cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of self-assembled supramolecular [Ga4L6] host-guest complexes by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Self-assembled supramolecular host-guest complexes have been characterized by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The spectra obtained by use of a Q-TOF instrument equipped with a Z-spray ion source show primarily the 3- and 4- charge states of the assemblies. The assemblies have the general formula [guest ⊂ Ga4L6]11− where L represents the chelating bidentate catechol ligand 1,5-bis(2′,3′-dihydroxy-benzamido)naphthalene and guests are tetramethyl ammonium (Me4N+), tetraethyl ammonium (Et4N+), tetra-n-propyl ammonium (Pr4N+) and decamethylcobaltocenium (Cp*2Co+) cations. For the first time, the mass spectrum of the empty assembly [Ga4L6]12− is reported. This article also reports that provided the electrospray ion source is capable of preserving noncovalent interactions, it is possible to observe host-guest complexes containing both weak binding guests as well as sterically demanding guests in the mass spectra. The present data suggest that electrospray mass spectrometry is a powerful tool for characterization of supramolecular host-guest complexes.
Natural frequencies of sliders and transducers used to detect slider-disk contacts

The natural frequencies of the various transducers and sliders were studied by finite element modeling and experimentation. Finite element analysis shows that the lowest ringing frequency of a 3370 slider is around 310 kHz. This value has been verified by the laser Doppler vibrometer and AE (acoustic emission) measurements. It is determined that the lowest natural frequency of a mini-Winchester slider is around 130 kHz. The 140-kHz frequencies reported in the literature using the two-rail sliders with piezoelectric transducers attached to the slider and the 160-kHz frequencies reported using AE transducers attached to the suspension mount are associated with the natural frequencies of these transducers and not of the sliders. >
Reflex control of acute postural asymmetry and compensatory symmetry after a unilateral vestibular lesion.

Abstract The roles of certain multisensory tonic postural reflexes in determining acute postural asymmetry and compensatory symmetry were studied in guinea-pigs after a unilateral vestibular neurectomy. The frequency of uncompensated eye nystagmus is modulated by neck proprioception, limb afferent blockade and orientation to gravity. The effect of orientation to gravity upon the frequency of nystagmus is seen for 3–4 days and the neck proprioceptive effect for 2–3 days after the unilateral neurectomy. Neck and trunk asymmetries induced by vestibular input are reversed in direction when the animal is turned upside down and is forced to press its feet against a surface. This reaction is called a Head Deviation Reversal. Restraint of the position of the head during compensation does not alter the compensation of the frequency of eye nystagmus but the rate of compensation of lateral head deviation is altered depending on the position of head restraint. Compensatory symmetry is disrupted by limb blockades and by lesions to the spinal lateral and dorso- and ventrolateral funiculi but not to the dorsal columns. Lesions just above C-1 produce severe body asymmetries in ‘compensated’ animals that last for several days, and the direction of body and eye asymmetries depends on the side of the C-1 lesion. In contrast, lumbar lesions produce milder asymmetries that last for a few hours and that are in the original uncompensated direction regardless of the side of the spinal lesion. It is concluded that the integrative operations that occur during vestibular eye nystagmus and lateral head deviation are under significant reflexive tonic influences from the spinal cord and the otolithic end organs. Spinal influences are, however, a very minor factor in the plasticity mechanisms that underlie eye nystagmus compensation. In contrast the compensation mechanisms for lateral head deviation appear to involve influences from the lower and upper spinal cord. The achievement of compensatory eye and body postural symmetries apparently involves an alteration of the functional relationships between the spinal circuits and the suprasegmental postural circuitry. This compensatory relationship is more pronounced for upper cervical than for lower spinal influences, and does not involve the dorsal column system.
Steady-State Thickness of Liquid–Gas Foams

This paper presents an approach for predicting the thickness of isothermal foams produced by blowing gas in a liquid solution under steady-state conditions. The governing equation for the transient foam thickness has been non-dimensionalized, and two dimensionless numbers have been identified to describe the formation and stability of this type of foam: \Pi_1 = {Re}/{Fr} and \Pi_2 = Ca H_{\infty}/r_0. Physical interpretation of the dimensionless numbers has been proposed, a power-law type relation has been assumed between \Pi_1 and \Pi_2 (i.e., \Pi_2=K \Pi^n_1). Experimental data available in the literature have been used to determine the empirical parameters of the correlation K and n. The experimental conditions cover a wide range of viscosity, density, surface tension, gas superficial velocity, and average bubble radius. The model is valid for foams formed from high viscosity liquids bubbled with nitrogen, air, helium, hydrogen, and argon injected through single, multi-orifice nozzles or porous medium. Comparison between the correlation developed and the experimental data yields reasonable agreements (within 35% error), given the broadness of the bubble radius distribution around the mean value, the uncertainty of the experimental data and of the thermophysical properties. Predictions have been found to be very sensitive to the average bubble radius. A more refined model is still needed which should be supported by a careful experimental studies. Finally, suggestions are given to extend the present work to foams generated from low viscosity solutions.
Cycloaddition reactions of unsaturated hydrocarbons on the Si(100)-(2×1) surface: theoretical predictions

Abstract First-principles electronic structure calculations have been used to study the structure, energetics and vibrational spectra of the chemisorption products of several unsaturated hydrocarbons on the Si(100)-(2×1) surface. The calculations use a hybrid non-local density functional theory and a cluster model of the surface. Ethylene and acetylene react by a [2s+2s] cycloaddition mechanism. Conjugated dienes (1,3-cyclohexadiene, 1,3-butadiene, 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene) and benzene can also react by a novel [4s+2s] cycloaddition, or Diels–Alder mechanism. For each diene, the Diels–Alder product is energetically favored over the more strained [2s+2s] product. The reaction mechanism for Diels–Alder addition, other competing reactions, and the effects of post-hydrogenation are all discussed. Comparisons to experimental observations are made throughout.
Thermal Expansion and Stability Limits of Generalized van der Waals Fluids

Generalized van der Waals equations of state can exhibit density anomalies, as characterized by a negative thermal expansion coefficient in some region of the phase diagram, when either the hard core volume, b, or the mean field attractive parameter, a, are made temperature-dependent. If b decreases as the temperature increases, negative thermal expansion occurs at all temperatures. At a given temperature, the liquid becomes anomalous when the pressure is increased; hence the P-T projection of the locus of density maxima has positive slope. The locus of density maxima extends to zero temperature when b is finite at T = 0, and it terminates at a minimum temperature if b diverges at T = 0. If, on the other hand, a increases with temperature while the core volume remains constant, generalized van der Waals fluids exhibit density anomalies that disappear at high pressure. Hence, in this case the locus of density maxima has a negative slope in the P-T plane. The liquid spinodal is re-entrant both when a increases as the temperature increases and when b increases as the temperature decreases, becoming infinite at T = 0. 38 refs., 20 figs., 1 tab.
GeSeTe—A New Infrared-Transmitting Chalcogenide Glass*

This paper presents the results of measurements of the properties of GeSeTe, a new chalcogenide glass. When purified, the glass exhibits good transmission in the infrared between 2 and 18 μ. Electrically the glass behaves as a semiconductor with an energy band gap of 1.72 eV. Several other properties of GeSeTe and closely associated glass are discussed.
Update on tracheobronchial anatomy and flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy in thoracic anesthesia.

Purpose of reviewThis review is focused on tracheobronchial anatomy and the use of flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy in thoracic anesthesia.Recent findingsA complete knowledge of tracheobronchial anatomy is a key factor in determining proper position of lung isolation devices, namely double-lumen end
Regulation of mouse preimplantation development: Inhibition of synthesis of proteins in the two-cell embryo that require transcription by inhibitors of cAMP-dependent protein kinase

Perturbing the changes in protein phosphorylation accompanying the first cleavage can inhibit the appearance of a set of proteins whose synthesis is inhibited by alpha-amanitin (transcription-requiring proteins, TRPs) (W. T. Poueymirou and R. M. Schultz, 1987, Dev. Biol. 121, 489-498); synthesis of the TRPs is likely to represent activation of transcription of the embryonic genome that occurs at the 2-cell stage during mouse development. In the present study, we report the effects of three different inhibitors of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase, N-[2-(methylamino)ethyl]-5-isoquinoline-sulfonamide (H8), (Rp)-cAMPs, and protein kinase inhibitor (PKI), each of which inhibits the kinase by a different mechanism, on cleavage of 2-cell embryos and synthesis of the TRPs. Two-cell embryos possess PK-A activity, which is inhibited by each of these inhibitors. Both H8 and (Rp)-cAMPs inhibit cleavage of 2-cell embryos in a concentration-dependent manner; similar concentrations of H7, which is a less potent inhibitor of PK-A, do not inhibit cleavage. H8 and (Rp)-cAMPS inhibit in a concentration-dependent manner TRP synthesis, whereas higher concentrations of H7 are required to inhibit TRP synthesis. Microinjected PKI also inhibits synthesis of the TRPs. In addition, H8 inhibits the accumulation of translatable messenger RNAs that are likely to encode for the TRPs. Last, H8, but not H7, inhibits the phosphorylation of a phosphoprotein in 2-cell embryos. Results of these studies suggest a role for protein phosphorylation catalyzed by cAMP-dependent protein kinase in regulating transcription in the early mouse embryo.
Kinetics of Thermocompression Bonding to Organic Contaminated Gold Surfaces

The kinetics of thermocompression gold ball bonding were studied for gold metallization contaminated with organic films. The contaminants studied were residual photoresist and atmospheric contamination. For gold metallization contaminated with organic films, thermo-compression gold bonding is a two-stage process. The first stage occurs within a fraction of a second and results from the mechanical disruption of barrier films by shear displacements at the faying surface. Bonding during this initial stage is a strong function of the interface temperature, the bonding force, and the contaminant films. The second stage involves growth of the metal-metal interfaces by a sintering phenomenon. Growth of bonds by sintering also occurs in the absence of external loads though at a decreased rate. Analysis of the rate data leads to the conclusion that the growth mechanism follows a parabolic rate law and, in the absence of external loads, exhibits an activation energy of approximately 11 kcal/mole. Under high external loads, the rate of second-stage growth exhibited little temperature dependence, indicative of a stress-assisted process. Bond growth rates for the atmospherically contaminated metallization were an order of magnitude higher than that for the photoresist contaminated samples.
Rapid Recovery Programs in Arthroplasty The Money Side

The implementation of rapid recovery programs is the result of continuing efforts to achieve a shorter convalescing and faster "return-to-life" leading to higher quality and increased cost-effectiveness. The current traditional payment system stifles efficiency and the implementation of these programs. These payment systems incentivize "slowness" and longer lengths-of-stay. The reduction in LOS seen in the last 10years has been partly responsible for the reimbursement reduction surgeons have seen in the last decade. New payment systems are being developed; if properly implemented, they have the ability to even the playing field for the surgeons. The devil however is in the details; these innovative models also have the potential to give the surgeons more responsibility and headaches with a very small increase in compensation.
The science capability of the Low Temperature Microgravity Physics Facility

The Low Temperature Microgravity Physics Facility (LTMPF) is a multiple user and multiple-flight NASA facility that will provide a low temperature environment for about 4. 5 months on board the International Space Station (ISS).
Full wavelet transform (FWT) approach to image compression

In this research, we present a new approach for still image data compression. The first step is to decompose an image into small blocks of the same size via full wavelet transform (FWT), where each block corresponds to a particular frequency band whereas each transform coefficient in these blocks corresponds to a local spatial region in the original image. The space-frequency energy compaction property of the FWT is demonstrated. That is, most energy is concentrated in either low frequency blocks or transform coefficients associated with spatial regions with strong variations such as edges or textures. Image compression can be achieved by effectively using this energy compaction property. The second step is bit allocation and quantization. The block consisting of the lowest frequency components is quantized with 6 bits with the Gaussian density assumption. For coefficients in the remaining blocks, we propose a bit assignment scheme based on the block and position energy of the FWT coefficients. They are then quantized with either the Laplacian or the Gaussian density depending on the number of quantization levels. The relationship between the proposed method and other popular image compression methods such as DCT, PWT (pyramidal wavelet transform), and SBC (subband coding) is also discussed.
"Sneaking You as Writes but One": A Note on Forgery and Identity in Great Expectations

(2008). 'Sneaking You as Writes but One': A Note on Forgery and Identity in Great Expectations. The Explicator: Vol. 66, No. 3, pp. 158-160.
Benzoylation of Ergosterol through Nucleophilic Acyl Substitution and Subsequent Formation of Ergosterol Benzoate Endoperoxide by Reaction with Singlet Oxygen Generated by Photosensitization.

Reactive oxygen species such as singlet oxygen have been a major focus of research in medicine. The effect of singlet oxygen on sterols within biological membranes is becoming increasingly more important. Ergosterol, a vitamin D precursor, is one such sterol. The benzoylation of ergosterol and subsequent reaction with singlet oxygen to form an endoperoxide provide two important reactions for the undergraduate laboratory. The benzoylation of ergosterol coordinates well with carboxylic acid chemistry generally covered in introductory organic chemistry. The photooxidation of ergosterol benzoate provides a unique dienophile for a [4 + 2] cycloaddition reaction. Singlet oxygen, generated by photosensitization, adds to the diene of the B ring of the sterol. Two explanations for the photosensitization are provided. The first explanation is for introductory organic chemistry students. The second explanation is for upper-level students and delves into electronic states and energy transfer. An optional microscale p...
Striations on polystyrene fracture surfaces formed at elevated temperature

At low crack velocities fracture in polystyrene occurs by the propagation of a “slot” through the craze layer by a process approximating viscous flow; at higher velocities and higher temperatures there is a tendency for the craze to separate by a process similar to viscous rupture. The two mechanisms may oscillate and the fracture surface then shows clearly defined striations.
Neutrino angular momentum losses in stellar collapse

WE know from observation that even the most rapidly rotating neutron stars—those of the Crab and Vela—are slow rotators, in the sense that their angular momentum is of negligible structural importance. In fact, at least for these pulsars, estimates based on their current slowdown rates indicate their rotation frequencies at birth were probably only a few times higher than the present ones1, even though the main sequence progenitors probably had much more angular momentum per unit mass. The purpose of the present note is to examine the degree to which one can attribute such a decrease in the angular momentum per unit mass to neutrino radiation emitted during the formation of the neutron star from the collapse of a sufficiently massive stellar core.
The displacement of calcium from osteocalcin at submicromolar concentrations of free lead

Abstract Lead, an environmental toxin, is known to impair some of the functional properties of osteocalcin, a small protein (MW, 5700) active in bone mineralization and resorption. To investigate a possible mechanism of lead toxicity at the molecular level, we have studied the interaction of lead with osteocalcin using 43 Ca and 1 H NMR. The measured 43 Ca NMR linewidth as well as longitudinal relaxation rate (1/T 1 ) of 43 CaCl 2 progressively increased with increasing amounts of added osteocalcin. A titration measuring 43 Ca linewidth as a function of [Ca 2+ ]/[Osteocalcin] ratio could be fitted to a single metal binding site with a dissociation constant of u μM. The 43 Ca 1/T 1 of Ca-osteocalcin decreased in the presence of Pb 2+ due to competitive displacement of Ca 2+ by Pb 2+ . The magnitude of decrease in the effect of osteocalcin on 43 Ca 1/T 1 in the presence of Pb 2+ was consistent with the existence of only one tight divalent cation binding site. An analysis of the NMR T 1 , data in osteocalcin solutions containing both Pb 2+ and Ca 2+ yielded a Pb-osteocalcin dissociation constant of about 2 nM. The 1 H NMR spectra showed Pb-induced changes in the same aliphatic and aromatic resonances of osteocalcin that are also affected by Ca 2+ -binding, supporting interaction of Pb 2+ at the Ca 2+ site. However, the existence of significant differences between the Pb-osteocalcin and Ca-osteocalcin NMR spectra indicates some differences in the structures of the two complexes. Since Pb 2+ inhibits the binding of osteocalcin to hydraxyapatite, the high affinity of Pb 2+ for osteocalcin would indicate significant inactivation of osteocalcin even at submicromolar free lead levels. Pb 2+ -induced inactivation of osteocalcin could affect bone mineral dynamics and may be related to the observed inverse correlation between blood Pb 2+ -levels and stature and chest circumference observed in growing children.
Evaluating the effects of local floodplain management policies on property owner behavior

Floodplain management programs have been adopted by more than 85% of local governments in the nation with designated flood hazard areas. Yet, there has been little evaluation of the influence of floodplain policies on private sector decisions. This article examines the degree to which riverine floodplain management affects purchase and mitigation decisions made by owners of developed floodplain property in ten selected cities in the United States. We find that the stringency of such policies does not lessen floodplain property buying because of the overriding importance of site amenity factors. Indeed, flood protection measures incorporated into development projects appear to add to the attractiveness of floodplain location by increasing the perceived safety from the hazard. Property owner responses to the flood hazard after occupancy involve political action more often than individual on-site mitigation. Floodplain programs only minimally encourage on-site mitigation by the owner because most owners have not experienced a flood and many are unaware of the flood threat. It is suggested that floodplain programs will be more effective in meeting their objectives if they are directed at intervention points earlier in the land conversion process.
Designing clinical trials to test disease-modifying agents: application to the treatment trials of Alzheimer’s disease:

Background—Therapeutic trials of disease-modifying agents on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) require novel designs and analyses involving switch of treatments for at least a portion of subjects enrolled. Randomized start and randomized withdrawal designs are two examples of such designs. Crucial design parameters such as sample size and the time of treatment switch are important to understand in designing such clinical trials. Purpose—The purpose of this article is to provide methods to determine sample sizes and time of treatment switch as well as optimum statistical tests of treatment efficacy for clinical trials of disease-modifying agents on AD. Methods—A general linear mixed effects model is proposed to test the disease-modifying efficacy of novel therapeutic agents on AD. This model links the longitudinal growth from both the placebo arm and the treatment arm at the time of treatment switch for these in the delayed treatment arm or early withdrawal arm and incorporates the potential correlation on the rate of cognitive change before and after the treatment switch. Sample sizes and the optimum time for treatment switch of such trials as well as optimum test statistic for the treatment efficacy are determined according to the model. Results—Assuming an evenly spaced longitudinal design over a fixed duration, the optimum treatment switching time in a randomized start or a randomized withdrawal trial is half way through the trial. With the optimum test statistic for the treatment efficacy and over a wide spectrum of model parameters, the optimum sample size allocations are fairly close to the simplest design with a sample size ratio of 1:1:1 among the treatment arm, the delayed treatment or early withdrawal arm, and the placebo arm. The application of the proposed methodology to AD provides evidence that much larger sample sizes are required to adequately power diseasemodifying trials when compared with those for symptomatic agents, even when the treatment switch time and efficacy test are optimally chosen. Limitations—The proposed method assumes that the only and immediate effect of treatment switch is on the rate of cognitive change. Conclusions—Crucial design parameters for the clinical trials of disease-modifying agents on AD can be optimally chosen. Government and industry officials as well as academia researchers should consider the optimum use of the clinical trials design for disease-modifying agents on AD
Electron microscopic studies of SBS block copolymers I. A method to study the temperature dependence of phase separation

The potential applicability of a “Film Formation Method of Crystal Growth” to the study of morphological aspects of amorphous polymers was investigated using transmission electron microscopic techniques. A wide variety of morphologies of styrene-butadiene-styrene triblock copolymer can be achieved by varying the solvent power and film preparation temperatures. The effect of film preparation temperature indicates that below 100 °C (the glass transition temperature of polystyrene), there is very little change in the size of domains; above 100 °C a drastic change in morphology is observed. Not only is there rapid coarsening of both the constituent phases of the polymer above 100 °C, but also an intermixing of both phase components of the block copolymer. It was demonstrated that some monomeric materials are effective in maintaining the original morphology of the film; i. e. phase mixing is prevented.
Defining the Contribution of CNTNAP2 to Autism Susceptibility

Multiple lines of genetic evidence suggest a role for CNTNAP2 in autism. To assess its population impact we studied 2148 common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) across the entire ~3.3 Mb CNTNAP2 locus in 186 (408 trios) multiplex and 323 simplex families with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). This analysis yielded two SNPs with nominal statistical significance (rs17170073, p = 2.0 x 10-4; rs2215798, p = 1.6 x 10-4) that did not survive multiple testing. In a combined analysis of all families, two highly correlated (r2 = 0.99) SNPs in intron 14 showed significant association with autism (rs2710093, p = 9.0 x 10-6; rs2253031, p = 2.5 x 10-5). To validate these findings and associations at SNPs from previous autism studies (rs7794745, rs2710102 and rs17236239) we genotyped 2051 additional families (572 multiplex and 1479 simplex). None of these variants were significantly associated with ASD after corrections for multiple testing. The analysis of Mendelian errors within each family did not indicate any segregating deletions. Nevertheless, a study of CNTNAP2 gene expression in brains of autistic patients and of normal controls, demonstrated altered expression in a subset of patients (p = 1.9 x10-5). Consequently, this study suggests that although CNTNAP2 dysregulation plays a role in some cases, its population contribution to autism susceptibility is limited.
Cultural Specificity in Patterns of Mental Illness and Health: A Slovak-American Case Study

Mental illness and mental health are conceptualized as dynamic opposites o/a single, underlying psycho-cultural process. An illustrative case history of a Slovak-American family with a schizophrenic member is presented.
ASSESSMENT OF BEGINNING READING: A FRAMEWORK FOR CODING ERROR PATTERNS IN ORAL READING PERFORMANCE

This project investigated error patterns in young children's oral reading behaviors for the purpose of constructing a rationale and set of preliminary procedures to code major dimensions in skill acquisition. Audiotaped reading samples, taken from the case study files of 21 children, constituted the raw data. Three performance indicators were analyzed: control of the reading process; selective use of knowledge resources in response to features of text; and strategies in reading as an expression of stylistic preferences. This work is an outgrowth of observational studies of beginning readers, and is intended to contribute to the development of performance-sample techniques for classroom assessment of reading.
Carcinogen-DNA adducts in human breast epithelial cells.

Diet and environmental exposures are often regarded as significant etiologic factors in human breast cancer. Chemicals that may be involved in these exposures include heterocyclic amines, aromatic amines, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which also serve as strong mammary carcinogens in different animal models. In this study, we chose to quantify the major DNA adducts derived from one member of each of these classes of carcinogens, that is, 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP), 4-aminobiphenyl (ABP), and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), respectively, in DNA isolated from exfoliated ductal epithelial cells in human breast milk. Milk was collected from healthy, nonsmoking mothers. The isolated DNA was digested to 3′ nucleotides and subjected to 32P-postlabeling. Adduct enrichment was achieved using Oasis Sep-Paks and the analyses were conducted by HPLC using radiometric detection. Critical to the analyses were the syntheses of bis(phosphate) standards for the C8-dG adducts of PhIP and ABP, and the N2-dG adduct of B[a]P, which were added to each reaction as UV markers. Of the 64 samples analyzed, adducts were found in 31 samples. Thirty samples contained detectable levels of PhIP adducts, with a mean value of 4.7 adducts/107 nucleotides; 18 were positive for ABP adducts with a mean value of 4.7 adducts/107 nucleotides; and 13 were found to contain B[a]P adducts with a mean level of 1.9 adducts/107 nucleotides. These data indicate that women are exposed to several classes of dietary and environmental carcinogens and that these carcinogens react with DNA in breast ductal epithelial cells, the cells from which most breast cancers arise. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 39:184–192, 2002. Published 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Use of narrow-bore high-performance liquid chromatography for microanalysis of protein structure

Abstract We report here systematic approaches to microanalysis of protein structures using narrow-bore high-performance liquid chromatography of protein, peptide and derivatized [phenylthiocarbamyl (PTC-) and phenylthiohydantoinyl (PTH-)] amino acids. The utilization of columns with small diameters (2 mm or less) has improved resolution and sensitivity and enabled protein structure analysis at the low pmol level. Preparative isolation of proteins and peptides of pmol quantity is achieved and separation and identification of PTC- and PTH-amino acids can be routinized at the low pmol to subpmol level. The use of diode-array detection enables simultaneous multiple-wavelength monitoring and spectral retreat, which greatly enhances flexibility and usefulness of the present methods. In combination with protein microsequencing techniques, these narrow-bore high-performance liquid chromatographic procedures can facilitate structural analysis of minutely available proteins of biochemical and physiological significance.
Theoretical study of BeO: structural and electronic properties

Abstract The pseudopotential method is used to examine the static structural and electronic properties of BeO. At zero pressure, the wurtzite phase is found to be more stable in energy than the zincblende. At high pressure, we predict a phase transformation into an insulating rocksalt structure. The calculated charge density for the valence electrons is in good agreement with experiment.
Comments on a multiplier condition for problems with state variable inequality constraints

This correspondence points out that a widely quoted necessary condition on the Lagrange multiplier associated with a first-order state variable inequality constraint is not equivalent to Gamkrelidze's multiplier condition. An example is given of a problem for which the latter stronger condition is required to determine optimal trajectories.
Depositional Environments of Entrada Formation (Jurassic), Northeastern Utah: ABSTRACT

In northeastern Utah the Entrada Formation contains 2 lithologic units; a lower pale yellowish-orange, fine- to medium-grained sandstone; and an upper moderate reddish-orange, very fine-grained silty sandstone. The upper unit is present only locally and where present interfingers with the lower unit. The rocks of the lower unit were deposited in 2 environments, beach and dune. The upper unit is a shallow-water marine deposit. The beach sequence is usually the thickest part of the lower unit. These deposits are characterized by horizontal stratification, disturbed bedding, and small- to medium-scale wedge- and tabular-planar cross-stratification mostly of low angle. In the backshore zone channels containing medium-scale trough cross-stratification parallel the shoreline. Ripple marks and burrowed structures are uncommon in the lower unit. The dune sequence is characterized by medium- to large-scale wedge-planar cross-stratification of high angle. The cross-strata are tangential to the lower bounding surface. Trough cross-stratification is present, but not common. Most cross-stratification is faint and indistinct on weathered surfaces, suggesting that water probably reworked the sand after deposition. The upper silty sandstone unit is "structureless," except for sparse horizontal stratification. Dominant paleocurrent directions, based on 275 measurements, are west and southwest. Nine of 11 locations show a unimodal distribution, and 79% of these measurements are between 151 and 300°. The other 2 locations show bimodal distributions; southeast-northwest and southeast-northeast. End_of_Article - Last_Page 960------------
Mineral catalysis of the formation of dimers of 5′-AMP in aqueous solution: The possible role of montmorillonite clays in the prebiotic synthesis of RNA

The reaction of the 5′-AMP with water soluble carbodiimide (EDAC) in the presence of Na+-montmorillonite 22A results in the formation of 2′,5′-(pA)2 (18.9%), 3′,5′-(pA)2 (11%), and AppA (4.8%). When poly(U) is used in place of the clay the product yields are 2′,5′-(pA)2 (15.5%), 3′,5′-(pA)2 (3.7%) and AppA (14.9%). The 3′,5′-cyclic dinucleotide, 3′,5′-c(pA)2, is also formed when poly(U) is used. AppA is the principal reaction product when neither clay nor poly(U) is present in the reaction mixture. Products which contain the phophodiester bond are formed at different ionic strengths, pH and temperatures using Na+-montmorillonite. Phosphodiester bond formation was not observed when Cu2+-montmorillonite was used or when DISN was used in the place of EDAC. The extent catalysis of phophodiester bond formation varied with the particular clay mineral used. Those Na+-clays which bind 5′-AMP more strongly are better catalysts. Cu2+-montmorillonite, which binds 5′-AMP strongly, exhibits no catalytic activity.
Trends in anthropogenic mercury emissions in China from 1995 to 2003.

We have developed multiple-year inventories of anthropogenic mercury emissions in China for 1995 through 2003. We estimate that total Hg emissions from all anthropogenic sources increased at an average annual rate of 2.9% during the period 1995−2003, reaching 696 (±307) t in 2003, with a speciation split of 395 t of Hg0, 230 t of Hg2+, and 70 t of Hgp. Nonferrous metals smelting and coal combustion continue to be the two leading mercury sources in China, as nonferrous metals production and coal consumption keep increasing. Nonferrous metals smelting and coal combustion together contributed ∼80% of total Hg emissions during the past decade. Hg emissions from coal combustion increased from 202 t in 1995 to 257 t in 2003 at an average annual rate of 3.0%. Among all of the coal consumption sectors, the power sector is the leading one in Hg emissions growth, up by 5.9% annually. Hg emissions from nonferrous metals smelting increased from 230 t in 1995 to 321 t in 2003 at an average annual rate of 4.2%. Althoug...
The stress analysis of multi-layered composites with a flaw

Stress analysis of multilayered composite structures with flaws, emphasizing application to fracture studies
Shrinking a wet deposition network

Abstract Suppose that we must delete stations from a monitoring network. Which stations should be deleted if we wish the remaining network to have the smallest possible trend estimate variances? We use the spatial-temporal model described in Oehlert (1993, J. Am. Statist. Assoc., 88, 390–399), to model concentration of sulfate in wet deposition. Based on this model and three criteria, we choose good sets of candidate stations for deletion from the NADP/NTN network. We use the criteria: that the sum of 11 regional trend estimate variances be as small as possible, that the sum of local trend estimation variance be as small as possible, and that the sum of local mean estimation variance be as small as possible. Good choices of stations for deletion result in a modest increase in criteria (about 7 to 34%) for 100 stations deleted from the network, while random sets of 100 stations can increase criteria by a factor of two or more.
Response of Ammonia Metabolism to Acute Acidosis: Insights From Cultured Renal Epithelium

LLC-PK 1 kidney epithelial cell lines cultured under the condition of continuous rocking exhibit both acute and adaptive changes in glutamine-dependent ammonia metabolism in response to acid-base manipulations in the media pH. Pulse-chase studies with 14C-glutamine as well as studies with various metabolic inhibitors of the ammoniagenic pathways suggest that glutamine in LLC-PK 1 cells is metabolized via mitochondrial pathway and that intramitochondrial phosphate-dependent glutaminase pathway plays a predominant role in the regulation of ammoniagenesis to acute acidosis. Furthermore, the measurements of intracellular pH under both basaland acute low pH conditions resulted in the estimation of intracellular pH, which paralleled the alterations in media pH. Therefore, a change in intracellular pH appears to act as a direct signal for alterations in ammonia metabolism in LLC-PK 1 cells. Thus, LLC-PK 1 cultures provide an excellent model system to investigate renal ammoniagenesis and the intracellular signals that modulate this process.
Compensation of respiratory motion in cardiac SPECT with list-mode acquisition and an external respiration-tracking device

Abstract Background Respiratory motion is one of the leading causes for artifacts in cardiac SPECT. We present a compensation method based on the knowledge of the respiratory state of the patient during list-mode acquisition. Methods: This method is based on the acquisition of list-mode SPECT data in synchronization with a respiratory signal acquired using pneumatic bellows. To test the correction methodology an anthropomorphic phantom of the human torso was manually moved to simulate respiratory motion during both emission and transmission acquisitions. The list-mode emission data were sorted into 1 of 8 possible respiratory states based on pneumatic bellows and rebinned so that one set of projections was obtained for each respiratory state. Then, at each projection angle, the 8 projections were summed after they were shifted so that the center-of-mass along the body axial direction was kept constant. Transverse slices were obtained using OS-EM with attenuation compensation. A clinical trial of this method has commenced. Results: With a 3-cm motion in the axial direction, the left ventricle is ovoid, with a significantly decreased apparent activity in the anterior and inferior walls. A 1.5-cm motion results in similar, but subtler, artifacts. Conclusion The method has been shown to significantly improve image quality in phantom acquisitions. We plan to develop a method for motion compensation applicable to list-mode transmission data and incorporate EKG gating in addition to respiratory motion compensation. Download : Download full-size image
Relationship between pediatric primary provider visits and acute asthma ED visits.

Objective The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between primary care provider visits and emergency department (ED) asthma visits for urban, minority children. Design This is a retrospective review of eligibility files and Medicaid claims for children with asthma from 1999 to 2001. Participants Children 24 months through 17 years of age with Medicaid or state health insurance, who resided in Hartford, Connecticut, and had persistent asthma, were included. Outcome Measures The primary outcome was the number of ICD-9 asthma-related primary care visits in the 12-month period before asthma ED visits. Secondary outcomes included the number of filled prescriptions for controller medications 3 and 12 months before emergency asthma visits. Results One thousand four hundred seventy-four children met study criteria. Children with a greater number of asthma-related primary care visits during the previous 12 months were less likely to have asthma-related ED visits in 2000 and 2001 (both years P < 0.001). Children with an asthma-related ED visit had fewer primary care visits (for any reason) in 2000 but not in 2001 (P < 0.01). In 2000, the odds that children with 3 or more asthma-related primary care visits and a filled inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) had an asthma ED visit were 1/5 those of children with fewer asthma-related PCP visits or no filled ICS (OR = 0.20, 95% CI (0.06, 0.65)). Fewer than 17% of all children with asthma-related ED visits filled any prescription for controller medications in the 3 months before these visits. Conclusion Asthma-related primary care visits are associated with fewer asthma-related ED visits in urban children. 2007;42:1041–1047. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Ionospheric reflection coefficients at vlf from sferics measurements

A method for calculating the complex ionospheric reflection coefficients at vlf using sferic waveforms is presented. The mathematical analysis was carried out for a number of different waveforms to illustrate the method. Reflection coefficients determined from sferics observations were compared with those calculated using an ionospheric model. In most cases, the agreement with theory is fairly good although in some cases, reflection coefficients exceeding unity were obtained. The discrepancies are believed to result from horizontally polarized flashes rather than limitations in the ionospheric model.
A novel FTIR method for studying mixed gas adsorption at low concentrations: H2O and CO2 on NaX zeolite and γ-alumina

Abstract The modeling and measurement of mixed gas adsorption at low concentrations (ppm level) is an important part of the design of an adsorptive purification process, but has received little attention so far. This work introduces a new technique for the measurement of the equilibrium adsorbed amounts of a multicomponent mixture of gases/vapors on an adsorbent pellet based on Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The technique consists of first calibrating the infrared absorption peak areas with known adsorbed amounts of the different components in the adsorbate mixture using single gases/vapors. By measuring the IR peak areas of the adsorbates on the sorbent in contact with the gas mixture, the actual amounts of the sorbate can be determined. The method is fairly simple, quick, and accurate even at low concentrations provided the adsorbates exhibit strong distinct peaks and the sorbent is at least partially infrared-transparent. The utility of this method is demonstrated by measuring the binary gas adsorption of CO 2 and H 2 O-vapor at low concentrations on two adsorbents: 13X (NaX) zeolite molecular sieve, and γ -Al 2 O 3 . In the low CO 2 concentration range, the amount of CO 2 adsorbed seemed to be significantly enhanced in the presence of H 2 O in trace amounts. The adsorption data was fit to the Doong–Yang potential theory model, and the ideal (and real) adsorbed solution theory (IAS) of Myers and Prausnitz, with the Dubinin–Astakhov equation as the basis.
Efficacy of Ozone as a Disinfectant for Poultry Carcasses and Chill Water

The effects of ozone on the quality of poultry chiller water and broiler carcasses were evaluated in a pilot plant size water recirculating poultry chiller. The microbial counts of ozone treated carcasses stored at 4.4°C were consistently lower than carcasses chilled under nonozonated conditions. Greater than 99% of all microorganisms washed from the carcasses were destroyed by the residual ozone in addition to significant reductions of one third in the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and a significant increase in light transmission (500 nm) of the treated process water. No significant carcass skin color losses, lipid oxidation, or off flavors resulted from ozone contact.
Behavioural ecology cannot profit from unstructured environmental change

Schroeder and colleagues [1] concur with two key points in our recent Opinion piece on the relationship between behavioural ecology and conservation [2]; namely that, in their words, ‘the conservation crisis is a tragedy in general and a considerable threat to our profession in particular’ and ‘we strongly second their call for behavioural ecologists to support conservation biology.’
Embolization of vascular tumors of the head and neck

Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas and paragangliomas are the most common hypervascular tumors of the head and neck that require embolization as an adjunct to surgery. A detailed understanding of the functional vascular anatomy of the external carotid artery is necessary for safe and effective endovascular therapy. Embolization, using a transarterial technique and particulate agents, a direct puncture technique and liquid embolic agents, or both techniques may allow for complete devascularization of hypervascular tumors of the head and neck. Effective embolization of these tumors results in a significant reduction of blood loss during surgery and allows for complete resection of the tumors. Use of meticulous technique and a thorough knowledge of functional anatomy of the head and neck vasculature are essential.
Low-, Medium-, and High-Pressure Gas-Filled Cable

After preliminary development work systematic laboratory tests, closely simulating service conditions, were started in 1934 leading towards final development and improvement of gas-filled cable. The first full-size field installation of gas-filled cable was placed in service in 1938. The results of this work up to that time were summarized in an AIEE paper presented at the winter convention, January 1939. The present paper will deal with progress made since then, covering the whole range of voltage ratings from 10 kv to 138 kv, divided as follows: low-pressure gas-filled cable systems 10 kv to 40 kv, operating at gas pressures from 10 to 15 pounds per square inch; medium-pressure systems 40 kv to 69 kv, operating at gas pressures from 24 to 40 pounds per square inch; high-pressure systems 69 kv to 138 kv, operating at gas pressures from 150 to 200 pounds per square inch.
Results of combined photodynamic therapy (PDT) and high dose rate brachytherapy (HDR) in treatment of obstructive endobronchial non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Summary Introduction We reviewed the outcome of combined photodynamic therapy (PDT) and high dose rate brachytherapy (HDR) for patients with symptomatic obstruction from endobronchial non-small cell lung cancer. Methods Nine patients who received combined PDT and HDR for endobronchial cancers were identified and their charts reviewed. The patients were eight males and one female aged 52–73 at diagnosis, initially presenting with various stages of disease: stage IA (N = 1), stage IIA (N = 1), stage III (N = 6), and stage IV (N = 1). Intervention was with HDR (500 cGy to 5 mm once weekly for 3 weeks) and PDT (2 mg/kg Photofrin®, followed by 200 J/cm2 illumination 48 h post-infusion). Treatment group 1 (TG-1, N = 7) received HDR first; Treatment group 2 (TG-2, N = 2) received PDT first. Patients were followed by regular bronchoscopies. Results Treatments were well tolerated, all patients completed therapy, and none were lost to follow-up. In TG-1, local tumor control was achieved in six of seven patients for: 3 months (until death), 15 months, 2+ years (until death), 2+ years (ongoing), and 5+ years (ongoing, N = 2). In TG-2, local control was achieved in only one patient, for 84 days. Morbidities included: soft-tissue contraction and/or other reversible benign local tissue reactions (N = 8) and photosensitivity reactions (N = 2). Conclusions Combined HDR/PDT treatment for endobronchial tumors is well tolerated and can achieve prolonged local control with acceptable morbidity when PDT follows HDR and when the spacing between treatments is 1 month or less. This treatment regimen should be studied in a larger patient population.