cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Healthcare utilization of Mexican-American Medicare beneficiaries with and without Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

Background Older adults with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) are high-risk to experience hospitalizations and emergency room (ER) admissions. Mexican-Americans have a high prevalence of ADRD, but there is limited information on the healthcare use of older Mexican-Americans with ADRD. We used data from a cohort of older Mexican-Americans that has been linked with Medicare files to investigate differences in hospitalizations, ER admissions, and physician visits according to ADRD diagnosis. We also identify sociodemographic, health, and functional characteristics that may contribute to differences in healthcare utilization between Mexican-American Medicare beneficiaries with and without an ADRD diagnosis. Methods and findings Data came from the Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiological Study of the Elderly that has been linked with Medicare Master Beneficiary Summary Files, Medicare Provider Analysis and Review files, Outpatient Standard Analytic files, and Carrier files. The final analytic sample included 1048 participants. Participants were followed for two years (eight quarters) after their survey interview. Generalized estimating equations were used to estimate the probability for one or more hospitalizations, ER admissions, and physician visits at each quarter. ADRD was associated with higher odds for hospitalizations (OR = 1.65, 95%CI = 1.29-2.11) and ER admissions (OR = 1.57, 95%CI = 1.23-1.94) but not physician visits (OR = 1.23, 95%CI = 0.91-1.67). The odds for hospitalizations (OR = 1.24, 95%CI = 0.97-1.60) and ER admissions (OR = 1.27, 95%CI = 1.01-1.59) were reduced after controlling for limitations in activities of daily living and comorbidities. Conclusions Mexican-American Medicare beneficiaries with ADRD had significantly higher odds for one or more hospitalizations and ER admissions but similar physician visits compared to beneficiaries without ADRD. Functional limitations and comorbidities contributed to the higher hospitalizations and ER admissions for older Mexican-Americans with ADRD.
El presente de la historia cultural

En este ensayo se ofrece, sin pretension alguna de exhaustividad, una consideracion del panorama reciente de la historia cultural. Considerando inutil pretender cubrir su totalidad, se ha optado por un primer bloque introductorio que plantee la cuestion, un segundo bloque de apreciaciones sectoriales, donde se valora y se sopesa lo que la autora entiende como los principales lineamientos de la profunda transformacion que conllevan el auge y la centralidad creciente de la historia cultural, y, finalmente, un tercer bloque en el que se concede un tratamiento especifico a los cambios introducidos por la historia de las mujeres en sus perspectivas feministas, vector teorico decisivo en la construccion actual de los discursos en torno a la subjetividad.
Thin-film solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) materials

Abstract: The focus of this chapter is on the materials used in micro solid oxide fuel cells based on thin films. Micro fuel cells have attracted interest because they have the potential to provide high storage capacities per unit volume and weight for applications in portable electronic devices. Thin-film syntheses and properties of the individual materials components (electrolytes, anodes, cathodes) are discussed, followed by examples of specific device structures.
Urea-based Macrocycle Selective for Sulfate and Structurally Sensitive to Water

An unsymmetrical semi-rigid tetraurea macrocycle, 1, selectively traps SO42- with high affinity in a 0.5% water:DMSO-d6 solution (Ka = 90,500 M-1). The macrocycle displays somewhat less affinity fo...
Ski Judge Bias.

12.5 14 14 13 13 13 11.5 11.5 13.5 11 11 13.5 12.5 10 11.5 12 11 12 10 12.5 10 10 9 11 3 12 17.5 17 15 13.5 14 14 13 13 13 12 12.5 13 13 12 12 13 13 13 11.5 13.5 12 12.5 14.5 12.5 13 13 13.5 12 12.5 13 11.5 12.5 8 12 10 9.5 9.5 10 4.5 12 16.5 16 15 13 14.5 15 14 15.5 13.5 13.5 11.5 14 12 12.5 12 14 12.5 13.5 11.5 12 12 13 14 12 11 12 14.5 12 11.5 11 11.5 11 10 12 10 11 10 11 3 10.5 18.5 18 15 14.5 15 15.5 14 16 13.5 12.5 12 13.5 11.5 12 events where they tend to be accurate re
Implementation of Open-Loop Radio Frequency Record Feature on the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory Frontier Radio

The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) Frontier Radio (JHU/APL FR), as flown on the Van Allen Probes and Parker Solar Probe missions, is a deep space communications platform designed to minimize size, weight, and power (SWaP) while maximizing radiation tolerance. This platform has historically only been used to support Deep Space Network communications and modulation formats. The receive chain was designed to support subcarrier PCM/PM waveforms and only forward demodulated symbols and uplink packets over to avionics. For the Europa Clipper mission, there was a desire to be able to record arbitrary segments of spectrum for post-processing on the ground, due to the real-time processing limitations of the low-SWaP JHU/APL FR. Therefore, a open-loop recording feature was added to the JHU/APL FR. The feature requirements dictated minimal firmware development, no additional hardware, and a packet stream to avionics using the existing spacewire interface. The open-loop record feature has differing bandwidths, ranging from the highest supported by spacewire to an eighth of that rate in order to capture as much data as possible or to reduce data volumes. The user can steer the center frequency of the recording window in order to capture a certain slice of spectrum. A simple post-processing algorithm was developed to fix a slight temporal shift during the recording data signal chain. An overview of the firmware design, algorithms, post-processing procedure, and analysis of the results are described below.
A comparison of two- and three-dimensional ultrasonographic methods for evaluation of ovarian follicle counts and classification of polycystic ovarian morphology

Objectives To determine the level of agreement across assessments of follicle number per ovary (FNPO) and classifying of polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM; FNPO ≥25) with the use of various real-time (RT) and off-line two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) ultrasonographic methods. Design Method comparison study. Setting University-based clinical research unit. Patient(s) Sixteen women with and without PCOM. Intervention Thirty-two ovaries were analyzed with the use of eight ultrasonographic methods: 2D-Grid (reference method), 2D-RT, 2D-RT with Grid, multiplanar view (MPV), MPV-RT, tomographic ultrasound imaging (TUI), TUI-RT, and semiautomated volume calculation (SonoAVC). Main Outcome Measure(s) FNPO, PCOM status, and time to obtain FNPO. Clinical feasibility, defined as the time taken to obtain FNPO, also was evaluated. Result(s) 2D-RT overestimated FNPO versus 2D-Grid (3 ± 9 follicles) owing to overcounting in non-PCOM ovaries (6 ± 6 follicles). However, systematic bias was not detected when a grid overlay was incorporated (2D-RT with Grid). SonoAVC underestimated FNPO (−3 ± 5 follicles), particularly in PCOM ovaries (−4.1 ± 5.0 follicles). No bias in FNPO was detected between MPV, TUI, or TUI-RT versus 2D-Grid. 2D-RT significantly misclassified ovaries as PCOM. All methods except MPV took less time to complete FNPO assessments compared with 2D-Grid. Conclusion(s) Variability in FNPO across ultrasonographic methods limits their interchangeable use, particularly when a precise metric is needed. 2D-RT may be problematic owing to its propensity to misclassify PCOM. 2D-RT with Grid and MPV-RT could represent clinically feasible alternatives to obtain FNPO and classify PCOM. Efforts to reduce variation in FNPO will clarify the relevance of PCOM in women’s health.
Earnings Management, Litigation Risk, and Asymmetric Audit Fee Responses

This study examines the association between audit fees and earnings management, using publicly available fee data. We hypothesize that, due to asymmetric litigation effects, audit fees decrease (increase) with a client's risk of income‐decreasing (increasing) earnings management risk. We also hypothesize that the positive relation between income‐increasing earnings management risk and audit fees is heightened for clients that are high‐growth firms. We test our hypotheses with a sample of 429 public, non‐regulated, Big 5 audited companies, using fee data for the year 2000. We find that downward earnings management risk, as estimated by negative (i.e., income‐decreasing) discretionary accruals, is associated with lower audit fees. We also document that upward earnings management risk, as estimated by positive discretionary accruals, is associated with higher audit fees and that the interaction of this risk with an industry‐adjusted price‐earnings ratio has an incrementally significant, positive effect on fe...
Peer Effects in the Efficacy of Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest

The judgment of employees is a critical component of human capital for all firms, but particularly in markets for expertise such as health care. Thus the potential for conflicts of interest to clou...
Mitigating the bridge end bump problem: A case study of a new approach slab system with geosynthetic reinforced soil foundation

Abstract The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LA DOTD) has initiated a major effort to minimize the bridge end bump problem associated with the differential settlement. As a result, a new design for the approach slab was proposed, which requires increasing the slab flexural rigidity (EI), and using reinforced soil foundation (RSF) to support the slab and traffic loads at the roadway pavement/approach slab joint (R/S joint). The Bayou Courtableau Bridge was selected as a demonstration project to monitor, evaluate, validate, and verify the new bridge approach slab design method. The west approach slab was designed using the proposed design method with slab thickness of 406 mm, while the east approach slab was designed using the traditional design method with slab thickness of 305 mm. The pavement end side of the west approach slab was supported by a 1.2-m wide strip footing with the soil underneath it was reinforced by six layers of geogrid placed at a vertical spacing of 305 mm. Two static load tests were conducted on both the west and east approach slabs at two different times after construction. The test results indicated that the east approach slab (with traditional design) kept losing its contacts from the underneath embankment soil starting from the bridge side towards the pavement side after about a year and half. Meanwhile, the west approach slab (with new design) lost most of its supports from the underneath embankment soil, but with less observed faulting at the R/S joint and improved rideability [i.e., lower International Roughness Index (IRI) values]. The field monitoring program at Bayou Courtableau Bridge demonstrated much better performance of the new approach slab design system (west approach slab) compared to traditional design (east approach slab).
Heavy-ion interaction potential deduced from density-constrained time-dependent Hartree-Fock calculation

We present a new method for calculating the heavy-ion interaction potential from a density-constrained time-dependent Hartree-Fock calculation.
Gender as a Social Structure: Crossing Disciplinary Boundaries to Advance Science and Equality

In this paper, I provide a historical narrative tracing the social scientific conceptualization of sex and gender through the 20th Century and until today. I suggest we have moved from conceptualizing sexual inequality as attributable to internalized sex roles to a consensus that inequality gender stratification exists within social institutions as well. I offer my own theoretical model to advance the understanding of gender, gender as a social structure. My theoretical argument suggests we must integrate research on individual differences, social expectations in interaction and practice, and the cultural and organizational logics at the organizational and institutional levels. I argue that, rather than test theories against one another, a modern scientific view is to integrate levels of analysis. To illustrate the theory, I review three distinct research projects that have been framed by it: a study of intersexuality, a study of international labor migration, and a study of a social movement determined against accepting gays and lesbians. I end by suggesting that viewing gender as a social structure allows us to envision a utopian society in which feminists have helped to dismantle that structure and build a post-gender society. Keywords: Gender, Gender Structure, Sex Roles, Social Theory
Cesarean support groups: mutual help and education

In the context of the natural childbirth movement and a recent sharp rise in the cesarean birthrate, an unexpected cesarean can be a source of acute psychological stress. Cesarean support groups provide information, peer emotional support, a reference group and role models, and an opportunity to help others, as well as increasing consumer activism in the health care system. Illustrations are drawn from participant observation in two support groups and interviews of selected participants.
Analysis of computer utilization in the classroom

Computers are increasing used within the classroom in many different ways. It is appropriate for a teacher to wonder how and how much the computer is actually used in the teacher's class. This work is an attempt to provide a mechanism by which an instructor can collect objective data on computer usage within the classroom. The process, similar to that used by Flanders interaction analysis for collecting data on teacher/student interactions in a classroom, is based on having an impartial observer record values at regular time intervals that indicate the type of computer usage in the last interval for the instructor and possibly several values for the type of student usage.
Liquid nitrogen cryotherapy for surface eye disease (an AOS thesis).

Purpose To evaluate the effects of new treatments with liquid nitrogen cryotherapy on some external eye conditions.
Implementation of Behavorial Control on a Robot Hand/Arm System

Planning and behavior are two strategies which have characterized much of the recent research in robotic intelligent control. While planning algorithms provide provable convergence and analytic results, they are not generally robust and responsive in dynamic environments. Reactive behavior on the other hand, while designed for robust performance and rapid response, provide fewer analytic tools for design and evaluation. Our objective is to understand the mechanism of behavioral control and to develop analytic design tools, particularly in the area of robotic manipulation. In this paper we propose a general framework for reactive control and discuss some methods for analysis and design. We also analyze and implement a behavioral control scheme for the acquisition of a cylinder using a robot hand/arm system.
Do environmental regulations retard productivity : evidence from U.S. electric utilities

A controversy exists among economists who have found, based on aggregate data analysis, that environmental regulations tend to retard productivity, and business strategists who maintain, based on case analysis, that environmental regulations can enhance productivity. A key point often overlooked in this controversy is that all parties agree that environmental regulations are more likely to enhance productivity if they are well designed. Among the attributes that business strategists associate with well-designed regulations is flexibility and granting firms compliance latitude. Based on data for all major investor-owned electric utilities in the United States, we evaluate the impact that different categories of environmental-related plant investments have on these utilities' productive efficiencies, which are calculated using data envelopment analysis. Our results, which are based on analysis of firm-level data, empirically demonstrate that regulatory design does make a difference. Our findings suggest that locally-based and administered regulation such as those relating to waste pollution which gives companies more latitude has a more positive influence on productivity than national requirements with inflexible technology-forcing guidelines related to air and water pollution which we find have a negative impact on utilities' productivity.
Overview of admixture mapping.

Admixture mapping is a powerful method of gene mapping for diseases or traits that show differential risk by ancestry. Admixture mapping has been applied most often to Americans who trace ancestry to various combinations of Native Americans, Europeans, and West Africans. Recent developments in admixture mapping include improvements in methods and the reference data needed to make inferences about ancestry, as well as extensions of the mapping approach in the framework of linear mixed models. In this unit, the key concepts of admixture mapping are outlined. Several approaches for inferring local ancestry are described, and strategies for performing admixture mapping depending on the study design are provided. Finally, comparisons and contrasts between linkage analysis, association analysis, and admixture mapping are provided, with an emphasis on integrating admixture mapping and association testing. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Ultrasonic 3-D Reconstruction of Inclusions in Solids Using the Inverse Born Algorithm

Considerable progress has been made in recent years in the development of signal processing algorithms for use in ultrasonic non-destructive evaluation which yield the size, shape, and orientation of a flaw. This kind of flaw information is necessary in order that failure predictions of materials and components can be made from non-destructive tests. The signal processing algorithms that have been developed for ultrasonics are based upon both direct and inverse approximate solutions to the elastic wave scattering problem, and cover various ranges of the parameter ka where \(k = \frac{{2\pi }}{\lambda }\) is the wave number of the ultrasound and a is a flaw size dimension. In order to use these algorithms effectively in the determination of flaw parameters, it has been found necessary to obtain measurements of the flaw at several viewing angles. At this time, there is no ultrasonic transducer available which permits this to be done efficiently and conveniently in the long and intermediate wavelength end of the spectrum. This region has been shown to be quite rich in flaw information and is appropriate to ultrasonic NDE in many practical applications (e.g., thick wall sections).
Effects of combined cyclic thermal and mechanical loading on fatigue of solder joints

In the past, laboratory tests have been used to examine surface mount solder joint fatigue by means of an accelerated test to failure and to establish correlations between thermal amplitude and cycles to failure of a specimen. In this work, mechanical loading is applied in addition to thermal loading. Test coupons populated with components are tested in an apparatus enclosed in a thermal chamber that applies cyclic four-point bending to printed circuit boards (PCBs) simultaneously with synchronized thermal cycles. Bending is regulated to a given surface strain measured by a thermally insensitive strain gauge circuit mounted on the surface of the PCB. During a cycle the temperature varied nearly linearly between -50/spl deg/C and 150/spl deg/C in 15 minutes and had 15 minute dwells at each extreme. The bending cycle was fully reversed and applied either in or out of phase with the temperature cycle. Electrical continuity and resistance in the solder joints is monitored, and the specimens are tested until failure criteria are met. As expected, the addition of mechanical strain to the thermal load results in shorter fatigue life. At a surface strain of 1000 /spl mu//spl epsiv/ the fatigue life is significantly reduced in capacitors. In addition, the failure shifted from the solder to the component with visible cracks forming in the capacitor and at the interfaces between the capacitor and solder.
AUTORADIOGRAPHY WITH THE AGENTS OF PSITTACOSIS AND TRACHOMA.

SummarySignificant incorporation of tritiated thymidine into cytoplasmic inclusion bodies of either the TT strain of psittacosis or the T'ang strain of trachoma could not be demonstrated by autoradiographic technics during any stage of their developmental cycles in the McCoy cell line.
The Political Economy of Exchange-Rate Policy: U.S. and Japanese Intervention Policies, 1977–90

Since day-to-day implementation of exchange-rate policy has been neglected in the literature on international monetary relations, U.S. and Japanese intervention policies in the post-Bretton Woods period are analyzed. The determinants of Japanese intervention policy are clearly identified: international coordination and U.S. intervention increase the amount ofJapanese intervention. A strong tendency to 'lean against the wind' and some indication of 'beggar-thy-neighbour' policy exist as well. On the other hand, U.S. intervention policy is more elusive. There is some evidence, however, thatJapanese and German intervention as well as the Louvre Accord and Democratic administrations led to larger amounts of U.S. intervention. Some interpretations are offered as to why it is difficult to unravel U.S. policy. With the end of the cold war, the immediate threats of superpower confrontations and nuclear catastrophe are receding; stability in the core of the international system appears more secure in the near future. In contrast, international monetary relations are still characterized by turmoil and instability. The dollar has reached an all-time low against the yen. Monetary turmoil in the foreign exchange markets in Europe led to a virtual collapse of the European Monetary System in 1993. Despite the widespread dissatisfaction about the instability of flexible exchange rates, however, there is no viable alternative in sight among the key currencies of the current international monetary system. Room for manoeuvre of the issuing governments of these currencies is circumscribed. The foreign exchange markets have grown very rapidly in recent years. The Bank of International Settlements estimates the size of this world-wide market to be $88o billion a day as of April 1992, growing by 42 percent in three years (Financial Times, i April 1993, p. 15). Compared to this, the foreign reserves held by the three largest reserve holders combined, viz. the United States, This content downloaded from 207.46.13.166 on Thu, 07 Jul 2016 05:53:33 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms
Difference in Parenting Style between African American Alcoholic and Nonalcoholic Parents

This study set out to investigate differences in parenting style to which children of alcoholics (COAs) were subjected as opposed to the children of nonalcoholics (non-COAs) in a sample of 1,000 African American adolescent males aged 13 to17 living in a Midwestern city. Data were gathered using the Children of Alcoholics Screening Test (CAST) and the Children's Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism (C-SAGA) specifically in its subsections which deal with parent's time spent with the child, discipline in the home, adults as role models, and family rules. Following the Baumrind categorization of parenting style as authoritarian, authoritative, and permissive, a composite index was constructed which discriminated the children between those who were subjected to a more authoritative (strict but warm discipline) parenting style and those who were not. Results showed that the COAs were associated with less favorable outcomes than the non-COAs in every aspect of the comparison. Implications for so...
An improved apotryptophanase assay for pyridoxal phosphate.

An improved procedure for the estimation of pyridoxal phosphate by the apotryptophanase method is described. The method depends upon the use of a highly active apotryptophanase preparation from E. coliB1t7A. It is a colorimetric method that permits quantitative measurement of nanogram quantities of pyridoxal phosphate without the use of radioactive substrates. The procedure is suitable both for assaying enzymes whose product is pyridoxal phosphate and for the determination of pyridoxal phosphate in tissue extracts.
Myocardial infarction with angiographically normal coronary arteries

More than 30 years ago, when the techniques and indications for coronary arteriography were being defined, the entity of myocardial infarction with angiographically normal coronary arteries (MINC) was first reported. These first reports already noted that the few patients with MINC tended to be different from the much larger group of individuals with myocardial necrosis and coronary atherosclerosis. Since these early case reports and subsequent small collected series, there have been significant advances in our understanding of the pathophysiologic features of acute myocardial infarction. This review seeks to reexamine MINC in light of this new information.
Posture-dependent spatial correlation: similarity of multiple CT-derived pulmonary structural and functional parameters

ABSTRACTTo help characterize the determinants of the spatial distribution of regional pulmonary structure and function and to characterize a spatial autocorrelatici (SAC) approach, we have applied SAC statistics to our pulmoiiary cine x-ray (1 data ofregional pulmonary blood flow and to various computer derived models (cubes and pyramids, 3-D wedges, and lung shapes inwhich pure "flow" gradients in either the x, y, or z directions were applied). To generate graphs of correlation vs. distance, we binthe data according to distance into a user specified number of groupings and then autocorrelate the data within each bin. Onlyitgions ofpulmonary parenchyma within the same lobe were used. We present the results of our analysis which show that severalregional parameters exhibit a similar negative sloping correlation vs. distance relationship. Results from our computer modelsshow: 1) there is an order dependence of the spatial correlation algorithm when each region pair is used only once, 2) that thenegative correlation vs. distance ielationship can come about solely through the effects of gravity, and 3) that the effect of anobject's shape cii the spatial autocorrelation relationship is minimal. Regional air content follows a spatial distribution patternconsistent with purely gravitational effects.The similarity of the SAC values for other pulmonary functional values such aspuhnonary blood flow, mean transit time, pulmonary blood volume, etc. may relate to their partial dependence on regional alveolarexpausioii. This may be a likely driving force behind the similar spatial distiibutiou of several other parameters. SAC statisticsprovide a unique tool for demonstrating the existence of underlying patterns to distribution of pulmonary function. However,because several regional distribution inhomogeneities can cause the same negative sloping relationship with a zero cross, it is notfully clear how well SAC uniquely defines the driving force describing the spatial distribution of a function. Care needs to be takenin finding appropriate normalization parameters in comparing data as the normalization factor itself can lend structure to spatialautocorrelation. Finally, shape of the spatial autocorrelation function may be as important or more important than slope in definingunderlying structure.
Eye on IRIS

The pace of activity within the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) has quickened to the point that a regular information link to the entire geophysical community has become desirable. This is the first in a continuing series of brief reports highlighting recent progress and upcoming events within IRIS.
Hedgehog-regulated atypical PKC promotes phosphorylation and activation of Smoothened and Cubitus interruptus in Drosophila

Smoothened (Smo) is essential for transduction of the Hedgehog (Hh) signal in both insects and vertebrates. Cell surface/cilium accumulation of Smo is thought to play an important role in Hh signaling, but how the localization of Smo is controlled remains poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that atypical PKC (aPKC) regulates Smo phosphorylation and basolateral accumulation in Drosophila wings. Inactivation of aPKC by either RNAi or a mutation inhibits Smo basolateral accumulation and attenuates Hh target gene expression. In contrast, expression of constitutively active aPKC elevates basolateral accumulation of Smo and promotes Hh signaling. The aPKC-mediated phosphorylation of Smo at Ser680 promotes Ser683 phosphorylation by casein kinase 1 (CK1), and these phosphorylation events elevate Smo activity in vivo. Moreover, aPKC has an additional positive role in Hh signaling by regulating the activity of Cubitus interruptus (Ci) through phosphorylation of the Zn finger DNA-binding domain. Finally, the expression of aPKC is up-regulated by Hh signaling in a Ci-dependent manner. Our findings indicate a direct involvement of aPKC in Hh signaling beyond its role in cell polarity.
Amino acid incorporation into protein by ribosomes bound to chloroplast thylakoid membranes: formation of discrete products.

Abstract A system which incorporates amino acids into proteins of chloroplast membranes of Chlamydomonas reinhardti is described. It consists of chloroplast ribosomes bound to thylakoid membranes and cell extract. mRNA is present in this thylakoid-ribosome complex, since neither initiation nor RNA synthesis seems to be required for amino acid incorporation. Incorporation requires ATP, GTP and a soluble portion of cell extract. It is inhibited by chloramphenicol, but not cycloheximide. Most incorporated radioactivity remains bound to the membranes. Although a large portion of this labeled membrane-bound protein occurs as nascent polypeptides, a portion appears as at least four products of discrete molecular weights. The major in vitro product migrates as a polypeptide of 23 000 daltons. We conclude that a portion of chloroplast membrane proteins is not only made within the chloroplast, but directly on the membranes. We had previously observed that release of membrane-bound ribosomes is partially dependent on puromycin, and concluded that some membrane-bound ribosomes were attached to the membranes through nascent protein chains. Thus, our results suggest that some chloroplast membrane proteins are inserted into the membranes as they are synthesized. This chloroplast membrane amino acid incorporation system offers a promising tool for studying biosynthesis of membrane proteins, and how they become inserted into chloroplast thylakoids to form functional membranes.
Multi-wire proportional counter for soft x-ray detection

Abstract The design and performance of a multi-wire proportional for counter 2–6 keV X-rays are presented. We also report on the use of this detector in a Bragg crystal spectrometer in the application of X-ray diagnostics of the plasma of the Aleator C tokamak at MIT.
Water Relations of Seed Development and Germination in Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.)VIII. DEVELOPMENT OF OSMOTICALLY DISTENDED SEEDS

Dead seeds that expand to nearly twice their normal volume when fully hydrated are called osmotically distended (OD). These seeds swell osmotically in response to a water potential (Ψ) gradient created by solutes trapped in the free space between the embryo and the surrounding endosperm or perisperm tissues. The formation of OD seeds in planta is poorly understood, although they often occur in newly harvested muskmelon (Cucumis melo L. Reticulatus group) seed lots. Muskmelon fruit senescence and seed germinability were contrasted with Armenian cucumber (Cucumis melo L. Flexuosus group) from 50 d after anthesis (DAA) to when seeds were released from the fruit
ETHICAL DILEMMAS FOR PEDIATRIC SURGICAL PATIENTS

Anesthesiologists are confronted with interesting and sometimes difficult ethical situations in pediatric surgery. They are forced to deal with everything from "do not resuscitate" issues, heroic last-chance surgical efforts, religious and cultural conflicts, disputes among colleagues, and situations that are, at worst, uncomfortable and, at best, miscarriages of duty. It is incumbent on anesthesiologists to learn how to logically and appropriately handle these issues. The pediatric surgical patient requires special consideration in bioethics. This article discusses the principle of autonomy and its ascension in importance in bioethics. The concepts of informed parental permission, assent, and dissent are presented. The authors provide a framework for ethical problem-solving, as well as a discussion of judicial decision-making. In addition, several examples of clinical-ethical situations and the processes used for resolutions are discussed. By using a well-reasoned ethical decision-making process, any situation, from the simple conflict to the most serious resuscitation and withdrawal of care issues, may be appropriately resolved.
Zeins as indicators of maize-Tripsacum introgression

Abstract A survey of zeins in tripsacoid and non-tripsacoid races of maize from Mesoamerica and from South America, annual teosinte, perennial species of Zea and species of Tripsacum revealed at least 33 zein proteins as determined by isoelectric focusing. Zea and Tripsacum and generally also species within these genera are characterized by distinct combinations of zein proteins. Maize is extensively heterogenous, and spans the complete spectrum of zeins present in wild Zea taxa. A comparison of zein proteins failed to distinguish between introgression of maize with Tripsacum or teosinte. The ease with which maize crosses naturally with wild Zea taxa, and the rarity of hybrids with Tripsacum essentially rule out natural Tripsacum introgression as a mode of racial evolution in maize.
Oxygen-vibrational bands in irradiated silicon☆

Abstract A correlation is made between the EPR spectra and the IR absorption bands for the known multivacancy-oxygen complexes in irradiated silicon.
Single-Molecule Study of the Inhibition of HIV-1 Transactivation Response Region DNA/DNA Annealing by Argininamide

Single-molecule spectroscopy was used to examine how a model inhibitor of HIV-1, argininamide, modulates the nucleic acid chaperone activity of the nucleocapsid protein (NC) in the minus-strand transfer step of HIV-1 reverse transcription, in vitro. In minus-strand transfer, the transactivation response region (TAR) RNA of the genome is annealed to the complementary "TAR DNA" generated during minus-strand strong-stop DNA synthesis. Argininamide and its analogs are known to bind to the hairpin bulge region of TAR RNA as well as to various DNA loop structures, but its ability to inhibit the strand transfer process has only been implied. Here, we explore how argininamide modulates the annealing kinetics and secondary structure of TAR DNA. The studies reveal that the argininamide inhibitory mechanism involves a shift of the secondary structure of TAR, away from the NC-induced "Y" form, an intermediate in reverse transcription, and toward the free closed or "C" form. In addition, more potent inhibition of the loop-mediated annealing pathway than stem-mediated annealing is observed. Taken together, these data suggest a molecular mechanism wherein argininamide inhibits NC-facilitated TAR RNA/DNA annealing in vitro by interfering with the formation of key annealing intermediates.
An electromagnetic blood flowmeter for measuring blood flow to the oral region of anaesthetized experimental animals

Abstract An A.C. electromagnetic blood flowmeter capable of recording the small volume flows occurring in the arteries supplying the oral tissues has been constructed. The cannula and the magnetic head construction require the interruption and cannulation of the vessels. The amplifier consists of five stages in a cascade arrangement and incorporates a small amount of negative feedback. The maximum amplifier gain is in excess of one million. The output, which is proportional to the volume blood flow, is recorded on an ink-writing oscillograph. The high amplifier gain and precise phase monitoring system permit blood-flow determinations as small as one millilitre per minute.
Seismic radiation from tensile and shear point dislocations between similar and dissimilar solids

SUMMARY We examine the characteristics of seismic radiation produced by localized fault-opening and shear motions in a homogeneous solid, along with the effects of having dissimilar solids across the fault on the seismic radiation. The study employs calculations of synthetic seismograms generated at various receiver locations by shear and tensile dislocation sources. The results indicate that, in contrast to the standard case of shear dislocation, the body wave amplitudes of the fault-parallel component generated at near-fault seismograms by tensile dislocation are considerably larger than those of the fault-normal component. The P and S arrivals from a shear dislocation at receivers on the opposite sides of a fault in a homogeneous solid have the same polarities on the fault-normal component and opposite polarities on the fault-parallel and vertical components. However, for a tensile dislocation source the situation is exactly reversed. The existence of a velocity contrast across the fault produces additional phases that mask somewhat the above signals. However, the generated amplitudes and other waveform characteristics may be used to distinguish between the physical fault plane and the auxiliary plane. The recording and analysis of the discussed signals for regular earthquakes that are dominated by shear motion will require high-resolution receivers located very close to the fault.
Structure of the methanofuran/methanopterin-biosynthetic enzyme MJ1099 from Methanocaldococcus jannaschii

Prior studies have indicated that MJ1099 from Methanocaldococcus jannaschii has roles in the biosynthesis of tetrahydromethanopterin and methanofuran, two key cofactors of one-carbon (C1) metabolism in diverse organisms including the methanogenic archaea. Here, the structure of MJ1099 has been solved to 1.7 A resolution using anomalous scattering methods. The results indicate that MJ1099 is a member of the TIM-barrel superfamily and that it is a homohexamer. Bioinformatic analyses identified a potential active site that is highly conserved among MJ1099 homologs and the key amino acids involved were identified. The results presented here should guide further studies of MJ1099 including mechanistic studies and possibly the development of inhibitors that target the methanogenic archaea in the digestive tracts of humans and that are a source of the greenhouse gas methane.
Interinstrument Reliability of the Jamar Electronic Dynamometer and Pinch Gauge Compared With the Jamar Hydraulic Dynamometer and B&L Engineering Mechanical Pinch Gauge

OBJECTIVE. This study sought to determine interinstrument reliability of the Jamar electronic dynamometer and pinch gauge compared with the commonly used Jamar hydraulic dynamometer and B&L Engineering mechanical pinch gauge. METHOD. Twenty men and 20 women were tested for grip strength with the two different dynamometers, and 17 men and 25 women were tested for lateral pinch strength with the two different pinch gauges. RESULTS. Grip strength measurements were approximately 10% higher with the hydraulic dynamometer, and lateral pinch strength measurements were approximately 18% higher with the mechanical pinch gauge. Paired t tests and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used for statistical analyses. The two-tailed p value was <.0001, and the ICC indicated poor to moderate reliability. CONCLUSION. When retesting patients, it is recommended that occupational therapists use the same instrument to measure hand strength because interinstrument reliability may be lacking.
Basic fibroblast growth factor reverses atherosclerotic impairment of human coronary angiogenesis-like responses in vitro.

Abstract The influence of atherosclerosis on vascular growth in humans was evaluated in an in vitro model of angiogenesis. Coronary artery intima-media explants from patients ( n = 10) with coronary artery disease (CAD) (in all cases Stary type V lesions) and patients without CAD ( n = 10) were cultured in a collagen matrix containing serum-free medium. Endothelial cell growth from explants was organized as capillary-like microtubes (CLM); the sum of their lengths was morphometrically quantitated as an index of angiogenesis. CLM growth was suppressed in CAD explants ( n = 120), the index values at two weeks averaging only 20% ± 3% of non-CAD explants ( n = 120, P
17β-estradiol reduces excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) amplitude in rat basolateral amygdala neurons

We examined the actions of estrogen on excitatory synaptic transmission in the basolateral amygdala (BLA), a brain region involved in learning, emotions, and the effects of stress. Intracellular recordings of monosynaptic excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) were obtained from BLA neurons in a slice preparation. Bath application of 17beta-estradiol (2 micro M) reduced EPSP amplitude by an average of 77%. This reduction was readily reversed by washing with control saline and was not mimicked by the inactive isomer 17 alpha-estradiol. Other passive and active properties of BLA neurons were unaffected by 17beta-estradiol. The observed EPSP reduction is in sharp contrast to the potentiation of EPSPs by estrogen observed in other brain regions.
Bladder management in children with genitourinary sarcoma

Between 1977 and 1991, 14 patients were treated for genitourinary sarcoma (mean age, 7.4 years). The primary site was bladder in six patients, prostate in five, and vagina in three. Histological study showed embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma in 12 and leiomyosarcoma in 2 children. Initial therapy included biopsy followed by chemotherapy in all patients. Subsequently, five patients had anterior exenteration, four underwent partial cystectomy, and one patient had a radical prostatectomy; four patients were treated with chemotherapy and external beam pelvic irradiation (4,000 to 6,000 rads) alone. Overall survival for the group is 100% (follow-up 6 to 168 months). Two of four patients undergoing partial cystectomy had bladder augmentation at the time of surgery. All patients having partial cystectomy had negative surgical margins, are tumor free, and have volitional voiding. Two of four patients (50%) initially treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy alone have had significant bladder deterioration requiring bladder reconstruction. There has been an evolution toward less radical, initial surgical intervention in pediatric genitourinary sarcoma; however, surgical resection continues to be the primary curative modality. Partial cystectomy with or without primary reconstruction may be preferable to exenteration for selected patients. Primary reconstruction at the time of partial cystectomy leaves a functional bladder and excellent long-term results. Children treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy protocols alone must be monitored for late bladder deterioration.
Variants of somatotropin in cattle: gene frequencies in major dairy breeds and associated milk production☆

Abstract The amino acid sequence of bovine somatotropin (bST) varies at position 127 where either valine or leucine is found. The frequencies of leucine 127 and valine 127 bST gene alleles in cows (n = 302) and sires (n = 70) from major dairy breeds (Holstein, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Jersey, and Ayrshire) were determined using DNA extracted from whole blood or spermatozoa. A 428 base pair fragment of the bST gene was amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and variants of the bST gene were detected as polymorphisms by Alu I restriction endonuclease digestion of PCR products. Restriction enzyme DNA fragments for the leucine 127 variant were 265, 96, 51, and 16 base pair and for the valine 127 variant were 265, 147, and 16 base pair as a polymorphism of bST was present in the 147 base pair DNA fragment. Frequencies of leucine 127 and valine 127 alleles for cows (n=302) were 1.0 and 0 for Brown Swiss, .93 and .07 for Holstein, .92 and .08 for Guernsey, .79 and .21 for Ayrshire, and .56 and .44 for Jersey, respectively. In Holstein sires used for artificial insemination (n=70), the frequency of leucine 127 and valine 127 alleles was .96 and .04. Estimates of transmitting ability for milk production tended to be greater for Holstein cows that were homozygous for leucine 127 bST and Jersey cows that were homozygous for valine 127 bST whereas Holstein sires with different bST genotypes were similar. In summary, frequencies of alleles for the bST gene were not similar in different dairy breeds and estimates of milk production were correlated with bST gene variant in cows but not sires.
Synthesis of Triglyceride Estolides from lesquerella and Castor Oils

Triglyceride (TG) estolides were synthesized from the hydroxy moieties of lesquerella and castor oils with oleic acid. Complete esterification of the hydroxy oils was possible when a slight excess of oleic acid was employed (1 to 1.5 mole equivalents). The estolides could be formed in the absence of catalyst at 175 to 250°C under vacuum or a nitrogen atmosphere. The optimal reaction conditions were found to be under vacuum at 200°C for 12 h for lesquerella and 24 h for castor oil. The lesquerella esterification reaction was completed in half the time of the for castor and with lower equivalents of oleic acid due to the difunctional hydroxy nature of lesquerella TG compared to the trifunctional nature of castor TG. Interesterification or dehydration of the resulting estolides to conjugated FA was not a significant side reaction, with only a slight amount of dehydration occurring at the highest temperature studied, 250°C. Use of a mineral-or Lewis-acid catalyst increased the rate of TG-estolide formation at 75°C but resulted in the formation of a dark oil, and the reaction did not go to completion in 24 h. Estolide numbers (i.e., degree of estolide formation) for the reaction and characterization of the products were made by 1H NMR and 13C NMR. The decrease in the hydroxy methine signal at 3.55 ppm was used to quantify the degree of esterification by comparing this integral to the integral of the alpha methylene protons on the glycerine at 4.28 and 4.13 ppm.
Effects of Break-Roll Speed Differential on Product Yield and Semolina Granulation in a Durum Pilot Mill System

ABSTRACT Changes in break-roll speed differential in a 25-quintal (55-cwt) durum pilot mill system (136 kg/hr feed rate capacity) affected total yield of semolina, flour, and bran; semolina yield from different purifiers; and semolina granulation (150- to 841-μm particle size range). By adjusting the speed differential of the break and chunk roll pairs from 1.5:1 to 2.5:1 to 3.5:1, semolina yield increased significantly from 55 to 67 to 72%, respectively, and bran yield decreased significantly from 24 to 15 to 11%, respectively. Shorts yield was not affected by speed differential. At 1.5:1, semolina contained 9% flour, compared with 5% flour at 2.5:1 and 3.5:1.
Effect of noncondensable gas in a vertical tube condenser

An experimental study is performed to investigate the effects of noncondensable (NC) gas in the steam condensing system. A vertical condenser tube is submerged in a water pool where the heat from the condenser tube is removed by boiling heat transfer. The design of the test section is based on the passive condenser system in an advanced boiling water nuclear power reactor. Data are obtained for various process parameters, such as inlet steam flow rate, noncondensable gas concentration, and system pressure. Degradation of the condensing performance with increasing noncondensable gas is investigated. The condensation heat transfer coefficient and heat transfer rate decrease with noncondensable gas. The condensation heat transfer rate is enhanced by increasing the inlet steam flow rate and the pressure. The condensation heat transfer coefficient increases with the inlet steam flow rate, however, decreases with the system pressure. For the condenser submerged in a water pool with saturated condition, the strong primary pressure dependency is observed.