cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
911-32 Atrial Conduction Latency Predicts Occurrence of Post Operative Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Coronary Bypass Surgery

The extent of ventricular conduction latency generated during premature beats has been related to induction of ventricular fibrillation. We assessed the relationship of atrial conduction latency during programmed atrial stimulation to the occurrence of post coronary bypass atrial fibrillation (AF). Programmed stimulation and recordings were performed on 26 patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery using epicardial wires inserted at the beginning of surgery. Conduction times of premature beats were measured from stimulus artifact to a distant bipolar electrode pair (5.0 ± 0.3 cm). Baseline conduction time (BCT) was measured during paced beats at 600 ms. Conduction latency IL) was defined as the maximal conduction time of premature beats introduced after 8 paced beats at a cycle length of 600 ms. Latency index-1 (L1-2) was calculated as L/BCl. Latency index-2 (L1-2) was generated as (L-BCT)/BCT Latency velocity (LV) was defined as (electrode distance in em × 1000)/L (msec). Latency wavelength (L-WL) was calculated as effective refractory period (ERP) × Latency velocity (LV). Results 8/26 patients developed atrial fibrillation requiring treatment during the post operative period (7 days). The latency velocity was significantly slower and the latency indices significantly longer in these patients than in those patients who did not develop atrial fibrillation. The calculated latency wavelength was shorter in patients who developed postoperative AF. Postop AF (n = 8) No Postop AF (n = 18) p value Latency Velocity 38.4 ± 10.8 46.9 ± 14.9 0.040 Latency Index-l 2.5 ± 0.6 2.0 ± 0.3 0.0066 Latency Index-2 1.5 ± 0.6 10 ± 0.3 0.0066 ERP 234 ± 51 218 ± 30 0.267 Latency Wavelength 8.5 ± 2.1 10.5 ± 3.8 0.032 Conclusion The ability to generate significant conduction latency during premature atrial stimulation appears to be a predictive factor for spontaneous occurrence of atrial fibrillation following coronary bypass surgery. Atrial conduction latency and shortened latency wavelength may be important substrates for the initiation of atrial fibrillation.
Preservation of skeletal muscle hyperemic response to contraction with aging in female rats

In a previous investigation (Irion et al., 1987), a significant age-related decline in skeletal muscle blood flow during intermittent tetanic contractions was observed in male Fischer 344 rats. This decline in the hyperemic response to muscle contraction was accompanied by an increased fatigability of skeletal muscle of senescent male rats. In the present investigation, anesthetized female adult and senescent Fischer 344 rats were instrumented for stimulation of the plantar flexor muscles in situ, and blood flow measurement by the tracer microsphere technique. After determination of optimum length and maximum tetanic force, muscles were stimulated to contract at the rate of 120 tetani/min. No significant differences could be observed between adult and senescent females in skeletal muscle fatigability or blood flow. The only significant differences observed between senescent and younger females were a decrease in splenic blood flow and an increase in body weight. In contrast to male rats of the same age, no impairment of skeletal muscle blood flow or change in fatigability could be detected in senescent female rats.
High-resolution transmission electron microscopy of pressure-amorphized α-quartz

\ensuremath{\alpha}-quartz becomes x-ray amorphous when compressed, at ambient temperature, by pressures of 25 to 30 GPa. [Hemley et al. Nature 334, 5 (1988)]. The relationship between pressure-amorphized and melt-quenched silica is of great interest. The most fundamental characteristic of melt-quenched silica is its lack of periodicity at the atomic level. We report here that high-resolution electron microscopy shows that \ensuremath{\alpha}-quartz, pressure amorphized at 30.5 GPa is, as is conventional melt-quenched silica, amorphous at the atomic level.
Interaction of first row transition metals with α1-3, α1-6 mannotriose and conserved trimannosyl core oligosaccharides: A comparative electrospray ionization study of doubly and singly charged complexes

Electrospray ionization and tandem mass spectrometry were used in the analysis of metalcoordinated oligosaccharides. Four transition metal ions, Cu2+, Mn2+, Co2+, and Zn2+, and the alkaline earth metal ion Ca2+, were each coordinated to the trimer α1–3, α1–6 mannotriose and the pentamer conserved trimannosyl core (mannotriosyl-chitobiose). Instrumental and concentration ratio optimization studies were carried out to determine the best conditions for producing the [M + Met]2+, [M + MetCl]+, and [M + Met − H]+ ions (Met = metal dication). These precursors were then subjected to tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analysis and compared. Both the ionic radii and efficacy of ligand coordination were observed as important criteria for producing the precursor ions. Tandem mass spectra for the Cu2+- and Zn2+-coordinated species did not produce significant structural information about either the trimer or the pentamer. Although tandem mass spectra for the Ca2+-, Co2+-, and Mn2+-coordinated trimer were very similar, those of the pentamer were not. MS/MS of the Co2+-coordinated pentamer was the most unique and exhibited very different dissociation pathways.
Manic tendencies are not related to being an entrepreneur, intending to become an entrepreneur, or succeeding as an entrepreneur.

Abstract Background Popular literature suggests a relationship between entrepreneurship and manic tendencies, yet little scientific research has evaluated whether manic tendencies foster entrance into entrepreneurial roles, intent to become an entrepreneur, or success as an entrepreneur. Methods In study 1, 225 undergraduates and business school students/affiliates took an online survey to assess engagement and intent as entrepreneurs, as well as manic tendencies, including family diagnoses as reported on the Family Index of Risk for Mania, subsyndromal manic tendencies as assessed with the Hypomanic Personality Scale, and self-reported diagnoses. In study 2, the sample of entrepreneurs identified in study 1 was enriched by recruiting a larger group of established entrepreneurs from the community. Entrepreneurs ( n =210) completed items concerning their success in entrepreneurship, and we examined whether the three measures of manic tendencies were related to success. Results There was no evidence that those vulnerable to mania, regardless of definition, were more likely to be entrepreneurs, to intend to become entrepreneurs, or to succeed as entrepreneurs. Limitations The studies were limited by self-report measures and relatively small samples. Conclusions More nuanced models may explain the frequent clinical observations of manic traits among entrepreneurs.
The social construction of gendered migration from the Philippines.

Despite a considerable amount of research conducted on Asian labor migration, decidedly little attention has focused on the vulnerability and exploitation of women overseas contract workers. This article examines how the social construction of gender influences the migration of Filipina overseas workers and contributes to the increased vulnerability and exploitation of women migrants. In particular, direct and indirect socialization processes, as well as gendered and racial stereotypes, are manifest within the labor recruitment process, helping to channel women migrants into the domestic services and entertainment sectors of this migration flow.
Host-virus interaction as defined by amplification of viral DNA and serology in lentivirus-infected sheep.

To correlate the presence of ovine lentivirus (OvLV) as detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with detection of antibody, 42 sheep from a flock with enzootic OvLV infection were studied. The results of agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID), ELISA, and immunoblotting assays were compared, and leukocytes (blood, bone marrow, lymph node, and lung cells) were assessed for viral DNA by PCR usingpol and LTR primers; amplified products were detected by specific DNA and RNA probes. Based on the number of animals that had detectable viral DNA, the specificities of AGID, ELISA, and immunoblotting were 77%, 92%, and 95 or 100% (depending on which criterion was used to interpret immunoblot results), respectively. Only in animals with OvLV-associated disease was OvLV DNA detected in leukocyte DNA prior to the amplification of virus in culture and only in this group was high titer antibody detected to the OvLV major surface (gp 105) and transmembrane (gp 55) antigens. Animals that were both antibody and PCR-negative lacked histopathologic evidence of disease. From this study there was no indication that OvLV infection without the development of antibody occurs, and detection of OvLV DNA in animals with weak or partial serological reactions likely indicates early OvLV infection rather than false-positive PCR results.
A DISLOCATION NETWORK THEORY OF HARPER-DORN CREEP-I. STEADY STATE CREEP OF MONOCRYSTALLINE Al

Abstract A recently developed dislocation network theory of high temperature creep is modified for consistency with the equally recent experimental observation that the dislocation link length distribution that develops during Harper-Dorn (H-D) creep of monocrystalline Al deformed in compression at 920 K contains no segments that are long enough to glide or climb freely. H-D creep is therefore a phenomenon in which all the plastic strain in the crystal is generated by the process of stress-assisted dislocation network coarsening, during which the glide and climb of dislocations is constrained by the requirement that the forces acting on individual links are balanced by the line tension of the links. It is not possible to test all the predictions of the theory because not all the required input information is available. In particular, the kinetic law governing the growth rate of individual links is not known. Nonetheless, using an established and well-known equation as a first guess, it is possible to simulate the experimentally observed distribution of dislocation link lengths with reasonable semiquantitative accuracy. In other respects, especially regarding the steady state creep rate, the theory is in excellent agreement with the experimental results.
Parental Care Syndromes in House Sparrows: Positive Covariance Between Provisioning and Defense Linked to Parent Identity

Parents of many species provide multiple forms of care to their offspring. In many birds, parents often provision offspring with food and defend them from predators and/or nest-site competitors. We tested how these two forms of parental care covary in a wild population of house sparrows (Passer domesticus). Using a behavioral reaction norm approach, we found that nestling provisioning exhibited between individual differences and positively covaried with a measure of nest defense: the propensity to attack a heterospecific nest box competitor, the European starling (Sturnis vulgaris). This result would seem to support parental investment theory and suggests that high-provisioning parents have high-value offspring, which they will defend more vigorously than low-provisioning parents. In addition, we found that parents with nestlings that hatched earlier in the season and grew faster approached a model starling more frequently and tended to be more likely to strike the starling. However, we also found that although brood value explained significant variation in both nestling provisioning and nest defense, it did not eliminate the positive, between-individual relationship between provisioning and defense. This suggests that some of the correlation between provisioning and defense is tied to individual identity and hence may be a behavioral syndrome in which differences between individuals in underlying attributes produce correlated behaviors.
Control of discrimination level and recognition error in sequential pattern classification

This paper introduces a measure of the ability for a pattern classifier to discriminate among different pattern classes. The use of this measure then defines a compromise between pattern discrimination and recognition error. The measure is particularly useful in sequential pattern classification in allowing control of discrimination level versus recognition error. The trade-off between discrimination level and recognition error is demonstrated for data used in a medical diagnosis problem.
Fusarium Species Pathogenic to Barley and Their Associated Mycotoxins

ABSTRACT Epidemics of Fusarium head blight (FHB) occurred on barley in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota from 1993 to 1998. The Red River Valley region was most severely impacted by the disease based on assessments of FHB severity in grain samples harvested from commercial fields. Fusarium graminearum was the primary pathogen causing these FHB epidemics. It comprised from 62 to 64% of all Fusarium species isolated from infected kernels from 1994 to 1996. Fusarium poae (range of isolation 13 to 20%),F. sporotrichioides (10 to 17%), and F. avenaceum (6 to 10%) also were isolated from barley kernels and were likely involved in causing some FHB infection, but to a very limited extent. All four Fusarium species were pathogenic on barley in inoculation tests conducted in both the greenhouse and the field. Mycotoxin screens were performed on barley spikes inoculated with the respective species in the greenhouse. Spikes infected with F. graminearum contained deoxynivalenol and 15-acetyldeoxyni-valenol; th...
Comparison of the Absolute Quantum Yields of the Gas-Phase O/NO Reaction and the Liquid-Phase Luminol Oxidation Chemiluminescence Intensity Standards*

Chemiluminescence intensity from the O/NO gas-phase reaction and from luminol (3-aminophthalhydrazide) oxidation in the liquid phase have been measured under the same conditions of geometry, optics, and detection over the wavelength range 440–530 nm. The measurements show that the rate constant for O/NO emission, measured by Fontijn, Meyer, and Schiff, and the luminol chemiluminescence quantum yield, obtained by Lee and Seliger, lead to monochromator-photomultiplier calibrations that agree within a factor of 1.09±0.40. The correction factors for refraction and light trapping that have to be considered when comparing liquid- to gas-phase luminescence intensities are briefly discussed.
A Finite Element Scheme for Determining the Shaped Rail Slider Flying Characteristics With Experimental Confirmation

A rapidly convergent finite element approach to determining the air bearing slider flying attitude is developed in the present investigation. The air flow between the slider and the disk is modeled by the generalized Reynolds equation. The equilibrium equation for the slider flying attitude includes both the suspension stiffness and the preload. These coupled, nonlinear aquations are linearized by the Newton-Raphson method. Solutions are obtained by applying the Galerkin finite element method to the governing equations. The flying characteristics of a sub-ambient pressure shaped rail slider are studied using this proposed approach. The accuracy of the numerical solution is confirmed by comparison with experimental measurements
A Critique of Positive Responsibility in Computing

It has been claimed that (1) computer professionals should be held responsible for an undisclosed list of “undesirable events” associated with their work and (2) most if not all computer disasters can be avoided by truly understanding responsibility. Programmers, software developers, and other computer professionals should be defended against such vague, counterproductive, and impossible ideals because these imply the mandatory satisfaction of social needs and the equation of ethics with a kind of altruism. The concept of social needs is debatable with no one possessing the authority to impose their version of them. Similarly, the notion of “positive responsibility” is difficult to apply, does not effectively change computing practice, and confuses good (i.e., efficient) computer engineering with good (i.e. moral) computer engineering.
Verifying the low-energy spectral response models of the CXO ACIS CCDs and the XMM-Newton EPIC CCDs

The flight calibration of the spectral response of CCD instruments below 1.5 keV is difficult in general because of the lack of strong lines in the on-board calibration sources typically used and the relatively poor spectral resolution at the lowest energies. We used 1E 0102.2-7219 (the brightest supernova remnant in the SMC) to evaluate the response models of the ACIS CCDs on the Chandra X-ray Observatory and the EPIC CCDs on the XMM-Newton Observatory. E0102 has strong lines of O, Ne, and Mg below 1.5 keV and very little or no Fe emission to complicate the spectrum. The spectrum of E0102 has been well-characterized using the gratings on the CXO and XMM-Newton. We have used the high-resolution spectral data from both gratings instruments to develop a spectral model for the CCD spectra. Fits with this model are sensitive to any problems with the gain calibration and the spectral redistribution model. We have also used the measured intensities of the lines to investigate the consistency of the detection efficiency models for the different instruments. We find that the gain of the three instruments is accurate to within 1.1% at ~ 570 eV and 0.9% at ~ 910 eV. We find that the measured flux of the Ne X Ly α line agrees at the 90% confidence limit for all detectors (within 6%). We find significant differences in the measured flux of the O VIII Ly α line, the largest discrepancy between one pair of datasets is 18%. Further analysis is required to investigate this discrepancy.
Synthesis of Bessel filters with prescribed RLC load

Abstract This paper is concerned with the design of a coupling network between a prescribed RLC load and a given resistive generator over a finite frequency band to achieve the Bessel transducer power-gain characteristic of arbitrary order.
Psychometric Properties of the Social Comparison Motives Scale

Despite a decrease in adolescent pregnancy in recent years, 750,000 15- to 19-year-old adolescents in the United States still become pregnant each year (Alan Guttmacher Institute, 2006). The United States has the highest teen pregnancy and birth rates of all industrialized nations (Flanigan, 2001). Nationwide, 63% of adolescents report that they have had sex by the time they finish high school (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2006). The development of effective interventions to prevent pregnancy continues to be a top priority among clinicians and researchers who work with adolescents. A common characteristic of interventions that have been successful is that they are theoretically based. An intriguing theme in the teen pregnancy literature is the idea of pregnancy as an adolescent career choice or alternative, normative life path (Aarons & Jenkins, 2002; Crump et al., 1999; Davies et al., 2004; Merrick, 1995). This theme suggests that adolescents’ perceptions of themselves compared to others (social comparisons) may be important when they are making decisions about sexual activity. However, there is no existing measure to evaluate adolescent's motives for comparing themselves with others when they think about pregnancy. This article presents the development of an instrument based on social comparison theory, the Social Comparison Motives Scale (SCMS), and the results of its initial reliability and validity testing.
STUDIES ON ULTRASTRUCTURAL IDENTIFICATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF PROTEIN-POLYSACCHARIDE IN CARTILAGE MATRIX

Previous reports on the ultrastructure of cartilage matrix have described fibers, amorphous ground substance and, in some instances, dense matrix granules. The fibers are presumably collagen, but the nature of the granules is unknown. The primary purpose of this study has been to investigate the ultrastructure of cartilage matrix ih chick embryos with particular emphasis on the distribution and composition of these granules. In matrix of the zone of articular cartilage, mature collagen fibers can be seen but granules are not present. In matrix of all other zones of cartilage, fibers are smaller and granules are present. When the matrix of epiphyseal cartilage is compared to that of the zone of hypertrophic cells, fibers are similar but the granules in the latter zone are larger and more numerous. The granules in both zones were digested by hyaluronidase and positive to colloidal iron staining. Chemical analyses of cartilage from these zones indicate the hexosamine and radiosulfate content of the zone of hypertrophic cells to be higher than that of the zone of epiphyseal cartilage. The increased hexosamine was shown by column chromatography to be principally sulfated mucopolysaccharide, thereby indicating a direct correlation between size and number of granules and sulfated mucopolysaccharide content in the two zones. These data and the results of the electron microscopic histochemical studies are consistent with the concept that the granules in cartilage matrix contain acidic mucopolysaccharide.
Hunting for Darwin's gemmules and Lamarck's fluid: transgenerational signaling and histone methylation.

Abstract Recent studies have discovered phenotypes induced by a transient treatment or mutation that persist for multiple generations without mutations in DNA. Both invertebrates and vertebrates exhibit such inheritance, and a range of environmental factors can act as a trigger. Now referred to as transgenerational epigenetic inheritance or TEI, this emerging field faces a big challenge—what molecular mechanisms account for inheritance of TEI phenotypes? This review describes examples of TEI and focuses on the possible role of histone methylation and small RNAs in mediating TEI. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Methylation: A Multifaceted Modification — looking at transcription and beyond.
The transient ignition of isolated coal particle

A transient model for ignition of a coal particle is presented. Criteria for heterogeneous and homogeneous ignition for transient model are proposed. Using the inflection condition for particle temperature, the criterion for heterogeneous ignition is reduced in terms of critical mass loss rate. Ignition for smaller particles is primarily heterogeneous (HI), followed by secondary homogeneous ignition (SGI). Primary ignition is homogeneous (GI) at high gas temperatures and for larger particles. The boundary separating homogeneous ignition from heterogeneous ignition is estimated using the transient model, which changes with ambient temperature and oxygen concentration. The SGI is obtained for particle diameters below 400 μm at ambient gas temperature of 1500 K and oxygen concentration of 0.23. The ignition sequence of HI followed by SGI is also revealed by our recent video imaging of particle ignition. The heterogeneous ignition temperature (Tp,HI) of the particle is inversely related to particle diameter and oxygen concentration. While the minimum ambient gas temperature (T∞,GI) required for homogeneous ignition shows a slight decrease with an increase in oxygen concentration, the local homogeneous ignition temperature (Tg,SG) does not appear to change with oxygen concentration. The results are compared with those predicted with the steady state model of other researchers.
Hydrocarbon surface fragments over Co/SiO2: An FTIR study

Abstract Linear butenes and ethylene were adsorbed onto Co SiO 2 , which was 80% reduced, and the resulting surface species were analyzed with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Group frequency comparison with liquid alkane data and consideration of the effect of the surface selection rule on mode intensities are used to argue for the formation of 2,3-dimetallabutane, 1,1,2-trimetallabutane, and 1,1,3-trimetallabutane from the linear butenes. The ethylene results are consistent with the formation of ethylidyne. Hydrogenation and temperature-programmed desorption studies were also performed to determine the reactivity of the C 4 species formed during adsorption. Hydrogenation led to n -butane in the gas phase and to the formation of a terminally bonded surface species that is suggested to be butylidyne. Programmed heating resulted in the transformation of the 2,3 and/or 1,1,2 species into the 1,1,3 species by 42 °C, followed by the evolution of gas-phase n -butane above 60 °C. Above 90 °C, CC scission products were observed. The infrared results over Co are compared to previous studies over Ni.
Health and mortality in Eastern Europe, 1965-85.

The author explores reasons and indicators for the high morbidity and mortality rates of Eastern Europe and the USSR during the period 1965 to 1985. "Epidemiological reasoning would prompt profound questions about the impact of governance on health conditions in these areas. The populations...have different languages cultures and histories....[and] vary in material and technical attainment. The most obvious common characteristic of these countries is that they have all been ruled by Marxist-Leninist states....After more than two decades of health decline...it is perhaps not premature to inquire into whether the health problems evidenced in these countries might be in part systemic." (EXCERPT)
Inhomogeneous cosmology. II. Linearly polarized gravitational waves

A metric is presented which may be used to describe exact plane gravitational waves propagating over a homogeneous background spacetime, and solutions are found which represent waves of linear polarization over backgrounds of Bianchi types I, III, V, and VI, as well as over a background with a smooth global inhomogeneity. In all of these cases, it is determined that inhomogeneity in the structure of the initial cosmic singularity evolves into gravitational waves propagating over a homogeneous background spacetime.
Ethanolamine ammonia-lyase: inactivation of the holoenzyme by N2O and the mechanism of action of Coenzyme B12.

Functional ethanolamine ammonia-lyase is inactivated by N2O as well as by O2, indicating that the active form of coenzyme B12 is an enzyme-bound corrin derivative in which the CoC bond of the coenzyme is broken and the cobalt ion is in the +1 state of oxidation. The nucleoside fragment formed in the process of coenzyme activation is tentatively identified as 4′,5′-didehydro-5′-deoxyadenosine. A mechanism of action of ethanolamine ammonia-lyase is formulated in analogy to that of DL-1,2-propanediol dehydrase and compared to proposed alternative reaction schemes.
Nutritional efficacy of a spermidine supplemented diet

Polyamines (PA) are ubiquitous cell components essential for growth. Dietary PAs are directed preferentially to tissues and organs that have been stimulated to grow by metabolic signals. Nutritional efficacy and growth potential of an oral PA supplement, spermidine (SD), was examined in growing rats. A group of 24-male Sprague-Dawley rats (200-220 g) was adapted to our vivarium conditions for 3 d, then fed ad libitum continuously for 14 d. During feeding they received either a basal diet (n = 8) or a test diet containing the basal diet with 0.05% SD (test diet 1, n = 8) or 0.10% SD (test diet 2, n = 8). This dose of SD corresponds to an intake of 54 and 108 mumol of SD per rat per day. At the end of 14 d of feeding, the animals were sacrificed and plasma, cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and tissues (muscle, brain, and liver) were harvested for amino acid analysis. Voluntary food intake, body weight gain, and nitrogen excretion and balance were significantly decreased in test diet 2 fed rats compared to test diet 1. The opposing trends in the accumulation/depletion of free amino acids (AA) in muscle and plasma suggests that the exogenous supply of SD blocks the transport of amino acids, as well as PAs from the cells, since AA and PA share the same transport systems. A trend toward decreased weight gain and feeding efficiency was observed when high concentrations of SD were fed. It was concluded that feeding of SD at moderate intake is not toxic and does not retard growth. Oral administration of a smaller dose (<0.05%) of SD may promote further growth. The optimal level of SD dietary supplementation has thus yet to be established.
Innovation and conflict : Cloth dyers and the interwar depression in Abeokuta, Nigeria

BY the twentieth century, the southern Yoruba town of Abeokuta was integrated into the international economy both as an exporter of cash crops and an importer of manufactured products. It became one of the primary producing areas of cocoa and kola nuts in western Nigeria. Abeokuta's integration into the international economy had a profound effect on its local textile industry. As weavers gained access to European threads and dyers gained access to European cloth, relations of production were transformed. Both sets of producers became dependent on European trading firms for their raw materials and were thus brought squarely into the nexus of international trade. Dyeing, which was predominantly a women's industry, benefited substantially from this economic relationship. Dyers' access to cloth as well as credit from the European firms allowed them to become autonomous producers of tie-dyed cloth, adire, that was in great demand across Nigeria, the Gold Coast, Senegal and the Belgian Congo.
Iron partitioning in oil shale of the Green River Formation, Colorado: A preliminary Mössbauer study

Abstract Oil shale of the Green River Formation (Eocene) in the Piceance Creek Basin, Colorado contains seven major iron-bearing minerals: pyrite, marcasite, pyrrhotite, Mg-siderite, Fe-dolomite, ankerite and Ca-ankerite. Only recently have workers recognized that these rocks contain large quantities of iron-bearing carbonate minerals. Preliminary Mossbauer spectroscopy analysis of four oil-shale and two marlstone samples from the Green River Formation shows that the dominant iron-bearing compound is usually an iron-carbonate mineral, generally Ca-ankerite or Fe-dolomite. The second most abundant iron-bearing phase is an iron sulphide, generally pyrite. In the samples studied, the iron partitioning is variable between the carbonate and sulphide phases. Lower grades of oil shale and marlstone also have an iron-bearing silicate phase, which is perhaps an iron-bearing phyllosilicate, possibly chlorite.
Pattern induction across a homeotic boundary in the wings of Precis coenia (Hbn.) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)

Abstract We report on a series of homeotic transformations in the buckeye butterfly, Precis coenia (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae), in which portions of the ventral hind wing were transformed and acquired the pigmentation, color pattern, and scale structure of homologous areas of the ventral fore wing. All homeotic transformations were restricted to the posterior half of the ventral hind wing. When a transformed region included the source cells responsible for inducing the large eyespot on the fore wing, a nearly complete eyespot developed that was a composite of fore wing and hind wing tissues. The dimensions and pigmentation of these eyespots show that pattern induction and integration of the development of a complex pattern element occurred across the homeotic boundary. Interaction between homeotic and non-transformed areas was also evident in the region of the distal band of the central symmetry system. Segments of the band that occurred within transformed tissues became smoothly aligned with their counterparts in the adjoining non-transformed portion of the wing. Our results show that eyespot-organizing centers from the fore wing can induce normal eyespots in hind wing tissue, and vice versa, suggesting that both fore wing and hind wing eyespots are induced by identical processes.
Self-Assembly in Vivo

The apparent complexity of cellular architecture can be reduced to the relative simplicity of self-assembled structures. By virtue of the machinery that produces copious quantities of identical molecules, some natural structures are the inevitable consequence of packing constraints enforced by van der Waals, hydrophobic, and electrostatic forces. The cell lipid bilayer is the classic example of such a two-dimensional structure. However, three-dimensional liquid-crystalline arrangements of biomolecules have been known since the pioneering work of Bouligand (1972).
Exact unconditional tests for a 2 × 2 matched-pairs design

The problem of comparing two proportions in a 2 x 2 matched-pairs design with binary responses is considered. We consider one-sided null and alternative hypotheses. The problem has two nuisance parameters. Using the monotonicity of the multinomial distribution, four exact unconditional tests based on p-values are proposed by reducing the dimension of the nuisance parameter space from two to one in computation. The size and power of the four exact tests and two other tests, the exact conditional binomial test and the asymptotic McNemar's test, are considered. It is shown that the tests based on the confidence interval p-value are more powerful than the tests based on the standard p-value. In addition, it is found that the exact conditional binomial test is conservative and not powerful for testing the hypothesis. Moreover, the asymptotic McNemar's test is shown to have incorrect size; that is, its size is larger than the nominal level of the test. Overall, the test based on McNemar's statistic and the confidence interval p-value is found to be the most powerful test with the correct size among the tests in this comparison.
The score function approach for sensitivity analysis of computer simulation models

Abstract Some theoretical and practical aspect of the score function (SF) approach for estimating the sensitivities of computer simulation models and solving the so-called “what if” problem (performance extrapolation) are considered. It is shown that both the sensitivities (gradients, Hessians, etc.) and the performance extrapolation can be derived simultaneously by simulating only a single sample path from the nominal system. It is also shown that the SF approach can be efficiently applied for DESS (discrete event static systems, example: reliability models and stochastic networks) and for DEDS (discrete events dynamic systems, example: queuing networks) under light traffics. Control variates procedure for variance reduction is presented as well
Support for modeling relationships in object-oriented databases

Modeling real-world applications typically consists of two parts: the representations of entities of interest, and the representations of relationships among the entities. Object-oriented data models support the first task. This paper argues through examples that the second modeling task is not well supported in current object-oriented database systems. An extended object-oriented data model that facilitates both modeling tasks is developed. This extension provides support for both the representation of complex relationships among entities and their manipulations (queries, updates). A prototype implemented on the ONTOS database management system is briefly described.
Exploring Causes of Smart Growth Policy Adoption: Many Challenges Persist*

This article briefly presents the historical evolution of land-use policies from their origins in the early 20th century to their current form, describes pertinent approaches used in policy adoption and efficacy research, and discusses some of the pitfalls encountered by researchers in this area.
The Use of Screening Instruments for the Detection of Dementia

Dementia is a clinical and public health issue of growing importance as life expectancy increases across the planet. Despite advances in both genetic research and clinical management strategies, neith
Bilateral Recurrent Self-Induced Keratoconus

The observational case describes bilateral recurrent keratoconus in corneal transplants performed in a patient with self-induced keratoconus secondary to compulsive eye rubbing. Slitlamp findings demonstrated corneal stromal thinning and scarring in the patient's right eye and temporal corneal hydrops in his left eye. Videokeratography of the right eye confirmed the presence of corneal steepening and irregular astigmatism, consistent with the diagnosis of keratoconus involving each transplant. Together with the history of ongoing compulsive eye rubbing, these findings support the concept that chronic mechanical trauma to the cornea may contribute to the development of keratoconus.
Primary lymphoma of bone : The relationship of morphologic diversity to clinical behavior

Since primary lymphoma of bone (PLB) exhibits morphologic diversity and variability in individual survival, we analyzed the relationship between histopathologic features and biological behavior in 33 patients treated at the Massachusetts General Hospital. Three major histologic subgroups were identified, based on a variety of criteria, the most important of which were the predominance of cells with or without nuclear clefts and the degree of pleomorphism. The probability of NED survival at five years was 64% for patients with tumor predominantly composed of cleaved cells, 13% for those with tumors classified in the noncleaved cell tumor group, and 0% (no survivors) for the pleomorphic subgroup. When tumors were subclassified according to the size of the predominant cell (small versus large), this parameter was found to be of no value in predicting NED survival. Factors that could have potentially influenced the results were analyzed. Since this is a retrospective review, the questions addressed in this study should be further studied in a prospective way.
Pyrolysis of benzenethiol

Abstract Flow pyrolysis of benzenethiol at 700 °C or vacuum pyrolysis of benzenethiol at 800 °C yields benzene, diphenyl sulphide and diphenyl disulphide as the major products. Dibenzothiophene, biphenyl, thianthrene and diphenyl trisulphide are minor products. Co-pyrolysis of benzene-d 6 and natural isotopic abundance benzenethiol yields deuterated and non-deuterated products, indicating that the product-forming sequence is initiated by phenyl radical formation. The phenyl radicals abstract hydrogen atoms from benzenethiol to yield benzene and phenylthio radicals. Coupling of phenylthio radicals yields diphenyl disulphide. Diphenyl sulphide and the minor products are diphenyl disulphide pyrolysis products.
Studies on the synthesis of hydroxyl-terminated isophthalate-based oligoesters via transesterification reaction

Abstract A series of isophthalate-based oligoesters was synthesized via the transesterification reaction of dimethyl isophthalate (DI) with various aliphatic diols under different diol(s)/diester molar ratios. The effect of a series of reaction parameters, such as the diols/diester molar ratio, the molar ratio of the diols in the reaction mixture, the species of the diol, the reaction time, the heating procedure, and the species and the amount of the Lewis acid catalyst, on the physical state, the polydispersity, the Mn, the viscosity and the n on- v olatiles by w eight (NVW) of the synthesized oligoesters was studied. A new synthetic procedure for the synthesis of high-solids liquid oligoesters in high yields and high conversions via the transesterification reaction is proposed. The properties of a reference solid oligoester (RefOL) derived from the reaction of DI with the 1,6-hexanediol (HD) (mol ratio DI/HD=1/1.43), were compared to those of a high-solids liquid oligoester (L-311) prepared from the transesterification of DI with a mixture of HD and 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol (MP) (mol ratio DI/HD/MP=1/1.50/1.50). The new high-solids liquid oligoester (L-311) presented more enhanced physical properties than its solid counterpart and owing to its improved processability is expected to be a very promising candidate when used as a binder for the preparation of mar-resistant clearcoats or pigmented coatings.
Cervical tumor control evaluated with ICRU 38 reference volumes and integrated reference air kerma

Abstract Purpose : The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the relationship of ICRU 38 reference volumes and integrated reference air kerma to primary cervical tumor control. Materials and methods : This retrospective study includes 1253 women with carcinoma of the uterine cervix treated with radiotherapy. Patients were treated from 1959 to 1993 at the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology. There were 39 women with stage Ia disease, 211 with stage Ib1, 88 with stage Ib2, 580 with stage 2, and 335 with stage 3 disease. Most patients with stage Ia disease were treated with low dose rate brachytherapy alone. All other patients were treated with external irradiation and low dose rate brachytherapy. External irradiation doses ranged from 8.2–63.8 Gy to the whole pelvis and an additional parametrial boost to deliver a total of 65–75 Gy to Point P depending on tumor stage. Low dose rate brachytherapy was delivered to the primary tumor with doses ranging from 40×10 4 –60×10 4 Gy cm 2 (integrated reference air kerma; IRAK). Isodose reference volumes (60–160 Gy) and point A doses were determined for all patients. Tumor control was defined as control of the primary cervical cancer with or without failure at other pelvic or distant sites. Results : The mean 60 Gy volume was calculated to be 139.5 cm 3 for stage Ia, 200.4 cm 3 for stage Ib1, 270.9 cm 3 for stage Ib2, 235 cm 3 for stage 2, and 293.4 cm 3 for stage 3. No patient with stage Ia disease had a failure in the cervix. For stage Ib1 tumors the mean 60 Gy volume was 219.1 cm 3 for those who failed in the cervix and 199.9 cm 3 for those who did not fail ( P =0.73). For stage Ib2 tumors the mean 60 Gy volume was 354.4 cm 3 for those who failed and 260.2 cm 3 for those who did not fail ( P =0.004). The mean 60 Gy volume was 249.3 cm 3 for those with stage 2 disease who failed and 233.8 cm 3 for those who did not fail ( P =0.02). For patients with stage 3 cancer the mean 60 Gy volume was 321.6 cm 3 for those who failed and 287.3 cm 3 for those who did not fail ( P =0.20). Reference volumes from 70–160 Gy were not statistically different within each stage for those who failed in the cervix compared to those who did not fail. Cervical recurrences by clinical stage did not have statistically significant differences for mean IRAK except for stage II disease ( P =0.001). Conclusion : Analysis of the 60–160 Gy reference volumes and IRAK failed to demonstrate a consistent positive increasing correlation of these values to primary cervical tumor control.
Helping preceptors mentor the next generation of nurse practitioners

At some point in their careers, nurse practitioners, as well as members of other clinical disciplines, may be asked to tutor a primary care student. First-time preceptors, even if they are mature clinicians and enthusiastic about their new role, may find themselves somewhat at a loss regarding faculty and program expectations for themselves and for students. There is little in the literature to guide them, and preceptors often cannot attend faculty-sponsored orientations because of clinical schedule constraints. While this article specifically addresses the nurse practitioner student-preceptor relationship, it will also be of interest to others involved in clinical teaching. Preceptors are introduced to the meaning of the preceptor relationship, role functions and responsibilities, strategies for surviving clinical teaching, means of creating an environment that supports adult learning, and student evaluation. The roles of the faculty and the clinical agency in ensuring success for the student-preceptor pair are important components of the clinical educational experience.
A new species of Hemidactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Príncipe Island, Gulf of Guinea, West Africa with comments on the African-Atlantic clade of Hemidactylus geckos

Abstract The remote oceanic Gulf of Guinea islands of Sao Tome and Principe are home to a highly endemic herpetofauna, which has become the focus of modern, on-going scientific analysis only during the past decade. Until now, the endemic Hemidactylus greeffi Bocage 1886 (Greeff's giant gecko) has been considered to occur on both islands. Herein, we employ both new and previously published molecular data, along with differences in morphological characters, to demonstrate that the Principe populations are a full species distinct from H. greeffi. We describe the new species and restrict the range of H. greeffi to the island of Sao Tome. The original unnumbered holotype of H. greeffii held in the Museu Bocage was destroyed in Lisbon and we have been unable to determine the collection provenance of unnumbered material treated by subsequent authors. We therefore designate a neotype for H. greeffi from California Academy of Science collections and provide morphological information on that species additional to t...
Angiotensin II-induced rhythmic jaw movements in the ketamine-anesthetized guinea pig.

The EMG activity of the left anterior digastric muscle as well as associated jaw movements were studied in ketamine-anesthetized guinea pigs that had received i.v. infusions of angiotensin II (ANG-II). Rhythmic jaw movements with two distinct movement profiles were associated with ANG-II infusion. One movement profile was typified by vertical jaw opening and closing movements with little or no associated horizontal movement. The second rhythmical jaw movement profile was unlike the first in that jaw closing was accompanied by a significant horizontal deflection of the jaw. Both jaw movement profiles were similar in that little or no horizontal movement occurred during jaw opening. Tongue protrusions were also observed during jaw opening in both cases. The results show that ANG-II induces rhythmic jaw movements in anesthetized guinea pigs. ANG-II-induced jaw movement profiles and digastric muscle EMG activity are similar to those seen after an i.v. injection of apomorphine in the anesthetized guinea pig, and to those associated with lapping in the awake animal.
Mechanical Manipulation of Neurons to Control Axonal Development

Cell manipulations and extension of neuronal axons can be accomplished with calibrated glass micro-fibers capable of measuring and applying forces in the 10-1000 μdyne range1,2. Force measurements are obtained through observation of the Hookean bending of the glass needles, which are calibrated by a direct and empirical method3. Equipment requirements and procedures for fabricating, calibrating, treating, and using the needles on cells are fully described. The force regimes previously used and different cell types to which these techniques have been applied demonstrate the flexibility of the methodology and are given as examples for future investigation4-6. The technical advantages are the continuous 'visualization' of the forces produced by the manipulations and the ability to directly intervene in a variety of cellular events. These include direct stimulation and regulation of axonal growth and retraction7; as well as detachment and mechanical measurements on any type of cultured cell8.
The Transcriptional Repressor Activator Protein Rap1p Is a Direct Regulator of TATA-binding Protein

Essentially all nuclear eukaryotic gene transcription depends upon the function of the transcription factor TATA-binding protein (TBP). Here we show that the abundant, multifunctional DNA binding transcription factor repressor activator protein Rap1p interacts directly with TBP. TBP-Rap1p binding occurs efficiently in vivo at physiological expression levels, and in vitro analyses confirm that this is a direct interaction. The DNA binding domains of the two proteins mediate interaction between TBP and Rap1p. TBP-Rap1p complex formation inhibits TBP binding to TATA promoter DNA. Alterations in either Rap1p or TBP levels modulate mRNA gene transcription in vivo. We propose that Rap1p represents a heretofore unrecognized regulator of TBP.