cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enantioselective Synthesis of anti- and syn-Homopropargyl Alcohols via Chiral Brønsted Acid Catalyzed Asymmetric Allenylboration Reactions

Chiral Bronsted acid catalyzed asymmetric allenylboration reactions are described. Under optimized conditions, anti-homopropargyl alcohols 2 are obtained in high yields with excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivities from stereochemically matched aldehyde allenylboration reactions with (M)-1 catalyzed by the chiral phosphoric acid (S)-4. The syn-isomers 3 can also be obtained in good diastereoselectivities and excellent enantioselectivities from the mismatched allenylboration reactions of aromatic aldehydes using (M)-1 in the presence of the enantiomeric phosphoric acid (R)-4. The stereochemistry of the methyl group introduced into 2 and 3 is controlled by the chirality of the allenylboronate (M)-1, whereas the configuration of the new hydroxyl stereocenter is controlled by the enantioselectivity of the chiral phosphoric acid catalyst used in these reactions. The synthetic utility of this methodology was further demonstrated in highly diastereoselective syntheses of a variety of anti, anti-stereotriads...
The Swelling of Human Hair in Water and Water Vapor

Data are presented on the swelling of free and strained hair fibers in water and water vapor. The strained hair fibers were either under constant load or at constant elongation. In some cases rates...
Electronic Effects in Asymmetric Catalysis: Structural Studies of Precatalysts and Intermediates in Rh-Catalyzed Hydrogenation of Dimethyl Itaconate and Acetamidocinnamic Acid Derivatives Using C2-Symmetric Diarylphosphinite Ligands

Enantioselectivity of Rh(I)-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of dehydroamino acid derivatives and dimethyl itaconate can be enhanced by the appropriate choice of substituents on the aromatic rings of vicinal diarylphosphinites derived from carbohydrates as well as trans-cyclohexane-1,2-diol. For example, the use of phosphinites with electron-donating bis(3,5-dimethylphenyl) groups at phosphorus provide high ee's in these reactions whereas electron-withdrawing aryl substituents decrease the enantioselectivity. In this paper, an attempt is made to clarify the origin of these remarkable electronic effects at two levels. First, crystal structures of a number of precatalysts ([phosphinite]2Rh+[diolefin]X-) were determined and their structures were studied in detail to examine the electronic effects, if any, on the ground-state conformations of these molecules. A study of six of these complexes reveals that the gross conformational features of these precatalysts are largely unaffected by electronic effects, w...
Chromatin structure and functional analysis of the mouse HNF3α gene

Abstract The transcription factor HNF3α is a member of the winged-helix family of regulatory proteins. It is expressed in the definitive endoderm, notochord, and neural tube in embryos, but in the adult is expressed primarily in endoderm-derived tissues such as liver, lung, and pancreas. We present here the cloning of the mouse HNF3α gene and a characterization of its chromatin structure and regulatory sequences. The HNF3α gene is encoded by two exons and its transcription initiates at multiple start sites at a TATA-less promoter that is highly conserved between mouse and rat. We found different patterns of DNaseI hypersensitive sites in HNF3α gene chromatin in different adult tissues in which HNF3α is expressed, suggesting distinct regulatory mechanisms occurring within different tissue derivatives of the endoderm germ layer. Cell transfection data indicate that sequences spanning certain upstream hypersensitive sites can enhance transcription from the HNF3α promoter, but only when stably integrated into chromatin and not when transiently transfected. The results suggest a complex regulatory interplay between distinct genetic regulatory sequences that function specifically in chromatin.
Evidence for a mutagenic effect of the narcotic antagonist, naltrexone, in germ cells of Drosophila.

The narcotic antagonist, Naltrexone, was tested for mutagenicity in Drosophila. The frequency of sex-linked recessive lethals at a non-toxic dose of 10 mg/ml was 0.43% (42 lethals in 9697 X-chromosomes tested) and 0.16% (19/11536) in the controls. The difference is statistically significant (P < 0.001). Results from large-scale experiments testing for chromosome breakage and nondisjunction were negative.
Social Network Constellation and Sexuality of Sexually Abused and Comparison Girls in Childhood and Adolescence

This longitudinal study examines how childhood and early adolescent (age 6 to 15) peer and nonpeer social networks relate to sexual attitudes and behaviors in adolescence and young adulthood (age 12 to 25) for sexually abused and comparison girls. A large number of male peers in childhood is related to heightened sexual activity sexual preoccupation increased sexual pressure and risky sexual behavior in adolescence. High-quality female nonpeer relationships have a positive effect on attitudes toward casual sex. Multiple group models illuminate several cross-lag group moderators: (a) Abused girls who are happier with male nonpeers are less pre-occupied with sex; (b) abused girls who are happier with male peers are more likely to use birth control; and (c) abused girls who have early physical relationships are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior. Treatment implications include monitoring the effects of low-status peer groups encouraging contact with female role models and encouraging the formation of high-quality relationships with male peers and nonpeers. (authors)
Purification of S-2-hydroxyacylglutathione hydrolase (glyoxalase II) from rat erythrocytes.

Abstract Glyoxalase II, a specific glutathione thiolesterase, has been purified 9100-fold from rat erythrocytes using a purification scheme which employs Affi-Gel blue as a hydrophobic affinity column and also employs a glutathione-affinity column prepared by coupling S -( p -chlorophenacyl)glutathione to Affi-Gel 202. This procedure offers a convenient method for the preparation of highly purified glyoxalase II. Also described is a convenient method for the preparation of S -lactoyl-glutathione, a substrate for glyoxalase II.
Lipid Lowering, Regression, and Coronary Events A Review of the Interdisciplinary Council on Lipids and Cardiovascular Risk Intervention, Seventh Council Meeting

Regression studies have provided the first clinical evidence that the natural history of atherosclerosis, which until recently was thought to be a relentlessly progressive disease, could be altered. In these studies, aggressive lipid lowering has been found to induce atherosclerotic lesion stabilization or even regression and to reduce clinical cardiovascular events, although the mechanisms responsible have not been determined. The clinical predictivity of the arterial changes measured by angiography or ultrasound suggests that this monitoring approach can help identify individuals most likely to benefit from early intervention. The Interdisciplinary Council on Lipids and Cardiovascular Risk Intervention (see “Acknowledgments”) met to review past studies and to evaluate recent studies that take advantage of the potent lipid-lowering capability of monotherapy with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. This group of experts discussed possible mechanisms involved in regression and suggested that future studies be directed toward determining whether other, nonlipid aspects of atherogenesis that may have been ameliorated contribute to the disproportionate decrease in cardiovascular events produced by relatively small changes measured in the artery. Atherosclerotic plaque is believed to develop in response to endothelial dysfunction or injury,1 which can be caused by mechanical forces such as blood flow turbulence or by nonmechanical agents such as homocystine, carbon monoxide, immune complexes, and elevated LDL cholesterol. Oxidation of LDL may also contribute to endothelial damage; oxidized LDL is believed to be cytotoxic to endothelial cells as well as to smooth muscle cells. Normally, the endothelium produces endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) and prostacyclin, which protect the arterial wall by consuming the products of the oxidation of free radicals, stimulating platelet disaggregation, and inhibiting smooth muscle cell proliferation, smooth muscle cell contraction, platelet aggregation, and platelet and monocyte adhesion. Release of EDRF is downregulated in the atherosclerotic artery and in the presence of hypercholesterolemia and oxidized LDL, which …
A series of tert-butyldimethylsiloxanes of increasing steric hindrance

Abstract Reaction of bis(dimethylsily)acetamide with tert -butyldimethylsilanol gives 1- tert -butyl-1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane while reaction of trimethylchlorosilane with this silanol gives 1- tert -butyl-1,1,3,3,3-pentamethyldisiloxane. Similarly, reaction of tert -butyldimethylchlorosilane with tert -butyldimethylsilanol produces 1,3-di- tert -butyl-1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane and reaction of tert -butyldimethylchlorosilane with phthalocyaninosilanediol yields 1,5-di- tert -butyl-1,1,5,5-tetramethyl-3-phthalocyaninotrisiloxane. This latter compound is noteworthy because it is highly hindered.
Diurnal pollen tube growth rate is slowed by high temperature in field-grown Gossypium hirsutum pistils

For Gossypium hirsutum pollination, germination, and pollen tube growth must occur in a highly concerted fashion on the day of flowering for fertilization to occur. Because reproductive success could be influenced by the photosynthetic activity of major source leaves, we hypothesized that increased temperatures under field conditions would limit fertilization by inhibiting diurnal pollen tube growth through the style and decreasing subtending leaf photosynthesis. To address this hypothesis, G. hirsutum seeds were sown on different dates to obtain flowers exposed to contrasting ambient temperatures while at the same developmental stage (node 8 above the cotyledons). Collection and measurement were conducted at 06:00, 09:00, 12:00, 15:00, and 18:00h on August 4 (34.6°C maximum air temperature) and 14, 2009 (29.9°C maximum air temperature). Microclimate measurements included photosynthetically active radiation, relative humidity, and air temperature. Pistil measurements included pistil surface temperature, pollen germination, pollen tube growth through the style, fertilization efficiency, fertilized ovule number, and total number of ovules per ovary. Subtending leaf measurements included leaf temperature, photosynthesis, and stomatal conductance. Under high temperatures the first measurable pollen tube growth through the style was observed earlier in the day (12:00h) than under cooler conditions (15:00h). Also, high temperature resulted in slower pollen tube growth through the style (2.05mmh(-1)) relative to cooler conditions (3.35mmh(-1)), but there were no differences in fertilization efficiency, number of fertilized ovules, or ovule number. There was no effect of sampling date on diurnal photosynthetic patterns, where the maximum photosynthetic rate was observed at 12:00h on both dates. It is concluded that, of the measured physiological and reproductive processes, pollen tube growth rate showed the greatest sensitivity to high temperature under field conditions.
Cytosine methylation in miR-153 gene promoters increases the expression of holocarboxylase synthetase, thereby increasing the abundance of histone H4 biotinylation marks in HEK-293 human kidney cells

Holocarboxylase synthetase (HCS) plays an essential role in catalyzing the biotinylation of carboxylases and histones. Biotinylated carboxylases are important for the metabolism of glucose, lipids and leucine; biotinylation of histones plays important roles in gene regulation and genome stability. Recently, we reported that HCS activity is partly regulated by subcellular translocation events and by miR-539. Here we tested the hypothesis that the HCS 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) contains binding sites for miR other than miR-539. A binding site for miR-153 was predicted to reside in the HCS 3′-UTR by using in silico analyses. When miR-153 site was overexpressed in transgenic HEK-293 human embryonic kidney cells, the abundance of HCS mRNA decreased by 77% compared with controls. In silico analyses also predicted three putative cytosine methylation sites in two miR-153 genes; the existence of these sites was confirmed by methylation-sensitive polymerase chain reaction. When cytosines were demethylated by treatment with 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine, the abundance of miR-153 increased by more than 25 times compared with untreated controls, and this increase coincided with low levels of HCS and histone biotinylation. Together, this study provides novel insights into the mechanisms of novel epigenetic synergies among folate-dependent methylation events, miR and histone biotinylation.
Pulse train dynamics in actively mode-locked lasers

We consider a new model for the active modulation component of a modelocked laser cavity which allows for the construction of exact pulse train solutions. The model begins with the nonlinear Schrodinger equation for propagation in the laser cavity which is influenced by chromatic dispersion and Kerr induced self-phase modulation. Additionally, a bandwidth limited gain term is included to capture the amplification process in the cavity. The active modelocking element allows for periodically spaced regions of preferential gain. Thus a modelocked pulse train will align itself under the peaks of the gain region while radiation energy outside this region is attenuated. We consider a novel form of the periodic, active modelocking element by making use of the Jacobi elliptic functions. Two families of pulse train solutions are generated: one in which neighboring pulses are in-phase, and a second in which neighboring pulses are out-of-phase. The model predicts that only out-of-phase pulse train solutions can be stabilized. Under large perturbation, the pulse train is often stabilized to a two-pulse per round trip configuration. All in-phase solutions are unstable and are destroyed. Further, for the out-of-phase solutions, if the pulse spacing is not sufficiently far, then the nearest neighbor interactions can dominate and lead to Q-switching behavior. For short cavities, this Q-switching can result in quasi-periodic behavior of the pulse train. For long cavities, the resulting Q-switching is chaotic in nature.
Vascularized radial forearm free tissue transfer for lining in nasal reconstruction.

Objectives/Hypothesis: Total and near-total nasal reconstruction requires the surgeon to replace external nasal cover, skeletal support, and internal nasal lining. The successful result must re-create the form and function of the original nose. In large defects, traditional sources of internal lining may be unavailable. The study describes the recreation of nasal lining in three patients with extensive nasal defects with vascularized radial forearm tissue. Study Design: Retrospective review of three patients who underwent nasal reconstruction with radial forearm for internal lining, costal cartilage grafts for skeletal support, and paramedian forehead flap for cover. Methods: The charts of three patients who underwent total nasal reconstruction with radial forearm tissue transfer for lining were retrospectively reviewed. The technique was evaluated. The authors present a method for internal lining reconstruction in extensive nasal defects. They discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this method. Results: Three patients underwent successful total nasal reconstruction with radial forearm tissue transfer for lining, costal cartilage for skeletal support, and paramedian forehead flap. None of the patients had adequate septal mucosa or nasal subunit skin to support mucosal rotation grafts or epithelial turn-in flaps. All patients have completed reconstruction and have satisfactory nasal form and function. Loss of the lining flap or graft loss did not occur. Conclusion: Vascularized radial forearm tissue supplies ample quantities of skin to recreate nasal lining. The tissue provides excellent support of graft material, and it prevents contracture of the covering flap. Because of its bulk and donor site morbidity, free forearm tissue transfer should not be considered for reconstruction of smaller defects when another lining flap will suffice.
Loss of cytotoxicity and gain of cytokine production in murine tumor-activated NK cells.

NK cells are able to form a functional memory suggesting that some NK cells are surviving the activation process. We hypothesized that NK cell activation causes the development of a distinct NK cell subset and studied the fate of murine post-activation NK cells. Activation was achieved by in vivo and in vitro exposures to the melanoma tumor cell line B16 that was followed by differentiation in IL-2. When compared with control NK cells, post-activation CD25+ NK cells expressed little granzyme B or perforin and had low lysis activity. Post-activation NK cells expressed CD27, CD90, CD127, and were low for CD11b suggesting that tumor-induced activation is restricted to an early NK cell subset. Activation of NK cells led to decreases of CD16, CD11c and increases of CD62L and the IL-18 receptor. In vivo activated but not control NK cells expressed a variety of cytokines that included IFNγ, TNFα, GM-CSF and IL-10. These data suggest that the exposure of a subset of peripheral NK cells to the B16 tumor environment caused an exhaustion of their cytolytic capacity but also a gain in their ability to produce cytokines.
Lethal and sublethal effects of azulene and longifolene to Microtox®, Ceriodaphnia dubia, Daphnia magna, and Pimephales promelas

The data from this study were needed to investigate the aquatic toxicity of the natural compounds azulene and longifolene, which were representatives of nearly 500 compounds of 19 chemical classes tentatively identified in Laurentian Great Lakes fish (Hesselberg and Seelye 1982; Passino and Smith 1987). There are growing concerns over the potential toxic and ecological effects of these hydroand superhydrophobic contaminants, with special regard to their accumulation and transport (Skoglund and Swackhamer 1994). To support the concentration-response evaluations and to estimate exposure, quantitative structure-activity relationships were used as predictive tools of toxicity.
Nanocomposites of Carbon Nanotube Fibers Prepared by Polymer Crystallization

Nanocomposites of carbon nanotube fibers have been prepared using controlled polymer crystallization confined in nanotube aerogel fibers. The polyethylene nanocomposites have been investigated by means of polarized optical microscopy (POM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD). The individual nanotubes are periodically decorated with polyethylene nanocrystals, forming aligned hybrid shish-kebab nanostructures. After melting and recrystallization, transcrystalline lamellae connecting the adjacent aligned nanotubes develop. Microstructural analysis shows that the nanotubes can nucleate the growth of both orthorhombic and monoclinic crystals of polyethylene in the quiescent state. The tensile strength, modulus, and axial electrical conductivity of these polyethylene/CNT composite fibers are as high as 600 MPa, 60 GPa, and 5000 S/m, respectively.
Computer modelling at the single-neuron level.

The computational capabilities of a single neuron depend to a large extent upon the structural and electrical properties of its dendritic branches. New modelling algorithms and a new generation of powerful UNIX workstations are being applied to the study of neuronal information processing.
Structural health monitoring of wind turbines: method and application to a HAWT

Structural health monitoring in the context of a Micon 65/13 horizontal axis wind turbine was described in this paper as a process in statistical pattern recognition. Simulation data from a calibrated model with less than 8% error in the first 14 natural frequencies of vibration was used to study the operational response under various wind states as well as the effects of three types of damage in the blade, low speed shaft and yaw joint. It was shown that vertical wind shear and turbulent winds lead to different modal contributions in the operational response of the turbine suggesting that the sensitivity of operational data to damage depends on the wind loads. It is also shown that there is less than a 4% change in the wind turbine natural frequencies given a 25% reduction in the stiffness at the root of one blade. The modal assurance criterion was used to analyse the corresponding changes in modal deflections, and this criterion exhibited nearly orthogonal changes because of the three damage scenarios suggesting that the modal deflection determines which damage is observable at a given frequency for a given wind state. The' modal contribution is calculated as a damage feature, which changes as much as 100% for 50% reductions in blade root stiffness, but only the blade damage is detected using this feature. Operational data was used to study variations in the forced blade response to determine the likelihood that small levels of damage can be detected amidst variations in wind speed across the rotor plane. The standard deviation in measured data was shown to be smallest for the span and edge-wise measurements at 1P due to gravity, which provides the dominant forcing function at this frequency. A 3% change in the response in the span and edge-wise directions because of damage is required to detect a change of three standard deviations in contrast to the 90% change in flap direction response that is required to detect a similar change because of damage. The dynamic displacement in the span direction is then used to extract a damage feature from the simulation data that provides the ability to both locate and quantify the reduction in stiffness in the blade root. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The spin-spin correlation functions and susceptibility amplitudes for the two-dimensional Ising model; triangular lattice

Abstract We report the results of an exact computation of the spin-spin correlation functions 〈σ oo σ MN 〉 for the two-dimensional Ising model on a triangular lattice in zero magnetic field for T > T c and T T c . We discuss the directional dependence of the correlation functions in the scaling limit and obtain the scaling functions. The results for the susceptibility coefficients C o± tr in the expansion k B T χ (T) = C o − tr |1 − T c /T| − 7 4 + C 1± tr |1 − T c /T| − 3 4 + O(1) are also given.
Influence of single-stranded DNA-binding protein on recA induction in Escherichia coli

Abstract Two ssb mutants of Escherichia coli , whic carry a lesion in the single-strand DNA-binding protein (SSB), are sensitive to UV-irradiation. We have investigated the influence of SSB on the “SOS” repair pathway by examining the levels of recA protein synthesis. These strains fail to induced normal levels of recA protein after treatment with nalidixic acid or ultraviolet light. The level of recA protein synthesis in wild-type cells is about three times greater than ssb cells. This deficiency in ssb mutants occurs in all strains and at all temperatures tested (30–41.5°). In contrast, the ssb-1 mutant has no effect on temperature-induced recA induction in a recA441 ( tif-1 ) strain. Cells carrying ssb + plasmids and overproducing normal DNA-binding protein surprisingly are moderated UV-sensitive and have reduced levels of recA protein synthesis. Together these results establish that single-strand DNA-binding protein is involved in the induction of recA , and accounts, at least in part, for the UV sensivitiy of ssb mutant. Three possible mechanisms to explain the role of SSB are discussed.
Anomalous iron distribution in shales as a manifestation of “non-clastic iron” supply to sedimentary basins: relevance for pyritic shales, base-metal mineralization, and oolitic ironstone deposits

In previous investigations, nearshore pyritic shale horizons in the Mid-Proterozoic Newland Formation were interpreted to be due to “non-clastic” colloidal iron supply by streams. New data on the chemical composition of shales in the Newland Formation support this interpretation. In these shales, Fe and Al show a positively correlated trend that intercepts the Fe axis above the origin. These relationships suggest control of Fe by clays (via iron oxide coatings on clay minerals), and the presence of an additional, “non-clastic iron” component. Shales from stratigraphic intervals during which pyritic shale horizons were deposited plot above the Fe/Al trend typical for the remainder of the Newland Formation.
Electronic Structure of Ion‐Radical Organic Solids and Polyenes

The electronic structures of organic ion-radical salts, molecular conductors, and charge-transfer complexes are described by solid-state models with one valence state per site. Similar models occur in π-electron theories of conjugated molecules or in spin Hamiltonians for magnetic insulators. A localized or valence bond (VB) representation is qualitatively adequate in narrow band systems. Diagrammatic VB methods in finite models yield convenient exact solutions to the resulting configuration interaction (CI) problem as correlated states based on linear combinations of VB diagrams. Also found are exact charges, bond orders, ionicity, correlation functions, transition moments or other properties of correlated electronic states. Particular attention is given to qualitative failures of conventional one-electron descriptions, which often reflect degeneracies lifted by correlations. Correlated states give the correct ordering of the 21Ag and 11Bu states of trans-trans octatetraene, clarify the midgap absorption in polyacetylene, rationalize the partial ionicity and electrostatic energy of ion-radical organic complexes, demonstrate an exactly soluble magnetic analog to the Mott transition, and quantitatively fit the thermodynamics of several random-exchange Heisenberg antiferromagnets. Correlated states remain central in simultaneously modeling optical, magnetic, and electrical excitations in π-radical solids.
Extinction by Rough Particles and the Use of Mie Theory

THE use of Mie theory (or other smooth particle results) to compute extinction or scattering by small particles in space, for which there is no direct evidence of surface characteristics, may be a risky procedure. Measurements of scattering properties of laboratory samples at optical wavelengths are difficult to interpret because the particles have either extended size distributions or a variety of shapes, or both1,2. Individual particles, with precisely defined optical properties and shapes can, however, be studied in microwave experiments and our results give a clear indication of the uncertainties in unqualified applications of Mie type theories. We have used a wide range of size to wavelength ratios and special particle orientation effects have been minimized by examining a variety of particle aspects. We have, however, not yet experimented with many different shapes and are not yet able to provide a satisfactory theoretical explanation of the results.
The social network of the schizophrenic: Patient and residential determinants

Based on a sample of 103 schizophrenics, this paper utilizes path analysis to examine the interrelationships among a number of patient and residence characteristics on different network dimensions. Residents' social competence was consistently found to maintain the strongest association with many of the outside-facility network dimensions. Despite the mediation of a third of its effect through social competence, decreased periods of hospitalization remained a significant influence in these equations. Residential facilities emphasizing autonomy contributed minimally to some of the external network domains. Conversely, less demanding residential programs and lengthy periods of hospitalization were significantly associated with the within-facility network dimension. Neither premorbid social adjustment nor length of tenure within a residence had a direct effect on any network dimension in the complete model. Treatment and policy implications are discussed based on the differential determinants of network dimensions found in this study.
SMECTITE-CATALYZED DEHYDRATION OF GLUCOSE

The objective of this study was to determine whether smectites abiotically catalyze transformation of glucose under conditions relevant to soil organic matter (SOM) formation. Four smectites saturated with Na, Ca, Fe and Al were incubated under abiotic conditions with glucose solutions for 21 days at 37°C. After the incubations, soluble organic C recoveries ranged from 95 to 109.3%, relative to the amount of C added as glucose; however, glucose recoveries in the solutions ranged from 18.3 to 98.3%. The results indicate that a significant amount of the added glucose was abiotically transformed to soluble organic compounds other than glucose during the incubations. In general, glucose recoveries decreased with the acidic character of smectites: SWa-1 > Panther > Otay. Also, within clays, glucose recoveries decreased as the exchangeable cation became more acidic: Na > Ca > Al. Higher glucose recoveries were obtained for ‘Fe-rich’ smectites relative to ‘Fe-poor’ smectites, suggesting that Fe-oxyhydroxy coatings on smectite surfaces inhibit the transformation of glucose. High-pressure liquid chromatography analysis of the incubation solutions revealed small peaks for 5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-furaldehyde along with peaks for other unknown compounds. The results suggest that under conditions similar to those found in soils, smectites catalyze glucose dehydration to form furfural compounds. Polymerization of furfural compounds may be a major pathway leading to the formation of new humic materials in soils.
Tests of electron flavor conservation with the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory

We analyze tests of electron flavor conservation that can be performed at the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory (SNO). These tests, which utilize {sup 8}B solar neutrinos interacting with deuterium, measure (1) the shape of the recoil electron spectrum in charged-current (CC) interactions (the CC spectrum shape), and (2) the ratio of the number of charged-current to neutral current (NC) events (the CC/NC ratio). We determine standard model predictions for the CC spectral shape and for the CC/NC ratio, together with realistic estimates of their errors and the correlations between errors. We consider systematic uncertainties in the standard neutrino spectrum and in the charged-current and neutral current cross sections, the SNO energy resolution and absolute energy scale, and the SNO detection efficiencies. Assuming that either matter-enhanced or vacuum neutrino oscillations solve the solar neutrino problems, we calculate the confidence levels with which electron flavor nonconservation can be detected using either the CC spectrum shape or the CC/NC ratio, or both. If the SNO detector works as expected, the neutrino oscillation solutions that best fit the results of the four operating solar neutrino experiments can be distinguished unambiguously from the standard predictions of electron flavor conservation. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Cultural Considerations of Trauma: Physical, Mental and Social Correlates of Intimate Partner Violence Exposure

There has been an increased appreciation for the need to understand the cultural lenses of survivors and the ways that these lenses may influence both the experience of intimate partner violence and the recovery process following violence. The need for trauma researchers and practitioners to attend to the sociocultural realities of survivors has been advocated by traumatologists of varying theoretical orientations. The Trauma and Violence among Diverse Populations Research Study Group, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Emerging Scholars Interdisciplinary Network, conceptualized the call for authors for this Special Issue. The primary objective of the Issue is to examine and explore the cultural context of intimate partner violence. Through quantitative and qualitative analyses, a greater understanding of intimate partner violence in the lives of African American, Asian American, Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander, Latina, and White survivors is gained. While centralizing the voices of ethnically diverse survivors of intimate partner violence, this Special Issue also sheds light on the experience of intimate partner violence from the perspective of women who have traditionally been marginalized in the literature in other ways, specifically women who are impoverished, pregnant, homeless, HIV-positive, and sex workers. The studies in this Special Issue provide clinical and research recommendations aimed at improving the care provided to culturally diverse intimate partner violence survivors.
Algorithms and performance analysis for path navigation of Ackerman-steered autonomous robots

Autonomous robot navigation is one of the most important areas of robotics research. While waypoint-based navigation is well understood, particular design characteristics (e.g. steering mechanisms) of a robotic platform may render general navigation approaches inaccurate or ineffectual. In this paper, we develop a novel, deliberative-planning, waypoint-based robot navigation algorithm that allows accurate path following for Ackerman-steered vehicles. The algorithm is validated via simulation. Collected performance data provide insight on the relation of the algorithm to other mobility factors such as velocity.
The glycoprotein encoded by the X-linked chronic granulomatous disease locus is a component of the neutrophil cytochrome b complex

The bacteriocidal capacity of phagocytic cells is impaired in X-linked chronic granulomatous disease (X-CGD), a disorder characterized by the absence of functional plasma-membrane-associated NADPH oxidase1. The components of this oxidase system, their correspondence with specific genetic loci, and the primary protein defect in X-CGD remain incompletely defined. We recently reported cloning of the putative X-CGD gene on the basis of DNA linkage2,3. To identify the predicted protein in vivo, antibodies were raised to a synthetic peptide derived from the complementary DNA sequence and to a fusion protein produced in Escherichia coli. In Western blots antisera detect a neutrophil protein of relative molecular mass in 90,000 (90K) that is absent in X-CGD patients. Antisera also react with the larger component of cytochrome b recently purified from neutrophil plasma membranes as a complex of glycosylated 90K and non-glycosylated 22K polypeptides4. Based on our identification of the X-CGD protein in vivo, we propose that one of its critical roles is to interact with the 22K species to form a functional cytochrome b complex.
The Influence of Federal Mandates on State Medicaid and AFDC Decision-Making

This article focuses on the influence of federal Medicaid mandates on state AFDC and Medicaid policy decision-making. The results confirm certain concerns about federal mandates: the benefits of federal Medicaid mandates (eligibility expansions to pregnant women and infants) appear to be offset by state reductions in AFDC and other Medicaid policy areas. In particular, federal Medicaid mandates had a negative effect on AFDC and Medically Needy financial eligibility levels and Medicaid optional benefit coverage-areas where states maintained discretionary power. A political-economic theory is used to test the impact offederal Medicaid mandates where a different political process is postulated for each policy dimension. The model is estimated using panel data and a heteroskedastic, timewise autoregressive model.
Recent advances in barrier contraception: review and report of clinical trial of the Oves cervical cap.

Abstract A brief history and comparison of barrier methods of birth control are reviewed. The clinical trial of theOves® cervical cap, a new barrier method for contraception, is reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Oves® cervical cap. The Oves® cervical cap is made of implantable grade silicone which fits snugly over the cervix. Women (N=17) included in the study were followed at 3-months, 6-months and annually during their participation in the study, for a total of 336 women-months. Clinical data consisted of Pap smear at the initial exam, at 3 months, and annually thereafter. Women completed a monthly diary of side effects and history of their use of the cap with sexual activity. Personal use diaries were tabulated for reported side effects. Data were analysed using standard life-expectancy table analysis to determine contraceptive effectiveness rates. Results showed that the contraceptive failure rate was low, the Oves® cervical cap in this study had a contraceptive effectiveness rate of 100%. There were no serious or severe side effects. Reported side effects consisted of vaginal infection (11 cases in five women) and dislodgement (5 cases). Only one subject discontinued use of the Oves® cervical cap because of discomfort. Overall, women and their partners reported satisfaction with use of the Oves® cervical cap. The major limitation of this study was the small sample size. Current efforts are underway to undertake a larger clinical trial in attempt to win FDA approval to market the device in the US.
Effect of Monophasic Pulsed Current on Heel Pain and Functional Activities caused by Plantar Fasciitis

BACKGROUND Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a soft tissue disorder considered to be one of the most common causes of inferior heel pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of monophasic pulsed current (MPC) and MPC coupled with plantar fascia-specific stretching exercises (SE) on the treatment of PF. MATERIAL AND METHODS Forty-four participants (22 women and 22 men, with a mean age of 49 years) diagnosed with PF were randomly assigned to receive MPC (n=22) or MPC coupled with plantar fascia-specific SE (n=22). Prior to and after 4 weeks of treatment, participants underwent baseline evaluation; heel pain was evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS), heel tenderness threshold was quantified using a handheld pressure algometer (PA), and functional activities level was assessed using the Activities of Daily Living subscale of the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (ADL/FAAM). RESULTS Heel pain scores showed a significant reduction in both groups compared to baseline VAS scores (P<0.001). Heel tenderness improved significantly in both groups compared with baseline PA scores (P<0.001). Functional activity level improved significantly in both groups compared with baseline (ADL/FAAM) scores (P<0.001). However, no significant differences existed between the 2 treatment groups in all post-intervention outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS This trial showed that MPC is useful in treating inferior heel symptoms caused by PF.
Uterine cancer in Maryland: impact of surgeon case volume and other prognostic factors on short-term mortality.

Abstract Objectives. To characterize the patterns of primary surgical care and short term outcomes for uterine cancer according to surgeon and hospital case volume. Methods. A statewide hospital discharge database was used to identify women undergoing primary surgery for uterine cancer during 1994–2005. Surgeon case volume was categorized as low (≤ 99 cases/12 years), or high (≥ 100 cases/12 years). Hospital case volume was categorized as low (≤ 199 cases/12 years), or high (≥ 200 cases/12 years). Logistic regression models were used to evaluate for significant factors associated with in-hospital death and access to high volume care. Results. Overall, 6,181 cases for uterine cancer were performed by 894 surgeons at 49 hospitals. Low volume surgeons performed 62.4% of the cases. Management by high volume surgeons was associated with a 53% reduction in the risk of the case being managed by different attending physician/surgeon (95%CI 0.38–0.57, p Conclusions. Surgical management of uterine cancer by high volume surgeons is associated with a decrease risk in in-hospital death. Increased efforts to concentrate the surgical management of uterine cancer by high volume surgeons at high volume centers should be undertaken.
Modal decomposition and normal form for hydrodynamic flows: Examples from cellular flame patterns

Spatio-temporal complexity of hydrodynamic flows may be reduced through modal decomposition, especially in systems with symmetries. The symmetries of the most significant modes can then be used to deduce normal form equations associated with the observed state. In turn, the normal form equations can be used to deduce bifurcations to and from the given state. We illustrate this process using two spatio-temporal cellular states on a circular flame front. The first example contains a pair of uniformly rotating cells. Principle component analysis shows that two coherent structures capture most of the dynamics and suggests that the state is a broken-parity traveling mode. Other experimentally observed states, such as modulated rotating states and a heteroclinic cycle between two spatially orthonormal states result from secondary bifurcations from the rotating state. The second example, referred to as the hopping mode, visually appears to have significantly more complicated dynamics. However, modal decomposition shows that it consists of two parity broken states moving at different angular velocities. The corresponding normal form contains a codimension-three steady-state bifurcation leading to a homoclinic cycle whose spatio-temporal characteristics are similar to those of hopping states. We use these examples to propose a methodology to combine coherent structures that form a single, possibly time-dependent entity which we refer to as a generalized coherent structure. The process can reduce the number of entities needed to expand complex spatio-temporal states. The paper is dedicated to the memory of Michael Gorman, whose experiments on cellular flame fronts and relentless demands for better theoretical understanding of the patterns motivated the study.
Elliptic grid generation using NURBS surfaces

Abstract Recently, there has been a move towards NURBS-based grid generation systems, where the original geometry is given as analytically defined NURBS surfaces. The process of surface grid generation is the computation of an algebraic grid based on the NURBS surface definition and the computation of an elliptic grid based on the algebraic grid. The NURBS format provides a common mathematical representation for both standard analytic shapes and free-form curves and surfaces. The derivatives of the physical coordinates with respect to the parametric coordinates can be evaluated directly. An improved elliptic surface grid generation method for NURBS surfaces is presented. New techniques for computing the control functions and imposing boundary orthogonality are developed.
Place of Residence and Primary Treatment of Prostate Cancer: Examining Trends in Rural and Nonrural Areas in Wisconsin

Objective To determine whether rural residents were at a disadvantage compared with urban residents with regard to the receipt of curative therapy for prostate cancer. Materials and Methods Using the Breast and Prostate Cancer Data Quality and Patterns of Care Study II, patients with prostate cancer who were diagnosed in 2004 were identified. Registrars reviewed the medical records of randomly selected patients with incident prostate cancer (n = 1906). The patients' residential address was geocoded and linked to the census tract from the 2000 U.S. Census. The place of residence was defined as rural or nonrural according to the census tract and rural-urban commuting area categorization. The distance from the residence to the nearest radiation oncology facility was calculated. The odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals associated with receipt of noncurative treatment was calculated from logistic regression models and adjusted for several potential confounders. Results Of the incident patients, 39.1% lived in urban census tracts, 41.5% lived in mixed tracts, and 19.4% lived in rural tracts. Hormone-only or active surveillance was received by 15.4% of the patients. Relative to the urban patients, the odds ratio for noncurative treatment was 1.01 (95% confidence interval 0.59-1.74) for those living in mixed tracts and 0.96 (95% confidence interval 0.52-1.77) for those living in rural tracts. No association was found for noncurative treatment according to the Rural-Urban Commuting Area categorization. The linear trend was null between noncurative treatment and the distance to nearest radiation oncology facility (P = .92). Conclusion The choice of curative treatment did not significantly depend on the patient's place of residence, suggesting a lack of geographic disparity for the primary treatment of prostate cancer.
THE FAMOUS SAYINGS TEST AND UNIQUENESS

The Famous Sayings is a disguised personality inventory containing four factor analytically-derived scales: Conventional Mores, Hostdity, Fear of Failure, and Social Acquiescence (Bass, 1958). The present study was done to clarify what this instrument measures by observing the relation of scores to the need for uniqueness, a trait defined by Snyder and Fromkin (1977) as a nonpathological need toward abnormality expressed by behaviors that serve to differentiate oneself from others. These investigators developed a 32-item Uniqueness scale to measure that trait. Two of the factors Snyder and Fromkin (1980) identified as among those comprising this need for uniqueness were described by them as "a desire to not always follow rules" and "a w~llingness to defend his or her beliefs publicly." These factors seem at face value to be at odds with the traits measured by the Conventional Mores and the Social Acquiescence scales. Given this, we a priori predicted that Conventional Mores and Social Acquiescence should correlate negatively with the need for uniqueness. University students (41 women and 20 men) enrolled in general psychology classes served as subjects. They were largely Caucasian, of middle class, and of traditional college-attending ages. AU responded to the Famous Sayings test and the Uniqueness scale (Snyder & Fromkin, 1977, 1980). The means (with standard deviations in parenthesis) for these scales were as follows: 98.89 (13.52) for Uniqueness, 43.25 (8.52) for Conventional Mores, 37.36 (6.04) for Hostility, 37.74 (8.60) for Fear of Failure, and 33.15 (8.12) for Social Acquiescence. Uniqueness correlated -.33 with Conventional Mores @<.05), .06 with Hostility, .02 with Fear of Failure, and -.I8 with Social Acquiescence (df = 59 for all Pearson rs). These results indicate that higher Conventional Mores scores tend to be associated moderately with lower Uniqueness scores. We may infer from this that people disposed toward more normative ways of thinking and conduct may in part do so because they are less motivated to establish their selF-definition through being different from others. On the other hand, the ~redicted relation between Social Acquiescence and Uniqueness was not observed, suggesting that some manifestations of conformity are compatible with the need for uniqueness.