cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mesoscale spatial patterning in the Escherichia coli Min system: Reaction–diffusion versus mechanical communication

Spatiotemporal patterning in biological systems is a fascinating subject. In this issue of PNAS, Ivanov and Mizuuchi (1) analyze patterning by Escherichia coli Min proteins in vitro. In vivo, coordinated pole-to-pole oscillations of MinD, a membrane-binding ATPase, and its binding partner MinE specify cell division specifically at midcell (Fig. 1 A and B ; reviewed in ref. 3). Prior studies modeled Min system patterning with a particular version of the Turing-style “reaction–diffusion” paradigm (4): reactions occur on the surface, generating solution inhomogeneities, which are counteracted by diffusion of the components in the solution (e.g., ref. 5). Ivanov and Mizuuchi (1) observe biologically relevant patterning in conditions where solution inhomogeneities cannot arise. Furthermore, because the surface-to-volume ratio of their system is orders of magnitude different from that present in vivo, bulk diffusion coefficients are unlikely to play critical roles. They conclude that patterning reactions are taking place exclusively on the surface, with the solution serving only as a homogeneous reservoir of components. Fig. 1. In vivo Min oscillations and relationship to in vitro amoebae. ( A ) Pole-to-pole oscillation of MinD-GFP. Time scale is in seconds. (Scale bar: 2 μm.) (Images courtesy of P. de Boer.) ( B ) E-ring dynamics. A peripheral ring defined by increased local density of MinE-GFP emerges at the edge of a MinD-rich polar zone (e.g., t = 0 s in A ), which it then follows during poleward recession (see text). (Images adapted from ref. 2 with permission from Macmillan Publishers Ltd: EMBO J 20:1563–1572, Copyright 2001; http://www.nature.com/emboj/index.html.) ( C and D ) Analogy between amoeba forms observed in vitro ( C Right and D ) and the in vivo E-ring/MinD polar zone state ( C Left and B ). (Scale bar: 5 μm.) (Image in C Left adapted from ref. 9 with permission from Macmillan Publishers Ltd: EMBO J 20:1563–1572, Copyright 2001; http://www.nature.com/emboj/index.html; images in … 1E-mail: kleckner{at}fas.harvard.edu.
Problem and Solution of Frequency Conversion Transformation on Axial FGD Booster Fan in 600MW Unit

in 600 MW unit of a certain power company, the frequency conversion transformation on an axial FGD booster fan had been done, but it was found that have only little energy-saving effect and the investment recovery period would be very long. Based on performance characteristics test, the reason of this problem was analyzed. It shows that the transformation scheme in effect is unsuitable. The optimized scheme was proposed and suggesting good effect through energy-saving estimate. The company implemented optimization and then found the energy-saving index is almost the same as estimate. This problem is representative for frequency conversion transformation of fans, it can be avoided through performance characteristics test and energy-saving estimate before transformation.
Assessement of Proplast-Teflon disc replacements

This retrospective study reports the findings in the follow-up of 31 temporomandibular joints in which Proplast-Teflon (Vitek Inc, Houston, TX) replacements were used. Among the problems noted were pain, malocclusion, restricted opening, and degenerative changes in the condyle and fossa.
Ontogeny of light-induced decrease of N-acetyltransferase activity in explanted chick pineal glands.

The ontogeny of chick pineal serotonin N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activity was investigated in explanted chick pineal glands at 4, 10 and 21 d of age. Nocturnal levels of the enzyme and the response of the enzyme to light exposure were determined in pineal glands maintained in short-term culture at each age. The results indicate that nocturnal NAT activity was increased in the glands from older birds. Nocturnal levels of NAT activity at the time of the initiation of the experiment were threefold greater in glands from 21-d-old birds as compared to that in glands from 4-day-old chicks. The response to light was similar in all three ages examined; light induced a significant decrease in NAT activity within 60 min in explanted glands from 4-d-old chicks and within 180 min in the glands from the 10- and 21 -d-old chicks. A paradoxical transient increase in enzyme activity occurred immediately (within 5 min) following light exposure which was significant in the glands from the youngest chicks, and present, but more variable, in the older chicks. These data indicate that the nocturnal enzyme activity is greater in glands from older birds, but that light exposure of explanted glands initiates a transient rise followed by a decrease in NAT activity at all three ages.
A tumor/normal tissue advantage for low dose rate neutron brachytherapy

Abstract Reports on clinical study of Cf-252 pelvic brachytherapy are reviewed and show that complication frequency is low. Low dose rate (LDR) neutron brachytherapy has been shown to be effective against cervical and advanced pelvic cancers; and produces 5 year cures without a high frequency of normal tissue complications. This is attributed to a high relative biological effectiveness (RBE) for the bulky, hypoxic tumor which along with an oxygen enhancement ratio (OER) advantage and dose-rate independent effects, produces rapid tumor regression and good local tumor control. Adjacent normal tissues which are oxygenated have lower RBE values than that of hypoxic tumors. Cf-252 brachytherapy increases the dose differential, therapeutic gain and the probability of local tumor control, since the high RBE of Cf-25:: for hypoxic tumor is much less in normal tissues. Cf-252 radiation concentrated in the tumor, and for this reason, has had much fewer attendant normal tissue complications compared to neutron beam therapy.
The Dorpmüller Controversy of 1926: Cabinet Politics, Reparations, and Railways in the Weimar Republic

German minister of finance, Peter Reinhold (DDP [Democratic Party]), on 8 June 1926, wrote a letter to his state secretary, David Fischer, expressing his fear that one of Germany's largest organizations was trying to evade government control, indeed, 'supported by the London Protocol, was trying to form a state within the state'.1 Reinhold was not complaining about the army, but about the Deutsche Reichsbahn Gesellschaft [German National Railway Company]. The event that triggered Reinhold's fears was the nomination of Julius Dorpmiiller as general director of the Reichsbahn by its board of directors (Verwaltungsrat) on 4 June 1926, the culmination of a struggle between the cabinet and the board of the Reichsbahn for control of Germany's largest company. By itself, this would draw our attention to the matter. Yet implicit in the dispute were matters of even greater importance. In seeking a decisive influence over the selection of the general director of the Reichsbahn and representation at the railway's board meetings, the cabinet hoped substantially to modify the Dawes Plan of 1924 which governed the payment by Germany of reparations without the consent of the Allies. Simultaneously, the cabinet was attempting to reassert the traditional view that the railway should be a tool of government economic and social policy, not a profit-oriented business. The Deutsche Reichsbahn Gesellschaft and the quiet middle period of Weimar history as a whole have received comparatively scant treatment by historians, who have concentrated on the turbulent early republic, the fall of Germany's first democracy, and the rise of
Mining Search-Phrase Definitions from Item Descriptions

In this paper, we develop a model for representing term dependence based on Markov Random Fields and present an approach based on Markov Chain Monte Carlo technique for generating phrase definitions. This approach can use a small corpus of keyword matching and a random sample of other product descriptions for an advertiser's search-phrase to effectively mine and rank alternative but highly relevant search- phrase definitions. These definitions, which are search-phrases themselves, can then be provided as alternative phrases to an advertiser.
Capacity of the cellular packet switch

New technology is needed to meet the ever growing demand for wireless services. The cellular packet switch (CPS) has been proposed as a distributed switching architecture capable of handling the increasing needs of high-density personal communication systems. The IEEE 802.6 metropolitan area network (MAN) is a possible candidate for the backbone of the CPS. This paper calculates the capacity of the CPS. Given an available bandwidth, an exact expression for the number of cells supported by an IEEE 802.6 MAN is derived as a function of the protocols and rates of occurrence of call setups, handovers, and registrations. To provide insight into the effect of each user, a model of mobility, shown previously to be realistic for a regular grid of streets (a “Manhattan grid”), provides an accurate estimate of the frequency of handovers and registrations. Numerical examples based on CCIR estimates of traffic show how MAN bandwidth gets divided between user and signaling information and how well the signaling message load is distributed between the various processors that make up the CPS.
Scaffold composition and biological relevance of screening libraries

The chemical scaffolds from which screening libraries are built have strong influence on the libraries' utility for screening campaigns. Here we present analysis of the scaffold composition of several types of commercially available screening collections and compare those compositions to those of drugs and drug candidates.
Time- and Fourier-space-gated optical imaging of thick turbid media

Test bars immersed in thick intralipid solution have been imaged with sub-millimeter spatial resolution using a time and spatial gated Kerr-Fourier imaging system. Image contrast has been measured as a function of the Fourier aperture.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Aging and movement errors when lifting and lowering light loads

The purpose was to determine the influence of movement variability and level of muscle activation on the accuracy of targeted movements performed with the index finger by young and older adults. Twelve young (27.4 ± 4.4 years) and 12 older adults (74.5 ± 8.9 years) attempted to match the end position of an index finger movement to a target position when lifting and lowering a light load (10% of the maximum). Visual feedback was provided after each trial. Movement error was calculated as the absolute distance from the target. Movement variability was quantified as the standard deviation of finger acceleration and the variability of end position across trials. The EMG activity of first dorsal interosseus (FDI) and second palmar interosseus (SPI) muscles was measured with intramuscular electrodes. Older adults exhibited greater spatial and temporal errors and greater variability in finger acceleration and end position during both the lifting and lowering tasks. Older adults lifted the load by activating FDI less but SPI the same as young adults, whereas they lowered the load by activating SPI less and FDI the same as young adults. In addition, older adults exhibited lower variability across trials in SPI activation when lifting the load and lower variability for FDI activation when lowering the load. The findings demonstrate that the decrease in spatial and temporal accuracy observed in older adults when lifting and lowering a light load to a target position was due to greater movement variability and differences in antagonistic muscle activity.
Biomass production and soil nutrients in organic and inorganic fertilized willow biomass production systems

Abstract The use of organic waste materials as nutrient sources for willow biomass production is an attractive means to decrease fertilization costs, increase biomass production and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with the system. In this study, changes in soil nutrients and biomass production of two willow varieties ( Salix miyabeana –SX64 and Salix purpurea –9882-34) in organic and synthetic fertilized systems were compared at three locations in Northeastern U.S.A: Middlebury VT (MID), Delhi NY (DEL) and Fredonia NY (FRE). A 150 and 200 kg available N ha −1 of urea as commercial fertilizer (CF), biosolid compost (BC) and digested dairy manure (DM) and a control (CT0) treatments were applied in June 2008 to the willow which was re-sprouting after coppice. There was no significant difference ( p > 0.05) in biomass production among the fertilization treatments at any of the three sites and for either of the varieties. First rotation biomass production of 9882-34 ranged from 9.0 to 11.6 Mg ha −1 yr −1 at DEL, 3.4–8.8 Mg ha −1 yr −1 at MID and 3.5–7.7 Mg ha −1 yr −1 at FRE. For SX64, biomass production ranged from 13.2 to 19.0 Mg ha −1 yr −1 at DEL, 9.0–15.0 Mg ha −1 yr −1 at Mid and 5.5–9.3 Mg ha −1 yr −1 at FRE. SX64 deployed small numbers of large stems and produced more biomass than 9882-34 which deployed large numbers of small stems. Application of BC significantly increased soil N and P levels at MID in both 2008 and 2009 ( p p
An empirical approach to characterizing trunk muscle coactivation using simulation input modeling techniques.

Abstract Accurately describing trunk muscle coactivation is fundamental to quantifying the spine reaction forces that occur during lifting tasks and has been the focus of a great deal of research in the spine biomechanics literature. One limitation of previous approaches has been a lack of consideration given to the variability in these coactivation strategies. The research presented in this paper is an empirical approach to quantifying and modeling trunk muscle coactivation using simulation input modeling techniques. Electromyographic (EMG) data were collected from 28 human subjects as they performed controlled trunk extension exertions. These exertions included isokinetic (10 and 45°/s) and constant acceleration (50°/s/s) trunk extensions in symmetric and asymmetric (30°) postures at two levels of trunk extension moment (30 and 80 Nm). The EMG data were collected from the right and left pairs of the erector spinae, latissimus dorsi, rectus abdominis, external obliques and internal obliques. Each subject performed nine repetitions of each combination of independent variables. The data collected during these trials were used to develop marginal distributions of trunk muscle activity as well as a 10×10 correlation matrix that described how the muscles cooperated to produce these extension torques. These elements were then combined to generate multivariate distributions describing the coactivation of the trunk musculature. An analysis of these distributions revealed that increases in extension moment, extension velocity and sagittal flexion angle created increases in both the mean and the variance of the distributions of the muscular response, while increases in the rate of trunk extension acceleration decreased both the mean and variance of the distributions of activity across all muscles considered. Increases in trunk asymmetry created a decrease in mean of the ipsi–lateral erector spinae and an increase in the mean of all other muscles considered, but there was little change in the variance of these distributions as a function of asymmetry.
Structures of oligomers of a peptide from β-amyloid.

Amyloid oligomers play a central role in Alzheimer’s and other amyloid diseases, and yet the structures of these heterogeneous and unstable species are not well understood. To better understand the structures of oligomers formed by amyloid-β peptide (Aβ), we have incorporated a key amyloidogenic region of Aβ into a macrocyclic peptide that stabilizes oligomers and facilitates structural elucidation by X-ray crystallography. This paper reports the crystallographic structures of oligomers and oligomer assemblies formed by a macrocycle containing the Aβ15–23 nonapeptide. The macrocycle forms hydrogen-bonded β-sheets that assemble into cruciform tetramers consisting of eight β-strands in a two-layered assembly. Three of the cruciform tetramers assemble into a triangular dodecamer. These oligomers further assemble in the lattice to form hexagonal pores. Molecular modeling studies suggest that the natural Aβ peptide can form similar oligomers and oligomer assemblies. The crystallographic and molecular modeling ...
Assessment of the Effect of Pore Pressure Cycles on Moisture Sensitivity of Hot Mix Asphalt Using MIST Conditioning and Dynamic Modulus

In this study, a recently developed Moisture Induced Sensitivity Tester (MIST) is used for moisture conditioning of asphalt concrete samples, and then dynamic modulus testing is used to assess whether MIST is sensitive to moisture-induced damage in asphalt. MIST applies a pumping action by generating repeated pore pressure in a compacted asphalt sample; however, it is not known yet whether MIST affects the dynamic modulus of asphalt concrete. In essence, the dynamic moduli (E*) of a Superpave mix were determined with and without MIST conditioning. Dynamic moduli at different temperatures and frequencies as well as dynamic modulus mastercurves were compared for with and without MIST conditioning cases using a dynamic modulus ratio (DMR). Computed DMR results consistently show that dynamic modulus decreases due to MIST conditioning, which indicates that MIST conditioning causes moisture damage in asphalt samples. Considering the consistency of DMR results and the added benefit provided by MIST to simulate cyclic pore water pressure due to traffic on wet pavement, MIST conditioning with a dynamic modulus test is found to be a good option to study moisture sensitivity of asphalt mixes.
Purification of restriction endonuclease XcyI from Xanthomonas cyanopsidis

A new Type II restriction endonuclease XcyI, purified from Xanthomonas cyanopsidis 13D5, is an isoschizomer of SmaI and XmaI that cleaves at the nucleotide sequence 5'-C decreases CCGGG-3' of double-stranded DNA. The single restriction activity present in this strain permits rapid purification of 8000 units of cleavage activity from 10 g of freshly harvested cells. The resulting XcyI preparation is free of contaminating nuclease activities that interfere with in vitro manipulation of DNA.
Obesity, bariatric surgery, and iron deficiency : True, true, true and related

Morbid obesity is a health problem that has been shown to be refractory to diet, exercise, and medical treatment. Surgeries designed to promote weight loss, termed bariatric surgery and typically involving a gastric bypass procedure, have recently been implemented to treat obesity with high success rates. However, long-term sequelae can result in micronutrient deficiencies. This review will focus on iron deficiency and its association with obesity and bariatric surgery. Iron deficiency develops after gastric bypass for several reasons including intolerance for red meat, diminished gastric acid secretion, and exclusion of the duodenum from the alimentary tract. Menstruating women, pregnant women, and adolescents may be particularly predisposed toward developing iron deficiency and microcytic anemias after bypass surgery. Preoperative assessment of patients should include a complete hematological work-up, including measurement of iron stores. Postoperatively, oral iron prophylaxis and vitamin C in addition to a multivitamin should be prescribed for bypass patients, especially for vulnerable populations. Once iron deficiency has developed, it may prove refractory to oral treatment, and require parenteral iron, blood transfusions, or surgical interventions. Bariatric surgery patients require lifelong follow-up of hematological and iron parameters since iron deficiency and anemia may develop years after surgery.
Environmental Effects on Components of Pollen Performance in Faramea occidentalis (L.) A. Rich. (Rubiaceae)1

Studies focusing on gametophytic competition have focused on differences in pollen performance (e.g., pollen germination rate and pollen tube growth rate) among donors in order to examine genetic sources of variation in siring success among them. Donors that produce the fastest growing pollen tubes are expected to fertilize more ovules relative to donors with slow growing pollen tubes under conditions of gametophytic competition. However, the performance of pollen in the field is known to be influenced by environmental conditions in addition to the genotype of donor plants. This field study of Faramea occidentalis was conducted to: (1) determine the effect of environmental conditions during pollination on pollen performance; (2) measure differences among pollen donors in pollen performance; (3) determine if the pollen of different donors responds differently to a variety of environmental conditions surrounding pollinated flowers; and (4) measure differences among pollen recipients in pollen performance. Single-donor crosses were made between four pollen donors and four pollen recipients under a variety of environmental conditions. Pollen performance was then quantified as the growth rate of the fastest pollen tube, the mean pollen tube growth rate, and by a pollen germination index. Pollination environment (the environment surrounding a pollinated flower) and recipient significantly affected all three measures of pollen performance. Pollen donors did not differ overall in pollen performance. However, there was significant among-donor variation in two of the five pollination environment conditions. Future studies of variation in relative siring success may benefit by considering pollination environment in addition to donor and recipient identity.
An alteration in the excretion of free serine in urine from irradiated humans.

A NUMBER of investigators have been interested in the urinary excretion of amino-acids following total-body irradiation1. No one has used the quantitative column procedure of Moore, Spackman and Stein2. This preliminary communication is based on their procedure.
Arrhythmia diagnosis: Simple and elegant

6 Arrhythmias such as atypical AV nodal reentrant tachyardia (AVNRT) and orthodromic reciprocating tachycardia ORT) using a septal accessory pathway can present a iagnostic challenge in the electrophysiology laboratory. he retrograde (atrial) activation sequence of both arrhythias tends to be similar, and the differentiation of these ntities is crucial for effective catheter ablation. Several features of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) ave been proposed to aid in the differential diagnosis. A ystematic approach would include assessment of baseline haracteristics such as preexcitation and the presence of ual AV nodal physiology. During tachycardia, the followng features are useful to note: (1) eccentric vs concentric etrograde atrial activation, (2) septal VA interval 70 ms, 3) spontaneous AV block during tachycardia, and (4) effect f bundle branch block on VA conduction time. Perturbaion of the tachycardia is the final strategy for deducing the xact diagnosis and includes (1) delivery of His refractory entricular extrasystoles, (2) burst pacing the ventricle, and 3) entrainment of the tachycardia and documentation of the ostpacing interval (PPI) and comparing it to the tachycaria cycle length (TCL). Using a combination of these obervations, a correct diagnosis can be reached in most cases. Accessory pathway-mediated tachycardias (orthodromic r antidromic) use the ventricle as an obligate part of the achycardia circuit and therefore exhibit all features of clasic macroreentry, including entrainment. The ability to ntrain the tachycardia from the ventricle can be used to scertain the diagnosis. Michaud et al were the first group o systematically investigate this phenomenon for differenial diagnosis. In patients with AVNRT and ORT (using a eptal accessory pathway), they performed entrainment by ight ventricular (RV) pacing at a cycle length 10 to 40 ms horter than the TCL. In their study, PPI-TCL 115 ms as always seen in the patients with AVNRT and in none of he patients with ORT. The need for the RV pacing impulse o make two transits via the His-Purkinje system in the nterograde and the retrograde directions accounts for the ncrease seen with AVNRT (Figure 1).
Variation in the Susceptibility of Strains of Staphylococcus aureus to Oxacillin, Cephalothin, and Gentamicin

Abstract Three cases of staphylococcal bacteremia caused by organisms that were inhibited by low concentrations of oxacillin, but were resistant to the killing effects of oxacillin, stimulated us to screen 60 clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus for their susceptibility to oxacillin, cephalothin, and gentamicin. All 60 strains were inhibited by low concentrations of the antibiotics. The antibiotics were bactericidal against 27 of the 60 strains and only bacteriostatic against the other 33 after 24 h of incubation. However, after 48 h of incubation, the antibiotics were also bactericidal against the latter group.
Graphical synthesis of a 4-bar mechanism

Abstract For a mechanism operating at steady state, the synthesis technique for specified coupler point location, velocity and acceleration is developed from the geometric nature of the acceleration pole. Two examples are presented. One example is based on a known site for the acceleration pole and the other depends on locating the pole from a specified acceleration.
Explicit robust schemes for implementation of general principal value-based constitutive models

The issue of developing effective and robust schemes to implement general hyperelastic constitutive models is addressed. To this end, special purpose functions are used to symbolically derive, evaluate, and automatically generate the associated FORTRAN code for the explicit forms of the corresponding stress function and material tangent stiffness tensors. These explicit forms are valid for the entire deformation range. The analytical form of these explicit expressions is given here for the case in which the strain-energy potential is taken as a nonseparable polynomial function of the principle stretches.
Stimulation of CFU-f formation by prostaglandin E2 is mediated in part by its degradation product, prostaglandin A2.

Abstract Prostaglandins (PG) of the E series are known to rapidly undergo non-enzymatic dehydration in culture medium containing serum albumin to produce the cyclopentenone PGs of the A series. We investigated the actions of PGA1 and A2 in the in vitro calcifying fibroblastic-colony forming unit assay which can partially mimic the in vivo anabolic effects of PGE2. It was found that PGA1 and A2 both stimulated colony formation in a dose-dependent manner with a maximum at 10−6 M and to a similar degree to PGE2. In contrast to PGE2, PGA1 and PGA2 both caused an inhibition of cAMP accumulation. Furthermore, the addition of protein kinase A inhibitors, H8 and H89, had no significant effect on the stimulation of colony number by PGE2. These data suggest that (a) the bone anabolic effects of PGE1 and E2 are, in part at least, mediated by their dehydration products PGA1 and A2 and (b) that they are mediated via pathways not necessarily involving the cAMP/protein kinase A cascade.
Studies of Alkane/Water Interfaces by Total Internal Reflection Second Harmonic Generation.

Abstract : Total internal reflection second harmonic generation (TIRSHG) has made possible the study of a series of neat n-alkane/water interfaces. Analysis of the incident and polarization angular dependent SH response allows for determination of interfacial nonlinear molecular properties. The measured surface nonlinear susceptibilities may be indicative of a high degree of interfacial order. Total Internal Reflection Second Harmonic Generation, Neat n- alkane/water interfaces.
Carbon dioxide accumulation: valve leaks and inadequate absorption.

The effects on an unmedicated subject of valvular leaks and inadequate carbon dioxide absorption in a circle and a to-and-fro system are investigated. The results are expressed in terms of elevated percentages of inspired carbon dioxide, and the increase in ventilation required to maintain carbon dioxide homeostasis in a particular subject is calculated.
Tracing spatial and temporal variations in the sources of calcium in pedogenic carbonates in a semiarid environment

Abstract In arid environments, significant amounts of calcium (Ca) are stored in pedogenic carbonates that develop in soils. There are two sources for Ca in pedogenic carbonates in soils: local parent material and dust deposited on the surface. In this study, the strontium (Sr) isotopes ( 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios) were used as a tracer for Ca from these sources. We studied spatial and temporal variations in the sources of Ca in pedogenic carbonates in soils developed in six Quaternary basalt flows and a cinder deposit in the Zuni–Bandera volcanic field near Grants, NM. Young basalt is an excellent rock type on which to study soil development because it provides a chemically and isotopically uniform substrate. Age dating of the flows provides control for the beginning of soil development. Other rock types (with varying 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios) cropping out around the basalt provide an opportunity to evaluate spatial variations in sources of Ca and Sr. The 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratio of pedogenic carbonates (average 0.7078) is similar to the average ratio of marine limestone cropping out in the region, and is distinctly different from that of basalt bedrock (average 0.7053), indicating that chemical alteration of dust is the principle source of Ca. There is a strong correlation between the 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratio of pedogenic carbonate and the labile fraction of dust and A soil horizon samples. There is little correlation between the 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratio of pedogenic carbonate and that of the residual (silicate) fraction of dust or A horizon samples. This indicates that the major source of Ca cycling through these soils is chemical weathering of carbonate minerals in dust and that only a minor component is from chemical weathering of silicate minerals, either in dust or the underlying basalt. Mixing calculations using Sr isotopes as a tracer for Ca support the qualitative observations. Some variability in the 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratio of pedogenic carbonates was found on a local scale (several hundred meters to several kilometers), and can be attributed to changes in dust composition due to contributions from local bedrock. There was no correlation found between the age of a basalt flow and the 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratio of the pedogenic carbonate developed on them, indicating that the composition of dust has not changed significantly over the last 0.7 Ma.
Factors influencing long-term implant success

An implant quotient (IQ) has been proposed to help clinicians identify the 24 factors that can affect the potential long-term success of endosseous dental implants. Maximizing the positive factors and minimizing the negative factors will result in relatively high values for the theoretical IQ. Long-term success is directly proportional to the resultant value of the IQ. The greater the value of the IQ, the better the possibility for long-term success. The length of healing time and the necessity for submerged healing are indirectly proportional to the resultant value of the IQ. The greater the value of the IQ, the shorter the healing time before loading an endosseous implant may be. The greater the value of the IQ, the less necessary it becomes to submerge the healing implant
Study of lubricant-induced changes in chronic snorers (SLICCS).

Objective The efficacy of many of the noninvasive treatments for snoring has not been evaluated in controlled trials. This paper seeks to evaluate the efficacy of an oil-based spray in the treatment of snoring, in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial using objective acoustic analysis and subjective questionnaires. Study design and setting Participants were randomized to use both oil-based oral spray (treatment) and water-based oral spray (placebo) during a two-night in-home study period. Questionnaires were completed by participant and bed-partner in addition to audio-tape recordings which were analyzed for frequency, duration, and mean energy of snoring. Results Greatest snoring rate demonstrated 30% = benefit; 40% = no change; 30% = adverse effect (n = 20). Percent time snoring yielded: 30% benefit; 15% no change; 55% adverse effect (n = 20). Study data results for mean energy were (n = 12): benefit = 17%, no change = 33%, adverse effect = 50%. Bed-partner observations (n = 17) demonstrated 37% = benefit; 38% = no change; 25% = adverse effect. Conclusion/significance Objective and subjective evaluation of the performance of the oil-based Snoreless spray in comparison to placebo demonstrated a lack of efficacy in snoring reduction.
The Interest Group Response to Campaign Finance Reform

Has the most recent campaign finance reform failed relative to interest groups? More broadly, what’s next in the realm of interest group electioneering? This paper explores the role of interest groups in two areas: as contributors to candidates and parties and as candidate and issue advocates. Overall, the numbers reported here show that direct interest group influence with candidates and parties likely declined in the wake of reform. On the other hand, recent uncertainty in the regulatory environment should foster the expansion of interest group advocacy efforts (and has already done so in this year’s presidential primary elections). On this score, the attempts of reformers to reduce interest group electioneering have likely failed. Instead of concluding that such a development is bad for American elections, however, this paper argues that such discontent is
Enzymatic Process for Corn Dry-Grind High-Solids Fermentation

ABSTRACT A modified dry-grind process that combined the use of conventional amylases (glucoamylase [GA]), phytase, and granular starch hydrolyzing enzymes (GSHE) to achieve low liquefaction viscosities and low glucose concentrations during simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) with a high slurry solids content (>33% w/w) was developed. Doses of GSHE and GA were optimized for the modified process. At 35% solids content, the modified process had 80% lower slurry viscosity, 24% lower peak glucose concentration, 7.5% higher final ethanol concentration, and 51% higher fermentation rate compared with the conventional dry-grind process. At 40% solids content, the modified process had lower viscosities, lower peak and residual glucose concentrations, and higher ethanol concentrations than the conventional process; however, the results were in contrast to those for 35% solids content. At 40% solids content, SSF did not run to completion for conventional or modified processes, and more than 2.5% w/v ...
DEVELOPMENT OF A SCALE FOR ASSESSING THE LEVEL OF COMPUTER FAMILIARITY OF TOEFL EXAMINEES

The increasing use of computer-based testing raises concerns about equity and bias. Specifically, many in the field of language testing are concerned that the introduction of a computer-based TOEFL test in 1998 may introduce bias by confounding the measurement of English-language proficiency with level of computer familiarity. As the first step in a series of research efforts to address this question, a 23-item questionnaire focusing on individuals' access to, attitude toward, and experience with using computers as well as related technology was developed and administered to TOEFL test takers in April and May of 1996 as part of a TOEFL test administration. Results of this survey administration are documented in a paper by Kirsch, Jamieson, Taylor, and Eignor (1998). This paper has two purposes. The first is to explain decisions as to which questionnaire items would subsequently be used together as a score to separate TOEFL examinees into levels of computer familiarity. The second purpose is to provide details on the procedures used to assess the underlying factor structure of the complete questionnaire. Factor analysis procedures (specifically, a principal factors approach with both varimax orthogonal and promax oblique rotations) were used for both purposes. Eleven items, which loaded heavily on the first factor of a two-factor common factor solution with promax oblique rotation, were selected to create a computer familiarity score. This score was then used to classify TOEFL examinees into one of three familiarity groups: low, moderate, and high. A four-factor common factor solution with promax oblique rotation was seen as providing the best accounting of the underlying factor structure of the complete questionnaire.
Total Number Density of Raman-Active Two Level Systems in Fluorite Mixed Crystals and the Law of Mass Action

The low frequency, low temperature Raman spectra of fluorite crystal hosts doped with large amounts of ${\mathrm{LaF}}_{3}$ show a broad distribution of two level systems (TLS) displaying ${A}_{1g}$ symmetry. When the total number of Raman active TLS per unit volume is determined as a function of ${\mathrm{LaF}}_{3}$ concentration unusual dependencies are found. The results are consistent with a model where the TLS number density is controlled by the law of mass action with the ``effective'' temperature determined by the frozen-in lattice disorder.
“No One Taught Me the Steps”: Latinos' Experiences Applying to Graduate School

Based on in-depth qualitative interviews, this study examined Latinos' graduate school choice process. Grounded in intersectionality and social and cultural capital theories, this study examined barriers and support structures encountered by Latinos as they navigate through the graduate school application phase. Findings reveal that lack of access to social and cultural capital hampers Latinos' graduate school choice opportunities and outcomes. In contrast, participation in undergraduate research programs and support from institutional agents helps Latinos successfully navigate the graduate school application process.
PREJUDICE AND PERCEIVED BELIEF DISSIMILARITY

Rokeach, Smith, and Evans (1960) have contended that belief differences rather than race per se are crucial determinants of racial attitudes. Their research did not ascertain whether, in fact, highly prejudiced individuals do assume greater belief dissimilarities than low-prejudice individuals. The present research replicated the Rokeach, et al. (1960) study and confirmed the hypothesized relationship between racial prejudice and assumed belief dissimilarity.
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) constitute a diverse group of infectious diseases with a wide array of associated pathogens and varied clinical manifestations. STDs affect a significant proportion of our society, with an estimated one in four Americans experiencing an STD during their lifetime. Each year an estimated 15 million Americans are newly infected by a sexually transmitted pathogen. 1 Table 1 illustrates the estimated incidence and prevalence of common STDs in the United States. STDs are among the most common urogenital conditions encountered by the emergency physician. The emergency management of STDs can be extremely challenging because of a number of factors: clinical presentation is highly variable and often subtle, patient histories are frequently unreliable, diagnostic tests are imperfect and results are often delayed, medication compliance and follow-up are notoriously poor, and the sequelae of suboptimal treatment can be devastating. The emergency physician must have a high index of suspicion for STDs and a low threshold for initiating empiric therapy based on the patient's signs and symptoms. The purpose of this chapter is to review the most commonly encountered STDs with an emphasis on clinical presentation, diagnosis, and pharmacotherapy. A discussion of HIV infection and its myriad complications is beyond scope of this article; likewise, discussion of selected STDs that are uncommon in the United States, such as lymphogranuloma venereum and granuloma inguinale, has been omitted. The reader is referred to comprehensive STD references for discussion of these conditions.
Appearance of virus-specific DNA in mammalian cells following transformation by Rous sarcoma virus.

Abstract To detect Rous sarcoma virus-specific DNA in mammalian cells, we have measured the capacity of unlabeled cell DNA to accelerate the reassociation of labeled double-stranded DNA synthesized by the Rous sarcoma virus RNA directed DNA polymerase. Two populations of double-stranded polymerase products are identified by their reassociation kinetics and represent approximately 5% and 30% of the viral 70 S RNA genome. Using two strains of Rous sarcoma virus and four lines of transformed mammalian cells, we found two copies of DNA homologous to both DNA populations in Rous sarcoma virustransformed rat and mouse cells, but not in normal cells. The Rous sarcoma viruslike DNA can be demonstrated in the non-repeated fraction of transformed cell DNA and in nuclear DNA. The results are supported by evidence that the techniques employed detect the formation of extensive well-matched duplexes of cell DNA and viral polymerase products.
Quantifying the Residence Time and Flushing Characteristics of a Shallow, Back-Barrier Estuary: Application of Hydrodynamic and Particle Tracking Models

Estuarine residence time is a major driver of eutrophication and water quality. Barnegat Bay-Little Egg Harbor (BB-LEH), New Jersey, is a lagoonal back-barrier estuary that is subject to anthropogenic pressures including nutrient loading, eutrophication, and subsequent declines in water quality. A combination of hydrodynamic and particle tracking modeling was used to identify the mechanisms controlling flushing, residence time, and spatial variability of particle retention. The models demonstrated a pronounced northward subtidal flow from Little Egg Inlet in the south to Pt. Pleasant Canal in the north due to frictional effects in the inlets, leading to better flushing of the southern half of the estuary and particle retention in the northern estuary. Mean residence time for BB-LEH was 13 days but spatial variability was between ∼0 and 30 days depending on the initial particle location. Mean residence time with tidal forcing alone was 24 days (spatial variability between ∼0 and 50 days); the tides were relatively inefficient in flushing the northern end of the Bay. Scenarios with successive exclusion of physical processes from the models revealed that meteorological and remote offshore forcing were stronger drivers of exchange than riverine inflow. Investigations of water quality and eutrophication should take into account spatial variability in hydrodynamics and residence time in order to better quantify the roles of nutrient loading, production, and flushing.
Prescription Drug Use and Self-prescription Among Resident Physicians

Context.—Self-prescription is common among practicing physicians, but little is known about the practice among resident physicians.Objective.—To determine prescription drug use and self-prescription among US resident physicians.Design and Setting.—Anonymous mail survey of all resident physicians in 4 US categorical internal medicine training programs in February 1997.Main Outcome Measures.—Self-reported use of health care services and prescription medications and how they were obtained.Results.—A total of 316 (83%) of 381 residents responded; 244 residents (78%) reported using at least 1 prescription medicine and 162 residents (52%) reported self-prescribing medications. Twenty-five percent of all medications and 42% of self-prescribed medications were obtained from a sample cabinet; 7% of all medications and 11% of self-prescribed medications were obtained directly from a pharmaceutical company representative.Conclusions.—Self-prescription is common among resident physicians. Although self-prescription is difficult to evaluate, the source of these medications and the lack of oversight of medication use raise questions about the practice.
Colchicine induces nuclear death in Tetrahymena thermophila

We have induced the resorption of the micronucleus in living conjugants of Tetrahymena. After pairing, but prior to meiosis, the micronucleus undergoes an extraordinary elongation, expanding from a sphere of about 1-μm diameter to a ribbon-shaped structure whose length is greater than that of the cell. Previous EM studies showed an organized basket of microtubules subjacent to the nuclear envelope in the elongating micronucleus. We exposed early pairs to colchicines (1–5 mM), a microtubule inhibitor, and found that micronuclear elongation was prevented. Further, colchicine caused the collapse of already elongated micronuclei. Unexpectedly, with increased time of exposure to colchicine, micronuclei gradually disappeared from view; by 5 h ∼60% of cells in pairs lost their micronuclei. Direct observation ruled out ejection from the cell. We present evidence that microcnuclei are degraded by the lysosmally mediated process of autophagy. Degrading micronuclei in living pairs exposed to both Hoescht 33342 and Acridine Orange stain yellow—blue (for DNA) and orange (for acidification)—as expected for an autophagic vacuole. Further, 3-methyladenine, an inhibitor of autophagy, blocked acidification and prevented degradation. Also, based on the requirement of actin filaments to form autophagosomes, we tested Cytochalasin B, an actin inhibitor. Cytochalasin prevented acidification and blocked micronuclear degradation. Finally, degrading micronuclei, uniquely, fluoresced red in cells whose lysosomes were pre-loaded with Texas Red Dextran, indicate that material was transferred from lysosomes to nuclei-containing vacuoles. These data suggest that nuclear degradation is achieved by autophagy. The mechanism by which colchicine triggers micronuclear autophagy remains to be explored.
An abundance of IgG4+ plasma cells is not specific for IgG4-related tubulointerstitial nephritis

IgG4-related tubulointerstitial nephritis (IgG4-TIN), the renal parenchymal lesion of IgG4-related sclerosing disease, is characterized, among other things, by the presence of numerous IgG4-positive plasma cells (IgG4+PC) in the kidney infiltrate. The specificity of this finding for IgG4-TIN has not been addressed. To address this we examined 100 consecutive renal biopsy samples with active interstitial inflammation for the presence of IgG4+PC, and correlated the findings with principal diagnosis, the available clinical histories, and the findings in four biopsy samples of IgG4-TIN. Eleven of the survey biopsy samples contained an average of more than 10 IgG4+PC per × 200 field, including two with IgG4+PC in numbers comparable to those in two of the IgG4-related tubulointerstitial disease biopsy samples. The principal pathological diagnoses in the IgG4+PC-rich cases included anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-positive necrotizing glomerulonephritis (five cases), diabetic nephropathy (two cases), idiopathic interstitial nephritis (two cases), membranous glomerulonephritis (one case), and lupus nephritis (one case). There was no reason, based on histology or clinical history, to believe that any of these cases represented previously unsuspected IgG4-related tubulointerstitial disease. We conclude that the presence of numerous IgG4+PC is essential to, but not sufficient for, the diagnosis of IgG4-TIN.
Specular Microscopy of Human Corneal Endothelium in VIVO

A clinical specular microscope used in the routine examination fo the corneal endothelium of 40 patients at high magnification, without inconvenience or discomfort to the patients, detected endothelial damage or disease that was not seen by slit-lamp examination. A statistically significant decrease (P less than .001) in the number of central endothelial cells with age was documented.
Revisiting combinatorial ambiguities at Hadron Colliders with M T2

We present a method to resolve combinatorial issues in multi-particle final states at hadron colliders. The use of kinematic variables such as M T2 and invariant mass significantly reduces combinatorial ambiguities in the signal, but at a cost of losing statistics. We illustrate this idea with gluino pair production leading to 4 jets $ {\not{E}_T} $ in the final state as well as $ t\bar{t} $ production in the dilepton channel. Compared to results in recent studies, our method provides greater efficiency with similar purity.