, at a large academic medical center between January 1999 and December 2002. We identified complaints to the OPA and conducted bivariate and multivariable analyses to determine whether patient race/ethnicity was associated with filing a complaint. Results.—Among 105 322 total visits, the overall complaint rate was 1.22/1000 visits. Visits by white children had a complaint rate of 1.78/1000 visits compared with 0.37/1000 visits by African American children (P Conclusions.—Emergency-department visits by African American children were less likely to be associated with a complaint than visits by white children. Programs that use complaints in service recovery, quality assurance, and risk management efforts may unintentionally exclude segments of the patient population served by the institution.
Children at Risk for Schizophrenia: Converging Lines of Evidence

This article summarizes major findings from the risk-for-schizophrenia literature. On the basis of a review of the results of 24 high-risk studies, common themes in the risk-for-schizophrenia literature are discussed. It is concluded that there are a number of cross-study findings documenting child and family attributes associated with increased risk for schizophrenia.
Real-time duplex ultrasound mapping of the greater saphenous vein before in situ infrainguinal revascularization.

Abstract From November 1983 through September 1985, 102 greater saphenous veins (GSVs) were assessed and mapped by means of real-time duplex ultrasonic scanning before in situ infrainguinal revascularization. Each GSV was also visually assessed at operation. Eighty-five GSVs were successfully used for infrainguinal revascularization; duplex scanning correctly identified 82 of these GSVs as being acceptable for use in in situ bypass. Seventeen GSVs were unacceptable for in situ bypass; duplex scanning correctly identified 11 of these as being unacceptable. Duplex scanning provides anatomic information about the GSV, including size, patency, course, varicosities, double segments, and tributaries. This information permits the surgeon to perform infrainguinal revascularization expeditiously. (J VASC SURG 1987;6:107-13.)
Analysis of soil extracts for inorganic and organic tracer anions via high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract A high-performance liquid chromatographic technique allowing simultaneous quantification of Br - , SCN - ,I - and four fluorinated benzoic acid derivatives in soil extracts is described. The procedure requires minimal sample pretreatment and allows accurate measurements of tracer concentrations in the presence of high background levels of Cl - , and naturally-occurring organic solutes, although high levels can cause interference. The technique has proven reliable for analyzing extracts from a variety of sources having wide variations in tracer concentrations.
Authority Control of Works: Cataloging's Chimera?

SUMMARY Explicit authority control of works is essentially non-existent. Our catalogs are built on a principle of controlling headings, and primarily headings for names of authors. Our syndetic structure creates a spider's web of networked relationships among forms of headings, but it ends there, despite the potential richness of depth among bibliographic entities. Effective authority control of works could yield richness in the catalog that would enhance retrieval capabilities. Works are considered to constitute the intellectual content of informative artifacts that may be collected and ordered for retrieval. In a 1992 study, the author examined a random sample of works drawn from the catalog of the Georgetown University Library. For each progenitor work, an instantiation network (also referred to as a bibliographic family) was constituted. A detailed analysis of the linkages that would be required for authority control of these networks is reviewed here. A new study is also presented, in which Library o...
Progress towards a high-precision frequency comb with mode-locked lasers, and sensor applications

There are numerous applications that require stabilization of mode-locked lasers. Mode-locked ring laser sensors have been demonstrated to have a sensitivity to rotation of the order of the rotation of the earth, and sensitivity to optical path changes of less than 0.01 Angstrom. These performances could be enhanced by several order of magnitude through stabilization. Stabilized and accurate femtosecond pulse trains have also applications in ultrafast communication, where there is a need to synchronize with subfemtosecond jitter independent sources. We have demonstrated stabilization on a short time scale of both the repetition rate and the average frequency of a mode-locked laser, using an ultra-low expansion quartz reference cavity. We will discuss techniques to extend the short term stabilization to long time scales, by locking the laser to atomic lines.
Methylation of yeast ribosomal protein S2 is elevated during stationary phase growth conditions.

Ribosomes, as the center of protein translation in the cell, require careful regulation via multiple pathways. While regulation of ribosomal synthesis and function has been widely studied on the transcriptional and translational “levels,” the biological roles of ribosomal post-translational modifications (PTMs) are largely not understood. Here, we explore this matter by using quantitative mass spectrometry to compare the prevalence of ribosomal methylation and acetylation for yeast in the log phase and the stationary phase of growth. We find that of the 27 modified peptides identified, two peptides experience statistically significant changes in abundance: a 1.9-fold decrease in methylation for k(Me)VSGFKDEVLETV of ribosomal protein S1B (RPS1B), and a 10-fold increase in dimethylation for r(DiMe)GGFGGR of ribosomal protein S2 (RPS2). While the biological role of RPS1B methylation has largely been unexplored, RPS2 methylation is a modification known to have a role in processing and export of ribosomal RNA. This suggests that yeast in the stationary phase increase methylation of RPS2 in order to regulate ribosomal synthesis. These results demonstrate the utility of mass spectrometry for quantifying dynamic changes in ribosomal PTMs.
Asking difficult questions about institutional repositories: Factors for success and new directions for development and research

This interactive point/counter point panel session on institutional repositories will present current research and practice related to the factors for success of IR's. Difficult questions about the feasibility of investing in the development of an institutional repository will generate long overdue conversations about the future directions for research and development of institutional repositories.
ENZYMATIC BASIS FOR HYDROLYTIC VERSUS PHOSPHOROLYTIC MRNA DEGRADATION IN ESCHERICHIA COLI AND BACILLUS SUBTILIS

The rapid synthesis and breakdown of mRNA in prokaryotes can impose a significant energy drain on these cells. Previous in vivo studies [Duffy, J. J., Chaney, S. G. & Boyer, P. D. (1972) J. Mol. Biol. 64, 565-579; Chaney, S. G. & Boyer, P. D. (1972) J. Mol. Biol. 64, 581-591] indicated that while RNA turnover in Escherichia coli was hydrolytic, it was nonhydrolytic in Bacillus subtilis. Here we provide an explanation for these observations based on enzymatic analysis of extracts of these two organisms. RNA degradation to the mononucleotide level in E. coli extracts is due solely to two active ribonucleases, RNase II and polynucleotide phosphorylase, which act hydrolytically and phosphorolytically, respectively. RNase II activity represents close to 90% of the total activity of the extract, as expected for predominantly hydrolytic degradation in this organism. In contrast, RNase II is absent from B. subtilis extracts, and the primary mode of RNA degradation is phosphorolytic, employing the Bacillus equivalent of polynucleotide phosphorylase and releases nucleoside diphosphates as products. A low level of a Mn2(+)-stimulated, hydrolytic ribonuclease is also detectable in B. subtilis extracts. Overall, E. coli and B. subtilis extracts differ by about 20- to 100-fold, depending on the substrate, in their relative use of hydrolytic and phosphorolytic routes of RNA degradation. The relation of the mode of mRNA degradation to the environment of the cell is discussed.
Endogenous neuropeptide Y prevents recurrence of experimental febrile seizures by increasing seizure threshold

Febrile seizures (FSs) typically occur at the onset of fever and do not recur within the same febrile episode despite enduring or increased hyperthermia. Recurrent seizures during the same febrile episode are considered "complex," with potentially altered prognosis. A characterized immature rat model of FS was used to test the hypotheses that (1) a first FS influences the threshold temperature for subsequent ones, and (2) the underlying mechanisms involve the release and actions of the endogenous inhibitory hippocampal neuropeptide Y (NPY). Experimental FSs were induced two or three times, at 3- to 4-h intervals, and threshold temperatures measured. To determine the potential effects of seizure-induced endogenous NPY on thresholds for subsequent seizures, an antagonist of the major hippocampal NPY receptor (type 2) was infused prior to induction of the second seizure. As an indicator of NPY release, NPY expression was determined 4 and 24 h later. Threshold core and brain temperatures for hyperthermic seizures were consistent with those observed during human fever. Threshold temperatures for a second and third seizure were significantly and progressively higher than those required for the first. This "protective" effect involved induction of endogenous NPY because it was abolished by the NPY antagonist. In addition, NPY mRNA expression was increased in dentate gyrus, CA3 and CA1, after an experimental FS, consistent with peptide release. Collectively these data indicate that the absence of repetitive seizures during a febrile episode involves the inhibitory actions of endogenous NPY, suggesting that the signaling cascade triggered by this peptide might provide targets for therapeutic intervention.
Multispectral lines of communication extraction

A new technique for the extraction of lines of communication (LOCs) from Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) data is presented. A multi-stage approach is taken. First, LOC segments are detected. Next, gaps between segments are filled by a segment connection routine. Finally, the connected segments are identified. In the segment detection stage a distinction is made between wide LOC and narrow LOC segments. Wide LOC segments are detected by a neural network based segmentation algorithm. Input to the network are spatial and spectral features computed about each pixel. Narrow LOC segments are detected by a cost minimization algorithm designed to work on the multispectral data. Segment connection is performed by connecting those LOC segments that have consistent alignment, position, and spectral signatures. The identification stage consists of a neural network with inputs of shape and spectral features about each connected LOC. While the system is still being refined, most critical pieces have been prototyped and tested. Initial results are encouraging.
Robust phase-measuring interferometer for airborne applications

The US Air Force Phillips Laboratory recently completed an extensive series of flight test experiments to determine the effects of optical turbulence in the 35,000 to 47,000 foot altitude regime. The test series, known as ABLE ACE or Airborne Laser Extended Atmospheric Characterization Experiments, yielded the most precise information on the effects of stratospheric turbulence on laser beam propagation than has ever been previously obtained. The data gathered by this technology program is essential for validating laser beam propagation models and simulation tools used for designing and building the Air Force's Airborne laser. The high vibration environment of an airborne platform poses a unique requirement for scientific instruments that are designed to yield estimates of image and wavefront quality. This paper describes the primary optical sensor used to gather that data. The instrument is a differential phase measuring interferometer that is also insensitive to local turbulence effects.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Tribenzo-18-crown-6 acetonitrile disolvate

Tribenzo-18-crown-6 binds two aceto­nitrile ligands, i.e. C24H24O6·2C2H3N, one to each face of the crown ring. The crown conformation is relatively low in energy, but does not appear optimized for cation binding. Few significant intermolecular interactions are observed.
A Practical Approach for Inexpensive Searches of Radiology Report Databases

Rationale and Objectives We present a method to perform full text searches of radiology reports for the large number of departments that do not have this ability as part of their radiology or hospital information system. Materials and Methods A tool written in Microsoft Access (front-end) has been designed to search a server (back-end) containing the indexed backup weekly copy of the full relational database extracted from a radiology information system (RIS). This front end-/back-end approach has been implemented in a large academic radiology department, and is used for teaching, research and administrative purposes. Results The weekly second backup of the 80 GB, 4 million record RIS database takes 2 hours. Further indexing of the exported radiology reports takes 6 hours. Individual searches of the indexed database typically take less than 1 minute on the indexed database and 30–60 minutes on the nonindexed database. Guidelines to properly address privacy and institutional review board issues are closely followed by all users. Conclusions This method has potential to improve teaching, research, and administrative programs within radiology departments that cannot afford more expensive technology.
Effects of talker, rate, and amplitude variation on recognition memory for spoken words.

This study investigated the encoding of the surface form of spoken words using a continuous recognition memory task. The purpose was to compare and contrast three sources of stimulus variability—talker, speaking rate, and overall amplitude—to determine the extent to which each source of variability is retained in episodic memory. In Experiment 1, listeners judged whether each word in a list of spoken words was “old” (had occurred previously in the list) or “new.” Listeners were more accurate at recognizing a word as old if it was repeated by the same talker and at the same speaking rate; however, there was no recognition advantage for words repeated at the same overall amplitude. In Experiment 2, listeners were first asked to judge whether each word was old or new, as before, and then they had to explicitly judge whether it was repeated by the same talker, at the same rate, or at the same amplitude. On the first task, listeners again showed an advantage in recognition memory for words repeated by the same talker and at same speaking rate, but no advantage occurred for the amplitude condition. However, in all three conditions, listeners were able to explicitly detect whether an old word was repeated by the same talker, at the same rate, or at the same amplitude. These data suggest that although information about all three properties of spoken words is encoded and retained in memory, each source of stimulus variation differs in the extent to which it affects episodic memory for spoken words.