cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Steroid-protein interactions. XV. Isolation and characterization of corticosteroid-binding globulin from human plasma.

Abstract Corticosteroid-binding globulin was isolated from normal human plasma by successive anion exchange chromatography and gel filtration. Ammonium sulfate fractionation was employed as a preliminary step when large volumes were processed. The purification was about 4000-fold. Homogeneity was shown by free boundary, agar and paper electrophoresis, sedimentation velocity, and diffusion. Immunoelectrophoretic behavior against antisera to human serum and serum fractions indicated purity. Other immunoelectrophoretic analyses showed lack of reaction with antisera produced against sera from several species other than human. The molecular weight of the protein was calculated as 51,700 from sedimentation and diffusion data. Chemical composition was ascertained by amino acid and carbohydrate analyses, nitrogen determination, and biuret. The physicochemical properties described include sedimentation coefficient (s020,w = 3.79 S), diffusion coefficient (D20,w = 6.15 x 10-7 cm2 sec-1), electrophoretic mobility (u = 4.9 x 10-5 cm2 volt-1 sec-1), extinction coefficient (E1%1 cm = 6.45), partial specific volume (V = 0.708 ml g-1), and frictional ratio (f/f0 = 1.42). One binding site for cortisol was found by equilibrium dialysis at 4° and at 37°; the association constants at these temperatures were 5.2 x 108 m-1 and 2.4 x 107 m-1, respectively. Complete removal of sialic acid did not significantly affect the cortisol-binding affinity. Pure corticosteroid-binding globulin was inactivated by gel filtration at 45° or by dialysis against glass-redistilled water.
Murine retrovirus-induced spongiform encephalomyelopathy: host and viral factors which determine the length of the incubation period.

Abstract A molecular clone of wild mouse ecotropic retrovirus CasBrE (clone 15-1) causes a spongiform neurodegenerative disease with a long incubation period, greater than or equal to 6 months. This virus infects the central nervous system (CNS) at low levels. In contrast, a chimeric virus, FrCasE, containing env and 3' pol sequences of 15-1 in a Friend murine leukemia virus background, infects the CNS at high levels and causes a rapid neurodegenerative disease with an incubation period of only 16 days. With both viruses, the induction of neurologic disease is dependent on inoculation during the perinatal period. Since the length of the incubation period of this disease appears to be a function of the relative level of CNS infection, we have attempted to identify the viral and host factors which determine the relative level of virus infection of the CNS. It was previously shown that the CNS is susceptible to infection only during the perinatal period (M. Czub, S. Czub, F. J. McAtee, and J. L. Portis, J. Virol. 65:2539-2544, 1991). Here we have found that the susceptibility of the CNS wanes progressively or gradually as a function of the age of the host, this age-dependent resistance being complete by 12 to 14 days of age. Utilizing a group of chimeric viruses, we found that the relative level of CNS infection achieved after inoculation of mice at 1 day of age was a function of the kinetics of virus replication and spread in peripheral organs. Viruses which reached peak viremia titers early (5 to 7 days of age) infected the CNS at high levels, and viruses which reached peak titers later infected the CNS at lower levels. Among the group of viruses examined in the current study, the kinetics of peripheral virus replication and spread appeared to be influenced primarily by sequences within the R-U5-5' leader region of the viral genome. These results suggested that the relative level of CNS infection was determined very early in life and appeared to be a function of a dynamic balance between the kinetics of virus replication in the periphery and a progressively developing restriction of virus replication in the CNS.
A sequence based synteny map between soybean and Arabidopsis thaliana.

Soybean (Glycine max, L. Merr.) is one of the world's most important crops, however, its complete genomic sequence has yet to be determined. Nonetheless, a large body of sequence information exists, particularly in the form of expressed sequence tags (ESTs). Herein, we report the use of the model organism Arabidopsis thaliana (thale cress) for which the entire genomic sequence is available as a framework to align thousands of short soybean sequences. A series of JAVA-based programs were created that processed and compared 341,619 soybean DNA sequences against A. thaliana chromosomal DNA. A. thaliana DNA was probed for short, exact matches (15 bp) to each soybean sequence, and then checked for the number of additional 7 bp matches in the adjacent 400 bp region. The position of these matches was used to order soybean sequences in relation to the A. thaliana genome. Reported associations between soybean sequences and A. thaliana were within a 95% confidence interval of e-30 – e-100. In addition, the clustering of soybean expressed sequence tags (ESTs) based on A. thaliana sequence was accurate enough to identify potential single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the soybean sequence clusters. An EST, bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) end sequence and marker amplicon sequence synteny map of soybean and A. thaliana is presented. In addition, all JAVA programs used to create this map are available upon request and on the WEB.
CSMA/CA with multiple-variable contention window for wireless multimedia communication systems

For variable-bit-rate multimedia traffic sources, a carrier-sense multiple-access with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA) protocol using a multiple-variable contention window is proposed. In this proposed scheme, the initial setting of the contention window is primarily based on fairness on radio channel access and characteristics of the traffic source as opposed to other existing CSMA/CA schemes that are mostly based on the traffic load of the radio link. The performance of the proposed scheme is evaluated by computer simulation in fading channels, utilizing the IEEE 802.11a physical layer based on orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) with classification of packet lengths into several subgroups. When compared to the existing IEEE 802.11 WLAN MAC where a single variable contention window is used for all packets, the approach improves the throughput performance with short packets by about 23%.
Women in a prenatal care/substance abuse treatment program: links between domestic violence and mental health

Objectives: This study examines the prevalence of violence experienced by patients enrolled in the Step by Step program, a combined prenatal care/substance abuse treatment program at the Wake County Health Department in North Carolina. In addition, potential associations between violence and sociodemographic characteristics, substance use, and mental health are investigated. Method: All prenatal care/substance abuse treatment patients who met study eligibility criteria (N = 84) were assessed by health care providers. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were used to compare victims of violence and nonvictims on a wide range of variables. Multiple linear regression analysis estimated the impact of the women's experiences of violence on their levels of mental health symptoms while controlling for confounding factors. Results: Forty-two percent of patients had been victims of both sexual and physical violence, and 30% had been victims of physical violence alone. The combination of sexual and physical violence was significantly less common among African-American women compared with other women. No other significant differences were found between victims and nonvictims in terms of sociodemographics or substance use. Compared with nonvictims, victims of the combination of sexual and physical violence had significantly elevated levels of general psychological distress as well as elevated levels of hostility, depression, anxiety, interpersonal sensitivity, and somatization. However, no significant differences in levels of mental health symptoms were observed among women who had experienced physical violence in the absence of sexual violence. Conclusions: Questions concerning experiences of violence, including sexual victimization, should be incorporated into the clinical history-taking procedures of professionals working within prenatal care/substance abuse treatment programs so that effective interventions that take experiences of violence into account can be put into place for these high-risk women.
Erythrocyte glutathione S-transferase deficiency and hemolytic anemia

A patient with unexplained erythrocyte glutathione-S-transferase (GST) deficiency has been detected among 513 unrelated persons with hemolytic anemia. An otherwise healthy adult male, the deficient individual had a mild hemolytic anemia with splenomegaly, indirect hyperbilirubinemia, and cholelithiasis. Because he was adopted and childless, the hereditary nature of the defect could not be established. The residual enzyme activity was only about 15% of mean normal. Depletion of glutathione (GSH) from the cells by 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB), a substrate for GST, was somewhat decreased in the red cells from the patient, suggesting that a functional defect existed. The kinetic properties of the residual enzyme and the ratio of activity to antigenicity were normal. Modest decreases in leukocyte and platelet GST activities were documented. Although a cause-and-effect relationship between the GST deficiency and hemolysis may exist, this cannot be proven in the absence of affected family members.
Celebrating Ethnicity and Nation: American Festive Culture from the Revolution to the Early 20th Century.

Celebrating Ethnicity and Nation: American Festive Culture from the Revolution to the Early 20th Century. Jurgen Heideking. Genevieve Fabre. and Kai Dreisbach. eds. New York: Berghahn Books, 2001. 316 pp.
Percutaneous Epidural Neuroplasty

Percutaneous epidural neuroplasty (epidural neurolysis, epidural adhesiolysis) is a form of interventional pain treatment that was first described in 1989 [7]. The method is used at all levels of the spine to treat neuraxial pain conditions or radiculopathies, or both, as well as certain forms of cervicogenic headache.
The effect of B specific restriction and modification of DNA on linkage relationships in f1 bacteriophage. II. Evidence for a heteroduplex intermediate in f1 recombination.

Abstract We have analyzed the results of three gene II amber × gene II amber f1 phage crosses. Each was done in a non-restricting (K) host, and in a restricting (B) host. In each cross, only one parent was sensitive to B restriction. The other parent was protected from B restriction, either because of a combination of genetic mutation at one site governing sensitivity to B restriction, and B specific modification at the other, or because of genetic mutation at both sites. In all cases, B restriction resulted in the disruption of linkage relationships between the gene II region and the unselected sensitivity site markers. Previously we have shown that when such crosses involve a protected parent which is B modified at both sensitivity sites, linkage relationships remain the same under restricting and non-restricting conditions. Hence, the SB sites seem to manifest a striking marker effect in restricted crosses in which protection is conferred by mutation rather than modification. Taken together, these results imply that, in a restricted cross, the B host specificity system can distinguish a protected parent which is B modified from one which is a sensitivity site mutant. Since such a distinction could be made most easily on an intermediate structure containing hybrid DNA, we interpret these results in terms of a recombination mechanism mediated by an asymmetric heteroduplex.
A Nonlinear Microresonator Refractive Index Sensor

We propose an ultrasensitive refractive index (RI) sensor based on the nonlinear index of refraction in a microring resonator coupled to waveguides in an add-drop configuration. The nonreciprocity caused by the difference between the nonlinear self-phase and cross-phase modulation leads to a bifurcation of the optical intensities for two counterpropagating modes. The magnitude of the splitting depends sensitively on the resonance frequency of the resonator, and hence, the effective index of refraction. This nonlinear system is up to two orders of magnitude more sensitive to RI changes than the theoretical sensitivity of a linear microresonator RI sensor. We discuss potential material implementations of the microresonator and the detection limit for these materials.
Malignant Tumors in Rats Given Lasiocarpine

Summary Lasiocarpine was injected i.p. into rats in doses of 7.8 mg/kg body weight (50% lethal dose of 0.1) twice weekly for 4 weeks and once a week for an additional 52 weeks. Of 18 rats that survived, 16 developed tumors between weeks 60 and 76 after the beginning of the experiment. Approximately 61% (11 of 18) developed hepatocellular carcinomas, and 33% (6 of 18) developed well-differentiated squamous cell carcinomas of the skin of the back. These tumors were transplanted successfully through five generations. Other tumors included pulmonary adenoma (in 28%), well-differentiated adenocarcinoma of the small intestine (in two rats), and cholangiocarcinoma and adenomyoma of the ileum (in one rat). It is clear that lasiocarpine is a complete carcinogen capable of inducing a significant number of malignant tumors of the liver and skin of rats. A suitably long experimental interval for administration of the alkaloid (52 weeks) plus a period of observation after the dosing is discontinued (4 to 20 weeks) may be necessary to allow cessation of the antimitotic effect of the alkaloid and to permit expression of its carcinogenicity.
Profiling the reactivity of cyclic C-nucleophiles towards electrophilic sulfur in cysteine sulfenic acid

Oxidation of a protein cysteine thiol to sulfenic acid, termed S-sulfenylation, is a reversible post-translational modification that plays a crucial role in regulating protein function and is correlated with disease states. The majority of reaction-based small molecule and immunochemical probes used for detecting sulfenic acids are based on the 5,5-dimethyl-1,3-cyclohexanedione (dimedone) scaffold, which is selective, but suffers from low reactivity. In addition, mechanistic details and features that diminish or enhance nucleophile reactivity remain largely unknown. A significant hurdle to resolving the aforementioned issues has been the chemically unstable nature of small-molecule sulfenic acid models. Herein, we report a facile mass spectrometry-based assay and repurposed dipeptide-based model to screen a library of cyclic C-nucleophiles for reactivity with sulfenic acid under aqueous conditions. Observed rate constants for ~100 cyclic C-nucleophiles were obtained and, from this collection, we have identified novel compounds with more than 200-fold enhanced reactivity, as compared to dimedone. The increase in reactivity and retention of selectivity of these C-nucleophiles were validated in secondary assays, including a protein model for sulfenic acid. Together, this work represents a significant step toward developing new chemical reporters for detecting protein S-sulfenylation with superior kinetic resolution. The enhanced rates and varied composition of the C-nucleophiles should enable more comprehensive analyses of the sulfenome and serve as the foundation for reversible or irreversible nucleophilic covalent inhibitors that target oxidized cysteine residues in therapeutically important proteins.
Nicotine inhibition of apoptosis in murine immune cells.

Nicotine, the addictive component of tobacco, is thought to be at least partially responsible for the deleterious effects of smoking such as heart disease and cancer. Evidence shows that nicotine is an immunomodulator and that one of its possible mechanisms is regulation of apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in immune cells. This study examined the effects and the mechanisms of action of nicotine on dexamethasone (DEX)-induced apoptosis in murine immune cells by examining the expression of levels of the 17-kDa active caspase-3, a marker of apoptosis. Thymocytes and splenocytes from adult BALB/c female mice were Incubated with concentrations of nicotine correlating to those found in the blood and tissue of smokers (0.01 μg/ml [0.022 μM] and 1 μg/ml [2.2 μM]), concurrently with 100 nM DEX, to induce apoptosis. Cytosolic protein fractions were analyzed by Western blotting with polyclonal antibodies that recognize the active form of caspase-3. The data showed that nicotine significantly blocked the formatio...
Carotid stent thrombosis: report of 2 fatal cases.

Background— Carotid stenting is receiving increased attention as an alternative to carotid endarterectomy. Carotid stent thrombosis is a rare complication of this procedure. Case Descriptions— We present 2 case reports from a university medical center. Two patients had angiographically confirmed carotid stent (CS) thrombosis with subsequent fatal strokes. The first was a 63-year-old woman who developed stent thrombosis after the procedure was performed for a postendarterectomy intimal flap. The second patient was a 57-year-old man who underwent CS placement for transient ischemic attacks and developed internal carotid artery occlusion at the level of the stent 3 days later. Neither patient was treated with combination antiplatelet therapy before or after CS placement. Both patients died. Conclusions— CS thrombosis can be a cause of fatal iatrogenic stroke. Combination antiplatelet therapy should be administered to decrease the incidence of this complication.
Temperature dependent structural changes in borate, borosilicate and boroaluminate liquids: high-resolution 11B, 29Si and 27Al NMR studies

High-resolution 11B, 29Si and 27Al nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy is used to quantitatively determine temperature dependent structural changes in Na-borate, Na-borosilicate and Li-boroaluminate liquids. Such changes are found to involve transformation of (a) BO3 units from boroxyl ring to non-ring configuration in the borate and of (b) BO4 units into asymmetric BO3 units in the borosilicate liquid with increasing temperature. No temperature dependent speciation of the silicate units was observed in the borosilicate liquid. In boroaluminate liquids, only the peraluminous composition shows transformation of higher-coordinated AlV and AlVI species into AlIV with increasing temperature. No temperature dependent borate speciation is detectable in these compositions. It is shown that although such structural changes may be the principal source of configurational entropy in the lower-alkali borate liquids, other sources must be sought for the higher-alkali borate, borosilicate and boroaluminate liquids.
Compressibility and equation of state of finite nuclei

We present a new approach for calculating the nuclear equation of state and compressibility for finite nuclei using the density-constrained Hartree-Fock method.
Habituation and the reinforcing effectiveness of visual stimuli

Abstract The term “sensory reinforcer” has been used to refer to sensory stimuli (e.g. light onset) that are primary reinforcers in order to differentiate them from other more biologically important primary reinforcers (e.g. food and water). Acquisition of snout poke responding for a visual stimulus (5 s light onset) with fixed ratio 1 (FR 1), variable-interval 1 min (VI 1 min), or variable-interval 6 min (VI 6 min) schedules of reinforcement was tested in three groups of rats ( n = 8/group). The VI 6 min schedule of reinforcement produced a higher response rate than the FR 1 or VI 1 min schedules of visual stimulus reinforcement. One explanation for greater responding on the VI 6 min schedule relative to the FR 1 and VI 1 min schedules is that the reinforcing effectiveness of light onset habituated more rapidly in the FR 1 and VI 1 min groups as compared to the VI 6 min group. The inverse relationship between response rate and the rate of visual stimulus reinforcement is opposite to results from studies with biologically important reinforcers which indicate a positive relationship between response and reinforcement rate. Rapid habituation of reinforcing effectiveness may be a fundamental characteristic of sensory reinforcers that differentiates them from biologically important reinforcers, which are required to maintain homeostatic balance.
On two-dimensional packets of capillary-gravity waves

The motion of a two-dimensional packet of capillary-gravity waves on water of finite depth is studied. The evolution of a packet is described by two partial differential equations: the nonlinear Schroedinger equation with a forcing term and a linear equation, which is of either elliptic or hyperbolic type depending on whether the group velocity of the capillary-gravity wave is less than or greater than the velocity of long gravity waves. These equations are used to examine the stability of the Stokes capillary-gravity wave train. The analysis reveals the existence of a resonant interaction between a capillary-gravity wave and a long gravity wave. The interaction requires that the liquid depth be small in comparison with the wavelength of the (long) gravity waves and the evolution equations describing the dynamics of this interaction are derived.
Laser ultrasonic technique for evaluating solder bump defects in flip chip packages using modal and signal analysis methods

Current techniques for nondestructive quality evaluation of solder bumps in microelectronic packages have their own limitations and are unsuitable for in-line inspection because of high cost and low throughput. In order to meet requirements of quality inspection of electronic packages, a nondestructive and noncontact solder bump inspection system is being developed using laser ultrasound and interferometer techniques. This system uses a pulsed Nd:YAG laser to induce ultrasound in electronic packages in the thermoelastic regime; it then measures the transient out-of-plane displacement responses with an ultrasonic arrival on the surface of the packages using laser interferometer technique. This paper presents a systematic study of defect detection in flip chip solder bumps using a combined modal and signal analysis method. The correlation between the finite element (FE) modal analysis and wavelet analysis of laser ultrasound signals has been studied. With the help of FE modal analysis, the modes of flip chip packages sensitive to open bumps were predicted for further signal processing before conducting any experiments. The decomposed signal components sensitive to specific defects were extracted and analyzed with discrete wavelet transform. The results show that wavelet analysis increases the measurement sensitivity of the flip chip solder bump inspection compared with existing methods.
4π non-coplanar liver SBRT: a novel delivery technique.

Summary A novel 4p framework has been developed with accompanying algorithms to optimize non-coplanar beam
The Hydromagnetic Origin of the Two Dynamical Types of Solar Coronal Mass Ejections

We propose a qualitative theory relating flux rope coronal mass ejections (CMEs) to initial states, represented by inverse or normal quiescent prominences corresponding to whether the flux rope magnetic field circulates in the same or opposite sense relative to the surrounding coronal magnetic field. Our theory explains the observed dual character of CME speed-height profiles in terms of the interplays between flux rope expulsion and magnetic reconnection in topologically different magnetic environments and relates CMEs, prominences, and flares to coronal magnetic field reversal during activity maximum.
The Energy and Climate Change Implications of Different Music Delivery Methods

Summary The impacts of information and communications technology (ICT) on the environment have been a rich area for research in recent years. A prime example is the continuing rise of digital music delivery, which has obvious potential for reducing the energy and environmental impacts of producing and delivering music to final consumers. This study assesses the energy and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with several alternative methods for delivering one album of music to a final customer, either through traditional retail or e-commerce sales of compact discs or through a digital download service. We analyze a set of six (three compact disc and three digital download) scenarios for the delivery of one music album from the recording stage to the consumer's home in either CD or digital form. We find that despite the increased energy and emissions associated with Internet data flows, purchasing music digitally reduces the energy and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with delivering music to customers by between 40% and 80% from the best-case physical CD delivery, depending on whether a customer then burns the files to CD. Despite the dominance of the digital music delivery method, however, there are scenarios by which digital music performs less well, and these scenarios are explored. We suggest future areas of research, including alternative digital media services, such as subscription and streaming systems, for which Internet energy usage may be larger than for direct downloads.
Squeezed states in phase-sensing interferometers

The performance of phase-sensing interferometers employing squeezed states and homodyne detection is analyzed and compared to the performance of systems employing direct detection. Standard differenced direct-detection Michelson and Mach-Zehnder interferometers are shown to be suboptimal in the sense that an observation/measurement-noise coupling occurs, which can degrade performance. Homodyne-detection interferometers in which the phase shift in one arm is the conjugate of that in the other arm do not suffer from the preceding drawback. Overall, however, the performance of differenced direct-detection and homodyne-detection interferometers is similar in single-frequency operation. In particular, both detection schemes reach the standard quantum limit on position-measurement sensitivity in single-frequency interferometric gravity-wave detectors at roughly the same average photon number. This limit arises from back action in the form of radiation pressure fluctuations entering through the energy-phase uncertainty principle. Multifrequency devices can circumvent this uncertainty principle, as illustrated by the conceptual design given for a two-frequency interferometer which can greatly surpass the standard quantum limit on position sensing. This configuration assumes that ideal photodetectors respond to photon flux rather than energy flux.
Distributed system software design paradigm with application to computer networks

A paradigm for the system and software design of distributed systems is presented with application to an actual large-scale computer network involving both local area networks and a wide area network. A number of design principles are offered with particular reference to how they can be applied to the design of distributed systems. The author's major point is an explanation of how to make design decisions about distributed systems in a way which will enhance maintainability and understandability of the software and, at the same time, result in good system performance. The aim is to recognize the implications for software quality of various decisions which must be made in the process of specifying a distributed system. >
Damage Equivalent Method of Fatigue Reliability Analysis of Load-Sharing Parallel System

As for load-sharing parallel system like multi-engine system and wire cable, dependence-failure must occur due to load redistributing, so the component life distributions changed. After the analysis of the disadvantage of failure probability equivalent principle and the transformation of equivalent working time of different life distribution based on damage equivalent principle, the parallel system reliability model applying full probability formula is established. The established reliability model provides a new method for reliability analysis of load-sharing parallel system whose component life follows any distribution.
Laser Forming with Constant Line Energy

This paper investigates the condition of constant line energy, that is, the ratio of laser power to scanning velocity is kept constant. Under the condition, the effects of velocity change on temperature, net energy input, strain rate and material flow stress are studied. Their collective effects on dimension, residual stress, hardness and microstructure are also presented. Numerical results are experimentally validated and used to study process transiency, and aid understanding the complex and often conflicting effects of the condition.
Patient restraints. Protection for whom

Healthcare providers often face the decision of whether to restrain a patient. If the patient suffers an injury based on the decision not to restrain, will the provider be held liable? Healthcare providers express concern about the legalities of using restraints to prevent patient injuries and about which circumstances would be considered appropriate to restrain patients. This article presents case law that delineates what standard of nursing care generally must be breached before nurses will be held liable for injury from the use or nonuse of restraints. Policies and guidelines for consideration by nurse executives in the use of patient restraints are presented.
Laser ablation and desorption from calcite from ultraviolet to mid-infrared wavelengths

) at wavelengths ranging from the ultraviolet to the mid-infrared, including a Nd:YAG laser operated at the fundamental, second and third harmonics, and a tunable infrared free-electron laser (wavelength range 2.5–8 μm). The threshold for ablation and the topography of the irradiated spot were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. A clear indication of two distinct excitation mechanisms was observed, namely, cracks and fractures followed by exfoliation at ultraviolet to near-infrared wavelengths, in contrast to evaporative holes and scattered droplets in the mid-infrared. Plume emission/absorption spectroscopy, plume transmission and photoacoustic beam deflection were used to characterize the ablation plasma. The composition of atoms, molecules, or particles in the ablation plumes also has a distinctive variation as a function of the wavelength. The excitation mechanisms leading to ablation appear to be defect activation at ultraviolet to near-infrared wavelengths, molecular impurity absorption and resonant vibrational absorption of the calcite at mid-infrared.
Properties and Applications of Laser Generated X-Ray Sources

The rapid development of laser technology and related progress in research using lasers is shifting the boundaries where laser based sources are preferred over other light sources particularly in the XUV and x-ray spectral region. Laser based sources have exceptional capability for short pulse and high brightness and with improvements in high repetition rate pulsed operation, such sources are also becoming more interesting for their average power capability. This study presents an evaluation of the current capabilities and near term future potential of laser based light sources and summarizes, for the purpose of comparison, the characteristics and near term prospects of sources based on synchrotron radiation and free electron lasers. Conclusions are drawn on areas where the development of laser based sources is most promising and competitive in terms of applications potential.
FLRW Cosmology from Yang-Mills Gravity with Translational Gauge Symmetry

We extend to basic cosmology the subject of Yang–Mills gravity — a theory of gravity based on local translational gauge invariance in flat space–time. It has been shown that this particular gauge invariance leads to tensor factors in the macroscopic limit of the equations of motion of particles which plays the same role as the metric tensor of general relativity (GR). The assumption that this "effective metric" tensor takes on the standard FLRW form is our starting point. Equations analogous to the Friedmann equations are derived and then solved in closed form for the three special cases of a universe dominated by (1) matter, (2) radiation and (3) dark energy. We find that the solutions for the scale factor are similar to, but distinct from, those found in the corresponding GR based treatment.
Reconsidering the relationship between student employment and academic outcomes: A new theory and better data

Prior observers have consistently found a negative relationship between school performance and the intensity of high school students' employment. However, few observers have thought carefully enough about exactly why student employment and schooling outcomes are related. Most have used a zero-sum model of students' resource allocation to explain this relationship. The author identifies conceptual problems with the zero-sum model and proposes a social psychological primary orientation model to explain this association. He then uses new data collected in a pilot study on adolescent employment that allows him to weight the merits of these competing models. In an exploratory analysis, the author finds that these data are more consistent with the primary orientation model than with the zero-sum perspective.
Phonon-induced second-order Raman scattering in LiF

We have studied experimentally and theoretically the second-order Raman spectra of LiF. Theoretical calculations based on Born and Bradburn's approach explain the observed spectra fairly well when all the eight-nearest-neighbor, only two of the fifteen-next-nearest-neighbor negative-negative, and none of the fifteen next-nearest-neighbor positive-positive polarizability coefficients are used as adjustable parameters.
The Formation of HCS and HCSH Molecules and Their Role in the Collision of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 with Jupiter

The reaction of hydrogen sulfide with ground-state atomic carbon was examined with crossed molecular beams experiments and ab initio calculations. The thiohydroxycarbene molecule, HCSH, was the reactive intermediate, which fragmented into atomic hydrogen and the thioformyl radical HCS. This finding may account for the unassigned HCS source and an unidentified HCSH radical needed to match observed CS abundances from the collision of comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 into Jupiter. In the shocked jovian atmosphere, HCS could further decompose to H and CS, and CS could react with SH and OH to yield the observed CS2 and COS.
Perfect Reconstruction AM-FM Image Models

For the first time, we present an AM-FM image model that, in addition to being remarkably consistent with human visual perception, also provides perfect reconstruction of the image and is thus suitable for synthesis as well as analysis applications. We employ a non-separable coiflet-based wavelet filterbank with channels that are both orientation selective and jointly localized. The analysis responses define the AM-FM image components, which we demodulate analytically using a new, high-quality 2-D phase unwrapping algorithm coupled with a spline-based phase model. The amplitude and frequency modulations obtained with this approach correspond remarkably well with human visual perception of the salient image structures, suggesting that this invertible model could form the basis for a general theory of image processing in the modulation domain.
On a mixed variational theorem and on shear deformable plate theory

On developpe un theoreme mixte et une theorie lineaire du 10eme ordre pour la flexion et l'etirement de plaques heterogenes anisotropes
A robust servomechanism problem for uncertain nonlinear systems

The robust servomechanism problem, also known as the robust output regulation, is considered in this paper for a class of uncertain triangular systems. In contrast to the previous work (Chen, 2004) where the bounding system of the controlled plant was required to be linear growth in the unmeasurable states and polynomial growth in the system output, we show that the polynomial growth condition can be relaxed and robust output regulation by error feedback can still be achieved, as long as the uncertain system is dominated by a C/sup o/ function of the system output multiplied by a linear growth of the unmeasurable states.
Relative sticking coefficients of H2 and D2 on tungsten

The relative sticking coefficients of H2 and D2 on the (100) and (110) planes of W have been measured. It is found that on (100) W, SD2SH2 ≅ 1.4 in agreement with a previous determination by Tamm and Schmidt, but that on the close packed (110) plane SD2SH2≅1.0. This result suggests that qualitatively different mechanisms probably control condensation rates on the two planes. It is also shown that the coverage dependence of S for the tightly bound β2 state on (100) W is constant rather than decreasing as 1−θ as had been suggested previously by Madey.
Putting Threat into Perspective: Experimental Studies on Perceptual Distortion in International Conflict

Conflicts are often accompanied by mutually distorted perceptions such that threat exerted by the adversary is exaggerated, whereas threat by one’s own side is minimized. The authors investigated the effects of perspective-taking on perceptual distortions using perceived power motivation as an unobtrusive measure of perceived threat. In two experiments, respondents summarized speeches made by Bill Clinton and Saddam Hussein during an episode of the September 1996 Gulf Crisis. Study 1 showed that for participants cued into the perspective of a U.S. military officer, greater levels of distortions were found compared to participants reviewing the speeches from the perspective of a historian. In Study 2, taking the perspective of a mediator in conflict did not reduce perceptual distortion, suggesting that distance to the conflict is an important factor for reducing perceptions of threat. The discussion focuses on the fluidity of threat perceptions and addresses ways in which perspective-taking can minimize th...
Optical scattering coefficients are correlated with muscle structure properties

We recently found that optical scattering coefficients of beef muscle can be used as a predictor for beef tenderness. However, it is still not clear what specific muscle properties are responsible for optical scattering. As an effort to answer these questions, we conducted several controlled experiments in which we studied the changes of scattering coefficient with muscle sarcomere length and ageing time. The optical scattering coefficient of beef muscles were measured based on a diffusive fitting of spatially resolved reflectance measurements. Samples with different sarcomere lengths were obtained by proper carcass hanging strategies. Our results indicated that muscle scattering coefficient increased with ageing time and sarcomere length. These experimental observations can be qualitatively explained based on previous research on single muscle scattering. This study suggests that muscle structural properties have significant impact on muscle optical scattering coefficients.
A solvent-free method for isotopically or radioactively labeling cyclodextrins and cyclodextrin-containing polymers.

A method for installing a distinguishable label onto cyclodextrins or cyclodextrin-containing polymers is reported. Cyclodextrins (CD) and cyclodextrin-containing polymers are exposed to labeled (^2H or ^(14)C) ethylene oxide (EO) vapor and the alcohol groups on the CD ring open the EO to give ether-linked labeled methylenes and a terminal alcohol. This method provides for the incorporation of an easily tracked and quantified label without the use of solvents or purification steps. The method can be generalized for use with materials that contain nucleophiles other than alcohols, e.g., amines.
Prognostic significance of nondiagnostic molecular changes in urine detected by UroVysion fluorescence in situ hybridization during surveillance for bladder cancer.

Objectives To determine the outcomes for patients with nondiagnostic fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) (ie, Methods We compared the data from 149 patients with a nondiagnostic FISH result and ≥30 months of follow-up with the data from patients with a negative FISH result from the same period. The time to conversion to a positive FISH result or the development of a bladder tumor was recorded. Results Patients with nondiagnostic FISH results had significantly greater rates of progression to positive FISH findings or the development of a bladder tumor than did patients with negative FISH findings. Most progression occurred within 1 year. Patients with nondiagnostic FISH results and concurrent negative cytology and cystoscopy had a very low risk of developing recurrent disease, similar to that found with truly negative FISH results. Conclusions Nondiagnostic FISH results are related to a greater risk of progression to positive FISH results and tumor recurrence than those with negative FISH findings. However, after controlling for negative cytologic and cystoscopic status, a nondiagnostic FISH result does not appear to be an independent predictor of disease recurrence, and aggressive investigation is not warranted.
An In-Situ Galvanically Coupled Multielectrode Array Sensor for Localized Corrosion

Abstract A localized corrosion sensor consisting of multiple, corrodible, miniature electrodes was tested in different chemical environments. The miniature electrodes were coupled together by conne...
Peerlingual Education: A Socioeducational Reaction to Structured English Immersion

This discussion emphasizes the importance of collaborative learning methods to compensate for the legal restrictions placed on school districts by Arizona's anti-bilingual education law, Proposition 203. Grounded in Vygotsky's sociocultural theory of learning, peerlingual education is described as an invaluable resource based on the linguistic competencies of Latino students in Phoenix, Arizona. Although this collaborative approach is portrayed by educators and students as the primary strategy for classroom language assistance, the current implementation lacks structure and cultural sensitivity. Based on ethnographic inquiry, conceptual and methodological suggestions are offered to strengthen the effectiveness of peerlingual education in underresourced contexts.
The Geometry of the Rotating Disk in the Special Theory of Relativity

In his (1924; 1969), Hans Reichenbach discussed the status of a twodimensional spatial geometry on a disk rotating with respect to an inertial frame in the Minkowski space time of the special theory of relativity (‘STR’). Since then, the literature on this topic has grown very considerably.1
Prostaglandin H synthase Type 2 is differentially expressed in endometrium based on pregnancy status in pony mares and responds to oxytocin and conceptus secretions in explant culture

The equine embryo must signal its presence to the uterus for pregnancy to continue to term. Mobility of the conceptus throughout the uterus is crucial for its survival, and this action presumably permits the conceptus to transmit its antiluteolytic signal to the endometrium. Studies were completed to establish whether this unidentified antiluteolytic signal targets prostaglandin G/H synthase 2 (PGHS2), a rate limiting enzyme in converting arachidonic acid to prostaglandins (PGs). In the first study, quantitative RT-PCR was used to determine the relative abundance of PGHS2 mRNA in endometrium derived from estrous cyclic and pregnant mares on day 14 post-ovulation. PGHS2 mRNA abundance was substantially greater in endometrium from estrous cyclic mares. Additional studies were completed to better understand PGHS2 in equine endometrium. An estrogen and progesterone treatment regimen in ovariectomized mares was developed as a test model for detecting endometrial PGHS2 mRNA. Also, exposing endometrial explants to conceptus secretions (conditioned culture medium) decreased PGHS2 mRNA abundance whereas exposing explants to oxytocin increased PGHS2 mRNA abundance. Exposure to conceptus secretions also decreased PGF2alpha concentrations in explant-conditioned medium whereas oxytocin supplementation increased PGF2alpha concentrations in medium. These data support the hypothesis that PGHS2 is a target for the antiluteolytic signal produced by equine conceptuses during early pregnancy. Also, the endometrial explant culture system used for these studies can serve as a model for identifying and characterizing the maternal recognition of pregnancy factor in equids.
Effect of coprophagy on bioavailability of iron from plant foods fed to anemic rats.

Effects of coprophagy and coprophagy preventing device on iron bioavailability were evaluated in two experiments. In Experiment 1, rats were fed diets with FeSO4, spinach, bran cereal or cornmeal as the iron source. The rats in each diet group were fitted with collars, sham-collars or not fitted with collars (control). In Experiment 2, rats were fed diets with FeSo4 or green peas as the iron source and were fitted with collars, tail cups, sham-collars or not fitted with any device (control). Preventing coprophagy reduced hemoglobin regeneration efficiency (HRE) of rats fed bran cereal, green peas, spinach or cornmeal diets by 26 (P<.05), 24(P<.05), 22(P<.05) and 11% (not significant), respectively. Preventing coprophagy in rats fed FeSO4 diet did not significantly reduce HRE. Sham-collaring reduced (P<.05) HRE of rats fed the FeSO4 diet by 12 and 13% but did not significantly affect HRE in rats fed food iron sources. It was more convenient and effective to prevent coprophagy with collars than with tail cups. Differences in bioavailability between food and FeSO4 iron due to coprophagy may be explained based on two gastrointestinal nonheme iron pools, complexed and highly soluble.
Quintuple synchronous colon carcinoma: a report of two cases

Two patients with five synchronous colon cancers are reported. The diagnostic and surgical approach to synchronous colorectal tumors is discussed.
SECRETION OF VITAMINS AND AMINO ACIDS INTO THE ENVIRONMENT BY OCHROMONAS DANICA1,2

SUMMARY Ochromonas danica grown on a chemically defined medium under controlled conditions in the light synthesized the following vitamins: ascorbate, B6, N5-methyltetrahydrofolate, tetrahydrofolate polyglutamates, oxidized folate monoglutamates, nicotinate, pantothenate, riboflavin, vitamin A, β-carotene, and vitamin E but no vitamin. B12. The cells also secreted molecules into their growth medium including the vitamins ascorbate, B6, the above folates, nicotinate, pantothenate, riboflavin, vitamin E, and the amino acids alanine, aspartic acid, leucine, and valine. The role of such secretions in nature is discussed.
Invisible axion at an intermediate symmetry breaking scale

Abstract We construct the simplest SO(10) model in which the scale characterizing the coupling of the “invisible axion” is not fixed by the renormalization group analysis to be greater than ≈1015 GeV. An E6 model is discussed which also has this property. We also point out that the Peccei-Quinn symmetry cannot be automatic for models based on SO(N) with fermions in the lowest dimensional spinor representations.