cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Studies of Di-tert-Butyl Nitroxide in Adamantane

Abstract The EPR hyperfine coupling constants, linewidths, and rotational correlation times have been measured for di-tert-butyl nitroxide (DTBN) doped in adamantane. At low paramagnetic impurity concentrations, the nitrogen hyperfine coupling constant decreases from aN = 16.7 ± 0.2 G to 15.8 ± 0.2 G, the linewidth increases from 0.57 ± 0.05 G to 1.0 ± 0.05 G, and the rotational correlation time decreases from 1.5 × 10−10 sec to 1.5 × 10−11 sec as the temperature is decreased from -20°C to -65°C. A plastic crystal to brittle crystal phase transformation occurs at -65°C. The hyperfine coupling constant remains constant, the linewidth goes through a maximum and decreases, and the rotational correlation time goes through a minimum and increases as the temperature is lowered through the phase transition. Rapid motion persists even at -130°C. No unequivocal evidence for anisotropic reorientation was found but the unusually large values of aN may be attributed to an ehanced tumbling about the long axis of the m...
Effect of asphaltene and resins on the stability of water-in-waxy oil emulsions

ABSTRACT Asphaltene, resins and paraffin waxes, their mutual interactions and their influence on the stability of water-in-oil emulsions have been studied. 20 wt % paraffin wax dissolved in decalin was used to model the waxy crude oil. Asphaltene and resins separated from a crude oil were used to stabilize the water-in-oil emulsions. Synthetic formation water was utilized as the aqueous phase of the emulsion. The emulsion stability increased with increasing the concentration of asphaltene with a subsequent decrease in the average particle size distribution of the emulsion. Resins alone are not capable of stabilizing the emulsion, however, in the presence of asphaltene they form very stable emulsions. Dynamic viscosity and pour point measurements provided evidence for resins-paraffin waxes interactions. Asphaltene in the form of solid aggregates form suitable nuclei for the wax crystallites to build over with a mechanism similar to that of paraffin wax crystal-modifiers. As asphaltene are polar in nature t...
Teaching about the Moral Classroom: Infusing the moral imagination into teacher education

Through reflection about 'The Moral Classroom' seminars that I have facilitated for both novice and experienced educators, I explore the question, how shall we teach about the moral dimensions of teaching? Drawing from class discussions, journals, and papers, I use students' questions, issues, and insights to depict how these teachers began to realise their roles as moral agents and to use a moral language for describing their practice and concerns. I discuss how 'The Moral Classroom' seminars illustrate how the components of the moral imagination can be used as referents for understanding and evaluating students' development in these seminars or similar classes and as a framework for bringing the moral dimensions of teaching into teacher education.
Computer analysis of exercise-induced changes in QRS duration in patients with angina pectoris and in normal subjects

Abstract Exercise-induced changes in QRS duration were assessed in 25 normal subjects and in 17 patients with stable ischemic heart disease. None had bundle branch block or were taking medications, and all patients had angina pectoris induced during the test. QRS duration and ST60 amplitude were measured by computer during rest while standing, at a heart rate of 100 to 110 bpm during exercise, at peak heart rate for the angina patients (mean of 127 bpm), and at the corresponding matched heart rate and peak heart rate for the normals (mean of 174 bpm). As heart rate increased, the patients showed significant ST60 depression. In normal subjects, the QRS duration tended to increase initially but at the matched heart rate level and at peak heart rate it decreased significantly compared to rest ( p p p
Social work as knowledge work: knowledge practices and multi-professional collaboration

This paper investigates new kinds of practices of social work in Finland through two relevant issues to all current professions: (i) organizing effective knowledge work and (ii) organizing effective multi-professional collaboration. We look into how various forms of creating and using knowledge relate to social work and the collaboration between social work and other public services. The theoretical contribution of this paper is in the introduction of knowledge practices as a theoretical concept suitable for analysing the new forms of technology-mediated social work. The result the paper shows is that although multi-professional work has become one central issue in the development of new kinds of services, they still rely on relatively traditional knowledge tools. Majority of tools developed for the purposes of these service practices are directed at enhancement of traditional knowledge tasks such as gathering data about the client’s situation. Only few of the analysed practices actually had tools aimed a...
Humanitarianism versus restrictionism: the United States and the Hungarian refugees.

The waning days of October 1956 marked the start of what President Dwight David Eisenhower referred to in his memoirs as "the most crowded and demanding three weeks of my entire Presidency." The presidential election was entering its final most hectic stage a severe drought was menacing agriculture in the Southwest the Suez War was raging and threatening to cut off vital oil supplies to Western Europe and the President’s chief foreign policy advisor Secretary of State John Foster Dulles had been taken to Walter Reed Army Hospital to undergo a serious emergency operation for cancer of the intestine. Finally to further compound this domestic uncertainty and foreign turmoil American policymakers were confronted with the Russian suppression of a revolution which had erupted in the Soviet Eastern European satellite of Hungary. Despite some hawkish saber-rattling in the American press and in the Congress the United States says Eisenhower "could do nothing" to aid the rebels because of the danger of a war with the Soviet Union. However the President felt that it was imperative for the United States to help "in every way possible" those refugees fleeing from "the criminal action of the Soviets." (excerpt)
Evaluation of MR-Derived Cerebral Oxygen Metabolic Index in Experimental Hyperoxic Hypercapnia, Hypoxia, and Ischemia

Background and Purpose— A noninvasive MRI method to measure cerebral oxygen metabolism has the potential to assess tissue viability during cerebral ischemia. The purposes of this study were to validate MR oxygenation measurements across a wide range of global cerebral oxygenation and to examine the spatiotemporal evolution of oxygen metabolism during focal middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats. Methods— A group of rats (n=28) under normal, hyperoxic hypercapnia and hypoxia were studied to compare MR-measured cerebral oxygen saturation (O2SatMRv) with blood gas oximetry measurements in the jugular vein (O2SatJV) and superior sagittal sinus (O2SatSSS). In a separate group of rats (n=31), MR-measured cerebral oxygen metabolic index (MR_COMI) was acquired at multiple time points during middle cerebral artery occlusion. Histogram analysis was performed on the normalized MR_COMI (rMR_COMI) to examine evolution of oxygen metabolism during acute ischemia. Results— Highly linear relationships were obtained betw...
Anatomical organization of pretectal nuclei and tectal laminae in the cat

Seven nuclei of the pretectum in the cat have been identified and described using material stained for cytoarchitecture and myeloarchitecture, and these have been related to comparable nuclei in other species. These nuclei are termed (1) N. pretectalis anterior, pars compacta and (2) pars reticularis, (3) N. p. medialis, (4) N. p. posterior, (5) N. tractus opticus, (6) N. p. subopticus and (7) N. p. olivaris. Fink-Heimer stains of terminal degeneration following enucleation indicate that retinopretectal fibers terminate primarily contralaterally in nuclei 4, 5 and 7, and in nuclei 5 and 7 ipsilaterally. At least seven laminae in the superior colliculus have been identified by cytoarchitecture: I. Stratum zonale (two sublayers), II. S. griseum superficiale (three sublayers), III. S. opticum, IV. S. griseum profundum, VII. S. album profundum. The lateral nucleus of the periaqueductal gray might be included as the eighth tectal lamina. Ninety percent or more of the terminal degeneration following enucleation is found on the contralateral side, primarily in the first sublayer of lamina II, with small amounts in the second sublayer; the sparse ipsilateral degeneration is limited to the second sublayer.
Panel 1: Continuity and Change in University Scholarship

ABSTRACT Information technology developments over the past 3 decades have profoundly influenced university scholarship, but the relationship has been characterized by aspects of both continuity and change. This panel of presentations and ensuing discussion consider ways in which these developments drive changes in scholarly practice and present challenges for research libraries on issues such as interoperability or facilitating access in a networked environment.
Properties of ribonucleic acid turnover in T2-infected Escherichia coli.

Abstract 1. 1. The turnover of phosphorus by RNA and phosphorus accumulation by DNA were measured with 32P at varying times after infection of E. coli with bacteriophage T2. The turnover rate of RNA is greatest shortly after infection and decreases at later times. The reverse time dependency is found for phosphorus accumulation by DNA. 2. 2. Comparison of RNA turnover in broth and in synthetic medium reveals that the RNA of infected cells in broth is much more quickly responsive to changes in specific radioactivity of orthophosphate in the medium. 3. 3. When isotope is presented to uninfected cells, the RNA mononucleotides always attain uniform specific radioactivity, whereas within 1 to 4 min after phage infection, the RNA mononucleotides of infected cells have nouniform specific activities in that adenylic and uridylic acids have about twice the activities of guanylic and cytidlic acids. 4. 4. When, after a period of 32P incorporation, infected cells are washed to reduce the acid-soluble 32P pool, further incubation results in a nearly quantitative transfer of radioactivity from RNA to DNA.
System Optimization of Ablative Pulsed Plasma Thrusters for Stationkeeping

We present a realistic and easy-to-apply model for the system optimization of ablative pulsed plasma propulsion for Stationkeeping missions. The model yields the characteristics of the propulsion module(s) that lead to minimum propulsion system mass for given mission specifications. We show that using an empirical relation for mass production, an expression relating the optimal (minimum) propulsion system mass to the thruster's most important scaling parameter E/l (the ratio of the discharge energy E to the impulse bit /) can be found and, remarkably, is independent of the state of capacitor and power conditioning technologies. This independence allows unfolding the relations between the module mass, E/I, and the mission requirements in a single plot that is applicable for a wide range of delta-v and payload masses. The use of the model to characterize the optimal design of a pulsed plasma thruster system is illustrated with the example of a 10-year north-south Stationkeeping of a medium size commercial satellite at geosynchronous orbit. We show that even with off-the-shelf capacitors, the use of such thrusters can result in propulsion mass fractions as low as 6.4%. A c d E F(Ei) f g /v
Nobody's perfect: A qualitative examination of African American maternal caregivers’ and their adolescent girls’ perceptions of body image

Using semi-structured interviews, we explored African American maternal caregivers' and their adolescent girls' (N=25 dyads) perceptions about the adolescent's body using Grounded Theory. Caregivers and adolescent girls (Mage=13.42) were asked what the adolescent girls liked most/least about their bodies and how peers and media may affect adolescent girls' perceptions. While some adolescent girls reported overall body satisfaction, others described features they would like to change. Belief in God, body acceptance, and appreciation for average/moderate features helped the adolescent girls maintain their positive body image. The body-related messages that adolescent girls received from caregivers and peers included compliments, pressure to lose weight, teasing, and advice. Adolescent girls also reported being either influenced by or skeptical of the images presented in the media. Programs that promote caregiver-adolescent communication about body perceptions and that build on the adolescent girls' media skepticism may prove useful for their health-related attitudes and behaviors.
Synthesis of virus-specific proteins in Escherichia coli infected with the RNA bacteriophage MS2.

The synthesis of virus-specific proteins following infection of Escherichia coli with the RNA phage MS2 was studied using spheroplasts exposed to low concentrations of actinomycin D in the presence of an amino acid mixture containing radioactive leucine or histidine. Under the conditions employed there was about 75% inhibition of virus production and 99% inhibition of host protein synthesis by actinomycin. Fractionation of the phage-induced proteins by acrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed the presence of three major peaks, I, II, and III. The largest one (peak III) was characterized as coat protein. The rate of synthesis of proteins I and II declines before that of the coat protein has reached its maximum.
Morphological Characterization of Elastin-Mimetic Block Copolymers Utilizing Cryo- and Cryoetch-HRSEM

Elastin-mimetic block copolymers were produced by genetic engineering. Genetically driven synthesis permitted control of the final physiochemical characteristics of the block copolymers. We designed BB and BAB block copolymers in which the A-block was hydrophilic and the B-block was hydrophobic. By designing the copolymers in this manner, it was proposed that they would self-assemble into micellar aggregates that, at high concentration, would form thermoreversible hydrogels. To analyze the three-dimensional fine surface morphology of the copolymers, to the resolution level of a few nanometers, we employed cryo-HRSEM. This method provided vast expanses of the specimen in its frozen hydrated state for survey. In our initial cryo-HRSEM studies, we observed the protein filaments and micelles surrounded by lakes of vitreous ice. Upon examination at low and intermediate magnifications, there was an extensive honeycomb-like filamentous network. To delineate the fine morphology of the hydrogel network at high magnification and to greater depths, we cryoetched away unbound water from the sample surface, in high vacuum, prior to chromium deposition. By using this technique, we were able to visualize for characterization purposes the fine fibril networks formed from the micellar aggregates over the surface of the hydrogel.
Probabilistic Elastic Matching for Pose Variant Face Verification

Pose variation remains to be a major challenge for real-world face recognition. We approach this problem through a probabilistic elastic matching method. We take a part based representation by extracting local features (e.g., LBP or SIFT) from densely sampled multi-scale image patches. By augmenting each feature with its location, a Gaussian mixture model (GMM) is trained to capture the spatial-appearance distribution of all face images in the training corpus. Each mixture component of the GMM is confined to be a spherical Gaussian to balance the influence of the appearance and the location terms. Each Gaussian component builds correspondence of a pair of features to be matched between two faces/face tracks. For face verification, we train an SVM on the vector concatenating the difference vectors of all the feature pairs to decide if a pair of faces/face tracks is matched or not. We further propose a joint Bayesian adaptation algorithm to adapt the universally trained GMM to better model the pose variations between the target pair of faces/face tracks, which consistently improves face verification accuracy. Our experiments show that our method outperforms the state-of-the-art in the most restricted protocol on Labeled Face in the Wild (LFW) and the YouTube video face database by a significant margin.
Kinetic energy shaping for gait regulation of underactuated bipeds

This paper presents an underactuated control law for regulating the speed of bipedal walking robots. This control achieves speed regulation while requiring 96% less actuator energy per step than previously reported, fully-actuated controls that achieve speed regulation by velocity scaling. Our control arises from shaping the kinetic energy of a bipedal robot with actuators at the ankles only. While any kinetic energy shape may be imposed on a fully actuated robot, we show that underactuation restricts the achievable forms of the kinetic energy to those that solve a particular nonlinear partial differential equation (PDE). The general method of Auckly et al. for solving this PDE is reviewed and specialized to the case of mechanical systems. We show that the original nonlinear PDE may be reduced to one algebraic equation and two linear PDEs that may be solved simultaneously to find the set of achievable closed-loop kinetic energy shapes. We apply this approach to the compass-gait bipedal robot in the case of actuation at the ankle alone and present a particular kinetic energy form that yields energy-efficient speed control.
Calculation of DEP and EWOD Forces for Application in Digital Microfluidics

Two primary methods for electrostatically actuating microdroplets in channels currently exist: dielectrophoresis (DEP) for electrically insulating fluids and electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) for conducting fluids. In each case, a transverse electric field is used to create an electrostatic pressure, giving rise to the transport of individual liquid slugs. This paper examines the nature of the force distribution for both EWOD and DEP actuated droplets. The effects of system parameters such as contact angle and electrode length on the shape of the force density and its net integral are considered. A comparison of the scaling properties of DEP and EWOD for applications in digital microfluidics is presented. The net DEP force is shown to be strongly peaked when a droplet interface is located near the edge of a charged electrode and reduces to the well-known lumped parameter model in the appropriate limits. The effect of electrode spacing is seen to have an inversely proportional effect on the force experienced by the droplet, and the effect of increasing droplet contact angle is observed to increase the net force on the droplet.
Strange Bedfellows: The Strategic Dynamics of Major Power Military Interventions

Intuition suggests that major powers should be more likely to pursue joint military intervention when their preferences are most similar, but empirically, joint interventions are least likely in these cases. The solution to this puzzle lies in the strategic interaction between interveners. When states agree over policy, they face a free rider problem. A state is more willing to join an intervention as its preferences with the initial intervener diverge because doing so allows it to affect policy outcomes. To test the theory, a statistical model derived from the theoretical model is used to estimate the factors that affect the decisions of major powers to intervene in civil conflicts.
Approximate dynamic programming for stochastic systems with additive and multiplicative noise

This paper studies the stochastic optimal control problem with additive and multiplicative noise via reinforcement learning (RL) and approximate/adaptive dynamic programming (ADP). Using Ito calculus, a policy iteration algorithm is derived in the presence of both additive and multiplicative noise. It is shown that the expectation of the approximated cost matrix is guaranteed to converge to the solution of certain algebraic Riccati equation that gives rise to the optimal cost value. Furthermore, the covariance of the approximated cost matrix can be reduced by increasing the length of time interval between two consecutive iterations. Finally, the efficiency of the proposed ADP methodology is illustrated in a numerical example.
Tradeoffs limit the evolution of male traits that are attractive to females

Tradeoffs occur between a variety of traits in a diversity of organisms, and these tradeoffs can have major effects on ecological and evolutionary processes. Far less is known, however, about tradeoffs between male traits that affect mate attraction than about tradeoffs between other types of traits. Previous results indicate that females of the variable field cricket, Gryllus lineaticeps, prefer male songs with higher chirp rates and longer chirp durations. In the current study, we tested the hypothesis that a tradeoff between these traits affects the evolution of male song. The two traits were negatively correlated among full-sibling families, consistent with a genetically based tradeoff, and the tradeoff was stronger when nutrients were limiting. In addition, for males from 12 populations reared in a common environment, the traits were negatively correlated within populations, the strength of the tradeoff was largely invariant across populations, and the within-population tradeoff predicted how the traits have evolved among populations. A widespread tradeoff thus affects male trait evolution. Finally, for males from four populations assayed in the field, the traits were negatively correlated within and among populations. The tradeoff is thus robust to the presence of environmental factors that might mask its effects. Together, our results indicate there is a fundamental tradeoff between male traits that: (i) limits the ability of males to produce multiple attractive traits; (ii) limits how male traits evolve; and (iii) might favour plasticity in female mating preferences.
Is Base of Support Greater in Unsteady Gait

Background and Purpose. We investigated dynamic interfoot distance (IFD) throughout the gait cycle in people with unsteady gait caused by vestibulopathy and in people without known neuromuscular pathology. We expected that the subjects with unsteady gait would use a greater IFD than subjects without neuromuscular pathology and that this IFD would be correlated with other measures of locomotor stability. Subjects and Methods. Simultaneous whole-body (11-segment) dynamic kinematic data were collected from 22 subjects with vestibulopathy and 22 subjects without known neuromuscular pathology who were matched for age, height, weight, and body mass index. Two trials each of the participants' gait at preferred speed and paced gait at 120 steps/min were analyzed with a repeated-measures design with multiple dependent variables. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively and with inferential statistics. Results. Interfoot distance at preferred gait speed did not differentiate unsteady subjects with vestibulopathy from the comparison subjects. Paced gait IFD total range and IFD in single-limb support differed between groups, but IFD at heel-strike did not. However, IFD at heel-strike, the traditional measure of “base-of-support width,” was correlated with measurements of whole-body center-of-gravity stability ( r =.32–.55). Discussion and Conclusion. Gait at preferred speed permitted the unsteady subjects and the comparison subjects to select similar IFD values, but at the cost of slower gait in the unsteady subjects. When required to walk at a “normal” pace of 120 steps/min, subjects with vestibulopathy increased their IFD. These data suggest that wide-based gait alone cannot differentiate between subjects with and without balance impairments. Base of support and other whole-body kinematic variables are mechanical compensations of vestibulopathic instability. Further studies are needed to determine whether development of active control of these whole-body control variables can occur after vestibular rehabilitation.
Efficient implementation of nested-loop multimedia algorithms

A novel dependence graph representation called the multiple-order dependence graph for nested-loop formulated multimedia signal processing algorithms is proposed. It allows a concise representation of an entire family of dependence graphs. This powerful representation facilitates the development of innovative implementation approach for nested-loop formulated multimedia algorithms such as motion estimation, matrix-matrix product, 2D linear transform, and others. In particular, algebraic linear mapping (assignment and scheduling) methodology can be applied to implement such algorithms on an array of simple-processing elements. The feasibility of this new approach is demonstrated in three major target architectures: application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), and a programmable clustered VLIW processor.
Determination of Human Gait Phase Using Fuzzy Inference

This paper discusses the design and implementation of a fuzzy inference system for the recognition of human gait phases. In particular, this work focuses on using the angles of the joints of lower limb to determine the current stage of a subject's gait cycle. The fuzzy rule-based system was developed using typical joint angle trajectories over a single gait cycle. The behavior of each joint was examined to determine appropriate rules for differentiating between gait phases. The completed system was then tested using joint angle trajectories measured from healthy human test subjects and shown to be capable of reproducing the gait phase transitions found by a human expert.
The Relations Between Student Motivational Beliefs and Cognitive Engagement in High School

The authors examined relations among student perceptions of classroom achievement goals, self-efficacy, perceived instrumentality of classroom work, and sense of belonging within a classroom. Participants were 249 high school students. The authors also examined how cognitive engagement was predicted by those variables along with personal achievement goals (mastery and performance approach). The results indicate that the adoption of mastery goals was predicted by perceived instrumentality, self-efficacy, and belonging, whereas cognitive engagement was predicted by belonging and perceived instrumentality. Last, the authors found that a classroom promoting a mastery orientation was predictive of a student's sense of belonging. They discuss the importance of mastery-oriented classrooms.
A Regional Assessment of Information Technology Sophistication in Missouri Nursing Homes

Objective: To provide a state profile of information technology (IT) sophistication in Missouri nursing homes. Method: Primary survey data were collected from December 2006 to August 2007. A descri...
Politics, pedagogy & gender

Daedalus Fall 2005 In the mid-nineteenth century the public education system of the United States drew its corps of teachers from the nation’s population of young women. In contrast, European public education remained a male-dominated enterprise until well into the twentieth century. Traditionally, the United States’ early and extensive recruitment of female teachers has been interpreted as a sign of enlightened attitudes about women and their place in society. Horace Mann’s innovative Massachusetts normal schools, which trained young women to be teachers, are customarily cited as examples of feminism in action. So, until recently, was the career of Catherine Beecher, the archetypal proselytizer for the female teaching profession. The development of a public elementary school system before the Civil War and the extension of that system through the establishment of secondary schools in the last quarter of the nineteenth century provide a happy ending to the traditional story of the establishment of the 1⁄2rst “women’s” profession.1 Underlying this popular history of women in teaching is the assumption that access to new work opportunities has the same meaning for everyone. If we stop to ask what gender meant for the nineteenth-century founders of American public education, however, the story takes on new levels of meaning. Some of its themes speak directly to our educational dilemmas today. Its interest lies not in the sex of the teachers who staffed America’s one-room schools but in the political and psychological images that men and women held regarding the gender of those teachers. The story of women’s opportunities to enter teaching as a respectable occupation for single women outside the home is a case study in the meaning of access. Examination of the case of women teachers’ recruitment in the mid-nineteenth century should make us rethink the incremental model of change that is presumed to characterize the liberal state. Jill K. Conway
Varicella zoster viral disease.

Herpes zoster is a cause of considerable morbidity, especially among elderly patients, with a suggestion of a slight increase in incidence among female patients. Substantial research on the biology of the varicella zoster virus has led to advances in our knowledge of the pathophysiology of the disease along with more successful therapy for the acute episodes of herpes zoster. Ophthalmic zoster is more common than zoster in other cranial nerves and is associated with pronounced suffering. This article reviews the epidemiology, biology, and latency of herpes zoster, discusses the pathophysiology of the disease, and describes treatment options with antivirals and corticosteroids. The pathophysiology and treatment options for postherpetic neuralgia are also addressed. The varicella vaccine is now available, and initial results suggest that this may lessen the effect of herpes zoster in the future.
Liquidity and Information Flow Around Monetary Policy Announcements

We analyze the effects of monetary policy announcements on stock market liquidity using intraday data. We show that the impairment in liquidity associated with policy announcements occurs primarily after, rather than before, the announcements, and is relatively short-lived, lasting about 1.5 hours. Liquidity impairment varies proportionately with the information content of the policy announcement, with larger effects associated with unscheduled announcements, and scheduled announcements with larger policy surprises. Overall, our results suggest that informed traders have an information processing advantage over uninformed participants rather than access to private information.
The fine structure of the hen's ovum at ovulation.

The cortical organization of the hen’s ovum at ovulation was examined. A fibrous reticulum, the perivitelline layer (PL), uniformly surrounded the ovum and was separated from the vitellus at the animal pole by the perivitelline space. This space may be completely occluded by yellow yolk in other regions of the ovum. The animal pole consisted of the nucleus of Pander and the blastodisc. These regions were characterized by the presence of clear vacuoles, white yolk spheres, mitochondria and glycogen granules all of which were absent from the remaining ovum. The pitted surface of the blastodisc was covered with microvilli and blunt-projections. Occasional pinocytotic pits were seen at their bases. The cortical cytoplasm of the blastodisc contained clusters of coated and uncoated dense vesicles and tubular profiles. Multiple fusion of these structures resulted in the formation of the clear vacuoles. The latter appeared to serve as compartments for the assimilation of yolk and subsequently developed into white yolk spheres.
Disulfide-linked Liposomes: Effective Delivery Vehicle for Bcl-2 Antisense Oligodeoxyribonucleotide G3139

Background: Disulfide-linked oligodeoxyribonucleotide (ODN) liposomes were formulated and evaluated for the delivery of antisense ODN G3139 in KB human oral carcinoma cells. Materials and Methods: Liposomes composed of 1,2-di-(9Z-octadecenoyl)-3-trimethylammo-nium-propane (DOTAP)/egg phosphatidylcholine/α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate were incorporated with hydrophobized disulfide-linked ODN. Disulfide-linked ODN liposomes were characterized for their size, ODN intracellular delivery, Bcl-2 mRNA and protein expression, growth inhibition, and chemosensitization. Results: Intracellular delivery of ODN with disulfide-linked ODN liposomes was more efficient than that with non-liposomal hydrophobized disulfide-linked ODN. Treatment of the cells with disulfide-linked ODN liposomes resulted in efficient Bcl-2 down-regulation greater than that with hydrophobized disulfide-linked ODN and consistent with that of cellular growth inhibition and the sensitization to daunorubicin in KB cells. Disulfide-linked ODN liposomes exhibited superior colloidal stability during 5-week storage. Conclusion: Disulfide-linked liposomes are effective delivery vehicles for antisense ODN.
The Origin of the Moon and Geophysical Consequences

Summary The classical theory of tidal friction developed by Sir George Darwin has been used by a number of investigators to gain information about the origin of the Moon by tracing its orbital evolution backward in time. The present paper extends tidal theory further by making the dissipation function frequency-dependent, where frequency is defined as the relative angular rate of the satellite and planet. In order to test this modified theory empirically, it is first applied to a study of the origin of Phobos and Deimos, the two satellites of Mars. Contrary to earlier results which maintained their present low eccentricity orbits, it is found that their initial orbits are highly elongated ellipses (suggesting an origin in terms of captured cometary nuclei). When the frequency-dependent theory (even in a two-dimensional version) is applied to the more complicated Earth-Moon system, it leads to a set of dynamical constraints on the origin of the Moon which can be used together with geophysical evidence and evidence of the lunar surface structure. The most likely origin of the Moon is found to be capture as a separate body, rather than its formation in the vicinity of the Earth from smaller planetesimals. Earlier developments of tidal theory had required an initial orbit of very high inclination (90° or even greater) and initial obliquity of the Earth's axis of 90°; all of which would have made capture extremely unlikely and, further, required the dissipation of unreasonable amounts of rotational kinetic energy. Urey had favoured capture of the Moon for geochemical reasons; we now support this hypothesis because of dynamical arguments. Evidence is presented to support the occurrence of intensive heating and volcanism, both in the Earth and in the Moon, approximately four billion years ago. Thus, capture of the Moon may explain the apparently anomalously early development of the Earth's atmosphere and oceans.
Cloning and Characterization of the Mouse Short-Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase cDNA

Abstract Short-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (SCAD) is one of five homologous dehydrogenases that catalyze the first reaction in the β-oxidation of fatty acids. As the name implies, the substrate for this enzyme is short-chain acyl-CoA (C4-C6). We report here the coding and 3′UT sequence of the cDNA for mouse precursor SCAD. The mouse SCAD cDNA coding sequence covers 1239 bp. This represents a 24-amino-acid leader peptide and a 388-amino-acid mature peptide. Comparison of this sequence with reported rat and human SCAD cDNA sequences reveals a high degree of homology among the three species. Comparison of the amino acid sequence with that of other acyl-CoA dehydrogenases, medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase and long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, also shows a high degree of homology.
Quality of health care for older women: what do we know?

As the proportion of the population age 65 and over continues to grow—to a projected 20.5% or 77.2 million by the year 2040—tracking the quality, access, and receipt of care for older women becomes more important, since the majority of older citizens are women. This article establishes a rough baseline for the quality of care, primarily preventive care, received by older women compared to older men, using selected measures and data of the 2004 National Healthcare Quality Report and National Healthcare Disparities Report . It highlights significant differences between women and men, as well as differences for racial, ethnic, and educational subgroups. Generally, older non-Hispanic white women frequently score higher than their Hispanic and non-Hispanic black counterparts, and more educated women often score significantly higher than their less-educated peers on several measures of quality of care. Compared to their male counterparts, older women are significantly less likely to have any colorectal screening test, to keep high blood pressure under control, and to receive aspirin or beta-blockers upon hospital admission or discharge for acute myocardial infarction. Results are mixed for the process measures related to diabetes, but improvements are clearly needed toward increased rates of eye and foot examinations. Rates of influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations are low but can be improved through Medicare-covered services. We also found that older women are screened less often for breast cancer than those ages 40 to 64. There is still a pervasive lack of knowledge in the research and clinical communities about the unique health care needs of and appropriate processes of care for older adults. More research needs to focus on the quality of care for this growing population in order to allow the development of geriatric-based quality measures and models of care that will set the standards of healthcare for older adults in general, and older women in particular.
Impact of fetal gender on the labor curve

Objective We sought to estimate the association between fetal gender and first-stage labor curve at term. Study Design Within a large, retrospective cohort study of consecutive, singleton term labor patients who delivered in the second stage, we compared the active phase of first-stage labor by fetal gender. The primary outcome was length of active stage 1. Interval-censored regression was used to estimate the effect of fetal gender on the duration of active first stage (4-10 cm) and was adjusted for relevant covariates. Results Of 2400 women, 2373 women had complete labor information and were available for this analysis. Male gender was associated with both a statistically significantly longer active first stage of labor (4.6 vs 4.0 hours; P = .002) and stratified analyses by parity and labor type. Conclusion Male fetuses are associated with longer active phase of the first stage of labor and, specifically, may need to be considered in the setting of arrest diagnoses.
Invertebrates in Beaver-Created Wetlands and Ponds

Eurasian (Castor fiber) and North American (Castor canadensis) beavers are semiaquatic mammals that modify the hydrology of streams and other water bodies by constructing dams throughout the temperate and boreal zones of North America and Europe. Our review suggests that beaver wetlands complexes support high invertebrate taxon richness primarily due to high habitat heterogeneity. Beaver-created wetlands have a variety of subhabitats, and beaver activities (damming of streams, building of channels, etc.) create a mosaic of lentic and lotic hydrology that provides habitat for stream, pond, and semi-aquatic invertebrates. Beaver also create and maintain new wetlands as well as enhancing existing ones, which may help maintain wetland habitat for invertebrates in the face of climate change and habitat destruction.
The Juxtaposition of ABL With BCR and Risk for Fusion May Come at the Time of BCR Replication in Late S-Phase

To the Editor: In their recent report in Blood, Neves et al[1][1]demonstrated the close proximity of BCR and ABL in hematopoietic cells in late S-phase of the cell cycle and provided a basis for a model to explain the t(9;22) chromosomal abnormality. We have studied the relative positioning of BCR
Using a hybrid III anthropomorphic test device with back constraint to evaluate robot impact to the chest

Impact tests using an Anthropomorphic Test Device (ATD) or a dummy were conducted to assess the risk that a moving mass, such as a robot, might pose to an individual against a stationary constraint. A mathematic model was also used to simulate the dummy's responses to impacts from different combinations of mass and velocity. The results showed that the sternum-to-spine deflection, or chest compression, was higher when the dummy's back was constrained than when it was unconstrained. A study plan for understanding the risk from a moving mass such as a robot was proposed.
The Relative Size of Acquisitions and the Wealth of Acquiring Firms: The Amplification Effect

This study proposes an argument that reconciles disparate findings on the relation between acquiring firm abnormal returns and the relative size of acquisitions. We argue and show that relative size amplifies acquisition wealth effects, resulting in a positive relation for value-creating, but a negative relation for value-destroying acquisitions. This observation has an important implication for the functional form of acquisition wealth effects models: relative size should be included as an interactive effect and not - as is the norm in the literature - as an additive, main effect. We show that a regression model thus specified provides significantly greater explanatory power.
Case Studies: Skin and Respiratory Symptoms in Peanut Inspectors with Peanut Dust and Endotoxin Exposure

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) provided technical assistance at a peanut grading room in response to a request from a state health department for an evaluation of respiratory and skin symptoms among peanut inspectors. Reported symptoms included dermal (skin rash, burning/itching skin); respiratory (cough, shortness of breath, respiratory tract irritation, nosebleeds); and flu-like symptoms after being exposed to “bad” peanuts. We evaluated the workplace during two site visits 10 months apart.
The effect of pituitary adrenocorticotrophic hormone on experimental tetanus in mice.

A recent report1 concerning the use of pituitary adrenocorticotrophic hormone in the treatment of rattlesnake bite, where the venom is hemolytic and has a histamine-like effect, and a black widow spider bite, where the venom is a nonhemolytic neurotoxin, suggested to us that ACTH might be of value as a therapeutic agent against other toxins. Therefore, experiments were carried out to study the effect of ACTH on mice inoculated with crystalline tetanal toxin. the tetanal toxin would produce death in all animals within 96 hours. The ACTH (ActharR) was diluted with saline so that 1 ml of solution contained 1 mg of ACTH. Dosage employed was 2 mg daily given intraperitoneally in 4 equal doses every 6 hours. Two types of experiments were done. In the first, the mice were injected with their first dose of ACTH one hour before the injection of tetanal toxin and the ACTH was administered every 6 hours
Characterization ofBacillus subtilis phage 41c

Bacillus subtilis phages 41c and SPPI were compared. They were identical in their morphologies, their patterns of infectivity, and the buoyant densities of native and denatured DNA. However, differences in plaque morphologies, protein subunit molecular weights, and cleavage patterns generated by treatment of each DNA with restriction endonucleases indicated that phage 41c was not identical to SPPI. It is proposed that phage 41c be considered a separate member of the group-5B. subtilis phages, a group currently comprising only phage SPPI.
Evaluation of Thermal Shock Resistance Using Precracked Specimens

Thermal shock resistance of silicon nitride was evaluated by a quenching test using precracked specimens and molten solder as a cooling medium. A thermal shock parameter, Rc (=ΔTc*⋅√C), which corresponds to fracture toughness and is obtained easily from a general quenching test has been defined. Here, C is the half length of a precrack and ΔTc* is the applied temperature difference when the first small propagation of the precrack is observed. As a result, it was confirmed that Rc is almost constant regardless of the crack length and temperature dependence of material properties. In addition, a critical temperature difference for an uncracked specimen was predicted from ΔTc* and C using an equivalent crack length of natural fracture origin. This numerical prediction was also applied to the estimation of the thermal shock resistance of other ceramics.
Development of Optical Fiber Type Voltage and Current Integrated Test System

The paper introduces the design parameters,structural features and test situation of optical fiber type voltage and current integrated measurement system,which uses wide-band voltage and current sensor based on unitized configuration design and digital optical fiber technology,thus measuring transient voltage and current at the same time.The wide-band voltage can be measured from 50 Hz~250 MHz according to inversion capacitive voltage divider principle which is of wide-range,high accuracy and high stability.Wide-band current can be measured from 0.4 Hz~10 MHz by wide-band Rogowski coil current sensor.
A Survey on the Cognitive Status of AIDS-Related Knowledge among Medical Laboratory Workers of the Medical Organization in Maoming Area

Objective To evaluate the cognitive status of AIDS-related knowledge among medical laboratory workers in Maoming area,and provide the information for further training of laboratory workers for the prevention of AIDS.Method Questionnaire type of survey was conducted in 100 medical laboratory workers randomly selected from the medical organizations of county-level or above in Maoming area.Result The basic knowledge of AIDS is insufficient in most medical laboratory workers.Only 56% of respondent can correctly answer 80% of the question.Opportunity to receive training is rare,and the understanding of the national policies on AIDS prevention is also insufficient.In spite of the lack of opportunity in training,all respondents aware the disease of AIDS.Conclusion Training should be provide to the medical laboratory workers in order to strengthen their AIDS-related knowledge.
Leadership in Academia Workshop Summary

This workshop, led by Catherine A. Allen (co-founder of Reboot Partners, LLC and Chairman and CEO, The Santa Fe Group), offered participants the chance to create their own vision of what they want in their life and to develop a strategic plan on accomplishing their goals.
NBS activities in biological reference materials

NBS activities in biological reference materials during 1986–1988 are described with a preview of plans for future certifications of reference materials. During the period, work has been completed or partially completed on about 40 reference materials of importance to health, nutrition, and environmental quality. Some of the reference materials that have been completed during the period and are described include: creatinine (SRM 914a), bovine serum albumin (SRM 927a), cholesterol in human serum (SRM's 1951–1952), aspartate aminotransferase (RM 8430), cholesterol and fat-soluble vitamins in coconut oil (SRM 1563), wheat flour (SRM 1567a), rice flour (SRM 1568a), mixed diet (RM 8431a), dinitropyrene isomers and 1-nitropyrene (SRM 1596), and complex PAH's from coal tar (SRM 1597). Oyster tissue (SRM 1566a) is being analyzed and should be available in 1988.