cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Family Resources, Family Strains, and Stress Following the Northridge Earthquake

This study examined the relationships among family resource losses, family coping, social support, family stresses and strains, and psychological distress following a 6.7 magnitude earthquake in Northridge, California. The project includes a control group of persons living in a city that did not experience the earthquake. One month after the event, 301 participants (118 men, 183 women) completed a questionnaire asking about demographics, family coping, family stresses and strains, social support network, resource loss, and symptoms associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD symptoms were associated with being female, family strains, resource loss (especially personal characteristic and energy), and depression. Participants experiencing the earthquake had higher distress levels than those in the control group who did not experience the earthquake. Implications and future research directions are discussed.
Neurological Deterioration Following Treatment for Hyponatremia

ATIENTS CAN survive without neurological sequelae despite extraordinarily low serum sodium concentrations. The adaptation that makes this possible is the patient's ally; it can also be the therapist's foe. Attempts to repair chronic hypona­ tremia too rapidly may have serious neurological consequences. In this case, the pathophysiology of the brain's response to hyponatremia and its cor­ rection is reviewed.
Economic valuation of marsh areas for marine production processes

Abstract The relationship of natural marsh-estuarine systems to the economic productivity of marine systems is not well understood, at least in any quantitative sense. An approach is developed for relating blue crab economic productivity on Florida's Gulf Coast to marsh availability in the area. Previous efforts have not always applied economic concepts appropriately in attempts at such quantification. The marginal value productivity of marsh is shown to vary with alternative levels of marsh and effort in the fishery. The interaction and subsequent interdependence is shown to be statistically significant. Data availability on marginal response to marsh changes poses a severe obstacle to further progress.
Dimeric tetrapeptide enkephalins display extraordinary selectivity for the delta opiate receptor.

The μ and δ opiate receptors, postulated on the basis of pharmacological observations, have been well characterized in ligand-binding studies1–6. The several classes of opiate receptor appear to subserve different functions7–9. Although highly specific μ ligands are available, there has been a paucity of high-affinity ligands with δ specificity that could be used to investigate the functions, properties and spatial distribution of the δ receptor. Previous structure–activity studies of the enkephalins have suggested that a free carboxyl group at the C-terminus is an important determinant of δ selectivity9,10: amidation of Leu5 or Met5 results in a non-selective ligand. Recently, however, we have demonstrated that cross-linking enkephalin amides by a methylene bridge of suitable length produces a dimeric pentapeptide, with greater affinity and selectivity for the δ receptor than is found in the original δ ligand11,12. Evidence that this dimer may interact simultaneously with two δ, but not two μ receptors12 is consistent with independent demonstrations that the δ receptors are clustered in the membrane7,13. When the C-terminal amino acid of enkephalin is removed, the resulting tetrapeptide enkephalin amide H-Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-Phe-NH2 and its analogues are potent and selective ligands for μ opiate sites14,15. If the δ receptors were closely clustered, as suggested by our findings with dimeric enkephalin pentapeptides11,12 and by others7,13, then it might be possible to form a dimeric analogue of the tetrapeptide enkephalin which could interact with two δ receptors but not with two μ receptors. Theoretically, this would confer δ selectivity on the dimer of a μ-selective ligand. We have thus synthesized a series of dimeric analogues of the μ -selective tetrapeptide [D-Ala2, des-Leu5]enkephalin amide by cross-linking at the C-terminus with NH2-(CH2)n-NH2, with n = 2–12. We report here that the dimer with n = 12 has a nearly 1,000-fold increase in δ/μ selectivity ratio, and is thus a δ-selective ligand.
Perturbation theory for orientational time-correlation functions

A simple perturbation theory is proposed for single molecule orientational time correlation functions Cl,m (t). These functions are obtained by approximating the corresponding memory functions Kl,m (t) by the product of the free rotor memory function times a gaussian decay involving the mean square torque on the reorienting axis in the molecule. After a brief discussion of some of the general features of this model, its predictions are compared with some computer simulations of liquid Br2. It is argued that this perturbation approach is reasonably accurate up to fairly large values of the mean square torque, but breaks down when the intermolecular potential and the fluid density and temperature are such as to produce significant librational character in the reorientation.
Solubility and transport of water vapor in some 6FDA‐based polyimides

Permeability, diffusion, and solubility coefficients for H 2 O vapor in four different 6FDA-based polyimides were determined at temperatures between 25 and 45 o C and over a wide range of relative humidities. The solubility of H 2 O vapor in some of the polyimides studied can be described by the «dual-mode sorption» model whereas in other polyimides it is represented by the Flory-Huggins equation, which suggests that the latter polymers are plasticized by H 2 O. The solubility of H 2 O vapor in the polyimides decreases as the temperature is raised and increases with increasing polarity of the polymer. The diffusion coefficients for H 2 O in the polyimides studied either increase or pass through a weak maximum with increasing H 2 O activity, or concentration in the polymers. The latter behavior is probably due to a clustering of H 2 O molecules in the polyimides at higher H 2 O activities or concentrations. The diffusion coefficients for H 2 O decrease as the chain-packing density of the polyimides increases. The permeability coefficients for H 2 O vapor in 6FDA-based polyimide membranes either increase slightly or are constant as the H 2 O activity is increased. The experimental values of the permeability coefficients are consistent with the values determined from diffusion and solubility coefficients. The permeability of the polyimides to H 2 O vapor appears to be controlled by the solubility of H 2 O in the polymers. The polyimides studied exhibit a very high selectivity for H 2 O vapor relative to CH 4 , and therefore are potentially useful membrane materials for the dehydration of natural gas
4518 Variable rigidity colonoscopy: a prospective randomized pilot study.

Looping can prolong colonoscopy, cause discomfort, and preclude a complete examination. A colonoscope with variable insertion tube rigidity may facilitate colonoscopy. Aim: To determine if VRC can facilitate colonoscopy by reducing insertion time (IT) and improving patient acceptability (PA). Methods: Fifty patients were randomized to undergo conventional (CC; Olympus CF-140) or variable insertion tube rigidity colonoscopy (VRC; distal/insertion tube O.D. 13.2/12.9 mm, working length 133 cm, instrument channel I.D. 3.7 mm, view angle 140°, range of motion 180° up/down, 160° right/left; Olympus America, Inc, NY) by the primary investigator. A rotary dial on the handle adjusted the insertion tube rigidity. After reaching the splenic flexure without increased rigidity, maximum rigidity was maintained to the cecum. PA was assessed on a visual-analogue scale(0=most acceptable/no discomfort). Medication dosage(mg midazolam and/or meperidine) was documented, as was the frequency of abdominal pressure (AP), or repositioning (RP). Statistical analysis was performed by the twosample Wilcoxon rank sum test and an extension of Fisher s Exact test (K exact). Results: The groups were comparable in age (median 63 and 65 years VRC and CC, respectively), gender (14 male VRC, 12 male CC), and sedation required (median midazolam/meperidine dose: 4/75 mg, both groups). The cecum was reached in all 25 VRC cases; one patient had failed CC previously. The cecum was not reached in 4 patients in the CC group (2 poor prep, 2 looping). The median IT was 9 min (10.6±1.6) in the VRC group and 10 min (10.6±1.7) in the CC group (p=0.97). PA was better in the VRC group (0.4±0.2 vs. 1.3±0.6, p=0.14 and less AP (0.3±0.1 vs. 1.1±0.4, p=0.05) or RP (0.4±0.1 vs. 1.2±0.4, p=0.46) was required. VRC patients reported less abdominal distention (0.9+.3 vs. 2.2+.5, p=0.05) and had less pain observed by the endoscopist (2.0+.4 vs. 3.2+.4, p=0.06) and the nurse (1.9+.4 vs. 3.3+.4, p=0.05). No complications occurred. Conclusion: VRC facilitated colonoscopy by reducing abdominal pressure and patient repositioning. Although insertion time was not significantly reduced, patient acceptability was better.
Generic Language Use Reveals Domain Differences in Young Children's Expectations about Animal and Artifact Categories.

Abstract The goal of the present study was to explore domain differences in young children's expectations about the structure of animal and artifact categories. We examined 5-year-olds’ and adults’ use of category-referring generic noun phrases (e.g., “Birds fly”) about novel animals and artifacts. The same stimuli served as both animals and artifacts; thus, stimuli were perceptually identical across domains, and domain was indicated exclusively by language. Results revealed systematic domain differences: children and adults produced more generic utterances when items were described as animals than artifacts. Because the stimuli were novel and lacking perceptual cues to domain, these findings must be attributed to higher-order expectations about animal and artifact categories. Overall, results indicate that by age 5, children are able to make knowledge-based domain distinctions between animals and artifacts that may be rooted in beliefs about the coherence and homogeneity of categories within these domains.
Velocity Boundary Conditions for the Simulation of Free Surface Fluid Flow

Accurate velocity boundary conditions are critical to the successful simulation of free surface fluid flow. It is shown in this paper that previous approaches for the assignment of free surface velocity boundary conditions in marker and cell methods artificially introduce asymmetry and call even cause the simulation to break up, New approaches are presented that improve the accuracy of the treatment of free surface velocity boundary conditions. The significant advantages of the use of these new approaches are demonstrated by simulation results obtained for broken dam and cavity filling problems. The new approaches do not artificially introduce asymmetry. Although symmetry is a useful, tangible indicator, it is shown that the significance of the new approaches extends beyond the elimination of asymmetry. Their use enables the successful simulation of problems with realistic values of viscosity and gravity, problems for which breakup of the solution occurs if previous approaches are employed.
FERTILIZATION IN OEDOGONIUM. II. POLYSPERMY1

SUMMARY This paper presents the first description of polyspermy in Oedogonium. It has been observed twice, in living material; in each, case it occurred when a pair of haploid spermatozoids initiated plasmogamy in rapid succession with, a single haploid egg. Supportive evidence for polyspermy has also been obtained ultrastructurally. Polyspermy in Oedogonium is anomalous; ordinarily it appears to be prevented by some mechanism initiated at the time of gametic fusion. The present study not only supports the existence of such a mechanism, but calls attention to the fact that further knowledge of its operation may only be possible through experimental studies designed to selectively impair the mechanism.
Treatment of hazardous materials spills in flowing streams with floating mass transfer agents

Abstract Field studies were conducted in a Flowing Stream Test Facility to determine parameters governing application of floating media (in this case, commercially-available activated carbon) to flowing streams for the purpose of treating hazardous materials spills in situ. It was found that removal efficiency is highly dependent on prompt location of the contaminant plume, even dispersion of media over the water surface, and favorable environmental conditions. This technique is most effective for concentrated plumes in small streams, and removal efficiencies increase as the size of the spill increases. Removal efficiencies ranged from 50 to > 95%, depending upon the substance being used in the tests. Further investigation should focus on ballast and packaging techniques, methods for increasing efficiency of contact, prevention of carbon buildup along stream banks, and efficiency of spent carbon collection.
Analysis of spatial light modulator contrast ratios and optical correlation.

We have performed a general analysis of optical correlators with spatal light modulators (SLM’s) whose primary defect is a finite contrast ratio (CR). Our mathematical analysis identifies three noise terms that appear in addition to the correlation term. The filter SLM contains either a phase-only filter (POF) or a binary-phase-only filter (BPOF). Insertion of a dc block at the center of the filter SLM decreases the noise background in the correlator plane; this dc block is larger than that required for the same level of performance in a correlator whose SLM’s have transmissive (or reflective) dead zones. With a noise-free input and the dc block, our computer simulations that show the peak intensity falling off as the CR decreases are in quantitative agreement with the correlation term of the mathematical model. For a cluttered, disjoint noise input this agreement is only qualitative, and at low CR’s the dc block is definitely required for the BPOF correlator if the secondary peaks in the output are to be brought below the correlation peak.
Electron acceptor specificity of ferredoxin (flavodoxin):NADP+ oxidoreductase from Escherichia coli.

Abstract Reduced flavodoxin I (Fld1) is required in Escherichia coli for reductive radical generation in AdoMet-dependent radical enzymes and reductive activation of cobalamin-dependent methionine synthase. Ferredoxin (Fd) and flavodoxin II (Fld2) are also present, although their precise roles have not been ascertained. Ferredoxin (flavodoxin):NADP+ oxidoreductase (FNR) was discovered in E. coli as an NADPH-dependent reductant of Fld1 that facilitated generation of active methionine synthase in vitro; FNR and Fld1 will also supply electrons for the reductive cleavage of AdoMet essential for generating protein or substrate radicals in pyruvate formate-lyase, class III ribonucleotide reductase, biotin synthase, and, potentially, lipoyl synthase. As part of ongoing efforts to understand the various redox pathways that will support AdoMet-dependent radical enzymes in E. coli, we have examined the relative specificity of E. coli FNR for Fd, Fld1, and Fld2. While FNR will reduce all three proteins, Fd is the kinetically and thermodynamically preferred partner. Fd binds to FNR with high affinity (K d ⩽0.5 μM ) and is reduced under single-turnover conditions with k obs =2.3 s −1 and under steady state conditions with k cat =0.15 s −1 . Fld1 and Fld2 behave similarly with respect to FNR, with affinities ∼4- to 7-fold weaker and reduction rates that are 10- to 100-fold slower than those for Fd. Surprisingly we find that Fld1 and Fld2 can obtain electrons from reduced Fd at rates that are comparable to those obtained with reduced FNR. Thus we propose that the primary electron acceptor for E. coli FNR is Fd, while Fld1 can obtain electrons slowly either from FNR or via Fd as a mediator.
Thermal and photochemistry of tert-butyl iodide on ice films

Abstract The thermal and photochemistry of tert-butyl iodide (t-buI) on ice films grown on Cu(111) at 100 K were studied using time-of-flight (TOF) temperature programmed desorption (TPD) mass spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The thermal reaction products include isobutane (i-C4H10), isobutene (i-C4H8) and minor t-butyl alcohol. In the rising edge of the water desorption at ∼145 K, the parent t-buI molecule desorbs from the ice as well as other thermal reaction products. Above the falling edge of the water desorption at ∼180 K, the reaction products and the parent molecule desorb from the Cu(111). For t-buI on bare Cu(111) dosed at 100 K, dominant i-C4H8, some i-C4H10 and tiny t-buI desorption peaks were observed. This indicates that t-buI promptly dissociates on Cu(111) to form C4H9 and chemisorbed I at 100 K. The C4H9 quickly rearranges, followed by C–H scission to form mainly i-C4H8, or abstracts H to form some i-C4H10. The I directly chemisorbs on the Cu(111), evidenced by I(3d) XPS peaks. On ice layer, the most dominant i-C4H10 desorption peak indicates that the C4H9 abstracts H from ice to form C4H10. For photoirradiation of t-buI on ice, we observed an enhanced t-buI dissociation followed by ejection of reaction products, evidenced by decrease in TPD and C(1s) XPS intensities. No ejection of I-containing molecules was observed. We attribute the t-buI dissociation to solvated electrons in ice. During photoirradiation, I radicals seem to diffuse into the bulk ice to chemisorb on Cu(111), plausibly due to self-diffusion of water. In addition, a preferential desorption of C4H10 and/or an enhanced reaction channel to i-C4H8 by photoirradiation is evidenced by a faster TPD decay rate of C4H10 with photoirradiation time. An increased i-C4H8 TPD peak at 113 K and an appearance of 2 amu desorption could indicate the enhanced channel to i-C4H8.
Construction of a photoactivatable profluorescent enzyme via propinquity labeling.

A strategy for the construction of a profluorescent caged enzyme is described. An active site-directed peptide-based affinity label was designed, synthesized, and employed to covalently label a nonactive site residue in the cAMP-dependent protein kinase. The modified kinase displays minimal catalytic activity and low fluorescence. Photolysis results in partial cleavage of the enzyme-bound affinity label, restoration of enzymatic activity (60−80%) and a strong fluorescent response (10−20 fold). The caged kinase displays analogous behavior in living cells, inducing a light-dependent loss of stress fibers that is characteristic of cAMP action. This strategy furnishes molecularly engineered enzymes that can be remotely controlled in time, space, and total activity.
Desmocollins form a distinct subset of the cadherin family of cell adhesion molecules.

Abstract The desmosomal adhesive core is formed by four major components: desmoglein (Mr, 165,000), desmocollins I and II (Mr, 120,000 and 110,000, respectively), and a Mr 22,000 protein. Here, we report the cloning and sequencing of cDNAs encoding a bovine desmocollin. The open reading frame found in the longest cDNA, 5 kilobases, contains a region encoding a protein of 839 amino acids. The features of the deduced amino acid sequence imply that the mature 707-amino acid desmocollin is a type I transmembrane protein that is produced by proteolytic cleavage of an 810-amino acid precursor. The ectodomain of desmocollin contains repeats that show extensive sequence similarity to members of the cadherin family of calcium-dependent cell adhesion molecules. A comparison of the amino acid sequences of desmocollin, desmoglein, and the cadherins shows that although these intercellular junctional adhesion molecules share a consensus sequence in their adhesive domains that defines them as a family, several features, including the divergence in the sequence of their cytoplasmic tails, divide them into three distinct subtypes.
Allelic variation on chromosome 5 controls β-cell mass expansion during hyperglycemia in leptin receptor-deficient diabetes mice

Leptin signaling is a critical component of normal insulin sensitivity. Overt hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus can be manifested in states of leptin signaling deficiencies by the additional effects of other genetic factors. We have previously described the contrasting insulin sensitivities and glycemic states of two congenic diabetes (db/db) mouse strains. C57BL/6J db/db mice have mild insulin resistance and achieve euglycemia with mild hyperinsulinemia. FVB db/db mice have severe insulin resistance and are hyperglycemic despite escalating hyperinsulinemia with expanded pancreatic β-cell mass. Analysis of obese progeny from the two reciprocal backcrosses suggests that genetic modifiers for insulin sensitivity are separable from loci that modulate β-cell mass. A genome scan of the backcross to FVB suggests that one or more modifier genes are present on chromosome 5. This evidence is supported by the phenotypes of multiple incipient congenic strains wherein the hyperglycemia observed in obese FVB ...
Mechanisms of enhanced arrhythmogenicity of regional ischemia in the hypertrophied heart.

Background The coexistence of cardiac hypertrophy (H) and ischemia (I) can create a particularly arrhythmogenic substrate. Most studies investigate the effects of global I on H. However, global I is not a good surrogate model of the clinical situation. Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the electrophysiological effects of regional I superimposed on H using optical mapping of membrane voltage. Methods We investigated the guinea pig model of left ventricular H (LVH) induced by suprarenal banding of abdominal aorta. Twelve hearts with or without LVH were mounted in a Langendorff preparation, and regional I was induced by 20 minutes of ligation of the left anterior descending artery. Results Left ventricle epicardial action potential duration (APD) was significantly prolonged in the LVH group compared with controls. I significantly shortened APD in the I risk zone in both groups, but the percentages of APD shortening (28% vs. 40%) and the magnitudes of shortening (57 ± 18 vs. 105 ± 32 ms) were greater in the LVH group. The greater dispersion of repolarization (DR) across the border of the I zone resulted in arcs of functional conduction block and circulating wave fronts. Tachycardia-dependent APD alternans developed more often in the LVH group, and the area of alternans versus the area of the I zone was significantly larger. Ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VTs) developed in all 12 hearts with LVH including six non-self-terminating VTs, compared with four control hearts with self-terminating VT. Conclusion Regional I superimposed on LVH resulted in greater DR at the border between the I and non-I zones as well as in a greater tendency to develop APD alternans. Both arrhythmogenic mechanisms correlated with an increased incidence of VT.
Predictors of children's entertainment television viewing: Why are they tuning in?☆

Abstract Three hundred and twenty six 3- and 5-year-olds ( N = 160 3- year - olds ) participated in a longitudinal study of the sociological and ecological predictors of children's general audience and child entertainment viewing. Viewing was assessed through five weekly diaries for each child, completed by families over a two-year period. Concurrent analyses of program availability, family demographics/attributes, and child characteristics indicated that children who were frequent viewers of entertainment programs had parents who had limited education, access to cable, and incorporated television into their activities. Although parental regulation and encouragement played a role in children's viewing experiences, particularly at 5 and 7 years of age, the strongest long-term predictors on children's entertainment viewing were parents' education, family size, and the age and sex of the child. Parents need to become more aware of their role in shaping their children's viewing habits. Responsibility for improving children's television viewing experiences, however, should not rely solely with parents but must be shared by educators, broadcasters, and legislators.
Racial/ethnic discrimination in health care: impact on perceived quality of care.

Background Racial/ethnic minorities are more likely to report receipt of lower quality of health care; however, the mediators of such patient reports are not known.
Duration of Anticoagulation After Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) often occurs in young patients and is treated with acute and then long-term oral anticoagulation. It is important to decide when to discontinue anticoagulation, as lifelong anticoagulation exposes the patient to considerable cumulative risk. However, a lack of high quality studies makes choosing a duration of anticoagulation after CVST difficult. In this article, we review the evidence for different treatment durations in several common clinical scenarios of CVST. In addition, when no direct evidence is available, we discuss and extrapolate from the more comprehensively studied situation of systemic venous thromboembolic disease. Recommendations are graded using standard criteria for the level of evidence.
Analysis of Single Cells with Capillary Electrophoresis Electrospray Ionization Fourier Transform Ion Cycloton Resonance Mass Spectrometry

Recent results with on-line capillary electrophoresis (CE) electrospray ionization (ESI) Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometry suggest that CE/ESI-FTICR can provide a powerful technique for micro-sample analyses owing to the inherent sensitivity of the technique and the enhanced information content derived from high-performance mass measurements. Using micro-sampling methods and ion accumulation techniques based on quadrupolar excitation, we demonstrate that adequate sensitivity exists to characterize the hemoglobin from a single human erythrocyte (≊450 amol). In these studies mass spectra with average mass resolution in excess of 45 000 (FWHM) were obtained for both the α- and β chain of hemoglobin following in-column lysing of a single erythrocyte.
Influence of sagebrush terpenoids on mule deer preference

The effect on mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus hemionus Rafinesque) preference of compounds in mountain big sagebrush [Artemisia tridentata Nutt. ssp.Vaseyana (Rydb.) Beetle], Wyoming big sagebrush (A. t. ssp.Wyomingensis Beetle and Young), basin big sagebrush (A. t. ssp.Tridentata), and black sagebrush (A. nova Nels.) was compared using a two-choice preference test. Compounds tested included:p-cymene, 1,8-cineole, methacrolein (two concentrations), and the nonvolatile crude terpenoid fraction (NVCTF) from each taxon. The compounds were tested by applying them to chopped alfalfa hay at concentrations similar to those found in nature. The intake of the treated hay was compared with that of an untreated control. Eight deer were used as test animals in an 8 − 8 Latin-square design. All compounds tested significantly deterred ingestion (P < 0.05). Compound influence on preference, in order of increasing deterrence, was as follows: 50% methacrolein, mountain big sagebrush NVCTF, methacrolein, basin big sagebrush NVCTF,p- cymene, Wyoming big sagebrush NVCTF, black sagebrush NVCTF, and 1,8-cineole. Methacrolein appears to be an important preference determinant among big sagebrush subspecies, andp-cymene between black sagebrush and big sagebrush. The NVCTFs containing sesquiterpene lactones as one of their constituents were closely related to the preference of all four taxa. Future studies of animal preference for sagebrush should consider all of the potential defensive chemicals in the foliage.
Purification of recombinant insect transferrin from large volumes of cell culture medium using high capacity Ni2+-dipicolylamine gel

Abstract We report the purification of secreted recombinant Manduca sexta transferrin from Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cell culture medium in a single step using high capacity Ni 2+ -dipicolylamine (DPA)-Novarose gel. Although the original sample was highly diluted (∼10 μg transferrin/ml medium) and the cell culture medium contained 10% surfactant (Pluronic F68) and a lipid emulsion, we were able to recover the recombinant transferrin (1 mg protein/100 ml) under gentle elution conditions with 70% yield at >90% homogeneity. This work demonstrates the versatility of immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography using a high metal ion capacity gel to purify a recombinant protein and illustrates the potential of this affinity technique for protein separations from large volumes of cell culture media that contain surfactants.
Squeezing and photon antibunching in harmonic generation

Abstract With the help of the perturbative expansion used by Kozierowski and Tanas (1977) it is shown that in the process of harmonic generation in a non-linear crystal the fundamental mode becomes squeezed. When the squeezing is detected in the usual way by interference with a coherent field, the resulting field shows photon statistics that are narrower than poissonian by the same amount as the photons of the fundamental mode.
Identification of a Second Functional Glutaredoxin Encoded by the Bacteriophage T4 Genome

Thioredoxins and glutaredoxins are small ubiquitous redox proteins that were discovered as hydrogen donors for ribonucleotide reductase, the key enzyme for deoxyribonucleotide biosynthesis. Some organisms encode more than one redox protein. In this study, we demonstrate that an open reading frame in the bacteriophage T4 genome, reported earlier and designated as Y55.7 (Tomaschewski, J., and Ruger, W. (1987) Nucleic Acids Res. 15, 3632-3633), encodes a second functional redox protein. Gene y55.7 was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Purified Y55.7 protein had glutathione-dependent thioltransferase and dehydroascorbate reductase activities indicative of a functional glutaredoxin. The protein is expressed at all stages of the T4 infection cycle and can serve as a hydrogen donor for the phage ribonucleotide reductase in in vitro experiments.
Polyether-block-amide copolymer/clay films prepared via a freeze-drying method

Abstract Freeze-drying can be used to prepare polymer/clay aerogels, which offers the opportunity to produce lamellar composites containing very high levels of aligned fillers. A polyether-block-amide copolymer/organoclay aerogel was prepared using t-butanol as solvent and later compression-molded into a film, which exhibited 63.5% lower oxygen permeability compared with the starting polymer, with the addition of 16.7% organoclay by volume. X-ray diffraction revealed that the “aerogel method” provided a way for producing films containing highly exfoliated clay fillers at low clay levels. The aspect ratio for the clay platelets was calculated by fitting the experimental permeation values to classical diffusion models. As the filler ratio was increased, exfoliation was replaced with intercalation and reaggregation, accompanied by an increase in the tensile modulus and a decrease in both tensile strength and elongation at break. The major benefit to use of the aerogel method is the ability to exceed clay levels normally attainable via melt processing.
Step and kink formation energies on fcc metal surfaces

Abstract Energetics of steps and kinks on fcc metal surfaces were investigated with the embedded atom method (EAM). The simulation results explained the relative density of kinks in the 〈110〉 and 〈001〉 steps on fcc (110) surfaces observed in STM images. Also, the calculated kink formation energies in the 〈110〉 steps on Cu(100) and Ag(111) were in good agreement with recent STM measurements.
Comments on selecting a geographic information system for environmental management

Many organizations in environmental fields stand to benefit from the use of a geographic information system (GIS). Selecting a GIS to implement within an organization can be a difficult task that is often required of people with little experience using a GIS. A framework for evaluating competing GIS considers cost, functionality, ease of use, future stability, development potential, support availability, and maintenance costs. Initial cost involves more than the actual purchase price of hardware and software; it includes the cost of building the data base and training users within the organization. Functionality refers to the depth and breadth of capabilities of a GIS. Issues involved in evaluating functionality include the appropriateness of raster vs vector processing and the ability to add your own software. Ease of use is important, but there is generally a trade-off with functionality. The degree of centralization of use of the GIS within the organization affects requirements for ease of use. GIS are rapidly evolving, and as a result it is important to select a system with high potential for future development. With the proliferation of companies offering GIS it is important to select one that is likely to survive and prosper. Similarly, the ability to find support in the forms of technical help, advice, and possibly even skilled employees can be significant.
Radioiodinations of organic molecules on silica gel surfaces

To investigate radioiodinations on chromatographic surfaces, 131I− has been allowed to react with various organic compounds on silica gel chromatography plates. Antipyrine, which reacts with 131I− to give 4-[131I]iodoantipyrine, was used as a model compound. The yield varied as a function of the initial solvent used; hydrogen ion concentration; contact time on the surface; and temperature. These results were extended to other reactive compounds such as substituted 3H-pyrazol-3-ones; substituted phenols, including L-tyrosine; substituted anilines; 5-iodouracil; some secondary alkyliodides and alkylbromides; alkylboranes; and aryl-and vinylboronic acids.
SHORTWAVE INFRARED SPECTRORADIOMETER FOR ATMOSPHERIC TRANSMITTANCE MEASUREMENTS

Abstract The use of a shortwave infrared (SWIR) spectroradiometer as a solar radiometer is presented. The radiometer collects 1024 channels of data over the spectral range of 1.1–2.5 μm. The system was tested by applying the Langley method to data collected at a high altitude site on two consecutive days. Data processed for the 1.15–1.32-μm and 1.47–1.75-μm spectral intervals show temporal results similar to those obtained with a well- understood, visible, and near-infrared radiometer having 10 channels in the 0.38–1.03-μm spectral range. A modified Langley method was used for spectral regions where strong water vapor absorption invalidates the Langley method. It is estimated that the exoatmospheric intercept of the spectroradiometer was determined to better than 4% in nonabsorption regions between 1.15 and 1.75 μm and to better than 5% for a large portion of the 1.38-μm absorption band. These results, in addition to the agreement between the shortwave, and the visible and near-infrared radiometers, imply...
The clinical path to integrated genomics in ALL.

In this issue of Blood , Moorman et al show that most good-risk patients can now be classified robustly by integrating the information from prevalent copy-number alterations (CNAs) in relevant combinations and classical cytogenetic risk factors in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).[1][1] ![Figure
The Epistle to the Hebrews

NOWHERE is the variety of views among biblical scholars more marked than in recent study of the Epistle to the Hebrews. This article will survey some of the recent publications concerning Hebrews, and indicate some convictions concerning controversial issues.1 1. Literary Form. The Epistle has among New Testament writings no superior and perhaps no equal in literary quality. This is generally conceded. Intensive study of the Greek text shows that the author possessed a high degree of literary skill. This fact should settle one issue: The Epistle cannot be a translation from a Hebrew or Aramaic original that Paul wrote. The ancient tradition to that effect appears to have been contrived to preserve a mediate Pauline authorship. This writing was composed in Greek, and in Greek of high literary quality. But what is the exact literary form that the writer uses ? (a) It has been called a tract or treatise. The specific references to a local situation tells strongly against this view; the Epistle is not a general statement of Christian truth for the church at large. (b) Others with more reason call it a homily. The writer, absent from the people to whom he would like to speak in person, writes an address to be read in an assembly of Christians. The lack of epistolary opening goes well with this view. But the personal greetings and information at the close of the writing go beyond what we expect in a homily. (c) Most often the work has been called an epistle or letter. The specific group and situation in mind, and the form of the closing section, support this view. Recently, Otto Roller2 has argued that in Western Asia there was a letter form that
Effects of Auditory Distraction on Cognitive Processing of Young Adults

Objective: The effects of interference, competition, and distraction on cognitive processing are unclearly understood, particularly regarding type and intensity of auditory distraction across a variety of cognitive processing tasks. Method: The purpose of this investigation was to report two experiments that sought to explore the effects of types of distraction (4-talker babble; word repetition; combined 4-talker babble with word repetition) when compared to a control condition of quiet on a range of computerized measures (simple reaction time; choice reaction time; serial pattern matching; lexical decision-making; visual selective attention; response reversal and rapid visual scanning; and form discrimination) in 40 young adults (Experiment 1). Results: Few distraction effects were found on cognitive processing at the comfortable loudness level (40dB SL). In Experiment 2, statistically significant differences for choice reaction time and serial pattern matching (working memory) were found in both speed a...
The Validity of a Composite of Nineteen Personality Variables in Differentiating between American World Class Olympic Contenders and Undergraduate Education Majors.

The differential validity of 19 personality variables was examined in a comparison of the affective characteristics of a sample of American World Class Olympic contenders (N = 48) with those of a group of undergraduate education majors (N = 63). A two-group discriminant analysis yielded a canonical correlation of .58 (p < .01). Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) provided a multivanate F calculated to be 2.38 (df = 19 and 91) significant at the .01 level. The analysis revealed that the variables predicted group membership with 83.8% and 69.8% accuracy, respectively, for the American World Class Olympic contenders and education undergraduates. The conclusion was that the composite of affective measures exhibited promising validity, although cross-validation studies are very much needed. It was also concluded that American World Class contenders appeared to be reserved, intellectual, critical, aloof, conservative, and traditional as compared to undergraduate education majors who tended to be outgoing...
Linear-Complexity Direct and Iterative Integral Equation Solvers Accelerated by a New Rank-Minimized ${\cal H}^{2}$ -Representation for Large-Scale 3-D Interconnect Extraction

We develop a new rank-minimized H2-matrix-based representation of the dense system matrix arising from an integral-equation (IE)-based analysis of large-scale 3-D interconnects. Different from the H2-representation generated by the existing interpolation-based method, the new H2-representation minimizes the rank in nested cluster bases and all off-diagonal blocks at all tree levels based on accuracy. The construction algorithm of the new H2-representation is applicable to both real- and complex-valued dense matrices generated from scalar and/or vector-based IE formulations. It has a linear complexity, and hence, the computational overhead is small. The proposed new H2-representation can be employed to accelerate both iterative and direct solutions of the IE-based dense systems of equations. To demonstrate its effectiveness, we develop a linear-complexity preconditioned iterative solver as well as a linear-complexity direct solver for the capacitance extraction of arbitrarily shaped 3-D interconnects in multiple dielectrics. The proposed linear-complexity solvers are shown to outperform state-of-the-art H2-based linear-complexity solvers in both CPU time and memory consumption. A dense matrix resulting from the capacitance extraction of a 3-D interconnect having 3.71 million unknowns and 576 conductors is inverted in fast CPU time (1.6 h), modest memory consumption (4.4 GB), and with prescribed accuracy satisfied on a single core running at 3 GHz.
Second-stage concentrators—a new formalism

The concept of second-stage nonimaging concentrators is redefined. A model of an incoherent source of limited emitting angle serves to simulate the input rays to these elements. Hence the second stages may be classified as a subgroup of ideal concentrators that collect all the radiation emitted by such sources and concentrate it up to the maximum achievable limit. As a consequence of this discussion, it becomes obvious that, for any given plane behind a primary, an. ideal second stage can be designed with its entrance aperture located on that plane. Implications for the design of ideal reflectors with shielding windows are discussed.
Evaluation of Utero-placental and Fetal Hemodynamic Parameters Throughout Gestation in Pregnant Mice Using High-Frequency Ultrasound

Throughout gestation, changes in maternal and fetal Doppler parameters in pregnant mice, similar to those obtained in human fetuses, were detected using high-frequency ultrasound with a 55-MHz linear probe. In the uterine arteries (UtA), fetal umbilical artery (UA) and fetal ductus venosus (DV) peak systolic velocity increased (UtA, p = 0.04; UA, p = 0.0004; DV, p = 0.02), end-diastolic velocity increased (UtA, p < 0.001; UA, p < 0.0001; DV, p = 0.01) and resistance index decreased (UtA, p = 0.0004; UA, p = 0.0001; DV, p = 0.04) toward the end of pregnancy. In the middle cerebral and carotid arteries, end diastolic velocity increased (p = 0.02 and p < 0.0001) and resistance index decreased (both vessels, p < 0.0001). There was a reduction in the pulsatile pattern in the umbilical vein (p < 0.05). The increased velocities and reduced resistance index suggest a progressive increment in blood flow to the fetal mouse toward the end of pregnancy. Fetal and utero-placental vascular parameters in CD-1 mice can be reliably evaluated using high-frequency ultrasound.
Abnormal FISH in patients with immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis is a risk factor for cardiac involvement and for death

Importance of interphase fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with cytoplasmic staining of immunoglobulin FISH (cIg-FISH) on bone marrow is not well understood in light chain amyloidosis (AL). This is in contrast with multiple myeloma where prognostic and treatment related decisions are dependent on cytogenetic testing. This retrospective study reviewed 401 AL patients with cIg-FISH testing performed at our institution between 2004 and 2012. Eighty-one percent of patients had an abnormal cIg-FISH. Common abnormalities involved translocations of chromosome 14q32 (52%), specifically: t(11;14) (43%), t(14;16) (3%) and t(4;14) (2%). Other common abnormalities include monosomy 13/deletion 13q (30%), trisomies 9 (20%), 15 (14%), 11 (10%) and 3 (10%). Median overall survival for this cohort of patients is 3.5 years. When plasma cell burden was greater than 10% trisomies predicted for worse survival (44 vs 19 months), and when it was ⩽10% t(11;14) predicted for worse survival (53 months vs not reached). Abnormal cIg-FISH was significantly associated with advanced cardiac involvement, and remained a prognostic factor on multivariate analysis. This large AL cohort demonstrates that abnormal FISH at diagnosis is prognostic for survival and advanced cardiac disease. Particularly, trisomies and t(11;14) affect survival when degree of plasma cell burden is considered.
NMR search for evidence of hydrogen pairing in h.c.p. yttrium

Abstract We report the results of a proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) study of hydrogen in solid solution in h.c.p. yttrium (α-YH 0.2 ) over the temperature range 77–715 K. The concept of hydrogen “pairing” in closely adjacent tetrahedral (T) sites in the metal lattice is not supported by lineshape measurements, and the dipolar contribution to the spin-lattice relaxation time ( T 1 ) is consistent with random occupancy of T-sites. The T 1 measurements yield an activation energy for hydrogen diffusion of 0.51 eV atom − 1 , in excellent agreement with recent inelastic neutron-scattering results.
A parametric study of pulsed laser deposited niobium diselenide thin-film growth

Abstract Niobium diselenide has potential for use as a solid lubricant, but to achieve the optimal properties of low friction coefficient, high conductivity and oxidation resistance, the Se/Nb ratio and crystallinity must be carefully controlled. It has been shown that pulsed laser deposition (PLD) permits the required degree of control, even over films with complex stoichiometries. In this study, a designed experimental approach was chosen to look at the major trends across the upper and lower limits of the PLD process for niobium diselenide. Film chemistry and crystallinity were evaluated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy, and glancing-angle X-ray diffraction. This study has shown that film chemistry can be changed from substoichiometric to superstoichiometric, and crystallinity varied between amorphous and crystalline, by appropriate choice of PLD parameters. The property correlations developed and the acquisition system used will be described.
Multicopper oxidase involvement in both Mn(II) and Mn(III) oxidation during bacterial formation of MnO(2).

Global cycling of environmental manganese requires catalysis by bacteria and fungi for MnO2 formation, since abiotic Mn(II) oxidation is slow under ambient conditions. Genetic evidence from several bacteria indicates that multicopper oxidases (MCOs) are required for MnO2 formation. However, MCOs catalyze one-electron oxidations, whereas the conversion of Mn(II) to MnO2 is a two-electron process. Trapping experiments with pyrophosphate (PP), a Mn(III) chelator, have demonstrated that Mn(III) is an intermediate in Mn(II) oxidation when mediated by exosporium from the Mn-oxidizing bacterium Bacillus SG-1. The reaction of Mn(II) depends on O2 and is inhibited by azide, consistent with MCO catalysis. We show that the subsequent conversion of Mn(III) to MnO2 also depends on O2 and is inhibited by azide. Thus, both oxidation steps appear to be MCO-mediated, likely by the same enzyme, which is indicated by genetic evidence to be the MnxG gene product. We propose a model of how the manganese oxidase active site may be organized to couple successive electron transfers to the formation of polynuclear Mn(IV) complexes as precursors to MnO2 formation.