cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The « catalytic » and « photo » decay modes of the muon

It is shown that, on the basis of the usual baryon-lepton direct coupling theory, the « catalytic » (μ+N→e+N) and the « photo » (μ → e+γ) decays of the muon are expected to occur as second order processes in the effective weak interaction Hamiltonian, ℋweak. If however, the effective weak interaction itself arises as a consequence of the coupling of baryons and leptons to an intermediate heavy boson («X »), these decays are essentially first order in ℋweak, and are predicted to go so fast as apparently to contradict experimental data, at least in the case of photo decay. Estimates of the rates of the catalytic and photo decays are given both on the direct coupling and on the «X » theories and a comparison with the available empirical limits on these rates is made.
The Influence of Levels and Sources of Calcium and Vitamin D3 on the Biological Half-life of Ca45 in the Chick

Abstract INTRODUCTION THE METABOLISM of calcium by the chick has received more attention over the years than many other equally important facets of poultry nutrition. Yet, many questions remain unanswered concerning this major element. The major portion of body calcium is found in skeletal tissues but this ion is found in many metabolic systems in other tissues. Thus, there exists a dynamic equilibrium between bone calcium and blood calcium. Harrison and Harrison (1950) suggested that essentially all of the bone calcium was available for exchange with the calcium of the body fluids. This exchange was explained as a metabolic dissolution of bone with simultaneous deposition of new bone salts, and an atomic exchange with elements of the crystal structure. Neuman et al. (1950) explained that the bone mineral was microcrystalline and presented an extremely large surface area, which would facilitate rapid exchange of the inorganic elements of bone. The object of …
Strong-field ionization of laser-irradiated light homonuclear diatomic molecules: A generalized strong-field approximation-linear combination of atomic orbitals model

The strong-field ionization in a number of light homonuclear diatomic molecules (${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$, ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$, and ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$) irradiated by an intense laser field of low fundamental frequency $\ensuremath{\omega}⪡{I}_{p}$ is considered theoretically and studied numerically compared to their ``companion'' atoms, having nearly identical ionization potential ${I}_{p}$. The background applied strong-field approach is based on using the $S$-matrix formalism of conventional strong-field approximation supplemented by the standard linear combination of atomic orbitals and molecular orbitals method utilized for approximate analytical reproduction of the two-centered wave function of an initial molecular bound state. Accordingly, the ionization of a diatomic molecule is described as a quantum-mechanical superposition (intramolecular interference) of contributions from ionization amplitudes corresponding to photoelectron emission from two atomic centers separated by equilibrium internuclear distance. Besides the bonding (or antibonding) symmetry of the highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMO) corresponding to the outermost molecular valence shell, its spatial configuration and predominant orientation with respect to the internuclear axis and polarization of incident laser field also proved to be of substantial importance and, thus, are taken into equally detailed consideration. Moreover, wherever appropriate, the comparable contributions from other (inner) molecular valence shells of a larger binding energy (closest to that of HOMO, but of different bonding symmetry and spatial configuration) are additionally taken into account. The related results for calculated differential and/or integral molecular ionization rates, molecular photoelectron spectra, and angular distributions are fairly well consistent with available experimental data and, in particular, provide one with a transparent physical interpretation of the nature and origin of high suppression in ionization of the ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ molecule (as compared to its companion Xe atom) as well as no suppression in ionization of ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$ molecules (as compared to its companion Ar atom).
Mesoporous Silica Microparticles Enhance the Cytotoxicity of Anticancer Platinum Drugs

We report on the endocytosis and the time-dependent enhanced cytotoxicity of anticancer platinum drugs when the drugs are combined with (or loaded into) one of the two most common types of mesoporous silica materials, MCM-41 or SBA-15. The anticancer drug cisplatin and its isomer transplatin, when loaded on MCM-41 and SBA-15 microparticles, were less cytotoxic to leukemia cells than the drugs alone after 12 h exposure. However, the drug-loaded microparticles exhibited unprecedented enhanced cytotoxicity to the cancerous cells after 24 h of exposure. This cytotoxicity of the drug-loaded microparticles was even higher than of the pure drugs in solutions, suggesting that mesoporous silica microparticles loaded with cisplatin or transplatin enabled a localized intracellular release of the platinum compounds and possibly also facilitated the drug's hydrolysis, enhancing the desired cytotoxic effect.
Relation of Structural Changes to Electron-Transfer Parameters in Fulvalenediyl Dirhodium Complexes Demonstrating Quasi-Reversible Two-Electron Voltammetry†

The oxidations of two fulvalenediyl (Fv) dirhodium complexes [(Fv)Rh2(CO)4, 1, and (Fv)Rh2(CO)2(μ-dppm), 2] have been studied by voltammetry, coulometry, IR spectroelectrochemistry, UV−VIS spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. Both complexes undergo net two-electron oxidations to dications having a Rh−Rh bond. The M−M bond distances are 2.837(1) A in 22+ and 4.511(1) A in 2. Quasi-reversible cyclic voltammetric responses were exploited over a range of sweep rates to give CV curves successfully fit to an EE mechanism by digital simulations: for 1, E°‘1 = −0.10 V (vs Fc), ks1 = 0.013 cm s-1, (1 − α1) = 0.66, E°‘2 = −0.245 V, ks2 = 0.044 cm s-1, α2 = 0.5; for 2, E°‘1 = −0.76 V, ks1 = 0.035 V, (1 − α1) = 0.75, E°‘2 = −0.776 V, ks2 > 0.2 cm s-1, α2 = 0.5. Complementary results were obtained for the reduction of the dications 12+ or 22+. The effect of the bridging fulvalenediyl ligand is to retard the oxidation process by an amount consistent with the calculated barrier to rotation around the C−C bond of the...
Decreased Catalytic Activity of the Insulin-degrading Enzyme in Chromosome 10-Linked Alzheimer Disease Families

Insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) is a zinc metalloprotease that degrades the amyloid beta-peptide, the key component of Alzheimer disease (AD)-associated senile plaques. We have previously reported evidence for genetic linkage and association of AD on chromosome 10q23-24 in the region harboring the IDE gene. Here we have presented the first functional assessment of IDE in AD families showing the strongest evidence of the genetic linkage. We have examined the catalytic activity and expression of IDE in lymphoblast samples from 12 affected and unaffected members of three chromosome 10-linked AD pedigrees in the National Institute of Mental Health AD Genetics Initiative family sample. We have shown that the catalytic activity of cytosolic IDE to degrade insulin is reduced in affected versus unaffected subjects of these families. Further, we have shown the decrease in activity is not due to reduced IDE expression, suggesting the possible defects in IDE function in these AD families. In attempts to find potential mutations in the IDE gene in these families, we have found no coding region substitutions or alterations in splicing of the canonical exons and exon 15b of IDE. We have also found that total IDE mRNA levels are not significantly different in sporadic AD versus age-matched control brains. Collectively, our data suggest that the genetic linkage of AD in this set of chromosome 10-linked AD families may be the result of systemic defects in IDE activity in the absence of altered IDE expression, further supporting a role for IDE in AD pathogenesis.
Exact solution of an electron trapped in a spherical cavity and applications to the F center in alkali halides

An exact solution of the Schrodinger equation for an electron trapped in a spherical cavity of the Krumhansl and Schwartz potential is given. Transition energies (1S → 2P) of the F electron are reported for 16 MX systems and the normalization constants of the wave functions are given for the 1S and 2P states. The shape of absorption bands of F-centers is also discussed and the calculated oscillator strengths for the transition 1S → 2P of various crystals are given.
A technique for calibrating an electron-beam evaporator X-ray source

An electron-beam metal evaporator was modified to act as an x-ray source for simulating x-ray lithography induced radiation damage in semiconductor devices. Besides x-rays, such a set-up generates secondary and backscattered electrons. Simulation of radiation damage induced during a typical x-ray lithography processing step requires that secondary and backscattered electrons be removed from the incident radiation. A common method to separate the electrons and x-rays is to block the electrons with a thin beryllium film. However, thin beryllium films are expensive and are not commercially available in large sizes. Instead, a relatively inexpensive polymer pellicle was used to block the electrons. A disadvantage of the pellicle is that its x-ray transmission characteristics are unknown and must be determined experimentally. Previous works calibrated the pellicle x-ray transmission and system electron/x-ray flux ratios using the known x-ray transmission characteristics of beryllium film. To check the accuracy of the beryllium calibration results, a new calibration method employing two pellicles was developed. A comparison of the calibration data found a large discrepancy between the two calibration methods. The discrepancy was attributed to ultraviolet light absorption in the radiation dosimeters. A correction for the ultraviolet light absorption is presented for determining the true electron/x-ray flux ratios and pellicle x-ray transmission.
Actin Dynamics: The Arp2/3 Complex Branches Out

Several new findings point to novel functions for the Arp2/3 complex. The dendritic nucleation model that has been proposed to describe cell extension for locomotion may also be applicable to other actin-based processes.
Surface-Induced Dissociation of the Benzene Molecular Cation in Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry

Energy transfer in collisions of benzene molecular ions with a fluorinated self-assembled monolayer surface at normal incidence was studied over the range of collision energies from 0 to 75 eV in a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer (FT-ICR MS). Rice−Ramsperger−Kassel−Marcus (RRKM) theory was used to calculate breakdown graphs for a simplified decomposition scheme of benzene on the time scale of ICR MS detection. Statistical partitioning of excess internal energy between the neutral and the ionic products was included in the theoretical model. Internal energy distributions of the predissociating parent ions were iteratively calculated using the recursive internal energy distribution search (RIEDS) method for each collision energy. On the basis of the above measurements, the collision-energy-dependent ESID → Eint energy conversion efficiency was found to maximize at about 19.5% under the conditions of 31 eV SID collision energy.
Rubidium-strontium age and elemental and isotopic abundances of some trace elements in lunar samples.

Data on six lunar crystalline rocks give an apparent Rb-Sr isochron age of 4.42 ± 0.24 x 109 years (95 percent confidence limits) and initial 87Sr/86Sr ratio similar to that in a basaltic achondrite. Relationships between K, Rb, Sr, and Ba and depletion of Eu in these samples point to plagioclase separation from the melts that produced these rocks. The abundance of 157Gd in the three lunar samples is similar to terrestrial abundance within < 0.2 percent, thus setting a limit of < 6 x 1015 neutrons per square centimeter for the integrated thermal neutron flux difference between lunar and terrestrial materials.
Passively Q-switched thulium-doped fiber laser by graphene saturable absorber

A graphene-based saturable absorber was fabricated by optically depositing layers of graphene onto the end tip of single mode fiber, and it was used to passively Q-switch thulium-doped fiber laser at 2 µm pumped by EDFA. The spectrum of the graphene Q-switched thulium-doped fiber laser and the relationship between the output power, repetition rate and pump strength are studied and presented.
Fuzzy inverse kinematic mapping for a redundant robot

Abstract Inverse kinematics is computational expensive, and for some cases requires numerical solution. Especially for a redundant robot, the inverse kinematic mapping has to be done using a task and/or environmental model and an optimization scheme. This results in inefficient computation and control delay in real-time implementation. In this paper, we propose a fuzzy logic approach for the inverse kinematic mapping which is independent of the number of links, and thus is feasible for both non-redundant and redundant robots. The approach produces zero steady-state error and can be carried out efficiently. The feasibility of this approach has been demonstrated by implementing it in the real-time teleoperation control of a seven-joint space robot.
Pyk2/ERK 1/2 mediate Sp1- and c-Myc-dependent induction of telomerase activity by epidermal growth factor

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) promotes growth of normal ovarian surface as well as malignant ovarian epithelial cells. Further, EGF receptors are present on both normal and malignant ovarian surface epithelial cells and they are often constitutively activated in many cancers. Since telomerase confers cellular immortalization and survival through increased cellular proliferation, we sought to investigate the potential role of EGF to regulate telomerase activity in normal and ovarian cancer cells. While exogenous EGF failed to activate telomerase in normal ovarian surface epithelial cells, in cancer cells we herein report that: exogenous EGF activates telomerase activity and human telomerase reverse transcriptase gene (hTERT) transcription; EGF-induced telomerase activity is ERK 1/2-dependent; EGF targets Sp1 and c-Myc binding sites within the core region of the hTERT promoter; and proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2) is a key mediator of EGF-mediated telomerase activity. Together, these data show that dys...
MKP-1 antagonizes C/EBPβ activity and lowers the apoptotic threshold after ischemic injury.

MKP-1 antagonizes C/EBP β activity and lowers the apoptotic threshold after ischemic injury
High surface area microporous tabular SiO2 nanoparticles synthesized from octylamine/water bilayer systems

Abstract Amorphous tabular SiO 2 nanoparticles were synthesized from the self-assembled octylamine/water bilayer via a template-directed growth mechanism. Morphology of the tabular SiO 2 nanoparticles was analyzed by transmission electron microscope (TEM) both for samples dried at 25 °C and as a function of high temperature treatment. The tabular SiO 2 nanoparticles had well-defined thickness (4–6 nm) with a relative range of face diameter from 100 to 300 nm. This range of dimensions leads to a wide distribution of aspect ratio (10–50) based on atomic force microscope analysis (AFM). High surface area up to ∼1200 m 2 /g was readily obtained with a very uniform micropore size of about 0.63 nm after thermal treatment at 700 °C for 2 h.
Respiratory Viral Pathogens: A Review for Asthma Educators

This clinical care update describes a variety of viruses that can lead to respiratory illness. The viruses discussed include Influenza, Parainfluenza, Respiratory Syncytical Virus, Human Metapneumovirus, Rhinovirus, Adenovirus, and Enterovirus. These viruses are responsible for many unscheduled office visits and hospitalizations in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals; people with asthma are often affected. Details presented in the article include viral characteristics, signs and symptoms, complications, diagnosis, treatment, and educational recommendations for asthma educators.
A Comparison of Learning and Retention of Materials Presented Visually and Auditorially

(1946). A Comparison of Learning and Retention of Materials Presented Visually and Auditorially. The Journal of General Psychology: Vol. 34, No. 2, pp. 179-195.
Synthesis of a carbohydrate-derived hydroxamic acid inhibitor of the bacterial enzyme (LpxC) involved in lipid A biosynthesis.

The enzyme LpxC (UDP-3-O-[(R)-3-hydroxymyristoyl]-GlcNAc deacetylase) catalyzes the second step of lipid A biosynthesis and is essential for bacterial growth. A GlcNAc-derived hydroxamic acid inhibitor 8 of this enzyme was synthesized using two different routes. Compound 8 exhibits activity toward LpxC enzymes from a wider spectrum of bacterial species than any of the previously reported hydroxamic acid inhibitors.
The future of r-HuEPO

Since the introduction of recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO) 9 years ago, there have been tremendous physiological improvements in patients with various anaemias due to absolute and relative erythropoietin (Epo) deficiencies. However, not all patients that could benefit from r-HuEPO are being treated, not all are responding who should be responding, and most dialysis patients (who comprise the single largest group of treatment recipients) are being inadequately treated. The future of r-HuEPO will depend upon whether clinicians can optimize the use of r-HuEPO and determine what should be the optimal haematocrit. These issues will, in turn, depend upon whether three interdependent variables are addressed: the need for more scientific studies to evaluate various aspects of the use and effectiveness of r-HuEPO; the need for physician education to better understand the role of r-HuEPO in optimizing health in patients with anaemia in chronic renal failure and in the anaemia of chronic disease; and the need for less costly r-HuEPO therapy so that more patients can be treated and receive optimal therapy. Better use of r-HuEPO could result in significantly improved morbidity and perhaps improved survival of patients with Epo-deficient anemias.
Adsorption measurements in Devonian shales

Much of the natural gas in the Devonian shales in the Appalachian basin is stored as a condensed phase, which may be in solution in organic material or adsorbed on surfaces. A laboratory apparatus and measurement procedures for accurate determination of the relatively small amounts of condensed phase typical of Devonian shale samples have been designed. A temperature control system was developed so that selected temperatures can be maintained precisely. Adsorption isotherms on various shale samples have been measured, and various factors which affect gas-shale adsorption are discussed.
All-fiber telecom-band correlated photon-pair source for 10 GHz quantum applications

We demonstrate a 9.95 GHz operated all-fiber source for generating telecom-band correlated photon pairs. Greater than 19 coincidences to accidentals ratio is observed with raw photon-counting data, i.e., without making any post-measurement corrections.
Phosphorylation of Aquaporin-2 Does Not Alter the Membrane Water Permeability of Rat Papillary Water Channel-containing Vesicles

Antidiuretic hormone modulates the water permeability (Pf) of epithelial cells in the rat kidney by vesicle-mediated insertion and removal of the aquaporin-2 (AQP-2) water channel. AQP-2 possesses a single consensus cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylation site (Ser-256) hypothesized to regulate channel Pf(Kuwahara, M., Fushimi, K., Terada, Y., Bai, L., Sasaki, S., and Marumo, F.(1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 10384-10387). To test whether PKA phosphorylation of AQP-2 alters channel Pf, we compared the Pf values of purified AQP-2 endosomes after incubation with either PKA or alkaline phosphatase. Studies using [γ-32P]ATP reveal that AQP-2 endosomes contain endogenous PKA and phosphatase activities that add and remove 32P label from AQP-2. However, the Pf (0.16 ± 0.06 cm/s) of endosomes containing phosphorylated AQP-2 (0.7 ± 0.3 mol of PO4/mol of protein) is not significantly different from the same AQP-2 endosomes where 95 ± 8% of the phosphate has been removed (Pf 0.14 ± 0.06 cm/s). These data do not support a role for PKA phosphorylation in alteration of AQP-2's Pf. Instead, AQP-2 phosphorylation by PKA may modulate AQP-2's distribution between plasma membrane and intracellular vesicle compartments.
Acute, Quercetin-Induced Reductions in Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Individuals Are Not Secondary to Lower Plasma Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Activity or endothelin-1: Nitric Oxide

Quercetin (Q) reduces blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive individuals, but the mechanism is unknown. We hypothesized that acute Q aglycone administration reduces BP in hypertensive men by decreasing angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity and/or by lowering the ratio of circulating endothelin-1 (ET-1) to nitric oxide and that these alterations will improve endothelial function. Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design Q or placebo (P) was administered to normotensive men (n = 5; 24 ± 3 years; 24 ± 4 kg/m(2)) and stage 1 hypertensive men (n = 12; 41 ± 12 years; 29 ± 5 kg/m(2)). As anticipated, ingesting 1095 mg Q did not affect BP in normotensive men but resulted in maximal plasma Q (2.3 ± 1.8 μmol/L) at approximately 10 hours, with Q returning to baseline concentrations (0.4 ± 0.08 μmol/L) by approximately 17 hours. Results from this study provided rationale for determining end-points of interest in stage 1 hypertensive men 10 hours after ingesting Q or P. In stage 1 hypertensive individuals, plasma Q increased(0.6 ± 0.4 vs. 0.05 ± 0.02 μmol/L), and mean BP decreased (103 ± 7 vs 108 ± 7 mm Hg; both P < .05) 10 hours after Q vs P, respectively. Plasma ACE activity (16 ± 10 vs 18 ± 10 U/L), ET-1 (1.6 ± 0.9 vs 1.6 ± 0.8 pg/ml), nitrites (57.0 ± 3.0 vs 56.7 ± 2.6 μmol/L), and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (6.2 ± 2.9 vs. 6.3 ± 3.2%) were unaffected by Q. A single dose of Q aglycone reduces BP in hypertensive men through a mechanism that is independent of changes in ACE activity, ET-1, or nitric oxide bioavailability and without affecting vascular reactivity.
Emission Of Lithiumlike Transitions From Dense Plasmas Created By Picosecond KrF Laser Pulses

Broad spectral lines have been observed in the high-resolution extreme ultraviolet (XUV) spectra from plasmas created by irradiating solid targets using picosecond laser pulses. Transitions of the type n=2-3 and n=2-4 in Li-like ions of the elements N, 0, F, and Al have linewidths up to 2 A. Using quasistatic ion Stark broadening, the electron densities of the plasma emission regions have been derived from the linewidths. The derived electron densities are found to be inversely proportional to the lifetimes of the upper levels of the transitions. The electron densities range from 2 x 10 22 cm -3 for levels with lifetimes less than 4 picoseconds to 10 21 cm -3 for levels with lifetimes greater than 30 picoseconds. In effect, the XUV emission is time-resolved in the expanding plasma. The observation of emission from solid-density regions (greater than 4 x 10 23 cm -3 ) will require transitions from levels in highly charged ions with lifetimes less than a picosecond.
Differentiation-Dependent Changes in Levels of C/EBPβ Repressors and Activators Regulate Human Papillomavirus Type 31 Late Gene Expression

The liver-enriched transcriptional activator protein (LAP) isoform of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β (C/EBPβ) is shown to be a major activator of differentiation-dependent human papillomavirus (HPV) late gene expression, while the liver-enriched inhibitory protein (LIP) isoform negatively regulates late expression. In undifferentiated cells, LIPs act as dominant-negative repressors of late expression, and upon differentiation, LIP levels are significantly reduced, allowing LAP-mediated activation of the late promoter. Importantly, knockdown of C/EBPβ isoforms blocks activation of late gene expression from complete viral genomes upon differentiation.
The implementation of a BASIC system in a multiprogramming environment

A mechanical procedure is derived for determining whether a given context-free phrase structure grammar is a simple precedence grammar. This procedure consists of elementary operations on suitably defined Boolean matrices. Application of the procedure to operator grammars is also given.
Concrete columns confined by fiber composite wraps under combined axial and cyclic lateral loads

This paper presents nonlinear finite element analysis of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) jacketed reinforced concrete columns under combined axial and cyclic lateral loadings. Large-scale control and FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns (762 mm in diameter and 4978 mm in height) were modeled using the nonlinear finite element analysis software MARC™. The models were capable of allowing for the degradation of the stiffness under cyclic loading. The finite element analysis results indicated that reinforced concrete columns externally wrapped with the FRP fabric in the potential plastic hinge location at the bottom of the column showed significant improvement in both strength and ductility capacities, and the FRP jacket could be used to delay the degradation of the stiffness of reinforced concrete columns.
Local axon collaterals of area CA1 support spread of epileptiform discharges within CA1, but propagation is unidirectional.

CA3 and subiculum are hippocampal formation regions that can initiate seizure activity because each has a substantial intrinsic excitatory connectivity. We studied the intrinsic connectivity of area CA1 by exploring the spread of synchronous population discharges in ventral hippocampal slices from rats using a recording chamber that permitted multiple simultaneous extracellular recordings along all laminae of CA1. Brief single stimulus pulses were applied to stratum oriens (SO) or stratum radiatum (SR) on the CA3 side or the subicular side of CA1. In disinhibited slices, events triggered with SO or SR stimulation on the CA3-side propagated over the proximo-distal extent of CA1 with a maximal conduction velocity of 0.4 m/s, comparable with antidromic conduction velocities within CA1. By contrast, SO or SR stimuli applied on the subicular side of CA1 triggered events that did not spread “backward” toward CA3. These events are rapidly decremented in amplitude and duration. Whereas antidromic responses were largest when stimuli were applied on the subicular side of CA1, such responses were not sufficient to trigger epileptiform discharges when excitatory transmission was intact. We conclude that the unidirectional spread of epileptiform activity in area CA1 is the result of an intrinsic axon collateral system where each pyramidal cell has a proportionally larger projection toward subiculum. Although this collateral system is sparse compared with other hippocampal formation regions, its unidirectionality protects against re-entrant activation of CA3 and may be physiologically significant as a relay from proximal CA1 to distal CA1. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Commodus the God-Emperor and the Army

In A.D. 192, the last year of his reign, Commodus threw restraint to the winds and had the senate declare him a god. He assumed such titles as Conqueror of the World, Roman Hercules, and All-Surpasser and named the twelve months of the year after himself. Founding Rome anew, he gave it the name Colonia Commodiana and ordered the legions likewise to be called Commodianae. Before the year was out, on 31 December, he was murdered, his memory cursed.
Endovascular Coiling for Cerebral Aneurysms

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is an increasing problem in the United States, affecting approximately 30,000 people every year. Despite advances in the neurosurgical field, approximately 50% of patients die within the first month after hemorrhage. Traditionally, craniotomy with aneurysmal clipping has been employed to manage these patients, but endovascular embolization is moving to the forefront of treatment, particularly for high grade (IV to V) aneurysms. Patient selection is often based on age, aneurysm size, location, characteristics and presentation, and patient hemodynamics. Postprocedure management relies on skilled observers to determine those potential complications that may occur, including vasospasm, rupture, bleeding, or vessel occlusion. Advanced practice nurses have an obligation to be aware not only of the procedure and its management, but also of the potential complications and ongoing care of the patients and families as well.
Integration of programmable microfluidics and on-chip fluorescence detection for biosensing applications

We describe the integration of an actively controlled programmable microfluidic sample processor with on-chip optical fluorescence detection to create a single, hybrid sensor system. An array of lifting gate microvalves (automaton) is fabricated with soft lithography, which is reconfigurably joined to a liquid-core, anti-resonant reflecting optical waveguide (ARROW) silicon chip fabricated with conventional microfabrication. In the automaton, various sample handling steps such as mixing, transporting, splitting, isolating, and storing are achieved rapidly and precisely to detect viral nucleic acid targets, while the optofluidic chip provides single particle detection sensitivity using integrated optics. Specifically, an assay for detection of viral nucleic acid targets is implemented. Labeled target nucleic acids are first captured and isolated on magnetic microbeads in the automaton, followed by optical detection of single beads on the ARROW chip. The combination of automated microfluidic sample preparation and highly sensitive optical detection opens possibilities for portable instruments for point-of-use analysis of minute, low concentration biological samples.
Photoenzymatic repair of ultraviolet-irradiated DNA in the cells of a shark, Prionace glauca

Abstract 1. 1. We have tested cells from several tissues of the blue shark for the presence of photoreactivating enzyme using a sensitive assay requiring only 250 ng of DNA. 2. 2. Photoreactivating enzyme was found to be present in thyroid, liver, brain and kidney cells. 3. 3. There has been much debate concerning the significance of the reported distribution of photoreactivating enzyme in animal tissues, but the information available is too limited for generalizations to be made. We suggest that the present assay might allow rapid and easy survey of a wide spectrum of organisms.
Kinetic and structural analysis of fluorescent peptides on cotton cellulose nanocrystals as elastase sensors.

Abstract Human neutrophil elastase (HNE) and porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) are serine proteases with destructive proteolytic activity. Because of this activity, there is considerable interest in elastase sensors. Herein we report the synthesis, characterization, and kinetic profiles of tri- and tetrapeptide substrates of elastase as glycine-esterified fluorescent analogs of cotton cellulose nanocrystals (CCN). The degree of substitution of peptide incorporated in CCN was 3–4 peptides per 100 anhydroglucose units. Glycine and peptide–cellulose–nanocrystals revealed crystallinity indices of 79 and 76%, respectively, and a crystallite size of 58.5 A. A crystallite model of the peptide–cellulose conjugate is shown. The tripeptide conjugate of CCN demonstrated five-fold greater efficiency in HNE than the tripeptide in solution judged by its kcat/Km of 33,515. The sensor limits of detection at 2 mg of the tri- and tetrapeptide CCN conjugates over a 10 min reaction time course were 0.03 U/mL PPE and 0.05 U/mL HNE, respectively.
MODELING IMPRECISION AND UNCERTAINTY IN PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING DESIGN

Each stage of the engineering design process, and particularly the preliminary phase, includes both imprecision and uncertainty. This paper presents a method by which the imprecision and uncertainty in the description of the design's components can be represented. Fuzzy set theory provides the foundation of the approach. Extended hybrid numbers are introduced to handle the two separate representations of imprecision and uncertainty. These representations include the designer's judgements. An application of the theory to machine design is presented, emphasizing the imprecision usually found in the preliminary design of machine elements. Results show the performance of each design alternative compared to its functional requirements, as well as the coupling betwen the design parameters and the resulting performance parameters.
Causes and Control of Dental Caries

DENTAL caries (tooth decay) is a chronic infectious disease in which the active agent or agents are members of the indigenous oral flora. Carious lesions result primarily from the dissolution of mineral in enamel and dentin by acids produced during metabolism of food residues by microorganisms colonizing tooth surfaces.1 2 3 When dentin, with its 20-fold higher protein content than enamel, is invaded, proteolysis and possibly chelation also occur. Numerous archaeological reports indicate that carious lesions were infrequent in humans during antiquity.4 , 5 In England, the frequency of caries was low as recently as Saxon times.6 Major increases occurred during the Middle Ages, . . .
Role of configurational entropy in the thermodynamics of clusters of point defects in crystalline solids

The internal configurational entropy of point defect clusters in crystalline silicon is studied in detail by analyzing their potential energy landscapes. Both on-lattice and off-lattice calculation approaches are employed to demonstrate the importance of off-lattice configurational states that arise due to a large number of inherent structures (local minima) in the energy landscape generated by the interatomic potential function. The resulting cluster configurational entropy of formation is shown to exhibit behavior that is qualitatively similar to that observed in supercooled liquids and amorphous solids and substantially alters the thermodynamic properties of point defect clusters in crystals at high temperature. This behavior is shown to be independent of interatomic potential and cluster type, and suggests that defects in crystals at high temperature should be generally described by a quasicontinuous collection of nondegenerate states rather than as a single ground state structure. The modified thermodynamic properties of vacancy clusters at high temperature are found to explain a long-standing discrepancy between simulation predictions and experimental measurements of vacancy aggregation dynamics in silicon.
Histologic study of a shielded macula

PURPOSE To illustrate the histologic changes at the macula of an eye shielded from focused light for 76 years. Age-related macular degeneration with a central, subretinal, fibrous scar was present in the fellow eye. METHODS Autopsy examination of both eyes of a 91-year-old man was performed. The superior half of the macular area of the shielded eye was studied by light microscopy, and the inferior half was studied by electron microscopy. Serial sections through the macular area of the fellow eye were prepared and studied. RESULTS The shielded eye contained basal laminar deposits up to 6.0 microns in thickness and basal linear deposits up to 1.0 micron in thickness in the macular area. The photoreceptor outer and inner segments of the outer nuclear layer were intact. The macular area of the fellow eye contained a two-component, vascularized, disciform scar that measured up to 250 microns in one area, with retinal pigment epithelial tears at the nasal and temporal margins. Extensive photoreceptor layer atrophy was present. CONCLUSIONS Such marked asymmetry of macular degeneration in this case may be further evidence of the role of light exposure in the development of age related macular degeneration.
Analysis of foliar monoterpenoid content in the California Bay Tree, Umbellularia calfironica, among populations across the distribution of the species

Mature foliage of 110 trees from 11 populations of Umbellularia californica across its geographic range including diverse habitats were analyzed for monoterpenoid compositional variation by gas chromatography. Three previously unreported compounds for U. californica were identified: thujene, cis-sabinene hydrate, and trans-sabinene hydrate, however, all being minor components (<2.0% of the total composition). One-way ANOVA for each individual compound showed differing significant levels of variation among the 24 compounds analyzed, high (P = 0.001 for 14 compounds, moderate (0.001<P<0.01) for umbellulone, and no significance for (P<0.05) for seven compounds. Stepwise Discriminant Analysis of the variance in the entire data set reduced the number of variables to 15 (significance associated with Wilks' Lambda P<0.001). Canonical Discriminant Analysis by individual tree failed to completely separate any of the source populations. Average Linkage Cluster Analysis demonstrated that U. californica monoterpenoid composition apparently is genetically controlled with little significant geographic variation. Furthermore, the monoterpenoid compositional variation data did not support maintaining the subspecies designation for U. californica fresnensis Eastw. The lack of monoterpenoid variation among populations across a wide geographic distribution and diverse habitats enables generalization of results from studies of mammalian herbivory on U. californica.
Highly efficient polarized Er-doped superfluorescent fiber source

We report the experimental demonstration of a polarized superfluorescent fiber source (SFS) made by inserting a low- loss polarizer at an optimum position along the erbium-doped fiber of a standards SFS. This source produces a strongly polarized output with nearly the same output power as a standard, unpolarized SFS. We show good agreement between the behavior of the source and numerical simulations.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Impact of MR angiography on the diagnosis and management of renal transplant dysfunction.

PURPOSE To evaluate the impact of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) on referring physicians' diagnoses and treatment of patients with renal transplant dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS Physicians of the renal transplant service at the authors' university hospital prospectively completed questionnaires before and after MRA was performed in the evaluation of renal transplants. The questionnaires asked physicians to estimate the probability (0%–100%) of their most likely diagnosis before and after receiving the imaging information. They were also asked to provide their anticipated and final treatment plans. The authors calculated the mean gain in diagnostic percentage confidence and the proportion of patients with changed initial diagnoses or anticipated management. A paired t test was used to assess statistical significance of the gains in diagnostic percentage confidence. RESULTS Pre-MRA and post-MRA questionnaires were prospectively completed on 31 separate patients. The mean gain in diagnostic certainty percentage from MRA was 33% (95% CI, 19%–51%; P CONCLUSION MRA has considerable impact on referring physicians' diagnoses and treatment of patients with suspected renal allograft dysfunction.
Orally active multi-functional antioxidants delay cataract formation in streptozotocin (type 1) diabetic and gamma-irradiated rats

Background Age-related cataract is a worldwide health care problem whose progression has been linked to oxidative stress and the accumulation of redox-active metals. Since there is no specific animal model for human age-related cataract, multiple animal models must be used to evaluate potential therapies that may delay and/or prevent cataract formation.
Expert systems for management: Research and applications:

Management scientists and systems designers have long recognized that in some cases objective real world data con tained in their models and systems should be supplemented by subjective data elicited from experienced managers. The recent but growing application of expert system technology to mana gement problems is providing a framework for capturing and using expert knowledge in management systems. In this paper we identify fruitful areas for research and application of expert systems in management.
Secondary prevention trials after acute myocardial infarction

Of those patients who reach the hospital after an acute myocardial infarction, 18% die during their stay and 85% to 90% of the remainder will eventually die of coronary artery disease. Several secondary preventive approaches have been made to prolong life in these patients. Long-term controlled trials involving nonsurgical measures and at least 100 patients will be reviewed. Lipid-lowering regimens have shown no demonstrable effect on survival over a 4- to 6-year period but show some benefit with respect to nonfatal infarction. Survival was not improved essentially by anticoagulants, antiarrhythmic agents or calcium channel blockers, although new trials are underway that might clarify their role. Platelet-active drugs achieved little reduction in mortality but showed benefit in nonfatal infarction (30% reduction with aspirin). Pooled data on physical exercise programs demonstrated a 15% benefit on mortality but larger trials are required to confirm this. The data on beta blockers (particularly those without intrinsic sympathomimetic activity) show that these drugs improve long-term survival after myocardial infarction, reducing all-cause mortality by as much as 25% to 30%. Larger trials are necessary to detect statistically significant reductions in mortality both overall and in selected subgroups of patients.
The effect of induction with phenobarbital on the kinetics and bioavailability of antipyrine in the dog.

In dogs, the chronic administration of 400 mg/d of phnobarbila! produced peak plasma concentrations of 78 μg/ml which so markedly induced the metabolism of antipyrine that the conventional schemes by which antipyrine kinetics assess induction were rendered invalid. The bioavailability of antipyrine was only 20% due to first-pass metabolism. Induction raised the observed antipyrine clearance to 31 ml/min/kg, a value approaching hepatic blood flow. II one assumes antipyrine was an ideal lest compound, one would calculate that metabolism was induced by a factor of 3.8. Acknowledging that antipyrine is nonideal, one can calculate a correct induction factor of 13.6. Oral, rather than intravenous, antipyrine is the metabolism lest of choice under these conditions.
A cytogenetic survey of an institution for the mentally retarded: I. Chromosome abnormalities.

A cytogenetic survey of 475 patients in an institution for the mentally retarded is reported. The chromosomes of all patients were studied using both a non-banding and a G-banding technique in order to estimate the relative efficiency of the two techniques in detecting structural rearrangements of the chromosomes. A total of 57 patients was found to have a chromosome abnormality, including five with a balanced structural rearrangement. The contribution of chromosome aberrations to the etiology of mental retardation is discussed with special emphasis on the contribution of balanced structural rearrangements.
Extending Low-Cost Test Signal Synthesis to 40 Gbps

We recently demonstrated two methods for synthesizing 20-24 Gbps test signals using relatively low-cost (off-the-shelf) components [1,2,3]. In the present paper we apply a similar strategy for generating 40 Gbps signals. Our first attempt used the original XOR circuit to combine two 20 Gbps signals. While the internal logic succeeded in producing 40 Gbps, the XOR device output signal was bandwidth-limited and the result was not sufficient for most testing purposes. However, by substituting a newly-released 45 Gbps XOR gate [4], we were able to produce much better quality signals. This paper describes the logic used in this method, and shows the experimental results obtained at 40 Gbps.
Immunological studies on β-galactosidase and thiogalactoside transacetylase: Proteins of the lactose system in Escherichia coli

Tests with anti-thiogalactoside transacetylase have shown that the only serological reactant in a constitutive and in a wild-type Escherichia coli induced for the lactose system was enzymically active protein. This confirms the previous estimate based on enzyme isolation: the rate of synthesis of β -galactosidase is at least ten times higher than that of thiogalactoside transacetylase. The trans-acetylase-anti-transacetylase precipitate was enzymically inactive. No detectable cross-reaction was observed between β -galactosidase and thiogalactoside transacetylase when the pure enzymes and antisera to each were tested by double diffusion in agar gel.
Bread and Wine

L'A. affirme que la pratique chretienne de la reunion pour le culte et la communion sous les especes du vin et du pain ne reposent pas sur la Pâque juive. Neanmoins, il semble qu'il existe des temoignages qui permettent d'entrevoir chez les juifs un rituel d'offre et de reception du pain et du vin dans un bâtiment sacre avant la naissance de Jesus. Ce dernier a pris connaissance de la theologie de ces communautes et la partageait. C'est pourquoi le soir ou il a ete trahi, il a institue aupres de ses disciples ce qui deviendrait la forme du culte et du ministere chretiens
Intercollegiate Athletics as an Institutional Fundraising Tool: An Exploratory Donor-Based View

Previous research has indicated that intercollegiate athletics programs may be successful at attracting new donors to higher education institutions. Research has also shown that major donors who support both athletic and academic programs at an institution give more total dollars to the institution than other donors and are retained at higher rates. Through 65 in-depth interviews with donors making gifts to both athletic and academic programs at NCAA FBS (top athletic division) institutions, this exploratory research seeks to understand how intercollegiate programs influence donor decisions. Donors were questioned as to their motives for giving, specific changes in their historical giving patterns, and their future giving intentions. Several consistent themes emerged from donor interviews that provide insight into previous empirical findings and direction for both fundraising practice and future research.
Bumpy metrics and closed parametrized minimal surfaces in Riemannian manifolds

The purpose of this article is to study conformal harmonic maps f: Σ → M, where Σ is a closed Riemann surface and M is a compact Riemannian manifold of dimension at least four. Such maps define parametrized minimal surfaces, possibly with branch points. We show that when the ambient manifold M is given a generic metric, all prime closed parametrized minimal surfaces are free of branch points, and are as Morse nondegenerate as allowed by the group of automorphisms of E. They are Morse nondegenerate in the usual sense if Σ has genus at least two, lie on two-dimensional nondegenerate critical submanifolds if S has genus one, and on six-dimensional nondegenerate critical submanifolds if Σ has genus zero.