cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structural and Kinetic Studies of Sugar Binding to Galactose Mutarotase from Lactococcus lactis

Abstract Galactose mutarotase catalyzes the conversion of β-d-galactose to α-d-galactose in the Leloir pathway for galactose metabolism. The high resolution x-ray structure of the dimeric enzyme from Lactococcus lactis was recently solved and shown to be topologically similar to the 18-stranded, anti-parallel β-motif observed for domain 5 of β-galactosidase. In addition to determining the overall molecular fold of galactose mutarotase, this initial investigation also provided a detailed description of the electrostatic interactions between the enzyme and its physiologically relevant substrate, galactose. Specifically, the side chains of His-96 and His-170 were shown to be located within hydrogen bonding distance to the C-5 oxygen of the substrate, while the carboxylate of Glu-304 was positioned near the C-1 hydroxyl group of the sugar. On the basis of this initial study, a possible role for Glu-304 as the general acid/base group in catalysis was put forth. Here we describe the combined x-ray crystallographic and kinetic analyses of L. lactis galactose mutarotase complexed with d-glucose, d-fucose,d-quinovose, l-arabinose, ord-xylose. These investigations have revealed that there are several distinct binding modes for these sugars, which are dependent upon the spatial orientation of the C-4 hydroxyl group. In those sugars with the same C-4 hydroxyl group orientation as galactose, their C-1 hydroxyl groups are invariably located near Glu-304. For those sugars, which have the same C-4 hydroxyl group configuration as glucose, the C-1 hydroxyls are typically located near Asp-243. These different binding modes correlate with both the observed kinetic parameters and the presence or absence of a hydrogen bond between the guanidinium group of Arg-71 and the C-4 hydroxyl group of the sugar ligand.
The Oxidation Stability of Boron Nitride Thin Films on MgO and TiO2 Substrates

The stability of BN thin film coatings (2--5 nm thick) on MgO and TiO2 substrates was investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The samples were heated in air for at least 16 hours at temperatures ranging from 773 K--1273 K. On MgO supports, the BN thin film coating was lost by 1073 K due to a solid state reaction with the substrate leading to formation of Mg2B2O5. No such reaction occurred with the TiO2 substrate and the BN was stable even at 1273 K. However, the coating appeared to ball up and phase segregate into islands of near-graphitic BN and clumps of TiO2 (rutile). The oxidizing treatment appears to promote the transformation from turbostratic BN to graphitic BN. 7 refs.
Inhibition of Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Expression by Macelignan in Porphyromonas gingivalis Supernatant-Induced Human Oral Epithelial Cells

This study was to investigate the effect of macelignan on Porphyromonas gingivalis supernatant-induced uPA expression via regulating mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and activating protein-1 (AP-1) signaling pathways in human oral epithelial KB cells using casein zymography, Western blotting, reverse transcription-PCR and reporter gene assays. Zymographic analysis of secreted enzymes identified the main caseinolytic band at 54 kDa. Macelignan inhibited the expression of uPA protein and mRNA, as well uPA secretion, in KB cells exposed to P. gingivalis supernatant. Consistent with these findings, macelignan suppressed phosphorylation of p38 and c-Jun N terminal kinase (JNK) in P. gingivalis supernatant-induced KB cells. The levels of c-Fos and phosphorylated c-Jun, which together form AP-1, the transcription factor that is involved in uPA gene expression, were partially reduced by macelignan. Macelignan also blocked P. gingivalis supernatant-induced AP-1 activity in these cells. These results suggest that macelignan decreased P. gingivalis supernatant-induced uPA expression by blocking AP-1 activity, which may be mediated by inhibition of phosphorylation of p38 and JNK in KB cells. Macelignan may potently use for the modulation of periodontal inflammation.
Marine natural products as novel antioxidant prototypes.

Pure natural products isolated from marine sponges, algae, and cyanobacteria were examined for antioxidant activity using a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) solution-based chemical assay and a 2‘,7‘-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) cellular-based assay. The DCFH system detects only antioxidants that penetrate cellular membranes. Potent antioxidants were identified and the results from each system compared. The algal metabolites cymopol (1), avrainvilleol (3), and fragilamide (4), and the invertebrate constituent puupehenone (5) showed strong antioxidant activity in both systems. Several compounds were active in the DPPH assay but significantly less active in the DCFH system. The green algal metabolite 7-hydroxycymopol (2) was isolated from Cymopolia barbata and its structure determined. Compound 2 was significantly less active in the DCFH system than cymopol (1). The sponge metabolites (1S)-(+)-curcuphenol (6), aaptamine (7), isoaaptamine (8), and curcudiol (9) and the cyanobacte...
Young Children′s Event Recall: Are Memories Constructed through Discourse?

Abstract The ways in which event memories may be reconstructed or transformed through discussion with others is a critical question both for understanding basic memory processes and for issues concerning legal testimony. In this research, white middle-class preschool children were interviewed first by their mothers and then by a female experimenter about personally experienced events when they were 40, 46, 58, and 70 months of age. Analyses indicated that at all four time points children only incorporated about 9% of the information initially recounted by the mother into their independent recall of the event with the experimenter. Moreover, children only repeated about 20% of the information they themselves recalled across the two interviews. Additional analyses indicated that information mutually discussed by the mother and child was no more likely to be incorporated or repeated when recalling the event with the experimenter than information not mutually discussed. These results indicate that young children′s personal memories are not so fragile that they easily incorporate information provided by another into their own recall.
Morphological evolution of freeform robots

We demonstrate the evolution of locomoting amorphous robots composed of multiple materials. Research in evolutionary robotics has traditionally been limited to morphologies comprising rigid and discrete components, such as links connected with rotational or linear joints and actuators. In the continuous robots presented here, actuation is accomplished by periodic volumetric expansion and contraction of one or more materials composing the body of the robot. The challenges of representing evolvable multi-material freeform shapes and evaluation (simulation) of the resulting soft bodies are discussed. Several genotypic representations are explored which use a level-set threshold to generate the material distribution in the phenotype. Soft body simulation of the robot is accomplished using a relaxation algorithm to model the dynamics of the resulting amorphous machines under the actuation material expansion, gravity forces, and non-linear ground friction. These results open the door to a new design space that more closely mimics the freeform, amorphous and continuous nature of biological systems.
A REVIEW OF INFORMATION ON FERROCYANIDE SOLIDS FOR REMOVAL OF CESIUM FROM SOLUTIONS

Abstract Ferrocyanide solids have important applications to the removal of radioactive cesium from nuclear waste solutions. These materials are prepared by mixing soluble ferrocyanides and salts of divalent transition metals or other divalent cations. The simple precipitations most commonly give very fine particles or slimes of variable compositions. Special preparation procedures have been developed to control the compositions or to prepare granular solids suitable for column operation. The removal of cesium from solutions has been measured for many different ferrocyanide solids. Some of these solids show an exchange of K+, Na+, or NH4 + for cesium, but many show sorptions of cesium without a true ion exchange. The performance for cesium removal is described by measurements of the distribution coefficients for cesium with large excesses of ferrocyanides, the capacity for cesium with excess cesium in solution, and the rates of cesium removal. The chemical and physical stability, the solubility, and the el...
D,l-Fenfluramine Response in Impulsive Personality Disorder Assessed With [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography

Reduced serotonergic activity has been associated with impulsive aggression in personality disordered patients in metabolite and pharmacologic challenge studies. This study used positron emission tomography to explore whether reduced serotonergic function occurs in critical brain regions such as orbital frontal and cingulate cortex that may play a role in modulating aggression. Six impulsive-aggressive patients and five healthy volunteers were evaluated for changes in regional glucose metabolism after administration of the serotonergic releasing agent d,l-fenfluramine (60 mg, p.o.) or placebo. Volunteers demonstrated increases in orbital frontal and adjacent ventral medial frontal cortex, cingulate, and inferior parietal cortex, whereas impulsive-aggressive patients showed no significant increases in glucose metabolism after fenfluramine in any region. Compared with volunteers, patients showed significantly blunted metabolic responses in orbital frontal, adjacent ventral medial and cingulate cortex, but not in inferior parietal lobe. These results are consistent with reduced serotonergic modulation of orbital frontal, ventral medial frontal, and cingulate cortex in patients with impulsive-aggressive personality disorders.
Enhancement of Surfactants in Nanoparticles Produced by an Electrospray Aerosol Generator

Electrospray aerosol generators (EAGs) disperse conducting solutions into air, promptly neutralize the particles to remove the excess charge, and evaporate the residual solvent with a dry air flow. For solutions containing multiple solutes, the particles may become enhanced in the more surface-active solutes. The extent of the enhancement was estimated for nanoparticles electrosprayed from a solution containing NaCl and surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) mixed in a 9:1 weight ratio. A tandem particle mobility analyzer was used to quantify the hygroscopic growth factor (GF). The relative fractions of NaCl and SDS in the particles were estimated from the measured GFs assuming that NaCl and SDS take up water independently of each other. The nanoparticles were considerably enhanced in SDS relative to the starting solution, with the NaCl:SDS weight ratio increasing with the distance from the EAG electrified capillary tip to the neutralizer, and reaching ∼1:1 at the longest distances probed. The enhancemen...
Rapid formation of polychlorinated dioxins/furans during the heterogeneous combustion of 1,2-dichlorobenzene and 2,4-dichlorophenol

Abstract The formation of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in a heterogeneous spouted bed combustor occurred within seconds from the oxidation of two different precursors; 1,2-dichlorobenzene and 2,4-dichlorophenol. Levels of PCDD/Fs produced from 2,4-dichlorophenol were two orders of magnitude higher than those produced from 1,2-dichlorobenzene, indicating that PCDD/Fs formation rate is much faster from chlorophenol precursors. In agreement with typical incinerator observations, the ratio of dioxins to furans was less than one from both precursors. Formation of chlorobenzenes and chlorophenols (other than the starting fuels) also occurred in the combustor; their concentration levels did not exhibit a strong dependence on the type of the precursors.
AVEC-DIC and electron microscopic analyses of axonally transported particles in cold-blocked squid giant axons.

Anterogradely and retrogradely transported membranous organelles were analysed separately by focally cooling axons (cold-blocking) for 2–4 h. Video-enhanced differential interference contrast light microscopy (AVEC-DIC) and dark field light microscopy showed that particles accumulated in large numbers on both the anterograde and the retrograde sides of the cold-block and that the accumulated particles resumed their transport when the preparation was rewarmed to 18 °C. The particles accumulated in files on both sides of the cold-block suggesting that particles move along linear pathways in the axoplasm. Comparisons of the results obtained by AVEC-DIC light microscopy with those obtained by electron microscopy indicate that the AVEC-DIC method is capable of detecting all of the different types of rapidly transported membranous organelles, including the smallest (35–80 nm) vesicles that move anterogradely.
Absence of voltage-dependent calcium channels delays photoreceptor degeneration in rd mice.

Abstract Retinal degeneration results from the apoptotic cell death of photoreceptors. While mutations in a large number of genes give rise to retinal degeneration, the specific mechanisms are not well understood. One hypothesis involves mediation of apoptosis by high concentrations of intracellular Ca 2+ . We used a mouse line that carries the rd mutation but also lacks the major L-type voltage-dependent Ca 2+ channel at the photoreceptor synapse to examine whether this route of Ca 2+ entry plays a role in photoreceptor degeneration. In both experimental and control mice, the photoreceptors degenerate. However, at postnatal days 16, 18, and 21 there is a delay in photoreceptor cell loss in the experimental mice, which lack L-type voltage-dependent Ca 2+ channels, compared to controls. These data indicate that Ca 2+ entry via the L-type voltage-dependent Ca 2+ channel contributes to the mechanisms responsible for photoreceptor cell death in this mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa.
The long-term default performance of bank underwritten security issues

Abstract The Glass-Steagall Act of 1933 barred commercial banks and their affiliates from underwriting and dealing in securities activities, amidst concerns that banks abused the trust of their depositors and clientele by systematically underwriting poor quality security issues. This paper examines if these concerns were justified by studying the long-term default performance of bank underwritten issues as compared to non-bank underwritten issues. The evidence shows that, contrary to conventional wisdom, bank underwritten issues defaulted less than non-bank underwritten issues, over a seven year period from the issue date and had a significantly lower mortality rate.
Ultrastructure of the labial tip sensilla of the tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (P. de Beauvois) (Hemiptera : Miridae)

Abstract Sensilla on the labial tip of the tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris, were examined with scanning and transmission electron microscopy in order to provide morphological evidence indicative of their function. The tripartate apex of the labium consists of 2 lateral lobes and an apical plate. Each lateral lobe possesses a field of 11 thick-walled, uniporous peg sensilla, 5–6 μm long and a thick-walled, nonporous hair sensillum, 18–22 μm long. The uniporous peg sensilla are innervated by 3 or 5 bipolar neurons. The nonporous hair sensillum has no dendrites within its lumen. The apical plate is a noninnervated structure which possesses terminal cuticular projections 5–8 μm long. Morphological evidence supports previously reported physiological evidence that the uniporous peg sensilla have a chemosensory function.
Seasonal rhythms of menarche in the United States: Correlates to menarcheal age, birth age, and birth month

Purpose To examine the seasonality of menarche in a large sample of women from the United States. Methods Retrospective data were collected on month of birth and menarche, age of menarche, and latitude and altitude of residence from a sample of approximately 3,000 U.S. women from the TREMIN Research Program and from a college student population. Results Monthly analyses using observed (O) to expected (E) ratios indicated a peak frequency of menarche in July (1.45) and January (1.19) and troughs in February (0.75) and May (0.79). Collapsing the data into seasons also revealed summer and winter peaks. Participants from a younger cohort (born after 1970) had an earlier age of menarche than participants from an older cohort (born before 1970). Older cohort participants also had a more pronounced December-January frequency peak and younger cohort participants had a more pronounced July frequency peak. Older cohort participants exhibited more variability in menarcheal age as a function of menarche month and birth month. Late-maturing participants (>14 years) had a larger December peak of menarche frequencies. Spring-born participants exhibited less seasonality to their menarche. Month of birth was not significantly associated with month of menarche; however, fewer cases than expected occurred 3 months after the birth month and more cases than expected occurred 6 months after the birth month. Age of menarche and monthly distribution of menarche did not vary according to latitude or altitude. Conclusions Menarche seasonality is suggested to be a multifactor process mediated by the most prominent seasonal time cue. Attention to these cues that have been hypothesized to contribute to menarche seasonality (e.g., stress or the photoperiod) may have practical implications for women's health, given some of the risks associated with early menarche.
ProOmpA is stabilized for membrane translocation by either purified E. coli trigger factor or canine signal recognition particle.

Abstract We have isolated large amounts of E. coli outer-membrane protein A precursor (proOmpA). Purified proOmpA is active in membrane assembly, and this assembly is saturable with respect to the precursor protein. A proOmpA-Sepharose matrix allows affinity isolation of trigger factor, a soluble, 63,000 dalton monomeric protein that stabilizes proOmpA in assembly competent form. Comparison of trigger factor's amino-terminal sequence with those in a computer data bank and with those encoded by sec genes, as well as groEL and heat shock gene dnaK , suggests that trigger factor is encoded by a previously undescribed gene. Trigger factor and proOmpA form a 1:1 complex that can be isolated by gel filtration. Purified canine signal recognition particle (SRP) can also stabilize proOmpA for membrane insertion. This post-ribosomal activity of SRP suggests a unifying theme in protein translocation mechanisms.
Milling induces disorder in crystalline griseofulvin and order in its amorphous counterpart

This study investigates two apparently similar thermal signatures, shaped as bimodal exotherms, observed when either the crystalline or the amorphous from of the drug are subjected to milling. Crystalline griseofulvin was cryomilled and the (quenched-melt) amorphous form was subjected to either cryomilling or grinding. The thermal and surface properties of the resulting samples were analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and surface energy analysis. After milling, both the crystalline and the amorphous material revealed visually similar bimodal exothermic events when the heating rate was 20 °C min−1. Under different heating rates, the pair of DSC peaks for the bimodal exotherm of each material behaved entirely different from each other. The two peaks of the bimodal event, as well as the glass transition, can be kinetically resolved for the ground amorphous form using standard mode DSC. In contrast, similar analysis was unable to resolve the bimodal exotherm or a glass transition in the case of the cryomilled crystals. Furthermore, cryomilled crystals do not exhibit a glass transition even when analyzed using modulated DSC. Synchrotron sourced X-ray analysis revealed that grinding the amorphous material results in the nucleation and growth of the crystalline form. Milling thus induces disorder in the crystals of griseofulvin but induces order in the amorphous form of the drug. The surface of the two milled systems consistently exhibited different energetics under a wide range of relative humidity conditions. These findings suggest that cryomilling induces both bulk and surface disorder, specifically, a certain level of dislocations on the crystal. In contrast, grinding the amorphous material lowers the activation energy for crystal formation, inducing nuclei formation and growth throughout the amorphous matrix.
PASSPORT/PRISM: Authors and Titles and MARC – Part Two

So, did anyone miss me from the last issue? Were you anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Winter issue so you could see how the ending of my article turned out? Did you anxiously turn to the table of contents only to discover ...it wasn′t there? No? You didn′t notice? Gee, after all these issues, I′d like to think I was missed. Oh well...[sigh]. Anyway, I missed the deadline.
Atomistics of crack propagation

Abstract The molecular dynamic technique is used to investigate static and dynamic aspects of crack extension. The material chosen for this study was the 2D triangular solid with atoms interacting via the Johnson potential. The 2D Johnson solid was chosen for this study since a sharp crack in this material remains stable against dislocation emission up to the critical Griffith load. This behavior allows for a meaningful comparison between the simulation results and continuum energy theorems for crack extension by appropriately defining an effective modulus which accounts for sample size effects and the non-linear elastic behavior of the Johnson solid. The simulation results for the energetics of quasi-static crack extension are in very good agreement with continuum predictions. During quasi-static crack extension under constant load boundary conditions the ratio of the work done by the external loads to the increase in elastic strain energy is ~ 1.94 which is close to the continuum prediction of 2.00 for a linear elastic solid. Good agreement was also obtained between the simulation results for the critical stress and the predictions of the Griffith criterion. Normalized crack velocity-crack length curves are presented for a variety of sample sizes and a variety of loading conditions. The measured terminal velocity was independent of sample size and loading condition and was 0.25 of the longitudinal sound velocity. The method of loading has some influence on acceleration of the crack to the terminal velocity. The details of the energy balance during dynamic crack extension are presented for various sample sizes. For the largest sample examined the crack reaches terminal velocity well before any elastic wave reflections occur at the sample boundary. Simulation results are presented for the stress fields of moving cracks and these dynamic results are discussed in terms of the dynamic crack propagation theories of Mott, Eshelby, and Freund.
Optical dephasing of small and large molecules: coherent oscillations of emitting molecules

We describe the conditions under which large and small molecules may undergo optical dephasing. The relationship between the coherent preparation of excited states and the intramolecular and intermolecular processes are discussed and related to the recent measurements of optical T_1 and T_2. Finally, we report on the observation of a coherent (oscillatory) transient on the spontaneous emission of iodine gas.
Recent developments in hard materials

Abstract This paper reviews some new developments in hard materials during the last decade: new approaches to diamond synthesis including chemical vapor deposition and the laser QQC method, tetrahedral carbons, deposition of cubic boron nitride, ternary boron-carbon-nitrogen and boron-carbon-silicon phases. The issue of ultimate hardness of diamond reappeared again because of pseudopotential calculation of cohesive energy of a hypothetical β-C 3 N 4 structure. The stability of carbon nitride phases is analyzed in connection with the authors study of synthesis and structure of carbon nitride by nitrogen microwave plasma. Only soft graphitic CN x , x phase, stable up to 900 °C, survived criticism.
Frequency domain position estimation for lithographic alignment

A frequency-domain-based algorithm for estimating the position of a symmetric pulse is described. The algorithm exhibits low estimation error variance and low computational complexity, making it ideal for the lithographic alignment task in integrated circuit manufacturing. It is shown that for additive, white stationary noise the position estimation is unbiased and that if the noise is also Gaussian this algorithm asymptotically achieves the Cramer-Rao bound as the noise power decreases. An adaptive algorithm that optimizes the position estimation of a pulse of unknown shape given a training set is also described. This adaptive procedure does not require knowledge of the position of the training pulses and is therefore a blind, adaptive optimizer. It achieves a steady-state mean squared estimation error that is smaller than that of the LMS (least mean square) algorithm. >
Treatment of congenital dislocation of the hip after neonatal diagnosis.

During 1966–1975, 920 infants with a congenital dislocation of the hip diagnosed neonatally were born in Uusimaa county in southern Finland. The first examination of the hips was made by a pediatrician, but the diagnosis was generally confirmed by a pediatric surgeon before treatment was started. The mean age of beginning treatment was 7 days. An abduction pillow was the only treatment in 852 cases, six of whom later developed complications, notably two with avascular necrosis. The duration of the pillow treatment shortened noticeably during the time under review but this caused no increase in the number of failures. In 64 cases the routine pillow treatment could not be carried through, mostly because the hip dislocated on the pillow. The most apparent reason for this was inappropriate control of the pillow by the parents. In this group bilateral dislocations and associated calcaneovalgus feet were found more often than in the rest of the neonatal group. Non-operative treatment was successful in 96 per ce...
Psychopathology in epilepsy and learned helplessness

It is proposed that epilepsy is a high psychological risk disorder because persons with epilepsy are vulnerable to the powerful behavioral ramifications of exposure to unpredictable, uncontrollable, aversive events. The most commonly reported psychopathologies in persons with epilepsy parallel those noted in humans and infrahuman organisms subjected to unpredictable/uncontrollable aversive events and it is suggested that Seligman's theory of learned helplessness provides a useful framework for interpreting and predicting psychologic dysfunctions in epilepsy.
Fluorine magnetic resonance spectroscopy measurement of brain fluvoxamine and fluoxetine in pediatric patients treated for pervasive developmental disorders.

Objective: Pediatric populations, including those with autistic disorder or other pervasive developmental disorders, increasingly are being prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Little is known about the age-related brain pharmacokinetics of SSRIs; there is a lack of data regarding optimal dosing of medications for children. The authors used fluorine magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 19 F MRS) to evaluate age effects on wholebrain concentrations of fluvoxamine and fluoxetine in children taking SSRIs. Method: Twenty-one pediatric subjects with diagnoses of autistic disorder or other pervasive developmental disorders, 6–15 years old and stabilized with a consistent dose of fluvoxamine or fluoxetine, were recruited for the study; 16 successfully completed the imaging protocol. Whole-brain drug levels in this group were compared to similarly acquired data from 28 adults. Results: A significant relationship between dose and brain drug concentration was observed for both drugs across the age range studied. Brain fluvoxamine concentration in the children was lower, consistent with a lower dose/body mass drug prescription; when brain concentration was adjusted for dose/mass, age effects were no longer significant. Brain fluoxetine concentration was similar between age groups; no significant age effects on brain fluoxetine drug levels remained after adjustment for dose/mass. Observations of brain fluoxetine bioavailability and elimination half-life also were similar between age groups. Conclusions: These findings suggest that fluvoxamine or fluoxetine prescriptions adjusted for dose/mass are an acceptable treatment approach for medicating children with autistic disorder or other pervasive developmental disorders. It must be determined whether these findings can be generalized to other pediatric populations.
The Barque Field, Blocks 48/13a, 48/14, UK North Sea

Abstract The Barque Field is associated with some of the earliest gas discoveries in the southern North Sea. In the Sole Pit area the reservoir, the Rotliegend Group Leman Sandstone Formation of Lower Permian age, occurs between Carboniferous Coal Measures, which source the gas, and Zechstein evaporites which form an excellent seal. Primarily aeolian, the sandstone has generally very low permeability resulting from deep burial of the Sole Pit Trough. The deepest burial and hence the maximum diagenetic damage to the reservoir was achieved in the early Late Cretaceous prior to two phases of inversion in Late Cretaceous and Mid-Tertiary. Compaction and diagenesis reduced reservoir permeability to such an extent that parts of the field would be non-productive were it not for the presence of effective natural fracture zones and well stimulation by hydraulic fracturing techniques. Though appraisal and evaluation have been relatively extensive, remaining uncertainties dictated a conservative development in conjunction with the adjacent Clipper Field. A selected initial area was developed for first gas in October 1990. Good reservoir performance from horizontal wells led to later development of the whole field.
Self-care education, parent knowledge and children's health care visits

Abstract A self-care educational intervention teaching parents to recognize and manage children's minor illnesses was conducted by a nurse practitioner in a community setting. Effects of the intervention revealed significant increased self-care knowledge among the treatment group of parents. However, the number of children's health care visits did not decrease significantly when compared with that of the control group. Behaviors such as parents' patterns of seeking medical care for their children's minor illnesses may be mediated by variables other than self-care knowledge.
Comparison of Glucose Measures in Patients Receiving Concomitant Paroxetine and Pravastatin to Other SSRI/Statin Combinations

Background: An analysis of the US Food and Drug Administration’s Adverse Event Reporting System database found evidence suggesting that the combination of the cholesterol-lowering drug pravastatin and the antidepressant paroxetine, produced a significant increase in average blood glucose measures. Objective: Our intent was to investigate the reproducibility of these findings by conducting a similar analysis of administrative and prescription claims data from patients receiving primary care at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. Method: We conducted an observational, retrospective review of 2149 adult patient records to compare mean measures of blood glucose between groups receiving concomitant paroxetine and pravastatin with the pooled means of those receiving 19 different combinations of a statin and a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to compare random glucose, fasting glucose, and glycosylated hemoglobin mean values, while adjusting for...
Parsing German with Latent Variable Grammars

We describe experiments on learning latent variable grammars for various German tree-banks, using a language-agnostic statistical approach. In our method, a minimal initial grammar is hierarchically refined using an adaptive split-and-merge EM procedure, giving compact, accurate grammars. The learning procedure directly maximizes the likelihood of the training treebank, without the use of any language specific or linguistically constrained features. Nonetheless, the resulting grammars encode many linguistically interpretable patterns and give the best published parsing accuracies on three German treebanks.
Cultural Diversity and Non‐Western Course Content in Interior Design Education

The Council for Interior Design Accreditation's professional standards for accreditation requires that graduates draw on the experience of diverse cultures as part of the learning processes. Interior design education has failed to address issues of cultural diversity in human population. Dominated by Eurocentric ideas, it has reinforced generalizations that devalue the role of non-Western social, cultural, aesthetic, and other creative traditions that shape the built environments. This introductory article, based on the author's experience as a designer and educator, draws attention to an understudied area of cultural diversity and interior design pedagogy. It argues that the consequences of not being meaningfully diverse may result, not only in the loss of social and cultural capital but also economic opportunities for current and future designers.
A new boundary layer matching procedure for singularly perturbed system

This short paper proposes a procedure for applying singular perturbation methods to separately analyze state dynamics even when they vary on the same time scale. The intent is to expand the family of problems to which these methods can be successfully applied. In particular, several problems in flight mechanics are identified. Numerical results for the minimum time to climb problem are given where the procedure is used to separate altitude and flight-path angle dynamics to produce a closed-form solution for lift.
Fibromodulin and Biglycan Modulate Periodontium through TGFβ/BMP Signaling

A full understanding of the key regulators controlling periodontal development and homeostasis is necessary for the design of improved periodontal regenerative therapies. Small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) are extracellular matrix molecules suggested to regulate collagen organization and cell signaling. Mice with double-deficiency of 2 SLRPs, fibromodulin and biglycan (dKO), acquire skeletal abnormalities, but their roles in regulating the periodontium remain undefined and were the focus of our studies. Transmission electron microscopy studies showed abnormal collagen fibrils in the periodontal ligament (PDL) and altered remodeling of alveolar bone in dKO mice. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) revealed increased staining of SLRPs (asporin, lumican, and decorin) and dentin matrix protein-1 (DMP1, a mechanosensory/osteocyte marker), while osteoblast markers, bone sialoprotein and osteopontin, remained unchanged. Disruption of homeostasis was further evidenced by increased expression of receptor-activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and elevated numbers of osteoclasts, especially noted around the alveolar bone of molars (buccal side) and incisors. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array revealed hyperactive transforming growth factors beta/bone morphogenetic protein (TGFβ/BMP) signaling in dKO PDL tissues, which was further confirmed by elevated expression of phosphorylated Smad5 (p-Smad5) by IHC in dKO PDL. These studies highlight the importance of SLRPs in maintaining periodontal homeostasis through regulation of TGFβ/BMP signaling, matrix turnover, and collagen organization.
The Tau Parallel Performance System

The ability of performance technology to keep pace with the growing complexity of parallel and distributed systems depends on robust performance frameworks that can at once provide system-specific performance capabilities and support high-level performance problem solving. Flexibility and portability in empirical methods and processes are influenced primarily by the strategies available for instrmentation and measurement, and how effectively they are integrated and composed. This paper presents the TAU (Tuning and Analysis Utilities) parallel performance sytem and describe how it addresses diverse requirements for performance observation and analysis.
Variance components of fitness under stabilizing selection

Variance components of fitness under the stabilizing selection scheme of Wright (1935) for metric characters are calculated, extending his original analysis to the case with any number of alleles and multiple characters assuming additivity of gene effects. They are calculated in terms of the moments of the effects of alleles at individual loci for the metric characters. From these formulas, the variance components of fitness are evaluated at the mutation–selection equilibria predicted by the ‘Gaussian’ approximation (Lande, 1976), which is applicable if the per locus mutation rate is high, and the ‘House of Cards’ approximation (Turelli, 1984), which is applicable if the per locus mutation rate is low. It is found that the additive variance of fitness is small compared to non-additive variance in the ‘Gaussian’ case, whereas the additive variance is larger than non-additive variance in the ‘House of Cards’ case if the number of loci per character and the number of characters affected by each locus are not too large. With the assumption that a significant portion of fitness is due to this type of stabilizing selection, it is suggested that the real parameters are in the range where the ‘House of Cards’ approximation is applicable, since available data on variance components of fitness components in Drosophila show that the additive variance is far larger than the non-additive variance. It is noted that the present method does not discriminate the two approximations if the average values of the metric characters deviate from the optimum values. Other limitations of the present method are also discussed.
Finite element analysis of a solid rotor induction motor under stator winding defects

A method to predict the stator currents of a solid rotor induction motor under a defective condition of the stator winding is presented. Since the induction machine is a voltage operated device, a time-domain finite-element method tailored to such devices is used. The method determines the magnetic vector potentials over the cross section of a defective induction machine. These are used to produce contour plots of the variation of the magnetic field over the machine. They are also used to determine the stator currents under the simulated defect. These results will be useful in the computation of the shaft torque of the machine and, hence, the reduced load that the machine can carry until a preventive maintenance and/or replacement is scheduled. >
The development of behavioral defenses: a mechanistic analysis of vulnerability in red-eyed tree frog hatchlings

I examined the development and effectiveness of behavioral defenses of red-eyed tree frog hatchlings, Agalychnis callidryas, against predatory shrimp Macrobrachium americanum. Arboreal eggs of A. callidryas hatch early if attacked by egg predators and later if undisturbed, producing tadpoles that enter the water at different developmental stages. Older hatchlings survive better than young hatchlings with aquatic predators, including shrimp. Hatchlings respond to shrimp by both increasing activity and avoiding the bottom microhabitat. Older hatchlings are more active and, in the presence of shrimp, avoid the bottom more than young hatchlings. These ontogenetic changes in behavior improve survival. Specifically, the likelihood of fleeing from shrimp increases with hatchling age, and fleeing is an effective defense. In contrast to results from experiments with odonates, immobility does not reduce risk of shrimp attack, thus there is no trade-off between fleeing and motionless crypsis. Shrimp spend most of their time on the bottom, where attacks are more often successful. Avoidance of the bottom microhabitat by tadpoles therefore improves survival. Evasive maneuvers also function in defense, but evasiveness does not change with age. Morphology may limit microhabitat use by younger hatchlings. Failure to flee may reflect unresponsiveness to disturbance, which would reduce unnecessarily early hatching and limit exposure of young A. callidryas to aquatic predators. Key words: activity, Agalychnis, defense, development, Macrobrachium, microhabitat, predation, shrimp, tadpoles. [Behav Ecol 10:251‐262 (1999)]
Soil properties differently influence estimates of soil CO 2 efflux from three chamber-based measurement systems

Soil CO2 efflux is a major component of net ecosystem productivity (NEP) of forest systems. Combining data from multiple researchers for larger-scale modeling and assessment will only be valid if their methodologies provide directly comparable results. We conducted a series of laboratory and field tests to assess the presence and magnitude of soil CO2 efflux measurement system × environment interactions. Laboratory comparisons were made with a dynamic, steady-state CO2 flux generation apparatus, wherein gas diffusion drove flux without creating pressure differentials through three artificial soil media of varying air-filled porosity. Under these conditions, two closed systems (Li-6400-09 and SRC-1) exhibited errors that were dependent on physical properties of the artificial media. The open system (ACES) underestimated CO2 flux. However, unlike the two other systems, the ACES results could be corrected with a single calibration equation that was unaffected by physical differences in artificial media. Both scale and rank changes occurred among the measurement systems across four sites. Our work clearly shows that soil CO2 efflux measurement system × environment interactions do occur and can substantially impact estimates of soil CO2 efflux. Until reliable calibration techniques are developed and applied, such interactions make direct comparison of published rates, and C budgets estimated using such rates, difficult.
The ECT Nursing Literature

We read with great interest van Daaelen-Smith and Gallagher's “Electroshock: A Discerning Review of the Nursing Literature” (2011). From the start, we were made suspicious by the word “discerning,”...
Estimation of dip and lateral extent of beds with borehole gravimetry

Simple expressions for the estimation of dip or lateral extent of a bed whose extent is large compared to its thickness have been developed. Let ρCA be the apparent density contrast between the bed and its surroundings as measured by a borehole gravimeter and ρCT the true density contrast measured by a gamma‐gamma density log. Then for a dipping bed: ρCA≈ρCTcos2α, where α is the dip angle. For a horizontal bed of finite extent; ρCA≈ρCT1-2tan-1twπ, where t/w is the ratio of the bed thickness to its horizontal extent. For dipping beds of finite lateral extent the expression is more complicated. Numerical solutions were obtained and graphed.
Magnetically-driven biomimetic micro pumping using vortices

Planar micropumps utilizing vortices shed by an oscillating ferromagnetic bar are presented. The movement of the bar is induced by magnetic coupling with an external spinning magnet. Thus, energy transfer is achieved without physical contact or need of any on-chip power source. To create vortices inside the chip, the Reynolds number is locally increased with the oscillation of the bar. The utilization of the vortices as a tool for efficient transfer of energy is inspired by the behaviour of swimming animals and flying insects in nature. The pumps operate in two different scales (milli-scale and micro-scale) in order to take advantage of both. Experiments are presented characterizing the pumps and their flow patterns. The range of operation of the pumps is from 3 µl min−1 to 600 µl min−1, though smaller flow rates are also possible.
A Theory of Intentions for Intelligent Agents

We describe the \(\mathcal{AIA}\) architecture for intelligent agents whose behavior is driven by their intentions and who reason about, and act in, changing environments. The description of the domain includes both the agent’s environment and the general Theory of Intentions. The architecture is designed to enable agents to explain unexpected observations and determine which actions are intended at the present moment. Reasoning is reduced to computing answer sets of CR-Prolog programs constructed automatically from the agent’s knowledge.
Statistical analysis of mineral diversity and distribution: Earth's mineralogy is unique

Abstract Earth's mineralogical diversity arises from both deterministic processes and frozen accidents. We apply statistical methods and comprehensive mineralogical databases to investigate chance versus necessity in mineral diversity-distribution relationships. Hundreds of mineral species, including most common rock-forming minerals, distinguish an “Earth-like” planet from other terrestrial bodies. However, most of Earth's ∼5000 mineral species are rare, known from only a few localities. We demonstrate that, in spite of deterministic physical, chemical, and biological factors that control most of our planet's mineral diversity, Earth's mineralogy is unique in the cosmos.
Common Goldeneye Nest Attendance Patterns

Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) nest attendance was recorded on three Minnesota lakes, 1982-1985. Data were from 22 nests monitored 545 days. Hens increased time at nests and frequency of overnight sessions as incubation approached. Incubation recesses were diurnal; most occurred between 9:00 and 19:00 CST. Recesses were fewest and longest in early incubation, but total recess time was greatest in late incubation. Daily incubation constancy was highly variable, ranging from 36.7 to 96.3%. Lake and year effects influenced the number of daily recesses and total daily recess time. Mean recess length did not differ among lakes and years. Three females monitored in both 1984 and 1985 recessed more daily (χ = 55 min) in 1984, and their yearly ranks were the same for all parameters suggesting strong hen effects. Incubation ranged from 28 to 30 days and was correlated (r = 0.72) with mean daily recess time. Nests incubated 29 and 30 days had mean total incubation times that differed by 13 min. While brooding young, incubation-like patterns were maintained but absences were fewer and shorter. Our results differed slightly from those reported for a recent Ontario study, but the differences may be due to analytical approaches
Histochemical demonstration of erythrocyte esterases.

SummaryA high resolution technic is described for localization of intracellular sites of erythrocyte esterases. Blood smears are fixed in 1% osmium tetroxide in dimethylformamide at −15°C and then incubated in medium containing alpha naphthyl acetate and “hexaazotized” pararosanilin. Alpha naphthol released by enzymatic hydrolysis of the substrate ester couples with “hexaazonium”salt to form a colored, insoluble, amorphous deposit at sites of esterase activity.
Research on dividend policies in post shareholder reform period

The shareholder structure reform is a major change of stock market system foundation in China.The resulted change of shareholder structure,the nature of share ownership of listed companies,and the change of corporate governance and capital market will all have effects on dividend policies of listed companies.Using the dividend policies of the companies with normal transaction in the Shanghai Securities Exchange from 2005 to 2007 as research object,the article discusses the characteristics and tendencies of dividend policies after the shareholder structure reform.Striving to develop institutional investors,regulating the distributable quantity of cash dividends,and reducing the administrative intervention will contribute to reinforce the achievements of shareholder structure reform,and lay better system foundation for dividends policies.