cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial Actions of Hexachlorophene: Release of Cytoplasmic Materials

Intracellular solutes were released from growing or resting cells of Bacillus megaterium as a consequence of hexachlorophene treatment. The effect was dose dependent, with the optimum at a concentration about sevenfold greater than the minimal lethal dose. The effects of pH and temperature on the leakage process also were inconsistent with the killing effects of the drug. The types of materials released appeared to be the same with or without hexachlorophene treatment. The released materials were small molecules which apparently derived from preexisting ribonucleic acid and protein, but not from deoxyribonucleic acid. Compared to the effects of other representative surface-active agents and other bis-phenols, hexachlorophene was superior in ability to cause leakage of intracellular materials. Different microorganisms varied in their susceptibility to hexachlorophene, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and a paracolon isolate the most resistant of the vegetative cells examined. It was concluded that the release of intracellular solutes was an effect secondary to the lethal event and presumably arose from hexachlorophene-mediated stimulation of degradative enzymes.
Secondary Fractures and Their Potential Impacts on Hydraulic Fractures Efficiency

Outcrop studies have revealed the presence of abundant cemented fractures in many low permeable formations. Recovered cores have also revealed the opening of some of these smaller size fractures on the wall surface of main hydraulic fractures. Furthermore, earlyproduction well-testing analysis in some of these cases provide estimates for hydraulically induced fracture surface areas which are much larger than the fracture dimensions estimat‐ ed in fracturing design. Re-opening of these small-size fractures could be a possible reason for this discrepancy. In this paper, we show how and to what extent tensile stresses induced by temperature difference between fracturing fluid and formation fluid or plastic unloading of the formation rock could provide a large enough driving force to open a portion of these small cemented natural fractures laying on the surface of hydraulic fractures. Our thermo‐ elastoplasticity analysis reveals the effect of net pressure, stratigraphy and also temperature of the fracturing fluid on the number of activated microfractures. Accordingly, potential dis‐ tributions of activated micro-fractures are estimated. At the end, through an example, we show that the activation of only a small portion of cemented microfractures can increase the total formation contact surface considerably, and consequently increase the initial produc‐ tion by many folds.
Spiral Modes and the Milky Way

In this short communication, I intend to comment on the studies of the structure of the Milky Way in view of current progress made in the density wave theory of spiral modes. I shall first make a brief report of these developments.
Verification of a Chemical Process Leak Test Procedure

A leak test procedure for a combustion system which is used in the chemical industry was verified. This procedure is important since it reduces the probability of explosions. Both government and internal company standards where employed in creating the initial leak test procedure. Several major faults were discovered by the verification of a logic model of the procedure and equipment using SMV. This paper describes the leak test procedure with its corresponding combustion system pipe network, the approach employed in modeling the process, failure modes included in the process model, computational challenges, and verification results. This study indicates that the formal method, SMV, is an appropriate tool for verification of industrial processes of modest complexity
The human milk oligosaccharide, 2'-fucosyllactose, quenches Campylobacter jejuni-induced inflammation in intestinal mucosa

Background: Campylobacter jejuni causes diarrhea worldwide; young children are most susceptible. C. jejuni binding to intestinal mucosa is inhibited ex vivo by α1,2-fucosylated carbohydrate moietie...
Things as They Are: New Directions in Phenomenological Anthropology

Things as They Are: New Directions in Phenomenological Anthropology. Michael Jackson. ed. Bloomington: University of Indiana Press. 1996. ix. 278pp. $19.95.
Unification and Efficient Computation in the Minimalist Program

This talk explores issues in the construction of computationally simple grammars. In particular, we investigate the trade-off between simplicity of implementation and expressive power. We begin by developing what appears to be the simplest possible definite clause grammar implementation for a sub-theory in the minimalist program: that of probe-goal case agreement (Chomsky, Lectures in Government and Binding. Dordrecht: Foris; 2001). In computational modeling, there is a simple trade-off between simplicity of mechanism and expressive power, e.g., the Chomsky hierarchy. However, simplicity of implementation need not correlate with limited expressive power. Unification is a simple but powerful mechanism that can be used to implement uninterpretable/interpretable feature matching. We show, using examples from Chomsky (Lectures in Government and Binding. Dordrecht: Foris; 2001), as in (1)–(3), that unification-based derivations result in agree relations with fewer probe-goal steps than predicted. This economy of derivation results because once unified, unvalued features from different heads can be instantiated or valued simultaneously at a parse global level. Therefore, unification trades off fewer probe-goal steps for possibly unbounded agree relations.
Purification and characterization of the extracellular C3d-binding protein of Candida albicans.

Abstract A C3d-binding glycoprotein was purified from the culture filtrate of Candida albicans by preparative isoelectric focusing. The protein possessed a pI of 3.9 to 4.1 and could inhibit rosetting of EAC3d (sheep erythrocytes conjugated to C3d) by pseudohyphae of C. albicans. When analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate and mercaptoethanol, the protein migrated as a doublet with apparent molecular masses of 55 and 60 kilodaltons (kDa) and as a 50-kDa band in nonreducing gels. These results were observed with Aurodye stain for proteins. Western immunoblot, and concanavalin A stain, which indicates that both bands contain carbohydrate as well as antigenic determinants. The treatment of purified glycoprotein with endoglycosidase F but not endoglycosidases H, N, and O resulted in a complete conversion of the doublet into a faster-migrating broad band with an apparent molecular mass of 45 kDa. When the amino acid analysis of the C3d-binding protein was compared with that of the CR2 from B lymphocytes, significant differences were observed. These data indicate that C. albicans secretes a C3d-binding protein during growth in vitro which appears to be different from the mammalian C3d receptor.
Characteristic Manifestations of Clostridium Induced Spontaneous Gangrenous Myositis

Spontaneous clostridial myonecrosis occurred in 30- and 69-year-old patients with pancytopenia (after treatment of acute myelogenous leukemia) and diabetes with neutropenia respectively. They presented with fever and sudden onset of pain plus tenderness in involved muscles. They rapidly deteriorated and died within hours after admission. A review of the literature for previous reports of this condition disclosed 31 additional cases. Mean age of patients was 50 years, male to female ratio was 2.2: 1, and an underlying condition was present in all of them. Presenting manifestations were spontaneously occurring excruciating pain in the involved muscle (67%), generalized sepsis and shock (24%), nonpainful swelling in the involved muscles (6%) and pain, swelling and shock (3%). Mortality rate was 91% (30/33). The clostridial strains associated with this condition were identified in 31 cases, with Clostridium perfringens and C. septicum causing 28 of them. Bacteremia was described in 10 cases. Awareness of this...
2008 Special Issue: Improved mapping of information distribution across the cortical surface with the support vector machine

The early visual cortices represent information of several stimulus attributes, such as orientation and color. To understand the coding mechanisms of these attributes in the brain, and the functional organization of the early visual cortices, it is necessary to determine whether different attributes are represented by different compartments within each cortex. Previous studies addressing this question have focused on the information encoded by the response amplitude of individual neurons or cortical columns, and have reached conflicting conclusions. Given the correlated variability in response amplitude across neighboring columns, it is likely that the spatial pattern of responses across these columns encodes the attribute information more reliably than does the response amplitude. Here we present a new method of mapping the spatial distribution of information that is encoded by both the response amplitude and the spatial pattern. This new method is based on a statistical learning approach, the Support Vector Machine (SVM). Application of this new method to our optical imaging data suggests that information about stimulus orientation and color are distributed differently in the striate cortex, and this observation is consistent with the hypothesis of segregated representations of orientation and color in this area. We also demonstrate that SVM can be used to extract ''single-condition'' activation maps from noisy images of intrinsic optical signals.
“Feminism Begins at Home”: The Influence of Mother Gender Socialization on Daughter Career andMotherhood Aspirations as Channeled Through Daughter Feminist Identification

The current study examines the role of mother gender socialization in the formation of daughter feminist identity, feelings about self, and future aspirations. Guided by Gender Schema Theory (Martin & Ruble, 2004) and Identity Theory (Stryker & Burke, 2000), findings indicate that encouragement of stereotypically feminine activities related to increased well-being and aspirations; discouragement of masculine-oriented behaviors, however, was particularly disadvantageous for daughter development. Feminist identification served as a mediator between gender socialization (encouragement of education for marriage and family and discouragement of other-gender characteristics) and daughter present and future selves. Together, findings indicate the importance of encouraging daughters to incorporate both the feminine and masculine “domains” as a valued part of their daily activities.
Patient Reminder Letters to Promote Annual Mammograms: A Randomized Controlled Trial☆☆☆

Abstract Background . This study assessed the effects of a reminder letter from a physician (relative to a mammography facility letter or no letter) on appointment compliance among women 50–74 years of age due for an annual screening mammogram. Methods . A total of 1,562 women were randomly as signed to the groups. Each Group 1 subject received a reminder letter from her physician, each Group 2 subject received a reminder letter from her mammography facility, and Group 3 served as a control group. Results . The return rates for Groups 1, 2, and 3 were 47.7, 46.6, and 28.3%, respectively; the overall difference was significant using a ϰ;s2 analysis ( P P Conclusions . Mammography providers and their patients likely will benefit from in-reach reminder systems. Physicians who do not use reminder systems should refer their patients to facilities that use these systems.
School Counselors as Allies: The Relationship Between Sexual Orientation Competence and Open and Affirming Service for LGBTQ Youth

School counselors play a vital role in the development of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. Hierarchical multiple regression of survey data identified that school counselors' (N = 126) sexual orientation counseling competence significantly influenced the perceived level of open and affirming services for LGBTQ youth, controlling for the effects of identifying as heterosexual, Christian, years of education, and level of other programming. Implications for practice, training, and future research are discussed.
Estimating sex discrimination in professional occupations with the dictionary of occupational titles

Although women have gained entrance into some of the top professional occupations, they appear to have achieved few economic gains from this progress. The extensive occupational segregation existing between men and women in all occupations handicaps investigations of the sources of this persistent inequality. This article proposes an exploratory method for identifying occupations containing comparable work and presents an analysis of male‐female wage differences within a subset of the highly skilled professional occupations. Using a cluster analysis of the characteristics of jobs available in the 1977 Dictionary of Occupational Titles, three clusters of high‐skill occupations are identified. Next, a sample of labor‐force participants, aged 25 to 35 years and employed in these occupations, is used in an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression of hourly wages on a standard set of labor market traits. These results are used to decompose the male‐female wage gap. A liberal interpretation of the decomposition ...
Block kronecker products and block norm matrices in large-scale systems analysis

Complex and large-scale systems are often viewed as collections of interacting subsystems. Properties of the overall system are then deduced from the properties of the individual subsystems and their interconnections. This analysis process for large-scale systems usually requires manipulating the matrix subblocks of block-partitioned matrices. Two tools that are useful in linear systems analysis are the Kronecker product and the matrix modulus $(| a_{ij} |)$. However, these tools are designed for matrices partitioned into their scalar elements. Thus, this paper defines and presents properties of the block Kronecker product and block norm matrix, generalizations of the Kronecker product and matrix modulus to block-partitioned matrices. The utility of the results is illustrated by deriving in simplified fashion a recent result in robustness analysis.
In Search of Legitimacy: Toward An Empirical Analysis

Legitimacy is a much used concept in the social sciences. However, the absence of precise operational meaning has prompted questions about its utility as an explanation of compliance with social norms. Most recently, Alan Hyde has argued that legitimacy cannot be disentangled from other explanations of compliance such as coercion and self-interest and should, therefore, be abandoned. However, institutional, attitudinal, and behavioral dimensions of legitimacy can be operationalized. As part of our research on small claims courts we examined variations in institutional processes and legitimacy, gathered data on levels of voluntary compliance, and questioned defendants about their reasons for paying claims against them. We conclude that institutional legitimacy is related to voluntary compliance, and that the “language of obligation” is an important part of normal discourse. Operational meanings for legitimacy are available and empirical research about legitimacy should be a prominent part of the social science research agenda.
Speciation and Quantitation of Underivatized and Ellman's Derivatized Biological Thiols and Disulfides by Capillary Electrophoresis

Abstract Capillary electrophoresis (CE) methods have been developed for the speciation and quantitation of thiols and disulfides of biological interest, including the endogenous compounds glutathione, glutathione disulfide, cysteine, cystine, homocysteine, and homocystine and the therapeutic agents penicillamine, penicillamine disulfide, N -acetylcysteine, and captopril. Good speciation and quantitation were achieved for the underivatized thiols and disulfides using a detection wavelength of 200 nm; detection limits were in the range 20–90 μ M (1–4 pmol) using a 50-μm-diameter capillary. To achieve lower detection limits, thiols were derivatized with the thiol-specific probe molecule, 5,5′-dithio-bis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (Ellman's reagent). Good speciation and quantitation were achieved for the Ellman's derivatized thiols using a detection wavelength of 357 nm; detection limits were in the range 5–50 μ M (0.03–0.3 pmol) using a 25-μm-diameter capillary. Both the underivatized and derivatized methods were applied to the determination of glutathione in human erythrocytes. Glutathione concentrations of 2–3 m M were obtained for the erythrocyte samples analyzed, with good agreement between results obtained by the two methods.
Can any information about reaction paths be obtained from the reduced mass

Abstract An alternative definition of the reduced mass, which differs from the usual μ=1 convention, is examined with respect to its ability to provide insight into the type of motion taking place along the reaction coordinate.
Expression of Transferrin mRNA in the CNS of Normal and Jimpy Mice

: Both the iron mobilization protein transferrin and iron itself are found predominantly in oligodendrocytes in the brain and consequently have been hypothesized to have a role in myelination. This study is designed to begin to understand the mechanism(s) that control the expression of transferrin at the gene level in the nervous system using a hypomyelinating murine mutant (jimpy mouse). With this animal model it is possible to determine if transferrin gene expression in the nervous system is dependent on the presence of a mature oligodendrocytic population. The results demonstrate that normally expression of the transferrin gene increases from postnatal day 5 to 22–25 and then levels off in the adult. In the jimpy mouse, the relative amount of transferrin gene expression is less than that of littermate controls at 5 days of age. Furthermore, transferrin gene expression does not increase with age beyond the level observed at postnatal day 5 in the jimpy mouse. It is concluded from this study that the majority of the transferrin mRNA in the mouse brain is expressed by and/or requires the presence of a mature oligodendrocytic population.
A Spatially Developing One-Dimensional Turbulence (ODT) Study of Soot and Enthalpy Evolution in Meter-Scale Buoyant Turbulent Flames

The interaction between soot and enthalpy evolution in a buoyant turbulent flame, exhibiting key attributes of a fire, is studied using a novel approach. This approach is based on a spatially evolving form of the one-dimensional turbulence (ODT) model that resolves the full range of scales, in a single spatial dimension, from the scale of the plume evolution to that of the soot layers. The model is compared with limited experimental data available. The evolved flow field of a meter-scale flame is then analyzed both in terms of conventional spatial averages and conditional averages. The conditional moments of the terms in the soot and enthalpy evolution equations are analyzed to elucidate the balance between the large-scale evolution (advective terms), the source terms, and the turbulent mixing (dissipative terms). The results show the significant influence of the mixture evolution on the transport of soot relative to the flame (in mixture-fraction space).
Gender Nonconformity as a Target of Prejudice, Discrimination, and Violence Against LGB Individuals

Research into antigay violence has been limited by a lack of attention to issues of gender presentation. Understanding gender nonconformity is important for addressing antigay prejudice and hate crimes. We assessed experiences of gender-nonconformity-related prejudice among 396 Black, Latino, and White lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals recruited from diverse community venues in New York City. We assessed the prevalence and contexts of prejudice-related life events and everyday discrimination using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Gender nonconformity had precipitated major prejudice events for 9% of the respondents and discrimination instances for 19%. Women were more likely than men to report gender-nonconformity-related discrimination but there were no differences by other demographic characteristics. In analysis of events narratives, we show that gender nonconformity prejudice is often intertwined with antigay prejudice. Our results demonstrate that both constructs should be included when addressing prejudice and hate crimes targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals and communities.
A modified polyester embedding medium for sectioning.

A modified polyester resin designated as C. M. E. Tissue Support Resin can be cut on a rotary microtome and can yield sections from 5 to 50μ from tissue blocks that range from 5 to 16 mm in diameter. It is firm enough to support hard structures that lie adjacent to soft ones and retain all in their normal position. The resin-catalyst-promoter system cures oi hardens at a low temperature so that blocks are ready for cutting 6 hr aftei tissue has been routinely dehydrated. The resin is compounded from a plasticized rigid polyester and adjusted to a proper viscosity. Several grades of hardness can be attained by changing the formula. It has been tested with both soft and hard tissues, including limbs and tails of 7-mo old mice and mature whole grains of wheat, and provides a more substantial and more readily prepared embedding medium than celloidin. Sections can be stained before mounting, without removing the embedding material, with aqueous safranin O followed by fast green FCF in absolute alcohol. The pla...
The Use of Ionic Liquids in Refrigeration

Ionic liquids are salts, usually with organic cations and inorganic anions, that are liquid at room temperature. There are a wide variety of ionic liquids that can be synthesized with different properties for different applications. They are generally non-volatile, non-toxic, and non-flammable with high heat capacity, high density, high thermal and chemical stability. We propose its use as an absorbent in an absorption refrigeration cycle. The refrigerant in this case would be a gas such as carbon dioxide. The present work deals with the desirable properties of ionic liquids for this application. For example, the absorbent must have a high solubility, and the heat and mass transfer coefficients of the absorbent-refrigerant solution must be large. The viscosity of the mixture, on the other hand, should not be so large as to make its pumping difficult.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Plasmon-based photodetectors: new devices, wavelength ranges, and capabilities

Plasmon-resonant nanoantennas greatly expand the characteristics of semiconductor photodetectors, enabling wavelength- and polarization-sensitive detection below the silicon bandgap. Nanoantennas also enhance the visible wavelength response of graphene, making it a novel candidate for optoelectronics applications.
Interstitial cells of the renal medulla.

Interstitial cells in the medulla of the rat kidney have been studied by electron microscopy after fixation by perfusion with glutaraldehyde. In the outer zone of the medulla the interstitial cells resemble fibroblasts and are associated with collagen and a small amount of ground substance. In the inner zone of the medulla the interstitial cells have some characteristics of fibroblasts, but also show several unusual features. They have remarkably enlarged perinuclear cisternae. Groups of vesicles are found outside cells, and may be associated with apparent gaps in the plasma membrane. The cells and their processes are more closely related to capillaries and thin limbs of the loop of Henle than to collecting tubule cells. The most prominent feature of the interstitial cells of the inner medulla is their content of numerous osmiophilic droplets of unknown function.
THE VALUATION OF GOVERNMENT LOAN GUARANTEES: A THEORETICAL AND EMPIRICAL PERSPECTIVE

This study provides a model for the valuation of the benefits associated with government guarantee programs. The model generates the social value of a government loan guarantee under disequilibrium conditions that justify public investment as a second best decision rule. The social value of a loan is obtained by conditioning the benefits on the survival of the borrowing firm. An estimated hazard function captures the annual rate of benefit attrition resulting from the failure of borrowing firms. Benefit-cost indexes are generated by business class, thus providing ex ante asset allocation guidelines. Application of the model to a portfolio of loan guarantees administered by the Ontario Development Corporation indicates a positive social value under the assumed disequilibrium conditions.
Identification of a viability domain in the granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor beta-chain involving tyrosine-750.

Abstract The granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) receptor (GMR) is a heterodimeric receptor expressed by myeloid lineage cells. In this study we have investigated domains of the GMR beta-chain (GMR beta) involved in maintaining cellular viability. Using a series of nested GMR beta deletion mutants, we demonstrate that there are at least two domains of GMR beta that contribute to viability signals. Deletion of amino acid residues 626-763 causes a viability defect that can be rescued with fetal calf serum (FCS). Deletion of residues 518-626, in contrast, causes a further decrement in viability that can be only partially compensated by the addition of FCS. GMR beta truncated proximal to amino acid 517 will not support long-term growth under any conditions. Site-directed mutagenesis of tyrosine-750 (Y750), which is contained within the distal viability domain, to phenylalanine eliminates all demonstrable tyrosine phosphorylation of GMR beta. Cell lines transfected with mutant GMR beta (Y750-->F) have a viability disadvantage when compared to cell lines containing wild-type GMR that is partially rescued by the addition of FCS. We studied signal transduction in mutant cell lines in an effort to identify pathways that might participate in the viability signal. Although tyrosine phosphorylation of JAK2, SHPTP2, and Vav is intact in Y750-->F mutant cell lines, Shc tyrosine phosphorylation is reduced. This suggests a potential role for Y750 and potentially Shc in a GM-CSF-induced signaling pathway that helps maintain cellular viability.
Mixing of carbon black and polymer: Interaction and reinforcement†‡

Interaction between carbon black and polymer starts during the mixing process; a primary agglomerate is formed, the composition of which is dependent upon the structure. The important carbon black properties are surface area, specific activity, structure (void, volume, anisometry), and porosity of the particles. On heat treatment of black at 3000°C., it loses its sites of high specific activity. Structure and specific activity determine incorporation time and further dispersion. During mixing, bound rubber is formed which is used as a measure of specific surface activity. In the final vulcanizate, the filler–polymer interaction is evident in reduced swelling in solvents (benzene, chloroform, cyclohexane,) etc. Below a certain critical degree of swelling, the percentage swelling is no longer dependent upon the amount of filler in the vulcanizate. Graphitized black vulcanizates exhibit in all solvents the same degree of swelling as the unfilled vulcanizate. This phenomenon is explained by the assumption of mobile adsorption of rubber chains on the carbon black surface. In untreated blacks the mobility on the surface is limited by sites of high energy of adsorption. In graphitized blacks such sites are no longer found, and swelling is unhindered by the presence of black. Reinforcement is explained by the more homegeneous distribution of tension between molecular chains due to slippage on the carbon surface.
CDBG at 40: Opportunities and Obstacles

In the history of urban policy in the United States, few policies have been as transformative or enduring as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Not many years before the CDBG pro...
The coulomb condensate of the nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann equation: A unified theory

Abstract A general form of the one-dimensional nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann (PB) equation for a simple electrolyte is studied, namely r −m (d/d r { r m dψ (m) /dr} = sinh ψ (m) , where r and ψ (m) are dimensionless distance and potential respectively, and m = 2, 1 and 0 correspond to the spherical, cylindrical and planar equations respectively. Since analytic solutions are not available for this general PB equation, its properties are here studied via suitable upper bounds, both relative and absolute, on its solutions. When the final results are specialized to the sphere ( m = 2) and cylinder ( m = 1) cases, there are recovered the σ-funcfion condensate theorems for a point charge and line charge respectively, previously proven by the author. Since the point-charge and line-charge condensates are hereby shown to have a common origin, it is suggested that they both be called simply “Coulomb condensates”, in recognition of their physical origin.
Otolith microchemistry and isotopic composition as potential indicators of fish movement between the Illinois River drainage and Lake Michigan

Naturally occurring chemical markers in otoliths offer a potential but untested means to identify source environment for fishes in the upper Illinois River system and Lake Michigan, including individuals that may breach or circumvent electrical barriers in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal or be transferred via bait buckets between these formerly isolated drainages. The objectives of this study were to determine whether water and fish otolith stable isotopic and elemental compositions differ among Lake Michigan, the upper Illinois River, and three tributaries of the upper Illinois River (Fox, Des Plaines and DuPage Rivers) and to determine whether otolith isotopic and elemental signatures could be used to identify the water body from which individual fish were collected. Water and fish otolith samples were obtained from each site during 2007 and analyzed for δ18O and a suite of trace element concentrations; otoliths also were analyzed for δ13C. Otolith δ13C values for Lake Michigan fish were distinct from individuals collected in the Illinois River and tributaries. Fish collected in the Fox and Des Plaines Rivers could be distinguished from one another and from fish captured in the Illinois and DuPage Rivers using otolith Sr:Ca and Ba:Ca ratios. Otolith isotopic and elemental compositions may enable identification of source environment for fishes that move or are transferred between the Illinois River drainage and Lake Michigan; however, temporal variation in otolith chemical signatures should be assessed.
Studies on the analysis of nonlinear processes via functional expansions.II. Forced dynamic responses

A functional expansion technique utilizing the Laplace-Borel transform is reviewed and applied to forced nonlinear processes with hyperbolic equilibrium points. Initial and final value theorems are presented to aid in the analysis of nonlinear systems. The expansions are shown to be equivalent to a linear transfer function with an added set of poles and zeros to capture the nonlinear dynamics of the system. The frequency response in the transform domain is derived as an analog to linear systems, with the resulting amplitude ratio and phase expressions being time dependent. The developed concepts are applied to a nonlinear CSTR example.
A comparison of SOM neural network and hierarchical clustering methods

Abstract Cluster analysis, the determination of natural subgroups in a data set, is an important statistical methodology that is used in many contexts. A major problem with hierarchical clustering methods used today is the tendency for classification errors to occur when the empirical data departs from the ideal conditions of compact isolated clusters. Many empirical data sets have structural imperfections that confound the identification of clusters. We use a Self Organizing Map (SOM) neural network clustering methodology and demonstrate that it is superior to the hierarchical clustering methods. The performance of the neural network and seven hierarchical clustering methods is tested on 252 data sets with various levels of imperfections that include data dispersion, outliers, irrelevant variables, and nonuniform cluster densities. The superior accuracy and robustness of the neural network can improve the effectiveness of decisions and research based on clustering messy empirical data.
Photophosphorylation activity in cell-free preparations of a blue-green alga.

Abstract The light-dependent synthesis of ATP by pigment-containing particles prepared from the blue-green alga, Anabaena variabilis , was first described by Petrack and Lipmann 1 , and their observations have been confirmed and extended by the studies reported here. This photophosphorylation reaction requires redox cofactors and a high-energy phosphate acceptor system. Removal of the accessory photosynthetic pigment, phycocyanin, causes no alterations in the photophosphorylation activity. The ATP synthesis appears to be coupled to a cyclic pattern of electron transfer. ATP synthesis could not be detected in association with the net reduction of added Hill reaction oxidants. The phosphorylation activity shows an interesting response to variations in pH and a unique response to some of the selective inhibitors of photosynthesis.
Longitudinal changes in serum cholesterol in man: An epidemiologic search for an etiology

Serum cholesterol levels were determined in 1011 male participants of the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. This study presents the longitudinal changes in serum cholesterol from 1 July 1963 to 30 June 1977. Serum cholesterol values dropped 6% between 1970 and 1972. The span of this study was divided into two eras, one preceding and one following the drop. The effects of obesity, selected dietary constituents and physical activity were examined in an attempt to explain the secular change in serum cholesterol. Serum cholesterol levels were not significantly correlated to levels of weight or body mass index. Changes in weight were significantly positively correlated with changes in serum cholesterol. Overall, however, the study population did not experience a significant drop in weight and therefore, this relationship could not explain the observed drop in serum cholesterol. There were virtually no significant correlations between the absolute value of any of the dietary variables examined and the absolute level of serum cholesterol. There were significant but small changes in most dietary constituents; however, only changes in caloric intake were significantly positively correlated with changes in serum cholesterol. Because the overall change in caloric intake was small, it could explain less than 1 mg/dl of the 11 mg/dl drop. There was no overall change in physical activity. No significant correlations were found between either the level or change in physical activity and the level or change in serum cholesterol. It is concluded that neither weight nor physical activity could account for the observed changes in serum cholesterol. Changes in dietary constituents were significant and in a direction which would predict a lower serum cholesterol. However, for the group, dietary changes could not fully explain the drop in serum cholesterol. For individuals, the changes in diet poorly predicted changes in serum cholesterol. It is suggested that the observed secular drop in serum cholesterol may be due to factor(s) other than those studied.
Polarization and tilt-angle measurements near the smectic-A-chiral-smectic-C transition of p-(n-decyloxybenzylidene)-p-amino-(2-methyl-butyl)cinnamate (DOBAMBC).

Mesure quasi simultanee de la polarisation et de l'angle d'inclinaison au-dessous de la temperature de transition phase smectique A-phase smectique chirale C, montrant que le rapport de ces deux grandeurs ne varie que faiblement sauf au voisinage immediat de la temperature de transition, ou il diminue brusquement. Bon accord avec des calculs par le modele de champ moyen generalise
The tibio-fibular articulation in Apidium phiomense, an Oligocene anthropoid

Apidium phiomense, a primitive anthropoid from the Oligocene of Egypt, shows partial fusion of the distal tibio-fibular articulation with extensive apposition of the two bones, a unique condition among higher primates. Functionally, this condition restricts the tibio-talar Joint to simple hinge movements which, together with other features in the skeletal anatomy of A. phiomense, suggests that this species was a leaper. The condition in Apidium suggests phenetic and possible phylogenetic links with platyrrhine monkeys, many of which show similar, but less extensive fibular apposition.
Elevated urokinase‐type plasminogen activator level and bleeding in amyloidosis: Case report and literature review

Hyperfibrinolytic states are reported to be a cause of bleeding in patients with amyloidosis. We reviewed the literature on excessive fibrinolysis in association with amyloidosis and report our findings from a patient with idiopathic amyloidosis who developed a bleeding diathesis. Coagulation laboratory studies indicated elevated plasminogen activator levels associated with a reduction of plasminogen and alpha 2-plasmin inhibitor (alpha 2-PI) levels. The level of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) inhibitor and t-PA antigen were normal. However, the patient did have a five- to sevenfold increase in amidolytic activity for the urokinase substrate pyro-Glu-Gly-Arg-pNA (S-2444). This case therefore represents a novel example of a hyperfibrinolytic state associated with amyloidosis caused by elevated urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA). Epsilon-amino caproic acid (EACA) therapy resulted in an increase in alpha 2-PI and plasminogen levels and effectively reduced the blood loss. Hyperfibrinolytic states in amyloidosis have now been reported to be due to elevated t-PA and u-PA and depleted t-PA inhibitor.
Coming to America: Can Nordic brand values engage American stakeholders?

In this paper, we discuss the intersection of business strategy and proactive, self-reflective corporate branding in the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. With headquarters in Denmark, Novo Nordisk has 23,600 employees in 79 countries. The company has a leading market position in Europe, key segments in the United States, and strong positions in Asia. Still, the highly, even hyper-competitive, US market remains crucial even for a smaller, more specialised company like Novo Nordisk. American pharmaceuticals are now polling at all time lows in terms of public trust (if we leave out for the moment the exceptional example of Johnson & Johnson (JJ corporate branding is cross-functional; corporate branding may be mandated by top management, yet to succeed, executives at the top of a global brand must remain open to creative ideas from global subsidiaries; investment in a brand should be seen as a long-term strategy.
Measurements of Thickness, Surface Roughness and Corrosion Performance of 1-10 nm Thick CNx Films

Nitrogenated carbon (CNx ) films were synthesized by using pulsed dc magnetron sputtering. When grown with substrate tilt of 45° and rotation speed of 20–25 rpm, the root-mean-square surface roughness is ∼0.3 nm when sampled over 20×20 μm2 areas, increasing to ∼0.4 nm when sampled over ∼0.05×3 cm2 using x-ray reflectivity measurements. X-ray reflectivity measurements showed that the mass density of these CNx films is ∼2.0 gm/cc, independent of film thickness from ∼1 to 10 nm, consistent with ion beam analysis. CNx films deposited with substrate tilt of 45° and rotation speed of 20–25 rpm have about 1/3 fewer corrosion spots per unit area than those without. Reducing CNx thickness from 3 to 1 nm results in marked increase in corrosion currents.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Polymerization of Cyclophosphazenes with Spriocyclic Methacrylate Containing Substituents

The radical addition polymerization and copolymerization of the cyclophosphazene monomers with spirocyclic methacrylate containing substituents, spiro(2,3-dioxypropylmethacryloyl)tetrachlorocyclotriphosphazene, N3P3Cl4[OCH2CH(OC(O)=CH2)O] (1) and spiro((2-methyl-3-oxy-2-(oxymethyl)propyl)methacryloyl)tetrachlorocyclotriphosphazene, N3P3Cl4[OCH2CMe(CH2OC(O)=CH2)CH2O] (2), has been investigated. In the case of 1, homopolymerization using AIBN as the initiator yielded only cross-linked solids. Copolymerization of 1 with methyl methacrylate was accomplished using VAZO 52 under milder initiation temperature. GPC of copolymer suggested a significant amount of chain transfer. Homopolymerization of 2 gave low isolated yields of the homopolymer but copolymerization with methyl methacrylate yielded the expected copolymers. The reactive chlorine atoms in the copolymers of 2 can be replaced by trifluoroethoxide or methyl amine. Thermal properties of the copolymers were examined by DSC, TGA and pyrolysis mass spectrometry.
Utility of WT-1, p63, MOC31, mesothelin, and cytokeratin (K903 and CK5/6) immunostains in differentiating adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant mesothelioma in effusions.

To distinguish carcinoma, either adenocarcinoma (ADC) or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and malignant mesothelioma (MM) in effusion can be a diagnostic challenge based on morphology alone. This study evaluates the utility of WT-1, p63, MOC31, mesothelin, and cytokeratin (K903 and CK5/6) immunostains in effusions when ADC and SCC of the lung are in the differential diagnosis with MM. A cohort of 43 effusions consisting of lung ADC (N = 10), SCC (N = 15), and MM (N = 18, mostly (16) pleural based), was subjected to immunostains using the above mentioned antibodies. WT-1 was positive in 100% MM, 0% ADC, and 0% SCC cases while p63 was positive in 0% MM, 30% ADC, and 80% SCC cases. Stain for MOC31 was positive in 100% ADC, 67% SCC, and 35% MM cases. Similarly, mesothelin antibody stained 100% ADC, 60% SCC, and 47% MM cases. Antibodies for K903 and CK5/6 stained 100% SCC cases but fewer ADC cases (40 and 10%, respectively). In conclusion, in this cohort of mostly pleural malignant effusion, MM can be identified with positive staining for WT-1 and negative staining for p63. Conversely, negative staining with WT-1 and positive staining for p63 exclude MM. Used as part of an immunostain panel, cytokeratin markers (CK5/6 and K903) are useful in differentiating SCC from ADC when MM is already excluded, and MOC31 might have limited value in differentiating ADC from MM. A negative stain with MOC31 can exclude lung ADC. Mesothelin, on the other hand, is not useful in the differential diagnosis of ADC, SCC, and MM. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:20–25. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Anodic photocurrents and corrosion currents on passive and active-passive metals

Abstract A photoelectrochemical study was made to compare Zr, Ti, Zn, Sn, Fe, and Cu in 1 N sulfuric acid and/or 1 N KOH. This group includes spontaneously passive, active-passive, and nonpassive metals. The apparent direct and indirect bandgaps and the flat-band potentials were measured for the anodic oxides of each metal. (The bandgaps and flat-band potentials can be used to identify the anodic oxide.) The corrosion currents and the photocurrents were compared. The photocurrent was generated by pulses of monochromatic light. Relationships are observed between the corrosion current and the photocurrent, notably for the formation of new oxides and the active-passive transition.
Hepatitis in pregnancy

Currently, six distinct types of hepatitis virus have been identified: A, B, C, D, E, and G. Hepatitis A virus infection does not cause a chronic carrier state, and perinatal transmission is extremely uncommon. Hepatitis B can be transmitted perinatally, but immunization of the newborn with hepatitis B immune globulin and hepatitis B vaccine markedly reduces the risk of neonatal infection. Hepatitis D virus is dependent on coinfection with the hepatitis B virus for replication. Immunoprophylaxis against hepatitis B also is effective against hepatitis D. Hepatitis C virus is primarily transmitted by the parenteral route and is particularly likely to cause chronic liver disease. Perinatal transmission of hepatitis C principally occurs in women who have high titers of HCV-RNA or who are coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus. At this time, no immunoprophylaxis for hepatitis C is available. Hepatitis G, a recently described organism, is related to hepatitis C. Its clinical significance remains undetermined. Hepatitis E is transmitted in a manner similar to hepatitis A. Perinatal transmission is unusual, but maternal disease is often severe.
Freeway and arterial traffic flow simulation analytically embedded in dynamic assignment

This paper is an extension of earlier work on dynamic traffic assignment with an analytically embedded traffic flow simulation. Previously, a modified Greenshields' speed-density relationship was used to derive a link travel time function that is monotonically increasing and convex with respect to density. It was recognized that this link travel time function is more applicable for freeway traffic than for arterial street traffic, where a large portion of travel times occurs at the nodes as a result of queueing. In this paper a version of the model is developed with explicit queueing links to simulate such traffic conditions on an arterial street network. The dynamic traffic assignment problem is formulated in a two-level optimization framework, separating the temporal and spatial variables into two problems. The lower-level problem represents an equilibrium traffic assignment model that solves the spatial variables subject to a set of feasible paths fixed by the temporal estimates from the upper-level problem. The upper-level problem determines the temporal variables by finding the minimum time-dependent travel times from the origin to all other nodes, assuming equilibrium traffic loads assigned from the previous lower-level problem to be fixed. A set of recursive equations is derived to compute the link traversal times that satisfy the first-in, first-out requirement. An iterative solution algorithm using small time steps with queueing links is developed to solve the proposed two-level dynamic traffic assignment problem. Results are also provided to show the effects of embedding a traffic simulation with explicit treatment of queues to capture traffic dynamics on arterial streets.
The Cup of Diogenes: a fixed anatomical landmark for carpal tunnel surgery

Purpose Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common entrapment neuropathy. When conservative management fails to relieve symptoms, carpal tunnel surgery is indicated. The surgical exposure for this procedure is commonly based on variable anatomic landmarks. The purpose of this study was to describe a fixed, easily referenced anatomical landmark for the distal extension of the transverse carpal ligament, the “Cup of Diogenes.”
Electromagnetically-induced-transparency-based paired photon generation

We describe the theory of paired photon generation in a double-$\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ atomic system. Using the Heisenberg-Langevin formalism we evaluate and analyze the spectral generation rates and intensity correlation function for the output fields. Different regimes of parametric down conversion are analyzed. We discuss the influence of the optical depth and Langevin noise fluctuations on the paired photon generation and predict that at the optical depth of 100 or more the contribution of Langevin noise fluctuations is small and therefore Stokes and anti-Stokes photons are generated mostly in pairs. Comparison between the theory and experiments shows good agreement.