cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Federal Employees' Compensation Act

The Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) program provides wage loss compensation and payments for medical treatment to federal civilian employees. Administered by the Department of Labor (DOL), FECA covers over 2.7 million federal employees in more than 70 different agencies. FECA costs rose from $1.4 billion in 1990 to $2.6 in 2006, while the federal workforce remained essentially unchanged. While federal civilian employees represent only 2.1% of all workers eligible for workers' compensation benefits, federal programs account for 6% of the benefits paid. Disability benefits under FECA are far greater than those in the state workers' compensation programs. The benefit payments often exceed the former salary of the injured employee. The last congressional hearings on the FECA program were held over thirty years ago. It is unlikely that Congressional review will occur any time soon, as the entrenched bureaucracy that benefits from the FECA program defines and protects its future.
Prenatal exposure to environmental tobacco smoke alters gene expression in the developing murine hippocampus.

Background Little is known about the effects of passive smoke exposures on the developing brain.
Dynamic geometry of the left ventricle

Abstract Some instantaneous geometric changes of the left ventricle during the cardiac cycle have been discussed. The importance of involving size, shape and changes in wall thickness in mathematical manipulations designed to study ventricular mechanics has been stressed. It is suggested that changes of size, shape and wall thickness provide special mechanical advantages to the ventricle during the various phases of the cardiac cycle. It is proposed that the equivalent geometric model of the left ventricle is a thick-walled, nonprolate ellipsoid. Changes in size of the left ventricle alter the manner in which it contracts. Changes in shape of the ventricle during the cardiac cycle alter the relation from moment to moment between internal volume and surface area. Changes in wall thickness alter the stresses distributed across the ventricular wall and adjust the wall stress during the cardiac cycle within certain limits as yet undefined and for reasons which are as yet not understood. Thus it is clear that for any given heart rate, myocardial inotropic state and ventricular pressure, the stresses and tension within the ventricular wall are major functions of not only pressure but ventricular size, shape and wall thickness.
Identification of the corticotropin cell in rat hypophyses with peroxidase-labeled antibody.

Utilization of peroxidase-labeled antibody to porcine corticotropin permitted the delineation of a distinctive cell in the hypophyseal pars distalis of the rat that appears to be the source of corticotropin. Corticotropin cells were stellate and possessed processes that ended on the walls of sinusoids. Corticotropin cells composed a small percentage of the total cell population, and were distributed throughout the gland except that they were less common posteriorly, superiorly, and immediately alongside the pars intermedia. Alteration in size of corticotropin cells was related directly to change in corticotropin content of the gland as effected by differing physiological conditions. Thus, they were larger in the female than in the male and were enlarged after adrenalectomy of the male; they became much smaller following treatment of the female with cortisol. Some corticotropin cells stained with aldehyde fuchsin and the periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) reaction. These reactions were more intense if hormone antibody and the gamma-globulin conjugate had been applied previously. However, the capacity of some corticotropin cells to stain weakly with PAS without prior application of antibody suggests that they may contain mucoprotein.
Observation of dissociated dislocations in deformed olivine

Abstract The weak-beam technique in transmission electron microscopy was used to investigate dissociated dislocations in deformed olivine. For all combinations of diffracting condition, Burgers vector, and beam direction employed in this study, the observed separation of partial dislocations was found to be 40A. Under certain conditions, a complex image consisting of three intensity maxima was noted for dissociated dislocations.
Modulation of postjunctional cholinergic sensitivity of rat diaphragm muscle by cyclic adenosine monophosphate.

Addition of 2.5 mM cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) to the solution bathing a rat diaphragm muscle alters the magnitude of depolarization responses to iontophoretic pulses of acetylcholine (ACh) at neuromuscular endplates. Alterations are repeatable with small variability on a given preparation for initial and repeat experiments on both hemidiaphragms, but are different on each preparation. Five min after addition of the nucleotide solution, increases (potentiations) of up to 30% above control levels and decreases (attenuations) to 50% below control levels are observed. The effects on sensitivity to ACh of dibutyryl cAMP (1.25 mM), monobutyryl cAMP (0.25 mM), and cAMP (2.5 mM) in Ca++-free solution are a function of whether the experiment is an initial one on that preparation or a repeat experiment after 10 or more minutes of perfusion flow. In all three cases, initial exposure attenuates sensitivity (means at 5 min: −30, −10, and −20%, respectively) and repeat exposure potentiates sensitivity (means: 20% at 5 min, 15% at 5 min, and 10% at 2 min respectively). A concentration of dibutyryl cAMP (0.25 mM) which is without effect on sensitivity alone, produces a large, transient potentiation (mean: 45% at 1 min) in conjunction with 0.5 mM theophylline. A decrease in the rate of desensitization is observed during exposure to 0.25 mM cAMP. These results are interpreted in terms of a physiological mechanism whereby receptor activity at the postjunctional membrane is modulated by cAMP formed from prejunctionally released ATP.
How a library instruction class imitates a news broadcast

Abstract In our increasingly audiovisual world, library instructors have something to learn from television new media. By watching and borrowing from the evening news, librarians can learn techniques for arranging, structuring, and presenting information in ways that hold our “audience,” especially in electronically-based classes.
Factors associated with genetic testing distress in patients tested for Lynch Syndrome or Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome

Methods 140 individuals undergoing genetic testing for LS and 133 undergoing genetic testing for HBOS at the DanaFarber Cancer Institute were enrolled in a longitudinal questionnaire study. We assessed levels of genetic testing distress, anxiety and depression using The Multidimensional Impact of Cancer Risk Assessment (MICRA) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Multivariable regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with psychological distress in the LS and HBOS cohorts. One year follow-up data is based on 96 LS and 94 HBOS tested individuals that completed the one year questionnaire.
Home-based leg strengthening for older adults initiated through private practice.

Abstract Background. Leg strength correlates with functional ability in the frail elderly, many of whom can be reached through a private practice setting. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of physician-prescribed, home-based, clinic-monitored, high-intensity leg-strengthening treatment among elderly patients with a variety of medical problems. Methods. Twenty-two elderly patients with a variety of chronic medical conditions were invited to participate during regularly scheduled office visits if they had difficulty rising from a chair and an unsteady, cautious gait (age 85.1 ± 5.7, 14 female). Physical therapists (PT) instructed patients to lift ankle weights at home, three times per week. Patients visited PT five times over a 12-week period. Weights were increased at each visit. Results. Patients' one-repetition maximum increased (right leg 13 to 21 lb, P = 0.00; left leg 15 to 22 lb, P =0.00). Patients also improved in habitual (18 to 12 s, P = 0.01) and tandem (38 to 26 s, P = 0.00) 20-foot walking times and sit-to-stand time (5 to 3 s, P = 0.01). Conclusion. The primary care physician can initiate a home-based leg-strengthening program that is practical for and well tolerated by the frail elderly.
Direct Reprogramming of Terminally Differentiated Mature B Lymphocytes to Pluripotency

Pluripotent cells can be derived from fibroblasts by ectopic expression of defined transcription factors. A fundamental unresolved question is whether terminally differentiated cells can be reprogrammed to pluripotency. We utilized transgenic and inducible expression of four transcription factors (Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc) to reprogram mouse B lymphocytes. These factors were sufficient to convert nonterminally differentiated B cells to a pluripotent state. However, reprogramming of mature B cells required additional interruption with the transcriptional state maintaining B cell identity by either ectopic expression of the myeloid transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer-binding-protein-α (C/EBPα) or specific knockdown of the B cell transcription factor Pax5. Multiple iPS lines were clonally derived from both nonfully and fully differentiated B lymphocytes, which gave rise to adult chimeras with germline contribution, and to late-term embryos when injected into tetraploid blastocysts. Our study provides definite proof for the direct nuclear reprogramming of terminally differentiated adult cells to pluripotency.
Polyglutamine expansion inhibits respiration by increasing reactive oxygen species in isolated mitochondria

Huntington's disease results from expansion of the polyglutamine (PolyQ) domain in the huntingtin protein. Although the cellular mechanism by which pathologic-length PolyQ protein causes neurodegeneration is unclear, mitochondria appear central in pathogenesis. We demonstrate in isolated mitochondria that pathologic-length PolyQ protein directly inhibits ADP-dependent (state 3) mitochondrial respiration. Inhibition of mitochondrial respiration by PolyQ protein is not due to reduction in the activities of electron transport chain complexes, mitochondrial ATP synthase, or the adenine nucleotide translocase. We show that pathologic-length PolyQ protein increases the production of reactive oxygen species in isolated mitochondria. Impairment of state 3 mitochondrial respiration by PolyQ protein is reversed by addition of the antioxidants N-acetyl-L-cysteine or cytochrome c. We propose a model in which pathologic-length PolyQ protein directly inhibits mitochondrial function by inducing oxidative stress.
Iron-bearing silicate melts: Relations between pressure and redox equilibria

Mossbauer spectroscopy has been used to determine the redox equilibria of iron and structure of quenched melts on the composition join Na2Si2O5-Fe2O3 to 40 kbar pressure at 1400° C. The Fe3+/ΣFe decreases with increasing pressure. The ferric iron appears to undergo a gradual coordination transformation from a network-former at 1 bar to a network-modifier at higher (≧10 kbar) pressure. Ferrous iron is a network-modifier in all quenched melts. Reduction of Fe3+ to Fe2+ and coordination transformation of remaining Fe3+ result in depolymerization of the silicate melts (the ratio of nonbridging oxygens per tetrahedral cations, NBO/T, increases). It is suggested that this pressure-induced depolymerization of iron-bearing silicate liquids results in increasing NBO/T of the liquidus minerals. Furthermore, this depolymerization results in a more rapid pressure-induced decrease in viscosity and activation energy of viscous flow of iron-bearing silicate melts than would be expected for iron-free silicate melts with similar NBO/T.
Evaluation of the Akt kinase activation in a PTEN deficient canine osteosarcoma cell line

Introduction: Osteosarcoma is a devastating disease in both human and veterinary medicine. The dog has been recognized as an important model system for the study of this disease, with a high incidence of tumor development noted annually. The cure rates in veterinary oncology are between 20 and 30% of patients seen. Akt is a serine/threonine kinase that primarily protects the cell from apoptosis and may prompt proliferation and growth. Akt activation involves sequential phosphorylation of threonine at position 308 (T308) and serine at position 473 (S473). While for the T308 phosphorylation responsible is PDK1 kinase, for S473 phosphorylation no definitive mechanism has yet been identified. The tumor suppressor PTEN, which has been reported to be absent in canine osteosarcoma, negatively regulates Akt. In our study we evaluated the Akt activation sequence in response to serum deprivation. Methods: “Buck,” an immortalized PTEN deficient canine OSA cell line established and characterized in our laboratory was used. Buck cells were grown in the absence of fetal bovine serum for 8, 24, and 48 hours. Activity of Akt was assayed directly by a method described by Kang et al. The phosphorylation status of Akt at T308 and S473, together with serine at position 241 (S241) of PDK1 was assessed by immunoblotting. Results: We noted marked decrease of the Akt kinase activity with the nadir at the 24-hour time point and subsequent increase of Akt activity at the 48-hour time point. Decoupling of the two Akt phosphorylation sites at the 24, and 48-hour time points was observed (p < 0.01). The phosphorylation status of T308 declined steadily throughout the experiment. The phosphorylation status of S473 declined until the 24-hour time point, and then increased in parallel with the results noted in the kinase activity assay. Phosphorylation of PDK1 S241 was examined and found to decrease at 24 hours, with subsequent increase after 48 hours of serum starvation, in parallel with the phosphorylation pattern of Akt S473 (p < 0.01). Conclusions: We report parallel patterns of PDK1 S241 and Akt S473 phosphorylation in the absence of growth factors. PDK1 activity is not assessed directly, but its phosphorylation status indicates that more PDK1 is in an activated from at the 48-hour time point than at 24 hours. The increase of Akt activity and S473 phosphorylation at the 48-hour time point is presumably a response to the apoptogenic conditions of the serum free medium. The same response of PDK1 may indicate the presence of a regulatory autophosphorylation mechanism that members of the AGC kinase family share. Surprisingly, the increased amount of activated PDK1 does not correlate with the phosphorylation pattern of Akt T308, and could be attributed to cytoplasmic sequestration of PDK1.
Proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis using a combination plate‐screw technique in 53 horses (1994–2003)

Summary Reasons for performing study: A method for proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP joint) arthrodesis that provides a stable fixation and minimal duration of cast support is evaluated retrospectively. Objectives: Evaluate the clinical use of a combined plate-screw method for PIP joint arthrodesis in a large number of horses. Methods: The records of 53 horses undergoing PIP joint arthrodesis were reviewed. Arthrodesis was performed with a dorsally placed 3-, 4- or 5-hole narrow dynamic compression plate (DCP) with 2 transarticular cortex screws placed in lag fashion either side of the plate. Subject details, clinical presentation, radiographic findings, surgical technique, post operative treatment and complications were recorded. Long-term follow up (mean 3 years) was obtained for 46 horses. Results: Arthrodesis procedures (n = 58) were performed on 53 horses with a DCP in combination with transarticular cortex screws placed in lag fashion. Conditions treated were osteoarthritis (OA) of the PIP joint, fracture of middle phalanx, PIP joint subluxation, subchondral cystic lesions and degenerative joint disease secondary to sepsis. Time of post operative cast application was 14 days. Overall 40/46 (87%) horses could be used as intended including 20/25 (81%) forelimb and 20/21 (95%) hindlimb arthrodeses. Twenty-three of 27 (85%) horses used for performance had successful outcomes. Complications included implant infection, cast sores and partial implant failure. Conclusions: PIP joint arthrodesis using a DCP and transarticular cortex screws placed in lag fashion provides a stable construct and short casting period with minimal complications. The prognosis for return to performance was excellent for horses treated with hindlimb PIP joint arthrodesis and good for forelimb arthrodesis. Potential relevance: Use of a combination technique for PIP joint arthrodesis allows a high proportion of horses with pastern joint disease to be returned to their athletic potential.
Space Telescope Astrometry from CCD Images

The astrometric application of the Wide Field Camera and the Planetary Camera is reviewed. It is shown that the digital image centering algorithms can yield a positional accuracy of 0.1 milli-arcsecond. Deconvolution of CCD's sensitivity, non-flatness of the filters, and crinkling of the CCD surface may limit the positional accuracy of 1 milli-arcsecond.
Evaluation of a Triple-Helical Peptide with Quenched Fluorophores for Optical Imaging of MMP-2 and MMP-9 Proteolytic Activity

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 2 and 9, the gelatinases, have consistently been associated with tumor progression. The development of gelatinase-specific probes will be critical for identifying in vivo gelatinoic activity to understand the molecular role of the gelatinases in tumor development. Recently, a self-assembling homotrimeric triple-helical peptide (THP), incorporating a sequence from type V collagen, with high substrate specificity to the gelatinases has been developed. To determine whether this THP would be suitable for imaging protease activity, 5-carboxyfluorescein (5FAM) was conjugated, resulting in 5FAM3-THP and 5FAM6-THP, which were quenched up to 50%. 5FAM6-THP hydrolysis by MMP-2 and MMP-9 displayed kcat/KM values of 1.5 × 104 and 5.4 × 103 M−1 s−1, respectively. Additionally 5FAM6-THP visualized gelatinase activity in gelatinase positive HT-1080 cells, but not in gelatinase negative MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, the fluorescence in the HT-1080 cells was greatly attenuated by the addition of a MMP-2 and MMP-9 inhibitor, SB-3CT, indicating that the observed fluorescence release was mediated by gelatinase proteolysis and not non-specific proteolysis of the THPs. These results demonstrate that THPs fully substituted with fluorophores maintain their substrate specificity to the gelatinases in human cancer cells and may be useful in in vivo molecular imaging of gelatinase activity.
The Movement Toward Mysticism in Gustavo Gutiérrez’s Thought: Is This an Open Door to Pentecostal Dialogue?

Over the last few years a distinct shift has occurred within the thought of liberation theology’s most famous proponent, Gustavo Gutierrez. Specifically, Gutierrez has ventured into mysticism. With this movement a fascinating question can be posed: Does the incorporation of mysticism open up a door for dialogue with Latin America’s other popular theology, Pentecostalism? Conversely, should Pentecostalism reflexively understand itself historically and theologically as a liberating movement of the poor? Placed together, an emphasis on praxis seems to reveal, at minimum, a common starting point. The methodology of the paper incorporates a detailed historical analysis of Gutierrez’s position on mysticism and moves to the conclusion that the shift in emphasis opens the door, albeit a small crack, to one of the most exciting opportunities to occur within the history of Christianity: the marriage of Pentecostal spirituality with liberating social action.
Los Alamos as Laboratory for Domestic Security Measures: Nuclear Age Battlefield Transformations and the Ongoing Permutations of Security

Much of the strategic analysis, geographic knowledge/ignorance, and military-security emphasis of post–September 11th America bore a striking resemblance to Los Alamos of the 1980s. After briefly considering the foreign-policy aspects of the work at Los Alamos and some theoretical, historical, and state aspects of the nuclear age that define the domestic space and the population as targets, I focus on the many ways in which the Laboratory has served as a site of development for domestic security measures. In some cases it is the community of Los Alamos at large which seems to be the template for the measures, inasmuch as this is a town adjoining and surrounding the Laboratory. One of the main thrusts of the argument here is that the division between ‘foreign’ and ‘domestic’ in contemporary intelligence and military strategy is specious.
The Effect of Egg Albumen on the Iron Requirement of Salmonella Oranienburg

Abstract Salmonella oranienburg did not grow in prepared iron-deficient nutrient broth with or without 10% added egg albumen. When FeSO4 · 7H2O was added, growth was maximum at 10 μg. of iron/ml. in medium without albumen, and at 15 μg. of iron/ml. in medium with 10% added egg albumen. When the iron added was greater than these maximum growth values, bacterial growth was inhibited.
The Axial Tyrosinate Fe3+ Ligand in Protocatechuate 3,4-Dioxygenase Influences Substrate Binding and Product Release: Evidence for New Reaction Cycle Intermediates†,‡

The essential active site Fe3+ of protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase [3, 4-PCD, subunit structure (alphabetaFe3+)12] is bound by axial ligands, Tyr447 (147beta) and His462 (162beta), and equatorial ligands, Tyr408 (108beta), His460 (160beta), and a solvent OH- (Wat827). Recent X-ray crystallographic studies have shown that Tyr447 is dissociated from the Fe3+ in the anaerobic 3,4-PCD complex with protocatechuate (PCA) [Orville, A. M., Lipscomb, J. D., and Ohlendorf, D. H. (1997) Biochemistry 36, 10052-10066]. The importance of Tyr447 to catalysis is investigated here by site-directed mutation of this residue to His (Y447H), the first such mutation reported for an aromatic ring cleavage dioxygenase containing Fe3+. The crystal structure of Y447H (2.1 A resolution, R-factor of 0.181) is essentially unchanged from that of the native enzyme outside of the active site region. The side chain position of His447 is stabilized by a His447(N)delta1-Pro448(O) hydrogen bond, placing the Nepsilon2 atom of His447 out of bonding distance of the iron ( approximately 4.3 A). Wat827 appears to be replaced by a CO32-, thereby retaining the overall charge neutrality and coordination number of the Fe3+ center. Quantitative metal and amino acid analysis shows that Y447H binds Fe3+ in approximately 10 of the 12 active sites of 3,4-PCD, but its kcat is nearly 600-fold lower than that of the native enzyme. Single-turnover kinetic analysis of the Y447H-catalyzed reaction reveals that slow substrate binding accounts for the decreased kcat. Three new kinetically competent intermediates in this process are revealed. Similarly, the product dissociation from Y447H is slow and occurs in two resolved steps, including a previously unreported intermediate. The final E.PCA complex (ES4) and the putative E.product complex (ESO2*) are found to have optical spectra that are indistinguishable from those of the analogous intermediates of the wild-type enzyme cycle, while all of the other observed intermediates have novel spectra. Once the E.S complex is formed, reaction with O2 is fast. These results suggest that dissociation of Tyr447 occurs during turnover of 3,4-PCD and is important in the substrate binding and product release processes. Once Tyr447 is removed from the Fe3+ in the final E.PCA complex by either dissociation or mutagenesis, the O2 attack and insertion steps proceed efficiently, suggesting that Tyr447 does not have a large role in this phase of the reaction. This study demonstrates a novel role for Tyr in a biological system and allows evaluation and refinement of the proposed Fe3+ dioxygenase mechanism.
Conventional Sex Role Stereotypes and Actual Perceptions

Theoretical constructs of marital sex-role differentiation have not generally been substantiated in studies sampling the role perceptions and expectations of groups of married Ss. In an initial phase of the study reported here, masculinity-femininity scale values were obtained for the items of the Interpersonal Check List, and from these values a Femininity Score was derived. The ICL responses of two samples of wives of alcoholics were compared with the role perceptions of two samples of wives of non-alcoholics. In neither group of comparison Ss was there any significant sex-role differentiation between the wife's perception of herself and her husband. However, in both samples of wives of alcoholics there was significant role differentiation in the wife's perception of herself and her spouse, residing almost entirely in the wife's tending to view herself as highly feminine. The data were construed as lending support to the view that in the “normal” family of today the roles of husband and wife are more li...
Void Fraction Measurements During Saturated Pool Boiling of Water on Partially Wetted Vertical Surfaces

Void fraction profiles adjacent to a vertical wall 6.3 cm wide and 10.3 cm high were measured during nucleate boling. The experiments were conducted in saturated water at 1 atm pressure. In the experiments, the wettability of the surface was varied by controlling the degree of oxidation of the surface. Static contact angle was used as an indicator of the surface wettability. The void fraction was measured with a gamma densitometer. The experimental results show that the maximum void fraction occurs about 1--1.5 mm away from the heater surface. The wall void fraction, the maximum void fraction, and the thickness of the void layer increase with wall heat flux. It is found that for a given heat flux, the wall void fraction increases as the surface becomes less wettable, whereas the maximum heat flux decreases with increase in contact angle.
Maintenance-Dose Prediction Based on a Single Determination of Concentration: General Applicability to Two-Compartment Drugs with Reference to Lithium

A general approach to the selection of the maintenance dose (Dm) required to give a desired steady-state concentration of drug based on a single determination of concentration after a test dose (C*) is extended to drugs with two-compartment pharmacokinetic characteristics. Using the equation developed, the value of the proportionality factor relating 1/Dm to C* was found to be within 3.2% of the value calculated from a published nomogram for lithium. The inherent error is shown to be a function of the value of the hybrid rate constants α and β, as well as the value of an intercompartmental transfer rate constant, k21, in an individual.
The spin-off illusion: reuse is not a by-product

Based on the desire of enterprise management to find a smooth, low-risk way of introducing reuse methodology, this paper discusses several approaches taken. The illusion of using the by-product of software development to obtain reusable assets is the subject of the second approach. The third successful approach follows the software factory paradigm and has been successfully implemented at several IBM sites.
Acoustic Emission from Single and Multiple Kevlar 49 Filament Breaks

Acoustic Emission (AE) was monitored during single filament tension tests of Kevlar 49 fiber. AE was also monitored during dry and lubricated bundle tests of the same material. These later tests were carried out in such a way that the individual filament breaks could be independently verified. Statistical studies were made of the AE event characterization parameters for the source mechanism of filament failure. Studies of effect of cumulative damage, test fixturing, first vs. second AE sensor hit, and friction between fibers were made. Characterization by AE events made up of multiple filament fractures was examined relative to events due to single filament fracture in a bundle. These results are preliminary studies prior to using AE to study fundamental variables which control damage progression in fiber composites upon repeated loading.
Combination of conjugated linoleic acid with fish oil prevents age-associated bone marrow adiposity in C57Bl/6J mice

The inverse relationship between fat in bone marrow and bone mass in the skeleton of aging subjects is well known. However, there is no precise therapy for the treatment of bone marrow adiposity. We investigated the ability of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and fish oil (FO), alone or in combination, to modulate bone loss using 12 months old C57Bl/6J mice fed 10% corn oil diet as control or supplemented with 0.5% CLA or 5% FO or 0.5% CLA+5% FO for 6 months. We found, CLA-fed mice exhibited reduced body weight, body fat mass (BFM) and enhanced hind leg lean mass (HLLM) and bone mineral density (BMD) in different regions measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA); however, associated with fatty liver and increased insulin resistance; whereas, FO fed mice exhibited enhanced BMD, improved insulin sensitivity, with no changes in BFM and HLLM. Interestingly, CLA+FO fed mice exhibited reduced body weight, BFM, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and cathepsin K expression in bone marrow with enhanced BMD and HLLM. Moreover, CLA+FO supplementation reduced liver hypertrophy and improved insulin sensitivity with remarkable attenuation of bone marrow adiposity, inflammation and oxidative stress in aging mice. Therefore, CLA with FO combination might be a novel dietary supplement to reduce fat mass and improve BMD.
Pliocene paleoclimatic interpretation of DSDP Site 580 (NW Pacific) using diatoms

Abstract High-resolution quantitative diatom data are tabulated for the early part of the late Pliocene (3.25 to 2.08 Ma) at DSDP Site 580 in the northwestern Pacific. Sample spacing averages 11 k.y. between 3.1 and 2.8 Ma, but increases to 14 to 19 k.y. prior to 3.1 Ma and after 2.8 Ma.Q-mode factor analysis of the middle Pliocene assemblage reveals four factors which explain 92.4% of the total variance of the 47 samples studied between 3.25 and 2.55 Ma. Three of the factors are closely related to modern subarctic, transitional, and subtropical elements, while the fourth factor, which is dominated byCoscinodiscus marginatus and the extinct Pliocene speciesNeodenticula kamtschatica, appears to correspond to a middle Pliocene precursor of the subarctic water mass. Knowledge of the modern and generalized Pliocene paleoclimatic relationships of various diatom taxa is used to generate a paleoclimate curve (“Twt”) based on the ratio of warm-water (subtropical) to cold-water diatoms with warm-water transitional taxa (Thalassionema nitzschioides, Thalassiosira oestrupii, andCoscinodiscus radiatus) factored into the equation at an intermediate (0.5) value. The “Twt” ratios at more southerly DSDP Sites 579 and 578 are consistently higher (warmer) than those at Site 580 throughout the Pliocene, suggesting the validity of the ratio as a paleoclimatic index. Diatom paleoclimatic data reveal a middle Pliocene (3.1 to 3.0 Ma) warm interval at Site 580 during which paleotemperatures may have exceeded maximum Holocene values by 3°–5.5°C at least three times. This middle Pliocene warm interval is also recognized by planktic foraminifers in the North Atlantic, and it appears to correspond with generalized depleted oxygen isotope values suggesting polar warming. The diatom “Twt” curve for Site 580 compares fairly well with radiolarian and silicoflagellate paleoclimatic curves for Site 580, planktic foraminiferal sea-surface temperature estimates for the North Atlantic, and benthic oxygen isotope curves for late Pliocene, although higher resolution studies on paired samples are required to test the correspondence of these various paleoclimatic indices.
A reponse to the Kimiecik & Stein and Jackson papers

(1992). A reponse to the Kimiecik & Stein and Jackson papers. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology: Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 181-183.
Comparison of semi-batch vs. continuously fed anaerobic bioreactors for the treatment of a high-strength, solids-rich pumpkin-processing wastewater.

The objective of this work was to compare two different high-rate anaerobic bioreactor configurations – the anaerobic sequencing batch reactor (ASBR) and the upflow anaerobic solid removal (UASR) reactor – for the treatment of a solid-rich organic wastewater with a high strength. The two, 4.5-L reactors were operated in parallel for close to 100 days under mesophilic conditions (37°C) with non-granular biomass by feeding a pumpkin wastewater with ∼4% solids. The organic loading rate of pumpkin wastewater was increased periodically to a maximum of 8 g COD L−1 d−1 by shortening the hydraulic retention time to 5.3 days. Compositional analysis of pumpkin wastewater revealed deficiencies in the trace metal cobalt and alkalinity. With supplementation, the ASBR outperformed the UASR reactor with total chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiencies of 64% and 53%, respectively, achieving a methane yield of 0.27 and 0.20 L CH4 g−1 COD fed to the ASBR and UASR, respectively. The better performance realized with ...
A Novel Method for the Production of Biodiesel from the Whole Stillage-Extracted Corn Oil

The extraction of corn oil from whole stillage and condensed distillers’ solubles (CDS) with hexane and its conversion to biodiesel were investigated. The analysis of the extracted oil showed 6–8 wt.% free fatty acid (FFA) in this oil. Acid, base, acid–base, and acid–base catalyzed transesterifications with intermediate neutralization with anion exchange resin were investigated. Experiments were performed with model corn oil substrates which contained 1.0–6.0 wt.% FFA. The effect of catalyst at 0.50–1.25 wt.% was studied at a 1:8 oil/methanol molar ratio. At 6.0 wt.% FFA concentration, the acid-catalyzed scheme was slow and resulted in less than 20% yield after 4 h, while the base-catalyzed was mostly consumed by the FFA and very little conversion was achieved. The acid–base catalyzed scheme succeeded in reducing the FFA content of the oil through the acid-catalyzed stage, and yields in excess of 85% were achieved after the second stage of the reaction with a base catalyst. However, formation of water and soap prevented the separation of product phases. An alternative acid–base catalyzed scheme was examined which made use of a strong anion exchange resin to neutralize the substrate after the initial acid-catalyzed stage. This scheme resulted in the effective removal of the acid catalyst as well as the residual FFA prior to the base-catalyzed stage. The subsequent base-catalyzed stage resulted in yields in excess of 98% for a 7.0 wt.% FFA corn oil and for the corn oil extracted from CDS.
Gas-dispersed active medium for high-energy HF/DF laser systems based on a photon-branched chain reaction

A promising avenue in the development of pulsed chemical HF/DF lasers and amplifiers is the utilization of a photonbranched chain reaction initiated in a two-phase active medium, i.e., a medium containing a working gas and ultradispersed passivated metal particles. These particles are evaporated under the action of IR laser radiation, which results in the appearance of free atoms, their diffusion into the gas, and the development of the photon-branching process. The key obstacle here is the formation a relatively-large volume (in excess of 10 3 cm 3 ) of the stable active medium, and filling this volume homogeneously for a short time with a sub-micron monodispersed metal aerosol, which has specified properties. In this manuscript, results are presented for an extensive study of a gas-dispersed component of a H 2 -F 2 laser active medium, including novel techniques for the formation of a two-phase active medium with specified properties; aerosol optics; degradation of the dispersed component; and beam stability of a chemically-active aerosol. These results should help lead the way to creating powerful, reliable and inexpensive self-contained pulsed sources of coherent radiation with high energy, high laser beam quality, and the possibility of scaling up the output energy.
Nuclear Power: Renaissance or Relapse? Global Climate Change and Long‐Term Three Mile Island Activists’ Narratives

Community narratives are increasingly important as people move towards an ecologically sustainable society. Global climate change is a multi-faceted problem with multiple stakeholders. The voices of affected communities must be heard as we make decisions of global significance. We document the narratives of long-term anti-nuclear activists near the Three Mile Island (TMI) nuclear power plant who speak out in the dawn of a nuclear renaissance/relapse. While nuclear power is marketed as a “green” solution to global warming, their narratives reveal three areas for consideration; (1) significant problems with nuclear technology, (2) lessons “not” learned from the TMI disaster, and (3) hopes for a sustainable future. Nuclear waste, untrustworthy officials and economic issues were among the problems cited. Deceptive shaping of public opinion, nuclear illiteracy, and an aging anti-nuclear movement were reasons cited for the lessons not learned. However, many remain optimistic and envision increased participation to create an ecologically-balanced world.
The identification of fibers by infrared and Raman microspectroscopy

Abstract The application of Raman and infrared microspectroscopy to fiber identification has been investigated. Natural and synthetic fibers, both organic and inorganic in nature, can be rapidly characterized by these techniques. In general, it has been found that infrared microspectroscopy offers a nonsubjective method of fiber identification that is quicker, easier, and occasionally, more selective than classical methods. Raman microspectroscopy has also been proven useful for these analyses. It provides low-frequency information, requires virtually no sample preparation, and supplies data complementary to that furnished by infrared microspectroscopy. In many cases one may use these methods for a quick differentiation of fibers of the same type which have undergone different chemical treatments.
Inhomogeneity Localization in Scattering Media Based on an Optical Diffusion Model

A fast approach for detecting and localizing an inhomogeneity in a tissue-like scattering medium is presented. The probability of detection and sensitivity describe the capability of such a measurement system, providing information for instrument design.
Clinical Trials in Migraine: Parallel versus Crossover Studies

Most prophylactic drug studies for migraine utilize parallel or crossover formats. Both study designs have disadvantages and advantages. The pros and contras of each study are discussed. The majority of headache investigators seem to favor the parallel study and reasons for this preference are discussed.
New approach in direct-simulation of gas mixtures

Results are reported for an investigation of a new direct-simulation Monte Carlo method by which energy transfer and chemical reactions are calculated. The new method, which reduces to the variable cross-section hard sphere model as a special case, allows different viscosity-temperature exponents for each species in a gas mixture when combined with a modified Larsen-Borgnakke phenomenological model. This removes the most serious limitation of the usefulness of the model for engineering simulations. The necessary kinetic theory for the application of the new method to mixtures of monatomic or polyatomic gases is presented, including gas mixtures involving chemical reactions. Calculations are made for the relaxation of a diatomic gas mixture, a plane shock wave in a gas mixture, and a chemically reacting gas flow along the stagnation streamline in front of a hypersonic vehicle. Calculated results show that the introduction of different molecular interactions for each species in a gas mixture produces significant differences in comparison with a common molecular interaction for all species in the mixture. This effect should not be neglected for accurate DSMC simulations in an engineering context.
Preparation of highly dispersed cobalt clusters in zeolites via microwave discharge methods

Abstract A microwave discharge has been used to prepare highly dispersed and reduced cobalt metal atom clusters in zeolites and other solid substrates such as alumina, silica, activated carbon, and polymers. Spectroscopic data show that the microwave discharge approach offers several advantages over other activation procedures for the preparation of small metal particles on solid supports. Scanning electron microscopy, ferromagnetic resonance, and X-ray line broadening experiments indicate that these particles are smaller than 30 A.
A Note on Simberloff’s ‘Succession of Paradigms in Ecology’

Many biologists, when they turn to philosophical (epistemological or ontological) questions, abandon the standards of accuracy that, at least in the layman’s view, ought to govern their discourse as scientists. Simberloff’s argument forms an unusually flagrant example of this practice. If ecology does in fact rely on incompatible models,1 that fact may suggest interesting problems about scientific discovery and the structure of scientific theories. If such discussion is to be useful, however, some of Simberloff’s misunderstandings and misinformation should be cleared away. The following comments are intended in this spirit.
Use of a synthetic polymer in potting soils to improve water holding capacity

Abstract Three rates of the synthetic, hydrophylic substance Permabsorb (1.6, 3.2, and 6.4 gm/1) were tested by growing ryegrass, azalea, and impatiens in a greenhouse mix, consisting of 1 part Spagnum peat moss, 1 part vermiculite and 1 part perlite by volume. The increased water holding capacity furnished by the Permabsorb at 6.4 gm/1 significantly decreased the watering frequency of rye‐grass without affecting yield. All Permabsorb treatments reduced azalea yield because of decreased aeration or toxicity. Impatiens grew poorly in treatments and control. As the Permabsorb treatments and the control were put through wetting and drying cycles, all held less water unless saturated for long periods of time. Nevertheless, the treatments generally held more water and had lower watering frequencies than the control throughout the 5 to 6 month duration of the experiment.
Teaching Clinical Pharmacology: Coordination with Medical Pharmacology Courses

Experiences in teaching clinical pharmacology to medical students: interaction and coordination with the major existing course in medical pharmacology
Use of females by male olive baboons (Papio anubis).

Wild male olive baboons (Papio anubis) used females and infants as agonistic buffers. Male residency status determined whether a male used females or whether they were used against him. The success of the strategy depended on the cooperation of the female and the context of the interaction. Female cooperation correlated with preexisting social affiliation with the male user. Male choice of female or infant buffers represented a compromise between the potential effectiveness of each in different situations and the social and spatial availability of females and infants. Nonreproductive social relationships may provide long-term strategic benefits to the individuals who invest in them.
Subcellular Localization of the HER4 Intracellular Domain, 4ICD, Identifies Distinct Prognostic Outcomes for Breast Cancer Patients

Conflicting reports of the prognostic value of HER4 in breast cancer may be explained by distinct activities of the HER4 intracellular domain, 4ICD. Here, immunohistochemical 4ICD staining of archival invasive breast cancers (n = 923) was scored separately for nuclear and cytosolic expression, and these data were tested for associations with clinicopathological markers, disease-free survival, and disease-specific survival. By univariate analysis, cytosolic 4ICD expression was independently associated with estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor expression and tumor cell apoptosis. Nuclear 4ICD inversely correlated with tumor grade and tumor mitosis. In multivariate analyses cytosolic, but not nuclear 4ICD, significantly correlated with disease-free survival (P = 0.035) and disease-specific survival (P < 0.004) in lymph node-negative patients. Our results demonstrate for the first time that cytosolic 4ICD has significant positive prognostic value in node-negative breast cancer patients. At present, tumor grade and size are the primary clinicopathological parameters commonly used to guide decision making in these patients. Our results suggest that cytosolic 4ICD has important pathological functions and may be used to identify node-negative breast cancer patients at low risk of relapse and an improved survival, thereby avoiding systemic overtreatment of these patients. Our results also suggest that pan-receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, currently in clinical trials, or HER4 antagonists, which disengage 4ICD signaling, may have untoward activity in patients whose tumors express cytosolic 4ICD.
Predoctoral implant dentistry curriculum survey: European dental schools

Purpose: In 2002 a survey of European dental schools was conducted. The purpose of the survey was to determine the curricular structure, teaching philosophies and materials used in predoctoral implant dentistry courses. Materials and methods: Fifty-six European dental schools were randomly selected from the Association for Dental Education in Europe representing 33 countries. A questionnaire was mailed to the predoctoral implant dentistry director/chairperson of the selected European dental schools. Of these, 40 schools returned the completed survey, resulting in a response rate of 71%. The mean, median and range of responses were computed where applicable. Results: The results from this survey show that 80% of the responding schools required a course in implant dentistry. Between 1997 and 1999 over a third of responding schools (36%) incorporated a predoctoral implant dentistry course into their curriculum. Eighty-seven per cent of the schools have some prosthodontists teaching the course. Thirty-seven per cent of schools are offering a laboratory course in conjunction with the implant course. Sixty-three per cent of the schools are not restoring implant cases at the predoctoral level. However, 68% of schools reported students are required to be present during implant surgery. Ten per cent of schools require that the implantrelated laboratory work be completed by the students. Conclusions: Predoctoral implant dentistry educational programmes vary from school to school. Yet a large percentage of schools agree on certain topics, including the importance of including implant education in predoctoral dental programmes.
Ethical Dimensions of Quality of Life in Aging: Autonomy vs. Collectivism in the United States and Canada

Ethical concepts lie at the core of how quality of life in aging is defined and enhanced. Although recent American attention has been largely focused on autonomy as an important value for quality of life in old age, there is real danger in emphasizing personal independence at the expense of community or collectivism. This conceptual analysis compares and contrasts these value orientations in the U.S. and Canada and examines their relationship to the concept of quality of life in aging. It also explores implications of the analysis for expanding our understanding of the importance of value dimensions in comparative gerontology, and suggests ways of integrating individualistic and collectivistic ideals in gerontological policies and programs.
Oxygen Tracer Diffusion in Single-Crystal Alumina

Oxygen tracer diffusion coefficients are determined in single-crystal alumina samples with differing dopant levels using the gas-exchange technique. The diffusion direction is parallel to the c-axis and the ambient PO2 is 1 atm (100,000 Pa) for all experiments except a single run with a low PO2, approximately 10 to the -15th atm (10 to the -10th Pa) produced by a CO/CO2 mixture. The diffusion is insensitive to both impurities and ambient PO2. The insensitivities are discussed in terms of point-defect clustering. Prior tracer studies are compared and discussed.