cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determination of the activity of carboxypeptidase A in the blood of healthy human adults.

A sensitive and highly specific assay, utilizing N-acetyl-Phe-3-thiaPhe as substrate, has been designed to make possible the direct determination of carboxypeptidase A in human serum or plasma. Measurement of the enzyme's activity in the serum of 108 blood donors has established the basal concentration for healthy human adults to be 0.068±0.028 U/l (x±1 S.D.). This is equivalent to 0.34 μg/l of carboxypeptidase A. Such an extremely low baseline provides for a substantial dynamic range over which to assess pancreatic pathology. Previous claims in the literature for an 11 fold higher baseline have to be reexamined in view of the failure of the investigators to take into account the ability of the proenzyme form of carboxypeptidase A, which does occur in serum, to attack their substrates.
The answering system to yes-no truth-functional questions in Korean-English bilingual children.

This study presents an experiment that explores the patterns of answers to yes–no truth-functional questions in English and Korean. The answering patterns are examined from 12 Korean–English bilingual children and 10 Korean-monolingual children. Four types of sentences in relation to given situations (Wason in Br J Psychol 52:133–142, 1961) were provided as questions such as true affirmative (TA), true negative (TN), false affirmative (FA), and false negative (FN). The bilingual children’s answers were observed in separate language settings, English and Korean. The results by the bilingual in the Korean setting were compared with those by the monolinguals. The results show that bilingual children can process two systems rather successfully by providing correct responses to the given questions. But difficulty patterns, measured from error rates in each setting, are found different in two languages. The bilinguals’ difficulty patterns in English and Korean, however, show deviation from monolinguals’ difficulty patterns suggested in previous studies (Wason in Br J Psychol 52:133–142, 1961, Akiyama in Dev Psychol 20:219–228, 1984, Kim in Dev Psychol 21(3):462–472, 1985, Choi in Dev Psychol 29(3):407–420, 1991). The present work also shows that negatives are not uniformly reported with more errors than affirmatives when the truth condition and the answering system are further involved. All in all, the current study suggests that bilingual children have two separate processing systems for yes–no truth-functional questions. However, the two systems cannot be understood as a simple coexistence of two monolingual systems. Interaction of the two competing linguistic systems is discussed further.
The Strain Index (SI) and Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for Hand Activity Level (HAL): risk of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in a prospective cohort.

A cohort of 536 workers was enrolled from 10 diverse manufacturing facilities and was followed monthly for six years. Job physical exposures were individually measured. Worker demographics, medical history, psychosocial factors, current musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) were obtained. Point and lifetime prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) at baseline (symptoms + abnormal NCS) were 10.3% and 19.8%. During follow-up, there were 35 new CTS cases (left, right or both hands). Factors predicting development of CTS included: job physical exposure (American conference of governmental industrial hygienists Threshold Limit Value (ACGIH TLV) for Hand Activity Level (HAL) and the Strain Index (SI)), age, BMI, other MSDs, inflammatory arthritis, gardening outside of work and feelings of depression. In the adjusted models, the TLV for HAL and the SI were both significant per unit increase in exposure with hazard ratios (HR) increasing up to a maximum of 5.4 (p = 0.05) and 5.3 (p...
Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis)—occurrence and possibilities for its control in Hungary1

Frankliniella occidentalis was first recorded in Hungary in 1989. The pest has endangered the mass-rearing and distribution of the biological control agents Encarsia formosa and Phytoseiulus persimilis being conducted at the Hodmezovasarhely Institute. Different insecticide active ingredients were studied for elimination of the pest from experimental glasshouses and new methods for monitoring populations of the new thrips. The fungus Verticillium lecanii has been tested as an indirect control agent.
The appearance and inheritance of the I-cell phenotype in Dictyostelium discoideum.

Abstract Dictyostelium discoideum , strain NC-4 (haploid) has been found to contain two cell types, termed I cells and R cells, distinguishable by size, flatness, vacuolation, motility, and capacity to initiate centers of aggregation. The present paper has examined the distribution of phenotypes in clones derived from I cells and R cells and has extended the list of differences between them to include differences in genetic stability, nuclear size and number, and modes of cell division. It is suggested that the I cells may be polyploid (perhaps tetraploid) derivatives of the demonstrably haploid R cells.
Effect of Vibrio cholera toxin on vascular and extravascular spaces of rat intestine.

SummaryThe addition of cholera toxin to closed loops of proximal small intestine resulted in an increase in the extravascular space of serum albumin. It did not alter the tissue red blood cell, dextran or urea spaces while causing a decrease in the inulin space. The increase in the albumin space suggests that the interstitial colloid osmotic pressure was elevated.
Alterations in serotonin transporter expression in brain regions of rats exposed neonatally to chlorpyrifos

Abstract Chlorpyrifos (CPF), one of the most widely-used organophosphate pesticides, is a suspected neuroteratogen. We administered CPF to neonatal rats on postnatal days (PN) 1–4 (1 mg/kg) or PN11–14 (5 mg/kg), treatments devoid of overt toxicity. At the end of the treatment period (PN5 and 15, respectively) and 5–7 days later, we then examined the effects on paroxetine (PXT) binding to the presynaptic 5HT high-affinity transporter, a marker for serotonin (5HT) projections. In males, we found a persistent decrease in PXT binding across the two different treatment regimens, with deficits apparent in a brain region containing 5HT terminal fields (forebrain) as well as in a region containing 5HT cell bodies (brainstem). In contrast, females given the early treatment regimen (PN1–4) showed deficits in the brainstem but transient elevations in the forebrain; the later treatment regimen (PN11–14) had no significant effect on PXT binding in females. These data are consistent with earlier work showing brainstem cell injury resulting from neonatal CPF exposure, and indicate specific damage to 5HT neurons, with a consequent loss of transporter expression in both terminal fields and perikarya. In females, the damage may be temporarily offset by initial trophic effects in the terminal region, consequent to the cholinergic stimulation evoked by cholinesterase inhibition via the active metabolite, CPF oxon. The gender-selective effects on 5HT systems are likely to contribute to similar gender dimorphism in behavioral performance. Because the CPF effects involve 5HT, a neurotransmitter intimately involved in the control of mood, we suggest the need to evaluate behaviors that typify animal models of depression.
Palmitate incorporation into lipids by lung subcellular fractions.

Abstract The incorporation of palmitate into lipids by hamster lung subcellular fractions was examined and compared to the simultaneous incorporation of sn -glycero-3-phosphate. The rate of incorporation was greater for the microsomal fraction than for the mitochondria-rich fraction with very little incorporation by the supernatant. The supernatant, however, increased the rate of incorporation by 60–70% when added to the particulate fractions. The presence of CoA, ATP and rac -glycerophosphate in the incubation medium was required for optimal incorporation in all fractions. Comparison of incorporation of sn -glycero-3-phosphate and palmitate into lipids indicated that a great part of palmitate incorporation into 3- sn -phosphatidylcholine did not proceed via the diglyceride pathway. The highest de novo incorporation of palmitate was observed into 3- sn -phosphatidylethanolamine.
Simultaneous voltammetric and chemical monitoring of dopamine release in situ

The validity of voltammetric monitoring of stimulated dopamine (DA) release was tested by simultaneous chemical assay of the extracellular fluid region next to the tip of a selective Nafion-coated graphite voltammetric electrode. Micro alumina probes were positioned next to the recording electrode tip to adsorb released catecholamines. The catecholamines were desorbed into microvolumes of acid and analyzed by very sensitive HPLC assays to provide unequivocal chemical verification of the electrochemical signals. The results fully confirm that selective voltammetric electrodes can detect released DA and that the concentrations determined voltammetrically or chemically agree well.
Pinning method of pulse confinement in optical fiber with random dispersion

Pulse propagation in optical fiber links with randomness in the dispersion is investigated theoretically and numerically for systems with and without dispersion management. The main effects of locally correlated noise are inevitable pulse destruction and statistical broadening. However, periodic/quasi-periodic management of fiber randomness, achieved by setting the accumulated dispersion to its nominal value (pinning), essentially decreases pulse broadening. If the pinning period is short enough, we observe a statistical state that is numerically indistinguishable from the steady state in the dispersion-managed case.
Local Balance and Variability of Atmospheric Heat Budget over Oceans: Observation and Reanalysis-Based Estimates

AbstractThe authors quantify systematic differences between modern observation- and reanalysis-based estimates of atmospheric heating rates and identify dominant variability modes over tropical oceans. Convergence of heat fluxes between the top of the atmosphere and the surface are calculated over the oceans using satellite-based radiative and sensible heat fluxes and latent heating from precipitation estimates. The convergence is then compared with column-integrated atmospheric heating based on Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission data as well as the heating calculated using temperatures from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder and wind fields from the Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA). Corresponding calculations using MERRA and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Interim Re-Analysis heating rates and heat fluxes are also performed. The geographical patterns of atmospheric heating rates show heating regimes over the intertropical convergence zone and s...
Cyril Oberlander is My Hero; or, What the Heck is Cyril Oberlander Talking About?

Well, after many years of avoiding the inevitable, I was forced to attend a recent conference. Two days in Orlando December 6 and 7, 2006 for the Florida Illiad Workshop and Conference (http://www....
The thermodynamic properties of benzo[b]thiophene

Measurements leading to the calculation of the standard molar thermodynamic properties for benzo[ b ]thiophene(g) (Chemical Abstracts registry number [95-15-8]) are reported. Experimental methods included adiabatic heat-capacity calorimetry, comparative ebulliometry, inclined-piston gauge manometry, and differential-scanning calorimetry (d.s.c.). The critical temperature and critical density were determined with the d.s.c., and the critical pressure was derived. Standard molar entropies, enthalpies, and Gibbs energies of formation were derived for the gas for selected temperatures between 260 K and 750 K. These values were derived by combining the reported measurements with values published previously for the enthalpy of combustion, the enthalpy of fusion, and the entropy and enthalpy of the liquid at the triple-point temperature. Measured and derived quantities were compared with available literature values.
INFANT SLEEP PATTERNS: FROM BIRTH TO 16 WEEKS OF AGE.

Records of sleep and wakefulness were kept on forty-six infants during their first 16 weeks of life. There was a relatively small decrease in the total hours of sleep per day. The number of hours in the longest sustained sleep period doubled, while the longest sustained wakefulness increased by one-half. In the first week there were almost equal amounts of sleep during the day and night. By the sixteenth week the distribution of sleep showed double the amount of sleep at night as compared to the day. These changes coincide with reported maturational changes in behavior and electroencephalograms, and with anatomic changes in the nervous system.*Department of Pediatrics, University ofCalifornia Medical Center, Los Angeles, Calif. 90024.
Equimolar proportions of somatic-type, core histones in chromatin of spermatogonia

[3H]Leucine incorporation into histones of seminiferous epithelial cells of hypophysectomized rats was used to calculate the molar proportions of the core histones of spermatogonia. The molar proportions H3:H2B:(H2A + protein A24):H4 are 1:1:1:1, viz. identical with those reported by others for somatic cells. Similar results were obtained when molar proportions of histones of seminiferous epithelial cells from immature rat testis (predominantly populated with spermatogonia) were determined by the dye-binding method. These data are relevant to mechanisms for the replacement of some of the core histones by variants during the primary spermatocyte stages.
Sorption of Pyrene by Regular and Nanoscaled Metal Oxide Particles: Influence of Adsorbed Organic Matter

Sorption of pyrene by regular and nanoscaled aluminum, zinc, and titanium oxides was examined. All oxides had low sorption for pyrene because of sorbed water molecules. Due to the larger surface area (SA) of nanoparticles, they had higher sorption for pyrene than the regular ones. Organic matter (OM) coating greatly enhanced pyrene sorption by all oxides, noting the importance of sorbed OM in sorption of hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs). Due to higher sorption site density in the sorbed OM phase on the regular oxide surfaces, SA-normalized distribution coefficients (K(dSA)) of pyrene by OM-regular oxide complexes (6.0-40.6) were greater than the OM-coated oxide nanoparticles (0.7-12.5). Furthermore, the OM-regular oxide complexes had higher organic carbon content-normalized K(dSA) values of pyrene (48-17 300) than the OM-nanoscaled oxide complexes (15-1530). This variation may be due to different physical forms and fractionation of the loaded OM on regular and nanoscaled oxide particles.
BLACKLIGHT AND SHORTWAVE UV SENSITIVITY OF NEUROSPORA CRASSA AS A FUNCTION OF CULTURE AGE

— Conidia of differing ages from wild type and the fluffy (fl) mutant of Neurospora were inactivated with both blacklight and shortwave UV. Five-day-old cultures of both wild type and fluffy conidia were equally sensitive to inactivation by shortwave UV while the fluffy mutant was more sensitive to blacklight inactivation. As the cultures age, both wild type and the fluffy mutant become more sensitive to inactivation by blacklight and shortwave UV. Possible explanations are offered for the enhancing effects of age on sensitivity to blacklight and shortwave UV.2
Early experience of the use of fibrin sealant in the management of children with pilonidal sinus disease

Abstract Background The use of fibrin sealant in the management of pilonidal sinus disease has not previously been described in children. We present our experience of primary pit excision and use of fibrin sealant (PEF) and compare outcomes with lateralising flap procedures (LFP). Methods A single centre retrospective case note review of all children who had undergone a definitive procedure for pilonidal sinus from August 2006 to Dec 2013 was performed using data expressed as median (range) and compared using Fisher’s exact test. P Results Forty-one children were identified having undergone 49 procedures, with median age 15 (12–16 years) and follow up 32 (8–92) months. Groups were comparable for disease severity. Ten children underwent primary PEF and twenty-six LFP. Two children had recurrence following primary PEF and had repeat PEF which was curative. Overall recurrence rates following PEF procedure were comparable to LFP (17% vs 21%; P = 1.0). There were no wound dehiscences in the PEF group and one wound infection. There was one wound dehiscence and one wound infection in the LFP group. Median operative time for PEF was lower than LFP (20 vs 60 min, P = 0.001). 83% of PEF procedures were performed as day cases. One child was lost to follow up, and two children progressed to adult services. Conclusions We recommend PEF in children with pilonidal sinus disease as primary treatment and for recurrence. PEF has comparable recurrence and wound infection rates to LFPs, is performed as day case, has shorter anaesthetic times, and the risk of wound dehiscence is avoided.
The multinationals’ economic penetration, growth, industrial output, and domestic savings in developing countries: Another look

This study evaluates the effects of the multinationals’ economic penetration on GDP growth rate, the industrial output growth, and domestic capital formation using, for econometric analyses, a more recent data set from LDCs. Likelihood ratio tests showed that (a) there was significant structural variation across the low‐income and the middle‐income countries, and (b) there had been a significant dynamic structural shift over time, that influenced the economic relationships. Statistical tests also showed that the hypothesis of exogeneity of the multinational variable could not be rejected. The study finds little or no empirical support for the multinational variable being significantly a deterrent factor on LDCs’ GDP growth rate, or on industrial output growth, or on domestic savings rate; whereas the effects of domestic variables, the national savings rate, exports and state's economic intervention policy emerge quite strongly.
Use of computed tomography in skeletal structure research

Specific guidelines for the use of computed tomographic (CT) scanning in analyses of skeletal material are presented and discussed in relation to basic CT principles and empirical observations. Recommendations for scanning procedures, image display parameters, hard copy output, and relating CT numbers to mass densities are given. Experimental verification and standardization of scanning technique are stressed, with examples given from a study of modern (nonfossilized) primate long bones.
Genetic dissociation between ethanol sensitivity and rapid tolerance in mouse and rat strains selectively bred for differential ethanol sensitivity.

Background: The Inbred Long- and Short-Sleep mice (ILS and ISS) and the Inbred High- and Low-Alcohol-Sensitive rats (IHAS and ILAS) were selectively bred for differential alcohol sensitivity with use of the duration of loss-of-righting-reflex test (LORR), with the IHAS and ILS animals being much more sensitive than the ILAS and ISS animals, respectively. The current study was undertaken to determine whether acute sensitivity in these strains is genetically correlated to a rapid tolerance to alcohol, a form of tolerance that is evident 24 hr after a single alcohol dose. Methods: Separate groups of animals were administered a single pretreatment dose of alcohol (0–6 g/kg for the mice; 0–4 g/kg for the rats). Alcohol sensitivity was tested 24 hr later with the LORR test, and blood ethanol concentration was tested at regain of righting (BECRR). Alcohol-induced hypothermia also was determined in the mice. Independently derived replicate rat strains were used for all experiments (IHAS1, ILAS1; IHAS2, ILAS2); no such replicates exist for the ILS and ISS strains. Results: Alcohol pretreatment caused a dose-dependent decrease in LORR duration accompanied by an increase in BECRR in the ILS strain, but LORR increased in the ISS strain with no effect on BECRR. Both strains became hypothermic during the LORR test on day two, but the only significant effect of alcohol pretreatment was in the ISS strain, in which alcohol-induced hypothermia was enhanced. Alcohol pretreatment caused a significant dose-dependent decrease in LORR duration accompanied by an increase in BECRR in the IHAS1 but not in the IHAS2 strain. In contrast, ILAS1 and ILAS2 strains both showed a significant increase in LORR duration and also a significant increase in BECRR. Conclusions: Alcohol pretreatment caused a dose-dependent decrease in LORR duration and an increase in BECRR in the IHAS1 and ILS strain, suggesting the development of functional rapid tolerance. In contrast, LORR duration increased in the ILAS1, ILAS2, and ISS groups, but BECRR either increased (ILAS1, ILAS2) or did not change (ISS). These observations suggest that central nervous system sensitivity was decreased in the ILAS1 and ILAS2 groups (i.e., rapid functional tolerance) or unchanged in the ISS strain, but that some pharmacokinetic property also was altered in these strains. Overall, the results do not support a genetic relation between alcohol sensitivity and the development of rapid tolerance.
Dysfunctional High-Density Lipoprotein and Atherosclerosis

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is well established as a negative risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis. Epidemiologic, pathologic, and experimental studies have demonstrated a role for HDL in protection from coronary artery disease. HDL has been demonstrated to reduce the risk from atherosclerosis by multiple pathophysiologic mechanisms. Low-density lipoprotein is a metabolic end product that can be recognized and cleared by specific hepatic receptors with excretion into the bile. However, low-density lipoprotein may also be scavenged in the periphery by the monocyte-macrophage system, with subsequent generation of lipid-laden foam cells. HDL may reduce the atherosclerotic burden by multiple potential mechanisms. HDL can interact with the foam cell to remove cholesterol via receptor-mediated binding, passive diffusion, and alteration of intracellular cholesterol trafficking by ATP binding cassettes. The process of reverse cholesterol transport is a major mechanism by which HDL can remove cholesterol from the periphery, allowing it to be cleared by the liver and then excreted into the bile. However, HDL exhibits multiple additional potential beneficial physiologic effects. Endothelial function and repair is potentiated by HDL. Normal HDL has significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Prostacyclin production and improvement in fibrinolytic balance is also attributed to normally functioning HDL. HDL is also intimately related to the metabolism of other circulating lipoproteins. However, multiple clinical studies have identified individuals with a significant atherosclerotic burden despite normal or elevated levels of HDL cholesterol. Clinical conditions associated with inflammation and oxidative stress have adversely altered the normal functions of HDL. Clinical assays have been developed to assess the functionality of HDL. Dysfunctional HDL may be returned to normal by diet, exercise, degree of fat intake, and pharmacologic approaches. Orally active mimetic proteins are in development and have shown clinical promise.
Energy conservation and the role of the social sciences

Abstract In this article the author aims to provide a conceptual framework and a social scientific research paradigm for encouraging energy conservation by individuals and small businesses. Questions in the social sciences related to energy conservation are presented via a category system which divides conservation topics into microscopic and macroscopic problem areas. A problem-centered research paradigm, which stresses active rather than passive learning, is outlined and the ways in which it can be used to increase energy conservation, particularly in the US context, are described. The important role which social scientists can play in energy related research is also highlighted.
Central Administration of IL-1α Increases Glucose Uptake by Muscle

Abstract Intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of interleukin (IL)-1α has previously been demonstrated to enhance the rate of whole body glucose disposal. The purpose of the present study was to identify the specific tissue(s) responsible for the increased glucose uptake. All experiments were performed on fasted catheterized rats in which an ICV cannula had also been implanted. In vivo glucose uptake by individual tissues was determined, using tracer amounts of [ 14 C]-2-deoxyglucose, 20-60 min after the ICV injection of recombinant human IL-1α (100 ng/rat). IL-1 increased glucose uptake in skeletal muscle (117%), diaphragm (50%) and heart (110%), compared to time-matched control animals. Glucose uptake by other tissues, including the liver, spleen, lung, skin, ileum and whole brain, was not different from control values. As a result of these changes, the contribution of skeletal muscle to whole body glucose disposal increased from 29% to 48%, while that of skin and intestine decreased. The increased glucose uptake in various muscles was consistent with the increased (55%) plasma insulin levels in these animals. In rats pretreated with somatostatin, which produced severe insulinopenia, the IL-1 induced increases in glucose uptake were prevented in heart and diaphragm, and attenuated by more than 80% in skeletal muscle. These data indicate that the increased whole body glucose disposal produced by ICV injection of IL-1α was due to an enhanced uptake of glucose by muscle via insulin-mediated pathways. A comparison of the present findings with those obtained in a previous study, in which IL-1 was injected intravenously at a dose sufficient to increase whole body glucose uptake, indicates significant differences in regional glucose distribution between these two conditions.
The thermodynamics of pyrochemical processes for liquid metal reactor fuel cycles

Abstract The thermodynamic basis for pyrochemical processes for the recovery and purification of metallic fuel from liquid metal cooled reactors is described. These processes involve the transport of the uranium and plutonium from one liquid alloy to another through a molten salt. The processes discussed use liquid alloys of cadmium, zinc, and magnesium and molten chloride salts. The oxidation-reduction steps are done either chemically by the use of an auxiliary redox couple or electrochemically by the use of an external electrical supply. The same basic thermodynamics apply to both the salt transport and the electrotransport processes. Large deviations from ideal solution behavior of the actinides and lanthanides in the liquid alloys have a major influence on the solubilities and the performance of both the salt transport and electrotransport processes. Separation of plutonium and uranium from each other and decontamination from the more noble and the alkali metal and alkaline earth fission-product elements can be achieved using both transport processes. The thermodynamic analysis is used to make process design computations for different process conditions.
On the He II Emission in η Carinae and the Origin of Its Spectroscopic Events

We describe and analyze Hubble Space Telescope (HST) observations of transient emission near 4680 8 inCar, reportedearlierbySteiner&Damineli.If,asseemsprobable,thisisHeiik4687,thenitisauniquecluetoCar's5.5yr cycle. According to our analysis, several aspects of this feature support a mass-ejection model of the observed spectro- scopicevents,andnotaneclipsemodel.TheHeiiemissionappearedinearly2003,grewtoabriefmaximumduringthe 2003.5spectroscopicevent,andthenabruptlydisappeared.ItdidnotappearinanyotherHSTspectrabeforeorafter the event. The peak brightness was larger than previously reported and is difficult to explain even if one allows for an un- certaintyfactoroforder3.Thestellarwindmustprovideatemporarylarger-than-normalenergysupply,andwedescribe a special form of radiative amplification that may also be needed. These characteristics are consistent with a class of mass-ejectionorwind-disturbancescenarios,whichhaveimplicationsforthephysicalstructureandstabilityofCar. Subject headingg binaries: general — line: profiles — stars: individual (� Car) — stars: variables: other — stars: winds, outflows
Traffic-adaptive packet relaying in VANET

It was recently noticed that co-directional roadways traffic consists of a collection of disconnected clusters, implying that end-to-end connectivity between sender and receiver is not guaranteed to exist. Because of this lack of connectivity, a car that stores a packet may have to carry it for a while, acting as a "data mule", before a suitable next hop can be identified. We offer an analytical expression for the expected size of a cluster in co-directional traffic, confirming the findings of [2, 3, 4]. Next, we develop TAPR -- a Traffic-Adaptive Packet Relaying protocol wherecars use a simple strategy to decide whether to route through co-directional or oncoming clusters. TAPR is evaluated through extensive simulation.
Methods for Measuring and Characterizing Transistor and Diode Large Signal Parameters for Use in Automatic Circuit Analysis Programs

The mathematical bases of the Ebers-Moll, Charge-Control and Linvill models are discussed in order to establish the parameter requirements and the accuracy of these models. A recovery technique for measuring those parameters associated with minority carrier storage in devices is described and typical values are given for several high frequency devices. Other parameters, such as current gain and junction depletion capacitance, do not require special measurement procedures and in these cases the characterization of the bias dependence of the parameter is given primary emphasis. The use of the recovery technique in characterizing permanent radiation (neutron) damage and in studying damage mechanisms in transistors is also discussed.
Velocity Shear-induced Mode Conversion in Solar Wind and Streamer Plasmas

The possible scenario of Alfven wave transformation into other MHD waves due to inhomogeneous flow in different regions of solar wind/corona is examined. We have chosen four examples with different plasma parameters and velocity shear parameters as representative cases for the plasma conditions. Two of the cases are representative of coronal holes and streamers at a radial distance of 1.6 R☉. The third example examines the effect of an increased velocity shear due to the vicinity of a boundary. The fourth case represents solar wind conditions at 1 AU, where the plasma parameter is about unity. To study the wave coupling in the above described cases, we make use of "nonmodal" formalism, which appears to be a useful tool for wave processes taking place in a plasma with velocity shear. Our finding is that the possibility of coupling between Alfven waves and fast magnetosonic waves exists in coronal holes while for streamer conditions the Alfven mode couples to the slow magnetosonic mode. In the inner corona, it seems that these two possible ways of coupling do not overlap each other in the same structures but beyond the Alfvenic point, where β is close to unity, both of them can operate at the same time and the mechanism is more sensitive to the background plasma conditions.
A Study on Gelatin Capsule Brittleness: Moisture Tranfer between the Capsule Shell and Its Content

Variation in moisture content of the capsule shells either due to the change of storage conditions or the moisture transfer between the capsule shell and its contents may lead to undesired physical properties, such as capsule brittleness and stickiness. DMP 504, a developmental bile-acid sequestrant, is a strongly basic anion-exchange polymer which contains randomly distributed primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary amine groups in their hydrochoride salt form. The alkylammonium groups which comprise this polymer form a random network containing a high level of branching and a low level of cross-linking. DMP 504 is very hygroscopic and has a tendency to gain or lose moisture with ease. The transfer of moisture from the capsule shell to DMP 504 powder contained in a hard gelatin capsule can be expected, and if a low water content of the capsule shell is achieved, the capsules become brittle and fracture easily. The sorption isotherm for DMP 504 was generated by storing the drug substance under various relative humidity conditions. After equilibrium, the moisture contents for the samples of individual isotherm points were measured by thermogravimetric analyses. This report applies the sorption-desorption moisture transfer (SDMT) model to predict the equilibrium relative humidity in a system containing DMP 504 in hard gelatin capsules and to establish target loss on drying values for DMP 504 and the capsule shell. Application of this SDMT model resulted in finding a solution to the brittleness problem. The moisture levels of capsule shells and contents for two formulations in a 12-month stability program are also reported here. Results of this study further demonstrate that the SDMT model can be used as a tool to guide the formulator to select optimal initial moisture contents for the empty capsule shell and the formulation to avoid the incidence of brittle capsule problems.
Utility maximizing bureaucrats: The bureaucrat's point of view

In this paper we develop a model to examine the extent to which bureaucrats are maximizing their own utility. In the spirit of Williamson (1964) and Simon (1957), we assume that bureaucrats are utility maximizers but not necessarily cost minimizers and we investigate how well the bureaucrat is doing in relation to his own goals.
Density-Dependent Survival and Fecundity of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (Hemiptera: Adelgidae)

ABSTRACT The hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae Annand) has decimated eastern hemlocks (Tsuga canadensis Carriere) in forests throughout the eastern United Sates, but its densities in central NewEngland appear to have stabilized. To find out why, we infested 64 eastern hemlocks with varying densities of adelgid ovisacs in a typical eastern hemlock forest in western Massachusetts. We subsequently documented adelgid density, fecundity, and the amount of new growth on experimental trees over two consecutive years. We used a 2 by 2 randomized block design using previously and newly infested hemlocks that were either 1-m tall saplings or branches of mature trees. There was a density-dependent decline in the survival and fecundity of adelgid in both the spring and winter generations. This response was a function of both previous infestation by adelgid and current year's crawler density in the spring generation. Additionally, the production of sexuparae in the spring generation played a key role in the overa...
Lithium-7 NMR in Paramagnetic LiCuCl3 · 2H2O☆

Nuclear magnetic resonance of 7Li in polycrystalline LiCUCl3·2H2O has been studied as a function of temperature for 77 ⪯ T ⪯ 300 K. In accordance with known crystal structure, a standard spin-32 quadrupolar-perturbed powder pattern is observed, consisting of a central component 12 → −12 transition) flanked by broad satellites. The linewidth of the central component is dominated by dipolar interaction with neighboring protons, and in the temperature interval 165⪅ T ⪅ 190 a fourfold narrowing occurs on warming which is attributed to onset of 180° flipping motion of the H2O molecules. At temperatures above this motional narrowing transition the quadrupole coupling constant and asymmetry parameter were deduced to be 30 ± 2 kHz and 0.60 ± 0.03, respectively, on the basis of resolved structure in the satellite spectrum.
Expression profiling of EWS/FLI identifies NKX2.2 as a critical target gene in Ewing's sarcoma

Our understanding of Ewing's sarcoma development mediated by the EWS/FLI fusion protein has been limited by a lack of knowledge regarding the tumor cell of origin. To circumvent this, we analyzed the function of EWS/FLI in Ewing's sarcoma itself. By combining retroviral-mediated RNA interference with reexpression studies, we show that ongoing EWS/FLI expression is required for the tumorigenic phenotype of Ewing's sarcoma. We used this system to define the full complement of EWS/FLI-regulated genes in Ewing's sarcoma. Functional analysis revealed that NKX2.2 is an EWS/FLI-regulated gene that is necessary for oncogenic transformation in this tumor. Thus, we developed a highly validated transcriptional profile for the EWS/FLI fusion protein and identified a critical target gene in Ewing's sarcoma development.
Rotations and Lorentz transformations

Abstract Any complex three-dimensional rotation is determined by a complex vector and by a complex angle of rotation. New, short proofs are given of the homomorphisms between the three-dimensional complex rotation group, the group of unimodular quaternions (or unimodular 2 × 2 matrices) and the restricted Lorentz group. A correspondence is established between certain complex three-dimensional rotation vectors and two-dimensional subspaces of Lorentz vectors. The two-dimensional subspaces which are invariant under a given restricted Lorentz transformation are shown to be determined by those eigenvectors of the corresponding three-dimensional rotation matrix which belong to real eigenvalues. For non-null restricted Lorentz transformations this leads to a proof of Synge's theorem.
Cortisol augmentation of a psychological treatment for warfighters with posttraumatic stress disorder: Randomized trial showing improved treatment retention and outcome.

Summary Background: Prolonged exposure (PE) therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in military veterans has established efficacy, but is ineffective for a substantial number of patients. PE is also associated with high dropout rates. We hypothesized that hydrocortisone augmentation would enhance symptom improvement and reduce drop-out rates by diminishing the distressing effects of traumatic memories retrieved during imaginal exposure. We also hypothesized that in responders, hydrocortisone augmentation would be more effective in reversing glucocorticoid indices associated with PTSD than placebo augmentation. Method: Twenty-four veterans were randomized to receive either 30 mg oral hydrocortisone or placebo prior to PE sessions 3—10 in a double-blind protocol. Glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity was assessed in cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) using the in vitro lysozyme inhibition test and was determined before and after treatment. Intent-to-treat analysis was performed using latent growth curve modeling of treatment effects on change in PTSD severity over time. Veterans who no longer met diagnostic criteria for PTSD at post-treatment were designated as responders.
A review of wireless and PLC propagation channel characteristics for smart grid environments

Wireless, power line communication (PLC), fiber optic, Ethernet, and so forth are among the communication technologies on which smart grid communication infrastructure is envisioned to be built. Among these, wireless and PLC-based solutions are attractive considering the cost of initial deployment. Wireless communication deployment in smart grid covers a variety of environments such as indoor, outdoor, and electric-power-system facilities. Similar diversity is expected in PLC deployment as well covering low voltage (LV), medium voltage (MV), and high voltage (HV) segments of the grid. In spite of being attractive, wireless and PLC channels are very harsh posing great challenges to performance of communication systems. In proposing solutions to smart grid communication needs, two approaches are likely to be followed. One is based on the use of existing wireless and PLC technologies with some modifications, and the other relies upon developing novel communication protocols particularly addressing the smart grid needs. Both of these approaches require an in-depth knowledge of communication channel characteristics. The aim of this study is to reveal the wireless and PLC channel characteristics of smart grid environments in terms of several parameters such as path loss and attenuation, time dispersion, time selectivity, amplitude statistics, and noise characteristics.
A beta-catenin/XTcf-3 complex binds to the siamois promoter to regulate dorsal axis specification in Xenopus.

The Wnt pathway regulates the early dorsal–ventral axis in Xenopus through a complex of β-catenin and HMG box transcription factors of the Lef/Tcf family. We show that the promoter of the dorsalizing homeo box gene siamois is a direct target for the β-catenin/XTcf-3 complex, establishing a link between the Wnt pathway and the activation of genes involved in specifying the dorsal axis. By injecting siamois reporter constructs into the animal pole of Xenopus embryos, we show that a 0.8-kb fragment of the siamois promoter is strongly activated by β-catenin. The proximal 0.5 kb, which is also activated by β-catenin, contains three Lef/Tcf-binding sites. Mutations in these sites eliminate the β-catenin-mediated activation of siamois and show that siamois is regulated by the β-catenin/XTcf-3 complex, in combination with additional transcriptional activators. When expressed at the equator of the embryo, the siamois promoter is activated to much higher levels on the dorsal side than the ventral side. Ectopic ventral expression of β-catenin raises the ventral expression of the siamois promoter to the dorsal levels. Conversely, ectopic dorsal expression of dominant-negative XTcf-3 abolishes the dorsal activation of the siamois promoter. Furthermore, elimination of the Lef/Tcf sites elevates the ventral expression of siamois, revealing a repressive role for XTcf-3 in the absence of β-catenin. Finally, we find that the endogenous siamois activator, although present throughout the dorsal side of the embryo, is most potent in the dorsal vegetal region. We propose that the dorsal activation of siamois by the β-catenin/XTcf-3 complex combined with the ventral repression of siamois by XTcf-3 results in the restriction of endogenous siamois expression to the dorsal side of Xenopus embryos.
Toward Nanowire Electronics

This paper discusses the electronic transport properties of nanowire field-effect transistors (NW-FETs). Four different device concepts are studied in detail: Schottky-barrier NW-FETs with metallic source and drain contacts, conventional-type NW-FETs with doped NW segments as source and drain electrodes, and, finally, two new concepts that enable steep turn-on characteristics, namely, NW impact ionization FETs and tunnel NW-FETs. As it turns out, NW-FETs are, to a large extent, determined by the device geometry, the dimensionality of the electronic transport, and the way of making contacts to the NW. Analytical as well as simulation results are compared with experimental data to explain the various factors impacting the electronic transport in NW-FETs.
Structure in Solids

TO AN OBSERVER, THE UNIVERSE APPEARS to be made up of objects and beings that act on each other. With an appropriate divider, each object may be broken down into smaller parts. When the object is homogeneous, each part is like any other part of the same size and shape.
Comparative Historical Sociology and Transnational History A Response to Julian Go’s Patterns of Empire

Hyslop’s article criticizes Julian Go’s approach to the historical analysis of empires. It views his work as an example of comparative historical sociology and contrasts it with the methods of transnational historians. While both schools constitute valid research directions, the rise of transnational history has made the work of comparativists more complex, in ways Go does not suffi ciently recognize. Especially, it highlights the diffi culty of drawing lines between the political units that are to be compared. While the article appreciates the elegance of Go’s comparison of the trajectories of British and American imperialism, it points to several flaws in his analysis. In particular the article criticizes Go for not recognizing the historical interpenetration of the British and American empires. It also suggests that his work reflects a tendency in comparativist work toward a structuralist dismissal of issues of agency and culture. Go downplays the role of the internal politics of metropolitan societies in shaping imperialism, Hyslop argues, and sees colonial societies as more united in their resistance to imperialism than they were in reality. Hyslop’scritique of Go draws on Michael Mann’s analysis of the multiple forms of social power.
A limited defense of Pareto optimal redistribution

Pasour's paper is correct in pointing out that the utility interdependency approach fails to completely explain the pattern of redistribution which exists in society and to set definitive normative standards for what redistribution should be. This clearly does not justify, however, his conclusion that the approach is ‘an empty economic box.’ A half full box is not empty. As suggested here, this approach is particularly valuable in understanding the existence and the form of many transfer schemes which cannot be fully explained by other factors. As a normative guide, this approach suffers from the deficiencies which always arise when there is an attempt to use Pareto optimality as a guide for public policy, i.e., it seldom yields a single definitive outcome which can be designated as the most desirable. With all of its limitations, the use of Pareto optimality as a (limited) guide to redistribution questions is infinitely superior to the approach often used of envoking a social welfare function to deal with such questions. Distribution questions which cannot be resolved using the standard of Pareto optimality are ones for which there are no generally acceptable normative standards for making such decisions.
Fail-aware datagram service

In timed asynchronous distributed systems, it is often useful for a process p to know that another process q will not use a certain piece of information p has sent to q beyond a certain deadline. Since p learns about the occurrence of the deadline by simply measuring the passage of time on its own local clock, we call this kind of interprocess communication “communication by time”. Knowledge of computed upper bounds on one-way message transmission delays is a necessary prerequisite for this kind of communication.
Translational neuroscience and magnetic-resonance microscopy

Summary Magnetic-resonance microscopy is a rapidly growing and a widely applied imaging method in translational neuroscience studies. Emphasis has been placed on anatomical, functional, and metabolic studies of genetically engineered mouse models of human disease and the need for efficient phenotyping at all levels. Magnetic-resonance microscopy is now implemented in many laboratories worldwide due to the availability of commercial high-field magnetic-resonance instruments for use in small animals, the development of accessories (including miniature radio-frequency coils), magnetic-resonance compatible physiological monitoring equipment, and access to adjustable anaesthesia techniques. Two of the major magnetic-resonance microscopy applications in the neurosciences—structural and functional magnetic-resonance microscopy—will be reviewed.