cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Epithelial Origin of Mesodermal Structures in Arrowworms (Phylum Chaetognatha)

SYNOPSIS. The classical theory that coelomates evolved from pseudocoelomate and acoelomate ancestors implies that mesodermally derived tissues such as body wall muscles, somatic reproductive tissues, and connective tissues are homologous throughout the Triploblastica and distinct from the epithelial coelomic lining. Ultrastructural studies reveal the mesoderm of hatchling chaetognaths to consist entirely of an epithelial coelomic lining that includes the longitudinal body wall muscles. Comparisons of hatchling and adult mesodermal organization are used to infer that all adult mesodermally derived tissues and organs form by localized elaboration of the hatchling coelomic lining. These findings provide no basis for inferring that any adult mesodermally derived structures evolved independently of or prior to the coelomic epithelium. The presence in hatchlings of myoepithelial body wall muscles supports the theory that coelomates evolved by elaboration of an epithelial coelomic lining from the myoepithelial gastrodermis of diploblastic ancestors.
A New Method for Measuring Grip Force and its Distribution during the Golf Swing

In light of clear disagreement within the golf community over how grip pressure or force should be established, maintained and/or controlled during the golf swing, a new method of measuring grip force has been developed and is presented. The method, featuring a flexible pressure array, provides minimal interference with the golfer's actions, permits assessment of grip pressures and forces on a golfer's own equipment, and offers a more comprehensive picture of the actions of the hands of a golfer during shot execution. Exemplar data are presented which agree with prior estimations and measurements, such as the dominance in left hand control during the swing and the reduction in force near impact for some skilled golfers. The data also clearly demonstrate the value in parceling total grip pressure into anatomic sites within the two hands. Future applications of the method are discussed and appear promising.
Immunity to exoerythrocytic forms of malaria. I. Course of infection of Plasmodium fallax in Turkeys

Abstract Turkeys inoculated intravenously with Plasmodium fallax parasitized erythrocytes developed an initial parasitemia. After the parasitemia crisis, the number of exoerythrocytic forms increased and caused the death of the bird about a week later. When the size of the erythrocytic-form inoculum was decreased tenfold, the day of maximum parasitemia and the day of death due to a high level of exoerythrocytic-form parasitism was delayed approximately 1 day. Turkeys inoculated intravenously with exoerythrocytic forms obtained from erythrocyte-free tissue cultures of parasitized turkey embryo brain cells developed an initial exoerythrocytic-form infection. The growth of exoerythrocytic forms in the poults was not affected by daily drug treatment with chloroquine; the number of exoerythrocytic forms/1000 cerebral cell nuclei was not significantly different in chloroquinetreated or untreated poults. Following the exoerythrocytic-form crisis, the parasitemia increased for several days in nondrug-treated birds. In chloroquine-treated birds, the erythrocytic forms were only detected during the period when exoerythrocytic forms were prevalent. Erythrocytic-form schizonts were not observed in chloroquinentreated birds. The poults stopped gaining body weight when either the exoerythrocytic forms or the erythocytic forms were prevalent. A tenfold decrease in the exoerythrocytic-form inoculum size delayed the exoerythrocytic-form infection 1 day. The development of exoerythrocytic forms was not synchronous in turkeys inoculated with exoerythrocytic forms and examined prior to the exoerythrocytic-form crisis.
Burkitt's lymphoma: differential killing of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) (+) and EBV(-) Burkitt lymphoma cells in vitro and dose-dependent lytic induction by bortezomib in vivo

Bortezomib shows in vitro activity against a variety of lymphoid malignancies. It also is known to induce lytic cycle gene expression in several EBV associated malignancies. We compared its activity in killing isogenic EBV(+) and EBV(-) Akata cells, two Burkitt's lymphoma cell lines, to assess whether activation of viral lytic gene expression might augment killing achieved in the absence of virus. Cells were treated with bortezomib, ranging in concentration from 10 nM to 300 nM, for durations of 2, 24, 48, and 96 hours. Cell viability was determined by trypan blue exclusion, and changes in cell viability were characterized by comparison to untreated Akata cells cultured in parallel. The changes in cell viability resulting from the presence of bortezomib were dose and time dependent. Whereas low doses of bortezomib showed parallel killing effects on EBV(+) and EBV(-) tumor cells, higher doses appeared to be more toxic to EBV(+) cells. These higher doses were associated with a rapid increase in viral DNA copy number. In a murine xenograft model, we assessed activation of lytic infection measured as a function of the ability to concentrate [125I]FIAU. Uptake of [125I]FIAU increased with increasing bortezomib dose in the range of 0.5–2.0 μg/g body mass at 30 hours post bortezomib treatment. These findings are consistent with a dose-response relationship for bortezomib and EBV lytic infection in EBV(+) Burkitt's lymphoma cell
Acetylene Reduction by Nitrogen Fixing Extracts of Clostridium pasteurianum : ATP Requirement and Inhibition by ADP

NITROGEN fixing extracts of Clostridium pasteurianum have been shown to catalyse the reduction of acetylene1,2. The requirements for this reaction were shown to be the same as those for nitrogen fixation, that is, a low potential electron source, ATP, an ATP generating system and magnesium ions. Acetylene reduction provides a more sensitive assay for the activity of the nitrogen fixing system than ammonium production and the measurement of rates of reactions is facilitated. The results described in this communication show that the reduction of acetylene by these extracts can be supported directly by ATP without an ATP generating system. When an ATP generating system is not used we now find that (a) magnesium ions are required for ATP utilization by the nitrogen fixing system, a fact not previously demonstrated, for magnesium ions were required for the ATP-generating system; that (b) the acetylene reduction by the nitrogen fixing system is inhibited by ADP in a manner which suggests that ADP is a negative modifier; and that (c) the acetylene reducing system needs to interact with more than one molecule of ATP.
The Liberation of Water-Insoluble Acids in Cream by Geotrichum Candidum

Summary Data which emphasize the lipolytic potential of pure cultures of G. candidum have been presented. These data show that eight of nine test cultures produced a rapid and extensive hydrolysis of butterfat in cream. The rate and extent of WIA liberation in sterilized cream increased with incubation time, storage temperature, inoculum size and cream surface area. This rate decreased in direct proportion to the added lactic acid content of the cream. The addition of 3.3 per cent glucose to cream markedly decreased the rate and extent of WIA formation.
Purification and cloning of DNA fragments fractionated on agarose gels

Purification of DNA fragments from acrylamide or agarose gels is a commonly used technique in the molecular biology laboratory. This article describes a rapid, efficient, and inexpensive method of purifying DNA fractions from an agarose gel. The purified DNA is suitable for use in a wide range of applications including ligation using DNA ligase. The procedure uses standard high-melting-temperature agarose and normal TBE electrophoresis buffer. In addition, the protocol does not involve the use of highly toxic organic solvents such as phenol.
A Quality Assurance Program for an Inpatient Department of Ophthalmology: 'Indicators and Criteria'

Hospitals are required by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO) to establish programs to improve the quality and appropriateness of care. As a guide for health care organizations, the JCAHO has published standards for monitoring and evaluation. 1 An effective quality assurance (QA) system should allow hospitals and individuals to determine the level of quality of care they administer. In particular, problems and deficiencies must be detected and corrective measures taken. The JCAHO has outlined a 10-step QA process. 1 These steps are as follows: (1) assign overall responsibility for the QA program; (2) delineate the scope of care the organization, department, or hospital provides; (3) identify important aspects of care; (4) identify clinical indicators that relate to the important aspects of care—an indicator is a "measurable dimension of the quality or appropriateness of an important aspect of patient care"; (5) establish threshold criteria for evaluation
Spirituality, religiosity, and spiritual pain in advanced cancer patients

Abstract Context Spirituality, religiosity, and spiritual pain may affect advanced cancer patients' symptom expression, coping strategies, and quality of life. Objectives To examine the prevalence and intensity of spirituality, religiosity, and spiritual pain, and how spiritual pain was associated with symptom expression, coping, and spiritual quality of life. Methods We interviewed 100 advanced cancer patients at the M.D. Anderson palliative care outpatient clinic in Houston, TX. Self-rated spirituality, religiosity, and spiritual pain were assessed using numeric rating scales (0=lowest, 10=highest). Patients also completed validated questionnaires assessing symptoms (Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale [ESAS] and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), coping (Brief COPE and Brief R-COPE), the value attributed by the patient to spirituality/religiosity in coping with cancer (Systems of Belief Inventory-15R), and spiritual quality of life (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being-Expanded [FACIT-Sp-Ex]). Results The median age was 53 years (range 21–85) and 88% were Christians. Almost all patients considered themselves spiritual (98%) and religious (98%), with a median intensity of 9 (interquartile range 7–10) of 10 and 9 (range 5–10) of 10, respectively. Spiritual pain was reported in 40 (44%) of 91 patients, with a median score of 3 (1–6) among those with spiritual pain. Spiritual pain was significantly associated with lower self-perceived religiosity (7 vs. 10, P=0.002) and spiritual quality of life (FACIT-Sp-Ex 68 vs. 81, P=0.001). Patients with spiritual pain reported that it contributed adversely to their physical/emotional symptoms (P Conclusion A vast majority of advanced cancer patients receiving palliative care considered themselves spiritual and religious. Spiritual pain was common and was associated with lower self-perceived religiosity and spiritual quality of life.
New model prescribing the extent of thermoelastic martensitic transformations

A model using energy balance is proposed to describe the volume fraction of martensitic transformations.It is found that in the absence of external stress, the volume fraction of martensite (xi) in the forward austenite-to-martensite transformation is proportional to the undercooling and inversely proportional to a linear function of the instantaneous temperature T. Similarly, for the reverse transformation from martensite to austenite, (xi) is proportional to and inversely proportional to a linear function of T. The results obtained from this model are in good agreement with experimental results.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Fully dynamic biconnectivity in graphs

We present an algorithm for maintaining the biconnected components of a graph during a sequence of edge insertions and deletions. It requires linear storage and preprocessing time. The amortized running time for insertions and for deletions isO(m 2/3 ), wherem is the number of edges in the graph. Any query of the form ‘Are the verticesu andv biconnected?’ can be answered in timeO(1). This is the first sublinear algorithm for this problem. We can also output all articulation points separating any two vertices efficiently. If the input is a plane graph, the amortized running time for insertions and deletions drops toO(√n logn) and the query time isO(log2 n), wheren is the number of vertices in the graph. The best previously known solution takes timeO(n 2/3 ) per update or query.
Host life-history strategy explains pathogen-induced sterility.

Abstract: Virulence is often equated with pathogen‐induced mortality, even though loss of fecundity is also common. But while the former may be understood as a simple consequence of lost host resources for the purposes of pathogen transmission, pathogen‐induced sterility is often not associated with changes in host mortality. As a result, a separate literature has emerged to explain fecundity effects of parasitism that has not been integrated into general theories of the evolution of virulence. Here, I present a model of pathogen‐induced sterility that is based on the assumption that hosts and pathogens vie for the same host resources for both reproduction and maintenance. Loss of host fecundity can then be explained by the host compensating for its future loss of resources, before infection. Such preinfection ‘‘fecundity compensation” may often cause preinfection investment in maintenance to be as low as postinfection levels, despite a loss of total host resources after infection. Thus, sterility is simp...
Oxidative Leaching of Plutonium from Simulated Hanford Tank‐Waste Sludges

Abstract The behavior of surface‐sorbed plutonium during leaching of four Hanford tank waste sludge simulants with alkaline permanganate solutions has been investigated. The sludge simulants are representative of materials created as a result of the operation of the Bismuth Phosphate (sludges B and M), PUREX (sludge P), and REDOX (sludge R) processes at Hanford. Leaching with oxidants under alkaline conditions has been proposed as a means of reducing the chromium content of actual sludge samples prior to their vitrification. With identical amounts of plutonium deposited on each sludge sample, the percentage of radiotracer Pu leached from the sludges increased in the order P≥R>B. This order is the reverse of the chromium content of the sludges. The percentage of plutonium leached was independent of its initial oxidation state. The reverse trends of chromium content and plutonium leaching can be understood in terms of Pu re‐adsorption onto the MnO2 generated as Cr(III) (and other substrates) are oxidized by...
Rhynchodemus Terrestris in England

THE credit of the first discovery of this land-planarian in England lies not with Sir John Lubbock, as Dr. Scharff stated, but with the late Rev. L. Jenyns (Blomefield), who, in his “Observations in Natural History,” 1846 (p. 315), makes some interesting remarks on the “Ground Fluke” (Fasciola terrestris) and its occurrence in the woods at Bottisham Hall, a locality searched with success by Mr. Harmer.
Measurement and Prediction of Job Satisfaction

Most prior research on the measurement and prediction of job satisfaction has utilized statistical tools that require the analysis to be cross-sectional. The results of these studies are based on interpersonal comparisons. However, it is well known that interpersonal utility comparisons cannot be rigorously interpreted. Thus, this study attempts to predict the level of job satisfaction for a new breed of professionals - the data processing professional - using discriminant analysis. Based upon past studies and the expectancy-value framework, various models were developed and tested to obtain a model with the maximum predictive ability. The implications of the results derived with the discriminant analysis are discussed.
Chemically capping copper with cobalt

Amorphous cobalt-phosphorus alloy is grown on SiO"2 and Cu by chemical vapor deposition from dicobaltoctacarbonyl and trimethylphosphine at 250^oC, 300^oC, and 350^oC. Film properties most relevant to adoption into back-end chip fabrication have been studied. Co(P) is poor in P and C near the Cu interface, relative to the free surface, and no evidence of copper phosphide formation during deposition is observed. Approximately 1.4nm Co(P) is required for continuity on Cu, and the adhesion between the two materials is strong as measured by a scotch tape peel test, despite C incorporation in Co(P). Dissociation of trimethylphosphine into atomic P and C on the surface of Cu combined with the high reactivity of dicobaltoctacarbonyl on SiO"2 result in poor selectivity for growth on Cu compared to SiO"2.
Web accessibility: guidelines for busy administrators

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to guide administrators in making their organizations web sites accessible to people with disabilities.Design/methodology/approach – It summarizes legal issues, access challenges for people with disabilities, accessibility guidelines and standards, accessibility tests, and steps that can be taken by administrators to assure that web sites are accessible.Findings – The author concludes with steps that administrators can take to assure the accessibility of web sites.Originality/value – It is made clear that administrators do not need a broad range of technical skills regarding web site design in order to direct staff to make organizational web sites accessible and provide them with the tools and guidance they need.
Surface Alterations of the Mouse Zona Pellucida and Ovum following in vivo Fertilization: Correlation with the Cell Cycle

The zona pellucida and cell surface of in vivo fertilized mouse ova exhibit time dependent changes which can be detected with the scanning electron microscope. The periods of ovulation, fertilization and first cleavage in superovulated C3D2/F/sub 1/ hybrids were determined and times corresponding to G/sub 1/, S, G/sub 2/, and M were calculated. The zona of a mature unfertilized ovum has a rough texture with deep furrows; at fertilization and thereafter the zona develops a smoother, ropy and seemingly porous surface. The cell surface of the unfertilized ovum is characterized by uniform microvilli, small blebs and rounded, mound-like elevations. After fertilization and development to G/sub 1/, the ovum loses its blebs but retains the mound-like elevations and microvilli which are now less uniform. As the ovum progresses toward S, it loses the mound-like elevations but retains microvilli in the same density as found in G/sub 1/. The ovum in G/sub 2/ exhibits smaller but more numerous microvilli which vary considerably in length. Some appear to bifurcate. The fertilized ovum developing through M and G/sub 1/ of the 2 cell stage exhibits a less dense population of relatively uniform microvilli, periodic blebs and, again, rounded elevations. The data are reminiscent ofmore » surface changes associated with the cell cycle in tissue culture cells and indicate a cyclic progression of the in vivo fertilized mouse ovum through the first cleavage division to the 2 cell stage.« less
Precise, facile initial rate measurements.

Progress curve analysis has been used sparingly in studies of enzyme-catalyzed reactions due largely to the complexity of the integrated rate expressions used in data analysis. Using an experimental design that simplifies the analysis, the advantages and limitations of progress curve experiments are explored in a study of four different enzyme-catalyzed reactions. The approach involves relatively simple protocols, requires 20−25% of the materials, and provides 10- to 20-fold signal enhancements compared to analogous initial rate studies. Product inhibition, which complicates integrated rate analysis, was circumvented using cloned, purified enzymes that remove the products and draw the reaction forward. The resulting progress curves can be transformed into the equivalent of thousands of initial rate and [S] measurements and, due to the absence of product inhibition, are plotted in the familiar, linear double-reciprocal format. Allowing product to accumulate during a reaction produces a continuously changin...
Chemical approaches to understanding O-GlcNAc glycosylation in the brain

O-GlcNAc glycosylation is a unique, dynamic form of glycosylation found on intracellular proteins of all multicellular organisms. Studies suggest that O-GlcNAc represents a key regulatory modification in the brain, contributing to transcriptional regulation, neuronal communication and neurodegenerative disease. Recently, several new chemical tools have been developed to detect and study the modification, including chemoenzymatic tagging methods, quantitative proteomics strategies and small-molecule inhibitors of O-GlcNAc enzymes. Here we highlight some of the emerging roles for O-GlcNAc in the nervous system and describe how chemical tools have significantly advanced our understanding of the scope, functional significance and cellular dynamics of this modification.
Spinnerets in the milliped order Polydesmida, and the phylogenetic significance of spinnerets in millipeds (Diplopoda)

Representatives of 23 genera from 18 families of the milliped order Polydesmida were examined using optical and scanning electron microscopy. The fiber-spinning structures reported by Adis et al. (2000) from two pyrgodesmid polydesmidans were found on all specimens studied, though their arrangement and structure differed; a cluster with each of four spinnerets set in contiguous walled depressions was characteristic only of some families of the suborder Polydesmidea. Corresponding structures in some adults of the suborders Leptodesmidea and Paradoxosomatidea appeared nonfunctional and were not set in contiguous walled depressions. Spinnerets of members of the orders Chordeumatida and Callipodida are structurally similar to those of the polydesmidans, but putative spinnerets in the orders Siphoniulida and Stemmiulida show differences. The presence of these spinning organs may be a synapomorphy of polydesmidans and the nematophoran orders, supporting the view that Polydesmida is a member of the "eighth gonopod clade" postulated by Shear, Shelley and Heatwole (2003), and is not close to either Juliformia or Colobognatha.
Psychotic Behavior Associated with Cerebellar Pathology

This report concerns a 27-year-old man in whom psychotic behavior emerged in association with a cerebellar tumor. This presentation supports previous clinical observations which postulate an intimate relationship between cerebellar pathology and the development of schizophrenia
Interleukin‐1α gene expression and localization of interleukin‐1α protein during tumor promotion

Treatment of the dorsal epidermis of SENCAR mice with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) induced a time- and dose-dependent stimulation of interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) gene expression. Levels of IL-1 alpha mRNA were elevated as early as 15 min and peaked at 3-4 h after a single application of TPA (2 micrograms or 10 micrograms). IL-1 alpha gene expression increased in epidermal tissue isolated from SENCAR mice at 1, 3, 6, 10, 16, and 22 wk after a single treatment with 10 nmol 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) and subsequent twice-weekly application of 2 micrograms TPA. IL-1 alpha-immunoreactive protein was specifically localized within suprabasal keratinocytes in cutaneous tissue isolated from mice treated with DMBA-TPA for 1-22 wk and in nonproliferating cells located within papilloma tissue isolated from SENCAR mice at 22 wk after initiation and promotion. Basal cells within hyperplastic epidermis did not produce IL-1 alpha-immunoreactive protein. DMBA treatment alone did not induce IL-1 alpha gene expression. Injection of IL-1 alpha-specific antibodies (50 micrograms) into SENCAR mice via the tail vein 2 h before treatment with TPA (2 micrograms or 10 micrograms) significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited the skin thickening usually observed 24 h after treatment with TPA. Autoradiography studies showed that injection of anti-IL-1 alpha antibodies inhibited incorporation of [methyl-3H]thymidine by keratinocytes within the epidermis and by cells within hair follicles. It also inhibited neutrophil infiltration into the dermis, which usually results from topical application of TPA. These data suggest that IL-1 alpha is a pivotal cytokine produced by specific subpopulations of epidermal keratinocytes and that IL-1 alpha primarily regulates the epidermal proliferative response of a distinctly separate population of keratinocytes after topical exposure of murine epidermis to TPA and secondarily modulates neutrophil migration into the dermis. Consequently, manipulation of IL-1 alpha may be a way to attenuate or abrogate the cutaneous response to TPA by altering keratinocyte proliferation, the resultant hyperplasia, and a portion of the inflammatory response characterized by dermal infiltration of neutrophils.
Studies of cis‐[PtCl2(PPh2nPr) (BzS{O}Bz)] by solid‐state CP/MAS 31P NMR spectroscopy, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray powder diffraction: Investigation of a question concerning polymorphism versus space group ambiguity

The 31P CP/MAS NMR spectrum of cis-[PtCl2(PPh2nPr)(BzS{O}Bz)] was found to exhibit two central resonances with appropriate couplings to 195Pt, despite the fact that a single-crystal x-ray diffraction study indicated that the complex crystallized in the monoclinic space group P21/n with Z = 4, i.e. that there is only a single crystallographically unique phosphorus atom. The possibility that the 21 screw axis was absent (i.e. that the space group was actually Pn) was examined by a reinvestigation of the original x-ray data, but no definitive evidence for the alternative space group could be obtained. An examination of a bulk sample of cis- [PtCl2(PPh2nPr)(BzS{O}Bz)] by x-ray powder diffraction and comparison of the results with data from the single-crystal x-ray diffraction experiment revealed that the crystal selected for diffraction studies was a different polymorph from the bulk of the sample which was used for the 31P CP/MAS NMR measurements. X-ray powder diffraction is thus shown to provide a valuable bridge between solid-state CP/MAS NMR measurements and single-crystal x-ray diffraction data.
Heat flow measurements on a hydrothermally-active, slow-spreading ridge: The Escanaba Trough

Maximum heat flow measurements at three locations in the sediment-filled Escanaba Trough of the Gorda ridge exceed 1200 mW/m². At other ridge crests with thick sediment cover, heat flow values of this magnitude are accompanied by high temperature hydrothermal vent activity and massive sulfide deposition. A dredge haul from the southernmost high heat flow location recovered pyrrhotite, thereby confirming the presence of recent high temperature venting.
An Investigation of Self-Concept and Body Image in the Mentally Retarded.

Explored the relationship of self-drawings to scores on a measure of self-concept in a sample of 31 mentally retarded Ss. Five variables hypothesized to be related to self-concept including overall self-drawing score, size of self-drawing, age, sex, and IQ were subjected to forward (stepwise) multiple regression analysis. Data analysis revealed that four of the five variables shared significant variance with self-concept scores. It is suggested that these variables can provide additional information in evaluating the self-concept of the mentally retarded.
PDP or MA-PD? Medicare part D enrollment decisions in CMS Region 25

Abstract Background The Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 provides outpatient prescription drug coverage for Medicare beneficiaries through private insurers. This coverage is available through 2 primary venues: stand-alone prescription drug plans (PDPs) and integrated managed care (or Medicare Advantage) plans that also provide prescription drug coverage (MA-PDs). Objectives The first objective was to describe factors associated with Medicare beneficiaries choosing to enroll in any Medicare part D PDP. The second objective was to describe factors associated with the choice of an MA-PD, given enrollment in the part D program. Methods The study used a cross-sectional, survey design. Data were collected from a stratified random sample of 5000 community-dwelling adults, aged 65 years and older in the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services Region 25. Data were collected by means of a mailed questionnaire. Data analyses included univariate and bivariate descriptive statistics and multivariate probit modeling. Results The overall adjusted response rate was 50.2% (2309 of 4603). Data from 1490 respondents (32.4% of those attempted) were analyzed in this study. Nearly 75% of sample members elected to enroll in one of the Medicare part D coverage options in 2007, with more than 3 times as many choosing a PDP compared with a MA-PD option (57.2% vs 17.8%). A variety of variables including rurality, plan price, perceived future need for medications, and preferences emerged as important predictors of choosing to enroll in any Medicare part D drug plan, whereas rurality, state of residence, and number of diagnosed medical conditions were associated with the decision to enroll in a MA-PD. Conclusions Models of health insurance demand and plan choice applied in this context appear to be modestly effective. Rurality and state of residence were particularly important contributors to both of these decisions, as were a variety of individual characteristics.
Improved polarization interferometer for fourier spectroscopy

Abstract A simple high-throughput version of a polarization interferometer is described, and its application to Fourier spectroscopy is recommended.
A Quasiexperimental Study of the Effect of Humor Preference and other Variables on Understanding/Appreciation of Editorial Satire

Summary.-Students indicated their humor preference (nonsense vs philosophical) and personal data on 7 other independent variables, then read three satirical editorials and, after each, checked which of five statements was the thesis intended by the author. They also rated each satire on interestingness and hn~ness. The number of satires' theses correctly identified was the dependent variable (understanding) and the interestingness and Funniness scales were the measures of appreciation. The only significant value of chi-squared for understanding was by GreeYnonGreek StaNS. A correlation matrix of the hnniness and interestingness scores supported earlier evidence of a general "appreciation of satire" factor by college students. Previous studies indicate that editorial satire, such as that by Art Buchwald, can be persuasive if the respondents understand the intended thesis of the satirist (Gruner, 1971). But, since many people apparently do not perceive the theses of many satires, later research has concentrated on what factors affect such understanding. Gruner (1979) has reported that two factors, high score on the short-form Rokeach scale and low score on the SAT Verbal scale negatively affect understanding of satire, and Priest and Abrahams (1970) found that political affiliation affected understanding of political ridicule. Shirley and Gruner (1989) did not find sex of respondents or a crude measure of self-rated cynicism to be associated with sex-related editorial satire. An unpublished study was conducted by Gruner in the winter of 1989 to test whether any of several variables affected understanding of editorial satire. These variables included whether respondents claim to enjoy self-disparaging humor, claim to be sarcastic persons, have had a course with the author, read more than three hours per week for pleasure, and grew up in urban or rural environments. Two other independent variables were socioeconomic class and score on a 20-item scale found by Ray (1982) through cluster analysis to measure cynicism. None of these independent variables was correlated with understanding of editorial satire. In spring 1989 the author's empirical methods class, composed of senior speech students taking this required core course, conducted a quasiexperimental study of the understanding/appreciation of editorial satire. The original independent variable was subjects' preference for either "nonsense"
ALTERATION OF NF-KAPPA B P50 DNA BINDING KINETICS BY S-NITROSYLATION

Abstract Nitric oxide (NO) regulates a wide variety of cellular functions, in part, by formation of S–NO bonds at critical active site thiol groups within proteins, including transcription factors. Previous studies have qualitatively demonstrated that S-nitrosothiol formation can alter transcription factor binding to the DNA recognition site. To more precisely define the effect of S-nitrosylation on transcription factor binding, the equilibrium binding constant was derived for S-nitrosylated NF-κB p50 (S-NO-p50) in a cell free system utilizing gel shift assays. Binding of NF-κB p50 subjected to the nitrosylation conditions in the absence of NaNO 2 (C-p50-2) was not different from that of wild type NF-κB (C-p50-1). The extent of S-NO-p50 binding to its DNA target sequence was significantly decreased in comparison to that noted with C-p50-1 and C-p50-2. The binding constant was derived for each of the NF-κB variants: C-p50-1 = 1.01 × 10 10 M −1 ; C-p50-2 = 0.92 × 10 10 M −1 ; and S-NO-p50 = 0.28 × 10 10 M −1 . These data indicate that S-nitrosylation of p50 decreases its affinity for the target DNA sequence by four-fold.
MPCP: multi packet congestion-control protocol

In the recent years, end-to-end feedback-based variants of TCP as well as VCP have emerged as practical alternatives of congestion control by requiring the use of only one or two ECN bits in the IP header. However, all such schemes suffer from a relatively low speed of convergence and exhibit a biased fairness behavior in moderate bandwidth high delay networks due to utilizing an insufficient amount of congestion feedback. In this paper, we propose a novel distributed ECN-based congestion control protocol to which we refer as Multi Packet Congestion Control Protocol (MPCP). In contrast to other alternatives, MPCP is able to relay a more precise congestion feedback yet preserve the utilization of the two ECN bits. MPCP distributes (extracts) congestion related information into (from) a series of n packets, thus allowing for a 2n-bit quantization of congestion measures with each packet carrying two of 2n bits in its ECN bits. We describe the design, implementation, and performance evaluation of MPCP through both simulations and experimental studies.
Parametric studies of uranium deposition and dissolution at solid electrodes

In pyroprocessing, most of uranium is separated from used nuclear fuel by depositing at a solid electrode of an electrorefiner. In the present study, a model, incorporating both diffusion and reaction kinetics of electrorefining, is developed. The model is applied to conduct parametrical studies on uranium deposition at an inert solid electrode to investigate properties of uranium deposition and dissolution and their dependence on the operating conditions. Both linear potential sweep and cyclic voltammetry processes are considered.
Nonlinear oscillations and chaotic behavior due to impact lonization of shallow donors in InSb

Both nonlinear oscillations and chaotic behavior in n-InSb are experimentally investigated for the case of impact ionization of shallow donors at low temperatures. Complex behavior including a simple periodic oscillation, a period-doubling route to chaos, and quasiperiodic behavior are observed with increasing electric field as the parameter. For the first time, a type of pitchfork bifurcation (period halving) is seen.
INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR-I (IGF-I) AND IGF-BINDING PROTEINS IN BOVINE SERA AND PITUITARIES AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF THE ESTROUS CYCLE

The objective of this study was to determine whether concentrations of hypophyseal and serum insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and binding activities of serum and hypophyseal IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) differ with stage of the estrous cycle in mature beef cows. Cows were assigned to the following stages of the estrous cycle based on serum concentrations of progesterone (P4) and ovarian structures at death: days 1-5 (day 0 = estrus; n = 18), days 6-10 (n = 24), days 11-16 (n = 39), and days 17-21 (n = 7). Serum samples collected at death and anterior pituitary homogenates were analyzed for IGF-I, LH, and FSH by RIA. Serum and pituitary IGFBPs were evaluated by ligand and immunoblot analyses. Serum samples contained IGFBP activity at 44 and 40 kilodaltons (kDa; IGFBP-3), 34 kDa (IGFBP-2), 30 kDa (IGFBP-5), 28 kDa, and 24 kDa. The intensity of binding by the different sized proteins in serum remained constant throughout the estrous cycle. IGFBPs detected in anterior pituitaries included a 36-/40-kDa doublet (IGFBP-3), a 32-kDa protein (IGFBP-2), and a 29-kDa IGFBP (IGFBP-5). The intensity of [125I]IGF-I binding to IGFBPs was greater (P 0.05) during days 17-21. Serum concentrations of LH were low ( 0.05) during the preovulatory phase (707 +/- 85 micrograms/g; days 17-21). Concentrations of IGF-I and FSH in the anterior pituitary and serum did not differ (P > 0.05) by stage of the estrous cycle. A positive correlation among the different IGFBPs in the pituitary (P < 0.01) and between each pituitary IGFBP and serum P4 (P < 0.05) existed. The significance (P < 0.0002) of the correlation between pituitary IGFBP-3 and P4 was greater (P < 0.02) than that between the other pituitary IGFBPs and P4. In summary, IGFBP activity in the anterior pituitary, but not that in serum, changed with stage of the estrous cycle in association with serum concentrations of P4. The absence of similar changes in serum or anterior pituitary concentrations of IGF-I supports the hypothesis that IGFBPs may regulate the actions of IGF-I on gonadotropin release from the anterior pituitary gland during the estrous cycle of beef cattle.
Role of a novel photopigment, melanopsin, in behavioral adaptation to light

Adaptation to changes in the ambient light is of critical importance to life. In mammals, three principal photoadaptation mechanisms depend on ocular photoreception and exhibit spectral sensitivity suggestive of the opsin class of photopigment(s). These include rapid adaptation of the visual system to the ambient light by pupil constriction, direct modulation of neuroendocrine function and entrainment of the circadian clock to the day:night cycle. Surprisingly, these processes can largely function independent of classical rod/cone photoreceptors, suggesting a novel opsin-based signaling mechanism. They appear to involve a recently discovered network of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells that make direct or indirect axonal connections to brain centers regulating photoadaptive behaviors. The discovery of a novel opsin, melanopsin, in these cells has offered an exciting entry point to explore, at the molecular level, how mammals adapt to their light environment. There is now genetic proof of a principal role for melanopsin in all three major photoadaptation processes.
Transcriptional Control of the Bradyrhizobium japonicum irr Gene Requires Repression by Fur and Antirepression by Irr

Bradyrhizobium japonicum Fur mediates manganese-responsive transcriptional control of the mntH gene independently of iron, but it also has been implicated in iron-dependent regulation of the irr gene. Thus, we sought to address the apparent discrepancy in Fur responsiveness to metals. Irr is a transcriptional regulator found in iron-limited cells. Here, we show that irr gene mRNA was regulated by both iron and manganese, and repression occurred only in the presence of both metals. Under these conditions, Fur occupied the irr promoter in vivo in the parent strain, and irr mRNA expression was derepressed in a fur mutant. Under low iron conditions, the irr promoter was occupied by Irr, but not by Fur, and control by manganese was lost. Fur occupancy of the irr promoter was dependent on manganese, but not iron, in an irr mutant, suggesting that Irr normally interferes with Fur binding. Correspondingly, regulation of irr mRNA was dependent only on manganese in the irr strain. The Irr binding site within the irr promoter partially overlaps the Fur binding site. DNase I footprinting analysis showed that Irr interfered with Fur binding in vitro. In addition, Fur repression of transcription from the irr promoter in vitro was relieved by Irr. We conclude that Fur mediates manganese-dependent repression of irr transcription and that Irr acts as an antirepressor under iron limitation by preventing Fur binding to the promoter.
A consistency check for estimating truncation error due to upstream differencing

Abstract A simple method is developed for checking the consistency—i.e., the degree of self-consistent numerical accuracy—of fluid dynamic computations which use upstream differencing for the convection terms. By applying the method to computed results, a quantitative estimate of the size of the first-order truncation error can be made, thus obviating the need for grid-dependence tests based on successive grid refinement. Alternatively, the method can be used to determine the grid size appropriate to an acceptable range of truncation error. In regions of relatively small velocity gradient, a direct consistency check can be achieved by applying a straightforward graphical procedure to computed results. The same graphical construction can be used in the general case to make an adequate first-order consistency check on the convective flux computation. The method is particularly useful in rationalizing empirical turning procedures used to calibrate upstream-difference numerical models in terms of measured results.
Preferences and Penalties Differ

Surveying and evaluating the scientific literature gender disparities in mathematics, science, and engineering disciplines, Ceci and Williams argue that the underrepresentation of women in these fields is due to "certain choices that women (but not men) are compelled to make in our society."
Effect of the surface coverage of endcapped C18-silica on the excess adsorption isotherms of commonly used organic solvents from water in reversed phase liquid chromatography.

Abstract The excess adsorption isotherms of methanol, ethanol, 2-propanol, acetonitrile, and tetrahydrofuran from water were measured on five different silica-based packing materials by the minor disturbance method. These materials were prepared with the same lot of 5- μ m particles (average pore size 90 A), all endcapped with trimethylchlorosilane (TMS), and bonded to octadecyl chains with different surface coverages (0, 0.42, 1.01, 2.03, and 3.15 μ mol/m2). The relative adsorption of one eluent by respect to a second one informs on the heterogeneity of the material (alkyl-bonded and bare silica regions) and on the accessibility of the unreacted silanol groups to the mobile phase. It is shown that the total surface area of the adsorbent decreases with increasing degree of surface coverage with octadecyl chains and that the relative surface area of the regions occupied by accessible silanol groups to the regions occupied by alkyl-bonded groups decreases. For the five columns, an average of 10% of the adsorbent surface area is covered of bare silica accessible to the liquid phase, with a minimum of 5% with tetrahydrofuran and a maximum of 12% with ethanol or 2-propanol. Increasing the surface coverage by the C18 chains causes a significant increase of the attraction potential of the hydrophobic surface toward the organic solvent. This result is confirmed by the increase of the number of adsorbate monolayers with increasing bonding density of the octadecyl chains. This number is twice larger for the 315C18 column than for the C1 column.
Transient thermal analysis of micromachined silicon bridge

We investigate the transient thermal response of micromachined silicon microbridges. The silicon microbridge has a large potential for sensors relating to heat because silicon has large thermal conductivity. The silicon microbridge is stable in heat cycle compared with the other hetero-structures. The silicon process has an advantage of mass production and good controllability. The silicon microbridge is abruptly heated by its Joule's heat when a voltage pulse is applied. The measured time constant was less than 1 ms because the heat capacity of the microbridge is small. A heavily doped silicon layer which is made by ion implantation works as stopping layer for anisotropic etching process. Furthermore the dependence of resistance on temperature is metallic such that the drive current is automatically controlled with negative feedback. We could easily control the temperature of silicon microbridge by electric signal up to the frequency range of 1 kHz. The temperature modulation was more than 700 degree(s)C at 100 Hz. The microbridge is one of the fastest heater driven by Joule's heat because of the small heat capacity and the large thermal conductivity of silicon.
Inhibition of protein kinase A phenocopies ectopic expression of hedgehog in the CNS of wild-type and cyclops mutant embryos.

Abstract The zebrafish hedgehog ( hh ) family members tiggy-winkle hedgehog ( twhh ) and sonic hedgehog ( shh ) are involved in patterning the ventral CNS and proximal eye. Using a dominant negative protein kinase A regulatory subunit mutant, we show that these hh activities are mediated by protein kinase A. The effects of dominant negative protein kinase A on pax2 expression appear to be cell nonautonomous, suggesting that cells can respond to regulation of hh signaling by modulating an additional cell–cell signaling pathway. We also investigate the potential involvement of cyclops in the hh signaling pathway and conclude that although cyclops mutant cells can respond to hh signaling, neither hh nor dominant negative protein kinase A rescues the phenotypes associated with cyclops.
Synthesis and reactions of the η2-dithiocarbene [HB(pz)3](CO)2W[η2-C(SMe)SMe]+

Abstract The SMe+ electrophile adds to the carbyne carbon of [HB(pz)3](CO)2WCSMe (1) to give [HB(pz)3](CO)2W[η2-C(SMe)SMe]+ (2), the first example of an η2-dithiocarbene bonded to the metal through both the carbon and sulfur atoms. Sodium naphthalenide, LiPh and LiPPh2 act as reducing agents when allowed to react with 2 forming a mixture of 1 and [HB(pz)3](CO)2W(η2-C(SMe)2SMe] (7). Reactions of 2 with nucleophiles (Nuc) give the air-stable adducts [HB(pz)3](CO)2W[η2-C(SMe)(Nuc)SMe] (Nuc = SR−, H−, CH3− and PMe3). The dithiocarbene 2 also reacts with CpMo(CO)3− or Mn(CO)5− to give 1 and CpMo(CO)3SMe or [Mn(CO)4SMe]2, respectively. Treatment of 2 with excess −CH(CO2Me)2 produces air-stable [HB(pz)3](CO)2 W[C(S Me)C(CO2Me)2] (6, 15%) and (7, 45%).
Impact of low‐molecular mass components (oligomers) on the glass transition in thin films of poly(methyl methacrylate)

Commercial polydisperse atactic poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) exhibits a decreased glass transition temperature (T g ) when the film thickness is less than ∼60 nm, whereas more model atactic PMMA shows an increased T g in thin films supported on clean silicon wafers. NMR indicates no difference in tacticity, so the divergent thin film behavior appears related to the relative distribution of molecular mass. Extraction of some low molecular weight PMMA components from the commercial sample results in a significant modification of the thin film T g compared with the initial PMMA fraction. The extracted sample exhibits initially a slight decrease in T g as the film thickness is reduced below ∼60 nm, but then T g appears to increase for films thinner than 20 nm. These results illustrate the sensitivity of polymer thin film properties to low-molecular mass components and could explain some of the contradictory reports on the T g of polymer thin films that exist in the literature.
Influence of substrate roughness on orientation measurements by second-harmonic generation

Abstract The theory necessary for a quantitative understanding of how surface roughness of dielectrics affects second-harmonic generation measurements of molecular orientation is presented. For a typical fused silica surface, significant error in the measured orientation angle may be present if the influence of roughness is neglected and the molecular distribution is assumed to be narrow.