cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bends in human mitotic metaphase chromosomes, including a bend marking the X-inactivation center.

Abstract Bends in mitotic metaphase chromosomes are not distributed randomly throughout the karyotype. The frequency of bends at centromeres is positively correlated with the relative length of the chromosomes and negatively correlated with the centromere index (more bends in metacentrics, fewer in acrocentrics). The frequency of bends in the noncentromeric regions (except at Xq13-Xq21) is positively correlated with the relative length of chromosome arms. A bend at Xq13.3 to Xq21.1 was more frequent than a bend in any other region of the karyotype, centromeric or noncentromeric. It was observed in one member of the X-chromosome pair in 63% of 46,XX cells. In contrast, it was observed in only 2% of 46,XY cells. RBG-staining showed that this specific bend is confined to the lyonized X chromosome. These observations in cells from normal subjects were confirmed using G-banding and RBG-staining on cells from nine subjects with different X-chromosome abnormalities and on metaphases from amniotic fluid cell and lymphocyte cultures. The "center for Barr body condensation" has been localized to the region between Xq11.2 and Xq21.1. The functional and structural relationship is unclear, but we believe this highly specific bend may represent a visible manifestation of the condensation process; it could represent the first folded (and last unfolded) position, upon or around which the rest of the chromosome condenses. The late replication of this region may also be a factor. The smallest region of overlap (SRO) for the X-chromosome inactivation center and the specific chromosome bend is Xq13.3 to Xq21.1.
Design Optimization: An Overview

This chapter presents an overview of optimization theory and its application to problems arising in engineering. In the most general terms, optimization theory is a body of mathematical results and numerical methods for finding and identifying the best candidate from a collection of alternatives without having to enumerate and evaluate explicitly all possible alternatives. An overview was given of the elements and methods comprising design optimization methodology. The key element in the overall process of design optimization was seen to be the engineering model of the system constructed for this purpose. The assumptions and formulation details of the model govern the quality and relevance of the optimal design obtained. The chapter also gives a structural classification of optimization problems and a broad brush review of the main families of optimization methods. Clearly this review can only hope to serve as entry point to this broad field. Keywords: design optimization; optimization problems; optimization theory
Boardroom Cultural Governance: An Examination of the Beliefs and Values of Board Directors and Executive Management in U.S. Based Multinational Corporations (MNCs)

What transpires in the boardroom is receiving heightened scrutiny due to recent financial failures (i.e., Enron, WorldCom, etc.) and the global financial crisis in 2008. The belief is that the board directors and the executive management team contributed greatly to these crises (Boerner, 2011). This study responds to the appeal to examine the “black box” (Barratt and Korac-Kakabadse, 2002) of boardroom governance and the roles of board directors and executive managers from a behavioral perspective in contrast to the traditional structural framework approach to corporate governance to enhance our understanding of what really transpires in the boardroom, and how and why. Twenty-four respondents were asked to describe their first-hand knowledge of two boardroom decision scenarios, eliciting individual and group beliefs, values and inferred behaviors of the board and executive team members from US multinational corporations. This study represents a first step at opening the black box of boardroom cultural governance.
Multiple wavelength generation in a picosecond optical parametric oscillator based on noncritically phase-matched LiB/sub 3/O/sub 5/

Summary form only given. The Ti:sapphire laser pumped based on noncritically phase-matched LiB/sub 3/O/sub 5/ (LBO) has been shown to be a versatile source of high-repetition-rate picosecond pulses for the near-infrared. It is capable of providing signal and idler output pulses with durations of 1-2 ps over the continuous wavelength range 1-2.5 /spl mu/m. Here we present results that demonstrate that this system is also capable of directly producing visible picosecond pulses in the green spectral region.
Managed care patient protection or provider protection? A qualitative assessment

Purpose Opponents of managed care regulation allege that a patient's bill of rights, in reality, represents provider protections motivated by the desire to curtail the economic onslaught of managed care. This claim is assessed through a large qualitative study of state managed care patient protection laws. Methods State laws were reviewed and categorized, and regulators in each state were surveyed, to determine the pattern and content of relevant enactments as of the end of 2001. In 2002, six states were selected for in-depth case studies to reflect a range of market, demographic, and legal characteristics. In each state, 16 to 24 key informants were interviewed, including provider advocates, physician practices, health plan managers, regulators, patient advocates, and various industry observers. Additional interviews were conducted from a national perspective, for a total of 138 interviews. Interviews were semistructured, and interview notes were analyzed using qualitative techniques. Results These laws are directed primarily to patients' rights and only secondarily to providers' interests. Enactment of these laws was rarely attributed primarily to provider advocacy. Instead, providers aligned with consumers, or the impetus came from legislators or regulators. There was little evidence that these laws, collectively or individually, have had much effect on providers' economic concerns. Health plans are still free to form and shape networks as they see fit, subject to competitive constraints. Provider due process laws might suppress deselection to some extent, but most subjects thought these laws only marginally restrain health insurers from removing providers who they no longer want. Conclusion Managed care patient protection laws do not advance a self-interested provider agenda that disables features of managed care that are beneficial to consumers. Instead, these laws appear to embody a convenient alignment of interests among providers, patients, and lawmakers.
Site-Specific Effects of Compression on Macromolecular Diffusion in Articular Cartilage

Articular cartilage is the connective tissue that lines joints and provides a smooth surface for joint motion. Because cartilage is avascular, molecular transport occurs primarily via diffusion or convection, and cartilage matrix structure and composition may affect diffusive transport. Because of the inhomogeneous compressive properties of articular cartilage, we hypothesized that compression would decrease macromolecular diffusivity and increase diffusional anisotropy in a site-specific manner that depends on local tissue strain. We used two fluorescence photobleaching methods, scanning microphotolysis and fluorescence imaging of continuous point photobleaching, to measure diffusion coefficients and diffusional anisotropy of 70 kDa dextran in cartilage during compression, and measured local tissue strain using texture correlation. For every 10% increase in normal strain, the fractional change in diffusivity decreased by 0.16 in all zones, and diffusional anisotropy increased 1.1-fold in the surface zone and 1.04-fold in the middle zone, and did not change in the deep zone. These results indicate that inhomogeneity in matrix structure and composition may significantly affect local diffusive transport in cartilage, particularly in response to mechanical loading. Our findings suggest that high strains in the surface zone significantly decrease diffusivity and increase anisotropy, which may decrease transport between cartilage and synovial fluid during compression.
Sintering of Chitosan and Chitosan Composites

Chitosan is a naturally-occurring polymer that is derived through the deacetylation of chitin. Chitin, found in the exoskeletons of invertebrates, is ubiquitous in nature and easily collected as waste and repurposed for a multitude of industrial and biomedical applications. Development of composites of chitosan and carbon are attractive due to their availability, compatibility, and mechanical properties. In the present work we construct a chitosan composite reinforced with 2 wt% carbon nanostructures using mechanical milling. The carbon nanostructures consist of amorphous carbon, graphene-like, and graphitic nanostructures synthesized by mechanical exfoliation. We demonstrate that the mechanical properties of this composite material can be altered by varying the sintering conditions. Preliminary thermal analysis showed a degradation temperature around 220 ± 5 °C but this was also influenced by the duration of temperature exposure. The material was strengthened by adding carbon nano-composites and through sintering. Better sintering conditions occurred at lower temperatures and shorter times. The new material properties are characterized by means of mechanical testing, electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Synthesis and Characterization of Nanocrystalline FeSb2 for Thermoelectric Applications

We report an ethanol-mediated surfactant-free solvothermal synthesis of phase-pure Pnmm FeSb2 nanocrystals with an average size of 40 nm. The capping free growth of the nanocrystals resulted in the formation of inherent orthorhombic shapes. The nanocrystals were densified by spark plasma sintering to prepare a polycrystalline bulk material that consisted of 40–200 nm FeSb2 nanocrystal domains (nanocomposite). Low-temperature Seebeck coefficient, resisitivity, and thermal conductivity were measured on parallelopipeds cut from the densified specimen and compared to bulk FeSb2 prepared by a solid-state synthesis process. The FeSb2 nanocomposite showed a large reduction in lattice thermal conductivity relative to the bulk due to significant grain-boundary phonon scattering. If one notes that the solution-phase synthesis of Pnnm FeSb2 nanocrystals is accounted here for the first time and the low-temperature thermoelectric properties indicates a significant reduction in lattice thermal conductivity for this material, this work represents an important step towards optimizing thermoelectric properties for cooling applications.
A probabilistic performance metric for real-time system design

At the system level design of a real-time embedded system, a major issue is to identify from alternative architectures the best one which satisfies the timing constraints. This issue leads to the need of a metric that is capable of evaluating the overall system timing performance. Some of the previous work in the related areas focus on predicting the system's timing performance based on a fixed computation time model. These approaches are often too pessimistic. Those that do consider varying computation times for each task are only concerned with the timing behavior of each individual task. Such predictions may not properly capture the timing behavior of the entire system. In this paper, we introduce a metric that reflects the overall timing behavior of RTES. Applying this metric allows a comprehensive comparison of alternative system level designs.
Paper Knowledge: Toward a Media History of Documents

I was asked to review Paper Knowledge by a colleague whom I’d met through the symposium ARCHIVE + FEMINISM at McGill University (winter 2012), and with whom I also participated (virtually) in ‘Arch...
The myth of macho dominance in decision making within Mexican and Chicano families.

The patriarchal Hispanic family structure characterized by macho dominance in marital decision making is a myth which prevails in social science literature. This myth, which is perpetuated and disseminated through impressionistic essays, is very compatible with the "social deficit" model of Hispanic family life and culture. Our conclusion—based on an intensive analysis of four major studies on marital deci sion making within Mexican and Chicano families—is that the available data fail to substantiate the hypothesis of Mex ican and/or Chicano male dominance in marital decision making.
Impact of Hapten Presentation on Antibody Binding at Lipid Membrane Interfaces

We report the effects of ligand presentation on the binding of aqueous proteins to solid supported lipid bilayers. Specifically, we show that the equilibrium dissociation constant can be strongly affected by ligand lipophilicity and linker length/structure. The apparent equilibrium dissociation constants (KD) were compared for two model systems, biotin/anti-biotin and 2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP)/anti-DNP, in bulk solution and at model membrane surfaces. The binding constants in solution were obtained from fluorescence anisotropy measurements. The surface binding constants were determined by microfluidic techniques in conjunction with total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy. The results showed that the bulk solution equilibrium dissociation constants for anti-biotin and anti-DNP were almost identical, KD(bulk) = 1.7 ± 0.2 nM vs. 2.9 ± 0.1 nM. By contrast, the dissociation constant for anti-biotin antibody was three orders of magnitude tighter than for anti-DNP at a lipid membrane interface, KD = 3.6 ± 1.1 nM vs. 2.0 ± 0.2 μM. We postulate that the pronounced difference in surface binding constants for these two similar antibodies is due to differences in the ligands' relative lipophilicity, i.e., the more hydrophobic DNP molecules had a stronger interaction with the lipid bilayers, rendering them less available to incoming anti-DNP antibodies compared with the biotin/anti-biotin system. However, when membrane-bound biotin ligands were well screened by a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) polymer brush, the KD value for the anti-biotin antibody could also be weakened by three orders of magnitude, 2.4 ± 1.1 μM. On the other hand, the dissociation constant for anti-DNP antibodies at a lipid interface could be significantly enhanced when DNP haptens were tethered to the end of very long hydrophilic PEG lipopolymers (KD = 21 ± 10 nM) rather than presented on short lipid-conjugated tethers. These results demonstrate that ligand presentation strongly influences protein interactions with membrane-bound ligands.
The Cytoplasmic and Transmembrane Domains of AE2 Both Contribute to Regulation of Anion Exchange by pH

We have compared regulation by pH of AE1 (band 3)- and AE2-mediated 36Cl- uptake into Xenopus oocytes. 36Cl- influx was assayed at varying extracellular pH (pHo) values between 9.0 and 5.0 under conditions in which corresponding intracellular pH (pHi) values were at or near steady-state. Wild type (WT) AE1 displayed a broad convex pH versus activity curve, with peak activity at pHo 7.0 and 63% of maximal activity at pHo 5.0. In contrast, WT AE2 displayed a steep pH versus activity curve, with peak activity at pHo9.0 and full suppression at pHo 5.0. The structural basis of these differing pH sensitivities was examined by expression of cRNAs encoding chimeric and truncated proteins. Mutant polypeptides were expressed in oocytes and detected at the cell surface. The AE2cyto/AE1memb polypeptide displayed a broad pH versus activity curve similar to that of WT AE1. In contrast, the AE1cyto/AE2memb polypeptide displayed a steep pH versus activity curve, which was shifted toward acid pH values from that of WT AE2 by 0.69 ± 0.04 pHo units. Moreover, whereas the pH versus activity curves of AE2 Δ99 and WT AE2 were indistinguishable, AE2 Δ510 exhibited a pH versus activity curve acid-shifted from that of WT AE2 by 0.66 ± 0.13 pHo units (indistinguishable from that of AE1cyto/AE2memb). The data suggest that a pH sensor resides within the transmembrane region of AE2. The affinity for protons of this pH sensor is influenced by a modifier site located between residues 99 and 510 of the N-terminal cytoplasmic domain of AE2. Acidification of oocytes with acetate suggested that pHi accounted for some but not all of the measured pH dependence of AE2.
On the road to health? Road traffic accidents in Pacific societies: The case of Niue Island, western Polynesia.

Road traffic accidents (RTAs) in Pacific societies in general are examined and a case study presented. There is a paucity of data on Pacific RTAs. Available data are generally poor in quality and specificity, with few adequate measures of risk. Despite this, it is clear that motor vehicle accidents are responsible for considerable mortality and morbidity throughout the Pacific. Most Pacific societies are in a state of low motorization and are experiencing high vehicle fatality rates but low population fatality rates. When motorization reaches a higher level, however, RTA deaths and injuries begin to have an impact on population structure and on societal as well as family economies. Using archival and ethnographic evidence, examination is made of the sociocultural context of motor vehicle use, roaduser behavior, and RTA occurrence on Niue Island, a nation with a high degree of motorization. Motorcycles are the preferred mode of transport on Niue. Cultural values and behaviors that affect motor vehicle accident rates include exaggerated risk-taking, especially by young adult males. Alcohol plays a significant role in driving and other risky behaviors. Such behavior appears not just on Niue but in other Pacific nations also. It is vital to effectively monitor motor vehicle collisions and the effects of road and traffic development in these small scale societies. Culturally appropriate "road rules" and driver education campaigns, enforcement of traffic ordinances, highway improvement, and the development of safe public transport systems will be needed in order to reduce both short-term and long-term consequences of continued motorization and RTAs. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
OCLC in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, 1998–2008

ABSTRACT This article is a continuation of the article of the same name by Christine Deschamps who described the evolution of OCLC in Europe 1981–1997. This article continues the story for the period 1998–2008 and covers the expansion of OCLC services to the Middle East and Africa. It also includes the organizational, governance and product portfolio developments for this period under the global leadership of Jay Jordan.
Comparison of a wipe and a vacuum collection method for the determination of lead in residential dusts.

Lead-containing house dust is an important source of childhood lead exposure. Standard methods for collection of settled dust for evaluation of lead content have not been established. Little is known about the relationships between the various wipe and vacuum-based methods employed in past studies, preventing meaningful comparisons of results. This study characterized the relationship between a frequently used wipe dust collection method and a vacuum-based in-line filter method used to collect dust in a national survey of lead in paint and dust in U.S. housing. The correlation coefficient was 0.82 for estimates of lead loadings (PbD, mg/m2) from 71 pairs of side-by-side wipe and vacuum dust samples collected from uncarpeted floors, window sills, and exterior window wells in six dwellings. Geometric mean (GM) wipe PbD estimates exceeded those for vacuum samples by a factor of 3.9 and 5.7 for floors and window sills, respectively, findings consistent with the multiple sources of sample loss associated with the vacuum sampler. For window wells, the GM vacuum PbD estimate exceeded the GM wipe PbD estimate by a factor of 3.4, possibly due to the use of an alternative vacuum nozzle. The resulting increase in the estimated prevalence of U.S. homes with elevated dust lead loadings had wipe-sampling instead of vacuum-sampling methods been used in the national survey is discussed.
Complexity of Monte Carlo and deterministic dose-calculation methods

Grid-based deterministic dose-calculation methods for radiotherapy planning require the use of six-dimensional phase space grids. Because of the large number of phase space dimensions, a growing number of medical physicists appear to believe that grid-based deterministic dose-calculation methods are not competitive with Monte Carlo methods. We argue that this conclusion may be premature. Our results do suggest, however, that finite difference or finite element schemes with orders of accuracy greater than one will probably be needed if such methods are to compete well with Monte Carlo methods for dose calculations.
Pyrimidine biosynthesis and its regulation in embryos of the sea urchin, Arbacia punctulata.

Abstract 1. 1. Evidence for the occurrence of the orotate pathway for the de novo biosynthesis of pyrimidines in the developing sea urchin embryo was provided by the incorporation of (14C) NaHCO3, (14C) carbamoylaspartate, and (6-14C) orotic acid into the pyrimidines of RNA, in vivo. 2. 2. This interpretation was supported by the observation that the radio-label from (14C) NaHCO3 appeared in the C-2 position of the uracil ring and by the demonstration of the activity of all of the enzymes of the orotate pathway in cell-free extracts of sea urchin eggs. 3. 3. Evidence was obtained for the regulation of the de novo pathway by end-product inhibition.
The Development and Evaluation of Performance-Based Functional Assessment: A Methodology for the Measurement of Physical Capabilities

Understanding and describing the physical capabilities of users with motor impairments is a significant challenge for accessibility researchers and system designers alike. Current practice is to use descriptors such as medical diagnoses to represent a person’s physical capabilities. This solution is not adequate due to similarities in functional capabilities between diagnoses as well as differences in capabilities within a diagnosis. An alternative is user self-reporting or observation by another person, but these solutions can be problematic because they rely on individual interpretations of capabilities and may introduce unwanted bias. The current research focuses on defining an objective, quantifiable, repeatable, and efficient methodology for assessing an individual’s physical capabilities in relation to use of information technologies. Thirty-one users with a range of physical capabilities participated in the evaluation of the proposed performance-based functional assessment methodology. Building on the current standard for such assessments, multiple observers provided independent assessments that served as the gold standard for comparison. Promising metrics produced through the performance-based assessment were identified through comparisons with these observer evaluations. Predictive models were then generated via regression and correlation analysis. The models were validated using a three-fold validation process. Results from this initial research are encouraging, with the resulting models explaining up to 92p of the variance in user capabilities. Directions for future research are discussed.
Comparison of gene expression responses to hypoxia in viviparous (Xiphophorus) and oviparous (Oryzias) fishes using a medaka microarray.

Abstract Gene expression profiling using DNA microarray technology is a useful tool for assessing gene transcript level responses after an organism is exposed to environmental stress. Herein, we detail results from studies using an 8 k medaka (Oryzias latipes) microarray to assess modulated gene expression patterns upon hypoxia exposure of the live-bearing aquaria fish, Xiphophorus maculatus. To assess the reproducibility and reliability of using the medaka array in cross-genus hybridization, a two-factor ANOVA analysis of gene expression was employed. The data show the tissue source of the RNA used for array hybridization contributed more to the observed response of modulated gene targets than did the species source of the RNA. In addition, hierarchical clustering via heat map analyses of groupings of tissues and species (Xiphophorus and medaka) suggests that hypoxia induced similar responses in the same tissues from these two diverse aquatic model organisms. Our Xiphophorus results indicate 206 brain, 37 liver, and 925 gill gene targets exhibit hypoxia induced expression changes. Analysis of the Xiphophorus data to determine those features exhibiting a significant (p
Extent of surgery for intermediate-risk well-differentiated thyroid cancer.

Abstract Background: Methods of assigning patients with papillary or follicular thyroid cancer (well-differentiated thyroid cancer) to risk groups for the purpose of determining appropriate therapy have been developed. Despite these efforts, the optimal extent of surgery for intermediate-risk patients remains controversial. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted of 208 patients with well-differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) from two institutions. Univariate and multivariate analysis of patient- and tumor-related variables was performed. A regression model was obtained, three risk groups (low, intermediate, and high) were defined, and survival curves were generated. Results: Prognostic variables were age ( P P P P = 0.03) by univariate analysis and age ( P P P = 0.07) was included in the regression model. Total thyroidectomy appeared to provide a survival advantage for intermediate risk patients. High-risk patients treated by lobectomy had a poorer prognosis. Conclusions: Total thyroidectomy may provide a survival advantage for intermediate-risk patients with DTC. A prospective randomized trial with 200 such patients is required to confirm this finding.
Morphology and stratigraphy of the late Quaternary lower Brazos valley: Implications for paleo-climate, discharge and sediment delivery

Abstract A shallow coring and geophysical logging program has recorded the sedimentary fill of the Brazos River valley in the Texas Gulf Coastal Plain. Thermoluminescence dates together with new and recalibrated published radiocarbon dates show the valley fill to include extensive, sandy, buried falling stage and lowstand Oxygen Isotope Stage (OIS) 3 and 2 deposits. These alluvial deposits are punctuated by numerous paleosoil horizons that record alternating periods of cutting, bypass and accumulation. Maximum valley incision and two periods of terrace formation preceded marine lowstand conditions, suggesting significant discordance between preserved fluvial and classical marine system tracts. The latest Pleistocene incision and fill history appears related to cycles of increased discharge and incision, followed by system equilibration and terrace formation. Analysis of the Brazos River incised valley and its contained paleochannels indicates that latest Pleistocene mean annual discharge was as much as four times greater than that of today. This magnitude of discharge in the Brazos would require a two-fold increase in precipitation across the drainage basin. Such an increase is comparable to the present day measured positive El Nino winter precipitation anomaly across the region. Paleochannel geometries and the stratigraphic and sedimentologic data from this investigation support the hypothesis that periods of high-amplitude, El Nino-like climatic perturbations characterized the late Quaternary climate of the south-central and southwestern U.S. This period of high discharge coincides, at least in part, with late OIS 3 progradation of the Brazos delta to the shelf margin, OIS 3 and 2 valley incision across the Texas shelf, and concomitant sand bypass to intraslope basins beyond the shelf edge.
Grafting of germanium phthalocyanine dichloride on poly(vinylidene fluoride) surfaces

Room temperature ultrasonic surface modifications of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) with germanium phthalocyanine dichloride in the presence of lithium lead to the formation of Ge-C bonds on the PVDF surfaces. Based on the analysis of attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infra-red, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (X.p.s.) and ultraviolet-visible (u.v.-vis.) spectra of the PVDF modified surfaces, it is shown that these species are chemically bonded through a central metal atom. This is demonstrated by the appearance of the 613 cm −1 band due to the Ge-C stretching mode, and a parallel disappearance of the C-F and C-H modes at 764, 1182 and 1209 cm −1 . Although more data are needed to establish mechanistic aspects of these reactions, X.p.s. and u.v.-vis. spectral analyses also indicate a removal of HF groups from the PVDF surface and the formation of C-Ge bonds.
Crystallization and Characterization of Pumilio: A Novel RNA Binding Protein

Abstract Axis determination in early Drosophila embryos is controlled, in part, by regulation of translation of mRNAs transcribed in maternal cells during oogenesis. The Pumilio protein is essential in posterior determination, binding to hunchback mRNA in complex with Nanos to suppress hunchback translation. In order to understand the structural basis of RNA binding, Nanos recruitment, and translational control, we have crystallized a domain of the Drosophila Pumilio protein that binds RNA. The crystals belong to the space group P 6 3 with unit cell dimensions of a = b = 94.5 A, c = 228.9 A, α = β = 90°, γ = 120° and diffract to 2.6 A with synchrotron radiation. We show that the purified protein actively binds RNA and is likely to have a novel RNA binding fold due to a very high content of α-helical secondary structure.
An autoradiographic investigation of bone remodelling in the rat calvarium grown in organ culture

Abstract Organ culture studies of a portion of the rat calvarium revealed a remodelling pattern similar to that found in the intact animal. Rats aged 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15 days were injected with 1 μCi 3 H-proline per gram body weight 6 hr prior to explantation. The resultant band of label on bone surfaces served as a baseline for osteoid added in vitro . A synthetic medium, BGJb, was used with the addition of ascorbic acid, foetal calf serum, and hydrocortisone. The expiants were incubated on a metal screen in a plastic dish exposed to 95 per cent oxygen and 5 per cent carbon dioxide for 2 days and then examined histologically. A growth pattern similar to that of bone grown in vivo was observed. The osseous skeleton, like the cartilaginous anlage, has an inherent morphogenetic potential in the almost complete absence of functional demands and is not completely subject to the environment.
Anesthetic management of renal transplantation in a patient with familial dysautonomia

Familial dysautonomia is an inherited disorder characterized by autonomic and sensory nervous system neuropathy resulting in extremely labile blood pressure (severe hypertension followed by hypotension). As more patients with familial dysautonomia reach adulthood due to improved medical treatment, perioperative encounters of patients with familial dysautonomia will increase. This report is the first adult case to describe an anesthetic management of kidney transplantation for an adult familial dysautonomia patient. The clinical manifestations of this disease and rationale of our anesthetic management are discussed.
The transition of plane plumes

Abstract An experimental study of the transition of plane thermal plumes has clarified some of the mechanisms and indicated the limits of the transition regime in air. A flow subject to naturally occurring disturbances was found to selectively amplify disturbance components below a certain cutoff frequency. This is in agreement with a previous experimental study with controlled disturbances. There is apparently no narrow band-filtering, as found both for flows adjacent to vertical surfaces both from stability analysis and experiments. Nonlinear mechanisms arise to distribute disturbance energy both to higher frequencies and more uniformly across a broad spectrum. Turbulence intensity increases, then decreases. Such weak free-boundary flows are subjected to many disturbance sources and it was found necessary to be very careful in interpreting observed flow fluctuations as turbulence. A visual criterion, along with one based on the maximum instantaneous mid-plane temperature, proved reliable.
Prediction of glass-forming compositions using liquidus temperature calculations

A predictive model for metallic glass compositional design was constructed based upon the calculated liquidus temperatures. Furthermore, a parameter, termed α, was defined in order to quantify the relative depth of a eutectic in an alloy system. Large α parameters signify higher glass-forming ability. Comparisons of this theory and experimental results given in literature from varied sources and alloy types show that compositions containing relatively high α values correspond to successfully produced bulk metallic glasses. Specifically, an α parameter value in excess of 1 suggests a slight tendency for glass formation, while α values greater than 1.5 suggest a very strong tendency. Thus, the α parameter can serve as a tool for quantifying potential bulk metallic glass alloys in terms of limiting their requirement for rapid quenching. This technique is appropriate for both constituent element selection and composition optimization.
Associations of HDL, HDL2, and HDL3 Cholesterol and Apolipoproteins A-I and B with Lifestyle Factors in Healthy Women and Men: The Stanford Five City Project

Abstract Background . Measures of the two major high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subfractions, HDL 2 and HDL 3 , and the major apolipoproteins of HDL and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), Apo A-I and Apo B, may be etiologically important factors in the development of coronary artery disease. The association of lifestyle factors with these lipoprotein-related variables remains unclear. Methods . HDL-C, HDL 2 -C, HDL 3 -C, Apo A-I, and Apo B levels were determined in a population-based sample of 1,027 healthy women and men aged 25–64 years, from four California cities who participated in the 1989/1990 survey of the Stanford Five City Project. In this cross-sectional study we examined the independent associations of these lipoprotein-related variables with body mass index (BMI), cigarette smoking, daily energy expenditure, alcohol intake, dietary intake, and hormone use (oral contraceptives and estrogen replacement therapy). Results . In general, BMI and alcohol intake were the strongest independent predictors of the lipoprotein-related variables. The negative association of BMI with HDL-C was attributable primarily to the association with the HDL 2 -C subfraction, while for alcohol intake the positive association with HDL-C was attributable primarily to the association with HDL 3 -C, particularly in men. Among men, but not women, energy expenditure was a significant independent predictor of each of the lipoprotein-related variables, with positive associations observed for HDL-C, HDL 2 -C, HDL 2 -C, and Apo A-I and a negative association observed for Apo B ( P Conclusions . Data from this population-based sample suggest that specific lifestyle factors are more strongly associated with some lipoprotein-related variables than with others, with notable gender differences.
Self-assembly of organic monolayers on aerosolized silicon nanoparticles.

A new method is described for surface functionalization of silicon nanocrystals. Organic monolayers were self-assembled via gas-phase adsorption of amines, alkenes, alkynes, and aldehydes onto the surfaces of aerosolized crystalline silicon nanoparticles of 12.2 nm diameter in an atmospheric pressure tube reactor. Assembly took place within 4 s at temperatures between 200 and 500 °C. The extent of adsorption was measured by using tandem differential mobility analysis (T-DMA), an on-line diagnostic method for measuring changes in particle size. Functionalized particles were further characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The apparatus described in this work can be used for continuous mass production of functionalized silicon nanoparticles. Moreover, the overall strategy of using T-DMA for monitoring monolayer uptake could be generally applied to study surface processing of other aerosolized nanoparticle systems.
Structure refinement and chromium solubility for Zr2S

Analyse, par diffraction de rayons X, du melange contenant 60%at Zr, 27%at Cr et 13%at S maintenu a 1300 C pendant plusieurs heures. Le cristal obtenu est Zr 2 S. Determination des parametres cristallins affines. Aucune dissolution du chrome n'est observee
Evidence for exchange coupling in the absorption spectrum of NdCl3

Abstract High resolution absorption spectra of NdCl3 show that each line is accompanied by two satellites of comparable intensity arising from an anisotropic (near-neigbor fictitious spin) exchange coupling of the form H n−n = J ij S iz S iz . For the ground state, J ij =1.62 cm −1 (antiferromagnetic).
Pacemaker failure: Emergency department assessment

Emergency pacemaker problems need to be identified early and corrected quickly. The ways in which demand and fixed rate pacemakers fail produce characteristic findings on physical examination, electrocardiogram, x-ray, and radio-auscultation. The causes of pacemaker failure are: battery depletion, broken or misplaced leads, exit block, and component failure. Accurate diagnosis and proper therapy require a systematic approach to the problem. The types of pacemakers and their functioning are reviewed.
Construction of analytically solvable models for interacting species

The basic form of a model representation for systems of n interacting biological species is a set of essentially nonlinear autonomous ordinary differential equations. A generic canonical expression for the rate functions in the equations is reported which permits the analytical general solution to be obtained by elementary computation. It is shown that a general analytical solution is directly obtainable for models where the rate functions are prescribed by the generic canonical expression from the outset. Some illustrative examples are given which demonstrate that the generic canonical expression can be used to construct analytically solvable models for two interacting species with limit-cycle dynamics as well as for a three-species interdependence.
On the automated assessment of nuclear reactor systems code accuracy

Abstract An automated code assessment program (ACAP) has been developed to provide quantitative comparisons between nuclear reactor systems (NRS) code results and experimental measurements. The tool provides a suite of metrics for quality of fit to specific data sets, and the means to produce one or more figures of merit (FOM) for a code, based on weighted averages of results from the batch execution of a large number of code–experiment and code–code data comparisons. Accordingly, this tool has the potential to significantly streamline the verification and validation (V and V) processes in NRS code development environments which are characterized by rapidly evolving software, many contributing developers and a large and growing body of validation data. In this paper, a survey of data conditioning and analysis techniques is summarized which focuses on their relevance to NRS code accuracy assessment. A number of methods are considered for their applicability to the automated assessment of the accuracy of NRS code simulations. A variety of data types and computational modeling methods are considered from a spectrum of mathematical and engineering disciplines. The goal of the survey was to identify needs, issues and techniques to be considered in the development of an automated code assessment procedure, to be used in United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) advanced thermal–hydraulic T/H code consolidation efforts. The ACAP software was designed based in large measure on the findings of this survey. An overview of this tool is summarized and several NRS data applications are provided. The paper is organized as follows: The motivation for this work is first provided by background discussion that summarizes the relevance of this subject matter to the nuclear reactor industry. Next, the spectrum of NRS data types are classified into categories, in order to provide a basis for assessing individual comparison methods. Then, a summary of the survey is provided, where each of the relevant issues and techniques considered are addressed. Several of the methods have been coded and/or applied to relevant NRS code–data comparisons and these demonstration calculations are included. Next, an overview of the basic design, structure and operational mechanics of ACAP is provided. Then, a summary of the data pre-processing, data analysis and FOM assembly processing elements of the software is included. Lastly, a number of NRS sample applications are presented which illustrate the functionality of the code and its ability to provide objective accuracy measures.
Exchange market pressure, stock prices, and commodity prices in West Africa

As Africa continues its decade of rapid economic growth, the continent also faces the risk of becoming more susceptible to financial ‘contagion.’ Capital flows and trade linkages might cause one country’s currency market to influence those of its neighbors. Likewise, shocks to global commodity or asset markets might induce a crisis in one or more countries in the region. This study generates monthly measures of exchange market pressure (EMP) for four individual West African countries, as well as for the WAEMU franc zone, from 2002 to 2012. Vector Autoregressive (VAR) methods are then used to test for linkages among them, as well as to analyze the effects of various external price shocks. A number of spillovers are uncovered. More importantly, local connections dominate global ones in the case of stock- and commodity-price declines. Ghana, for example, is shown to be a ‘commodity currency’ when West African commodity prices are included in the VAR, but not when a global index is used.
The Mechanism of Cosmic-Ray Counter Action

A study of photographs taken in a very powerful magnetic field with the aid of a cloud chamber activated by counter responses shows (1) that such an arrangement has a strong selective action on showers; (2) that showers so selected have an exceptional multiplicity of tracks; (3) that the two counters show simultaneous responses when no single particle can pass through both of them; (4) that in general these showers consist of a mixture of positive and negative electrons rather than of electrons and protons, no effects certainly attributable to neutrons being observed; (5) that these electrons in getting out of the nucleus some times produce an intense photon spray of the nature of "brems strahlung"; (6) that these photon sprays are increasingly responsible for the simultaneous activation of the two counters the thicker the intervening lead; (7) that a light element like carbon has little effect in producing either showers or sprays; (8) that the total energy of a shower is not larger than that of single electrons (+ or -); (9) that the Dirac theory encounters certain difficulties in accounting for the observed effects.
Angiotensin and CNS Regulation of Blood Pressure

It appears that angiotensin II (AII) has access to the CNS by three routes: endogenous formation within the brain, passage into CSF, or transfer across “gaps” in the blood-brain barrier. The mode of access influences both the characteristics and the magnitude of the cardiovascular effects exerted by AII within the CNS. In the dog the effects of blood-borne AII on the area postrema (AP) in the IV ventricle seem to have the most physiological significance. In recent experiments we have characterized both the histological composition of this structure and its physiological effects. While electrical stimulation of the AP, in similarity to the pressor effects of intravertebral AII, produces a hypertensive response dependent on sympathetic vasomotor outflow, ablation of this structure results in mild hypotension associated with decreased hemodynamic variability and altered vascular responsiveness to intravenous AII and norepinephrine. Recent data suggest that the sympatho-facilitative action of AII on the AP ma...
SECOND-ORDER DEVELOPMENT IN INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION

Developmental studies in interpersonal communication have focused on first-order development—relational development within a given matrix of rules. Neglected has been the interpersonal communication that results in second-order development—the creation of a new interpersonal system. A rationale, a model, and procedures for the study of second-order development are presented. A case is analyzed, and several conclusions are proposed. Second-order development (1) follows a predictable pattern, (2) it is marked by personal struggle, (3) its outcomes are oblique to its happening, and (4) it involves risk. Future research is directed toward the effects on second-order development of certain kinds of episodes and their sequential order and toward the use of the procedures demonstrated in analyzing the development of long-standing relationships.
Improved FLP Recombinase, FLPe, Efficiently Removes Marker Gene from Transgene Locus Developed by Cre– lox Mediated Site-Specific Gene Integration in Rice

Site-specific recombination systems, such as FLP–FRT and Cre–lox, carry out precise recombination reactions on their respective targets in plant cells. This has led to the development of two important applications in plant biotechnology: marker-gene deletion and site-specific gene integration. To draw benefits of both applications, it is necessary to implement them in a single transformation process. In order to develop this new process, the present study evaluated the efficiency of FLP–FRT system for excising marker gene from the transgene locus developed by Cre–lox mediated site-specific integration in rice. Two different FLP recombinases, the wild-type FLP (FLPwt) and its thermostable derivative, FLPe, were used for the excision of marker gene flanked by FLP recombination targets (FRT). While marker excision mediated by FLPwt was undetectable, use of FLPe resulted in efficient marker excision in a number of transgenic lines, with the relative efficiency reaching up to ~100%. Thus, thermo-stability of FLP recombinase in rice cells is critical for efficient site-specific recombination, and use of FLPe offers practical solutions to FLP–FRT-based biotechnology applications in plants.
The effects of some agronomic practices on the incidence of Rhizoctonia

MoreRhizoctonia occurred on potato tubers where potatoes were grown on the same plots for three successive years than during the longer rotations. On plots where potatoes were grown for three years in succession, the use of 1000 pounds of 5-10-5 fertilizer reduced the number of tubers showingRhizoctonia in the two locations where the rotations were such that this point was tested. The application of stable manure reduced the amount ofRhizoctonia on the tubers at all of the places. A rye cover crop also reduced the amount ofRhizoctonia in two of the three places. The best results in controllingRhizoctonia where potatoes were grown repeatedly on the same plots were obtained by combining all of these practices, that is the use of commercial fertilizer, stable manure and cover crops.