cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fine Structural Morphometry on Biopsy Specimens of Human Lung: 1. Normal Lung

Stereologic techniques were applied to an electronmicroscopic study of random samples of normal lung tissue obtained from nine patients during thoracotomy. Relative fractional volumes of lung components, alveolar and capillary surface areas, surface-to-volume ratios, and arithmetic and harmonic mean thicknesses of the alveolar-capillary membranes were determined and compared with values previously obtained by others for inflated whole lung. Values for fractional volumes and absolute surface area were significantly influenced by changes in lung Inflation imposed by the sampling technique and the use of predicted normal lung volumes for purposes of calculation. However, parameters for alveolar septal structures agreed closely with those obtained for inflated whole lung. Distribution in a volume could not be assessed, but within the limits of this study, there did not appear to be a significant difference in the width of the blood-air barrier between inflated and noninflated states.
Paleomagnetism of Cretaceous volcanic rocks from central Chile and implications for the tectonics of the Andes

The mean direction of remanent magnetization in well-dated, structurally and petrologically simple Cretaceous ash-flow tuffs from the central valley of Chile, near Santiago, indicates that the region has undergone a small (about 14°) clockwise rotation. Two other paleomagnetic studies on Cretaceous rocks from coastal Chile give a similar result. We tentatively attribute these rotations to dextral shear caused by oblique subduction of the Nazca plate beneath South America. In contrast, Cretaceous rocks from Peru seem from paleomagnetic evidence to have been rotated counterclockwise relative to the stable interior of the continent. This sense of apparent rotation agrees with the sense of deflection of geologic trends from north-south to north-northwest at about the Peru-Chile border (the Arica deflection). On the basis of these observations, several authors have suggested that the Arica deflection is an orocline. However, uncertainty in all such paleomagnetic interpretations is introduced by what seems to be a very streaked distribution of Cretaceous reference poles from the South American craton. The cause of this streaking is not known.
Measurement of the NIF gunite shielding composition and implications for neutron activation and worker doses

In December 1999 and January 2000, a 40-cm-thick spherical shell of sprayable concrete (gunite) was applied to the exterior surface of the National Ignition Facility (NIF) target chamber Glow-discharge mass spectroscopy has been used to determine the elemental composition of multiple gunite samples, which were collected at the time of application. These measured compositions are compared to the anticipated composition and both are used for neutron activation calculations. Contact dose rates are reported and implications for doses rates during operation and for the eventual facility decommissioning are discussed.
Fresh Green Seed Yield and Seed Nutritional Traits of Vegetable Soybean Genotypes

Edamame (pronounced eh-dah-MAH-meh) are large-seeded soybean [Glycine mar (L.) Merr.] harvested as green pods at the R6 stage when the seed are approximately 80% matured. The demand for edamame as fresh or frozen vegetable is increasing worldwide. Currently, lack of adapted edamame cultivars is one of the major factors limiting its commercial production in the southeastern USA. A need exists, therefore, to evaluate and identify Asian vegetable soybean genotypes for potential production andlor as a source of vegetable traits for breeding suitable cultivars. In a 4-yr study, six Japanese edamame cultivars, four large-seeded Japanese plant introductions, two Chinese vegetable soybean cultivars, and two adapted U.S. cultivars were evaluated for fresh green pod and seed yields and seed composition at the R6 stage. The genotypes were planted in a randomized complete block with four replications and were harvested at the R6 stage. The mean fresh pod and seed yields were 18.5 and 9.6 Mg ha -1 , respectively. The PI 181565, 'Tambagura', 'Shangrao Wan Qingsi', and PI 200506 with fresh pod and seed yields in excess of 20 and 10 Mg ha -1 , respectively, offer potential for commercial production in Georgia. The seed oil and protein contents ranged from 130.7 to 155.8 and 333.2 to 386.0 g kg -1 ,respectively. The mean glucose content was 67.1 g kg -1 , whereas the mean phytate content was 12.6 g kg -1 . Fresh pod weight was the major yield determinant (R 2 = 0.88). The Japanese edamame genotypes may be utilized as a source of vegetable soybean traits in breeding programs.
Electron-impact ionization of SiCl3 using an improved crossed fast-neutral-beam - electron-beam apparatus

The fast-neutral-beam technique is a versatile approach to the determination of absolute cross sections for electron-impact ionization of atoms, stable molecules as well as free radicals and metastable species. A fast neutral beam of the species under study is prepared by charge-transfer neutralization of a mass-selected ion beam and the species are subsequently ionized by an electron beam. Mass- and energy-dispersive selection separates singly from multiply charged ions and parent from fragment ions and allows the determination of partial ionization cross sections. Here we describe some major improvements that were made recently to the fast-beam apparatus that has been used extensively for ionization cross section measurements for the past 15 years in our group. Experiments using well-established ionization cross sections in conjunction with extensive ion trajectory simulations were carried out to test the satisfactory performance of the modified fast-neutral-beam apparatus. We also report absolute partial cross sections for the formation of various singly charged positive ions produced by electron impact on SiCl3 for impact energies from threshold to 200 eV in the modified fast-beam apparatus.
On Ecofeminist Philosophy

In the heat of a historical moment when the interwoven nature of imperialism, ecological degradation, exploitation of workers, racism, and women's oppression is painfully obvious to many, ecofeminism appears to be gaining in popularity. As Karen Warren's book Ecofeminist Philosophy (2000) illustrates, a key insight of ecological feminism is captured by the phrase "it's all connected." In more precise terms, ecofeminism stresses the depth to which human realities are embedded in ecological realities, and the fact that we are all composed of physical and conceptual connections and relationships. Ecofeminists also make strong normative claims about those connections, and they find present ecological and social relationships to be far more morally troubling than "we" modern thinkers tend to acknowledge. Karen Warren's work has been incredibly influential in the development of ecofeminism, especially as a philosophical perspective. In her 1987 essay "Feminism and Ecology: Making Connections," she argued for a basic ecofeminist position: that feminists ought to pay attention to environmental issues and ecological interdependencies, and that environmentalists ought to attend to the connections among ecological degradation, sexism, and other forms of social oppression. A wealth of ecofeminist poetry, fiction, and political writing had been published in the seventies and early eighties, before "Feminism and Ecology" appeared on the pages of
Review of Problem Solving in Clinical Medicine

Excerpt To the editor: In his recent review of Paul Culter's text,Problem Solving in Clinical Medicine(1), Dr. Barondess (2) seems to have missed the point. Cutler expands the implications of the b...
Prokaryotic and viral diversity patterns in marine plankton

Prokaryotes and viruses play critical roles in marine ecosystems, where they are both highly abundant and active. Although early work on both prokaryotes and viruses revealed little of their diversity, molecular biological approaches now allow us to break apart these ‘black boxes.’ The most revealing methods have been cloning and sequencing of 16S rRNA genes, community fingerprinting (such as terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism; TRFLP), and fluorescent in situ hybridization. Viral diversity can now be analyzed by pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) of viral genomes. The present paper summarizes recent advances in bacterial and virus diversity studies, and presents examples of measurements from polar, tropical, and temperate marine waters. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism shows that many of the same operationally defined prokaryotic taxa are present in polar and tropical waters, but there are also some unique to each environment. By one measure, a sample from over a Philippine coral reef had about 100 operationally defined taxa, whereas one from the open tropical Atlantic had about 50 and from the icy Weddell Sea, about 60. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis of two depth profiles, to 500 m, from Southern California, measured 2 months apart, shows striking similarities in viral genome length diversity over time, and some distinct differences with depth. The euphotic zone samples had extremely similar apparent diversity, but samples from 150 m and 500 m were different. An obvious next step is to compare the bacterial and viral diversity patterns, because theory tells us they should be related.
The effects of electromagnetic coupling on MMIC design

The undesired effects of electromagnetic coupling between passive elements in MIC and MMIC designs are examined. Measured data of several strongly coupled circuit topologies commonly encountered in MMIC design are compared to simulations using circuit theory programs employing discontinuity models as well as electromagnetic field simulation tools. The results of this comparison are used to derive a set of specifications for a simulation tool suitable for use in the design of MIC and MMIC circuits.
An algorithm for stuck-at fault coverage analysis of combinational and sequential logic circuits

Abstract An algorithm for stuck-at fault coverage analysis of digital logic circuits is presented. Based on a recently developed stuck-at fault model, the algorithm determines the effectiveness of a given test input set. The algorithm is applicable for studying sequential logic circuits, as well as combinational logic circuits. The software developed for fault coverage analysis of all single stuck-at faults is simple and fast.
Intrinsic and extrinsic fracture resistance in lamellar TiAl alloys

Abstract The roles of colony boundary and crack orientations in the fracture resistance of two-phase lamellar TiAl alloys (Ti–46.5Al and Ti–47Al–2Nb–1.6Cr–1V, all in at.%) were investigated. In situ fracture testing of single-colony thick compact-tension specimens was performed at ambient temperature in a scanning electron microscope equipped with a loading stage. Near-tip micrographs of kink or twist cracks approaching a colony boundary were obtained as a function of applied loads and subsequently analyzed using a machine-vision-based stereoimaging technique to determine the displacement and strain fields. Metallographic and fractographic techniques were utilized to measure the kink and twist angles of the crack as well as the orientation of the colony boundary. The stress intensity factors of the kink and twist cracks were computed using a 2D boundary-integral-equation method and a 3D finite-element method. Comparison of the computed stress intensity factors against those deduced from the near-tip strain field indicates that the intrinsic fracture resistance in the lamellar colonies of the TiAl alloys is relatively low (about 3 MPa √m, but its apparent value can be increased as the result of shear ligament bridging. The magnitude of shear ligament toughening is strongly influenced by the kink and twist angles of the crack, as well as the orientation of the colony boundary.
Activity and Cellular Localization of an Oncogenic Glioblastoma Multiforme-associated EGF Receptor Mutant Possessing a Duplicated Kinase Domain

A mutation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) that results in a tandem kinase domain duplication (TKD-EGFR) has been described in glioblastoma multiforme biopsies and cell lines. Although the TKD-EGFR confers tumorigenicity, little is known about the molecular underpinnings of receptor dysregulation. Therefore, we transfected B82L mouse fibroblast cells devoid of endogenous EGFR to determine the molecular mechanisms of receptor activation when expressed in cells as well as the contribution of each duplicated kinase domain to receptor phosphorylation. The TKD-EGFR displayed chronically elevated basal autophosphorylation at five known phosphotyrosine sites. The chronically phosphorylated TKD-EGFR was also resistant to competitive inhibition of ligand-binding compared with wild-type EGFR (WT-EGFR) and showed undetectable levels of basal dimerization, suggesting the TKD-EGFR escapes known mechanisms of receptor downregulation. Immunofluorescence analyses revealed a substantial portion of the TKD-EGFR resides in the cytosol in an activated state, although surface-localized subsets of the receptor retain ligand responsiveness. Kinase activity-deficient knockouts of the N-terminal or the C-terminal kinase domains generated TKD-EGFRs that recapitulate the autophosphorylation/localization patterns of a constitutively activated receptor versus a WT-like EGFR, respectively. Investigation of the molecular activity of the TKD-EGFR yields evidence for a unique mechanism of constitutive activity and dual kinase domain activation.
Risk factors for chronic pain following breast cancer surgery: a prospective study.

Chronic pain following breast cancer surgery is associated with decreased health-related quality of life and is a source of additional psychosocial distress in women who are already confront- ing the multiple stresses of cancer. Few prospective studies have identified risk factors for chronic pain following breast cancer surgery. Putative demographic, clinical, and psychosocial risk factors for chronic pain were evaluated prospectively in 95 women scheduled for breast cancer surgery. In a multivariate analysis of the presence of chronic pain, only younger age was associated with a significantly increased risk of developing chronic pain 3 months after surgery. In an analysis of the intensity of chronic pain, however, more invasive surgery, radiation therapy after surgery, and clinically meaningful acute postoperative pain each independently predicted more intense chronic pain 3 months after surgery. Preoperative emotional functioning variables did not independently contribute to the prediction of either the presence or the intensity of chronic pain after breast cancer surgery. These findings not only increase understanding of risk factors for chronic pain following breast cancer surgery and the processes that may contribute to its development but also provide a basis for the development of preventive interventions. Perspective: Clinical variables and severe acute pain were risk factors for chronic pain following breast cancer surgery, but psychosocial distress was not, which provides a basis for hypothesizing that aggressive management of acute postoperative pain may reduce chronic pain.
Chemical synthesis and surface activity of lung surfactant phospholipid analogs. II. Racemic N-substituted diether phospholipids

Abstract A series of racemic 16:0 disaturated N-substituted diether phosphonolipid analogs of glycerophospholipids have been synthesized and purified. Isosteric methylene substitution at three of the four ester sites (carboxyl, phosphate) of conventional glycerophospholipids enhanced the hydrophobicity of analog compounds compared with dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC), the major glycerophospholipid component of lung surfactant. Further substitutions at the nitrogen headgroup also contributed to hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity characteristics, as well as allowing graded variations in headgroup size among the members of the diether phosphonolipid analog series. Interfacial property studies showed that these compounds had significant differences in surface activity characteristics compared with DPPC, including increased adsorption and respreading facility, plus an enhanced ability to generate low surface tension (
RF-sputtered CrB2 diffusion barrier for Ni/Au Ohmic contacts on p-CuCrO2

Abstract Ohmic contacts to p-type CuCrO 2 using Ni/Au/CrB 2 /Ti/Au contact metallurgy are reported. The samples were annealed in the 200–700 °C range for 60 s in flowing oxygen ambient. A minimum specific contact resistance of ∼2 × 10 −5 Ω cm 2 was obtained after annealing at 400 °C. Further increase in the annealing temperature (>400 °C) resulted in the degradation of contact resistance. Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES) depth profiling showed that out-diffusion of Ti to the surface of the contact stacks was evident by 400 °C, followed by Cr at higher temperature. The CrB 2 diffusion barrier decreases the specific contact resistance by almost two orders of magnitude relative to Ni/Au alone.
Strange attractors: poems of love and mathematics, edited by Sarah Glaz and JoAnne Growney

Strange attractors: poems of love and mathematics, edited by Sarah Glaz and JoAnne Growney, Wellesley, MA, A. K. Peters, Ltd., 2008, 250 pp, Hardcover, US $39.00, ISBN-13: 978-1-56881-341-7. Someti...
Variation in self-esteem among adolescents in an Asian/Pacific-Islander sample

Abstract Variation in global self-esteem among adolescents differentiated in terms of age, gender, Hawaiian/part-Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian ethnicity, self-reported grades (SRGs) and socioeconomic status (SES) was examined in the present study. Being older, male or non-Hawaiian and higher SRGs or SES were hypothesized to be associated with higher global self-esteem. Six hundred and ninety-six Hawaiian/part-Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian high school students provided responses to demographic items, the 10-item Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale [RSES; Rosenberg, M. (1965). Society and the adolescent self-image . Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press], and items assessing SRGs and SES. Adolescent males reported significantly higher self-esteem than adolescent females. Adolescents differing in SRGs and SES also varied significantly from one another in self-esteem, with the general pattern indicating higher SRGs and SES to be associated with higher self-esteem. The significant age-by-SRGs interaction effect suggested the consequence of academic success throughout the high school years. Findings regarding the present Asian/Pacific-Islander adolescent sample corresponded with that found for other adolescent samples of different ethnic compositions, which provided support for the generalizability of variation in global self-esteem and its noted correlates across various socio-cultural contexts.
Integrating Profit Variance Analysis and Capacity Costing to Provide Better Managerial Information

We present a framework for integrating profit variance analysis and capacity costing to provide better managerial information. The framework expands traditional variance analysis to incorporate planned and unplanned changes in inventory levels and the use of practical capacity to determine overhead rates. The framework has practical value because effective cost management and performance evaluation require ascertaining the costs (effects on profit) associated with capacity and the manner in which it is being used. Pedagogical value stems from connecting concepts underlying the choice of a denominator volume to set overhead rates, the profit effects of inventory changes, and variance analysis. By virtue of its generality, the framework enhances the value of capacity costing and profit variance analysis for management planning and control.
Correlations of Peak Heating in Shock Interference Regions at Hypersonic Speeds

Correlations are given of measured pressure and heat-transfer peaks for shock/boundary-layer interactions and shear layer attachment on configurations with both two- and three-dimensional interactions. The peak values were obtained from an investigation of shock interference heating on hemispheres, a 30-deg included angle wedge, and a 2.54-cm-diam cylindrical leading-edge fin model. The investigation covers data for Mach numbers of 6 and 20 over freestream Reynolds numbers ranging from (3.3 to 25.6) million per meter, and specific heat ratios of 1.4 and 1.67.
Spacer defined double patterning for sub-72 nm pitch logic technology

In order to extend the optical lithography into sub-72 nm pitch regime, spacer defined double patterning as a self-aligning process option was investigated. In the sidewall defined spacer process, spacer material was deposited directly on the resist to achieve process simplification and cost effectiveness. For the spacer defined double patterning, core mandrel CD uniformity is proven to be a main contributor to pitch-walking and defined a new lithographic process window. Here, the aerial image log-slope is shown to be a measurable predictor of CD uniformity and sidewall angle of the resist pattern. Through resist screening and illumination optimization, resist core-mandrel of 2.5 nm CD uniformity across a focus range more than 200 nm with ± 3.5 % exposure latitude was developed having sidewall control close to the normal. Finally etch revealed that pitch-walking post pitch split can be suppressed below 2 nm within ± 2.5 % exposure latitude.
Auction choice for ambiguity-averse sellers facing strategic uncertainty

Abstract The robustness of the Bayes–Nash equilibrium prediction for seller revenue in auctions is investigated. In a framework of interdependent valuations generated from independent signals, seller expected revenue may fall well below the equilibrium prediction, even though the individual payoff consequences of suboptimal bidding may be small for each individual bidder. This possibility would be relevant to a seller who models strategic uncertainty as ambiguity, and who is ambiguity-averse in the sense of Gilboa and Schmeidler. It is shown that the second-price auction is more exposed than the first-price auction to lost revenue from the introduction of bidder behavior with small payoff errors.
Clinical significance of echogenic amniotic fluid

Purpose This study aimed to determine the clinical significance of echogenic amniotic fluid. Methods We prospectively studied 19 twin pregnancies in which the amniotic fluid in 1 sac was anechoic and that in the other sac was echogenic. Morphologic characteristics of amniotic fluid were assessed from samples taken at amniocentesis or upon delivery within 48 hours after sonographic examination. Results In twins with echogenic amniotic fluid, assessment revealed clear fluid in 6 cases (32%), vernix caseosa in 12 (63%), and meconium in 1 (5%). In co-twins with anechoic amniotic fluid, assessment revealed clear fluid in 9 cases (47%), vernix caseosa in 6 (32%), and meconium in 4 (21%). Conclusions Echogenic amniotic fluid on prenatal sonography is not predictive of meconium.© 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 26:191–193, 1998.
Prognostic significance of cholestatic alcoholic hepatitis. VA Cooperative Study Group #119.

Tissue cholestasis is a histologic feature in some patients with alcoholic liver disease, but its significance is unknown. We studied prospectively the clinical, laboratory, and histologic findings of 306 chronic male alcoholics in whom liver tissue was available. Tissue cholestasis permitted identification of two groups: group I, absent or mild cholestasis (239 patients), and group II, moderate to severe cholestasis (67 patients). Statistical evaluation was performed by Student's ttest and regression analyses. In patients with tissue cholestasis, 97% had elevated serum cholylglycine levels, while only 61% had significant jaundice (serum bilirubin > 5 mg/dl). In patients without tissue cholestasis, 66% had elevated serum cholylglycine and 13.5% jaundice. Highly significant statistical correlations (P <0.0001) were found between cholestasis and malnutrition, prothrombin time, AST, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, Maddrey's discriminant function, serum cholylglycine level, albumin, and histologic severity score. In group I, 54% survived 60 months versus 22% in group II (P <0.0001). Highly significant statistical correlations (P <0.0001) were noted between serum cholylglycine levels and the parameters enumerated earlier, but not with survival. We conclude that tissue cholestasis is a highly significant prognostic indicator of outcome in alcoholic hepatitis and is more consistently associated with bile salt retention than jaundice.
Steroid correlates of multiple color traits in the spiny lizard, Sceloporus pyrocephalus

Conspicuous coloration in females is less well studied compared to that in males. Adult female Mexican boulder spiny lizards (Sceloporus pyrocephalus) have conspicuously colored throat, or gular, regions, ranging from red to yellow, while adult males only weakly express such color in their gular region. Both sexes have dark blue–black gular stripes and venter stripes. Understanding proximate mechanisms underlying trait expression can aid in understanding trait function. To characterize the proximate mechanisms potentially influencing color variation among field-captured male and female S. pyrocephalus, we quantified three aspects of color (hue, saturation, brightness) for three body locations (gular region, gular stripes, venter stripes) and then assessed how color was related to reproductive state and concentrations of the plasma steroid hormones testosterone (T) and corticosterone (CORT) in males and T, CORT, and 17-β estradiol (E2) in females. Testes volume was not related to variation in color or in hormones, perhaps because most males were in peak reproductive condition. Large vitellogenic follicles as opposed to oviductal eggs were associated with higher E2 in females. Males with more dull gular stripes and females with dull venter stripes had significantly higher CORT. Females with red gular regions and pale grey gular stripes had higher T and E2 concentrations compared to females with a more yellow gular region and darker gular stripes. Thus, gular region color in females could communicate reproductive state; dull gular stripes in males and dull venter stripes in females could communicate stress status.
Yield and Disease Control on Hard Winter Wheat Cultivars with Foliar Fungicides

Foliar diseases and Fusarium head blight (FHB) (caused by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe) frequently constrain hard winter wheat (HWW) production in the northern Great Plains of North America. Experiments were conducted in North Dakota (ND) to determine the agronomic and economic response of adapted hard winter wheat (HWW; Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars to foliarly applied fungicides. Experiments consisted of a factorial combination of winter wheat cultivars (12-18 depending on the year) and fungicides (no fungicide or fungicides applied) and were conducted in five environments from 2005 to 2007. Yield and disease development varied between environments, with the greatest disease pressure occurring in 2005 and the least in 2006. Within an environment and averaged across cultivars, fungicides improved yields by 5.5 to 44.0%. Cultivars differed significantly in their yield in each environment and cultivar by fungicide interactions for yield occurred in four of the five environments. In all but 2005, varieties that were most responsive to fungicides were those with the greatest disease susceptibility. In 2005, the year of the greatest disease pressure, cultivars that were the most responsive to fungicide were those with the best disease tolerance, indicating the value of integrating several control practices when disease pressure is high. Fungicides were very effective in reducing leaf spots and FHB and provided near complete control of leaf rust. Fungicides can be a valuable tool in increasing yields and profitability of winter wheat, especially if disease susceptible cultivars are grown and if disease pressure is only moderate. Combining fungicides with genetic resistance offers the best monetary return when disease pressure is high.
Reconstruction of the Distal Ulna: Instability, Impaction, Impingement, and Arthrosis

A number of afflictions may affect the distal radioulnar joint that can lead to severe pain, disuse, dysfunction, and disability. The disorders that affect this small anatomic region are complex, have multifactorial etiologies, and can sometimes present difficult diagnostic and treatment options. This article presents an overview of recent developments in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of conditions that affect the joint and surrounding bone and soft tissues.
A METHOD FOR THE DETECTION AND ISOLATION OF TRACES OF ORGANIC FLUORINE COMPOUNDS IN PLANTS.

Abstract A method for the detection and isolation of sub-microgram quantities of organic fluorine compounds from plant materials in the presence of much larger amounts of inorganic fluoride is presented. The procedure consists first of a rapid screening step for use with large numbers of vegetable samples and extracts and, second, of a chromatographic step to isolate and characterize any fluoro-organics found. These methods are developed in light of specific chemical characteristics of organic fluorine compounds as a general class. A modification of SOEP's quantitative sub-micro fluoride analytical method is presented as applicable to these isolation methods. Microgram quantities of organic fluorine compouns were found in the plant materials investigated but at a level too low for isolation and identification.
The pyruvate-proton exchange reaction of malic enzyme from pigeon liver

Abstract Malic enzyme ( l -malate: NADP + oxidoreductase (decarboxylating) EC 1.1.1.40) catalyzes the incorporation of proton from medium water into pyruvate present either as the initial substrate or as the enzyme-bound product of malate decarboxylation. In the later reaction a single proton is incorporated into the methyl group of pyrvate. The pyruvate-medium proton exchange reacfion requires Mg 2+ , NADPH and CO 2 -HCO 3 - as cofactors. The apparent Michaelis constants of pymvate, NADPH and CO 2 -HCO 3 - are 4.8 mM, 2 μ M and approx. 9 μ M, respectively. The experimentally determined incorporation of 2.5 trifium atoms from tritiated water into pyruvate indicates that all three methyl protons of this compound are stereochemically equivalent in the exchange reacfion. These results are consistent with the postulated kinetlc mechanism for the malate reaction (Hsu, R.Y., Lardy, H.A. and Cleland, W.W. (1967) J. Biol Chem. 242, 5315–5322), which predicts the formation of an enol pyruvate intermediate during the reaction. The rate of malic enzyme-catalyzed detritiation of β-tritiated pyruvate is unaffected by modification of an essential protein thiol group with 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) or KCN. Moreover, the native- and thiol-modified enzymes also catalyze the detritiation of β-tritiated bromopyruvate at slower rates.
Thermoanalytical characterization of epoxy matrix-glass microballoon syntactic foams

Syntactic foams are finding new applications where their thermal stability and high temperature response are important. Therefore, the high temperature response of these advanced composites needs to be characterized and correlated with various material parameters. The present study is aimed at evaluating the effect of microballoon (hollow particle) volume fraction (Φ) and wall thickness (w) on thermoanalytical characteristics of epoxy matrix syntactic foams containing glass microballoons. These composites are characterized to determine the glass transition temperature (Tg), the weight loss, and the char yield. It is observed that Tg decreases and the char yield increases due to the presence of microballoons in the resin. The Tg is increased with an increase in Φ but is not significantly affected by w. The thermal stability is increased by increasing w and is relatively less sensitive to Φ. Understanding the relations between thermal properties of syntactic foams, the microballoon wall thickness, and microballoon volume fraction will help in developing syntactic foams optimized for mechanical as well as thermal characteristics. Due to the increased interest in functionally graded syntactic foams containing a gradient in microballoon volume fraction or wall thickness, the results of the present study are helpful in better tailoring these materials for given applications.
Use of novel inhalation kinetic studies to refine physiologically-based pharmacokinetic models for ethanol in non-pregnant and pregnant rats

AbstractEthanol (EtOH) exposure induces a variety of concentration-dependent neurological and developmental effects in the rat. Physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models have been used to predict the inhalation exposure concentrations necessary to produce blood EtOH concentrations (BEC) in the range associated with these effects. Previous laboratory reports often lacked sufficient detail to adequately simulate reported exposure scenarios associated with BECs in this range, or lacked data on the time-course of EtOH in target tissues (e.g. brain, liver, eye, fetus). To address these data gaps, inhalation studies were performed at 5000, 10 000, and 21 000 ppm (6 h/d) in non-pregnant female Long-Evans (LE) rats and at 21 000 ppm (6.33 h/d) for 12 d of gestation in pregnant LE rats to evaluate our previously published PBPK models at toxicologically-relevant blood and tissue concentrations. Additionally, nose-only and whole-body plethysmography studies were conducted to refine model descriptions of re...
Patterns of entry into cohabitation and marriage among mainland Puerto Rican women.

This paper adds to our limited knowledge of racial and ethnic variation in union formation by describing and analyzing the first unions of mainland Puerto Rican women. Retrospective history data show that Puerto Ricans have shared in the post-l970 shift toward cohabitation. Puerto Rican women, however, are much more likely to enter informal first unions than the general population, and have a low propensity to transform informal unions into legal marriages. The paper examines the influence of family background and current activities on union timing and type. The relationship between partner attributes and the choice between formal and informal coupling is also considered.
Human Rights and the Triumph of the Individual in World Culture

Despite ongoing attention to the subject, cultural accounts of the globalization of human rights are surprisingly scarce. Most accounts describe this phenomenon either as a function of evolutionary progress or the rational/strategic action of states and social movement organizations. As a result, they have difficulty explaining both the moral impulse to act on behalf of human rights and the tremendous expansion of the ideology itself. Borrowing insights from global cultural analysis, I argue that the increasing concern for, and elaboration of, human rights points to a world-cultural environment where the individual is increasingly regarded as sacred and inviolable. To demonstrate this, I explore how human rights have developed historically as a `cult of the individual' and present new data on their recent worldwide expansion.
Interactions among membrane and soluble components of the flagellar export apparatus of Salmonella.

Interactions among several components of the flagellar export apparatus of Salmonella were studied using affinity chromatography, affinity blotting, and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). The components examined were two integral membrane proteins, FlhA and FlhB, and two soluble components, FliH and the ATPase FliI. Affinity chromatography and affinity blotting demonstrated a heterologous interaction between FlhA and FlhB but not homologous FlhA−FlhA or FlhB−FlhB interactions. Both FlhA and FlhB consist of N-terminal transmembrane domains and C-terminal cytoplasmic domains (FlhAC and FlhBC). To study the interactions among the cytoplasmic components (FlhAC, FlhBC, FliH, and FliI), FRET measurements were carried out using fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate (FITC) as donor and tetramethylrhodamine-5- (and 6-) isothiocyanate (TRITC) as acceptor. To reveal the nature of the binding interactions, measurements were carried out in physiological buffer, at high salt (0.5 M NaCl) and in 30% 2-propanol. The r...
Paleocurrent and Petrographic Analysis of Imbricate Intraclasts in Shallow-Marine Carbonates, Upper Cambrian, Southwestern Virginia

ABSTRACT The Conococheague Limestone and Copper Ridge Dolomite are coeval Upper Cambrian shallow-marine carbonates exposed in the Valley and Ridge Province of southwestern Virginia. Sheetlike conglomerates of probable storm origin showing well-developed intraclast imbrication are common in these units. Directional and petrographic data obtained from 48 such conglomerates and adjacent strata reflect the landward (Copper Ridge) versus seaward (Conococheague) depositional frameworks in which the two formations originated. Analysis of imbrication azimuths suggests that the Conococheague conglomerates were transported by multidirectional paleocurrents associated with middle- to outer-shelf storm activity. In contrast, the Copper Ridge imbricate intraclasts show much more consistent shoreward movement toward the northwest, probably the result of currents generated by storm waves refracted by shallower, middle-shelf to intertidal environments. At individual sample localities, apparent long-axis alignments of elongated clasts in the conglomerates show inconsistent relationships to transport directions deduced from imbrication, evidently because of high clast concentration and general lack of prolate grains. An overall shore-parallel trend of long axes, more evident in the Copper Ridge, may have developed fr m poststorm-tidal-current and wave activity and could serve as another shallow- versus deep-water discriminant. Paleoflow patterns derived from cross stratification in sandstones above and below the imbricate conglomerates reflect normal, day-to-day, tidal, longshore, and rip-current sedimentation. Petrographically, the intraclast conglomerates show a tripartite grouping strongly related to source sediments and their environments. Group I, found mainly in the Conococheague, formed in platform-margin ooid sand shoals; Group II, common in both formations, originated in subtidal middle-shelf to lower-intertidal inner shelf, peloid sand silt and mud flats; and Group III, present almost exclusively in the Copper Ridge, accumulated in inner-shelf intertidal environments where algal mats and carbonate mud were abundant. Paleocurrent directions determined from imbrication in the petrographic groups also reflect these differences in depositional environments. The importance of paleocurrent data from imbrication in shallow-marine carbonate conglomerates, which are abundant in the geologic record, has not been realized. This information can be synthesized with petrographic data to aid considerably in reconstructing ancient environments.
Hysteresis of two interacting magnetic pairs with inequivalent perpendicular anisotropy

Abstract We consider a model for magnetic memory that consists of strongly coupled dipolar or antiferromagnetic (AF) pairs with inequivalent perpendicular anisotropy K 1 and K 2 . For appropriate parameter values, determined in this work, they have two inequivalent storage states with zero net magnetic moment. Both analytical and numerical calculations are performed, in some cases yielding different results because of relaxation effects (i.e., a dependence on the damping parameter α ). Hysteresis loops for a wide variety of parameter values are obtained, both for the AF case and the dipole case. An Appendix gives analytic results for slightly non-collinear spins in an applied field, which were used to test the numerical results.
Differential effects of marijuana components on proliferation of spleen, lymph node and thymus cells in vitro.

Abstract The effects of delta 9 THC and 11-OH THC on the proliferative response of murine spleen cells stimulated in vitro with the T cell mitogens Con A or PHA were compared with the effects of these drugs on the mitogen-induced proliferation of murine thymus and lymph node cells. Thymus cells were found to be suppressed at lower cannabinoid concentration than either spleen or lymph node cells. However, splenic cells were more easily suppressed than were the lymph node cells. Lymphoid cell numbers were varied from 1 × 10 6 to 8 × 10 6 cells and treated with a constant dose of either THC or 11-OH THC. When suppression was noted with spleen and lymph node cells, the smallest number of cells in the assay resulted in the greatest level of suppression of cell proliferation. No significant suppression to PHA induced proliferation was found for lymph node cells at any cell number tested. Thymus cells were always more readily suppressed than spleen or lymph node cells regardless of the number of cells in culture. Furthermore, 11-OH THC suppressed the responsiveness of the thymus cells to PHA more than to Con A under the experimental conditions used. Thus, the ability of cannabinoids to induce suppression of the proliferative response of lymphoid cells to mitogens depends on the organ source of the cells, nature of the cannabinoid (THC or 11-OH THC), dose of the cannabinoid, mitogen used (PHA or Con A), and number of cells in culture. These variables provide their own individual significance in terms of pointing to directions for further study as well as partially explaining the difficulties of comparing work from laboratory to laboratory where these variables are not necessarily constant.
Estimating the common location parameter of exponential distributions with censored samples

Consider the problem of estimating the common location parameter of two exponential distributions when censored samples are taken. The unique minimum variance unbiased estimator (UMVUE) is found along with an expression for its variance. The asymptotic distribution is given for a special case and a generalized Bayes property is exhibited. Extensions include the case of k > 2 populations. Also the UMVUE is found for P(Y > X) and certain reliability functions.
Chemotherapy in the treatment strategy of breast cancer.

Although breast cancer presents as localized disease and is treated with local modalities, i.e. surgery and radiotherapy, patients die with metastatic disease. For patients with positive nodes, the recurrence rates are well known. It is this group of patients who should receive more aggressive treatment. Chemotherapeutic regimens are available that cause responses in patients with advanced disease in the range of 20% to 65%, with about 15% complete responses The current paper deals with the application of several chemotherapeutic regimens at the time of surgery in those patients at high risk. The preliminary results indicate a significant decrease in the recurrence rates. Additional studies combining chemotherapy and hormonal procedures are mentioned.
Narrating traumas and transgressions Links between narrative processing, wisdom, and well-being

Experiencing personal growth via reflection on negative events is well established. Yet, we know less about how people process and grow (or not) from different types of negative events, and how such narrative processing might differentially predict important outcomes, in this case, wisdom and well-being. Eighty-five community members participated in an online study examining the narrative processing and self-perceptions of traumas and transgressions, and how narrative processing predicted wisdom and well-being. Results showed few differences in the processing of traumas and transgressions, though the latter was viewed as less important to the self compared to the former. Further, growth in transgressions predicted wisdom, and narrative resolution of transgressions predicted well-being. In contrast, for trauma narratives well-being was predicted by the interaction of resolution and narrative complexity. Discussion focuses on the role of event types in narrative processing in relation to wisdom and well-being.
Ice-Cored Rock Glacier, Galena Creek, Northern Absaroka Mountains, Wyoming

Galena Creek rock glacier (44°38930″ N., 109°47930″ W., elevation 2,680 to 3,110 m, length 1.6 km) originates in a north-facing cirque. Although this rock glacier morphologically resembles others described elsewhere, its upvalley two-thirds is composed of a continuous layer of debris 1 to 1.5 m thick over relatively clean glacier ice and has a maximum measured surface velocity of 80 cm/yr. The downvalley one-third is mantled by 2 to 3 m of debris (measured by seismic refraction) over ice of unknown debris content; it has a maximum measured velocity of 14 cm/yr. The transition zone between these two regions has several large (6-m-high, 90-m-wide) lobes that override one another at a maximum measured velocity of 6 cm/yr. Accumulation occurs primarily as wind-drifted snow in a narrow lens-shaped area against the cirque headwall. Most of the coarse debris is not incorporated in the ice, but is carried past the steep (13° to 33°) snow accumulation area beneath the cirque headwall by snow avalanche and rockfall to form the debris mantle. The debris mantle is sorted, with coarse fragments dominant at the surface and a zone of fines just above the debris-ice contact. The ice beneath the debris mantle contains a maximum of 10 to 12 percent debris by volume, except in probable longitudinal septa downglacier from large debris concentrations in the source area. Intersecting ridges and furrows on the up-valley portion of the rock glacier probably differ in age, according to lichen sizes and ridge sharpness, and are probably formed by compression below steep reaches of the glacier and by collapse into crevasses. Ice-cored rock glaciers uniquely have a very low ratio of accumulation area to ablation area (1:7 in this case). This is mainly the result of an ablation rate beneath the debris mantle that is estimated to be about two orders of magnitude less than that of clean ice. The slow rate of addition of ice makes the glacier thin and thus slow-moving. Because of the debris cover, rock glaciers are not nearly so sensitive to climate as are clean glaciers. The lag effect between retreat of clean glaciers and deactivation of rock glaciers may be several thousand years, and therefore mountain glacier moraines should be correlated with rock glaciers only with extreme care.