cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nucleic acid synthesis in permeabilized eukaryotic cells.

Publisher Summary Permeable cell systems are developed in bacteria and disrupted or permeable cell systems are developed in eukaryotes to allow exogenously supplied deoxynucleoside triphosphates and other reaction components to be supplied directly to the replication complex functioning on its intrinsic DNA template. The technique described for rendering eukaryotic cells permeable to nucleotides has several advantages in the study of nucleic acid synthesis under near physiological conditions. The technique itself is simple; the cells remain in a monodisperse suspension and are easy to pipet quantitatively. The cells are freely permeable to phosphorylated compounds which gain rapid access to the nucleus. Nucleotides are incorporated into DNA without intermediate breakdown and rephosphorylation. DNA synthesis in permeable cells is semiconservative, the products are high-molecularweight DNA intermediates, and DNA synthesis occurs as extensions of replication sites that were active in vivo . This technique provides an assay system in which the polymerases function on their endogenous templates. It should be useful in determining whether agents that affect nucleic acid synthesis in intact cells exert their effects by direct action on the polymerase or on the template. The system should also be useful for studies of the intermediates in nucleic acid synthesis, and finally for studies of physiological changes in the activities of polymerases that occur with metabolic manipulation of the cells. As the addition of Triton X-100 renders the cells permeable to exogenous proteins, this technique may also be useful in complementation studies of eukaryotic cells with genetic defects in DNA synthesis.
A Model of the Closed Form of the Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor M2 Channel Pore

The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor is a neurotransmitter-gated ion channel in the postsynaptic membrane. It is composed of five homologous subunits, each of which contributes one transmembrane helix—the M2 helix—to create the channel pore. The M2 helix from the δ subunit is capable of forming a channel by itself. Although a model of the receptor was recently proposed based on a low-resolution, cryo-electron microscopy density map, we found that the model does not explain much of the other available experimental data. Here we propose a new model of the M2 channel derived solely from helix packing and symmetry constraints. This model agrees well with experimental results from solid-state NMR, chemical reactivity, and mutagenesis experiments. The model depicts the channel pore, the channel gate, and the residues responsible for cation specificity.
A STRUCTURED APPROACH FOR CASE METHODOLOGY IN THE BUSINESS POLICY COURSE

Effective use of case materials in the business policy course is facilitated by a variety of techniques available today. The structured approach seeks to supplement and enlarge this arsenal of methods and philosophies. Abstract Structuring begins with an articulation of management's goals, followed by a definition of the specific problems and objectives to be attained. Wherever possible, relations are expressed in the form of mathematical models, followed by appropriate evaluations. The path towards a solution depends on whether a satisficing or an optimizing philosophy pervades the organization, as well as the approach feasible in a particular instance. Next, ways and means are investigated to implement the alternative solutions in such a way as to achieve the results envisioned. Provision for feedback is required, whereby accomplishments are checked against objectives, and corrective action is sought whenever such is needed. An illustrative example demonstrates how the approach is utilized. Finally, we examine the relation of structured evaluation of case materials to the manner in which problem solving occurs in actual business situations.
The influence of sodium selenite on the viability and intracellular synthetic activity (DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis) of HeLa S3 cells

Abstract HeLa S3 cells were incubated with varied concentrations of Na 2 SeO 3 for varying periods of time and assayed for their viability (trypan blue dye exclusion test), intracellular metabolic activity (incorporation of 3 H-labeled precursors into DNA, RNA, and protein), and selenite content (isotope dilution analysis using 75 Se-labeled Na 2 SeO 3 ). The metabolic activities decrease exponentially with time at a given toxicant concentration in the medium while, at a given time period of intoxication, they cease in an abrupt fashion when plotted, for instance, against the logarithm of the toxicant concentration in the medium. The amount of Na 2 SeO 3 bound by the cells increases with time; a leveling off, however, is noted between 6 and 12 hr of incubation. A Na 2 SeO 3 level of about 20 × 10 −18 mol/cell, which can also be expressed as 6.63 μ m intracellular selenite concentration or as 0.5 ppm of selenium per cell, appears to represent the threshold below which acute toxic effects are not experienced by HeLa S3 cells, at least not at incubation periods up to 36 hr. Macromolecular synthetic activity becomes inhibited at selenium levels in the cells above 0.5 ppm. DNA synthesis, for instance, proceeds with 40% activity of the control at 72.7 × 10 −18 mol selenite/cell or at about 2 ppm of selenium in the cells. Recovery from intoxication appears to be possible for cells even at selenite levels up to 3 × 10 −15 mol/cell (about 130 ppm) although only after lag periods exceeding three or four generation times. Surprisingly high selenite concentrations in the medium (above 1 m m ) are needed before the outer plasma membrane of the cells becomes permeable to trypan blue. The toxic levels of selenite found in this study are compared with some of the LD50 data available from the literature. A good agreement is noted.
The effect of preoperative roentgen-ray therapy on arterial hypertension in embryoma (kidney)

Summary The effect of the use of preoperative roentgen-ray therapy on ten patients with arterial hypertension which was found in association with embryoma of the kidney is reported.
Environmental and Production Consequences of Using Alum-Amended Poultry Litter as a Nutrient Source for Corn

Field trials were established to compare alum-treated poultry litter (ATPL), normal poultry litter (NPL), and triple superphosphate (TSP) as fertilizer sources for corn (Zea mays L.) when applied at rates based on current litter management strategies in Virginia. Trials were established in the Costal Plain and Piedmont physiographic regions near Painter and Orange, VA, respectively. Nitrogen-based applications of ATPL or NPL applied at rates estimated to supply 173 kg of plant-available nitrogen (PAN) ha(-1) resulted in significantly lower grain yields than treatments receiving commercial fertilizer at the same rate in 2000 and 2001 at Painter. These decreases in grain yield at the N-based application rates were attributed to inadequate N availability, resulting from overestimates of PAN as demonstrated by tissue N concentrations. However, at Orange no treatment effects on grain yield were observed. Applications of ATPL did not affect Al concentrations in corn ear-leaves at either location. Exchangeable soil Al concentrations were most elevated in treatments receiving only NH4NO3 as an N source. At N-based application rates, the ATPL resulted in lower Mehlich 1-extractable P (M1-P) and water-extractable soil phosphorus (H2O-P) concentrations compared to the application of NPL. A portion of this reduction could be attributed to lower rates of P applied in the N-based ATPL treatments. Runoff collected from treatments which received ATPL 2 d before conducting rainfall simulations contained 61 to 71% less dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) than treatments receiving NPL. These results show that ATPL may be used as a nutrient source for corn production without significant management alterations. Alum-treated poultry litter can also reduce the environmental impact of litter applications, primarily through minimizing the P status of soils receiving long-term applications of litter and reductions in runoff DRP losses shortly after application.
Hydrotris[3-(carboxypyrrolidido)pyrazol-1-yl]borate, the first proven N3O3-hexadentate homoscorpionate ligand

The new homoscorpionate ligand, hydrotris[3-(carboxypyrrolidido)pyrazol-1-yl]borate, [Tpcpd]−, was synthesized, and it formed with lanthanide(III) ions La, Nd and Sm, structurally characterized [M(Tpcpd)2]PF6 complexes, where the lanthanide ion was in a ten-coordinate enviroment consisting of one N3O3 hexadentate Tpcpd ligand, and one N2O2 tetradentate Tpcpd ligand.
Growth of High-Quality AlxGa1−xAs By OMVPE for laser devices

Optimum conditions are reported for the growth of high-quality AlxGa1_xAs by means of vapor phase epitaxy from organometallic compounds (OMVPE). Typical values of mobili-ty and radiative recombination efficiency are reported, showing that OMVPE material quality is the same as that grown by liquid phase epitaxy (LPE). OMVPE-grown DH narrow-stripe lasers with Al.06Ga.94As active layers show minimum threshold currents of85 mA, comparable to the best lasers with similar structures produced by LPE.
Policy Implications for Measuring the Relative Efficiency of a Resource Requirements Flan

on model is developed which recognises behavioural restrictions on the hased resource schedule, the model's characteristics being sufficiently it can be applied to both service and manufacturing organisations. lude better policy decisions for planning resources to achieve higher iency. The model illustrates the close tie between policy, behavioural ative efficiency, and detailed resource scheduling.
Chromosomal assignment of the human homologue encoding SGP-2.

Although originally characterized as a constituitively expressed gene product in mammalian Sertoli cells, sulfated glycoprotein-2 (SGP-2) has gained widespread attention due to its remarkably rapid and sizable induction in numerous types of mammalian cells undergoing apoptosis, or programmed death. In order to identify the chromosomal assignment for the human homologue of SGP-2, we performed Southern blot analysis of Bgl II restricted genomic DNA extracted from a panel of cloned hamster-human hybrid cell lines and screened for the presence of restriction fragments homologous to SGP-2. The results of this analysis indicate that the human homologue of SGP-2 resides on chromosome 8.
Effects of pentobarbital on the visual evoked response in the avian optic tectum.

Abstract Pentobarbital sodium altered the effect of constant retinal illumination upon the photic evoked potential in the optic tectum of the pigeon. As the dose was increased, suppression by background illumination of the amplitude of the response decreased. With a dose level of 15 mg/kg, constant retinal illumination (background) potentiated rater than suppressed the response amplitudes.
Turf Wars In Radiology: Training in Diagnostic Imaging: How Much Is Enough?

Although many medical organizations have issued training standards for various types of diagnostic imaging, these standards tend to be arbitrary and may not adequately address the question of how much training is necessary or sufficient. In this article, the authors review the evidence pertaining to this question, which shows that acquiring expertise in imaging is a lifelong process and that there may never be such a thing as "enough" training. It is therefore likely that even though some nonradiologist physicians may meet the standards developed by some organizations, they will not have achieved the expertise that comes with long years of experience or subspecialty training in imaging. Payers and hospital credentials committees have a responsibility to patients to try to help reduce medical errors by ensuring that only those physicians who are best trained and most experienced are allowed to perform and interpret imaging studies.
Complicated dynamics of prototype continuous-line adaptive control system

The authors investigate the possible dynamics that a prototype model reference adaptive control system can experience when using the so-called sigma -modification adaption law described by P.I. Ioannou and P.V. Kokotovic (1984). Limiting their attention to first-order plants with a single unknown pole and an external disturbance, they verify analytically the bifurcations that an example adaptive system has previously been shown to exhibit based on computer simulations. The parameter-space-to-bifurcation diagram is constructed summarizing all possible behaviors of the class of prototype systems under consideration. It is shown that a certain range of constant-plus-sinusoidal disturbances generate chaos. For a certain range of constant disturbances, it is shown that a sinusoidal reference input signal generates chaos as well. In both cases, chaos arises form transversal homoclinic orbits. The use of the parameter space as a design tool for the proper implementation of the scheme is demonstrated. >
Assessment of atrioventricular conduction in left and right bundle branch block using his bundle electrograms and atrial pacing

Abstract His bundle recordings during atrial pacing were made in 26 patients with electrocardiographic evidence of either complete left bundle branch block or right bundle branch block with partial left bundle branch block (anterior superior or posterior inferior hemiblock). Twenty-four patients had sinus rhythm and 2 had complete heart block (trifascicular block). All patients with sinus rhythm showed a normal gradual increase in the P to His interval with increasing heart rate, whereas the His to QRS interval remained constant. When Wenckebach periods occurred, block was proximal to the area of the His potential (normal). The 2 patients with complete heart block showed block distal to the area of the His potential. Conduction time from the His bundle to the QRS interval was shorter in most of those patients with right bundle branch block and partial left bundle branch block than in those with complete left bundle branch block, thereby suggesting that conduction through the right bundle branch takes a longer time than conduction through the radiations of the left bundle. Even when subjected to heart rate stress, atrioventricular conduction through the remaining fascicles is adequate in most patients with bifascicular block and normal sinus rhythm.
Characterization and chemical behavior of submonolayer coverages of titania on a Pt foil

Abstract The interaction between submonolayer titania coverages and Pt foil has been studied by Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS). The submonolayer titania can be fully oxidized to TiO 2 at 923 K under 10 −8 Torr O 2 , and partially oxidized to TiO x at lower oxidation temperatures. The oxidized surface can be reduced by annealing to 1000 K or higher, or by heating in H 2 at 823 K, or by interacting with surface carbon formed from acetone decomposition. Under certain conditions (e.g., hydrogen reduction at 923 K), the surface titania can be fully reduced to metallic Ti which diffuses into bulk Pt readily. The reduced metallic Ti can resurface when the surface is oxidized at 923 K. Both XPS and HREELS data indicate the existence of subsurface oxygen, which plays an important role for the diffusion of Ti into and out of the Pt foil. Although no special interfacial active sites were revealed by HREELS studies of adsorbed acetone and CO, some TPD and XPS data suggest the presence of sites active for acetone decomposition.
Sensitizing people by making the abstract concrete: study of the effect of 'Hiroshima-Nagasaki'.

The movie, Hiroshima-Nagasaki: 1945, was found to increase the anxiety regarding nuclear war, decrease the desire to survive a nuclear war, raise the sufficient provocation threshold, and lower the maximum tolerable casualty threshold. Additional effects and non-effects are presented and discussed.
Accidental genital injuries in prepubertal females: Aprospective study

Background Differentation of accidental genital trauma from inflicted injury is important. Limitations of retrospective studies describing unintentional injuries in the past include (1)lack of uniform examination by experienced observers and (2)the possibility that sexually abused children were included in the study. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate and describe the injuries incurred by prepubertal females as the result of accidental trauma. Methods Twenty-six prepubertal females who presented to a children's hospital emergency department between 6/94 and 7/95 with the chief complaint of genital trauma that had been either witnessed or resulted immediately after the child was noted to have performed an activity likely to cause an accidental injury (eg, riding a bicycle) were prospectively evaluated by one of two skilled observers. Statistics were performed using SPSS for Windows. Results Twenty-six Tanner 1 females met criteria for the study. Ages ranged from 2 to 9 years (mean age = 3.5). Mechanisms of injury were as follows: fall onto a stationary object (34.6%), straddling a bicycle (26.9%), bathtub related (15.4%), injury from playground equipment (15.4%), and straddling a pool (7.7%). One child had no injuries but bleeding from a prolapsed urethra. The most frequently injured structure was the labia minora (12/25, 48%), followed by the labia majora (48%), clitoris (28%), periurethral area (24%), posterior fourchette (20%), perihymenal tissue (16%), perianal tissue (8%), and buttocks (4%). The hymen was noted to be contused in one patient who fell on a toy in the bathtub. Injuries were further classified as either anterior or posterior using a horizontal line drawn through the hymen from 9 to 3 o’clock. Of the 25 girls with injuries, 40% had anteriorly located, 12% had posteriorly located, and 48% had anteriorly and posteriorly located injuries. There was no association between location and mechanism of injury. No child required suturing or operative intervention. Conclusions Hymenal injury is unlikely to result from unintentional injury. The location of the majority of unintentional genital injuries in prepubertal females has both anterior and posterior components.
Disseminated herpes simplex after total skin electron beam radiotherapy for mycosis fungoides.

In mycosis fungoides, CD4+ T-cells localize to the skin, resulting in patches, plaques, tumours, and erythroderma. Superficial radiotherapy delivered with electrons to all skin surfaces is an important component of treatment in this disease. A theoretical risk of total skin radiotherapy is cutaneous immunosuppression.
Glucocorticoids upregulate intestinal nutrient transport in a time-dependent and substrate-specific fashion

Ghicocoracoids mediate skeletal muscle proteolysis during critical illness to provide substrates for hepatic acute-phase protein synthesis and gluconeogenesis The effects of hypercorasolemia on splanchnic substrate uptake are not well defined This study characterizes intestinal nutrient transport in response to acute elevations of plasma glucocorucoid levels New Zealand White rabbits were randomized to receive either dexamethasone (2 mg/kg intramuscularly) or vehicle and were killed 8, 16, or 24 hours after steroid treatment Brush-border membrane vesicles were prepared from pooled small intestinal mucosa and the uptake of tritiated substrates was quantified. Serum insuhn-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels, mucosal DNA content, and mucosal morphology were determined Glucocorticoids increased glucose and leucme uptake at 8 hours (80% and 24%, respectively) and 24 hours (147% and 50%, respectively) Glutamine, alanine, and arginine transport increased by 42%, 96%, and 236%, respectively, at 24 hours Sodium-m-dependent transport (diffusion) of all substrates was increased by 240% by dexamethasone treatment at 24 hours Mucosal DNA content increased by 32%, whereas microvillus heights decreased by 27% at 24 hours No effects were noted on IGF-1 levels or gross villus heights Glucocorticoids acutely accelerate intestinal nutrient transport m a time-related and substrate-specific fashion Although the mechanism of glucocorticoid action remains unclear, both genomic and plasma membrane effects are implicated
Identification of Multiplicative Thinking in Children in Grades 1-5.

Textbooks present multiplication as merely a faster way of doing repeated addition. However, research has shown that multiplication requires higher-order multiplicative thinking, which the child develops out of addition. Three hundred thirty-six children in grades 1-5 were interviewed individually using a Piagetian task to study their development from additive to multiplicative thinking. Multiplicative thinking was found to appear early (45% of second graders demonstrated some multiplicative thinking) and to develop slowly (only 48% of fifth graders demonstrated consistently solid multiplicative thinking). It was concluded that the introduction of multiplication in second grade is appropriate but that educators must not expect all children to use multiplication, even in fifth grade.
Conformational stability, barriers to internal rotation, ab initio calculations and vibrational assignment of dichloroacetyl chloride

Abstract The Raman (3100−10 cm −1 ) and infrared (3100−30 cm −1 ) spectra of dichloroacetyl chloride, CHCl 2 CClO, in the gas and solid phases have been recorded. Additionally, the Raman spectrum of the liquid and the qualitative depolarization ratios have been obtained. From these data a gauche/trans equilibrium is proposed in the gas and liquid phases, with the gauche conformer being the more stable form in both physical states and the only form present in the annealed solid. From the study of the Raman spectra at different temperatures, values of 56±5 cm −1 (160±14 cal mol −1 ) and 131±32 cm −1 (376±90 cal mol −1 ) were determined in Δ H of the liquid and gas, respectively. A potential function for the conformational interchange is suggested. A complete vibrational assignment is proposed for both conformers based on infrared band contours, Raman depolarization data, group frequencies and normal coordinate calculations. The experimental structural parameters, conformational stabilities, barriers to internal rotation, and fundamental vibrational frequencies are compared with those obtained from ab initio Hartree—Fock gradient calculations employing both the RHF/3-21G* and RHF/6-31G* basis sets, and to the corresponding quantities obtained for some similar molecules.
Clinical assessment of spasticity in spinal cord injury: A multidimensional problem☆

Abstract Objective: To determine the relation between various components of spasticity evaluated clinically in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Design: Case series evaluating spasticity using clinical scales commonly referenced in contemporary literature, including the Penn Spasm Frequency Scale, the Ashworth Scale, and standard scales of tendon caps, clonus, and plantar stimulation. Setting: A Veterans Affairs Medical Center Spinal Cord Injury Center. Patients: Eighty-five spinal cord injured individuals with varying degrees of spasticity. Results: Correlations demonstrated weak relationships between Spasm Frequency Scale and self-report scales of interference with function (.407) and painful spasms (.312). No clinical examination scores correlated with self-report scores greather than 0.4. Three clinical examination scores correlated modestly (>0.5)—Ashworth score with patellar tendon taps (.553), ankle clonus with Achilles tendon tap (.663), and patellar tendon tap with adductor tendon tap (.512). Two other clinical scales correlated weakly (>0.4)—Achilles tendon tap with patellar tendon tap (.417) and plantar reflex with adductor tendon taps (.423). Conclusions: Clinical scales currently used to evaluate spasticity in SCI correlate poorly with each other, suggesting that they each assess different aspects of spasticity. The use of any single scale is likely to underrepresent the magnitude and severity of spasticity in the SCI population. In the absence of agreement among these various scales and with the absence of an appropriate criterion standard for evaluation of spasticity, assessments of spasticity, whether clinical or neurophysiological in nature, should be comprehensive in scope.
Towards Profitable Virtual Machine Placement in the Data Center

Motivated by the limit on the power usage effectiveness (PUE) of the data centers, the potential benefit of the consolidation, and the impetus of achieving maximum return on investment (ROI) on the cloud computing market, we investigate VM placement in the data center, formulate a multi-level generalized assignment problem (MGAP) for maximizing the profit under the service level agreement and the power budget constraint based on the model of a virtualized data center, and solve it with a first-fit heuristic. Numerical simulations show that the first-fit heuristic is effective in solving the large-scale instances of the MGAP with the sampled simulation setups.
Ilmenite, magnetite, and peraluminous Mesoproterozoic anorogenic granites of Laurentia and Baltica

Emplacement of 1.6 to 1.3 Ga Mesoproterozoic plutons in Baltica and Laurentia formed an immense belt of A-type granite batholiths that include (1) low-fO2, ilmenite-series granite intrusions from the Baltic region to Wyoming, (2) high-fO2, magnetite-series granite intrusions of the central to southwestern U.S., and (3) peraluminous, two-mica granite intrusions from Colorado to central Arizona. These mineralogic divisions are mirrored by substantial elemental and oxygen isotopic differences. The ilmenite-series granites, which often contain classic rapakivi textures, have the highest Fe/Mg ratios and are highest in LIL element enrichment. They also have the lowest whole-rock δ18O values at 5.7‰ to 7.7‰. The magnetite-series granites are less potassic, less LILE-enriched, and have higher whole-rock δ18O values, ranging from 7.6‰ to 10.8‰. Although they retain A-type characteristics, the peraluminous granites are the least LILE-enriched and have the lowest Fe/Mg ratios. They also have the highest whole-rock δ18O values ranging from 8.8‰ to 12.0‰. Feldspar, where strongly reddened, can exhibit elevated δ18O values, which is interpreted to indicate subsolidus exchange with surface-derived aqueous fluids. Quartz δ18O values are interpreted to generally retain their magmatic values. The transcontinental mineralogic, chemical, and oxygen isotopic variations are interpreted as indicative of broad changes in the composition of a lower crustal source, which is compatible with a reduced mantle-derived crustal source for the ilmenite-series granites and a more oxidized crustal source for the others, including a metasedimentary component in the source for the two-mica granite subprovince. Widespread thermal metamorphism at ∼1.4 Ga is present throughout much of the magmatic province and is viewed as a consequence of this immense event. Compressional deformation associated with several western 1.4 Ga Laurentia granite batholiths, alternatively interpreted as the distal expressions of a presumed 1.4 Ga orogeny, have at least in part been shown to be localized on preexisting Paleoproterozoic zones of deformation. Thus, we do not find compelling evidence for a ∼1.4 Ga orogeny related to the formation of most of these granites. Renewed intrusions at ∼1.0–1.1 Ga between and immediately following phases of the Grenville orogeny indicate that situations leading to their formation need to be more broadly considered. The origin of this red granite-forming event in Laurentia and Baltica is considered as part of a global magmatic event that was coeval with intrusion of massif anorthosites and associated charnockites. Most are viewed as anorogenic, but it is recognized that the same conditions leading to their formation may have occurred during extensional phases of orogens. The immense volumes of red granites produced are also essentially unique to the Mesoproterozoic and appear to be tied to the stabilization and eventual break up of supercontinents of both Paleoproterozoic and Mesoproterozoic age.
Double-peaked X-Ray Lines from the Oxygen/Neon-rich Accretion Disk in 4U 1626–67

We report on a 39 ks observation of the 7.7 s low-mass X-ray binary pulsar 4U 1626-67 with the High Energy Transmission Grating Spectrometer (HETGS) on the Chandra X-Ray Observatory. This ultracompact system consists of a disk-accreting magnetic neutron star and a very low mass, hydrogen-depleted companion in a 42 minute binary. We have resolved the previously reported Ne/O emission line complex near 1 keV into Doppler pairs of broadened (≈2500 km s-1 FWHM) lines from highly ionized Ne and O. In most cases, the blue and red line components are of comparable strength, with blueshifts of 1550-2610 km s-1 and redshifts of 770-1900 km s-1. The lines appear to originate in hot (≈106 K), dense material just below the X-ray-heated skin of the outer Keplerian accretion disk, or else possibly in a disk wind driven from the pulsar's magnetopause. The observed photoelectric absorption edges of Ne and O appear nearly an order of magnitude stronger than expected from interstellar material and are likely formed in cool, metal-rich material local to the source. Based on the inferred local abundance ratios, we argue that the mass donor in this binary is probably the 0.02 M☉ chemically fractionated core of a C-O-Ne or O-Ne-Mg white dwarf which has previously crystallized.
Symmetry behavior in curved spacetime: Finite-size effect and dimensional reduction.

We discuss the effect of certain aspects of curvature and topology on symmetry breaking in curved spacetime with the aim of understanding phase transitions in the early Universe. We show that for spacetimes with some compact spatial dimensions where the invariant operator of the scalar fluctuation field has a discrete spectrum, the most important contribution to the infrared behavior comes from its zero mode (or band). The decoupling of higher modes gives rise to dimensional reduction in the infrared domain. We introduce the notion of effective infrared dimension and explain how it can be useful for physically understanding the symmetry behavior in spacetimes of different topology. We also introduce an eigenvalue analysis to study dimensional reduction in both direct-product spaces and spaces which can approximate product spaces under extreme deformations. We illustrate this method by analyzing the symmetry behavior of the Taub universe in the small- and large-anisotropy limits. These geometric effects in curved space are of the same nature as finite-size effects in condensed matter and surface physics. We use the two-particle-irreducible formalism and the large-N approximation to derive the higher-loop corrections. We give the results of the effective mass and the effective potential for various systems and spacetimesmore » with compact dimensions. The ideas, techniques, and results developed here are useful for the study of finite-size effects in field theory, cosmology, and condensed-matter physics.« less
Fadenoperation for the Management of Complicated Incomitant Vertical Strabismus

We reviewed retrospectively the records of 17 patients with incomitant vertical diplopia secondary to an underacting inferior rectus muscle who had been treated by surgically weakening the contralateral inferior rectus muscle with a posterior fixation suture (fadenoperation). This was the sole procedure in four patients with blowout fractures and in two patients with restriction secondary to scleral buckling procedures. It was combined with horizontal or vertical muscle surgery in 11 patients. The procedure was particularly useful in preventing diplopia on downgaze after excessive weakening of a tight inferior rectus muscle in seven patients with thyroid ophthalmopathy. In three patients it was used in anticipation of an iatrogenic incomitancy in downgaze secondary to a large recession of a tight inferior rectus muscle. All patients were markedly improved after surgery and no complications were encountered.
Engineering fibrinogen-binding VSV-G envelope for spatially- and cell-controlled lentivirus delivery through fibrin hydrogels

We recently demonstrated that fibrin hydrogels can be used as vehicles for efficient lentivirus gene delivery. Gene transfer in fibrin gels was strongly dependent on matrix degradation by target cells but a fraction of lentiviral particles diffused out of the gels over time compromising spatial control of gene transfer. To overcome this challenge, we engineered lentiviral particles that bind covalently to fibrin during polymerization. To this end, we fused into the viral envelope glycoprotein (VSV-G) peptide domains that are recognized by factor XIII and protease cleavage sites that are recognized by plasmin. Lentivirus pseudotyped with the modified envelopes bound to fibrinogen in a factor XIII dose dependent manner and was released upon plasmin treatment. The peptide/VSV-G fusion envelope variants did not compromise the transduction efficiency of the resulting virus except when lacking any flexible linkers separating the peptide from the VSV-G envelope. Diffusion of virus from the gels decreased dramatically, especially at high concentrations of FXIII, even for fibrin gels with low fibrinogen concentration that were loaded with high titer virus. Lentivirus arrays prepared with fibrin-conjugated lentivirus yielded highly efficient gene transfer that was confined to virus-containing fibrin spots. As a result, signal/noise ratio increased and cross-contamination between neighboring sites was minimal. Finally, in addition to lentivirus microarrays this strategy may be used to achieve spatially-controlled gene transfer for therapeutic applications.
Neoclassical simulation of tokamak plasmas using the continuum gyrokinetic code TEMPEST.

We present gyrokinetic neoclassical simulations of tokamak plasmas with self-consistent electric field for the first time using a fully nonlinear (full-f) continuum code TEMPEST in a circular geometry. A set of gyrokinetic equations are discretized on a five dimensional computational grid in phase space. The present implementation is a Method of Lines approach where the phase-space derivatives are discretized with finite differences and implicit backwards differencing formulas are used to advance the system in time. The fully nonlinear Boltzmann model is used for electrons. The neoclassical electric field is obtained by solving gyrokinetic Poisson equation with self-consistent poloidal variation. With our 4D ({psi}, {theta}, {epsilon}, {mu}) version of the TEMPEST code we compute radial particle and heat flux, the Geodesic-Acoustic Mode (GAM), and the development of neoclassical electric field, which we compare with neoclassical theory with a Lorentz collision model. The present work provides a numerical scheme and a new capability for self-consistently studying important aspects of neoclassical transport and rotations in toroidal magnetic fusion devices.
Conservative therapy for overactive bladder: Pelvic floor exercises

The original purpose of pelvic floor exercises was to restore tone and function to the atrophied pelvic muscles with the rationale that this helps control involuntary loss of urine with physical activity such as coughing, sneezing, or laughing. The aim of pelvic floor muscle exercises in the treatment of overactive bladder is to inhibit involuntary detrusor contractions. Although their efficacy in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence has been well established and understood, the use of pelvic floor muscle exercises to inhibit detrusor contractions has not been well studied. This article reviews the literature pertaining to the role of pelvic floor muscle exercises in the treatment of overactive bladder symptoms.
Orthopedic prosthesis fixation.

The fixation of orthopedic implants has been one of the most difficult and challenging problems. The fixation can be achieved via: (a) direct mechanical fixation using screws, pins, wires, etc.; (b) passive or interference mechanical fixation where the implants are allowed to move or merely positioned onto the tissue surfaces; (c) bone cement fixation which is actually a grouting material; (d) biological fixation by allowing tissues to grow into the interstices of pores or textured surfaces of implants; (e) direct chemical bonding between implant and tissues; or (f) any combination of the above techniques. This article is concerned with various fixation techniques including the potential use of electrical, pulsed electromagnetic field chemical stimulation using calcium phosphates for the enhancement of tissue ingrowth, direct bonding with bone by glass-ceramics and resorbable particle impregnated bone cement to take advantages of both the immediate fixation offered by the bone cement and long term fixation due to tissue ingrowth.
A Retrospective Comparison of Model-Based Forecasted PM2.5 Concentrations with Measurements

Abstract This study presents an assessment of the performance of the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) photochemical model in forecasting daily PM2.5 (particulate matter ≤2.5 µm in aerodynamic diameter) mass concentrations over most of the eastern United States for a 2-yr period from June 14, 2006 to June 13, 2008. Model predictions were compared with filter-based and continuous measurements of PM2.5 mass and species on a seasonal and regional basis. Results indicate an underprediction of PM2.5 mass in spring and summer, resulting from under-predictions in sulfate and total carbon concentrations. During winter, the model overpredicted mass concentrations, mostly at the urban sites in the northeastern United States because of overpredictions in unspeciated PM2.5 (suggesting possible overestimation of primary emissions) and sulfate. A comparison of observed and predicted diurnal profiles of PM2.5 mass at five sites in the domain showed significant discrepancies. Sulfate diurnal profiles agreed in shap...
Norepinephrine depletion and responsiveness of norepinephrine-sensitive cyclic AMP generating systems in guinea pig brain.

Abstract The accumulation of radioactive cyclic AMP was examined in [ 14 C]adeninelabeled slices of guinea pig neocortex following in vivo treatments designed to lower the levels of putative neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, serotonin, and histamine. Lesions of the medial forebrain bundle and treatment with 6-hydroxydopamine or reserpine decreased cortical concentrations of norepinephrine in guinea pig. Based on studies in rats, enhanced responses of norepinephrine-sensitive cortical cyclic AMP-generating systems were to be expected after such treatments. Instead, no evidence for enhanced responses of cyclic AMP-generating systems to norepinephrine, serotonin, or histamine was obtained with cortical slices from the treated guinea pigs. Adenosine-sensitive cyclic AMP-generating systems in guinea pig cortical slices did become hyperresponsive after reserpine.
Prediction of maximal heart rate in individuals with mental retardation.

Purpose: It is well known that individuals with mental retardation (MR), especially those with Down syndrome (DS), have low maximal heart rates (MHR). We evaluated the ability to predict MHR in individuals with MR and DS in comparison with persons without MR. Methods: Subjects completed a maximal exercise test on the treadmill with metabolic and HR measurements, Stepwise multiple regression was used to develop prediction equations for subjects with MR (N = 276; 97 with DS) and without (N = 296) MR, ranging in age from 9-46 yr. Results: Subjects with MR exhibited significantly lower MHR (177 vs 185 beats.min - 1 ) and VO 2peak (33.8 vs 35.6 mL.kg -1 .min -1 ). In subjects with MR, age was a poor predictor of MHR, Y = 189 - 0.59 (age) (R = 0.30, SEE = 13.8 beats.min - 1 ; P < 0.01), but age was a better predictor for subjects without MR, Y = 205 - 0.64 (age) (R = 0.52, SEE = 9.9 beats.min -1 ; P < 0.01). A large sample Z test indicated that these regression coefficients were significantly different (P < 0.01). However, adding DS to the regression improved the prediction for subjects with MR, Y = 210 (0.56 age) (15.5 DS) (R = 0.57; SEE = 11.8 beats.min 1 , P < 0.01). Conclusion: MHR can be predicted with similar accuracy in subjects with and without MR, provided DS is accounted for in the equation for the subjects with MR.
Electrocondensation polymers: Electrochemical condensation of aromatic diacetyl compounds

Electrochemical reduction of 4,4′,-diacetyldiphenylethane at mercury in 80% ethanol/1M potassium acetate produced the pinacols in high yield by the one-electron/one proton reduction of the carbonyl groups. Although polarographic analysis indicated essentially complete conversion to pinacol, the low inherent viscosities of 0.03–0.06 of the polypinacols implied the presence primarily of oligomers.
A simple method of DNA extraction for Eimeria species

A new, simple method is described for extracting DNA from coccidia (Eimeriidae) oocysts. In our hands this method works well for all Eimeria oocysts and, presumably, will work equally well for oocysts of other coccidia genera. This method combines the two steps of breaking oocyst and sporocyst walls, and dissolving the sporozoite membrane in one step. This greatly simplifies the currently used DNA extraction procedures for Eimeria species and overcomes the disadvantages of existing DNA extraction methods based on glass-bead grinding and sporozoite excystation procedures. Because all the procedures are done in a 1.5-ml microfuge tube, which minimizes the loss of DNA in the extraction procedures, this method is especially suitable for samples with small number of oocysts. In addition, this method directly lyses the oocyst and sporocyst walls as well as the sporozoite membrane in a continuous incubation; therefore, it does not require the sporozoites to be alive. The results of PCR experiments indicate that this method generates better quality of DNA than what the existing glass-bead grinding method does for molecular analysis, and is suitable for both large or small number (<10(2) oocysts) of living or dead oocyst samples.
In Brief: Patellar Fractures

Despite the patella’s small size, patellar fractures can lead to profound pain and impairment owing to their articulation with the distal femur and their critical function in the extensor mechanism of the lower extremity. Treatment often alleviates the impairment—knee extension is restored—but even well-executed treatment may be associated with poor outcomes.
Investigation of doped a-Si 1−x C x :H as a novel back contact material for CdTe solar cells

Wide band-gap, p-type doped, hydrogenated amorphous silicon-carbon alloy (a-Si 1−x C x :H:B) layers deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) under conditions that yield efficient hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) p-i-n solar cells have been applied as back contacts to sputter-deposited CdTe superstrate solar cells. We report a maximum observed V oc of 0.78 V and a best initial efficiency of ∼ 7.7 % (relative to an ∼ 12% standard cell baseline) without the introduction of Cu into the back contact region. We studied the stability of the best performing cells over a two year time period and found that although V oc is relatively stable, the series resistance of the cells increased significantly leading to fill-factor degradation. The role of hydrogen loss from the back contact layer via diffusion into the CdTe absorber is explored as a possible cause of this degradation. In related investigations, we have found that the effect of in-diffusing H on the CdTe solar cell performance is detrimental, as observed from a brief (∼ 15 s) exposure of CdTe to a low power H 2 plasma between the treatment by CdCl 2 and the application of standard Cu/Au back contacts. This detrimental effect of H in the fabrication of the back contact layer from hydride gases, and the subsequent instability of the back contact itself, were found to be significant challenges encountered in this investigation.
Metabolic studies on the proteinpolysaccharides of cartilage.

Abstract 1. 1. These studies were undertaken to ascertain metabolic relationships among the several operationally defined proteinpolysaccharide fractions obtained from cartilage. Following incorporation [ 35 S]sulfate, the soluble radioactive proteinpolysaccharides were isolated from cartilage and partitned into the subfractions PP-L 3 , PP-L 4 , PP-L 5 , and PP-L6. The cartilage residue was extracted by the use of solutions of hydroxylamine to obtain the resistant proteinpolysaccharide (PP-L2). 2. 2. Similar proteinpolysaccharide fractions were obtained from slices of nonradioactive cartilage which were mixed with and homogenized into a solution of [ 35 S]PP-L 3 or from mixtures of solutions of crude non-radioactive proteinpolysaccharide and [ 35 S]PP-L 3 . 3. 3. Analysis of the specific activities of the several proteinpolysaccharide fractions in both the biosynthesis and mixing experiments tend to support the idea that the soluble proteinpolysaccharides exist in situ as aggregates. The metabolic behavior of the resistant proteinpolysaccharide is quantitatively different from that of the soluble forms. The formation of the aggregates and the production of the resistant form might be intracellular events.
Ironies of representation: The legislator in Rousseau, Robespierre, and Volney

The political struggles of the Revolution gave particular urgency to the problem of representing the popular will in France. After 1789 a new orthodoxy proclaimed that the only legitimate seat of power resided in the general will of the nation. But how was that will to be interpreted? And who had the right to represent it? Political aspirants of all persuasions sought to present themselves as the dispassionate interpreters of the general will. A great deal was at stake, for as Francois Furet has argued, to master and appropriate this symbolic language of political representation meant to exercise hegemony.’ Revolutionary politics generated a complex semiotic code in which representation was understood not simply as a legislative but as a symbolic act a process not simply of representing the popular will, but of representing oneself symbolically to the people. Out of this code a prestigious symbol of authority emerged the Legisfutor. The task of this paper is to analyze the Legislator’s pedigree, his use as a vehicle for opposing political philosophies, and his symbolic importance in postRevolutionary culture. With the overthrow of the monarchy in 1792 the breach separating the bourgeois Girondins from the popularly supported Montagnards grew even wider. Liberal groups such as the Ideologues found themselves in opposition to the dominant far left perspective represented by RobesPierre. The Ideologues shared neither Robespierre’s political philosophy nor his understanding of the nature and meaning of the Revolution itself. For Robespierre and the Jacobins, the Revolution was fundamentally discontinuous with the Ancien Regime. Sharing Rousseau’s pessimism regarding the possibility of reforming a thoroughly corrupted social order, Robespierre believed that the Revolution’s goals were to be the remaking of man and the foundation of an entirely new society. To this ideal of a quasi-mystical regeneration the Ideologues opposed a plan for the scientific reeducation of the populace. The events of 1789 constituted, in their view, the working out of a program already initiated by the Philosophes -to educate the nation and to gradually reform social institutions. Inspired by Reason, the Revolution’s mandate was to carry out this work. The corollary to these opposing interpretations of the nature of the Revolution was the conception that both sides had of their role in it. Inspirational mentors were a key to shaping self-perceptions and when conflict arose between the two groups they decried not only one another but each