cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dorsal—Ventral Differences in the Glia Limitans of the Spinal Cord: An Ultrastructural Study in Developing Normal and Irradiated Rats

The dorsal and ventral surfaces of the lumbosacral spinal cord were examined in normal and irradiated postnatal rats. In normal rats between three and 13 days postnatal (DP), the glia limitans (GL) of the ventral surface was a more complex structure than the dorsal GL. This greater degree of complexity was manifested in a greater number of subpial astrocytes, a greater number of radial glial processes and a more advanced state in differentiation of its constituents. In rats irradiated at three DP and examined at 13 DP, the ventral GL remained intact and relatively unaffected by the radiation. In contrast, the dorsal GL was disrupted, and Schwann cells were seen within the dorsal funiculus. The ventral GL of the rat lumbosacral spinal cord is a more substantial structure than the dorsal GL during normal development. This factor alone may account for the integrity of the barrier properties of the ventral GL following radiation. However, these observations suggest that subpial astrocytes of the dorsal GL are more susceptible to radiation damage at three DP than the subpial astrocytes and radial glia of the ventral GL.
Beliefs and Perceptions of African American Women who have had Hysterectomy

This study used a qualitative, ethno-nursing, ethnographic design to identify cultural beliefs within the African American community related to hysterectomy. Three themes were derived from interviews with 30 women: African American cultural myths, fears, and sexual symbolism related to hysterectomy; benefits of hysterectomy that included freedom from pain and public embarrassment and freedom from risk of pregnancy; and improved self-esteem and sexuality. Results of this study indicate that there are negative connotations of hysterectomy in the African American community, which may cause some African American women to delay the procedure until they have no choice. Education and knowledge of cultural beliefs will enable health care providers to provide culturally sensitive and comprehensive care to African American women; it also will enable health care providers to instruct African American women to avoid unnecessary delay of hysterectomy.
Single Pixel Evaluation of Microchannel Flows

Recently a new μPIV interrogation algorithm has been proposed in which the interrogation window size is reduced to a single pixel. Such small interrogation window sizes are possible using correlation averaging to increase the effective particle concentration to levels required for correlation analysis to succeed. The random error exhibits the expected behavior of decreasing roughly in proportion to N−1/2 while the bias error exhibits unexpected peak-locking behavior with zero bias error at integer and half integer pixel displacements and maximal errors at one-quarter and three-quarter pixel displacements. Accompanying experiments show the potential of this technique but have not yet been sufficiently refined to confirm this unexpected bias error behavior.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Fabrication of Electrochemical-DNA Biosensors for the Reagentless Detection of Nucleic Acids, Proteins and Small Molecules

As medicine is currently practiced, doctors send specimens to a central laboratory for testing and thus must wait hours or days to receive the results. Many patients would be better served by rapid, bedside tests. To this end our laboratory and others have developed a versatile, reagentless biosensor platform that supports the quantitative, reagentless, electrochemical detection of nucleic acids (DNA, RNA), proteins (including antibodies) and small molecules analytes directly in unprocessed clinical and environmental samples. In this video, we demonstrate the preparation and use of several biosensors in this "E-DNA" class. In particular, we fabricate and demonstrate sensors for the detection of a target DNA sequence in a polymerase chain reaction mixture, an HIV-specific antibody and the drug cocaine. The preparation procedure requires only three hours of hands-on effort followed by an overnight incubation, and their use requires only minutes.
Solving Nonlinear Systems of First Order Ordinary Differential Equations Using a Galerkin Finite Element Method

A new numerical technique to solve nonlinear systems of initial value problems for nonlinear first-order differential equations (ODEs) that model genetic networks in systems biology is developed. This technique is based on finding local Galerkin approximations on each sub-interval at a given time grid of points using piecewise hat functions. Comparing the numerical solution of the new method for a single nonlinear ODE with an exact solution shows that this method gives accurate solutions with relative error 1.88×10-11 for a time step 1×10-6. This new method is compared with the adaptive Runge Kutta (ARK) method for solving systems of ODEs, and the results are comparable for a time step 2×10-4. It is shown that the relative error of the Galerkin method decreases approximately linearly with the log of the number of hat functions used. Unlike the ARK method, this new method has the potential to be parallelizable and to be useful for solving biological problems involving large genetic networks. An NSF commissioned video illustrating how systems biology helps us understand that a fundamental process in cells is included.
Rise in serum levels of PZ-peptidase, an enzyme involved in collagen breakdown, in human pregnancy and labor.

Abstract PZ-Peptidase is an enzyme capable of cleaving small peptides that are produced during the metabolic breakdown of collagen. It is conveniently assayed by use of the synthetic peptide 4-phenylazobenzyl-oxycarbonyl- l -prolyl- l -leucyl-glycyl- l -prolyl- d -arginine. An improved assay is reported which permits measurements of small amounts of this enzyme in 0.1 ml of serum. The enzyme activity in serum was found to rise from 1.3 U/L (1 U = 1 μmol cleaved per minute) in nongravid patients to 4.0 U/L in patients at term, who display no objective or subjective signs of labor. Patients in active labor show a further elevation of activity to 6.5 U/L. These results are believed to reflect changes in collagen metabolism related to remodeling of the uterus and skeleton in pregnancy and to cervical dilatation and placental separation at the time of labor.
Influence of point defect trapping on sink strengths

Abstract Under constant irradiation, immobile point defect trapping sites acquire a steady state occupation probability. The value of this probability depends upon the proximity of other sinks or sources. This in turn modifies the steady state point defect flux to (from) the sink (source) in question, thereby influencing its strength. An approximate theory of this effect is developed for a void embedded in a sea of point-impurity-associated trapping sites and of dislocations distributed at random. The sink strength of a set of such voids is determined. The theory is compared at length with the results of an earlier analysis in which the boundary layer phenomenon was not included.
Geospace Environment Modeling Program

The geospace environment encompasses the highest and largest of the four physical geospheres—lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and magnetosphere. Despite its size, its far-reaching structures interconnect and move together in a choreography of organized dynamics, whose complexity is reflected in the intricate movements of the northern lights. The vastness and inaccessibility of geospace, encompassing the plasma environment of the magnetosphere/ionosphere system, and the invisibility of its structures pose great challenges to scientists who want to study its dynamics by obtaining, in effect, video tapes of its globally organized motions. A key component of their strategy is the ability to see nearly all of geospace imaged onto the top of the atmosphere. The geomagnetic field threads the volume of geospace and transmits action, TV-like, from the magnetospheric stage down its lines of force onto the atmospheric screen.
Purification and succinylation of cyclic GMP from large volume samples and radioimmunoassay of succinyl cyclic GMP.

Improved procedures for isolation of cyclic GMP and cyclic AMP and radioimmunoassay of cyclic GMP with succinylation are described. Procedures involved include modified chromatography on alumina and succinylation of cyclic GMP followed by purification of succinyl cyclic GMP on a Dowex AG 1×8 column. These procedures are convenient and applicable to any volume up to 50 ml of tissue extracts and especially for isotonic incubation mixtures. This assay system is sensitive to 6 femtomoles of cyclic GMP/tube. On radioimmunoassay, free and antibody bound [125I]-labeled cyclic GMP are separated by Millipore filtration. Cyclic GMP levels in several tissue samples were determined in order to show the applicability of the procedures.
Young Men’s Shame about Their Desire for other Men Predicts Risky Sex and Moderates the Knowledge – Self-Efficacy Link

Background: Recent findings suggest that a strong negative social emotion (i.e., shame) increases YMSM’s sexual risk-taking. Unchangeable shame (e.g., desire for other men) might undermine (moderate) the link between knowledge and self-efficacy or between self-efficacy and unprotected anal intercourse (UAI): This may be less likely for changeable shame (e.g., shame about risky sexual behavior). Aim: To test the hypotheses that shame (i.e., sexual desire shame), but not shame about behavior (i.e., sexual behavior shame), will be positively related to UAI and will moderate the relationship between knowledge and self-efficacy and/or self-efficacy and UAI among YMSM. Method: In an online national study, 1177 young adult (18-24 year old) MSM reported one or more acts of UAI in the past 90 days with a casual partner. Eligible MSM filled out a survey in which they provided information about their knowledge of safer sex, self-efficacy for safer sex, reported levels of shame, and reported past 90-day UAI. Results: Sexual desire shame was negatively correlated with knowledge and self-efficacy and positively correlated with UAI: The pattern reversed for sexual behavior shame. Sexual desire shame significantly lowered the knowledge to self-efficacy and the self-efficacy to UAI links. Sexual behavior shame also reduced the link from knowledge to self-efficacy, but not the self-efficacy to UAI link. Conclusion: The present study shows that there are different types of shame that may produce different effects with different implications for health behavior. Sexual desire shame may better reflect an emotion that is activated prior to risky behavior (e.g., when men reflect upon or feel desire for another man). Sexual behavior shame, on the other hand, better reflects what has already happened: Thus, those higher in knowledge, efficacy, and therefore safer sex are least likely to experience shame behavior.
Numerical Seismic Performance of an Innovative CFS Midrise Building Designed Using DDD

AbstractLight-gauge cold-formed steel (CFS) is being used more and more as an economical and high performing construction material. In this paper, a numerical study of the seismic performance of an innovative light-gauge cold-formed steel midrise building designed using direct displacement design (DDD) is presented. This new system, termed a uniform truss construction system (UTCS), includes floor trusses, open panels, v-braced panels, columns, and connections between components. A series of reversed-cyclic tests of subassembly structures was conducted to provide the key information to understand the performance of the system under cyclic loading. The test data was then integrated into a numerical model for nonlinear time history analysis. A simplified shear element was developed to represent the panels as well as the floor diaphragm in the numerical model of the system. Nonlinear time history analysis of the building was conducted using a suite of 22 prominent earthquakes recorded from around the world. ...
Color octet contribution in exclusive P-wave charmonium decay into octet and decuplet baryons

In the last years, the need for the color octet state in inclusive P-wave charmonium decay has been firmly established. However, the implications of this in the corresponding exclusive reactions have not been fully recognized. We argue for the necessity of the color octet in P- and higher-wave quarkonium decay. Using a set of phenomenologically constructed baryon wave functions, we consider the $\chi_J$ decay into an octet and decuplet baryon–antibaryon pair. By doing so, we subject the wave functions to a test of applicability. We show that the color singlet component alone is insufficient to account for the experimental measurements, and only by including the color octet contribution can the partial theoretical decay widths be brought into the range of the data. By the present and earlier applications of the set of wave functions, these show themselves to be reasonable model wave functions at around the scale $Q^2 \sim 10$ –20 GeV $^2$ .
An Integrated 50-GHz SiGe Sub-Harmonic Mixer/Downconverter with a Quadrature Ring VCO

A 50 GHz sub-harmonic mixer based on multiple LO phases integrated with a 24 GHz quadrature ring VCO is fabricated in a 0.12mum SiGe BiCMOS process. The mixer core consumes 7 mA from a 3.3V supply. The mixer has a conversion gain of 9 dB and an SSB noise figure of 11.8 dB
Dual frequency circularly polarised proximity-fed microstrip antenna

The design feasibility of a three-layer proximity-coupled fed microstrip antenna structure for dual frequency operation with circular polarisation is demonstrated. As a proof of concept an antenna designed for operation at the two GPS frequencies is fabricated. The measured results show that low axial ratios can be obtained at both frequency bands.
Optimization of Multilateral Well Design and Location in a Real Field Using a Continuous Genetic Algorithm

As many fields around the world are reaching maturity, the need to develop new tools that allow reservoir engineers to optimize reservoir performance is becoming more urgent. One of the more challenging and important problems along these lines is the well placement optimization problem. In this problem, there are many variables to consider: geological variables like reservoir architecture, permeability and porosity distributions, and fluid contacts; production variables, such as well placement, well number, well type, and production rate; and economic variables like fluid prices and drilling costs. Furthermore, availability of complex well types, such as multilateral wells (MLWs) and maximum reservoir contact (MRC) wells, aggravate this challenge. All these variables, together with reservoir geological uncertainty, make the determination of an optimum development plan for a given field difficult. The objective of this work was to employ an optimization technique that can efficiently address the aforementioned challenges. Based on the success and versatility of Genetic Algorithms (GAs) in problems of high complexity with high dimensionality and nonlinearity, it is used here as the main optimization engine. Both binary GA (bGA) and continuous GA (cGA) were tested in the optimization of well location and design in terms of well type, number of laterals, and well and lateral trajectories in a channelized synthetic model. Both GA variants showed significant improvement over initial solutions but comparisons between the two types showed that the cGA was more robust for the problem under consideration. The cGA was, thereafter, applied to a real field located in the Middle East to investigate its robustness in optimizing well location and design in more complex reservoir models. The model is an upscaled version for an offshore carbonate reservoir, which is mildly heterogeneous with low and high permeability areas scattered over the field. After choosing the optimization technique to achieve our objective, considerable work was performed to study the sensitivity of the different algorithm parameters on converged solutions. Then, multiple optimization runs were performed to obtain a sound development plan for this field. An attempt was made to quantify how solutions were affected by some of the assumptions and preconditioning steps taken during optimization. Finally, an optimization run was performed on the fine model using optimized solutions from the coarse model. Results showed that the optimum well configuration for the reservoir model at hand can contain five or more laterals; which shows potential for drilling MRC wells. Other studies comparing results from the fine and coarse reservoir models revealed that the best solutions are different between the two models. In general, solutions from different runs had different well designs due to the stochastic nature of the algorithm but some guidance about preferred well locations could be obtained through this process.
Reactions to Health-Related Social Control in Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

Health-related social control refers to individuals' attempts to influence another's health behavior. We describe social control experienced by 109 adults aged 18-35 with Type 1 diabetes, and examine the influence of different types of social control on behavioral and psychological outcomes. Using a self-administered questionnaire, telephone interview, and chart review, we assessed individuals' social control experiences, behavioral and psychological reactions, psychological adjustment, metabolic control, socio-demographics, and clinical factors at baseline, and psychological adjustment and metabolic control at 6-months follow-up. Most participants (85%) reported experiencing social control. Regression analyses revealed that more frequent negative control predicted less behavior change and more negative cognitive reactions concurrently, and decreases in psychological adjustment over time. More frequent reinforcement/modeling and structural changes predicted more positive emotional reactions, but were not associated with behavior change, psychological adjustment, or metabolic control. Use of direct persuasion was associated with more pretending of behavior change. These results suggest that negative social control attempts by social network members may be counter-productive.
Recombinant AtNF-YA, a subunit of theArabidopsis CCAAT-binding transcription factor, forms a protein-DNA complex with mammalian NF-YB and NF-YC

The evolutionary conserved CCAAT binding protein NF-Y is a common regulatory DNA binding protein consisting of three distinct subunits. Unlike yeast and mammals, in which only a single copy of each subunit is encoded,Arabidopsis encodes a multi-gene family for each subunit in its genome. Compared with the NF-Y of mammals or yeast, very little is known about plant NF-Y homologs. HereArabidopsis NF-YA subunits were isolated to determine whether they could form a hete-rotrimeric NF-Y complex with mammalian NF-YB and NF-YC. This resultant chimeric NF-Y complex had DNA binding ability to the same CCAAT sequences as those of the other life systems. Therefore, it is possible that plant NF-Y homologs might have biochemical characteristics similar to mammalian NF-Y, thereby suggesting its functional conservation among organisms.
The Law of LaPlace: A dangerous assumption when designing devices for heart failure?

Abstract Introduction: The Myocor Myosplint(r) is designed to reduce left ventricular (LV) wall stress and thereby the stimulus for remodeling (LaPlace's Law). This simplified model does not account for the complex distribution of stress. We hypothesized that the stress at the point of contact between the epicardial pads and the epicardium would be excessively high. Methods: The short axis endocardial and epicardial contours of a reshaped LV were traced from a Myocor marketing brochure and imported into a finite element modeling program. A mesh was generated to create a two-dimensional model of the left ventricular wall. Isotropic, linear material properties were assumed. Two nodes, corresponding to the locations of the epicardial pads, were fixed to simulate the Myosplint. A load was applied to the endocardial surface to simulate pressure, and the resulting strain and reaction forces were recorded. Control data was generated for a normal ventricle. Results: Stress at the contact points between the epicardial pads and the epicardium was 5 times the maximal stress in the control LV and 20 times the stress in the lobes of the reshaped LV. Conclusions: The Law of Laplace does not adequately describe the redistribution of stress in the LV after the application of the Myosplint device. Finite element analysis demonstrates that wall stresses are significantly increased in the region of the epicardial pads. This focal increased wall stress may subvert any possible therapeutic benefit of the Myosplint.
Main group metal halide complexes with sterically hindered thioureas XII. Crystallographic studies of lead(II) and cadmium(II) thiocyanate complexes with 1,3-dimethyl-2(3H)-imidazolethione

Abstract The complex, Pb(NCS) 2 (dmit) 2 , has been previously reported (dmit=1,3-dimethyl-2(3 H )-imidazolethione). A new complex, Cd(NCS) 2 (dmit) 2 , has also been synthesized and characterized. Single crystal X-ray structural studies were completed for both complexes. Cell parameters for [Pb(NCS) 2 (dmit) 2 ]: space group C 2/ c , a =11.118(2), b =14.121(4), c =12.970(3) A, β=108.29(2)°, Z =4, V =1933.4 A 3 , D c =1.895 g/cm 3 , D 0 =1.93 g/cm 3 (λ=0.71073 A), R =0.030; [Cd(NCS) 2 (dmit) 2 ]: space group C2 / c , a =10.911(2), b =14.172(2), c =12.471(2) A, β=107.54(1)°, Z =4, V =1838.7 A 3 , D c =1.752 g/cm 3 , D 0 =1.75 g/cm 3 (λ=0.71073 A), R =0.031. Both complexes are isostructural polymers comprised of zigzag chains of MS 4 N 2 distorted octahedra sharing common edges through almost perfectly linear bridging SCN groups displaced cis to each other relative to the central metal atom. Thiourea ligands are displaced trans to each other. Comparative bond distances show the formulation of these complexes to be more accurately stated as M(NCS) 2 (dmit) 2 . There is no clear evidence for the lone pair of electrons through systematic distortions in the lead structure although there are greater observed deviations from 90° in the local site symmetry about Pb than about Cd.
Morphological and Sedimentological Impacts of Hurricane Ivan and Immediate Poststorm Beach Recovery along the Northwestern Florida Barrier-Island Coasts

Abstract Ivan, a strong Category 4 hurricane (downgraded to a Category 3 at landfall), caused widespread erosion and overwash along the northwestern Florida barrier-island beaches. This study examines the storm impact and short-term post-storm recovery along a 200-km stretch of coast from Fort Walton Beach eastward to St. George Island. One prestorm and three poststorm beach-profile surveys were conducted to quantify the storm-induced morphological changes and poststorm recovery. Forty-six trenches were excavated to study the characteristics and thickness of subaerial storm deposits. Extensive inundation and overwash occurred within 100 km from the storm center at landfall. Significant beach/dune erosion was measured as far as 300 km east of the storm center. The highest elevation of beach erosion extended considerably above the measured storm-surge level, indicating that storm-wave setup and swash run-up played significant roles in controlling the elevation of beach erosion. A simple empirical formula re...
DNA-damage control: Claspin destruction turns off the checkpoint.

The ATR–Claspin–Chk1 pathway is critical for turning on the cellular response to DNA damage and replication stress. Five recent reports uncover new mechanisms controlling the recovery phase of the checkpoint response, and introduce crucial roles for Claspin, Rad17 phosphorylation and the ubiquitin proteasome pathway in Chk1 signaling.
Vacuolated neuroblastoma cells mimicking FAB L3 lymphoblasts in bone marrow aspirates

Abundant cytoplasmic vacuolation of neuroblasts has been noted on bone marrow aspirate (BMA) smears of two patients with metastatic neuroblastoma. Occasional tumor cells were dispersed as individual cells as well as in clumps. These cells had basophilic cytoplasm and several nucleoli, reminiscent of L(3) lymphoblast morphology. Flow cytometric analysis of the bone marrow mononuclear cells and neuron-specific enolase staining of the bone marrow biopsy samples further distinguished the cells as neuroblasts. Cytoplasmic vacuolations of neuroblasts may be a feature of metastatic neuroblastoma cells in BMA smears.
The thermal and electrical resistivity of bismuth and antimony at low temperatures

Abstract Measurements are reported of the electrical resistivity of pure polycrystalline specimens of bismuth and antimony over the range 2 to 300°K and of the thermal conductivity up to 150°K. Som...
The physical meaning of the Sobolev norm in error estimation

Error estimates for the moment method have been obtained in terms of Sobolev norms of the current solution. Motivated by the historical relationship of Sobolev norms to measures of energy, we conjecture that the Sobolev norm is equivalent to a norm induced by the forward scattering amplitude, and prove this for the case of TM-polarized fields incident on a PEC circular cylinder.
General Douglas MacArthur: Supreme Public Administrator of Post–World War II Japan

This article examines General Douglas MacArthur’s six years as Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers in post–World War II Japan. MacArthur was appointed by President Harry S. Truman in 1945 to preside over and administer the reconstruction of postwar Japan. No American serving in the role of a public administrator has ever had a more difficult task than the one MacArthur took on in Japan. At the end of World War II, Japan was devastated, and the entire population faced starvation. MacArthur’s administrative style and his successes and failures in Japan are examined in this Administrative Profile. Fifty years after his death, the influence of MacArthur’s policies during his tenure as Supreme Commander are still felt in Japan.
Common Genetic and Environmental Influences on Major Depressive Disorder and Conduct Disorder

The evidence for common genetic and environmental influences on conduct disorder (CD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) in adolescents was examined. A sample of 570 monozygotic twin pairs, 592 dizygotic twin pairs, and 426 non-twin siblings, aged 12–18 years, was recruited from the Colorado Twin Registry. For the past year data, there was a significant correlation between the genetic influences on MDD and CD and, for the lifetime data, there was a significant correlation between the genetic influences on MDD and CD, and a significant correlation between the nonshared environmental influences on MDD and CD. Our results suggest that some genetic factors will increase an individual’s vulnerability to both MDD and CD in adolescence.
The two-period crossover design with baseline measurements

We consider a two-period crossover study in which each patients measured on the response variable at the start as well as at the end of both periods. We examine models in which the carryover effect at the start of the second period may be different from the carryover effect at the end, and in which the correlations between observations decrease as a function of the time between them. In trials with a relatively short washout period, we recommend that the second baseline measurement not be incorporated into the analysis and that the data be evaluated by analysis of covariance, with the difference between the post-treatment values as the response variable and the first period's baseline value as the covariate. The absence of carryover effects must be assumed. When the washout period is moderately long (comparable in length to either treatment period), the preferred analysis for a difference between direct treatment effects will again generally be based on the differences between post-treatment values. An an...
Loss of growth hormone production following hybridization of a functional rat pituitary cell strain with a mouse fibroblast line

Abstract Growth hormone-producing rat pituitary cells have been hybridized spontaneously with thymidine kinase deficient mouse fibroblasts. All clones isolated were made up of cells containing about 180 chromosomes and showing a combination of 2S mouse: 1S rat genomes. Ten percent of the chromosomes were lost by the 20th passage and about 40% were lost by the 45th passage with a preferential loss, during later passages, of rat chromosomes. Electrophoretic studies of adenosine deaminase and lactate dehydrogenase gave evidence that both rat and mouse genomes were functional; however, none of the hybrid clones, even after only 2 to 5 passages, produced growth hormone.
Twin deficits in the G-7 countries and global structural imbalances

Abstract According to open economy macroeconomics, a government budget deficit leads to a current account deficit. The link is as follows: a budget deficit leads to an increase in the real domestic interest rate; this attracts foreign capital and results in an appreciation of the domestic currency, which leads to a current account (imports plus net transfers abroad, minus exports) deficit. Thus, the entire current account deficit and part of the budget deficit is financed by a net capital inflow. This paper reviews and extends the theoretical analysis of the “twin deficits” and then confirms this relationship empirically for the G-7 countries over the past three decades.
An analytical scheme for determining forms of sulphur in oil shales and associated rocks.

Abstract An analytical scheme for determining various forms of sulphur in oil shales and associated rocks is presented. Acid-soluble sulphate, sulphur contained in monosulphide and in disulphide minerals, and organically-bound sulphur are all quantitatively recovered as separate fractions. Finely-ground oil-shale samples are treated in an inert atmosphere with 6M hydrochloric acid to dissolve the acid-soluble sulphate minerals and form H2S from the decomposition of monosulphide minerals. The acid-soluble sulphate is precipitated as barium sulphate and the H2S is collected and weighed as silver sulphide. Disulphide minerals in the solid residue from the acid treatment are reduced by an acidified Cr(II) solution in an inert atmosphere, releasing the sulphide as H2S. The H2S is collected as silver sulphide. An Eschka fusion oxidizes and solubilizes all sulphur remaining within the Cr(II)-treated residue. This sulphate represents organically-bound sulphur and is collected as barium sulphate. The analytical procedures have been verified by using 57Fe Mossbauer spectroscopy. Good agreement between the chemical and Mossbauer data substantiated the sequential removal of the forms of sulphur and also demonstrated the ability of Mossbauer spectroscopy to determine the absolute quantities of iron present in specific minerals.
Effects of 15-Oxa-32-vinyl-lanost-8-ene-3β,32 diol on the Expression of 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl Coenzyme A Reductase and Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor in Rat Liver

Abstract The mechanisms by which oxylanosterols regulate expression of hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase and lower serum cholesterol levels were examined by using a novel nonmetabolizable oxylanosterol mimic, 15-oxa-32-vinyl-lanost-8-ene-3β, 32 diol (DMP 565). This compound, unlike other nonmetabolizable oxylanosterols, is not a substrate for lanosterol 14α-methyl demethylase. Feeding rats a diet supplemented with 0.02% DMP 565 markedly decreased HMG-CoA reductase immunoreactive protein and enzyme activity levels without affecting mRNA levels. The rate of reductase protein degradation was unaffected. However, the rate of translation was reduced to less than 20% of control. Thus, DMP 565 appears to regulate hepatic HMG-CoA reductase gene expression primarily at the level of translation. The pronounced inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase by DMP 565 resulted in a compensatory increase in the functioning of the hepatic low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor, possibly by increased cycling, as evidenced by a marked increase in the rate of degradation of the LDL receptor. The half-life of the receptor was decreased from over 7 h to only 1 h in animals receiving DMP 565. This increase in the rate of degradation occurred without a change in the steady state level of the receptor. Addition of dietary cholesterol attenuated the increased turnover of the LDL receptor. These effects on the hepatic LDL receptor have also been observed with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (G. C. Nesset al.,1996, Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 325, 242–248). However, the effect of DMP 565 on the rate of degradation of the hepatic LDL receptor was of a greater magnitude when equal doses of the drugs were used. These regulatory actions of DMP 565 provide, in part, an explanation for the observed hypocholesterolemic action of this compound.
Overpayment models for medical audits: multiple scenarios

Comprehensive auditing in Medicare programs is infeasible due to the large number of claims, therefore, the use of statistical sampling and estimation methods is crucial. We introduce super-population models to understand the overpayment phenomena within the claims population. The zero- and one-inflated mixture-based models can capture various overpayment patterns including the fully legitimate or fraudulent cases. We compare them with the existing models for symmetric and mixed payment populations that have different overpayment patterns. The distributional fit between the actual and estimated overpayments is assessed. We also provide comparisons of models with respect to their conformance with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines. In addition to estimating the dollar amount of recovery, the proposed models can help the investigators to detect overpayment patterns.
A new heating configuration for hydrothermal crystal growth vessels to achieve better thermal and flow environments

This paper presents a numerical investigation on a new heating configuration for hydrothermal crystal growth vessels. On the upper growth camber, the top wall is cooled and the sidewall is insulated while the lower chamber is heated on the side wall. The thermal environments in the autoclaves with the top wall cooling and the conventional sidewall-cooling configurations are compared. Results show that the top wall cooling configuration establishes a much better thermal and flow environment in the upper growth chamber. With the sidewall-cooling configuration, the flow consists of a jet-like flow along the vertical centerline and downward wall layers. Comparatively, with the top wall-cooling configuration, the three-dimensional unsteady swirling flow establishes a more homogeneous and isotropic thermal and flow environment in most of the space in the main growth region which is ideal for the crystal growth. In the lower dissolving chamber, which is heated on the sidewall, temperature is higher near the baffle and lower at the bottom. Such a temperature distribution guaranties the raw material on the top of the stack be dissolved first.
Why was Wegener rejected

In his “Forum” item (Eos, February 3, 1998), Ron Girdler commented on Alfred Wegener's “continental drift” theory and noted, “What we should be pondering is: Why did the scientific establishment reject such a large amount of evidence for so long?” A fitting answer whose message still holds was given by Sir Edward Bullard in 1975 in his autobiographical article in Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences.
Design and performance of diffractive optics for custom laser resonators

Diffractive optical elements are used as end mirrors and internal phase plates in an optical resonator. A single diffractive end mirror is used to produce an arbitrary real-mode profile, and two diffractive mirrors are used to produce complex profiles. Diffractive mirror feature size and phase quantization are shown to affect the shape of the fundamental mode, the fundamental-mode loss, and the discrimination against higher-order modes. Additional transparent phase plates are shown to enhance the modal discrimination of the resonator at the cost of reduced fabrication tolerances of the diffractive optics. A 10-cm-long diffractive resonator design is shown that supports an 8.5-mm-wide fundamental mode with a theoretical second-order mode discrimination of 25% and a negligible loss to the fundamental mode.
The structure of inhibition

Abstract Inhibition is emerging as a central construct in both the literature on personality and health and the literature on the structure of personality. This study explored the structure of several questionnaire measures of inhibition by subjecting data from a number of scales to exploratory factor analyses. Combined samples of 155 students and noncollege adults completed a number of measures of inhibitory constructs such as self-control, emotional control, defensiveness, and obsessional thinking. A two-factor solution was reported for measures of behavioral and emotional control, with measures of defensiveness loading on the same factor as a number of measures of constraint and self-control. In a second analysis, including measures of ruminative thinking, three factors emerged pertaining to behavioral and emotional control and rumination. Behavioral inhibition correlated negatively with rumination but was uncorrelated with emotional inhibition. Emotional inhibition and rumination were positively correlated. The implications of these findings for research in the area of inhibition and well-being are discussed.
On the representativeness of direct deep-sea current measurements

Abstract Current measurements collected at a site in the Western North Atlantic are used to study the effectiveness of a finite set of data to represent currents over extended ranges of space and time. The measured currents are found to have large variation from one period to another; power spectra of the data show order-of-magnitude changes within a few months. Using the method of complex demodulation, the amplitudes of inertial period motions are found to vary by a factor of 10 within a few days. It is concluded that finite sets of data should not be used to represent conditions over extended ranges until more is understood about the physical nature of the observed variability.
Determination of alendronate sodium by ion chromatography with refractive index detection

Abstract Refractive index (RI) detection is applied to the ion Chromatographic (IC) determination of alendronate sodium, an important drug for the treatment of bone diseases, using a Waters IC-Pak HR anion-exchange column with dilute nitric acid (6 mM) as the mobile phase. The method is validated and demonstrated to be accurate, precise, specific and robust. It is a good, alternative method for routine assay vs. the IC-indirect UV method. The detection limit (4 · 10−4 mg/ml) is comparable to or better than that of the IC-indirect UV detection (1 · 10−3 mg/ml). The mechanism of the IC separation was explored by the application of the Regnier retention model and van 't Hoff analysis.
STATE-LEVEL APPROACHES TO MANAGING THE USE OF CONTRACEPTIVES IN WILDLIFE IN THE UNITED STATES

Abstract: Several fertility control agents have recently been registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for management of wildlife or other free-ranging animals. The registration of GonaCon™ Immunocontraceptive Vaccine for use in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and OvoControl for use in Canada geese (Branta canadensis) and pigeons (Columba livia) has caused state wildlife and land management agencies to review their regulatory authority over the use of contraceptives in wildlife. As a result, many states are taking steps to ensure legislation or policies are current with emerging technologies. This article examines the various approaches states are taking to regulate the use of contraceptives. Regardless of the final regulatory approach, biological, social, economic, and political implications must all be discussed as this new tool is introduced into the field of wildlife management. Thoughtful consideration of all aspects of wildlife contraceptive use will lead to the developme...
The 3' Substrate Determinants for the Catalytic Efficiency of the Bacillus Subtilis RNase P Holoenzyme Suggest Autolytic Processing of the RNase P RNA in Vivo

We investigated the catalytic efficiency and the specificity of the Bacillus subtilis RNase P holoenzyme reaction with substrates that contain a single strand, a hairpin loop, or a tRNA 3' to the cleavage site. At a saturating ribozyme concentration, RNase P can cleave a single-stranded RNA at approximately 0.6 min(-1) at pH 7.8. Replacing the single-stranded RNA 3' to the cleavage site by a hairpin loop or by the yeast tRNA(Phe) increases the cleavage rate by up to approximately 600-fold and approximately 3,200-fold, respectively. These results show that compared to a single-stranded RNA substrate, the cleavage rate for the holoenzyme reaction is primarily enhanced by an acceptor-stem-like helix. Substrate binding, approximately 7-10 microM for a single-stranded RNA, improves by approximately 1,000-fold upon the addition of the tRNA. The efficiency of the RNase P holoenzyme cleaving a single-stranded RNA is sufficiently high to consider autolytic processing of the RNase P RNA (denoted P RNA) transcript in the cell. The addition of the RNase P protein to a precursor form of the P RNA in vitro results in autolytic processing of the 5' and the 3' end of this precursor in a matter of minutes. Autolytic processing produces the reported 5' end of the mature P RNA. The precise 3' end generated by autolytic processing is different over the course of the reaction and the final product is 4 nt shorter than the reported 3' end of the B. subtilis P RNA. The observed 3' end in vitro is consistent with the property of the holoenzyme reaction with single-stranded RNA substrates. The discrepancy with the reported 3' end may be due to other processing events in vivo or inaccurate determination of the mature 3' end of the P RNA isolated from the cell. We propose that the mature B. subtilis P RNA is generated at least in part by autolytic processing upon the binding of the RNase P protein to the precursor P RNA.
Influence of stream geomorphic condition on fish communities in Vermont, U.S.A.

SUMMARY 1. Evaluations of stream geomorphic condition may increase our understanding of the composite effects of human-induced habitat change on fish communities. Using systematic sampling of 44 reaches spread across 26 rivers in Vermont from 2002 through 2004, we tested the hypothesis that stream reaches in reference geomorphic condition would support fish assemblages that differed in diversity and productivity from fish communities found in reaches of poorer geomorphic condition. 2. At each study reach, we sampled the fish community, identified the morphological unit according to common stream classification systems and then evaluated the extent of deviation from reference geomorphic condition using a regionally adapted geomorphic assessment methodology. 3. We used principal component analysis (PCA) and linear regression to build exploratory models linking stream geomorphic condition to fish community characteristics. 4. Our results suggest that geomorphic condition significantly influences fish community diversity, productivity and condition. Geomorphic condition was a significant factor in all of our fish community models. In conjunction with additional reach characteristics, geomorphic condition explained up to 31% of the total variance observed in models for species diversity of fish communities, 44% of the variance in assemblage biomass and 45% of the variance in a regional index of biotic integrity. 5. Our work builds on single-species evidence that geomorphic characteristics represent important local-scale fish-habitat variables, showing that stream geomorphic condition is a dominant factor affecting entire fish communities. Our results enhance our understanding of the hierarchy of factors that influences fish community diversity and organisation and support the use of geomorphic condition assessments in stream management.
Impacts of freeway traffic conditions on in-vehicle exposure to ultrafine particulate matter

Abstract There is evidence of adverse health impacts from human exposure to traffic-related ultrafine particulate matter pollution. As more commuters are spending a significant portion of their daily routine inside vehicles, it is increasingly relevant to study exposure levels to harmful pollutants inside the vehicle microenvironment. This study is one of the first research efforts to combine detailed freeway traffic data (at 20 s intervals) and in-vehicle ultrafine particulate (UFP) exposure data under varying vehicle ventilation conditions. Results show that due to negative correlation between traffic speed and density, traffic states have a small but significant impact on in-vehicle UFP concentrations, highest in high traffic flow-high speed conditions or in high traffic density-low speed conditions. Vehicle cabin barrier effects are the primary determinant of in-vehicle exposure concentrations, providing 15% protection with the windows down, 47% protection with the windows up and the vent open, and 83–90% protection with the windows up and the vent closed (more with the air conditioning on). Unique results from this study include the dominance of ventilation over traffic effects on UFP and the non-linear relationships between traffic variables and UFP concentrations. The results of this research have important implications for exposure modeling and potential exposure mitigation strategies.
High level test generation using data flow descriptions

To significantly expedite the test generation process for sequential VLSI circuits, the hierarchy in the circuit descriptions should be exploited. Conventional test generators can provide tests for relatively small modules, which are typically embedded in large circuits. This paper considers test generation for complex VLSI circuits composed of many interconnected modules. In contrast to the previous approaches, the authors use high-level primitives and data flow descriptions to perform hierarchical test generation. Data flow descriptions provide the set of valid control signals to be activated for a particular data path to be active. Sequential propagation and justification of signals is carried out recursively. Results are presented based on an implementation of the algorithm in LISP on a Texas Instruments Explorer. >
Role of the Carbohydrate Binding Site of the Streptococcus pneumoniae Capsular Polysaccharide Type 3 Synthase in the Transition from Oligosaccharide to Polysaccharide Synthesis

The type 3 synthase catalyzes the formation of the Streptococcus pneumoniae type 3 capsular polysaccharide [-3)-beta-D-GlcUA-(1, 4)-beta-D-Glc-(1-]n. Synthesis is comprised of two distinct catalytic phases separated by a transition step whereby an oligosaccharylphosphatidylglycerol primer becomes tightly bound to the carbohydrate acceptor recognition site of the synthase. Using the recombinant synthase in Escherichia coli membranes, we determined that a critical oligosaccharide length of approximately 8 monosaccharides was required for recognition of the growing chain by the synthase. Upon binding of the oligosaccharide-lipid to the carbohydrate recognition site, the polymerization reaction entered a highly processive phase to produce polymer of high molecular weight. The initial oligosaccharide-synthetic phase also appeared to be processive, the duration of which was enhanced by the concentration of UDP-GlcUA and diminished by an increase in temperature. The overall reaction approached a steady state equilibrium between the polymer- and oligosaccharide-forming phases that was shifted toward the former by higher UDP-GlcUA levels or lower temperatures and toward the latter by lower concentrations of UDP-GlcUA or higher temperatures. The transition step between the two enzymatic phases demonstrated cooperative kinetics, which is predicted to reflect a possible reorientation of the oligosaccharide-lipid in conjunction with the formation of a tight binding complex.