cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
All tangled up: how cells direct, manage and exploit topoisomerase function

Topoisomerases are complex molecular machines that modulate DNA topology to maintain chromosome superstructure and integrity. Although capable of stand-alone activity in vitro, topoisomerases are frequently linked to larger pathways and systems that resolve specific DNA superstructures and intermediates arising from cellular processes such as DNA repair, transcription, replication and chromosome compaction. Topoisomerase activity is indispensible to cells, but requires the transient breakage of DNA strands. This property has been exploited, often for significant clinical benefit, by various exogenous agents that interfere with cell proliferation. Despite decades of study, surprising findings involving topoisomerases continue to emerge with respect to their cellular function, regulation and utility as therapeutic targets.
Differences Between Partners From Heterosexual, Gay, and Lesbian Cohabiting Couples

Partners from four types of couples without children (gay unmarried, lesbian unmarried, heterosexual unmarried, and heterosexual married, Ns=1,412, 1,310, 1,036, and 1,728, respectively) were compared to partners from heterosexual married couples with children (N =3,116) on mean levels of variables from a model of relationship adjustment as well as on the strength of links posited by the model. Although 82% of the mean-level comparisons were significant, only 36% of the comparisons had effect sizes that were at least small in strength. Type of couple affected links between variables in only 33% of the instances, with effect sizes trivial in strength. Findings support the view that despite variability in structure, close dyadic relationships work in similar ways.
Dermatologic Disorders and the Liver

Chronic liver disease is associated with several cutaneous manifestations. Although many of these changes are nonspecific, some are associated with distinct liver diseases and correlate with the severity of hepatic pathology. Often the first clue to a liver disease is manifested through skin. Although cirrhosis is associated with spider nevi and palmar erythema, disorders can result in noncirrhotic cutaneous manifestations. It is important for physicians to be familiar with the spectrum of these manifestations, to recognize, help detect, and treat the underlying hepatic disease. This article reviews the medical literature and discusses the spectrum of dermatologic manifestations of liver disorders and their pathogenesis, significance, and treatment.
Solution of the Poisson Equation in an Annulus

A simple method is described to solve Poisson's equation in an annulus using conformal mapping and fast Fourier transforms.
LG-CONSTRUCTOR for rapid deployment of LG wargaming tools

LG-CONSTRUCTOR is a knowledge acquisition and construction component intended to facilitate rapid deployment of the LG- based tools. LG-CONSTRUCTOR will supply warfighters at all levels with the patterns of games. A warfighter will be able to consider and visualize the most viable patterns and quickly convert them into the LG hypergame, most adequate to the current mission. The adequacy of construction will be tested on the fly by playing and re-playing semi-finished hypergames. In order to construct a hypergame, LG- CONSTRUCTOR will define the board (with specific space-time scale), the pieces, the variety of legal movements and other activities of pieces, additional gaming constraints that define legal moves like winning conditions, rules of engagement, abort conditions, etc. LG-CONSTRUCTOR will store a number of pattern-ABG and complete pattern-hypergames developed earlier. After deployment to the mission, the military personnel will be able to play an appropriate pattern-hypergame. During this play, a military analyst will dynamically adjust this game to the real state of affairs. The required knowledge acquisition by pattern-game playing and game adjustment will be controlled by LG-CONSTRUCTOR. Step-by-step, by interacting with an analyst, LG-CONSTRUCTOR will generate a new hypergame, a network of interlinked ABG. For this generation, it may combine a number of pattern-ABG and complete pattern-hypergames. LG-CONSTRUCTOR will be capable of the real time construction due to transparency of LG game representation and high computational efficiency of LG-Strategist, an LG strategy-generating component. It will assist LG-CONSTRUCTOR in testing new games. This construction by playing and adjusting certain game-patterns will allow rapid deployment of LG-STRATEGIST during the mission. In this paper, we will consider the details of required knowledge acquisition and construction.
Nanostructure of Solid Precipitates Obtained by Expansion of Polystyrene-block-Polybutadiene Solutions in Near Critical Propane: Block Ratio and Micellar Solution Effects

In contrast to incompressible liquid solutions, compressible near-critical solutions of block copolymers allow for controlling rapid structure transformations with pressure alone. For example, when dissolved in near-critical propane, polystyrene-block-polybutadiene can form a random molecular solution at high pressures, a micellar solution at moderate pressures, and a solvent-free precipitate at low pressures. In contrast to the unstructured virgin copolymer, such a propanetreated precipitate rapidly self assembles toward structures characteristic of equilibrated block copolymers, such as lamellae, spheres or cylinders, which depend on the block ratio rather than on the decompression rate or temperature, at least within the rate and temperature ranges investigated in this work. At lower temperatures, however, say below 40 °C, glass transition of the styrenebutadiene diblocks can inhibit independent structure formation while crystallization of their hydrogenated-butadiene analogs can preserve the micellar-solution structure.
Angular Distribution of Fragments from Neutron-Induced Fission of U 238 and Th 232

The angular anisotropy of neutron-induced fission in ${\mathrm{Th}}^{232}$ and ${\mathrm{U}}^{238}$ has been investigated with a double fission chamber whose common center high-voltage electrode was also a collimator. Ratios of $\frac{{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{F}(0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, {E}_{n})}{{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{F}(90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, {E}_{n})}$ were measured at a number of neutron energies from the thresholds near 1 Mev to 20 Mev. Larger variations were found in the anisotropy of fission fragments for ${\mathrm{U}}^{238}$ and ${\mathrm{Th}}^{232}$ than in earlier measurements for other nuclei, particularly at neutron energies immediately above the fission thresholds. For ${\mathrm{Th}}^{232}$, there seems to be direct correlation between the variations in the anisotropy and those in the fission cross section. At 1.6 Mev, corresponding to a peak in the ${\mathrm{Th}}^{232}$ fission cross section, the angular distribution of fission fragments showed a maximum at 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to the neutron direction. All previous measurements have shown maxima along the neutron direction.
Analytical and Semipreparative HPLC Analysis and Isolation of Hemocyanin from the American Lobster Homarus americanus

ABSTRACT Hemocyanin, which has numerous research and commercial biotechnology applications, is currently available from just two sources: the keyhole limpet and the horseshoe crab. Obtaining and purifying hemocyanin from these sources is a complex but necessary process because this compound cannot be synthesized in the laboratory. Lobster hemolymph, an abundant by-product of the lobster meat processing industry, could be developed as a new source of hemocyanin. A reliable and inexpensive method of extracting hemocyanin from lobster hemolymph would increase hemocyanin supplies through development of a value-added product from processing waste. Currently, ultracentrifugation is the most common commercial method of purifying hemocyanin. This technique, which requires several days of processing time, is not a reliable method of separating hemocyanin oligomers. We report new separation and purification techniques based on size-exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography, and methods of determining the qua...
Skin friction patterns for transitional flow in annuli

Main stream velocity profiles have been obtained by means of impact probes for the steady, isothermal flow of water in three smooth, concentric annuli having widely different diameter ratios. The point of maximum local velocity has been determined, thus permitting the ratio of skin frictions at the inner and outer boundaries to be calculated. Previously published data on pressure drop have been used to obtain separate friction factor correlations for the two surfaces. Attention has been centered on the transition range, where the position of maximum velocity is a function of both the diameter ratio and the Reynolds number.
Patterns of disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus

Objective To describe patterns of systemic lupus (SLE) disease activity over time. Methods Disease activity was measured in a prospective cohort of 204 consecutive SLE patients followed up quarterly for 2.0–7.5 years (911 person-years of followup). Physician's global assessment (PGA) and modified SLE Disease Activity Index (M-SLEDAI; omitting serology) scores were plotted against time for each patient. Definitions for disease activity patterns were developed by consensus using these plots, and the proportion of total followup time represented by each pattern was calculated. Results Three patterns of SLE activity were apparent: relapsing–remitting (RR), chronic active (CA), and long quiescent (LQ). The CA pattern was the most frequent for both the PGA and M-SLEDAI, representing 58% and 40% of total person-years, respectively. The least common pattern was LQ (PGA 16%, M-SLEDAI 25%), while the RR pattern was intermediate in frequency (PGA 26%, M-SLEDAI 35%). Average disease activity during RR periods tended to be mild, while that during CA periods was more likely to be moderately severe. The most common discrepancy between instruments was that the PGA depicted CA when the M-SLEDAI showed an RR pattern. The M-SLEDAI did not appear to capture mild degrees of activity. Conclusion SLE activity was readily classified into 1 of 3 patterns: RR, CA, or LQ. The CA pattern was most common, suggesting that significant morbidity may arise from persistent disease activity. These findings may have important implications regarding the choice of outcome measures in SLE clinical trials, since comparison of flare rates may not account for chronic disease activity.
A feasibility study of strain hardening fiber reinforced fly ash-based geopolymer composites

Abstract Fly ash-based geopolymer has been intensively studied as a promising alternative to ordinary cement materials. While geopolymer concrete has good strength and excellent material greenness, applications have been limited to niche or small scale applications. In order to use geopolymer for large scale structural applications, the inherent brittleness should be addressed. In this study, strain-hardening ductile fiber reinforced geopolymer composites were developed by using randomly oriented short Poly-Vinyl Alcohol (PVA) fibers. Subsequently, their mechanical properties were investigated by cube compressive and dogbone tensile testing. Tensile strain hardening behavior with very high ductility of over 4% was experimentally demonstrated for the developed composites. These performances were found to be further improved by utilizing temperature curing methods. Crack width distributions were also investigated by using the Digital Image Correlation technique. The analysis indicated that the maximum and average crack widths are 117 μm and 45 μm, respectively, even at a high imposed strain level of 4.5%. Therefore, the feasibility of strain-hardening ductile geopolymer composites was established.
Synthesis and maturation of cytoplasmic ribosomal RNA in Euglena gracilis.

Abstract A pathway is described for the synthesis and maturation of cytoplasmic ribosomal RNA in Euglena gracilis. The primary product of transcription of the ribosomal genes has a molecular weight of 3.5 × 106. This molecule is cleaved through a series of identifiable intermediates to the 1.35 × 106 and 0.85 × 106 molecular weight mature ribosomal RNA molecules. From our data it is possible to map the 0.85 × 106 molecular weight sequence as being on the 5′ end of the 3.5 × 106 molecular weight precursor. It is also possible to calculate the chain growth-rate of the ribosomal RNA precursor as 12.5 nucleotides/second at 25 °C.
Novel biomarkers in acute heart failure.

Heart failure goes beyond mechanical dysfunction and involves an interplay of multiple pathophysiologic mechanisms, including inflammation, tissue remodeling, neurohormonal and endocrine signaling, and interactions with the renal and nervous systems. This article highlights some novel biomarkers that may aid in diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of acute heart failure, specifically focusing on ST2, endoglin, galectin-3, cystatin C, neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin, midregional pro-adrenomedullin, chromogranin A, adiponectin, resistin, and leptin and their emerging clinical roles.
Earth's Nano-Compartment for Toxic Metals

Nanoscale materials, both inorganic and organic, are ubiquitous in the environment. Recent investigations into the nanoscale chemistry and mineralogy of toxic metal distribution in nature have revealed novel and unexpected insights. Additionally, corresponding advances in the field of nanoscience have demonstrated that the physical properties and reactivity of nanomaterials vary dramatically as a function of material size. Geoscientists are uncovering a fascinating story of how the immense surface area, unusual properties, and widespread distribution of natural nanomaterials often affect the fate of toxic metals in surprising ways.
Self-harm in laboratory-housed primates: where is the evidence that the Animal Welfare Act amendment has worked?

The 1985 amendment to the United States Animal Welfare Act (AWA) to promote psychological well being of primates in the laboratory represents an acknowledgment of an important welfare problem concerning nonhuman animals. How effective has this amendment been? Perhaps the best-known contributor to psychological distress in primates in the laboratory is nonsocial housing; yet, available analyses suggest that little progress has been made in avoiding single-caging of these animals. Another way to assess psychological well being is to examine rates of self-abusive behavior in laboratory primates. If the AWA has been effective, then post-AWA self-harm rates might be lower than pre-AWA rates. However, when we attempted to determine those rates from published studies, data were too sparse to allow a rigorous statistical analysis; of 139 studies reporting primate self-harming behavior, only 9 contained data allowing estimation of self-harming behavior rates. We conclude that the current system of laboratory anima...
Transport properties and the semiconducting nature of TiS2

Abstract For a range of temperatures between 4.2 K and 700 K, we have measured the resistivity, Hall coefficient, thermoelectric power and infrared reflectivity of TiS2 single crystals with varying degrees of stoichiometry, and a corresponding variation in the carrier concentration by a factor of 15. The strong correlations established among different properties over this large range of doping provides convincing evidence that TiS2 is a semiconductor rather than a semimetal. However, our most stoichiometric samples continued to be metallic with carrier concentrations of n ⋍ 2 × 10 20 cm -3 . The origin of these electrons is unknown. The temperature dependent resistivity follows approximately a power law θ(T) - θ(4.2 K) ∝ Tm over the entire temperature range of the measurements (77 K -700 K). The exponent m is not strictly 2 as would be expected for carrier-carrier scattering but varies from 2.2 for our most stoichiometric sample to 1.85 for the least stoichiometric. We also find that θ(300) - θ(4.2 K) varies with doping as n -2 3 rather than the n -5 3 dependence reported previously and presented as evidence for carrier-carrier scattering. We have considered optical phonon scattering, but find that this mechanism alone cannot fit our data. We regard the scattering mechanism as unknown.
Myology of the gliding membranes of some petauristine rodents genera glaucomys pteromys petinomys and petaurista

The musculature associated with the gliding membranes and the styliform cartilage of the rodent genera Glaucomys, Pteromys, Petinomys , and Petaurista is described and compared with the cutaneous maximus of Sciurus . A pseudophyletic sequence from a non-gliding sciurid form through a primitive gliding form like Glaucomys to the well-developed gliding musculature of Petaurista is presented. The probable function of the gliding musculature is discussed.
AFM single molecule experiments at the solid-liquid interface: in situ conformation of adsorbed flexible polyelectrolyte chains.

This paper reports the in situ study of conformations of flexible synthetic polymer molecules of protonated poly(2-vinylpyridine) at the solid−liquid interface at different pH of aqueous solutions. The direct conformation study of such thin (∼0.4 nm) single molecules under liquid is performed for the first time. The highly protonated poly(2-vinylpyridine) chains possess a conformation of 2D equilibrated random coil, while at low degree of protonation, molecules are in the conformation of a strongly compressed 3D coil. Molecules are immobile during the few hours of the AFM experiment.
-Glutamyl-cysteine synthetase deficiency. A cause of hereditary hemolytic anemia.

Abstract In some families with hemolytic anemia and a low level of reduced glutathione in erythrocytes, the disorder is associated with a deficiency of glutathione synthetase, the second of two enz...
The participation of developing countries in space research

Abstract The Second United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space ( Unispace 82) identified crucial problems and made recommendations on strategies for developing countries to bridge the gap with advanced nations in the area of space technology. This article addresses some issues which, although implicit in the Unispace Report, are not discussed in detail therein. The role of space science and related scientific research is particularly emphasized. Close attention is paid to the role of human factors, such as the motivation to conduct research, the motivation to engage in international cooperation, and the motivation to utilize and exploit space. Possible opportunities for space research for developing countries, as well as relevant issues concerning management of space, are briefly discussed.
Antigen Competition: Antigens Compete for a Cell Occurring with Limited Frequency

Experimentally altered ability of transferred spleen cells to generate hemolytic plaque-forming cells provided evidence that antigens compete for a type of multipotential cell that contributes to the formation of immunologically competent units. De'ay of exposure of transferred spleen cells to antigen provided results which suggest that different types of cells interact to form competent, antigen-reactive units even in the absence of antigen.
Phase separation dynamics of a polymer dispersed liquid crystal

Phase separation in a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC), consisting of a main chain liquid crystal (E7) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), was studied by means of light scattering and optical microscopy. The PMMA/E7 mixture exhibits an upper critical solution temperature (UCST), overlapping with a nematic-isotropic transition of the E7 liquid crystal. Several temperature quenches were undertaken by rapidly transferring the 60/40 PMMA/E7 from a single phase (95 o C) to an unstable region (25, 35 and 45 o C) and by subsequently monitoring the time-evolution of scattering profiles. Thne time-evolution of structure factor reveals a cross-over of a kinetic exponent from -0.33 to -0.6 or larger slopes at a shallower temperature quench. Multiple droplets appear under a polarized microscopic investigation. Concurrently, nematic disclinations develop within the droplets and annihilation occurs as droplets coalesce
ELABORATION THEORY AND COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

Increasingly, instructional literature is pointing out the need for theories of instruction which are consistent with emerging cognitive psychology. Theory construction of this sort entails taking into account developing notions of the learner as a processor of information rather than a respondent to stimuli. The purpose of this article is to describe a recent instructional effort, referred to as the Elaboration Theory of Instruction (ETI), and chart its correspondence with several major principles drawn from contemporary cognitive psychology. The ETI incorporates models for both the sequencing and structuring of subject matter. The article will show how these components relate to current models of knowledge representation, schema theory, memory processes such as storage and retrieval, and earlier cognitive based instructional frameworks.
Nonlinear programming approach to locally constrained variational calculations on the ground state of the helium atom

The techniques of nonlinear programming are incorporated into the standard variational method. The set of inequality constraints employed in the nonlinear optimizations is based on the reduced local energy, evaluated at various points of configuration space. These constraints give, indirectly, a means to incorporate the local behaviour of the wavefunction in the variational procedure. A test of the procedure is carried out using a 20-term Hylleraas type wavefunction for the ground state of the helium atom. The impact of the constrained optimization on a variety of expectation values is examined.
Coherent beam addition of GaAlAs lasers by binary phase gratings

A general technique for combining laser beams coherently using binary gratings has been developed. Experiments were performed with lasers from a monolithic linear GaAlAs array. The grating transmittance profile was designed to convert the light beams from the array into a single beam with high efficiency. Optical feedback through the grating locked the lasers together in proper relative phase. The far‐field diffraction pattern of the sum was practically identical in shape to that of a single laser. Coupling efficiencies greater than 80% appear to be feasible with this technique. The method is applicable to a variety of laser systems (gas, solid state, etc.) and is readily extendable to a two‐dimensional array of lasers.
Period doubling for trapezoid function iteration: Metric theory

Iterations of a one-parameter family F(@l, x) = @lf(x) of endomorphisms of [0,2] having the form of a trapezoid f(x) = x/e for x @? [0, e], f(x) = 1 for x @? (e, 2 - e) and f(x) = (2 - x)/e for x @? [2 - e,2], are investigated. Here @l @? [1, 2] and e @? (0, 1). Let @l"n be the smallest value of @l > 1 for which x = 1 is a periodic point of period 2^n. It is proved that for e "~@l"n. The same conclusion probably holds for any e < 1. This behavior is substantially different from that found by Feigenbaum and others for the case where f(x) assumes its maximum value for a unique x. Numerical investigations are reported for functions related to the trapezoid function.
Oral polio immunization of the newborn infant; a possible method for overcoming interference by ingested antibodies.

Thirty-eight infants weighing 1,500 grams or more were given oral poliovirus type 1vaccine and were fed formula containing neutralizing antibody against poliovirus type 1 in a concentration of 1:256 per milliliter, at various time intervals in relation to the administration of the vaccine. Interference against infection with the vaccine virus was observed when the ingestion of antibody preceded or followed vaccine administration by 2 hours. There was no interference if ingestion of antibody took place 6 hours before and 6 hours after vaccine administration. This model system suggests a method for overcoming the inhibitory effect of breast-feeding on oral polio vaccination. Application of this method to polio immunization of infants in the developing countries is discussed.
A comprehensive methodology for manufacturing system evaluation and comparison

Abstract The implementation of manufacturing technology in American industry has lagged the advances made in recent years. The absence of adequate analysis and justification methods is a fundamental problem in dealing with investment decisions of this scope and complexity. But even when the justification barrier is overcome, some problems remain, as evidenced by the failure of several installed flexible manufacturing systems to produce at a desired level of output. The preponderance of evidence in the literature and case studies suggests that justifying and tracking manufacturing systems is a complex task that requires consideration of many tangible and intangible decision factors. Previously developed methods usually focus on subsets of factors measured strictly in monetary-based terms. A comprehensive methodology that systematically identifies the relevant decision factors and incorporates them in a procedure to indicate the value of the system to the user is presented. Strategic, tactical, and operational decision factors are systematically identified, scaled, and aggregated into four measures of value to the user—namely suitability with respect to strategic planning, capability, performance, and economic productivity. Features of the method include the analysis of manufacturing systems from several vantage points which allows problem isolating comparisons to be made; adaptability to both justification planning studies and postimplementation tracking analysis; and implicit and explicit risk evaluation.
Production methods for gene transfer vectors based on adeno-associated virus serotypes.

Vectors derived from adeno-associated virus serotype 2 (AAV-2) represent a most promising tool for human gene transfer because these vectors are neither pathogenic nor toxic to the target cell, and allow long-term gene expression in a large variety of tissues. However, they are rather inefficient at infecting a number of clinically relevant cell types, and transduction by these vectors is likely hampered by neutralizing antibodies that are highly prevalent in the human population. Therefore, an increasing number of researchers are currently turning their attention to the five other serotypes of AAV, to try and develop these as novel vectors for human gene transfer, hoping to overcome the problems associated with AAV-2 vectors. Here I describe and discuss the methodology to produce these alternative AAV vectors in tissue culture. In detail, two strategies are compared that rely on transfection of cells in culture with either two or three plasmids, containing the AAV vector genome and encoding AAV and adenoviral helper functions. Either of these protocols can be used to package a recombinant AAV genome into capsids of its own serotype (generation of "real" serotypes) or to "cross-package" this vector DNA into capsids derived from another AAV serotype ("pseudotyping"). As these approaches are still in their early stages, the existing limitations of current technology are discussed, and possible further improvements proposed.
Barb: A systematic treatment technology for temper control disorders

Research on temper control was considered in relation to the need for developing systematic treatment techniques for temper control disorders. A technique called “the barb” involves the systematic representation of provoking stimuli, response specification, and social and material reinforcement for performing required responses. A successful temper disorder case is presented in detail. Technique limitations and research possibilities are discussed.
DECREASED GASTRIC PGE 2 SECRETION BY “STRESSED” RATS

Rats that are restrained and deprived of food for hours develop gastric ulcers. To evaluate the effects of such "stress" on gastric PGE2 & H+ secretion, 2 groups were studied: 9 control (C) and 10 "stressed" (S) rats. Stressed rats were in restraint cages for 24 hours. Fasting samples from both groups for PGE2 & H+ were obtained by luminal gastric perfusion with .9% NaCl & 4 mEq/l KCI for 6, 10' periods. At the end of the 60' rats were sacrificed & stomachs removed & examined. No animal had ulcers at post mortem exam. Mean (± SD) PGE2 & H+ secretion are shown below. The rate of PGE2 & H+ secretion per min decreased exponentially with time in C and S, p < .001. There was a linear correlation between PGE2 (pg/min) & H+ (mEq/min) for both groups p < .001. In conclusion, "stress" decreases PGE2 secretion by gastric mucosa prior to the development of ulcerations. Although there is a linear relationship between PGE2 & H+ secretion, 24 hr "stress" does not decrease both concominantly. The decreased PGE2 secretion, by "stressed animals", in the presence of normal H+ secretion may identify a mechanism for injury and a defect in cytoprotection.
Angiographic features of left main coronary artery aneurysms

Abstract According to large angiographic and autopsy studies, the incidence of aneurysms of the major coronary arteries found during routine cardiac catheterization or autopsies varies from 1 to 5. 1–3 However, aneurysms of the left main coronary artery are very rare and only a few cases have been described. The purpose of this study is to present clinical and angiographic findings in 22 patients with an aneurysm of the left main coronary artery, as revealed by coronary arteriography.
Graft polymerization of acrylonitrile and methyl acrylate onto hemicellulose

Graft polymerizations of acrylonitrile onto both a commercial larchwood hemicellulose and a purified (low lignin) wheat straw hemicellulose could be initiated by ceric ammonium nitrate. The resulting hemicellulose-g-polyacrylonitrile (PAN) copolymers were fractionated by extraction at room temperature with dimethylformamide and dimethylsulfoxide. Fractions were characterized by determining both the wt % PAN in each polymer fraction and the molecular weight of grafted PAN. Saponification of the PAN component of hemicellulose-g-PAN gave a water-dispersible graft copolymer with good thickening properties for water systems. An absorbent polymer, similar to the starch-based absorbents (Super Slurpers), was produced when saponified hemicellulose-g-PAN was isolated by methanol precipitation and then dried. Larchwood hemicellulose was also graft-polymerized with methyl acrylate using ceric ammonium nitrate initiation, and the hemicellulose-g-poly(methyl acrylate) was extrusion-processed into a tough, leathery plastic. Although ceric ammonium nitrate could be used as an initiator for graft polymerizations onto low-lignin hemicelluloses, it was inert with crude wheat straw hemicellulose containing 11% lignin. The ferrous sulfate–hydrogen peroxide redox system was used to initiate graft polymerizations onto this high-lignin material, and properties of the resulting hemicellulose-g-poly(methyl acrylate) and saponified hemicellulose-g-PAN graft copolymers were evaluated.
Roger Bacon's Terrestrial Coordinate System

Abstract The paper introduces Roger Bacon's description of a system of plotting places with latitude and longitude in his thirteenth-century Opus Maius and raises questions about the nature and importance of the procedure he describes. It discounts previous claims that the procedure represented a fully developed map projection, but supports the case that Bacon had some understanding of the problems of representing a spherical earth on a flat plane. Bacon's system was innovative because he understood that the idea of coordinate systems could be transferred from a celestial to a terrestrial context, and that this idea had practical political—as well as spiritual—significance. But his ideas were not accepted until long after Ptolemy's Geography, which espoused a similar paradigm, reached Europe. Finally, Bacon's system seems innovative in the context of terrestrial cartography since it appears to assign equal geometric significance to each point in his “mapping-space.'’This departed from the route-enhancing ...
A new upper bound on the minimal distance of self-dual codes

It is shown that the minimal distance d of a binary self-dual code of length n>or=74 is at most 2((n+6)/10). This bound is a consequence of some new conditions on the weight enumerator of a self-dual code obtained by considering a particular translate of the code, called its shadow. These conditions also enable one to find the highest possible minimal distance of a self-dual code for all n>or=60; to show that self-dual codes with d or=22, with d>or=8 exist precisely for n=24, 32 and n>or=26, and with d>or=10 exist precisely for n>or=46; and to show that there are exactly eight self-dual codes of length 32 with d=8. Several of the self-dual codes of length 34 have trivial group (this appears to be the smallest length where this can happen). >
Geochemical and Hydrological Reactivity of Heavy Metals in Soils.

H. MAGDI SELIM and WILLIAM L. KINGERY (ed.) Lewis Publishers, CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. 2003. Hardback, 360 pp. $199.95. ISBN 1-56670-623-8. The transport and reactivity of heavy metals in soils encompasses many disciplines of science, from soil physics, to microbiology, to chemistry, to computer
Subjectivism, physicalism, or none of the above? Comments on Ross's "The location problem for color subjectivism".

In “The Location Problem for Color Subjectivism,” Peter Ross argues against what he calls subjectivism — the view that “colors are not describable in physical terms, ... [but are] mental processes or events of visual states” (2), and in favor of physicalism — a view according to which colors are “physical properties of physical objects, such as reflectance properties” (10). He rejects an argument that has been offered in support of subjectivism, and argues that, since no form of subjectivism is able to account for our perception of color, we are better off adopting physicalism. In these comments, I won’t remark on the details of the interesting (and, to my mind, largely persuasive) arguments that Ross marshals against subjectivism, but instead will focus on the argument in favor of subjectivism that he considers and rejects (henceforth, the subjectivist’s argument). I want to agree with half of what Ross says about the subjectivist’s argument. Specifically, I’ll agree with him that subjectivism is unpalatable, and I’ll join him in finding fault with the subjectivist’s argument (§1). However, I want to claim that Ross’s way out of that argument carries equally unacceptable costs (§2), and that there are more attractive ways of avoiding color subjectivism than those he considers (§3).
Retrograde amnesia and consolidation: anatomical and lesion considerations.

The four papers in this issue of Hippocampus dealing with retrograde amnesia, together with relevant animal studies in the literature, are reviewed from the perspective of the anatomical location of the lesion and extent of damage to the brain. In order to evaluate the underlying damage in these and related prospective experimental studies, it is necessary to consider both the lesion techniques that were used as well as the care with which the resulting damage was determined. Both temporally graded and flat, ungraded retrograde amnesia have been reported, as well a lack of effects, following damage to structures in the medial temporal area. Most research has centered around damage to the hippocampus, but differences in selectivity of the lesions and behavioral testing procedures preclude any definite conclusions regarding the precise nature of the involvement of this structure. With a greater appreciation for the importance of the locus and extent of the damage, together with the kind of information being processed, it should be possible to obtain a better understanding of the neural substrates underlying retrograde amnesia. Hippocampus 2001;11:43–49. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
TRENDS IN STATE LAWS AND REGULATIONS AFFECTING NURSE-MIDWIVES: 1995–1997

This article provides an overview of trends and changes to state laws and regulations governing the practice of nurse-midwifery in the United States from 1995 to 1997. It includes tables documenting state requirements related to education, certification, Medicaid and third-party reimbursement, prescriptive, authority, graduate practice, birth centers, regulatory oversight and postpartum discharge.
Rapid Dengue and Outbreak Detection with Mobile Systems and Social Networks

Dengue is a disease transmitted primarily through mosquito bites. Innovative solutions have been developed to combat outbreaks. However, in developing countries these dengue detection solutions are often not affordable and easily accessible. Additionally, these traditional approaches are slow to diagnose and treat dengue. We present a dengue detection solution that uses vision sensors in cellular phones, a lightweight object identification algorithm, and a web server that provides spatial information to healthcare providers. Our systems leverages a novel paper based technology developed by researchers at the Harvard University Department of Chemistry (Martinez et al. Angew Chem Int Ed 46:1318---1320, 2007). Our dengue detection algorithm rapidly diagnoses dengue, transmits the results to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for further analysis, and presents healthcare providers with spatial information on outbreaks. This novel approach can improve the quality of life in developing countries by accurately and economically detecting dengue and providing data to the CDC for monitoring of dengue epidemics.
Phenomenology of Σ-nucleon scattering

A discussion is given of some phenomenological aspects of Σ-nucleon scattering. It is noted that with Σ+ beams likely to be available in the near future, triple scattering experiments are only slightly more difficult than single scattering experiments. A method of determining separately1S and3S phase shifts at low energies is noted. A discussion is given of the qualitative features of low-energy Σ-nucleon scattering to be expected if one or the other of the global symmetry modelsGπΣ≈±GπN is valid, and possibilities of distinguishing between the two cases are examined, utilizing the Mandelstam representation for the scattering amplitude, some consequences of which are derived in the appendix. In particular, the analytic properties of the partial wave amplitudes are deduced; it is found that owing to the unequal masses of Σ and nucleon, the singularities of the partial wave amplitudes do not all lie on the real axis in the complex plane of the energy variable.
A modified slit lamp for examination of wheelchair-bound patients.

• A standard slit lamp can be modified with readily available components to examine wheelchair-bound patients. This modification minimizes discomfort in transferring patients to an examination chair and may provide better patient positioning in some cases. In addition to saving staff time, this technique minimizes the disconnecting of intravenous tubing, drainage catheters, and similar appliances. The addition of a swivel extension to the base of the slit lamp allows the entire unit to slide between the arms of the wheelchair at a height that is comfortable for the patient.
The impact of clopidogrel therapy on postoperative bleeding after robotic-assisted coronary artery bypass surgery

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine whether patients undergoing robotic-assisted coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) on clopidogrel had an increased risk of bleeding complications compared with those not on clopidogrel. METHODS: From 2008 to 2011, 322 patients underwent robotic-assisted CABG either as an isolated procedure or as part of a hybrid coronary revascularization procedure (HCR). Patients were classified according to whether they received clopidogrel within 5 days of surgery or intraoperatively (n= 64) compared with those who never received or who had discontinued clopidogrel therapy >5 days before surgery (n= 258). A propensity analysis using 31 preoperative variables was used to control for confounding variables. In a subgroup analysis, patients undergoing one-stage HCR (clopidogrel load 600 mg in odds ratio (OR) prior to stenting) were compared with patients in the clopidogrel group who underwent two-stage HCR. RESULTS: In the Clopidogrel group, the mean interval between surgery and last dose of clopidogrel was 2.1 ± 1.5 days. Compared with the No Clopidgrel group, the Clopidogrel group had greater 24-h chest tube drainage (1003 ± 572 vs 782 ± 530 ml, P= 0.004) and more blood transfusions (35.9%, 23 of 64 patients vs 20.9%, 54 of 258 patients, P= 0.01). On logistic regression analysis, there was greater 24-h chest tube drainage in the Clopidogrel group (+198 ml, P= 0.02) and a significantly higher incidence of blood transfusion (OR = 2.30, P= 0.01). In the subgroup analysis, patients undergoing one-stage HCR (n= 17) had greater 24-h chest tube drainage compared with patients undergoing two-stage HCR (1262 vs 909 ml, P= 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing robotic-assisted CABG on clopidogrel had more postoperative bleeding and a higher incidence of blood transfusion. Therefore, despite a less invasive approach, surgery should be delayed in these patients when possible.
Optimal region of the putamen for image-guided convection-enhanced delivery of therapeutics in human and non-human primates.

Abstract Optimal results in the direct brain delivery of brain therapeutics such as growth factors or viral vector into primate brain depend on reproducible distribution throughout the target region. In the present study, we retrospectively analyzed MRI of 25 convection-enhanced delivery (CED) infusions with MRI contrast into the putamen of non-human primates (NHP). Infused volume ( V i ) was compared to total volume of distribution ( V d ) versus V d within the target putamen. Excellent distribution of contrast agent within the putamen was obtained in eight cases that were used to define an optimal target volume or “green” zone. Partial or poor distribution with leakage into adjacent anatomical structures was noted in 17 cases, defining “blue” and “red” zones, respectively. Quantitative containment (99 ± 1%) of infused gadoteridol within the putamen was obtained when the cannula was placed in the green zone, 87 ± 3% in the blue zone and 49 ± 0.05% in the red zone. These results were used to determine a set of 3D stereotactic coordinates that define an optimal site for putaminal infusions in NHP and human putamen. We conclude that cannula placement and definition of optimal (green zone) stereotactic coordinates have important implications in ensuring effective delivery of therapeutics into the putamen utilizing routine stereotactic MRI localization procedures and should be considered when local therapies such as gene transfer or protein administration are being translated into clinical therapy.
Observations on the preservation of plants in the Parícutin area

The study of plant “fossils in the making” in the ash deposits at Paricutin is an unusual opportunity for comparison with fossil plants in the Tertiary ash deposits of western North America. The Paricutin ash has destroyed much of the nearby forest, which is an upland temperate assemblage dominated by pines, oaks, crab-apple, and madrone. Buried plant-remains, including needles, cones, leaves, seeds, and twigs, as well as standing trees and shrubs, were studied in pits dug at sites selected to illustrate various conditions of plant growth and of different types of ash deposition. Preliminary results indicate that (1) true fossilization, implying induration of the ash and mineralization of wood, has hardly begun; (2) processes of fossilization were highly selective so that the plants were not equally susceptible to preservation; (3) plant-remains were well preserved only if buried close to their parent trees or shrubs; (4) subaerial ash deposits contained more abundant and better preserved plant-remains than stream or lake deposits; (5) plantremains in the subaerial deposits are the most likely to be destroyed by future erosion; (6) the best ultimate plant preservation will be in valley ash deposits buried by lava.
Disinhibition of masking in auditory sensory memory

A series of experiments was performed on the difference between single- and double-masking agents in auditory memory. Single or double suffixes were presented following immediate memory lists, with parametric variation in the delay of the suffixes relative to the end of the list. The main interest was in the shape of the masking function produced by the timing of either the single suffix or the second of two suffixes. Disinhibition was shown to occur, although it was weak in absolute magnitude.
Raman and Near-Infrared Studies of an Epoxy Resin:

A quantitative comparison of Raman and Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopic techniques for the analysis of epoxy curing is performed. It is shown that the Raman technique yields a linear calibration curve much like FT-NIR. Band assignments in the Raman spectrum of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA) were performed by studying Raman spectra of smaller model compounds.
Age-related differences in factors associated with cervical spine injuries in children

OBJECTIVES: The Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) investigators previously identified risk factors associated with cervical spine injuries (CSIs) in children. Anatomic maturation and age-related variation in mechanisms of injury suggested the need to explore factors separately for younger versus older children. The purpose of this substudy was to investigate CSI risk factors in age subgroups within the PECARN study cohort. METHODS: This was an age-stratified case-control analysis of children younger than 16 years presenting to 17 PECARN hospitals following blunt trauma between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2004. Data were abstracted for children with CSIs and randomly selected CSI-free children. Age-stratified multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with CSI within three age groups: younger than 2, 2 to 7, and 8 to 15 years. Sensitivity and specificity for CSI were estimated for both the age-specific and original (altered mental status, focal neurologic findings, neck pain, torticollis, substantial torso injury, predisposing conditions, diving, and high-risk motor vehicle crash [MVC]) models. RESULTS: Among 540 children with CSIs, 27 were younger than 2 years, 140 were 2 to 7 years, and 373 were 8 to 15 years. Focal neurologic deficits and high-risk MVC were associated with CSIs in all age-specific models. Other age-specific factors included the following: younger than 2 years, none; 2 to 7 years, altered mental status, neck pain, torticollis; and 8 to 15 years, altered mental status, neck pain, diving. Age-specific models had comparable sensitivity to the original model among the older groups, but had lower sensitivity and higher specificity among the youngest children. CONCLUSIONS: While this analysis supports the original PECARN model for CSI, there were subtle age variations in factors associated with CSIs in children that warrant future investigation. Language: en
Conformational analysis of 2-butanone and 3-methyl-2-butanone using lanthanide shift reagents

Lanthanide-induced 13C and 1H NMR chemical shift ratios of 2-butanone and 3-methyl-2-butanone have been determined using the shift reagent Yb(fod)3. The induced shift data were analyzed to derive the conformational populations for these ketone-lanthanide chelate complexes. For 2-butanone, the cis conformation (methyl eclipsing the carbonyl) was found to be more stable than the gauche conformation (hydrogen eclipsing the carbonyl). The equilibrium constant for cis conformation ⇋ gauche conformation is 0.7 at 37°C. For 3-methyl-2-butanone, however, no conclusion can be drawn from our data. Possible reasons for this difficulty are discussed.