cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preventive health pamphlets in the emergency department

We conducted a prospective clinical trial to determine the effectiveness of an emergency department informational pamphlet in improving patients' compliance with recommendations that they receive Pap smears, mammograms, and a pneumococcal vaccination. Informational pamphlets were distributed to 1,000 consecutive patients who presented to a university-affiliated emergency department (ED). The pamphlet contained information stating the indications for obtaining routine Pap smears, mammograms, and a pneumococcal vaccination. Target individuals were women 18 years and older and men 65 years and older. Target patients were called approximately 2 months after their ED visits to obtain follow-up data. There were 464 target patients obtained from the 1,000 pamphlets distributed (409 female/55 male), and 68% (316) of the 464 were contacted by telephone for follow-up data. Significantly more women than men had read the pamphlet (62% vs. 8%). Of the women contacted (279), 31.9% (89) were not up to date (UTD) with Pap smears, and 11.2% (10) stated that they had scheduled an appointment for a Pap smear; 14.5% (11) of the women were not UTD with mammograms, and none had scheduled an appointment to receive care. Of the patients over age 65, 67% were not UTD with a pneumococcal vaccination, and no appointments were scheduled to obtain one. We conclude that a significant number of patients who present to this ED are in need of preventive health care. Emergency department informational pamphlets may have a role in improving Pap smear compliance. Women may be more likely then men to read informational pamphlets distributed in the ED.
Molecular genetic studies of a 10.9‐kb operon in Escherichia coli for phosphonate uptake and biodegradation

Bacteria that use phosphonates as a phosphorus source must be able to break the stable carbon-phosphorus bond. In Escherichia coli phosphates are broken down by a C-P lyase that has a broad substrate specificity. Evidence for a lyase is based on in vivo studies of product formation because it has been proven difficult to detect the activity in vitro. By using molecular genetic techniques, we have studied the genes for phosphonate uptake and degradation in E. coli, which are organized in an operon of 14 genes, named phnC to phnP. As expected for genes involved in P acquisition, the phnC-phnP operon is a member of the PHO regulon and is induced many hundred-fold during phosphate limitation. Three gene products (PhnC, PhnD and PhnE) comprise a binding protein-dependent phosphonate transporter, which also transports phosphate, phosphite, and certain phosphate esters such as phosphite, and certain phosphate esters such as phosphoserine; two gene products (PhnF and PhnO) may have a role in gene regulation; and nine gene products (PhnG, PhnH, PhnI, PhnJ, PhnK, PhnL, PhnM, PhnN, and PhnP) probably comprise a membrane-associated C-P lyase enzyme complex. Although E. coli can degrade many different phosphonates, the ability to use certain phosphonates appears to be limited by the specificity of the PhnCDE transporter and not by the specificity of the C-P lyase.
COMMENT ON : GUIDANCE FOR AN AEROCAPTURE MANEUVER

It is stated that the aerodynamic forces on the vehicle being aerocaptured are controlled by "altering the angle of attack" and thereby controlling the lift coefficient. Furthermore, the resulting variation of drag coefficient with angle of attack was ignored. The purpose of this Comment is to point out that an aerodynamic control method that is much more effective than the pitch modulation has been studied and utilized during entries for many years. During aerocapture, it is desirable to have a large range of lift coefficients available, while keeping the vehicle's ballistic coefficients constant. This is accomplished by modulating the vehicle's bank angle, i.e., by rolling the vehicle about its velocity vector. By this method, the angle of attack can be held constant (at the trim angle, if desired), and the C(sub D) and the ballistic coefficient remain constant. Furthermore, the vertical component of the normal force vector (essentially the lift) can be varied over its entire range, from maximum positive to maximum negative values. Reaction controls, rather than aerodynamic ones, are usually utilized to change the bank angle of the vehicle, thus requiring the use of fuel. However, the fuel expenditure that is required to change the bank angle is far less than the amount that would have to be used to continuously hold the vehicle at pitch angles that differ significantly from its trim angle of attack. Also, it has been shown that bank angle modulation to vary the lift can enlarge the entry corridor by increasing the entry angle for the undershoot boundary, where both the heating rate and deceleration reach a maximum. Finally, the crew's deceleration tolerance can be increased somewhat when the bank angle is varied, as opposed to the pitch angle. For bank modulation, the deceleration force vector can be kept at a constant angle with respect to the occupants whose tolerance to g loads is highest when the force is applied in a direction normal to the upper torso. The advantages of bank angle variation to modulate the lift vector were recognized long ago, and this method of control was used successfully on the Apollo command module during lunar return' and, more recently, for the Space Shuttle Orbiter.
Integrity Evaluation of an Older Vintage ERW Pipeline

As part of a program to increase the operating pressure of a 20” (508.0mm) natural gas pipeline, a careful plan was developed and executed to ensure the integrity of the pipeline. The pipeline was built in 1943 using linepipe produced having a DC ERW longitudinal seam weld and travels along a densely populated route in the suburbs of Philadelphia. The work plan included ILI inspection methods to detect corrosion (MFL tool), mechanical damage (geometry tool), and ERW seam weld defects (TFI MFL tool). After the anomalies were identified and the necessary pipe replacements were completed, the pipeline was hydrostatically tested prior to being returned to service at the newly established operating pressure. The paper will describe the project planning process used to ensure the fitness and reliability of the pipeline and provide a review of the ILI results, excavations, pipe replacements, and hydrostatic test experiences. Of particular interest were the capabilities and limitations of the TFI tool to detect, discriminate, and size ERW seam weld defects. Seam weld defects were evaluated using ILI inspection methods and in many cases field prove-up ultrasonic inspection methods. When an ERW defect was confirmed by field NDT prove-up, the pipe section was removed and metallographic work was conducted to characterize the ERW flaw size and nature. A correlation was then possible between the sizing capability of the TFI tool, the ultrasonic prove-up method, and the actual defect size. All this information is useful to establish a level of confidence in defect sizing for future project needs. The final validation of the pipeline fitness at the higher operating pressure was established through the successful hydrostatic test. A short summary will be given on how the pipeline fitness was qualified and demonstrated.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Reactive oxygen species production by the mitochondrial respiratory chain in isolated rat hepatocytes and liver mitochondria: studies using myxothiazol.

Abstract Increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the mitochondrion has been implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous liver diseases. However, the exact sites of ROS production within liver mitochondria and the electron transport chain are still uncertain. To determine the sites of ROS generation in liver mitochondria we evaluated the ability of a variety of mitochondrial respiratory inhibitors to alter the steady state levels of ROS generated within the intact hepatocyte and in isolated mitochondria. Treatment with myxothiazol alone at concentrations that significantly inhibit respiration dramatically increased the steady-state levels of ROS in hepatocytes. Similar results were also observed in isolated mitochondria oxidizing succinate. Coincubation with antimycin or rotenone had no effect on myxothiazol-induced ROS levels. Myxothiazol stimulation of ROS was mitochondrial in origin as demonstrated by the colocalization of MitoTracker Red and dichlorofluorescein staining using confocal microscopy. Furthermore, diphenyliodonium, an inhibitor that blocks electron flow through the flavin mononucleotide of mitochondrial complex I and other flavoenzymes, significantly attenuated the myxothiazol-induced increase in hepatocyte ROS levels. Together, these data suggest that in addition to the ubiquinone–cytochrome bc 1 complex of complex III, several of the flavin-containing enzymes or iron–sulfur centers within the mitochondrial electron transport chain should also be considered sites of superoxide generation in liver mitochondria.
Capillary column gas chromatographic profile analysis of volatile compounds in sera of normal and virus-infected patients

Abstract Using a transevaporator sampling technique, the volatile profiles from 70 μl of serum were obtained by capillary-column gas chromatography. The complex chromatograms were interpreted by a combination of manual and computer techniques and a two-peak ratio method devised for the classification of normal and virus-infected sera. Using the K-nearest neighbor approach 85.7% of teh unknown samples were classified correctly. Some preliminary results indicate the possible use of the method for the assessment of virus susceptibility.
Heat transfer in layered media with application to oil shale materials

Abstract The problem of heat conduction in layered materials has been investigated. Equations for heat conduction developed earlier by Murakami et al. have been used to perform numerical studies for oil shale materials. The resulting solutions are compared to the solutions of the heat equation with effective thermal properties. The comparison yields limits on the validity of using effective medium values of thermal properties for time-dependent problems. The anisotropic nature of heat conduction in layered materials is also studied.
Food industry innovation: Efficient consumer response

The food manufacturing and distribution industry is undergoing a series of rapid changes. This article examines an important innovation within the industry known as efficient consumer response (ECR). The conceptual model employed has been used for over 50 years to analyze the adoption and diffusion of innovations. The findings are based on 40 in-depth interviews conducted with top industry leaders representing manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. General awareness of and interest in ECR was quite high among industry leaders. However, many respondents perceived ECR to be a very complex system that would have a wide range of impacts. Different industry segments expressed varying perceptions about ECR. The article concludes with recommendations for improving the management of change and successful implementation of innovations within the food industry. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Near-coronal fluid flow patterns and food cell manipulation in the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus

Brachionus calyciflorus is able to differentially capture or deflect potential food cells depending on the overall density (numbers μl–1) and size of suspended particles the rotifer encounters while feeding. This has been shown to correlate with behavioral regulation of pseudotrochal structures, and primarily by large medial tufts of compound cilia (cirri). When pseudotrochal cirri are extended laterally, inferred fluid flow pathlines show that only cells in the central 25 μm of the coronal disk are subject to ingestion. When pseudotrochal cirri form medially-oriented screens, fluid flow is directed away from the pseudotrochus and central corona, an effect apparent up to 70 μm in front of a restrained animal. Fluid flow in all areas of the B. calyciflorus corona is at very low Reynolds Number (Re), with calculated values always less than 10–1. Accordingly, removal of cells from feeding currents probably is not due to sieving but is more likely due to direct interception of particles by individual ciliary elements. Certain large cells — such as Euglena gracilis — are retained in the inner pseudotrochal space for up to 500 msec, ample time for B. calyciflorus to assess the physical and chemical characteristics of this or other potential foods.
Immunomodulatory and therapeutic properties of the Nigella sativa L. seed

A larger number of medicinal plants and their purified constituents have been shown beneficial therapeutic potentials. Seeds of Nigella sativa, a dicotyledon of the Ranunculaceae family, have been employed for thousands of years as a spice and food preservative. The oil and seed constituents, in particular thymoquinine (TQ), have shown potential medicinal properties in traditional medicine. In view of the recent literature, this article lists and discusses different immunomodulatory and immunotherapeutic potentials for the crude oil of N. sativa seeds and its active ingredients. The published findings provide clear evidence that both the oil and its active ingredients, in particular TQ, possess reproducible anti-oxidant effects through enhancing the oxidant scavenger system, which as a consequence lead to antitoxic effects induced by several insults. The oil and TQ have shown also potent anti-inflammatory effects on several inflammation-based models including experimental encephalomyelitis, colitis, peritonitis, oedama, and arthritis through suppression of the inflammatory mediators prostaglandins and leukotriens. The oil and certain active ingredients showed beneficial immunomodulatory properties, augmenting the T cell- and natural killer cell-mediated immune responses. Most importantly, both the oil and its active ingredients expressed anti-microbial and anti-tumor properties toward different microbes and cancers. Coupling these beneficial effects with its use in folk medicine, N. sativa seed is a promising source for active ingredients that would be with potential therapeutic modalities in different clinical settings. The efficacy of the active ingredients, however, should be measured by the nature of the disease. Given their potent immunomodulatory effects, further studies are urgently required to explore bystander effects of TQ on the professional antigen presenting cells, including macrophages and dendritic cells, as well as its modulatory effects upon Th1- and Th2-mediated inflammatory immune diseases. Ultimately, results emerging from such studies will substantially improve the immunotherapeutic application of TQ in clinical settings.
Using Computerized Tests to Measure New Dimensions of Abilities: An Exploratory Study

A battery of Graphic Information Processing Tests (GRIP) was developed to utilize the display characteristics of computer terminals in measuring abilities important for processing visually presented information. The GRIP battery was especially in tended to assess five "real world" personal at tributes which have been difficult to measure with paper-and-pencil tests. The experimental tests were administered to 385 Navy enlisted men and evalu ated in conjunction with paper-and-pencil tests of the same attributes as well as with operational cog nitive tests and biographical variables. The GRIP tests were found to be useful for measuring short- term memory and sequential reasoning abilities.
Negotiating Contexts to Construct an Identity as a Mathematics Teacher

ABSTRACT The authors focused on 1 middle-grades mathematics teacher's identity and her efforts to implement standards-based instructional practices. As professionals, teachers participate in multiple professional communities and must negotiate and manage conflicting agendas. The authors analyze how the contexts of these communities influence the teacher's identity and thus her teaching of mathematics.
Localization of the semitendinosus-gracilis tendon bifurcation point relative to the tibial tuberosity: an aid to hamstring tendon harvest

Purpose: Autologous hamstring grafts are commonly used for knee reconstruction. The proximity of the saphenous nerve and its branches, the superficial medial collateral ligament, and the inherent variability of fascial attachments necessitates effective surgical incision placement to minimize tissue morbidity during graft harvest. This study describes a method of locating the semitendinosus and gracilis tendon bifurcation point relative to the tibial tuberosity. It uses a novel diagonal surgical incision placed between a proximal point placed 3 cm medial to the tibial tuberosity and at 3 cm distal and 5 cm medial to the tibial tuberosity. Type of Study: Descriptive. Methods: Thirty-one cadaveric knees (17 right, 14 left) were placed in a jig at 90° flexion. Reference marks were placed over the tibial tuberosity, at 3 cm medial to the tibial tuberosity, and at 3 cm distal and 5 cm medial to the tibial tuberosity. An approximately 3.5-cm-long line (representing the incision) was drawn connecting the 2 points located medial to the tibial tuberosity. After incision, the semitendinosus and gracilis tendon bifurcation point locations were measured with an inflexible metric ruler (± 0.5 cm) and recorded. Results: The mean bifurcation point was located 2.2 ± 0.7 cm distal and 4.5 ± 0.6 cm medial to the tibial tuberosity, directly on the proposed incision line. All bifurcation points were located within ± 2 cm of the proposed incision. Conclusions: The traditionally used incision line is, on average, located 2 cm too lateral to the bifurcation point and in some cases may be located 3 to 4 cm too lateral, making tendon harvest more difficult and more likely to cause harvest-induced injury to adjacent tissues.
Methamphetamine self-administration by humans subjected to abrupt shift and sleep schedule changes

Methamphetamine attenuates disruptions that occur after changes in work shifts. The reinforcing effects of the drug during shift work have yet to be characterized. This study examined methamphetamine-related mood, performance, and reinforcing effects during simulated shift work. Ten volunteers (four women and six men) completed this 19-day study. Participants were given an opportunity to self-administer oral methamphetamine (10 mg) or receive a $1 voucher before and after an 8-h work period for four consecutive days under two shift conditions: (1) “day shift” in which they went to bed at 2400 hours and woke up at 0800 hours and (2) “night shift” when they went to bed at 1600 hours and woke up at 2400 hours. Thus, participants completed task batteries either from 0815 to 1715 hours or from 0015 to 0915 hours. Shift conditions alternated three times during the study and were separated by an “off” day. Night-shift work disrupted psychomotor task performance and some ratings of mood, especially on the first night. Consistent with this, participants chose to take methamphetamine significantly more often on the first night-shift night compared with the first day-shift day. Regardless of shift condition, however, participants selected markedly more methamphetamine doses before the work period than after it (73% versus 34%). These data show that methamphetamine self-administration occurred more often before work rather than after work, suggesting that the use of stimulants by shift workers may be one strategy employed to meet behavioral demands especially under conditions engendering poor performance, fatigue, and/or sleep disruptions.
The reliability of implant-retained hinging overdentures for the fully edentulous mandible. An up to 9-year longitudinal study.

The treatment of fully edentulous mandibles by means of implant-supported hinging overdentures has become a routine therapy, although long-term data on the success rate of implants and prostheses are lacking. This longitudinal study examined 207 consecutively treated patients who received, during the past 10 years, 449 Branemark implants to retain a mandibular hinging overdenture, mainly on a Dolder bar. Clinical parameters and standardized radiographs taken at every recall visit with an interval of 6–12 months were used to judge the implant rigidity in the jawbone, the marginal bone level, and attachment level changes. The cumulative implant failure rate at 9 years was 3%. After loading, implant loss was concentrated during the first 12 months, with only one failure observed at 22 months. A radiographically determined bone loss of 0.7 mm was observed during the first year. From the second year, a mean annual bone loss of 0.05 mm occurred. The attachment loss, calculated as the sum of probing pocket depth plus the recession, was 0.07 mm/year and paralleled the changes in marginal bone level over time. The rigidity of the implant–bone interface revealed an increase over time, as shown by a decrease in Periotest values. The bar–overdenture complications were related to relining (23%), untightening of the retention clip (10%), and renewal of the prosthesis (7%). When magnets or ball attachments were used, more aftercare was needed. Fracture of the antagonistic full denture occurred in 7% of patients. The present data indicate that the mandibular overdenture therapy on two (Branemark) implants is a very reliable and cost-effective treatment, even in a long-term perspective for the fixed full mandibular prosthesis and especially in elderly patients.
L-2-Oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylate supplementation in murine γ-GT deficiency

gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GT) deficiency in GGT(enu1) mice is associated with glutathionemia, glutathionuria, growth retardation, infertility, lethargy, cataracts, and shortened life span. Total liver glutathione (GSH) content is significantly reduced in gamma-GT-deficient mice due to chronic excessive GSH loss. Oral supplementation of GGT(enu1) mice with L-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylate (OTZ), a cysteine prodrug, led to partial restoration of liver GSH content. The growth, physical appearance, and behavior of gamma-GT-deficient mice were substantially improved following OTZ supplementation. Tissue GSH deficiency is the proximate cause of the phenotypic abnormalities associated with murine gamma-GT deficiency.
Interferometric measurement of low-frequency phase noise characteristics of diode laser-pumped Nd:YAG ring laser

Reports the interferometric measurement of the phase noise characteristics of a diode laser-pumped solid-state Nd:YAG 1.3 mu m laser based on a nonplanar ring cavity. Results show that the device has a low-frequency phase noise approximately three orders of magnitude lower than that observed with semiconductor diode lasers. The use of this source in fibre sensing applications is discussed. >
Excited State Dipole Moment of PRODAN as Determined from Transient Dielectric Loss Measurements

Time-resolved changes in microwave dielectric absorption have been studied to determine the excited state dipole moment of 6-propanoyl(N,N-dimethylamino) naphthalene (PRODAN), a molecule extensively used as a fluorescence probe for the study of microheterogeneous environments of a wide variety of chemical and biological systems. This study, which provides by far the most reliable value of the excited-state dipole moment of PRODAN, shows that the change in the dipole moment of the molecule upon excitation (4.4−5.0 D) is far less than the commonly mentioned value (∼ 20 D). The results imply that solvatochromism of the fluorescence band of PRODAN, the property that makes this system an ideal probe, cannot be attributed to an extraordinarily large magnitude of Δμ. Other forces, such as a hydrogen-bonding interaction of the molecule with the solvent, must play a crucial role in determining the location of the fluorescent state of PRODAN. Furthermore, the results imply that internal rotation or twisting of the ...
Axial static pressure measurements of water flow in a rectangular microchannel

An experimental investigation of water flow through an aluminum rectangular microchannel with a hydraulic diameter of 169 μm was conducted over a Reynolds number (based upon mean velocity and hydraulic diameter) range from 230 to 4,740. Pressure measurements were simultaneously acquired at eight different axial locations within the channel along with pressure measurements in the inlet and outlet ports. The 27 μm pressure taps were more densely packed near the channel entrance in order to study the developing flow region. The average Poiseuille number for laminar flows was 86.4, which is in excellent agreement with the theoretical value of 86.9. The average critical Reynolds number was found to be 2,370. The limited turbulent friction factor data were in good agreement with the Haaland equation. The inlet to the channel was not well rounded and pressure distributions near the channel entrance show a region of pressure recovery. Entrance length and some minor loss coefficient data were not in agreement with theory, but the cause of these deviations were primarily a function of the inlet geometry and pressure recovery in the microchannel rather than a microscale effect.
Time-dependent photoluminescence of InP:Fe

The time dependence of the $^{5}T_{2}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{5}E$ photoluminescence transition of ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{2+}$ in InP has been measured as a function of temperature for a well-characterized series of Fe-doped samples ranging from $n$ type to semi-insulating. The observed time dependences can be fitted over a wide range of temperatures by a relatively simple model that accounts for the relaxation of the system back to the equilibrium (dark) condition. The magnitude of the low-temperature electron capture cross section by the neutral ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{3+}$ center (${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{n}g5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}16}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ at 5 K) was found to be much larger than expected and exhibited a marked decrease with increasing temperature up to 29 K. This has been interpreted in terms of a two-step capture process involving a shallow level. The low-temperature capture cross section for holes (${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{p}\ensuremath{\approx}2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}17}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$) and the lifetime of the $^{5}T_{2}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{5}E$ excited state (${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{0}\ensuremath{\approx}11$ \ensuremath{\mu}sec) were also determined. The latter quantity decreases dramatically with temperature due to $^{5}T_{2}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{5}E$ multiphonon relaxation. It was also determined that an Auger process recently discussed by Langer can be important during the exciting pulse in inducing $^{5}T_{2}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{5}E$ nonradiative transitions.
Experimental and modeling study of laminar flame speed and non-premixed counterflow ignition of n-heptane

Abstract Laminar flame speeds were determined for n-heptane–oxygen–nitrogen mixtures over the pressure range of 0.5–2 atm and equivalence ratio range of 0.7–1.4, using the counterflow twin-flame technique. For pressure at or below 1.5 atm, the laminar flame speeds were collected for n-heptane–air mixtures, whereas the data at 2 atm are reported for diluted air of 18% O2–82% N2. These experimental data, together with those acquired previously on the non-premixed counterflow ignition temperature of n-heptane determined over the same range of pressure, were simulated with a high-temperature, detailed kinetic model of n-heptane oxidation. After demonstrating satisfactory comparison between the model and experiment, the influence of pressure-induced kinetic effects on the laminar mass flux was analyzed through a computational determination of the overall reaction order. The non-premixed ignition temperature responses were in addition analyzed by numerical sensitivity analysis on reaction kinetics and fuel diffusion rate. The influence of uncertainties in the molecular transport on the model prediction of diffusive ignition is discussed.
The characterization of the kerogen of Chattanooga oil shale. Part II — Analysis of oxidation products and proposal of a model for the structure of kerogen in Chattanooga oil shale

Abstract A stepwise oxidative degradation of a kerogen concentrate from Chattanooga oil shale was effected by varying the oxidizing strength of perchloric acid. The oxidation products were separated from perchloric acid, and analyzed by titration with standard base, infrared and ultraviolet spectrophotometry, gas chromatography, and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The major oxidation products were dark-brown, high molecular weight acids. Both aliphatic and aromatic material were indicated. Based on the results from the analysis of the oxidation products, a model was proposed for the structure of the kerogen in Chattanooga oil shale. The model consisted of long chain aliphatic material attached to highly condensed, polynuclear aromatic systems. Ether oxygen was used as a link between some of the kerogen units.
EHT conformational study of nicotinamide and related amides

EHT rotational energy curves are presented for various nicotinamides and benzamide. The conformations calculated for nicotinamide and benzamide are comparable to those determined by X-ray methods. Protonation, N-methyl substitution and the introduction of a ring nitrogen meta to the amide group are discussed in terms of the corresponding calculated effect on the rotational energy curves. Some implications for the conformation of NAD⊕ are presented.
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors as Initial Monotherapy in Severe Hypertension Quinapril and Captopril

This 6-week, double-blind, parallel-group study compared the efficacy and safety of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors quinapril and captopril as initial monotherapies in patients with severe hypertension (diastolic blood pressure [DBP] greater than or equal to 115 and less than or equal to 130 mm Hg). A total of 97 patients, aged between 18 and 70 years, were randomized to 5 mg oral quinapril twice daily or 25 mg captopril twice daily with maximum titration to 20 mg quinapril twice daily or 100 mg captopril twice daily. With the morning dose 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) could be added at week 4 of the double-blind phase or earlier if required for safety considerations. For the monotherapy phase, mean reductions in DBP of 12.1 mm Hg were achieved with both treatments. Clinical response rates (reduction in DBP greater than or equal to 10 mm Hg) were 58% for quinapril and 44% for captopril. At the end of therapy, with optional HCTZ, mean reductions in DBP were 19.0 mm Hg for the quinapril-treated group and 16.2 mm Hg for the captopril-treated group. None of the differences achieved statistical significance. Headache was the most frequently reported adverse event in both treatment groups with 8 reports each. No clinically significant changes in laboratory data were observed in any parameter for either treatment group. Quinapril and captopril provide comparable efficacy and safety in treatment of severe hypertension when used as initial monotherapy and with the addition of optional HCTZ.
Hemolysates from guinea-pig reticulocytes also efficiently translate added mRNA.

Abstract 1. 1. Lysate is prepared from guinea-pig reticulocytes and its translation activity is compared both quantitatively and qualitatively with that found in rabbit reticulocyte lysates. 2. 2. Guinea-pigs are comparatively resistant to acetylphenylhydrazine, a drug used to induce reticulocytosis in rabbits. 3. 3. The characteristics and conditions for maximal translation activity in guinea-pig reticulocyte lysates are quite similar to those described for rabbit reticulocyte systems with the possible exception of the components necessary for providing high energy phosphate bonds. 4. 4. Both rabbit globin and brome mosaic virus messenger RNAs direct protein synthesis in the guinea pig translation system with activity similar to that found in the rabbit system. 5. 5. Translation products synthesized in the guinea-pig and rabbit systems and fluorographed following separation on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide demonstrate similar electrophoretic patterns and intensities.
Proper Technique in the Execution of a Barbell Back Squat: A review.

The barbell back squat can increase muscular strength, power, and endurance for the lower body depending on how the intensity, repetition scheme, rest periods, and execution of the movement is modified. The BBS is one of the most popular and studied exercises in the health and fitness world. Though this is one of the most popular and utilized exercise, there are arguments on the proper technique, depth, and internal/ external forces for the BBS. Exercises that employ the squatting motion are often employed for the strength and conditioning of athletes. However, the benefits of squatting are not limited to the competitive athlete, but can be used in the general population, as well as rehabilitation settings. The purpose of this review of literature is to increase the reader’s knowledge on this popular exercise. By reading this review of literature, the reader will learn how to efficiently and safely execute the squat.
A second-order double-sampled delta-sigma modulator using additive-error switching

A second-order double-sampled delta-sigma modulator is described. It uses an additive-error switching scheme to convert capacitor mismatch into an additive out-of-band tone that can be removed by a digital filter. With a sampling rate of 5 MHz and an oversampling ratio of 256, the maximum measured signal-to-noise-and-distortion ratio (SNDR) is 86.3 dB, and the total harmonic distortion is -88.7 dB when the input is 2 dB below full scale. The modulator is fully differential, occupies 5 mm/sup 2/, and dissipates 13 mW.
Roles of Tissue Transglutaminase in Ethanol-induced Inhibition of Hepatocyte Proliferation and α1-Adrenergic Signal Transduction

The mechanisms by which ethanol inhibits hepatocyte proliferation have been a source of some considerable investigation. Our studies have suggested a possible role for tissue transglutaminase (tTG) in this process. Others have shown that tTG has two distinctly different functions: it catalyzes protein cross-linking, which can lead to apoptosis and enhancement of extracellular matrix stability, and it can function as a G protein (Galpha(h)). Under that circumstance, we speculated that the cross-linking activity would be decreased and that it would function to enhance hepatocyte proliferation in response to adrenergic stimulation. Ethanol treatment inhibited hepatocyte proliferation and led to enhanced tTG cross-linking activity, whereas treatment of hepatocytes with an alpha1 adrenergic agonist, phenylephrine, enhanced hepatocyte proliferation while decreasing tTG cross-linking. However, phenylephrine treatment of several hepatoma cell lines had no effect on cellular proliferation or tTG cross-linking activity, and of note, Northern blot analysis demonstrated that whereas primary hepatocytes had high levels of the alpha1beta adrenergic receptor (alpha1BAR) mRNA, the hepatoma cell lines did not have this mRNA. When the Hep G(2) cell line was stably transduced with an expression vector containing the alpha1BR cDNA, the cell line responded to phenylephrine treatment with enhanced proliferation and with decreased tTG cross-linking activity. Ethanol treatment of the alpha1BAR-transfected cells suppressed the phospholipase C-mediated signaling pathways, as detected in the phenylephrine-induced Ca(2+) response. These results suggest that phenylephrine stimulation of hepatocyte proliferation appears to be occurring through the alpha1BAR, which is known to be coupled with the tTG G protein moiety, Galpha(h), and that tTG appears to play a significant role in either enhancing or inhibiting hepatocyte proliferation, depending on its cellular location and on whether it functions as a cross-linking enzyme or a G protein.
Comment regarding "On the Crooks fluctuation theorem and the Jarzynski equality" [J. Chem. Phys. 129, 091101 (2008)] and "Nonequilibrium fluctuation-dissipation theorem of Brownian dynamics" [J. Chem. Phys. 129, 144113 (2008)].

The incongruous “unexpected inapplicability of the Crook’s fluctuation theorem” is due to an inexplicable, inappropriate use of inconsistent expressions. The girding is secure.
Absence of Hartree-Fock behavior in hubbard's simple decoupling solution of correlated narrow-energy-band-model

Abstract It is shown that Hubbard's simple decoupling scheme fails to reduce to the Hartee-Fock approximation for small interaction energy. This failure also applies to the magnetic case contrary to the claims of some authors.
Growth kinetics of CoSi2 and Ge islands observed with in situ transmission electron microscopy

Abstract We describe observations of the growth kinetics of nanosize islands in two heteroepitaxial systems, Ge/Si and CoSi 2 /Si. Growth was carried out during continuous observation in a modified ultra high vacuum transmission electron microscope. Ge islands were grown on Si(100) at 650°C using chemical vapour deposition and CoSi 2 islands were grown by reactive epitaxy by evaporating Co onto a Si(111) substrate heated to 900°C. By analysing real-time observations of the development of individual islands, we show how the factors controlling island nucleation, growth and relaxation in these systems can be identified and understood. We discuss how the growth of these “quantum dots” may be controlled for novel electronic and optoelectronic applications.
Changes in ribosome-polyribosome balances in chick muscle cells during tissue dissociation, development in culture, and exposure to simplified culture-medium.

The populations of polyribosomes, monomeric ribosomes, and ribosomal subunits are described from the time of tissue explantation to the time of complete muscle differentiation in primary cultures of chick muscle cells. There is extensive degradation of polyribosomes, and a net loss of ribosomes recovered, as cells of embryonic muscle are dissociated with proteolytic enzymes. The cells rapidly restore a high polysome: monomeric ribosome ratio. This recovery of the polyribosome population occurs before there is any detectable net increase in ribosome number. Ribosome production begins after a lag of approximately 15 hours in culture. Number of ribosomes/cell triples by 60 hours, at which time cell fusion (myotube formation) is complete. Unlike developing muscle in vivo, cultured cells have a very reduced pool of monomeric ribosomes. Medium simplification experiments done with fully differentiated cultures show, however, that monomers accumulate during starvation. These monomers reassociate to form polyribosomes during medium replenishment. Subunit complements are maintained at a constant level regardless of nutritional conditions. These features of cultured muscle are discussed as possible tools for further study of muscle development.
The Moderating Role of Celebrity Worship on Attitudes Toward Celebrity Brand Extensions

A celebrity brand is a concept coined by the mainstream media but one that has not been fully developed in the academic literature. Yet celebrity brands that develop brand extensions have provided lucrative opportunities for celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, the Olsen twins, and Martha Stewart. This study introduces the topic of celebrity brand extensions and explores their relationship with perceived fit and consumers' level of celebrity worship on consumer attitudes toward the celebrity brand extension. Empirical findings for two different product categories indicate that high levels of celebrity worship may weaken the relationship between perceived fit and attitudes toward the celebrity brand extension. Implications and future research opportunities are discussed.
Topic Sequence and Emphasis Variability of Selected Organic Chemistry Textbooks

Textbook choice has a significant effect upon course success. Among the factors that influence this decision, two of the most important are material organization and emphasis. This paper examines the sequencing of 19 organic chemistry topics, 21 concepts and skills, and 7 biological topics within nine of the currently available organic textbooks. The emphases of the textbooks were also examined through analysis of questions, reactions, and mechanisms presented for aromatics, aldehydes, and ketones. The most significant difference in organization among the books was whether the first type of reactivity discussed was addition reactions of alkenes (Brown et al.; Bruice; McMurry) or substitution−elimination reactions of alkyl halides (Carey; Hornback; Smith; Solomons and Fryhle; Wade; Vollhardt and Schore). Textbooks also vary in the order by which carbonyl compounds and their reactivity is introduced, though all do so after covering the reactivity of aromatic compounds. Most textbooks contain ∼250−300 questions covering aromatics and 150−250 questions covering aldehydes and ketones and their reactions at the carbonyl carbon, although one textbook (Smith) contains 441 carbonyl questions. All textbooks place a heavy emphasis on predict-the-product, provide-the-reagent, and multistep synthesis questions. Most of the texts examined introduce the same reactions with at least some mechanistic detail. Wade and Smith, however, provide the most complete mechanisms in the topics examined.
Synthesis of new symmetrical meso-substituted porphyrins: Tetra-6-quinoline porphyrin, tetra-6-[N-methyl(13C) quinoline] porphyrin tetraiodide

Abstract The synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of a series of meso-substituted porphyrins based on a new parent compound, tetra-6-quinoline porph
C,O-dialkylation of Meldrum's acid: synthesis and reactivity of 1,3,7,7-tetramethyl-4H,10H-6,8,9-trioxa-2-thiabenz[f]azulen-5-one.

Reaction of Meldrum's acid with 3,4-bis(chloromethyl)-2,5-dimethylthiophene (1) or 3,4-bis(bromomethyl)-2,5-dimethylthiophene (2) produces the kinetically favored C,O-dialkylation product, 1,3,7,7-tetramethyl-4H,10H-6,8,9-trioxa-2-thiabenz[f]azulen-5-one (4). Recrystallization of 4 from refluxing methanol results in the methanolysis product 5-(4-methoxymethyl-2,5-dimethylthiophen-3-ylmethyl)-2,2-dimethyl[1,3]dioxane-4,6-dione (5). Attempts to isomerize 4 to the thermodynamically favored C,C-dialkylation product, 1,3-dimethyl-5,6-dihydro-4H-cyclopenta[c]thiophene(2-spiro-5)2,2-dimethyl-4,6-dione (8), result in the formation of 1,3-dimethyl-7,8-dihydro-4H-thieno[3,4-c]oxepin-6-one (6). The transformation occurs via a retro-Diels−Alder elimination of acetone followed by hydrolysis and decarboxylation of the resulting ketene. The ketene is trapped by tert-butyl alcohol, furnishing 1,3-dimethyl-6-oxo-7,8-dihydro-4H,6H-thieno[3,4-c]oxepine-7-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (7). All compounds are characterized ...
Effects of the Canada-U.S. Trade Agreement on U.S. agricultural exports

Abstract This paper investigates the effects of the Canada-U.S. Trade Agreement (CUSTA) on U.S. exports of agricultural products. Econometric analysis found that CUSTA has had a large impact on many U.S. agricultural export categories. All of the consumer-oriented products (except wine and beer), five of the intermediate products, and four of the bulk products had significant CUSTA effects. It is clear that the CUSTA effects have been larger for consumer-oriented food products. There is also evidence that U.S. affiliate sales in Canada have stimulated U.S. exports of consumer-oriented products and intermediate products.
In vitro assays of immunocompetence in patients with lung cancer treated with levamisole

Twenty levamisole-treated and 14 placebo-treated lung cancer patients were studied sequentially in assays of lymphocyte proliferation. Prior to treatment, the patients as a group had significantly depressed proliferative responses to mitogens and allogeneic cells (MLC), and this immunosuppression was especially noticeable in patients with clinically detectable tumor burdens. Following treatment, responses in both levamisole and placebo groups tended to increase slightly, although the increases were more consistent and persistent in the levamisole group. Increases within the levamisole group were similar for patients with and without detectable tumor burdens. Proportions of E and EAC rosette-forming cells were stable throughout treatment for all groups. No consistent response pattern was observed in patients crossed-over from placebo to levamisole treatments. Although these results do not contradict the concept that levamisole can reverse malignancy-induced immunosuppression, levamisole treatment clearly did not result in normalization of lymphocyte-proliferative capacity in these lung cancer patients. The usefulness of a placebo-treated group was apparent, as some increased responsiveness was commonly found with placebo treatment.
Has compliance with CLIA requirements really improved quality in US clinical laboratories

Abstract Background: The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA'88) mandate universal requirements for all U.S. clinical laboratory-testing sites. The intent of CLIA'88 is to ensure quality testing through a combination of minimum quality practices that incorporate total quality management concepts. These regulations do not contain established, objective indicators or measures to assess quality. However, there is an implicit assumption that compliance with traditionally accepted good laboratory practices—following manufacturers' directions, routinely analysing quality control materials, applying quality assurance principles, employing and assessing competent testing personnel, and participating in external quality assessment or proficiency testing (PT)—will result in improved test quality. Methods: The CLIA'88 regulations do include PT performance standards, which intentionally or unintentionally, define intra-laboratory performance. Passing PT has become a prime motivation for improving laboratory performance; it can also be used as an objective indicator to assess whether compliance to CLIA has improved intra-laboratory quality. Results: Data from 1994 through 2002 indicate that the percentage of laboratories passing PT has increased. In addition to PT performance, subjective indicators of improved quality—frequency of inspection deficiencies, the number of government sanctions for non-compliance, and customer satisfaction—were evaluated. Conclusions: The results from these subjective indicators are more difficult to interpret but also seem to show improved quality in US clinical laboratories eleven years post-CLIA'88.
Dynamic waveform design for target tracking using MIMO radar

In this paper, we investigate waveform design for dynamic target tracking using a multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) radar system. The agile tracking application is based on our recently derived Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB) for estimating target position and velocity, that is represented in terms of the transmitted waveform parameters. Using the CRLB at high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), we adaptively select the waveform parameters that minimize the predicted mean-squared error (MSE) at each time step. We demonstrate the improvement in agile tracking using numerical simulations.
Planktonic dimethylsulfide and cloud albedo: An estimate of the feedback response

Partial control of climate by the biosphere may be possible through a chain of processes that ultimately links marine plankton production of dimethylsulfide (DMS) with changes in cloud albedo (Charlson et al., 1987). Changes in cloud optical properties can have profound impacts on atmospheric radiation transfer and, hence, the surface environment. In this study, we have developed a simple model that incorporates empirically based parameterizations to account for the biological control of cloud droplet concentration in a first attempt to estimate the strength of the DMS-cloud albedo feedback mechanism. We find that the feedback reduces the global climatic response to imposed perturbations in solar insolation by less than 7%. Likewise, it modifies the strength of other feedbacks affecting surface insolation over oceans by roughly the same amount. This suggests that the DMS-cloud albedo mechanism will be unable to substantially reduce climate sensitivity, although these results should be confirmed with less idealized models when more is known about the net production of DMS by the marine biosphere and its relation to aerosol/cloud microphysics and climate.