cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Flux-dependent anisotropic pellet diffusivity in particle-resolved CFD simulations of fixed beds

Abstract The implementation of multicomponent diffusion in porous catalyst particles into resolved-particle fixed bed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) presents challenges. Usually an isotropic effective diffusivity is employed for each species, which includes molecular diffusion, Knudsen diffusion and viscous flow. To obtain this quantity, constant and isotropic molar flux ratios are assumed. In fixed bed models, pellets composed of isotropic materials are situated in non-isotropic fluid-phase gradients in the bed, which call the assumptions into question. In this paper we present an extended model using a non-isotropic effective diffusivity tensor, which allows evaluation of the flux assumptions. The method is illustrated for resolved particle steady-state CFD simulations of ethylene oxidation in small test beds of spheres and four-hole cylinders. Comparisons to the original constant molar flux ratio model are made, which show that the flux changes affect reaction, species and temperature profiles in the particles, and are stronger in particles with longer diffusion paths. Larger differences between results from the two diffusion models are also seen when the effective diffusivity is decreased by reducing porosity and increasing tortuosity, typical of a reaction system where deactivation increases by carbon deposition.
Performance Comparisons of Synchronous and Uncontrolled Rectifiers for 27.12 MHz Wireless Power Transfer Using CMCD Converters

High-frequency (HF) and very-high-frequency (VHF) operation benefits wireless power transfer (WPT) in miniaturization and resilience. It is largely uninvestigated whether synchronous rectifiers or uncontrolled rectifiers have better performance, especially regarding efficiency, for HF-VHF WPT. We investigate 27.12 MHz wireless power transfer rectifiers using current-mode class D (CMCD) converters. A rectifier model and resonant condition in the receiver side are derived based on our previous model. We employed GaN FETs, diode-connected GaN FETs, and Si Schottky diodes in the CMCD rectifiers. Prototypes demonstrate a proof of principle and peak efficiency of 74.4% with output power of 14 W is achieved at the load side with the uncontrolled rectifier using diode-connected GaN FETs, which is the best performance among them.
Associations of Accelerometer-Measured Sedentary Time and Physical Activity With Prospectively Assessed Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: The CARDIA Study.

Background Isotemporal substitution examines the effect on health outcomes of replacing sedentary time with light‐intensity physical activity or moderate‐to‐vigorous intensity physical activity; ho...
Effects of Irrigation Rate and Media on Growth of Acer rubrum L. in Large Containers

Abstract Acer rubrum L. seedlings were grown in 38 1 (# 10) containers with 4 irrigation rates of 50%, 100%, 200%, 400% replacement of net evaporation and 3 media types of 100% pine bark; pine bark...
The translation of an evidence-based preschool physical activity intervention from in-person to online delivery of professional development to preschool teachers

Study of Health and Activity in Preschool Environments (SHAPES) aimed to increase preschoolers' physical activity by engaging preschool teachers in professional development designed to modify instructional practices. SHAPES originated as a randomized controlled trial, tested in 16 preschools and disseminated to 4 control schools, and was shown to be effective in increasing preschool children's physical activity (Phase I, 2008-2012). This article describes the steps taken to translate an evidence-based physical activity intervention, SHAPES, from in-person delivery to online delivery of professional development to preschool teachers. In Phase II (2013-2016), professional development delivery was modified from an in-person to an online program for preschool teachers. Teacher implementation completeness and fidelity were examined in 10 pilot preschools and then replicated in 30 preschools. Large-scale dissemination of SHAPES began in Phase III (2017-2019), reaching 818 teachers from 228 unique centers after 2 years. The final SHAPES program consisted of six online modules, an accompanying guidebook, over 90 activities, self-assessment techniques, a video library, and an electronic community forum. The SHAPES core elements, defined in Phase I, were retained throughout all three phases. The Phase II change to online delivery was characterized by high levels of implementation completeness and fidelity. Results of Phase III statewide dissemination revealed comparable implementation completeness and fidelity. An intervention shown to be effective in a randomized controlled trial can be translated into an online professional development program and disseminated on a large scale in a timely manner.
DNN Approximation of Nonlinear Finite Element Equations

We investigate the potential of applying (D)NN ((deep) neural networks) for approximating nonlinear mappings arising in the finite element discretization of nonlinear PDEs (partial differential equations). As an application, we apply the trained DNN to replace the coarse nonlinear operator thus avoiding the need to visit the fine level discretization in order to evaluate the actions of the true coarse nonlinear operator. The feasibility of the studied approach is demonstrated in a two-level FAS (full approximation scheme) used to solve a nonlinear diffusion-reaction PDE.
Distributed Intelligent Algorithm for Interdependent Electrified Transportation and Power Networks

Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEVs) play a pivotal role in transportation electrification. The flexible nature of PEVs' charging demand can be utilized for reducing charging cost as well as optimizing the operating cost of power and transportation networks. Utilizing charging flexibility of geographically spread PEVs requires design and implementation of efficient optimization algorithms. To this end, we propose a fully distributed algorithm to solve the PEVs' Cooperative Charging with Power constraints (PEV-CCP). Our solution considers the electric power limits that originate from physical characteristics of charging station, such as on-site transformer capacity limit, and allows for containing charging burden of PEVs on the electric distribution network. Our approach also enables plug-and-play and valley-filling capabilities of PEV charge scheduling. It distributes computation among agents (PEVs) to solve the PEV-CCP problem in a distributed fashion through an iterative interaction between neighboring agents. The structure of each agent's update functions ensures an agreement on a price signal while enforcing individual PEV constraints. In addition to converging towards the globally-optimum solution, our algorithm ensures the feasibility of each PEV's decision at each iteration. We have tested performance of the proposed approach using a fleet of PEVs. Simulation results verify the plug-and-play capability of the proposed approach by efficiently tracking the changes in terms of arrival/depart of PEVs.
infection control: Environmental surveillance not relevant in monitoring TB, hepatitis spread

(1974). infection control: Environmental surveillance not relevant in monitoring TB, hepatitis spread. Hospital Topics: Vol. 52, No. 7, pp. 46-50.
Salvaged lumber for Structural Mass Timber Panels: Manufacturing and Testing

Portland, OR, was the first US city to implement a deconstruction ordinance in 2016. Although salvaged lumber can have a high demand, the market for small-sized lumber from deconstructed dwellings is near saturation. New applications for this material are required for market development, industry diversification, and increasing deconstruction practices. Mass timber products such as cross-laminated timber (CLT) could be a new market for this material, but presently there is minimal information qualifying the performance of mass timber panels made with salvaged lumber. Three, full-sized 3-ply experimental layups, with varying amounts of salvaged/recycled wood content, were manufactured and tested to characterize panel properties. Manufacturing processes and testing methods followed ANSI/APA PRG 320-2018; Standard for Performance Rated Cross-Laminated Timber. Each panel layup had three replicates for nine panels in total. Panels measured 1.1 m by 2.3 m by 3 plys, and test results were used to calculate the effective flatwise bending moment resistance (( F b S ) eff ), effective flatwise bending stiffness ((EI) eff ) effective shear stiffness in flatwise bending ((GA) eff ), flatwise shear resistance (V s ), percent wood failure (WF%), and percent delamination (Delamination %). Results were compared with E3 grade 3-ply CLT panels made in the United States and indicated that salvaged lumber could be used as feedstock for mass timber panels in core layers or all layers. All panel layups passed benchmarks for ( F b S ) eff and (EI) eff benchmarks with values greater than PRG320. Panels having salvaged lumber in core layer also met V s benchmarks. Furthermore, all panels passed examination for WF% but struggled to meet delamination requirements. Possibilities exist for better performance if panels were made in a commercial setting. This research shows salvaged lumber has promise for manufacturing structural CLT, but more research and a larger samples size is needed to verify findings.
Grounding Chinese investment: encounters between Chinese capital and local land politics in Laos

Mainstream portrayals of Chinese overseas land investments tend to treat Chinese capital as monolithic, synonymous with the Chinese state, and extracting resources from other countries unhindered. ...
Proverbs of administration at 75: Long live proverbs?:

On the 75th anniversary of Herbert A Simon’s “Proverbs of Administration,” it is fitting to consider its place in the public administration canon, with an eye to contemporary realities. In Proverbs...
Digest: Three sexes from two loci in one genome: A haploid alga expands the diversity of trioecious species.

Multicellular eukaryotes exhibit a remarkable diversity of sexual systems; however, trioecy, the coexistence of male, female, and cosexual or hermaphrodite individuals in a single species, is remarkably rare. Takahashi et al. (2021) report the first known instance of trioecy in a haploid organism. In contrast to other known cases of trioecy, the authors report evidence for genetic control of all three sexes by two loci. These results complicate models for sexual system turnover and expand the known diversity of trioecy species in several ways.
The protein and transcript profiles of human semen

The increasing use of “-omics” (genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, epigenomic, and metabolomic) high-throughput measurement technologies over the past decade is beginning to reveal the complexity of human biology and physiology through the interactions of DNA, RNA, related proteins and small molecules. In reproductive medicine, the majority of this work, has thus far focused on the female factors, e.g., the oocyte, since they provide both the environment and the majority of elements required for embryogenesis. State-of-the-art sequencing and computational analyses have enabled a deeper understanding of the underlying components. Contrary to being simply a silent delivery vehicle to the oocyte of the packaged male DNA, sperm provide both a specific epigenetically marked genome together with a complex population of RNAs and proteins that are crucial for early embryogenesis. In addition to the sperm, seminal fluid appears to serve multiple roles providing a supplementary series of components that allow the sperm to successfully reach and fertilize the oocyte and prepare the female immune system to tolerate the semiallosteric embryo. A global analysis and review of what is presently known regarding the unique role of each component of the male factor and their associated interactions begins to shed light on this emergent field.
Purification and characterization of Thymidine 5-monophosphate kinase from Escherichia coli B.

Thymidylate kinase was purified about 5000-fold from Escherichia coli B. The final steps in the purification procedure utilized preparative disc gel electrophoresis, and the most highly purified preparation appeared to be homogeneous with respect to particle size, sedimentation velocity, and electrophoretic mobility. The enzyme phosphorylated deoxythymidine monophosphate, 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridylic acid, and deoxyuridine monophosphate, in that order of activity, with ATP as the phosphate donor. Several other nucleoside triphosphates could serve less effectively as phosphate donors in the reaction. Magnesium ion, which could be replaced partially by either manganese or cobalt, was an absolute requirement. 5-Iodo-2'-deoxyuridylic acid and dUMP were competitive inhibitors of the phosphorylation of dTMP. ATP, deoxycytidine triphosphate, or deoxythymidine triphosphate in excess of the stoichiometrically equivalent concentration of Mg++ strongly inhibited the reaction. The inhibitory effect of ATP and dCTP was abolished when the Mg++ concentration was increased to equal the total nucleoside triphosphate concentration. dTTP inhibited the reaction about 30% even when Mg++ was present in excess of the total concentration of triphosphates.
A Longitudinal Study of Predictors of Sexual Dysfunction in Men on Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer.

Aim The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between sexual dysfunction, repeat biopsies and other demographic and clinical factors in men on active surveillance (AS).
Matching Hierarchies of Deformable Shapes

This paper presents an approach to matching parts of deformable shapes. Multiscale salient parts of the two shapes are first identified. Then, these parts are matched if their immediate properties are similar, the same holds recursively for their subparts, and the same holds for their neighbor parts. The shapes are represented by hierarchical attributed graphs whose node attributes encode the photometric and geometric properties of corresponding parts, and edge attributes capture the strength of neighbor and part-of interactions between the parts. Their matching is formulated as finding the subgraph isomorphism that minimizes a quadratic cost. The dimensionality of the matching space is dramatically reduced by convexifying the cost. Experimental evaluation on the benchmark MPEG-7 and Brown datasets demonstrates that the proposed approach is robust.
Detection of antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 in whole blood and saliva by using a passive hemagglutination test.

A passive hemagglutination test (PHA) for detecting human immunodeficiency virus type 1 antibodies in serum samples by using envelope glycoprotein (gp160)-coupled sheep erythrocytes was described earlier (M.B. Vasudevachari, K. U. Uffelman, T.C. Mast, R.L. Dewar, V. Natarajan, H.C. Lane, and N.P. Salzman, J. Clin. Microbiol. 27:179-181, 1989). In the study reported here, the applicability of the PHA test to the detection of antibodies in whole-blood and saliva samples has been investigated. We observed a 100% correlation between PHA and commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 101 whole-blood samples and 98% correlation between PHA and reactivity to envelope proteins in Western blots (immunoblots) of 53 saliva samples. Furthermore, salivary antibodies could be detected in 19 of the 22 seropositive individuals. As in serum, antibodies to envelope proteins were widely prevalent in all the Western blot-reactive saliva samples.
25 years of tinnitus retraining therapy

This year marks 25 years of tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT), the approach that aims to eliminate tinnitus as a problem by extinguishing functional connections between the auditory and the limbic and autonomic nervous systems to achieve habituation of tinnitus-evoked reactions and subsequently habituation of perception. TRT addresses directly decreased sound tolerance (DST) as well as tinnitus. TRT consists of counseling and sound therapy, both based on the neurophysiological model of tinnitus. The main goal of retraining counseling is to reclassify tinnitus into the category of a neutral stimulus, while the main goal of sound therapy is to decrease the strength of tinnitus-related neuronal activity. A unique aspect of TRT is that because treatment is aimed to work above the tinnitus source, and at connections linking the auditory and other systems in the brain, the etiology of tinnitus is irrelevant. Any type of tinnitus, as well as somatosounds, can be successfully treated by TRT. Over 100 publications can be found on Medline when using “tinnitus retraining therapy” as a search term. The majority of these publications indicate TRT offers significant help for about 80 % of patients. A randomized clinical trial showing the effectiveness of TRT has been published and another large study is in progress. The principles of the neurophysiological model of tinnitus, and consequently TRT, have not changed in over 25 years of use, but a number of changes have been introduced in TRT implementation. These changes include the recognition of the importance of conditioned reflexes and the dominant role of the subconscious pathways; the introduction of the concept of misophonia (i.e., negative reactions to specific patterns of sound) and the implementation of specific protocols for its treatment; greater emphasis on the concurrent treatment of tinnitus, hyperacusis, misophonia, and hearing loss; extensive modification of counseling; and refinements in sound therapy. The effectiveness of TRT has increased significantly during the past 25 years, presumably due to changes incorporated in its implementation. The main improvement has been to shorten the average time until seeing clear improvement from 1 year to 1 month, with a statistically significant improvement seen at, and after, 3 months. Furthermore, there is a higher effectiveness and a shorter treatment time for DST and an increased extent of help for hearing loss.
Watershed size effects on applicability of regression-based methods for fluvial loads estimation

[1] Fluvial loads for total nitrogen, total oxidized nitrogen, total phosphorus, orthophosphate phosphorus, and total suspended solids were estimated for three watersheds of different sizes using a regression-based method and compared with loads computed by a method based on direct hydrologic and water quality observations. Statistically significant differences between the fluvial loads estimated by the two methods were observed in all cases. Using the direct method as the basis for comparison, the regression method was found to underpredict the annual fluvial load for the watersheds analyzed. A representative “magnitude-of-difference” measure was computed. The larger watershed (area > 104 km2) had a lower magnitude-of-difference compared to the two smaller watersheds (area ∼102 km2). The five constituents analyzed also had statistically significant effect on the magnitude-of-difference, with higher magnitude-of-difference observed for total suspended solids and total phosphorus compared to other parameters. For the watersheds analyzed, estimates for the magnitudes-of-difference obtained by long-term fluvial load analysis (15 years for larger, and 9 and 12 years for two smaller watersheds) may be evaluated by shorter-term comparisons. The time required to obtain a stable magnitude-of-difference was found to vary with the watershed size and the constituent of interest in the study watersheds. Although the results from this study represent the watersheds analyzed and are not likely to be directly applicable for other watersheds, the comparison between fluvial loads estimated by regression and intensive sampling may be applied to assess the applicability of the regression method in other watersheds.
C-Reactive Protein and Interleukin-6 Are Decreased in Transgenic Sickle Cell Mice Fed a High Protein Diet

Sickle cell disease is associated with hypermetabolism and a consequent shortage of substrates for normal growth and healthy immune response. The protein:energy ratio is a major determinant of dietary adequacy; the requirement for optimal growth of control mice is 20% of energy from dietary protein. This study investigated the efficacy of increased dietary protein for improving weight gain and reducing inflammation in the Berkeley sickle cell mouse model (S). The study examined the effect of diet on weight gain and circulating levels of 2 inflammatory proteins, C-reactive protein (CRP), and cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6). Male C57BL/6 (C) control (n = 8) and S mice (n = 8) were randomized at weaning to 40 d of isoenergetic diets containing 20% (normal) and 35% (high) of energy from protein (C20, C35, S20, S35), replacing dextrin. Rate of weight gain was calculated and plasma CRP and IL-6 concentrations determined by ELISA. Liver mRNA expression of these proteins was measured by real-time PCR and L-arginase by colorimetric assay. S35 mice tended to gain weight more rapidly than S20 mice (P = 0.06) and more rapidly than C35 mice (P < 0.01). Circulating CRP and IL-6 levels were also lower in S35 mice than in S20 mice (P < 0.05), as was liver CRP mRNA expression (P < 0.01). These results demonstrate that introducing a high protein diet at weaning attenuates the steady-state inflammation in this S mouse model. Dietary L-arginine availability was investigated as a possible mechanism for increased nitric oxide production and consequent reduced inflammation.
Discriminative stimulus properties of intracranial administration of delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol

The purpose of the present experiment was to determine the possible brain areas involved in the discriminative stimulus properties of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were trained in a fixed-ratio 10 operant paradigm in a standard 2-lever operant task to discriminate 3.0 mg/kg THC (i.p.) from its vehicle. After acquisition of the discrimination, animals were implanted with either unilateral or bilateral intracranial cannulae into the prefrontal cortex, dorsal hippocampus, or reticular formation. Intracranial (i.c.) infusions were made with the use of a microsyringe in a volume of 0.5 μl per cannula over 45 sec. The discrimination session was begun immediately after the infusion was completed. When the animals were accustomed to the procedure, 0.5 μl of vehicle (10% emulphor:ethanol) was administered i.c. Following this, doses of either 5 or 10 μg THC were infused into each cannula. Responses were not consistent from animal to animal. Of the 6 animals tested with infusion of THC into the prefrontal cortex, 2 showed drug-appropriate responding following i.c. administration of THC with 1 additional rat showing a partial generalization to THC. Of the 6 animals implanted with cannulae into the dorsal hippocampus, 2 showed drug-appropriate resonding following THC administration intracranially. Two other animals showed a partial generalization following THC infusion into the dorsal hippocampus. All animals with cannulae implanted into the reticular formation showed drug-appropriate responding; this was accompanied, however, with drug-appropriate responding following infusion of the vehicle. These data suggest that the discriminative stimulus properties of THC may involve actions of THC in discrete brain areas. They do not support the hypothesis that THC acts at a select site in the brain; rather, they support the idea that THC acts at multiple sites. The results with infusions into the reticular formation would support the hypothesis that nonspecific stimulation of this brain site may lead to THC-like stimuli.
Yang-Mills string theories☆

Abstract It is shown that the addition of a “colored” Yang-Mills supermultiplet to the locally supersymmetric spinning string Lagrangian does not yield a viable new string model, even though supersymmetry is preserved. However, a Yang-Mills extension of the Veneziano string that yields the color singlet sector of the Bardakci-Halpern model is constructed.
Low energy positron flux generator for lifetime studies in thin films

A slow positron flux generator for positron annihilation spectroscopic measurements in thin polymer films is described. The advantages of this generator include operability at room temperature and atmospheric pressure without special test film preparaton requirements.
Measuring the economic impacts of Fusarium toxins in animal feeds

Abstract Economic impacts of mycotoxins in animal feed are difficult to measure, because information regarding animal illnesses and productivity losses due to chronic low-level exposures have been largely anecdotal. The current paper presents an original economic model that takes the first steps in measuring the various impacts of Fusarium toxins in animal feed. Two different categories of losses are considered: losses related to animal health, and trade losses related to grain rejection in the marketplace. Of animal health losses, both mortalities and morbidities are considered. The relevant trade losses concern impacts in both the domestic and international feed grain markets. A case study regarding fumonisin in US maize intended for animal feed is presented. It is estimated that in a normal year (without a significant Fusarium ear rot outbreak), the losses due to fumonisin in animal feed would total US$ 1–20 million. In a year with a significant Fusarium ear rot outbreak, losses would total US$ 31–46 million. The economic model presented here provides a framework by which farmers, grain handlers, and diverse policymakers may be able to analyze economic losses due to mycotoxins in feed grain.
Significance of Viable Skin Layers in Percutaneous Permeation and its Implication in Mathematical Models: Theoretical Consideration Based on Parameters for Betamethasone 17-Valerate

The role of viable skin layers (viable epidermis and dermis) is examined by the three-layer model using parameter values for betamethasone 17-valerate. The mathematical three-layer diffusion model indicates that the lag time and half-life after vehicle removal in epidermis and split-thickness skin are longer than those in stratum corneum without viable layers, even if drug flux at steady-state is minimally altered. The theoretical values of the lag time and half-life predicted for epidermis and split-thickness-skin samples are compatible with the values observed in another in vitro study. The results predicted by the three-layer model indicate that the simplified model (single-layer or compartment model), which regards the whole skin as one diffusion layer or one compartment, may be warranted because all three skin layers have the same half-life after vehicle removal. The parameters used in the simplified model are estimated from some of the following values directly obtainable in the experiment: flux from skin and amount in the whole skin at steady-state, lag time, and drug concentration or amount maintained to be unchanged in the donor site. However, the simplified model often cannot resolve some discrepancy between the data and model (e.g., the ratio of the half-life to lag time) even if the data may be explained by the three-layer model.
Retinal Neovascularization After Intravitreal Fibroblast Injection

We have developed a new model of retinal neovascularization in the rabbit. After intravitreal autotransplantation of 250,000 tissue-cultured skin fibroblasts, we observed strand formation in the midvitreous cavity. These strands grew toward the vascularized part of the retina and attached to it. Once the attachment was established, retinal neovascularization began with growth of vessels along the fibrous strand. After three months, this retinal neovascularization regressed. The presence of immature capillaries was confirmed by electron microscopic examination. Of 43 eyes, 31 (72%) developed neovascularization.
A paleoclimate interpretation derived from pedogenic clay minerals from the Piedmont Province, Virginia

Abstract Oxygen isotope ratios of pedogenic kaolinites were measured to estimate the ambient climate conditions during the formation of a saprolite in the Piedmont Province (Woodbridge, VA). Kaolinite is the predominant pedogenic clay mineral in this saprolite. It is formed mostly from weathering of muscovite and to a lesser extent from weathering of microcline. A dioctahedral smectite-vermiculite phase formed by weathering muscovite, is present in minor amounts ( The 18O/16O ratios indicate that most, if not all, the kaolinite formed in a cooler climatic regime in which meteoric waters were more depleted in 18O than most present meteoric waters. It is possible that the pedogenic kaolinite formed shortly after, or during, the Pleistocene glacial stage in North America. This interpretation is consistent with the age of this saprolite derived from 10Be dating methods. The oxygen isotopic signatures of these kaolinites are not consistent with an older middle or early Miocene age for this saprolite.
Reconstruction of Semiconductor Surfaces: Buckling, Ionicity, and π -Bonded Chains

Buckling distortions, widely thought to lower the total energy of semiconductor surfaces, are shown to actually raise the energy of Si(111)-2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1. The $\ensuremath{\pi}$-bonded-chain reconstruction, in contrast, stabilizes the surface, even relative to recently proposed magnetic reconstructions. Calculations for GaAs(110) reveal that the large charge transfers associated with buckling can stabilize the surface of heteropolar semiconductors, by returning the ions of the bulk to neutral atoms at the surface. These conclusions are based on self-consistent pseudopotential calculations.
Cyclic dynamics of a nonisothermal controlled release

Abstract The dynamic characteristics of the membrane-moderated controlled release in which a sinusoidal pertubation is imposed on the surrounding temperature are presented. A model which takes into consideration the nonlinear decay of the active agent and the variant effective mass transfer properties and thermal properties is developed to display the transient behavior of the system. Effects of the amplitude, frequency, and phase angle of the sinusoidal perturbation, of the void fraction of the membrane, and of the heat of reaction on the concentration and temperature profiles and on the rate of release are comprehensively studied. The results are of practical significance of several active agent release processes, e.g., a fertilizer release process. The method of lines is employed for numerical solution.
Hydrogen bonding between sugar and protein is responsible for inhibition of dehydration-induced protein unfolding.

The nature of the interaction responsible for the inhibition of protein unfolding and subsequent damage by sugars during dehydration is unclear. The relationship between sample moisture content measured by coulometric Karl Fischer titration and the apparent moisture content predicted by the area of the protein side chain carboxylate band at approximately 1580 cm-1 in infrared spectra of dried protein-sugar samples was examined. For samples in which a high level of native protein structure was retained in the dried solid, the apparent moisture content predicted by the carboxylate band area was greater than the actual moisture content, indicating that protection results from direct sugar-protein hydrogen bonding and not entrapment of water at the protein surface. Further, we show that the degree of structural protection conferred by sucrose and trehalose apparent in second derivative, amide I infrared spectra, correlates with the extent of hydrogen bonding between sugar and protein. The failure of dextran to inhibit dehydration-induced lysozyme unfolding is shown to result from the inability of the polymer to hydrogen bond adequately to the protein. Therefore, formation of an amorphous phase alone is not sufficient to maintain protein structure during dehydration. Glucose hydrogen bonds to a high degree with dried lysozyme, but is incapable of inhibiting lyophilization-induced protein unfolding in the absence of an effective cryoprotectant. However, the addition of polyethylene glycol, which is known to protect proteins during freezing, but not drying, to glucose protected lysozyme structure during lyophilization. Together, these results show that hydrogen bonding between carbohydrate and protein is necessary to prevent dehydration-induced protein damage. However, hydrogen bonding alone is not sufficient to protect proteins during lyophilization in the absence of adequate freezing protection.
The optimized orbital coupled cluster doubles method and optical rotation

Abstract The impact of variational optimization of the molecular orbitals used in coupled cluster response theory is compared to the use of conventional Hartree–Fock orbitals for the computation of optical rotations in a number of chiral compounds. For molecular structures near equilibrium, where the coupled cluster method is relatively insensitive to the choice of reference wave function, the two approaches yield similar results for test cases such as (S)-methyloxirane, (S)-methylthiirane, (S)-2-chloropropionitrile, and (1S, 4S)-norbornenone. However, small distortions away from equilibrium affect the optimized-orbital coupled cluster approach to a much greater extent than its Hartree–Fock counterpart. This effect is tested for methyloxirane in which the C–O bond associated with the stereogenic carbon is stretched and for a pyramidalized fluoroformaldehyde where the corresponding C=O bond is similarly extended. The potential repercussions of this strong geometry dependence on the magnitude of vibrational corrections are discussed.
Furans as intermediates for the synthesis of oxygenated natural products. Asymmetric synthesis of Prelog-Djerassi lactone.

Abstract A facile, asymmetric synthesis of the methyl ester of Prelog-Djerassi lactone ( 3 ) has been completed in nine steps from furfuraldehyde ( 4 ).
Reading the Quran: The Lessons of the Ambassadors of Mystical Islam

This paper highlights the contributions of three major Islamicists, Louis Massignon, Henry Corbin, and Frithjof Schuon, to the understanding of the Qur’ân. Their works point to the epistemologic primacy of the contemplative and esoteric dimensions of the Book. Its linguistic texture and modalities are here understood as expressing the very limits of language, the proportional reciprocity between the actualization of inner meaning and spiritual fruition, and its ultimate metaphysical substance. These principles and their spiritual consequences may constitute the best antidote to contemporary fundamentalist and modernist reductionism in scriptural hermeneutics.
Construction of the faithful irreducible representation for the subgroupG contained inS7

Every element in the transitive subgroupG of order 42 contained in the symmetric group of degree 7 is expressed as an ordered product of powers of the basic permutationsg 2 ≡(1234567) andg 8 ≡(1) (243756). The only faithful irreducible representation forG is then given explicitly in terms of the six-dimensional matricesD(g 2 ) andD(g 8 ), obtained here with the aid of a simple computational algorithm.
Incremental validity and the assessment of psychopathology in adults.

Results from studies on incremental validity are described for (a) interviews, (b) personality inventories, (c) projective techniques, and (d) brief self-rated and clinician-rated measures. In some of the studies (clinical judgment studies), psychologists were given increasing amounts of information. In other studies (statistical prediction studies), increasing amounts of assessment information were entered into a statistical prediction rule. Although relatively little research has been conducted on incremental validity, results that have been obtained tend to favor the use of interviews, personality inventories (e.g., the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory--2; J. N. Butcher, W. G. Dahlstrom, J. R., Graham, A. Tellegen, & B. Kaemmer, 1989), and brief self-rated measures (e.g., the Anxiety Sensitivity Index, S. Reiss, R. A. Peterson, D. M. Gursky, & R. M. McNally, 1986). Results are generally less encouraging for projective techniques.
Secalonic acid D blocks embryonic palatal mesenchymal cell-cycle by altering the activity of CDK2 and the expression of p21 and cyclin E.

BACKGROUND: The mycotoxin, secalonic acid D (SAD), a known animal and potential human cleft palate (CP)-inducing agent, is produced by Pencillium oxalicum in corn. SAD selectively inhibits proliferation of murine embryonic palatal mesenchymal (MEPM) cells leading to a reduction in cell numbers. These effects can explain the reduction in shelf size and the resulting CP seen in the offspring of SAD-exposed mice. Ability of SAD to inhibit proliferation as well as to block the progression of cells from G1- to S-phase of the cell-cycle were also shown in the human embryonic palatal mesenchymal (HEPM) cells suggesting the potential CP-inducing effect of SAD in human beings METHODS: Gestation day (GD) 12 mouse embryos and HEPM cells were used to test the hypothesis that the cell-cycle block induced by SAD results from a disruption of stage-specific regulatory components both in vivo and in vitro. The effects of SAD on the activity of various cyclin dependent kinases (CDK) and on the levels of various positive (cyclins and CDK) and negative (CDK inhibitors p15, 16, 18, 19, 21, 27, 57) cell-cycle regulators were assessed by performing kinase assays and immunoblots, respectively. RESULTS: In the murine embryonic palates, SAD specifically inhibited G1/S-phase-specific CDK2 activity, reduced the level of cyclin E and tended to increase the level of the CIP/kip CDK inhibitor, p21. In the HEPM cell cultures, exposure to IC50 of SAD significantly affected all of the above targets. In addition, a reduction in the levels/activity of CDK 4/6, a reduction in the levels of cyclins D1, D2, D3, E, A, and all INK4 family proteins, and an increase in the level of the CIP/kip CDK inhibitor, p57, were also seen. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the S-phase-specific cell-cycle proteins CDK2, cyclin E and possibly p21 are the common targets of SAD in murine palatal shelves in vivo and in human embryonic palatal mesenchymal cells in vitro and may be relevant to the pathogenesis of SAD-induced CP. Birth Defects Res B 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Mutagenicity and disposition of chromium

Abstract Hexavalent chromium was administered to rats at doses of 20–240 μmol kg−1 for several periods of time, from 2 to 14 days. Lung, liver and blood contained the highest amounts of chromium, as detected by atomic absorption or by ICP, 24 h after cessation of treatment. A maximum of 40% of the dose was recoverable in organs along with feces and urine at this same time period, and chromium in soil (5.6% Cr) was absorbed better than equimolar amounts of the hexavalent chromates of calcium or sodium. The contaminated chromium-containing soil was found to have 30–35% of the chromium in the hexavalent state. The mutagenicity of chromium as tested in the bacterial strain of Salmonella typhimurium (strain TA 104) was decreased when tested without metabolic activation with the addition of leachate (of inexact analysis) from a waste site. When studied by alkaline elution, chromium (5–20 μM) caused single strand breaks as well as DNA-protein crosslinks in A549 lung cells, while with L1210 mouse leukemia cells, only DNA-protein crosslinks were found. Chromium(III) compounds caused no damage to DNA.
The prognostic value of exercise capacity: A review of the literature

Abstract While there is still much debate in the literature regarding the specific MET levels at which there are differences in survival, the following points have become clear with the growing body of reports in the literature. Exercise capacity seems to be an independent predictor of mortality, and when it is combined with other clinical, exercise, or angiographic data, it becomes very powerful in this regard. This relates to both overall mortality and to that from cardiovascular disease. There is still a need for the establishment of mortality data related to MET levels adjusted for age and activity status. A low exercise capacity of less than 6 METs indicates a higher mortality group, probably regardless of the underlying extent of coronary disease or left ventricular function. Analysis of the CASS data has indicated that these patients benefit from coronary artery bypass surgery with respect to survival. An exercise capacity of greater than 10 METs designates an excellent survival group, again despite the extent of coronary artery disease or left ventricular function. If 10 METs truly exerts a “protective effect” that obviates any survival benefit from coronary artery bypass surgery, this has enormous implications for cost containment and medical care. It is nonetheless important to remember that this level of exercise capacity does not imply the absence of either coronary disease or triple-vessel coronary disease. Exercise capacity is related to more than just cardiovascular fitness and integrity. It is dependent upon a combination of other physiologic components as well, including pulmonary function, health status of other organ systems, nitrogen balance, nutritional status, medications, orthopedic limitations, and others. Nonetheless, exercise capacity has been established as a powerful predictor of survival and deserves equal emphasis with that of ST segment interpretation in the evaluation of exercise test responses.
Intracranial complications of mucormycosis: an experimental model and clinical review

The clinical course of patients with mucormycosis of the paranasal sinuses can be unpredictable and is often determined by intrinsic host factors. The degree to and mechanism(s) by which these factors influence a patient's ability to survive the disease are poorly understood. Extensions to orbital and intracranial structures occur in some patients with paranasal sinus mucormycosis despite aggressive treatment. Controversies persist over adequate antifungal regimen, the precise role of hyperbaric oxygenation, and the appropriate extent of surgical debridement. We have developed an alloxan-induced immunocompromised murine model of mucormycosis in mice. Deferoxamine iron chelation produced rhinocerebral mucormycosis in these animals when challenged intraethmoidally with Rhizopus spores. The implications of our experimental studies in the content of our clinical experience in managing patients with intracranial extensions of paranasal sinus mucormycosis are discussed.
The Inorganic Bromide Content of Foodstuffs Due to Soil Treatment with Fumigants

SUMMARY —Inorganic bromides may be present in food and raw agricultural commodities, in part as a result of soil treatments with bromine containing organic compounds, and in part as natural bromides from soil. Studies by various workers have shown that the organic bromide is not taken up by plants from the soil, but the compounds are readily degraded to liberate the inorganic bromide to the soil. Hence, any increase in bromide content of plants grown on treated soil can be considered to be due to treatment. The inorganic bromide ion is expected to be in solution in the cellular makeup of plants, and thus available to an extraction procedure. Experiments have shown this to be true. The data presented summarize three seasons of measurements of the bromide content of various crops. The effect of soil treatment is compared to the bromide levels occurring in these crops as the result of normal levels in soil. A further comparison is shown for the type of soil fumigant used. Data are given for ethylene dibromide, 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropro-pane, and trimethylene-chlorobromide. It is apparent, in general, that leafy portions of the plants studied contain the greatest levels of bromide on the basis of weight. Edible parts of certain other crops have a significant uptake ot bromides from the soil.
Economic conditions and prospects of small-scale fishermen in Thailand

industry of Thailand is having unprecedented success in earning the country billions of dollars and the position as the largest fishing nation in south-east Asia, thousands of small-scale fishermen along the coast struggle to hold onto fishing as an occupation and a familiar source of income. The conditions of small-scale fishermen and their conflicts with those of larger scale are reviewed, their benefits from government polices are evaluated, and their future prospects are examined. Emphasis is placed on the need for nonfishing activities to raise the smallscale fishermen’s opportunity cost so that their incomes might be improved and fishery resources be permitted to recover.
TAXATION AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN NEW ZEALAND

Since the Second World War and until recent reforms, New Zealand has suffered from a low rate of economic growth and a high level of taxation. This paper models the relationship between taxation and economic growth and estimates the “optimal”or “growth-maximizing” tax rate. It is found to be about half of the actual tax rate. The marginal cost of taxation in New Zealand is S2.64 for each extra dollar of taxes collected.
Pattern of diabetic neuropathic arthropathy associated with the peripheral bone mineral density

The relationship between the bone mineral density (BMD) and Charcot arthropathy is unclear. Prospectively, 55 consecutive diabetic patients presenting with a Charcot arthropathy of the foot or ankle were classified as having a fracture, dislocation, or a combination fracture-dislocation pattern of initial destruction. In these groups we used dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry to compare the peripheral bone of the affected and unaffected limbs. The clinical data relating to diabetes and related major comorbidities and the site of the arthropathy (ankle, hindfoot, midfoot, forefoot) were also compared. There were 23 patients with a fracture pattern, 23 with a dislocation pattern, and nine with a combination. The age-adjusted odds ratio for developing a Charcot joint with a fracture pattern as opposed to a dislocation pattern in patients with osteopenia was 9.5 (95% confidence interval 2.4 to 37.4; p = 0.0014). Groups also differed as to the site of the arthropathy. Fracture patterns predominated at the ankle and forefoot whereas dislocations did so in the midfoot. Diabetic Charcot arthropathy of the foot and ankle differs according to the pattern of the initial destruction. The fracture pattern is associated with peripheral deficiency of BMD. The dislocation pattern is associated with a normal BMD.
Utility of clinical criteria in differentiating frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) from AD.

Objective: To assess the ability of the current diagnostic criteria for frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) to differentiate FTLD from AD. Methods: Thirty cases with autopsy-proven FTLD and 30 cases of AD, matched for Mini-Mental State Examination score, were identified from the clinical databases of three dementia subspecialty centers, and their charts were reviewed for the presence of clinical features described in the current criteria for FTLD. The proportion of patients with each clinical feature at the first clinical presentation was compared across groups. Results: A significantly larger proportion of patients with FTLD showed behavioral abnormalities, particularly social and personal conduct disorders and emotional blunting, than patients with AD. Few differences in language features were seen between the groups, and many of the language features detailed in the criteria were found in only a small proportion of patients. In both groups, many patients showed neuropsychological abnormalities, except for perceptual difficulties, which were present in many patients with AD but only in a few patients with FTLD. Extrapyramidal motor symptoms were more likely to be present in FTLD. Logistic regression revealed that five features—social conduct disorders, hyperorality, akinesia, absence of amnesia, and the absence of a perceptual disorder—correctly classified 93% of patients with FTLD and 97% of patients with AD. Conclusion: A combination of behavioral, neuropsychological, and physical findings is most useful in distinguishing FTLD from AD. Future studies should be directed at establishing more objective methods of identifying these clinical features.