cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effective charges of ions and the stopping power of dense media

Abstract Projectiles of atomic number Z1 moving at velocity ν1 in dense media with ionic charge Q1 (ν1) by general arguments lose energy at a rate as if they were in an effective charge state Z 1 ∗ > Q 1 . We derive Z 1 ∗ /Q 1 in a dielectric-response approximation and test the predictions on new low-velocity precision experiments and high-velocity channeling experiments. The “Z2 oscillations” of stopping powers in targets of atomic number Z2 are shown to be related to the variations of the conduction-electron densities in the periodic system. In a different vein, the electronic stopping power of stars for massive neutrinos, through the interaction with the neutrino magnetic moment, is calculated, and some cosmological inferences are drawn.
Genetics: The vital Y chromosome

Comparisons of Y-chromosome sequences in various mammals reveal abundant gene loss early in the chromosome's evolution but remarkable gene stability across the Y chromosomes of extant species. See Articles p.488 & p.494
Head-worn displays for NextGen

The operating concepts emerging under the Next Generation air transportation system (NextGen) require new technology and procedures - not only on the ground-side - but also on the flight deck. Flight deck display and decision support technologies are specifically targeted to overcome aircraft safety barriers that might otherwise constrain the full realization of NextGen. One such technology is the very lightweight, unobtrusive head-worn display (HWD). HWDs with an integrated head-tracking system are being researched as they offer significant potential benefit under emerging NextGen operational concepts. Two areas of benefit for NextGen are defined. First, the HWD may be designed to be equivalent to the Head-Up Display (HUD) using Virtual HUD concepts. As such, these operational credits may be provided to significantly more aircraft for which HUD installation is neither practical nor possible. Second, the HWD provides unique display capabilities, such as an unlimited field-of-regard. These capabilities may be integral to emerging NextGen operational concepts, eliminating safety issues which might otherwise constrain the full realization of NextGen. The paper details recent research results, current HWD technology limitations, and future technology development needed to realize HWDs as a enabling technology for NextGen.
Evaluating the Potential Efficacy of Mercury Total Maximum Daily Loads on Aqueous Methylmercury Levels in Four Coastal Watersheds

Of the ∼780 U.S. EPA approved mercury total maximum daily loads (TMDLs), most specify a reduction in total mercury (HgT) loads to reduce methylmercury levels in fish tissue, assuming a 1:1 correspondence. However, mercury methylation is more complex, and therefore, proposed load reductions may not be adequate. Using multiple regression with microlevel and macrolevel variables, the potential efficacy of mercury TMDLs on decreasing aqueous methylmercury levels was investigated in four coastal watersheds: Mugu Lagoon (CA), San Francisco Bay Estuary, Long Island Sound, and south Florida. HgT and methylmercury levels were positively correlated in all watersheds except in Long Island Sound, where spatial differences explained over 40% of the variability in methylmercury levels. A mercury TMDL would be least effective in Long Island Sound due to spatial heterogeneity but most effective in south Florida, where the ratio between aqueous HgT and methylmercury levels was close to 1 and the 95% confidence interval wa...
Partitioning of a-Factor Analogues into Membranes: Analysis of Binding and Importance for Biological Activity†

Analogues of the a-factor mating pheromone of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae were used to measure interactions of the pheromones with lipid vesicles and with isolated yeast membranes. The binding of the analogues of a-factor to vesicles and to membranes was best described as a partitioning of the pheromones into the lipid phase. The partitioning was enhanced by the negative surface potential of the membranes and was well described by the Gouy−Chapman theory of diffuse double layers. From the analysis of the binding of the pheromones to synthetic vesicles of known surface potential, effective charges and intrinsic partition coefficients were obtained for the pheromones. The information was used in subsequent experiments with yeast membranes to determine the intrinsic partition coefficients of the a-factor analogues and the charge density of the yeast membranes. Derivatives of a-factor with different alkyl chains in place of the normal C-terminal farnesyl displayed biological activity that paralleled th...
Structural and dynamical properties of water dimer and tetramer: molecular dynamics study

A detailed evaluation of the structural and dynamical properties of isolated water dimers and tetramers using the Lemberg, Stillinger and Rahman potential energy surface and microcanonical molecular dynamics simulations are reported. The lowest-energy configurations of these clusters were obtained by simulated thermal quenching. Relative root-mean-square bond length fluctuations were used to characterize phase transitions. Solid-like, pre-melting, liquid-like, and dissociated states were identified. Global-local minimum transitions and the minimum energy path to dissociation of the dimer were also characterized.
Theoretically European, practically overseas

As a Turkish molecular biologist, I read your recent editorial (Jacobs, 2011) with great interest. Although your account of the political, historical and often religious bias against Turkey's membership of the European Union (EU) is well taken, in my opinion, it is equally important to appreciate the increasing intellectual contribution of young Turkish scientists to European biomedical research. Although it is important to note that European molecular biologists were among the first to integrate Turkish scientists into Europe, these efforts are not yet adequate and should be improved. Only a few members of EMBO and young investigators are from Turkey, although the number of Turkish PhD students …
Effects of aspirin on renal sodium excretion, blood pressure, and plasma and extracellular fluid volume in salt-loaded rats.

Abstract The effect of aspirin administration and presumed blockade of prostaglandin synthesis on renal sodium excretion, plasma and extracellular fluid volumes, and blood pressure were examined in rats on a high sodium intake. After acute salt loading aspirin treated rats showed an impaired sodium excretion, while no changes in glomerular filtration rate were observed. In chronically loaded rats (7 weeks) administration of aspirin induced significant increases in both plasma and extracellular fluid volume, but no significant changes in blood pressure were found. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that prostaglandins mediate renal sodium excretion and therefore participate in extracellular fluid volume regulation.
Suppression and reversal of gld disease by parabiosis with normal mice.

Abstract The disruption of the Fas receptor or Fas ligand by the lpr or gld mutations, respectively, results in severe autoimmune and lymphoproliferative disease due to the failure of Fas-mediated deletion of self-reactive lymphocytes. Recently, we have shown in mixed chimeras that gld -induced autoimmunity could be corrected by normal bone marrow, in particular by normal T cells. In contrast, lpr -mediated autoimmunity could not be influenced by normal bone marrow-derived cells. In the present report, we have studied the role of normal lymphocytes in suppressing or reversing gld -induced autoimmunity by parabiosis with normal mice. Our results show a suppression of lymphadenopathy, fewer CD4 − CD8 − T cells, and lower levels of autoantibody production in gld mice parabiosed with normal mice at 4–6 weeks of age. The gld mice parabiosed with normal mice at 4 months of age also exhibited a substantial reduction of both total and CD4 − CD8 − T cells in the periphery 2 months after surgery. However, they showed little reduction of autoantibodies compared to gld mice parabiosed with gld mice. In contrast, older lpr mice did not exhibit any reduction in lymphadenopathy or autoantibody production after parabiosis with normal mice. The prevention or reversal of lymphadenopathy in parabiosed gld mice suggests that ongoing Fas-mediated deletion in the periphery may play an important role in maintaining self-tolerance. The relative irreversibility of autoantibody synthesis in older parabiosed gld mice suggests that autoantibody-producing B cells or their committed precursors are long lived and do not express functional Fas receptor.
High-Resolution Patterning of Hydrogels in Three Dimensions using Direct-Write Photofabrication for Cell Guidance

The development of three-dimensional, spatially defined neuronal cultures that mimic chemical and physical attributes of native tissue is of considerable interest for various applications, including the development of tailored neuronal networks and clinical repair of damaged nerves. Here, the use of multiphoton excitation to photocrosslink protein microstructures within three-dimensional, optically transparent hydrogel materials, such as those based on hyaluronic acid, is reported. Multiphoton excitation confines photocrosslinking to a three-dimensional voxel with submicron spatial resolution, enabling fabrication of protein matrices with low- to submicrometer feature sizes by scanning the focus of a laser relative to the reagent solution. These methods can be used to create complex three-dimensional architectures that provide both chemical and topographical cues for cell culture and guidance, providing for the first time a means to direct cell adhesion and migration on size scales relevant to in vivo environments. Using this approach, guidance of both dorsal root ganglion cells (DRGs) and hippocampal neural progenitor cells (NPCs) along arbitrary, s three-dimensional paths is demonstrated.
Static and kinetic friction of granite at high normal stress

Frictional sliding on ground surfaces of granite, angle of sliding planes 30° and 45°, was investigated as a function of confining pressure. Over the normal stress range of 2–12 kb, the static frictional shear stress τs follows the relationship τs = 0·5 + 0· σn and the kinetic frictional shear stress τk was calculated to be τk = 0·25 + 0·47 σn.
An investigation of a laminar diffusion flame adjacent to a vertical flat plate burner

Abstract An analytical and experimental study of a methane diffusion flame in the region adjacent to a vertical flat burner is made. The appropriate boundary layer equations including one-dimensional non-gray non-homogeneous thermal radiation formulated on the basis of the exponential wide-band model are solved by the local non-similarity method to yield the gas species, laminar velocity and temperature profiles inside the diffusion flame boundary layer. It is demonstrated that variable physical properties of the gas mixture have important effects on the flame temperature and structure. The diffusion flame shape and temperature distribution in the boundary layer have also been measured by a Mach-Zehnder interferometer to verify the theoretical results. The peak flame temperature, its location and the temperature profile inside the flame sheet are accurately predicted with the two-equation solutions which, however, underestimate the boundary layer thicknesses. Based on these results, the feasibility of a gray gas radiation model is also explored.
Adequacy of Amino Acids in Diets Fed to Lactating Dairy Cows

Abstract The Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System was used to evaluate absorbable limiting amino acids (AA) for milk yield. The system was utilized to characterize whether diets in five previous experiments met AA requirements for milk protein synthesis. Twenty-nine treatment means for milk yield from 367 cows constituted the database for the evaluation. Using the mechanistic relationships of nutrient metabolism described in the Cornell system, absorbed amounts were predicted of each essential AA from a diet and milk yields allowed by the most limiting AA. Regression of observed milk yield (Y) on predicted milk yield (X) using all treatment means (n = 29) was Y=2.3 + 0.799X (r 2 = 0.72). The linear relationship was stronger using 6 treatment means (n = 18) when protein supplements were fed rather than when ruminally protected AA were fed or when AA were postruminally infused (Y = –1.8 + 0.983X; r 2 = 0.93). The Cornell system predicted that, for diets based on corn, Met or Lys was limiting when soybean meal was the protein source, but Lys was limiting when corn gluten meal or brewers grains were the source of protein. By AA limitation, the Cornell system explained differences in milk yield for diets that differed in supplemental protein sources in some of the experiments. As determined from milk protein yields in these studies, requirements for individual essential AA were expressed as a percentage of dietary dry matter or total essential AA, and values were relatively constant among dietary treatments and experiments.
Microplane model M7 for plain concrete. I: Formulation

AbstractMathematical modeling of the nonlinear triaxial behavior and damage of such a complex material as concrete has been a long-standing challenge in which progress has been made only in gradual increments. The goal of this study is a realistic and robust material model for explicit finite-element programs for concrete structures that computes the stress tensor from the given strain tensor and some history variables. The microplane models, which use a constitutive equation in a vectorial rather than tensorial form and are semimultiscale by virtue of capturing interactions among phenomena of different orientation, can serve this goal effectively. This paper presents a new concrete microplane model, M7, which achieves this goal much better than the previous versions M1–M6 developed at Northwestern University since 1985. The basic mathematical structure of M7 is logically correlated to thermodynamic potentials for the elastic regime, the tensile and compressive damage regimes, and the frictional slip regi...
The management of bilateral cysts of the mandible.

Abstract The management of a case of bilateral dentigerous cysts of the mandible in a 9-year-old boy has been presented. The consideration of conservative treatment in this age group, combined with adequate postoperative care, has been emphasized. The postoperative results that can be obtained with the marsupialization technique have been illustrated.
Influence of nonlinear electrostatics on transfer energies between liquid phases: Charge burial is far less expensive than Born model

The widely used Born model describes the electrostatic response of continuous media using static dielectric constants. However, when applied to a liquid environment, a comparison of Born model predictions with experimental values (e.g., transfer free energies and pKa shifts) found that agreement is only achieved by using physically unrealistic dielectric constants for proteins, lipids, etc., and/or equally unrealistic atomic radii. This leads to questions concerning the physical origins for this failure of the Born model. We partially resolve this question by applying the Langevin–Debye (LD) model of a continuous distribution of point, polarizable dipoles, a model that contains an added dependence of the electrostatic response on the solvent's optical dielectric constant and both gas- and liquid-phase dipole moments, features absent in the Born model to which the LD model reduces for weak fields. The LD model is applied to simple representations of three biologically relevant systems: (i) globular proteins, (ii) lipid bilayers, and (iii) membrane proteins. The linear Born treatment greatly overestimates both the self-energy and the transfer free energy from water to hydrophobic environments (e.g., a protein interior). By using the experimental dielectric constant, the energy cost of charge burial in either globular or membrane proteins of the Born model is reduced by almost 50% with the nonlinear theory as is the pKa shift, and the shifts agree well with experimental trends.
A Theoretical Study of the Efficiency of the General Circulation

The paper examines the problem of explaining the atmospheric efficiency, or equivalently, the rate of generation of available potential energy (APE) by diabatic heating. Attention is focused on determining the maximum possible rate of generation of APE and its accompanying temperature field, which does not require a knowledge of the atmospheric motions leading to temperature distribution. Qualitative and quantitative results indicate that the atmosphere may be operating within approximately a factor of 2 of its maximum efficiency. The general circulation may be operating at nearly its maximum efficiency.
Asymmetry in isobaric analogue resonances in the 75As(p,n) reaction

Abstract The excitation function for 75 As(p,n) has been measured at proton energies between 2.00 and 5.00 MeV. Resonances were observed and strong asymmetries were observed in the peaks at E p = 4.47 and 4.58 MeV. These asymmetric resonant peaks were analysed using the Kim-Robinson formula for a (p,n) reaction involving isobaric analogue resonances. With the assumption of a statistical model and random phases, the absolute cross section is obtained. The asymmetry parameters are found to be Δ = −158 keV for E p = 4.47 and Δ = −82 keV for E p = 4.58 MeV.
Response regulators of bacterial signal transduction systems: selective domain shuffling during evolution.

Response regulators of bacterial sensory transduction systems generally consist of receiver module domains covalently linked to effector domains. The effector domains include DNA binding and/or catalytic units that are regulated by sensor kinase-catalyzed aspartyl phosphorylation within their receiver modules. Most receiver modules are associated with three distinct families of DNA binding domains, but some are associated with other types of DNA binding domains, with methylated chemotaxis protein (MCP) demethylases, or with sensor kinases. A few exist as independent entities which regulate their target systems by noncovalent interactions. In this study the molecular phylogenies of the receiver modules and effector domains of 49 fully sequenced response regulators and their homologues were determined. The three major, evolutionarily distinct, DNA binding domains found in response regulators were evaluated for their phylogenetic relatedness, and the phylogenetic trees obtained for these domains were compared with those for the receiver modules. Members of one family (family 1) of DNA binding domains are linked to large ATPase domains which usually function cooperatively in the activation of E. Coli σ54-dependent promoters or their equivalents in other bacteria. Members of a second family (family 2) always function in conjunction with the E. Coli σ70 or its equivalent in other bacteria. A third family of DNA binding domains (family 3) functions by an uncharacterized mechanism involving more than one a factor. These three domain families utilize distinct helix-turn-helix motifs for DNA binding. The phylogenetic tree of the receiver modules revealed three major and several minor clusters of these domains. The three major receiver module clusters (clusters 1, 2, and 3) generally function with the three major families of DNA binding domains (families 1, 2, and 3, respectively) to comprise three classes of response regulators (classes 1, 2, and 3), although several exceptions exist. The minor clusters of receiver modules were usually, but not always, associated with other types of effector domains. Finally, several receiver modules did not fit into a cluster. It was concluded that receiver modules usually diverged from common ancestral protein domains together with the corresponding effector domains, although domain shuffling, due to intragenic splicing and fusion, must have occurred during the evolution of some of these proteins. Multiple sequence alignments of the 49 receiver modules and their various types of effector domains, together with other homologous domains, allowed definition of regions of striking sequence similarity and degrees of conservation of specific residues. Sequence data were correlated with structure/function when such information was available. These studies should provide guides for extrapolation of results obtained with one response regulator to others as well as for the design of future structure/function analyses.
The influence of methylcholanthrene on serum protein synthesis in the rat.

Abstract The changes in distribution and per cent composition of the electrophoretic components of the sera are described for normal rats and rats receiving methylcholanthrene. The latter include precancerous and induced tumor-bearing rats. In addition, similar studies are described in animals bearing tumor transplants from the breast cancers induced originally by the gastric instillation of the same carcinogen. The appearance of two serum β-globulins and the increase in serum total β-globulin protein in the induced cancer groups are demonstrated. It is suggested that this is not due to lipide. Sera of rats bearing tumor transplants show a marked elevation of the α-globulins and a decrease in the albumin and γ-globulin. The change in the γ-globulin protein is progressive from the normal, through the precancerous, cancerous, and transplant bearer. The reciprocal change in albumin and α-globulin is discussed in the light of similar observations made by others under a variety of experimental conditions. The effects of other chemical carcinogenic agents are compared with those of methylcholanthrene.
A minimum time control algorithm for linear and nonlinear systems

The minimum time control problem with bounded control has long been of interest to control engineers. Much of the theoretical study of this problem has been limited to linear systems and the results are usually problem-specific. This paper presents a new computational method for solving the minimum-time control problem when the control action is assumed to be bang-bang. A gradient-based algorithm is developed where the switching times are updated to minimize the final state missed distance. The algorithm is applicable to linear and nonlinear problems, including multi-input systems.
Synthesis and release of acetylcholine in the rabbit kidney cortex

Abstract Several cholinergic processes were demonstrated and partially characterized in rabbit kidney cortical minces: choline uptake, acetylcholine synthesis and calcium-dependent release. Minces took up labelled choline, acetylated it, and stored it in a pool that was not readily accessible to physostigmine-sensitive cholinesterase activity. [ 3 H]Acetylcholine synthesis but not [ 3 H]choline uptake was inhibited by the removal of sodium ions or incubation at 0°C. The release of newly synthesized [ 3 H]acetylcholine was increased by 300 mOsmol urea in a calcium-dependent manner, but not by potassium depolarization (300 mOsmol), vasopressin (10 μM), or bradykinin (10 μM). These results suggest that acetylcholine may be synthesized by non-neuronal rabbit kidney cortical cells and that this transmitter may be released in response to physiological levels of urea.
Disc-shaped ionic polymer metal composites for use in mechano-electrical applications

Previously, mechano-electrical energy harvesting from IPMC has been studied in the conventional bender configuration. However, for mechano-electrical energy harvesting from uncontrolled or multi-directional vibration, there is a need to produce 2D and/or 3D IPMCs. In addition, the conventional bender configuration of IPMC may impose restriction on its application as an energy harvester. For these reasons, there is a need to advance the geometry of the IPMC. In this paper, a new configuration, a disc-type IPMC, is introduced. The disc IPMC was manufactured by hot pressing Nafion pellets. The voltage across the disc on deformation was extracted using two-electrode systems.
Stabilization of β-glucosidase by polyhydric alcohols

Abstract Thermal stability of β-glucosidase in Thermomonospora curvata lysed cell extracts, culture solids and lyophilized cells was increased 9–16-fold by polyhydric alcohols. Sorbitol, the most soluble of these alcohols, doubled the recovery of β-glucosidase during preliminary purification procedures.
A solar-assisted heat pump system for heating and cooling residences

Abstract A significant impact of solar energy applications on the total energy demand requires systems or devices which can be retrofitted to existing energy users. The all-electric residence unit, which includes about 10 per cent of all such units in the U.S.A. and constitutes over half of those completed in 1973, seems particularly suited to a solar modification. It is proposed that heating and cooling of the all-electric residence unit be accomplished by using a solar-assisted heat-pump system. The proposed system makes use of a conventional air-conditioning unit which would be modified by fitting controls to reverse the flow of refrigerant for the heating mode and by changing the outdoor heat exchanger from refrigerant-to-air to refrigerant-to-water. In addition, there would be provided a solar collector and two insulated water-storage tanks. Water from one tank would be circulated through the refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger when needed and then returned to the other tank, so that essentially a source of heat of constant temperature would be maintained, thus decreasing the temperature interval for the heat pump and thereby saving energy. In the cooling mode the stored water would be cooled by exposure of the solar collector to the night sky to decrease the temperature interval for the heat pump, thereby reducing energy consumption. Calculations were made for an existing residence unit for which the total energy input is known and to which the proposed solar-assisted heat-pump system is applied. An estimated cost of equipment and of its operation is compared with the cost of owning and operating fuel and electrically heated systems. It is concluded that the solar-assisted heat-pump system with current fuel prices can provide immediate economic benefit over the all-electric home and is possibly on par with residences using fuel oil or liquefied petroleum gas, but it yields higher cost over systems using natural gas. The effect of a two-phase expander to replace the expansion valve in the refrigerant circuit has been theoretically investigated. It shows a significant energy saving worthy of further economic and practical consideration.
THE ANALYSIS OF RAIL TRANSPORT PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS

This study was designed to suggest and evaluate empirically a series of variables to explain the behavior of two important rail transport system performance parameters: speed and reliability of transit time. Variables related to the carriers, the economic situation, the location and the nature of the shipper/carrier interaction were tested using a combination of factor analysis and regression analysis. The results support the premise that while distance is very important in explaining rail service, other variables also contribute substantially to understanding transit time by this transport mode.
Smoothness variations in early-age jointed plain concrete pavements

This paper discusses the variations in the early-age pavement smoothness at different measurement times and locations in three jointed plain concrete pavements (JPCPs) representing different ranges of construction times. Surface profile measurements were made during the early morning and late afternoon hours at different locations of the instrumented JPCPs during the first 7 d after construction. Variations in pavement temperature during this critical period were monitored using temperature sensors installed within the test sections. The results show that measurable changes of early-age jointed plain concrete pavement (JPCP) smoothness do occur at different measurement times and locations. Within the scope of this study, it can be concluded that the variations in early-age JPCP smoothness can be significant from the standpoint of smoothness specifications. The findings of this study also indicate that morning paving produces consistent smoothness measurements when compared with afternoon paving.
On creating the discipline, profession, and evidence in the field of arts and healthcare

There has been a burgeoning interest in arts and healthcare in recent years, as well as tremendous strides with regard to activities, conferences, and publications. Consideration needs to be given to the basic issues and definitions of the field of arts in healthcare in the United States that will advance this area of endeavor now and for the future, and especially to the following topics: (1) decisions regarding how the discipline of arts in healthcare will evolve, (2) specifications for the professionalization of arts in healthcare, and (3) evidence for the effectiveness of these practices. This article presents a brief review of the first two topics and then presents more detailed information on the current status of research in the field as it relates to demands for evidence-based practice. Results of a meta-analysis on music and music therapy with medical patients are presented, and from this study, an agenda for future research in arts in healthcare is detailed.
From Chiefdom to State: Toward an Integrative Theory of the Evolution of Polity:

The evolution of the polity, particularly the transition of chiefdoms to states, has been the subject of considerable debate. In this article, the authors engage the discussion surrounding the meta...
Microcalorimetric determination of enthalpies of solution of methyl alkanes in glacial acetic acid

An empirical equation ΔHs, m=0.84n′ gives the enthalpy of solution of 30 branched, linear and cyclic alkanes in glacial acetic acid. The parametern′ is an “effective carbon number” which expresses the number of carbon atoms in the longest chain plus one half of the pendant methyl groups.
Environmental immune disruption: a comorbidity factor for reproduction?

Objective To review the evidence on exposure to environmental contaminants and immune system disruption, and how this has been demonstrated or hypothesized to impact reproductive health and fertility. Design Review of literature. Result(s) Exposure to environmental contaminants including polyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and other hormone disrupting chemicals are associated with a wide spectrum of effects on the reproductive, immune, and endocrine systems. Of particular importance is the potential impact of environmental chemicals on the mucosal immune system of the human female reproductive tract. Immune cells within the reproductive tract produce cytokines and chemokines in response to estrogen and progesterone, thereby influencing various reproductive processes including ovulation, sperm migration, fertilization, implantation, endometrial remodeling, and immune response to infectious challenge. Recent research in animals and humans indicates a potential association between exposure to dioxins, endometriosis, and disruption of the immune system. Studies have shown that rhesus monkeys exposed to dioxins with elevated serum levels of certain toxic coplanar PCBs and an increased total serum toxic equivalency had a high prevalence of endometriosis, and the severity of disease correlated with serum concentrations of PCB77. Dioxin-exposed animals with endometriosis showed long-term alterations in immunity associated with elevated levels of dioxin and specific coplanar dioxin-like congeners. Conclusion(s) Perspectives on the potential mechanism(s) of toxicity induced by environmental chemicals in endometriosis and other reproductive diseases, important knowledge needs, potential animal models, and considerations integral to future studies are discussed.
Neuroscience gets nutrition.

A new study connects dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid intake to endocannabinoid-mediated neuronal function. Animals with specific fatty acid depletion show deficits in endocannabinoid-mediated synaptic depression and altered emotional behaviors.
Rhop-3 protein conservation among Plasmodium species and induced protection against lethal P. yoelii and P. berghei challenge

In the present study, Rhop-3 polymorphism among Plasmodium falciparum field and laboratory isolates and among rodent Plasmodium species was investigated and identified. The Rhop-3 gene was found in all Plasmodium species so far tested. The overall structure of the Rhop-3 protein was found conserved among P. falciparum, Plasmodium yoelii, and Plasmodium berghei. However, it was more conserved among rodent Plasmodium species than between P. falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. The most conserved regions of Rhop-3 are the second half of exon 6 (amino acid #548 to #665) and the beginning of exon 3 (amino acid #59 to #210). Recombinant C-terminal partial and full-length Rhop-3 proteins of P. yoelii and P. berghei were expressed in Escherichia coli and purified. Immunization-challenge experiments in mice using recombinant Rhop-3 proteins led to a delay in parasite development and protected mice from a homologous lethal challenge infection. In a group of eight outbred Carworth Farm White (CFW) mice immunized with P. yoelii C-terminal recombinant His-Y1412 protein, three mice (37.5%) were protected from a lethal P. yoelii challenge. In BALB/cJ mice one mouse (20%) survived the infection. Immunization of mice with P. berghei recombinant full-length Rhop-3 protein in BALB/cJ mice led to a 40% survival from lethal P. berghei challenge. CFW mice immunized with P. berghei recombinant full-length Rhop-3 protein showed a significant delay in parasite development with a heterologous P. yoelii challenge. The Rhop-3 protein is a promising candidate for an asexual stage malaria vaccine.
Biocompatibility of polymeric delivery systems for macromolecules

We previously reported the use of polymeric delivery systems capable of sustained release of substances with molecular weights up to 2 X 10(6). The current study examined the tissue compatibilities of these slow-release agents and of other polymeric materials. To observe in vivo host responses to specific implants, tests were conducted in the rabbit cornea. The cornea as an implant site has several advantages compared to other organs including its clarity, avascularity, sensitivity, and convenient access to view. Corneas were examined using stereomicroscopy and histology. Two polymers suitable for sustained macromolecular release, poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate), and alcohol-washed ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, were noninflammatory. Other polymers considered for sustained macromolecular release, such as polyacrylamide and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), produced significant inflammation.
GEOGRAPHY AND THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF URBAN TRANSPORTATION

URBAN TRANSPORTATION AS A PUBLIC SERVICE (GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE FOR HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION AND MASS TRANSIT) THE JOURNEY TO WORK, INCLUDING WOMEN'S COMMUTING PATTERNS
Definition and Determination of Acetabular Component Orientation in Cemented Total Hip Arthroplasty

OBJECTIVE To describe the spatial orientation of the cemented acetabular component in cemented total hip arthroplasty, based on a ventrodorsal and lateral radiographic projection of the pelvis. METHODS Equations were derived by using trigonometric relationships that describe the radiographic rotation about the longitudinal pelvic axis (alpha), transverse pelvic axis (beta), acetabular inclination (phi), acetabular inclination corrected for longitudinal pelvic rotation, version (phiC), acetabular version (theta), acetabular version corrected for longitudinal pelvic rotation (thetaC), acetabular inclination corrected for transverse pelvic rotation (phi(beta)), and acetabular version corrected for transverse pelvic rotation (theta(beta)) RESULTS Alpha was calculated by using the equation alpha = sin(-1) (x/y) where x is the transverse distance between the dorsal spinous processes and the center of the pubis on a ventrodorsal radiograph and y is the distance from the pubis to the dorsal aspect of the first coccygeal vertebra perpendicular to the long axis of the pelvis on a lateral radiograph. Phi was calculated from the long axis (LA) and short axis (SA) of the ellipse formed by the radiopaque acetabular marker ring by using the equation phi = sin(-1) (SA/LA). phiC was calculated by using the equation phiC = phi +/- (alpha - tan(-1) (tan alpha cos thetaC)). Theta was determined as previously described. ThetaC was calculated by using the equation thetaC = tan(-1) (tan theta cos alpha). Theta(beta) and theta(beta) were calculated with the equations phi(beta) = tan(-1) (tan theta cos beta) and theta(beta) = theta - tan(-1) (sin beta), respectively. Beta could not be accurately determined from ventrodorsal and lateral pelvic radiographs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE These techniques allow for more accurate postoperative radiographic assessment of acetabular component positioning. This information can then be used in retrospective or prospective analyses examining that effects of implant positioning on clinical outcome.
A hybrid model for analysis of 3-D machining operations

Abstract This paper describes the development of a physically based model for the analysis of commonly encountered 3-D machining processes using arbitrarily oriented cutting tools. This model consists of two modules, a generalized upper bound analysis module capable of handling any given cutting edge geometry, and a 2-D machining analysis module capable of using a wide range of constitutive equations to handle most commonly machined materials. The upper bound module is used for prediction of the chip flow angle and is followed by application of the extended Oxley's analysis of machining (Adibi-Sedeh, Madhavan, and Bahr 2003a) in the equivalent plane to obtain two components of the cutting force in the plane. The out-of-plane component is calculated by applying the constraint that the resultant cutting force should not have any component along the rake face in a direction perpendicular to the chip flow direction. The performance of the hybrid model is validated through extensive comparison with experimental data for different operations and materials.
The function of form in newspapers' political conflict coverage: The New York Times' shaping of expectations in the Bitburg controversy

Drawing on the example of President Ronald Reagan's 1985 visit to the Bitburg war cemetery, this article argues that form, in the Burkean sense, can operate in a body of conflict coverage to shape expectations for subsequent developments in the controversy covered and to help judge the appropriateness of news “characters'” subsequent choices in the featured drama. The focus on a series of news repons, rather than individual articles, reveals the exercise of progressive and repetitive form in the agonistic dramas characteristic of conflict coverage. The analysis ultimately concludes that news narratives differ from fictional narratives. The news media are not held responsible for satisfying the expectations cultivated by the form of their news coverage and by the unique relationship between news narrators and news “characters.” The study further suggests that an understanding of how Burkean form functions in conflict coverage potentially provides theoretical explanations of how some media agenda‐setting op...
Promoting effective school leadership: A change‐oriented model for the preparation of principals

Changes in the professional preparation of aspiring principals reflect an increased responsiveness to the work that emerging school principals are expected to perform. Currently, models of training at the university level suggest that there is a movement away from the managerial, authoritarian, and top down leadership styles that are typically associated with the science of administration (Lumdsen, 1993; Milstein, 1993; Thompson, 1991; Thomson, 1992, 1993). The transition towards collegial and empowering forms of leadership has been catalyzed by a reconceptualization of the principal's role, debates about the congruence between theory and practice, and efforts to link training experiences with schoolbased practice. Attempts to ensure quality and cohesion within professional preparation programs have been authenticated by the identification of strategies to assist future leaders in acquiring domain specific skills, (e.g., a knowledge base grounded in research and interpersonal skills) (Thompson, 1991; Thomson, 1992, 1993). Efforts to align university training and actual practice are reflected by an emphasis on the development of group processing skills, collaborative leadership styles, and communication skills (Worner, 1994), participatory decision making and consensus building (Thurston, Clift, & Schacht, 1993), reflective thinking (Gordon & Moles, 1994), and mentoring (Luebkemann & Clemens, 1994; Prestine & Le Grand, 1991; Stakenas, 1994; Synder, 1994; Worner, 1994). Transitions in the professional preparation of prospective principals coincide with program changes at more global levels. First, many postsecondary educational administration programs previously accentuated
Hepatitis C virus infection is not an independent risk factor for obstructive lung disease.

AbstractSeveral epidemiological studies have suggested that hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with the presence of obstructive lung disease (OLD). However, there is a strong link between HCV infection and tobacco abuse, a major risk factor for the development of OLD. In this study we analyzed clinical, laboratory and spirometric data from 1068 study participants to assess whether HCV infection, viremia, or HCV-associated end organ damage were associated with OLD. Demographics, risk behavior, serologic status for HCV and HIV, and spirometric measurements were collected from a cross-sectional analysis of the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Linked to the IntraVenous Experience (ALIVE) study, an observational cohort of IDUs followed in Baltimore, MD since 1988. Of 1,068 participants, 890 (83%) were HCV positive and 174 (16%) met spirometric criteria for OLD. Factors independently associated with OLD were age and BMI. HCV infection, viral load and HCV-associated end organ damage were si...
Micromachined intermediate and high frequency inductors

The use of inductors in electronic circuitry is widespread, especially in analog applications such as filters, tuners, and wireless communications systems such as cellular telephones and pagers. Often the number of passive components in such applications greatly exceeds the number of silicon chips, thus making desirable the ability to integrate the passive components in the same manner as transistors are currently integrated. Because the passive components are often relatively large in size, it can be more appropriate to integrate these devices into the package rather than on the chip. This paper describes several methods for integrating intermediate and high frequency inductive components with low temperature multichip module laminate substrates, with the goal of achieving lower cost and smaller size than current packages with hybrid-mounted inductors.
Mutational analysis of the pullulanase-type debranching enzyme of maize indicates multiple functions in starch metabolism.

Plants contain two types of α(1→6) glucan hydrolase (starch-debranching enzyme [DBE]). Mutations that affect the pullulanase-type DBE have not been described, although defects in isoamylase-type DBE, known in many plant species, indicate a function in starch biosynthesis. We describe a null mutation of a pullulanase-type DBE gene, a Mutator insertion in maize Zpu1. Plants homozygous for the zpu1-204 mutation are impaired in transient and storage starch degradation. Thus, hydrolytic activity of pullulanase-type DBE contributes to starch catabolism. Developing zpu1-204 endosperm accumulates branched maltooligosaccharides not found in the wild type and is deficient in linear maltooligosaccharides, indicating that the pullulanase-type DBE functions in glucan hydrolysis during kernel starch formation. Furthermore, in a background deficient in isoamylase-type DBE, zpu1-204 conditions a significant accumulation of phytoglycogen in the kernel that is not seen in the wild type. Therefore, pullulanase-type DBE partially compensates for the defect in isoamylase-type DBE, suggesting a function during starch synthesis as well as degradation.
Distinguishing fibromyalgia from rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus in clinical questionnaires: an analysis of the revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR) and its variant, the Symptom Impact Questionnaire (SIQR), along with pain locations.

Introduction The purpose of this study was to explore a data set of patients with fibromyalgia (FM), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who completed the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR) and its variant, the Symptom Impact Questionnaire (SIQR), for discriminating features that could be used to differentiate FM from RA and SLE in clinical surveys.
Model-based control in the pulp and paper industry

The pulp and paper industry offers a wide spectrum of research challenges to the control systems community. Implementations of control technology, production planning, scheduling, and operations can lead to tangible improvements in terms of increased capital returns and reduced environmental impact. This paper presents an overview of operations in an integrated pulp and paper mill and reviews the control challenges for important process units. It also summarizes current and future research areas in the pulp and paper industry
Clinical Significance of the Solitary Functioning Adrenal Gland

To assess the compensatory functional and anatomic changes in the remaining adrenal cortex after unilateral adrenalectomy or in the unaffected adrenal in patients with unilateral adrenal destruction by neoplasm, 17 patients with a single, functioning adrenal gland and normal indices of adrenocortical function, nine after adrenalectomy and eight with a unilateral, destructive adrenal lesion were studied with 131I-6 beta-iodomethyl-19-norcholesterol (NP-59) scintigraphy and computed tomography. Adrenal masses with a mean (+/- s.d.) diameter of 2.8 +/- 1.0 cm; (range 1-4 cm; 95% confidence interval (Cl), 2.5-3.1 cm) were identified by computed tomography in seven of nine patients in the remaining adrenal cortex at variable times (6.1 +/- 5.9 y; range 0.5-19 y) after unilateral adrenalectomy. Mean (+/- s.e.m.) NP-59 uptake was elevated (p less than 0.01) in both adrenalectomy and adrenal destruction groups, mean uptake (+/- s.e.m.) was 0.32% +/- 0.04% administered dose (95% Cl, 0.24%-0.4% administered dose) as compared to normal (0.16% +/- 0.05% administered dose, 95% Cl, 0.06%-0.26% administered dose). The remaining adrenal cortex may be anatomically abnormal after unilateral adrenalectomy and demonstrate compensatory, increased NP-59 uptake in the presence of overall, normal adrenocortical function.
Prevalence of Parvovirus B19 in Liver Tissue: No Association with Fulminant Hepatitis or Hepatitis-Associated Aplastic Anemia

Parvovirus B19 has been proposed as the etiological agent of fulminant hepatitis (FH) or hepatitis-associated aplastic anemia (HAA). We studied the prevalence of parvovirus B19 in liver-tissue samples from patients with FH and HAA and from control subjects. In the first study, parvovirus B19 DNA was detected by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 4 of 15 livers from patients with FH and in 3 of 22 livers from patients with nonviral hepatic disease. In a second confirmatory study, livers were tested for parvovirus B19 and its variant erythroviruses, V9 and A6. Tissues were also tested by reverse-transcriptase PCR for the presence of parvovirus B19 transcripts as a marker of viral replication. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of parvovirus B19 DNA in livers from patients with FH or HAA, compared with liver-tissue samples from patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection; parvovirus B19 transcripts were not detected. There was a significant increase (P<.1) in the prevalence of variant erythrovirus sequences in livers of patients with HBV or HCV hepatitis, the reason for which is currently unknown.