cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Monosaccharides with Phosphorus in the Sugar Ring

Abstract In recent years attention has been directed toward the synthesis of modified sugars wherein the oxygen atom in the sugar ring is replaced by sulfur, selenium or phosphorus. Synthesis of sugar analogs with phosphorus as the ring heteroatom is interesting from the point of view of their possible biological activity.
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc.: An Innovative Voluntary Code of Conduct to Protect Human Rights, Create Employment Opportunities, and Economic Development of the Indigenous People

In December 2003, Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as Freeport) announced the creation of a voluntary code of conduct, called “Guiding Principles for Indonesian Operations—People and the Community.” The code outlined a set of principles that would guide the company’s activities at its mine site in Papua, Indonesia.
An optimal routing paradigm for flexible flights

This paper introduces the concepts of metroplex and flexible flight. We focus on the routing part of a complete flexible flight operation. The authors establish a network data structure based on which the optimal routing algorithm is developed for the flexible flights which fly from their original airports to destination metroplexes. Moreover, the metroplex routing algorithm is performed under the dynamic en route traffic congestion constraint, which is rarely studied in literature. We also propose an integrated model which combines the routing and scheduling according to the practical feasible air traffic control procedure. Besides the optimal metroplex routing and the scheduling, we also brief several other functional blocks in the integrated model and illustrate the data flow inside the entire system. Finally we present the simulation results which verify the positive effect of the optimal metroplex routing algorithm and show that the total delay reduction by the integrated system is considerable.
Genetic and Molecular Markers of Urothelial Premalignancy and Malignancy

The molecular genetic changes reported in bladder tumors can be classified as primary and secondary aberrations. Primary molecular alterations may be defined as those directly related to the genesis of cancer. These are frequently found as the sole abnormality and are often associated with particular tumors. There are characteristic primary abnormalities involved in the production of low-grade/well-differentiated neoplasms, which destabilize cellular proliferation but have little effect on cellular ''social'' interactions or differentiation, as well as the rate of cell death or apoptosis. Other molecular events lead to high-grade neoplasms which disrupt growth control, including the cell cycle and apoptosis, and which have a major impact on biological behavior. A primary target leading to low-grade papillary superficial bladder tumors resides on chromosome 9, while p53 gene alterations are commonly seen in flat carcinoma in situ. Other molecular alterations must be elucidated, as many non-invasive neoplas...
Formal specification-based conformance testing

The paper discusses the use of formal specifications for conformance testing of OSI protocols and divides the discussion in two parts: test design and tester design. A draft standard formal specification of the Class 4 transport protocol in Estelle is taken as the starting point for test design. The test design technique used to derive a conformance test suite is semi-formal based in part on the formal specification and also the informal specification. The tests obtained are expressed in natural language. In the tester design part, we discuss the distributed test architecture of ISO and give the detailed designs of upper and lower testers. It is shown that, in testing Class 4 transport implementations, a parametrized protocol implementation approach in the lower tester design, renders the tests easier to implement.
An Aplysia Egr homolog is rapidly and persistently regulated by long-term sensitization training

The Egr family of transcription factors plays a key role in long-term plasticity and memory in a number of vertebrate species. Here we identify and characterize ApEgr (GenBank: KC608221), an Egr homolog in the marine mollusk Aplysia californica. ApEgr codes for a predicted 593-amino acid protein with the highly conserved trio of zinc-fingered domains in the C-terminus that characterizes the Egr family of transcription factors. Promoter analysis shows that the ApEgr protein selectively recognizes the GSG motif recognized by vertebrate Egrs. Like mammalian Egrs, ApEgr is constitutively expressed in a range of tissues, including the CNS. Moreover, expression of ApEgr is bi-directionally regulated by changes in neural activity. Of most interest, the association between ApEgr function and memory may be conserved in Aplysia, as we observe rapid and long-lasting up-regulation of expression after long-term sensitization training. Taken together, our results suggest that Egrs may have memory functions that are conserved from mammals to mollusks.
A test of the representativeness bias effect on stock prices: A study of Super Bowl commercial likeability

Abstract We test 17 years of Super Bowl commercials, finding that “liked” commercials coincide with higher stock returns, despite controls for firm size and changes in sales. This is consistent with representativeness bias, the irrational relation of firm characteristics to returns.
Probing the 5f electrons in Am-I by hybrid density functional theory

Abstract The ground states of the actinides and their compounds continue to be matters of considerable controversies. Experimentally, Americium-I (Am-I) is a non-magnetic dhcp metal whereas theoretically an anti-ferromagnetic ground state is predicted. We show that hybrid density functional theory, which admixes a fraction, λ , of exact Hartree–Fock (HF) exchange with approximate DFT exchange, can correctly reproduce the ground state properties of Am. In particular, for λ = 0.40 , we obtain a non-magnetic ground state with equilibrium atomic volume, bulk modulus, 5f electron population, and the density of electronic states all in good agreement with experimental data. We argue that the exact HF exchange corrects the overestimation of the approximate DFT exchange interaction.
Conceptualizing disability in US national surveys: application of the World Health Organization's (WHO) International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) framework.

Disability data inform resource allocation and utilization, characterize functioning and changes over time, and provide a mechanism to monitor progress toward promoting and protecting the rights of individuals with disability. Data collection efforts, however, define and measure disability in varied ways. Our objective was to see how the content of disability measures differed in five US national surveys and over time. Using the WHO ICF as a conceptual framework for measuring disability, we assessed the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), Current Population Survey (CPS), Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP), National Survey of SSI Children and Families (NSCF), and American Community Survey (ACS) for their content coverage of disability relative to each of the four ICF components (i.e., body functions, body structures, activities and participation, and environment). We used second-level ICF three-digit codes to classify question content into categories within each ICF component and computed the proportion of categories within each ICF component that was represented in the questions selected from these five surveys. The disability measures varied across surveys and years. The NHIS captured a greater proportion of the ICF body functions and body structures components than did other surveys. The SIPP captured the most content of the ICF activities and participation component, and the NSCF contained the most content of the ICF environmental factors component. This research successfully illustrated demonstrated the utility of the ICF in examining the content of disability measures in five national surveys and over time.
Omptin proteins: an expanding family of outer membrane proteases in Gram-negative Enterobacteriaceae.

The Escherichia coli K-12 outer membrane protein OmpT is a prototype of a unique family of bacterial endopeptidases known as the omptins. This family includes OmpT and OmpP of E. coli, SopA of Shigella flexneri, PgtE of Salmonella enterica, and Pla of Yersinia pestis. Despite their sequence similarities, the omptins vary in their reported functions. The OmpT protease is characterized by narrow cleavage specificity defined by the extracellular loops of the β-barrel protruding above the lipid bilayer. It employs a distinct proteolytic mechanism that involves a histidine and an aspartate residue. Most of the omptin proteins have been implicated in bacterial pathogenesis. As a result, the omptins are potential targets for antimicrobial drug and vaccine development. This review summarizes recent developments in omptins structure and function, emphasizes their role in pathogenesis, proposes evolutionary relation among the existing omptins, and offers possible directions for future research.
The Red Horizontal-Branch Star HD 17072

We summarize the results of a spectroscopic analysis of HD 17072, finding it to be a metal-poor ([Fe/H] = -1.17) red horizontal-branch star with Teff = 5375 K and log g = 2.4. We also derive a radial velocity of 62.8 km s-1. It has the best determined Hipparcos trigonometric parallax among the metal-poor field horizontal-branch stars and supports the fainter luminosities for such stars found from statistical parallax and Baade-Wesselink analyses, in contradiction to the results of main-sequence fitting of metal-poor field dwarfs to globular cluster main sequences.
Simulation of the Viking biology experiments: An overview

Several ground-based investigations have been carried out since the Viking biology results were received from Mars. Many of these have resulted in reasonable simulations of the Martian data, using as analogues of Mars either strong oxidants, UV-treated materials, iron-containing clays, or iron salts. The ambiguity between the GCMS experiment, in which no organic compounds were found on Mars, and the Labeled Release experiment, in which added organics were decomposed, may well be accounted for by these simulations.
Contact finite element stress analysis of porous ingrowth acetabular cup implantation, ingrowth, and loosening

Two-dimensional linear and contact finite element analyses were conducted of total hip arthroplasty using metal-backed, porous ingrowth acetabular components. The stress transmission characteristics from the component to the surrounding bone were given special attention. Resultant loads of 20 and 40 degrees medial of vertical were studied, and the influence of adding a metal flange to the rim of the cup was evaluated. The results indicated that when a conventional metal-backed component (without a flange) is initially implanted and subjected to normal loading, these components may experience distraction between the component and the surrounding bone at inferior sites. Compressive stresses in the superior dome cancellous bone, however, will be substantial. If complete porous ingrowth is achieved, the superior dome compressive stresses will be reduced and substantial shear stresses created. In addition, high local bone stresses were found at the component rim. If bone ingrowth is achieved only in specific locations, stress transmission will be dictated by those locations and may differ markedly from the case of complete bone ingrowth. In the event that no porous ingrowth is achieved and a fibrous layer forms around the component, the interface stresses will be similar to those calculated for the natural hip. The addition of a flange to the rim of the cup will reduce the magnitude of the radial stresses transmitted to the cancellous bone superiorly and medially by directly transferring some of the load to the lateral wall of the pelvis. The flange will also help to relieve the high local stresses that are found at the component rim.
Upconversion lasers without population inversion

It is shown that upconversion lasing without population inversion may be realized in a four-level system pumped stepwise by two coherent fields.
Restoration of three forest herbs in the Liliaceae family by manipulating deer herbivory and overstorey and understorey vegetation

Background: Research on herbaceous vegetation restoration in forests characterised by overstorey tree harvests, excessive deer herbivory, and a dominant fern understorey is lacking. Most of the plant diversity found in Eastern hardwood forests in the United States is found in the herbaceous understorey layer. Loss of forest herbaceous species is an indicator of declining forest conditions. Aims: The combined effects of deer herbivory, competitive understorey vegetation removal, and overstorey tree removal on the abundance and reproductive capacity of three understorey herbs in the Liliaceae family were evaluated. Methods: A split-plot randomised block design was used with three replicates. Treatments included three harvest intensities, fenced/unfenced, herbicide/no herbicide-treated, prescribed burn/no prescribed burn, and all combinations. A generalised linear model was used to compare treatment effects over 8 years. Results: Both fruit production and cover increased significantly in fenced areas for all...
Study of the 12C(3He, α)11C reaction at E = 36 MeV

Abstract All states in 11 C below E x = 8.7 MeV have been observed in the 12 C( 3 He, α) 11 C reaction. Angular distributions have been measured over the (lab) angular range 7°–170° at a bombarding energy of 35.6 MeV. The results are compared with DWBA calculations using standard opticalmodel parameters. Angular-distribution shapes for l = 1 transfers are described well by DWBA at forward angles, and the extracted spectroscopic factors are in reasonable agreement with theoretical predictions. Other states are weak and poorly fitted by the DWBA, but are stronger than expected in a one-step process.
Periocular injection of an adenoviral vector encoding pigment epithelium-derived factor inhibits choroidal neovascularization.

Gene transfer provides an exciting new approach for the treatment of retinal and choroidal diseases. Two areas of concern are the potential for vector-related toxicity and uncertainties associated with prolonged transgene expression. One way to address these concerns for transfer of genes encoding secreted proteins is to transduce cells on the outside of the eye, provided the gene product can gain access to the eye and have the desired effect. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of this approach. Periocular injection of an adenoviral vector encoding β-galactosidase (AdLacZ.10) resulted in LacZ-stained cells throughout the orbit and around the eye. Compared to periocular injection of 5 × 109 particles of control vector, periocular injection of 5 × 109 or 1 × 109 particles of an adenoviral vector expressing pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) regulated by a CMV promoter (AdPEDF.11) resulted in significantly elevated intraocular levels of PEDF and suppression of choroidal neovascularization. Periocularly injected recombinant PEDF was also found to diffuse through the sclera into the eye. Although similar experiments are needed in an animal with a human-sized eye, these data suggest that periocular gene transfer deserves consideration for the treatment of choroidal diseases.
Left-to-Right Gradient of Atrial Frequencies During Acute Atrial Fibrillation in the Isolated Sheep Heart

Background—Recent studies demonstrated spatiotemporal organization in atrial fibrillation (AF). We hypothesized that waves emanating from sources in the left atrium (LA) undergo fragmentation, resulting in left-to-right frequency gradient. Our objective was to characterize impulse propagation across Bachmann’s bundle (BB) and the inferoposterior pathway (IPP) during AF. Methods and Results—In 13 Langendorff-perfused sheep hearts, AF was induced in the presence of acetylcholine (ACh). Fast Fourier transform of optical and bipolar electrode recordings was performed. Frequency-dependent changes in the left-to-right dominant frequency (DF) gradient were studied by perfusing D600 (2 μmol/L) and by increasing ACh concentration from 0.2 to 0.5 μmol/L. BB and IPP were subsequently ablated. At baseline, a left-to-right decrease in DFs occurred along BB and IPP, resulting in an LA–right atrium (RA) frequency gradient of 5.7±1.4 Hz. Left-to-right impulse propagation was present in 81±5% and 80±10% of cases along BB ...
Freedom versus control: A study of backpackers’ preferences for wilderness management

Abstract The rationing of public access to wildlands frequently is used by land management agencies to protect both physical resources and the quality of visitors’ experiences. Establishing and enforcing optimum use levels, however, presents a dilemma in that wilderness often is perceived in the public mind as permitting spontaneity of behavior and escape from bureaucratic regimentation. We studied the receptivity of backpackers to use limitations at Mount McKinley National Park in Alaska. It was found that they solidly supported the idea of rationing, and they were generally supportive of the backcountry management policies of the Park. Backpackers who were the most committed to finding solitude and who espoused anti‐development goals were more supportive of rationing and the extant management policies than were persons for whom wilderness values held little or no importance.
Invited colloquium: Inclusivity in French second language education

The aim of this bilingual (French/English) symposium was to inform researchers and teacher educators about the specific challenges faced by second language (L2) students and teachers in creating an inclusive L2 classroom in order to encourage plurilingual, non-English-dominant students and students with learning difficulties to succeed. In the Canadian context, French is an official language and in six of the ten provinces, school districts must provide French as a second language (L2 French) instruction in elementary and secondary schools. The remaining provinces and territories typically offer L2 French instruction in many school districts. Therefore, almost all Canadian elementary and secondary school students are faced with either the obligation or the opportunity to learn L2 French.
Restoration of circadian behavioural rhythms by gene transfer in Drosophila

The per locus of Drosophila melanogaster has a fundamental role in the construction or maintenance of a biological clock. Three classes of per mutations have been identified: perl mutants have circadian behavioural rhythms with a 29-h rather than a 24-h period, pers mutants have short-period rhythms of 19 h, and per0 mutants have no detectable circadian rhythms1–4. Each of these mutations has a corresponding influence on the 55-s periodicity of male courtship song5. Long-and short-period circadian rhythm phenotypes can also be obtained by altering the dosage of the wild-type gene4: for example, females carrying only one dose of this X-linked gene have circadian rhythms with periodicities about 1 h longer than those carrying two doses. In a previous report6, cloned DNA was used to localize several chromosomal rearrangement breakpoints that alter per locus function. The rearrangements all affected a 7-kilobase (kb) interval that encodes a 4.5-kb poly(A)+ RNA. We report here that when a 7.1-kb fragment from a per+ fly, including the sequences encoding the 4.5-kb transcript, is introduced into the genome of a per0 (arrhythmic) fly by P element-mediated transformation, circadian rhythmicity of behaviour such as eclosion and locomotor activity is restored. The transforming DNA complements per locus deletions and is transcribed, forming a single 4.5-kb poly(A)+ RNA comparableto that produced by wild-type flies.
Structural and Philosophical Barriers Likely to Make the University Obsolete in These Troubled Times

The authors contend that erroneous assumptions held by faculty and administrators about higher education allow institutions to function either as religious organizations (with beliefs in a body of revealed truth and a priesthood of hierarchy and entitlement) or as corporations (complete with the misunderstanding and misapplication of the corporate concepts of accountability and reward systems). These assumptions prevent necessary discussion among faculty and constituencies about the multiple missions and obligations of higher education. This situation only serves to further fuel public dissatisfaction and questions about funding and purposes. The authors identify a number of critical questions for discussion both inside and outside of academic circles that should move both higher education institutions and their local constituencies and stakeholders past the inevitable stalemate that has been developing for a number of years regarding higher education purposes, roles, and responsibilities.
Deflagration of gasifying condensates with distributed heat loss

Abstract This paper examines steady linear deflagration of condensates that undergo surface gasification followed by a one-step Arrhenius type gas phase reaction. A distributed heat loss proportional to the temperature excess above the ambient is postulated. (Adiabatic deflagration and deflagration with a radiative heat loss from the condensate-gas interface were treated in an earlier paper.) A distinguished limit asymptotic analysis for large gas-phase activation energy E ′ and an 0(1/ E ′) heat loss yields an analytical relation between the pressure p and the burning rate m . In general heat loss is found to lower m from its adiabatic value at a given p . The results for pyrolyzing condensates show that the m - p curve, which was monotonic in the absence of heat loss, is now either C -shaped (exothermic pyrolysis) or S -shaped (endothermic pyrolysis), thereby exhibiting ignition and extinction characteristics. Furthermore, extinction is now “true” (a sudden disappearance of the gas-phase reaction zone at a finite distance from the interface) rather than “effective” (recession of the reaction zone far away from the interface so that the gasification products pass away effectively unburnt). For vaporizing condensates, nonadiabaticity leaves the response qualitatively unaltered.
Proangiogenic potential of a collagen/bioactive glass substrate.

Purpose Previous attempts to stimulate angiogenesis have focused on the delivery of growth factors and cytokines, genes encoding for specific angiogenic inductive proteins or transcription factors, or participating cells. While high concentrations of bioactive glasses have exhibited osteogenic potential, recent studies have demonstrated that low concentrations of particular bioactive glasses are angiogenic. We hypothesized that a well known bioactive glass (Bioglass® 45S5) possesses proangiogenic potential over a limited range of concentrations.
Histopathology and molecular genetics of hearing loss in the human

Hearing loss is among the most common disabilities of man. It has been estimated that over 70 million individuals in the world are hearing impaired with pure tone averages greater than 55 dB. A genetic etiology is thought to be responsible for over half of early onset hearing loss and at least one third of late onset hearing loss. In this review, examples of the histopathology of the inner ear in known genetic syndromes in the human will be presented in order to provide a structural basis for understanding molecular mechanisms of development and maintenance in the inner ear, and to serve the essential function of validating the applicability of animal genetic models of hearing loss to the human condition.
Why Care about Nezahualcoyotl? Veritism and Nahua Philosophy

Sixteenth-century Nahua philosophy understands neltiliztli (truth) and tlamitilizli (wisdom, knowledge) nonsemantically in terms of a complex notion consisting of well-rootedness, alethia, authenticity, adeptness, moral righteousness, beauty, and balancedness. In so doing, it offers compelling a posteriori grounds for denying what Alvin Goldman calls veritism. Veritism defends the universality of correspondence (semantic) truth as well as the universal centrality of correspondence (semantic) truth to epistemology.
Alterations in hepatocyte insulin binding in chronic pancreatitis: effects of pancreatic polypeptide

Background Hepatic insulin resistance has previously been demonstrated in chronic pancreatitis, and has been shown to be ameliorated by pancreatic polypeptide administration. Insulin binding was investigated in chronic pancreatitis induced by infusion of oleic acid into the pancreatic duct of rats. Methods Acute pancreatitis was induced in 12 200 to 225 g 8-weeek-old male Sprague-Dawley rats by intubation of the main bile duct at its junction with the duodenum through a small midline abdominal incision, and infusion of 99% oleic acid 0.015 mL/min for 4 minutes, with an additional 4 minutes dwell-time after infusion. Sham-operated animals served as controls. After 6 weeks, chronic pancreathic and sham-operated animals received either intraperitoneal bovine pancreatic polypeptide or saline vehicle for 5 days. Intraduodenal glucose tolerance tests (GIT) were performed in fasted animals, after which tissues were procured. Insulin receptors were isolated from solubilized hepatocyte and rectus abdominus membranes and competitive-binding studies were performed by incubation with 125 I-insulin. Dissociation coefficients (K d ) and maximum binding capacities (B max ) for high-affinity receptors were derived from Scatchard analyses. Results B max and K d in muscle were not altered in animals with chronic pancreatitis. In liver, B max was significantly less in rate with chronic pancreatitis given saline than in sham-operated rats given saline (17.0 ± 6.3 versus 47.6 ± 13.1 fmol/mg protein; data are mean ± SEM). Pancreatic polypeptide administration increased hepatic B max in rats with chronic pancreatitis (to 47.2 ± 9.8 fmol/mg protein), but had no significant effect in sham-operated rats. Receptor affinity was not significantly different in rats with chronic pancreatitis or rats who underwent sham operations and was unaltered by the administration of pancreatic polypeptide. The integrated plasma glucose response during the GTT was reduced by pancreatic polypeptide administration in rats with chronic pancreatitis (29.5 ± 15.0 mg/dL per minute versus 69.0 ± 21.8 in chronic pancreatitis without pancreatic polypeptide), but was not significantly altered in sham-operated animals. Conclusion Diminished expression of highaffinity receptors on the hepatocyte membrane may contribute to hepatic insulin resistance in chronic pancreatitis. In this model, pancreatic polypeptide improved glucose tolerance and increased receptor capacity to the level observed in livers from nonpancreatitic animals.
Mediatory vs. Total Institution: The Case of the Runaway

This study was concerned with the prediction and control of runaways at two correctional institutions for delinquent boys. The first institution was a mediatory institution which was located within an urban community. The second was an isolated and relatively self-sufficient total institution. Subjects were randomly assigned to either institution from a common population of offenders, and runaways were examined over a 32-month period. Statistical analyses indicated a complex interaction among the organizational characteristics of the two programs, the personal characteristics of inmates, and the occurrence of runaways. Findings tended to question the efficacy of prediction attempts which concentrate solely on the personal attributes of offenders without taking into account the different and dynamic nature of the correctional systems in which they participate.
The morphology of the lateral line system in 3 species of Pacific cottoid fishes occupying disparate habitats

The superficial neuromasts inLeptocottus armatus (Pacific staghorn sculpin) andOligocottus maculosus (tidepool sculpin) are depressed below the rim of an epidermal collar, whereas the superficial neuromasts inPsychrolutes paradoxus (tadpole sculpin) are surrounded by a pair of hillocks. The lateral line canal system appears identical across these species, whereas the system of superficial neuromasts shows some intraspecific variation. The sand-livingLeptocottus has a more highly developed system of superficial neuromasts thanOligocottus, which lives in a rocky habitat. The present results support the correlation between lateral line system morphology and habitat features previously postulated by Dijkgraaf.
Wavenumber Spectrum of Very Short Wind Waves: An Application of Two-Dimensional Slepian Windows to Spectral Estimation

Abstract A multitaper 2D spectral estimation method is developed for increasing the degree of freedom of the estimation. The core of this method is 2D Slepian eigen windows that are optimum in the sense of minimizing the spectral leakage. Wavenumber spectra of very short wind wave slopes are calculated by this method. The advantages of the multitaper technique are shown by obtaining smooth wavenumber spectra from a limited amount of image data. The data used for the spectral estimation were measured in the laboratory with a water surface gradient detector developed by the authors. Important features of the spatial distribution of short-wave energy are newly revealed. The widening of angular spreading of energy density spectra is not monotonic with increasing wave-number. There is a local plat region of minimum angular spreading in the spectral band of parasitic capillary waves that suggests that there is another upstream of energy cascade in spite of the energetic gravity-wave spectral peak. The input ene...
Limit orders and ex-dividend day return distributions

Abstract NYSE Rule 118 and AMEX Rule 132 specify that on ex-dividend days, the prices given in open limit orders to buy stock be reduced by the dividend amount, and if the result is not a multiple of $0.125, the limit price is rounded down to the next lowest multiple of $0.125. Prices in open limit sell orders remain unchanged on the ex-day. This paper simulates a simple model of ex-dividend trading. As the number of open limit orders increases, the mean ex-day closing price and return increase for dividends greater than $0.25/share, and decrease for dividends less or equal to $0.125/share. The variance of ex-day returns decreases as the number of ex-day open limit orders increases.
Understanding the mapping between numerical approximation and number words: Evidence from Williams syndrome and typical development

All numerate humans have access to two systems of number representation: an exact system that is argued to be based on language and that supports formal mathematics, and an Approximate Number System (ANS) that is present at birth and appears independent of language. Here we examine the interaction between these two systems by comparing the profiles of people with Williams syndrome (WS) with those of typically developing children between ages 4 and 9 years. WS is a rare genetic deficit marked by fluent and well-structured language together with severe spatial deficits, deficits in formal math, and abnormalities of the parietal cortex, which is thought to subserve the ANS. One of our tasks, requiring approximate number comparison but no number words, revealed that the ANS precision of adolescents with WS was in the range of typically developing 2- to 4-year-olds. Their precision improved with age but never reached the level of typically developing 6- or 9-year-olds. The second task, requiring verbal number estimation using number words, revealed that the estimates produced by adolescents with WS were comparable to those of typically developing 6- and 9-year-olds, i.e. were more advanced than their ANS precision. These results suggest that ANS precision is somewhat separable from the mapping between approximate numerosities and number words, as the former can be severely damaged in a genetic disorder without commensurate impairment in the latter.
HIV-POSITIVE AND AIDS-INFECTED WOMEN: Challenges and Difficulties of Mothering

The impact of HIV/AIDS on the ability of 12 mothers to raise their children was explored. Three key themes emerged: disclosure, fear of infecting children through casual contact, and impact of grief. The implications of these findings for research and provision of services are discussed.
Role of CYP2B6 in Stereoselective Human Methadone Metabolism

Background Metabolism and clearance of racemic methadone are stereoselective and highly variable, yet the mechanism remains largely unknown. Initial in vitro studies attributed methadone metabolism to cytochrome P4503A4 (CYP3A4). CYP3A4 was also assumed responsible for methadone clearance in vivo. Nevertheless, recent clinical data do not support a primary role for CYP3A4 and suggest that CYP2B6 may mediate methadone clearance. Expressed CYP2B6 and also CYP2C19 N-demethylate methadone in vitro. This investigation tested the hypothesis that CYPs 2B6, 3A4, and/or 2C19 are responsible for stereoselective methadone metabolism in human liver microsomes and in vivo. Methods N-demethylation of racemic methadone and individual enantiomers by expressed CYPs 2B6, 2C19, and 3A4 was evaluated. Stereoselective microsomal methadone metabolism was quantified, compared with CYP 2B6 and 3A4 content, and probed using CYP isoform-selective inhibitors. A crossover clinical investigation (control, CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 induction by rifampin, CYP3A inhibition by troleandomycin and grapefruit juice) evaluated stereoselective methadone disposition. Results At clinical concentrations, methadone enantiomer N-demethylation by recombinant CYPs 2B6, 3A4, and 2C19 was S > R, S = R, and S R) occurred in livers expressing high levels of CYP2B6 compared with CYP3A4. Clopidogrel, troleandomycin, and (+)-N-3-benzyl-nirvanol, selective inhibitors of CYPs 2B6, 3A4, and 2C19, respectively, inhibited microsomal methadone metabolism by 50-60%, 20-30%, and less than 10%. Only inhibition by clopidogrel was stereoselective. Clinically, rifampin diminished both R- and S-methadone plasma concentrations, but troleandomycin and grapefruit juice altered neither R- nor S-methadone concentrations. Plasma R/S-methadone ratios were increased by rifampin but unchanged by CYP3A inhibition. Conclusions These results suggest a significant role for CYP2B6, but not CYP3A, in stereoselective human methadone metabolism and disposition.
Ignition Criteria for Resistive Circuits

The criterion of no ignition is stated in general. The relation between the electrical power output and the discharge voltage, and the power output and time are discussed for resistive circuits with source voltages ranging from 24-60 V, tested by the German breakflash. Shadow photographs of the electrode area with the incipient kernel and the relevant oscillograms of the discharge voltage are recorded. From the oscillograms a general discharge voltage pattern emerges. The theoretical considerations as well as the experimental results suggest that the critical section when ignition is likely to occur under minimum igniting conditions coincides with the peak of the power transfer function. Suggestions are made about the practical application of these results to monitor the sensitivity of the breakflash or forecast the probable value of minimum igniting current or power for a given circuit.
Optical second harmonic generation as a surface probe of silver electrodes

Abstract Surface second harmonic (SH) signals generated at a polycrystalline silver surface are studied as the electrode undergoes electrochemical cycling in sulfate electrolytes of variable pH. The SH intensity profiles are correlated with the ionic adsorption and surface chemistry occurring at the electrode interface. The dramatic differences in the optical response of these solutions is attributed to the formation of silver oxides. Detection of monolayer coverages of adsorbed sulfate ions demonstrate the inherent sensitivity of this nonlinear optical technique. The effect on the SH efficiency of trace amounts of oxygen in the electrolyte is also discussed.
Allometric aspects of population dynamics: A symmetry approach

The maximum intrinsic rate of increase (r max ) shows a −0.25 scaling with adult body weight (W) in mammals (and others). Average adult life span (1/M) and age at maturity (α) show −0.25 scalings, independent of population size; these two lead to ther max scaling, providedR o is invariant with body size in rarified populations (=R om ). Thus ther max scaling follows from the existence of two population size symmetries (i.e. 1/M and α) and one body size symmetry (R o ). The theory provides a formula to calculate the height (A 3) of the scalingr max =A 3 ·W −0.25. The theory also helps to explain ‘Fowler's Rules’, which linkR om to the relative position of the inflection point of the population growth curve.
High-efficiency pulsed GaAs avalanche diodes

Efficiencies as high as 7.8 percent yielding 380 mW at 6.8 GHz and output powers up to 1.3 watts at 6.5 GHz (3.6 percent efficiency) have been observed in GaAs p-n junction avalanche diodes. Diode diameters ranged from 2.5 to 7.5 mils with best efficiencies occurring in the range from 2.5 to 4.2 mils, for the circuit used.
The relationship of perianal dermatitis to fecal pH

Summary Perianal dermatitis is a commonskin affection in the neonatal period. In a study carried out over a 2-year period on 1,505 infants fed two evaporated milk preparations, 107 cases of perianal dermatitis were observed, an incidence of 7.1 per cent. In different nurseries and at different times, feeding of the same formula was followed by a sharply varying incidence in appearance of the condition. Data obtained from measurements of the pH of the stools in 434 cases failed to support the thesis that fecal alkalinity is a major factor in the genesis of perianal dermatitis.
Perirenal MR high signal--a new and sensitive indicator of acute ureteric obstruction.

Purpose: This study was carried out to determine the incidence of perirenal magnetic resonance (MR) high signal in acute ureteric obstruction as demonstrated by half-Fourier acquisition single shot turbo spin-echo (HASTE) MR. In addition, we evaluated the sensitivity of this perirenal MR high signal as a predictor of acute ureteric obstruction. Materials and Methods: A prospective evaluation of 55 consecutive patients with suspected ureteric obstruction was carried out using the HASTE MR sequence. Images were compared to concurrent IV urography (IVU) or to computed tomography (CT) where these were available. Acute and chronic ureteric obstruction were differentiated by clinical evaluation. Results: Forty-one patients had obstructed kidneys. HASTE MR accurately predicted the presence of acute ureteric obstruction in 20/23 (87%) based on presence of perirenal MR high signal. None of these showed evidence of contrast medium extravasation on the concurrent IV urogram. 15/18 (83%) chronically obstructed kidneys demonstrated no perirenal high signal on HASTE MR, and the remaining three showed only a trace of perirenal high signal. CT showed perirenal stranding in only 2/8 patients with acutely obstructed kidneys. Conclusion: In acute ureteric obstruction, HASTE MR shows perirenal high signal intensity much more commonly than IVU shows extravasation or CT showing perirenal stranding. The origin of this MR signal is uncertain but may represent oedema, lymphatic distension or free fluid from forniceal rupture. HASTE MR can accurately distinguish between acute and chronic ureteric obstruction based on the degree of perirenal high signal.
Day care center directors' perceptions of the nurse consultant's role.

: Forty-nine day care center directors were surveyed to examine their perceptions of the nurse consultant's role. Findings revealed the directors were positive but indiscriminate about the scope of nursing practice. Many respondents were unable to identify the nurse consultant's educational background or specialization. Without an accurate understanding of nurses' abilities, day care centers may not use the full range of health services that nurses offer.
Effect of Poly‐ and Pyrophosphates on the Natural Bacterial Flora and Inoculated Clostridium sporogenes PA 3679 in Cooked Vacuum packaged Bratwurst

Survival and growth of inoculated Clostridium sporogenes PA 3679 and of natural aerobic and anaerobic bacterial flora were studied in cooked, vacuum packed bratwurst containing 0.5% phosphates during refrigerated (5°C) and subsequent temperature abuse storage (24°C). Sodium acid pyrophosphate (SAPP), sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP) and sodium polyphosphate glassy (SPG) were tested. No significant bacterial inhibition by any phosphate was observed during refrigerated storage, nor was there appreciable growth in the control bratwurst. However, SAPP significantly inhibited aerobic and anaerobic bacteria (including C. sporogenes) upon temperature abuse, followed in effect by TSPP and STPP. Cooking to 65.5°C helped retain antimicrobial properties of phosphates to some extent. Enzymatic hydrolysis of phosphates is postulated as a major factor in loss of antimicrobial properties of phosphates in processed meats.
l-type resonance in an overtone band. The 2ν4 spectrum of nitrogen trifluoride

Abstract l -type resonance in an overtone band is discussed. It is shown that if the anharmonic constant g ll is small the resonance effect may be as large as or even larger than, the corresponding fundamental. Intensity perturbation may be manifested by the appearance of forbidden lines. This analysis is applied to the high frequency portion of the 2 ν 4 spectrum of NF 3 and band constants are obtained.
The effector enzyme regulates the duration of G protein signaling in vertebrate photoreceptors by increasing the affinity between transducin and RGS protein.

Abstract The photoreceptor-specific G protein transducin acts as a molecular switch, stimulating the activity of its downstream effector in its GTP-bound form and inactivating the effector upon GTP hydrolysis. This activity makes the rate of transducin GTPase an essential factor in determining the duration of photoresponse in vertebrate rods and cones. In photoreceptors, the slow intrinsic rate of transducin GTPase is accelerated by the complex of the ninth member of the regulators of G proteinsignaling family with the long splice variant of type 5 G protein β subunit (RGS9·Gβ5L). However, physiologically rapid GTPase is observed only when transducin forms a complex with its effector, the γ subunit of cGMP phosphodiesterase (PDEγ). In this study, we addressed the mechanism by which PDEγ regulates the rate of transducin GTPase. We found that RGS9·Gβ5L alone has a significant ability to activate transducin GTPase, but its affinity for transducin is low. PDEγ acts by enhancing the affinity between activated transducin and RGS9·Gβ5L by more than 15-fold, which is evident both from kinetic measurements of transducin GTPase rate and from protein binding assays with immobilized transducin. Furthermore, our data indicate that a single RGS9·Gβ5L molecule is capable of accelerating the GTPase activity of ∼100 transducin molecules/s. This rate is faster than the rates reported previously for any RGS protein and is sufficient for timely photoreceptor recovery in both rod and cone photoreceptors.
Reactor pressure vessel integrity program

Abstract The reactor vessel report provides a technical evaluation of the effects of aging on the reactor vessel shell, lower vessel head, closure head, nozzles (and safe ends, if provided), interior attachments, and all associated pressure-retaining bolting. The evaluation is performed in accordance with the requirements of the license renewal rule, 10 CFR Part 54. This paper is based upon the B and W Owners Group report BAW-2251 (Mackay, W.H., Gross, L.B., Rinckel, M.A., Starkey, R.L., 1996. Demonstration of the management of aging effects for the reactor vessel. Report BAW-2251, Framatome Technologies, Lynchburg, VA), which was submitted to the NRC for review and approval in June 1996. The reactor vessel report demonstrates that existing utility programs adequately monitor and manage the relevant effects of aging of the reactor vessel such as cracking, loss of material, reduction in the fracture toughness of the vessel beltline material, and loss of mechanical closure integrity. The aging management programs credited include ASME Section XI, ISI, compliance to 10 CFR Parts 50.60 and 50.61, Plant Technical Specifications, and commitments to generic Nuclear Regulatory Commission communications. The aging management techniques described in this report permit continued safe operation over the period of extended operation associated with license renewal. In addition, the report includes the evaluation of three generic time-limited aging analyses: (1) fatigue of metallic components; (2) analyses and calculations performed to show compliance with NRC regulations governing reduction of fracture toughness of reactor vessel beltline materials; and (3) intergranular separations in low-alloy steel heat-affected zones under austenitic stainless steel cladding.
A current controlled variable delay superconducting transmission line

The authors present a device concept for a superconductive current-biased variable-delay transmission line structure which is capable, in principle, of operating up to the terahertz regime. The device makes use of the change in kinetic inductance of superconductors with transport current. The relevant material figures of merit for optimum performance of such a device are defined, and suitable candidate materials are identified. The device concept has been tested in niobium technology, where temperature-dependent changes in the inductance are easily achieved. Preliminary measurements on the temperature and current dependence of niobium transmission line resonators operating in the 1-20 GHz range are presented. The expected DC bias current variable delay has not yet been observed, but niobium is not expected to be the optimum material for such an effect. Suggested improvements include the use of more favorable materials, such as amorphous alloys and oxide superconducting films, and the use of modified microstrip geometries where a closer approach to the depairing critical current density should be possible. >
Variation in the incidence of uterine leiomyoma among premenopausal women by age and race.

Abstract Objective: To quantify the incidence of uterine leiomyoma confirmed by hysterectomy, ultrasound, or pelvic examination according to age and race among premenopausal women. Methods: From September 1989 through May 1993, 95,061 premenopausal nurses age 25–44 with intact uteri and no history of uterine leiomyoma were followed to determine incidence rates of uterine leiomyoma. The self-reported diagnosis was confirmed in 93% of the medical records obtained for a sample of cases. Using pooled logistic regression, we estimated relative risks (RRs) of uterine leiomyoma according to race and examined whether adjustment for other potential risk factors could explain the variation in the race-specific rates. Results: During 327,065 woman-years, 4181 new cases of uterine leiomyoma were reported. The incidence rates increased with age, and the age-standardized rates of ultrasound- or hysterectomy-confirmed diagnoses per 1000 woman-years were 8.9 among white women and 30.6 among black women. After further adjustment for marital status, body mass index, age at first birth, years since last birth, history of infertility, age at first oral contraceptive use, and current alcohol consumption, the rates among black women were significantly greater for diagnoses confirmed by ultrasound or hysterectomy (RR 3.25; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.71, 3.88) and by hysterectomy (RR 1.82; 95% CI 1.17, 2.82) compared with rates among white women. We observed similar RRs when the cohort was restricted to participants who reported undergoing a screening physical examination within the 2 years before baseline. Conclusion: A higher prevalence of known risk factors did not explain the excess rate of uterine leiomyoma among premenopausal black women.