cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Group VIII Coordination Chemistry of a Pincer-Type Bis(8-quinolinyl)amido Ligand

This paper provides an entry point to the coordination chemistry of the group VIII chemistry of the bis(8-quinolinyl)amine (BQA) ligand. In this context, mono- and disubstituted BQA complexes of iron, ruthenium, and osmium are described. For example, the low-spin bis-ligated Fe(III) complex [Fe(BQA)2][BPh4] has been prepared via amine addition to FeCl3 in the presence of a base and NaBPh4. Complexes featuring a single BQA ligand are more readily prepared for Ru and Os. Auxiliary ligands featuring a single BQA ligand, along with two other L-type donor ligands, allow for a variety of ligand types to occupy a sixth coordination site. Representative examples include the halide and pseudohalide complexes trans-(BQA)MX(PPh3)2 (M = Ru, Os; X = Cl, Br, N3, OTf), as well as the hydride and alkyl complexes trans-(BQA)RuH(PMe3)2 and trans-(BQA)RuMe(PMe3)2. Electrochemical studies are discussed that help to contextualize the BQA ligand with respect to its neutral counterpart 2,2′,2′′-terpyridine (terpy) in terms of electron-releasing character. Bidentate ligands have been explored in conjunction with the BQA ligand. Thus, the bidentate, monoanionic aryl(8-quinolinyl)amido ligand 3,5-(CF3)2-(C6H3)QA has been installed onto the (BQA)Ru platform to provide (BQA)Ru(3,5-(CF3)2-(C6H3)QA)(PPh3). A bis(phosphino)borate ligand stabilizes the five-coordinate complex [Ph2B(CH2PPh2)2]Ru(BQA). Finally, access to dinitrogen complexes of the types [(BQA)Ru(N2)(PPh3)2][PF6], [(BQA)Ru(N2)(PMe3)2][PF6], and [(BQA)Os(N2)(PPh3)2][PF6] is provided by exposure of the sixth coordination site under a N2 atmosphere.
DWBA with charge exchange and isospin

Abstract The DWBA theory is examined under the assumption that both the form factors and distorted waves are functions of isospin. The formalism is developed and presented in both the coupled (isospin) and uncoupled (neutron-proton) representations. Applications are made in the areas of inelastic scattering and rearrangement phenomena. A model involving the t · T operator and the conservation of isospin for the strong interaction is introduced. The relation between this model and antisymmetry is discussed. A set of generalized Lane equations, the solutions of which describe both elastic and quasi-elastic scattering, are derived. This approach allows the charge exchange process to be explicitly incorporated into the transition amplitude. Numerical calculations are performed and partial success is attained in explaining certain spectroscopic anomalies deduced previously by conventional theory.
Ambiguity in the Mixing Parameter for Nucleon-Nucleon Scattering

Additions are presented for work done by lastavenko et al., on unitary transformation for nucleon-nucleon scattering and Minami's ambiguity for pion- nucleon scattering. Results show that there always exists a set of mixing parameters which gives the angular distribution for the scattering. The differential cross section for the triplet state is given in equation form in terms of Racah coefficients.
Corticocortical connections to the motor cortex from the posterior parietal lobe (areas 5a, 5b, 7) in the cat demonstrated by the retrograde axonal transport of horseradish peroxidase.

Neurons in the parietal region of the cerebral cortex, projecting to the ipsilateral distal forelimb area of the motor cortex (area 4γ) were identified in the cat brain using the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) retrograde tracing method. After making microinjections of HRP into the distal forelimb area of the motor cortex, clusters of HRP-labeled cell bodies were observed in different regions of the ipsilateral parietal cortex. In particular these clusters of labeled cells were found in areas 5a, 5b and 7. The area 5a cluster is formed from closely packed irregularly-shaped cells, the area 5b cluster is made up of dispersed medium-sized pyramidal cells, while area 7 contains a cluster of widely dispersed small pyramidal cells. Typically, labeled cell bodies were found in lamina III of cortex. Labeled cell bodies were neither observed in the contralateral cortex nor in the visual cortex (areas 17, 18 and 19). Since parietal cortex receives projections from primary somatosensory and visual cortex, the projections from parietal to motor cortex may well form the neural substrate for the processing of convergent sensory information used in voluntary movements.
Robust vibration suppression (RVS) method for robotic, manufacturing, and other electromechanical systems

Robust vibration suppression (RVS) is a methodology developed for selecting and synthesizing preshapes that will reduce residual vibration in a wide variety of open and closed-loop multi-degree of freedom systems. Furthermore RVS requires only basic information about the system fundamental frequency and no information about higher modes in the system. There are many aspects to the RVS method; one particular RVS synthesis method called the binomial synthesis technique is discussed in this paper, and experimental data is presented for one RVS type preshape.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Letter by Sharma and Chatterjee Regarding Article, “Short- and Long-Term Outcomes With Drug-Eluting and Bare-Metal Coronary Stents: A Mixed-Treatment Comparison Analysis of 117 762 Patient-years of Follow-up From Randomized Trials”

We read with interest the article by Bangalore et al1 and thank the authors for a detailed review and network meta-analysis on the topic. Another recent study on the same topic had divergent results.2 A few concerns may merit deliberation. First, despite using similar methodology for the literature search, using largely similar sources and databases (but different search strings), and having less strict inclusion criteria, the former study2 yielded 49 trials for …
"I Won't Trust You if I Think You're Trying to Deceive Me": Relations between Selective Trust, Theory of Mind, and Imitation in Early Childhood.

This study explores connections between 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds’ performance in theory-of-mind tasks, their performance on an assessment of selective trust, and their decisions to (not) imitate the questionable tool choices of an adult model. The prediction was that all the tasks would be related, with improvements in theory of mind and selective trust leading children to be less likely to imitate a model who could be construed as deceptive or unreliable. Controlling for age, we found a positive correlation between false-belief understanding and selective trust but no relation between theory of mind and tool choices. Unexpectedly, children who were more discriminatory in their trust were more likely to imitate. Possible explanations for children's reasoning are discussed.
APRIORI: A FORTRAN IV Computer Program to Select the Most Powerful A Priori Comparison Method in an Analysis of Variance.

A program is described the purpose of which is to select the most powerful among four methods for conducting a priori comparisons in an analysis of variance. The approaches considered are: orthogonal contrasts, Scheffe's method, Dunn's method, and Dunnett's test. The user supplies the program with the specifications of the analysis including number of cells, sample sizes, contrast coefficients, and the desired experiment-wise Type I error risk. The program supplies the critical t ratio and the per-comparison Type I error risk for each of the relevant methods along with a specification as to which is the most powerful. Within certain limitations, the program is capable of dealing with both one-way and factorial designs. It also can consider both one-tailed and two-tailed tests.
Morphology of rat spinal motoneurons with normal and hormonally altered specificity.

Potential determinants of motoneuronal morphology were examined by using a sexually dimorphic, steroid-sensitive neuromuscular system in the rat spinal cord. In males, the spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus (SNB) innervates the perineal muscles bulbocavernosus (BC) and levator ani (LA), and the dorsolateral nucleus (DLN) innervates the ischiocavernosus muscle (IC). Adult females normally lack these motoneurons and the peripheral targets. Prenatal exposure of females to the androgen dihydrotestosterone propionate (DHTP) partially masculinizes this neuromuscular system and alters motoneuron-to-muscle specificity, resulting in retained SNB target muscles anomalously innervated by motoneurons in the DLN. Because the morphology of SNB and DLN motoneurons normally differs significantly, the influence of spinal cord location and peripheral target on motoneuron morphology can be directly compared. Injection of cholera toxin conjugated to horseradish peroxidase (CTHRP) into the LA of DHTP-treated females labeled motoneurons predominantly in the SNB. These (SNB-LA) motoneurons in DHTP females were identical in all morphological measures to those of normal males. CTHRP injection into the BC of DHTP females labeled motoneurons in both the SNB and the DLN. SNB-BC motoneurons in DHTP females resembled those of normal males in process number and orientation, but were significantly smaller in dendritic length per motoneuron and in soma size. The DLN motoneurons anomalously projecting to the BC in DHTP females differed significantly from SNB-BC motoneurons in soma size and number and orientation of primary processes. However, these motoneurons were identical in all respects to DLN-IC motoneurons in DHTP females; DLN-IC motoneurons were similar to those of normal males in the orientation of their dendritic arbor, but were significantly smaller in dendritic length, soma size, and number of primary processes. These comparisons make it clear that DHTP selectively affects motoneuronal specificity and morphology in specific motoneuron classes. Further, motoneuronal morphology in the SNB/DLN system appears to be influenced more by spinal cord location than by peripheral target.
The nature of the sunspot phenomenon. I - Solutions of the heat transport equation

It is pointed out that sunspots represent a disruption in the uniform flow of heat through the convective zone. The basic sunspot structure is, therefore, determined by the energy transport equation. The solutions of this equation for the case of stochastic heat transport are examined. It is concluded that a sunspot is basically a region of enhanced, rather than inhibited, energy transport and emissivity. The heat flow equations are discussed and attention is given to the shallow depth of the sunspot phenomenon. The sunspot is seen as a heat engine of high efficiency which converts most of the heat flux into hydromagnetic waves.
A simple evaporation technique.

Concentration of an extract to a small volume is often necessary prior to spotting on thin layer plates. In many instances, the extract is concentrated to a desired volume, transferred to a suitable container and final evaporation accomplished by a stream of air or nitrogen. A known volume of solvent is then added and the sample is ready for spotting. Often the vessel used for the final evaporation step is not suitable as a storage vessel and the sample must be transferred again. The following described method is considerably more rapid than air drying, it eliminates the necessity of transferring the sample to a storage vessel and may be accomplished with a minimum of expensive equipment.
Shc Isoform-specific Tyrosine Phosphorylation by the Insulin and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors

Insulin stimulation of Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing the human insulin and epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors (CHO/IR/ER) resulted in the tyrosine phosphorylation of the 52-kDa Shc isoform with a relatively low extent of 46-kDa Shc tyrosine phosphorylation. In contrast, EGF stimulation resulted in the tyrosine phosphorylation of both the 52- and 46-kDa Shc isoforms. Consistent with these differences, Grb2 predominantly bound to the 52-kDa Shc isoform following insulin stimulation, whereas Grb2 associated with both the 52- and 46-kDa Shc isoforms after EGF stimulation. Further, in vitro kinetic analysis demonstrated that the insulin receptor has a 4-fold greater Vmax with no significant difference in the Km for the purified 52-kDa Shc isoform compared with the 46-kDa Shc isoform. However, the EGF receptor displayed the identical Vmax and Km for tyrosine phosphorylation of both of these species. In direct contrast to the EGF receptor, we also observed significant differences in binding interactions between the insulin receptor with the 52- and 46-kDa Shc isoforms in vitro. These data demonstrate that the predominant insulin-dependent Shc signaling pathway occurs via the 52-kDa Shc isoform, whereas the EGF receptor can effectively use both the 52- and 46-kDa Shc species.
Trends in cancer diagnoses among inpatients hospitalized with stroke.

Background Cancer, by conferring a hypercoagulable state, may lead to an ischemic stroke. Relatively little is known about the prevalence and evolution of cancer among stroke patients over the last decade. Methods We used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample to identify discharges with any International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision , diagnosis code for cancer and ischemic stroke from 1997 to 2006. We then calculated age-adjusted yearly acute ischemic stroke hospitalization rates among adult populations with and without cancer. Results Prevalence of cancer among hospitalized stroke patients increased from 1997 to 2006 (N = 31,075 [9.1% of all ischemic stroke hospitalizations] to 34,138 [10.6%], P Conclusion About 1 in 10 hospitalized ischemic stroke patients in the United States has comorbid cancer, and there has been a slight rise in this rate over the last decade. This is likely due to enhanced survival from better cancer treatments, but further study is warranted.
Characteristics of Fe ablation trails observed during the 1998 Leonid Meteor Shower

Eighteen Fe ablation trails were observed during the 17/18 Nov 1998 Leonid meteor shower with an airborne Fe lidar aboard the NSF/NCAR Electra aircraft over Okinawa. The average altitude of the 18 trails from the high velocity (72 km/s) Leonid meteors, 95.67±0.93 km, is approximately 6.7 km higher than previously observed for slower (∼30 km/s) sporadic meteors. This height difference is consistent with the assumption that meteors ablate when atmospheric drag reaches a critical threshold. The average age of the Fe trails, determined by a diffusion model, is 10.1 min. The youngest ages were observed below 92 km and above 98 km where chemistry and diffusion dominate, respectively. The average abundance of the trails is 10% of the abundance of the background Fe layer. Observations suggest that the 1998 Leonid shower did not have a significant impact on the abundance of the background Fe layer.
Direct determination of the electron density profile of nerve myelin.

Electron density profile of nervemyel in at a resolution of 7 A has been determined using a direct method of structure analysis. The results provide a basis for interpreting the molecular distribution of the nerve myelin membrane.
Exploitation of localized phosphorus-patches by common bean roots

Phosphorus (P) uptake from patches was investigated in high-P and low-P common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) plants using a split-root system. A P-patch was developed by exposing a small sub-section of the root system to localized P enrichment. A soil-based media was used to provide realistically low, buffered levels of P. In addition, nutrient solution provided zero and 1 mM P to low-P and high-P plants, respectively. Overall, growth of low-P plants was approximately 40% that of high-P plants. Mycorrhizal infection by G. etunicatum had little detectable influence on plant growth. Root length exploring a P-patch was comparable for low-P and high-P plants, yet low-P plants allocated half as much root biomass and P to a P-patch compared to high-P plants. This was achieved by an increase in the investment in fine, terminal roots exploring a P-patch in low-P plants. P uptake per investment of dry weight in the P-patch was over 50% higher for high-P plants compared to low-P plants. The higher P-uptake efficiency in high-P plants was achieved despite the greater production of fine roots in low-P plants.
Ribosome Assisted GTP Hydrolysis by EF-Tu - Mechanism and the Role of Asp21

The elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) is a member of the translational GTPase superfamily, whose GTPase activity is stimulated by the ribosome. Recently we elucidated the GTPase mechanism of EF-Tu using computer simulations (Ram Prasad et al. PNAS USA, 110, 20509, (2013)) and concluded that His84 of switch II region acts mainly in an indirect way (i. e., it neither acts as a general base nor stabilizes the TS in a major way). Additionally, we also concluded that although the proton transfer step occurs through an additional water molecule it does not constitutes the rate-limiting barrier. These computational predictions are further confirmed by a recent mutational and biochemical study (Maracci et al. PNAS USA, doi:10.1073/pnas.1412676111, (2014)). This work found that a mutation of Asp21 in the P loop also hampers the GTPase activity of EF-Tu. This observation suggested that the catalytic effect is modulated by the nature of amino acid side chain — thus we obtain a support to our proposal of allosteric control by the preorganization of the p-loop. However, in order to identify conclusively the origin of the observed mutational effects, and thereby the actual role of D21 on the GTPase activity of EF-Tu, it is essential to move to a quantitative structure function analysis rather than mere qualitative arguments. Thus, we conducted a computational study aimed at examining and quantifying the molecular origin of the catalytic effect of Asp21 on the GTPase activity of EF-Tu.
Temperature fields in electrical coils: Numerical solutions

This paper illustrates the computation of steady temperature fields in electrical coils by the numerical-relaxation method of Emmons and Southwell. The general numerical method is briefly reviewed, and several examples serve to exemplify the simplicity of the technique and to verify that numerical temperatures are in substantial agreement with both experimental data and exact analytical values.
Retailer Performance Indicators in the Nation of Shopkeepers

In light of the Templeton Report and earlier studies, this paper advocates that it is time to abandon notions of developing useful ‘productivity measures’ for the purpose of making international comparisons in retailing. Instead, it is proposed that we should accept, indeed embrace, the use of ‘performance indicators’, if our real objective is to gauge the relative health and efficiency of retailing in the UK compared to other countries. To make this exercise useful, though, the key drivers to efficiency improvements in retailing need to be identified and then a corresponding set of measures and indicators developed that can be used with store-level and business-line data to build up a clear, comprehensive picture. Any intervention or assistance that government may subsequently offer the industry must be based on serving consumers' interests and ensuring effective competition in all retail markets.
2,5-bis-(Glutathion-S-yl)-α-methyldopamine, a putative metabolite of (±)-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, decreases brain serotonin concentrations

Abstract 3,4-(±)-Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) and 3,4-(±)-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) are serotonergic neurotoxicants. However, when injected directly into brain, MDA and MDMA are not neurotoxic, suggesting that systemic metabolism plays an important role in the development of neurotoxicity. The nature of the metabolite(s) responsible for MDA- and MDMA-mediated neurotoxicity is unclear. α-Methyldopamine is a major metabolite of MDA and is readily oxidized to the o -quinone, followed by conjugation with glutathione (GSH). Because the conjugation of quinones with GSH frequently results in preservation or enhancement of biological (re)activity, we have been investigating the role of quinone-thioethers in the acute and long-term neurochemical changes observed after administration of MDA. Although intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of 5-(glutathion- S -yl)-α-methyldopamine (4×720 nmol) and 5-( N -acetylcystein- S -yl)-α-methyldopamine (1×7 nmol) to Sprague-Dawley rats produced overt behavioral changes similar to those seen following administration of MDA (93 μmol/kg, s.c.) they did not produce long-term decreases in brain serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) concentrations. In contrast, 2,5- bis -(glutathion- S -yl)-α-methyldopamine (4×475 nmol) decreased 5-HT levels by 24%, 65% and 30% in the striatum, hippocampus and cortex, respectively, 7 days after injection. The relative sensitivity of the striatum, hippocampus and cortex to 2,5- bis -(glutathion- S -yl)-α-methyldopamine was the same as that observed for MDA; the absolute effects were greater with MDA. The effects of 2,5- bis -(glutathion- S -yl)-α-methyldopamine were also selective for serotonergic nerve terminal fields, in that 5-HT levels were unaffected in regions of the cell bodies. Because 2,5- bis -(glutathion- S -yl)-α-methyldopamine caused long-term depletion in 5-HT without adversely affecting the dopaminergic system, it also mimics the selectivity of MDA/MDMA. The data imply a possible role for quinone-thioethers in the neurobehavioral and neurotoxicological effects of MDA/MDMA. © 1997 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
2,4,6-Trinitrobenzenesulfonate labels an essential amino group near the bound phosphate at the catalytic site of mitochondrial F1-ATPase☆

Abstract The amino reagent 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonate (TNBS) was found to inactivate mitochondrial F 1 -ATPase through covalent labeling, which was not reversed by dithiothreitol. The observed rate of inactivation was retarded by inorganic phosphate, but enhanced by prior labeling of F 1 with 7-chloro-4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole (NBD-C1). These observations are consistent with the presence of an essential amino group near the bound inorganic phosphate at the catalytic site of F 1 . A comparison of the observed protection of F 1 from NBD-C1 and 5′-p-fluorosulfonyl-benzoyladenosine (FSBA) respectively by inorganic phosphate and by 2′,3′-O-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)adenosine 5′-monophosphate (TNP-AMP) suggests that NBD-C1 labels an essential Tyr residue in the positively charged locus for binding the polyphosphate end of ATP, and that FSBA labels an essential Tyr residue in the more hydrophobic locus for binding the adenosine moiety of ATP at the catalytic site of F 1 .
The 12 Step Affiliation and Practices Scale: Development and initial validation of a measure assessing 12 step affiliation

Objective Research on instruments designed to measure endorsement of 12 step beliefs and practices among individuals with substance use disorders is virtually nonexistent. The goal of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of a novel instrument called the 12 Step Affiliation and Practices Scale (TSAPS) using a sample of young adults receiving 12 step-based residential treatment for alcohol and drug dependence.
Orbital atherectomy for symptomatic lower extremity disease

Background. Plaque-debulking technologies have been proposed as alternative treatment options for peripheral arterial disease. Orbital atherectomy (OA), using the DiamondBack360® device, has emerged as one promising modality. Methods. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of OA in the first 200 lesions treated at our institution. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and lesion and procedural variables were collected and analyzed. The primary safety endpoint was the 30-day major adverse events (MAE), including death, myocardial infarction, stroke, unplanned amputation, or target lesion revascularization. Other safety endpoints included access-site complications, occurrence of dissections, perforations, distal embolization, spasm, and hemolysis. The efficacy endpoints were procedural success, need for adjunctive therapy, and improvement in ankle-brachial index. Multivariate analysis was performed to find independent predictors of the safety endpoints. Results. One hundred seventeen (58.5%) lesions were femoral, 31 (15.5%) were popliteal, and 52 (26.0%) were tibial. The procedural success (residual stenosis ≤30%) was comparable between the femoral and tibial lesions (86.3% vs. 92.5%, P = 0.18), but significantly lower for the popliteal lesions when compared with femoral and tibial (64.7% vs. 86.3%, P = 0.058, and 64.7% vs. 92.5%, P = 0.007 respectively). MAE at 30-days occurred in 3 (2.2%) procedures, and major access-site complications also occurred in 3 (2.2%). There were 31 (15.5%) dissections; independent predictors were diabetes mellitus (OR: 7.3, P = 0.008), crown-to-RVD ratio 360 sec (OR: 11.8, P = 0.001). There were 2 (1.0%) distal embolizations, 6 (3.0%) arterial spasms, and no perforations. Laboratory evidence of hemolysis was noted in 33.8% of cases. Conclusion. Orbital atherectomy allows for a significant procedural success, limited need for stenting, and favorable safety profile. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Heteroplasmy in a deep-sea protobranch bivalve suggests an ancient origin of doubly uniparental inheritance of mitochondria in Bivalvia

Most metazoan species have strict maternal inheritance of the mitochondrial genome. In bivalves, a unique inheritance pattern called doubly uniparental inheritance (DUI) occurs in at least seven bivalve families. In this system of mitochondrial inheritance, males inherit and carry mtDNA from both parents, while females only carry mtDNA from the mother. Here, we present evidence of mitochondrial heteroplasmy in deep-sea protobranch bivalves. Divergent 16S rRNA and cytochrome b sequences were obtained within individuals of Ledella ultima. Ledella sublevis also exhibited divergent 16S sequences. Levels of divergence between 16S sequences within individuals were 27 and 15 % for each species, respectively. Ratios of homoplasmic to heteroplasmic individuals were not significantly different from 1:1, in agreement with sex ratios in protobranchs. The results provide the first evidence for mitochondrial heteroplasmy in the protobranchs and suggest DUI might have evolved much earlier in the evolution of the Bivalvia than previously thought.
Theoretical and experimental studies of unimolecular dissociation of phosphorus tribromide ions

Abstract The heat of formation of PBr 2 + , 842.9±1.5 kJ/mol at 0 K, has been determined by the dissociative photoionization of the phosphorus tribromide by threshold photoelectron photoion coincidence spectroscopy (TPEPICO) technique. Also measured was the adiabatic ionization energy of the phosphorus tribromide, 9.35±0.02 eV, and the new value of the 0 K heat of formation of PBr 3 · + ion was determined, 787±2 kJ/mol. The performance of G2 and density functional theory calculations with four functionals, B3PW91, B3P86, B3LYP, and BLYP in characterizing the ionization energy of PBr 3 and the appearance energy of the fragment PBr 2 + ion was examined.
Periodically-segmented tapered waveguide for mode-size transformation and fundamental mode excitation

Transformation of modal properties through axial tapering of the structure of a dielectric waveguide is useful in several contexts. Mode size transformation with a tapered waveguide allows independent optimization of the mode size in different portions of a waveguide to simultaneously achieve effective input and output coupling and for efficient performance of active or electrooptic devices. An adiabatic taper from a single to a multimode waveguide also allows robust coupling into the fundamental mode of a multimode waveguide, important in certain types of nonlinear waveguide devices, such as difference frequency generators, that involve interactions between modes at widely disparate wavelengths. Periodically-segmented waveguides (PSWs), investigated both theoretically1,2,3 and experimentally4,5 in the literature, allow independent control over vertical and lateral confinement, and thus can be used to tailor the size and shape of waveguide modes. In this paper we report tapers in annealed-proton-exchanged (APE) waveguides in LiNbO3 through the use of segmented waveguides with axially varying duty cycle.
Enantioselective aldol condensations via boron enolates. A steric model for asymmetric induction.

Abstract Chiral boron enolates have been shown to be effective in stereoregulated aldol condensations. A transition state model is proposed for chirality transfer.
Thermal limitation of self-pulsation in 650 nm AlGaInP laser diodes with an epitaxially integrated absorber

Self-pulsation within 650 nm, AlGaInP laser diodes can be achieved via the use of a saturable absorbing, epitaxial layer within the structure. A rate equation model of this type of device is presented, which includes the process of thermally activated charge transfer from the quantum well and gain region to the absorbing layer. The results indicate that this thermal leakage mechanism saturates the absorber and hence destroys the self-pulsation at high temperatures. Comparison of the model with recently published experimental data shows good agreement and provides a consistent explanation for the loss of pulsation at temperatures in excess of 60 °C.
1/ n expansion for a Quantum Field Model

A nonperturbative study of the 1/n expansion in Euclidean Quantum Field Theory is started. The expansion is shown to be asymptotic to the vacuum energy of the (φ2)22 model, for arbitrary coupling constant.
Characterization of closed-loop measurement accuracy in precision CNC milling

Abstract This study investigates the closed-loop measurement error in computer numerical controlled (CNC) milling as they relate to the different inspection techniques. The on-line inspection of machining accuracy using a spindle probe has an inherent shortcoming because the same machine-produced parts are used for inspection. In order to use the spindle probe measurement as a means of correcting deviations in machining, the magnitude of measurement errors needs to be quantified. The empirical verification was made by conducting three sets of cutting experiments, followed by a design of experiment with three levels and three factors on a state-of-the-art CNC machining center. Three different material types and parameter settings were selected to simulate a diverse cutting condition. During the cutting, the cutting force and spindle vibration sensor signals were collected and a tool wear was recorded using a computer vision system. The bore tolerance was gauged by a spindle probe as well as a coordinate-measuring machine. The difference between the two measurements was defined as a closed-loop measurement error and the subsequent analysis was performed to determine the significant factors affecting the errors. The analysis results showed the potential of improving production efficiency and improved part quality.
Suppression of Tumor Necrosis Factor α Production by cAMP in Human Monocytes: Dissociation with mRNA Level and Independent of Interleukin-10

Background. Elevation of cellular cAMP inhibits lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-stimulated tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) production and increases the expression of interleukin (IL)-10 in mononuclear cells. TNF-α gene expression obligates activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Exogenous IL-10 inhibits NF-κB in monocytes and thus attenuates TNF-α production. We examined the role of endogenous IL-10 in the regulation of NF-κB activation and TNF-α production in human monocytes by cAMP. Methods. Human monocytes were stimulated with Escherichia coli LPS (100 ng/ml) with and without forskolin (FSK, 50 μM) or dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dbcAMP, 100 μM). Cytokine (TNF-α and IL-10) release was measured by immunoassay. TNF-α mRNA was measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and NF-κB DNA binding activity was assessed by gel mobility shift assay. Results. cAMP-elevating agents inhibited LPS-stimulated TNF-α release (0.77 ± 0.13 ng/106 cells in LPS + dbcAMP and 0.68 ± 0.19 ng/106 cells in LPS + FSK, both P < 0.05 vs 1.61 ± 0.34 ng/106 cells in LPS alone). Conversely, cAMP enhanced LPS-stimulated IL-10 release (100 ± 21.5 pg/106 cells in LPS + dbcAMP and 110 ± 25.2 pg/106 cells in LPS + FSK, both P < 0.05 vs 53.3 ± 12.8 pg/106 cells in LPS alone). Neither TNF-α mRNA expression nor NF-κB activation stimulated by LPS was inhibited by the cAMP-elevating agents. Neutralization of IL-10 with a specific antibody did not attenuate the effect of cAMP-elevating agents on TNF-α production. Conclusion. The results indicate that cAMP inhibits LPS-stimulated TNF-α production through a posttranscriptional mechanism that is independent of endogenous IL-10.
A model for the enantiomeric enrichment of polypeptides on the primitive earth

A potential model is presented for the origin of optical activity in polypeptides on the primitive earth due to enantiomeric enrichment in succeeding polymerization-hydrolysis cycles. The model was developed in experiments with the polymerization of a DL-leucine N-carboxyanhydride mixture with a 31.2% enantiomeric excess of the L isomer with sodium methoxide initiator to yield a polyleucine product which was in turn partially hydrolyzed by acid. The polymerization-hydrolysis was found to produce a net 23.8% increase in the enantiomeric excess of the remaining unhydrolyzed polypeptide (14.2% from the polymerization and 9.6% from the partial hydrolysis). On the basis of these results, it is suggested that a slight excess produced by an appropriate chiral physical process may be enhanced by cycles of stereoselective polymerization and hydrolysis driven by fluctuating wet and dry environmental cycles on the primitive earth.
High-temperature superconductivity in Y1−zCazSr2Cu2.5Fe0.5O6+x

Abstract We report bulk superconductivity with a maximum critical temperature Tc of 20 K in single-phase Y1−zCazSr2Cu2.5Fe0.5O6+x (0.05≤z≤0.18) synthesized under near ambient oxygen pressure. Materials were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, iodometric titration, magnetic susceptibility, room-temperature 57Fe Mossbauer absorption spectroscopy, and transport measurements. With increasing z, the oxidation state of the Fe-Cu-O array remains essentially constant. Five-fold coordinated Fe in the Cu(1)Ox planes appear to be intermediate-spin Fe3+, all others are present as high-spin Fe3+. The concentration of Fe3+ ions in the Cu(2)O2 sheets increases gradually with increasing z. We interpret the development of a broad maximum versus z near z=0.12 in Tc and the Meissner fraction Vf to be due to an increasing transfer of holes from the reservoir in the Cu(1)Ox planes to the Cu(2)O2 sheets as the Coulomb repulsion of the positively charged Y1−zCaz plane is reduced.
GlidCop® DSC properties in the temperature range of 20–350°C

Abstract GlidCop® AL-25 LOX-80 grade plates manufactured by processes relevant to ITER first wall copper alloy requirements were tested in the temperature range of 20–350°C. Plate manufacturing methods included hot isotatic pressing (HIP), extrusion (EXT), and extrusion followed by cross-rolling (EXT + XROLL). Tests that were performed included tensile, fracture toughness, impact toughness, and creep. The EXT + XROLL plate was found to have higher total elongation, reduction of area, and fracture toughness values than the EXT and HIP plates. All three processes had similar ultimate tensile and 0.2% yield strengths. The HIP material exhibited a lower creep rate than EXT + XROLL. The EXT and the EXT + XROLL plates had similar impact toughness values, which were higher than the HIP plate. Overall, the EXT + XROLL plate had the best combination of properties of the three processes examined.
Genomic Distribution of H3K9me2 and DNA Methylation in a Maize Genome

DNA methylation and dimethylation of lysine 9 of histone H3 (H3K9me2) are two chromatin modifications that can be associated with gene expression or recombination rate. The maize genome provides a complex landscape of interspersed genes and transposons. The genome-wide distribution of DNA methylation and H3K9me2 were investigated in seedling tissue for the maize inbred B73 and compared to patterns of these modifications observed in Arabidopsis thaliana. Most maize transposons are highly enriched for DNA methylation in CG and CHG contexts and for H3K9me2. In contrast to findings in Arabidopsis, maize CHH levels in transposons are generally low but some sub-families of transposons are enriched for CHH methylation and these families exhibit low levels of H3K9me2. The profile of modifications over genes reveals that DNA methylation and H3K9me2 is quite low near the beginning and end of genes. Although elevated CG and CHG methylation are found within gene bodies, CHH and H3K9me2 remain low. Maize has much higher levels of CHG methylation within gene bodies than observed in Arabidopsis and this is partially attributable to the presence of transposons within introns for some maize genes. These transposons are associated with high levels of CHG methylation and H3K9me2 but do not appear to prevent transcriptional elongation. Although the general trend is for a strong depletion of H3K9me2 and CHG near the transcription start site there are some putative genes that have high levels of these chromatin modifications. This study provides a clear view of the relationship between DNA methylation and H3K9me2 in the maize genome and how the distribution of these modifications is shaped by the interplay of genes and transposons.
Sensitivity to atypical mycobacterial antigens in patients with Crohn's disease

Twenty-two patients with Crohn's disease were investigated for the presence of delayed cutaneous reactions and precipitating antibodies to atypical mycobacterial antigens of Runyon's Groups I, II and III as well as standard PPD. The results obtained, when compared to the control groups, do not show an increased incidence of sensitivity to such antigens in patients with Crohn's disease. However, their potential relevance to the pathogenesis of this disorder remains to be determined.
Closed Circle Systems A New Direction in the Practice of Anesthesia

On the basis of the near-constant uptake of inhalation anesthetics at the alveolar membrane, the large closed-circuit volume which acts as a buffer, and the effect of concentration on uptake, we have evolved a simple and practical technique of closed-circuit anesthesia. After initial high flow wash-in of anesthetic gases into the FRC, a nearly constant slow fresh-gas flow can be maintained.
Bearing the Burden: Portage Labor as an Adaptive Response to Predictable Food Deficits in Eastern Nepal

Wage work such as portage labor is one of several adaptive strategies by which rural households in Nepal supplement their subsistence agriculture. This study, conducted in the hills of eastern Nepal in 1997, surveyed the landholdings and household subsistence base of 50 commercial porters hired to transport loads from Jiri to various destinations in Solu Khumbu. A major goal was to test the hypothesis that porter households tend to have smaller landholdings than the average household in this region. An unexpected result was that porter households in this study owned nearly as much arable land (1.07 ha) as the mean of 1.15 ha for all hill families in eastern Nepal. Household grain sufficiency correlated significantly (P < 0.01) with farm size (r = 0.53). The majority of the porters lived in villages located at either the origin or the endpoint of their portage work. The study also examined several variables that might explain why portage labor is a full-time occupation for some Nepalis, but a part-time “casual” occupation for others. The most significant difference between households of full-time and part-time porters was the availability of workers at home for managing the household’s land and livestock resources. Households of full-time porters were better able to spare a family member for full-time wage labor because they had significantly more adult workers of either gender (P < 0.05) than households of part-time porters. Full-time and part-time porter households did not differ significantly with regard to family size, land ownership, or number of food-deficit months.
Passive immunization of tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.), with anti-Streptococcus iniae whole sera

Passive immunization of tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, was conducted to determine whether anti-Streptococcus iniae whole sera (ASI), heat inactivated anti-S. iniae whole sera (HIASI) and normal whole sera (NWS) were protective when intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected into tilapia. The ASI was produced in tilapia actively immunized (challenged) with virulent S. iniae by i.p. injection. An antibody response against S. iniae was demonstrated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and 18% of the immunized fish died because of the S. iniae infection. The actively immunized tilapia demonstrated a secondary antibody response and immunity to S. iniae after challenge with S. iniae by i.p. injection. Survival was 100% in the actively immunized fish. The NWS was obtained from tilapia free of ASI antibody and susceptible to S. iniae infection (40% mortality). In two separate experiments, significantly higher mortality was noted in tilapia passively immunized with NWS (33 and 53%) and phosphate buffered saline (PBS) (30 and 60%), in comparison with mortalities of 0 and 10% or 3.3 and 6.7% in the fish passively immunized with ASI or HIASI 14 days after S. iniae infection by i.p. injection (P = 0.0003 and 0.0023). Results suggest that immunity provided by ASI and HIASI was because of antibody against S. iniae. Inactivation of complement in the HIASI treatment further suggests that ASI antibody plays a primary role in immunity against S. iniae infection.
Cleavage map of bacteriophage f1: location of the Escherichia coli B-specific modification sites.

Abstract Replicative form DNA of bacteriophage f1 was cleaved into specific fragments by two endonucleases isolated from Hemophilus aegyptius and an endonuclease isolated from H. influenzae . The fragments were ordered so as to construct a circular map of the phage f1 genome by: (1) digesting the isolated restriction fragments with a second restriction enzyme; and (2) testing in a transfection system for the ability of the fragments to rescue amber mutations contained on single-stranded viral DNA that was hybridized to a particular fragment. The genome of bacteriophage f1 contains two SB sites, genetic sites which confer upon a DNA molecule susceptibility to the restriction-modification system of Escherichia coli B. Each of these sites was located on a specific restriction fragment by transfection experiments. In vitro modification of replicative form DNA of f1 and its SB mutants by endonuclease R · Eco B and the subsequent cleavage of the DNA by the Hemophilus endonucleases showed that the B-specific methylation occurs within at least 200 nucleotide pairs of the SB site.
The COPD Helplessness Index: a new tool to measure factors affecting patient self-management.

Background Psychologic factors affect how patients with COPD respond to attempts to improve their self-management skills. Learned helplessness may be one such factor, but there is no validated measure of helplessness in COPD. Methods We administered a new COPD Helplessness Index (CHI) to 1,202 patients with COPD. Concurrent validity was assessed through association of the CHI with established psychosocial measures and COPD severity. The association of helplessness with incident COPD exacerbations was then examined by following subjects over a median 2.1 years, defining COPD exacerbations as COPD-related hospitalizations or ED visits. Results The CHI demonstrated internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.75); factor analysis was consistent with the CHI representing a single construct. Greater CHI-measured helplessness correlated with greater COPD severity assessed by the BODE (Body-mass, Obstruction, Dyspnea, Exercise) Index (r = 0.34; P Conclusions The CHI is an internally consistent and valid measure, concurrently associated with health status and predictively associated with COPD exacerbations. The CHI may prove a useful tool in analyzing differential clinical responses mediated by patient-centered attributes.
Functional cholesteryl binding agents: evaluation of viability and specificity of antibodies bound to modified phospholipid vesicles

A cholesterol derivative was incorporated into small unilamellar phospholipid vesicles, and antibodies were bound covalently to the vesicles. More than one antibody was bound to each vesicle. The antigen binding viability and specificity were determined using a modified radioimmunoassay and an in vitro cell assay. Both of these tests showed good antibody activity and specificity. The antigen affinity of the bound antibodies was higher than for the unbound antibody due to more than one viable antibody being bound to each vesicle. The modified vesicles can be used as immunodirected drug delivery systems for both diagnosis and therapy.
Urinary levels of pseudouridine in patients with psoriasis determined by high-performance liquid chromatography

The urinary levels of pseudouridine in 16 healthy subjects and 16 patients with psoriasis were evaluated with boronate affinity gel chromatography and reversed phase high-performace liquid chromatography. The mean values of pseudouridine (nmol)/creatinine (μmol) for controls and patients were 21.34 and 18.48 for males, and 21.67 and 23.90 for females, respectively. No significant difference was observed between controls and patients.
Differentiation of murine erythroleukemic (friend) cells: An in vitro model of erythropoiesis

Normal erythropoiesis involves differentiation of uncommitted stem cells through committed erythroid precursors into cells specialized for hemoglobin synthesis. Several aspects of this developmental sequence may be studied in murine erythroleukemic cells infected with Friend virus complex. These cells are arrested at the proerythroblast stage, yet capable of continuous growth in vitro. Maturation along an erythroid pathway is induced after treatment with a variety of agents (e.g. dimethylsulfoxide, butyric acid, hemin, ouabain). Following induction, the cells morphologically resemble normoblasts, accumulate globin mRNAs and strain-specific globins, increase heme synthesis and acquire erythrocyte membrane antigens. Cloned populations of erythroleukemic cells mature in a nonhomogeneous fashion upon induction, indicative of a stochastic response in the inductive process. This "probability of differentiation" phenotype is formally analogous to stem cell development in which hematopoietic precursor cells form a constant, dividing population from which cells are continuously maturing. Although the sequence of events involved in triggering differentiation is uncertain, cloning and cell hybridization experiments demonstrate that this phenotype is under rather stable genetic (or epigenetic) control. Recent molecular analysis shows that induced differentiation is accompanied by transcriptional activation of the globin genes rather than posttranscriptional stabilization of the globin RNAs. Further application of cellular, molecular and genetic approaches in this system may help to define specific control mechanisms in erythroid development.