cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kynurenine metabolism in rats: some hormonal factors affecting enzyme activities.

Abstract The effects of certain long-term hormonal treatments of male and female rats on the activities of several enzymes involved in kynurenine synthesis and degradation were determined to further rationalize previously observed sex differences. Treatment causing elevated tryptophan oxygenase activities (corticosteroid administration) did not consistently result in changes of kynurenine hydrolase and kynurenine aminotransferase activities like those seen with estrogen treatments. Differences in the latter enzyme activities caused by sex differences or treatment-induced changes in estrogen-androgen status were not consistently associated with altered oxygenase activities. Castration of male rats or treatment of female rats with androgen altered the kidney kynurenine aminotransferase activities toward those of the opposite sex, consistent with the view that differences in androgen-estrogen status during post-natal development satisfactorily account for the sex differences in enzyme activity.
Intrarenal manipulation of flexible ureteroscopes: a comparative study

OBJECTIVE To compare the relative ease of manipulation around a calyceal model in the hands of experienced ureteroscopists of four flexible ureteroscopes (FUs), as new-generation FUs provide exaggerated active deflection to facilitate intrarenal manipulation. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Four FUs of <7.5 F were tested: the FlexVision U-500 (SF) (Stryker Endoscopy, San Jose, CA, USA), the Dur-8 Elite (D8E) (ACMI, Southborough, MA, USA), the Viper (Richard Wolf Medical Instruments, Vernon Hills, IL, USA) and the URF-P3 (Olympus Surgical, Orangeburg, NY, USA). Eight experienced ureteroscopists, each with a minimum of 100 flexible ureteroscopies over the preceding 3 years, assessed the FUs. The Mediskills calyceal model represents a moderately hydronephrotic collecting system, with a renal pelvic width of 2 cm, infundibular widths of 1 cm and infundibular lengths of 2 cm. The middle calyx infundibular angle was 80° and the lower calyx infundibular angle was 100°. The model does not allow for significant passive secondary deflection. The surgeons manoeuvred systematically around a four-point course, from the pelvi-ureteric junction, to anterior lower calyx, to anterior middle calyx, to posterior lower calyx, to posterior middle calyx, touching a metal sensor with an fulguration electrode, to trigger an automated signal at each calyx. The order of FU used by each surgeon was randomized. Each surgeon performed the course twice with each FU, ending with the first FU they started with, to diminish the impact of ‘learning the course’. RESULTS There were significant differences in the mean (sd) total time for manipulation through the four-point course, for the Viper, SF, D8E and URF-P3, at 29 (11), 37 (23), 38 (20) and 50 (24) s, respectively (P = 0.034). The URF-P3 took longer to reach the posterior lower pole, at 18.1 (14.5) s than the Viper, SF and D8E, at 6.3 (2.8) (P = 0.004), 6.6 (3.3) (P = 0.008) and 7.7 (4.9) (P = 0.008), respectively. The Viper was quicker to reach the posterior middle pole, at 7.3 (4.0) s, than the URF-P3, SF and D8E, at 14.9 (13.1) (P = 0.036), 14.7 (14.3) (P = 0.056) and 12.7 (14.0) s (P = 0.115), respectively. Subjectively, six of eight endoscopists stated that the Viper was the better FU for ease of manipulation, while five of eight stated that the URF-P3 was the most difficult. Notably, all eight endoscopists had more clinical experience with the URF-P3 than with the other three FUs tested. CONCLUSIONS In a model of a moderately hydronephrotic kidney with long infundibulum and limited ability to perform passive secondary deflection, FUs with exaggerated active deflection outmanoeuvred the URF-P3. The Viper was better for manipulation in the hands of experienced endoscopists.
Surface induced dissociation yields substructure of Methanosarcina thermophila 20S proteasome complexes

Native mass spectrometry (MS) and surface induced dissociation (SID) have been applied to study the stoichiometry and quaternary structure of non-covalent protein complexes. In this study, Methanosarcina thermophila 20S proteasome, which consists of four stacked heptameric rings (α7β7β7α7 symmetry), has been selected to explore the SID dissociation pattern of a complicated stacked ring protein complex. SID produces both α and β subunits while collision induced dissociation (CID) produces only highly charged α subunit. In addition, the charge reduced 20S proteasome produces the α7β7 fragment, reflecting the stacked ring topology of the complex. The combination of SID and charge reduction is shown to be a powerful tool for the study of protein complex structure.
Temporal trends in percutaneous coronary intervention outcomes among older patients in the United States

Background New percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) device technologies are often rapidly adopted into clinical practice, yet few studies have examined the overall impact of these new technologies on patient outcomes in community practice. Methods In hopes of determining temporal trends in PCI outcomes, we used data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service's Chronic Condition Warehouse (n = 3,250,836) by comparing patient characteristics and rates of 3-year major adverse cardiac events (MACE) across the balloon angioplasty (POBA) era (01/1991-09/1995), the bare metal stent (BMS) era (02/1998-04/2003), and the drug-eluting stent (DES) era (05/2004-10/2006). The adjusted association between era and outcomes was determined with Cox proportional hazards modeling (POBA era as reference). Results Compared with the POBA era, patients undergoing PCI were significantly older and had more medical comorbidities, and the risk for 3-year MACE was significantly lower during the BMS and DES eras (BMS vs. POBA adjusted HR [95% CI]: 0.930 [0.926–0.935]; DES vs. BMS: 0.831 [0.827–0.835]). Compared with males, the adjusted risk for 3-year MACE among females was lower during the POBA era, but slightly higher during the BMS and DES eras. Across all three eras, patients ≥75 years of age had higher adjusted risk for MACE compared with younger patients, and the risk for revascularization was lower for both females and older patients. Conclusions Despite its application in older and sicker Medicare beneficiaries, there has been a significant decrease in post-PCI MACE over time. The risk for death or myocardial infarction is higher among females and older patients compared with males and younger patients; therefore, future studies should focus on improving clinical outcomes in these high-risk subgroups.
Lattice dynamics of ionic crystals.

The theory of lattice dynamics for ionic and rare-gas crystals is derived in the harmonic approximation. We start from a Hamiltonian and average over electron coordinates in order to obtain an effective interaction between ion displacements. We assume that electronic excitations are localized on a single ion, which limits the theory to ionic crystals. The deformation-dipole model and the indirect-ionic-interaction model are derived. These two contributions are closely linked, and together provide an accurate description of short-range forces.
Synthetic and Mechanistic Studies on Pd(0)-Catalyzed Diamination of Conjugated Dienes

Various dienes and a triene can be regioselectively diaminated at the internal double bond with good yields and high diastereoselectivity using di-tert-butyldiaziridinone (5) as the nitrogen source and Pd(PPh3)4 (1−10 mol %) as the catalyst. Kinetic studies with 1H NMR spectroscopy show that the diamination is first-order in total Pd catalyst and inverse first-order in PPh3. For reactive dienes, such as 1-methoxybutadiene (6g) and alkyl 1,3-butadienes (6a, 6j), the diamination is first-order in di-tert-butyldiaziridinone (5) and zero-order in the olefin. For olefins with relatively low reactivity, such as (E)-1-phenylbutadiene (6b) and (3E,5E)-1,3,5-decatriene (6i), similar diamination rates were observed when 3.5 equiv of olefins were used. Pd(PPh3)2 is likely to be the active species for the insertion of Pd(0) into the N−N bond of di-tert-butyldiaziridinone (5) to form a four-membered Pd(II) complex (A), which can be detected by NMR spectroscopy. The olefin complex (B), formed from intermediate A via li...
Biodegradation of tungsten embolisation coils used in children.

Abstract Background. It has been suggested that tungsten coils (TCs) may corrode 30 months after transcatheter embolisation (TCE). The aim of this study was to follow up children after TCE of aorto-pulmonary collaterals (APCs) with TCs. Materials and methods. Successful TCE of 99 APCs was performed in children using 152 TCs. Chest radiographs were obtained on the day after the procedure, after 3–6 months and 9–12 months, and yearly thereafter. Results. Mean follow-up was 39.3 months. After 9–12 months, radiographs revealed a decrease in radio-opacity and reduction of coil width in 29 (37.6%) of 77 APCs. After a mean of 25 months (range 13–51 months), there was loss of visibility in 44 (57.2%) of 77 TCs and a reduction in 29 (37.6%) of 77. After a mean of 39.3 months, all TCs showed decrease or loss of radio-opacity. Exponential function predicts complete biodegradation of 95% of TCs within 10 years after TCE (r2=0.923). After a mean of 28.4 months, repeat catheterisation was performed in 24 APCs with TCs with decreased or lost radio-opacity. Recanalisation had occurred in 58.3%. Conclusions. Dissolution occurred in 57.2% of TCs within a mean of 25 months, and within 39.3 months all TCs showed decrease or loss of radio-opacity. Recanalisation of closed APCs occurred in 58.3%.
Wechsler adult intelligence scale and wechsler adult intelligence scale‐revised in a neurologically impaired population

Compared Verbal, Performance, and Full Scale IQ scores from two groups of neurologically impaired patients (N = 114) similar in age, years of education, occupation, race, sex, and etiology and location of cerebral dysfunction. One group had been given the WAIS and the other the WAIS-R. All three IQ scores were higher for the WAIS group, with Full Scale and Verbal scores significantly (p less than .05) higher. Changes in item content and standardization sample cohort effects are offered as partial possible explanation for the results. The IQ scores from the two tests cannot be considered as interchangeable for neurological patients.
Incorporating cultural competency into the general surgery residency curriculum: A preliminary assessment

In response to the growing diversity of the United States population and concerns with health disparities, formal training in cross-cultural care has become mandatory for all medical specialties, including surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the readiness of a general surgery residency program to incorporate cultural competency initiatives into its curriculum. Eighteen surgical teaching faculty (at a community-based hospital with a university affiliation) voluntarily participated in a qualitative study to share their views on cultural competency and to discuss ways that it could potentially be incorporated into the curriculum. Reflective of current definitions of cultural competency, faculty viewed the term culture broadly (i.e., beyond race and ethnicity). Suggested instructional methods varied, with some noting that exposure to different cultures was helpful. Others stated the importance of faculty serving as role models. Most faculty in this study appear open to cultural training, but desire a clear understanding of what that would entail and how it can be taught. They also acknowledged the lack of time to address cultural issues. Taking into consideration these and other concerns, planned curricular interventions are also presented.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and cognitive decline in older adults with hypertension: results from the Cardiovascular Health Study.

Background Hypertension (HTN) is a risk factor for dementia, and animal studies suggest that centrally active angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (those that cross the blood-brain barrier) may protect against dementia beyond HTN control. Methods Participants in the Cardiovascular Health Study Cognition Substudy with treated HTN and no diagnosis of congestive heart failure (n = 1054; mean age, 75 years) were followed up for a median of 6 years to determine whether cumulative exposure to ACE inhibitors (as a class and by central activity), compared with other anti-HTN agents, was associated with a lower risk of incident dementia, cognitive decline (by Modified Mini-Mental State Examination [3MSE]), or incident disability in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Results Among 414 participants who were exposed to ACE inhibitors and 640 who were not, there were 158 cases of incident dementia. Compared with other anti-HTN drugs, there was no association between exposure to all ACE inhibitors and risk of dementia (hazard ratio [HR], 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88-1.15), difference in 3MSE scores (−0.32 points per year; P = .15), or odds of disability in IADLs (odds ratio [OR], 1.06; 95% CI, 0.99-1.14). Adjusted results were similar. However, centrally active ACE inhibitors were associated with 65% less decline in 3MSE scores per year of exposure ( P = .01), and noncentrally active ACE inhibitors were associated with a greater risk of incident dementia (adjusted HR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.00-1.43 per year of exposure) and greater odds of disability in IADLs (adjusted OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.03-1.30 per year of exposure) compared with other anti-HTN drugs. Conclusions While ACE inhibitors as a class do not appear to be independently associated with dementia risk or cognitive decline in older hypertensive adults, there may be within-class differences in regard to these outcomes. These results should be confirmed with a randomized clinical trial of a centrally active ACE inhibitor in the prevention of cognitive decline and dementia.
Utilization of fine-needle aspiration in the diagnosis of metastatic tumors to the kidney.

Renal masses secondary to metastases are not common. Few comprehensive reviews exist, which consist primarily of autopsy and radiologic reports. The purpose of this study was to review the types and incidences of various neoplasms which metastasize to the kidney and to determine the usefulness of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) in diagnosing them. Two hundred and sixty-one radiologically guided FNAs of renal lesions over a 9-yr period were reviewed. The diagnoses of the 261 renal FNAs were as follows: 136 (52%) were malignant, 111 (43%) were benign, and 14 (5%) were unsatisfactory. Of the 136 positive FNAs, 28 (21%) revealed metastatic tumors. The overall incidence of renal FNAs displaying metastatic tumors was 11%. Among the 28 patients with metastases to the kidney, 23 patients were men and 5 were women, with the mean age being 58 yr. Twenty-five patients (89%) had prior history of a primary malignancy, including lung carcinoma (11 cases, 39%), lymphoma (8 cases, 29%), hepatocellular carcinoma (3 cases, 11%), and one case each of breast, pancreatic, and cervical cancer. In the remaining 3 patients (11%), with metastatic adenocarcinoma (2 cases) and squamous-cell carcinoma (1 case), the primary tumor site remained unknown despite an extensive clinical workup. Overall survival after FNA was poor, with a mean of 9.8 mo. FNA is useful in the diagnosis of masses in the kidney secondary to metastatic disease. This information is of clinical importance, principally in the exclusion of a primary malignancy, but also toavoid unnecessary surgery and to plan for subsequent patient care. Diagn. Cytopathol. 1999;21:35–38. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Generation and Limitations of Peak Capacity in Online Two-Dimensional Liquid Chromatography

The different operating conditions of an online two-dimensional liquid chromatographic separation (2D-LC), such as the length of the column, the linear velocity and the composition of the mobile phase used in the second dimension, its initial organic content if this separation is carried out in gradient elution, the number of fractions of the first column eluent collected, and the analysis time of the first dimension all affect the achievable separation power of 2D-LC online systems. The influences of these factors on the separation performance were investigated, and an equation was derived for the calculation of the achievable peak capacity in online 2D-LC assuming (1) that the option of undersampling the first-dimension separation is acceptable, (2) that the solutes follow linear-solvent-strength behavior, and (3) that all the separations are made in gradient elution. This theoretical discussion shows that (1) highly efficient separations made with online 2D-LC require the second-dimension peaks to be v...
Electron-transfer reactions of fast Xe n + ions with Xe in the energy range 15 keV to 1.6 MeV

Electron-transfer cross sections for the reactions of Xe/sup n/+ (n = 1--4) with Xe atoms have been determined as a function of projectile-ion kinetic energy in the range 15 keV--1.6 MeV. For Xe/sup n/+ (n = 2, 3, 4), cross sections for sequential transfer of two or more electrons in single-ion--atom collisions have been obtained. These cross sections decrease with increasing number of electrons transferred. The observed insensitivity of cross sections to projectile kinetic energy in the range investigated follows the condition that the linear velocity of the ion is less than the orbital velocity of a valence electron in the slow-moving target atom. Attenuation cross sections for reactions of Xe/sup n/+ (n = 2, 3, 4) follow approximately a Z/sup 2//sub direct-sum/ charge dependence. A simple classical model based on Coulomb forces yields cross sections with a reasonable fit to the experimental data.
Analysis of the Papillomavirus E2 and Bromodomain Protein Brd4 Interaction Using Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines effectively protect against new infections of up to four HPV subtypes. However, these vaccines are not protective against many other clinically relevant HPV subtypes and are ineffective at treating established HPV infections. There is therefore a significant need for antiviral treatments for persistent HPV infections. A promising anti-HPV drug target is the interaction between the HPV E2 protein and cellular bromodomain-containing protein 4 (Brd4) since this protein complex mediates several processes important for the viral life cycle including viral genome maintenance, replication, and transcription. Using bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) technology, we demonstrate the E2 and Brd4 interaction on both interphase chromatin and mitotic chromosomes throughout mitosis. The E2-Brd4 BiFC was significantly diminished by mutating the Brd4 binding sites in E2 or by a dominant negative inhibitor of the E2-Brd4 interaction, demonstrating the potential of BiFC for identifying inhibitors of this important virus-host interaction. Importantly, when Brd4 was released from chromatin using the bromodomain inhibitor JQ1(+), the E2-Brd4 interacting complex relocated into foci that no longer associate with mitotic chromosomes, pointing to JQ1(+) as a promising antiviral inhibitor of HPV genome maintenance during HPV persistent infection.
The bow shocks and upstream waves of Venus and Mars

Abstract Because they both lack measurable magnetic fields, Venus and Mars are often compared to each other in terms of their solar wind interaction. Upstream from each planet the most distant signs of this interaction occur at the bow shock, and in regions upstream from the shock where plasma waves are observed. In many respects the collisionless shocks at Venus and Mars are quite different. The Martian shock is located slightly farther from the planet (with respect to planetary size) and is more variable than the Venus shock. In addition, the position of the Martian shock is not observed to correlate strongly with solar cycle, unlike at Venus. These differences indicate that the solar wind obstacles at the two planets are somehow quite different. However, the characteristics of observed upstream waves at the two planets (and at other solar system bodies) suggest that similar processes are at work at both shocks, and that the size and shape of the shock do not play significant roles in wave generation or damping. This review compares the observations of the bow shocks and upstream waves at Venus and Mars, with reference to model predictions and observations at Mercury and Earth.
1H NMR analysis of choline metabolites in fine-needle-aspirate biopsies of breast cancer

The relative amounts of choline (Cho), phosphocholine (PC), and glycerophosphocholine (GPC) may be sensitive indicators of breast cancer and the degree of malignancy. Here we implement some simple modifications to a previously developed 1H NMR analysis of fine-needle-aspirate (FNA) biopsies designed to yield sufficient spectral resolution of Cho, PC, and GPC for usable relative quantitation of these metabolites. FNA biopsies of eighteen breast lesions were examined using our modified procedure for direct 1H NMR at 400 MHz. Resonances of choline metabolites and potential interferences were fit using the computer program NUTS. Quantitation of PC, GPC, and Cho relative to each other and to (phospho)creatine was obtained for eleven confirmed cases of infiltrating ductal carcinoma. Reliable results could not be obtained for the remaining cases primarily due to interference from lidocaine anesthetic. Some simple modifications of a previously developed 1H NMR analysis of FNAs yielded sufficient spectral resolution of Cho, PC, and GPC to permit usable relative quantitation at 400 MHz. In 9 of the 11 quantified cases the sum of GPC and Cho exceeded 42 % of the total choline-metabolite peak area.
Divide and Conquer: The European Union Enlargement's Successful Conclusion?

What drives enlargement of the European Union is a topic of great debate and is comparatively undertheorized. This fact is surprising given the degree of long-term membership growth in the European Union. Begun in 1957 as a geographically tight-knit group of six countries (France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg), the European Union has now progressively expanded to a group of 25 countries and will likely reach 27 member states in 2007. Turkey and Croatia began negotiating membership in 2005 and Macedonia was granted candidate status at the 2005 December Summit. Further potential applicants are standing in the wings. Bosnia-Herzegovina, Yugoslavia, Albania, and some of the remaining Russian satellite states (Ukraine, Moldova, and Belarus) will likely pursue future membership bids. A close examination of the final terms of the EU membership agreement involving Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), and the bargaining process by which it was decided, helps illustrate the typically intergovernmental character of the accession process. Some scholars (see, in particular, Fierke and Wiener 1999; Schimmelfennig 2001; Sedelmeier 2001) have suggested that enlargement and the decision of Western states to accept the Central and East European countries has been effectively driven by the constraints of collective identity and social norms, that is, by a sense of “community values.” By contrast, this essay will argue that a more traditional intergovernmental model is better suited to explaining the enlargement process and the final terms of the agreement. Recent intergovernmental approaches (see Moravcsik and Vachudova 2003) that insist on the importance of national interests provide a more realistic assessment of the final impact of these agreements. However, even current intergovernmental accounts underestimate the benefits to West European states and overestimate the benefits and underestimate the costs to new member states. The details of the final agreement document an intense …
Vanadate influence on calcium (45Ca2+) absorption by sorghum root tips

Abstract One‐cm root‐tips of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench cv Funk G522DR, SC574, SC283, or GP‐10 were exposed to calcium (45Ca2+) for 2‐hr at pH 5.5 in the presence of vanadate (0,0.1, 1.0, or 10.0 mM). Genetic variation in vanadate‐untreated absorption of 45Ca2+ was observed. Vanadate inhibited 45Ca2+ uptake in Funk G522DR, SC574, and GP‐10 linearly with the log concentration. In SC283, 0.1 mM vanadate significantly decreased 45Ca2+ absorption; but, 45Ca2+ absorption increased at higher vanadate concentrations.
Ethical considerations of the short-term and long-term health impacts, costs, and educational value of sustainable development projects.

There are over 800 seventh to tenth grade students at the College d’Enseignment Generale (CEG) School in Azove, Benin. Like most children in the developing world, these students lack access to clean water and basic sanitation facilities. These students suffer from parasitic infection and health ailments which could be directly offset with short term aid to supply water and medical aid.
A frequency counter based analog-to-digital converter for a RFID telemetry system

This paper describes a method for determining a digital representation of a value for a remote sensing element using a novel and lower power method of analog to digital conversion. This conversion process is most effective for low-frequency, radio frequency identification (RFID) sensing systems where the sensing element tags are powered by an inductively coupled carrier signal of fixed frequency. The method uses a specially gated frequency counter to create a digital value that is related to the system's carrier frequency and the frequency of variable oscillator used with the sensing element. This conversion method is highly scalable while maintaining a low current consumption. One configuration yields four bits of resolution with a conversion time of 1.34 ms and a current consumption of 30 muA. The ASIC was fabricated on a 1.5 mum CMOS process from AMI Semiconductor.
Neuroanatomical correlates of malingered memory impairment: Event-related fMRI of deception on a recognition memory task

Primary objective: Event-related, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data were acquired in healthy participants during purposefully malingered and normal recognition memory performances to evaluate the neural substrates of feigned memory impairment. Methods and procedures: Pairwise, between-condition contrasts of neural activity associated with discrete recognition memory responses were conducted to isolate dissociable neural activity between normal and malingered responding while simultaneously controlling for shared stimulus familiarity and novelty effects. Response timing characteristics were also examined for any association with observed between-condition activity differences. Outcomes and results: Malingered recognition memory errors, regardless of type, were associated with inferior parietal and superior temporal activity relative to normal performance, while feigned recognition target misses produced additional dorsomedial frontal activation and feigned foil false alarms activated bilateral ventrolateral frontal regions. Malingered response times were associated with activity in the dorsomedial frontal, temporal and inferior parietal regions. Normal memory responses were associated with greater inferior occipitotemporal and dorsomedial parietal activity, suggesting greater reliance upon visual/attentional networks for proper task performance. Conclusions: The neural substrates subserving feigned recognition memory deficits are influenced by response demand and error type, producing differential activation of cortical regions important to complex visual processing, executive control, response planning and working memory processes.
Determination of reactance loading for circularly polarized circular loop antennas with a uniform traveling-wave current distribution

A simple theory is presented to predict the lumped reactance loading for circularly polarized circular loop antennas with a uniform traveling-wave current distribution. The reactive load is located on a circular wire loop of one-wavelength circumference at a position of 45/spl deg/ away from the feed point. To achieve a uniform traveling-wave current distribution, the loading reactance and the input impedances of the loaded and unloaded loop antennas need to satisfy certain conditions. First, the input resistance and the input reactance of the unloaded loop antenna should have the same absolute value. Second, the input impedance of the loaded loop must be purely resistive and its value needs to be two times of the input resistance of the unloaded loop. Third, the loading reactance should be chosen to be two times in value and opposite in sense of the input reactance of the unloaded loop. These conditions can be approximately met when the circular loop is placed above a ground plane. The loading reactance is determined from the input impedance of the unloaded loop and is optimized for an optimal performance of circular polarization. It is found that the reactive load must be capacitive and its value depends on the height of the loop above the ground plane and the thickness of the wire. The characteristics of the circular polarization and the input impedance of the capacitance-loaded circular loop antennas are investigated. An experimental example is presented to verify the theoretical prediction.
Bicyclo[2.1.0]pent‐2‐ene

Bicyclo[2.1.0]pent-2-ene Keywords: annulation, carbocyclic-[M,N]; photochemical reactions; cyclopentadiene, preparation of; cyclopentadiene, drying and storage of; dimsyl anion-dimethyl sulfoxide, preparation of; dimsyl anion-dimethyl sulfoxide, for removal of cyclopentadiene; dimsyl anion-dimethyl sulfoxide; condenser, dry ice-acetone; photochemical apparatus; photochemical apparatus, immersion well, quartz, waterjacketed
SiC Wirebond Multi-Chip Phase-Leg Module Packaging Design and Testing for Harsh Environment

In order to take full advantage of SiC, a high temperature wirebond package for multi-chip phase-leg power module using SiC devices was designed, developed, fabricated and tested. The details of the material selection and thermo-mechanical reliability evaluation are described. High temperature power test shows that the package presented in this paper can perform well at the high junction temperature.
Using concept mapping to uncover students' knowledge structures of chemical bonding concepts

General chemistry is the first undergraduate course in which students further develop their understanding of fundamental chemical concepts. Many of these fundamental topics highlight the numerous conceptual interconnections present in chemistry. However, many students possess incoherent knowledge structures regarding these topics. Therefore, effective assessments are needed to identify these interconnections. The use of concept-mapping and think-aloud interviews to investigate the knowledge structures of undergraduate organic chemistry students' regarding bonding concepts is the focus of this research study. Herein, we spotlight the bonding concepts of electronegativity and polar covalent bonds. In essence, the study found that understanding of electronegativity was weak among students with low concept map scores (LS students) compared to students with high concept map scores (HS students). Additionally, several common misconceptions of electronegativity were revealed through student interviews. An examination of LS student interviews further revealed that a lack of understanding of electronegativity led to a misunderstanding of polar covalent bonding. The think-aloud interviews were a reflection of the connections students made with the concepts of electronegativity and polar covalent bonding in their concept maps. Implications for the chemistry curriculum are also presented.
Large Scale Monitoring and Online Analysis in a Distributed Virtualized Environment

Due to increase in number and complexity of the large scale systems, performance monitoring and multidimensional quality of service (QoS) management has become a difficult and error prone task for system administrators. Recently, the trend has been to use virtualization technology, which facilitates hosting of multiple distributed systems with minimum infrastructure cost via sharing of computational and memory resources among multiple instances, and allows dynamic creation of even bigger clusters. An effective monitoring technique should not only be fine grained with respect to the measured variables, but also should be able to provide a high level overview of the distributed systems to the administrator of all variables that can affect the QoS requirements. At the same time, the technique should not add performance burden to the system. Finally, it should be integrated with a control methodology that manages performance of the enterprise system. In this paper, a systematic distributed event based (DEB) performance monitoring approach is presented for distributed systems by measuring system variables (physical/virtual CPU utilization and memory utilization), application variables (application queue size, queue waiting time, and service time), and performance variables (response time, throughput, and power consumption) accurately with minimum latency at a specified rate. Furthermore, we have shown that proposed monitoring approach can be utilized to provide input to an application monitoring utility to understand the underlying performance model of the system for a successful on-line control of the distributed systems for achieving predefined QoS parameters.
Positive predictors of teacher effectiveness

Some teachers are dramatically more effective than others, but traditional indicators of competence (e.g., certification) explain minimal variance in performance. The rigors of teaching suggest that positive traits that buffer against adversity might contribute to teacher effectiveness. In this prospective longitudinal study, novice teachers (N = 390) placed in under-resourced public schools completed measures of optimistic explanatory style, grit, and life satisfaction prior to the school year. At the conclusion of the school year, teacher effectiveness was measured in terms of the academic gains of students. All three positive traits individually predicted teacher performance. When entered simultaneously, however, only grit and life satisfaction remained significant predictors. These findings suggest that positive traits should be considered in the selection and training of teachers.
Nucleic Acid and Purine Content of the Bone Residue from a Mechanical Poultry Deboning Machine

The nucleic acid and purine content of bone residues from poultry deboning machines were evaluated. There were relatively small variations in the content of these compounds. These variations were mostly associated with type of input material and day to day differences. The content of these compounds in bone residue was generally the same or as lower than what is found in edible meat and poultry products. It does not appear that the nucleic acids or purines in bone residue will preclude its use as a source of protein for human consumption. (Key words.- bone residue, deboning) 1985 Poultry Science 64:660-663
Eastern European Gaming Summit: Gaming Tourism in the Balkans October 5–7, 2009, Sofia, Bulgaria

The second Eastern European Gaming Summit (EEGS) was held from October 5–7, 2009, at the InterExpo & Congress Center in Sofia, Bulgaria. Visitors and delegates from around the world participated in...
Genome‐Wide Fitness and Genetic Interactions Determined by Tn‐seq, a High‐Throughput Massively Parallel Sequencing Method for Microorganisms

The lagging annotation of bacterial genomes and the inherent genetic complexity of many phenotypes is hindering the discovery of new drug targets and the development of new antimicrobials and vaccines. Here we present the method Tn-seq, with which it has become possible to quantitatively determine fitness for most genes in a microorganism and to screen for quantitative genetic interactions on a genome-wide scale and in a high-throughput fashion. Tn-seq can thus direct studies in the annotation of genes and untangle complex phenotypes. The method is based on the construction of a saturated Mariner transposon insertion library. After library selection, changes in frequency of each insertion mutant are determined by sequencing of the flanking regions en masse. These changes are used to calculate each mutant's fitness. The method has been developed for the Gram-positive bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, a causative agent of pneumonia and meningitis; however, due to the wide activity of the Mariner transposon, Tn-seq can be applied to many different microbial species.
Radiative Ignition of Fine-Ammonium Perchlorate Composite Propellants

Radiative ignition of quasi-homogeneous mixtures of ammonium perchlorate (AP) and hydroxyterminated polybutadiene (HTPB) binder has been investigated experimentally. Solid propellants consisting of fine AP (2 μm) and HTPB binder (~ 76/24% by mass) were ignited by CO2 laser radiation. The lower boundary of a go/no-go ignition map (minimum ignition time vs. heat flux) was obtained. Opacity was varied by adding carbon black up to 1% by mass. Ignition times ranged from 0.78 s to 0.076 s for incident fluxes ranging from 60 W/cm2 to 400 W/cm2. It was found that AP and HTPB are sufficiently strongly absorbing of 10.6 μm CO2 laser radiation (absorption coefficient ≈250 cm−1) so that the addition of carbon black in amounts typical of catalysts or opacitymodifying agents (up to 1%) would have only a small influence on radiative ignition times at 10.6 μm. A simple theoretical analysis indicated that the ignition time-flux data are consistent with in-depth absorption effects. Furthermore, this analysis showed that the assumption of surface absorption is not appropriate, even for this relatively opaque system. For broadband visible/near-infrared radiation, such as from burning metal/oxide particle systems, the effects of in-depth absorption would probably be even stronger.
A note on eoq under fund constraints

An algorithm is developed to modify the Wilson Q to account for a short-term expenditure constraint over a catalog of items. Representative results are shown and generalizations made.
The effect of aging on synaptosomal Ca2+ transport in the brain

Abstract The effect of aging on Ca2+ -transport in synaptosomal preparations from rat brains was assessed by measuring the accuinulation of radioactive 45Ca within these particles. Four groups of rats at 6, 12 24 and 30 months of age were used for this study. Synaptosomal particles were isolated from the cerebral cortes of each animal and the radioactive 45Ca inside the particles were ineasured after incubating the particles with media containing an energy source and 45Ca C12. Results indicated that the transport of 45Ca was lower in the younger rats than the older groups. A 20% increase uw consistent with the old rats (30 mo) as compared with the young ones (6 mo). The increase in Ca2+ -transport across synaptic plasma membranes may be related to the transmitter release and behavioral activity after senescence.
Attitudes of high school girls in Israel and the United States toward breast feeding.

Newborns are breast fed more frequently in Israel than in the United States (92% vs. 57%). Differences in the attitudes of the two countries might suggest interventions to increase breast feeding. We studied the breast-feeding attitudes of high school girls in Israel and the United States using a 21-item questionnaire. Israeli girls were significantly more positive about breast feeding than U.S. girls. Israeli girls answered 13 items positively more frequently than U.S. girls, while American girls responded positively more frequently than Israeli girls for only two items. Israeli girls were more likely to plan on breast feeding (68.2% vs. 42.4%). We speculate that interventions designed to improve the breast-feeding attitudes of young people may increase the prevalence of breast feeding.
Greenhouse testing of pears with Pyrus ussuriensis lineage for resistance to Psylla pyricola.

Host resistance to the pear psylla in the greenhouse is demonstrated. The adult, when given a choice, did not frequent a susceptible pear, Pyrus communis L., more than it did a resistant pear (having P. ussuriensis Maximowicz lineage). However, oviposition was reduced and development of the resultant nymphs was delayed on the latter. This delay in development of the pear psylla on resistant pears shows promise in screening pears of unknown susceptibility for resistance to the pear psylla in the greenhouse.
In Vitro Analysis of Cell Salvage Blood Collection with a Laparoscopic Suction Device

Abstract Study Objective To determine whether cell salvage blood collection with a laparoscopic suction device is inferior to use of a traditional Yankauer suction device. Design Prospective, in vitro study. Setting Academic teaching hospital. Interventions Individual units of donated packed red blood cells were diluted with normal saline solution to a hematocrit level of 21%. The blood was divided into 2 equal parts and then suctioned with either a laparoscopic suction device or a Yankauer plastic suction catheter tip connected to double-lumen cell salvage tubing with a diluted heparin drip and a vacuum pressure of 100 mm Hg. Collected blood was processed with a cell salvage device. Red blood cell volume was calculated by multiplying the hematocrit level by the total volume of blood product at the time of testing. Mean hemolysis indexes were compared between the laparoscopic and Yankauer method of blood collection by use of a 2-sample t test. Assuming a clinically acceptable limit of loss to be 7%, percent loss in red blood cell volume was tested with a 95% one-sided confidence limit to assess noninferiority. Measurements and Results The mean hemolysis index was 43.33 with laparoscopic suction method and 34.67 with the Yankauer suction method. The mean difference was 8.67 and was not considered significant (p = .074). The percent loss in red blood cell volume after collection and cell salvage processing was 33.2% with the laparoscopic suction method and 29.57% with the Yankauer method. The mean difference was 3.63% and was within the acceptable 7% loss limit for noninferiority (p = .0278). Conclusions Laparoscopic blood collection is not inferior to the standard Yankauer method for cell salvage collection.
The Potential of Learning Health Care Systems: The SWEDEHEART Example.

The link between type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and cardiovascular disease is strong. Multiple studies have demonstrated that T1DM results in atherosclerosis and inflammation and confers significant risk for cardiac events and that these risks are directly related to glycemic control, as measured
Legal Regime for Use and Protection of International Watercourses in the Southern African Region: Evolution and Context

Water resources management is receiving increased attention worldwide due to the growing realization that most areas of the world face major challenges with regard to the quantitative and qualitative aspects of water. These challenges are attributed to a multitude of factors, the most important of which are the significant increase in population, urbanization, and environmental degradation. Such factors are more apparent in the Southern African Region than in many other parts of the world. The region is, by and large, arid and semi-arid and as a result faces a shortage of water in many areas. Moreover, the high rates of population growth and urbanization threaten to worsen the situation. The region depends, to a large extent, on the waters of river basins, most of which are shared by two or more countries. Under these circumstances, the potential for conflicts over shared water resources exists and is expanding. Thus, the recent conclusion of the Revised Protocol on Shared Watercourses in the Southern African Development Community is a significant step towards averting such conflicts and developing close cooperation for a sustainable, coordinated, and equitable utilization of Southern Africa's shared watercourses. This article examines the water resource problems of the Southern African Development Community Region and discusses and analyzes the Revised Protocol. The article compares the main provisions of the Revised Protocol with an earlier protoco and with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses.
Activation of Na/H exchanger in mesangial cells is associated with translocation of PKC isoforms

We investigated the potential coupling of the Na/H exchanger to protein kinase C (PKC) activation. Mesangial cells (MC), passage 3-8, were exposed to either serotonin (5-HT), arginine vasopressin (AVP), or fibroblast growth factor (FGF). We assessed the effect of these agonists on recovery from an acid load (NH4+/NH3) in the nominal absence of CO2/HCO3. 5-HT, AVP, and FGF significantly enhanced the rate of recovery from 24.2 +/- 4.5 x 10(-4) intracellular pH units/s to 67.7 +/- 5.7, 70.5 +/- 5.1, and 55.7 +/- 6.8, respectively (n > 6, P 4, not significant), whereas FGF stimulated activity (48.2 +/- 5.5, n > 4, P < 0.001). Similar results were found when MC were pretreated with the PKC antagonist, sphingosine. Specific antibodies were raised against alpha-, beta I-, beta II-, and gamma-isoforms of PKC. We observed that MC express the alpha-, gamma-, and beta I-isoforms, but not the beta II-isoform of PKC.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Environment and Solar Map Construction for Solar-Powered Mobile Systems

Energy harvesting using solar panels can significantly increase the operational life of mobile robots. If a map of expected solar power is available, energy efficient paths can be computed. However, estimating this map is a challenging task, especially in complex environments. In this paper, we show how the problem of estimating solar power can be decomposed into the steps of magnitude estimation and solar classification. Then, we provide two methods to classify a position as sunny or shaded: a simple data-driven Gaussian Process method and a method that estimates the geometry of the environment as a latent variable. Both of these methods are practical when the training measurements are sparse, such as with a simple robot that can only measure solar power at its own position. We demonstrate our methods on simulated randomly generated environments. We also justify our methods with measured solar data by comparing the constructed height maps with satellite images of the test environments, and in a cross-validation step where we examine the accuracy of predicted shadows and solar current.
Cadet Opinion of Physical Education at the Air Force Academy

(1962). Cadet Opinion of Physical Education at the Air Force Academy. Research Quarterly. American Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 33, No. 1, pp. 142-143.
Amount of psychological stress reported by high school volleyball officials

All volleyball officials registered with a state high school activities association in a midwestern state were surveyed at the end of the volleyball season to assess their self-reported, psychological stress. Of 470 officials contacted, 353 (75%) responded by filling out a simple 5 point rating scale. The mean rating of stress was 2.3 (SD = .6) (between "very little" and "a moderate amount") which is similar to past findings for certified, amateur baseball and softball umpires.