cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanics and Modeling of Postnatal Arterial Development in Wild-Type and Elastin-Insufficient Mice

Large arteries in vertebrates serve as elastic reservoirs that store a portion of the blood volume with systole and discharge it during diastole. This function is made possible by the combination of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins deposited by the smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in the arterial wall. Elastin and collagen expression in mice is first detectable around embryonic day 14 and peaks around postnatal day (P) 14, returning to baseline levels by P30. During this time, pressure and cardiac output increase significantly before leveling off ∼P30 [1]. Hence, the protein amounts and consequent mechanical properties of the arterial wall change simultaneously with the applied hemodynamic loads in a complicated and unknown feedback loop.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Relationship between kinesthetic aftereffects and "strength of the nervous system".

Investigators have traditionally assumed that the kinesthetic aftereffects (KAE) procedure measures individuals’tendencies either to augment or to reduce the impact of incoming stimulation. Strikingly, this putative difference between individuals is one of the bases of Pavlov's typology: Pavlov maintained that individuals with “strong” nervous systems resist incoming stimuli, while individuals with “weak”nervous systems are particularly sensitive to stimuli. The present study supports the usual interpretation of the KAE task by indicating significant relationships between it and three measures of “strength of the nervous system.”The present data also have a practical implication: Since the KAE procedure has recently undergone strong methodological attacks, these results suggest that an investigator interested in the construct in question (tendencies to augment or reduce stimuli) can employ the measures of strength rather than the KAE method.
The free energy of domain wall fluctuations in xenon on graphite

The problem of soliton degrees of freedom in physisorbed adlayers, as distinct from thermal degrees of freedom is considered. The authors propose making the separation between the two by applying a separate fine- and coarse-grained scaling for the phonon and domain wall motion respectively. This distinguishes the two different length scales in the temperature regime where both modes are present. The contribution to the free energy of domain wall fluctuations about the saddle point is calculated to lowest order in powers of the displacement from the static configuration. The wall fluctuation spectrum is found to have a small gap, justifying earlier theories which treated the walls as fixed. They also indicate how the saddle-point Hamiltonian is used to determine the properties of the incommensurate-commensurate transition.
Scaffolding Instruction in a University-level GIS Course

This article describes action research conducted in a university geographic information systems (GIS) certificate program. This research was employed with the goal of improving students' transfer of GIS/ global positioning systems (GPS) skills to field settings, independent projects, and to future employment. This scaffolded instruction was evaluated by analyzing students' work and their perceptions of the field experience using GPS with GIS. Although GIS and GPS are increasingly used in concert by planners, little instructional research into the integration of these technologies in university urban studies or planning curricula has taken place. The evaluation of the active scaffolded learning field exercise showed that the urban studies and planning students demonstrated mastery and transfer of field-based GIS and GPS data collection and management. The evaluation supports a scaffolded instruction approach in a GIS curriculum, one that engages students and results in positive learning outcomes.
Implementing the Iakoubovski-Merino spectral factorization algorithm using state-space methods.

The necessity of factoring spectral matrices arises in stationary control settings. The optimality conditions for quadratic optimization of stochastic objectives are Wiener-Hopf equations that cannot be solved algebraically because of the asymmetry induced by the unforecastability of future stochastic realizations. Iakoubovski and Merino [M. Iakoubovski, O. Merino, Calculating spectral factors of low and full rank matrix-valued functions on the unit circle, in: Proceedings of the 38th IEEE Conference on Decision and Control, 1999, pp. 505–506] develop an algorithm to factor a Hermitian matrix f. They use a Newton iteration method that is similar in spirit to the method of Wilson [G.N. Wilson, The factorization of matricial spectral densities, SIAM Journal of Applied Mathematics 23 (4) (1972) 420–426]. Iakoubovski and Merino prove convergence however, and also provide an extended algorithm that allows for factorization when the matrix to be factored has less than full rank. This note explores their algorithm using state space methods. An algebraic version of the algorithm is stated and numerical examples are provided. Conventional factorizations that solve a Riccati equation are sensitive to slight deviations from Hermitianness of the matrix to be factored. This is because a Cholesky decomposition is required in the final stage of the factorization, and Cholesky decomposition requires the subject matrix to be Hermitian. The Iacoubovski-Merino state space method finds a factor even when there are slight deviations from Hermitianness.
Structural benefit transfer: An example using VSL estimates

Abstract This paper describes and illustrates a method for benefits transfer referred to as preference calibration or structural benefits transfer. This approach requires selection of a preference model, capable of describing individual choices over a set of market and associated non-market goods to maximize utility when facing budget constraints. Once the structure is selected, the next step involves defining the analytical expressions for the tradeoffs being represented by the set of available benefit measures. These algebraic relationships are used with the benefit estimates from the literature to calibrate the parameters of the model. The calibrated model then offers the basis for defining the “new” tradeoffs required for the policy analysis, i.e., for ‘transferring benefits’. A new application is used to illustrate the structural benefits transfer logic. It involves the benefits for mortality risk reductions, measured with labor market compensation a worker would accept to be willing to work with added risk. The measure is usually labeled the value of a statistical life (VSL). Our application indicates that we should not have expected differences in these measures for the economic value of risk reductions with age. The calibrated estimates were not greatly different for combinations of risk levels, labor supply choices, wages, and non-wage income for older adults. Thus, simple adjustments relying on value per discounted life year remaining seem questionable.
Lactate Dehydrogenase Isozymes in Parthenogenetic Teiid Lizards (Cnemidophorus)

Heterozygosity occurs at the lactate dehydrogenase b-locus in two diploid parthenogenetic species of Cnemidophorus. Each such species produces two different B subunits, one of which is also found in two sexual species and in two triploid parthenogenetic species; the other occurs also in a third sexual species. Interspecific hybridization between sexual species carrying different b-alleles and producing different B subunits may be responsible for the heterozygosity at the lactate dehydrogenase b-locus in diploid parthenogenetic Cnemidophours.
Effects of relativity and of the lanthanide contraction on the atoms from hafnium to bismuth

Abstract In order to help elucidate the effect of the 4f shell of electrons, Hartree-Fock (HF) calculations were made for the pseudo-atoms corresponding to Hf, Re, Au, Hg, Tl, Pb, and Bi without 4f electrons and with atomic numbers reduced by 14. The orbital energies for these pseudo-atoms are compared with those from HF and relativistic (DHF) calculations for the same atoms. It is found that the relativistic effect and that of the 4f shell are of comparable magnitude and both are larger for 6s than for 5d or 6p electrons.
Vocalizations of one-year-olds*

Mother–infant interactions were recorded for five dyads in a home environment. This report describes the vocalizations produced when the infants were 13 months old. Data are reported on syllable structure, phonetic properties of vowel-like and consonant-like segments, intonation contours and peak f0 values for individual syllables. In general, the acoustic–phonetic properties of the 13-month-olds' vocalizations were consistent with data reported in other studies for younger and older children. Hence, the results are seen as evidence for an overall continuity in early phonetic development.
Film Thickness Effect on Tensile Properties and Microstructures of Submicron Aluminum Thin Films on Polyimide

The mechanical behavior of the metal film on a polymer substrate becomes an important issue in microelectronics metallization. The metal/polymer structure is also useful to investigate the deformation behavior of very thin free-standing metal film since the flexible polymer serves as a deformable substrate. The tensile force-elongation curves have been measured using a microtensile tester for aluminum thin films, deposited on a PMDA-ODA polyimide film, in the thickness range from 60 rum to 480 nm. The stress-strain curves for aluminum films were constructed by subtracting these curves with polyimide curves measured separately. Tensile strength increases linearly with decreasing film thickness from 196 MPa to 408 MPa within the film thickness range studied. This is in good agreement with the published data for free-standing aluminum films in the same thickness range. The measured Young’s modulus is lower than the bulk modulus and exhibits no systematic dependence on the film thickness. The microstructures of aluminum films have been examined using a transmission electron microscope (TEM). These films posses the (111)-textured columnar grain structures. Grain sizes exhibit log-normal distributions and the mean grain size increases monotonically with the film thickness. An attempt is made to evaluate the effect of film thickness and grain size on the strength of aluminum thin film and the result is discussed.
Identifying Food Safety Concerns When Communication Barriers Exist

Abstract: Students must be prepared to lead a diverse workforce. The objective of this study was to establish a teaching method that helps students identify barriers to food safety while working in a simulated environment with communication barriers. This study employed a perspective taking exercise based upon the principles of social learning theory. Students were randomly assigned as a “manager” or an “employee.” The managers were provided with a recipe and instructions in English and employees were provided with the recipe and instructions in an abstract, non-English language. Students were instructed to prepare the recipe in silence using only nonverbal communication methods. Three teaching techniques were employed under this scenario to determine the most effective method of instruction. For the 1st method (Barrier Identification), students were asked to complete an open-ended survey concerning their communication barriers in regards to food safety. Next (Modeling through Pictures), recipe books with pictures of each recipe with food safety icons were provided to half of the participants. In the 3rd scenario (Observation), students were videotaped to identify communication techniques and to identify common food safety violations. Lastly, a focus group was conducted, whereby students were required to reflect upon the experiment in order to identify specific food safety barriers. Students identified communication challenges to food safety and developed techniques to help overcome language barriers. However, the use of pictures did not increase the frequency of proper food handling procedures. This study found that a combination of gestures and demonstrations were the most valuable nonverbal forms of training.
Comment on ``Pinning Frequencies of the Collective Modes in α-Uranium''

A Comment on the Letter by B. Mihaila et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 96, 076401 (2006). The authors of the Letter offer a Reply.
Diagnosis and treatment of localized juvenile periodontitis.

Reviewed are the clinical characteristics of localized juvenile periodontitis and the evidence implicating an oral microorganism in the etiology of this disease in certain types of adult periodontitis. Methods for the detection of the microorganism and treatment of the disease are summarized.
Predictors of cardiovascular events and associated mortality within two years of kidney transplantation.

Abstract Background Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death after renal transplantation. Furthermore, acute coronary syndrome (ACS) attributable to coronary artery disease (CAD) accounts for the majority of deaths due to cardiovascular disease posttransplant. While renal transplantation is the treatment of choice for end-stage renal disease, understanding the causes of graft and patient loss is exceedingly important to improve outcomes. Methods This observational case-controlled study included 780 patients who underwent a kidney transplant between 1989 and 2001 who experienced early ACS (within 2 years). Patients were compared with controls matched for gender, year of transplant, and age. The primary outcome was the occurrence of an ACS event within 2 years after renal transplantation. Results Cardiovascular disease was the most common cause of death, with all 13 cardiovascular deaths due to CAD. An additional 15 episodes of nonfatal ACS episodes occurred. Thirty-seven percent of early ACS occurred perioperatively, the majority in the first 3 posttransplant months. On multivariate analysis, diabetes (OR [odds ratio] 5.56; P = .0007), smoking (OR 3.56; P = .034), and prior transplant (OR 2.81; P = .047) were associated with early ACS. Conclusions Diabetes, smoking, and prior transplant were significantly associated with early ACS. The majority of events occurred perioperatively or within 3 months of transplant, highlighting the importance of improved screening and perioperative management.
A Mammography Database and View System for African-American Patients

We have digitized mammography films of African-American patients treated in the Howard University Hospital Radiology Department and have developed a database using these images. Two hundred and sixty cases totaling more than 5,000 images have been scanned with a high resolution Kodak LS85 laser scanner. The database system and web-based search engine were developed using MySQL and PHP. The database has been evaluated by medical professionals, and the experimental results obtained so far are promising with high image quality and fast access time. We have also developed an image viewing system, D-Viewer, to display these digitized mammograms. This viewer is coded in Microsoft Visual C# and is intended to help medical professionals view and retrieve large data sets in near real time. Finally, we are currently developing an image content-based retrieval function for the database system to provide improved search capability for the medical professionals.
Urinary iron speciation in nephrotic syndrome

In nephrotic syndrome, iron is presented to the tubule fluid in a nonreactive form in association with transferrin as a result of the glomerular protein leak. At an alkaline pH, iron remains bound to transferrin throughout the nephron and is excreted as such in the urine. As urine pH decreases below 6, iron is dissociated from transferrin. In the dissociated form, iron exists in the urine in a soluble, ultrafiltrable, and labile state. It is suggested that iron is maintained in this state by chelation to a relatively small organic compound, such as citrate. This non-transferrin-bound iron is capable of catalyzing bleomycin degradation of DNA, suggesting that this labile form of iron is able to catalyze free radical formation and cause tubule cell injury. Urine from proteinuric states represents one of the few, if not only, biologic fluids containing large amounts of reactive iron species. This may explain the mechanism by which proteinuric states cause tubulointerstitial disease and renal failure.
Industrial impact in Northwestern Whatcom County, Washington

A field study designed to determine the nature and extent of environmental impact by an industrial complex was carried out during the period 1966–76. The industrial complex consists of two oil refineries, Mobil and Atlantic Richfield (ARCO), and an aluminium reduction plant, Intalco. The location is northwestern Whatcom County, Washington, U.S.A. The study consisted of critical examination of native, exotic, and cultivated plants in 75 sites; productivity analysis at two sites; plant community analysis at three sites; total-S analysis of leaves at 37 sites; and soil S analysis at 10 sites. The effect of SO2 emission by Mobil and ARCO appeared to be negligible, except in regard to injury to lichens and bryophytes; however S accumulation was strongly correlated with distance from the refineries, wind pattern, and ambient air concentrations of SO2. Hydrogen fluoride is an established pollutant from Intalco and is thought to have reacted synergistically with SO2 to produce injury symptoms at S concentrations below reported injury threshold levels.
Basal and stimulated serum growth hormone concentrations in inflammatory bowel disease.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) manifest growth failure which may antecede abdominal symptoms by some years. Eight of ten children with documented IBD had records of decreasing growth velocities. Investigation of growth hormone reserves showed excessive rather than impaired responses. Mean basal GH level was 6.2± 0.75 (SEM) ng/ml. During sleep, the mean GH level rose to 26.0± 4.7 ng/ml and following propranolol- glucagon stimulation, to 46.0± 4.5 ng/ml. All values were significantly higher than levels obtained in a control population of 25 children investigated for short stature who were not GH deficient. The mean peak GH response following insulin in the IBD group (10.8± 3.8 ng/ml), however, did not differ from the mean peak response in the control group (13.5± 3.3 ng/ml). Growth failure in patients with IBD is not the result of GH deficiency and is not an irreversible phenomenon. On the contrary, judicious use of glucocorticoids aimed at the control of the disease usually produces compens...
Decomposition methods in stochastic programming

Stochastic programming problems have very large dimension and characteristic structures which are tractable by decomposition. We review basic ideas of cutting plane methods, augmented Lagrangian and splitting methods, and stochastic decomposition methods for convex polyhedral multi-stage stochastic programming problems.
Nephrotoxicity of nonionic contrast media after cardiac angiography

Abstract Acute renal dysfunction after radiographic investigations with conventional radiocontrast media is a common cause of acute renal failure. 1,2 Recently, new radiocontrast agents with altered physical properties including lower osmolarity and nonionicity have been approved and are being increasingly used. The purpose of our investigation was to define the prevalence and associated risks for contrast nephropathy after cardiac angiography with iohexol (an agent with low osmolarity and nonionicity) in a large group of patients at high risk for radiocontrast renal injury.
Blood Components for Hemostasis

We present an overview of revised indications and doses for routinely transfused blood components. Targeted blood component therapy is one of the earliest models of personalized medicine, striving to achieve the tenets of the right dose at the right time for the right reason to the right patient. Despite rigorous quality assessment and federally mandated regulatory requirements, blood component therapy has fallen short of this goal. Transfusion support practices largely are dictated by expert opinion and tradition with few evidence-based recommendations. Blood component transfusions, while mostly regarded as safe, are not without risk for serious adverse outcomes. Pharmaceutical agents commonly used either in lieu of, or in addition to, transfusion support will also be discussed. * Abbreviation Key : RBCs : red blood cells HIV : human immunodeficiency virus TRALI : transfusion-related acute lung injury HTRs : hemolytic transfusion reactions HLA : human leukocyte antigen CMV : cytomegalovirus VWF : von Willebrand factor ADP : adenosine diphosphate TAS : transfusion-associated sepsis NSAID : nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug DDAVP : desmopressin acetate TTP : thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura HELLP, hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes : and low platelet count HUS : hemolytic uremic syndrome HIT : heparin-induced thrombocytopenia ITP : immune thrombocytopenia PTP : post-transfusion purpura WHO : World Health Organization CCI : corrected count increment DIC : disseminated intravascular coagulation FFP : fresh frozen plasma TPE : therapeutic plasma exchange VKA : vitamin K antagonism PT : prothrombin time INR : international normalized ratio TACO : transfusion-associated circulatory overload FDA : US Food and Drug Administration PCC : prothrombin complex concentrate EACA : e-aminocaproic acid TXA : tranexamic acid rFVIIa : recombinant Factor VIIa
Sequential organization of grooming behaviors of the mosquito, Aedes triseriatus

Grooming behavior was studied in adult females of the mosquito Aedes triseriatus(Say). The grooming repertoire consisted of 12 different behaviors (accounting for bilateral symmetry) organized into five sequences. The proboscis and antennae were scraped by the forelegs, whereas the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the wings, and the forelegs, midlegs, hindlegs, and tip of the abdomen were scraped by the hindlegs. Each sequence ended with hindleg groomng. Tibial grooming combs were found on the ventral apices of the fore- and hind-tibiae but not on the mid-tibiae. A multidimensional scaling procedure grouped the grooming behaviors in two ways: (1) by the relative position of the groomed structure along the anteroposterior axis of the insect's body, and (2) by whether the groomed structure has a locomotory or sensory function. This suggests that mosquitoes groom both to clear sensilla of obstructive matter and to clean and smooth scales on legs and wings, possibly to decrease drag during flight.
Effects of cadmium on photoreaction II of chloroplasts

Abstract In isolated spinach chloroplasts salts of cadmium inhibited the activity of photosystem II as measured by dye reduction, oxygen evolution and chlorophyll fluorescence. These activities could not be restored by photosystem II electron donor systems if electron transport was completely inhibited. However, when photosystem I electron flow alone was recorded no inhibition by cadmium was observed. Our results place the site for cadmium action directly on the system II photoreaction rather than in the electron transport chain of photosystem II near the oxygen evolving site as previously reported.
Do megadoses of Vitamin C compromise folic acid's role in the metabolism of plasma homocysteine?

Abstract This article is a brief review of current literature. Hyperhomocysteinemia has been implicated as a risk factor for coronary artery disease. Folic acid supplements in the range of 1 to 2 mg per day have been recommended to normalize high homocysteine levels, since Folic acid plays an active role in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine. Vitamin B-12 is a coenzyme in this conversion, which participates in a transmethylation reaction by transferring a methyl group from methyltetrahydrofolate (MTHF) to homocysteine, yielding tetrahydrofolate (THF) and methionine. It is known that megadoses of Vitamin C (500 mg - 100 mg) are able to inactivate Vitamin B-12, especially in the presence of iron, thereby precipitating a Vitamin B-12 deficiency. Without Vitamin B-12 to participate in the transmethylation reaction, the dependent conversion of homocysteine to methionine will likewise be compromised, causing the hyperhomocysteinemia to continue. The bottom line for the consumer who wishes to lower his/her plasma levels of homocysteine is that a dose of Vitamin C in the range of 500 mg per day or greater may interfere with Folic acid's ability to accomplish this.
An alternate preparation for grain aligned structures of (Bi, Pb)2Ca2Sr2Cu3Oz

Abstract A unique process for the preparation of bulk, grain aligned (Bi, Pb) 2 Ca 2 Sr 2 Cu 3 O z (2223), is presented. The process starts with the magnetic alignment of Bi 2 CaSr 2 Cu 2 O z (2122), in a heptane slurry with sufficient particulate PbO, Ca 2 CuO 3 and CuO necessary to form the (2223). Following evaporation of the heptane to physically set the alignment, the compacts are reacted and sintered at high temperature, for long times, to generate the final (2223) product. Critical currents, J c on the order of 700 A cm −2 at 77 K and zero magnetic field have been obtained. The severe degradation of J c with increasing fields suggests that grain alignment alone is not sufficient criterion for achieving large values of J c and that other factors, such as bulk density and connectivity between grains, are of equal or greater importance.
Mapping loci controlling flowering time in Brassica oleracea

The timing of the transition from vegetative to reproductive phase is a major determinant of the morphology and value of Brassica oleracea crops. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling flowering time in B. oleracea were mapped using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) loci and flowering data of F3 families derived from a cabbage by broccoli cross. Plants were grown in the field, and a total of 15 surveys were made throughout the experiment at 5-15 day intervals, in which plants were inspected for the presence of flower buds or open flowers. The flowering traits used for data analysis were the proportion of annual plants (PF) within each F3 family at the end of the experiment, and a flowering-time index (FT) that combined both qualitative (annual/biennial) and quantitative (days to flowering) information. Two QTLs on different linkage groups were found associated with both PF and FT and one additional QTL was found associated only with FT. When combined in a multi-locus model, all three QTLs explained 54.1% of the phenotypic variation in FT. Epistasis was found between two genomic regions associated with FT. Comparisons of map positions of QTLs in B. oleracea with those in B. napus and B. rapa provided no evidence for conservation of genomic regions associated with flowering time between these species.
Knowledgeable contexts for user interaction

ASK, A Simple Knowledgeable System, is a total system for the structuring, manipulation, and communication of information. The ASK user interface is a simple dialect of natural English. The system includes extensive means by which a user group and application programmer can build a knowledgeable context for user interaction. The users themselves can build, modify, and extend their knowledge base. They can add complex definitions that embody knowledge of their domain. They can ground a new tentative knowledge base on more stable ones, modifying and extending their new one without affecting the old.A truly knowledgeable system must also know how to perform complex tasks in response to terse user inputs, taking over complicated but repetitive tasks on simple cues. The ASK system includes three system-guided dialogues that can be used to build such knowledgeability into a user's context.
Percutaneous coronary intervention: Ever closer to real world silver bullets!?

Key Points Bare metal and early drug eluting stents have not meaningfully reduced subsequent rates of death and myocardial infarction compared to balloon angioplasty. Second generation drug eluting stents are associated with meaningful reductions in death and myocardial infarction compared to first generation drug eluting stents.
Endoleak: Predictive Value for Aneurysm Growth at 3 Years

Endoleak is a unique radiographic finding after endovascular aneurysm repair. The prognostic implication of endoleak on aneurysm therapy outcome is unknown. Patients with 3 years of follow-up were examined to determine the predictive value of endoleak, as determined by the treating physician, for aneurysm growth. Patients enrolled in a clinical trial for a unibody, bifurcated endovascular graft (Ancure-Guidant/EVT, Menlo Park, CA) were examined with respect to endoleak, as determined by the primary investigator, and aneurysm diameter change. A total of 80 patients were available at 3 years for evaluation. CT scans and ultrasound were used to determine endoleak at discharge, at 6 months, and annually. Patients were categorized as no leak (NL; n = 59), early leak (EL, leak identified by 6 months; n = 15), and late leak (LL, leak identified at 12 months or later; n = 6). A change of 5 mm in transverse diameter relative to the original diameter was used to determine an increase or decrease. Therapeutic intervention for endoleak was analyzed separately in each group. From the results we were able to determine that most patients with distal type 1 or type 2 endoleak have shrinking or stable aneurysms. Endoleak is a poor predictor of aneurysm growth but is statistically associated with enlargement. Absence of endoleak is strongly, but not entirely, predictive of lack of aneurysm growth. Endoleak is a risk factor for aneurysm enlargement, warranting further investigation to examine the etiology of the image, but cannot be used as an endpoint for effective endovascular aneurysm treatment.
Destabilization of biological solids with ferric chloride

Abstract When ferric chloride is applied to a mixture of sludge pinpoint flocs and dispersed cells, a preferential removal of the flocs is observed at low dose levels. The dispersed cells, which constitute a small percentage of the total suspended solids, require higher dose of coagulant for their complete removal. On a weight basis, the presence of dispersed cells in an activated sludge effluent will cause a significant increase in the stoichiometric quantity of ferric chloride required for complete removal of all suspended biological solids. The coagulation process can be enhanced using a two-step pH control method. Instead of maintaining the solution pH constant at the optimum level during the period of addition of ferric chloride, it was allowed to drop and then adjusted back to the optimum level. The two-step pH control method, which can be implemented by delaying the addition of bases required for pH adjustment, results in more efficient use of the coagulant for destabilizing the biological solids. Results of laboratory studies employing this technique have shown a 25% reduction in the ferric chloride dose requirements.
α-Hydroxylation of ketones: Osmium tetroxide/N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide oxidation of silyl enol ethers

Abstract Osmium tetroxide/N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide oxidation of silyl enol ethers, derived from ketones with either kinetic or thermodynamic regiochemical control, produces α-ketols in good to excellent yields.
Impact resistance of unifilled and filled bimodal thermosets of poly(dimethylsiloxane)

La resistance au choc est accrue par incorporation de chaines tres longues (elastomeriques) dans le thermodurcissable relativement fragile
Probing the molecular structure of phytochrome with immobilized Cibacron blue 3GA and blue dextran.

Abstract Phytochrome was shown to bind to agarose-immobilized Cibacron blue 3GA. A higher affinity of the dye for the putative biologically active form (Pfr) than the inactive form (Pr) of phytochrome was observed. Effective general eluants of Pr included 40% (vol/vol) ethylene glycol, 1% Triton X-100, or 0.5 M potassium iodide. Increasing ionic strength (1 M KCl) did not effectively elute phytochrome. Of the natural cofactors that have been reported to be analogues of the dye, NAD+, NADH, NADP+, cyclic AMP, AMP, ADP, ATP, and coenzyme A at a concentration of 10 mM would not elute phytochrome. At 10 mM, FMN eluted at least 65% of the bound Pr, whereas FAD eluted 40%. Blue dextran/agarose was found to bind Pfr but exhibited essentially no affinity for Pr. Phytochrome that was bound as Pfr could be subsequently released by photoconversion to Pr. Because of the high degree of selectivity that the blue dye and its dextran conjugate exhibit for the Pfr form of phytochrome and the known property of the dye as an analogue of natural ligands of proteins, it is proposed that the dye and its conjugate may be used as probes of a binding domain on the phytochrome protein that is important to its biochemical action.
Induction of cytochrome CYPIA1 and formation of toxic metabolites of benzo[a]pyrene by rat aorta: a possible role in atherogenesis

Cigarette smoking is a leading risk factor for atherosclerosis. Endothelial injury may be the initial event in this process. The carcinogenic metabolites of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons found in cigarette smoke tars could cause this injury. We tested this model by examining the effect of 3-methylcholanthrene administration on aortic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolism. Immunoblotting with a monoclonal antibody (mAb 1-7-1) specific for cytochromes CYPIA1 and CYPIA2 showed that aortic microsomes from treated, but not from control, animals contained CYPIA1; the CYPIA1 was primarily in the endothelium. Aortic microsomes from induced animals metabolized benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) to the 7R,8S,9,10-tetrahydrotetrol-, 7,8-dihydrodiol-, 1,6 quinone-, 3,6 quinone-, 6,12 quinone-, 3-hydroxy-, and 9-hydroxy-BaP. mAb 1-7-1 inhibited the formation of the tetrahydrotetrol, the dihydrodiol-BaP, and the 3-hydroxy-BaP but did not inhibit the quinones or the 9-hydroxy-BaP. Arachidonic acid did not affect metabolism. These data suggest that the aortas of induced animals metabolize the BaP in cigarette smoke to carcinogenic and toxic products and that this metabolism may initiate vessel injury and lead to the accelerated atherosclerosis seen in cigarette smokers.
Shear-Induced Diffusivity in a Dilute Bidisperse Suspension of Hard Spheres

Abstract In this paper we calculate the shear-induced self and gradient diffusivities in a dilute bidisperse suspension of hard spheres. Unlike the interaction of identical spheres, the center of mass of a pair of unequally sized spheres does not translate with the imposed shear flow and hence the radial and tangential drifts of the center of mass were tracked using appropriately defined mobility functions. Results of the trajectory calculations show that the minimum surface-to-surface distance ξmin of the limiting closed orbit trajectories was a minimum for equally sized spheres (size ratio λ=1) and monotonically increased for λ→0 and λ→∞. In addition to purely hydrodynamic interactions, trajectories and diffusivities are examined for the case where the hard-sphere radius exceeds the true radius by a factor of (1+ϵs) such as what would be found for rough spheres (da Cunha, F. R., and Hinch, E. J., J. Fluid Mech. 309, 211 (1996)). The force of one sphere on the other at contact was shown to be a strong function of the size ratio λ, with the force being maximum for the equally sized sphere case. The tracer diffusivities were analytically solved for the case where hydrodynamics were absent. For this case, the diffusivities were seen to increase with λ for a dimensionless separation distance, ϵs⪡1, as a result of the increased rate of interaction between a large test sphere and the small background spheres. On the other hand, for ϵs⪢1 and λ the diffusivities were seen to be decreasing functions of λ. A comparison with numerical results shows that the two match in the far-field limit, while they diverge when hydrodynamic interactions become important in the near-field limit. Finally, gradient diffusivities DC were calculated analytically and numerically and were found to be roughly an order of magnitude greater than the corresponding tracer diffusivities.
Photoelectron imaging of negative ions: atomic anions to molecular clusters

The negative ion photoelectron imaging technique is illustrated using two relatively simple atomic and molecular anion systems, and then applied to the study of a cluster system. Photoelectron images of I− and CS2− at 267 nm and 800 nm respectively are presented. Photoelectron spectra and angular distributions are obtained from the images and the concepts underlying these and their interpretation are outlined. The imaging technique is then applied to (CS2)n− (n = 2–4) cluster anions, for which 400 nm images are presented. Features of these images are highlighted and discussed with reference to solvation effects and structural properties of the cluster anionic moiety. Photoelectron signatures of different forms of the cluster core are discussed. These core structures are anionic monomer units solvated by the remaining n − 1 CS2 molecules or covalent dimer units solvated by the remaining n − 2 molecules. Images of the n = 2 anion at 400, 530 and 800 nm reveal information about the electron detachment processes within the different cluster types and both direct detachment and autodetachment are seen. The direct transitions are seen from clusters with either core type, while autodetachment is only seen from clusters with the covalent dimer core. The imaging work also reveals evidence of a previously unreported electronic transition within the direct detachment band due to the covalently bound core type.
Teaching Students To Be Active Learners: The Principal's Role

The goal of having students become competent thinkers has long been an educational ideal. And, for just as long, this ideal has eluded too many students in too many schools. Here's what principals can do to ensure the goal is met.
On the Occurrence of Protein Platelets in the Pseudocoelom of a Nematode (Hydromermis Sp.; Mermithidae)

Disc-like protein platelets are described from the pseudocoelom of free living post-parasitic juveniles of Hydromermis sp. (Mermithidae). These platelets have an average diameter of 23.2 μ and an average width of 5.5 μ. They appear hyaline and homogeneous under bright field and are not refringent. They lack a nucleus and possess an indistinct limiting membrane. Electron micrographs showed the platelets to consist of a highly organized pattern of parallel, dense lines, evenly spaced at about 270 A. The entire platelet gave a strong positive reaction for protein while tests for tyrosine and uric acid were negative. On the basis of this study, it is concluded that similar objects previously reported from the pseudocoelom of mermithid nematodes and listed in Table I of this paper are probably also protein platelets.
Effects of elevated CO2 and nitrogen fertilization pretreatments on decomposition on tallgrass prairie leaf litter

Standing dead and green foliage litter was collected in early November 1990 from Andropogon gerardii (C4), Sorghastrum nutans (C4), and Poa pratensis (C3) plants that were grown in large open-top chambers under ambient or twice ambient CO2 and with or without nitrogen fertilization (45 kg N ha−1). The litter was placed in mesh bags on the soil surface of pristine prairie adjacent to the growth treatment plots and allowed to decay under natural conditions. Litter bags were retrieved at fixed intervals and litter was analyzed for mass loss, carbon chemistry, and total Kjeldahl nitrogen and phosphorus. The results indicate that growth treatments had a relatively minor effect on the initial chemical composition of the litter and its subsequent rate of decay or chemical composition. This suggests that a large indirect effect of CO2 on surface litter decomposition in the tallgrass prairie would not occur by way of changes in chemistry of leaf litter. However, there was a large difference in characteristics of leaf litter decomposition among the species. Poa leaf litter had a different initial chemistry and decayed more rapidly than C4 grasses. We conclude that an indirect effect of CO2 on decomposition and nutrient cycling could occur if CO2 induces changes in the relative aboveground biomass of the prairie species.
Summer Root Decline

A better understanding of the seasonal dynamics of root activity for creeping bentgrass [Agrostis palustris Huds. = A. stolonifera var. palustris (Huds.) Farw.] would be beneficial for developing effective breeding and management programs to maximum summer turf quality. The objectives of this study were to examine dynamics changes in root production and mortality for four creeping bentgrass cultivars that differ in summer shoot performance. The study was conducted on a USGA-specification putting green in Manhattan, KS, during 1997 and 1998. The cultivars evaluated were 'L-93', 'Penncross', 'Providence', and 'Crenshaw'. Grasses were mowed daily at 4 mm and irrigated on alternate days. Root production and mortality were monitored using the minirhizotron technique. In both years, total root length and number were highest in August and then decreased in September for all four cultivars. From July to September, the length and number of newly produced roots decreased while those of dead roots increased. The ratio of dead roots to live roots in length and number increased in late summer for all cultivars. While the differences in total root length and number among cultivars were not consistent between 2 yr, Penncross consistently had more dead roots, fewer new roots, and higher root mortality compared with the other cultivars. The results indicate that summer root decline of creeping bentgrass resulted from both decreased new root production and increased root mortality, which could be associated with high soil temperatures during the summer. Variation in root production and mortality may contribute to the differences in shoot summer performance of the four cultivars.
Ectropion and entropion of the eyelids

Abstract Surgical experience dealing with spastic ectropion or entropion where early eyelid structural changes have set in, has shown that the simpler operative procedures are quite uniformly successful; and that where permanent damage has occurred the plastic operative procedures described give excellent cosmetic and functional results.
Bone metastasis on Tc99-m sestamibi myocardial perfusion scan

A 75-year-old woman presented to our department for a stress myocardial perfusion imaging study with Tc99m-sestamibi. Incidental focal uptake, found in the left upper anterior chest, was initially felt to be located in the left breast. After additional single-photon CT imaging was performed the same day, extracardiac foci within the ribs, spine, and left lung (worrisome for active metastases) were shown to be present, with the initial focus located within a left rib rather than a breast. A review of previous radiographic and nuclear imaging studies confirmed metastatic disease from recurrent follicular thyroid cancer. Atypical focal extracardiac activity must be closely scrutinized for the possibility of malignancy, as Tc99m-sestamibi (in addition to being myocardium-avid) is tumor-avid.
Noonan syndrome with intestinal lymphangiectasis

A child with Noonan syndrome presented with failure to thrive, edema of the extremities, and a seemingly mild cardiac lesion at age four months. The edema progressed with the development of anasarca at six years, accompanied by severe hypoproteinemia. Investigation revealed a protein-losing enteropathy (intestinal lymphangiectasis) which responded to medium-chain triglycerides and a low-fat diet. The improvement was transient, and a compartmental shift of fluids further stressed an already compromised myocardium. The pulmonary valvular stenosis was relieved surgically, but the patient died postoperatively. It is suggested that this intestinal abnormality may be another manifestation of a generalized defect in cardiovascular-lymphatic organogenesis in this syndrome. Perhaps the cardiovascular lesion should be corrected before attempting to relieve the malabsorption.
Growth hormone and prolactin secretion in Huntington's disease.

Abstract Growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) secretion was studied in twelve patients with Huntington's Disease, eight unaffected relatives, and twenty normal subjects in response to provocative and suppressive tests. Prolactin responses to TRH, chlorpromazine, L-DOPA, and apormorphine were similar in all groups with the exception of a slightly blunted PRL response to THR in the unaffected relatives. Although GH responses to L-DOPA were similar in all groups, patients with Hungtinton's Disease had nearly absent GH responses to apomorphine (mean peak GH = 1.4±0.4 (SE) ng/m1) compared to normal control subjects (mean peak GH = 28.9±8.6 ng/m1). These results, which are similar to some previously reported findings in drug-induced tardive dyskinesia, suggest an abnormality in dopamine-mediated GH secretion in Huntington's Disease.
Metal volatility in presence of oil and interest rate shocks

Abstract This study uses three “two factor” volatility models of the GARCH family to examine the volatility behavior of three strategic commodities: gold, silver and copper, in the presence of crude oil and interest rate shocks. The results of the standard GARCH models suggest that gold and silver have almost the same volatility persistence which is greater than that of copper. The CGARCH estimates indicate that the (short-run) transitory component of volatility converges to zero much faster for copper than for gold and silver in this sequence. However, the permanent volatility component demonstrates equally strong persistence in the long-run for all three metals. The EGARCH results suggest that the leverage effect is present and significant for copper only, implying that gold and silver can be good investment in anticipation of bad times. Past oil shock does not impact all three metals similarly. Monetary policy and to leaser extent the oil shocks have calming effects on precious metals but not on copper if the T bill rate is used. Crises such as the 2003 Iraq war heighten metal volatility. These results have implications for derivatives valuations, using gold as a reserve asset, risk analysis, and for the commodity-exporting countries and commodity-producing firms.
Nucleic acid changes in the storage tissue of seeds during germination.

Abstract It was found that during the germination of Arachis hypogaea L. (peanut) seed the RNA content increased to a maximum (2-fold) during the first part of germination (2–6 days) and subsequently decreased with further germination. This is contrary to previous reports on the depletion of RNA from the storage tissues of corn, bean, and rice seeds. The pattern of RNA metabolism was quite similar for four varieties of mature and immature peanut seed and between the same variety produced in two different locations. The minor differences between varieties might possibly be related to seed size. Reinvestigation of nucleic acid changes in the corn scutellum showed that the RNA content increased 20% the first day of germination, but decreased thereafter. In most cases, the DNA content of peanut cotyledons and corn scutella did not change significantly during germination.
Out of Ireland

Martin carries a tin chest to the coast during the worst year of famine, alone. He must be the son the family can spare— the youngest, or the one whose crime or act of shame has put a premium on his fleeing. Perhaps he plans to earn passage for his parents when he arrives in the golden land, but he reappears married with a farm in western Maryland, four times a scribble on census forms— beyond that, illiterate and mute.