cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simulation of Cell Adhesion to Bioreactive Surfaces in Shear: The Effect of Cell Size

Leukocyte adhesion under flow in the microvasculature is a multistep process in which rolling adhesion is followed by firm arrest. These interactions are mediated by binding between receptors on the leukocyte surface and complementary ligands on the surface of endothelial cells. Previous work using a computational method called “adhesive dynamics” showed that the general shape of a state diagram for cell adhesive behavior in flow could be predicted by the bond reaction rates and their dependence on force. Other parameters, however, such as shear rate, particle size, and receptor and ligand density, determined the exact region of parameter space that corresponds to an adhesive behavior. In this paper, we present state diagrams for adhesion for a range of particle sizes to explain the rolling behavior for a wide range of cell diameters. Particle size is an easily controlled experimental variable, and if the locations of regions of desired adhesive behavior in the state diagram are known, then the size of pa...
Holey fibers and their application to optical communications

Recent progress on holey fibers is reviewed aiming at their application to optical communications. A holey fiber has an array ofair holes surrounding the silica core region. Light is confined to the core by the refractive index difference between the core and the cladding ofthe array of air holes. Holey fibers have special characteristics compared with conventional single mode fibers. One is that the zero dispersion wavelength is shifted to less than 1300 nm and therefore, high-speed transmission at the short wavelength region is possible. Another characteristic is that strong birefringence can be established by designing the size or arrangement of the air holes and is expected to realize a polarization maintaining fiber with high birefringence on the order of 1 x iO. This talk will describe the technology needed to design and fabricate holey fibers. Recent experimental results of a holey fiber with zero dispersion wavelength of 8 1 0 nm and a polarization-maintaining lowloss (1.3 dB/km) holey fiber are shown. The possibility oftheir application to optical communications is discussed.
A compact two DOF magneto-elastomeric force sensor for a running quadruped

This paper presents a novel design approach for a two-DOF foot force sensor for a high speed running quadruped. The adopted approach harnesses the deformation property of an elastomeric material to relate applied force to measurable deformation. A lightweight, robust and compact magnetic-field based sensing system, consisting of an assembly of miniature hall-effect sensors, is employed to infer the positional information of a magnet embedded in the elastomeric material. Instead of solving two non-linear models (magnetic field and elastomeric) sequentially, a direct approach of using artificial neural networks (ANN) is utilized to relate magnetic flux density (MFD) measurements to applied forces. The force sensor, which weighs only 24.5 gms, provides a measurement range of 0 – 1000 N normal to the ground and up to ± 125N parallel to the ground. The mean force measurement accuracy was found to be within 7% of the applied forces. The sensor designed as part of this work finds direct applications in ground reaction force sensing for a running quadrupedal robot.
Sound propagation in charge- and spin-density waves

We study sound propagation in a quasi-one-dimensional charge- or spin-density waves (CDW or SDW) within mean-field theory. The quasiparticle damping is explicitly included in terms of randomly distributed impurities. In general the ionic potential is screened by both the quasiparticle and the phason. However, when the CDW or the SDW is pinned, the phason cannot participate in the screening. Therefore the depinning of the CDW or the SDW by an electric field always decreases the sound velocity. Further, due to the diffusion pole in correlation functions, the quasiparticle contribution depends crucially on \ensuremath{\omega}/${\mathit{Dq}}^{2}$, where \ensuremath{\omega} and q are the frequency and the wave vector of the sound wave and D is the diffusion constant. The present theory describes many features of sound propagation in the quasi-one-dimensional CDW systems.
Low-temperature epitaxial growth of Si and Ge and fabrication of isotopic heterostructures by direct ion beam deposition

Direct ion beam deposition (IBD) is utilized to deposit isotopic thin films and heterostructures and to achieve high-quality epitaxial growth of 74Ge on Ge(100) and 30Si on Si(100) at temperatures as low as 400°C. Anomalous damage is observed during IBD at 400° and 600°C that results in a band of buried loops at depths 50 times normal and a defect-free region near the original surface. An unexplained doping effect is reported for epitaxial growth of Si on Si at 20-40 eV, 400°C where high-quality epitaxy occurs on n-type Si but amorphous films form on p-type.
Cytochrome P450-type Hydroxylation and Epoxidation in a Tyrosine-liganded Hemoprotein, Catalase-related Allene Oxide Synthase

Abstract The ability of hemoproteins to catalyze epoxidation or hydroxylation reactions is usually associated with a cysteine as the proximal ligand to the heme, as in cytochrome P450 or nitric oxide synthase. Catalase-related allene oxide synthase (cAOS) from the coral Plexaura homomalla, like catalase itself, has tyrosine as the proximal heme ligand. Its natural reaction is to convert 8R-hydroperoxy-eicosatetraenoic acid (8R-HPETE) to an allene epoxide, a reaction activated by the ferric heme, and forming product via the FeIV-OH intermediate, Compound II. Here we oxidized cAOS to Compound I (FeV=O) using the oxygen donor iodosylbenzene and investigated the catalytic competence of the enzyme. 8R-HETE, the hydroxy analog of the natural substrate, normally unreactive with cAOS, was thereby epoxidized stereopecifically on the 9,10 double bond to form 8R-hydroxy-9R,10R-trans-epoxy-eicosa-5Z,11Z,14Z-trienoic acid as the predominant product; the turnover was 1/s using 100 μM iodosylbenzene. The enantiomer, 8S-HETE, was epoxidized stereospecifically, although with less regiospecificity, and was hydroxylated on the 13- and 16-carbons. Arachidonic acid was converted to two major products, 8R-HETE and 8R,9S-eicosatrieneoic acid (8R,9S-EET), plus other chiral mono-epoxides and bis-allylic 10S-HETE. Linoleic acid was epoxidized, whereas stearic acid was not metabolized. We conclude that when cAOS is charged with an oxygen donor, it can act as a stereospecific monooxygenase. Our results indicate that in the tyrosine-liganded cAOS, a catalase-related hemoprotein in which a polyunsaturated fatty acid can enter the active site, the enzyme has the potential to mimic the activities of typical P450 epoxygenases and some capabilities of P450 hydroxylases.
Contralateral and heteromodal interaction effects in somatosensation: Do they exist?

In this paper we concern ourselves with the problem of whether or not conditioning stimuli of other modalities or stimuli applied to a distant locus of the body interact with a sensitive test of somesthetic temporal acuity we have called the gap test. The results of the experiment indicate that visual stimuli do not exert an observable influence on this temporal judgment, but that auditory stimuli and contralateral stimulation in the same modality do show a significant but relatively small effect. This is compared and contrasted with the very large and persistent effect reported when the conditioning stimulus is applied to the same electrodes as the gap test. By comparing our results with experiments of similar design carried out on lower animals by other investigators, some insights into the neural localization of the reported effects is obtained.
The Nursing Home Medical Director Role in Transition

Objective To compare the self-reported role of nursing home medical directors in 1989 (prior to the implementation of the nursing home reform amendments of OBRA 87 in 1990) with the role outlined in the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations Long Term Care Standards Manual. Design Survey. Measurements Using a telephone interview survey, physicians were questioned about their role as nursing home medical director. Responses were compared with the definition of the medical director's role in the Long Term Care Standards Manual. Information about time spent per month and reimbursement received for medical direction was also obtained. Participants Physicians serving as nursing home medical directors in 1989 in Houston/Harris County, Texas. Results Of 50 nursing home medical director positions in Houston/Harris County in 1989, interviews were completed for 36 (72%). The majority of the medical directors met the criteria for having a signed agreement with the facility, assuring continuous medical coverage, developing emergency procedures, and participating in quality assurance activities. Twenty-eight percent of the medical directors received no monetary compensation for their work. Of those who were paid, the mean monthly earnings for nursing home medical direction were $345. Conclusion Although all nursing facilities are now required by regulation to have medical directors, a wide variation in medical directors' level of involvement and commitment was documented.
A gravimetric method for determining suspended matter in sea water using Millipore filters

Abstract A modification of earlier methods for the determination of the weight of suspended matter in 0·5 to 51. of sea water is presented. Filter pore size can be selected to meet the requirements of the experiment. The precision is ± 0·15 mg at the 95 per cent level. The material can be subjected to subsequent analysis if the presence of the filter does not interfere.
Solidification/stabilization of heavy metals in latex modified portland cement matrices☆

Abstract Immobilization of hazardous waste substances in a portland cement matrix is considered a major solidification method, which is no doubt due to the simplicity of the process and its low cost. However, the relatively high porosity of the cement matrix, which could lead to considerable leaching, has created a demand for improved portland cement matrices. In this regard, a research project has been sponsored by the Gulf Coast Hazardous Waste Substance Research Center. The overall objective of this study is to develop latex modified cement systems to treat inorganic and organic wastes. A preliminary study on stabilizing/solidifying inorganic waste (lead and chromium) with latex modified cement has shown very encouragmg results.
Dopaminergic neurotoxicity of HIV-1 gp120: reactive oxygen species as signaling intermediates.

Abstract We examined the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in loss of dopaminergic neurons (DNs) from the substantia nigra (SN) in neuroAIDS. The frequency of Parkinson-like symptomatology, and DN loss, in neuroAIDS is often attributed to nonspecific DN fragility to oxidative stress. Cultured DN are more sensitive to ROS than non-dopaminergic neurons (RN): DN underwent apoptosis at far lower H2O2 concentrations than RN. Gene delivery of glutathione peroxidase (GPx1), which detoxifies H2O2, largely protected both neuron types. HIV-1 envelope, gp120, which elicits oxidative stress in neurons, caused apoptosis more readily in DN than in RN. However, unlike apoptosis caused by H2O2, gp120-induced DN apoptosis was specific: DNs were specifically more sensitive than RN to receptor-mediated [Ca2+]i fluxes triggered by gp120. Gp120-induced Ca2+ signaling in both neuron types was inhibited by GPx1 or Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1), implicating superoxide and peroxide in ligand (gp120)-induced signaling upstream of Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. In vivo, rats given 10 ng of gp120 stereotaxically showed rapid DN loss within the SN, while loss of RN in the SN and caudate–putamen (CP) was slower and required ≥ 100 ng of gp120. Furthermore, gp120 injected into the CP was transported axonally retrograde to the SN, causing delayed DN loss there. This, too, was prevented by SOD1 or GPx1. DNs are therefore specifically hypersensitive to gp120-induced apoptosis, signaling for which involves ROS intermediates. These findings may help explain why DN loss and Parkinson's-like dysfunction predominate in neuroAIDS and may apply to other neurodegenerative diseases involving the SN.
A further investigation of visual dominance.

It has previously been shown that when human subjects are presented simultaneously with a light and a tone, each of which serve as a cue in a reaction time task, the subjects respond predominantly to the light. This visual dominance effect may be due to the “hard wiring” of the sensory systems involved, or the effect may be nonsensory in nature, being based on decisional or attentional factors. The present experiment suggests that visual dominance has a nonsensory basis, in that the effect is even more evident when subjects respond to stimulus offset rather than stimulus onset.
Concurrent and Independent Binding of Fcγ Receptors IIa and IIIb to Surface-Bound IgG

Fc receptor-antibody interactions are key mechanisms through which antibody effector functions are mediated. Neutrophils coexpress two low-affinity Fcgamma receptors, CD16b (FcgammaRIIIb) and CD32a (FcgammaRIIa), possessing overlapping ligand binding specificities but distinct membrane anchor and signaling capacities. Using K562 cell transfectants as a model, the kinetics of both separate and concurrent binding of CD16b and CD32a to surface-bound IgG ligands were studied. CD16b bound human IgG with 2-3 times higher affinity than did CD32a (A(c)K(a) = 4.1 and 1.6 x 10(-7) microm(4), respectively) and both FcgammaRs had similar reverse kinetic rates (k(r) = 0.5 and 0.4 s(-1), respectively). Because CD16b is expressed on neutrophils at a 4-5 times higher density than CD32a, our results suggest that CD16b plays the dominant role in binding of neutrophils to immobilized IgG. The question of possible cross-regulation of binding affinity between CD16b and CD32a was investigated using our multispecies concurrent binding model (Zhu and Williams, Biophys. J. 79:1850-1857, 2000). Because the model assumes independent binding (no cooperation among different species), the excellent agreement between the model predictions and the experimental data suggests that, when coexpressed on K562 cells, these two FcgammaRs do not interact in a manner that alters the kinetic rates of either molecule.
Quantitative assay of senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity in mammalian cell extracts

Senescence-associated beta-galactosidase activity is a widely used biomarker for assessing replicative senescence in mammalian cells. This enzymatic activity has generally been measured by staining cells with the chromogenic substrate 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-beta-d-galactopyranoside (X-gal) at pH 6.0, a reaction condition that suppresses lysosomal beta-galactosidase activity sufficiently to ensure that most nonsenescent cells will appear unstained. This article describes a quantitative method for measuring this activity and characterizes the method using extracts from senescent, quiescent, and presenescent human fibroblasts. The assay is capable of detecting relatively subtle changes in activity and confirms previous indications based on staining that confluency and contact inhibition of growth can cause a small increase in the expression of this biomarker. Investigation of the pH dependence of the activity in the cell extracts suggests that the senescent phenotype is correlated with an increase in total beta-galactosidase rather than with a shift in the pH optimum of the enzyme. This assay for measuring senescence-associated changes in beta-galactosidase is suitable for mechanistic studies of senescence regulation in which graduated changes in biomarker expression may be anticipated.
Balanced Decision Making in Child Welfare: Structured Processes Informed by Multiple Perspectives

Child welfare workers face considerable challenges in making consistent and effective placement decisions for children and families. The purpose of this article is to review literature regarding the benefits and pitfalls inherent in individual and group decision-making processes, specifically applied to the child welfare context. The article proposes a conceptual framework that draws from the strengths of both types of decision-making processes to balance consideration of risk factors with available protective factors. Drawing from multiple sources of information and opinion and using structured assessment tools should help promote placement decisions that are consistent across cases and workers and most appropriate to the family's level of need.
A numerical investigation of entropy changes in superparamagnetic nanocomposite systems

Abstract The Event Driven Monte Carlo (EDMC) technique was used to simulate the dynamics of fabrication of superparamagnetic nanocomposites with nanosized particles (magnetic particles dispersed in a non-magnetic matrix). The entropy change of the composites was studied. The random positioning and migration of the particles result in the formation of chains that have the magnetic particles in contact. The results show that the chain distribution and entropy change of the composite system are very sensitive to substrate temperature. For a given dilution, the lower the temperature, the less the chain formation and the larger the entropy change. Unipolar electrostatic charging of magnetic particles was proposed to decrease the reduction in entropy change due to chain formation. The simulation results show that the reduction in entropy change due to chain formation decreases significantly. Due to the electrostatic charging, the entropy change of the nanocomposite is relatively constant and is insensitive to temperature. The detailed description of the EDMC technique is presented in the Appendix.
Business students’ attitudes toward innovation and intentions to start their own businesses

This research integrates perspectives from models of entrepreneurial intentions and attitude theory to examine the nature of the relationship between business students’ attitudes toward innovation and their intentions to start their own businesses. Multiple regression analysis revealed a positive association between attitude toward the distal and broad object of innovation and intentions of US business students to engage in the specific behavior of starting a business. Multiple mediation analysis revealed this association is partially mediated by attitudes toward the proximal and specific object of starting a business, operationalized as perceived desirability and feasibility of starting a business. As attitudes are open to change, opportunities exist for educators and practitioners to affect entrepreneurial intentions by affecting attitudes toward relevant, broad objects, such as innovation.
Variations in prevalent cardiovascular disease and future risk by metabolic syndrome classification in the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study.

Background The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III define metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) differently, with unclear implications for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Methods We examined 22,719 participants in the REGARDS study. We classified participants as: no MetSyn, MetSyn by ATP-III and IDF criteria, MetSyn by ATP-only, or MetSyn by IDF-only. To assess current CVD, we determined the odds of self-reported CVD by MetSyn category using multivariable logistic regression, controlling for socio-demographic and behavioral factors. To estimate future coronary heart disease risk, we calculated Framingham risk scores (FRS). Results Overall, 10,785 individuals (47%) had MetSyn. Of these, 79% had MetSyn by both definitions, 6% by ATP-only, and 14% by IDF-only. Compared to those without MetSyn, ATP-only individuals had the highest odds of current CVD and of having a FRS >20%. Also compared to those without MetSyn, IDF-only individuals had 43% higher odds of current CVD and 2-fold increased odds of having a FRS >20%. Conclusions Consistent with previous reports, ATP-III MetSyn criteria identified individuals with increased odds of CVD and elevated future coronary heart disease risk. However, the IDF definition identified a clinically important number of additional individuals at excess CVD risk.
Small angle X-ray scattering measurements with dilute solutions of bovine fibrinogen☆

Abstract Data from small angle X-ray scattering measurements with dilute solutions of fibrinogen are presented; they are compared with the predictions of various molecular models suggested from studies with the electron microscope.
Structure–property relationship in impact modified nanoclay-reinforced polypropylene

Abstract The objective of the study described here is to investigate the determining influence of impact modifier on the microstructure and physico-chemical and mechanical properties of polypropylene crystallized at elevated pressures. The impact modified polypropylene referred as thermoplastic olefin (TPO) is characterized by a small spherulite size in the range of ∼1–8 μm and the effect is retained when nanoclay is introduced into TPO. The impact strength of TPO and TPO–nanoclay system though similar, but is significantly higher than the polypropylene system, a behavior attributed to refinement of spherulite size. The study demonstrates that the nanoclay in TPO retains the impact strength of TPO and controls the dispersion of elastomer.
Estimating worker exposure to gases and vapors leaking from pumps and valves

The industrial hygienist is frequently asked by a process design group about the required level of engineering control for toxic materials in process streams. The potential hazard to the worker is not only a function of the toxic material concentration in the process stream, but also the equipment (point source) characteristics and the process stream properties. Not all of these parameters can be evaluated for streams and complex processes still on the drawing board. However, the hygienist can estimate worker exposure due to potential leaks or spills from equipment. This paper presents a method that can be used to estimate the concentration of a toxic material in a worker's breathing zone, based upon the concentration of the material in the process stream, the process stream properties, and the equipment leak potential. The paper concentrates on leaks from pumps and valves, but the methods is applicable to leaks from other types of process equipment. The method is a three step process consisting of estima...
Factors Affecting Renal Allograft Survival in African Americans

African Americans are more likely to develop end-stage renal disease than other racial groups. Although transplantation is optimal therapy for most end-stage renal disease patients, many potential black recipients do not have ready access to cadaveric kidneys. Following transplantation, blacks are at increased risk of allograft loss as a result of the interaction of multiple immunologic and nonimmunologic factors.
Mesoscale variation in growth and early development of euphausia superba dana in the western Bransfield Strait region

Abstract Development and growth of larval Euphausia superba were measured in field and laboratory populations in the western Bransfield Strait during the period from December 1986 to March 1987. Three principal biogeographic zones were identified: northern Gerlache Strait, Bransfield Strait and Drake Passage: these were recognizable by consistent patterns of physical circulation. Two cohorts of E. superba larvae were produced. The first cohort appeared as C1 larvae in mid-January, and the second appeared in mid-February; the second cohort did not occur in Gerlache Strait waters. Larvae in Gerlache Strait were more abundant, larger in size and weight, better fed, and developed and grew more rapidly than larvae of the same stages in both Bransfield Strait and Drake Passage. In Gerlache Strait abundance reached 12,000 individuals m−2, intermolt periods were It is proposed that the northern Gerlache Strait is a primary nursery area for E. superba, and that local circulation promotes high primary productivity and prolongs the residence time of larvae in a nearshore environment which is favorable to development and growth. Coastal environments such as Gerlache Strait may make a disproportionately large contribution to annual krill recruitment.
Decreased postnatal testosterone surge in male rats exposed to ethanol during the last week of gestation

Prenatal alcohol exposure in the rat is known to interfere with the neurobehavioral sexual differentiation of the male brain. Because normal sexual differentiation of the male brain requires adequate levels of perinatal testosterone, we examined the effect of prenatal ethanol exposure on (1) the postnatal surge of testosterone and (2) the in vitro secretion of testosterone in response to luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulation of testes from fetal alcohol exposed (FAE) animals and controls. Sprague-Dawley dams were administered a fortified liquid diet containing 35% ethanol-derived calories, a pair-fed (PF) isocaloric liquid diet, or given ad libitum access to dry lab chow (CF). Dams were administered the liquid diets from days 7 or 14 through parturition. The postnatal surge of testosterone in FAE males was studied only in animals exposed to ethanol from day 14 through parturition. In the first experiment, FAE and PF males and females were delivered by cesarian section on day 22 of gestation (E22) and trunk blood collected at 0, 60, 120, and 240 min after parturition. Experiment 2 measured plasma testosterone in male pups that were killed at 0, 60, 120, 240, 360, and 480 min after delivery. Results showed that the postnatal testosterone surge of FAE males in both experiments was significantly attenuated compared with PF controls. No effect of prenatal ethanol was observed in female offspring. Female testosterone levels were several fold lower than male littermates, and no evidence of a postnatal testosterone surge was observed. Production of testosterone from testes was studied using an automated perfusion system. The secretory testosterone response to LH stimulation of testes on day 18 (E18) of gestation and at birth (E22) was similar in testes from FAE animals to that observed in testes from PF and CF controls. The response of all testes to a pulse of LH (5 nM) delivered over a 5-min period (flow rate = 200 μl/min) from animals at E18 was significantly greater than the response observed at day 22. No morphological abnormalities were detected by visual inspection of electron photomicrographs of testes from FAE animals at E18 or E22. The in vitro response to LH of testes from FAE animals indicates that the reduction in the postnatal testosterone surge in FAE animals is not due to a decrease in testicular sensitivity to LH.
Experimental leprosy with Mycobacterium lepraemurium in hairless mice (Mus musculus)

Forty-three homozygous albino hairless mice (Mus musculus) were inoculated intradermally on the head, back, sides and base of the tail with suspensions of lepromatous tissue containing numerous Mycobacterium lepraemurium (Hawaiian strain). Visible nodules were noted in all mice. These lepromatous nodules enlarged slowly and often merged with each other, covering up to two thirds of the dorsum. Several mice became blind during the course of the infection. All of the mice died or were killed 68 to 287 days following inoculation. Post-mortem examinations on representative mice showed, in addition to observed cutaneous lesions, generalized systemic murine leprosy. Smears and histological sections from nodules, skin, lymph nodes, spleen, liver, kidney, heart and lung were positive for acid-fast bacilli. The cysts in the skin (which are degenerated hair follicles filled with keratin-like material and which are one of the characteristics of hairless mice) contained scattered acid-fast bacilli, but no acid-fast globi. Ten mice with hair (M. musculus) which were used as controls did not reveal noticeable cutaneous nodules; however, all developed generalized visceral leprosy similar to that of the hairless M. musculus. Thus, hairless mice (with thymus) can be looked upon as a model for studying experimental cutaneous leprosy.
Night synthesis of protein by algae1

Dunaliella tertiolecta in culture showed rates of net protein synthesis at night nearly equal to those during the day. In night protein synthesis carbon stored in carbohydrates and metabolite pools was used, whereas sulfate was assimilated from the medium as needed. As a result, whole cell C:S ratios varied systematically over the diel cycle, while the C:S ratio of isolated protein remained constant. In the stationary phase, sulfate incorporation into protein, unlike carbon incorporation, measured net protein synthesis rather than turnover. Diel experiments with natural populations of marine and freshwater algae demonstrated that night protein synthesis is a general phenomenon in phytoplankton. For samples previously exposed to saturating light, day and night rates of protein synthesis were similar. The use of carbohydrate and metabolic pool carbon for night protein synthesis not only increased protein to the food web, but also altered ratios of protein, carbohydrate, and lipid to one another. The latter might result in changes in the nutritional value of phytoplankton to herbivores.
Determination of totaltrans fatty acids in foods: Comparison of capillary-column gas chromatography and single-bounce horizontal attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy

The totaltrans fatty acid content of 18 food products was determined, after acid hydrolysis, extraction and methylation of fatty acids, by gas chromatography with a polar 100% cyanopropylsiloxane capillary column and by single-bounce horizontal attenuated total reflection spectroscopy (SB-HATR). Thetrans fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) of 9-hexadecenoate (9t-16:1), 9-octadecenoate (9t-18:1), and 9,12-octadecadienoate (9t,12t-18:2) were identified by comparison of their retention times with those of known standards and quantitated. The isomersc,t- andt,c-18:2 were identified from their published retention times and included in the quantitation oftrans FAME. Neat 50-μL portions of the FAME that were used for gas-chromatographic analysis also were analyzed by SB-HATR. This technique requires neither weighing nor quantitative dilution of test portions prior to spectroscopic quantitation of isolated double bonds oftrans configuration. A symmetric 966-cm−1 absorption band on a horizontal background was obtained from unhydrogenated soybean oil FAME as the reference material. For 9 of 11 products withtrans fat content>5% of total fat, results obtained by SB-HATR were higher than those obtained by gas chromatography. Results obtained by the gaschromatographic procedure were slightly to significantly higher than those obtained by SB-HATR for the six foods in whichtrans fat content was <5% of total fat.
Transits and Lensing by Compact Objects in the Kepler Field: Disrupted Stars Orbiting Blue Stragglers

Kepler’s first major discoveries are two hot ( T> 10,000 K) small-radius objects orbiting stars in its field. A viable hypothesis is that these are the cores of stars that have each been eroded or disrupted by a companion star. The companion, which is the star monitored today, is likely to have gained mass from its now-defunct partner and can be considered to be a blue straggler. KOI-81 is almost certainly the product of stable mass transfer; KOI-74 may be as well, or it may be the first clear example of a blue straggler created through three-body interactions. We show that mass-transfer binaries are common enough that Kepler should discover ∼1000 white dwarfs orbiting main-sequence stars. Most of these, like KOI-74 and KOI-81, will be discovered through transits, but many will be discovered through a combination of gravitational lensing and transits, while lensing will dominate for a subset. In fact, some events caused by white dwarfs will have the appearance of “anti-transits”—i.e., short-lived enhancements in the amount of light received from the monitored star. Lensing and other mass-measurement methods provide a way to distinguish white dwarf binaries from planetary systems. This is important for the success of Kepler’s primary mission, in light of the fact that white dwarf radii are similar to the radii of terrestrial planets, and that some white dwarfs will have orbital periods that place them in the habitable zones of their stellar companions. By identifying transiting and/or lensing white dwarfs, Kepler will conduct pioneering studies of white dwarfs and of the end states of mass transfer. It may also identify orbiting neutron stars or black holes. The calculations inspired by the discovery of KOI-74 and KOI-81 have implications for ground-based wide-field surveys as well as for future space-based surveys.
Apparent cytochrome gene dose effects in F-lac and F-gal heterogenotes of Escherichia coli.

The levels of b- and c-type cytochromes and cytochromes a1 and a2 are elevated in a partial diploid strain of E. coli carrying the F2-gal episome under a variety of different growth conditions. Only the levels of b- and c-type cytochromes were significantly increased in three F-lac partial diploids, and no increase was observed in an F3-gal partial diploid. The results suggest that a number of cytochrome genes are clustered in a 2-min long region of the chromosome between purEand the vicinity of supE.
Fast parallel algorithms for model checking using BDDs

Binary decision diagrams (BDDs) have recently been used in model checking to verify systems with a large number of states (of the order of 5*10/sup 20/). Representing both the state space and the state transition graph as BDDs has been demonstrated to alleviate the problem of state space explosion. But there are limitations to this heuristic approach. Even systems of reasonable complexity have many more states. Also, the BDD approach might fail even on some simple systems. The authors propose the use of parallelism to extend the applicability of BDDs in model checking. They present fast algorithms for model checking that employ BDDs. The algorithms presented are much faster than the best known previous algorithms. >
Role of lymphadenectomy in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma

We evaluated the role of lymphadenectomy (LND) in the prevention of local recurrence following radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) by two retrospective studies. In one, the relative importance of various tumor characteristics to the subsequent development of local recurrence was investigated in 37 patients who underwent radical nephrectomy and later progressed. In 29 evaluable patients, only nodal metastasis was predictive of local recurrence, which developed in 6 of 7 node-positive patients. In our second study the records of 69 consecutive patients with RCC who underwent radical nephrectomy with or without simultaneous LND (N = 42 and 27, respectively) were reviewed. Local control after LND was excellent in node-positive disease; in no node-positive patient with unilateral RCC has a local recurrence developed (N = 5). LND did not extend hospitalization or add to the morbidity of radical nephrectomy.
VENTILATION AND OXYGEN EXTRACTION IN THE BAT PTEROPUS GOULDII DURING REST AND STEADY FLIGHT

Tidal volume ( V T ) breathing frequency ( f ) and oxygen consumption ( V O 2 ) were simultaneously measured in the bat Pteropus gouldii during quiet rest at 24 °C, and oxygen extraction ( E ) values were calculated from these data. V T and f were also measured at 24 °C from P. gouldii undertaking steady wind-tunnel flight at different speeds and angles, and this information together with appropriate V O 2 data reported previously for this bat were used to calculate flight E values. The oxygen extraction of resting P. gouldii was similar to that of a resting non-flying mammal of comparable size but lower than that of a resting bird. P. gouldii increases V T and f almost equally in going from quiet rest to level flight to achieve a 17-fold increase in minute ventilation. Compared to the resting bat, flying P. gouldii hyperventilates its respiratory system relative to its metabolic requirements. The level flight V T of P. gouldii compares favourably with that expected for a flying bird of the same body mass, and represents almost 90% of the total lung capacity predicted for a non-flying mammal of comparable size. Because of the increased breathing frequency during flight, the minute ventilation requirement of P. gouldii during level flight exceeds that predicted for a similar-sized flying bird. E values calculated for flying P. gouldii are significantly lower than those reported for birds flying at comparable temperatures and flight conditions. Note:
Practical stability and boundedness of solutions for reluctance machine

Practical stability and boundedness of solutions in the future for the reluctance machine are given. It is shown that the machine possesses practical stability outside an ellipsoid region.
Reading level attenuates differences in neuropsychological test performance between African American and White elders.

The current study sought to determine if discrepancies in quality of education could explain differences in cognitive test scores between African American and White elders matched on years of education. A comprehensive neuropsychological battery was administered to a sample of African American and non-Hispanic White participants in an epidemiological study of normal aging and dementia in the Northern Manhattan community. All participants were diagnosed as nondemented by a neurologist, and had no history of Parkinson’s disease, stroke, mental illness, or head injury. The Reading Recognition subtest from the Wide Range Achievement Test–Version 3 was used as an estimate of quality of education. A MANOVA revealed that African American elders obtained significantly lower scores than Whites on measures of word list learning and memory, figure memory, abstract reasoning, fluency, and visuospatial skill even though the groups were matched on years of education. However, after adjusting the scores for WRAT–3 reading score, the overall effect of race was greatly reduced and racial differences on all tests (except category fluency and a drawing measure) became nonsignificant. These findings suggest that years of education is an inadequate measure of the educational experience among multicultural elders, and that adjusting for quality of education may improve the specificity of certain neuropsychological measures. (JINS, 2002, 8, 341–348.)
Randomized Controlled Trial of Barbed Polyglyconate Versus Polyglactin Suture for Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy Anastomosis: Technique and Outcomes

Abstract Background Transperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) urethrovesical anastomosis is a critical step. Although the prevalence of urine leaks ranges from 4.5% to 7.5% at high-volume RALP centers, urine leaks prolong catheterization and may lead to ileus, peritonitis, and require intervention. Barbed polyglyconate sutures maintain running suture line tension and may be advantageous in RALP anastomosis for reducing this complication. Objective To compare barbed polyglyconate and polyglactin 910 (Vicryl, Ethicon, Somerville, NJ, USA) running sutures for RALP anastomosis. Design, setting, and participants This was a prospective, randomized, controlled, single-surgeon study comparing RALP anastomosis using either barbed polyglyconate ( n =45) or polyglactin 910 ( n =36) sutures. Surgical procedure RALP anastomosis using either barbed polyglyconate or polyglactin 910 sutures was studied. Measurements Operative time, cost differential, perioperative complications, and cystogram contrast extravasation by anastomosis suture type were measured. Results and limitations Although baseline characteristics and overall operative times were similar, barbed polyglyconate sutures were associated with shorter mean anastomosis times of 9.7min versus 9.8min ( p =0.014). In addition, anastomosis with barbed polyglyconate rather than polyglactin 910 sutures was associated with more frequent cystogram extravasation 8 d postoperatively (20.0% vs 2.8%; p =0.019), longer mean catheterization times (11.1 d vs 8.3 d; p =0.048), and greater suture costs per case ($51.52 vs $8.44; p Conclusions Compared to traditional sutures, barbed polyglyconate is more costly and requires technical modification to avoid overtightening, delayed healing, and longer catheterization time following RALP.
Does the specific time of day used to capture data on ventilator-days have an impact on the documented rates of ventilator-associated pneumonia?

Definitions of ventilator-associated pneumonia do not note a preferred daily time for obtaining denominator data. We examined collecting data on the number of ventilator-days at different times of day in 7 intensive care units. Rates of ventilator-associated pneumonia did not significantly differ when denominator data were collected at midnight, 8 AM, or 4 PM, supporting standard definitions.
Experimental demonstration of tunable phase in a thermochromic infrared-reflectarray metamaterial

For the first time, a tunable reflected phase reflectarray is demonstrated in the thermal infrared. This is done using thermochromic VO2 square-patch elements in a reflectarray metamaterial configuration. A sixty degree change in reflected phase is measured using a Twyman-Green interferometer, and FTIR measurements show that the resonance reflection minima shifts from 9.2 to 11.2 μm as the sample is heated from 45 through 65 °C. These results are in agreement with finite-element method simulations using the optical properties of VO2 which are measured by infrared ellipsometry.
Synthesis of (±)- psicoplanocin A.

Abstract (±)-Psicoplanocin A ( 4 ) was synthesized in 8 steps from racemic cyclopentenone 5 , which is available from D-ribonolactone.
Bipedal walking on rough terrain using manifold control

This paper presents an algorithm for adapting periodic behavior to gradual shifts in task parameters. Since learning optimal control in high dimensional domains is subject to the 'curse of dimensionality', we parametrize the policy only along the limit cycle traversed by the gait, and thus focus the computational effort on a closed one-dimensional manifold, embedded in the high-dimensional state space. We take an initial gait as a departure point, and iterate between modifying the task slightly, and adapting the gait to this modification. This creates a sequence of gaits, each optimized for a different variant of the task. Since every two gaits in this sequence are very similar, the whole sequence spans a two-dimensional manifold, and combining all policies in this 2-manifold provides additional robustness to the system. We demonstrate our approach on two simulations of bipedal robots - the compass gait walker, which is a four-dimensional system, and RABBIT, which is ten-dimensional. The walkers' gaits are adapted to a sequence of changes in the ground slope, and when all policies in the sequence are combined, the walkers can safely traverse a rough terrain, where the incline changes at every step.
Tillage-induced CO2 emission from soil

The influence of agricultural production systems on greenhouse gas generation and emission is of interest as it may affect potential global climate change. Agricultural ecosystems can play a significant role in production and consumption of greenhouse gases, specifically, carbon dioxide. Information is needed on the mechanism and magnitude of gas generation and emission from agricultural soils with specific emphasis on tillage mechanisms. This work evaluated four different tillage methods on the short-term CO2 and water vapor flux from a clay loam soil in the Northern Cornbelt of the USA. The four tillage methods were moldboard plow only, moldboard plow plus disk harrow twice, disk harrow and chisel plow using standard tillage equipment following a wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop compared with no tillage. The CO2 flux was measured with a large portable chamber commonly used to measure crop canopy gas exchange initiated within 5 minutes after tillage and continued intermittently for 19 days. The moldboard plow treatment buried nearly all of the residue and left the soil in a rough, loose, open condition and resulted in maximum CO2 loss. The carbon released as CO2 during the 19 days following the moldboard plow, moldboard plow plus disk harrow, disk harrow, chisel plow and not tilled treatments would account for 134%, 70%, 58%, 54% and 27% respectively of the carbon in the current year's crop residue. The short-term carbon dioxide losses 5 hours after four conservation tillage tools was only 31% of that of the moldboard plow. The moldboard plow lost 13.8 times as much CO2 as the soil area not tilled while different conservation tillage tools lost only 4.3 times. The smaller CO2 loss following conservation tillage tools is significant and suggests progress in developing conservation tillage tools that can enhance soil carbon management. Conservation tillage reduces the extent, frequency and magnitude of mechanical disturbance caused by the moldboard plow and reduces the air-filled macropores and slows the rate of carbon oxidation. Any effort to decrease tillage intensity and maximize residue return should result in carbon sequestration for enhanced environmental quality.
Steadiness is reduced and motor unit discharge is more variable in old adults.

The purpose of this study was to compare the steadiness and discharge rate of motor units during submaximal contractions performed by young and old adults. Subjects performed isometric and slow shortening and lengthening contractions with the first dorsal interosseous muscle. The steadiness of the isometric and slow anisometric contractions was less for the old subjects compared with young subjects, especially at the lower target forces and with the lightest loads. Furthermore, the steadiness of the lengthening contractions was less compared with the shortening contractions for the old subjects. Although the mean discharge rates of motor units were not different for the two groups of subjects, the variability of the discharge rates was greater for the old subjects during the isometric and anisometric contractions. We conclude that a more variable discharge by single motor units probably contributes to the reduced ability of old adults to perform steady muscle contractions.
10 A Grand Unified Theory of Biomineralization

The geological record indicates that the major animal phyla began biomineralizing in a relatively short interval of time during the Cambrian evolutionary explosion, about 525 Myr ago. Because these phyla diverged well before this biomineralization event, it was triggered either by an unprecedented lateral genetic transfer, or was the result of parallel exaptation of an ancestral biomineral system in many separate lineages. As magnetite (Fe_3O_4) biomineralization is the most ancient matrix-mediated system, and is present in most animal groups, it may have served as this ancestral template for exaptation. Complete sequencing of the genome of a magnetotactic bacterium, and identifying the magnetite operon, might provide a 'road map' for unraveling the genetics of biomineralization in higher organisms, including humans.
Native American Nurse Leadership

Purpose: To identify which characteristics, wisdom, and skills are essential in becoming an effective Native American nurse leader. This will lead to the development of a curriculum suitable for Native American nurses. Design: A qualitative, descriptive design was used for this study. Focus groups were conducted in Polson, Montana. A total of 67 Native and non-Native nurses participated. Sixty-seven percent of them were members of Indian tribes. Data were content analyzed using Spradley’s ethnographic methodology. Findings: Three domains of analysis emerged: point of reference for the leader (individual, family, community), what a leader is (self-actualized, wise, experienced, political, bicultural, recognized, quiet presence, humble, spiritual, and visionary), and what a leader does (mentors, role models, communicates, listens, demonstrates values, mobilizes, and inspires). Discussion: Native nurse leaders lead differently. Thus, a leadership curriculum suitable for Native nurses may lead to increased wo...