cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of process parameters on the breakage kinetics of poorly water-soluble drugs during wet stirred media milling: a microhydrodynamic view.

Abstract Wet stirred media milling has proven to be a robust process for producing nanoparticle suspensions of poorly water-soluble drugs. As the process is expensive and energy-intensive, it is important to study the breakage kinetics, which determines the cycle time and production rate for a desired fineness. Although the impact of process parameters on the properties of final product suspensions has been investigated, scant information is available regarding their impact on the breakage kinetics. Here, we elucidate the impact of stirrer speed, bead concentration, and drug loading on the breakage kinetics via a microhydrodynamic model for the bead–bead collisions. Suspensions of griseofulvin, a model poorly water-soluble drug, were prepared in the presence of two stabilizers: hydroxypropyl cellulose and sodium dodecyl sulfate. Laser diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and rheometry were used to characterize them. Various microhydrodynamic parameters including a newly defined milling intensity factor was calculated. An increase in either the stirrer speed or the bead concentration led to an increase in the specific energy and the milling intensity factor, consequently faster breakage. On the other hand, an increase in the drug loading led to a decrease in these parameters and consequently slower breakage. While all microhydrodynamic parameters provided significant physical insight, only the milling intensity factor was capable of explaining the influence of all parameters directly through its strong correlation with the process time constant. Besides guiding process optimization, the analysis rationalizes the preparation of a single high drug-loaded batch (20% or higher) instead of multiple dilute batches.
A Stone-Čech ultrafuzzy compactification

Abstract It is shown that if ( X , F ) is a fuzzy topological space whose induced topology is Tychonoff, then ( X , F ) has a Stone-Cech ultra-fuzzy compactification.
Stress-associated impacts of short-term holding on fishes

Most sources of stress in aquaculture, fish salvage, stocking programs, and commercial and sport fisheries may be unavoidable. Collecting, handling, sorting, holding, and transporting are routine practices that can have significant effects on fish physiology and survival. Nevertheless, an understanding of the stressors affecting fish holding can lead to practices that reduce stress and its detrimental effects. The stress-related effects of short-term holding are influenced by water quality, confinement density, holding container design, and agonistic and predation-associated behaviors. Physiological demands (e.g., resulting from confinement-related stresses) exceeding a threshold level where the fish can no longer compensate may lead to debilitating effects. These effects can be manifested as suppressed immune systems; decreased growth, swimming performance, or reproductive capacity; even death. Furthermore, holding tolerance may depend upon the species, life stage, previous exposure to stress, and behavior of the held fish. Water quality is one of the most important contributors to fish health and stress level. Fish may be able to tolerate adverse water quality conditions; however, when combined with other stressors, fish may be quickly overcome by the resulting physiological challenges. Temperature, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, salinity, pH, carbon dioxide, alkalinity, and hardness are the most common water quality parameters affecting physiological stress. Secondly, high fish densities in holding containers are the most common problem throughout aquaculture facilities, live-fish transfers, and fish salvage operations. Furthermore, the holding container design may also compromise the survival and immune function by affecting water quality, density and confinement, and aggressive interactions. Lastly, fishes held for relatively short durations are also influenced by negative interactions, associated with intraspecific and interspecific competition, cannibalism, predation, and determining nascent hierarchies. These interactions can be lethal (i.e., predation) or may act as a vector for pathogens to enter (i.e., bites and wounds). Predation may be a significant source of mortality for fisheries practices that do not sort by size or species while holding. Stress associated with short-term holding of fishes can have negative effects on overall health and well-being. These four aspects are major factors contributing to the physiology, behavior, and survival of fishes held for a relatively short time period.
Bibliographic index coverage of a multidisciplinary field

This study examines the literature of a multidisciplinary field, later-life migration, and evaluates the effectiveness of 12 bibliographic databases in indexing that literature. Five journals--three in social gerontology, one in rural sociology, and one in regional science--account for 40% of the papers published in this area. The disciplines that publish the most work on later-life migration are not necessarily those that provide the best index coverage, however. Moreover, four multidisciplinary databases each provide better index coverage than any single-subject index. The relatively low degree of overlap among the 12 databases suggests that scholars working on topics such as later-life migration must continue to rely on a wide range of bibliographic tools, both disciplinary and multidisciplinary.
Trichuris suis: detection of antibacterial activity in excretory-secretory products from adults.

Antibacterial activity was detected in excretory-secretory products (ESP) of adult Trichuris suis cultured in vitro in serum-free media. Gram-negative bacteria (Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli, and Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) were sensitive to ESP. Susceptibility was dependent on the concentration of ESP but not on the inoculum size. Preliminary assessment of the mode of action suggests a bacteriocidal mechanism. This antibacterial activity was heat stable and resistant to digestion with pronase E and trypsin. Based on ultrafiltration experiments, the activity is less than 10,000 MW. This excreted/secreted antibacterial activity from T. suis is likely a component of a humoral defense system for this helminth.
The benefits of social impact assessment in Third World development

Abstract It is the contention of this paper that, despite the cultural-political nature of the planning process, benefits from incorporating Social Impact Assessment (SIA) into the planning process are such that they must be given careful consideration in Third-World development. Benefits can accrue to proponents through a higher success rate and to the affected population through a better understanding of the changes that will likely take place in the community of impact. The paper outlines the degree to which international donor agencies are now utilizing SIA or Social Soundness Analysis (SSA). The North American situation is reviewed for possible information or situations that might have applicability to Third-World settings. The paper concludes with a series of suggestions that might be considered if SSA and SIA are attempted in Third-World settings.
Traversing Layered Graphs Using the Work Function Algorithm

The work function algorithm (WFA) is an on-line algorithm that has been studied mostly in connection with thek-server problem, but can actually be used on a wide variety of on-line problems. Despite being a simple algorithm, WFA has proven to be difficult to analyze, and until recently few interesting results were known. We analyze the performance of the generalized work function algorithm, denoted ?-WFA, for on-line traversal of layered graphs. We show that for layered graphs of widthkand any ?>1, ?-WFA achieves competitive ratio (?+1)(2?/(??1))k?1??. This gives anO(k2k)-competitive ratio for appropriate choice of ?, improving the previous upper bound ofO(k32k).
Comparison of exact and approximate formulas for the Mott correction to energy loss of relativistic heavy ions

A comparison is conducted between an exact numerical calculation and two approximate analytic expressions for the Mott correction to energy loss of heavy ions. A complete tabulation of the Mott correction is presented together with a comparison of some of the approximate expressions for the Mott correction due to Ahlen (1978) and Morgan and Eby (1973). Comparison is made with results of an experimental calibration of the HEAO-3 Heavy Cosmic Ray experimental chambers at the Bevalac.
Simulation of the potential for life history components to regulate walleye population size

Jensen, A.L., 1989. Simulation of the potential for life history components to regulate walleye population size. Ecol. Modelling, 45: 27-41. A bioenergetic life history simulation model was applied to identify components of the walleye (Stezostedion vitrium) life history that had a potential for population regulation. The model combined a predator-prey model, a bioenergetic growth model, a relation between mortality and size, and the exponential mortality model to produce a feedback relation among abundance, food concentration, growth, and mortality. Larval mortality, juvenile mortality, and age at maturity were identified as factors with a potential for compensation. As the number of larvae increased, the number of young-of-year (roY) increased to a maximum and then decreased with further increase in the number of larvae. This occurred because as the number of larvae increased, food concentration decreased, growth rate decreased, and mortality, which was size dependent, increased. As the number of juveniles increased, the number of recruits increased to a maximum, and then with further increase in the number of juveniles the number of recruits decreased. Age at maturity increased exponentially with increase in the number of juveniles because growth decreased. Change in mortality of both adults and YOY had little potential for compensation.
Computer algorithm for hyperbolic equations

Quasi-linear hyperbolic partial-differential equations of the second order are easily transformed into their characteristic form, and hybrid computer algorithms based on the Continuous Space Discrete Time method of lines, taking advantage of such transformations are conveniently implemented. This is illustrated in this paper, together with considerations of the minimization of spurious diffusion effects which are associated with difference approximations of such equations. The example taken is that of the transient simulation of electrical transmission lines, but the concepts presented apply equally well to other problems in this class (e.g. one dimensional hydraulic simulations).
Weismann and evolution

August Weismann is one of the towering figures in the history of evolutionary biology. If we ask who in the nineteenth century after Darwin had the greatest impact on evolutionary theory, the unequivocal answer must be Weismann. It was he who was responsible for what Romanes later called neo-Darwinism. Curiously, all recent historical studies of Weismann deal with his impact on genetics, whereas a modern analysis of his evolutionary thought does not exist. It is my intent to present a scholarly account of Weismann's thought, in which his errors and failures are not suppressed but are recorded as honestly as his brilliant conceptual innovations. It does not reduce our admiration for Weismann in any way to recognize that he was human and occasionally opted for the wrong solution to a scientific puzzle. What makes Weismann's concern with the problems of evolution so fascinating is the gradual maturation of his thinking. There was an unfortunate tendency in the older histories of science to depict the thought of a great scientist as a monolithic structure, something poured out of one mold, impressively unchanging. More recent researches have shown how misleading such a presentation is, and this is true for almost any scientist one may mention. Lamarck, for instance, at the ripe age of fifty-six years, abandoned the concept of the fixity of species and of a constant world and became an evolutionist. When Weismann rejected the theory of an inheritance of acquired characters, surely a dramatic conversion, he was already over fortyseven years of age. This change required a fundamental rethinking of all of his previous assumptions on inheritance and evolution. Until a more comprehensive analysis of Weismann's evolutionary thought becomes available, it may be helpful to recognize three periods in
Gradient fit functions for two-body potential energy surfaces based upon a harmonic series

While force-field development has been discussed extensively in the literature, the question of what analytical expressions make the best function choices, particularly in the context of matching quantum mechanic potential energy surfaces (PES), is less explored. Traditional forms based upon harmonic oscillators and Lennard-Jones types have dominated the field owing to the focus on fitting properties. However, with the advent of gradient-fitting approaches, it is now possible with the correct force-field expressions to achieve consistent high-accuracy results with molecular dynamics calculations. Using the general principle that power series can fit surfaces of any shape well, we have utilised harmonic series functions to fit a two-body PES represented by a Morse function. The harmonic functions are fast because they have only integer exponents, and they fit accurately with a limited number of terms.
Catalytic growth of silica nanoparticles in controlled shapes at planar liquid/liquid interfaces

The shape of silica nanoparticles is controlled when they are synthesized at liquid/liquid interfaces; the combination of organic and aqueous phases that form the interface can change the shape of silica into a triangle, cube, or rod.
A general superscalar for the combustion of liquid fuels

A new integral solution is found to apply to liquid fuel combustion for a wide range of configurations; isolated droplet burning, droplet array burning, liquid film burning or liquid stream burning; steady, quasisteady, or (in some cases) unsteady gas fields: transient or steady liquid thermal conditions; and stagnant, forced-convective, or natural-convective gas fields. The major constraints are one-step chemical kinetics and unitary Lewis number. In particular, the superscalar S is contrived and shown after integration of the governing equations to be uniform (but possibly time varying) over the gas field. S = h + v ( Q − L e f f 1 − Y F s ) Y O + L e f f 1 − Y F s Y F where h, YO, and YF are the specific enthalpy, oxidizer mass fraction, and fuel vapor mass fraction, respectively, with the subscript s indicating a value at the liquid surface; Q, Leff, and v are the fuel heating value, energy flux per unit mass flux transferred to the liquid surface, and the fuel-to-air mass stoichiometric ratio, respectively. The value of S can be determined without a need to engage the continuity and momentum equations. Similarly, the limiting flame temperature (for infinite kinetic rate) Tf and the liquid surface temperature T, will depend only on ambient conditions, fuel properties, and Leff. That is, S, Tf and Ts are shown to depend on the hydrodynamics, transport phenomena, and geometrical configurations only through Leff and are readily calculable. Variations in the form of the superscalar are discussed for the cases of multicomponent liquid fuels and vaporization without burning. Comparisons of these results with a few previous results in certain classical configurations validate the new findings. Extensions to other configurations are discussed. The use of the superscalar to validate subgrid modeling for laminar and turbulent spray combustion is examined.
Efficacy of concurrent application of chlorhexidine gluconate and povidone iodine against six nosocomial pathogens.

Background Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) and povidone iodine (PI) are rarely used concurrently despite a lack of evidence regarding functional incompatibility of these agents. Methods CHG and PI, alone and combined, were evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-suseptible S aureus [MSSA] and methicillin-resistant S aureus [MRSA]), Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE), Acinetobacter baumannii , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and Escherichia coli using checkerboard microbroth dilution techniques. Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was the concentration (percent wt/vol) that reduced bacterial burden ≥5-log 10 colony-forming units/mL at 2 hours when compared with bacterial densities in growth controls. Fractional bactericidal concentration indexes (FBCIs) were calculated to determine CHG and PI compatibility. Additionally, tissue plugs from freshly excised porcine vaginal mucosa were infected with S aureus (MSSA), treated for 2 hours with CHG 3%, PI 5%, or CHG 3% and PI 5% combined and then viable bacteria on the tissue plugs enumerated. Results In broth, CHG demonstrated dose-dependent bactericidal activity, whereas PI activity was all-or-none. All isolates studied were similarly susceptible to CHG (MBCs: 0.0078% ± 0.0019%, 0.0069% ± 0.0026%, 0.0024% ± 0.0005%, 0.0024% ± 0.0005%, 0.0059% ± 0.0%, and 0.0029% ± 0.0%, respectively). The MBCs of PI were identical (0.625%) for all isolates. Overall, FBCI calculations showed indifference. Treatment of MSSA-infected porcine tissue for 2 hours demonstrated that the CHG-PI combination was superior to either antiseptic alone. Conclusion FBCIs, determined in broth culture, indicate that combining CHG and PI had no negative impact on antisepsis. Moreover, data from an ex vivo porcine mucosal infection model suggest a potential benefit when combining the 2 antiseptic agents.
Magnetic-spin-echo response to a moving vortex lattice in a type-II superconductor.

We present a model for the reduction of the height of a NMR spin echo caused by driven motion of vortices in an isotropic type-II superconductor. Detailed calculations are carried out for a triangular vortex lattice and a small-amplitude quasistatic sinusoidal rocking of the direction of the applied magnetic field. The model exhibits a scaling behavior in the relevant variables that is independent of the geometry of the sample. It is applied to the case of a thin cylindrical sample with the external field applied perpendicular to the axis of the sample. By fitting the model to experimental measurements, absolute values of the penetration depth \ensuremath{\lambda} and the coherence length \ensuremath{\xi} can be obtained.
Magnetic Bead Processor for Rapid Evaluation and Optimization of Parameters for Phosphopeptide Enrichment

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of phosphorylation continues to be both an important and a challenging experimental paradigm in proteomics-based research. Unfortunately researchers face difficulties inherent to the optimization of complex, multivariable methods and their application to the analysis of rare and often experimentally intractable phosphorylated peptides. Here we describe a platform based on manipulation of magnetic beads in a 96-well format that facilitates rapid evaluation of experimental parameters required for enrichment of phosphopeptides. Optimized methods provided for automated enrichment and subsequent LC-MS/MS detection of over 1000 unique phosphopeptides (approximately 1% FDR) from 50 microg of cell lysates. In addition we demonstrate use of this platform for identification of phosphopeptides derived from proteins separated by SDS-PAGE and visualized near the detection limit of silver staining.
Attachments past and present: Implications for therapeutic intervention with mother-infant dyads.

Theory and research on parent-infant attachment and on adult representations of past relationships suggest several possible themes and approaches for therapeutic intervention with parent-infant dyads. These include strategies aimed at increasing the parent's insight into the connection between past and present relationships and enhancing the parent's understanding of the child's needs and feelings, as well as the use of the therapeutic alliance to help the parent move toward more positive working models of self and others. Project STEEP (Steps Toward Effective, Enjoyable Parenting), an ongoing study of the effectiveness of preventive intervention with new mothers, provides one model of therapeutic intervention built on attachment theory and research.
Association of “Greenness” in Corn with Yield and Leaf Nitrogen Concentration

Efficient use of N fertilizer has become crucial due to fertilizer costs and the impact of excessive N on the environment. Diagnostic tools for estimating plant N status have an important role in reducing N inputs while maintaining yield. The objective of our study was to quantify corn (Zea mays L.) leaf greenness with a digital camera and image-analysis software and establish the relationship with yield, leafN concentration, and chlorophyll meter (or SPAD, soil plant analysis development) values. In 2008 and 2009, field experiments were conducted at five sites with N treatments ranging from 0 to 336 kg N ha ―1 . At tasseling, the ear leaf was sampled for color analysis and SPAD measurements, and then analyzed for total N. Hue, saturation, and brightness (HSB) values from digital images were processed into a dark green color index (DGCI), which combines HSB values into one composite number. Including calibration disks in images and changing the background color in photographs to pink greatly improved DGCI precision in 2009 over 2008. There was a close relationship (typically r 2 ≥ 0.70) of SPAD and DGCI with leaf N concentration. Within a location, yield increased linearly in most cases with both SPAD (average r 2 = 0.79) and DGCI (average r 2 = 0.78). Digital-image analysis was a simple method of determining corn N status that has potential as a diagnostic tool for determining crop N needs.
Avoiding Catastrophic Complications of Stroke and Death Related to Shoulder Surgery in the Sitting Position

The beach-chair position in shoulder surgery provides advantages to the surgeon and anesthesiologist. However, cautious interpretation of the patient's blood pressure is essential, especially when the blood pressure cuff is placed at the calf. The calf pressure should be interpreted relative to the heart-level pressure to avoid iatrogenic cerebral hypoperfusion related to hypotensive anesthesia. Possible complications of cerebral hypoperfusion are permanent neurologic impairment, stroke, and death.
Distribution-free mediation analysis for nonlinear models with confounding.

Recently, researchers have used a potential-outcome framework to estimate causally interpretable direct and indirect effects of an intervention or exposure on an outcome. One approach to causal-mediation analysis uses the so-called mediation formula to estimate the natural direct and indirect effects. This approach generalizes classical mediation estimators and allows for arbitrary distributions for the outcome variable and mediator. A limitation of the standard (parametric) mediation formula approach is that it requires a specified mediator regression model and distribution; such a model may be difficult to construct and may not be of primary interest. To address this limitation, we propose a new method for causal-mediation analysis that uses the empirical distribution function, thereby avoiding parametric distribution assumptions for the mediator. In order to adjust for confounders of the exposure-mediator and exposure-outcome relationships, inverse-probability weighting is incorporated based on a supplementary model of the probability of exposure. This method, which yields estimates of the natural direct and indirect effects for a specified reference group, is applied to data from a cohort study of dental caries in very-low-birth-weight adolescents to investigate the oral-hygiene index as a possible mediator. Simulation studies show low bias in the estimation of direct and indirect effects in a variety of distribution scenarios, whereas the standard mediation formula approach can be considerably biased when the distribution of the mediator is incorrectly specified.
INFLUENCE OF NITRATE AND NITRITE ON CAROTENE DISAPPEARANCE FROM THE RAT INTESTINE.

Abstract Disappearance of 300 mcg doses of beta carotene in aqueous suspension with Tween “80” from the ligated small intestine of rats was studied in 4 experiments. Pretreatment with 0.4% or more KNO 3 or with 0.5% or 1% KNO 2 increased disappearance. Part of the increased carotene disappearance was accounted for by the passage of intact carotene into the blood. Vitamin A concentrations in the blood were not affected.
Do Idiosyncratic Risks in Multi-Factor Asset Pricing Models Really Contain a Hidden Non-Diversifiable Factor? A Diagnostic Testing Approach

This paper employs a new approach to analyze potentially omitted non-diversifiable factors in the idiosyncratic risks from multi-factor asset pricing models. It is shown that if there is an omitted non-diversifiable hidden factor, the idiosyncratic risks will contain persistent cross-sectional memory. An extended Rescaled Variance test generalized from L. Giraitis, P. Kokoszaka, R. Leipus, and G. Teyssiere [1] with finite forecast horizon is provided to investigate the cross-sectional memory of forecast errors in multifactor pricing models. Under the null hypothesis that idiosyncratic risks contain only short memory when there is no hidden non-diversifiable factor, we demonstrate that the extendedT-sample Rescaled Variance test statistic approximates a functional of weighted Brownian Bridge, which is distributed asymptotically as the T-sample Watson’s statistic presented by Maag [2]. Using this approach, our empirical tests that compare forecast errors from the CAPM and Fama-French [3] model with the excess returns of 1391 firms indicate that there is a strong likelihood that the CAPM may require further identification of hidden non-diversifiable factor(s). Yet, there lacks convincing evidence that the Fama-French [3] model has an omitted non-diversifiable factor in idiosyncratic risks.
Cell kinetic alterations in murine mammary tumors following fasting and refeeding

Abstract In the present study, nutritional deprivation was shown to markedly alter the growth and cell kinetics of two widely different experimental tumors, the T-1699 transplantable mammary tumor (TMT) and the C3H HeJ spontaneous mammary tumor (SMT). In vitro techniques were used to determine the thymidine labeling index ([ 3 H]TdR LI), the tumor growth fraction, by the primer available DNA polymerase assay (PDP), and the DNA synthesis time (T S ) following fasting and refeeding. In both systems, fasting resulted in suppression of cell proliferation and significant tumor regression. Refeeding re-established the prefasting growth rates and cell kinetic profiles. The kinetic response to fasting in the TMT involved a generalized lengthening of the cell cycle (T C ), while the timing and magnitude of the response to refeeding appear to be dose dependent. In contrast, the kinetic data from the SMT during fasting was consistent with the presence of a cell cycle block in G 1 . Removal of this block by refeeding was prompt and was characterized by tumor cell synchronization and recruitment of non-cycling cells.
Expanding the gestational age limits for laser treatment for twin-twin transfusion.

h w g u Approximately 10-15% of monochorionic/diamniotic twin gestations are complicated by twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Placental intertwin vascular anastomoses re present in essentially all monochorionic twins; it is thought hat unbalanced blood flow through arteriovenous anastomoes leads to TTTS in some cases. Although several therapeutic ptions have been described for TTTS, most experts consider etoscopic laser photocoagulation of placental anastomoses to e the best approach. The severity of TTTS generally is reported by stage; the most ommonly used system, which was developed by Quintero et l, includes 5 stages that range from mild disease (demonstrated by isolated discordance in amniotic fluid volumes) to severe disease (death of 1 or both twins). Severe disease is generally defined as Quintero stages II-V. Two randomized trials have compared the efficacy of fetoscopic laser to serial large volume amnioreductions for the treatment of severe (stage II-IV) TTTS. In 2004, Senat et al published a randomized controlled trial (referred to as the Eurofetus trial) that demonstrated improved perinatal outcomes after laser ablation compared with amnioreduction in 142 women with a diagnosis of severe TTTS that had been diagnosed in the second trimester. This trial was stopped early after an interim analysis demonstrated improved perinatal outcomes in the laser group. In contrast, a second trial that was sponsored by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development in which 3 large US centers participated found that the recipient twin mortality rate was significantly higher in the laser group than in the amnioreduction group. Because of this and poor patient recruitment, this trial was also terminated early. It is important to note that there has never een a randomized trial that has included a group of TTTS atients with stages II, III, and IV who were treated expectantly; t is likely that there never will be such a trial, given the very oor prognosis of TTTS without intervention. In the previously mentioned studies, only pregnancies beween 16 and either 24 (National Institutes of Child Health and
Acute hepatotoxic effects of mirex in the rat

Mirex-induced hepatic damage included hepatocyte enlargement, glycogen depletion, focal surface necrosis, and periportal liposis when injected intraperitoneally. All the above alterations except surface lesions also occurred when Mirex was mixed with the food and fedad libitum.
Electronic quasichemical formalism: Application to arsenic deactivation in silicon

A statistical mechanical formalism is developed to simultaneously treat chemical and electronic disorder. The method is based on a quasichemical approximation with an arbitrary number of chemical components and defects, and an arbitrary cluster size. The chemical potentials of the atomic constituents are explicitly included so that both open and closed systems can be treated. For the electronic subsystem, bandlike excitations can be treated separately, and Fermi-Dirac statistics are employed. The formalism is applied to the problem of electrical deactivation in heavily arsenic-doped silicon, using ab initio total energies. Our results are in good agreement with the observed experimental behavior. The deactivation can be explained by equilibrium densities of arsenic clustering about a single vacancy. Clusters containing more than one vacancy and second-neighbor arsenic pairs relaxed to threefold coordination but not accompanied by a vacancy are present, but in equilibrium do not dominate the deactivation. Because of the rarity of four arsenic atoms surrounding a single silicon atom in randomly solidified material, for which the deactivating clusters can form in one step, vacancy clusters containing only two or three arsenic atoms and pairs of threefold-coordinated arsenic atoms not accompanied by vacancies may dominate the initial deactivation, prior to the rearrangement of atoms needed to achieve full equilibrium. At low arsenic concentrations, activated arsenic represents the equilibrium state for temperatures at which equilibrium can occur. An explanation of the experimentally observed transient reactivation is proposed.
Werner protein recruits DNA polymerase δ to the nucleolus

Abstract Werner syndrome is a Mendelian disorder of man that produces a number of manifestations resembling human aging. This disorder is caused by inactivation of the wrn gene, a member of the RecQ family of DNA helicases. The helicase and exonuclease activities of the Werner protein (WRN) suggest that it functions in DNA transactions, but the physiological function of WRN remains elusive. We present several lines of evidence that WRN interacts specifically with the p50 subunit of polymerase δ, the major DNA polymerase required for chromosomal DNA replication. P50, identified by yeast two-hybrid screening, interacts physically with the C terminus of WRN. Native WRN protein coimmunoprecipitates with p50 in a cellular fraction enriched in nucleolar proteins, and this immunocomplex also includes p125, the catalytic subunit of polymerase δ. In subcellular localization studies of cells transfected with WRN, p50 and p125 redistribute to the nucleolus and colocalize with WRN. These results suggest that one of the functions of WRN protein is to directly modify DNA replication via its interaction with p50 and abet dynamic relocalization of the DNA polymerase δ complexes within the nucleus.
Myocardial protection utilizing calcium containing and calcium free perfusates

The effects of the presence or absence of calcium in the cardioplegic perfusate were studied utilizing the isolated blood perfused dog heart preparation. Hearts were subjected to two hours of arrest at 27°C followed by 90 minutes of normothermic reperfusion. Perfusates with or without 2.52 mM calcium chloride were delivered at 15 minute intervals during arrest at a perfusion pressure of 100 mm Hg. Both calcium and calcium free perfusates resulted in decreases in tissue calcium concentration measured at the end of arrest. Tissue magnesium concentrations did not change with either perfusate. Coronary vascular resistance was increased with early perfusions in the calcium perfused group relative to the calcium free group. Systolic and diastolic performance, high energy phosphate values, coronary blood flow and myocardial oxygen consumption were altered by the arrest-reperfusion sequence but no differences between calcium and calcium free groups were seen. Thus, no evidence for deleterious effects of calcium free perfusion was present after two hours of global cardiac arrest followed by reperfusion. The data indicate the absence of the calcium paradox under conditions simulating clinical cardioplegia and supports clinical data indicating that the addition of calcium to the cardioplegic solution is unnecessary.
The residue fields of a zero-dimensional ring

Abstract Gilmer and Heinzer have considered the question: For an indexed family of fields oK = {Kα}αgEA, under what conditions does there exist a zero-dimensional ring R (always commutative with unity) such that oK is up to isomorphism the family of residue fields { R M α } αgEA of R? If oK is the family of residue fields of a zero-dimensional ring R, then the associated bijection from the index set A to the spectrum of R (with the Zariski topology) gives A the topology of a Boolean space. The present paper considers the following question: Given a field F, a Boolean space X and a family {Kx}xgEX of extension fields of F, under what conditions does there exist a zero-dimensional F-algebra R such that oK is up to F-isomorphism the family of residue fields of R and the associated bijection from X to Spec(R) is a homeomorphism? A necessary condition is that given x in X and any finite extension E of F in Kx, there exist a neighborhood V of x and, for each y in V, an F-embedding of E into Ky. We prove several partial converses of this result, under hypotheses which allow the “straightening” of the F-embeddings to make them compatible. We give particular attention to the cases where X has only one accumulation point and where X is countable; and we provide several examples.
Sri Lanka' political decay: Analysing the October 2000 and December 2001 parliamentary elections

Beginning in the mid-1950s, Sri Lanka's Sinhalese politicians began outbidding each other on who could provide the best deal for their community. This ethnic outbidding was initially influenced by linguistic nationalism, though it was soon also used to undermine agreements designed to accommodate the minority Tamils. The Sinhalese tolerated ethnocentrism and illiberal governance because this relatively deprived the Tamils even as it benefited their majority community. What they did not realise is that illiberalism cannot be compartmentalised and that eventually it affects the entire polity. This is indeed what happened over time. Consequently, inter-ethnic violence has influenced intra-ethnic violence and the project that permitted dominating the minority Tamils along ethnic lines has now influenced Sinhalese politicians to dominate their fellows along political lines. This has led to a milieu where violence is now institutionalised as a way to settle political disputes even as ethnic outbidding continues...
The clinical utility of dynamic contour tonometry and ocular pulse amplitude.

Purpose To determine if ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) as measured by dynamic contour tonometry (DCT) is related to severity of glaucoma, and if intraocular pressure (IOP) as measured by DCT is related to central corneal thickness (CCT). Methods Patients were selected from the Duke Eye Center glaucoma clinic. Fifty-five eyes of 32 patients were included; right and left eyes were analyzed separately. CCT, OPA, DCT IOP, Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT), Tonopen applanation tonometry (TAT), and systemic blood pressure were measured. Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study score and mean deviation of visual field, and vertical and horizontal cup-disc ratios were recorded in a masked manner. Descriptive statistics were obtained, and OPA, DCT IOP, GAT, and TAT underwent univariate analyses to assess for relationships with predictor variables. Results OPA, DCT IOP, GAT, and TAT were positively associated with CCT and with having no surgical intervention for right and left eyes, and were negatively associated with vertical and horizontal cup-disc ratios. Conclusions Increased OPA seems to correlate with less severe glaucoma and with increased CCT. DCT IOP seems to be affected by CCT along with GAT and TAT.
On the bias of the distribution of the 2'-O-methylribonucleotide constituents of yeast transfer RNA.

Abstract Preparations of transfer RNA (tRNA) were isolated from bakers' yeast and studied with respect to the differential distribution of their 2′- O -methylribonucleotide constituents. For this purpose, the alkali-stable dinucleotide fraction mNpNp, which amounted to 2.3±0.1 % of the RNA phosphorus, was isolated and examined for the relative abundance of the various nucleotides and their O -methyl derivatives. The individual dinucleotides were separated from each other and estimated quantitatively. Twelve out of the sixteen possible major dinucleotide combinations were found. The study of the composition of the mNp and Np fractions and the investigation of the relative frequencies of the individual dinucleotides revealed remarkable deviations from randomness which are discussed in detail. In addition, the distribution of the end-group nucleotides terminating with a 5′-phosphate group was determined in the tRNA specimens employed. The identity of the methylpentose moiety of the alkali-stable dinucleotides was confirmed as 2- O -methylribose by comparison with an authentic specimen.
Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) as a potential West Nile virus vector in Tucson, Arizona: Blood meal analysis indicates feeding on both humans and birds

Most reports from the United States suggest Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes feed minimally on humans. Given the abundance of C. quinquefasciatus in residential Tucson and parts of metropolitan Phoenix, and the arrival of West Nile virus to this area, discovering the blood meal hosts of the local population is important. Using a sandwich ELISA technique, the local C. quinquefasciatus were found to feed on both humans and birds. This suggests they should be considered potential West Nile virus vectors.
Butalbital-containing agents: Should they be banned? no.

Butalbital compounds are of proven efficacy in the treatment of tension headache. Decades of experience have established their value in the treatment of other mild-to-moderate headaches. Untold numbers of people rely on these medications as their drug of choice or use them when vasoconstrictors, opioids, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents are contraindicated. The medications are cost-effective with only occasional and minor immediate adverse effects. Their overuse may cause the evolution of episodic primary headaches to chronic daily headaches; however, removal of these agents from the market would reduce the chronic daily headache in the general population by a small fraction of 1%.
Full attracting sets of annulus maps which are inverse limits of circles

Abstract In 1986 Marcy Barge showed that the full attracting sets of maps similar to Smale's horseshoe map are homeomorphic to inverse limits of the unit interval. Recently, the author extended Barge's results to a more general class of maps of the plane. In this paper we show that similar maps of the annulus and the solid torus have full attracting sets which are homeomorphic to inverse limits of cirles.
Conversion of mevalonolactone to its open-chain salt by a serum enzyme.

Abstract Mevalonic acid exists in two forms at physiologic pH: an open-chain salt and a cyclic lactone. Studies by others have demonstrated preferential utilization of the salt by the brain and of mevalonolactone by isolated hepatocytes. The major finding of this report is the presence of a very active deltalactonase in rat serum which rapidly converts mevalonolactone into the open-chain salt. Studies showed that the female rat oxidized 92 nmol of [5-14C]mevalonic acid salt or lactone to CO2 in 7 h, while the male oxidized only 52 nmol of either form of the injected mevalonate. There was no statistical difference in the in vivo metabolism of the salt or lactone. When mevalonolactone (0.1 mM) was incubated in neat rat serum for 20 sec, more than 82% of the lactone was converted to the salt as compared to 8% in heat-inactivated serum. These observations demonstrate for the first time the presence of a heat-labile delta-lactonase (possibly mevalonolactone hydrolase) in rat serum.
AIM2 activates the inflammasome and cell death in response to cytoplasmic DNA

Host- and pathogen-associated cytoplasmic double-stranded DNA triggers the activation of a NALP3 (also known as cryopyrin and NLRP3)-independent inflammasome, which activates caspase-1 leading to maturation of pro-interleukin-1beta and inflammation. The nature of the cytoplasmic-DNA-sensing inflammasome is currently unknown. Here we show that AIM2 (absent in melanoma 2), an interferon-inducible HIN-200 family member that contains an amino-terminal pyrin domain and a carboxy-terminal oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide-binding domain, senses cytoplasmic DNA by means of its oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide-binding domain and interacts with ASC (apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD) through its pyrin domain to activate caspase-1. The interaction of AIM2 with ASC also leads to the formation of the ASC pyroptosome, which induces pyroptotic cell death in cells containing caspase-1. Knockdown of AIM2 by short interfering RNA reduced inflammasome/pyroptosome activation by cytoplasmic DNA in human and mouse macrophages, whereas stable expression of AIM2 in the non-responsive human embryonic kidney 293T cell line conferred responsiveness to cytoplasmic DNA. Our results show that cytoplasmic DNA triggers formation of the AIM2 inflammasome by inducing AIM2 oligomerization. This study identifies AIM2 as an important inflammasome component that senses potentially dangerous cytoplasmic DNA, leading to activation of the ASC pyroptosome and caspase-1.
The kinase domain of Drosophila Tribbles is required for turnover of fly C/EBP during cell migration.

Drosophila Tribbles (Trbl) encodes the founding member of the Trib family of kinase-like proteins that regulate cell migration, proliferation, growth and homeostasis. Trbl was identified in a misexpression screen in the ovary as an antagonist of border cell migration and acts in part by directing turnover of the C/EBP protein encoded by the gene slow border cells (slbo). The ability of mammalian Trib isoforms to promote C/EBP turnover during tissue differentiation indicates that this function is highly conserved. To better understand the role of Trbl in cell migration, we tested specific Trbl antisera, a trbl null allele and Trbl transgenes bearing site-directed mutations. Trbl is expressed at high levels in the nuclei of follicle cell epithelia and is downregulated in delaminating epithelia as expression of Slbo (C/EBP) is upregulated. This complementary pattern of expression during subsequent cell migration is achieved by negative feedback whereby slbo represses Trbl expression and trbl is necessary and sufficient to promote Slbo protein turnover. A series of point mutations that scan the conserved kinase domain of Trbl reveal that the conserved DLK catalytic loop is required for Trbl–Slbo binding and turnover, as well as for interactions between Trbl subunits, suggesting a mechanism of Trbl function.
Bariatric surgery may improve employment status in unemployed, underserved, severely obese patients.

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of bariatric surgery on employment status in underserved, unemployed patients with severe obesity. A retrospective review of all unemployed severely obese patients seen in our urban safety-net bariatric surgery program was performed. Preoperative patient questionnaires and medical records were reviewed to evaluate patient employment status at the time of initial evaluation by the multidisciplinary bariatric surgery team. Follow-up data was obtained on all available patients (including those who did not undergo surgery), including weight and employment status. A standardized telephone questionnaire was administered to supplement details regarding employment. Changes in employment status and body weight were determined in both groups. Here, 193 unemployed severely obese patients were evaluated by the multidisciplinary obesity team. The vast majority of patients (>80 %) were minorities (primarily Hispanic) and publicly insured. Seventy-two underwent bariatric surgery and 121 did not. Twenty-four percent of the surgical patients and 9 % of the non-surgical patients had acquired full-time employment at least one year postoperatively (p = 0.043). There was a 10-point body mass index reduction in the surgical group, compared to 1-point reduction in the non-surgical group after one year. Bariatric surgery may improve employment status in an unemployed severely obese patient cohort. Future research in this area should collect detailed prospective data on employment prior to surgery and assess changes longitudinally to provide a more complete picture of the impact of bariatric surgery on employment.
Amount of rotation about a point and the Morse index

For the case of exact, area preserving, monotone twist diffeomorphisms, we give formulas relating the amount of rotation about an orbit and certain Morse indices.
Treatment of Cardiac Arrest and Slow Ventricular Rates in Complete A-V Heart Block Use of Molar and Half Molar Sodium Lactate: A Clinical Study

Molar and half-molar sodium lactate was efficacious (a) in restoring the heart beat following episodes of cardiac arrest, (b) ventricular standstill occurring during repeated Stokes-Adams seizures and (c) in increasing the idioventricular rate in the presence of complete A-V heart block. The increase in rate was related to the rapidity and amount of injection. These effects were associated with an increase in blood pressure and other evidences of improvement in the clinical state. No ventricular extrasystoles or other dangerous types of ectopic rhythms were observed in these subjects. The possible mechanisms by which the sodium lactate produces these effects are discussed.
LEFT-TURN ADJUSTMENT FACTOR FOR PERMITTED PHASING

The left-turn adjustment factor, as introduced in the 1985 Highway Capacity Manual, for opposed left-turns at a signalized intersection is discussed. The special case involving an exclusive left-turn lane without a separate phase is examined. It is shown that the procedure presented in the manual can be significantly simplified for this situation. A comparison between the left-turn adjustment factor from the new manual and from the procedures of the Interim Materials on Highway Capacity (1980) is presented.