cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ON THE FINDABILITY OF GENOTYPES

Can we define a measure that describes how easy or difficult it is for a population to evolve to a specific genotype? For populations evolving under weak mutation on a time-invariant fitness landscape, I argue that one appropriate measure is the expected waiting time, starting from equilibrium, for a population to become fixed for a given genotype. Under this definition for the "findability" of genotypes, I show that for any pair of genotypes (1) a population at equilibrium is always more likely to fix at the more findable before the less findable genotype and (2) the expected time to evolve from the more findable to the less findable genotype is always greater that the expected time to evolve in the opposite direction. Although increasing the fitness of a genotype always increases its findability, in general there is no simple relationship between the rank ordering of genotypes by fitness and the rank ordering of genotypes by findability. I also present a method for quantifying the relative contributions of mutation, selection, substitution rate, and probability of reversion to a genotype's findability.
AIM: autonomous intersection management

Artificial intelligence research is ushering in a new era of sophisticated, mass-market transportation technology. While computers can already fly a passenger jet better than a trained human pilot, people are still faced with the dangerous yet tedious task of driving automobiles. Recent advances in artificial intelligence, multiagent systems (MAS), and Intellgient Transportation Systems (ITS) point to a future in which vehicles themselves handle the vast majority of the driving task. Once autonomous vehicles become popular, autonomous interactions amongst multiple vehicles will be possible. Current methods of vehicle coordination, which are all designed to work with human drivers, will be outdated. The bottleneck for roadway efficiency will no longer be the drivers, but rather the mechanism by which those drivers' actions are coordinated. While open-road driving is a well-studied and more-or-less-solved problem, urban traffic scenarios, especially intersections, are much more challenging.
CDMA coverage, capacity and pole capacity

The main contribution of this work is the explicit calculation of the qualitatively known tradeoff between coverage and capacity in CDMA systems. The analysis of the paper permits prediction of coverage for a projected capacity, for any given admission policy used to achieve that capacity. Furthermore, our approach allows us to arrive at a good approximation for pole capacity, defined to be the limit of the number of users a cell can support as the coverage shrinks to zero.
Floral symmetry is associated with flower size and pollen production but not insect visitation rates in Geranium robertianum (Geraniaceae)

The degree to which fine-scaled variation in floral symmetry is associated with variation in plant fitness remains unresolved, as does the question of whether floral symmetry is in itself a target of pollinator-mediated selection. Geranium robertianum (Geraniaceae) is a broadly distributed species whose five-petaled flowers vary widely with respect to their degree of rotational asymmetry. In this study, we used a naturally occurring population of plants to investigate whether floral rotational asymmetry and leaf bilateral symmetry were phenotypically correlated with a series of fitness-related traits, and also used an experimental array with model flowers to investigate the preference of insect visitors for varying degrees of floral size and symmetry. We found that leaf asymmetry was not associated with any of the phenotypic traits measured, and that the degree of floral rotational asymmetry was strongly associated with decreased flower size and decreased pollen production. Our experimental arrays showed that insect visitors did not discriminate among model flowers on the basis of size or symmetry alone; however, insect visitors preferentially visited smaller, symmetric model flowers over larger, severely asymmetric model flowers. Taken together, our results suggest that floral and leaf symmetry in G. robertianum are not likely strong indicators of phenotypic quality, and that floral symmetry is unlikely to be a target of pollinator-mediated selection. However, the relationship between floral asymmetry and pollen production may provide a role for fecundity selection on symmetry in this species. These data importantly add to the growing literature on the adaptive nature of floral symmetry in the wild.
Fu Orionis Eruptions and the Formation of Close Binaries

The discovery of close pairs of stars where both are FU Orionis objects poses important constraints on the triggering mechanism for these dramatic eruptive events among pre-main sequence stars. It is argued here that FU or eruptions are signposts of the last stages of orbital evolution as a close binary is being formed. In this view, FU ors represent an evolutionary phase immediately following the formation of Herbig-Haro jets.
Early Intervention with Children Prenatally Exposed to Cocaine: Expansion with Multiple Cohorts:

Prenatal cocaine exposure is an indicator for adverse developmental outcomes. To prevent developmental disabilities, an early intervention program for children birth to 3 years was developed that included three groups: center-based, home-based, and primary care comparison. The intervention was implemented across 10 years and data were collected on 342 children and families who were primarily urban, poor, and members of traditionally underrepresented groups. At 36 months of age, center and home-based intervention participants had more advanced cognitive and language abilities and fewer behavior problems than the primary care group participants. In addition, center-based participants had more advanced language abilities than home-based participants. The findings indicate that the early intervention impact is sustainable over time and has a positive effect on children at risk due to prenatal cocaine exposure.
Turbulent structure of a wingtip vortex in the near field

The turbulent rollup of a vortex generated by a rectangular wing has been investigated. Extensive mean and turbulence measurements of the flowfield on a wingtip and in the near field have been completed. Velocity fluctuation measurements show that the near-field core is not laminar. A large axial velocity excess was found to exist in the core of the vortex. A momentum balance in the near-field of the wingtip showed that the magnitude of the core Reynolds-stress gradient terms are the same order as the largest terms in the governing equations. Navier-Stokes computations of the identical configuration, including wind tunnel walls and using measured inflow and outflow boundary conditions, reproduced many of the features of the experiment. Inherent limitations of the Baldwin-Barth turbulence model combined with limited grid resolution caused the computed vortex core to be more diffuse than desired. The momentum balance also demonstrated that the level of numerically generated false diffusion in the vortex core is relatively high.
Structure and superconducting properties of (Tl0.8Bi0.2)(Sr1.6Ba0.4)Ca2Cu3O9−δ

Abstract The “1223” structural type of high temperature superconductor, (Tl 0.8 Bi 0.2 )(Sr 1.6 Ba 0.4 )Ca 2 Cu 3 O 9−δ (referred to as Tl,Bi-1223), based on oxides of thallium and bismuth has been prepared by reaction of prereacted powders of (Sr 1.6 Ba 0.4 )Ca 2 Cu 3 O 7 with Tl 2 O 3 and Bi 2 O 3 . The as-synthesized material has a superconducting transition temperature ( T c ) of 113 K, which is relatively unaffected by post-annealing either in an oxygen or an argon atmosphere. Polycrystalline samples of Tl,Bi-1223 exhibit a high persistent current density ( J p ) of 1.62 × 10 7 A/cm 2 at 5 K and 1 tesla, and maintain significant J p values to temperatures over 60 K. The structure of Tl,Bi-1223 has been refined using neutron powder diffraction data. The crystal structure is quite similar to those of Tl-1223 related compounds, P4/mmm symmetry with a = 3.8211 A and c = 15.4235 A . The atomic sites of thallium and oxygen in the rock-salt TlO plane are slightly vacant and occupancies of the sites were determined by the neutron diffraction study.
Effect of Fluorine on the Diffusion of Boron in Amorphous Silicon

Fluorine and boron co-implantation within amorphous silicon has been studied in order to meet the process challenges regarding p+ ultra-shallow junction formation. Previous experiments have shown that fluorine can reduce boron TED (Transient Enhanced Diffusion), enhance boron solubility and reduce sheet resistance. In this study, boron diffusion characteristics prior to solid phase epitaxial regrowth (SPER) of the amorphous layer in the presence of fluorine are addressed. Samples were pre-amorphized with Si+ at a dose of 1×1015 ions/cm2 and energy of 70 keV, leading to a deep continuous amorphous surface of approximately 1500 A. After pre-amorphization, B+ was implanted at a dose of 1×1015 ions/cm2 and energy of 500 eV, while F+ was implanted at a dose of 2×1015 ions/cm2 and energies ranging from 3 keV to 9 keV. Subsequent furnace anneals for the F+ implant energy of 6 keV were conducted at 550°C, for times ranging from 5 minutes to 260 minutes. During annealing, the boron in samples co-implanted with fluorine exhibited significant enhanced diffusion within amorphous silicon. After recrystallization, the boron diffusivity was dramatically reduced. Boron in samples with no fluorine did not diffuse during SPER. Prior to annealing, SIMS profiles demonstrated that boron concentration tails broadened with increasing fluorine implant energy. Enhanced dopant motion in as-implanted samples is presumably attributed to implant knock-on or recoil effects.
Interaction of a GRB-IR Splice Variant (a Human GRB10 Homolog) with the Insulin and Insulin-like Growth Factor I Receptors EVIDENCE FOR A ROLE IN MITOGENIC SIGNALING

We have utilized the yeast two-hybrid system to identify proteins that interact with the cytoplasmic domain of the insulin receptor. We identified a human cDNA that is a splice variant of the human GRB10 homolog GRB-IR, which we term GRB10/IR-SV1 (for GRB10/GRB-IR splice variant 1). The protein encoded by the GRB10/IR-SV1 cDNA contains an SH2 domain and a pleckstrin homology domain. Cloning of a full-length human cDNA revealed a predicted coding sequence that was similar to the mouse GRB10 protein, although GRB10/IR-SV1 contained an 80-amino acid deletion. The GRB10/IR-SV1 cDNA is a splice variant of the GRB-IR cDNA such that GRB10/IR-SV1 contains an intact pleckstrin homology domain and a distinct amino terminus. The interaction of GRB10/IR-SV1 with the insulin receptor and the insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) receptor is mediated by the SH2 domain, and we show that glutathione S-transferase-SH2 domain fusion proteins interact specifically in vitro with the insulin receptor derived from mammalian cells. The GRB10/IR-SV1 SH2 domain also interacted with an ~135-kDa phosphoprotein from unstimulated cell lysates, an interaction that decreased after insulin stimulation. We present evidence that the GRB10/IR-SV1 protein plays a functional role in insulin and IGF-I signaling by showing that microinjection of an SH2 domain fusion protein inhibited insulin- and IGF-I-stimulated mitogenesis in fibroblasts, yet had no effect on mitogenesis induced by epidermal growth factor. Our findings suggest that GRB10/IR-SV1 may serve to positively link the insulin and IGF-I receptors to an uncharacterized mitogenic signaling pathway.
Collaboration and innovation in the arts of Byzantine Constantinople

AbstractIn the period after Iconoclasm, a Byzantine church was a framework for a complex, multi-level programme of figural decoration in mosaic or fresco. The architectural form of the building was abstract, but it was given meaning through its decorative programme. The selection and placement of images would have interacted with the services celebrated in the church to emphasise the message of the liturgy and to express the order within the Christian cosmos. It is therefore not surprising, although not often noted, that the standard, Middle Byzantine church types were developed simllltaneously with a relatively standardised programme of interior decoration.
Electronic supervision for sex offenders: Implications for work load, supervision goals, versatility, and policymaking

Abstract Electronic monitoring strategies are being used increasingly for sex offenders across the United States. Despite this increased use, few researchers have considered the broader implications for probation and parole officers when these tools are used. In this study, attention was given to how the use of electronic monitoring for sex offenders is related to supervision goals, work load, the use of other supervision strategies, and state level policies. Findings showed significant differences in several areas. The conclusion focuses on community corrections policy implications.
Laryngospasm and pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis

Abstract Objective : Symptoms of pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) include dysphagia, emesis, regurgitation and feeding difficulties. This symptom complex has been mistaken for refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Whether EoE and GERD are related is controversial. Recently, EoE has been associated with upper airway manifestations including recurrent sinusitis, cough, wheezing, pneumonia, laryngeal edema, and subglottic stenosis. Laryngospasm secondary to EoE has not been reported. The purpose of this study is to increase the awareness of laryngospasm as a presenting symptom in this population. Methods : A 1-year retrospective chart review of 2 children with laryngospasm as the presenting symptom with endoscopic and histopathologic evidence of EoE. Results : Two patients presented to an otolaryngologist with a history consistent with laryngospasm in addition to GI complaints. Laryngospasm was identified during endoscopy. Both patients presented with GERD and symptoms refractory to medical management. Esophagoscopy and biopsy revealed >20 eosinophils per high power field. Symptoms were completely resolved following oral fluticasone therapy at follow-up. Conclusions : The eosinophilic esophagitis symptom complex includes airway manifestations. Pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with laryngospasm, dysphagia and gastroesophageal reflux refractory to treatment.
The formation energy of vacancy in graphite as calculated from the rates of abstraction by molecular oxygen

Etude par microscopie electronique de transmission, de la formation de lacunes dans le graphite dans des atmospheres de O 2 , H 2 O et CO 2 . Calcul de l'energie de formation de lacunes
High Density Lipoprotein Biogenesis, Cholesterol Efflux, and Immune Cell Function

This review provides a summary of recent research on the role of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)/apolipoprotein A-I cholesterol efflux and immune cell function. Plasma concentrations of HDL have been known to inversely correlate with risk for coronary vascular disease. Bulk transport of HDL cholesterol from the peripheral tissues to the liver is a major pathway, termed reverse cholesterol transport, responsible for maintaining whole body cholesterol homeostasis. In addition to participating in this pathway, HDL and apolipoprotein A-I exert anti-inflammatory effects through different pathways. One pathway that seems to be important in atherosclerosis and autoimmunity is its role in modulation of T cell activation. HDL/apolipoprotein A-I helps regulate cell signaling by accepting membrane cholesterol from ATP binding cassette transporter A1 on immune cells and, thereby, fine tuning the amount of cholesterol present in plasma membrane lipid rafts.
Nucleotide sequence of rat calretinin cDNA.

Abstract A rat calretinin cDNA clone was selected by antibody screening of a λgt11 brain library. The sequence revealed remarkable nucleotide and amino acid homology with human calretinin (91.1% and 98.5%, respectively), with only four amino acid differences. A high degree of homology with chick calretinin was also observed (79.8% and 86.6%, respectively), with 36 amino acid differences. Although the role of this central nervous system protein has not been well characterized, the evolutionarily conserved calcium binding domains and connecting regions, in addition to the limited local changes observed between rat and chick primary structure, lead us to believe that calretinin interacts with other highly conserved constituents of brain cells. This calretinin cDNA clone provides a new probe for the analysis of a specific subset of neurons in the central nervous system. The probe will allow a more detailed analysis of calretinin regulation in the brain and will be useful for screening genomic libraries for the complete chromosomal gene. (GenBank accession No. X66974.)
4.4: 200 dpi 3-a-Si:H TFTs Voltage-Driven AM-PLEDs

In this paper we describe opto-electronic properties of 200 dpi 3a-Si:H TFT voltage-driven AM-PLEDs. In this display design the output current level drifts induced by either process variations or device aging can be reduced by adjusting the driver a-Si:H TFT operating point with the active resistor. Our first green lightemitting AM-PLED prototype had brightness of 50 cd/m 2 and fill factor of about 45%.
Survey of Pulmonate Snails of Central Minnesota. I. Lymnaeidae

ABSTRACT Aquatic snails were collected at 148 sites from various wetland habitats in central Minnesota between May and September, 1988. Ten lymnaeid species were collected, including Lymnaea palustris, L. stagnalis, L. exilis, L. caperata, L. catascopium, L. megasoma, L. (Fossaria) modicella, L. (F.) parva, L. (E.) bulimoides, and L. (F.) dalli. These species were found at 30-, 18-, 15, 12-, 11-, 7-, 20-, 9-, 1.4-, and 0.7% of the collection sites, respectively. Lymnaeids were found most frequently in still water of near neutral pH with a small particle size substrate. However, individual lymnaeid species showed great variability in habitat type selection. Lymnaea megasoma and L. exilis were found in slightly acidic water. Lymnaea catascopium was found in the deeper open water of lakes and slow moving rivers, while L. caperata and L. (Fossaria) spp. were found in temporary wetlands and mud flats. Wetland habitat reduction during the drought of 1987–1989 may have influenced distribution of the amphibious s...
Calcium Carbonate Decomposition in Carbon Dioxide Atmosphere

Calcite crystal fragments of known surface area were decomposed in controlled carbon dioxide atmospheres. The decomposing sample was weighed continuously on an automatically recording thermobalance and a rate of weight loss per unit area was obtained. A rate expression involving actual and equilibrium CO2 pressures and the decomposition rate in pure nitrogen was derived. The mechanism of the decomposition is pictured as being a two-stage phenomenon. Initially the CO2 leaves the CaCO3 cell and the residue of the CaO apparently assumes a metastable rhombohedral configuration similar to the original CaCO3. The second step of the reaction is the formation of well-crystallized CaO from the active CaO. The active CaO thus acts as a bridge for this reversible reaction.
Functional Bimorph Composite Nanotapes

Single-crystalline nanoribbons were used as substrates for the epitaxial growth of different functional thin films deposited by laser ablation techniques. This simple method yields highly crystalline bilayer nanotapes with sharp structural and compositional interfaces. As an example, Co0.05Ti0.95O2@SnO2 nanotapes are shown to be ferromagnetic at room temperature. These composite nanotapes, with their various possible functionalities, represent an important new class of nanoscale building blocks for optoelectronic applications.
Helical CT imaging performance of a new multislice scanner

The principles and operations of 4-slice helical CT are discussed. The SSP, image noise and artifacts of a 4-slice scanner are measured by phantom scans and compared with theoretical predictions and the measurements of single-slice CT. The evaluation of these physical attributes for all helical imaging modes of 4-slice scanner is summarized in an operation chart. The preliminary studies indicate that comparing with single-slice helical CT, the volume coverage speed of 4-slice helical CT can be at least twice as fast with fully comparable image quality, or, in many cases, 3 times as fast with diagnostically comparable image quality. Two examples are given to illustrate the clinical benefit of the speed performance improvement (and operation flexibility) provided by 4-slice helical CT.
Multimodal signals, imperfect information, and identification of sex in red-backed salamanders (Plethodon cinereus)

Theoretical treatments and empirical studies both suggest that signals that occur in multiple sensory modes have superior detectabilities, discriminabilities, and memorabilities. There is also an intuitive link between signal detectability, discriminability, and memorability and the quality of information that is transferred via the signaler. We investigated the role of information quality and sensory modality in the sexual identification of intruding conspecifics by territorial male red-backed salamanders (Plethodon cinereus). Our results imply that these salamanders are able to discriminate between intruding male and female conspecifics (based on the allocation of aggression) in bimodal scenarios (vision and olfaction) even under situations in which the information available about the intruders’ sexual identities is reduced in quality. In unimodal scenarios (olfaction only), male residents exhibited heightened levels of aggression toward male secretions and reduced levels of aggression toward female secretions. In unimodal scenarios where information pertaining to the sex of the stimulus was reduced in quality, male residents displayed intermediate levels of aggression relative to the responses that male and female stimuli received respectively. Although resident males touched bimodal stimuli significantly more than they touched unimodal stimuli, we were unable to find support for the notion that sensory modality greatly influences how male resident red-backed salamanders allocate aggression toward intruding male versus female stimuli.
Epithelial stem cells as mucosal antigen-delivering cells: a novel preventive approach

HIV transmission occurs predominantly across mucosal surfaces. An ideal preventive strategy would be to target HIV at mucosal entry sites to prevent infection. We developed a novel epithelial stem cells-based AIDS preventive approach in female macaques. This approach is based on the ability of therapeutic lentiviral vectors integrated in mucosal epithelial stem cells to induce virus-specific cellular immune responses at mucosal sites of viral entry. We first intended to expose the cervicovaginal tract to conditions used for intravaginal vaccine delivery and non-invasively image local tissues to determine the vaccination effects on epithelial integrity and generation of antigen-specific mucosal immune responses.
An interactive tool for fitting surfaces to volume data

MRI and CT scanners have long been used to produce threeWe begin with a volume dataset. In this example, we have a CT scan of a human prostate. There are 256 slices. The figure to the right shows one input slice, along with rectangles that outline the locations of every 10th slice. We perform linear interpolation between each slice in the input dataset, and now we can render arbitrarily oriented image planes. The figure to the right shows one such plane.
Hooking mortality: A review for recreational fisheries

Abstract Length‐limit regulations and promotion of catch‐and‐release fishing have become increasingly important management approaches for recreational fisheries. We review‐studies on catch‐and‐release (hooking) mortality gathered from the existing fisheries literature and from a survey of fisheries management agencies in all 50 states, the U.S. government, all Canadian provinces, and selected academic and research institutions. We identified hooking mortality estimates for 32 taxa. Most studies dealt with salmonids, centrarchids (especially black basses, Micropterus spp.), and percids (especially walleye, Stizostedion vitreum). Within and among species, differences in percent mortality were reported in association with bait type (artificial vs. natural), hook type (number of hooks, hook size, and barbs), season/ temperature, water depth (depressurization), anatomical location of hook wound, and individual size. Although most hooking mortalities occur within 24 h, the use of initial plus delayed mortality ...
A New CT-Aided Stereotactic Neurosurgery Technique

In this communication, a new technique for CT-aided stereotactic neurosurgery is presented. The combination of specially designed hardware and software provides a fast, simple, and versatile tool for the accurate insertion of a probe into the human brain. This system is portable and can be implemented on any CT computer system. The complete procedure to perform the CT-aided stereotactic neurosurgery techniquie is presented in this communication. Experimental results are given which demonstrate the power of the method. Finally, the key algorithms for realizing this technique are described in the Appendix.
Adsorption of α-Synuclein on Lipid Bilayers: Modulating the Structure and Stability of Protein Assemblies

The interaction of α-synuclein with phospholipid membranes has been examined using supported lipid bilayers and epi-fluorescence microscopy. The membranes contained phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidic acid (PA), which mix at physiological pH. Upon protein adsorption, the lipids undergo fluid−fluid phase separation into PC-rich and PA-rich regions. The protein preferentially adsorbs to the PA-rich regions. The adsorption and subsequent aggregation of α-synuclein was probed by tuning several parameters: the charge on the lipids, the charge on the protein, and the screening environment. Conditions which promoted the greatest extent of adsorption resulted in structurally heterogeneous aggregates, while comparatively homogeneous aggregates were observed under conditions whereby adsorption did not occur as readily. Our observation that different alterations to the system lead to different degrees of aggregation and different aggregate structures poses a challenge for drug discovery. Namely, therapies aime...
Numerical Tendency Computations from the Barotropic Vorticity Equation

As a preliminary test of the usefulness of the barotropic vorticity equation for numerical forecasting a series of tendency computations have been made for a period of ten days in February 1951. Despite the difficulty of comparing instantaneous tendencies with observed changes over a finite time interval (12 hours) some positive information was obtained concerning computational errors as well as errors in the atmospheric model. The computations support the conclusion reached by CHARNEY and ELIASSEN (1949) that the Rocky Mountains are of importance in their influence on the large scale upper level flow pattern over the United States. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1951.tb00807.x
Probability of mortality of critically ill cancer patients at 72 h of intensive care unit (ICU) management

Goals To develop and validate a model for probability of hospital mortality for cancer patients at 72 h of intensive care unit (ICU) management.
Rapid Evaluation of Arid Lands REAL: A Methodology

Management of desert grasslands requires rapid, low technology, coarse assessment methods that provide a triage-like prioritization for the manager. Such approaches necessitate the ability to quickly and effectively identify coarse-scale plant communities that provide guidance for this prioritization. Complex, computer intensive digital image classification of Landsat TM data, while marginally successful, requires time, equipment, and expertise not always available in such environments. This study identifies landform boundaries in the Armendaris Ranch, New Mexico by visual inspection of Landsat-7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper imagery and topographic maps using traditional photoreconnaissance techniques. Employing predetermined hierarchical landform classifications, it was possible to map plant communities using ecological relationships that exist between the general physiographic and vegetation settings in the area and representative geomorphic landform-mapping units. The authors' field work verified the plant community map using a random walk approach and visual inspection. This synthetic expert opinion-based approach proved successful and is repeatable in other arid rangeland settings.
Personality characteristics of counselors rated as effective or ineffective

Abstract A study of 320 counselors in four states revealed substantial and significant correlations between tested personality characteristics and rated job performances. The Vocational Preference Inventory (VPI) was used to discriminate counselors rated as highly effective, as average in effectiveness, or as ineffective on a 28-point Satisfaction with Performance Blank (SWPB). Effectiveness ratings were completed for each counselor by three supervisors. Rated counselor effectiveness was positively correlated with the Social and Artistic codes of the VPI and negatively correlated with Realistic and Conventional scores. A regression formula with a cross-validation procedure was used to explain the variance of the supervisory ratings. Employment level—elementary, middle, or high school—was not related to other factors studied. Sex, age, certification, and degree status were of no significance in predicting rated effectiveness. Highly rated counselors had a group Holland code of Social-Artistic-Investigative (SAI) whereas counselors rated as ineffective had a Realistic-Coventional-Enterprising (RCE) group code. Individual variations were uncommon.
Articular Cartilage Vesicles Generate Calcium Pyrophosphate Dihydrate‐Like Crystals in Vitro

Objective. To identify the morphology of a mineral-forming fraction of adult porcine hyaline articular cartilage digest and characterize the mineral it forms. Methods. Electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, x-ray microanalysis, compensated polarized light microscopy, and biochemical studies including 14C-labeled UDPG pyrophosphohydrolase radiometric assay. Results. This fraction of articular cartilage digest contained membrane-limited vesicles resembling growth plate cartilage matrix vesicles and formed mineral after only 24 hours in physiologic salt solution containing 1 mM ATP. The mineral contained inorganic pyrophosphate, 95% of which derived from ATP, and phosphate, 93% of which derived from inorganic phosphate in the medium. The FTIR spectrum of this mineral closely resembled the spectrum of standard calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals. Compensated polarized light microscopy showed positively birefringent, rod-shaped crystals morphologically identical to CPPD. Ca:P ratios, defined by energy-dispersive microanalysis, were also consistent with CPPD. Conclusion. The articular cartilage vesicle fraction of porcine hyaline cartilage is capable of generating mineral that strongly resembles CPPD.
Suction‐induced hemolysis at various vacuum pressures: implications for intraoperative blood salvage

Background: Suction vacuum pressure (VP) not exceeding 150 torr is recommended during intraoperative blood salvage to minimize hemolysis. When the suction provided by this VP becomes inadequate because of brisk bleeding, an alternative high-VP suction should be used and the blood discarded. This approach often results in the salvage of only a small fraction of the blood shed during surgery complicated by large hemorrhage. Study Design and Methods: This laboratory study was designed to quantitate the hemolysis caused by various VPs in a suction system commonly used for intraoperative blood salvage. For each experiment, a batch of blood with a hematocrit of 30 to 35 percent was prepared by mixing of outdated units of red cells, fresh-frozen plasma, and saline solution. Aliquots of this blood were suctioned at VPs of 150, 200, 250, and 300 torr, either without (6 experiments) or with (4 experiments) maximal air entrainment. Total hemoglobin, hematocrit, red cell count, plasma-free hemoglobin, and serum potassium were measured in the blood before suction and in each aliquot after suction. Results: Suction of blood mixed with air caused much greater hemolysis than suction of blood alone (p < 0.01 at each VP tested). Raising the VP from 150 to 300 torr increased hemolysis from 0.14 +/− 0.20 percent (mean +/− SD) to 0.32 +/− 0.21 percent (p < 0.05) when blood alone was aspirated and from 1.45 +/− 0.50 percent to 2.85 +/− 0.22 percent (p < 0.05) when blood was suctioned with air. With either type of suction, red cell count, hematocrit, and serum potassium did not change significantly throughout the range of VPs tested. Conclusion: Hemolysis was found to depend on the VP applied and, to a much greater extent, on the amount of blood and air mixing. Increasing the VP above the recommended limit of 150 torr was not associated with inordinate hemolysis. Even when a VP as high as 300 torr was used, hemolysis ranged between 0.3 and 3.0 percent, depending on whether air was suctioned with the blood or not. The data support the idea that the lowest VP compatible with a clear surgical field should be used during intraoperative blood salvage and that the suctioning of air should be avoided as much as possible. These data also suggest that, in contrast to current recommendations, suction VP during intraoperative blood salvage can be increased up to 300 torr if required by the rate of bleeding, without causing excessive hemolysis.
Surface nature of UV deterioration in properties of solid poly(ethylene terephthalate)

We investigated the changes in the molecular weight and also in the mechanical properties with the distance to the exposed surface of the irradiated stacked poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) film samples. A relation between the molecular weight and the mechanical properties of the irradiated PET was established. The relation demonstrates that the decrease in molecular weight is one of the main origins causing the deterioration in the mechanical properties. The photodegradation process developing in PET was quantitatively studied by investigating the degradation kinetics of stacked PET film samples. Our results show that the strongest degradation takes place at the exposed surface, and the degradation rate decreases with increasing the distance. This further implies that the capability to bear a tensile stress in the area near the exposed surface is much lower than that in bulk. Therefore, irradiated PET may be fractured in a lower stress. These results indicate the surface nature of ultraviolet deterioration in the physical properties of PET. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 67: 705–714, 1998
Role of the Catalytic Triad and Oxyanion Hole in Acetylcholinesterase Catalysis: An ab initio QM/MM Study

The initial step of the acylation reaction catalyzed by acetylcholinesterase (AChE) has been studied by a combined ab initio quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) approach. The reaction proceeds through the nucleophilic addition of the Ser203 O to the carbonyl C of acetylcholine, and the reaction is facilitated by simultaneous proton transfer from Ser203 to His447. The calculated potential energy barrier at the MP2(6-31+G*) QM/MM level is 10.5 kcal/mol, consistent with the experimental reaction rate. The third residue of the catalytic triad, Glu334, is found to be essential in stabilizing the transition state through electrostatic interactions. The oxyanion hole, formed by peptidic NH groups from Gly121, Gly122, and Ala204, is also found to play an important role in catalysis. Our calculations indicate that, in the AChE−ACh Michaelis complex, only two hydrogen bonds are formed between the carbonyl oxygen of ACh and the peptidic NH groups of Gly121 and Gly122. As the reaction proceeds, the distan...
The Twin Epidemics of Poverty and Diabetes: Understanding Diabetes Disparities in a Low-Income Latino and Immigrant Neighborhood

In the United States, low-income immigrant groups experience greater health disparities and worse health-related outcomes than Whites, including but not limited to higher rates of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The prevention and adequate management of T2DM are, to a great extent, contingent on access to healthy food environments. This exploratory study examines "upstream" antecedent factors contributing to "downstream" health disparities, with a focus on disparities in the structural sources of T2DM risk, especially food environments. Our target group is Latino immigrants receiving services from a non-profit organization (NGO) in Northern California. Methods are mixed and data include focus groups and surveys of our target group, interviews to NGO staff members, and estimation of the thrifty food market basket in local grocery stores. We find that while participants identify T2DM as the greatest health problem in the community, access to healthy foods is severely restricted, geographically, culturally, and economically, with 100% of participants relying on formal or informal food assistance and local food stores offering limited variety of healthy foods and at unaffordable prices. While this article is empirical, its goal is primarily conceptual--to integrate empirical findings with the growing literature underscoring the sociopolitical context of the social determinants of health in general and of T2DM disparities in particular. We propose that interventions to reduce T2DM and comparable health disparities must incorporate a social justice perspective that guarantees a right to adequate food and other health-relevant environments, and concomitantly, a right to health.
Behavioral responses of red hake,Urophycis chuss, to decreasing concentrations of dissolved oxygen

Laboratory experiments were conducted to examine changes in behavior of red hake,Urophycis chuss, under decreasing concentrations of dissolved oxygen (DO). Since the ecological requirements of this species change with age, responses were measured for three different groups: (1) age 0+, = 89 mm total length (TL); (2) age 1+, = 238 mm TL; and (3) age 2–3+, = 397 mm TL. As DO decreased from 8–10 mg l-1 to < 0.5 mg l-1, changes were evident in active time, water column activity, range of horizontal movement, food searching, and agonistic behavior. Age 0+ fish were most sensitive, moving up into the water column and swimming continuously as DO levels fell below 4.2 mg l-1. Age 2–3+ fish were the least responsive, remaining on the substrate and increasing only their range of movement at concentrations below 3 mg l-1. Responses of age 1 + fish were variable, possibly reflecting a transition stage between the younger and older fish. Common to all groups was the decrease and eventual cessation of food searching.
Effects of Ionic Strength, Temperature, and pH on Degradation of Selected Antibiotics

Aqueous degradation rates, which include hydrolysis and epimerization, for chlortetracycline (CTC), oxytetracycline (OTC), tetracycline (TET), lincomycin (LNC), sulfachlorpyridazine (SCP), sulfadimethoxine (SDM), sulfathiazole (STZ), trimethoprim (TRM), and tylosin A (TYL) were studied as a function of ionic strength (0.0015, 0.050, or 0.084 mg/L as Na(2)HPO(4)), temperature (7, 22, and 35 degrees C), and pH (2, 5, 7, 9, and 11). Multiple linear regression revealed that ionic strength did not significantly affect (alpha = 0.05) degradation rates for all compounds, but temperature and pH affected rates for CTC, OTC, and TET significantly (alpha = 0.05). Degradation also was observed for TYL at pH 2 and 11. No significant degradation was observed for LNC, SCP, SDM, STZ, TRM, and TYL (pH 5, 7, and 9) under study conditions. Pseudo first-order rate constants, half-lives, and Arrhenius coefficients were calculated where appropriate. In general, hydrolysis rates for CTC, OTC, and TET increased as pH and temperature increased following Arrhenius relationships. Known degradation products were used to confirm that degradation had occurred, but these products were not quantified. Half-lives ranged from less than 6 h up to 9.7 wk for the tetracyclines and for TYL (pH 2 and 11), but no degradation of LIN, the sulfonamides, or TRM was observed during the study period. These results indicate that tetracyclines and TYL at pH 2 and 11 are prone to pH-mediated transformation and hydrolysis in some cases, but not the sulfonamides, LIN nor TRM are inclined to degrade under study conditions. This indicates that with the exception of CTC, OTC, and TET, pH-mediated reactions such as hydrolysis and epimerization are not likely removal mechanisms in surface water, anaerobic swine lagoons, wastewater, and ground water.
Evidence for vitamin K semiquinone as the functional form of vitamin K in the liver vitamin K-dependent protein carboxylation reaction.

Abstract The protein carboxylating system derived from vitamin K-deficient rat liver microsomes functions in detergent solution if vitamin K 1 , NADH, dithiothreitol, CO 2 and O 2 are added. The requirements for added NADH, dithiothreitol and O 2 are all eliminated by the use of vitamin K 1 hydroquinone in place of quinone. The use of the hydroquinone gives a more rapid reaction and a higher yield than does the quinone plus reducing system. The reaction proceeding from either the vitamin K 1 quinone or hydroquinone is blocked by the spin-trapping agent, 5,5-dimethyl-l-pyrroline-N-oxide, suggesting that the active form of vitamin K is the semiquinone.
Alcohol and the Opiate Receptor

A number of in vivo studies have suggested that alcohol and the opiates may be integrally related in the brain. In this study we report that 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4% ethanol significantly increases the density of binding sites for [3H]naloxone in isolated brain membranes.
Synthesis and characterization of technetiumtetrakis(acetonitrile)bis(triphenylphosphine) cationic complexes.

A new route to low-valent technetium complexes containing multiple acetonitrile ligands has been developed. The reduction of TcCl 4 -(PPh 3 ) 2 with zinc metal dust in acetonitrile results in the formation of [Tc(CH 3 CN) 4 (PPh 3 ) 2 ][Zn 2 Cl 6 ] 1 / 2 . The hexafluorophosphate salt of the analogous Tc(II) cation can be prepared via chemical oxidation of the Tc(I) species, and the Tc(I) cation can be regenerated via chemical reduction. The compounds have been characterized in the solid state via single-crystal X-ray crystallography, and in solution via a combination of spectroscopic techniques and cyclic voltammetry. The structural parameters found in the two complexes are similar to each other; however, the difference in oxidation state is reflected, as expected, in the spectroscopic results. The electrochemical data, obtained from cyclic voltammograms of Tc(CH 3 CN) 4 (PPh 3 ) 2 ](PF 6 ) n (n = 1,2), mirror the synthetic results in that both compounds possess a reversible redox couple at -0.55 V versus ferrocene, which has been assigned to the Tc(II)/Tc(I) couple.
Discontinuities of weak instrument limiting distributions

Abstract We consider two stage least squares (2SLS) estimators of a simple simultaneous equations model when identification fails asymptotically. We investigate how the limiting distribution of the estimator changes as we vary our parametrization to allow for increasing degrees of non-identification.
Economic crisis, accountability, and the state’s coercive assault on public education in the USA

This article examines education accountability as a mechanism of coercive neoliberal urban governance in the USA. Drawing on Gramscian theory of the ‘integral state’ as the dialectical synthesis of coercion, consent, and resistance, the author argues that as the crisis gives the state less room to win consent, it intensifies coercion as a strategy of governance. The author discusses three aspects of coercive state responses to the crisis in relation to education: (1) cannibalizing public education as a site of capital accumulation; (2) imposition of state austerity regimes and selective abandonment of education as a mechanism of social reproduction and legitimation in African-American communities that have become zones of disposability; and (3) governance by exclusion of African-American and Latino communities through school closings, state takeovers of elected governance bodies, and disenfranchisement. Systems of accountability are integral to this process as they make schools legible for the market, mar...
Screening of a Parallel Combinatorial Library for Selectors for Chiral Chromatography

A method to screen parallel combinatorial libraries for chiral selectors is described. Crucial elements to such an approach are the efficient syntheses of potential chiral selectors on synthesis resins and the rapid screening of selectors attached to these resins with circular dichroism measurement. The method does not require any immobilization of the analyte and could complement the mixture combinatorial library method developed earlier in this laboratory. The feasibility of this parallel library screening procedure is demonstrated with a model study of the chiral HPLC resolution of (1-naphthyl)leucine ester (1) using a 16-member small library.
Reflection high-energy electron-diffraction study of melting and solidification of Pb on graphite

The melting and solidification of Pb thin films on pyrolytic graphite are investigated {ital in situ} by reflection high-energy electron diffraction. Thin films with thicknesses of 4{endash}150 monolayers are investigated. The surface morphology of the thin films were studied by scanning electron microscopy. Superheating of the Pb thin films by 4{plus_minus}2 to 12{plus_minus}2 K is observed from diffraction intensity measurements. Upon cooling the substrate, the Pb on graphite is seen to supercool by {approximately}69{plus_minus}4 K. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
The Vulnerable Atherosclerotic Plaque: Strategies for Diagnosis and Management

Renu Virmani, Jagat Narula, Martin B. Leon, James T. Willerson, eds 375 pages. Malden, MA: Blackwell Futura; 2007. $174.95. ISBN 1–40515–859–X The term “vulnerable plaque” was coined in 1989 by Dr. James E. Muller to describe nonobstructive atherosclerotic plaques that were prone to rupture, leading to acute clinical syndromes. This term has evolved over the ensuing 2 decades and is now often called the “high risk plaque.” Many investigators argue that atherosclerosis is a systemic problem and therefore the proper terminology should be the “vulnerable patient.” Regardless of semantics, identification of the vulnerable plaque has significant implications for clinical care. Novel therapies to pacify plaques, both medical and interventional, are under development and an enhanced understanding both of the risk factors and methodologies used to recognize unstable plaques are poised to advance the field of cardiovascular medicine. The Vulnerable Atherosclerotic Plaque: Strategies for Diagnosis and Management reviews our understanding of the vulnerable plaque from a broad perspective, including its pathology, potential triggers, diagnostic techniques, and management, in a well-organized manner that progresses from topic to topic quite logically. The book successfully minimizes overlap between chapters. Clinical and basic information is well-integrated and the authors who contributed to the work are outstanding. …