cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Transmittance Model For Atmospheric Methane

A transmittance band model based on an equivalent absorption coefficient is presented. The form of the model and its band parameter determination scheme are presented. The model is shown to be useful for analyzing different empirical models, such as the double exponential function. Both models are developed for a single band of methane in the wavenumber region from 1150 to 1400 cm -1 at 5 cm -1 intervals.
Thoracoscopic Anterior Spinal Procedures in Children

From February 1996 through February 2003, 77 patients were determined to be appropriate for a thoracoscopic approach for the anterior portion of their spinal surgery. Ages ranged from 8 to 17 years and weight from 20 to 75 kg. Diagnoses included severe idiopathic and neurogenic scoliosis and/or kyphosis (n = 71) and congenital hemivertebra (n = 5). The procedures performed included discectomy and anterior release from 2 to 9 vertebral levels, hemivertebrectomy, and epiphysiodesis. Six patients also had an open lumbar exposure and all had a posterior fusion. All procedures were completed successfully endoscopically. Operative times for the thoracoscopic portion of the procedure averaged 105 minutes and total procedure times were comparable to the standard open technique. Eight patients were extubated at the end of the procedure, with the majority extubated on postoperative day (POD) 1. The average ICU stay was 1.6 days and chest tubes were removed between POD 1 and 5 (mean, 2.2 days). At followup, surgical...
Low temperature concentration of skim milk by direct freezing and vacuum evaporation

Skim milk was concentrated to approximately 20% TS by direct freezing and ice filtration. The concentrate was vacuum evaporated to 45% TS with the same equipment. Protein denaturation was minimal during concentration. Surface tension of milk samples was measured during concentration close to 0°C. The process cost for plants of various sizes were estimated from pilot plant data. The estimated cost and the good quality of the reconstituted skim milk support the recommendation that the process should undergo further development.
THE EXEGETICAL DIMENSIONS OF RESTRICTIONS ON THE BLIND AND THE LAME IN TEXTS FROM QUMRAN

Several Qumran texts exclude the blind, or the blind and the lame, from the vicinity of the deity or that of his angelic servants. In I IQT8 45:12-14, the blind may not enter the holy city.' According to lQSa 2:3-9, the blind and the lame, among others with bodily imperfections or impurities, may not present themselves in the congregation of the men of renown. In 1QM 7:4-5, the blind and the lame, along with others having permanent blemishes or polluting conditions, are forbidden from participating in the eschatological war. Each of these proscriptions has its basis in particular biblical texts, yet each reflects exegetical reworking of those texts. Though the Qumran texts in question have on occasion been discussed as a group by some previous commentators, I do not believe that they have received a sufficiently thorough treatment with respect to their exegetical dimensions.2 It is
Characterization of α-adrenoceptors mediating contraction in isolated ovine umbilical vein

Abstract Responses to α-adrenoceptor agonists were studied in isolated umbilical vessels obtained from fetal lambs within 2 weeks of term (term = 145 days). Norepinephrine produced concentration-dependent contractions of the umbilical vein, but not in the umbilical artery. The contraction elicited by norepinephrine in the umbilical vein was not potentiated by cocaine (10−5 M). Epinephrine also produced contractions of the umbilical vein with a potency similar to that of norepinephrine. Phenylephrine was less potent than norepinephrine while clonidine and xylazine were inactive in producing contractions of the umbilical vein. The dissociation constant (KA) of norepinephrine in the umbilical vein was 172 ± 41 nM. There was little, if any, α-adrenoceptor reserve in the umbilical vein. Contraction produced to norepinephrine in the umbilical vein was effectively blocked by prazosin and phentolamine. Yohimbine was 500 times less potent than prazosin in blocking norepinephrine-induced contraction in the umbilical vein. Idazoxan only minimally antagonized the contractions elicited to norepinephrine. We conclude that α1-adrenoceptors are present and mediate vasoconstriction in the ovine umbilical vein and that α2-adrenoceptors are not present in this tissue.
Sweet potato leaf curl virus: Efficiency of acquisition, retention and transmission by Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)

The sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), vectors numerous plant viruses, including Sweet potato leaf curl virus (SPLCV), a begomovirus. Experiments were conducted on seedlings of an indicator plant, the Brazilian morningglory (Ipomoea setosa Ker Gawl.), and sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] to assess acquisition, retention and transmission of SPLCV by B. tabaci. Assays were based on the ability of the adult whitefly to acquire and transmit the virus. Two independent techniques, based on the expression of symptoms on the indicator plants and the detection of SPLCV with real-time polymerase chain reaction, were used to indicate SPLCV infection. The acquisition time of SPLCV by adult B. tabaci was 24 h and reached 100% by 84 h of exposure. Retention of SPLCV infectivity by viruliferous adults reached up to 30 days on non-SPLCV host plants (collard, Brassica oleracea ssp. acephala de Condolle). In transmission tests, a minimum of 15 min was required for a viruliferous whitefly population to transmit the virus to I. setosa. The efficiency of transmission increased over time; however, only 60% of the assay plants were infected after exposure to viruliferous whiteflies for 48 h. Male and female adult whiteflies vectored SPLCV with similar efficiency. Findings from this study will help to understand the epidemiology of SPLCV in sweet potato fields, and ultimately in the management of this disease. Such detailed investigations to assess vector behaviors also have implications in the study of other whitefly-virus systems among agricultural crops. 2009 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Regulatory agency considerations and requirements for validation of toxicity test alternatives.

When developing an alternative toxicity test, one must first determine whether the alternative assay is to be used as a screen or as a replacement for the traditional toxicity test. An assay used as a screen will require less stringent acceptance criteria, for it is designed to answer fewer and less complex questions (e.g., the assessment of only potential teratogenicity). An assay used as a replacement will be used to establish hazard or lack thereof (safety). In other words, a replacement assay must clearly establish whether or not a chemical is a teratogen. One should also have knowledge of and experience with the in vivo assay to be replaced. This knowledge should be of not only the procedural aspects of the test but also the regulatory information it provides (i.e., how the results are used for hazard determination). Thorough consideration of the regulatory information is critical for a test intended to be used as a replacement. Validation should include intralaboratory and interlaboratory reproducibility of results from a standard protocol, an assessment of the qualitative and quantitative aspects of the test responses, and the use of a sufficient number of chemicals representative of the defined category of interest.
Effect of propranolol on calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium metabolic disorders in Graves' disease.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether propranolol alone can improve mineral metabolic disorders in thyrotoxicosis. Ten Graves' disease patients and 11 normal age- and sex-matched controls participated in the study. In the untreated Graves' patients, serum levels of calcium (Ca), calcium x phosphorus product (Ca x P), urinary Ca, phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), and hydroxyproline (Hp) were higher than in control subjects (P less than .05), intestinal Ca absorption was lower than in control subjects (P less than .05), and Ca, P, and Mg balance were negative (P less than .05). After 40 mg propranolol four times per day (qid) for 28 days, serum triiodothyronine (T3) had decreased (P less than .05), serum reverse triiodothyronine (rT3) increased (P less than .05), serum thyroxine (T4) remained unchanged (P greater than .05), serum Ca and urine Ca and Mg decreased (P less than .05), intestinal Ca absorption increased, Ca balance was corrected, and P and Mg balance was improved (P less than .05). Our results indicate that propranolol can improve the metabolic disorders in addition to the symptomatic manifestations of Graves' disease. The mechanism responsible for the improved mineral balance is unclear, but may be related to beta-adrenergic blockade, increased membrane stability, or a decrease in the thyrotoxic state caused by the therapeutically induced decrease in serum T3.
Wet and dry deposition of mercury in Bermuda

Abstract Elevated concentrations of mercury (Hg) in fish from around Bermuda and fish consumers promoted a study of the atmospheric inputs of Hg to the ocean in the region. The average concentrations of total mercury in rain (THg; volume weighted mean 4.7 ng L −1 ) and in aerosols (particulate Hg; HgP; 9.5 pg m −3 ) were found to be comparable to other coastal locations removed from local sources at similar latitudes in North America. The estimated wet and dry deposition fluxes of Hg suggest that Bermuda is impacted by anthropogenic sources. A mass balance for Hg across the air–sea interface for the region around Bermuda also suggests that atmospheric wet plus dry deposition is less than estimated gas evasion of elemental Hg, indicating that the ocean is a net source in the region. This likely reflects historic elevated deposition of Hg to the North Atlantic, as has been suggested by historic water column data and from Hg biogeochemical modeling.
Generation, entrapment and reactivity of long-lived organiccarbocations and radical cations within a supramolecular assembly: Ca Yzeolite

Diarylethenes spontaneously form the corresponding radical cations and carbocations upon inclusion within activated Ca Y zeolite; oxygen plays an important role in the generation of the radical cations.
Relative Role of Lake and Tributary in Hydrology of Lake Superior Coastal Wetlands

Abstract Despite the documented importance of hydrodynamics in influencing the structure and function of Great Lakes coastal wetlands, systematic assessments of coastal wetland hydrology are lacking. This paper addresses this gap by describing patterns in lake and tributary inputs, water residence times, and mixing regimes for a suite of western Lake Superior wetlands that differ in the amount of tributary and seiche flow they receive. We show that variability in tributary flows among wetlands and over time is far greater than variability in seiche-driven water movements, and that the amount of tributary flow strongly influences wetland hydrology via effects on water mixing and residence times, seiche size, mouth closures, and relative amounts of main and off-channel areas. Wetland seiche amplitudes were reduced in systems with small mouth openings and wetland mouth size was correlated with tributary flow. All wetlands experienced seiche-driven water level oscillations, but there was lake water intrusion only into those wetlands where tributary outflow was small relative to the seiche-driven inflow. Wetlands in settings exposed to long-shore sediment transport exhibited periodic mouth closures when stream flows were low. The absolute and relative size of lake and tributary inputs must be explicitly considered in addition to wetland morphology and landscape setting in studies seeking to understand determinants of coastal wetland structure, function, and response to anthropogenic stressors.
Migrants and maltreatment: comparative evidence from central register data

This paper reports the results of a series of studies on the abuse and neglect of migrant farmworker children. These investigations were conducted between 1983 and 1985 in the states of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Texas. Names of approximately 24,000 migrant children obtained from annual migrant education censuses were individually cross-referenced with the appropriate state data bases to determine if they had been involved in a confirmed incident of maltreatment. The information acquired was converted to incidence estimates that were contrasted with the rates for all children in the respective states and were decomposed to identify high-risk cohorts within the migrant population. One finding common to all five assessments was that migrant children were significantly more likely to be maltreated than other children, although these incidence rates varied appreciably from one state to another. The emphasis of this paper is on the unique methodology employed in the research, issues pertaining to provisions for accessing central registers and protecting confidentiality of subjects, the generalizability of the findings, and cross-state incidence differentials for both migrants and children from nonmigrant families.
Self-gravity driven instabilities at accelerated interfaces.

: Nonlinear hydrodynamic flows are ubiquitous in the interstellar medium (ISM). Such flows play an important role in shaping atomic and molecular clouds and determining the initial conditions for star formation. One mechanism by which nonlinear flows arise is the onset and growth of interfacial instabilities. Any interface of discontinuous density is subject to a host of instabilities, including Rayleigh-Taylor, Kelvin-Helmholtz, and Richtmyer-Meshkov. As part of an ongoing study of structure formation in the ISM, Hunter, Whitaker, and Lovelace discovered an additional density interface instability. This instability is driven by self-gravity and termed the self-gravity interfacial instability (SGI). The SGI causes any displacement of the interface to grow on roughly a free-fall time scale, even when the perturbation wavelength is much less than the Jeans length. Numerical simulations have confirmed the expectations of linear theory, including the near scale invariance of the growth rate. Here, we build upon previous work by considering an initial condition in which the acceleration due to self-gravity is non-zero at the interface.
ICU Admission Score for Predicting Morbidity and Mortality Risk After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Abstract Background . This study was performed to develop an intensive care unit (ICU) admission risk score based on preoperative condition and intraoperative events. This score provides a tool with which to judge the effects of ICU quality of care on outcome. Methods . Data were collected prospectively on 4,918 patients (study group n=2,793 and a validation data set n=2,125) undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting alone or combined with a valve or carotid procedure between January 1, 1993, and March 31, 1995. Data were analyzed by univariate and multiple logistic regression with the end points of hospital mortality and serious ICU morbidity (stroke, low cardiac output, myocardial infarction, prolonged ventilation, serious infection, renal failure, or death). Results . Eight risk factors predicted hospital mortality at ICU admission, and these factors and five others predicted morbidity. A clinical score, weighted equally for morbidity and mortality, was developed. All models fit according to the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test. This score applies equally well to patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting. Conclusions . This model is complementary to our previously reported preoperative model, allowing the process of ICU care to be measured independent of the operative care. Sequential scoring also allows updated prognoses at different points in the continuum of care.
Applying analytical methods to study terrorism

This paper presents a perspective on the application of theoretical and empirical methods to the study of domestic and transnational terrorism. The use of such methods can lead to informed policy making. On the theoretical side, both choice-theoretic and game-theoretic methods are examined. For empirical applications, the paper focuses on the study of trend, cycles, and forecasting. Additionally, the use of intervention analysis in various forms is reviewed with to regards to evaluating policy effectiveness and quantifying the economic impact of terrorism. Although this paper is not intended as a literature review, some key studies are highlighted for readers to pursue in greater depth.
Diagnosis and management of the abnormal fetus

As a result of advances in perinatal and neonatal care, birth defects now represent an increasing component of the perinatal mortality rate. Approximately 5% of all pregnancies monitored result in an abnormal fetus and close to one-third of these are chromosomal abnormalities. The upsurge of interest in prenatal diagnosis has reflected this increased importance of genetic disorders in obstetrics.
Evaluation of methods to extract ergosterol for quantitation of soil fungal biomass

Two methods were evaluated to extract ergosterol for quantitation of fungal biomass in Marshan, Zurich, and Batavia soils. Yields of ergosterol from hyphae and from fungal-colonized soil were greater when fungal tissue was extracted with an alkaline solvent mixture than when base was added to neutral extracts following removal of solids. A lyophilization treatment prior to extraction increased yields from Marshan but not from Zurich and Batavia soils. Losses of ergosterol during lyophilization were prevented by a rapid freezing treatment before lyophilization of soil samples. Recoveries from soil fortified with pure ergosterol did not accutately model recoveries from fungal tissue in these substrates. Thus, determinations of extraction efficiencies should be based upon recoveries from fungal tissue added to soils. Ergosterol was quantitatively recovered from Marshan and Zurich soils fortified with fungal tissue; however, only ca 66% was recovered from Batavia soil, a subsoil with a high clay content. The limit of detection of Phanerochaete chrysosporium from the three soils ranged from 8 to 15 μg biomass g soil−1.
VERTICAL MOTION FIELD IN THE MIDDLE THERMOSPHERE FROM SATELLITE DRAG DENSITIES

Abstract The vertical motion field in the thermosphere is calculated from the continuity equation. This calculation is based on a field of horizontal winds and an intermediate model of the thermospheric temperature field consistent with the density structure inferred from satellite drag data. The vertical motion consists of a component due to rise and fall of constant pressure surfaces and a component due to horizontal maas divergences, both components being of the order of 1 m. sec.−1 Only the latter component is of importance for thermodynamic considerations. The adiabatic warming associated with the diurnally variable part of the vertical motion due to mass divergence gives a second heat source which is of magnitude comparable to the heating by solar radiation. The time-averaged meridional circulation also implies large adiabatic warming and cooling. This computed mean meridional circulation cannot be reconciled with the heat balance of the thermosphere. The thermospheric temperature field at low level...
Least Constraint: A Framework for the Control of Complex Mechanical Systems

We describe an approach to control in which control actions are specified as weakly as desired. We use large time-varying sets of non-zero measure as desired goals instead of specific trajectories, maintaining that we do not care where in such a region we actually are. Inequality constraints and their conjunctions are used to describe such regions. The constraints are satisfied at run time to produce the control. The approach has been successfully used to produce human-like walking in simulation. We also describe an implemented programming environment for this approach. We discuss the representation of control computations using computational graphs and automatic differentiation for efficiency. Constraint satisfaction is performed usig a fast relaxation method.
Analysis of Coulomb friction vibration dampers

Abstract An analysis of the steady state response of a rotational Coulomb friction vibration damper has been carried out. Such dampers are sometimes used in various industrial applications. Analysis of the steady state phase plane is used to determine various response quantities such as amplitude ratio, phase lag, energy dissipated per cycle, and rms power loss. The analysis shows that the response can be categorized into one of three main types. Expressions are developed to predict effect of the addition of a damper on the power and the disturbance amplitude transmitted to the load. It is shown that simple one parameter relationships exist for predicting the maximum vibration reduction achievable with this type of damper.
Three structural types of carbon cluster anions and the magic numbers

The distribution of negative carbon clusters, C, is studied in the size range from 4 to 100 atoms using a Smalley compact supersonic source interfaced to a Fourier transform mass spectrometer. Tht mass spectrum of the anion clusters shows three regions which, based on earlier work, can be assigned to three different types of structures: chain, monocyclic and fullerene. The boundaries observed for the three regions in the mass spectrum suggest that the transition from chain to cyclic structure occurs between C and C, and the one from cyclic structure to fullerene occurs in the region of C to C. Magic numbers in the cyclic cluster region are found to be 17, 21, 25, 29 and 33 (n = 4m + l), and in the fullerene region, 60 and 74. Water can react with carbon clusters in the supersonic source to form hydrogenation products followed by electron attachment to give CnH− and CnH (for even n smaller than about 22). With argon as the target gas, only small C (n < 14, except n = 4) are observed to undergo low energy collision-induced dissociation (CID) yielding mainly C. While CID of CnH− gives C, no product was observed during CID of CnH.
Stochastic models of crystal growth in two dimensions

A number of stochastic models of two-dimensional crystal growth or evaporation are considered. They are based on the terrace-ledge-kink picture of a crystal surface and are restricted to the growth of a crystal with rectangular symmetry from a gas or dilute solution at close to equilibrium conditions. One of the cases leads to a growth equation for the interface that can be transformed to Burgers's equation, allowing an exact analysis of the basic growth properties.
Toward design of the pre-stressed nano- and microscale aluminum particles covered by oxide shell

Abstract Prediction based on the recently developed melt-dispersion mechanism of reaction for nanometric (nano) and micrometer (micron) scale aluminum (Al) particles suggests a possible increase in particle reactivity if the alumina shell is pre-compressed and the Al core is pre-expanded. This prediction was checked experimentally by measuring the flame speed for Al and molybdenum trioxide (MoO 3 ) thermites in a semi-confined tube. Pre-stressing was produced by heating particles to several elevated temperatures, holding them at a temperature for 10 min to relax thermal stresses, and cooling them at several rates to room temperature. For the optimal thermal treatment conditions (heating to 105 °C and cooling at 0.13 °C/s), flame propagation speed increased by 31% for nanoparticles and for 41% for micron particles. Cooling at 0.06 °C/s after heating to 105 °C and cooling at 0.06 °C/s and 0.13 °C/s after heating to 170 °C either did not change the flame speed or increased it significantly less. Results are quantitatively consistent with the theoretical predictions based on the melt-dispersion mechanism.
Tumor progression and transformation of low-grade glial tumors associated with pregnancy

Brain tumor growth or progression has been shown to occur in low-grade glial tumors and meningiomas. While progression has been documented in this population, transformation to a more aggressive high-grade glial tumor that can lead to increased morbidity and mortality has not been identified. In this case series, we document transformation from low-grade gliomas to high-grade gliomas (WHO grade III and IV) in young women during pregnancy. We further discuss the possible etiologies of this phenomenon.
Initial ICRF coupling and heating experiments on Alcator C-Mod

Abstract Initial ICRF coupling studies were performed successfully on the Alcator C-Mod tokamak with all-metallic first wall, using a radially movable single-current-strap (monopole) antenna. The plasma loading is 10–40 times the vacuum loading, which is sufficient to inject 2 MW of r.f. power through one two-strap (dipole) antenna. The observed loading is consistent with predictions of full-wave calculations. Up to 1 MW of r.f. power (antenna power density of ≳ 10 MW m −2 ) has been injected into the C-Mod plasma without serious impurity problems. Definite signs of both ion and electron heating were observed at power levels of 0.4 MW and higher ( P RF P OH ≳ 0.3 ) in the D(H) minority heating regime. High-power heating experiments with 4 MW of source power and two dipole antennas began in May 1994.
Prevention of postoperative abdominal adhesions by tissue precoating with polymer solutions.

Abstract Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) solutions were evaluated in a rat cecal abrasion model to test, the effect of these high-molecular-weight hydrophilic polymer solutions on postoperative adhesion formation when used as tissue precoating solutions. Eleven groups of 5-20 animals each were studied including 25 control animals treated with Ringer's lactate (RL) solution. Animals were reoperated at 2 weeks and adhesions were scored according to a 0-4 grading scale. Tissue coating following cecal abrasion failed to inhibit adhesion formation. However, tissue coating with polymer solutions prior to cecol abrasion significantly reduced the formation of postoperative adhesions. Solutions of 1.5% CMC and 5% of a unique γ-polymerized PVP in RL, exhibited the greatest tissue-protective behavior compared to RL controls (P
Campus planning portfolio: using the peopleSoft portal to develop a planning website for middle states accreditation

The College of New Jersey has just finished the development of a planning portfolio website using the PeopleSoft portal. This site will allow administrators on campus to submit planning documents and strategies that form the data necessary for Middle States Accreditation. Using the PeopleSoft Enterprise Portal, users can submit documents to various work groups and label them with the appropriate elements and standards consistent with Middle States policy. This site will act as an evolving process that will allow accreditation to become a more active or living process throughout the year while avoiding the scramble that happens every few years. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has also expressed interest in this new process. The site was developed using the PeopleSoft Enterprise Portal 8.8. Although the Enterprise Portal can be cumbersome at times, it provided a variety of features that allowed us to accomplish the tasks desired.
Steam-water interactions in a vertical tube

Abstract When subcooled water is introduced into a vertical tube in which steam is flowing upward the phenomena of flooding are strongly influenced by the condensation effects. An experimental investigation is reported which has delineated the flow regimes that occur. Flow regime transitions have been identified through analysis and/or dimensionless empirical correlations. A method of analysis has been developed to predict the oscillatory motion of a liquid plug that occurs in certain regions.
Fluctuating asymmetry and condition in golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas) and channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) reared in sublethal concentrations of isopropyl methylphosphonic acid

Fluctuating asymmetry (FA; small, random differences between the left and right sides of a bilateral character) has been related to embryological stress during development. Some populations exhibit positive relations between FA and exposure to toxicants during development. The United States has agreed to demilitarize chemical warfare agents in accordance with the Chemical Weapons Convention Treaty. Isopropyl methylphosphonic acid (IMPA), the main hydrolysis product of sarin, could be introduced accidentally into the environment during demilitarization. The present study examined the use of FA as a biomarker of developmental stress caused by sublethal exposures to IMPA. A suite of morphometric and meristic traits were measured in two fish species exposed to IMPA. Significant differences were found in composite FA among groups of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) exposed to sublethal concentrations of IMPA during development. No differences were found in composite FA among groups of golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas) exposed to IMPA. No relation was found between individual relative condition and FA in channel catfish or golden shiner.
Some Economic Effects of Discrimination in Employment

IN A PREVIOUS STUDY,1 I attempted to document the basic restrictions affecting New York employment patterns for the Negro in the period 19201964. In that study it was shown that the Negro is still the last man in and the first man out in industrial and commercial employment. While various groups in America suffer from economic restrictions, it should be clear that for the Negro the specific economic restrictions applied to him are devastating because they plague him during the whole span of his working life; and they affect virtually all Negroes, from the adolescent Negro searching for his first job, to the much older Negro attempting to hang on to his job until he is eligible for social security benefits. It should be stressed that although the economic aspects of this progress are primary, the psychological aspects complement the economic and sociological by an equally vicious pattern of subjective relations beginning with disappointment which, in turn, forges bitterness, hatred, and apathy.2 One study covering the 1930's, specializing in Negro youth, found that the bulk of colored youth was unemployed from 50 to 100 per cent of the time after leaving school. Furthermore, the study stressed that economic mobility of colored youth, compared with white youth of equal education, was narrowly limited. The authors concluded that Negro youth was always shunted into part-time and short-time jobs and had to accept this employment pattern or be without employment.3
Automatic analysis of tissue culture proteins with stable Folin reagents.

Abstract A procedure for the determination of large volumes of micro quantities of protein (6.5–65 μg of N per ml) by automation has been described. The investigation covers the areas of specificity, precision, accuracy, stability and application. It is believed that this technic should be very useful for investigation of growth characteristics by tissue culture quantitation as well as for the several other areas previously mentioned.
Usefulness of nicardipine for angina pectoris

Nicardipine treatment has been evaluated in patients with chronic stable effort angina or with angina at rest due to coronary spasm. Acute studies in patients with effort angina suggest a very favorable hemodynamic profile characterized by coronary vasodilatation and reduction in determinants of myocardial oxygen demand. Both open and controlled trials in patients with effort angina show that long-term oral administration increases exercise time and time to onset of 1 mm ST-segment depression and decreases angina frequency. With treatment for up to 6 months, antiischemic effects were maintained without serious adverse reactions. Other studies indicate that nicardipine is generally comparable to propranolol and nifedipine in prolonging exercise time and time to onset of ST-segment depression. Nicardipine, however, does not depress heart rate at rest, and maximal exercise workload is higher with nicardipine than with either placebo or propranolol. In a controlled study of patients with angina at rest due to coronary spasm, nicardipine decreased angina frequency and nitroglycerin consumption by approximately 80%. Episodes of symptomatic and asymptomatic ST-segment shift, as recorded by ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring, showed a trend to decrease in number. Nicardipine appeared similarly effective in patients with coronary spasm superimposed on significant coronary disease and with spasm in the absence of significant coronary disease. Nicardipine appears to be safe and effective in the management of patients with angina pectoris.
Differences in Lipid Composition between Undifferentiated and Mature Maize Chloroplasts

Lipid compositions of undifferentiated maize (Zea mays) chloroplasts, capable of fixing CO2, were compared with the lipid compositions of mature chloroplasts, which do not fix CO2, located in both the mesophyll and bundle sheath cells. The major lipids found in all three chloroplast types were the glycolipids, monogalactosyl diglyceride and digalactosyl diglyceride, followed by decreasing amounts of sulfolipid, phosphatidyl glycerol, phosphatidyl choline, phosphatidyl inositol, and diphosphatidyl glycerol. Quantitative differences in lipid components were observed among the chloroplast types. The mesophyll and bundle sheath maize chloroplasts differed in their chlorophyll a/chlorophyll b ratios (2.27 and 4.13 respectively) and their content of glycolipid relative to chlorophyll (51.8% glycolipid to 20.9% chlorophyll and 84.5% glycolipid to 10.1% chlorophyll respectively). A comparison between the lipid compositions of maize mesophyll chloroplasts and mesophyll chloroplasts obtained from spinach, sugar beet, and tobacco showed many similarities.
Glacier photo database update

More than 1200 photographs of Greenland glaciers have been digitized and are now available at the Online Glacier Photograph Database, housed at the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) in Boulder, Colo. The database includes 50 photographs taken between 1890 and 1996 of glaciers in Colorado and New Zealand as well as a series of photos of New Zealand's Franz Josef Glacier taken between 1951 and 1964. NSIDC has partnered with the NOAA Climate Database Modernization Program and the National Geophysical Data Center to scan selected photographs that compose the online database.
Determination of the ionization state and catalytic function of Glu-133 in peptide deformylase by difference FTIR spectroscopy.

Peptide deformylase (PDF) catalyzes the hydrolytic removal of the N-terminal formyl group from newly synthesized polypeptides in eubacteria and the organelles of certain eukaryotes. PDF is a novel ...
The gracilis myocutaneous free flap in swine: An advantageous preclinical model for vascularized composite allograft transplantation research

Vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) has become a clinical reality, prompting research aimed at improving the risk-benefit ratio of such transplants. Here, we report our experience with a gracilis myocutaneous free flap in Massachusetts General Hospital miniature swine as a preclinical VCA model. Fourteen animals underwent free transfer of a gracilis myocutaneous flap comprised of the gracilis muscle and overlying skin, each tissue supplied by independent branches of the femoral vessels. End-to-end anastomoses were performed to the common carotid artery and internal jugular vein, or to the femoral vessels of the recipients. Thirteen of fourteen flaps were successful. A single flap was lost due to compromise of venous outflow. This model allows transplantation of a substantial volume of skin, subcutaneous tissue, and muscle. The anatomy is reliable and easily identified and harvest incurs minimal donor morbidity. We find this gracilis myocutaneous flap an excellent pre-clinical model for the study of vascularized composite allotransplantation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 2013.
Hydrogen peroxide-dependent formation and bleaching of the higher oxidation states of bovine erythrocyte green hemeprotein.

Abstract The ferric and ferrous forms of bovine erythrocyte green hemeprotein react with hydroperoxides to form higher oxidation state intermediates with absorbance maxima in the Soret region at 426 and 422 nm, respectively. In the absence of an appropriate reductant, these intermediates undergo rapid bleaching reactions. 2,2′-Azinobis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) rapidly reduces the intermediate formed by reaction of ferric green hemeprotein with hydrogen peroxide, thereby preventing bleaching and allowing the rate of the intermediate formation to be calculated from the coupled dye oxidation. This rate constant of 70 M−1 s−1 at 23°C is similar to those determined by bleaching and by direct photometric detection of the intermediate. Dihydroriboflavin rapidly reduces the intermediate formed by reaction of ferrous green hemeprotein with hydrogen peroxide, thereby preventing bleaching and allowing the rate of the intermediate formation to be calculated from the coupled dihydroriboflavin oxidation; the rate constant of 2 × 104 M−1 s−1 at 23°C is similar to the value calculated by direct detection of the intermediate. The results demonstrate that, in contrast to the reductase activity of its heme-free form, the green heme form of the protein reacts with hydroperoxides to generate highly unstable peroxide complexes.
122 NEW STANDARDS FOR BODY HEIGHT, WEIGHT, AND SKINFOLD THICKNESS IN GERMAN SCHOOLCHILDREN

No systematic investigations on the distribution of anthropometric parameters of children have been performed within the last decade in Middle Europe. We therefore evaluated height, weight, arm circumference and skinfold thicknesses at four different body sites in 2600 schoolchildren and adolescents aged 6 to 19 years living in the Rhine-Neckar region. Normal centile tables were set up for all parameters studied, including height-related weight and fat-free mass. In addition, pubertal status was assessed in almost all subjects. Data was compared to the earlier West-German, Swiss, Dutch, English and Turkish standards. Average height was significantly increased compared to most comparable previous studies; a mean deviation of +0.4 SD compared with the Swiss and even of +0.9 SD compared with the widely used British standards (Tanner) was found. In comparison to the earlier West-German standards, the most striking difference was a higher average weight in the children under study which was especially pronounced in the pubertal age. In addition, a group of 100 children from Turkish families living in Germany were studied. These children were 0.65 SD smaller than German children, but exceeded the Turkish normal centiles. In summary, we found a continuing increase of average body height compared to the Mideuropean studies performed in the 1960s and 70s, indicating an ongoing secular trend. The shift of the weight/height relation is compatible with a further improved general state of nutrition. The commonly used local standards underestimate normal height and weight and should be replaced by more up-to-date standards.
A Structure–Activity Relationship Study and Combinatorial Synthetic Approach of C-Terminal Modified Bifunctional Peptides That Are δ/μ Opioid Receptor Agonists and Neurokinin 1 Receptor Antagonists

A series of bifunctional peptides with opioid agonist and substance P antagonist bioactivities were designed with the concept of overlapping pharmacophores. In this concept, the bifunctional peptides were expected to interact with each receptor separately in the spinal dorsal horn where both the opioid receptors and the NK1 receptors were found to be expressed, to show an enhanced analgesic effect, no opioid-induced tolerance, and to provide better compliance than coadministration of two drugs. Compounds were synthesized using a two-step combinatorial method for C-terminal modification. In the method, the protected C-terminal-free carboxyl peptide, Boc-Tyr( tBu)- d-Ala-Gly Phe-Pro-Leu-Trp(Boc)-OH, was synthesized as a shared intermediate using Fmoc solid phase chemistry on a 2-chlorotrityl resin. This intermediate was esterified or amidated in solution phase. The structure-activity relationships (SAR) showed that the C-terminus acted as not only a critical pharmacophore for the substance P antagonist activities, but as an address region for the opioid agonist pharmacophore that is structurally distant from the C-terminal. Among the peptides, H-Tyr- d -Ala-Gly-Phe-Pro-Leu-Trp-NH-Bzl ( 3) demonstrated high binding affinities at both delta and mu receptors ( K i = 10 and 0.65 nM, respectively) with efficient agonist functional activity in the mouse isolated vas deferens (MVD) and guinea pig isolated ileum (GPI) assays (IC 50 = 50 and 13 nM, respectively). Compound 3 also showed a good antagonist activity in the GPI assay with substance P stimulation ( K e = 26 nM) and good affinity for the hNK1 receptor ( K i = 14 nM). Consequently, compound 3 is expected to be a promising and novel type of analgesic with bifunctional activities.
Utility of human/human-derived reagents in drug discovery and development: An industrial perspective.

Abstract The shift to combinatorial chemistry and parallel synthesis in drug discovery has resulted in large numbers of compounds entering the lead seeking and lead development phases of the process. To support this, higher throughput computational (in silico) and in vitro approaches have become the forefront of the drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic (DMPK) input into drug discovery. This has been accompanied by a shift in focus from animal-derived data to human based studies, reflecting the realisation that extrapolation from animals to human has its limitations. In silico approaches may be regarded as human derived tools for DMPK, since models (template/pharmacophore and protein homology modelling), for example, for the human CYP enzymes, are widely used for identifying qualitatively enzyme/substrate interactions. Quantitative assessment of drug metabolism using human hepatocytes or sub-cellular fractions provide a valuable tool both for the screening out of high metabolic lability and in estimations of human intrinsic clearance. In terms of drug absorption, the human colon adenocarcinoma cell line, Caco-2, offers a versatile human derived system for measuring drug permeability, despite over expression of the efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp). The importance of P-gp can then be further assessed in recombinant systems expressing the human P-gp, where substrate affinity and inhibition potency can be measured, important factors when considering transporter mediated drug–drug interactions. The primary cause of pharmacokinetic-based drug–drug interactions (DDIs) is through enzyme inhibition or induction, with the CYP enzymes being of major importance. Human liver microsomes and hepatocytes are invaluable tools in assessment of DDI vulnerability of new chemical entities, having the capacity to identify enzymes responsible for specific routes of metabolism, and hence areas of vulnerability for a DDI. In addition, human-based screening tools can be used to identify the perpetrator of a DDI through enzyme inhibition/induction. Large differences in the nature of enzymes induced and the extent of induction when comparing animals to man are known. Thus, in vitro models allowing assessment of induction potential in human tissue, establishes some relevance to the clinical situation.
ISSUES OF CONTRACT IMPLEMENTATION AND MANAGEMENT: THE CASE OF PERFORMANCE CONTRACTING IN FLORIDA HUMAN SERVICES

As more governments adopt performance measurement and opt to deliver their services through the private sector, performance contracting has emerged as a popular form of privatization. This paper examines various issues public managers confront in their efforts to manage and monitor performance contracts. To do so, this paper studies the case of Florida human services and explores challenges and difficulties the contracting staff experience when attempting to evaluate provider performance. In particular, this paper focuses on: (1) why public managers prefer quantitative performance indicators to qualitative measures; (2) why data collection systems are critical for effective performance contract management, but tend to be neglected by public managers; and 3) why data validation and monitoring are so essential in successful performance contracting. In the last two sections, this paper discusses the roles and responsibilities of two critical players in performance contracting: contract managers and monitors. While their functions are an integral part of the contracting process, it is noted that contract managers often lack the necessary skills and training to manage their contracts in effective manners and conflicting oversight roles between contract managers and monitors contribute to poor, inconsistent performance evaluation.
A 100 kW, 140 GHz pulsed gyrotron

The design and operation of a 100 kW, 140 GHz pulsed gyrotron are reported. To our knowledge, this is the highest frequency at which high gyrotron output power (>-100 kW) has been achieved. Results are presented for gyrotron operation in the range of magnetic field from 4 to 7 T, voltage from 23 to 80 kV and current up to 7.5 A. Near a value of magnetic field of 5.4 T, and output power of 100 kW was obtained at 140.4 GHz in single mode operation in the TE031 resonator mode.
Particle resuspension in the Columbia River plume near field

[1] Measurements of suspended sediment concentration, velocity, salinity, and turbulent microscale shear in the near-field region of the Columbia River plume are used to investigate the mechanisms of sediment resuspension and entrainment into the plume. An east-west transect was occupied during spring and neap tide periods in August 2005 and May 2006, corresponding to low and high river discharge conditions, respectively. During the high-discharge period the plume is decoupled from the bottom, and fine sediment resuspended from the bottom does not leave the benthic boundary layer. The primary modes of sediment transport associated with the plume are advection of sediment from the estuary and removal of sediment from the plume by gravitational settling and turbulent mixing. In contrast, the plume is much less stratified during low-discharge conditions, and large resuspension events are observed that entrained sediment through the water column and into the plume. Our measurements indicate that two factors control the magnitude and timing of sediment resuspension and entrainment: the supply of fine sediment on the seabed and the relative influence of tidal turbulence compared with buoyancy input from the river. The latter is quantified in terms of the estuary Richardson number RiE. The magnitude of vertical turbulent sediment flux is correlated with RiE during the low-flow period when there is a sufficient supply of bottom sediment in the near-field region. Such sediment resuspension may be an important mechanism for the delivery of bioavailable micronutrients to the plume during the summer.