cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An auger electron spectroscopy study of the surface of Ni-Mo cemented Ti(CN) substrates used for deposition of crystalline diamond particles

Abstract The surface composition of Ni-Mo cemented Ti(CN) tool inserts was studied by Auger electron spectroscopy under various conditions associated with diamond particle deposition in a microwave plasma using CH 4 −H 2 mixtures as the feedstock. The presence of a nickel-rich phase at the surface did not appear to prohibit diamond particle growth, but rather reduced the growth rate relative to a pure TiC surface. Surfaces deliberately enriched in the nickel binder phase did, however, appear to show poor adherence for continuous diamond films grown on them.
Molecular and nuclear magnetic moments in microwave Zeeman spectra

Abstract The Zeeman effect in microwave spectroscopy has proved to be a fruitful source of information for molecular and nuclear magnetic moments. The molecular moment, which results from rotation, can be directly determined from the Zeeman splitting, if the molecule is not electronically paramagnetic and is free from any nuclear coupling. Experimental data on the rotational moments of some polyatomic molecules are presented. Results of a quantum mechanical theory of the rotational moment in a symmetric top molecule are summarized. In the case of a nuclear coupling, the Zeeman spectra of the rotational fine-structure lines are analyzable in terms of the combined effect of the nuclear and molecular (rotational) magnetic moments. Some new data on nuclear magnetic moments have been obtained by this procedure.
The effect of chemical processing on the δ 13 C value of plant tissue

The effect of standard processing techniques on the δ13C value of plant tissue was tested using species representing the three photosynthetic pathways, including angiosperms and gymnosperms within the C3 taxonomic division. The species include Cowania mexicana (C3 angiosperm), Juniperus osteosperma (C3 gymnosperm), Opuntia spp. (crassulacean acid metabolism [CAM] angiosperm), and Atriplex canescens (C4 angiosperm). Each species is represented by 5 plants collected at two different sites, for a total of 10 samples. The samples were processed to whole plant tissue, holocellulose, α-cellulose, and nitrocellulose. An additional process was added with the discovery of residual Ca-oxalate crystals in holocellulose samples. Both C3 species show δ13C values becoming 13C enriched with increased processing. The CAM representative shows the opposite trend, with 13C depletion during the progression of treatments. The greatest range of values and most inconsistent trends occur in the C4 representative. Removal of the Ca-oxalate fraction resulted in different mean weight percentages and δ13C values among the species. Calculated δ13C values of the Ca-oxalate crystals show depletion from the tissue values in the two C3 species and enrichment in the C4 and CAM representatives. The C. mexicana samples show the greatest change between the tissue and Ca-oxalates (7.3‰) but the least mean weight percentage (11%), whereas A. canescens shows the greatest overall change, with a −2.8‰ isotopic shift and over 48% mean weight percentage. Variability within the samples undergoing each treatment remained relatively unchanged even with increased cellulose purity. This paper provides estimates of isotopic offsets necessary to correct from one treatment to another. Significant differences in δ13C among different treatments confirm the need to state the tissue fraction analyzed when reporting δ13C results.
Utilizing a D-amino acid as a drug carrier for antineoplastic nitrogen mustard groups.

The evaluation of an alkylating nitrogen mustard agent that utilizes D-alanine as a drug carrier for three chloroethyl substituents (ClCH2CH2-) is shown. Various important pharmacological properties were determined including polar surface area, partition coefficient, molar volume, polarizability, numbers of -OH and -NH2 groups, and aqueous solubility. The synthetic approach utilizes 1,2-dichloroethane reaction with the primary amine of D-alanine resulting in chloroethyl (ClCH2CH2-) substituents. A nitrogen mus-tard group results, and this agent showed alkylation activity in aqueous solution directed toward a nucleophilic primary amine group. Kinetics of alkylation activity is determined by placing p-chloroaniline and the nitrogen mustard agent in sodium bicarbonate buffered aqueous solution at physiological pH 7.4 and 37°C. Samples taken from the test solution are injected with fluorescamine that reacts specifically with primary amine functional groups. Absorbance measurements obtained at 400 nm by UV-Vis...
Pressure Ulcers in the Hospitalized Neonate: Rates and Risk Factors

Pressure ulcers (PU) are serious, reportable events causing pain, infection and prolonged hospitalization, particularly among critically ill patients. The literature on PUs in neonates is limited. The objective was to determine the etiology, severity and influence of gestational age on PUs among hospitalized infants. A two-year prospective study was conducted among 741 neonatal intensive care patients over 31,643 patient-days. Risk factors were determined by comparing the characteristics of infants who developed PUs with those who did not. There were 1.5 PUs per 1000 patient days with 1.0 PU per 1000 days in premature infants and 2.7 per 1000 days in term infants. The number of PUs associated with devices was nearly 80% overall and over 90% in premature infants. Infants with PUs had longer hospitalizations and weighed more than those who did not. Infants with device-related PUs were younger, of lower gestational age and developed the PU earlier than patients with PUs due to conventional pressure. The time to PU development was longer in prematurely born versus term infants. Hospitalized neonates are susceptible to device-related injury and the rate of stage II injury is high. Strategies for early detection and mitigation of device-related injury are essential to prevent PUs.
Electronic and magnetic properties of single-crystal YNi2B2C from 11B and 89Y NMR and magnetic-susceptibility measurements.

The quaternary intermetallic compound superconductor YNi{sub 2}B{sub 2}C with transition temperature {ital T}{sub {ital c}}=15.5 K has been investigated by {sup 11}B and {sup 89}Y nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and by magnetic susceptibility {chi} measurements both in the normal and the superconducting states. The NMR and relaxation measurements have been performed in a powder sample and single crystals. {sup 11}B ({ital I}=3/2) NMR spectra display patterns typical for an axially symmetric field gradient with quadrupole coupling frequency {ital v}{sub {ital Q}}=698{plus_minus}1 kHz and {sup 89}Y ({ital I}=1/2) data show spectra typical for a large anisotropic Knight shift, {ital K}, with axial symmetry (3{ital K}{sub ax}=0.042{percent}). In the normal state, the {sup 11}B {ital K} increases with decreasing temperature while {sup 89}Y {ital K} decreases. The temperature dependences of both the isotropic ({ital K}{sub iso}) and anisotropic (3{ital K}{sub ax}) components of the {sup 11}B and {sup 89}Y Knight shifts are presented together with dc magnetic susceptibility ({chi}) measurements obtained from magnetization measurements and are explained by the sharp features of the density of states near the Fermi level in the system. The analysis of the NMR and {chi}({ital T}) data when combined with the theoretical calculation of the Van Vleckmore » contribution to {chi}({ital T}) allows the determination of the hyperfine coupling constants for both nuclei investigated and permits the separation of the different contributions to the total measured {chi}({ital T}). The nuclear spin-lattice relaxation rate (NSLR) ({ital T}{sup {minus}1}{sub 1}) results for {sup 11}B show an enhancement of ({ital T}{sub 1}{ital T}){sup {minus}1} when lowering the temperature, consistent with previous results. (Abstract Truncated)« less
Phonological pattern frequency and speech production in adults and children.

Recent studies have suggested that both adults and children are sensitive to information about phonological pattern frequency; however, the influence of phonological pattern frequency on speech pro...
Degradation of liposome cluster caused by the interaction with endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs)

Abstract The interaction between endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and liposome clusters was investigated using UV–vis spectroscopy and observed by microscope. Since liposome clusters are composed of small unilamellar liposomes and membrane proteins, they are regarded as a model of plasma membranes. The size of each cluster was 10 μm in diameter. UV–vis spectroscopy of liposome clusters showed an apparent absorption at 300 nm which was affected by the interaction with EDCs. Four EDCs caused an alteration in absorption in a concentration-dependence manner between 0.1 and 10 ppm (i.e. 0.1–10 mg/l). Microscopic observation showed that the effect was caused by the degradation of liposome clusters while degradation was induced by the interaction; liposome was broken down by EDCs. This report suggests that the liposome cluster can be applied for universal detection of EDCs based on the interaction between a plasma membrane model and EDCs.
Blood Serum Lipoproteins: A review

Recent research in ruminant nutrit ion and metabolism has focused attention on l ipid utilization and l ipid-protein interactions. F o r example, Varman and Schultz (82) have reported altered levels of lipids in the blood stream of cows with depressed fa t test. McCarthy et al. (48) observed alterations in the serum lipoproteins of cows with bovine ketosis and also in animals with depressed fat test. The experiments of Chandler et al. (13) demonstrated an interaction between l ipid and protein in the diet of young growing calves. With the increased interest in l ipid metabolism, it seems appropr ia te to review the current understanding of l ipoproteins and their metabolism. Since none of the lipids that occur in blood are sufficiently polar to circulate free in this aqueous solution (22), a mechanism must be present to achieve a transportable form. One manner in which nonpotar substances can be made soluble in polar solvents is to complex them with highly polar molecules such as proteins. I t was observed in 1901 (30) that such l ipid-protein complexes did occur in the blood of animals. The true metabolic significance of this observation has been appreciated only during the last 20 years. Epstein et al. (18) in 1922 observed that the levels of serum cholesterol and serum protein were negatively correlated with the basal metabolic rate and concluded that this indicated an increased turnover of these molecules. Although Epstein was unaware of i t at the time, this early report was one of the first to indicate the importance of l ipid-protein macromolecules in plasma nutr ient transport . Lipid-protein complexes, or lipoproteins, have been studied only recently ha ruminants. Their relative importance in metabolism has been compared with glucose and acetate in the study of milk fa t synthesis with goats (4) and with lactating dairy cows (25). Serum chylomicrons and low-density l ipoproteins were the major blood precursors for milk fa t synthesis in these experiments. The uptake of triglycerides of low-density l ipoproteins by
Novel anticoagulant polyethylenimine: Inhibition of thrombin-catalyzed fibrin formation

Abstract Hypercoagulability is often associated with a variety of disease states, leading to cardiovascular complications. Polyethylenimine (PEI) prolonged prothrombin time, demonstrating its anticoagulant potential. In vitro, PEI at low concentration (nM) significantly blocked thrombin-catalyzed fibrin formation, accounting for its mode of anticoagulation. The uncompetitive inhibition by PEI of fibrin formation was independent of the concentration of fibrinogen (FBG), thrombin, or NaCl. PEI showed no effect on thrombin amidolytic activity, suggesting that the blockade of thrombin interaction with FBG could account for the inhibition on fibrin formation. PEI drastically depressed rabbit brain thromboplastin procoagulation monitored by a single-stage clotting assay using human plasma. In a THP-1 monocytic hypercoagulation model, a 4-h exposure to bacterial endotoxin or Ca 2+ ionophore A23187, respectively, resulted in a 5- or 10-fold enhancement in monocytic tissue factor (mTF) procoagulation. mTF hypercoagulation was offset by PEI included in the assay mixture. PEI showed the potential to arrest mTF hypercoagulation with IC 50 around 1.2 nM. Using a chromogenic assay to dissect the extrinsic pathway, we further assessed whether PEI has any effect on other clotting factors. PEI was not an inhibitor for either FVIIa or FXa, having no effect on not only the amidolytic but also their corresponding functionally catalytic activities. Although PEI upregulated TF-dependent FVII activation under the low-salt condition, the effective downstream inhibition of fibrin formation readily abolished and overrode the upstream enhancement, demonstrating the overall anticoagulation. PEI could present a new class of anticoagulant.
Evolution of 5s ribosomal rna genes in the chromosomes of the virilis group of drosophila

Drosophila melanogaster 5S ribosomal RNA labeled with 125I was used as an in situ hybridization probe to localize complementary sequences in chromosomes of species in the Drosophila virilis group. Whereas virilis, the ancestral species, has two different 5S gene loci, the derived species show only one of these loci; in the two lines that have evolved from virilis it is the opposite locus that is conserved. The possible events leading to such an arrangement are discussed.
Adverse effects of circumflex coronary artery occlusion on blood flow to remote myocardium supplied by a stenosed left anterior descending coronary artery in anesthetized open-chest dogs

Left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion in open-chest dogs causes a decrease in endocardial blood flow to the remote posterior bed supplied by a stenosed left circumflex coronary artery. To determine if “remote” myocardial ischemia also occurred in the anterior bed after circumflex occlusion, myocardial blood flow (radiolabeled microspheres) and hemodynamics were measured before and after circumflex occlusion in the presence of a stenosed left anterior descending artery (gradient: 28 ± 2 mm Hg) in 10 open-chest dogs. Aortic pressure fell from 108 ± 3 to 100 ± 3 mm Hg (p = 0.02) and mean distal left anterior descending coronary artery pressure fell from 81 ± 4 to 69 ± 5 mm Hg (p = 0.02) after circumflex occlusion. Transmural flow to normal myocardium supplied by unstenosed and unoccluded coronary arteries increased from 0.69 ± 0.04 to 0.84 ± 0.04 ml/min/gm (p < 0.0001) after circumflex occlusion. Although epicardial flow to the remote anterior bed supplied by the stenosed left anterior descending coronary artery increased after left circumflex occlusion (0.61 ± 0.03 to 0.73 ± 0.04 ml/min/gm, p = 0.004), remote anterior bed endocardial flow did not increase, and the remote bed endocardial: epicardial blood flow ratio decreased from 0.98 ± 0.06 to 0.78 ± 0.10 (p < 0.05). Therefore, in this model, remote anterior bed ischemia, relative to the normal myocardial flow response, developed when the left circumflex coronary artery was occluded in the presence of the stenosed left anterior descending coronary artery.
Role of the Internet Site in the Promotion Management of Sports Teams and Franchise Brands

This study examines the role that a website plays in the development of fan allegiance and as a promotion management tool for a sports team and brand. Research indicates that the combination of sports, media (television in particular), and sponsorships when employed in an integrated manner, can develop consumer connection to brands. This study suggests that the Internet is also an important part of an integration strategy of sports, media, and promotion. By working with a new team in the AIFA indoor football league, the researchers were able to determine what helped make fans allegiant to the team before the franchise's inaugural game. The results show that even before the team played its inaugural home contest, fans had become allegiant to the franchise brand and team by using the team internet site. These results indicate that an internet site can serve as a strong promotional tool in an integrated marketing plan of sports, media, and promotion to move fans toward brand loyalty and toward primary goals ...
Complications and death at the start of the new academic year: is there a July phenomenon?

BACKGROUND: The "July Phenomenon" refers to the propensity for increased errors to occur with new housestaff, as they assume new responsibilities at the beginning of the academic year. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the new residents presenting in July at a high volume Level I Academic Trauma Center. METHODS: The trauma registry at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical center was retrospectively reviewed to identify all injured patients admitted over a 5-year period ending in December 2006. All Morbidity and Mortality reports for the study period were reviewed to extract deaths and any complications classified as preventable or potentially preventable. Patients admitted in the first 2 months (July to August) of the academic year were compared with those treated at the end of the academic year (May to June). Baseline clinical and demographic characteristics were compared, and the rates of preventable and potentially preventable deaths and complications were determined for each of these groups. RESULTS: During the 5-year study period, 24,302 injured patients were admitted. Of those, 8,151 were admitted during the period from May to August with 4,030 (49.4%) at the beginning of the academic year (July to August) and 4,121 (50.6%) at the end of the academic year (May to June). Overall, the average age was 35.1 +/- 17.7 years, 77% were men with an Injury Severity Score of 8.4 +/- 9.7 and 24.2% penetrating injury rate. When examining mortality, after adjustment for differences between the two groups, there was no difference between patients admitted at the beginning or at the end of the academic year (adjusted odds ratio 95% confidence interval.: 1.1 0.8, 1.5., p = 0.52). However, when compared with the patients treated for their injuries in May to June, those treated at the beginning of the academic year had a significantly higher rate of preventable and potentially preventable complications (adjusted odds ratio 95% confidence interval.: 1.9 1.1, 3.2., p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: At an academic Level I trauma center, admission at the beginning of the academic year was associated with an increased risk of errors resulting in preventable and potentially preventable complications; however, these errors did not impact mortality. Specific errors associated with this increased rate of preventable complications warrant further investigation. Language: en
Auroral Substorms Paradigm Shifts in Research

The study of scientific advancement is the study of evolving thought. Disciplines progress as old prevailing theoretical ideas are toppled by new ones, one after another. Provided that new ideas can be independently verified, scientists at any level can greatly contribute to their field. Though space weather is a young field, it has been riddled with such paradigm shifts. As a scientist who has worked on auroral and magnetospheric substorm research during several of these moments, I have witnessed firsthand how diligence, patience, and creativity combine to advance science.
Simple parameterizations of the radiative properties of cloud layers: a review

Current atmospheric general circulation models parameterize cloud-radiation effects through relationships that are based on the assumption that a model grid is partly clear and the remaining area is filled with a homogeneous cloud layer. The optical properties of this homogeneous layer are related to cloud microphysical quantities such as the liquid water path and effective drop radius which in turn are diagnosed from model variables. In the future it will be necessary to consider distributions of liquid water paths within a grid and relate the effective radius to the type of cloud formed since the grid mean radiative properties are very sensitive to these parameters. There is also the need for a computationally efficient technique to model overlapping liquid and vapor absorption in the solar near infrared.
Application of discretized light-cone quantization to a model field theory in 3+1 dimensions.

We apply the method of discretized light-cone quantization (DLCQ) to a theory of complex and real scalars in 3 + 1 dimensions. The theory is a generalization of the Wick-Cutkosky model, and we find agreement with work by others on this model. For comparison with DLCQ, we consider an integral-equation approach. This has led to some insight, particularly with regard to the exchange of particles with zero longitudinal momentum. When the number of particles included is the same, the integral-equation results and DLCQ results agree.
Further studies on the covalent crosslinking of thyrotropin to its receptor: Evidence that both the α and β subunits of thyrotropin are crosslinked to the receptor

Abstract Highly purified α and β-subunits of thyrotropin were individually radioiodinated and, subsequently, recombined with their unlabeled complementary subunits. This procedure resulted in the formation of [ 125 I]thyrotropin(TSH) hybrid molecules which were labeled on only one hormone subunit. Characterization of the binding properties of these two hybrid molecules demonstrated that both yielded nonlinear Scatchard plots with K d and B max values similar to those obtained with radioiodinated native TSH and that both were capable of interaction with the high- and low-affinity binding components of the TSH receptor. The recombined [ 125 I]TSH molecules were then crosslinked to the TSH receptor using disuccinimidyl suberate. Following electrophoresis and autoradiography, two labeled TSH-receptor complexes with M r of 68,000 and 80,000 were observed. These two complexes exhibited hormone specificity and electrophoretic mobility identical to those previously observed using native [ 125 I]TSH. Crosslinking with increasing concentrations of disuccinimidyl suberate suggested that the formation of the 68,000 and 80,000 complexes was sequential with the 68,000 appearing before the 80,000. Furthermore, the two bands were labeled regardless of which TSH subunit of the hybrid TSH was radioiodinated. These data strongly suggest that the 68,000 and 80,000 TSH-receptor complexes are the result of crosslinking to the TSH α-β dimer and not to one subunit in the case of the 68,000 complex and to the TSH α-β dimer in the case of the 80,000 complex, as had been hypothesized previously.
Numerical research on a vaporizing fuel droplet in a forced convective environment

Abstract A comprehensive numerical model is developed to study a vaporizing n-heptane droplet in a forced convective environment under different temperature conditions, which includes high-pressure effects, liquid phase internal circulation, variable thermophysical properties, solubility of inert species into the liquid phase, and gas and liquid phase transients. Numerical predications of time histories of the dimensionless diameter square of a vaporizing fuel droplet within a zero gravity environment are in very good agreement with the micro-gravity experimental data. The numerical results show that at higher ambient pressure (such as 4 MPa) the droplet swells initially due to the heat-up of the cold droplet and its subsequent regression rate is far from following the d2-law during the early stages of droplet evaporation. However, at the ambient pressure of 0.1 MPa, the droplet swells are not obvious. The droplet presents an almost d2-law behavior in later stages of droplet evaporation for all considered pressures (up to 4 MPa). The numerical results also show that the droplet lifetime decreases with increasing ambient temperature. For example, the droplet lifetime at the ambient temperature 1200 K can be only 50–60% of the droplet lifetime at the ambient temperature 600 K. The final penetration distance of the vaporizing droplet decreases almost linearly with the ambient temperatures considered.
Early axonal changes following lesions of the dorsal columns in rats

A graded series of changes occur around lesions to the central nervous system. In the present investigation three zones were distinguished caudal to a lesion of the dorsal columns in the rat, In Zone I near the lesion, necrosis and cellular disintegration are followed by phagocytosis, and the development of a loose connective tissue matrix. Here Schwann cells proliferate and envelope axon sprouts in a similar fashion to those in developing of regenerating peripheral nerve. Zone II includes the proximal segment of nervous tissue containing normal appearing axons in continuity with parent nerve cells. Here an initially severe edematous condition is followed by growth and proliferation of astrocytes. Axon sprouts are present in the transitional Boundary Zone the first day following a lesion. They continue to grow and are most numerous at one week. By two weeks axons have apparently disappeared from many parts of Zone I and degeneration of parent axons and retraction clubs is advanced in Zone II. The reasons for axon involution are not known but do not appear to be related to the development of a glial scar.
Quadrupole transfer strength for deformed rare-earth nuclei as studied with heavy-ion induced two-nucleon transfer reactions☆

Abstract The quadrupole transfer strength associated with the deformed pairing field has been studied by measuring ground-state rotational band angular distributions for the ( 12 C, 14 C) reaction on 154 Sm, 182 W and 186 W. It is shown that, through competition between direct and multistep transitions involving intermediate inelastic excitation, reactions of this type may provide a useful means of studying an underlying structure description of deformed nuclei.
Comparative testing of nondestructive examination techniques for concrete structures

A multitude of concrete-based structures are typically part of a light water reactor (LWR) plant to provide foundation, support, shielding, and containment functions. Concrete has been used in the construction of nuclear power plants (NPPs) because of three primary properties, its inexpensiveness, its structural strength, and its ability to shield radiation. Examples of concrete structures important to the safety of LWR plants include containment building, spent fuel pool, and cooling towers. Comparative testing of the various NDE concrete measurement techniques requires concrete samples with known material properties, voids, internal microstructure flaws, and reinforcement locations. These samples can be artificially created under laboratory conditions where the various properties can be controlled. Other than NPPs, there are not many applications where critical concrete structures are as thick and reinforced. Therefore, there are not many industries other than the nuclear power plant or power plant industry that are interested in performing NDE on thick and reinforced concrete structures. This leads to the lack of readily available samples of thick and heavily reinforced concrete for performing NDE evaluations, research, and training. The industry that typically performs the most NDE on concrete structures is the bridge and roadway industry. While bridge and roadway structures are thinner and less reinforced, they have a good base of NDE research to support their field NDE programs to detect, identify, and repair concrete failures. This paper will summarize the initial comparative testing of two concrete samples with an emphasis on how these techniques could perform on NPP concrete structures.
Striving for effectiveness in the treatment of adolescent depression: Cognitive behavior therapy for multisite community intervention

The Treatment for Adolescents With Depression Study (TADS) was designed to compare the relative and combined effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and fluoxetine, each of which had demonstrated efficacy in carefully controlled single-site studies. Models of CBT from these efficacy studies served as the foundation for the TADS psychosocial intervention. When interpreting the acute and long-term outcomes of TADS treatment in the context of other studies of CBT for major depression, it is critical to understand the process and the decision making that formed the TADS CBT intervention. The TADS CBT Committee reviewed meta-analyses of child and adolescent psychotherapy as well as studies of CBT for childhood and adolescent depression, relied on expert consultants, and evaluated the treatment process in a feasibility study to derive the essential components of TADS CBT. In this article we describe the rationale for the TADS CBT, the process of treatment design, and the immediate sources of the TADS treatment. Key decisions were made involving the degree of treatment structure, therapist flexibility versus cross-site consistency, duration and intensity of treatment, the involvement of family members in treatment, and core versus optional elements of the intervention.
Performance in a delayed comparison discrimination task as a function of stimulus interpretation

In a sequential same-different comparison task, physically similar visual stimuli with the same interpretation were more poorly discriminated than equally similar stimuli with different interpretations. Physical similarity of stimulus pairs was held constant by using parametrically controlled computer-generated visual forms and by using each pair of figures as both a sameinterpretation pair and as a different-interpretation pair. The interpretation variable used the ambiguous-figure properties of the forms. The two forms in each pair could be seen as representing the same object given one way of interpreting them; a second interpretation applied to only one member of the pair. The discrimination results held for interstimulus intervals of 300 msec and 13 sec. Similarities between the present studies and “categorical perception” studies are noted.
The firm as a function of deals

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to attempt a justification as to why a profit-making firm may be viewed as a function of its nucleus expertise and a risky portfolio of deals. Design/methodology/approach – This is a theoretical paper relying on mathematics, graphs and verbal arguments to describe concepts. Findings – A profit-making firm can gain even more if it reduces the risk of its portfolio of deals. In its effort to reduce such a risk, the firm needs to know each deal’s profit share and be able to estimate each dealing partner’s reliability (a random variable). Research limitations/implications – The proposed hypotheses are not empirically tested, an exercise left to future work. Practical implications – Pragmatically, a profit-making firm may be viewed as a function of its strategic nucleus and its strategic federation. The firm may increase its gains by minimizing deals’ risk through a portfolio of deals diversification. The more the firm considers factors such as mediation, optimal commitme...
Acute loss of vision during pregnancy due to a suprasellar mass.

Abstract A pregnant woman presented with headaches, bilateral decreased visual acuity, and a central scotoma with a supertemporal hemianopic defect in the right eye and a superotemporal hemianopic defect in the left eye, and bilateral temporal optic disk pallor. Neuroimaging revealed an intrasellar mass with suprasellar extension. Biopsy of the lesion revealed lymphocytic hypophysitis (LH). Treatment with steroids produced marked improvement in visual function. The clinical presentation of lymphocytic hypothysitis may mimic pituitary adenoma and the diagnosis should be suspected in any pregnant or postpartum patient with an intrasellar or suprasellar mass.
Social status in female bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis): expression, development and reproductive correlates

Female bighorn sheep were studied over a 27-month period to quantify linearity and stability of social rank; expression of behaviour as a function of rank; development of rank relationships; and reproductive correlates of rank. Females exhibited a stable, non-linear hierarchy that correlated strongly with age. Dominant females used proportionally more threats, whereas subordinates used more subordinance patterns. Females integrated into the hierarchy at1–2 years of age and then fought their way to high social status. Dominant and subordinate females did not differ in pre-natal maternal investment, but dominant females nursed lambs at higher rates, and were more likely than subordinates to nurse alien lambs after their own lamb died.
EMERGING REGULATORY PARADIGMS FOR CONTROL OF GENE EXPRESSION BY 1,25-DIHYDROXYVITAMIN D3

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) functions as a steroid hormone to modulate the expression of genes. Its actions are mediated by the vitamin D receptor (VDR) which binds to target genes and functions to recruit coregulatory complexes that are essential for transcriptional modulation. ChIP analysis coupled to tiled DNA microarray hybridization (ChIP-chip) or massively parallel DNA sequencing (ChIP-seq) is now providing critical new insight into how genes are regulated. In studies herein, we utilized these techniques as well as gene expression analysis to explore the actions of 1,25(OH)2D3 at the genome-wide and individual target gene levels in cells. We identify a series of overarching principles that likely define the actions of 1,25(OH)2D3 at most target genes. We discover that while VDR binding to target sites is ligand-dependent, RXR binding is ligand-independent. We also show that while VDR/RXR binding can localize to promoters, it occurs more frequently at multiple sites many kilobases from target gene promoters. We then describe a new method whereby the regulatory regions of complex genes can be evaluated using large recombineered bacterial artificial chromosomes. We conclude that these new approaches are likely to replace many of the traditional methods used to explore the regulation of transcription.
Test of O(4) symmetry in hadrons: radiative decays of mesons

Abstract We present results of a calculation of radiative decays of mesons in the string-like U(4) ⊗SU f (3)⊗SU s (2)⊗SU c (3) model with U(4) ⊃ O(4) dynamic symmetry. Decay widths are obtained in explicit analytic form and describe data as accurately as the numerical results of the semi-relativistic quark model. We conclude that O(4) [a compactification of O(3, 1)] is an approximate symmetry of hadrons.
Is cell size important

Cell size plays an indirect role in cell proliferation, as cells must double in size before dividing. Cell size is largely determined by the activity of RNA polymerase I that controls ribosomal RNA synthesis and ribosome biogenesis. The type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-IR) and its docking protein, insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) control, in a non-redundant way, about 50% of cell and body size. This is certainly true in mice, flies and cells in culture, but also probably in higher mammals. Interestingly, the insulin receptor (InR) cannot substitute for the IGF-IR in controlling cell size. This is probably due to the fact that the IGF-IR is more effective than the InR in translocationg to the nuclei IRS-1, which then binds UBF1, one of the proteins that regulate RNA pol I activity.
Putative mutagens and carcinogens in foods. VII. Genetic toxicology of the diet

Individual reviews of approximately 30 papers presented at the Fourth International Conference on Environmental Mutagens are presented in this report. Topics covered include diet in cancer epidemiology; cooked and processed food as a source of mutagens and carcinogens; natural genotoxins in plants and beverages; mutagens within the gastrointestinal tract; and modulation of mutagenesis and carcinogenesis.
In Situ X-Ray Radiographic Study of Stress Corrosion Cracking in AA2024-T3

Abstract Despite the many studies that have addressed stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in high-strength aluminum alloys, the separate contributions of stress and electrochemistry to the SCC process ...
Impact of Mechanical Chevrons on Supersonic Jet Flow and Noise

In this paper, we present observations on the impact of mechanical chevrons on modifying the flow field and noise emanated by supersonic jet flows. These observations are derived from both a monotonically integrated large-eddy simulation (MILES) approach to simulate the near fields of supersonic jet flows and laboratory experiments. The nozzle geometries used in this research are representative of practical engine nozzles. A finite-element flow solver using unstructured grids allows us to model the nozzle geometry accurately and the MILES approach directly computes the large-scale turbulent flow structures. The emphasis of the work is on “off-design” or non-ideally expanded flow conditions. LES for several total pressure ratios under non-ideally expanded flow conditions were simulated and compared to experimental data. The agreement between the predictions and the measurements on the flow field and near-field acoustics is good. After this initial step on validating the computational methodology, the impact of mechanical chevrons on modifying the flow field and hence the near-field acoustics is being investigated. This paper presents the results to date and further details will be presented at the meeting.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Purification and Characterization of DNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase from Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract DNA dependent RNA polymerase from exponentially growing Staphylococcus aureus cells was purified. An SDS-polyacrylamide gel analysis of the most purified preparation revealed that it consists of β, β′, α, and σ with apparent molecular masses of 151, 147, 42, and 55 kDa, respectively. The σ subunit cross reacted with a polyclonal antibody against Bacillus subtilis σ 43 . The cross reacting peptide co-migrated with the B. subtilis σ 43 subunit. The implications of these results are discussed. Promoter specific in vitro run-off transcripts were obtained using the purified enzyme preparation. Specific conditions for the polymerization reaction are defined.
Male life history and intergroup mobility among ringtailed lemurs (Lemur catta)

Lemur catta shares a male-biased dispersal pattern with most primate species and the majority of mammals. Individuals in a free-ranging population of ringtailed lemurs were captured, marked, released, and monitored for a 40-month period. Sixty-four percent of the males (43 of 67) migrated or were missing within this period and all nine censused groups were affected by migration. Males migrate from their natal group and then may migrate again after reaching full adult body weight. Full-sized adult males migrate at a rate of 0.28 per year or once every 3.5 years and may change groups a number of times during their life. Migrations occurred within a 6-month period, ending just after the mating season. However, there is no direct connection between mating success and male migration. Females mate with transferring males, with group males, and with visitors from adjacent groups. The age-related pattern of male migration and the occurrence of extragroup mating inLemur catta is similar to that described for several species of macaques.
Algorithms for inferring cis-regulatory structures and protein interaction networks

A major focus of functional genomics today is the discovery of the interactions between genes and proteins that regulate the transcription of genes and the responses of cells to external signals. The speaker will describe his recent efforts with several coworkers to solve pieces of this puzzle. The work divides into several parts: A new approach to the recognition of transcription-factor binding sites, based on the principle that transcription factors divide naturally into families such as the leucine zippers and the zinc fingers, and that the binding site motifs for transcription factors within the same family have common features. These features may be obscure at the sequence level, but can be characterized at a higher level of description. By discovering and modeling such meta-sequence features one can improve the sensitivity and specificity with which binding sites can be determined for transcription factors within a family. [5], [6]An algorithm and an associated web-based tool for finding recurrent cis-regulatory modules in the promoter regions of human genes. Each such module consists of a set of transcription factors that often bind to the same promoter regions and collectively enhance or inhibit the transcription of the corresponding genes. [4]An algorithm for minimizing the number of gene perturbation experiments required to reconstruct signal transduction pathways whose regulatory structures can be described within the mathematical framework of chain functions. [1]Algorithms for discovering protein complexes and regulatory pathways that are conserved in evolution, using protein sequence data and protein-protein interaction data for two or more organisms. [2], [3].
Influence of microbubble size on postexcitation collapse thresholds for single ultrasound contrast agents using double passive cavitation detection - [Letters]

For the first time, and using an acoustical method, it has been shown experimentally that the inertial cavitation threshold pressure of an albumin-shelled microbubble is significantly correlated with its initial size.
Effects of weaning and syndyphalin-33 on expression of melanocortinergic appetite-regulating genes in swine.

Abstract Syndyphalin-33 (SD-33) increases feed intake in sheep and recently weaned pigs. To assess the effects of SD-33 on hypothalamic gene expression, hypothalami were collected from unweaned pigs (n = 19; 21 ± 3 d of age) on day 0. Remaining pigs received an intramuscular injection of 0.5 μmole/kg SD-33 (SD) or saline (VEH) and weaned into individual pens. On days 1, 4, and 7 after weaning, hypothalami were collected from subsets of pigs (n = 8 or 9) within each treatment group. Expression of μ-opioid receptor ( MOR) was less in SD pigs than in VEH pigs on day 1 and day 4, suggesting down-regulation of the receptor by SD-33. Expression of hypothalamic melanocortin 4 receptor ( MC4R) at 1 d after weaning was increased in VEH pigs (but not SD pigs) relative to levels before weaning. Expression of AGRP was not significantly altered by weaning or treatment at 1 d after weaning. At 4 d after weaning, expression of AGRP was greater in SD pigs than in VEH pigs, but at day 7 expression was less in SD pigs than in VEH pigs. A strong positive correlation was noted between expression levels of MOR and MC4R across treatment and time. Treatment with SD-33 appeared to partially abrogate the effects of weaning on expression of two key appetite-regulating genes within 24 h. Effects of SD-33 appear to be mediated at least in part by the μ-opioid receptor and include actions on the melanocortinergic pathway.
Second Nature: Economic Origins of Human Evolution . By Haim Ofek. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2001. Pp. 254. $74.95, cloth; $27.95, paper.

This is an ambitious, stimulating, and well-written book. Haim Ofek is concerned with the origin of the human propensity “to truck, barter, and exchange,” as Adam Smith put it. The author notes that while many animals engage in forms of nepotistic exchange (behavior that can be accounted for by the Hamilton kin-selection mechanism), humans are the only species to engage systematically in exchange with nonkin conspecifics. Rather than viewing these behaviors as cultural artifacts reflective of generations of development after the onset of the Neolithic revolution, Ofek seeks to situate their origin much earlier, in the two-million-year Pleistocene era; indeed, he views exchange, in conjunction with climactic stabilization, as a sufficient condition for—the cause , rather than a consequence of—the Neolithic revolution.
Taking aim at erythema multiforme. How to spot target lesions and less typical presentations.

PREVIEWThe first attack of erythema multiforme can be alarming to the victim, who is often an otherwise-healthy young adult. In a typical episode, a symmetric pattern of round, red lesions suddenly appears, frequently on the extremities, and erosions develop in the mouth. Fortunately, the condition is self-limited. Unfortunately, it is usually recurrent, possibly because of the ongoing, sub-clinical presence of herpes simplex virus. In this article, Dr Katta summarizes the latest information on erythema multiforme and its management.
Empowering youth at risk through community service

Youth who are at-risk for social deviance and failure, whether they are in the community or in residential group care settings, are often viewed as liabilities rather than as potential assets. In response to this dynamic, two community service projects, Carry-Out-Caravan II and the Illinois Youth on Campus Service Learning Project, were developed and implemented to foster personal and social growth in atrisk youth. The purpose of these projects was to use a service-learning approach to facilitate the transition of at-risk adolescents into responsible social roles. On the basis of the guidelines for initiating service-learning experiences provided by Giles, Porter-Honnet, and Micgliore (1991), junior and senior high school youth provided grocery shopping and delivery, house and garage painting, yard and garden maintenance, and social and recreation program services to older persons.
PROGRAMMATIC EVALUATION OF COLLEGE INITIATIVES TO REDUCE TOBACCO USE

College students are particularly vulnerable to tobacco initiation and use, but college prevention services are rare and often unevaluated. The present project evaluated 27 tobacco use prevention initiatives on college campuses in one southern U.S. state. Each initiative included one 20 hour/week on-campus student coordinator, a faculty or staff advisor, and a monitor. An outside evaluator rated each initiative on compliance with seven activities and five administrative necessities. Most (22) initiatives nearly met, met, or exceeded expectations, but five were noncompliant. Initiative scores correlated positively with students’ and advisors’ ratings, but were unrelated to the on-campus coordinator’s sex, longevity in office, or past tobacco prevention experience. Though limited by not including a rating of the quality of the interventions, this program evaluation provided college tobacco prevention initiatives with an overall rating and specific feedback on how to improve, and allowed each initiative to tailor programs to its specific campus.
INTERACTION OF ADJACENT NEUTRON DETECTORS

The time- and speed-independent neutron transport equation in its integral form is applied to the calculation of the disturbed neutron flux in the vicinity of neutron detectors. The method is also applied to the calculation of the the average flux in a two-detector system where the de- . tectors are close enough to interact with each other. Hand methods of solving the integral equations are developed and shown to give results that are close to results of more accuarate numerical methods of solving the integral equations. (auth)