cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Non-histone proteins of soluble nucleoproteins released from mouse myeloma nuclei by mild micrococcal nuclease digestion.

Abstract Mono- and dinucleosomes preferentially cleaved from mouse myeloma chromatin by very mild micrococcal nuclease digestion at 0°C are soluble and are released from nuclei under near-physiological conditions in which normal nucleosomes containing HI are insoluble. These nucleosomes are highly enriched in RNA, high-mobility-group proteins and a unique subset of other non-histone proteins. They are nearly devoid of histone HI and contain DNA significantly less methylated than whole myeloma DNA, indicating that they comprise a subset of genomic sequences. Previously we have shown that this fraction is enriched in transcribed DNA sequences. Non-histone proteins that co-sedimented with readily solubilized nucleosomes included many of the most basic, low-to-moderate molecular weight chromosomal proteins. Many of these proteins were also preferentially acetylated in vivo. The residual, pelleted chromatin was highly enriched in high molecular weight proteins (> 60 000), and very depleted in medium molecular weight proteins. Readily solubilized nucleoproteins sedimenting like mononucleosomes were partly resolved by electrophoresis, under non-denaturing conditions, into several subfractions differing significantly in non-histone protein contents. Methods described here should be useful for identifying and isolating non-histone proteins bound to nucleosomes and other chromatin regions that are structurally and functionally unique.
Method for detection of thiol-containing amino acids using gold–polystyrene composites

This paper reports the preparation of PS-PEI-Au composite colloids via the utilization of a facile method involving poly(ethylenimine) (PEI). The PEI used in the reaction scheme served as a linker between gold (Au) and polystyrene (PS) and additionally as a reducing agent in the conversion of Au ions to gold nanoparticles (Au NPs). The PS-PEI-Au colloids thus prepared were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet-visible and infrared spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. The PS-PEI-Au composites were further used for the detection of the thiol-containing amino acids, cysteine and homocysteine, via attenuated total reflection spectroscopy. Experimental results revealed interfacial binding of the amino acids to the composites and correlated with successive additions of the respective amino acids.
On the Bistritz tabular form and its relationship with the Schur-Cohn minors and inner determinants

Abstract The Bistritz tabular form may be utilized in determining discrete-time system stability with less computational effort as compared with the Jury tabular form. When appropriately constructed, the latter, however, provides the Schur-Cohn minors and the inner determinants related to the characteristic equation being tested. In this paper, we show that these quantities also may be extracted from the Bistritz tabular form. The cases of polynomials with both real- and complex-valued coefficients are studied. An important consequence of these relationships is the possibility of utilizing the Bistritz table in determining stability of two- and multi-dimensional discrete-time systems
The internal anatomy of the median nerve in the region of the elbow

The internal anatomy of the median nerve in the region of the elbow has been studied by microdissection in 20 cadavers. Gross branching patterns were studied in an additional 14 cadavers. There are four major branches or branch groups: I to pronator teres, II to flexor carpi radialis, flexor digitorum superficialis, and palmaris longus; III to the anterior interosseous nerve; and IV to flexor digitorum superficialis. Three of these could be traced proximally within the main trunk of the median nerve, the average being I-10 cm; III-7.5 cm; IV-2 cm. This information should have clinical applications in repair and grafting of the median nerve near the elbow and in understanding clinical nerve compression sydromes.
Observing system simulation experiments to assess the potential impact of proposed satellite instruments on hurricane prediction

Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs) are an important tool for evaluating the potential impact of proposed new observing systems, as well as for evaluating trade-offs in observing system design, and in developing and assessing improved methodology for assimilating new observations. Extensive OSSEs have been conducted at NASA/ GSFC and NOAA/AOML over the last three decades. These OSSEs determined correctly the quantitative potential for several proposed satellite observing systems to improve weather analysis and prediction prior to their launch, evaluated trade-offs in orbits, coverage and accuracy for space-based wind lidars, and were used in the development of the methodology that led to the first beneficial impacts of satellite surface winds on numerical weather prediction. In this paper, we summarize early applications of global OSSEs to hurricane track forecasting and new experiments using both global and regional models. These experiments are aimed at determining (1) the potential impact of unmanned aerial systems, (2) the relative impact of alternative concepts for space-based lidar winds, and (3) the relative impact of alternative concepts for polar and geostationary hyperspectral sounders.
Technology, a Threat to Democracy

AMONG THE MANY and diverse factors which today are threatening the good health of democracy in the United States must be counted that electronic device which is able to transmit the voice and image of one individual into the presence of numberless other individuals, at great distances and over vast areas, simultaneously, thus enabling a mortal person to approximate ubiquity. Television will accomplish this seeming miracle for anyone who has, and is willing to expend, the financial resources necessary to command its services.
Splitting of valence levels in Ag-Au alloys

The splittings of the Au 5d and Ag 4d bands are reduced only slightly when the concentration of either metal is reduced from 100% to 25% in Ag-Au alloys. This observation is consistent with the fact that both crystal-field and banding effects are slightly changed by the alloying process. The experiments seem to show little or no evidence for the d-band repulsion narrowing usually observed in d-metal alloys, as the d-band peaks maintain their positions with varying concentrations of the constituents. This fact results in part from cancellation of d-band repulsions from different directions and in part from shifts caused by different s-d rehybridizations at the constituents' sites.
Public health literacy for lawyers.

Public health professionals recognize the critical role the law plays in determining the success of public health measures. Even before September 11, 2001, public health experience with tobacco use, HIV, industrial pollution and other potent threats to the health of the public demonstrated that laws can assist or thwart public health efforts. The new focus on infectious threats and bioterrorism, starting with the anthrax attacks through the mail and continuing with SARS, has highlighted the important role of law. For lawyers to serve as effective partners in public health, they should have a basic familiarity with public health: how public health professionals see the world and the key issues they tackle. A practical grasp of public health can be acquired, and often is acquired, “on the job.”
The interaction of potential-sensitive molecular probes with dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine vesicles investigated by 31P-NMR and electron microscopy.

Abstract The effect of a number of commonly employed potential-sensitive molecular probes on the 31 P-NMR properties of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine vesicles at two field strengths has been investigated in order to obtain information on the location and effect of these probes on the membrane bilayer. In comparison to the control dye-free vesicle spectrum, the probes diS-C 3 -(5) and diS-C 4 -(5), when added to a vesicle suspension, cause a substantial broadening of the 31 P resonance with no detectable chemical shift within an uncertainty of ±0.05 ppm at 24 MHz. The spin-lattice and spin-spin relaxation times are also reduced when the cyanines are present by well over 20% relative to those of the control vesicle preparation. The addition of anionic probes, including several oxonol derivatives and merocyanine 540, causes no chemical shift, line broadening, or changes in the relaxation times. Possible explanations for the failure of the anionic probes to alter the vesicle 31 P-NMR properties include charge repulsion between these dyes and the phosphate group that prevents the probes from penetrating the bilayer to a depth sufficient to alter the local motion of the phosphate moiety. The 31 P resonance broadening and reduction in the relaxation times caused by the two cyanines is at least in part due to an increase in vesicle size as judged by electron microscopy measurements, although an inhibition of the local phosphate motion as well cannot be completely eliminated. The cyanine-mediated increase in vesicle size appears to be due to an irreversible vesicle-fusion process possibly initiated by the screening of surface charge by these probes. The implications of these observations in relation to functional energy-transducing preparations is discussed.
Systems thinking for information systems development

Although many information systems development methods (ISDMs) are available, past experience indicates that none of them completely supports the design process. One of the major problems is that the traditional ISDMs represents a poor match for some subsystems or dimensions involved in the information systems design (ISD). This paper presents an integration and interpretation of recent research on the mismatch of the ISDMs with the ISD process and suggests that systems ideas can be used to learn about and clarify our perceptions of the ISD processes. First, some important systems concepts such as systems, subsystem, dimensionality, system types, and characteristics are introduced. Second, some lessons of mismatch learned in the past that are related to those systems concepts are discussed. The discussion includes experiences learned through the ISD process such as communication problems, inadequate analysis of systems maintenance, lack of understanding of the relationship between the nature of the subsystem/dimension to be represented and the selection of tools, difficulties in integrating subsystems and dimensions, as well as Brooks' Law along with others. Third, some recommendations are given concerning how to avoid mismatch with a systems concept phase. Fourth, some guidelines are provided for implementing the tasks of the systems concept phase. Finally, a number of areas where research appears needed are mentioned.
Effects of Light and Feeding Space on Leg Abnormalities in Broilers

Abstract The influence of two management factors on the incidence and severity of leg abnormalities was studied in three experiments utilizing a total of 7200 male broiler chickens. Birds provided intermittent illumination (IL) had significantly fewer and less severe leg abnormalities than birds under continuous illumination. Broilers given 2.94 cm of feeding space per bird had more but less severe leg defects than birds given 1.47 cm of feeding space. Bird activity was greater under IL and is deemed to be at least partially responsible for the stronger legs recorded among broilers under this management practice.
High-sensitivity optical sampling using an erbium-doped fiber laser strobe†

Optical pulses at a repetition frequency of 1 GHz from a gainswitched InGaAsP distributed-feedback laser diode at 1.3 μm are optically sampled with compressed pulses from a mode-locked erbium-doped fiber laser amplifier. High signal-to-noise ratios down to 21-μW average laser-diode power with temporal resolutions close to the sampling pulse duration of 4 ps are achieved. The sampled waveform is displayed at a repetition rate of 3 Hz or higher to give a real-time measurement.
Beginnings and Endings in Social Work Supervision: The Interaction Between Attachment and Developmental Processes

This article discusses the interaction of attachment processes and stages of social work student development within the field supervisory relationship and suggests ways supervisors can modify interactions with students. Attachment theory and research provide a framework for understanding innate capacities of students and the relational dynamics of supervision. Developmental stages of learning explain how students mature and the supervisory relationship changes over time. Scenarios from the beginning and ending of the field practicum are used to illustrate how to differentiate attachment traits from developmental states in assessing student affect and behavior. Recommendations are made for training and future supervision research.
ABUNDANCE OF LITHIUM, BERYLLIUM, AND BORON IN THE PRIMARY COSMIC RADIATION

The flux of nuclei of charge greater than two of the primary cosmic radiation has been measured at 41\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and 55\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} geomagnetic latitudes with photographic emulsions flown in "Sky Hook" balloons. The technique used at the lower latitude is similar in principle to that employed originally by Bradt and Peters, while that used at the higher latitude is the method of Dainton, Fowler, and Kent. The different experimental methods are discussed and the latter is found more satisfactory for the light-element problem. Primary flux values are reported for the medium nuclei ($6l~Zl~10$) and the heavy nuclei ($Zg10$) at the two latitudes. It is concluded that there exists a finite primary flux of the light nuclei ($3l~Zl~5$) and the most reliable value from these experiments of the ratio of the primary light-nuclei flux ${{N}_{L}}^{0}$ to the primary medium-nuclei flux ${{N}_{M}}^{0}$ at the top of the atmosphere is found to be 0.46\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.15.
Contributing to Content Validity of the Infant-Driven Feeding Scales© through Delphi surveys

Abstract The Infant-Driven Feeding Scales© (IDFS) assess a preterm infant’s readiness for oral feeding, evaluate the infant’s quality of feeding, provide a guide for intervention, and provide a standardized format for documentation (Ludwig and Waitzman, 2007). Since its inception, the IDFS have evolved over time with changes in language and clarity founded on clinical experience, best-practice information from the literature, and knowledge of existing infant feeding assessments. This paper presents additional evidence to support the content validity of the IDFS by reporting opinions collected from neonatal feeding experts by way of the Delphi Technique. Updates to the IDFS are presented.
High dorsal column cordotomy plus subdiaphragmatic vagotomy prevents acute lonizing radiation sickness in cats

Abstract Our purpose was to determine the effects on acute radiation sickness of interrupting afferent neural pathways that converge upon the medullary vomiting center but which bypass the emetic chemoreceptor trigger zone in the area postrema. A comparison was made of the vomiting response and other signs of sickness in three groups of chronic cats surgically prepared as follows: high spinal cord section of the dorsal columns, subdiaphragmatic vagotomy, and the combination of procedures. Every cat was exposed over the whole body to 45 Gy 60Co γ-radiation which was effective in evoking emesis in 11 of 12 normal cats. Neither cordotomy alone (8 cats) nor vagotomy alone (2 cats) reliably blocked the vomiting response but they separately delayed its onset. On the other hand, the cordotomy prevented the loss of appetite and behavioral malaise that was invariably caused by the irradiation in normal cats. Finally, the combination of cordotomy and vagotomy protected all of 3 cats against the entire radiation syndrome. These cats then vomited appropriately in response to the injection of deslanoside which induces emesis through an action on the area postrema. Histological examination of the lower medulla revealed no damage of the area postrema resulting from the cordotomies. We conclude that acute radiation sickness in the cat is signaled through afferent neural pathways originating in the abdomen and that the area postrema does not participate in the causation of this syndrome.
The Baylor Medical School teleprocessing system: operational time-sharing on a system/360 computer

The Baylor Teleprocessing System (BTS) is designed to operate as a time-sharing system. It accomplishes the following functions:1. It allows several jobs initiated from various terminals to run concurrently with one batch job stream.2. It permits the use of high-level languages for the construction of all programs, including those designed for remote terminals.3. It insulates the user program from changes in the operating system by providing a set of macroinstructions and interface routines for input and output over telecommunication lines.4. It provides certain utility functions for the terminal user, including the ability to build, alter, and retrieve data sets, and to communicate with the machine operator and other terminal users.5. It provides a means by which programs originally written to run as batch jobs may be used from a remote terminal.6. It insulates user programs from hardware errors originating during data transmission.
Divided Attention during Adaptation to Visual-Motor Roatation in an Endoscopic Surgery Simulator

Endoscopic surgery has gained popularity due to its minimally invasive nature and reduced patient recovery times. Due to the use of video images and long, thin surgical tools a surgeon's perceptual motor skills can be inhibited. Surgeons need to adapt to these perceptual-motor disruptions before operating on patients. Besides having to adapt to altered perceptual-motor conditions surgeons also have to deal with many other simultaneous demands, such as monitoring vital signs. Having to perform other simultaneous tasks during endoscopic surgery may divert or drain attention necessary for the complex movements demanded by the surgery. We investigated whether adaptive performance in an endoscopic surgery simulator suffered under dual-task conditions. Performance was significantly disrupted under altered perceptual-motor conditions during early simulator performance and the addition of a concurrent short-term memory task caused additional initial performance decrements, but those decrements were quickly overcome.
Aging and Panic Disorder: Phenomenology, Comorbidity, and Risk Factors

Objective The authors compared young and older adults with panic disorder (PD) to investigate differences in panic-associated phenomenology, psychiatric comorbidity, and risk factors. Method Patients in the older group (age 60 and above) were further subdivided into early- and late-onset groups and compared. Phenomenology (number of panic symptoms, severity of anxiety, physiological symptoms, panic-associated cognitions, and overall severity of PD); comorbidity (depressive and anxiety disorders); and risk factors (family history of anxiety and life stressors) were assessed in 167 outpatients with PD. Results Older patients reported fewer panic symptoms, less anxiety and arousal, less severe PD, lower levels of depression, and higher levels of functioning. Furthermore, within the older-patient group, late-onset patients were found to report less distress during panic attacks in relation to body sensations and panic-related cognitions and emotions. Multiple-regression analysis of the entire sample showed that chronological age and age at onset of PD distinctly predicted different domains of panic phenomenology. Conclusion PD was consistently less severe in older patients across multiple domains, and a later age at onset was associated with less distress due to body sensations, cognitions, and emotions during panic attacks.
The Drosophila U1 and U6 Gene Proximal Sequence Elements Act as Important Determinants of the RNA Polymerase Specificity of Small Nuclear RNA Gene Promoters in Vitroand in Vivo

Transcription of genes coding for metazoan spliceosomal snRNAs by RNA polymerase II (U1, U2, U4, U5) or RNA polymerase III (U6) is dependent upon a unique, positionally conserved regulatory element referred to as the proximal sequence element (PSE). Previous studies in the organism Drosophila melanogaster indicated that as few as three nucleotide differences in the sequences of the U1 and U6 PSEs can play a decisive role in recruiting the different RNA polymerases to transcribe the U1 and U6 snRNA genes in vitro. Those studies utilized constructs that contained only the minimal promoter elements of the U1 and U6 genes in an artificial context. To overcome the limitations of those earlier studies, we have now performed experiments that demonstrate that the Drosophila U1 and U6 PSEs have functionally distinct properties even in the environment of the natural U1 and U6 gene 5'-flanking DNAs. Moreover, assays in cells and in transgenic flies indicate that expression of genes from promoters that contain the "incorrect" PSE is suppressed in vivo. The Drosophila U6 PSE is incapable of recruiting RNA polymerase II to initiate transcription from the U1 promoter region, and the U1 PSE is unable to recruit RNA polymerase III to transcribe the U6 gene.
Is Renal Artery Stenting the Correct Treatmentof Renal Artery Stenosis

The case favoring renal artery stenting for individuals with renal artery hypertension is largely circumstantial. At best, the clinical evidence presented in this discussion is derived primarily from nonrandomized cohort studies. It would certainly be easier to argue that medical therapy is preferred for such individuals because there are 3 published randomized clinical trials that concluded just that and none that support renal artery intervention. Nonetheless, there is considerable evidence to support the role for revascularization in general, and stenting specifically, as an important adjunctive therapy to medical therapy in the care of patients with renal artery stenosis (RAS). The argument has 3 principal components: observations about the impact on cardiovascular physiology, end-organ effects, and natural history. Response by Dworkin and Jamerson p 270 RAS is associated with and is an important cause of secondary hypertension. RAS causes endocrine activation with release of renin from renal juxtaglomerular cells. Renin catalyzes the breakdown of angiotensinogen to angiotensin I. Angiotensin I is transformed by angiotensin-converting enzyme into angiotensin II, and angiotensin II promotes the release of aldosterone from the adrenal cortex.1 Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor,2 substantially more potent than epinephrine, and is implicated in end-organ damage in the heart3 and kidney.4 RAS is suggested to cause 2 types of hypertension. With unilateral RAS and a normally perfused and normally functioning contralateral kidney, blood pressure elevation is referred to as “renin dependent” and is characterized by increased peripheral resistance.5,6 In this circumstance, renin and angiotensin levels remain elevated, but volume expansion is limited by natriuresis of the contralateral normally functioning kidney.6 Importantly, although renin levels are elevated, the value of peripheral or even renal vein renin values is limited by substantial overlap with patients having essential hypertension.7,8 When stenoses are bilateral or when the …
Comparison of Reduction Methods for Deformable Multibody Dynamics

Several well-known reduction methods for deformable multibody dynamics have been reviewed and compared. All of these methods have been borrowed from structural analysis. A recently proposed reduction method that is derived from the equations of motion, based on a mode condensation process, is also reviewed and compared against the other methods. The general conclusion of this investigation is that the standard condensation methods that are based only on fixed/non-moving boundary conditions should not be used in multibody dynamics. However, when the standard normal modes are accompanied by other properly selected modes, accurate results can be achieved. Similar results can also be obtained by the mode condensation method. The paper pays specific attention to two methods known as the Craig-Bampton reduction and the mode condensation.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Surfactant effects on air-sea gas exchange under turbulent conditions

Abstract In a series of laboratory gas exchange studies we found that under turbulent conditions additions of two synthetic surfactants (polyethylene oxide and oleyl alcohol) to distilled water and seawater led to reductions in oxygen evasion at the air-liquid interface. The oxygen exchange coefficient relative to that of a distilled water control asymptotically reached a lower limit of ≈50% as surfactant concentration was increased. For natural seawater samples, an asymptotic reduction in relative gas exchange rate was demonstrated for increasing amounts of surface-active material as determined from surface pressure-area isotherms. Possibly surfactants act to reduce gas exchange by creating surface pressure forces that oppose and reduce turbulent eddy velocities and, correspondingly, reduce surface renewal. However, the greatest reductions in the oxygen exchange coefficient occurred at initial surface pressure ( π i ) less than 0.5 mN m −1 . This result may have been due to the presence of soluble surfactants, which are known to be very effective in reducing gas exchange but which do not display concentration-dependent surface pressures. Based on results from an opportunistic sampling survey of marine waters and a cruise to the Sargasso Sea, a gradient in gas exchange reductions from 5–15% in oceanic waters to 50% in nearshore waters was found. However, reductions of 50% occured for surface film material obtained from the Sargasso Sea. Our results provide some measure of the potential for reduction of gas exchange at high turbulence in marine waters in the presence of natural surfactants.
Vacancy Solution Theory of Adsorption from Gas Mixtures

The new correlation based on vacancy-solution theory, reports Pennsylvania State University, improves predictions of gas-mixture adsorption equilibria from single-component adsorption isotherm data. The new method is more general, simpler to apply, and more accurate than other available models. For an adsorption system, the binary parameters - adsorbate and vacancy - are obtained from regression of the pure-gas adsorption data with the vacancy-solution isotherm equation. These parameters are then used to predict multicomponent adsorption equilibrium, assuming that the adsorbate-adsorbate interactions are negligible. Penn State has verified the new correlation on two different kinds of binary adsorption systems: mixtures of O/sub 2/, N/sub 2/, and CO on zeolite 10X and mixtures of light hydrocarbons on Nuxit-AL activated carbon.
Inhibition of protein and RNA synthesis by 5-mercaptopyridoxine.

Abstract The effect of 5-mercaptopyridoxine (vitamin B 6 SH) on nucleic acid and protein synthesis in HeLa cells was studied with radioactive precursors. The compound inhibited both RNA and protein synthesis, independently and simultaneously. In these studies, vitamin B 6 SH did not interfere with amino acid transport or the uptake of nucleic acid precursors and vitamin B 6 . The addition of pyridoxine or pyridoxal phosphate did not prevent the inhibitory effect of the compound on protein synthesis. The previously reported reduction in antibody titers in patients with auto-immune disease treated with this compound might be a reflection of its inhibitory effect on RNA and protein synthesis, as demonstrated in these studies.
Pathogenetic Mechanisms of Septic Shock

One of the most frequent and serious problems confronting clinicians is the management of a serious infection and the systemic response to infection, a syndrome termed sepsis. When this syndrome results in hypotension and organ dysfunction, it is called septic shock. Septic shock is the most common cause of death in intensive care units,1 and it is the 13th most common cause of death in the United States2. The incidence of the two disorders continues to rise: 400,000 cases of sepsis and 200,000 episodes of septic shock are estimated to occur annually, resulting in more than 100,000 deaths1. . . .
Perceptions of human immunodeficiency virus and sexually transmitted disease risk among low-income adults: a pilot study.

Sexual risk-taking research and subsequent intervention programs have focused almost exclusively on adolescents and men who have sex with men. In comparison, less research has been conducted into adult heterosexual risk-taking behavior. The purposes of this pilot study were to test a survey instrument, assess how low-income adults perceive their risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted disease (STD) infection, and determine the degree to which condom use is a function of age. The Health Belief Model was used to guide the development of the survey instrument. In the Health Belief Model, age is a mediating factor that influences a person's likelihood to take action to change his or her lifestyle. Respondents perceived that their vulnerability to infection declined because of increased age and decreased frequency of coitus. Condom use was found to significantly decline as the age of the respondents increased. Although this is only a pilot study, the findings highlight the need for HIV and STD education for all age groups and genders.
A kinetic study of the photocatalytic degradation of 3-chlorosalicylic acid over TiO2 membranes supported on glass

Abstract The photocatalytic degradation of 3-chlorosalicylic acid to HCl and CO 2 on glass-supported TiO 2 has been investigated in a photoreactor designed to permit both continuous throughput of gaseous and liquid feed streams and frequent exchange of the catalyst. The data for the photodegradation reaction can best be correlated in terms of the rate expression r = kK 1 [ O 2 ]K 2 [ S ] {(1 + K 1 [ O 2 ])(1 + K 2 [ S ])} where [O 2 ] and [S] represent the concentrations of oxygen and 3-chlorosalicylic acid, respectively.
Wavelengths of 2l-->3l' Transitions in L-Shell Ions of Iron and Nickel: A Combined Configuration Interaction and Many-Body Perturbation Theory Approach

Using a combined configuration interaction and many-body perturbation theory approach, we calculate the level energies of 1s22lq and 1s22lq-13l' (1 ≤ q ≤ 8) complexes in iron and nickel ions. Comparison of 1s22lq energies with experimental results shows that the calculation is accurate to within ~0.15 eV for these levels. The accuracy of 1s22lq-13l' energies can be slightly worse, at ~0.5 eV. The theoretical wavelengths of 2→3 transitions of iron ions are compared with the published experimental measurements, and discrepancies are found to be mostly within ±10 mA. Similar accuracy is expected for wavelengths of nickel ions. Such accuracy is a significant improvement over that obtainable with standard configuration interaction methods. A complete table of 2l → 3l' transition wavelengths of all L-shell ions of iron and nickel is presented.
Regulation of growth hormone-releasing hormone and somatostatin from perifused, bovine hypothalamic slices. III. Reciprocal feedback between growth hormone-releasing hormone and somatostatin

An in vitro perifusion system for bovine hypothalamic tissue was used to determine if growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and somatostatin (SRIF) modulate each other's release, and whether SRIF mediates D1-agonist-induced suppression of GHRH in cattle. Up to three sagittal slices (600 microns) of bovine hypothalamus, immediately parallel++ to the midline, were cut in an oxygenated balanced salt solution at 4 degrees C, placed in 5 cc syringe barrels, and perifused at 37 degrees C with oxygenated minimum essential medium-alpha at a flow rate of 0.15 ml/min. Three experiments were conducted, and medium effluent was collected every 20 min before (two samples), during (one or three samples), and after (six samples) treatment. Areas under GHRH and SRIF response curves (AUC), adjusted by covariance for pretreatment values, were calculated from samples collected during the treatment/post-treatment period. Perifusion of SRIF at 10(-6) M and 10(-4) M decreased AUC for GHRH from 86.3 (control) to 65.4 and 59.5 +/- 6.3 ng.ml-1 min, but 10(-8) M SRIF was ineffective. Relative to controls, 10(-8).10(-6), and 10(-4) M GHRH increased release of SRIF 190, 675, and 1,135%, respectively. Activation of D1 receptors with 10(-6) M SKF 38393 increased AUC for SRIF from 12.5 ng.ml-1 min (control) to 484.9 ng.ml-1 min and decreased AUC for GHRH from 36.4 ng.ml-1 min (control) to 18.2 ng.ml-1 min. Blockade of SRIF action with a SRIF antagonist, cyclo-[7-aminoheptanoyl-phe-D-trp-lys-thr(bzl)], increased release of GHRH 1.9-fold. In addition, the SRIF antagonist blocked SKF 38393-induced suppression of GHRH. We concluded that GHRH and SRIF interact within the bovine hypothalamus/pituitary stalk to modulate the release of the other. Moreover, SRIF mediates the inhibitory effects of activation of D1 receptors on release of GHRH in cattle.
Factors affecting surgical alloy/bone cement interface adhesion

Interfaces were formed between acrylic bone cement and three commonly used surgical alloys (316L SS, Co-Cr-Mo, and Ti-6A1-4V), in an attempt to further define cementation parameters of acrylic bone cement for use in orthopaedic surgery. Metal/cement interfaces were made at three distinct times during the setting cycle of the cement and were cured for 1 hr, 1 day, and 1 week. The metals were prepared with roughly polished or finely polished prepassivated surfaces. Tensile bond strengths and residual cement on metal coverage data indicated that, for each metal system, interfaces created prior to and at the onset of the dough stage formed superior interfaces for implantation compared to those formed late in the dough stage. Furthermore, electropolishing plus prepassivation offered a more efficient bonding surface than mechanical polishing.
Pediatric optic neuritis and multiple sclerosis: who is at risk for progression?

I dentifying adults at high risk for progression to multiple sclerosis (MS) after optic neuritis is relatively straightforward and is based on the results of the Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial (ONTT). A single characteristicmagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesion at baseline was the sole significant predictor of progression toMS, with 72%of suchpatients progressing todefiniteMSat 15 years. Subsequent clinical trials have shown that treatment of patients at higher risk for MS can delay and perhaps prevent progression. Based on these strong prospective data, appropriate management recommendations can be made for adults with an initial presentation of optic neuritis. Recent studies in children also have found a similar increase in MS risk with abnormal MRI findings and a first bout of optic neuritis, but the overall clinical picture is more complex. Optic neuritis is a common presenting demyelinating event in all age groups and even more so in patients age $10. Children may have an overall lower risk of progression toMS after an acute central nervous system inflammatory demyelinating event than do adults. Nevertheless, the cognitive sequelae of MS occur early in the disease course in children, as they do in adults. This finding has heightened our interest in identifying and potentially treating patients at high risk for progression. Should we base our decisions on MRI data alone, or are there other risk factors in pediatric patients that can help us predict the risk of progression to MS, independent of MRI abnormalities? Bilateral optic neuritis occurs more commonly in younger children, often with optic disk swelling and severe subacute vision loss, and the classic teaching is that these patients are at lower risk for MS. Indeed, most retrospective studies support this conclusion, although at least 2 do not. Optic disk swelling was found to be a negative predictor ofMS progression in adult patients with a normal MRI. Age is negatively correlated with subsequent MS after any acute pediatric central nervous system inflammatory demyelinating event. There has been no prospective study of optic neuritis in children to help us to address these risk factors. Thus in this issue of the Journal of
Marker-specific effects in genetic recombination.

Abstract The recombination frequencies between mutants in the lac operon of Escherichia coli are primarily determined by the base substitution at a mutant site and the neighboring nucleotide sequence. Distance appears to be of no importance in the recombination between these mutants although there is a suggestion that when markers are separated by less than tens of nucleotides distance does become important. The substitution of one nucleotide pair for another at a mutant site may result in order of magnitude changes in recombination frequency. In addition the recombination frequency between a pair of mutants may be affected by the presence of an additional misspaired nucleotide, at some distance from either mutant site. Marker-specific effects are found with both missense and nonsense mutants and do not appear to be related to the polarity of nonsense mutants. In this regard, the presence of a new site for the initiation of translation, which relieves the polarity of proximal nonsense mutants, has no effect on the recombination properties of these mutants. Marker-specific effects are not observed when the lac mutants are crossed with the uracil locus, approximately 106 nucleotide pairs away. High negative interference was observed in these studies. Those markers which tended to be strong recombiners in two-factor crosses also tended to yield a large excess of multiple recombinants in three-factor crosses, irrespective of distance.
Optical Activity in Nonenantiomorphous Biaxial Crystals: (C 9 H 12 O 4 ) 2 and NaNO 2 *

Two biaxial crystals having mirror planes were experimentally investigated for optical activity. No rotation occurred in (C9H12O4)2, the only crystal of this type previously reported to be optically active. The previous report had been based on the peculiar pattern the crystal production in a polarizing microscope. In NaNO2, a ferroelectric crystal of class mm2, the plane of polarization was rotated 15.7°+0.5°/mm as 6328-A light propagated down either axis. Down one axis the rotation was clockwise, down the other counterclockwise. This indicates that the structure of NaNO2 consists of a right- and left-handed helix with their axes oriented along the optical axes. The angles between the helices are bisected by mirror planes.
Accidental mediastinal entry via left internal jugular vein cannylation

Two cases are reported in which mediastinal penetration by a pulmonary artery catheter and a temporary venous pacemaker wire occurred following cannulation of the left internal jugular vein and placement of an indwelling venous introducer sheath. The anatomy of the left internal jugular vein and possible mechanisms of accidental mediastinal penetration with this approach are discussed. Extreme caution must be exercised when using the left internal jugular venous access route and an indwelling venous introducer sheath.
A Meta-Analysis of Research Findings on Individualized Instruction in Mathematics

AbstractThe present study investigated the effects of individualized instruction on mathematics achievement at the elementary and secondary school levels. The meta-analysis technique developed by Glass was applied to the same sample of studies used by Schoen in his previous voting-method analysis of individualization. The analysis of the 129 effect sizes revealed important trends for the use of self-paced modular instruction in mathematics. This study is also significant in its comparison of the conclusions drawn from a voting-method analysis and Glass’s meta-analysis technique.
Consumer and provider expectations and experiences in evaluating professional service quality

Providers of professional services have recently awakened to consumer challenges, competition and the realities of marketing. Looking at the expectations and experiences of providers and consumers can provide special insight into the services evaluation process and perceived service quality. By evaluating both professionals’ and consumers’ perspectives, differences in perceptions can be identified and characterized. Inconsistencies in perceptions between two parties to an exchange may result in dissatisfaction, while positive consistencies in these assessments aid in building on-going relationships.
How Inaccurate is Pauling's Bond Energy Equation?

PEARSON1 recently pointed out that Pauling's bond energy equation does not give reasonable values of the enthalpy changes for a series of reactions, and he has also stressed a number of pitfalls of Pauling's electronegativities. The principle of soft and hard acids and bases (SHAB), on the other hand, predicts the correct sign of ΔH for those reactions and the general chemical patterns mishandled by the simple electronegativity concept.
Toxicity of the topoisomerase II inhibitors.

The topoisomerase I inhibitors represent a class of antineoplastic agents with a wide spectrum of activity against malignancies. Currently available topo-isomerase I inhibitors are derivatives of the parent compound, camptothecin. Irinotecan is most active against gastrointestinal (GI) tumours, and has predominantly GI and haematological toxicities. Significant pharmacokinetic variability occurs in patients with hepatic dysfunction, particularly those with glucuronidation pathway deficiencies. The toxicity of topotecan is principally haematological with little extramedullary toxicity. Topotecan is well-tolerated in patients with significant hepatic dysfunction; however, patients with even mild renal insufficiency require significant dose reductions. This article discusses the toxicities of these drugs in detail, including the need for dose adjustments in selected patient populations.
Longest cycles in k-connected graphs with given independence number

The Chvatal-Erdos Theorem states that every graph whose connectivity is at least its independence number has a spanning cycle. In 1976, Fouquet and Jolivet conjectured an extension: If G is an n-vertex k-connected graph with independence number a, and a>=k, then G has a cycle with length at least k(n+a-k)a. We prove this conjecture.
Integrated Postharvest Strategies for Management of Phytophthora Brown Rot of Citrus in the United States

Brown rot caused by several species of Phytophthora is an economically important disease of citrus fruit. Crop losses may occur in the orchard or after harvest. Recently, brown rot has become a quarantine issue with some of California’s trading partners, and effective management programs are needed. The disease can be controlled with field applications of copper or with systemic phosphonate (e.g., fosetyl-Al; potassium phosphite) and phenylamide (e.g., mefenoxam) fungicides. To potentially increase the degree of brown rot control in an integrated approach, we evaluated the efficacy of postharvest treatments. Using orange fruit inoculated with P. citrophthora in laboratory and packingline studies, potassium phosphite, mandipropamid, fluopicolide, and azoxystrobin were highly effective as pre-infection treatments. Only potassium phosphite was also effective as a post-infection treatment and thus, has the potential to prevent decay from pre-existing infections occurring shortly before harvest in the orchard. A dip of inoculated fruit in water at an average temperature of 56 °C was similarly effective to potassium phosphite applied at ambient temperature. Brown rot incidence was lowest using a combination treatment of heated potassium phosphite (with or without imazalil added) and a spray application of imazalil and TBZ in packing fruit coating. Our data indicate that postharvest potassium phosphite can be effective for the management of brown rot of citrus fruit using existing packing line equipment. Incidence of disease can be reduced to very low levels with an integrated management approach that includes orchard practices (e.g., tree skirting, Phytophthora root rot control), preharvest fungicide applications (e.g., copper or newer modes of action), and postharvest phosphite at ambient temperature or as a heated treatment. Potassium phosphite has an exempt from residue status in the United States but not in many export markets. Efforts are underway to establish international maximum residue limits (MRLs) with our trade partners. Fluopicolide and mandipropamid are proposed for preharvest use in citrus orchards for managing Phytophthora root rot and brown rot. Registrations of several fungicides will help in the implementation of resistance management strategies such as rotations or mixtures to ensure the long-term usage of these compounds.
Ceramic temperature sensors for harsh environments

A ceramic thermocouple based on indium-tin-oxide (ITO) thin films is being developed to measure the surface temperature of gas turbine engine components employed in power and propulsion systems that operate at temperatures in excess of 1500/spl deg/C. By fabricating ITO elements with substantially different charge carrier concentrations, it was possible to construct a robust ceramic thermocouple. A thermoelectric power of 6.0 /spl mu/V//spl deg/C, over the temperature range 25-1250/spl deg/C, was realized for an unoptimized ITO ceramic thermocouple. The charge carrier concentration difference in the legs of the ITO thermocouple was established by r.f. sputtering in oxygen-rich and nitrogen-rich plasmas. SEM micrographs revealed that after high-temperature exposure, the surfaces of the nitrogen prepared ITO films exhibited a partially sintered microstructure with a contiguous network of ITO nanoparticles. Thermal cycling of ITO films in various oxygen partial pressures showed that the temperature coefficient of resistance was nearly independent of oxygen partial pressure at temperatures above 800/spl deg/C and eventually became independent of oxygen partial pressure after repeated thermal cycling below 800/spl deg/C. Based on these results, a versatile ceramic sensor system has been envisioned where a ceramic thermocouple and strain sensor can be combined to yield a multifunctional ceramic sensor array.
Universal Tracking Control of Wind Conversion System for Purpose of Maximum Power Acquisition Under Hierarchical Control Structure

Renewable energy technologies have recently attracted intensive attentions. Several renewable energies, such as wind, solar, etc., are being investigated to solve current energy crisis. In this paper, a nonlinear controller is developed for tracking control of a wind energy conversion system under a hierarchical configuration. First, an adaptive neural-network-based estimator is developed to estimate uncertain (possibly unknown) aerodynamics online. Based on an estimated value of aerodynamics, a model-based adaptive tracking control law is derived based on the Lyapunov stability analysis. Associated dynamic parameter estimators are also developed to remove requirement of prior knowledge of system parameters. Then, robust differentiator techniques are utilized to eliminate the need for an acceleration of the wind and rotor. It is shown that the proposed controller can regulate tracking error to an arbitrary small value even if neither system parameter nor aerodynamics is available for control design. It is expected that the proposed control algorithm can be used as an “universal controller” for similar types of variable speed wind turbine with minimal modifications. The modularity of the proposed controller will enjoy the plug-and-play property that will be helpful in distributed control of smart grids. Simulation studies are performed along with the theoretical analysis to validate the proposed method.