cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Possible explanation for observed effectiveness of voltage controlled anisotropy

Spin torque MRAM offers the possibility of ultrahigh density nonvolatile data storage. However, current devices require excessive current densities to switch the magnetization: this greatly limits commercial implementation. Previous researchers [1]-[2] have experimentally demonstrated that the application of approximately 1V across an MgO thin film allows a neighboring ferromagnet to switch with much reduced applied field. It has been argued that this is caused by the voltage adjusting the Fermi level of the ferromagnet in such a way that the magnetic anisotropy is substantially reduced.
Lexical Ambiguity Resolution

Most words have several meanings, yet readers and listeners are able to determine a writer's or speaker's intent from the word's context. Research on the resolution of lexical ambiguity has developed not only theories on how comprehenders settle on a single meaning, but also experimental paradigms for examining this process. Keywords: ambiguous words; semantic context; event-related potential; eye movement; word meaning
The site of synthesis of the iron-sulfur subunits of the flavoprotein and iron-protein fractions of human NADH dehydrogenase.

The site of synthesis of the iron-sulfur subunits of the flavoprotein and iron-protein fractions of the human respiratory chain NADH dehydrogenase has been investigated to test the possibility that any of them is synthesized in mitochondria. For this purpose, antibodies specific for individual subunits of the bovine enzyme, which cross- reacted with the homologous human subunits in immunoblot assays, were tested against HeLa cell mitochondrial proteins labeled in vivo with [35S]methionine in the absence or presence of inhibitors of mitochondrial or cytoplasmic protein synthesis. The results clearly indicated that all the iron-sulfur subunits of the flavoprotein and iron-protein fractions of human complex I are synthesized in the cytosol and are, therefore, encoded in nuclear genes.
Human Resource Management in Africa: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Africa is not a dream but in many ways, human resource management (HRM) in Africa could be a dreamlike experience. This appearance of managing in Africa as being surreal is particularly evident with many Western human resource managers. The sheer complexity and diversity found there can make the HRM process one of the more vexing decisions that management may have to undertake when doing business in Africa. In an effort to dramatize the complex nature of HRM decisions in African context, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland will be used as a metaphor throughout the paper. Just as Wonderland held many surprises for Alice during her adventure, Africa holds many surprises for Western HRM, not only in the form of the alien nature of the 'rules, regulations and laws' of many African nations but also in the extent to which many African organizations/employees ignore or bend the rules It is the intent of this paper to demonstrate a means to develop a classification scheme from which categories of African countries c...
The Psychosexual Development of Urban Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Youths

An examination of cognitive sexual orientation, sexual partner activity, and sexual identity was conducted among 76 lesbian/bisexual female youths and 80 gay/bisexual male youths (age range of 14–21 years) recruited from community‐based or college organizations for lesbian / gay youths in New York City. Self‐identification as lesbian / gay or bisexual changed over time; more than half the youths who identified as lesbian / gay at the interview had considered themselves bisexual in the past, and vice versa. A modal developmental sequence of cognitions and behaviors was found: Most youths first became aware of a cognitive sexual orientation (e.g., attractions and fantasies) toward the same or other sex, then considered a lesbian / gay or bisexual identity, and finally felt certain of a lesbian / gay or bisexual identity. Age at initiation of sexual activity with females or males was inconsistently related to this pattern. Significant gender differences indicated that females were older than males when they ...
Electrical fixing of 1000 angle-multiplexed holograms in SBN:75

We have demonstrated electrical fixing of 1000 angle-multiplexed holograms in a 1-cm^3 volume Ce-doped SBN:75 crystal. A revealing procedure yielded an average diffraction efficiency of 0.005% for each hologram, with approximately 20% variation. The erasure resistance of the fixed gratings was verified.
Neurologic outcome in premature infants with transient asymptomatic hyperammonemia.

We studied the short-term and long-term effects of transient asymptomatic neonatal hyperammonemia on neurologic function in 21 preterm infants with normal ammonium levels and 25 with hyperammonemia (range 40 to 72 μmol/L) during the first weeks of life. The hyperammonemic infants were prospectively randomized to treatment with orally administered arginine free base 1 to 2 mmol/kg/day for 2 months (n=13) or to a no-treatment control group (n-12). Cortical function was assessed by auditory response and habituation during the first month of life. An auditory response was shown by 64% of the hyperammonemic infants and 43% of the normoammonemic infants (P not significant). Plasma ammonium levels at the time of examination bore no consistent relationship to whether an infant responded to an auditory stimulus. Number of trials to reach auditory habituation was also not different, and plasma ammonium level did not correlate with the presence or absence of habituation. IQ testing at 6, 12, 18, and 30 months showed no significant differences between groups. Early plasma ammonium levels did not have an effect on 30-month IQ scores. These findings suggest that transient asymptomatic hyperammonemia in premature infants is not associated with short-term or long-term neurologic deficits through 30 months of age. This study does not support the need for treatment of transient asymptomatic hyperammonemia in the premature infant.
The information commons as a collaborative workspace

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the evolving concept of “Information Commons” through the documentation of one library's renovation and the comparison of that library's experience with the earlier theoretical and case study literature.Design/methodology/approach – The paper cites gate counts, a user‐satisfaction survey, and examples of emerging collaboration between library and information technology staff as evidence of substantial changes in how the library is used by both staff and students following its transformation into an information commons.Findings – This paper finds that the library's transformation into an information commons has resulted in dramatically high gate counts, indications of user satisfaction, and anecdotal evidence that demand for reference service is increasing. The author also finds that, perhaps equally as important, the blending of information technology and library staffs as the information commons was implemented has led to a number of collaborative p...
Lipase-Catalyzed Acidolysis of Butter Oil with Conjugated Linoleic Acid: A Kinetic Study Involving Multiple Reuse of the Immobilized Enzyme

The kinetics of the acidolysis of butter oil with conjugated linoleic acid in the presence of an immobilized lipase from Candida antarctica has been investigated. A uniresponse kinetic model was developed to characterize the rate of consumption of the conjugated linoleic acid and the total rate of release of the fatty acids formed from butter oil. In addition, a multiresponse kinetic model was developed to characterize the individual rates of release of the major fatty acid residues present in the original butter oil. Limited hydrolysis (2-4%) was also observed.
Morphological features of multigeneration basic dykes near Nain, Labrador: clues to original emplacement mechanisms and subsequent deformation

Abstract The Archean rocks of the Nain Province near Nain, Labrador have been intruded by a multi-generation assemblage of basic dykes. The regional setting constrains their intrusion to between ∼2.5 Ga and ∼1.3 Ga; they may be, in fact, products of episodic basic magmatism over this whole 1200 million year span. They are unique among other mafic dykes in the Nain Province by their morphological diversity, mineral assemblages, and degree of recrystallization. They vary from straight-walled to cuspate-bordered intrusions, and they exhibit chilled to intimately mingled contacts against enveloping rocks; their emplacement is interpreted to have occurred under both brittle and ductile crustal conditions. The cuspate borders on the dykes are an enigma; they could be either primary features produced at time of emplacement or be deformation-induced by much later events (or both). Texturally, the dykes range from subophitic to granoblastic to strongly foliated. Foliated dykes commonly display sigmoidal fabrics indicative of both dextral and sinistral shear. The dykes have mineral assemblages implying variable recrystallization under amphibolite- and granulite-facies conditions, but no simple relationship to regional or contact metamorphic assemblages in enclosing gneisses is evident. It seems highly probable that some of the granular orthopyroxene-bearing dykes are primary gabbronoritic rocks. The multiplicity of intrusions evident within the basic dyke assemblage and the variable degree of deformation and recrystallization cannot presently be confidently correlated with other events in the surrounding region, but several options are considered. Among the probable regional scenarios that could account for the diversity and the multigeneration aspect of the assemblage are several discrete episodes of dyke intrusion: (i) Archean dykes related to a basic magmatic event yet unrecognized elsewhere in Labrador; (ii) Paleoproterozoic dykes equivalent to swarm snorth and south of Nain; (iii) Paleo- or Meso-proterozoic dykes related to newly recognized anorogenic plutons of these ages; and (iv) Mesoproterozoic dykes as leaks from a subscrustal magma reservoir that culminated in the formation of the mafic plutons within the anorogenic Nain Plutonic Suite.
Separation of sequence isomeric dipeptides by high-resolution gas chromatography

Separation sous forme de derives trimethyl silyl par chromatographie en phase gazeuse sur colonne capillaire en silice fondue
THUNDERSTORM CHARGE SEPARATION

Abstract A description of the known physical properties of a thunderstorm reveals that active charge separation occurs during that stage of the storm's life-cycle in which the growth of graupel by the accretion of supercooled droplets is the dominant process. Laboratory experiments under simulated thunderstorm conditions show that a graupel pellet, growing by the accretion of supercooled droplets, acquires negative charge as a result of collisions with ice crystals. Other experiments show that when two ice formations are placed in rubbing contact, the ice which is warmer, or which contains trace amounts of contaminants, acquires negative charge. Further experiments suggest that the charge separation results from potential differences which arise during the resolidification of a liquid layer formed at the ice-ice contact. Calculations indicate that the graupel pellets in a thunderstorm, as a result of the acquisition of the latent heat of supercooled droplets, will achieve temperatures several degrees warm...
Flow properties of branched polydisperse polymers

Viscosity and normal-stress difference as functions of shear rate were examined for poly(vinyl acetate) samples with various degrees of random branching in diethyl phthalate solution. At moderate concentration (c = 0.17 g/ml) the viscosities were depressed by branching, in fair accord with the Bueche theory. However, at higher concentrations (c = 0.35 g/ml) the data showed a progressive trend in the direction of viscosity enhancement by branching, a characteristic which has been observed by other workers in undiluted branched polymers. Accompanying viscosity enhancement was an increase in the temperature coefficient of viscosity, an increase in recoverable compliance (estimated from steady-state normal-stress data) and an early onset in the shear rate dependence of viscosity.
An atomistic-based boundary element method for the reduction of molecular statics models

Abstract We propose a new reduced computational model, called atomistic-based boundary element model (ABEM), derived from a full atomistic model for a crystalline solid system. The procedure is based on a domain decomposition method, which allows the separation of the atoms near crystal defects from the surrounding region, in which the displacement of the atoms is smooth. A reduction method, which is similar to the boundary integral method for continuum models, is developed to eliminate the atoms in the surrounding region. The reduction procedure gives rise to a system of equations only involving the atoms at the remote boundary and at the boundaries of the atomistic regions containing local defects. In this paper, we will discuss the derivation of the model, the implementation, and further reduction methods. We also present applications to some test problems.
Experimental demonstration of meso-scale carbon nanotube self-assembled tube structures

Abstract In addition to numerous other properties of interest, carbon nanotubes (CNT) promise to form a basis for new materials of extraordinary strength owing mainly to the very high carbon–carbon bond energies and their unique tubular structure at the molecular scale. In the area of materials development, the guiding concept of bio-inspired hierarchical structures combined with controlled fabrication at multiple scales has the potential to result in substantially improved mechanical performance. Here we show examples of a multiple-scale self-assembled tube structure, which are themselves composed of multi-wall CNTs, while also demonstrating some important aspects of their nucleation and growth. These hierarchical and self-assembled objects strongly indicate the feasibility of controlled synthesis of macroscopic CNT structures and CNT-reinforced materials for use in various engineering applications. These applications could encompass the areas of structures, thermal transfer, electronics, fluid dynamics, and micro-fluidics.
Cancer as a moving target: understanding the composition and rebound growth kinetics of recurrent tumors

We introduce a stochastic branching process model of diversity in recurrent tumors whose growth is driven by drug resistance. Here, an initially declining population can escape certain extinction via the production of mutants whose fitness is drawn at random from a mutational fitness landscape. Using a combination of analytical and computational techniques, we study the rebound growth kinetics and composition of the relapsed tumor. We find that the diversity of relapsed tumors is strongly affected by the shape of the mutational fitness distribution. Interestingly, the model exhibits a qualitative shift in behavior depending on the balance between mutation rate and initial population size. In high mutation settings, recurrence timing is a strong predictor of the diversity of the relapsed tumor, whereas in the low mutation rate regime, recurrence timing is a good predictor of tumor aggressiveness. Analysis reveals that in the high mutation regime, stochasticity in recurrence timing is driven by the random survival of small resistant populations rather than variability in production of resistance from the sensitive population, whereas the opposite is true in the low mutation rate setting. These conclusions contribute to an evolutionary understanding of the suitability of tumor size and time of recurrence as prognostic and predictive factors in cancer.
The Radical Durkheim

Durkheim's sociology - a conceptual critique Durkheim and politics Durkheim and the division of labour Durkheim and the juridical relation fatalism a reformulation of Durkheim's suicide Durkheim and Marx - a dialogue the state, law and order in complex societies.
Serum protein responses elicited by iron, cobalt and mercury

Abstract Mouse serum proteins were analyzed by starch gel electrophoresis following ingestion of high but nonfatal levels of two essential metals, iron and cobalt, and one nonessential metal, mercury. After 4-, 12- and 48-hr of exposures to 10 −2 , m iron or cobalt, or 10 −2 , m mercury, metal specificity of responses could be detected. Certain haptoglobulins and the metal transport proteins in particular, varied in serum distribution uniquely in response to the metals ingested. Cobalt produced an initial depression of several haptoglobulins, transferrin and ceruloplasmin which reappeared after 48 hr in somewhat shifted positions. Mercury elicited an immediate stimulation of several globulins, 4 or 5 haptoglobulins and 3 α 2 -globulins. Iron produced only slight alterations initially but brought about a stimulation of transferrin after 3 weeks of exposure. Sera analyzed after 3 months of ingestion of heavy metals appeared essentially identical to controls, suggesting that adaptive processes had been elicited which enabled the animals to tolerate constant exposure to high levels of the respective metals including mercury which is usually considered toxic.
High-temperature elastic constants of platinum single crystals

Abstract Elastic wave velocity measurements in two oriented Pt single crystals have been measured in the temperature range 300–1480 K. The elastic constants C11, C12 and C44 are in excellent agreement with previous low temperature data and exhibit a temperature-dependence which is not in accord with the quasi-harmonic model. The temperature-dependence of the shear constant is in qualitative agreement with a model which relates the electronic structure to the value of C44.
Teachable Moments: Don't Just Wait for Them!

AbstractCan teachers create teachable moments or do they occur simply by chance? What exactly is meant by “teachable moment”? Discover the value of the teachable moment and how teachers can create those moments to parallel their instruction.
An analysis of a reordering operator on a GA-hard problem

This paper analyzes the performance of a genetic algorithm that combines reproduction, crossover, and a reordering operator. Reordering operators have often been suggested as one way to avoid thecoding traps -- the combinations of loose linkage and deception among important, lower order schemata -- of fixed codings. The analysis confirms this role and suggests directions for further research.
Non-verbal communication, self-esteem and interpersonal relations of LD and non-LD students.

Abstract Accurate perception and comprehension of verbal and non‐verbal communication is important in one's interpersonal environment; such understanding may affect not only the child's academic achievement but how he/she relates to and is perceived by others. In the present study learning disabled (LD) and non‐learning disabled (NLD) middle school students were evaluated on their ability to perceive and accurately comprehend non‐verbal communication; they also responded to an interpersonal relations scale and a self‐esteem inventory. LD children differed from regular class students both in reported self‐esteem and in the ability to perceive and comprehend “wordless” communication, but similarities were noted between the two groups in reported need for interpersonal relations.
A Multiscale Modeling Method for the Creep Behavior of SnAg Solder Alloys

In this paper, a microstructure-dependent creep model is developed that accounts for the hierarchal microstructure at multiple length scales. The model considers three distinguishable phases in the solder alloy at two different length scales: at the larger scale Sn dendrites of micrometer size are embedded in a homogeneous eutectic phase; at a much smaller length scale the eutectic phase consists of submicron size Ag3 Sn particles embedded in a homogeneous Sn matrix. The model predictions agree well with creep test data of RE doped SnAg solders.© 2007 ASME
The Effects of Rapid Induction Analgesia (RIA), Hypnotic Susceptibility and the Severity of Discomfort on Reducing Dental Pain

Abstract The study was designed to address three issues involved in hypnotic analgesia for dental pain: 1) The effectiveness of J. Barber's (1977) hypnotic procedure for producing analgesia in its usual form and a shortened form, 2) the relationship of hypnotic susceptibility to analgesic responsiveness, and 3) the effect of dental procedure discomfort level on hypnotic analgesia. Sixty unselected dental patients were administered either J. Barber's (1977) Rapid Induction Analgesia (RIA) or a shortened version of it (SI) before their dental treatment. Measures of hypnotic susceptibility were obtained as were dentists' ratings of the discomfort levels involved in the various dental procedures administered. The 52% success rate of the present study failed to replicate Barber's very high (99%) success rate, although procedural differences might explain the lower rate. RIA and SI were equally effective. Hypnotic susceptibility level did not relate significantly to success with hypnotic analgesia. The level of...
Ethics in perioperative practice--patient advocacy.

ABSTRACT Though often difficult, ethical decision making is necessary when caring for surgical patients. Perioperative nurses have to recognize ethical dilemmas and be prepared to take action based on the ethical code outlined in the American Nurses Association's (ANA's) Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements. In this second of a nine-part series that will help perioperative nurses relate the ANA code to their own area of practice, the author looks at the third provision statement, which addresses nurses' position as patient advocates. AORN J 75 (May 2002) 941–949.
Insights into linearized rotor dynamics, Part 2

This paper builds upon its 1981 namesake to extend and propose ideas which focus on some unique problems at the current center of interest in rotor vibration technology. These problems pertain to the ongoing extension of the linearized rotor-bearing model to include other rotor-stator interactive forces such as seals and turbomachinery stages. A unified linear model is proposed and contains an axiom which requires the coefficient matrix of the highest order term, in an interactive force model, to be symmetric. The paper ends on a fundamental question, namely, the potential weakness inherent in the whole idea of mechanical impedance modeling of rotor-stator interactive fluid flow fields.
Astrocyte senescence as a component of Alzheimer's disease.

Aging is the main risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, the aspects of the aging process that predispose the brain to the development of AD are largely unknown. Astrocytes perform a myriad of functions in the central nervous system to maintain homeostasis and support neuronal function. In vitro, human astrocytes are highly sensitive to oxidative stress and trigger a senescence program when faced with multiple types of stress. In order to determine whether senescent astrocytes appear in vivo, brain tissue from aged individuals and patients with AD was examined for the presence of senescent astrocytes using p16INK4a and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression as markers of senescence. Compared with fetal tissue samples (n = 4), a significant increase in p16INK4a-positive astrocytes was observed in subjects aged 35 to 50 years (n = 6; P = 0.02) and 78 to 90 years (n = 11; P<10−6). In addition, the frontal cortex of AD patients (n = 15) harbored a significantly greater burden of p16INK4a-positive astrocytes compared with non-AD adult control subjects of similar ages (n = 25; P = 0.02) and fetal controls (n = 4; P<10−7). Consistent with the senescent nature of the p16INK4a-positive astrocytes, increased metalloproteinase MMP-1 correlated with p16INK4a. In vitro, beta-amyloid 1–42 (Aβ1–42) triggered senescence, driving the expression of p16INK4a and senescence-associated beta-galactosidase. In addition, we found that senescent astrocytes produce a number of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-6 (IL-6), which seems to be regulated by p38MAPK. We propose that an accumulation of p16INK4a-positive senescent astrocytes may link increased age and increased risk for sporadic AD.
Planktonic C:Fe ratios and carrying capacity in the southern Drake Passage

Abstract The carbon to iron (C:Fe) ratio of planktonic biomass constrains net production in iron-limited regions of the ocean and is an important parameter for predicting biomass production from iron inputs. On a cruise to the southern Drake Passage in July–August 2006, we used two approaches to determine the C:Fe ratio of planktonic material: dual-radiotracer labeling and net biomass production in iron-limited grow-out experiments. There was variability in C:Fe ratios among experiments, but values from the two methods overlapped with average values of 1.4×10 5 (mol:mol) for the radiotracer method and 1.7×10 5 for the net biomass production method. This is notable since the net biomass production method is a new approach to determine C:Fe ratios. Although it has potential issues related to bottle effects and sensitivity to trace contamination, the method avoids some of the questions associated with iron speciation and bioavailability since ambient iron supports production. Because light intensity is known to affect C:Fe ratios in phytoplankton through photosynthetic iron demands, we tested the effect of light level on C:Fe in Antarctic assemblages. In contrast to what is seen in many phytoplankton cultures, C:Fe ratios increased at low-light, but we suspect that this is due to initial photoinhibition of the low-light adapted winter assemblages at higher light levels.
Extension of Ideal-Theoretic Properties of a Domain to Submodules of Its Quotient Field

Abstract We examine when multiplicative properties of ideals extend to submodules of the quotient field of an integral domain. An integral domain R is stable if each non-zero ideal of R is invertible as an ideal over its ring of endomorphisms. We show that an integral domain R is stable if and only if an analogue of this invertibility property extends to submodules of the quotient field of R . By contrast, the class of integral domains for which every non-zero ideal is locally free over its ring of endomorphisms is shown to properly contain the class of domains R for which each submodule of the quotient field is locally free over its ring of endomorphisms, and we give complete characterizations of both classes of domains.
The early relationship of drug abusing mothers and their infants: an assessment at eight to twelve months of age.

The early relationship of drug abusing mothers and their infants : An assessment at eight to twelve monts of age Ten mother-infant dyads in which the mother abused drugs during pregnancy were compared to 10 matched drug-free dyads using a short form of the Parent-Child Early Relational Assessment to analyze videotaped mother-infant interactions. Interactions consisted of two five-minute segments : structured and unstructured play. Infants were 8-12 months of age. There was a consistent tendency for the drug abusing group mean scores to separate from the controls. Drug abusing dyads had significantly more (r = .71, Fisher's Exact Probability) ratings below 3.0 in the unstructured play situation for items that measured enthusiasm, responsivity to infant cues, and infant happiness. These categories provide preliminary evidence for those characteristics which may be most problematic in the relationship between drug abusing mothers and their infants, especially in situations in which mother is responsible for providing structure.
Transmembrane potentials of the ductus arteriosus.

Membran-Potentiale vom Ductus arteriosus der Ziege wurden im ruhenden Zustand aufgezeichnet. Die Zellen depolarisieren, sobald sie mit einer Kontraktion auslosenden Konzentration Sauerstoff in Beruhrung kommen.
Effect of Water Content on Dynamic Fracture Initiation of Vinyl Ester

The effects of water content on the dynamic fracture initiation of notched vinyl ester neat resin samples were examined. The samples were subjected to stress pulses generated by the impact of a projectile launched from an air gun. Two sets of samples of samples were used: the first set was conditioned in an 11 % relative humidity (RH) environment using a saturated salt solution (Lithium Chloride), and the second set was immersed in distilled water. Both sets were kept in their respective environments for 43 days. The dynamic loading conditions were kept constant to analyze the effect of water content on the dynamic fracture initiation of both sample sets. It was observed that the fracture toughness and crack-tip speed showed no significant difference despite a water content differential of 0.49 wt% between the sample sets.
Cost Considerations in the Treatment of Schizophrenia

Summary Schizophrenia is a poorly understood syndrome characterised by positive symptoms (hallucinations and delusions), negative symptoms (inability to become involved in and enjoy activities and relationships) and cognitive disorganisation. Largely because of the difficulty the schizophrenic patient has in gaining and maintaining employment, this syndrome is very costly for society. New antipsychotic agents, which are more effective and better tolerated than older drugs, and programmes designed to treat schizophrenic patients in the community rather than in the hospital both offer a great deal of promise. Lengthy, expensive hospitalisations are now quite rare. In that respect, the direct costs of schizophrenia may have lessened somewhat. However, none ofthe various pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments available have yet convincingly increased the ability of the schizophrenic patient to work.
MASS MATRICES AND MONOPOLES IN THREE-DIMENSIONAL FLUX PHASE MODELS

Chiral spin states in two dimensions can be generalized to three dimensions by introducing effective monopoles to generate the background fluxes. We explore some generalizations of chiral spin states and the consequences of chiral rotations on the charges of dyons, particle-monopole bound states.
A case of pediatric ovarian dysgerminoma associated with high serum levels and positive immunohistochemical staining of neuron-specific enolase

A 5-year-old girl presented with a painful abdominal mass. Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed 3 separate masses. Tumor markers including lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), cancer antigen-125 (CA-125), β-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) were elevated. At operation, the main tumor arose from the left ovary and was associated with torsion, whereas the other lesions were lymph node metastases. A salpingo-oophorectomy was performed. Histopathologic examination indicated that the tumor was a dysgerminoma. Immunohistochemicallly, the cells were positive for NSE and placental alkaline phosphatase (PALP) but were negative for CA-125, β-hCG, S-100, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and vimentin. The elevated serum levels of tumor markers improved dramatically after the operation and chemotherapy.
The Social Gene

Skew selection is a multiple-selection model (not to be confused with a multi-level selection model) that explains the inherent duality of social behavior from an individualistic, self-preservation point of view. The dual behaviors of social beings are ‘greed’ and ‘sharing’. Greed produces resource stockpiles. Stockpiles buffer an individual from famine. Sharing aggregates individuals into groups. Groups buffer an individual from predation through safety-in-numbers. In this paper, skew selection is applied to genes as a potential solution for two genomic puzzles: (1) junk DNA; and (2) the C-value enigma. Junk DNA refers to the large number of non-coding DNA sequences within a genome. Skew selection hypothesizes that, when genes are exposed to agents of predation such as point mutations, viral infections or chromosomal crossovers, genes that share resources with a large number of junk DNA sequences will survive longer than genes that do not share. The C-value enigma refers to the lack of relationship between genomic size and animal complexity. Skew selection hypothesizes that genomic size and animal complexity evolve independently of each other. Genomic size (i.e., junk DNA) shields genes from agents of mutation, viruses or chromosomal crossovers. Animal complexity (i.e., gene diversity) buffers genes from resource scarcity by allowing organisms to exploit diverse resources. In conclusion, by viewing gene survival through the lens of skew selection, molecular biologists gain insight into the evolution of genomic size and animal complexity as independent survival strategies of self-interested genes facing multiple agents of selection.
Historical case studies of famines and migrations in the West African Sahel and their possible relevance now and in the future

Case studies of three famines that occurred in rural northwest Nigeria during the latter half of the twentieth century are presented. Research found that continuum models and entitlement theory did not adequately conceptualize famine-related migration, though they may be more accurate now and in the future. Projects examining the climate-migration nexus should consider the possibility that famines and large-scale migrations from the Sahel will occur as a consequence of both heavy, poorly timed rainfall and intense droughts. The savanna’s historical function as a refuge for stressed Sahelian people continued into the 1980s, but research is urgently needed to determine whether that is still true.
Factors affecting the enzymatic hydrolysis of municipal-solid-waste components.

Etude de l'influence de differents pretraitements sur la saccharification enzymatique et sur le rendement final de conversion du substrat en ethanol, dans le cas particulier de dechets constitues de vieux journaux et de cartons ondules. Analyse des relations entre l'indice de cristallinite et la taille des particules de substrat d'une part, et le rendement de saccharification d'autre part
IMP Dehydrogenase from the Protozoan Parasite Toxoplasma gondii

The opportunistic apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii damages fetuses in utero and threatens immunocompromised individuals. The toxicity associated with standard antitoxoplasmal therapies, which target the folate pathway, underscores the importance of examining alternative pharmacological strategies. Parasitic protozoa cannot synthesize purines de novo; consequently, targeting purine salvage enzymes is a plausible pharmacological strategy. Several enzymes critical to purine metabolism have been studied in T. gondii, but IMP dehydrogenase (IMPDH), which catalyzes the conversion of IMP to XMP, has yet to be characterized. Thus, we have cloned the gene encoding this enzyme in T. gondii. Northern blot analysis shows that two IMPDH transcripts are present in T. gondii tachyzoites. The larger transcript contains an open reading frame of 1,656 nucleotides whose deduced protein sequence consists of 551 amino acids (TgIMPDH). The shorter transcript is an alternative splice product that generates a 371-amino-acid protein lacking the active-site flap (TgIMPDH-S). When TgIMPDH is expressed as a recombinant protein fused to a FLAG tag, the fusion protein localizes to the parasite cytoplasm. Immunoprecipitation with anti-FLAG was employed to purify recombinant TgIMPDH, which converts IMP to XMP as expected. Mycophenolic acid is an uncompetitive inhibitor relative to NAD+, with a intercept inhibition constant (Kii) of 0.03 ± 0.004 μM. Tiazofurin and its seleno analog were not inhibitory to the purified enzyme, but adenine dinucleotide analogs such as TAD and the nonhydrolyzable β-methylene derivatives of TAD or SAD were inhibitory, with Kii values 13- to 60-fold higher than that of mycophenolic acid.
Confounding control in a nonexperimental study of STAR*D data: logistic regression balanced covariates better than boosted CART

Abstract Purpose Propensity scores (PSs), a powerful bias-reduction tool, can balance treatment groups on measured covariates in nonexperimental studies. We demonstrate the use of multiple PS estimation methods to optimize covariate balance. Methods We used secondary data from 1292 adults with nonpsychotic major depressive disorder in the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression trial (2001–2004). After initial citalopram treatment failed, patient preference influenced assignment to medication augmentation (n = 565) or switch (n = 727). To reduce selection bias, we used boosted classification and regression trees (BCART) and logistic regression iteratively to identify two potentially optimal PSs. We assessed and compared covariate balance. Results After iterative selection of interaction terms to minimize imbalance, logistic regression yielded better balance than BCART (average standardized absolute mean difference across 47 covariates: 0.03 vs. 0.08, matching; 0.02 vs. 0.05, weighting). Conclusions Comparing multiple PS estimates is a pragmatic way to optimize balance. Logistic regression remains valuable for this purpose. Simulation studies are needed to compare PS models under varying conditions. Such studies should consider more flexible estimation methods, such as logistic models with automated selection of interactions or hybrid models using main effects logistic regression instead of a constant log-odds as the initial model for BCART.
Endocrine Disruptors: Can Biological Effects and Environmental Risks Be Predicted?

A large number of diverse nonsteroidal chemicals, referred to as xenoestrogens, bind to the estrogen receptor (ER) and evoke biological responses. The activity of most xenoestrogens is weak (from about 1/1000th to 1/1,000,000th that of estradiol). These substances interact with the binding pocket of the ER because they have chemical similarities to estradiol (usually a phenolic A-ring). Reduced activity of xenoestrogens probably results from lack of fit of the remainder of the molecule within the binding pocket. ER binding per se has only limited influence on endocrine disruption. The nature (estrogenic or antiestrogenic) or magnitude of the response is a function of the substance itself, complexities within the various stages of the ER signaling pathway, as well as other factors (such as, plasma binding of xenoestrogens, cross-talk between ER and other signaling pathways, androgen antagonism, and alternate modes of estrogen action). Whereas there is general agreement that high doses of nonsteroidal chemicals can evoke endocrine disruptive effects, there is no consensus that such substances produce low-dose effects or that humans are at risk of endocrine disruption due to exposure to environmentally relevant levels of such chemicals. Furthermore, screening programs to identify hormonally active chemicals (such as the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program) may be premature in view of the complexity of the mechanisms involved.
INHIBITION OF HUMAN MAST CELL CHYMASE BY SECRETORY LEUKOCYTE PROTEINASE INHIBITOR : ENHANCEMENT OF THE INTERACTION BY HEPARIN

Abstract The inhibition of human chymase, a chymotrypsin-like proteinase stored in mast cell granules, by secretory leukocyte proteinase inhibitor (SLPI) is investigated in this study. SLPI is a serine proteinase inhibitor present in human mucus secretions and tissues. It binds heparin, a highly sulfated glycosaminoglycan also found in mast cell secretory granules, and this interaction increases its effectiveness as an inhibitor of neutrophil elastase. Analysis of the chymase–SLPI interaction by equilibrium and kinetic methods indicates that the inhibition of chymase results from the reversible formation of a stable 1:1 enzyme–inhibitor complex. The dissociation equilibrium constant ( K i ) determined in reactions containing 0.18 M or 1.0 M NaCl (pH 8.0, 25°C) was 5 × 10 −8 and 2 × 10 −8 M , respectively. Addition of heparin to the low-salt reaction decreased the K i approximately 10-fold to a value of 3 × 10 −9 M , making SLPI a more effective inhibitor of human chymase. The decrease was due primarily to an approximately 10-fold increase in the association rate constant ( k ass ) from 2 × 10 4 to 3 × 10 5 M −1 s −1 . The magnitudes of the rate and dissociation equilibrium constants indicate that SLPI has the potential to be a good chymase inhibitor in vivo, especially if chymase and heparin are released from mast cell granules simultaneously. The enhanced interaction in the presence of heparin supports the importance of this glycosaminoglycan to the inhibitory function of SLPI.
Unexpected impact parameter dependence in the angular distribution of the δ-electron production probability in 0.53 MeV/uF8+→Ne

Abstract Experimental absolute impact parameter ( b ) dependent double differential δ-electron production probabilities d 2 P ( b ) are presented for 0.53 MeV/uF 8+ + Ne collisions for 90° and 0° observation angles. The strongly b -dependent anisotropy observed is qualitatively explained in a model of electron excitation from oriented charge density distributions associated with different subshells.
Pycnodysostosis, a Lysosomal Disease Caused by Cathepsin K Deficiency

Pycnodysostosis, an autosomal recessive osteochondrodysplasia characterized by osteosclerosis and short stature, maps to chromosome 1q21. Cathepsin K, a cysteine protease gene that is highly expressed in osteoclasts, localized to the pycnodysostosis region. Nonsense, missense, and stop codon mutations in the gene encoding cathepsin K were identified in patients. Transient expression of complementary DNA containing the stop codon mutation resulted in messenger RNA but no immunologically detectable protein. Thus, pycnodysostosis results from gene defects in a lysosomal protease with highest expression in osteoclasts. These findings suggest that cathepsin K is a major protease in bone resorption, providing a possible rationale for the treatment of disorders such as osteoporosis and certain forms of arthritis.
Longitudinal voice quality changes following Isshiki thyroplasty type I: the Yale experience.

Longitudinal voice quality changes following Isshiki thyroplasty type I were investigated in a group of 18 patients exhibiting unilateral vocal fold paralysis. Thyroplasty type I medializes the paralyzed fold by using a Silastic® implant for external lateral compression of the abducted fold. No perioperative complications were experienced. We observed significantly higher voice fundamental frequency, significantly louder voice intensity, and significantly longer maximum phonation time, both immediately following phono-surgery and up to 3 months postoperatively. Surgical refinements of thyroplasty type I are described.
Serengeti Migratory Wildebeest: Facilitation of Energy Flow by Grazing

Dense concentrations of migratory wildebeest leaving the Serengeti Plains in late May 1974 reduced green plant biomass by almost 400 grams per square meter, 85 percent of the initial standing crop. However, this grazing prevented senescence and stimulated net primary productivity of the grasslands. Thomson's gazelles leaving the plains a month later were significantly associated with areas previously grazed by wildebeest, and this association was still evident at the end of the dry season, 6 months later.
Anion partitioning and ion-pairing behavior of anions in the extraction of cesium salts by 4,5' '-Bis(tert-octylbenzo)dibenzo-24-crown-8 in 1,2-dichloroethane.

A systematic study of anion partitioning and ion pairing was performed for an extraction of individual cesium salts into 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCE) using 4,5‘ ‘-bis(tert-octylbenzo)dibenzo-24-crown-8 as the cesium receptor. Equilibrium constants corresponding to the extraction of ion pairs and dissociated ions, formation of the 1:1 cesium/crown complex (confirmed by electrospray mass spectrometry), and dissociation of the ion pairs in water-saturated 1,2-DCE at 25 °C were obtained from equilibrium modeling using the SXLSQI program. The standard Gibbs energy of partitioning between water and water-saturated 1,2-DCE was determined for picrate, permanganate, trifluoromethanesulfonate, methanesulfonate, trifluoroacetate, and acetate anions. The dissociation of the organic-phase complex ion pair [Cs(4,4‘ ‘-bis(tert-octylbenzo)dibenzo-24-crown-8)]+NO3- observed in the extraction experiments was shown to be consistent with the dissociation constant determined independently by conductance measurements. As attri...
Cardiovascular Response to Submaximal Stationary Cycling During Hemodialysis

Exercise intolerance is a problem in renal failure. Stationary cycle training during hemodialysis treatment is recommended as safe, effective, and practical, but requires compensations for both exercise and acute changes in uremia. Eight patients pedalled for 5 minutes, at 60% of VO2peak, at 0, 1, 2, and 3 hours of a hemodialysis treatment. Fluid removed, blood pressure, cardiac output, heart rate, O2 uptake, hematocrit, and arterial O2 content were measured. Mean arterial blood pressure, systemic vascular resistance, stroke volume, (a-v)O2 difference, and mixed-venous O2 content were calculated. Fluid removed was 1,356 mL/hr (P < 0.002 for each hour), but with no significant cardiovascular effects during the first 2 hours. At 3 hours, decreasing cardiac output, stroke volume, and mean arterial pressure all reached significance at rest (P < 0.05), and five of eight patients could not exercise. We conclude that the cardiovascular exercise response is superimposed on hemodynamic effects of dialysis and is adequately stable during the first 2 hours of treatment. After 2 hours, cardiovascular decompensation may preclude exercise.
Isocrystalline core/shell synthesis of high-quality II-VI diluted magnetic semiconductor quantum dots: ligand-field spectroscopic studies

Ligand field electronic absorption spectroscopy has been applied as a direct probe of Co2+ dopant ions in II-VI based diluted magnetic semiconductor quantum dots. Synthesis of Co2+-doped CdS (Co2+:CdS) quantum dots by simple coprecipitation in inverted micelle solutions has been found to yield predominantly surface bound dopant ions, which are unstable with respect to solvation in a coordinating solvent (pyridine). The solvation kinetics are biphasic, involving two transient intermediates. In contrast, Co2+ ions are doped much more isotropically in ZnS QDs, and this difference is attributed to the similar ionic radii of Co2+ and Zn2+ ions (0.74 a), as opposed to Cd2+ ions (0.97 a). We have developed an isocrystalline core/shell synthetic methodology that enables us to synthesize high quality internally doped Co2+:CdS quantum dots. The effect of Co2+ binding on the surface energies of CdS and ZnS quantum dots is discussed and related to the growth mechanism of diluted magnetic semiconductor quantum dots.
The shape and size of hemozoin crystals distinguishes diverse Plasmodium species

All Plasmodium species produce a brown birefringent crystal known as malarial pigment or hemozoin. This work compares the morphology of hemozoin from P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, P. knowlesi, P. brasilianum, P. yoelii and P. gallinaceum. The human, primate and mouse hemozoins have a regular, flat-faced cuboidal morphology with modest size differences in contrast to the larger, regularly irregular barrel shape with a waffle surface of the avian, P. gallinaceum, pigment. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), as a biochemical test reagent, can distinguish the hemozoins by different concentrations to degrade half of the crystals. A surface area to volume ratio explains both the appearance and susceptibility to H2O2 degradation. The hemozoin from each species is able to be a template for hemozoin extension inhibitable by the quinolines. P. gallinaceum hemozoin more closely resembles the hemozoin from another avian apicomplexan, Haemoproteus, rather than the hemozoin from the mammalian malaria species. These distinct morphological characteristics between mammalian and avian crystals suggest different biochemical environments that affect morphology.