cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Homogeneous versus heterogeneous crystal nucleation in Li2O · 2SiO2 glass

When analyzing crystal nucleation in glasses, it is difficult to distinguish between homogeneous and heterogeneous nucleation. A method is proposed to investigate the nature of crystal nucleation in Li2O-2SiO2, and calculations are performed to determine under which conditions saturation effects help ascertain the nature of the nucleation. The capability of detecting impurity particles in unheated glass via standard micrographic techniques (SEM or REM) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) is explored. Results indicate that if the maximum impurity particle densities do not exceed 2 x 10 to the 7th per cu cm then heterogeneous nucleation may be excluded and most impurity particles with densities in excess of 10 to the 10th per cu cm are detectable by SAXS. It is concluded that crystal nucleation in this system most probably occurs homogeneously.
International Expansion of Telecommunication Carriers: The Influence of Market Structure, Network Characteristics, and Entry Imperfections

This paper examines the internationalization process of telecommunication carriers. In this industry, early entrants gain substantial first-mover advantages due to the transient nature of the windows of market opportunity, and the potential to influence the regulatory process as an incumbent. To capture these strategic and economic advantages, firms follow a strategy of preemption, both of markets and partners. The authors argue for the need to augment prevailing theory with contextual idiosyncrasies that characterize specific industries.
Impact of the level of aggregation on response accuracy in surveys of behavioral frequency

Through observations of AT&T data and the results of two of our own studies, we discovered interesting asymmetrical effects of the level of aggregation of the question on the response accuracy in surveys of behavioral frequency. We find that disaggregating a question to a lower, less comfortable level of aggregation creates greater uncertainty, leading to larger absolute errors in survey responses. However, if a question is asked at a higher less comfortable level, the majority of respondents escape by splitting questions down to the natural level, thereby avoiding greater uncertainty and thus responding more accurately. We argue that for greater accuracy in surveys, one should identify the natural level of aggregation at which a question should be posed. But when in doubt, it is better to ask a question at a higher level of aggregation because of possible escapability downward.
Small angle scattering by a three‐component system. Testing the theory for light scattering

Light-scattering data from solvent-exchanged, highly swollen gel cellophane were compared with the scattering theory for a three-component system (crystalline fraction, amorphous fraction, and imbibition liquid) originally developed for the scattering of x-rays. A rather good agreement, between theoretical and experimental data is obtained in angular dependence and dependence on the refractive index of the imbibition liquid. But the calculated “zero” angle intensities are some orders of magnitude larger than the observed values. This effect must be due to the variation of the internal electric field which is influenced not only by the local polarizability but also by the shape of the region under consideration and by the polarizability of the surrounding area. This effect does not occur with x-rays since the refractive index is then unity. With visible light one must conclude that the absolute scattering intensity, I(O) is much more affected than the angular dependence which is sufficiently well described by the composite correlation function of the three-component system.
Effect of exclusion of insect associates on Ips calligraphus (Germ.) (Coleoptera, Scolytidae) brood emergence

Emergence of Ips calligraphus was significantly greater from portions of the bole of felled trees from which insect associates were mechanically excluded than from bole portions exposed to the complete insect associate complex. Beetle brood production was reduced by 80.1% in May, 87.3% in June, and 95.9% in July. Reduced production of brood adult beetles could not be associated with a particular insect natural enemy and may by supplemented by competition with other Ips species. Of 32 associated insect species emerging from trees used as hosts, 11 species were recovered from all exposed bole sections. Zusammenfassung Uber die Wirkung einer Eliminierung assoziierter Insekten auf das Schlupfen von Ips calligraphus (Germ.) (Col., Scolytidae) Das Schlupfen von Ips calligraphus war signifikant starker aus Stammstucken von gefallten Baumen, aus denen die mit dem Borkenkafer assoziierten Insekten mechanisch entfernt worden waren als aus Stammstucken, die diesen Insektenkomplex noch enthielten. Die Borkenkaferbrut wurde bei normaler Begleitfauna um 80,1% im Mai, 87,3% im Juni sowie 95,9% im Juli reduziert. Die Reduzierung konnte weder mit einem bestimmten Feind noch mit der Konkurrenz anderer Ips-Arten in Zusammenhang gebracht werden. Von den 32 insgesamt festgestellten assoziierten Insektenarten waren 11 in allen 3 Versuchsstammen enthalten.
Taking Community Seriously: A Theory and Method for a Community-Oriented Psychology of Religion

In contemporary scholarship, the psychology of religion involves the scientific study of religious life. Traditionally, psychologists have pursued a strikingly individualistic approach to their study of the topic, which seems at odds with the emphasis on groups or society in most definitions of religion. What would happen if we took this relational aspect of religion seriously? The paper investigates the question by asking (1) how might the underlying philosophy of science for the field differ if we took a more relational approach to the topic, and (2) how might our altered assumptions affect the scientific study of religion in psychology. The result is a modest proposal for a community-oriented psychology of religion that embraces a greater diversity of methods and a sharper emphasis on goals that will be directly beneficial to the people we study.
The clinical alteration of covert thoughts: A critical review

This article examines the evidence for the modification of covert thoughts within four specific lines of research: Wolpe's thought-stopping technique, Homme's covert conditioning paradigm, Ellis' rational emotive therapy, and Meichenbaum's self-instructional research. There are two major questions: (1) how are covert thoughts most successfully modified? and (2) to what ends have covert thoughts been modified? The dynamics of covert thoughts are more complex than is often assumed. There may be several factors contributing to an alteration of covert thoughts, most notably teaching, possibly conditioning, and potentially a logical analysis.
Optically and Electrically Detected Magnetic Resonance Studies of Organic Light-Emitting Materials and Devices

Optically and electrically detected magnetic resonance studies of luminescent ?-conjugated thin films and organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) have provided striking insight into their various excitations.
Mutants of poliomyelitis viruses with reduced efficiency of plating in acid medium and reduced neuropathogenicity.

Abstract A class of mutants of poliomyelitis virus is described for which the efficiency of plating is markedly reduced under an acid agar-overlay. These mutants are designated as d (delayed) mutants. The d character is caused by a gradual decrease—under acid agar—of the susceptibility of the host cells to d virus. The optimal growth conditions for d virus are thus restricted to a narrow pH range. This physiological restriction of d virus may be the basis for its reduced neuropathogenicity.
REM sleep behaviour disorder: clinical profiles and pathophysiology.

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) is a parasomnia characterized by the intermittent loss of electromyographic atonia normally present during REM sleep and the emergence of pur...
In vitro evaluation of Ro 09-1227, a novel catechol-substituted cephalosporin.

Abstract Ro 09-1227 is a novel 7-position catechol-substituted parenteral cephalosporin that also has a 3-position radical similar to previously described cephems. The Ro 09-1227 spectrum was slightly wider than that of ceftazidime against members of the family Enterobacteriaceae tested, principally because of greater activity against species producing Richmond-Sykes type I beta-lactamases. Ro 09-1227 was also more active than ceftazidime against some strains producing extended-spectrum plasmid-encoded beta-lactamases, such as TEM-3, -4, -5, -6, -7, and -9, SHV-2 and -3, and CAZ-2. Most strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Xanthomonas maltophilia, and Acinetobacter spp. were also more susceptible to Ro 09-1227 than cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, cefoperazone, and ceftazidime. Haemophilus influenzae (MIC for 90% of strains tested [MIC90], 0.5 micrograms/ml), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (MIC90, 0.015 micrograms/ml), and Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis (MIC90, 0.5 micrograms/ml) were also Ro 09-1227 susceptible. Ro 09-1227 activity against important gram-positive cocci was most comparable to that of ceftazidime. Bacteroides fragilis (MIC90, greater than 32 micrograms/ml) and the enterococci (MIC90, greater than 32 micrograms/ml) were resistant to Ro 09-1227. These in vitro results indicate that this catechol-substituted cephalosporin may be useful as an empiric agent, especially for some isolates resistant to currently available broad-spectrum cephalosporins.
The effect of salt on ion adsorption on a SiOx alignment film and reduced conductivity of a liquid crystal host

It is shown that the addition of salt to liquid crystal cells, using a SiOx alignment layer, can actually reduce the ion concentration. This seeming contradiction may be explained by the ability of salt to complex with water and to aid the drying of the liquid crystal material. The results show a pathway to purifying liquid crystal devices to the extent needed for low-power low-refresh rate displays for e-book applications.
Sex and the TAT: Are Women More Intimate Than Men? Do Men Fear Intimacy?

Imaginative stories written in response to either 6 or 10 different Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) pictures by over 1,500 college students in two studies were scored for intimacy motivation (McAdams, 1980), and a subset were scored for fear of intimacy (Pollack & Gilligan, 1982). The intimacy motive is a recurrent preference or readiness for experiences of warm, close, and communicative interaction with others, and it is assessed by coding the quality of the interpersonal interaction exhibited by characters in a TAT story. Fear of intimacy, on the other hand, is assumed to reveal itself through images of violence displayed in affiliative and intimate situations in TAT stories, for example, when one lover kills another. In both studies, women scored significantly higher than men on intimacy motivation, especially with respect to the intimacy themes of Relationship Produces Positive Affect, Relationship Transcends Space-Time Limitations, Surrender of Control in Relationships, and Connection to Outside Wor...
Spectroscopy of jet-cooled constrained tryptophan derivatives

We have studied tryptophan derivatives in which rotations about the C α -C β and C β -C γ bonds are restricted by incorporating the a-amino group into a six-membered ring. Samples were volatilized into He flows and cooled via supersonic gas expansions. Both bare molecules and molecules complexed with polar solvent adducts have been studied via laser induced fluorescence spectra and fluorescence lifetime measurements. We compare jet cooled conformer and lifetime results with some in solution. Results obtained for bare molecule and solvent are compared with analogous data for conformationally unconstrained tryptophan derivatives studied earlier. The jet-cooled lifetime data provide indications of the presence of the 1 L a state.
Calling behaviour in female Trogoderma granarium Everts (Coleoptera: Dermestidae)

Abstract The effects of photoperiod, insemination, and age on the calling and mating activities of Trogoderma granarium females were investigated. Among mature virgin females held on 10:14, 12:12, or 16:8 LD, some calling behaviour was observed throughout photophase but 75% or more females were active for a period lasting about 8 hr/day. Under all three light regimes, this period was centred around the middle of photophase when virtually 100% of females assumed the calling posture. Correlated with diurnal fluctuations in female calling, mating frequency was higher towards the middle as compared to the start of photophase. In contrast to virgins, only about 3% of recently mated females engaged in calling activity. Significant increases in both calling and female receptivity to mating occurred between the 1st and 3rd days of adult life, but the daily calling pattern of virgin females remained stable between the 4th and 10th days.
Saturated and unsaturated lipid spin labels with terminally located nitroxide groups

Abstract Synthetic routes are described to a new series of nitroxide lipid spin labels useful for studying the effects of unsaturation and chain length on motion experienced by nitroxide spin labels in biological membrane systems. The labels incorporate a terminally-located proxyl nitroxide group on a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid chain. Syntheses utilize as the key step either an alkylation of an acetylide anion with a nitroxide iodide or else a Wittig coupling between a nitroxide ylid and an aldehyde. Spin labels described include 17-proxylstearolic acid, 17-peroxyl-stearic acid, 17-proxyloleic acid, 16-proxylheptadecanoic acid, 9-proxyldecanoic acid and two phosphatidyl choline derivatives.
Methodological innovations in the National Survey of American Life

This paper provides an overview of the conceptualization and methods used in the National Survey of American Life (NSAL). The objectives of the NSAL are to investigate the nature, severity, and impairment of mental disorders among national samples of the black and non-Hispanic white (n = 1,006) populations in the US, including African American (N = 3,570), and Afro-Caribbean (N = 1,623) immigrant and second and older generation, populations. National multi-stage probability methods were used in generating the samples and race/ethnic matching of interviewers and respondents were employed in the largely face-to-face interview, lasting on average 2 hours and 20 minutes. Two methodological approaches are described for addressing sampling coverage of individuals attached to, but not residing in, selected households at the time of the study. The paper also describes two approaches used to address concerns about the interpretations of standard symptom probe information in assessing serious mental disorders. This included a clinical reappraisal study designed to ascertain differences in symptom responding and ascertainment of cases (N = 677) in a subset of the same NSAL respondents. Finally, an abbreviated, novel method for estimating the prevalence of mental disorders in first-degree family members is described and the preliminary results from this new approach are reported. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Ferritin: The role of aluminum in ferritin function

We previously showed that human brain ferritin (HBF) binds aluminum (Al) in vivo and in vitro and HBF isolated from Alzheimer's brain had more Al bound compared to aged matched controls (7). To further understand the role ferritin may play in Al neurotoxicity, we have studied in vitro the effect of Al on the function of human ferritin isolated from Alzheimer's (AD) and normal brain tissue, and compared the results with other mammalian ferritins. Al causes a concentration-dependent decrease in the initial rate of iron loading into apo-horse spleen and human brain ferritin and the rates were similar for ferritin isolated from both AD and normal brains. The rates of iron release of mammalian ferritins from different tissues were determined: horse spleen much greater than human liver greater than rat brain greater than human brain = rat liver ferritin. The rates of iron release of AD and normal human brain ferritin were similar and were unaffected by preloading with Al. Several mammalian ferritins were compared for their total iron uptake: horse spleen = human liver greater than human brain (normal) = human brain (AD) ferritin. In 20 mM HEPES (pH 6.0) buffer holoferritin is more resistant to precipitation by Al than apoferritin suggesting that holoferritin is a better chelator for nonferrous metal ions.
Interaction of lanthanide cations and uranyl ion with the calcium/proton antiport system in Mycobacterium phlei

Uranyl ions (UO2+(2)) and lanthanide cations (La3+, Nd3+, Sm3+, Eu3+, Tb3+ and Dy3+) at 100-200 microM concentration inhibited active transport of Ca2+, mediated by respiratory linked substrates as well as by ATP hydrolysis, without affecting respiration and membrane-bound ATPase activity, in inside-out membrane vesicles of Mycobacterium phlei. The extent of inhibition in the uptake of Ca2+, mediated by ATP hydrolysis, increased with increase in ionic radii of these cations. Lanthanide cations did not dissipate the formation of a proton gradient, as measured by determining the effect either on the uptake of [14C]methylamine or energy-linked quenching of the fluorescence of 9-aminoacridine. However, uranyl ion (UO2+(2+)) caused reversal of the energy-linked quenching of 9-aminoacridine. UO2+(2)) concentration yielding 50% of Vmax (S0.5) was approx. 15 microM. Kinetic studies revealed that inhibition in the uptake of Ca2+ was competitive with UO2+(2) while non-competitive with rare-earth metals. It is proposed that inhibition in the uptake of Ca2+ by uranyl ion occurs as a result of UO2+(2) transport into the interior of vesicles in exchange for protons, while lanthanide cations are not being transported but affect the binding of Ca2+ to the membrane, presumably to the Ca2+/H+ antiporter.
The use of an adjustable valve to treat over-drainage of a cyst-peritoneal shunt in a child with a large sylvian fissure arachnoid cyst.

The cyst-peritoneal shunt is a recognised surgical alternative in the management of sylvian fissure arachnoid cysts. Shunt overdrainage is well described in literature on ventriculo-peritoneal shunts, but not often appreciated as a complication of cysto-peritoneal shunts. A 5-year-old boy presented with a symptomatic left sylvian fissure arachnoid cyst. This was initially treated by craniotomy and membrane fenestration in the carotid cistern. Recurrence led to insertion of a valveless cyst-peritoneal shunt 5 months later. Initial progress was followed by persistent headaches 18 months after shunt insertion. CT scan revealed a significant reduction in the cyst size, enlargement of the ipsilateral lateral ventricle, collapse of the contra-lateral ventricle and midline shift towards the side of the shunt. These findings were interpreted as over-drainage of the cyst-peritoneal shunt. A Codman Medos adjustable valve was inserted, with the intention of gradually increasing the pressure until the midline shift was restored and the contra-lateral ventricle was reconstituted. This was achieved with the valve set at 90 mm H2O, verified by CT scan. Radiological improvement was associated with dramatic symptomatic improvement. Over-drainage of cyst-peritoneal shunts is often not appreciated, especially when the main manifestation is headaches. As it is difficult to predict the required valve pressure setting, it may be advisable to consider the use of an adjustable valve.
SU‐FF‐E‐02: Modern Digital Seminar/Teaching/ Conference Room

Purpose: Digital Teaching/Seminar/Conference Room for the modern era. Method and Materials: Learn about and become familiar with the resources available to set up a digital teaching/seminar/conference room Results: 1. Assess the technologic innovations in hardware, software and network design and the impact to the conference room. 2. Understand ways to optimize your images for visual display with respect to luminance, gray scale imaging, contrast and distortion. 3. Review the technologies available for the storage, projection, and display of a presentation. Conclusion: Reviewed how the teaching/seminar / conference room has evolved in parallel with the changes from an analog to a digital environment.
Early Developmental and Psychosocial Risks and Longitudinal Behavioral Adjustment Outcomes for Preschool-Age Girls Adopted from China.

Abstract The central goal of this longitudinal study was to examine behavioral adjustment outcomes in a sample of preschool-age adopted Chinese girls. Research examining the effects of institutional deprivation on post-adoption behavioral outcomes for internationally adopted children has been constrained by the frequent unavailability of data on the institutional experiences of adopted children. Using child-level measures of the residual effects of pre-adoption deprivation or adversity, the present study of 452 preschool-age girls adopted from China tested the hypothesis that these measures will better predict behavioral adjustment (as measured on the CBCL/1½–5) than age at adoption (AAA), used conventionally as a proxy measure of the magnitude of deprivation effects. Along with AAA (M = 13.1 months, SD = 5.1), our measures were used to predict behavioral adjustment at two time points (Mage = 2.7 years at Time 1 and 4.8 years at Time 2). There was strong stability in behavioral adjustment across time, and the regression results showed that delays in social skills, refusal/avoidance behaviors, and crying/clinging behaviors at the time of adoption, rather than AAA, predicted behavioral adjustment outcomes.
Effects of insulin on melanoma and brain metabolism.

Both brain and melanoma slices displayed similar QO2CO2 values, but marked differences occurred in QN2CO2 under certain conditions. Thus, the two tissues responded differently to added magnesium, phenol, and insulin. The first two substances markedly increased the QN2CO2 of brain but slightly inhibited that of melanoma. The QN2CO2 of brain slides was not increased by insulin but that of melanoma was (ca. 40%). As little as 0.003 mg (0.1 units) of crystalline zinc-insulin per ml was sufficient to give maximal stimulation. Crystalline zinc-insulin freed of hyperglycemic factor was as effective as regular crystalline zinc-insulin in increasing the QN2CO2 of melanoma slices. Hyperglycemic factor largely freed of insulin had no appreciable effect on QN2CO2. Zinc appears to play a critical role in connection with the influence of insulin on QN2CO2 of melanoma slices. The relative concentrations of the two substances are critical. Under aerobic conditions insulin variably increased the R.Q., QO2CO2, and absolute Pasteur effect of melanoma. QO2 (respiration) was never increased, but was sometimes decreased. Exposure of melanoma-bearing mice to 35° or 40° C, for 13 hours or more, was associated with a marked diminution in the QN2CO2 of the tumor slices as compared to tumor slices from mice exposed to ca. 20° C. Insulin increased (average 49%) the QN2CO2 of slices from the heat-treated tumors to a level approximately equal to that of slices from 20° C tumors where insulin gave only slight stimulation (average 7%); additional (12 to 44 days) exposure to 35° or 40° C resulted in marked suppression of tumor growth and further decline in the QN2CO2.
Esophageal cancer: A Review of epidemiology, pathogenesis, staging workup and treatment modalities

Esophageal cancer is a serious malignancy with regards to mortality and prognosis. It is a growing health concern that is expected to increase in incidence over the next 10 years. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common histological type of esophageal cancer worldwide, with a higher incidence in developing nations. With the increased prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease and obesity in developed nations, the incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma has dramatically increased in the past 40 years. Esophageal cancer is staged according to the widely accepted TNM system. Staging plays an integral part in guiding stage specific treatment protocols and has a great impact on overall survival. Common imaging modalities used in staging include computed tomography, endoscopic ultrasound and positron emission tomography scans. Current treatment options include multimodality therapy mainstays of current treatment include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Tumor markers of esophageal cancer are an advancing area of research that could potentially lead to earlier diagnosis as well as playing a part in assessing tumor response to therapy.
URIC ACID EXCRETION IN ACUTE LYMPHATIC LEUKEMIA |[lpar]|ALL|[rpar]|-RESULTS OF A 10 YEAR FOLLOWUP

In 1975, we reported (Pediat Res 9:391(A), 1975) the results of a preliminary study in which 18 newly diagnosed patients with ALL had 24 hour urine collections for uric acid, xanthine and hypoxanthine (UXH) during a 4 wk induction with vincristine (V) and prednisone (P). These patients were subsequently followed with similar collections during routine periodic V+P administrations in remission. It has now been 10 years since all of these children were initially diagnosed. Conclusions regarding UXH as an index of remission status and long term prognosis can be made. Treatment consisted of 4 wk of V+P and 10d L-asparaginase followed by 2400R cranial irradiation with 6 I.T.MTX. Maintenance consisted of daily 6MP and weekly MTX. As reported, avg daily UXH (mg/m2) during the entire induction varied little (wk 1:933, wk 2: 607, wk 3:676, wk 4:803) and did not differ significantly from 3 children similarly treated who failed to achieve remission. Of the 18 children achieving remission, 8 have relapsed and died, 1 has relapsed but remains alive free of disease, 18 mos post autologous marrow transplantation (mean time to relapse in this group = 23 mos), and 9 have remained in continuous remission and are now off therapy >5 years. Induction UXH excretion and remission UXH excretion (overall mean 307±102) during V+P cycles did not differ significantly between long term survivors and treatment failures. These data suggest UXH excretion during induction and remission provides little long term prognostic assistance in children with ALL.
Determinants of physician unwillingness to offer medical abortion using mifepristone

Purpose We sought to identify factors associated with contemplating versus not contemplating offering medical abortion with mifepristone among physicians not opposed to it. Methods We analyzed data from a Kaiser Family Foundation survey of a nationally representative sample of 790 American obstetrician/gynecologists and primary care physicians. Our study sample consisted of 419 physicians who were not personally opposed to medical abortion and could be classified as not actively considering (precontemplation) or actively considering (contemplation) offering mifepristone. We conducted multivariate logistic regression to predict being unlikely to offer mifepristone (i.e., in the precontemplation stage of change). Principal findings In 2001, 1 year after U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, 5% of physicians surveyed were offering mifepristone. Among the 750 physicians not offering mifepristone, 57% were not opposed. Of those not opposed, 74% reported that they were unlikely to offer mifepristone in the next year (precontemplation) as compared to 23% who might offer it (contemplation). Independent predictors of being in the precontemplation stage were being a primary care versus OB/GYN physician (odds ratio [OR] 3.29, p = .02), being in private versus hospital-based practice (OR 2.40, p = .03), and lacking concerns about FDA regulations (OR 2.06, p = .01) or violence and protests (OR 1.93, p = .03) as barriers to offering mifepristone. Conclusions For precontemplation-stage physicians, the most efficient strategy for increasing the availability of medical abortion may be to design programs that emphasize clinical benefits and feasibility to stimulate interest in the procedure. For contemplation-stage physicians, the optimum approach may be one that helps to overcome barriers associated with FDA regulations and concerns about violence and protests.
The Condition of Brook Trout and Rainbow Trout from Four Eastern Streams

Abstract Both native and plauted fish of two species of trout were studied to determine the extent of variations in the condition. Brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) from eastern streams apparently have a lower norm of condition than rainbow trout (Salmo irideus). Hatchery fish appear to be handicapped, even when planted in a stream exceptionally rich in food, possibly because hatchery conditions prevent them from developing fully their natural foraging ability. Small streams, although rich in food, are unable to supply the normal food requirements of larger fish. A loss was demonstrated in the condition of adult trout planted in the spring for immediate removal. In the appraisal of streams for stocking, it seems that valuable information may be obtained by an analysis of the condition of the native fish.
Dielectric Tunability of DNA Biopolymer Films with Varying Amounts of Hexadecyltrimethylammonium Chloride

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) biopolymer films are fabricated with varying amounts of hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTMA), which is a surfactant necessary to produce a DNA complex that is soluble in organic solvents. The dielectric constant (κ) of these films at microwave frequencies as a function of applied static electric field (E DC) is investigated. Results show that the dependence of κ on E DC, which is referred to as the dielectric tunability, is influenced by the amount of CTMA in the complex. Dielectric tunability is suppressed when the amount of CTMA is insufficient and improved when more CTMA is added. However, excessive amounts of CTMA also result in a very rough film surface that causes shorting problems when used in a capacitive structure. A varactor employing a 1-μm-thick DNA biopolymer film as the dielectric is demonstrated. Under 5 V DC bias, which generates E DC = 5 V/μm, its capacitance at 15 GHz changes by 0.04 pF. This change corresponds to a relative dielectric tunability of 6.6%. A simple application of this varactor for modulation of the power transmitted through a microwave transmission line is also demonstrated.
Radiation characteristics of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii CC125 and its truncated chlorophyll antenna transformants tla1, tlaX and tla1-CW+

This experimental study reports, for the first time, the radiation characteristics of the unicellular green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii strain CC125 and its truncated chlorophyll antenna transformants tla1, tlaX, and tla1-CW+. Photobiological hydrogen production is a sustainable alternative to thermochemical and electrolytic technologies with the possible advantage of carbon dioxide mitigation. However, scale-up of photobioreactors from bench top to industrial scale is made difficult by excessive absorption and waste of light energy as heat and fluorescence. This results in limited light penetration into the photobioreactor and low solar to hydrogen energy conversion efficiency. To overcome these challenges, the algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii have been genetically engineered with reduced pigment concentrations in their photosystems. This can improve the performance of photobioreactors by increasing the saturation irradiance of algae and quantum efficiency of photobiological hydrogen production. The extinction and absorption coefficients of all strains studied are obtained from normal-normal and normal-hemispherical transmittance measurements over the spectral range from 300 to 1,300 nm. Moreover, a polar nephelometer is used to measure the scattering phase function of the microorganisms at 632.8 nm. It is established that the wild strain C.reinhardtii CC125 has major absorption peaks at 435 and 676 nm, corresponding to the in vivo absorption peaks of chlorophyll a, and at 475 and 650 nm corresponding to those of chlorophyll b. The genetically engineered strains have less chlorophyll pigments than the wild strain and thus have smaller absorption cross-sections. In particular, the mutant tlaX features a significant reduction in chlorophyll b concentration. For all mutants, however the reduction in the absorption cross-section is accompanied by an increase in scattering cross-section. Although scattering becomes the dominant phenomenon contributing to the overall extinction of light, it is mainly in the forward direction. Thus, to fully assess the effect of genetic engineering on light transport in the photobioreactor requires careful radiation transfer analysis using the radiation characteristics reported in this study.
Mapping quantitative trait loci for complex binary traits in outbred populations.

Complex binary traits have a dichotomous phenotypic expression but do not show a simple Mendelian segregation ratio. These traits are considered to be jointly controlled by the actions of several genes and a random environmental effect. The binary phenotype and the underlying factor are assumed to be linked through a threshold model. The underlying factor, referred to as the liability, is treated as a regular but unobservable quantitative character. Mapping quantitative trait loci (QTL) can be performed directly on the liability. Methods of QTL mapping for the liability of a complex binary trait have been well developed in line-crossing experiments. However, such a method is not available in outbred populations which usually consist of many independent pedigrees (families). In this study, we develop a method to analyse jointly multiple families of an outbred population. The method is developed based on a fixed-model approach, i.e. the QTL effects, rather than the variance, are estimated and tested. After the test, the estimated effects are then converted into a single estimate of the QTL variance by taking into consideration errors in the estimated effects. The QTL effects and variance-covariance matrix of the estimates are obtained by a fast Fisher-scoring method. Monte Carlo simulations show that the method is not only powerful but also generates very accurate estimates of QTL variances.
Novel silicon fabrication process for high-aspect-ratio micromachined parts

Bulk micromachining generally refers to processes involving wet chemical etching of structures formed out of the silicon substrate and so is limited to fairly large, crude structures. Surface micromachining allows intricate patterning of thin films of polysilicon and other materials to form essentially two-dimensional layered parts (since the thickness of the parts is limited by the thickness of the deposited films). There is a third type of micromachining in which the part is formed by filling a mold which was defined by photolithographic means. Historically micromachining molds have been formed in some sort of photopolymer, be it with x-ray lithography (``LIGA``) or more conventional UV lithography, with the aim of producing piece parts. Recently, however, several groups including ours at Sandia have independently come up with the idea of forming the mold for mechanical parts by etching into the silicon substrate itself. In Sandia`s mold process, the mold is recessed into the substrate using a deep silicon trench etch, lined with a sacrificial or etch-stop layer, and then filled with any of a number of mechanical materials. The completed structures are not ejected from the mold to be used as piece parts rather, the mold is dissolved from around selected movable segments of the parts, leaving the parts anchored to the substrate. Since the mold is recessed into the substrate, the whole micromechanical structure can be formed, planarized, and integrated with standard silicon microelectronic circuits before the release etch. In addition, unlike surface-micromachined parts, the thickness of the molded parts is limited by the depth of the trench etch (typically 10--50 {mu}m) rather than the thickness of deposited polysilicon (typically 2 {mu}m). The capability of fabricating thicker (and therefore much stiffer and more massive) parts is critical for motion-sensing structures involving large gimballed platforms, proof masses, etc.
The SV40 enhancer contains two distinct levels of organization

The SV40 transcriptional enhancer is composed of separate 15 to 20 base-pair-(bp)-long enhancer elements that cooperate with one another or duplicates of themselves to enhance transcription. These elements are bipartite, being composed of subunits, called enhansons, that can be duplicated or interchanged to create new enhancer elements. Enhansons differ from the enhancer elements because they are very sensitive to changes in spacing. This prototypic enhancer, therefore, contains two distinct levels of organization, each of which requires redundancy to be effective.
Bovine retinal glutamine synthetase 1. Purification, characterization and immunological properties

Abstract Glutamine synthetase (GS) from bovine retina was purified to apparent homogeneity by ammonium sulfate fractionation followed by Sephacryl S-200, hydroxylapatite, and Sephadex G-150 chromatography. The purified enzyme showed a single band on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Based on the purification data, retinal GS was shown to be approximately 2% of the total soluble retinal protein. By gel filtration, sedimentation velocity centrifugation, and gel electrophoresis, it was shown that the enzyme has a subunit molecular weight of 45000 daltons and a native molecular weight of 360000 daltons, which is consistent with an octameric structure. Throughout the various stages of purification, it was found that GS and glutamyl transferase (GT) activities were maintained at a constant ratio. Thus, the GS and GT reactions are catalyzed by the same enzyme. Immunodiffusion of antiretinal GS antibodies gave a single line of precipitation with both crude retinal and brain enzymes as well as purified enzyme preparations. Precipitation lines of retinal and brain enzymes completely fused with each other without any spur formation. The immunochemical titration of brain enzyme activity with antiretinal GS antibodies also revealed an immunological homology between retinal and brain enzymes.
Congenital absence of the pericardium: Echocardiography as a diagnostic tool

Between 1982 and 1992, 10 patients who underwent echocardiography at the Mayo Clinic were found to have congenital absence of the pericardium. Clinical, electrocardiographic, chest roentgenographic, echocardiographic, computed tomographic, and magnetic resonance imaging features were reviewed in this patient group. The characteristic features of this entity are reviewed. The echocardiographic features in order of frequency are (1) unusual echocardiographic windows, seen in all 10 patients, (2) cardiac hypermobility in nine patients, (3) abnormal ventricular septal motion in eight patients, and (4) abnormal swinging motion of the heart in seven patients.
Mercury concentrations in brain and kidney following ethylmercury, methylmercury and Thimerosal administration to neonatal mice

The distribution of mercury to the brain following an injection of methylmercury (MeHg) or ethylmercury (EtHg) was examined in immature mice. Postnatal day (PND) 16 CD1 mice received MeHg chloride either by IM injection or by gavage. At 24 h and 7 days post-injection, total mercury concentrations were determined in blood, kidney, brain, and muscle by cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry. At 24 h, an IM injection of MeHg chloride (17.4 microg) produced total mercury concentrations in the blood (6.2 +/- 0.9 microg/g), brain (5.6 +/- 1.3 microg; 0.6% delivered dose), and kidney (25.2 +/- 5.6 microg; 1.1%), approximately 30% of that obtained from oral administration (blood: 17.9 +/- 1.0 microg; brain: 16.1 +/- 1.2 microg, 1.5%; kidney: 64.9 +/- 6.3 microg, 2.7%). For comparison, PND 16 mice received an IM injection of concentrated dosing suspensions (2 microl dosing vol.) for EtHg chloride (6 microg) or Thimerosal (15.4 microg). For EtHg, approximately 0.39 +/- 0.06% of the injected mercury was detected in the brain and 3.5 +/- 0.6% in the kidney at 24 h. Thimerosal IM injection resulted in 0.22 +/- 0.04% in the brain, and 1.7 +/- 0.3% in the kidney. By 7 days, mercury levels decreased in the blood but were unchanged in the brain. An acute IM injection to adult mice of each suspension at a 10-fold higher dose resulted an average 0.1% mercury in the brain, and higher levels in the blood, kidney, and muscle as compared to the young. In immature mice, MeHg delivered via oral route of administration resulted in significantly greater tissue levels as compared to levels from IM injection. Comparisons of tissue distribution following IM administration suggest that an oral route of administration for mercury is not comparable to an IM delivery and that MeHg does not appear to be a good model for EtHg-containing compounds.
Direct cortical input modulates plasticity and spiking in CA1 pyramidal neurons

The hippocampus is necessary for the acquisition and retrieval of declarative memories. The best-characterized sensory input to the hippocampus is the perforant path projection from layer II of entorhinal cortex (EC) to the dentate gyrus. Signals are then processed sequentially in the hippocampal CA fields before returning to the cortex via CA1 pyramidal neuron spikes. There is another EC input—the temporoammonic (TA) pathway—consisting of axons from layer III EC neurons that make synaptic contacts on the distal dendrites of CA1 neurons. Here we show that this pathway modulates both the plasticity and the output of the rat hippocampal formation. Bursts of TA activity can, depending on their timing, either increase or decrease the probability of Schaffer-collateral (SC)-evoked CA1 spikes. TA bursts can also significantly reduce the magnitude of synaptic potentiation at SC–CA1 synapses. The TA–CA1 synapse itself exhibits both long-term depression (LTD) and long-term potentiation (LTP). This capacity for bi-directional plasticity can, in turn, regulate the TA modulation of CA1 activity: LTP or LTD of the TA pathway either enhances or diminishes the gating of CA1 spikes and plasticity inhibition, respectively.
Regulation of viability and cell death by hormones in cereal aleurone

Summary Aleurone cells are essential for the mobilization of reserves stored in the endosperm of cereals but are not required after seedling establishment. Following imbibition the embryo produces gibberellins (GAs) that initiate a program in the aleurone cell that results in the synthesis and secretion of a broad spectrum of acid hydrolases. When the aleurone layer has fulfilled its role as a secretory gland and the contents of its cells are depleted, the aleurone cell dies. Because aleurone cell death is part of the normal development of the grain and is initiated by endogenous hormones, we classify it as a form of programmed cell death (PCD). Abscisic acid (ABA) is produced in dormant and quiescent grain and this hormone prevents the initiation of the GA-triggered cascade that leads to enzyme production and cell death. Based on these data we argue that ABA is a key factor in maintaining aleurone cell viability and preventing PCD in dormant and quiescent grain. Aleurone cells die when ROS accumulate and cause oxidative damage to cell membranes. Aleurone cells store large amounts of triglycerides and the conversion of these lipids to sugars by β-oxidation produces H 2 O 2 and contributes to oxidative stress in the aleurone cell. ROS are normally metabolized by enzymes, including ascorbate peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase. We hypothesize that a reduction in the activities of ROS-metabolizing enzymes and a decrease in the number of mitochondria following GA treatment prevents the aleurone cell from effectively metabolizing ROS. This in turn leads to oxidative damage and cell death.
Transforming growth factor-beta 1 messenger RNA and protein expression in the pituitary gland: its action on prolactin secretion and lactotropic growth.

Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) is known to inhibit cell growth and proliferation of many estrogen-responsive normal and transformed cells. The effect of this polypeptide growth factor on the estrogen-responsive pituitary lactotropes has not been determined. To evaluate the role of TGF-beta 1 in the control of lactotropic growth, the action and production of TGF-beta 1 in the anterior pituitary was studied in rats. The growth factor suppressed basal PRL release from the primary culture of enriched rat lactotropes in a concentration-dependent manner in the range of 2 pg/ml-20 ng/ml. The growth factor did not affect the secretion of other pituitary hormones in the cultures. The inhibitory action of TGF-beta 1 on PRL release was time dependent. The minimum time required to produce a significant effect was 4 h. The growth factor also suppressed estradiol-induced PRL release as well as it inhibited estradiol-induced proliferation of lactotropes. TGF-beta 1 immunoreactivity was detected in the ce...
Dynamics of coupled solitons in nonlinear optical fibers

A system of coupled nonlinear Schr\"odinger equations (NLS) governs the interaction of propagating pulses in two-mode nonlinear optical fibers and directional couplers. Using NLS solitons as trial functions in an averaged Lagrangian formulation, ordinary-differential-equation (ODE) approximations for the pulse dynamics are derived. These ODE's give a criterion for two pulses to attract one another and form a bound state; they also describe the dynamics of the complicated oscillations these pulses undergo in this bound state. In addition, the ODE dynamics show that collisions between these pulses are generally inelastic, in that there is an exchange between translational energy and internal energy (due to pulse-width oscillations). The results of the ODE theory are verified by comparison with numerical solutions of the governing partial differential equations.
Stress Reactions of Various Judging Groups to the Child Dental Patient

Dental personnel representing various levels of clinical experience and education in pedodontics were shown slides of potentially stressing situations within the field of pedodontics. Stress was identified through voice analysis by the Psychological Stress Evaluator (PSE-101)*. Clinical experience and education in pedodontics does not decrease either absolute or relative amounts of stress. Visual stimuli are capable of eliciting a stressful response. Trained raters can interpret voice prints with a satisfactory degree of inter-rater reliability. The PSF-101 is a valid indicator of stress.
High-order polarization mode dispersion emulator

A system for generating polarization mode dispersion is developed to reproduce a close approximation to the polarization mode dispersion (pMd) of fiber links in the laboratory. A multistage system of rotating wave plates and combinations of birefringent elements generates a mixture of first-order, second-order, and higher order PMD suitable for testing OC-192 and OC-768 hardware. The PMD emulator can be operated in either static or time-varying modes. In the static mode, first-order PMD is generated with the differential group delay (DGD) continuously adjustable from 0 to 160 ps. In the dynamic mode, time-varying PMD containing first and higher orders is generated with an approximately Maxwellian DGD distribution. The PMD emulator generates PMD variations at adjustable frequencies up to 400 Hz.
Neutral Atom Transport

Summaries of recent and ongoing work on two neutral particle transport methods and of an evaluation and sensitivity analysis of the D data are presented.