cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Proximity effect between narrow band, anisotropic superconductors and conventional metals

Abstract The absence of a significant proximity effect between the high transition-temperature cuprate superconductors and conventional metals such as Pb, Nb, Ag, etc., has suggested that the superconductivity of the cuprates differs from that of conventional BCS superconductors. We argue that this is not the case but rather that the proximity effect can be severely attenuated by factors which arise from the large difference in the dispersion of the energy bands of the cuprates compared to that of conventional metals. This results, in the clean limit, on the total reflection of all but a small fraction of the Cooper pairs at the boundary. The pairs, whose constituent electron states are not totally reflected, lie in a narrow cone close to the normal and for these the transmission coefficient is small. We estimate the amplitude of the pair function in the normal metal near the boundary to be a few percent of that in the superconductor for the cuprates in contact with the above normal metals.
Elizabethkingia meningosepticum in a Patient with Six-Year Bilateral Perma-Catheters

Elizabethkingia meningosepticum (EM) is a saprophyte which is ubiquitous in nature, but not normally present in the human flora. Instances of infection are rare in the USA, but EM may be an emerging pathogen among immune-compromised patients. EM can cause a variety of infections, but nosocomial pneumonia and bacteremia have been the most commonly reported among immune-compromised adults. EM has proven difficult to treat with a mortality rate of 23%–41% in adult bacteremia. This is likely due to its resistance to commonly used empiric antibiotics for Gram-negative infections. A review of the literature suggests that there has been a shift EM's susceptibility profile over time along with a great variability in antibiotic susceptibilities reported. This signifies the importance of close monitoring of these changes. In this report we present a case of a 64-year-old male with end stage renal disease and bilateral subclavian perma-catheters, who was admitted with systemic inflammatory response syndrome. While initial peripheral blood cultures were negative, cultures later drawn from his perma-catheters revealed Corneybacterium species and EM. The patient was initially treated with empiric vancomycin and piperacillin-tazobactam. After antibiotics susceptibilities became available, he was treated with levofloxacin and ceftazidime. The patient improved, was culture negative, and later had perma-catheter removal.
In-situ monitoring for HgCdTe device fabrication

In situ monitoring provides numerous advantages in the fabrication of HgCdTe-based infrared devices. Two in situ monitoring techniques are currently being investigated in our laboratory: optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and ellipsometry. OES is ideal for end point detection, for monitoring reactor integrity, and it also provides chemical information. Ellipsometry is a technique useful for the determination of film thickness and surface roughness. Process control can be readily achieved through the implementation of these two in situ measurement techniques. Examples of the use of OES for end point detection during the plasma etching of }fgCdTe and ZnS are discussed. In situ ellips.ometry is being pursued for monitoring the mild plasma etching of bromine/ methanol polished HgCdTe surfaces prior to in situ passivation and insulator deposition. To support the utility of in si.u ellipsoriietry, our initial studies using ex situ ellipsoinetry measurements of plasma etched HgCdTe are highlighted. The advantages of in situ monitoring for multistep vacuum processing, including contamination reduction and improved process control, are presented.
Determination of banned sudan dyes in chili powder by capillary electrophoresis

Abstract A simple and fast method, based on the use of micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography in combination with UV detection, was developed for the determination of Sudan dyes (I, II, III and IV). The separation of a mixture of the four standards was achieved using a background electrolyte consisting of 5 mM borate (pH 9.3), 20 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate and 20% acetonitrile. Under optimized conditions, the four azo-dyes were baseline separated in 20 min with limits of detection ranging from 96 to 610 μg/L ( S / N > 3). The applicability of the method for rapid screening and determination of Sudan dyes (I, II and III) was studied by analyzing spiked chili powder samples from India, Pakistan, Mexico, United States, Canada, and China.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND THE GROWTH OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURES IN SCANDINAVIA, 1875–1965

This paper examines the sources of the growth of the public sector in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark from 1875 to 1965. The analysis focuses on variations over time and across the three Scandinavian c...
THE VALUE OF AN INTERCÂMBIO: BRAZILIAN STUDENT MOBILITY, BILATERALISM & INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14244/198271991005 Normal 0 21 false false false PT-BR X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 A emergencia do Brasil no âmbito da economia mundializada como participante do BRIC (Brasil, Russia, India, China e Africa do Sul) mobilizou o governo federal brasileiro a estabelecer um programa estatal de mobilidade academica (Programa Ciencia sem Fronteiras) de modo a fazer avancar o capital social do pais ( general intellect) e a infraestrutura em STEM (Ciencia, Tecnologia, Engenharia e Matematica) relacionadas a industria. Investimentos publicos e privados no programa de mobilidade academica transformaram o modo como o governo brasileiro e as universidades valorizam o intercâmbio estudantil com os Estados Unidos. As areas de conhecimento relacionadas a ciencia, a tecnologia, a engenharia e a matematica recebem maiores financiamentos se comparadas as humanidades, as ciencias sociais e as artes. Este desenvolvimento alterou a forma como a mobilidade estudantil nos Estados Unidos e organizada e, ao mesmo tempo, mudou a trajetoria da internacionalizacao educacional brasileira. Esta pesquisa apresenta uma analise conceitual do Programa Ciencia sem Fronteiras, baseando-se na perspectiva de economia politica critica. O ensaio conceitua a iniciativa do Programa Ciencia sem Fronteiras nos niveis mundial, nacional e local. O texto explora, ainda, as implicacoes que a parceria educacional bilateral Brasil-EUA podera ter sobre a politica, as praticas universitarias e, finalmente, sobre o financiamento da mobilidade dos estudantes brasileiros. Palavras-chave: Programa Brasileiro de Mobilidade Cientifica, BRIC, Capitalismo e Valor. Veja tambem a versao em portugues deste artigo publicada nesta edicao. Normal 0 21 false false false PT-BR X-NONE X-NONE Normal 0 21 false false false PT-BR X-NONE X-NONE
Low dose combination steroids control autoimmune mouse hearing loss.

Abstract The severe side effects of glucocorticoids prevent long term management of hearing loss. Alternative steroid treatments that minimize or eliminate these effects would significantly benefit therapeutic control of hearing disorders. A steroid treatment study of autoimmune mouse hearing loss was conducted to determine the efficacy of combining aldosterone and prednisolone at low doses. An assessment also was made of low dose fludrocortisone, a synthetic mineralocorticoid that also has a slight glucocorticoid effect. MRL/MpJ-Faslpr mice were tested for baseline ABR thresholds at 3 months of age and then treated with aldosterone (3.0 μg/kg) or prednisolone (1.0 mg/kg) to determine the lowest effective dose of each. Other mice were given the two steroids in combination at doses of Pred 0.5 mg + Aldo 1.5 μg; Pred 1.0 mg + Aldo 3.0 μg; or Pred 1.5 mg + Aldo 5.0 μg. Mice were retested with ABR at 1 and 2 months to determine the efficacy of the different steroid treatments in controlling hearing loss. Another series of mice were given the synthetic mineralocorticoid fludrocortisone at low (2.8 μg/kg) or high (10 μg/kg) doses and retested at monthly intervals for 3 months. Autoimmune mouse hearing loss developed in untreated controls. This threshold elevation was not prevented by prednisolone at 1 mg/kg or by aldosterone at 3 μg/kg when each was given alone. However, the two steroids combined at these doses effectively controlled hearing loss. The fludrocortisone treatments also were effective at low doses in preventing or reversing the autoimmune mouse hearing loss. This efficacy of combined steroids at low doses suggests the potential for reducing the side effects of glucocorticoids in the therapeutic control of hearing disorders.
Limits of the Fractal Dimension for Irreversible Kinetic Aggregation of Gold Colloids

We show that there are two regimes of irreversible, kinetic aggregation of aqueous colloids, determined by the short-range interparticle potential, through its control of the sticking probability upon approach of two particles. Each regime has different rate-limiting physics, aggregation dynamics, and cluster-mass distributions, and results in clusters with different fractal dimensions. These results set limits on the fractal dimension, ${d}_{f}$, for gold aggregates of $1.75l~{d}_{f}l~2.05$ (\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05).
Packing dimension, Hausdorff dimension and Cartesian product sets

We show that the dimension adim introduced by R. Kaufman (1987) coincides with the packing dimension Dim, but the dimension aDim introduced by Hu and Taylor [7] is different from the Hausdorff dimension. These results answer questions raised by Hu and Taylor.
Independence Volcano: A Major Eocene Eruptive Center, Northern Absaroka Volcanic Province

The Independence volcano was a major eruptive center in the northern part of the Absaroka volcanic province during middle to late Eocene time. A huge strato-volcano developed that led to the accumulation of thick volcani-clastic deposits of intermediate composition in the surrounding low-lying areas. A large volume of calc-alkalic and potassic-alkalic volcanics was extruded, reworked, and distributed over the Independence area during a period of volcanic activity that probably extended over a relatively long time. The extrusive rocks are divided into five groups: Group I volcanics, which consist of dacitic, rhyodacitic, and trachyandesitic breccias and minor lava flows; Group II volcanics, consisting of a series of quartz latitic lava flows; Group III volcanics, which consist of trachyandesitic pyroclastic breccias, tuffs, agglomerates, volcanic mud-flows, conglomerates and sandstones; Group IV volcanics, which is a sequence of well-bedded, reworked epiclastic volcanic conglomerates and sandstones; and Group V volcanics, which consist of alkalic basalts and minor felsic tuffs. The volcanic rocks show a normal line of descent from trachybasalts to trachyandesites and rhyodacites. Coarse-grained intrusive equivalents of the extrusive rocks which occur in the core of the Independence volcano are syenogabbro, monzonite, and granodiorite; the general felsic to mafic extrusive sequence suggests tapping of a differentiating magma chamber at successively deeper levels. Several small plugs aligned with a northwest trend were emplaced along a major fault zone during the main period of volcanism.
Fish and Nutrition in the Pacific Islands

Malnutrition in the Pacific islands arises partly because local production offish and other foods is strongly export-oriented and imported foods are of ten of inferior nutritional value. Some types of malnutrition in the Pacific islands might be remedied through improved use offisheries products.In the production phase offisheries operations, increasing attention should be given to local production for local consumption. In processing, improvements could be made in traditional techniques of drying, salting and smoking fish. The use offish products in weaning foods should be strengthened. In distribution, means could be found to improve the delivery offish to the poor, whether through commercial channels, barter, traditional gifting or institutional feeding. Consumption patterns in households could be improved through educational programmes, which address traditional taboos and which promote improved home preservation and preparation techniques.At the national level, nutritional impacts should be taken int...
Steady state concentrations and currents on an oblate spheroid microelectrode

L'etude theorique d'une microelectrode spherique aplatie a ete faite en derivant la concentration et le courant en regime permanent dans des conditions electrochimiques irreversibles ou quasi-reversibles. Cette geometrie peut etre un bon modele pour une microelectrode construite par electrodeposition de mercure ou d'un autre metal sur un microdisque scelle sur une surface plane non conductrice
Comparison of plasma cortisol and corticosterone in the dexamethasone suppression test for melancholia

SUMMARY The suppression of plasma corticosterone (B), measured by radioimmunoassay (R1A), was compared to simultaneous suppression of plasma cortisol (F), measured as total corticoids by a competitive protein binding (CPB) assay, in the overnight dexamethasone suppression test (DST). Baseline plasma B concentrations in I0 control subjects were 4.04 ± 1.07 ng/ml (X ± S.D.) at 0800 hr and 1.51 ± 0.68 ng/ml at 1600 hr. Post-dexamethasone 1600 hr B levels in the controls were 0.46 ± 0.29 ng/ml. An early escape of plasma B (> 1.2 ng/ml), like that of F (> 5 l~g/dl), during the overnight 24 hr 1.0 mg dose DST was noted in patients with melancholia (endogenous depression). Half-hourly catheter samples in a normal subject stimulated to escape from dexamethasone suppression showed that in general, plasma B concentrations parallel plasma F concentrations over a 12 hr period. Repeated weekly DSTs on two patients with different psychiatric diagnoses resulted in B : F correlations of 0.74 and 0.60. Overall agreement between B- and F-DST outcomes in all categories tested at 1600 and 2300 hr was 93°/0; the agreement in the melancholic and non-endogenous depressed groups was 100e/o. Post-dexamethasone, both B and F were suppressed 55-60e/o below the criterion level in controls. In those patients who escaped from dexamethasone suppression, the percentage increase in plasma B above the criterion level was significantly greater (+ 550/o) than the corresponding percentage change in plasma F. Most patients with borderline abnormal F-DSTs (3.5 -4.9 gg/dl) exhibited clearly abnormal B-DSTs (> 1.2 ng/ml). We conclude that the use of dexamethasone suppression of plasma B (using 1.2 ng/ml as the abnormal criterion value) is an additional indicator of an abnormal DST in depressed patients.
Notes on coronectomy

Coronectomy involves removal of a crown from roots of a healthy tooth in healthy patients indicated to prevent inferior alveolar nerve injury in a high risk case. Since the original paper in 2005 (Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2005; 43: 7–12) describing a prospective randomised study on coronectomy, there has been a lot of interest in this procedure and it has become routine practice in many oral surgery departments within the UK and USA. A significant variance in thresholds for prescribing coronectomy and also for the technique of its delivery has been highlighted by a recent review. This has resulted in frequent queries about the technique and which patients may be suitable. Thus this paper aims to highlight some finer points of the coronectomy technique and how to avoid potential pitfalls.
Distribution and accumulation of vanadium in mice tissues

Exposure to vanadium (V), which is a toxic element widely distributed in nature, is of increasing concern because of its occurrence in various fossil fuels. The distribution of V in selected tissues of male Swiss-Webster mice was investigated at different time intervals following a single intraperitoneal dose of two mg V/kg. The highest amounts of V were observed in the kidney at one day, whereas after one day, bone showed the highest levels of all tissues. Levels of V in liver were equal to those in the kidney at two days after the administration but were significantly higher than kidney after this period. In most tissues, there was a rapid decline of V residues, which was not necessarily log-linear in fashion. The spleen showed a significant increase in V from 5 to 12 days after the administration. Groups of mice were injected intraperitoneally with doses ranging from 0.1 to 8 mg V/kg and tissues were collected after 1 and 5 days. At one day after injection, most tissues showed higher amounts of V at dose levels of 5 mg/kg than would be expected from a linear dose-dependent relationship. At 5 days, all tissues showed a linear dose-concentration relationship. The tissue: blood ratios indicated that at one day after injection there was an increased accumulation of V in tissues with increased dose. At five days after injection, the tissue:blood ratios were greater than unity for all tissues except brain. The increased accumulation of V in tissues with increased dose observed at one day was not observed at five days.
Clonidine antagonizes naloxone-induced suppression of conditioned behavior and body weight loss in morphine-dependent rats

Clonidine's action on naloxone (Nx)-induced suppression of fixed-ratio (FR15) responding and body weight loss was studied in morphine (M)-dependent rats. Clonidine (10--70 microgram/kg IP) injected 30 min prior to the behavioral session resulted in a dose-related suppression of operant behavior in M-naive animals. A small, but significant decrease (3--5%) in body weight was also observed at the higher doses of clonidine. More than twice as much weight loss, associated with diarrhea, was obtained when Nx (5.0 mg/kg IP) was administered to M-dependent animals. When clonidine (10--50 microgram/kg IP) was administered prior to Nx, in M-dependent animals, the withdrawal-induced disruption of operant responding was significantly attenuated. Concurrent weight loss, which was significantly antagonized by 1 microgram clonidine/kg, was decreased by as much as 40 percent. The degree of amelioration of withdrawal that was observed appeared to be inversely related to the dose of clonidine. The optimal dose was 10 microgram/kg, which by itself was only partially behaviorally active. At higher doses, clonidine's blocking properties were less apparent as a result of its own potent behavioral suppressant and diuretic effects which masked its capacity to attenuate withdrawal. The data are discussed in relation to the application of operant technics for assessing drug treatment(s) designed to alter the severity of narcotic withdrawal.
The Global Climate for March–May 1993: Mature ENSO Conditions Persist and a Blizzard Blankets the Eastern United States

Mature El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions dominated the central and eastern tropical Pacific during the March-April-May (MAM) 1993 season. Weaker than normal trade winds, anomalous easterly flow at 200 mb, enhanced convection in the equatorial central Pacific, and the negative phase of the Tahiti-Darwin Southern Oscillation index (SOI) were all prevalent throughout the season. Sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies increased dramatically during MAM 1993, with positive anomalies exceeding 1 C covering the entire equatorial Pacific from about 170 deg W to the South American coast. The depth of the equatorial oceanic thermocline remained greater than normal east of 140 deg W and less than normal in the western Pacific throughout the entire season. The positive phase of the North Pacific Oscillation (NPO) teleconnection pattern dominated the circulation over the Pacific/North American sector during all 3 months of the season bringing much-above-normal surface temperatures over Alaska and western North America and below-normal temperatures over the southeastern United States. The pattern was also associated with above-normal precipitation in the Pacific Northwest during April and May. Over Europe, seasonal positive 500-mb height anomalies were associated with positive temperature anomalies and drier than normal conditions. Negative height anomalies dominated the polar region of themore » Southern Hemisphere during MAM 1993. Positive height anomalies at high latitudes of the South Pacific and negative anomalies in the middle and subtropical latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere also persisted throughout the season.« less
Special Collections: Improving Access and Usability

This article explores ways to increase access and usability of special collections by leveraging the value of open access and the value of collaboration. Tools that enhance discovery of special collections through the Internet, contextualize, and actively engage the user such as BibilioBoard, Historypin, and Augmented Reality can be an integral part of a strategy to increase access to special collections. More importantly, reference librarians can play a key role in facilitating discovery and access by including special collections in reference searches and by expanding their collaborative and liaison activities.
Combination treatment with low-dose Niaspan and tissue plasminogen activator provides neuroprotection after embolic stroke in rats.

Abstract Introduction Niaspan, an extended-release formulation of niacin (vitamin B3), has been widely used to increase high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and to prevent cardiovascular diseases and stroke. We have previously demonstrated that Niaspan (40 mg/kg) administered at 2 h after stroke induces neuroprotection, while low dose Niaspan (20 mg/kg) does not reduce infarct volume. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is an effective therapy for acute stroke, but its use remains limited by a narrow therapeutic window. We have previously demonstrated that intravenous administration of tPA 4 h after stroke in rats does not reduce infarct volume. In this study, we tested whether combination treatment with low-dose Niaspan (20 mg/kg) and tPA administered 4 h after embolic stroke in a rat model reduces infarct volume and provides neuroprotection. Methods Adult male Wistar rats were subjected to embolic middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) and treated with low-dose Niaspan (20 mg/kg) alone (n = 7), tPA (10 mg/kg) alone (n = 7), combination of low-dose Niaspan and tPA (n = 7), or saline control (n = 9), 4 h after stroke. A battery of functional outcome tests was performed. Rats were sacrificed at 7 days after MCAo and lesion volumes were measured. To investigate the underlying mechanism of combination treatment neuroprotective effect, deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL), cleaved caspase-3, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) immunostaining were performed. Results Combination treatment with low-dose Niaspan and tPA significantly improved functional outcome compared to the saline control group (p Combination treatment reduced apoptosis as measured by significant reduction in the number of TUNEL-positive cells and cleaved caspase-3 expression in the ischemic brain compared to saline control group (p Conclusion Treatment of stroke with combination of low-dose Niaspan and tPA at 4 h after embolic stroke reduces infarct volume, improves neurological outcome and provides neuroprotection. The neuroprotective effects of combination treatment were associated with reduction of apoptosis and attenuation of TNF-alpha and TLR-4 expression.
Concurrent prediction of drug use among high-risk youth.

Abstract Correlates of drug use were examined in a continuation high school sample ( n = 1,315), using canonical correlation analysis. Fourteen demographic, attitudes/belief, and psychosocial pressure/anxiety-type variables were included as concurrent predictors. Eight drug-use-related measures were also placed into the analysis as outcome variables. Two factors were revealed. White ethnicity, not being Latino, all attitude/belief measures, and family conflict and depression showed relatively high loadings on the first predictor factor, and were associated with all drug-use measures. Latino ethnicity and being relatively unacculturated (i.e., tending to speak Spanish), most of the attitude/belief measures (but not sensation seeking or spirituality), and perceived peer approval to use drugs, trait anxiety, and depression showed relatively high loadings on the second predictor factor, and were associated with the hard-drug-use measures. These results suggest that there is a subgroup of unacculturated Latino youth who are anxious, who perceive they will achieve peer approval by using drugs, and who tend to use hard drugs. Indicated drug abuse prevention strategies may need to be tailored to this subgroup when developing and implementing programming.
Investigating the comparative biology of the heterokonts with nucleic acids

During the last decade investigations of heterokont protists utilizing molecular methods have challenged established biosystematic concepts. Most investigations emphasized the chloroplast genome or sequences from nuclear-encoded, ribosomal genes. Refinement of DNA isolation protocols, advent of universal primers and the polymerase chain reaction, automated sequencing and increased accessibility of DNA sequence databases have expanded data-gathering efficiency and increased dataset sizes. Because independent datasets have been easier to obtain, the testing of specific phylogenetic hypotheses has been facilitated, altering relationship concepts, primarily at phylum/class levels, and perceptions of cellular evolution. New approaches have emphasized ecological studies and extended studies to genus/species levels and poorly investigated genomes. This paper reviews studies documenting these impacts and identifies some current limitations. Additionally, new DNA sequence data from our laboratory on nuclear-encoded rDNA internal transcribed spacers and the chloroplast-encoded psbA gene suggest that these regions will provide taxonomic resolution for the Synurophyceae, at the class/order level and subspecies level, respectively.
Counting on Today's Students

Why should today's students learn basic computing concepts and languages?Why should today's students learn basic computing concepts and languages?
QUANTIFYING ABSOLUTE POVERTY IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD

We estimate that in 1985 about one in five persons in the developing world lived in poverty, judged by the standards of the poorest countries. This rises to one in three at a common, more generous, poverty line. The aggregate consumption short-fall of the poorest fifth is about one half of one percent of world consumption, while that of the poorest third is a further one percent. The shape of the distribution of consumption suggests that aggregate poverty would fall fairly rapidly if moderate growth in average consumption levels can be sustained, and the poor share at least proportionally in that growth. However, it would take only small adverse shifts in the world distribution of consumption to eliminate the gains to the poor from growth.
Comparison of different models for the determination of the absorption and scattering coefficients of thermal barrier coatings

Abstract The thermal radiative properties of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are becoming more important as the inlet temperatures of advanced gas-turbine engines are continuously being pushed higher in order to improve efficiency. To determine the absorption and scattering coefficients of TBCs, four-flux, two-flux and Kubelka–Munk models were introduced and used to characterize the thermal radiative properties of plasma-sprayed yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) coatings. The results show that the absorption coefficient of YSZ is extremely low for wavelengths 200 μm suggests that when the coating thickness is larger than around twice the average scattering distance, the collimated flux can be simply treated as a diffuse flux inside the coating, and thus the two-flux model can be used to determine the absorption and scattering coefficients as a simplification of the four-flux model.
Multi-Domain Optimization for Ultra-Thin Cameras

Computational imaging architectures enable joint optimization of all imaging stages. We present a multi-domain optimization (MDO) framework and examples including a system with optical point-spread function and inversion tailored to minimize error from detector undersampling.
Polarization Effects in the Final-State Interaction Region of the p − d Breakup Reaction

The angular distributions of the vector analyzing power have been measured in the reactions $^{2}\mathrm{H}(p, p)np$ and $^{1}\mathrm{H}(d, p)np$ at 22.7 and 45.4 MeV, respectively, corresponding to the same center-of-mass energy. Significant analyzing powers were found in the production of final-state $\mathrm{np}$ pairs with low relative energies, and the angular distributions show a remarkable similarity to those of the corresponding elastic scattering.
Idiopathic thrombocytopenia with iron deficiency anemia.

We report a rare case of anemia and thrombocytopenia as a result of uterine fibroid and adenomyosis, complicated by immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Symptoms were presented as menorrhagia and metrorrhagia in a 34-year-old African American woman, who was later treated with blood and platelet transfusion and iron therapy with steroids. Uterine fibroids are commonly found to cause hematologic disturbances such as anemia and reactive thrombocytosis and, less commonly, thrombocytopenia. Moreover, such hematologic disturbances are secondary to heavy and irregular uterine bleeding, which is typically presented. A previous uterine fibroid diagnosis was made and reconfirmed by pelvic and transvaginal ultrasound to exclude other locoregional pathologies. ITP was suggested by Coombs test and several other serologies, leading to confirmation via bone marrow biopsy. In a previous case study, we reported positive responses in hemotecrit and platelet count after the introduction of iron therapy to an iron-depleted...
An interactive network of long non-coding RNAs facilitates the Drosophila sex determination decision

Genome analysis in several eukaryotes shows a surprising number of transcripts which do not encode conventional messenger RNAs. Once considered noise, these non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) appear capable of controlling gene expression by various means. We find that Drosophila sex determination, specifically the master-switch gene Sex-lethal (Sxl), is regulated by long ncRNAs (>200nt). The lncRNAs influence the dose sensitive establishment promoter of Sxl, SxlPe, which must be activated to specify female sex. They are primarily from two regions, R1 and R2, upstream of SxlPe and show a dynamic developmental profile. Of the four lncRNA strands only one, R2 antisense, has its peak coincident with SxlPe transcription, suggesting that it may promote activation. Indeed, its expression is regulated by the X chromosome counting genes, whose dose determines whether SxlPe is transcribed. Transgenic lines which ectopically express each of the lncRNAs show they can act in trans, not only impacting the process of sex determination but also altering the levels of the other lncRNAs. Generally, expression of R1 is negative whereas R2 is positive to females. This ectopic expression also results in a change in the local chromatin marks, affecting the timing and strength of SxlPe transcription. The chromatin marks are those deposited by the Polycomb and trithorax groups of chromatin modifying proteins, which we find bind to the lncRNAs. We suggest that the increasing numbers of non-coding transcripts being identified are a harbinger of interacting networks similar to the one we describe.
U–Pb geochronology of Late Cretaceous and early Tertiary plutons in the northern Coast Mountains batholith

U–Pb geochronologic studies demonstrate that steeply dipping, sheetlike tonalitic plutons along the western margin of the northern Coast Mountains batholith were emplaced between ~83 and ~57 (perhaps ~55) Ma. Less elongate tonalitic–granodioritic bodies in central portions of the batholith yield ages of 59–58 Ma, coeval with younger phases of the tonalitic sheets. Large granite–granodiorite bodies in central and eastern portions of the batholith were emplaced at 51–48 Ma. Trends in ages suggest that the tonalitic bodies generally become younger southeastward and that, at the latitude of Juneau, plutonism migrated northeastward across the batholith at ~0.9 km/Ma. Variations in the age, shape, location, and degree of fabric development among the various plutons indicate that Late Cretaceous – Paleocene tonalitic bodies were emplaced into a steeply dipping, dip-slip shear zone that was active along the western margin of the batholith. Postkinematic Eocene plutons were emplaced at shallow crustal levels. Inhe...
How were the Federal Reserve Bank locations selected

Abstract The Reserve Board Organization Committee decision to locate 12 Federal Reserve Banks is reviewed. Probability choice models estimate a city’s selection probability for a Federal Reserve Bank location. Results of predicted selections show reserve cities were selected for their spatial economic characteristics, including information contained in bankers’ preferences, infrastructure development, population and recent National Banking System growth, rather than Democratic Party politics. The Reserve Board Organization Committee placed Federal Reserve Banks in preeminent financial and commercial centers, and relied upon bankers’ preferences for the remaining non-obvious selections. Given 12 cities were to be selected, the conclusion drawn is the decision was in the public interest.
A secular decline in Spearman's g: evidence from the WAIS, WAIS-R and WAIS-III

Spearman's law of diminishing returns posits that general intelligence, or simply g, exerts a lesser influence in high-IQ groups than in low-IQ groups. The present study examined this phenomenon across populations and time, using the standardizations of the WAIS, WAIS-R and WAIS-III. Average intercorrelations were compared across each of the standardization samples. Results indicate that a significant decline in the statistical power of Spearman's g has occurred on a secular level, over a 46-year period. The largest decline seems to have occurred between 1955 (date of publication of the WAIS) and 1981 (date of publication for the WAIS-R). Maximum likelihood analysis confirmed the initial findings. Possible explanations for the differentiation of cognitive abilities are offered.
A Study of the Effect of the Violation of the Assumption of Independent Sampling Upon the Type I Error Rate of the Two-Group t-Test

This paper describes some of the situations in which a psychologist is likely to violate the assumption of independent errors. A Monte-Carlo study of the effects of this violation is then described. A number of examples of different kinds and degrees of dependency are included along with a table that gives the effect of the dependency upon the shape of the test statistic's distribution. The results of this study demonstrate that this assumption is a critical one. Researchers are strongly urged to avoid hypothesis testing if they suspect that the assumption of independence has been violated.
Expression of enhanced levels of small RNA polymerase III transcripts encoded by the B2 repeats in simian virus 40-transformed mouse cells

Although specific viral genes are known which are sufficient to transform certain types of cells, viral transformation has been shown to be accompanied by a change in the level of expression of cellular genes. Assuming that this latter class of genes is involved in some way in the establishment of the transformed state, we and others have sought to characterize them. To this end, we constructed a complementary DNA library from a simian virus 40 (SV40)-transformed mouse cell line and screened this library for induced genes. Here we focus on the characterization of a specific cDNA clone called 10 lambda 5. We show that the clone 10 lambda 5 contains a B2 repeat, and that the levels of the small heterogeneously sized B2 cytoplasmic RNAs homologous to 10 lambda 5 are enhanced in transformed cells. Our studies show that these RNAs are a specific class of polymerase III transcripts containing a highly conserved 5' end. SV40 transformation results, therefore, in the activation of specific polymerase III transcripts as well as specific polymerase II transcripts.
Effect of substrate Zn level on distribution of photo-assimilated C14 in maize and bean plants

Maize and pea bean plants were grown for 2 weeks in Zn-deficient soil fertilized with varying levels of Fe and Zn. The plants were then exposed to C14O2 for 2 minutes and after harvest the ethanolsoluble photosynthate was fractionated into carbohydrates, organic acids, and amino acids. There appeared to be a general increase in the CO2 assimilation rate by maize with increasing rate of Zn; rates were slightly higher with applied Fe, at each Zn level. In contrast to maize, the rate of assimilation by pea beans was unaffected by substrate Zn and was slightly lower with application of Fe, especially in the carbohydrate fraction. Increasing rates of applied Zn had little effect on concentration of Fe and Mn in the maize or pea bean tops. However, application of Fe resulted in a depression in Zn concentration of maize. Despite the relatively high levels of Zn in the tissue of both species, there was no increase in total organic acids assimilated or any indication of gross metabolic imbalances.
A cracked beam finite element for through-cracked tube

The reassessment of existing structures leads to analyse the impact of local defects on the structural behaviour. This paper proposes a cracked beam finite element with a view to introducing the effect of large through-cracks in the structural analysis for framed structures like jacket offshore platforms. The model parameters are identified for several joint typologies using 3D finite element results. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comprehensive Molecular Diagnosis of Mitochondrial Disorders: Qualitative and Quantitative Approach

Mitochondrial disorders can be caused by mutations in nuclear or mitochondrial encoded genes. Point mutations and large deletions in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are responsible for a small portion of the molecular defects in the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system. A significant number of molecular defects of respiratory chain disorders are probably due to mutations in nuclear genes. Molecular diagnosis of mitochondrial disorders has been difficult because of broad genetic and clinical heterogeneity. Mutational analysis of common point mutations of mtDNA such as A3243G, A8344G, and T8993G/C is routinely performed. However, many patients who clearly have clinical manifestations and muscle pathology consistent with oxidative phosphorylation deficiency do not have detectable common mtDNA point mutations. A more comprehensive mutation screening method, temporal temperature gradient gel electrophoresis, was used to scan for unknown mutations in the entire mitochondrial genome. Novel mutations have been discovered but only account for a small portion of patients with suspected mitochondrial RC disorders. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis was used to measure cellular mtDNA content. Abnormal levels of mtDNA were found in many patients with respiratory chain disorders. Molecular analysis revealed that mutations in the thymidine phosphorylase gene are not seen in young patients with severe mtDNA depletion who do not demonstrate clinical features of mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy. It was also noted that an increase in the size or number of mitochondria was not necessarily associated with an increase in mtDNA content. On the contrary, in some cases the mtDNA was depleted. Respiratory activity in patients with a defective mitochondrial genome due to either point mutations or deletions may be compensated by amplification of mtDNA. Therefore, a comprehensive molecular analysis of mitochondrial respiratory chain disorders should include qualitative identification of the mutation and quantitative measurement of both the degree of mutant heteroplasmy and the total amount of mtDNA.
Fischer–Tropsch synthesis: Mössbauer investigation of iron containing catalysts for hydrogenation of carbon dioxide

Abstract CO2 hydrogenation was investigated with a doubly promoted (Cu, K) silica containing iron catalyst. Hagg carbide (χ-Fe5C2) is the dominant phase obtained under CO activation conditions at 543 K and 0.1 MPa and it was stable under FTS conditions typical for coal or biomass derived syngas using a H2/CO ratio of 1:1 for at least ∼100 h TOS. An Fe-phase change occurs (χ-Fe5C2 → Fe3O4) after switching from H2:CO:N2 (1:1:2) to H2:CO2 (3:1). The distribution of hydrocarbon products changes significantly after switching to H2:CO2 (3:1), but then it slowly transformed to normal FTS products, albeit with over 3 times higher methane selectivity compared to FTS using H2:CO:N2 (1:1:2). A correlation was obtained between the rate of FTS and the % of Fe carbide indicating that iron carbide is the active phase for CO2-based FT synthesis. Irrespective of conditions (i.e., either H2:CO:N2 = 1:1:2 or H2:CO2 = 3:1) and the Fe phase, the methane selectivity appears to primarily depend on the H2/CO ratio.
A (Q, R) inventory replenishment model with two delivery modes

Abstract Although splitting shipments across multiple delivery modes typically increases total shipping costs as a result of diseconomies of scale, it may offer certain benefits that can more than offset these costs. These benefits include a reduction in the probability of stockout and in the average inventory costs. We consider a single-stage inventory replenishment model that includes two delivery modes: a cheaper, less reliable mode, and another, more expensive but perfectly reliable mode. The high-reliability mode is only utilized in replenishment intervals in which the lead time of the less-reliable mode exceeds a certain value. This permits substituting the high-reliability mode for safety stock, to some degree. We characterize optimal replenishment decisions with these two modes, as well as the potential benefits of simultaneously using two delivery modes.
Presynaptic BK channel localization is dependent on the hierarchical organization of alpha-catulin and dystrobrevin and fine-tuned by CaV2 calcium channels

Large conductance, calcium-activated BK channels regulate many important physiological processes, including smooth muscle excitation, hormone release and synaptic transmission. The biological roles of these channels hinge on their unique ability to respond synergistically to both voltage and cytosolic calcium elevations. Because calcium influx is meticulously regulated both spatially and temporally, the localization of BK channels near calcium channels is critical for their proper function. However, the mechanism underlying BK channel localization near calcium channels is not fully understood. We show here that in C. elegans the localization of SLO-1/BK channels to presynaptic terminals, where UNC-2/CaV2 calcium channels regulate neurotransmitter release, is controlled by the hierarchical organization of CTN-1/α-catulin and DYB-1/dystrobrevin, two proteins that interact with cortical cytoskeletal proteins. CTN-1 organizes a macromolecular SLO-1 channel complex at presynaptic terminals by direct physical interaction. DYB-1 contributes to the maintenance or stabilization of the complex at presynaptic terminals by interacting with CTN-1. We also show that SLO-1 channels are functionally coupled with UNC-2 calcium channels, and that normal localization of SLO-1 to presynaptic terminals requires UNC-2. In the absence of UNC-2, SLO-1 clusters lose the localization specificity, thus accumulating inside and outside of presynaptic terminals. Moreover, CTN-1 is also similarly localized in unc-2 mutants, consistent with the direct interaction between CTN-1 and SLO-1. However, localization of UNC-2 at the presynaptic terminals is not dependent on either CTN-1 or SLO-1. Taken together, our data strongly suggest that the absence of UNC-2 indirectly influences SLO-1 localization via the reorganization of cytoskeletal proteins. CTN-1 and DYB-1, which interact with cortical cytoskeletal proteins, are required for the presynaptic punctate localization of SLO-1 in a hierarchical manner. In addition, UNC-2 calcium channels indirectly control the fidelity of SLO-1 puncta localization at presynaptic terminals. We suggest that the absence of UNC-2 leads to the reorganization of the cytoskeletal structure that includes CTN-1, which in turn influences SLO-1 puncta localization.
Failed Buyout: Land Rights for Contra Veterans in Postwar Nicaragua

Since all postwar settlements involve compromises, injustices, and ironies, reconciliation, like revolution, has its losers. The Central American peace agreements of the 1990s included many forward-looking provisions, including constitutional and electoral reforms, restructuring of the armed forces, and land distribution to war veterans and/or their civilian supporters, but the accords in El Salvador and Guatemala were not negotiated revolutions, nor was the 1990 electoral defeat of the Sandinista National Liberation Front in Nicaragua a counterrevolutionary victory (Abu-Lughod, 1992; Dye et al., 1995; Vickers and Spence, 1992; Vilas, 1987; 1992). The parties to the peace agreements publicly answered the "Who won?" question in uniformly brief terms-"peace," "all of us," or "democracy"-that masked the enduring sources of social and political tension. This article examines one component of the peace agreement in Nicaragua-land rights for demobilized Contra combatants (or ex-RN, for Resistencia Nicaragiuense, or Nicaraguan Resistance)-to offer a more nuanced answer. The study of postwar settlements and reconstruction should help us understand the conditions that prevent renewals of conflict (Licklider, 1993; Zartman, 1995). Treatment of war veterans merits particular attention given their potential for protest, as evidenced in their post-World War I mobilizations in Russia and in Italy and in Portugal in 1974. In the United States, elites
A scheduling model for reduced CPU energy

The energy usage of computer systems is becoming an important consideration, especially for battery-operated systems. Various methods for reducing energy consumption have been investigated, both at the circuit level and at the operating systems level. In this paper, we propose a simple model of job scheduling aimed at capturing some key aspects of energy minimization. In this model, each job is to be executed between its arrival time and deadline by a single processor with variable speed, under the assumption that energy usage per unit time, P, is a convex function, of the processor speed s. We give an off-line algorithm that computes, for any set of jobs, a minimum-energy schedule. We then consider some on-line algorithms and their competitive performance for the power function P(s)=s/sup p/ where p/spl ges/2. It is shown that one natural heuristic, called the Average Rate heuristic, uses at most a constant times the minimum energy required. The analysis involves bounding the largest eigenvalue in matrices of a special type.