cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling of roughness-salinity microwave anomalies at S and L bands

A numerical modeling of roughness-salinity-temperature microwave radiometric anomalies (RSTA) are made specially for S- and L-bands. RSTA are estimated using two electromagnetic approaches: resonance and macroscopic. The calculated brightness temperature contrasts induced by salinity variations are maximal in the range of wavelengths /spl lambda/=18...21 cm at grazing view angles and vertical polarization. In this case the brightness temperature sensitivity to salinity ranges over 0.2-1.2/spl deg/ Kelvin/ppt, depending on the surface parameters.
A Deep Spectroscopic Survey of White Dwarfs in Common Proper Motion Binaries

We report preliminary results of a comprehensive spectroscopic survey of 511 Luyten-Giclas common proper motion binaries which contain known or suspected white dwarf components. Approximately 75% of the sample, which reaches to mpg ~ +21, has now been spectroscopically classified.
MATING-TEMPERATURE RANGE IN DROSOPHILA.

In Drosophila, temperature can be a significant climatic parameter for explaining distribution patterns (Cohet et al., 1980), although other physical and nutritional variables are also involved (Grossfield, 1971, 1978; McKenzie and McKechnie, 1979; Parsons and Stanley, 1981; Stanley and Parsons, 1981; Starmer, 1981). Atkinson and Shorrocks (1977) state that, despite the coexistence of species within the same breeding sites, seasonal and substrate differences among them can be revealed. Microniche differences have been explained, in part, by temperature effects on mating (McKenzie, 1975; Parsons, 1978a; Parsons and Stanley, 1981). However, few data are available which identify species mating-temperature ranges (see Table 1). Only when such environmental limits on mating and other components of resource utilization are specified for a variety of Drosophila species, can a more complete understanding of their distributions and potential adaptive pathways be obtained. Zouros (1973) compared allozymes at 16 loci and found that Drosophila species with overlap in their ecological niches are more similar in their genetic constitution than species with no overlap. This relationship between ecological and taxonomic divergence has also been described by Parsons and Stanley (1981). The objectives of the present study are to determine: a) the influence of temperature on mating in Drosophila species from different ecological and phylogenetic backgrounds, b) if differences in temperature-dependent mating among species can be useful in predicting mi-
Behavioral Inhibition and Clinical Outcomes in Children with Cochlear Implants

Objectives/Hypothesis: Individual speech and language outcomes of deaf children with cochlear implants (CIs) are quite varied. Individual differences in underlying cognitive functions may explain some of this variance. The current study investigated whether behavioral inhibition skills of deaf children were related to performance on a range of audiologic outcome measures. Design: Retrospective analysis of longitudinal data collected from prelingually and profoundly deaf children who used CIs. Methods: Behavioral inhibition skills were measured using a visual response delay task that did not require hearing. Speech and language measures were obtained from behavioral tests administered at 1-year intervals of CI use. Results: Female subjects showed higher response delay scores than males. Performance increased with length of CI use. Younger children showed greater improvement in performance as a function of device use than older children. No other subject variable had a significant effect on response delay score. A series of multiple regression analyses revealed several significant relations between delay task performance and open set word recognition, vocabulary, receptive language, and expressive language scores. Conclusions: The present results suggest that CI experience affects visual information processing skills of prelingually deaf children. Furthermore, the observed pattern of relations suggests that speech and language processing skills are closely related to the development of response delay skills in prelingually deaf children with CIs. These relations may reflect underlying verbal encoding skills, subvocal rehearsal skills, and verbally mediated self-regulatory skills. Clinically, visual response delay tasks may be useful in assessing behavioral and cognitive development in deaf children after implantation.
Thin cirrus detection and correction of thin cirrus path radiances using near-IR channels near 1.375-um

Through analysis of spectral imaging data acquired with the airborne visible infrared imaging spectrometer (AVIRIS) from an ER-2 aircraft at 20 km altitude, it was found that narrow channels near the center of the strong 1.38 micrometer water vapor band are very sensitive in detecting thin cirrus clouds over different geographical regions. Based on this observation from AVIRIS data a channel centered at 1.375 micrometer with a width of 30 nm was selected for the moderate resolution imaging spectrometer (MODIS) for remote sensing of cirrus clouds from space. The sensitivity of this channel to detect thin cirrus clouds during the day time is expected to be one or two orders of magnitude better than the current infrared emission techniques. As a result, much larger fraction of the satellite data is expected to be identified as being covered by cirrus clouds. In order to make better studies of surface reflectance properties, thin cirrus effects must be removed from satellite images. We have developed an empirical algorithm for removing/correcting thin cirrus effects in the 0.4 - 1.0 micrometer region using channels near 1.375 micrometer. This algorithm will be incorporated into the present MODIS atmospheric correction algorithms for ocean color and land applications.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Scavenging of soot particles by ice crystals

Abstract Scavenging efficiency of polydisperse soot particles in two size ranges (submicron to 10 μm and submicron to 1 μm) by ice crystals was investigated in the laboratory. Ice crystals-ware grown, evaporated or kept at ice saturation under controlled temperature, saturation and air flow velocity in a dynamic thermal diffusion chamber in the presence of polydisperse soot particles. Crystals were also grown in a supercooled cloud in a cold box filled with polydisperse soot. Scanning electron micrographs of ice crystals replicas revealed that soot particles were scavenged most effectively by the growing ice crystals in the submicron to 10 μm range. In the submicron range growing crystals were more effective scavengers than the ones which were kept at ice saturation, evaporating ice crystals had the least collection efficiency.
The contingent negative variation and the late positive wave of the average evoked potential

EEG analysis for poststimulus events, examining contingent negative variation and late positive wave of average evoked potential
Oyster Growers and Oyster Pirates in San Francisco Bay

In the late nineteenth century San Francisco Bay hosted one of the American West9s most valuable fisheries: Not the bay9s native oysters, but Atlantic oysters, shipped across the country by rail and seeded on privately owned tidelands, created private profits and sparked public resistance. Both oyster growers and oyster pirates depended upon a rapidly changing bay ecosystem. Their struggle to possess the bay9s productivity revealed the inqualities of ownership in the American West. An unstable nature and shifting perceptions of San Francisco Bay combined to remake the bay into a place to dump waste rather than to find food. Both growers and pirates disappeared following the collapse of the oyster fishery in the early twentieth century.
Functional conservation of the human homolog of the yeast pre-mRNA splicing factor Prp17p

Abstract Splicing of pre-mRNAs involves two sequential transesterification reactions commonly referred to as the first and second steps. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, four proteins, Prp16p, Prp17p, Prp18p, and Slu7p are exclusively required for the second step of splicing. The human homologs of Prp16p, Prp17p, and Prp18p have been identified, and the human proteins hPrp16 and hPrp18 have been shown to be required for the second step of splicing in vitro. Here we provide further evidence for the functional conservation of the second step factors between yeast and humans. Human hPrp17, which is 35% identical to the S. cerevisiaeprotein, is able to partially rescue the temperature-sensitive phenotype in a yeast strain where PRP17 has been knocked out, suggesting that the human and yeast proteins are functionally conserved. Overexpression of hPrp17 in the knockout yeast strain partially rescues the splicing defect seen in vitro andin vivo. In HeLa cells, hPrp17 is highly concentrated in the nuclear speckles, as is SC35 and many other splicing factors, thus providing further support that this protein also functions as a splicing factor in humans.
Effect of adenine nucleotides on phagocytizing guinea pig leucocytes

PHAGOCYTOSIS has been used predominantly as an indicator for estimating the effect of chemical agents on the reticuloendothelial system1. As an outcome of investigations on the mechanism of action of biologically interesting compounds on phagocytosis, it has now been found that adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a powerful inhibitor of this phenomenon without affecting respiration, glucose utilization and lactic acid production of the leucocytes. Similar effect was observed, though less pronounced, with adenosine diphosphate (ADP), adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and diphosphopyridine nucleotide (DPN).
Interleukin-2 and human immunodeficiency virus infection: pathogenic mechanisms and potential for immunologic enhancement.

A hallmark of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is the progressive loss of CD4+ T lymphocytes; however, qualitative defects in immune responses occur prior to the precipitous drop CD4+ T cell numbers. One of the first immunologic defects to be described in HIV-infected individuals is a deficiency in interleukin (IL)-2 production. The addition of IL-2 in vitro to cultures of mononuclear cells from HIV-infected individuals partially or completely restored certain defective cellular immune responses. However, production of or addition of IL-2 has also been associated with increased viral replication in infected T cells. These observations underscore the pernicious correlation between immune activation and HIV replication. However, recent in vitro and in vivo studies have provided promising preliminary results suggesting that, at least at certain stages of disease, the benefits of IL-2-mediated immune enhancement may outweigh or override the inductive effects of this cytokine on HIV production.
A Theoretical Evaluation of Hydrodynamic and Brush Contact Effects on Particle Removal during Brush Scrubbing

Wafer cleaning following chemical mechanical planarization, especially brush scrubbing, is a critical step in semiconductor device manufacturing that is not adequately understood. In this work, the effects of hydrodynamic forces, brush-particle adhesion, and brush-particle momentum transfer are quantified for spheroidal particles having aspect ratios ranging from 0.2 to 5. A critical particle Reynolds number approach was used to determine the effect of the hydrodynamic force and brush-particle adhesion on particle removal, while a moment balance approach was used to assess the effect of brush-particle momentum transfer on particle removal. Model systems of alumina particles adhering to and embedded in polished silicon dioxide and copper surfaces were considered. Results indicate that, in general, hydrodynamic forces can remove the majority of alumina particles adhering to silicon dioxide and copper, but if a particle becomes partially embedded in a surface, the addition of brush-particle adhesion and brush-particle momentum transfer may not be sufficient to cause particle removal. © 2003 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.
Are personality characteristics of Clinical Nurse Leader graduate nursing students related to culturally competent nursing care

Health policies increasingly address the need to eliminate disparities in healthcare and it is imperative that nurses identify how they contribute to achievement of that goal. The purpose of this descriptive, cross-sectional research was to identify if there is relationship between a core personality trait, core self-evaluations, and confidence in the ability of beginning graduate nursing students (N = 71) in a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) track to deliver culturally competent nursing care. A partial correlation, controlling for age, pre-licensure nursing education program, race, and satisfaction with current nursing position, found that core self-evaluations were significantly related to the three subscales on the transcultural self-efficacy scale, specifically: cognitive ( r = .417, p = .001); affective ( r = .479, p = .000); and practical ( r = .521, p = .000) self-efficacy. The relatively low core self-evaluations for this group of nurses in the early phases of graduate education for the CNL role compared to other samples is less than desirable for persons who are embracing a new nursing role that requires leadership skills to inspire followers. Although core self-evaluations are a relatively stable personality characteristic, educational programs could incorporate strategies to improve core self-evaluations in order to assist professionals to appraise their workplace challenges in a more positive framework.
Thin layer chromatography/flame ionization analysis of transesterified vegetable oils

A quantitative method was developed for analyzing mixtures containing fatty esters and tri- (TG), di- (DG) and monoglycerides (MG) obtained by the transesterification of vegetable oils. Analyses were performed by thin layer chromatography (TLC)/flame ionization detection (FID) with an Iatroscan TH-10 instrument. Stearyl alcohol served as an internal standard. From plots of area and weight ratios of methyl linoleate and tri-, di- and monolinolein, linear equations were developed from which response factors were calculated. Hydrogen flow rate and developing solvent strongly influenced resolution and baseline stability. Variations in scan speed affected completeness of burning and response factors, but not measured composition. Sample weight also affected response factors but not measured composition. A computerized procedure for data analysis was developed so that 30 samples can be completed in 2–3 hr. Relative standard deviations were 1–2% for major components in the 90–100% range and 6–83% for minor components in the 1–2% range.
Dominant lethal study of p,p'-DDT in rats.

Abstract p , p ′-DDT was tested by the dominant lethal system in rats. Male rats were given DDT either ip or orally and were mated with two untreated females in each of the following 3 wk. The pregnant females were sacrificed at approximately mid-term and were scored for corporalutea, total implants, dead implants and pre-implantation losses. A statistically significant effect was found in the proportion of females having one or more dead implants after being mated during wk 3 with males given DDT orally in a dose of 100 mg/kg. No significant effects were found in females mated with ip-treated males. It is concluded that DDT is only marginally positive with respect to the dominant lethal test.
The characterization and properties of nylon 13,13

Abstract The physical properties of the nylon with the longest number of methylene segments, nylon 13,13 have been characterized. Studies are reported of thermal analysis, X-ray scattering and for mechanical properties including hardness. The crystal of nylon 13,13 has been found to have a monoclinic form with a = 4.9 A , b = 9.22 A , c = 34.40 A and β = 121.08°. Also, studies were carried out on the mechanical properties of nylon 13,13 that had been uniaxially drawn by solid-state extrusion at 125 and 135°C. The highest draw ratio obtained was 4.5. The maximum melting point, heat of fusion and amorphous density were estimated to be ⩾ 183°C, 230 J g−1 and 1.01 g cm−3, respectively. The crystallinity, melting temperature and tensile modulus increased with draw ratio. The glass transition temperature of the undrawn polymer was 56°C. For the sample with a draw ratio of 4.0, the tensile modulus and the X-ray crystal orientation function reached 2 GPa and 0.94, respectively.
Impact of sustained exposure to β-amyloid on calcium homeostasis and neuronal integrity in model nerve cell system expressing α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.

Although the interaction between β-amyloid (Aβ) and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors has been widely studied, the impact of prolonged exposure to Aβ on nAChR expression and signaling is not known. In this study, we employed a neuronal culture model to better understand the impact of sustained exposure of Aβ on the regulation of cellular and synaptic function. The differentiated rodent neuroblastoma cell line NG108-15 expressing exogenous high-affinity α4β2 nAChRs was exposed to soluble oligomeric Aβ for several days. Ca2+ responses, expression levels of α4β2 nAChRs, rate of mitochondrial movement, mitochondrial fission, levels of reactive oxygen species, and nuclear integrity were compared between Aβ-treated and untreated cells, transfected or not (mock-transfected) with α4β2 nAChRs. Sustained exposure of Aβ1–42 to α4β2 nAChR-transfected cells for several days led to increased Ca2+ responses on subsequent acute stimulation with Aβ1–42 or nicotine, paralleled by increased expression levels of α4β2 nAChRs, likely the result of enhanced receptor recycling. The rate of mitochondrial movement was sharply reduced, whereas the mitochondrial fission protein pDrp-1 was increased in α4β2 nAChR-transfected cells treated with Aβ1–42. In addition, the presence of α4β2 nAChRs dramatically enhanced Aβ1–42-mediated increases in reactive oxygen species and nuclear fragmentation, eventually leading to apoptosis. Our data thus show disturbed calcium homeostasis coupled with mitochondrial dysfunction and loss of neuronal integrity on prolonged exposure of Aβ in cells transfected with α4β2 nAChRs. Together, the results suggest that the presence of nAChRs sensitizes neurons to the toxic actions of soluble oligomeric Aβ, perhaps contributing to the cholinergic deficit in Alzheimer disease.
Stimulus frequency differentially affects chirping in two species of weakly electric fish: implications for the evolution of signal structure and function

During social interactions, apteronotid electric fish modulate their electric organ discharges (EODs) to produce transient communication signals known as chirps. Chirps vary widely across species and sex in both number and structure. In Apteronotus leptorhynchus, males chirp far more than females and their chirps have greater frequency modulation than those of females. High-frequency chirps are produced by males most often in response to female-like electric signals. As such, they have been hypothesized to function in courtship. The more common low-frequency chirps, produced by both males and females in response to same-sex signals, are hypothesized to function as aggressive signals. To determine whether the two chirp types in the closely related Apteronotus albifrons have similar functions, we stimulated chirping in male and female A. leptorhynchus and A. albifrons with playbacks simulating the EODs of same-sex versus opposite-sex conspecifics. As in A. leptorhynchus, male and female A. albifrons produced low-frequency chirps most often to same-sex signals. Unlike A. leptorhynchus, however, A. albifrons also produced more high-frequency chirps to same-sex stimuli than to opposite-sex stimuli. This suggests that high-frequency chirps in A. albifrons, unlike those in A. leptorhynchus, may not function as courtship signals and that the function of similar chirp types has diversified in Apteronotus. Examples such as this, in which the function of a communication signal has changed in closely related species, are rare. The electrocommunication signals of apteronotids may thus provide a remarkable opportunity to investigate the evolutionary interactions of signal structure and function.
Measuring the Significance of U.S. Supreme Court Decisions

Despite general agreement that Supreme Court decisions are not fungible, no significance variable satisfactory to the judicial behavior subfield has been produced. In this study the concepts of political, legal, and historical significance are differentiated, and a political significance variable is created by factor analyzing the case choices of 15 authorities. The methods conventionally used to identify significant cases are evaluated by comparing their results to the list of politically significant cases generated here. The descriptive value of the new measure lies in finding the proportion of significant cases by term and identifying their opinion authors and its predictive value in the replication and revision of models and propositions explaining judicial behavior.
Reporting application usage in a LAN environment

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UW-SP) has developed a unique system of logging and reporting computing resource usage. Our environment consists of an 800 node ATTS01LRC;SGILE;08 00 6a e5 4b;01-20-90; 09:12:38;10:10:13;2991
Convective instability in ice I with non‐Newtonian rheology: Application to the icy Galilean satellites

[1] At the temperatures and stresses associated with the onset of convection in an ice I shell of the Galilean satellites, ice behaves as a non-Newtonian fluid with a viscosity that depends on both temperature and strain rate. The convective stability of a non-Newtonian ice shell can be judged by comparing the Rayleigh number of the shell to a critical value. Previous studies suggest that the critical Rayleigh number for a non-Newtonian fluid depends on the initial conditions in the fluid layer, in addition to the thermal, rheological, and physical properties of the fluid. We seek to extend the existing definition of the critical Rayleigh number for a non-Newtonian, basally heated fluid by quantifying the conditions required to initiate convection in an ice I layer initially in conductive equilibrium. We find that the critical Rayleigh number for the onset of convection in ice I varies as a power (−0.6 to −0.5) of the amplitude of the initial temperature perturbation issued to the layer, when the amplitude of perturbation is less than the rheological temperature scale. For larger-amplitude perturbations, the critical Rayleigh number achieves a constant value. We characterize the critical Rayleigh number as a function of surface temperature of the satellite, melting temperature of ice, and rheological parameters so that our results may be extrapolated for use with other rheologies and for a generic large icy satellite. The values of critical Rayleigh number imply that triggering convection from a conductive equilibrium in a pure ice shell less than 100 km thick in Europa, Ganymede, or Callisto requires a large, localized temperature perturbation of a few kelvins to tens of kelvins to soften the ice and therefore may require tidal dissipation in the ice shell.
Scheduling, bandwidth allocation and performance evaluation of DOCSIS protocol over cable networks

The Data Over Cable Service Interface Specifications (DOCSIS) of the Multimedia Cable Network System (MCNS) organization intends to support IP traffics over HFC (hybrid fiber/coax) networks with significantly higher data rates than analog modems and Integrated Service Digital Network (ISDN) links. The availability of high speed-access enables the delivery of high quality audio, video and interactive services. To support quality-of-service (QoS) for such applications, it is important for HFC networks to provide effective medium access and traffic scheduling mechanisms. In this work, a novel scheduling mechanism and a new bandwidth allocation scheme are proposed to support multimedia traffic over DOCSIS (Data Over Cable System Interface Specification)-compliant cable networks. The primary goal of our research is to improve the transmission of real-time variable bit rate (VBR) traffic in terms of throughput and delay under DOCSIS. To support integrated services, we also consider the transmission of constant bit rate (CBR) traffic and non-real-time traffic in the simulation. To demonstrate the performance, we compare the result of the proposed scheme with that of a simple multiple priority scheme. It is shown via simulation that the proposed method provides a significant amount of improvement over existing QoS scheduling services in DOCSIS. Finally, a discrete-time Markov model is used to analyze the performance of the voice traffic over DOCSIS-supported cable networks.
The role of vision in the predatory behaviour of natricine snakes

Abstract Early workers concluded that ingestively naive garter snakes (Thamnophis) recognize chemical cues from their normal prey, and that such cues are sufficient to elicit prey attack, whereas visual prey cues are not sufficient. In the light of recent observations on how garter and water snakes (Nerodia) forage, new tests were made of the role of visual stimuli in the aquatic predation of several natricine species. Both experienced and ingestively naive snakes oriented to and attacked a fish model in plain water, although they made more orientations and attacks when diffuse fish odour was present in the water. Fish odour in water also elicited increased aquatic searching behaviour. Early views on the role of vision in the predation of newborn natricine snakes require modification, and there is a need for investigation of the properties of effective visual stimuli and the ontogeny of responsiveness to them.
Spatial distribution of protein accumulation in soybean seed

Abstract Immunohistochemical stains of soybean cotyledon sections indicated higher levels for both the glycinins and the β-conglycinins in the abaxial as compared to the adaxial region of the cotyledon, but more equal distribution for the Kunitz and the Bowman-Birk trypsin inhibitors. This spatial pattern was verified by electrophoretic and immunochemical analysis of extracts made from dissected cotyledons. Examination of seeds at various stages of seed development showed that the spatial pattern was already established when the seeds had accumulated half of the storage proteins. Although absolute amounts were different, the relative protein composition found in both the abaxial and adaxial regions of the cotyledons of the developing seed did not differ to a great extent.
Priority option of photovoltaic systems for water pumping in rural areas in ESCWA member countries

Abstract Many rural areas in ESCWA member countries are still suffering from a lack of access to energy services, especially electricity supply. Photovoltaic (PV) applications could supply electrical energy needed in rural, remote, and deserted areas for water pumping to supply the Bedouins and their herds as well as the villagers and their livestock with their needs of potable water. In this paper three options for electric supply to the water pumping system are evaluated: 1) Extension of national electric grid (to 5 and10 kms), 2) Diesel generation sets, 3) PV systems (with system cost 5, 7, 10, and 15 $US /Wp). The cost analysis has been done for determining the cost of the kilowatt hour produced from the three options during the life of the PV systems (assumed to be 20 years), and for two scenarios the first considers the diesel fuel price is equal 250 US$/ton, and a simple interest rate is 6% and the second scenario considers the diesel fuel price is equal 350 US$/ton, and a simple interest rate is 10%. The paper concluded with listing, of priority order of technical alternatives based on comparing the balance costs for each kwh produced during the life of PV system. The opportunity for competition between photovoltaic systems and other alternative systems depends on the price level that photovoltaic systems can achieve. The PV systems are competent with other options when the total cost of the PV system less or equal to 7$US / Wp. On the Other side, most of the Arab countries have remote and deserted areas The paper will come out with estimation of PV systems needed for water pumping during the 10 coming years in ESCWA member countries, which could be a very good opportunity for the application of the PV Systems market.
Using genome-wide mapping in the mouse to identify genes that influence drug response

Differential drug response is most often likely to be a complex trait, controlled by the combined influences of multiple genes and environmental influences. As a result of theoretical and technical limitations, to date, most clinically useful pharmacogenomic studies in humans have been limited to a small number of candidate genes that have a relatively major impact on drug response. Here, the problems involved in identifying genes that underlie drug response in humans are discussed and the power of mouse genetics as a tool for pharmacogenomic discovery is highlighted.
The possibility of steady state nonionization equilibrium conditions in soft X-ray flare plasmas

The possibility of the existence in soft X-ray flare plasmas of conditions that result in a steady state departure of ion abundances from ionization equilibrium values is considered. The observed flare plasma is assumed to be a result of many small 'elementary bursts' that occur on time scales comparable to the ionization and recombination times of highly ionized atoms of iron and calcium. Specific models are adopted, the time-dependent equations for ion abundances are solved numerically, and X-ray line intensities and line ratios are computed and averaged over the effective time of a single burst. The computed results are compared to observed variations for a number of different line ratios. Although the behavior of certain line ratios can be explained in the context of the burst models considered in this paper, the behavior of the set of all the available line ratios cannot be explained in this manner. The observed departures of line ratios from equilibrium values that can be explained in terms of a burst scenario can also be accounted for by uncertainties in the atomic physics.
Manual record keeping is not necessary for anesthesia vigilance.

Objective. The goal of this study was to determine whether the intraoperative vigilance of anesthesia residents is different when they keep a manual record than when an assistant performs the charting.Methods. A total of 9 anesthesia residents were studied during 36 general anesthesia cases on ASA class 1 or 2 patients. In half of the cases, the resident performed all record keeping. In the other half, the anesthesia record was kept by a human assistant. Vigilance was measured as detection rate and response time for the resident to detect a simulated abnormal value displayed on the physiologic monitor. For analysis, anesthesia cases were divided into stages of induction, maintenance, and emergence.Results. Response times and detection rates were not different when record keeping was performed by an assistant, rather than by the clinician. Shorter cases were associated with longer median response times (i.e., lower vigilance) during the maintenance phase, but only when record keeping was done manually.Conclusions. The results demonstrate that anesthesia residents are equally attentive to an experimental signal displayed on an electronic monitor while manually charting as they are when an assistant keeps the record. This brings into question the contention that eliminating the record-keeping task will result in a reduced level of vigilance.
Alkylation of aldehydes with methanol over titanium oxide catalysts

The methylation of various aldehydes, such as acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, and phenylacetaldehyde over titanium oxidesupported vanadium oxide was studied under atmospheric pressure and temperatures of 250–400°C. The catalyst properties of titanium oxide can be enhanced only by addition of a fairly small amount of vanadium. High-temperature treatment transforms titanium oxide, the support, from anatase to rutile, which causes the catalysts to lose their catalytic properties. The reactivity of these can be ranked in the following order: acetaldehyde > propionaldehyde > phenylacetaldehyde. The steric effect of the substituted groups in propionaldehyde or phenylacetaldehyde may prevent self-condensation to form oligomers and to give a high selectivity of alkylated products.
Biotransformation of Vinclozolin by the Fungus Cunninghamella elegans

This study investigated the biotransformation of the dicarboximide fungicide vinclozolin [3-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-5-methyl-5-vinyl-1,3-oxazolidine-2,4-dione] by the fungus Cunninghamella elegans. Experiments with phenyl-[U-ring-14C]vinclozolin showed that after 96 h incubation, 93% had been transformed to four major metabolites. Metabolites were separated by HPLC and characterized by mass and NMR spectroscopy. Biotransformation occurred predominantly on the oxazolidine-2,4-dione portion of vinclozolin. The metabolites were identified as the 3R- and 3S- isomers of 3‘,5‘-dichloro-2,3,4-trihydroxy-2-methylbutyranilide, N-(2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-oxobuten-3-yl)-3,5-dichlorophenyl-1-carbamic acid, and 3‘,5‘-dichloro-2-hydroxy-2-methylbut-3-enanilide. The enanilide compound has been reported previously as a plant and mammalian metabolite and is implicated to contain antiandrogenic activity. The 3R- and 3S- isomers of 3‘,5‘-dichloro-2,3,4-trihydroxy-2-methylbutyranilide are novel metabolites. Keywords: Vinclozolin; ...
Which Eligible Breast Conservation Patients Choose Mastectomy in the Setting of Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer

Purpose Breast conserving therapy (BCT) and mastectomy offer equivalent survival for women with newly diagnosed breast cancer (BrCa). Despite this, many women eligible for BCT elect mastectomy. Herein, we identify factors associated with choosing ipsilateral mastectomy instead of BCT when mastectomy is not required.
Algorithm for the Analysis of Tryptophan Fluorescence Spectra and Their Correlation with Protein Structural Parameters

The fluorescence properties of tryptophan residues are sensitive to the microenvironment of fluorophores in proteins. Therefore, fluorescence characteristics are widely used to study structural transitions in proteins. However, the decoding of the structural information from spectroscopic data is challenging. Here we present a review of approaches developed for the decomposition of multi-component protein tryptophan fluorescence spectra and correlation of these spectral parameters with protein structural properties.
Chemisorption of OCN on Ni(100) – an ab initio study

Abstract The chemisorption of cyanate (OCN) on Ni(100) is studied using an ab initio embedding theory. The Ni(100) surface is modeled as a three-layer, 30-atom cluster with the Ni atoms fixed at bulk lattice sites. Three adsorbed OCN species, both N-bonded and O-bonded OCN in an end-on geometry with the molecular axis perpendicular to the surface and in a side-on geometry with OCN bond parallel to the surface are considered in the present study. The isocyanate-N species at the fourfold site is the most stable. Calculated adsorption energies are 103, 99, and 90 kcal mol −1 at the fourfold, bridge, and atop sites for the N-bonded OCN, respectively. For the cyanate-O species, calculated adsorption energies are 87, 84, and 77 kcal mol −1 at the fourfold, bridge, and atop sites, respectively. For the side-on bonded OCN with the molecular axis parallel to the surface, the adsorption energy is calculated to be 84 kcal mol −1 . Breaking the linearity of the C–N–O bond destabilizes the adsorbed OCN. Dipole moment curves show that the OCN bonding to the surface is largely ionic. The C-bonded ONC species (–C–NO) at the fourfold site is energetically much less stable than the isocyanate-N by 75 kcal mol −1 . The reaction of CN+O→OCN on Ni(100) is predicted to be very exothermic.
Empirical and Conceptual Problems With Longitudinal Trait-State Models: Introducing a Trait-State-Occasion Model.

The latent trait-state-error model (TSE) and the latent state-trait model with autoregression (LST-AR) represent creative structural equation methods for examining the longitudinal structure of psychological constructs. Application of these models has been somewhat limited by empirical or conceptual problems. In the present study, Monte Carlo analysis revealed that TSE models tend to generate improper solutions when N is too small, when waves are too few, and when occasion factor stability is either too large or too small. Mathematical analysis of the LST-AR model revealed its limitation to constructs that become more highly auto-correlated over time. The trait-state-occasion model has fewer empirical problems than does the TSE model and is more broadly applicable than is the LST-AR model.
Guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor activity of the triple GoLoco motif protein G18: alanine-to-aspartate mutation restores function to an inactive second GoLoco motif

GoLoco ('Galpha(i/o)-Loco' interaction) motif proteins have recently been identified as novel GDIs (guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitors) for heterotrimeric G-protein alpha subunits. G18 is a member of the mammalian GoLoco-motif gene family and was uncovered by analyses of human and mouse genomes for anonymous open-reading frames. The encoded G18 polypeptide is predicted to contain three 19-amino-acid GoLoco motifs, which have been shown in other proteins to bind Galpha subunits and inhibit spontaneous nucleotide release. However, the G18 protein has thus far not been characterized biochemically. Here, we have cloned and expressed the G18 protein and assessed its ability to act as a GDI. G18 is capable of simultaneously binding more than one Galpha(i1) subunit. In binding assays with the non-hydrolysable GTP analogue guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate, G18 exhibits GDI activity, slowing the exchange of GDP for GTP by Galpha(i1). Only the first and third GoLoco motifs within G18 are capable of interacting with Galpha subunits, and these bind with low micromolar affinity only to Galpha(i1) in the GDP-bound form, and not to Galpha(o), Galpha(q), Galpha(s) or Galpha12. Mutation of Ala-121 to aspartate in the inactive second GoLoco motif of G18, to restore the signature acidic-glutamine-arginine tripeptide that forms critical contacts with Galpha and its bound nucleotide [Kimple, Kimple, Betts, Sondek and Siderovski (2002) Nature (London) 416, 878-881], results in gain-of-function with respect to Galpha binding and GDI activity.
Larval selection of substrate by the Bryozoa discoporella and Cupuladria

The mineralogy, shape, and size distribution of sand grains which form the nucleus for colonial growth in Discoporella umbellata depressa and Cupuladria doma have been examined and compared to these same parameters in the sediment from which the species were collected. These bryozoa, occurring on the continental shelf of Georgia, encrust sand grains. The diameters of the encrusted grains greatly exceed the mean diameter of particles in the associated sediment. D. umbellata depressa encrusts larger grains than does C. doma. Encrusted grains are composed of quartz and rock fragments. No zoaria of either species were found that had encrusted carbonate grains despite the fact that such grains form an important fraction of the sediment in the study area. Larval selection of fixation sites on the basis of grain size and mineralogy is suggested. It is further suggested that these sedimentary parameters may partially explain the fact that both bryozoan species are abundantly present on the continental shelf of the southeastern United States but are nearly absent from the continental slope.
Vein wall remodeling after deep vein thrombosis involves matrix metalloproteinases

Background. Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) confers vein wall damage associated with fibrosis and extracellular matrix turnover, mediated by proteases. This study investigated the molecular expression of proteases and collagen involved in early vein wall remodeling. Methods. In the mouse, DVT was produced by ligation of the infrarenal inferior vena cava (IVC), or sham operation, and tissue harvested at 4, 8, and 12 days. The vein wall tissue was processed for real-time PCR (ratio of gene to b-actin), Western immunoblotting, and gelatin zymography. ANOVA was used for multiple comparisons and a P < 0.05 was significant. All N = 6–8. Results. Thrombus resolution was documented by a 1.6-fold decrease in the thrombosed IVC weight:length ratio over 12 days (P = 0.007). MMP-2 gene expression was 23-fold greater at 12 days as compared to sham or the 4-day time point (P < 0.05). Total MMP-2 activity by zymography was significantly elevated at 12 days as compared with sham (P = 0.047). MMP-7 expression peaked at 4 days (76-fold; P = 0.003) but approached baseline thereafter. MMP-9 expression was 19–27 higher at days 4 and 8, respectively, both relative to shams (P < 0.05), but no difference in activity was found. MMP-14 expression was 2- to 3.6-fold greater at day 12 compared to earlier time points and shams (P < 0.001), but no difference in protein levels was found. Plasminogen activator inhibitor was increased at 4 days relative to sham, but not after 8 days. Procollagen I and III increased over time and peaked at 12 days (24-fold, 6.1-fold, respectively, P < 0.02). Conclusions. Vein wall remodeling after DVT is associated with persistent procollagen up regulation and primarily MMP-2 expression and activity, whereas other proteases may be less important.
Effect of liposomal composition on photoactivated liposome fusion.

Bennett and O'Brien [(1995) Biochemistry 34, 3102] showed that the ultraviolet light exposure of two-component large unilamellar liposomes (LUV) composed of a 3:1 molar mixture of dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) and 1,2-bis[10-(2‘-hexadienoyloxy)decanoyl]-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (bis-SorbPC) facilitated liposome fusion. The rate and extent of liposome fusion was dependent on the extent of photopolymerization, the temperature, and the pH. Examination of the temperature dependence of fusion of photolyzed and unphotolyzed liposomes demonstrated that an enhancement of the rate of fusion occurred in the temperature range associated with the initial appearance of precursors to the inverted cubic (QII) phase [Barry et al. (1992) Biochemistry 31, 10114]. Here, the effect of the molar lipid ratio of the DOPE/bis-SorbPC liposomes on the temperature for the onset of fusion, i.e. the critical fusion temperature, was characterized by changing the relative amounts of unreactive polymorphic lipid and re...
Disorders of fatty acid transport and mitochondrial oxidation: challenges and dilemmas of metabolic evaluation.

Inborn errors of fatty acid transport and mitochondria! oxidation (FATMO) have drawn considerable attention in recent years for the rapid pace of discovery of new defects and an ever-increasing spectrum of clinical phenotypes. Several of these disorders are not detected by conventional biochemical investigations, even when a patient is symptomatic with fasting intolerance or functional failure of fatty acid dependent tissue(s). In our view, today's major challenges are the inclusion of FATMO disorders in newborn screening programs and the investigation of the role played by individual disorders in maternal complications of pregnancy, sudden and unexpected death in early life, and pediatric acute/fulminant liver failure. Dilemmas are found in the debate over the limitations, if any, to be imposed on the expansion of newborn screening using tandem mass spectrometry, in the provision of prenatal diagnosis for otherwise treatable disorders, and in the diagnostic workup of “unclassified” cases.
Measurement of phosphorus content in normal and osteomalacic rabbit bone by solid‐state 3D radial imaging

In osteomalacia decreased mineralization reduces the stiffness and static strength of bone. We hypothesized that hypomineralization in osteomalacic bone could be quantified by solid-state 31P magnetic resonance imaging (SS-MRI). Hypomineralization was measured with a 3D radial imaging technique at 162 MHz (9.4T) in rabbit cortical bone of hypophosphatemic (HY) and normophosphatemic (NO) animals. The results were compared with those obtained by quantitative micro-CT (μ-CT) and 31P solution NMR. 3D images of 277 μm isotropic voxel size were obtained in 1.7 hr with SNR ∼ 9. Mineral content was lower in the HY relative to the NO group (SS-MRI: 9.48 ± 0.4 vs. 11.15 ± 0.31 phosphorus wet wt %, P < 0.0001; μ-CT: 1114.6 ± 28.3 vs. 1175.7 ± 23.5 mg mineral/cm3; P = 0.003). T1 was shorter in the HY group (47.2 ± 3.5 vs. 54.1 ± 2.7 s, P = 0.004), which suggests that relaxation occurs via a dipole-dipole (DD) mechanism involving exchangeable water protons, which are more prevalent in bone from osteomalacic animals. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Ultrafiltration membranes incorporating amphiphilic comb copolymer additives prevent irreversible adhesion of bacteria

We examined the resistance to bacterial adhesion of a novel polyacrylonitrile (PAN) ultrafiltration membrane incorporating the amphiphilic comb copolymer additive, polyacrylonitrile-graft-polyethylene oxide (PAN-g-PEO). The adhesion of bacteria (E. coli K12) and the reversibility of adhered bacteria were tested with the novel membrane, and the behavior was compared to a commercial PAN ultrafiltration membrane. Under static (no flow) bacterial adhesion tests, we observed no bacterial adhesion to the PAN/PAN-g-PEO membrane at all ionic strengths tested, even with the addition of calcium ions. In contrast, significant adhesion of bacterial cells was observed on the commercial PAN membrane, with increased cell adhesion at higher ionic strengths and in the presence of calcium ions. Under crossflow filtration conditions, initial bacterial deposition rate increased with ionic strength and with addition of calcium ions for both membranes, with generally lower bacterial deposition rate with the PAN/PAN-g-PEO membrane. However, deposited bacteria were readily removed (between 97 and 100%) from the surface of the PAN/PAN-g-PEO membrane upon increasing the crossflow and eliminating the permeate flow (i.e., no applied transmembrane pressure), suggesting reversible adhesion of bacteria. In contrast, bacterial adhesion on the commercial PAN membrane was irreversible, with approximately 50% removal of adhered bacteria at moderate ionic strengths (10 and 30 mM) and less than 25% removal at high ionic strength (100 mM). The resistance to bacterial adhesion of the PAN/PAN-g-PEO membrane was further analyzed via measurement of interaction forces with atomic force microscopy (AFM). No adhesion forces were detected between a carboxylated colloid probe and the PAN/PAN-g-PEO membrane, while the probe exhibited strong adhesion to the commercial PAN membrane, consistent with the bacterial adhesion tests. The exceptional resistance of the PAN/PAN-g-PEO membrane to bacterial adhesion is attributable to steric repulsion imparted by the dense brush layer of polyethylene oxide (PEO) chains.
Cover Picture: Thermal Conductivity Imaging of Thermal Barrier Coatings (Adv. Eng. Mater. 7/2005)

The cover shows a SEM backscattered electron image of a cross-sectional thermal barrier coating (TBC) system on the bottom and its correspondent thermal conductivity image on the top. The thermal conductivity image was collected using a novel time-domain thermoreflectance technique with a femtosecond laser and it reveals the conductivity variation in the TBC system, especially in the bond coat. The thermal conductivity value of each point/pixel has an accuracy of 8 % and a spatial resolution of ∼ 3 mm. More on thermal condcutivity imaging can be found in the article by J.-C. Zhao et al. on page 622.