cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association between hyperlipidemia and microalbuminuria in essential hypertension.

Association between hyperlipidemia and microalbuminuria in essential hypertension. Background Some patients with essential hypertension manifest greater than normal urinary albumin excretion (UAE). A few retrospective studies have suggested that there is an association between microalbuminuria and cardiovascular risk. The reasons for this association are not well established, and they are the object of this review. Methods We found that hypertensive patients with microal-buminuria manifest greater levels of blood pressure, particularly at night. Serum levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and uric acid in patients with microalbuminuria were higher than levels in those with normal UAE, whereas levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in patients with microalbuminuria were lower than levels in patients with normal UAE. Patients with microalbuminuria manifest a greater incidence of insulin resistance, and thicker carotid arteries. After a follow-up of seven years we observed that 12 cardiovascular events occurred among 54 (21.3%) patients with microalbuminuria, and only two such events among 87 patients with normal UAE (P Conclusions These studies suggest that hypertensive individuals with microalbuminuria manifest a variety of biochemical and hormonal derangements with pathogenic potential, which result in greater incidence of cardiovascular events and a greater decline in renal function than do patients with normal UAE.
Rotational excitation in H2–H2 collisions: Close‐coupling calculations

Rotational excitation in molecule−molecule collisions has been treated for the first time by accurate quantum close−coupling scattering calculations, employing an expansion basis set of two to three rotational levels for each molecule and correctly accounting for exchange of identical particles. Elastic and inelastic cross sections have been computed for collisions of para−para, ortho−ortho, and para−ortho hydrogen molecules assuming an intermolecular potential suggested previously. The accuracy of recent ’’effective potential’’ calculations is demonstrated by comparison with the exact quantum results.
A Laser Beam-Heated Miniature Oven for Matrix Isolation Raman Studies

High-temperature Knudsen cells of various designs have been used by a number of investigators to measure the matrix-isolation vibrational spectra of inorganic salts. Recently we have initiated a matrix-isolation laser Raman study of inorganic and coordination compounds. This communication reports the design of a novel miniature oven which is heated by a laser beam to vaporize small quantities of solid compounds. The necessity for such a miniature oven arose when we tried to adapt the Cryogenic Technology Inc. model 21 closed cycle helium refrigerator to our Spex model 1430 sample illuminater. Because the latter is also used for ordinary Raman measurements, we planned to minimize its modification so that the matrix-isolation set-up can be converted easily to the normal configuration. The Spex illuminator is equipped with a high aperture Angenieux lens (f/0.95) with a focal length of 25 mm. However, the usable working distance between the lens and the focal plane is only 16 mm. That necessitated the design of a special Pyrex glass vacuum shroud as shown in Fig. 1 (part 1). This shroud is attached to an aluminum sleeve (part 2) which is attached to the refrigerator (part 3). A gas inlet and an electrical feed-through are housed on the aluminum sleeve (not shown in Fig. 1).
On the "Scientific" Study of Modern Chinese Literature

In his long review of my book 1), Jaroslav Prusek has in effect outlined a program for the "scientific" study of modern Chinese literature; he has defined the historical character and function of that literature and recommended objective methods for its analysis and evaluation. Since, in his view, my book had practically ignored all the premises and methods that should have guided an objective historian of modern Chinese literature, I appear to him the prime example of a subjective critic, and a subjective critic with illfounded political prejudices at that. I am naturally disappointed that a distinguished sinologist should have found my work so unacceptable, though I am quite unconvinced that, however inadequate as a literary historian, I could have so fatally misconceived my task. Indeed I remain completely skeptical whether, beyond the recording of simple incontrovertible facts, the study of
Three-dimensional mammalian cell growth on nonwoven polyester fabric disks

Small disks of nonwoven polyester fabric (NWPF), similar to Fibra-Cel carriers, were surface treated with strong acid and used as a high surface area support matrix for in vitro culture of anchorage dependent MRC-5 cells. The disks can be autoclaved, and require inocula concentrations of only 2-5% of the final cell densities, which have reached 10(8) cells/mL of disk bed volume. Scanning electron microscopy photographs shown herein reveal that cells grow in a multilayered fashion between the randomly arrayed fibers of the nonwoven fabric, emulating in vivo growth.
Verification of Some Short-Cut Formulas for Determining Reliability

A comparison was made of the reliability estimates given by four methods: Kuder-Richardson Formula 20 and 21 (KR20, KR21), and new short-cut estimates of KR20 given by Saupe (1961) based on previous empirical studies by Lord (1959). The tests used for the comparisons consisted of achievement examinations (Cancer Knowledge Examination and classroom tests) and tests of the attitude or personality type purporting to measure anxiety, somatization, repression, unconventionality, social desirability, dogmatism, authoritarianism, and tendency toward variety. The results indicate that the new estimates, r20* and r20′ were better estimates of KR20 than was KR21. The estimate, r20′ is on the average very close to KR20 and can be considered an accurate short-cut alternative to this coefficient. Caution should be exercised, however, in the use of the new estimates for very easy or very difficult tests since for these tests they appear to underestimate KR20.
Methods of Determining the Density of the Earth

I HAVE just seen in the report of the proceedings of the Physical Society (NATURE, January 15, p. 260) the account of the ingenious and very important experiments proposed by Drs. Konig and Richarz to determine the density of the earth. I would suggest that mercury be substituted for lead as the attracting masses. The homogeneity of density, the precision with which its density and temperature can be determined and the ease with which transport from one side of the balance to the other can be effected will commend the use of mercury. The mode of experimenting suggested is the plan of Cornu—used in his determination of the density of the earth by the (Cavendish) Michell experiment—adapted to the same determination by means of the balance.
Things like that don't happen here: Crime, place and real estate in the news

This article investigates the construction of place in crime reporting through bystander quotes in recent crime stories in newspapers from the north-eastern US. These quotes are part of a larger pattern of reporting that highlights environmental features of serenity and peacefulness as antidotes to crime. Against claims that crime in the media is always exaggerated, this research demonstrates how the impact of crime is moderated by declaring it unlikely and by discursively shifting it to other geographic locations. It is argued that crime reporting shares a structural similarity with fictional representations of place found in film, and that this pattern of crime reporting helps to reinforce a suburban consumption ethos.
The distribution of haemoglobin concentration in a sample of native high-altitude women.

SummaryTwo hundred and twenty-two indigenous women living in La Paz, Bolivia at an altitude of 3700m were screened for the haematological parameters of haemoglobin, transferrin saturation, haematocrit and total iron-binding capacity. The data from 152 nonpregnant healthy women under 45 years of age were utilized in both distributional and maximum likelihood analyses in order to evaluate the prevalence of abnormal haemoglobin levels. The prevalence of anaemia and polycythaemia in the population was low and not considered to be a public health problem. Eleven per cent of the population was found to be iron deficient (< 15% transferrin saturation).
Developmental reelin expression and time point-specific alterations from lead exposure in zebrafish.

Abstract Reelin (RELN) is a large glycoprotein that plays critical roles during and after neuronal development. In a previous study utilizing developing zebrafish, the RELN ortholog was in a subset of genes associated with neuronal function that was altered following exposure to 100 ppb Pb at 72 h post-fertilization (hpf). Although RELN is associated with neurodevelopment and neurological diseases, it represents a previously uncharacterized target for developmental Pb neurotoxicity. To further investigate Pb-induced expression decrease of RELN , a more detailed analysis was done using in situ hybridization and quantitative PCR (qPCR) on developing zebrafish at multiple developmental time points and at different exposure concentrations. Time points included in the analysis were 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 and 96 hpf. The four exposure conditions tested were 10, 50 or 100 ppb Pb as well as a control. In situ hybridization demonstrated concentrated expression of the gene in the telencephalon and in midbrain, hindbrain and spinal cord. Expression was less spatially restricted early in development but became isolated to specific cell populations in the central nervous system by 48 hpf. The telencephalon demonstrated a high degree of expression throughout development. Pb exposure did not affect the observed location of expression at any of the time points tested. However, qPCR analysis demonstrated that reln expression statistically decreased in embryos exposed to the highest concentration compared to controls at 60 hpf. No changes in brain morphology as assessed by measuring brain length and no significant increase in the number of apoptotic cells in the brain were observed at the highest exposure concentration. These data demonstrate that a decrease in reln expression occurs following Pb exposure at a concentration below one that results in changes in brain length or in the number of apoptotic cells in the zebrafish model system during a short window and is likely linked to concurrent developmental processes.
A problem related to Foulkes’s conjecture

In this paper we study a class of symmetric matricesT indexed by positive integers m≥ n≥2 and defined as follows: for any positive integersp andq let ℬp,q be the set of partitions ofU = {1,2,3, ...,pq} into p blocks each of sizeq. Letm ≥n ≥ 2 be positive integers. By atransversal of α = A1/A2/.../An ∈ ℬn,m we mean a partitions = B1/B2/.../Bm ∈ ℬ m,n such that ‖A i ∩B j = 1 for every i= 1,2, ...,n and everyj = 1,2, ...,m. LetM be the zero-one matrix with rows indexed by the elements of ℬn,m and columns indexed by the elements of ℬm,n such that Mαs = 1 iffs is a transversal of α. We are interested in finding the eigenvalues and eigenspaces of the symmetric matrixT = MMt. The nonsingularity ofT implies Foulkes’s Conjecture (for these values of m andn). In the casen = 2 we completely determine the eigenvalues and eigenspaces of T and in so doing demonstrate the non-singularity ofT. Forn = 3 we develop a fast algorithm for computing the eigenvalues ofT, and give numerical results in the cases m = 3,4, 5, 6.
The improvement of accuracy of standalone GPS with an alternative positioning algorithm

Commercial standalone Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers suffer from multiple errors including multipath bias and ionospheric signal disturbance, especially in urban environment where GPS signal can be easily affected and altered. There are multiple techniques to solve this issue, yet every method has limitations and certain problems. Furthermore, the positioning accuracy of the commercial low-cost GPS is very poor in urban conditions, in most cases due to multi-path bias. In this paper, a novel method was proposed which introduced certain parameters and weighted coefficients to the existing GPS positioning algorithm in order to compensate the impact of multi-path and poor signal receptions. The measurement accuracy of the commercial GPS receiver with existing algorithms and that of the new algorithm proposed have been studied simultaneously to determine the improvement. Tests performed in Boston metropolitan area, using low-cost off-the-shelf equipment, show that the new method yields over 50% accuracy improvements (RMS) and fewer fluctuations than conventional algorithms implemented. These studies demonstrated that better accuracy could be achieved by considering the relationship between multi-path bias and signal strength. The detailed analysis of applying different parameters in various conditions with experiment results is presented in the paper.
Mass spectrometry and natural variations of iron isotopes

Although the processes that govern iron isotope variations in nature are just beginning to be understood, multiple studies attest of the virtue of this system to solve important problems in geosciences and biology. In this article, we review recent advances in the geochemistry, cosmochemistry, and biochemistry of iron isotopes. In Section 2, we briefly address the question of the nucleosynthesis of Fe isotopes. In Section 3, we describe the different methods for purifying Fe and analyzing its isotopic composition. The methods of SIMS, RIMS, and TIMS are presented but more weight is given to measurements by MC-ICPMS. In Section 4, the isotope anomalies measured in extraterrestrial material are briefly discussed. In Section 5, we show how high temperature processes like evaporation, condensation, diffusion, reduction, and phase partitioning can affect Fe isotopic composition. In Section 6, the various low temperature processes causing Fe isotopic fractionation are presented. These involve aqueous and biologic systems.
A simple, enzymic test for monitoring the efficient thermal pasteurization of chicken egg‐white

Summary A simple, rapid test has been developed to monitor the efficient thermal pasteurization of a single sample of egg-white. The starch-degrading enzyme activity of seventy-two individual raw egg-whites and eighteen samples of commercial bulked raw egg-white has been determined. The enzyme was found in all samples and the variation between bulked samples was small. The enzyme was virtually completely destroyed when egg-white was pasteurized at 57.2°C (135°F) for 2.5 min which are the conditions currently in use commercially in the United Kingdom. A sample of egg-white, pasteurized for 2.5 min failed the test if (a) the temperature fell below 56°C or (b) the sample contained more than 0.15% w/w yolk, or (c) the sample was contaminated after pasteurization with more than 2% w/w of raw egg-white. Storage of raw or pasteurized samples up to 9 months at -20°C or of eggs-in-shell up to 20 days at 20°C did not alter the enzyme activity. The test can be completed in 75 min and several tests can be run simultaneously.
Structural relaxation in thermorheologically complex materials

Abstract Further development and testing of the thermorheologically complex (TC) model is reported. This five-parameter models deals with structural relaxation as a multi-relaxation process. A set of relaxation mechanisms is associated with the distributions of energy barriers and Kauzmann temperatures. The energy barriers decrease and the Kauzmann temperatures increase from slow to fast mechanisms. The TC model can be fully defined using equilibrium data in which case it has only three adjustable and two dependent parameters. The TC model successfully accounts for structural relaxation of glass plates quenched into molten salt and structural relaxation of rapidly cooled fibers — the experimental data that defined the Tool-Narayanaswamy model.
Queer Theory and Discourses of Desire

In her paper "Queer Theory and Discourses of Desire," Louise O. Vasvari proposes that the multiplicity of ways that language constructs -or silences -the socially constructed expression of erotic desire is a necessary complement to the study of gendered and of sexual identity. Vasvari contributes to queer theory and its subfield, queer linguistics, with the term "queer" understood as more inclusive and less male-oriented than "gay" where queer theory seeks to read between and outside the lines of the dominant heteronormative discourses that studies how mainstream reproductive heterosexuality comes to be (re)produced through cultural narratives as self-evident, obligatory, and desirable. Queer theory also aims to examine hitherto unheard of voices, suppressed narratives, as well as the development of counter-hegemonic queer discourses that talk about same-sex and other "perverse" desires and subjectivities. Based on her discussion of queer theory, Vasvari presents and analyses representative samples of queer discourses from a range of cultural texts that serve to encode desire, with the aim of working towards a comparative analysis of heteronormative versus "queer" scripts. While most texts Vasvari discusses are by necessity from English, her paper includes analyses of emerging queer discourses through the example of contemporary Hungarian poetry. Louise O. Vasvari, "Queer Theory and Discourses of Desire" page 2 of 13 CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture 8.1 (2006):
Biophotonics: Through-skull brain imaging

The use of carbon nanotubes makes it possible to perform fluorescent imaging of cerebral vasculature of mice through their intact skulls. The high spatial and temporal resolution of the non-invasive technique may prove useful for studies of stroke and other brain disorders.
Cocaine conditioning: reversal by autoreceptor dose levels of 8-OHDPAT.

Abstract In order to investigate the contribution of serotonergic effects of cocaine to Pavlovian conditioning of cocaine locomotor stimulant effects, two experiments were conducted in which groups of rats ( N = 10) received cocaine treatments (10 mg/kg) paired or unpaired to placement in an open-field environment. Initially, a cocaine conditioned locomotion stimulant effect was established. Next, additional Coc-P and Coc-UP pairings were carried out in conjunction with pretreatment injections of the 5-HT 1A agonist , 8-OHDPAT (0.01, 0.025 and 0.05 mg/kg) or saline. In experiment 1, the Coc-P group which received the saline pretreatment again exhibited conditioning but in the 8-OHDPAT pretreatment Coc-P group conditioning was eliminated. In the second experiment, the protocol of the first experiment was repeated but expanded in the post-conditioning phase to include an 8-OHDPAT plus the 5-HT 1A antagonist pretreatment Coc-P group. As in the first experiment, the 8-OHDPAT pretreatment Coc-P group did not exhibit a cocaine conditioned locomotion stimulant effect; whereas, the saline pretreatment Coc-P and the 8-OHDPAT plus WAY-100635 pretreatment Coc-P groups did exhibit the cocaine conditioned locomotion stimulant effect. These findings are consistent with an important role for serotonin in the maintenance of cocaine Pavlovian conditioned effects.
Control of magnetic properties in metallo-organic thin films

Magnetic metallo-organic thin films have been prepared at different growth temperatures to characterize the influence of structural properties on the magnetic characteristics. A quantitative analysis of the grain size shows that the growth temperature increases the elliptical grain size considerably. Long grains of planar iron phthalocyanine form quasi one-dimensional iron chains, which are embedded in a carbon matrix along the other two dimensions. The chains are narrowly spaced (1.3 nm) and run parallel to the substrate. Temperature-dependent magnetization curves depend on the structural details of the iron chains. These magnetic properties are tuned with deposition parameters.
Personalidade e reações afetivas à exploração de carreira

Este estudo pretende avaliar relacoes entre as dimensoes de personalidade e as reacoes afetivas a exploracao de carreira em um grupo de estudantes universitarios. A amostra e composta por um total de 115 estudantes universitarios, 72 mulheres (63%) e 43 homens (37%), com idades compreendidas entre os 23 e os 65 anos (M= 31.28, DP= 10.58). As medidas utilizadas foram o Inventario de Personalidade NEOPI - R, para avaliar as dimensoes de personalidade, e as medidas de satisfacao com a informacao, stress antecipado com a exploracao e stress antecipado com a decisao do Career Exploration Survey, para avaliar as reacoes a exploracao vocacional. A partir dos resultados da analise de regressao, identificou-se uma relacao negativa entre a satisfacao com a informacao e o neuroticismo, e uma relacao negativa entre o stress com a decisao e a idade. Sao discutidas as implicacoes dos resultados para a intervencao vocacional.
A means for studying mandibular movements.

Abstract A system designed with these four requirements as the primary objectives has been developed. That the last three requirements have been attained is certain, and it can be substantiated by a critical engineering evaluation. As to the first requirement of allowing preconscious chewing, no effort was spared to make the instrument light, compact, and free-working, and the connection of it to the subject's teeth as minimal and accommodating as possible. While the evaluation of this requirement must be a subjective and individual one, initial tests indicate that the requirement has been satisfied.
Neurobiology of Resilience

Humans exhibit a remarkable degree of resilience in the face of extreme stress, with most resisting the development of neuropsychiatric disorders. Over the past 5 years, there has been increasing interest in the active, adaptive coping mechanisms of resilience; however, in humans, most published work focuses on correlative neuroendocrine markers that are associated with a resilient phenotype. In this review, we highlight a growing literature in rodents that is starting to complement the human work by identifying the active behavioral, neural, molecular and hormonal basis of resilience. The therapeutic implications of these findings are important and can pave the way for an innovative approach to drug development for a range of stress-related syndromes.
Juvenile cerebral arteriosclerosis and other cerebral arteriopathies of childhood--six autopsied cases.

Six autopsied cases of rare cerebrovascular diseases of childhood have been presented, including arteriosclerosis, alternating hemiparesis (“moyamoya” syndrome), phyototic aneurysm caused by an awn of grass, arterio-occlusive infarct occurring near the time of birth, necrotizing arteritis predominantly affecting the nervous system and infantile thrombosis with cerebral infarction associated with tuberous sclerosis. These cases have raised some important but difficult questions with regard to the pathogenesis of strokes during childhood as compared to adulthood, especially whether cerebral arteriosclerosis is a response to diverse injuries during childhood and young adulthood, and whether there is a factor which protects the cerebral arteries during infancy and childhood such that the systemic arteries bear the brunt of vascular disease as compared to adulthood. In addition, a reasonable classification of cerebral arterial diseases during childhood (based on tissue diagnoses) is presented and discussed.
Solvent, N-alkyl substituent and coordination effects on the electrochemistry of 2,11-diaza-5,8-dithia[12](1,1')ferrocenophanes

Abstract The synthesis of N, N-diethyi-2,11-diaza-5,8-dithia[12](1,1')ferrocenophane (6), cyclic voltammetric studies of diazadithiaferrocenophanes in ten organic solvents and the electrochemical characteristics of four diazadithiaferrocenophane complexes with palladium(II) are reported with the objective of better understanding the factors which govern Fe-S bonding in such compounds. As compared with the N-decyl analog 7 (E1/2(FeIII/II = 727 mV vs. SHE), the half-wave reduction potential of 6 (388 mV) in acetonitrile solution (25°C, 0.1 M N(uBu)4ClO4) is displaced by 0.34 V to more negative potential. However, the E1/2 values for 6 and 7 are essentially identical (average of 0.39 ± 0.02 V) in butyronitrile, benzonitrile, dichloromethane, N,N-dimethylformamide, acetone and methanol. On this basis it is concluded that conformations which permit FeII-S bonding in 7 are supported by hydrophobic attractions between the N-decyl substituents. The perturbation of Fe-S bonding by coordination of S and/or N atoms to PdII was examined by preparing [7]PdCl2, [6]PdCl2. 2HCl, [6]Pd(CA). 2H2O and [7]Pd(CA), where CA2- = 2,5-dioxo-3,6-dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone (chloranilate dianion). Electrochemical and 13C NMR findings suggest that both ferrocenophane sulfur atoms ligate PdII in the former three complexes, while [7]Pd(CA) prefers ligation through both N and S donor atoms, leaving one thioether S to interact with the FeII center.
ATOC: Sound Policy or Enviro-Vandalism? Aspects of a Modern Media-Fueled Policy Issue

The recent debate surrounding the effects on marine mammals of the proposed Acoustic Thermometry of Ocean Climate (ATOC) experiment has revealed sharp incongruities in approach by the public, their elected representatives and the scientists behind the program. Much of the current outcry has arisen as a byproduct of rapidly evolving environmental attitudes and information technology to which none of the key parties to the issue has yet fully adjusted. The process of dissemination and assimilation of scientific information that guides the progress of issues of increasing complexity is no longer in equilibrium with evolving technology. Specifically; this paper argues that there are two crucial components to an incipient instability in public and official response to emerging scientific policy issues: (1) The extremely rapid and broad dissemination of information made possible by the information highway, and (2) The great pressure to paraphrase and attempt to formulate a position without investing the full re...
Nanometer-Scale Optical Imaging of Epitaxially Grown GaN and InN Islands Using Apertureless Near-Field Microscopy†

Nanometer-scale chemical imaging of epitaxially grown gallium nitride (GaN) and indium nitride (InN) islands is performed using scattering-type apertureless near-field scanning optical microscopy (ANSOM). The scattering of 633 nm laser radiation is modulated by an oscillating metallic probe, and the scattered radiation is detected by homodyne amplification, followed by high-harmonic demodulation, yielding optical near-field scattering maps with a spatial resolution better than 30 nm. The image contrast between InN and GaN, and the tip-sample distance dependence, can be qualitatively explained by a simple dipole-coupling model. The ANSOM images of InN and GaN also show structures that are absent in the topographic counterpart, and these substructures are explained by the variations of the local dielectric environment of InN and GaN.
Effects of spatial and temporal variations in aerosol properties on mean cloud albedo

[1] The mean cloud albedo over a spatial or temporal domain depends not only on the mean cloud condensation nucleus (CCN) spectrum but also on the CCN spectrum variation. When the variation of CCN spectrum is neglected, cloud albedo calculated using the mean CCN spectrum is positively biased. The CCN spectrum variation due to either variation in size distribution or chemical composition, as well as its corresponding effect on mean cloud albedo, was investigated using data collected at Pt. Reyes, California, during the July 2005 Marine Stratus Experiment (MASE). Even when the variation in chemical composition during the entire 28-day project is neglected, the error in mean cloud albedo is small, and the corresponding error in mean upwelling irradiance is less than 0.5 W/m2. This small and nonsystematic error over such an extended period suggests that for study of mean cloud albedo and upwelling irradiance, the CCN spectrum can be parameterized using the average particle chemical composition or particle activation diameter based on location or air mass type. In contrast, neglecting the variation in aerosol size distribution or CCN spectrum results in positive bias in mean cloud albedo. The bias increases superlinearly with the relative standard deviation of CCN concentration over the domain of interest. On the basis of the MASE data, the average bias in mean upwelling irradiance within grid cells of typical global models ranges 0.4–0.5 W/m2 when only the variation of aerosol size distribution is neglected and increases to 0.5–0.7 W/m2 when the variation of CCN spectrum is neglected. The bias in mean upwelling irradiance can potentially, albeit infrequently, reach 12 W/m2 within grid cells of typical global models if the mean cloud albedo is derived using the mean size distribution or mean CCN spectrum. This suggests accurate evaluation of mean cloud albedo requires the variation of CCN spectrum or aerosol size distribution be taken into consideration, at least for high variability of CCN concentration.
Analytical expression for a composite right/left-handed transmission line based on the mittag-leffler series expansion

An analytical expression for the admittance matrix of a lossy composite right/left-handed transmission line (CRLH-TL) based on the Mittag–Leffler series expansion is presented. This expression can be used to model a periodic CRLH-TL with an expansion truncated to a small number of terms over a prescribed frequency range, which provides the transient response of the line in a faster and more efficient manner than full lumped-element analysis. A numerical study comparing the admittance parameters calculated using the ideal-TL infinitesimal model, the lumped-element model, and the Mittag–Leffler expansion (MLE) is conducted. The transient responses of a CRLH-TL using the lumped-element model and the MLE are compared. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 43: 26–29, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20364
The translational energy distributions for metal atoms and ions produced via visible laser MPD/MPI of group 13 metal alkyls and MPI of aluminum and indium atomic beams

The nascent translational energy distributions of group 13 metal ions produced via multiphoton dissociation and multiphoton ionization (MPD/MPI) of their trimethyl derivatives and via multiphoton ionization of metal atomic beams have been measured using time-of-flight mass-spectroscopy. In all cases the ion production was isotropic and the translational energy distribution was approximately Boltzmann. For ionization of free aluminum and indium atoms translational temperatures of 6K and 4K were measured, corresponding to most probable velocities of 60 and 24 ms−1. From multiphoton dissociation of trimethylaluminum, trimethylgallium, and trimethylindium, translational temperatures of 1800, 700, and 900 K resulted. These correspond to velocities of ∼1000, 400, and 350 ms−1. A photodissociation mechanism involving elimination of ethane followed by dissociation of monomethyl metal intermediates to produce metal atoms is in reasonable agreement with the experimental data. The nascent velocities of metal atoms and ions from the metal alkyl and metal beam sources are used to assess the potential of these sources for microfabrication of metal structures.
Liquid simulation on lattice-based tetrahedral meshes

We describe a method for animating incompressible liquids with detailed free surfaces. For each time step, semi-Lagrangian contouring computes a new fluid boundary (represented as a fine surface triangulation) from the previous time step's fluid boundary and velocity field. Then a mesh generation algorithm called isosurface stuffing discretizes the region enclosed by the new fluid boundary, creating a tetrahedral mesh that grades from a fine resolution at the surface to a coarser resolution in the interior. The mesh has a structure, based on the body centered cubic lattice, that accommodates graded tetrahedron sizes but is regular enough to aid efficient point location and to save memory used to store geometric properties of identical tetrahedra. Although the mesh is warped to conform to the liquid boundary, it has a mathematical guarantee on tetrahedron quality, and is generated very rapidly. Each successive time step entails creating a new triangulated liquid surface and a new tetrahedral mesh. Semi-Lagrangian advection computes velocities at the current time step on the new mesh. We use a finite volume discretization to perform pressure projection required to enforce the fluid's incompressibility, and we solve the linear system with algebraic multigrid. A novel thickening scheme prevents thin sheets and droplets of liquid from vanishing when their thicknesses drop below the mesh resolution. Examples demonstrate that the method captures complex liquid motions and fine details on the free surfaces without suffering from excessive volume loss or artificial damping.
Structure-function relationships in the peroxisome: implications for human disease.

Abstract Progress relevant to human peroxisomal disorders over the past 3 years includes improved biochemical delineation of disease phenotypes and new insights into peroxisomal structure and biogenesis. Immunoblotting studies using antibodies to peroxisomal β-oxidation enzymes have defined mutations affecting each step of the pathway, some with clinical phenotypes as severe as disorders with global peroxisome deficiency. The latter disorders, typified by Zellweger syndrome, often lack matrix proteins but retain major membrane species of 150, 70, 35, and 22 kDa in empty peroxisomal “ghost” structures. The hypothesis that peroxisomal deficiency disorders result from altered targeting or import of peroxisomal matrix proteins has been strengthened by the demonstration of a carboxy terminal peroxisome-targeting signal which is distinct from amino terminal signals directing proteins to mitochondria. A mutation which mistargets alanine/glyoxylate aminotransferase from peroxisomes to mitochondria in primary hyperoxaluria provides a graphic example of these signals. The structural significance of membrane function is supported by the primacy of membrane assembly in normal ontogeny or regenerating liver. The coordinate control, targeting, and striking inducibility of peroxisomal proteins suggests a potential vehicle for gene and enzyme therapy.
The effect of new insurance coverage on the health status of low-income children in Santa Clara County.

A recent study by Embry Howell and Christopher Trenholm shows that new health insurance coverage (?Healthy Kids?) for undocumented children in Santa Clara County, California led to significant improvement in the children?s health according to several measures. Few past studies have shown this relationship. Results are reported in an article in Health Services Research at http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1475-6773.2006.00625.x
Well-posedness of KdV with higher dispersion

It is shown that if the dispersion of the KdV equation is replaced by a higher order dispersion @?"x^m, where m>=3 is an odd integer, then the critical Sobolev exponent for local well-posedness on the circle does not change. That is, the resulting equation is locally well-posed in H^s(T), s>=-1/2.
More Power to the Pill: The Impact of Contraceptive Freedom on Women's Life Cycle Labor Supply

The release of Enovid in 1960, the first birth control pill, afforded U. S. women unprecedented freedom to plan childbearing and their careers. This paper uses plausibly exogenous variation in state consent laws to evaluate the causal impact of the pill on the timing of first births and extent and intensity of women's labor-force participation. The results suggest that legal access to the pill before age 21 significantly reduced the likelihood of a first birth before age 22, increased the number of women in the paid labor force, and raised the number of annual hours worked.
A Study of Asperity Interactions in EHL Line Contacts

A computer program capable of simulating thermal micro-EHL is used to study asperity interactions in EHL line contacts. The study progresses from a pair of two-dimensional asperity ridges that interact at various locations within an EHL conjunction, to two sinusoidal wavy surfaces, and finally to surfaces with random-like roughness structures. Two values of slide-to-roll ratio, 0.1 and 0.5, are used representing low sliding and high sliding conditions typically found in gear teeth contacts. Results obtained suggest that in EHL line contacts with transversely oriented surface roughness, the asperities collide more frequently with the lower slide-to-roll ratio. The results further suggest that the collisions occur more easily in the central-outlet region of the contact when the slide-to-roll ratio is low, and they occur more easily in the inlet-central region of the contact when the slide-to-roll ratio is high. A more complete analysis needs to be carried out when the structures of surface roughness are mor...
Inductive and inhibitory effects of non-ortho-substituted polychlorinated biphenyls on estrogen metabolism and human cytochromes P450 1A1 and 1B1

The effects of a series of non-ortho-substituted polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on human cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), a 17beta-estradiol (E2) 2-hydroxylase, and P450 1B1 (CYP1B1), an E2 4-hydroxylase, were investigated in HepG2 and MCF-7 cells. Elevated rates of 2- and 4-methoxyestradiol (2- and 4-MeOE2) formation in PCB-treated cultures were measured as activities of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1, respectively. Of the congeners investigated, 3,4,4',5-tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 81), 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 126), and 3,4',5-trichlorobiphenyl (PCB 39) caused marked stimulation of E2 metabolism in both cell lines. Northern blot analyses confirmed that exposure of MCF-7 cells to PCBs 81, 126, and 39 caused highly elevated levels of the CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 mRNAs. Exposure of MCF-7 cells to 3,3',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 169) resulted in elevated levels of the CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 mRNAs, but did not cause elevated rates of E2 metabolism; rather, 4-MeOE2 production was depressed to below control levels in PCB 169-treated cultures. PCB 169 also inhibited the 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-induced 4-MeOE2 and, to a lesser extent, 2-MeOE2 production in MCF-7 cells, as did PCB 126 and several other congeners. In microsomal assays, inhibition of cDNA-expressed human CYP1B1 by PCBs 169 and 126 was demonstrated. These studies with one subgroup of PCBs, the non-ortho-substituted congeners, underscore the complexity and diversity of effects of PCBs, as individual congeners were found both to induce expression and to inhibit activity of human CYP1B1 and CYP1A1.
Binding of the Gene Repressor BlaI to the bla Operon in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

The expression of the gene products in many methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains is regulated by the gene repressor BlaI. Here we show that BlaI is a mixture of monomer and dimer at in vivo concentrations, binds to the operator regions preferentially as a monomeric protein, and the measured dissociation constants and in vivo concentrations account for the basal level transcription of the resistance genes. These observations for the first time provide a quantitative picture of the processes that take place in the cytoplasm that lead to the induction of antibiotic resistance factors to counter the challenge by β-lactams.
Development of a physical model of UV induced bulk photoconduction in silicon dioxide and application to charging damage

Processing plasmas are a source of intense VUV photons, with the potential to induce photoconduction in dielectrics. The authors present measurements of the photon flux incident on the wafer done to collect the data required to construct a model. An analytical model was constructed that successfully matches these experimental results. This model was then used to predict the effect of photoconduction on plasma charging damage during PECVD.
Demonstration of wavelength-insensitive biasing using an electrooptic polymer modulator

Wavelength-insensitive biasing (WIB) of an optical intensity modulator was demonstrated using the photobleaching technique to control the initial phase difference of the electrooptic polymer modulator. The WIB technique reduced the wavelength sensitivity of the bias point at 1550 nm by a factor of 17.
The Neurospora crassa genome: cosmid libraries sorted by chromosome.

A Neurospora crassa cosmid library of 12,000 clones (at least nine genome equivalents) has been created using an improved cosmid vector pLorist6Xh, which contains a bacteriophage lambda origin of replication for low-copy-number replication in bacteria and the hygromycin phosphotransferase marker for direct selection in fungi. The electrophoretic karyotype of the seven chromosomes comprising the 42.9-Mb N. crassa genome was resolved using two translocation strains. Using gel-purified chromosomal DNAs as probes against the new cosmid library and the commonly used medium-copy-number pMOcosX N. crassa cosmid library in two independent screenings, the cosmids were assigned to chromosomes. Assignments of cosmids to linkage groups on the basis of the genetic map vs. the electrophoretic karyotype are 93 +/- 3% concordant. The size of each chromosome-specific subcollection of cosmids was found to be linearly proportional to the size of the particular chromosome. Sequencing of an entire cosmid containing the qa gene cluster indicated a gene density of 1 gene per 4 kbp; by extrapolation, 11,000 genes would be expected to be present in the N. crassa genome. By hybridizing 79 nonoverlapping cosmids with an average insert size of 34 kbp against cDNA arrays, the density of previously characterized expressed sequence tags (ESTs) was found to be slightly <1 per cosmid (i.e., 1 per 40 kbp), and most cosmids, on average, contained an identified N. crassa gene sequence as a starting point for gene identification.
Microscopy with microlens arrays: high throughput, high resolution and light-field imaging

We demonstrate highly parallelized fluorescence scanning microscopy using a refractive microlens array. Fluorescent beads and rat femur tissue are imaged over a 5.5 mm x 5.5 mm field of view at a pixel throughput of up to 4 megapixels/s and a resolution of 706 nm. We also demonstrate the ability to extract different perspective views of a pile of microspheres.
Mechanical discoordination increases continuously after the onset of left bundle branch block despite constant electrical dyssynchrony in a computational model of cardiac electromechanics and growth

Aims To test whether a functional growth law leads to asymmetric hypertrophy and associated changes in global and regional cardiac function when integrated with a computational model of left bundle branch block (LBBB). Methods and results In recent studies, we proposed that cardiac myocytes grow longer when a threshold of maximum fibre strain is exceeded and grow thicker when the smallest maximum principal strain in the cellular cross-sectional plane exceeds a threshold. A non-linear cardiovascular model of the beating canine ventricles was combined with the cellular growth law. After inducing LBBB, the ventricles were allowed to adapt in shape over time in response to mechanical stimuli. When subjected to electrical dyssynchrony, the combined model of ventricular electromechanics, haemodynamics, and growth led to asymmetric hypertrophy with a faster increase of wall mass in the left ventricular (LV) free wall (FW) than the septum, increased LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, and decreased LV ejection fraction. Systolic LV pressure decreased during the acute phase of LBBB and increased at later stages. The relative changes of these parameters were similar to those obtained experimentally. Most of the dilation was due to radial and axial fibre growth, and hence altered shape of the LVFW. Conclusion Our previously proposed growth law reproduced measured dyssynchronously induced asymmetric hypertrophy and the associated functional changes, when combined with a computational model of the LBBB heart. The onset of LBBB leads to a step increase in LV mechanical discoordination that continues to increase as the heart remodels despite the constant electrical dyssynchrony.
Coterie templates: a new quorum construction method

One approach to distributed mutual exclusion algorithms is the use of quorums. Quorum-based algorithms offer the advantage of protocol symmetry, spreading effort and responsibility uniformly across the distributed system. In this paper, we present an O(logn) algorithm to generate coterie templates of near-optimal O(n/sup 0.63/) size. Coterie templates are generic quorum structures that exhibit several desirable properties such as fault tolerance, symmetry and low storage cost. In addition, coteries can be instantiated from the template to reflect desirable network characteristics.
TWO FACES OF BAIL REFORM: AN ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF PRETRIAL STATUS ON DISPOSITION PRETRIAL FLIGHT AND CRIME IN HOUSTON

Bail reform is under attack by public officials historically identified with the cause of social justice. Release on personal recognizance is increasingly assailed as significantly contributing to the problem of pretrial flight and crime. Are these observations valid or have such reforms represented a step toward equal justice-without seriously threatening public safety? To test the argument against bail reform, the authors analyzed the outcome of randomly selected felony cases in Houston, Texas. All defendants were monitored by a computerized information system for athirty month period. The results of the major hypotheses were mixed. Pretrial status was found to have no significant effect on conviction outcome. However, as expected, a significantly higher proportion of convicted detained defendants were sentenced to prison than their bonded counterparts. While failure to appear rate was found relatively high for both defendants released on recognizance and money bail, the actual fugitive rate (2%) and pretrial crime rate (7%) for total bonded defendants were low. Finally the results indicated that bail reform, as experienced in this major southwestern jurisdication, has not significantly affected pretrial flight or crime.
Microstructural Characterization of Epitaxial Bottom Electrodes, Buffered Layers, and Ferroelectric thin Films

Three subjects are covered in this paper. First, a set of criteria are established to explain how epitaxial growth can be achieved for sol-gel processed ferroelectric thin films. These criteria describe the conversion of amorphous films to epitaxial films. Second, we report the microstructures of ion beam sputtered buffer layers, (100) MgO on (100) Si, and epitaxial bottom electrodes, (100) Pt on (100) MgO and (111) Pt on (0001) A12O3, for the integration of ferroelectric films with various types of substrates. Third, microstructures of the multilayered epitaxial films, (001) YBa2Cu307-δ on (100) KNbO3/(100) MgO and (100) KNbO3 on (100) MgO/(100) Si, are characterized. The results indicate that high quality epitaxial multilayered films can be obtained under the proper processing conditions.