cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chemical Potential and Low-Lying Excitations in the Many-Boson System. II

The approximate description of a many-boson system by its density fluctuations is considered. The representation of the chemical potential by a scattering matrix is compared with an exact solution in one dimension. It is found to be valid exactly in the low coupling limit and valid to within 10% for intermediate coupling strengths. In the case treated, the ground-state properties are given quite accurately for intermediate coupling strengths. The excitation spectrum is described less accurately. The velocity of sound obtained from the slope of the phonon spectrum is formally different from that obtained using the compressibility. Here, the sound velocities obtained from the two methods are found to agree numerically. Data for actual He/sup 4/ and a simple linear approximation to the density dependence of the scattering matrix are used. The sound velocity obtained is in rough agreement with the experimentally observed velocity in liquid He/sup 4/. (auth)
Effects of Membrane- and Catalyst-Layer-Thickness Nonuniformities in Polymer-Electrolyte Fuel Cells

In this paper, results from mathematical, pseudo 2-D simulations are shown for four different along-the-channel thickness distributions of both the membrane and cathode catalyst layer. The results and subsequent analysis clearly demonstrate that for the membrane thickness distributions, cell performance is affected a few percent under low relative-humidity conditions and that the position along the gas channel is more important than the local thickness variations. However, for the catalyst-layer thickness distributions, global performance is not impacted, although for saturated conditions there is a large variability in the local temperature and performance depending on the thickness.
Cosmological effects of primordial black holes

ALTHOUGH only black holes with masses ≳; 1.5M⊙ are expected to result from stellar evolution1 black holes with much smaller masses may be present throughout the Universe2. These small black holes are the result of density fluctuations in the very early Universe. Density fluctuations on very large mass scales were certainly present in the early universe as is evident from the irregular distribution of galaxies in the sky3. Evidence of density fluctuations on scales smaller than the size of galaxies is generally thought to have been destroyed during the era of radiation recombination4. But fluctuations in the metric of order unity may be fossilised in the form of black holes. Observation of black holes, particularly those with masses M < M⊙, could thus provide information concerning conditions in the very early Universe.
Studies on the Polymorphism of l-Glutamic Acid

The very minute crystals of l-glutamic acid of inferior properties were apt to be crystallized from the concentrated fermentation broth by the direct neutralization method, and it was clarified from the results of the examination of the effects of concentration, temperature and residual sugar on the crystallization of l-glutamic acid from the broth that the production of such undesirable crystals was due to the crystallization of crystals in β-form. By adding the amino acids which are effective on the crystallization of l-glutamic acid in α-form from the purified glutamate solution, the easily filtrable α-crystals could be obtained also from the concentrated broth by the direct neutralization method.
Reperfusion ventricular tachyarrhythmias: correlation with antecedent coronary artery occlusion tachyarrhythmias and duration of myocardial ischemia.

Abstract The incidence and severity of reperfusion ventricular tachyarrhythmias were correlated with: (1) the duration of antecedent acute coronary artery occlusion and (2) the incidence, severity, and time course of ventricular tachyarrhythmias occurring during the antecedent period of coronary occlusion in 98 dogs studied postligation for 5 to 60 minutes. The incidence of reperfusion ventricular fibrillation (VF) increased significantly as coronary artery ligation periods were lengthened from 5 minutes to either 20 minutes (2 of 19 dogs vs 12 of 18 dogs, p p p p
Bioavailability of selenium accumulated by selenite-reducing bacteria.

The bioavailability of selenium (Se) was determined in bacterial strains that reduce selenite to red elemental Se (SeO). A laboratory strain of Bacillus subtilis and a bacterial rod isolated from soil in the vicinity of the Kesterson Reservoir, San Joaquin Valley, CA, (Microbacterium arborescens) were cultured in the presence of 1 mM sodium selenite (Na2SeO3). After harvest, the washed, lyophilized B. Subtilis and M. arborescens samples contained 2.62 and 4.23% total Se, respectively, which was shown to consist, within error, entirely of SeO. These preparations were fed to chicks as supplements to a low-Se, vitamin E-free diet. Three experiments showed that the Se in both bacteria had bioavailabilities of approx 2% that of selenite. A fourth experiment revealed that gray SeO had a bioavailability of 2% of selenite, but that the bioavailability of red SeO depended on the way it was prepared (by reduction of selenite). When glutathione was the reductant, bioavailability resembled that of gray SeO and bacterial Se; when ascorbate was the reductant, bioavailability was twice that level (3-4%). These findings suggest that aerobic bacteria such as B. subtilis and M. arborescens may be useful for the bioremediation of Se-contaminated sites, i.e., by converting selenite to a form of Se with very low bioavailability.
Simple Methods of Rearing Wireworms (Elateridae)

It is the purpose of this paper to record a few successful and simple methods of rearing one of the most difficult groups of insects with which the economic entomologist has to deal, namely wireworms of the family Elateridae. The writer's studies and experiences been confined mostly to two species, Ludius noxius Hyslop and Pheletes occidentalis Candeze of Washington State, but since these two species exist under a great variety of conditions from very dry to very wet, it is felt that the suggestions regarding methods and rearing here given can be adapted for other species in other sections.
Identification and prioritization of data for collection in post-earthquake surveys

During an earthquake, buildings which are vulnerable to seismic loads will be damaged, resulting in property loss and the potential for casualties. To reduce loss of life and injury, the relationship between earthquake-induced building failure and injury severity and distribution needs to be clarified. To this end, a methodology and a series of data collection forms were developed to collect pertinent data for post-event analysis and to provide a basis for structural triage in the field shortly following an earthquake for search and rescue purposes. The forms were developed in four steps: (1) identifying the variables which affect the outcome of an occupant in a damaged building; (2) classifying the variables into three levels of priority for data collection; (3) designing the forms; and (4) applying the forms to damaged buildings from past earthquakes. These forms represent a significant departure from existing forms in that they consider both casualties and building damage jointly in a consistent format. This paper describes the first two steps of the development process; a companion paper outlines the latter components.
Decisional Processing in Paranoid and Non-Paranoid Schizophrenics

40 schizophrenic subjects, divided into paranoid/non-paranoid categories and 14 normal controls were presented a task which involved making "same-different" judgments during random presentations of a series of visual comparison stimuli with a standard which represented the midpoint of the stimulus continuum. Using Sternberg's Choice RT paradigm for studying the locus of cognitive deficit, difficulty at the response-selection stage was manipulated while holding other stages constant. It was predicted that paranoids would have shorter RTs at easy decision points and longer RTs at difficult decision points relative to non-paranoids. The directions of the differences were as predicted but did not attain statistical significance. Both schizophrenic groups, compared to normals, made significantly fewer "same" responses on those trials where the comparison and standard were most similar.
Predictors of time to completion of the hepatitis B vaccination series among adolescents

Abstract Objectives: To determine adolescents' completion rates and factors affecting completion time of hepatitis B (HBV) vaccination. Methods: Prior to vaccination, participants from a hospital-based and school-based adolescent clinic completed questionnaires assessing sociodemographic variables, family/friend experience with HBV and the vaccine, likelihood of completing the vaccinations, HBV and vaccine knowledge, risk behaviors, chronic illness, and access to clinic. Vaccination times were recorded. Results: Twenty-six months after initiation of the study, 72% of 896 eligible participants had completed the vaccination series. The independent predictors of shorter time to completion were: higher estimated mean household income [odds ratio (OR) = 1.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06–1.25), white race (OR = 1.27, 95% CI=1.01–1.58), female gender (OR = 1.58, 95% CI=1.31–1.92], and not having smoked cigarettes (OR for smoking in the past 30 days=0.74, 95% CI=0.60–0.92). Site of care, risk factors for acquiring HBV, disease and vaccine knowledge, and self-reported desire to complete the series were not associated with completion time. Conclusions: The primary factors associated with completion of immunization may not be amenable to intervention; mandated strategies for immunization may be more likely to result in protection for adolescents.
Patterns of Facial Nerve Synkinesis

Facial nerve synkinesis is an extremely distressing sequels of facial paralysis, and its prevention and treatment are less than adequate. Improved therapeutic interventions await better understanding of its pathogenesis. In this study, 11 patients with synkinesis and 11 normal control subjects were quantitatively assessed using a new computer-assisted, motion-sensitive system. Two additional, informative cases presenting at the completion of the study are also briefly reported. The observed synkinetic patterns appear predictable and nonrandom. In addition, these observations tend to raise doubts that the aberrant fiber regeneration hypothesis is the sole explanation of synkinesis. They further implicate facial nuclear hyperexcitability as an explanation in at least some cases of synkinesis. Understanding these patterns enhances clinical detection and evaluation and may lead to a better knowledge of the fundamental pathophysiology of synkinesis and its prevention.
How and why the brain makes dreams: A report card on current research on dreaming

The target articles in this volume address the three major questions about dreaming that have been most responsible for the delay in progress in this field over the past 25 years. These are: (1) Where in the brain is dreaming produced, given that dream reports can be elicited from sleep stages other than REM? (2) Do dream plots have any intrinsic meaning? (3) Does dreaming serve some specialized function? The answers offered here when added together support a new model of dreaming that is testable, and should revitalize this area of study.[Hobson et al.; Nielsen; Revonsuo; Solms; Vertes & Eastman]
Effect of Desiccation on Compacted Natural Clays

Specimens prepared from eight natural clayey soils used for clay liners and covers were subjected to cycles of wetting and drying. Volumetric shrinkage strains were recorded during drying. Specimens in which cracks formed during drying were subjected to hydraulic conductivity testing. Results of the study indicate that volumetric shrinkage strains are influenced by soil properties and compaction conditions. Volumetric shrinkage strain increased with increasing plasticity index and clay content, and as the compaction water content increased or decreased relative to optimum water content. Volumetric shrinkage strain decreased with increasing compactive effort. Specimens with the largest volumetric shrinkage strains typically contained the largest number of cracks. Hydraulic conductivity testing indicated that cracking of the specimens resulted in an increase in hydraulic conductivity, sometimes as large as three orders of magnitude.
A Transcriptome-Based Characterization of Habituation in Plant Tissue Culture

For the last 50 years, scientists have recognized that varying ratios of the plant hormones cytokinin and auxin induce plant cells to form particular tissues: undifferentiated calli, shoot structures, root structures, or a whole plant. Proliferation of undifferentiated callus tissue, greening, and the formation of shoot structures are all cytokinin-dependent processes. Habituation refers to a naturally occurring phenomenon whereby callus cultures, upon continued passage, lose their requirement for cytokinin. Earlier studies of calli with a higher-than-normal cytokinin content indicate that overproduction of cytokinin by the culture tissues is a possible explanation for this acquired cytokinin independence. A transcriptome-based analysis of a well established habituated Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) cell culture line was undertaken, to explore genome-wide expression changes underlying the phenomenon of habituation. Increased levels of expression of the cytokinin receptor CRE1, as well as altered levels of expression of several other genes involved in cytokinin signaling, indicated that naturally acquired deregulation of cytokinin-signaling components could play a previously unrecognized role in habituation. Up-regulation of several cytokinin oxidases, down-regulation of several known cytokinin-inducible genes, and a lack of regulation of the cytokinin synthases indicated that increases in hormone concentration may not be required for habituation. In addition, up-regulation of the homeodomain transcription factor FWA, transposon-related elements, and several DNA- and chromatin-modifying enzymes indicated that epigenetic changes contribute to the acquisition of cytokinin habituation.
Left ventricular longitudinal strain by speckle-tracking echocardiography is associated with treatment-requiring cardiac allograft rejection.

Abstract Background Noninvasive detection of rejection is a major objective in the management of heart transplant recipients. Methods and Results To investigate the utility of 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE), we retrospectively evaluated 160 sets of endomyocardial biopsies and echocardiograms from 59 asymptomatic heart transplant recipients. Conventional International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation grade 1B or higher rejection was considered as treatment-requiring rejection (group R), whereas International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation grade 0 or 1A was classified as group Non-R. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain, and global radial strain were assessed by 2D-STE. Twenty-five specimens were classified into group R. GLS was significantly associated with treatment-requiring rejection, whereas neither global radial strain nor global circumferential strain were. Lower GLS remained significantly associated with an increased risk of treatment-requiring rejection (odds ratio, 1.15 [95% CI, 1.01-1.30]; P=0.03) even in multivariate analysis. GLS with the absolute value of less than 14.8% showed sensitivity and specificity of 64% and 63%, respectively, for detection of treatment-requiring rejection. Conclusion The 2D-STE–derived left ventricular GLS was associated with treatment-requiring rejection. Two-dimensional STE might be useful as a noninvasive supplemental tool for monitoring heart transplant recipients for possible treatment-requiring rejection.
The Geosynchronous Imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer (GIFTS): Engineering Development Unit (EDU) Noise Performance

The GIFTS EDU noise performance measured during thermal vacuum testing indicates that the required noise performance has been realized, and that goal performance has been achieved over much of both the Infrared detector bands.
Dispa tch: Anthropology and multiculturalism in a university curriculum: a case study

L'attribution d'un cursus obligatoire multiculturel a l'universite de Floride connut de nombreuses peripeties, relatees ici
Cutaneous neoplasia in organ transplant recipients

Abstract Over the past several decades the multiple advances in the field of transplantation have resulted in an enormous increase in both the number of transplants and the spectrum of procedures performed. Transplantation is no longer considered an unobtainable marvel but is now standard and routine treatment for many patients with end-stage failure of certain organs, including the kidney, liver, heart, lung, and pancreas. This article is an extensive review of the medical literature concerning all aspects of transplantation, including immunosuppressive agents, common skin tumors acquired by transplant recipients, possible mechanisms for the increase in skin tumors, and, finally, a look at possible preventive intervention. The multiplicity of available immunosuppressive medications has greatly improved the survival of organ transplants. Azathioprine, cyclosporine, corticosteroids, tacrolimus, and mycophenolate mofetil are most frequently used, with the addition of polyclonal antilymphocyte globulin or monoclonal antibodies for treatment and prevention of acute rejection. An expanded armamentarium, a better understanding of the rejection process, and continuous, thorough monitoring have all led to an increased number of patients surviving 20 or more years after transplantation. Along with success, however, comes the dilemma of prolonged life versus the potential complications of lifelong immunosuppression. Of note, transplant recipients have a disproportionate risk for certain cancers, most commonly skin cancer, lymphoproliferative malignancy, and Kaposi's sarcoma. Several possible mechanisms have been suggested to explain this increased risk, including ultraviolet exposure, immunosuppressive exposure, viral exposure, and possibly certain genetic factors. With these mechanisms in mind, several preventive modalities are explored. At the end of the article several case scenarios are presented with attention given to the management of these transplant recipients by the dermatologist.
The Source of the Vampire and “Frisco Seal” in Plath's “Daddy”

(1991). The Source of the Vampire and “Frisco Seal” in Plath's “Daddy”. ANQ: A Quarterly Journal of Short Articles, Notes and Reviews: Vol. 4, No. 4, pp. 194-194.
Simultaneous Separation and Quantification of Iron and Transition Species Using LC-ICP-MS

Using liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LC-ICP-MS), this work investigates the simultaneous separation and quantification of seven transition metal species (Fe, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Cd), based on a separation scheme published by Dionex company that used the spectrophotometric method for quantification. The LC-ICP-MS method overcomes the shortcomings of conventional ferrozine approaches of measuring Fe(II) and total Fe by two separate runs and calculating Fe(III) by the difference of two runs. The advantage is particularly evident in that organo-iron species are found to be the predominant iron species in many natural waters, and the difference method cannot measure the concentration of Fe(III) because ferrozine will not complex with organo-iron species. In the work reported here, the LC-ICP-MS method is successfully applied to the separation of dissolved iron species, as well as six other divalent transition metals in tap water, deionized water, river water, hot springs, and groundwater samples.
Sequence arrangement of the rDNA of Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract The sequence arrangement of genes coding for stable rRNA species and of the interspersed spacers on long single strands of rDNA purified from total chromosomal DNA of Drosophila melanogaster has been determined by a study of the structure of rRNA:DNA hybrids which were mounted for electron microscope observation by the gene 32-ethidium bromide technique. One repeat unit contains the following sequences in the order given. First, an 18S gene of length 2.13 ± 0.17 kb. Second, an internal transcribed spacer (Spl) of length 1.58 ± 0.15 kb. A short sequence coding for the 5.8S and perhaps the 2S rRNA species is located within this spacer. Third, the 28S gene with a length of 4.36 ± 0.23 kb. About 55% of the 28S genes are unbroken or continuous (C genes). However, about 45% of the 28S genes contain an insertion of an additional segment of DNA that is not complementary to rRNA (I genes). The insertion occurs at a reproducible point 2.99 ± 0.26 kb from the junction with Spl. The insertions are heterogeneous in length and occur in three broad size classes: 1.42 ± 0.47, 3.97 ± 0.55, and 6.59 ± 0.62 kb. Fourth, an external spacer between the 28S gene and the next 18S gene which is presumably mainly nontranscribed and which has a heterogeneous length distribution with a mean length and standard deviation of 5.67 ± 1.92 kb. Short inverted repeat stems (100–400 nucleotide pairs) occur at the base of the insertion. It is known from other studies that I genes occur only on the X chromosome. The present study shows that the I and C genes on the X chromosome are approximately randomly assorted. The sequence arrangement on the plasmid pDm103 containing one repeat of rDNA (Glover et al., 1975) has been determined by similar methods. The I gene on this plasmid contains an inverted repeat stem. The occurrence of inverted repeat sequences flanking the insertion supports the speculation that these sequences are translocatable elements similar to procaryotic translocons.
Nuclear receptors versus inflammation: mechanisms of transrepression

Inflammation is a beneficial host response to external challenge or cellular injury that leads to the activation of a complex array of inflammatory mediators, finalizing the restoration of tissue structure and function. Although a beneficial response, prolonged inflammation can be detrimental to the host, contributing to the pathogenesis of many disease states. Considerable attention has been focused on the ability of several members of the nuclear receptor superfamily to inhibit transcriptional activation by signal-dependent transcription factors that include nuclear factor κB and activator protein 1, thereby, attenuating inflammatory responses to both acute and chronic challenge. An important general mechanism responsible for this activity is referred to as transrepression, in which nuclear receptors interfere with signal-dependent activation of inflammatory response genes through protein–protein interactions with coregulatory proteins and promoter-bound transcription factors, rather than direct, sequence-specific interactions with DNA.
Choice of Detection Parameters on Fault Detection in Wireless Sensor Networks: A Multiobjective Optimization Approach

In this paper, the intermittent fault detection in wireless sensor networks is formulated as an optimization problem and a recently introduced multiobjective swarm optimization (2LB-MOPSO) algorithm is used to find an optimum trade-off between detection accuracy and detection latency. Faulty sensor nodes are identified based on comparisons of sensed data between one-hop neighboring nodes. Time redundancy is used to detect intermittent faults since an intermittent fault does not occur consistently. Simulation and analytical results show that sensor nodes with permanent faults are identified with high accuracy and by properly choosing the inter-test interval most of the intermittent faults are isolated with negligible performance degradation.
An EKF-based joint estimator for interference, multipath, and code delay in a DS spread-spectrum receiver

In direct-sequence (DS) spread-spectrum communications, it is often necessary to obtain pseudo-noise (PN) code synchronization in the presence of both narrowband interference and frequency-selective multipath. However, conventional delay-lock code tracking loops are not optimized for such applications, nor are they well-suited to digital implementations. A code tracking algorithm based on the extended Kalman filter (EKF) is described that provides both code synchronization and joint estimates of interferer and channel parameters. It is first assumed that the interference can be modeled by an N-th order autoregressive (AR) process, and the multipath by a finite impulse response filter. A composite channel, equivalent to the convolution of the prewhitening filter and multipath coefficients is then constructed. The received waveform is shown to be a linear function of the composite channel parameters, that can therefore be directly estimated by an extended Kalman filter. The code delay /spl tau/ is viewed as a nonlinear parameter, that can likewise by estimated, after an appropriate linearization, using the EKF. The performance of the algorithm is first evaluated by computing the average bit-error rate (BER) of a digital RAKE receiver, that employs the joint delay, channel and interferer estimates derived from the EKF. In addition, a nonlinear analysis of the EKF is performed in which the code delay error and error covariance are modeled as a two-dimensional Markov process. The joint probability density function of these parameters, and nonlinear delay error variance, are obtained via numerical integration of a two-dimensional Chapman-Kolmogorov equation. >
Residual family resemblance for PTC taste sensitivity.

Complex segregation analysis reveals no evidence for incomplete dominance, polygenic variation, or an effect of family environment on PTC sensitivity. Estimates of gene frequency and displacement from a phenotypic trichotomy agree closely with conventional values for the dichotomy of tasters vs. nontasters.
Adoption and Foster Care of Handicapped Children in the United States

SUMMARY This paper reviews the current policies and programs of adoption and foster care of handicapped and other ‘hard-to-place’ children in the United States. The results of a survey of 42 States revealed a variety of approaches and attitudes towards recruitment of parents and placement of handicapped children. It is concluded that successful programmes related directly to careful selection of families, to educating the parents and to adequate staff support. RESUME Adoption et soins d'adoption d'enfants handicapes: pratiques courantes et programmes Les habitudes et les programmes d'adoption et de soins adoptifs aux enfants handicapes ou ‘difficiles a placer’ pour une autre raison, aux Etats-Unis, sont examines. Des approches et des attitudes variees vis a vis du recrutement et du placement selon les differentes agences d'etat, les besoins des enfants ou des families d'adoption sont discutees. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Adoption und Pflegestellen fur behinderte Kinder: gebrauchliche Praktiken und Programme Die in den USA gebrauchlichen Masnahmen und Programme zur Adoption und Pflege behinderter und ‘anderer schwer unterzuoringender’ Kinder werden dargestellt. Die verschiedenen Moglichkeiten und Handhabungen bezuglich der Rekrutierung und Weiterleitung zwischen den staatlichen Vermittlungsstellen und die Erfordernisse fur die Kinder sowie ihre Pflegefamilien bzw. Adoptiveltern werden diskutiert. RESUMEN Adopcion y cuidados mercenarios de ninos con minusvalias: practicas corrientes y programas Son revisados la politica a seguir y los programas de adopcion y los cuidados mercenaries de ninos con minusvalias y otros ‘dificiles de colocar’ en los Estados Unidos. Se discuten varias aproximaciones y actitudes de reclutamiento y colocacion entre las agendas del Estado y las necesidades de los ninos y de sus padres adoptivos o familias mercenarias.
On the origin of mechanical twinning—Deformation or transformation?

The hypothesis is presented that mechanical twinning is the result of a stress-assisted martensitic transformation, rather than being a deformation mechanism acting in response to a shear stress. The geometry of the proposed mechanism is shown to be in agreement with the behavior observed in the bcc lattice, and in fair agreement with that reported for the hcp lattice. The hypothesis presented can account for many similarities between mechanical twinning and martensitic transformation, as well as for a number of anomalous observations on various aspects of twinning.
A novel reactor for large-area epitaxial solar cell materials

Abstract A novel vertical stagnation flow organometallic vapor phase epitaxy reactor was designed and fabricated for the growth of GaAs and AlGaAs for solar cell applications. The reactor had an inverted configuration to eliminate recirculation problems. The susceptor and gas inlet nozzle were closely spaced (about 1 cm) in order to achieve improvements in deposition efficiency, layer uniformity and abruptness of interfaces. A specially designed water-cooled inlet nozzle was used to maintain the nozzle surface at relatively low temperatures under all operating conditions. A computer model was formulated to study the various thermal processes in this reactor. The model used rigorous thermal boundary conditions which included thermal radiation effects. Simulated and experimental nozzle temperatures were compared for different susceptor temperatures, susceptor-nozzle distances, gas flow rates and reactor pressures. The maximum nozzle temperature was about 100 °C, which is sufficiently low to prevent premature decomposition of the reactants on its surface.
Anisotropic magnetoresistance of amorphous and concentrated polycrystalline iron alloys.

The Campbell-Fert-Jaoul theory for anisotropic magnetoresistance is extended and a new formula derived for amorphous metalloid-containing alloys, as well as for weak ferromagnets. It accounts semiquantitatively for experimental data on amorphous Fe-B, Fe-Ni-B, and Fe-Ni-P-B, and also on concentrated polycrystalline Fe-Ni.
Expression and activity of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase in the rat epididymis.

Following Northern analysis, GGT mRNA was found predominantly within the caput epididymides and kidney. The size of mRNAs for kidney, caput, corpus, and ducts deferens were 2.2, 2.3, 2.2., and 2.3 kb, respectively, whereas cauda showed a doublet of 2.2 and 2.3 kb. GGT transpeptidation and hydrolytic activity within epididymal luminal fluids collected by micropuncture showed caput=corpus>cauda and corpus>caput>cauda, respectively. Caput luminal GGT transpeptidation activity was significantly inhibited by serine-borate and was optimal at pH 8.0. The calculated Km and Vmax values for hydrolysis of GSH by caput luminal GGT were 0.06 μM and 2.19 nmoles/min/μl luminal fluid at pH 8.5 compared to 0.49 μM and 0.49 nmoles/min/μl luminal fluid, respectively, at the physiological pH 6.5 of caput fluid. These studies would suggest that the epididymis can control the activity of luminal GGT by pH. Lower Km (0.12 μM) and higher Vmax (1.13 nmoles/min/μl luminal fluid) values were also calculated when GSSG was used compared to GSH. Results from Triton X-114 partitioning experiments suggest that luminal GGT probably exists in both membrane bound and nonmembrane bound forms. Western blot analysis of proteins within epididymal luminal fluids revealed both subunits of GGT in all epididymal regions studied. However, two lower molecular bands, approximately 22 kDa and 21 kDa, were also observed in cauda fluid. It is suggested that as GGT is transported along the epididymal duct it undergoes degradation, which accounts for its loss of activity in the distal epididymal regions. Epididymal GGT may not be involved in the transport of L-glutamate since transport was not related to the degree of GGT mRNA expression along the epididymal duct.
Photon-echo amplification by an external-cavity amplifier

We demonstrate as much as 2.5 × 10(5) amplification of a photon-echo signal using a simple external-cavity amplifier. The method may be useful in regeneration of photon echo and memory refresh in a dynamic photon-echo optical memory system. We propose an image storage system that is capable of regeneration and amplification of phase-conjugate images in a feedback loop.
Generation of 10.5-W CW 532-nm radiation by SHG in vapor-transport-equilibrated, periodically-poled, near-stoichiometric lithium tantalate

Near-stoichiometric lithium tantalate crystals were produced by vapor-transport equilibration. Control of processing conditions has enabled generation of 10.5 W of CW 532-nm radiation by SHG from 29 W of 1064-nm radiation.
Experimental Conditions Favoring the Formation of Fluid Banks during Counter-Current Flow in Porous Media

The purpose of this study is to investigate factors that affect the formation of fluid banks during gravity-driven counter-current flow in porous media. To our knowledge, development of a fluid bank has been observed in only one previous counter-current flow experiment, although there are some hints of fluid banks in other experiments. We have undertaken experimental and simulation studies to confirm the presence of such banks and to delineate factors which enhance or inhibit their formation. Experiments were performed using glass bead packs and X-ray Computed Tomography to monitor saturation distribution as a function of time. The simulation approach considers saturation history at every point in the sample, defining conditions at each time point from hysteresis in capillary pressure and relative permeability. The model proved to reproduce experimental observations accurately. The experiments and associated model show that a minimal vertical sample height is needed for the development of a fluid bank. In addition, round sample boundaries and higher average nonwetting phase saturation tend to prevent the formation of a bank. The validated model can improve our ability to predict and optimize counter-current flow processes, both in the laboratory and in the field (e.g. exploration and hydrocarbon extraction).
HOMOLOGY SPHERES WITH THE SAME FINITE TYPE INVARIANTS OF BOUNDED ORDERS

For every n ∈ N, we give a direct geometric construction of integral homology spheres that cannot be distinguished by finite type invariants of orders ≤ n. In particular we obtain Z-homology spheres that are not homeomorphic to S 3 but cannot be distinguished from S 3 by finite type invariants of orders ≤ n.
Periodically corrugated microstrip wiring

Propagation of subnanosecond pulses over Metal-Insulator-Semiconductor (MIS) microstrip line has been reported to suffer from serious time- delay (the Slow-wave effect) in the microwave/millimeter wave frequency range (200approximately equals 4000 MHz) and in the substrate resistivity range of 10-3 approximately equals 102 (Omega) cm (such as in silicon or gallium arsenide). This is primarily due to a huge equivalent capacitance generated by the thin insulation layer. This paper investigates the feasibility of employing a periodically corrugated surface at the oxide- semiconductor interface, which provides guided mode conversion (TM-to- Hybrid mode), to decrease the equivalent inductance of the microstrip line and compensates for the increase in parasitic capacitance. The price paid for speed increase in signal propagation is signal attenuation. It is predicted that for wiring length less than 3 mm signal attenuation will be in a tolerable range (less than 10%).© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Resistance of nitrite-exposed channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, to hypoxia.

Previous research in our laboratory has documented that exposure of channel catfish to sublethal concentrations of water-borne nitrite reduced both upper temperature tolerance and swimming performance. In both cases, effects were highly significantly correlated with nitrite concentrations. Since the authors found that nitrite negatively affected the ability of channel catfish to tolerate high temperature, they conducted research to determine if oxygen tolerance would be similarly influenced. As a major abiotic environmental limiting factor in aquatic environments, oxygen influences the physiology, biochemistry and behavior of fish and hence the productivity and economic returns from intensive aquaculture operations. They hypothesized that nitrite exposure and resultant methemoglobinemia would compromise the ability of channel catfish to resist a low constant oxygen concentration.
A Fundamental Theorem of Parageometrical Optics

The fundamental law of parageometrical optics, which has been proved for the diffraction at a plane surface, is now extended to the case of a curved surface of any type.
Adaptively weighted numerical integration over arbitrary domains

Abstract In adaptively weighted numerical integration, for a given set of quadrature nodes, order and domain of integration, the quadrature weights are obtained by solving a system of suitable moment fitting equations in least square sense. The moments in the moment equations are approximated over a simplified domain that is homeomorphic to the original domain, and then are corrected for the deviation from the original domain using shape sensitivity analysis. Using divergence theorem, the moments reduce to integrals over the boundary of the simplified domain. The proposed approach supports accurate and efficient computation of quadrature weights for integration of a priori unknown functions over arbitrary 2D and 3D solid domains. Experimental results (2D) indicate that adaptively weighted integration compares favorably with more traditional approaches. Because the adaptively weighted integration avoids excessive domain subdivision, it is useful in many applications and meshfree analysis in particular.
Studies on the mechanism of the antiviral activity of ribavirin against reovirus.

Abstract We have examined the mechanism by which ribavirin inhibits the multiplication of reovirus. At a concentration of 12.5 μM (3 μg/ml) ribavirin inhibits viral multiplication, ssRNA formation, dsRNA formation, and protein synthesis by about 90%; when much higher concentrations are used for brief periods of time, the primary target of ribavirin is seen to be viral ssRNA synthesis. When the effect of ribavirin triphosphate (RTP) was tested on the in vitro transcription by cores of the dsRNA genome segments into plus-stranded RNA, elongation, that is, the formation of intact mRNA molecules, was found to be inhibited to the greatest extent; initiation was at least 2.5 times less sensitive, and cap formation and methylation were almost unaffected. The inhibition of elongation and initiation was not competitive with respect to any of the four nucleoside triphosphates. Remarkably, the transcription of plus strands into minus strands by immature reovirus particles (the replicase reaction) was insensitive to RTP. A model is proposed that envisages RTP binding to a site close to the catalytic site of the transcriptase. This binding is postulated to inhibit the helicase function of the transcriptase and lower its affinity for template RNA so that the likelihood of premature termination is greatly increased. The helicase activity is not, of course, necessary for the transcription of plus strands into minus strands, which would account for the differential sensitivity of the transcriptase and the replicase to RTP.
Re-evaluation of a scholarship committee’s ability to foster scholarly growth of pharmacy practice faculty

Abstract The objective of this article is to describe the impact of a pharmacy practice department scholarship committee on faculty scholarship attitudes and abilities, as well as change in faculty perception since initial evaluation. A questionnaire was distributed to pharmacy practice faculty to assess: (1) participation in events, (2) barriers that prevented participation, (3) importance and satisfaction of committee goals, (4) satisfaction with committee's programming formats, and (5) change in attitudes and interests toward scholarship that resulted from programming. The survey instrument included open-ended, rank order, and Likert-scale questions. A total of 27 faculty members completed the survey (61% response rate). Respondents indicated schedule conflicts were the main participation barrier (92%), committee goals were perceived as important, and most were satisfied with goal achievement (>93%). Most faculty attitudes toward scholarship and scholarly abilities improved as a result of committee programming (88%). Compared to prior evaluation, faculty were less likely to agree that the committee inspired them to take on additional projects (66% vs 95%, p = 0.022) and continue (73% vs 95%, p = 0.026) or complete (70% vs 94%, p = 0.03) previously started projects. Compared to a high initial benchmark, faculty participate less frequently in scholarship committee activities due to schedule-related barriers. As a result, perceived benefits of scholarly programming have slightly diminished since initial observation. Re-evaluation of faculty experience level, workload, and preferences for topics might be required to maintain participation and perceived benefit.
Effect of Dietary Carbohydrates and Biotin Level on Cecal Size and Biotin Concentration of Growing Chickens

Growing chickens were fed three levels of biotin, 0, 20, and 100 micrograms/kg diet, and four different carbohydrates, glucose, dextrin, sucrose, and sorbitol, in order to study the effect of dietary carbohydrates on the level of cecal biotin. Dietary sorbitol was found to enhance the concentration of cecal biotin at suboptimal levels of dietary biotin, while dietary dextrin had the opposite effect. When the dietary requirement of biotin was met, cecal biotin greatly increased in the presence of dietary glucose, sorbitol, and sucrose but remained at a low level when dextrin was the dietary carbohydrate. Dietary sorbitol increased significantly the dry weight of ceca over those of birds fed other carbohydrates.
D-lactic acidosis in a diabetic patient with a short bowel.

Since the initial report by De Wind and Payne in 1976 on intestinal bypass surgery for the treatment of obesity, several cases of d-lactic acidosis have been described. This syndrome is characterized by episodic increases in levels of plasma d-lactate (an isomer of l-lactate) produced from bacterial carbohydrate metabolism. d-Lactate is the anion responsible for the associated metabolic acidosis as described by Oh and colleagues. Surgical procedures that cause anatomic or functional short bowel facilitate the overgrowth of d-lactate-producing gram-positive organisms (such as Lactobacillus species, Streptococcus bovis, Bifidobacterium species, and Eubacterium species) at the expense of the gramnegative flora. Treatment of d-lactic acidosis has been successful with carbohydrate restriction and oral antibiotics, such as vancomycin, metronidazole, clindamycin, tetracycline, neomycin, and kanamycin. In patients who are taking metformin to control their diabetes, the development of metabolic acidosis is an alarming sign, because mortality is high if the acidosis is metformin induced. It is thus important to differentiate between the two conditions, give appropriate treatment, and prevent further recurrences of either condition.
Stress analysis of metal seal ring AlN packages

The static response of the molybdenum/AlN seal ring structure, subjected to uniform cooling (or heating), is evaluated by finite-element analysis, and results are compared with those of the widely used Kovar/Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ combination. Results have shown that within the main portion of the seal ring structure (0 >
Physicochemical and residue conservation calculations to improve the ranking of protein–protein docking solutions

Many protein–protein docking algorithms generate numerous possible complex structures with only a few of them resembling the native structure. The major challenge is choosing the near-native structures from the generated set. Recently it has been observed that the density of conserved residue positions is higher at the interface regions of interacting protein surfaces, except for antibody–antigen complexes, where a very low number of conserved positions is observed at the interface regions. In the present study we have used this observation to identify putative interacting regions on the surface of interacting partners. We studied 59 protein complexes, used previously as a benchmark data set for docking investigations. We computed conservation indices of residue positions on the surfaces of interacting proteins using available homologous sequences and used this information to filter out from 56% to 86% of generated docked models, retaining near-native structures for further evaluation. We used a reverse filter of conservation score to filter out the majority of nonnative antigen–antibody complex structures. For each docked model in the filtered subsets, we relaxed the conformation of the side chains by minimizing the energy with CHARMM, and then calculated the binding free energy using a generalized Born method and solvent-accessible surface area calculations. Using the free energy along with conservation information and other descriptors used in the literature for ranking docking solutions, such as shape complementarity and pair potentials, we developed a global ranking procedure that significantly improves the docking results by giving top ranks to near-native complex structures.
Oral glycotoxins determine the effects of calorie restriction on oxidant stress, age-related diseases, and lifespan.

We previously showed that the content of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the diet correlates with serum AGE levels, oxidant stress (OS), organ dysfunction, and lifespan. We now show that the addition of a chemically defined AGE (methyl-glyoxal-BSA) to low-AGE mouse chow increased serum levels of AGEs and OS, demonstrating that dietary AGEs are oxidants that can induce systemic OS. OS predisposes to the development of cardiovascular and chronic kidney diseases; calorie restriction (CR) is the most studied means to decrease OS, increase longevity, and reduce OS-related organ damage in mammals. Because reduction of food intake also decreases oxidant AGE s intake, we asked whether the beneficial effects of CR in mammals are related to the restriction of oxidants or energy. Pair-fed mice were provided either a CR diet or a high-AGE CR diet in which AGEs were elevated by brief heat treatment (CR-high). Old CR-high mice developed high levels of 8-isoprostanes, AGEs, RAGE, and p66shc, coupled with low AGER1 and GSH/GSSG levels, insulin resistance, marked myocardial and renal fibrosis, and shortened lifespan. In contrast, old CR mice had low OS, p66shc, RAGE, and AGE levels, but high AGER1 levels, coupled with longer lifespan. Therefore, the beneficial effects of a CR diet may be partly related to reduced oxidant intake, a principal determinant of oxidant status in aging mice, rather than decreased energy intake.
Effect of internal reporting criteria on suspected adverse drug reactions submitted to MedWatch.

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) have been reported in nearly 20% of hospitalized patients and account for approximately 17% of hospital admissions.[1][1] The financial effect of adverse drug events is also considerable. In some analyses, ADRs and medication errors extend hospital stays from two to