cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Supported aqueous-phase catalysts

Abstract This work describes a novel family of catalysts denoted supported aqueous-phase catalysts. These catalysts consist of a water-soluble organometallic complex supported in a thin film of water residing on a high-surface-area hydrophilic solid. The catalytic reaction takes place at the water-organic interface where the organic phase contains the reactants and products. Supported aqueous-phase catalysis is demonstrated by liquid-phase hydroformylation. The solid support used here was either CPG-240 or CPG-350; both are porous glasses with narrow pore volume distributions. The catalytic species, HRh(CO)[ m -P(PhS0 3 Na) 3 ] 3 was synthesized from Rh(CO) 2 (acac) by a new synthetic route and impregnated onto CPG-240. Solution and solid-state 31 P NMR data are consistent with a mobile rhodium species in the aqueous phase in hydrated forms of the catalyst. The hydroformylation of oleyl alcohol (OLOH) was accomplished at 100°C and 5.1 MPa of H 2 /CO (1/1) using 0.002 g Rh/g OLOH. For example, conversions of up to 96.6% could be achieved in 5.5 h. It is postulated that no significant leaching of Rh occurs, since after filtration to remove the solid catalyst the remaining solution showed no activity for either the hydroformylation of additional OLOH or the hydrogenation of added 1-hexene. The observations that (1) OLOH and its hydroformylation products are not water soluble, (2) the double bond of OLOH is internal, and (3) the Rh does not leach into the organic phase demonstrate the concept of SAP catalysis; the immobilized homogeneous catalyst is active at the interface of two immiscible phases.
Identification and partial characterization of high Mr neutral proteinases from 4-day germinated barley seed

Abstract The endoproteolytic enzymes of germinating barley seeds hydrolyze endosperm proteins to provide amino acids for the developing embryo. They are of critical importance for seed germination and for the malting process. Using a non-denaturing electrophoretic system with gels containing incorporated substrate proteins, we showed recently that several cysteine proteinase activity bands and two activity bands of undetermined class specificities appeared during barley seed germination. This study was undertaken to characterize these enzymes further. Separating the enzymes by carboxymethyl (CM)-cellulose chromatography and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS-PAGE) with gelatin-containing gels yielded eight gelatinolytic bands with M r s between 47k and 220k and two with M r s > 220k. Five were metalloproteinases and five were serine proteinases, as determined by their inhibition by class-specific proteinase inhibitors. Three of the serine enzymes were inhibited strongly by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) and two were inhibited partially by PMSF and by diisopropyl fluorophosphate. The activities of all the proteinases increased greatly as the pH was increased from 3·8 to 5·5; some were most active at pH 8·5. The roles that these proteinases play in seed germination and their significance to the malting and brewing processes are not known.
The nonorientable genus of the symmetric quadripartite graph

The nonorientable genus of K4(n) is shown to satisfy: γ(K4(n))=2(n−1)2 for n ⩾ 3 , γ(K4(2))=3, γ(K4(1))=1 .
Pore geometry and transport properties of Fontainebleau sandstone

Abstract Quantitative characterization of pore geometry using laser scanning confocal microscopy and measurements of permeability, resistivity, and pore volume were performed on four samples of Fontainebleau sandstone with effective porosities ranging from 4% to 20% at confining pressures up to 70 MPa. Observed bench permeabilities and hydraulic radii for samples with porosities of 10%, 16%, and 20% agree well with those predicted using the equivalent channel model of Walsh and Brace [1]; however, there is more than an order of magnitude over estimation for a sample with a porosity of 4%. The relative pressure dependence of permeability and formation factor for this sample differs from that of the three more porous samples. We interpret the behavior to result from fundamental differences in the topology and geometry of pore space at low porosity. Comparison of our data with results in the literature for rocks synthesized by hot isostatic pressing suggests that the mechanism by which porosity reduction occurs strongly affects the pore geometry and transport properties of sedimentary rocks.
The response of leaf area index to climate change during 1981-2000 in China

The impact of climate change on Leaf Area Index (LAI) and its spatial pattern was studied by using climate data and LAI data retrieved from AVHRR (Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer) during the study period (1981-2002). In recent 20 years, most areas of China became warmer and had more precipitation which resulted in higher LAI values and increased Gross Primary Production (GPP). There were higher LAI values in 1990s than 1980s in most areas of China, approximately 75% of the whole China land. In turn, the ecological environment of China had been improved and the region suitable for vegetation growth expanded westward, which leads the increase of the Net Primary Productivity (NPP).
Physical Aggression and Depressive Symptoms: Gender Asymmetry in Effects?:

The incremental importance of low-level physically aggressive behavior in predicting later depressive symptoms was examined in a community sample of intact first-time marriages with children. For wives, physically aggressive behavior predicted later depressive symptoms. No similar effect was found for husbands. In addition, husbands’ psychological aggression moderated the effect of their own physically aggressive behavior on wives’ later depressive symptoms. Wives’ psychological aggression did not moderate the effect of their own physically aggressive behavior on husbands’ later depression. Results suggest that marital models should incorporate the role of physical aggression in accounting for wives’ depressive symptoms and allow for the possibility of gender asymmetry in effects.
Benefits of Grooving on Vacuum-Assisted Resin Transfer Molding FRP Wet-Out of RC Beams

AbstractFiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) externally bonded to RC beams is commonly applied by hand layup. Vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM), a novel application method in infrastructure, can produce FRP with more-consistent quality and uniformity. Additional steps are required, however, which can increase the application time and cost. This research will investigate the reduction of VARTM wet-out time achieved by sawing grooves into the concrete surface. Fiber-reinforced polymer U-jackets are applied by VARTM to beams with vertical grooves. The wet-out of the beams is recorded and timed. Results indicate that beams with 3.2-mm-deep grooves achieve 95% wet-out in an average of 200 s. This is only 22% of the time it takes to wet-out a beam with no grooves, an average of 911 s. A wet-out mechanism based on a modified Darcy’s law is presented to verify the results. Darcy’s law predicts that time savings increase exponentially with the length that the epoxy has to travel, which indicates that a sign...
Google or BizRate? How search engines and comparison sites affect unplanned choices of online retailers

Abstract Recent trends in online retailing suggest that “33% of buyers often or sometimes make unplanned purchases” [Annual Retail Consumer Survey Report. Jupiter Research 2003.]. Findings based on online retailing trends also suggest that both search engines and infomediaries are beginning to play a strong role in leading consumers to online retail sites. Additionally, some practitioner studies find that about half of online consumers use comparison shopping sites before choosing a retailer. Retailers therefore need to understand whether search engines or infomediaries play a stronger role in bringing unplanned consumers. This is the issue that we investigate in this research. Our results indicate that, retailer and consumer factors, category characteristics and the consumer's past relationship with the retailer do play a role in the store choice decisions of online consumers. Between search engines and infomediaries, however, search engines play a far stronger role than infomediaries. The effect is, in fact, more than twice that of infomediaries.
Inheritance of male sterility in Trifolium hirtum All

The inheritance of male sterility was studied using a set of intra and interpopulation crosses from Californian populations of rose clover (Trifolium hirtum All.). The F2 gave higher frequencies of male steriles in interpopulation crosses than in intrapopulation crosses. Several F2 families gave ratios that were compatible with models of two and three complementary genes. However, the frequency distribution of male sterility among F3 families rejected such models. Given that single and two gene models were rejected, we interpret the results using a cytoplasmic-nuclear model with more than two restorer loci which is at least consistent with the observed results.
Enhanced antiviral benefit of combination therapy with lamivudine and famciclovir against WHV replication in chronic WHV carrier woodchucks

Cell culture studies in our laboratory and others have previously demonstrated synergistic antiviral activity for combinations of 3TC (lamivudine) and penciclovir against Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) replication and the Duck Hepatitis B Virus (DHBV). Based on these results, a study was designed to determine if an enhanced antiviral effect with combinations of 3TC and famciclovir (FCV, oral prodrug of penciclovir) could be demonstrated in vivo using the Woodchuck Hepatitis Virus (WHV)/woodchuck experimental model of chronic HBV infection. Both antiviral agents have been shown to be effective against WHV replication in WHV chronic carriers in previous studies by our laboratories. The antiviral effects of four different combinations of lamivudine and FCV were found to be greater than those observed for the corresponding monotherapies. All four combination treatments produced antiviral effects that were at least equal to that expected for additive activity based on estimations generated by Bliss Independence calculations. Two of the combination treatments produced antiviral effects that were significantly greater than that expected for additive effects, indicative of synergistic antiviral interactions. These studies demonstrate that combination therapy of chronic WHV infection has enhanced antiviral benefit over corresponding monotherapies and indicate that combination treatment of chronic HBV infection can be superior to therapies using a single antiviral agent.
The Search for Therapeutic Cell Controls by the Chemotherapy Program of the National Cancer Institute

The chemotherapy program of the National Cancer Institute functions in a major part as a drug development program. The program screens large numbers of compounds each year in a predominately in vivo screen utilizing mouse leukemia L1210 as its most important component. Input to the screen comes from the synthesis of cogeners of known active chemicals (rational base) and from heterogeneous classes of chemicals, uncharacterized antibiotics and plant products (empirical base). The determination of clinical activity and its correlation with the experimental screen depends significantly on an accepted definition of an adequate trial. The clinical trial of new drugs is divided into three phases and the chemotherapy program defines an adequate trial as the establishment of a maximally tolerated dose (phase I) and the evaluation on an adequate dosage schedule in at least six "signal" tumor types (phase II). As a minimum it would be unfair to label a drug as "inactive" until it has been adequately evaluated in at least 10–15 evaluable patients in the six signal tumor types(lung, breast, colon, acute lymphocytic and acute myelocytic leukemia and lymphosarcoma) and found to have insufficient clinical activity in all of them. Defining an adequate trial has to take into account the question of whether an adequate dosage schedule was used. The chemotherapy program has a defined protocol for schedule dependency testing of all of its drugs in experimental systems and in this way attempts to define which schedule might be optimal for usage in men. The positive correlation for such an approach has been shown with drugs such as methotrexate and arabinosyl cytosine.
Influence of fluctuating circulations on the transport phenomena from cylinders including uniform suction or blowing

This paper presents a theoretical investigation of the influence of fluctuating circulation (flow with magnitude- and direction-dependent amplitudes) upon the transfer of momentum, heat, and mass in two-dimensional laminar boundary-layer fiow past cylinders with or without uniform suction. The boundary-layer equations for flow, temperature, and concentration are linearized by use of a perturbation technique. The solutions of the velocity, temperature, and concentration components are obtained by power-series development so that the universal distribution functions may be applied to any two-dimensional flow. Theoretical results include the frequency response of fluid velocity, temperature, and concentration, the streamline patterns of the steady streaming, the distribution of the steady second-order temperature and concentration, and the net variations in the shear stress, rates of heat, and mass transfer. Numerical results are obtained for flows around a circular cylinder with fluctuating circulations of constant and space-dependent amplitudes. Nomenclature a = coefficient depending on the geometrical configuration of the body, dimensionless b = coefficient depending on the nature of flow oscillation, dimensionless c = dimensionless concentration; = (CV — C*)/(C W* — Co,*) C* = concentration, Ibm-mole; Cw* at the wall; CV of the freestream F = functional coefficient or universal distribution function of temperature (or concentration), dimensionless: Fok for the zeroth-order approximation; Fuk for the first-order approximation; Fzijk for the second-order approximation / = functional coefficient or universal distribution function of velocity, dimensionless; /o* for the zerothorder approximation; fuh for the first-order approximation; fzijk for the second-ordera pproximation i = (~1)1/2 k = integer, dimensionless L = characteristic length, ft; = 2R for a circular cylinder / = integer, dimensionless m = constant, dimensionless Nu = Nusselt number, dimensionless; =(<M/dy)v=Q n = constant, dimensionless Pr = Prandtl number, dimensionless q = rate of heat transfer, Btu/hr-ft2 R = radius of a circular cylinder, ft Re = Reynolds number, dimensionless Sc = Schmidt number, dimensionless Sh = Sherwood number, dimensionless; = (dc/ch/) y=o T = dimensionless temperature; = (Tw* - T*)/(TW* TV) T* = temperature, °F; Tw* of the wall; TV of the freestream t = dimensionless time; = t*Um/L t* = physical time, hr U(x,t) = velocity of potential flow in dimensionless form; = U*(x,t)/Ua UQ(X) = time-average velocity of potential flow in dimensionless form; = UQ*(x)/Um Ui(x) = oscillation amplitude of potential flow in dimensionless form; = Ui*(x)/Um
Forms of the generic norm of a separable Jordan algebra

Abstract The purpose of this note is to show that the type of problem considered by Professor Waterhouse in the preceding paper has its natural setting in the theory of generic norms of finite-dimensional Jordan algebras. Using this approach the results can be obtained on forms of the determinant and considerably more by invoking well-known results on Jordon algebras. The most general class of Jordan algebras that shall be considered is that of the separable ones. The key fact, which is easily established, is that forms of the generic norm of such an algebra are algebra forms of isotopes of the algebra. The algebra forms of the important algebras in our class are well known. Perhaps the most important of these were determined in 1949 by F. D. Jacobson and the author by a method based on special universal envelopes. This circumvented the use of Galois descent that had been used earlier for the analogous problems for Lie algebras by W. Landherr and by the author. Another known Jordan result is that similarity of generic norms of separable Jordan algebras holds if and only if the algebras are isotopic. Thus the determination of the forms and conditions for similarity can be derived from the Jordan theory.
Setiya on intention, rationality and reasons

practical thought are traits of character, that if the virtue theory is false, there must be something in the distinctive nature of those dispositions to explain its failure. This is possible only on a rationalist conception of ethics, according to which the standards of practical reason derive from the nature of agency or practical thought. Understood in this abstract way, ethical rationalism takes various forms. It might be Kantian: deriving standards of practical reason from formal constraints implicit in practical thinking. It might be recognitional: deriving standards of practical reason from the assumption that we act ‘under the guise of the good’. It might be instrumentalist: deriving standards of practical reason from the role of desire in the motivation of action. Or it might be cognitivist: deriving standards of practical reason from the role of selfknowledge in acting for reasons. I argue against all such views. The basis of the argument, and its claim to completeness, is a theory of intentional action defended in the first part of the book. This theory is minimalist: it offers few materials for the rationalist project. For instance, although it gives a role to desire and self-knowledge in intentional action, this role is insufficient to establish claims about what there is reason to do. Most importantly, the theory denies that we act under the guise of the good, or that we must see what we are doing as justified to some degree – assumptions that play a crucial role in Kantian and recognitional forms of rationalism. These doctrines mistake the sense in which one must take the reasons for which one acts as reasons for acting as one does: it is not that one must take them to count in favour of what one is doing, but as reasons that explain why one is doing it. This conception of taking-as-one’s-reason explains the connection, noted but left mysterious by Anscombe (1963), between acting intentionally and knowing what one is doing.
Response of a Beam on Nonlinear Viscoelastic Unilateral Foundation and Numerical Challenges

Nonlinear viscoelastic behavior is a characteristic of many engineering materials and also biological tissue, yet it is difficult to develop dynamic models of systems that include these materials and are able to predict system behavior over a wide range of excitations. This research is focused on a specific example system in the form of a pinned-pinned beam interacting with polyurethane foam. Two cases are considered: (1) the beam and foam are glued so that they are always in contact and the foam can undergo both stretching and compression, and (2) the beam and foam are not glued so that the contact region changes with beam motion, and the foam only reacts in compression. Static as well as dynamic forces act on the beam and the Galerkin method is used to derive modal amplitude equations for the beam on polyurethane foundation. In the second case, determination of the loss of contact points is integrated into the solution procedure through a constraint relation. The static responses for both cases are examined as a function of the foam nonlinearity and loading conditions, and three and five mode solutions are compared. The steady state response of the system subject to static and harmonic loads is studied by using numerical integration techniques. Numerical challenges and the accuracy of this approach are discussed. Frequency responses are generated for a range of foam nonlinearities and loading conditions.© 2011 ASME
Risk of Tearing the Intact Anterior Cruciate Ligament in the Contralateral Knee and Rupturing the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft During the First 2 Years After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction A Prospective MOON Cohort Study

Background: The risk of tear of the intact anterior cruciate ligament in the contralateral knee after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction of the opposite knee and the incidence of rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament graft during the first 2 years after surgery have not been extensively studied in a prospective manner. Clinicians have hypothesized that the opposite normal knee is at equal or increased risk compared with the risk of anterior cruciate ligament graft rupture in the operated knee.Hypothesis: The risk of anterior cruciate ligament graft rupture and contralateral normal knee anterior cruciate ligament rupture at 2-year follow-up is equal.Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.Methods: The Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcome Network (MOON) database of a prospective longitudinal cohort of anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions was used to determine the number of anterior cruciate ligament graft ruptures and tears of the intact anterior cruciate ligament in the contralateral kn...
Chemistry of potassium feldspars from three zoned pegmatites, Black Hills, South Dakota: Implications concerning pegmatite evolution

Abstract An initial phase of an extensive geochemical study of pegmatites from the Black Hills, South Dakota, indicates potassium feldspar composition is useful in interpreting petrogenetic relationships among pegmatites and among pegmatite zones within a single pegmatite. The K Rb and Rb Sr ratios and Li and Cs contents of the feldspars within each zoned pegmatite, to a first approximation, are consistent with the simple fractional crystallization of the potassium feldspar from a silicate melt from the wall zone to the core of the pegmatites. Some trace element characteristics (i.e. Cs) have been modified by subsolidus reequilibration of the feldspars with late-stage residual fluid. K Rb ratios of the potassium feldspar appear to be diagnostic of the pegmatite mineral assemblage. The relationship between K Rb and mineralogy is as follows: Harney Peak Granite (barren pegmatites) > 180; Li-Fe-Mn phosphate-bearing pegmatites = 90−50; spodumene-bearing pegmatites = 60−40; pollucitebearing pegmatites K Rb ratios suggest that the pegmatites studied are genetically related by fractional crystallization to each other and the Harney Peak Granite, overlapping Rb Sr ratios and the general increase in Sr and Ba with decreasing K Rb indicate the genetic relationship is much more complex and may also be dependent upon slight variations in source (chemistry and mineralogy) material composition and degrees of partial melting.
GPCRTooKit: A Computational Platform for Structural Comparison of GPCR Crystal Structures and Homology Model Refinement

G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute an important family of transmembrane receptors that regulate major life processes including sensory perception, cell proliferation and hormonal regulation. In lieu of the recent surge in GPCR crystal structures, structure based drug design methods are becoming more viable for GPCRs. However there is a huge disparity in the number of GPCR structures available and the number of GPCRs being studied in research. Thus homology models play an important role in a wide variety of GPCR research ranging from drug design to studying the functional mechanisms in these receptors. GPCR homology models do not capture the critical structural differences between the template and the GPCR being investigated.We have developed GPCRToolKit that lays the computational framework for building GPCR based modeling tools. We have developed a robust and accurate homology model refinement method called LITiCon2.0, based on optimizing the helical translation, rotational orientation, tilt and gyration angles of the seven helices. The structural differences between two GPCRs stem mostly from the rigid body degrees of freedom. The algorithm is highly parallel to enhance the computational speed. We have tested and validated this method by refining the homology models of several class A GPCRs with known crystal structures, one of them being the chemokine CXCR4 using β2-adrenergic receptor as template. We have also analyzed the statistical distribution of translations, tilts and rotations of TM helices in all available GPCR crystal structures. We found that TM3 and TM7 showed relatively less variation in rigid body orientation compared to the other helices. Overall, TM4 and TM5 showed the highest diversity in spatial orientation among the TM domains. These results along with the description and validation of the LITiCon2.0 method will be presented.
Abnormal mRNA for argininosuccinate synthetase in citrullinaemia.

Citrullinaemia is a human inborn error of metabolism resulting from the deficiency of argininosuccinate synthetase1. In a previous study of cultured skin fibroblasts from citrullinaemia patients2, we showed that the presumed defects in DNA were not detectable by Southern blotting analysis, and that only 2 of 11 cell lines contained detectable enzyme antigen. All citrullinaemia cell lines contained hybridizable mRNA but slight size heterogeneity was noted. Here we report the extension of the analysis of the RNA using S1 nuclease mapping techniques. Among six cell lines examined, five showed an abnormality of mRNA detectable by S1 nuclease analysis. The data indicate that a minimum of three out of five non-consanguineous patients represent compound heterozygotes. The S1 nuclease detectable defects may represent deletions or rearrangements in the genomic DNA, or more probably represent examples of abnormal RNA splicing. The approach used here is useful for molecular analysis of genetic defects, for prenatal diagnosis, and for study of genetic variation.
Constantinople: Capital of Byzantium – By Jonathan Harris

Appealing to a broad audience and moving away from a traditional political, social, and economic approach of Byzantine history, this study examines the history of the empire and its capital, Consta...
A Rare Case of Insulinoma Presenting with Postprandial Hypoglycemia

Patient: Female, 42 Final Diagnosis: Insulinoma Symptoms: Blurring of vision • dizziness Medication: — Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Endocrinology and Metabolic Objective: Unusual clinical course
The use of enzyme mixtures for complex biosyntheses

Biocatalysis is currently employed to produce known substances more economically and for the synthesis of new compounds. Increased production or novel product synthesis can be achieved through the use of mutant organisms, tailored enzymes or novel combinations of enzymes in reactors. These complex biosyntheses, once only in the realm of the biopharmaceutical industry, have now been embraced by the food and textile industries and are finding geochemical and environmental applications. New uses are dictating novel methods of manufacture that utilize knowledge of systems level biology. Increased understanding of the functional interaction of proteins and protein–protein networks is also altering the practice of in vitro biosynthesis.
The response of a silicon surface-barrier detector to bromine, iodine, and uranium ions☆

Abstract Multicomponent bromine, iodine, and uranium beams from the Oak Ridge Tandem accelerator were used to measure the pulse height response of silicon surface-barrier detectors in the ion energy range 20 MeV to 100 MeV. The detectors were found to have pulse height defects of 3.0±0.5 MeV, 4.0±0.5 MeV, and 6.3±1.0 MeV corresponding to bromine, iodine, and uranium ions, respectively. An energy dependent correction larger than the pulse height defect is needed for iodine and uramium response data over most of the energy range studied. Certain previously published theoretical explanations which attribute detector non-linearities to atomic scattering at the end of the ion's range are in reasonable agreement with these results.
The Role of Endoplasmic Reticulum in Hepatic Lipid Homeostasis and Stress Signaling

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a critical site of protein, lipid, and glucose metabolism, lipoprotein secretion, and calcium homeostasis. Many of the sensing, metabolizing, and signaling mechanisms for these pathways exist within or on the ER membrane domain. Here, we review the cellular functions of ER, how perturbation of ER homeostasis contributes to metabolic dysregulation and potential causative mechanisms of ER stress in obesity, with a particular focus on lipids, metabolic adaptations of ER, and the maintenance of its membrane homeostasis. We also suggest a conceptual framework of metabolic roundabout to integrate key mechanisms of insulin resistance and metabolic diseases.
Mode of enlargement of young mouse neuromuscular junctions observed repeatedly in vivo with visualization of pre- and postsynaptic borders.

The dynamics of structural remodelling during growth of synapses was studied in identified living neuromuscular junctions observed three times at four-day intervals in three- to five-week-old mice. Nerve terminals and acetylcholine receptors in pectineus muscle were stained and visualized with fluorescent ligands of tetanus toxin C-fragment and alpha-bungarotoxin, respectively. In most observations, about 2.5% of nerve terminal area was observed without underlying acetylcholine receptor (termed ‘preprojection’), and about 0.4% of acetylcholine receptor without overlying nerve terminal (‘postprojection’). Neither overall synaptic growth nor prevalence of pre- and postprojections was affected by repeated observation. In sequential observations, about 80% of the preprojection area at one observation had acquired underlying acetylcholine receptor four days later, while 20% retracted or showed no change. Although approximately one-half of postprojections were also precursors of synaptic regions, their absolute contribution to synaptic growth was small, and some had originated from nerve terminal retraction. Eighty per cent of the disparities between pre- and postsynaptic components in second or third observations were the result of nerve terminal outgrowth or retraction. In the four-day intervals, there was about 7.5% lengthening but also about 3% shortening of synaptic area. Preprojectional induction of acetylcholine receptor accounted for at least 25% of lengthening, and apparent concurrent growth at ends or sides of branches accounted for most of the rest (although level of resolution limits this conclusion). Only about 10% of lengthening was attributable to central intercalary growth. In summary, the pectineus neuromuscular junction grows mainly by nerve terminal outgrowth giving rise four days later to underlying acetylcholine receptor and by conjoint lengthening of synaptic complexes but with relatively little contribution by initial acetylcholine receptor extension or intercalary growth. Growth of the neuromuscular junction is not monotonic: nerve terminals retract and synaptic branches shorten as net lengthening proceeds. Compared with non-growing adult neuromuscular junctions, nerve terminal preprojections in growing neuromuscular functions are more prevalent and more likely to give rise to new synaptic regions.
Reaching Vacuum Harmonic Generation and Approaching the Schwinger Limit with X-Rays

The derivation of an elementary figure of merit shows that the attainment of ultrahigh intensities suitable for probing the dynamics of the vacuum state is significantly facilitated by the use of coherent x-ray sources in the kiloelectronvolt regime. For the Xe(M) system at ω ∼ 1 keV, estimates indicate that an intensity sufficient for the observation of vacuum harmonic generation (∼ 1027 W/cm2) can be reached with pulse energies in the 10 – 100 mJ range. Recent measurements indicate that x-ray yield of Xe(M) 4f 3d emission from Xe clusters in self-trapped plasma channels produced with femtosecond 248 nm pulses can be readily extended into this range. (© 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Formation of pyrophosphate by soluble guanylate cyclase from rat lung

Abstract The guanylate cyclase reaction was studied to determine the identity of the product(s) formed other than guanosine-3′,5′-monophosphate (cyclic GMP). Partially purified guanylate cyclase preparations from rat lung catalyzed the formation of nearly equal amounts of PP 1 and of cyclic GMP from GTP. Column chromatography of the enzyme preparation on DEAE-Sephadex or Bio-Gel A-5m failed to separate the enzyme(s) involved in formation of cyclic GMP and of PP 1 . Nucleotide inhibitors of cyclic GMP formation also inhibited PP 1 formation, and Ca 2+ , a stimulant of cyclic GMP formation in the presence of Mn 2+ , also stimulated PP 1 formation. Detectable PP 1 formation was not observed when ATP was present instead of GTP. The results show that guanylate cyclase, in vitro , catalyzes the formation of pyrophosphate from GTP concomitant with the synthesis of cyclic GMP.
Nuclear hyperfine structure in the electronic spectrum of 127I2 by saturated absorption spectroscopy, and comparison with theory

Abstract The 21 nuclear hyperfine components of the P (33) line in the 6-3 band of the B ← X electronic band system of molecular iodine have been observed in the power spectrum of a Zeeman broadened He Ne laser operating at 6328 A with an iodine absorption cell within the cavity. The relative positions of the components have been measured with a precision of 0.36 MHz (0.000 012 cm −1 ), and their separations from the components of the R (127) line of the 11-5 band have been determined. A high resolution absorption spectrum of 127 I 2 over the 2.5 GHz tuning range of the laser has been obtained using an external multipass absorption cell. From the positions of the hyperfine components in the P (33) line it is possible to determine the difference in the nuclear electric quadrupole coupling constant eQq and in the spin-rotation constant C I for the two states, and the value of eQq″ . The results obtained are eQ q′ − eQ q″ = 1938.09 ± 0.34 MHz , C I′ − C I″ = 21.69 ± 0.96 kHz , and eQ q″ = −2980 ± 490 MHz , where the quoted uncertainties are one standard deviation. The rms deviation of the computed component positions is 0.35 MHz. The effects of second order (i.e., Δ J = ±2) interactions are shown to be significant. We have also recalculated the values of Δ eQq and Δ C I for the R (127) line.
NIR luminescence intensities increase linearly with proportion of polar thiolate ligands in protecting monolayers of Au38 and Au140 quantum dots.

The near-infrared photoluminescence of monolayer-protected Au38 and Au140 clusters (MPCs) is intensified with exchange of nonpolar ligands by more polar thiolate ligands. The effect is general and includes as more polar in-coming ligands: thiophenolates with a variety of p-substituents; alkanethiolates ω-terminated by alcohol, acid, or quaternary ammonium groups; and thio-amino acids. Remarkably, place exchanges of the initial phenylethanethiolates on Au38 MPCs by p-substituted thiophenolates and thio-amino acids and of hexanethiolates on Au140 MPCs by ω-quaternary ammonium terminated undecylthiolates result in increases in the near-infrared (NIR) luminescence intensities that are linear with the number of new polar ligands. The increased intensities are systematically larger for thiophenolate ligands having more electron-withdrawing substituents. Analogous effects on intensities are observed in the NIR emission of Au140 MPCs upon place exchange of alkanethiolates with thiolates having short connecting al...
On the implementation of Strassen's fast multiplication algorithm

A detailed analysis of Strassen's multiplication algorithm is presented; the analysis consists in deriving a symbolic formula, called time-formula, expressing the time taken to perform matrix multiplications using a combination of Strassen's and the regular method. The variables in the formula represent the time taken to perform the basic operations that can be executed in present day computers; these include arithmetic operations; subscripting, iteration overhead, etc. By binding actual numerical values, corresponding to a given compiler-machine configuration, to the variables one can determine the execution time for that configuration. The derived time-formula corresponds to an optimized and non-recursive version of Strassen's algorithm. This version uses a special scheme for positioning the elements of the matrices, the scheme being particularly suitable for usage in a paging environment. It has been found that Strassen's method can be used in multiplying 40 × 40 matrices (on an Algol-PDP-10 configuration) in a slightly better time than the standard method. Curves expressing the speed-up achieved by Strassen's method are presented. This information is substantiated by benchmarks.
Three New Genera of Soft-Bodied Goblin Spiders (Araneae, Oonopidae) from Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala

ABSTRACT Three new genera of soft-bodied, oonopine goblin spiders are established. Two specific names (Oonops tolucanus Gertsch and Davis, Oonops chickeringi Brignoli) are transferred to the new genus Toloonops, characterized by retaining a separate palpal bulb and cymbium, having the cymbial cone near the cymbial margin, and having posteriorly directed projections on the male endites that originate far from the anterior endite margins; five new species are described: T. chiapa, T. jacala, T. veracruz, T. belmo, and T. verapaz. Six similar new species, united by having a stepped male endite profile and a subapical sclerite on the anterior genitalic process of females, are assigned to the new genus Guatemoonops: G. purulha, G. rhino, G. jaba, G. chilasco, G. augustin, and G. zacapa. Oonops mckenziei Gertsch is transferred to the new genus Emboonops, characterized by having a fused palpal bulb and cymbium, a hypertrophied embolus, and often a V-shaped female anterior genitalic process; nine new species are ...
Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis following Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Retrospective Comparison of Unfractionated Heparin, Enoxaparin, and Fondaparinux:

Purpose: The objective of this study was to retrospectively review the efficacy and safety of unfractionated heparin (UFH), enoxaparin, and fondaparinux for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention following acute ischemic stroke.Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of VTE and major bleeding event rates in patients receiving UFH, enoxaparin, or fondaparinux for VTE prophylaxis following ischemic stroke. This review included charts from an 18-month period at all facilities in the Lehigh Valley Health Network. A total of 889 patients were evaluated.Results: There was no significant difference between the 3 anticoagulants for the primary outcome of VTE with an incidence of 2.5% (n=9) for UFH, 1.2% (n=3) for enoxaparin, and 0.4% (n=1) for fondaparinux (P = .065). However, the incidence of major bleeding events was significantly different with an occurrence of 6.2% (n=22) for UFH, 3.2% (n=8) for enoxaparin, and 0.7% (n=2) for fondaparinux (P = .001). A comparison of the individual agents showed t...
Preparation and electrochemistry of a pyrene-linked iron terpyridine and its anodic redox polymer

Abstract An iron(II)bis-terpyridine complex bearing 4′ pendant pyrenyl groups on each ligand (Fe(tpySCH2-pyr)22+) was synthesized, characterized electrochemically and was shown to form a novel redox polymer via anodic electropolymerization. Immersion of glassy carbon electrodes into dilute acetonitrile solutions of the complex and then into clean electrolyte established that the complex will physisorb onto glassy carbon at 0.1 monolayer coverage from 500 μM solution. Anodic cyclic voltammetry of the pyrenyl iron compound revealed well-resolved Fe(II/III) centered redox waves near 0.9 V and an irreversible, pyrene centered oxidation at ca. 1.1 V. The Fe(II/III) waves grew in magnitude over time and persisted in fresh complex-free electrolyte indicating a surface electropolymerization reaction most likely mediated via the pyrene pendant groups, and exhibiting facile charge transport through a ca. 100 nm polymer film. Spectroelectrochemical analysis of Fe(tpySCH2-pyr)2(OTf)2 films grown on indium–tin oxide transparent electrodes confirmed the presence of a Fe(II/III) redox-active film that has a nearly Nernstian response, but with a small Fe(II) component that does not oxidize interfacially.
The role of environmental factors in medically unexplained symptoms and related syndromes: conference summary and recommendations.

This monograph of peer-reviewed articles is based on presentations at the conference "Environmental Factors in Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms and Related Syndromes" held 10-12 January 2001...
Reliable symmetric key generation for body area networks using wireless physical layer security in the presence of an on-body eavesdropper

Utilizing the randomness of the wireless channel for securing on-body communication in the presence of an on-body eavesdropper is considered. The feasibility of establishing a secure, unique and random key is investigated using a radio platform operating in the 2.4GHz ISM band. A low-complexity algorithm for establishing a symmetric encryption key tailored to the on-body propagation environment is proposed and justified. The algorithm uses the readily available radio signal strength indicator from existing packets going back and forth over the communication link and presents marginal system overheads. The secret bit sequences generated by the algorithm are evaluated for matching between the two communicating parties, mismatching with an eavesdropper placed on the body, and degree of randomness. It is shown that the algorithm generates long and highly random bit sequences which are perfectly matched between the legitimate communicating parties yet weakly matched with the eavesdropper's bit sequences.
Comparison of calculated and experimental flow velocities upstream from the sampling cone of an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer

Experimentally-determined flow velocities in the 6 mm upstream from the sampling cone of an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer were compared with velocities determined from a computer simulation of the flow and those calculated from a modified hemispherical sink model. The measured values and those from the simulation agreed within experimental error, but differed from the values calculated from the modified hemispherical sink model by as much as 30%. An empirical alternative to the modified hemispherical sink model is presented that allows for accurate calculation of flow properties upstream from the sampling cone under a range of plasma conditions.
Hypertension Education and Screening in African American Churches

A major disparity among African Americans is undiagnosed and uncontrolled hypertension. This exploratory study examined hypertension education and screening activities of 45 African American churches. A cross-sectional telephone survey was used to interview church representatives with knowledge of their church's health activities. Most churches (87%) offered at least 1 activity and 40% offered all 4 (i.e., screenings, materials, talks, health-fairs) within 2 years of the interview. Larger churches and those with an active health ministry offered more activities. More information about resources, program ideas, and collaborators was desired. Research is needed to examine factors that act as barriers and facilitators to implementing church based programs and to examine the effectiveness of these programs in reducing hypertension.
Reflections on Administrative Evil, Belief, and Justification in Khmer Rouge Cambodia

Administrative evil is sinister—It lurks in the shadows and under the surface of organizational action. The Khmer Rouge genocide stands as one of the most terrible instances of human injustice in modern memory. The methods of Pol Pot and his contemporaries, and the outcomes of their approaches to make their control of the population absolute, are examined as a study in systematic imposition of evil on a society. The article is an assessment of the Khmer Rouge regime through the lens of administrative evil, drawing from literature on hatred, paranoia, and belief as organizing and motivating forces, the legitimation of bureaucratic malevolence, and the teleology of historical agency. The article proposes that bureaucracy, by virtue of its lack of discretion against political forces, is not merely a potential tool of good or evil, but a force of administrative evil in and of itself that we may be unable to control.
Risk Management: Extreme Honesty May Be the Best Policy

This paper reviews a humanistic risk management policy that includes early injury review, steadfast maintenance of the relationship between the hospital and the patient, proactive full disclosure to patients who have been injured because of accidents or medical negligence, and fair compensation for injuries. The financial consequences of this type of policy are not yet known; however, one Veterans Affairs medical center, which has been using humanistic risk management since 1987, has had encouragingly moderate liability payments. The Department of Veterans Affairs now requires such a policy for all of its facilities; therefore, comprehensive experience may be only a few years away.
Decreasing pediatric patient anxiety about radiology imaging tests: prospective evaluation of an educational intervention:

This trial investigated anxiety levels and effect of an educational coloring book (CB) among pediatric patients about to undergo radiology imaging tests. Control group (N = 101) and intervention group (N = 175) children ages 3-10 years and their parents were surveyed to determine anxiety levels before the imaging test, with the intervention group being surveyed after patient and parental review of the CB. Anxiety was low for all subjects overall compared with findings from previously published literature, perhaps related to systemic measures to make children's hospitals more child friendly in recent years. Review of the CB was not associated with decreased anxiety among patients or parents. However, among a subgroup with higher baseline parental anxiety, there was a trend toward lower patient anxiety in the intervention group. Most parents indicated that the CB was informative and helped them and their child be less worried, and that they were pleased to have received the CB.
Effect of Air-supported, Continuous, Postural Oscillation on the Risk of Early ICU Pneumonia in Nontraumatic Critical Illness

Study Objective We hypothesized that continuous, automatic turning utilizing a patient-friendly, low air loss surface would reduce the incidence of early ICU pneumonia in selected groups of critically ill medical patients. Design Prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Setting : Medical ICU of a large community teaching hospital. Patients One hundred twenty-four critically ill new admissions to the medical ICU at Charity Hospital in New Orleans. Interventions Patients were prospectively randomized within one of five diagnosis-related groups (DRG)— sepsis (SEPSIS), obstructive airways disease (OAD), metabolic coma, drug overdose, and stroke—to either routine turning on a standard ICU bed or to continuous turning on an oscillating air-flotation bed for a total of five days. Measurements and Results Patients were monitored daily during the treatment period for the development of pneumonia. The incidence of pneumonia during the first five ICU days was 22 percent in patients randomized to the standard ICU bed vs 9 percent for the oscillating bed (p=0.05). This treatment effect was greatest in the SEPSIS DRG (23 percent vs 3 percent, p=0.04). Continuous automatic oscillation did not significantly change the number of days of required mechanical ventilation, ICU stay, hospital stay, or hospital mortality overall or within any of the DRGs. Conclusions We conclude that air-supported automated turning during the first five ICU days reduces the incidence of early ICU pneumonia in selected DRGs; however, this form of automated turning does not reduce other measured clinical outcome parameters.
Applications of the simulated annealing method to intermolecular interactions

The Simulated Annealing method using a quantum mechanical potential energy surface is used to study the interactions of molecules and the formation of clusters. The results obtained for a range of systems are in good agreement with other theoretical calculations and experimental data where available.