cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Competencies and reputation: What appeals to nonprofit graduate alumni?

Given increasingly crowded education marketplaces, an emerging perspective views education as a marketable product and seeks to explain what drives loyalty of alumni. Satisfaction has been used as ...
WILLIAM G. BOLTZ and MICHAEL C. SHAPIRO, eds. Studies in the Historical Phonology of Asian Languages.

(1994). WILLIAM G. BOLTZ and MICHAEL C. SHAPIRO, eds. Studies in the Historical Phonology of Asian Languages.. WORD: Vol. 45, No. 1, pp. 96-98.
Vacant lot soil degradation and mowing frequency shape communities of belowground invertebrates and urban spontaneous vegetation

Vacant land in legacy cities is increasingly recognized as a resource to support biodiversity and improve the quality of life for residents. However, the capacity for vacant lot parcels to provide these benefits is influenced by current management practices and landscape legacies of urbanization, which typically results in degraded soil quality. The role of soil quality in supporting urban biodiversity and ecosystem functions is often overlooked when developing sustainable urban planning initiatives. This study investigated how soil physical and chemical properties influenced the community of urban spontaneous vegetation and soil invertebrates found within vacant lots mowed monthly or annually in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. We found that soil chemical and physical properties were strong predictors of soil-dwelling invertebrates, as vacant lots highly contaminated with heavy metals had simplified communities. Moreover, increased mowing frequency resulted in greater biomass and blooms of urban spontaneous forbs. Importantly, vacant lots dominated by urban spontaneous forbs and high bloom abundances also were contaminated with heavy metals, with implications for herbivores and pollinators using these resources. Our findings indicate that conservation initiatives must consider landscape legacies from industrial activity and local habitat management practices in order to support above and belowground habitat quality of greenspaces in urban ecosystems. Understanding how soil degradation impacts habitat quality and the delivery of ecosystem services from vacant land is essential for legacy cities to maximize their environmental benefits.
A Synthesized Model of Short Selling Constraints and Their Impact on Stock Returns

This paper presents a synthesized model explaining the returns of short-sale constrained stocks. We combine short-sale constraints that were previously treated individually or in pairs into a more fully specified model. The model is also specified in generally falling versus generally rising markets, and in consideration of relative effects for large/mid-cap versus small/micro-cap firms. There is evidence that a more fully specified model provides additional insight with less factor omission bias than prior models. Beyond that, our results indicate asymmetric pricing differences between least versus most short-sale constrained stocks, sensitive to overall market direction.
A single point mutation converts a proton-pumping rhodopsin into a red-shifted, turn-on fluorescent sensor for chloride

The visualization of chloride in living cells with fluorescent sensors is linked to our ability to design hosts that can overcome the energetic penalty of desolvation to bind chloride in water. Fluorescent proteins can be used as biological supramolecular hosts to address this fundamental challenge. Here, we showcase the power of protein engineering to convert the fluorescent proton-pumping rhodopsin GR from Gloeobacter violaceus into GR1, a red-shifted, turn-on fluorescent sensor for chloride in detergent micelles and in live Escherichia coli. This non-natural function was unlocked by mutating D121, which serves as the counterion to the protonated retinylidene Schiff base chromophore. Substitution from aspartate to valine at this position (D121V) creates a binding site for chloride. The binding of chloride tunes the pKa of the chromophore towards the protonated, fluorescent state to generate a pH-dependent response. Moreover, ion pumping assays combined with bulk fluorescence and single-cell fluorescence microscopy experiments with E. coli, expressing a GR1 fusion with a cyan fluorescent protein, show that GR1 does not pump ions nor sense membrane potential but instead provides a reversible, ratiometric readout of changes in extracellular chloride at the membrane. This discovery sets the stage to use natural and laboratory-guided evolution to build a family of rhodopsin-based fluorescent chloride sensors with improved properties for cellular applications and learn how proteins can evolve and adapt to bind anions in water.
Sequential hydrolysis of dabigatran etexilate to its active metabolite by human carboxylesterase 1 and 2 (1064.6)

The direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran etexilate (DABE) is a double prodrug that undergoes near complete presystemic conversion to the active dabigatran (DAB) metabolite after oral dosing in huma...
Harnessing user-level networking architectures for distributed object computing over high-speed networks

In a distributed object system such as Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM) [5, 7], legacy transport protocols used for communication limit the performance over high-speed networks. By making use of a low-latency, high-bandwidth, and low overhead user-level networking architecture such as Virtual Interface (VI) Architecture [8, 18], this performance bottleneck can be significantly reduced. Since user-level networking architectures provide low-level primitives, the challenge lies in integrating them into high-level applications. This requires a systematic approach. In this paper, a methodology to utilize VI Architecture to improve the performance of DCOM using custom object marshaling is developed. Initial experimental results demonstrate that the latencies of small messages in distributed object computing can be significantly reduced by this methodology.
Cerebral blood flow, oxygen consumption, and glucose utilization of fetal lambs in utero

Abstract Cerebral blood flow and the distribution of cephalic flow were measured by the microsphere technique in 12 fetal lambs in utero one hour postoperatively and in 11 fetal lambs in utero 24 to 72 hours postoperatively. The mean fetal cerebral blood flow for the two groups was 111.0 ± 7.8 and 120.6 ± 8.7 ml. per 100 Gm. per minute, respectively. The mean distribution of cephalic flow 24 to 72 hours postoperatively was brain 37.6 per cent ± 1.8, eyes 4.0 per cent ± 0.3, skin 12.3 per cent ± 0.7, and remainder of tissue 46.1 per cent ± 1.5. In 8 fetuses, the mean cerebral oxygen consumption was 4.04 ± 0.17 ml. per 100 Gm. per minute 24 to 72 hours postoperatively. Simultaneous fetal cerebral glucose and oxygen consumptions were estimated in 4 fetuses. The mean cerebral glucose consumption was 5.31 ± 0.42 mg. per 100 Gm. per minute, and the mean glucose-oxygen quotient was 1.10 with 95 per cent confidence limits 0.95 and 1.25. The results indicate that these uptakes are comparable to those observed in the brains of adult animals.
Retina and retinal pigment epithelial cell autoantibodies are produced during murine coronavirus retinopathy.

The murine coronavirus, mouse hepatitis virus (MHV), JHM strain, induces a biphasic retinal disease in adult BALB/c mice. In the early phase of the disease, day 1 to 7, a retinal vasculitis is noted and is associated with the presence of virus particles. In the late phase of the disease, day 10 to 140, a retinal degeneration is observed and is associated with the absence of both virus particles and inflammatory cells. We show that the retinal degenerative process is also associated with the presence of antiretinal autoantibodies. In total, 22 of 23 sera collected from 10 to 70 days after JHM virus inoculation contained antiretinal autoantibodies. These autoantibodies are not found in sera from normal or mock-injected mice. Antibodies to retinal tissue were identified as two distinct patterns of immunoperoxidase staining on frozen sections of normal rat eyes, retinal autoantibodies and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) autoantibodies. The antiretinal autoantibodies first appeared as IgM class antibodies that shifted to IgG class autoantibodies. The anti-RPE cell autoantibodies were predominantly of the IgG class. Sera that were positive for these autoantibodies did not stain with liver or kidney sections but 2 of 3 did react with rat brain sections. A second mouse strain, CD-1, was also evaluated because these animals respond to JHM virus inoculation by developing only the early phase of this disease, i.e. vasculitis. On day 10 postinoculation, the retina architecture has a normal appearance. In these mice, which are free of a retinal degeneration, antiretinal autoantibodies are not produced. However, just as is noted in the BALB/c mice, antivirus neutralizing antibodies are produced in the infected CD-1 mice. These findings suggest a role for autoimmunity in the pathogenesis of murine coronavirus induced retinal degeneration. This study establishes an animal model for the study of humoral autoimmune responses in human retinal degenerations.
Opportunities and challenges in tracing security breaches

The closing session of the working conference was a panel discussion on challenges and recent developments in tracing security breaches of information systems that manage mission critical data. The panel members were (in alphabetical order): Cristina Buchholz (SAP, Germany), Michael Gertz (University of California at Davis, USA; panel chair) Sushil Jajodia (George Mason University, USA), Fred de Koning (Nyenrode University, The Netherlands), Leon Strous (De Nederlandsche Bank NV, The Netherlands).
Little Manila Is in the Heart: The Making of the Filipina/o American Community in Stockton, California

This is how Dawn Bohulano Mabalon, associate professor of history at San Francisco State University, begins Little Manila Is in the Heart: “I was born and raised in Stockton, California, the daught...
Nanometer structure fabrication using electron beam lithography

Abstract We review the program at Cornell University aimed at investigation of the size limits of patterning material using high energy electron beams. Structures at the 1–10 nanometer size scale have been fabricated using subnanometer diameter 100 keV electron beams. Using electron beam defined masks, we demonstrate ion beam replication of structures less than 30nm in width. Finally, in situ fabrication of metal structures with walls vertical to 0.8nm is shown using electron beam modification of AlF 3 .
Radiology primer: A novel radiology course for undecided medical students

© 2014 American College of Radiology. We developed a new careerdecision-focused course that is novel in several ways: The objectives and activities were focused solely on providing information about the training of and careers of radiologists. As such, it included unique teaching experiences that we intentionally do not include in our general radiology elective for future ordering providers. Our rationale behind these choices is highlighted in Table 3. It was scheduled early in the clinical years (ie, the middle of the third year). Overall, the students were very satisfied with their experience in the Radiology Primer course and felt that they obtained sufficient information to make a career decision. Although we do not expect all institutions to have exactly the same curricular structure or timing flexibility to address these problems in an identical manner, these challenges are common, and a range of similar solutions may be used at various institutions.
Interaction of Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein/Thrombospondin 5 with Aggrecan

Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein/thrombospondin 5 (COMP/TSP5) is a major component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the musculoskeletal system. Its importance is underscored by its association with several growth disorders. In this report, we investigated its interaction with aggrecan, a major component of cartilage ECM. We also tested a COMP/TSP5 mutant, designated MUT3 that accounts for 30% of human pseudoachondroplasia cases, to determine if the mutation affects function. Using a solid-phase binding assay, we have shown that COMP/TSP5 can bind aggrecan. This binding was decreased with MUT3, or when COMP/TSP5 was treated with EDTA, indicating the presence of a conformation-dependent aggrecan binding site. Soluble glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) partially inhibited binding, suggesting that the interaction was mediated in part through aggrecan GAG side chains. Using affinity co-electrophoresis, we showed that COMP/TSP5, in its calcium-replete conformation, bound to heparin, chondroitin sulfates, and heparan sulfate; this binding was reduced with EDTA treatment of COMP/TSP5. MUT3 showed weaker binding than calcium-repleted COMP/TSP5. Using recombinant COMP/TSP5 fragments, we found that the "signature domain" could bind to aggrecan, suggesting that this domain can mediate the interaction of COMP/TSP5 and aggrecan. In summary, our data indicate that COMP/TSP5 is an aggrecan-binding protein, and this interaction is regulated by the calcium-sensitive conformation of COMP/TSP5; interaction of COMP with aggrecan can be mediated through the GAG side chains on aggrecan and the "signature domain" of COMP/TSP5. Our results suggest that COMP/TSP5 may function to support matrix interactions in cartilage ECM.
The History of NACADA: An Amazing Journey

In this article, we trace the history of NACADA from many perspectives. The NACADA mission, organization, programming, and services throughout the past 30 years provide a story of innovation and change. The effect of technology on NACADA's growth, especially in the last decade, has created enumerable opportunities for more comprehensive programming, services, sharing of expertise and resources, and support to members. NACADA has had a phenomenal impact on the perceptions of advising, the redefined the role of advisors, and the means by which students have benefited directly and indirectly from the professionalism it has engendered.
Biochemical Consequences of a Mutation That Controls the Cholesterol Dependence of Semliki Forest Virus Fusion

The enveloped alphavirus Semliki Forest virus (SFV) infects cells via a low-pH-triggered membrane fusion reaction that requires cholesterol and sphingolipid in the target membrane. Cholesterol-depleted insect cells are highly resistant to alphavirus infection and were used to select srf-3, an SFV mutant that is approximately 100-fold less cholesterol dependent for infection due to a single amino acid change in the E1 spike subunit, proline 226 to serine. Sensitive lipid-mixing assays here demonstrated that the in vitro fusion of srf-3 and wild-type (wt) virus with cholesterol-containing liposomes had comparable kinetics, activation energies, and sphingolipid dependence. In contrast, srf-3 fusion with sterol-free liposomes was significantly more efficient than that of wt virus. Thus, the srf-3 mutation does not affect its general fusion properties with purified lipid bilayers but causes a marked and specific reduction in cholesterol dependence. Upon exposure to low pH, the E1 spike subunit undergoes distinct conformational changes, resulting in the exposure of an acid conformation-specific epitope and formation of an E1 homotrimer. These conformational changes were strongly cholesterol and sphingolipid dependent for wt SFV and strikingly less cholesterol dependent for srf-3. Our results thus demonstrate the functional importance of fusogenic E1 conformational changes in the control of SFV cholesterol dependence.
Does a tilted retina cause astigmatism? The ocular imagery and the retinoscopic reflex resulting from a tilted retina

Abstract An astigmatic dial viewed by a tilted retina will have only one line in focus, simulating astigmatic blur. We compare and contrast this optical situation to actual astigmatism. Photographs were taken of an astigmatic dial blurred with a cylindrical lens, and also of the same astigmatic dial tilted, simulating tilted retinal imagery. A model eye for retinoscopy practice was provided with a retina tilted 30° and was retinoscoped repeatedly with and without added confounding cylinder by five skilled retinoscopists. Photographs of the astigmatically blurred and tilted astigmatic dials were similar but not identical, as expected. The model eye with tilted retina showed no astigmatism by retinoscopy in 14/15 measurements and 0.25 D of astigmatism in one measurement. When confounding cylinder was present, the retinoscopy measurement was always within 0.25 D of the added cylinder. The ocular imagery resulting from a tilted retina can simulate astigmatic blur, but this is actually due to a type of curvature of field. Only a minute area of the tilted retina is viewed during retinoscopy, so the tilt has essentially no influence on the refnoscopic reflex.
A pentagonal cyanostar macrocycle with cyanostilbene CH donors binds anions and forms dialkylphosphate [3]rotaxanes

Since the discovery of crown ethers, macrocycles have been recognized as powerful platforms for supramolecular chemistry. Although their numbers and variations are now legion, macrocycles that are simple to make using high-yielding reactions in one pot and on the multigram scale are rare. Here we present such a discovery obtained during the creation of a C5-symmetric cyanostilbene 'campestarene' macrocycle, cyanostar, that employs Knoevenagel condensations in the preparation of its cyanostilbene repeat unit. In the solid state, cyanostars form π-stacked dimers constituted of chiral P and M enantiomers. The electropositive central cavity stabilizes anions with CH hydrogen-bonding units that are activated by electron-withdrawing cyano groups. In solution, the cyanostar shows high-affinity binding as 2:1 sandwich complexes, log β2 ≈ 12 and ΔG ≈ -70 kJ mol(-1), of large anions (BF4(-), ClO4(-) and PF6(-)) usually considered weakly coordinating. The cyanostar's size preference allowed formation of an unprecedented [3]rotaxane templated around a dialkylphosphate.
A 150MS/s 14-bit Segmented DEM DAC with Greater than 83dB of SFDR Across the Nyquilst band

A segmented DEM technique that allows an efficient tradeoff between encoder complexity and the number of unit current-steering cells enables a 150 MS/s DAC with greater than 83 dB of SFDR across the Nyquist band. The 0.18 mum CMOS IC has an active area of 3 mm2 and dissipates 127 mW.
Modulation of adipose tissue lipolysis and body weight by high-density lipoproteins in mice.

Obesity is associated with reduced levels of circulating high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) and its major protein, apolipoprotein (apo) A-I. As a result of the role of HDL and apoA-I in cellular lipid transport, low HDL and apoA-I may contribute directly to establishing or maintaining the obese condition. To test this, male C57BL/6 wild-type (WT), apoA-I deficient (apoA-I−/−) and apoA-I transgenic (apoA-Itg/tg) mice were fed obesogenic diets (ODs) and monitored for several clinical parameters. We also performed cell culture studies. ApoA-I−/− mice gained significantly more body weight and body fat than WT mice over 20 weeks despite their reduced food intake. During a caloric restriction regime imposed on OD-fed mice, apoA-I deficiency significantly inhibited the loss of body fat as compared with WT mice. Reduced body fat loss with caloric restriction in apoA-I−/− mice was associated with blunted stimulated adipose tissue lipolysis as verified by decreased levels of phosphorylated hormone-sensitive lipase (p-HSL) and lipolytic enzyme mRNA. In contrast to apoA-I−/− mice, apoA-Itg/tg mice gained relatively less weight than WT mice, consistent with other reports. ApoA-Itg/tg mice showed increased adipose tissue lipolysis, verified by increased levels of p-HSL and lipolytic enzyme mRNA. In cell culture studies, HDL and apoA-I specifically increased catecholamine-induced lipolysis possibly through modulating the adipocyte plasma membrane cholesterol content. Thus, apoA-I and HDL contribute to modulating body fat content by controlling the extent of lipolysis. ApoA-I and HDL are key components of lipid metabolism in adipose tissue and constitute new therapeutic targets in obesity.
Urbanization pressure and modeling of urban growth: example of the Tunis Metropolitan Area

Abstract Urbanization process is a major factor of change in the Mediterranean region where pre-urban cities and new urban settlements have raised over the past decades. Several cities rapidly became regional centres or international nodes according to economic and political pressures. Urbanization (and informal settlement) causes land cover changes which can lead to deeper social, economic and environmental changes. The main objective of this paper is to provide time-series information to define and locate the evolution trends of the Tunis Metropolitan Area. In a first step, satellite imagery has been used (1986–1996 SPOT XS) to extract the land cover, identify the urbanization processes and estimate the changes. One of the main aspects is to locate informal settlement areas that grow significantly along the roadway networks in the Tunisian capital. Results show a global progression of the built-up areas of 13% in 10 years. In a second step, the urban growth evolution has been approached by using a potential model that provides general trends of feasible urban expansion, taking into account protection laws of natural and agricultural land. This type of model has not been tested on developing cities and as such it corresponds to a new planning contribution for planners who have no concept of spatially how their urban areas have changed over time and where the growth is occurring. In this case, it has been calibrated over the period of 1986–1996, and then applied to predict the location of the built-up growth over the next 10 years (1996–2006). These results can provide local authorities and other stakeholders with information towards decision support documents for future planning and monitoring plans. Moreover, they can be updated systematically through the integration of remote sensing data.
Analytical Approaches to Address Homeland Security Issues

Homeland security concerns arising since September 11, 2001, have captured national attention and sparked a number of responses at all levels of government. As events have unfolded and the nature of the situation has become better understood within the US, the need for effective planning and response has resulted in the identification of significant analytical challenges. These challenges relate to a number of different needs, including the following: • estimating the probability and the potential impact of various threats, • identifying the need for and effectiveness of specific counter-measures, and • assessing the combined results of interacting activities and events. Analytical approaches traditionally used for safety engineering and risk analysis, coupled with analytical approaches borrowed from other systems analysis disciplines, can be usefully adapted to help meet these challenges. This paper identifies and discusses several illustrative examples of the analytical challenges currently being faced with respect to homeland security. Linkages are then examined between these specific challenges and traditional analytical approaches from a variety of disciplines, including safety engineering and risk analysis. Since effective cooperation among responsible agencies and organizations has been identified as an issue of concern and is essential to achieve an effective homeland security strategy and response capability, issues relating to multiple interacting activities are specifically highlighted.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
The Secondary Split in the Maturation Divisions of Liliaceous Plants

APPROPRIATE destaining in mid pachytene has disclosed two, and only two, rows of genes; minute bodies nearly at the limit of microscopical vision. Repeated observations have shown that the sets of four chromioles seen at late pachytene are united in two pairs, like two dumb-bells, one on each side of the primary split. Here the secondary split has not yet been completed. Observations of diplotene in Lilium, Fritillaria, Kniphofia, and Allium have proved that there is only one split visible throughout, even at the nodes. Hence I agree with Gelei, who also made an intensive study of the pachytene stage, that the primary split alone opens out at diplotene.
Water reuse: policy implications of a decade of residential reclaimed water use in Tucson, Arizona

This study seeks to understand the policy implications of over a decade of experience with reclaimed water used for residential outdoor irrigation. Our survey results demonstrate a high level of satisfaction and support for the expansion of reclaimed water for irrigation. The main drivers of satisfaction include low to moderate cost and the ability to enjoy residential landscaping vegetation in the context of water scarcity. Familiarity and satisfaction with non-potable use are insufficient to overcome uncertainty and gain support for potable uses of reclaimed water. This reluctance must be addressed by policy makers seeking to implement broader reclaimed water projects.
Technique for rapid inspection of hermetic seals of microelectronic packages using shearography

One possible failure of microelectronic devices is due to leakage resulting from an imperfect hermetical seal in microelectronic packages such as microchips. This malfunction is often experienced in automobiles in which the electronic devices are exposed to hostile environments. Traditional leak-testing methods are very time consuming. A shearographic technique for rapid evaluation of hermetic seals is presented. The package under test is stressed by an external pressure change. With the pressure change maintained, the lid of a perfectly sealed package will remain deformed while a leaky package will not hold the deformation, which can be monitored by shearography. This leak testing is fast and practical and can be extended to testing pharmaceutical packages, food packages, etc. © 1998 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.
Neighborhoods as stands in the urban forest

Abstract To date, urban forestry has not developed a management approach that is suited to both the capacities of foresters and the realities of the urban context. Neighborhood stands are proposed as the organizing unit for such an approach. A neighborhood stand is defined as a component of the urban forest composed of contiguous trees, along with associated vegetative and environmental components that have relatively homogenous physical, biological, social and perceived characteristics. This paper reports the results of a study investigating the neighborhood stand concept by describing the variation in the character and perceptions of the urban forest in three neighborhoods identified by 22 community service workers in Syracuse, NY. A total of 261 interviews were completed in these neighborhoods. Neighborhoods are investigated for patterns with respect to: (1) household demographics; (2) evaluations of city-wide issues; (3) perceived neighborhood characteristics; (4) desired house and yard qualities; and (5) the physical condition of structures and vegetation. Several neighborhood-related patterns are found to exist. In particular, the perception of neighborhood quality is more related to neighborhood location than respondent characteristics and most related to the physical condition of the immediate surrounding environment.
Function-Based Interventions for Children With Challenging Behavior:

It is now axiomatic that challenging behaviors are defined more profitably by their functions (their motivations) than by their topographies (what they look like). The notion that challenging behaviors can be defined on the basis of their function has led in the past 30 years to a dramatically reconfigured approach to assessment and intervention. This article provides a description of the conceptual and historical foundations of function-based interventions, with an emphasis on the significance of these developments for the field of early childhood intervention. In addition, the authors consider some of the major issues related to challenging behaviors for current practice and future research.
Solution Structures of Flexible RNA Molecules in Mono- and Divalent Salt

Cells transmit and process genetic information using single-stranded RNA (ssRNA); these molecules realize their function through dynamic structural changes such as folding, association with binding partners, and conformational switching. Disordered, un-basepaired states of RNA play a key role in these dynamic structural transitions, yet most relevant measurements of single-stranded oligonucleotides have focused on DNA. Thus, we measure and compare the conformations of chemically similar ssRNA and ssDNA oligonucleotides lacking secondary structure. SAXS curves and smFRET efficiencies of rU40 and dT40 in 100mM NaCl are well-described by a simple wormlike chain model. We detect subtle but significant differences between the contour and persistence lengths of rU40 and dT40 that agree with predictions based on relative sugar pucker preferences of the two nucleotides. To compare the polyelectrolyte properties of ssRNA and ssDNA, we report persistence lengths derived from smFRET data acquired over a wide range of ionic conditions. We find that the apparent charge screening efficiency of divalent magnesium is anomalously large compared to monovalent sodium in both ssRNA and ssDNA. This strong interaction between divalent ions and disordered RNA presents an important problem for polyelectrolyte theory and challenges our understanding of how ions influence RNA folding.
Constitutive modeling of porous hyperelastic materials

Abstract A micromechanics framework for the development of continuum-level constitutive models for the large-strain deformation of porous hyperelastic materials is presented. A kinematically admissible deformation field is assumed which enables the derivation of a strain energy density function for the porous material. The strain energy density function depends on the properties of the incompressible hyperelastic matrix material, the initial level of porosity, and the macroscopic deformation. Differentiation of the strain energy density function, with respect to deformation, provides an expression for the stress–strain behavior of the porous hyperelastic material. Example calculations are carried out for porous hyperelastic materials with a Neo–Hookean matrix. The constitutive model is used to predict the stress–strain behavior of the pore-containing matrix as a function of initial porosity and macroscopic loading conditions. Predictions of the dependence of the small-strain elastic response on porosity are compared to various estimates of effective elastic moduli for porous materials found in the literature. Constitutive model predictions of the small to large-strain deformation behavior compare well with results from numerical three-dimensional micromechanical multi-void cell models.
Design and construction of a spectrophotometer accommodating long-path microcells

Abstract An increase in sensitivity of spectrophotometric measurements results when small volumes of enriched solutions can be used. Commercial instruments do not allow application of this principle to the extent desirable. A simple single-beam, single-cell instrument is described that accomodates 40-cm cells with less than 0.8-ml solution required for complete filling and showing an effective path length of about 48 cm. The instrument can be built from readily available components and material at a reasonable effort and cost.
An Approach to Linear Inventory-Production Rules

A method is presented for choosing the constants in a linear production rule so as to achieve an optimal balance between the cost of inventory fluctuation and cost of production-level fluctuation. The central idea is to measure fluctuation by mean-squared error about some level and to give a ready method for computing these “variances” in terms of certain unspecified constants. The constants may subsequently be picked so as to achieve the desired optimal balance. The subject matter of this paper is one of methodology and does not concern itself with a case history.
Experience with a novel vaginal progesterone preparation in a donor oocyte program

Abstract Objective: To compare the efficacy of a vaginal progesterone preparation with our standard IM preparation within a donor egg program. Design: Prospective randomized trial. Setting: Donor egg program at a university assisted reproductive therapy program (Jones Institute for Women's Health). Patient(s): Couples accepted into the donor egg program because of either premature ovarian failure or evidence of diminished ovarian reserve. Intervention(s): Women were randomized into either a group receiving IM progesterone replacement or a group receiving vaginal progesterone replacement. Both groups underwent Estraderm patch/progesterone treatment in a mock cycle leading to an endometrial biopsy on day 26 followed by a second cycle in which ET was performed. Subjects with residual ovarian function received a GnRH agonist. In the IM treatment group, 100 mg was administered from cycle days 15 to 27. In the vaginal treatment group, Crinone 8%, a polycarbophil-based gel preparation containing 90 mg of micronized progesterone, was administered twice daily from the evening of day 14. Main Outcome Measure(s): Endometrial histology, serum levels of progesterone (on days 13, 17, 20, 24, and 26), the occurrence of pregnancy, implantation rate, and pregnancy outcome. Result(s): Fifty-four women randomized into the vaginal progesterone treatment group and 18 women in the IM treatment group achieved ET. Mean serum progesterone levels were higher in the IM treatment group than in the Crinone group. Endometrial histology was "in phase" for all subjects in both groups. Clinical pregnancies were observed in 26 of 54 women and 5 of 18 women in the Crinone and IM progesterone groups, respectively. The ongoing pregnancy rate (PR) of 31% (17/54) and implantation rate of 23% in the subjects receiving Crinone was not statistically different from the IM progesterone group's ongoing PR of 22% (4/18) and implantation rate of 18%. Conclusion: Vaginal progesterone replacement with the polycarbophil gel preparation was as effective as IM progesterone in producing clinical and ongoing pregnancies within our donor egg program in the dosages administered.
HPV testing is not useful for LSIL Triage--but stay tuned.

Summary: The first analysis from the Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance/Low-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions Triage Study (ALTS) enrollment database was a correlative analysis of human papillomavirus prevalence in patients with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) cytology. Of 642 women with an LSIL diagnosis who had analyzable Hybrid Capture II results, 82.9% of the women (95% confidence interval (CI) = 79.7 to 85.7%) had a positive result for the high-risk probe mix used in this assay. This high frequency of high-risk HPV positivity was confirmed by independent polymerase chain reaction assays on a subset of 210 of these patients with a very high concordance. Because of this finding, the potential for this HPV assay to effectively triage a population of women with an LSIL diagnosis is obviously limited. This study supports a growing consensus that the earlier reports suggesting that low-grade dysplasias were highly associated with low-risk HPV viral types were incorrect. Most of the mucosotropic viral infections that occur in the uterine cervix are high-risk viral types. Furthermore, most of these “high-risk” viral infections produce only low-grade lesions which are transient and not productive of high-grade dysplasia. Thus, the term “high-risk” or “oncogenic” HPV is a relative misnomer.
Drug absorption and exsorption kinetics in goldfish

The utility of goldfish as test animals for studies of biologic membrane permeation has led to a detailed analysis of the kinetics of drug transfer, in both directions, across goldfish body membranes. Methodology was developed to study permeation solely across gill membranes as well as across the total body surface. 4-Aminoantipyrine was used in the investigation because this drug is neither metabolized nor protein-bound in goldfish. The kinetics of absorption and exsorption was determined under various conditions (across the gills only, across the total body surface, from and to external media of different pH, exsorption after drug injection and after drug absorption). Drug elimination after immersion of fish in 4-aminoantipyrine solution and subsequent transfer into buffer solution was describable by simple first-order kinetics, while data describing the exit of drug from the fish after intraperitoneal injection could be resolved usually into two separate first-order components (leakage from puncture at site of injection and exsorption across body membranes). Drug absorption was found to be first-order with respect to 4-amino-antipyrine. However, under the conditions of most of the experiments (which permitted the maintenance of an essentially constant concentration gradient across the absorbing membranes) drug absorption proceeded by apparent zero-order kinetics. Changes in pH of the external medium had no effect on exsorption kinetics, but had a marked effect on absorption rates. These observations indicate that changes in pH from 4.0 to 7.0 have no significant effect on the permeability characteristics of the biologic membranes as such, but modify drug absorption only by changing the extent of ionization of a weak acid or base.
Interface Properties of Al/Ni Multilayers as Deposited and Following Volume Combustion Synthesis

We report a volume combustion synthesis study of Al/Ni multilayers. The alternating layers of pure Al and pure Ni were grown on silicon and glass substrates using electron beam evaporation. Layers of equal thickness and with bilayer period of 50 nm were grown with total thickness to 1 μm. We focus in this study on the interface properties of as deposited and following anneals up to 660°C with 100°C intervals. Anneal duration was generally 10 min with longer anneals to verify consistency with previously published results. Interface structure was probed using X-ray reflectivity (XRR). Based on interface roughness, we identify three temperature ranges. In the as-deposited to 260°C range the interface properties remain intact, as seen from the XRR interference fringes beyond the critical angle. From 360 to 460°C fringes disappear, indicating the loss of smooth interface morphology. The third temperature range is 500 to 560°C in which the XRR interference fringes are clearly seen, signifying the presence of layering. We describe these results based on a model in which alloy domains form at the interface and grow with temperature and time. Differences in lateral and vertical growth rates of alloy domains are naturally taken into account. At 660°C, the melting temperature of Al, and above the fringes completely vanish. X-ray diffraction is used to identify the nickel aluminide compounds formed upon anneal.
Sensitivity of microstrip antennas to admittance boundary variations

The analysis of microstrip antennas is greatly simplified by a technique which separates the interior fields of the antenna from its exterior fields through the application of an admittance boundary condition at the periphery of the antenna. The goal of this investigation is to determine the accuracy to which one must obtain this "wall" admittance in order to predict operating parameters to a specified tolerance. For a typical microstrip antenna the "wall" admittance must be known to within 4 percent to predict the operating frequency to 0.5 percent.
TRACHEID LENGTH AS AN ECOTYPIC CHARACTER IN ACER NEGUNDO L.

Laboratory germinated seedlings of Acer negundo grown under controlled environmental conditions showed patterns of decreasing cell length (tracheids) with decrease in length of growing season of parental tree's habitat. Populations tested represented a range in latitude of 15 degrees (Texas to Canada) and the results indicate populational response to shorter growing seasons being reflected in
Large positive magnetoresistance in thin films of silver telluride

Thin films of Ag2Te were obtained by vapor transport and electron beam evaporation methods. The film phase and chemical compositions were analyzed by x-ray diffraction and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses, respectively. Film composition was close to stoichiometric with a slight excess of tellurium. Strong (121) texture was found in the films obtained by the electron beam evaporation. Magnetoresistance (MR) measurements show different temperature dependencies for oriented and nonoriented films. MR of the oriented films has a strong peak up to 390% at 90 K and 5 T, whereas MR of the nonoriented films is almost temperature independent in the 10–100 K range. Some analogies can be found between these materials and colossal MR and nonmagnetic multilayer MR materials.
Antiviral Activity of Lovastatin against Respiratory Syncytial Virus In Vivo and In Vitro

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important human pathogen that can cause severe and life-threatening respiratory infections in infants and immunocompromised adults. We have recently shown that the RSV F glycoprotein, which mediates viral fusion, binds to RhoA. One of the steps in RhoA activation involves isoprenylation at the carboxy terminus of the protein by geranylgeranyltransferase. This modification allows RhoA to be attached to phosphatidyl serine on the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane. Treatment of mice with lovastatin, a drug that inhibits prenylation pathways in the cell by directly inhibiting hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, diminishes RSV but not vaccinia virus replication when administered up to 24 h after RSV infection and decreases virus-induced weight loss and illness in mice. The inhibition of replication is not likely due to the inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis, since gemfibrozil, another cholesterol-lowering agent, did not affect virus replication and serum cholesterol levels were not significantly lowered by lovastatin within the time frame of the experiment. Lovastatin also reduces cell-to-cell fusion in cell culture and eliminates RSV replication in HEp-2 cells. These data indicate that lovastatin, more specific isoprenylation inhibitors, or other pharmacological approaches for preventing RhoA membrane localization should be considered for evaluation as a preventive antiviral therapy for selected groups of patients at high risk for severe RSV disease, such as the institutionalized elderly and bone marrow or lung transplant recipients.
Bovine Carboxylesterases: Evidence for Two CES1 and Five Families of CES Genes on Chromosome 18.

Abstract Predicted bovine carboxylesterase (CES) protein and gene sequences were derived from bovine ( Bos taurus ) genomic sequence data. Two bovine CES1 genes ( CES1.1 and CES1.2 ) were located on chromosome 18 encoding amino acid sequences that were 81% identical. Two forms of CES1.2 were also observed apparently caused by an indel polymorphism encoded at the C-terminus end. Two CES gene clusters were observed on chromosome 18: CES5–CES1.1–CES1.2 and CES2 – CES3 – CES6 . Bovine CES1, CES2, CES3, CES5 and CES6 shared 39–45% identity with each other, but showed 71–76% identity with each of the five corresponding human CES family members. Phylogeny studies indicated that bovine CES genes originated from five ancestral gene duplication events which predated the eutherian mammalian common ancestor. In addition, a subsequent CES1 gene duplication event is proposed during mammalian evolution prior to the appearance of the Bovidae common ancestor ~ 20 MY ago.
Static atomic displacements in iron-carbon martensite

Abstract The static atomic displacements in a 1.33 wt.% carbon martensite have been measured through their effect on the attenuation of the Bragg reflections in the X-ray diffraction pattern. Iron K α1 radiation was used and two tetragonal doublets were investigated: (200, 020-002) and (211, 121-112). The attenuation was highly anisotropic being much larger for (002) and (112) than for (200, 020) or (211, 121). A quantitative comparison was made of these results with the calculated elastic displacement field of Keating and Goland, using the diffraction theory of Krivoglaz. A value for the nearest neighbor displacement of each of the two iron atoms of the “distortion dipole” in martensite was thereby estimated to be 0.53 A + 0.03 A. This gives an iron-carbon distance in martensite of about 1.96 A ± 0.03 A in agreement with the iron—carbon separation in cementite. The effect of room-temperature tempering on the martensite diffraction pattern was also determined through the contribution of the Bragg peaks of a low-carbon martensite. Volume fractions of the lowcarbon phase were estimated at between 2% and 6% for carefully handled specimens while an intentional three week anneal at room temperature yielded between 15 and 25% of this low carbon phase. Using the measured value of the dipole distortion, the tetragonal strain (difference between c axis and a axis strains about a carbon atom) was evaluated at Δe = e c − e α = 0.40 ± 0.02. This strain parameter figures prominently in the rapid solution hardening of iron by carbon.
Formation of brucite and cronstedtite-bearing mineral assemblages on Ceres

Abstract Dwarf planet Ceres is the largest body in the main asteroid belt with a rocky surface and uncertain internal structure. Spectra of Ceres in near- and mid-infrared wavelengths are consistent with the occurrence of brucite, Mg-bearing carbonates, and an Fe-rich phyllosilicate cronstedtite. Spectra of 10 Hygiea and 324 Bamberga imply similar compositions. Here, we considered stabilities of these minerals to constrain their origin. Cronstedtite is most stable at the temperature of ∼0 °C at moderately oxidizing aqueous conditions and at high water/rock ratios. Although cronstedtite could form on planetesimals, the apparent lack of serpentine may indicate its formation by Ceres’ temporary surface solutions. Brucite forms at a low activity of dissolved SiO 2 , at a low fugacity of CO 2 , and at highly alkaline pH . Brucite and cronstedtite do not form together and may not form deep in the Ceres’ interior. The absence of Mg serpentine from Ceres’ surface materials and the unlikely occurrence of very olivine-rich rocks do not indicate a formation of brucite through serpentinization of such rocks. Brucite could form by transient near-surface fluids which do not equilibrate with silicates. Temporary fluids could deposit Mg carbonates before, after, or together with brucite at near-surface conditions that favor CO 2 degassing. Regardless of Ceres’ internal structure, internal thermal and aqueous processes may not affect cold near-surface layers. Percolation of interior fluids is not consistent with the lack of detection of low-solubility salts. However, impacts of ice-rich targets during the Late Heavy Bombardment could account for transient aqueous environments and unusual surface mineralogies of Ceres, Hygiea, and Bamberga. Brucite and Mg carbonates could have formed through hydration and carbonation of MgO evaporated from silicates. Apparently abundant carbonates may indicate an ample impact oxidation of organic matter, and the occurrence of brucite with cronstedtite may reflect turbulent and disequilibrium environments. Clay-like homogeneous surface materials on Ceres could be gravitationally sorted deposits of impact clouds.