cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interference by atrazine and bisphenol-A with progestin binding to the ovarian progestin membrane receptor and induction of oocyte maturation in Atlantic croaker.

Abstract Recent studies have shown that several environmental chemicals which disrupt classical genomic steroid actions can also interfere with nongenomic steroid actions initiated at the cell surface. The effects of bisphenol-A and atrazine on the nongenomic actions of a progestin, 17,20β,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (20β-S), on oocyte maturation (OM) were investigated an in vitro Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) oocyte bioassay. Treatment of croaker follicle-enclosed oocytes with either bisphenol-A or atrazine blocked OM in response to 20β-S in a concentration-dependent manner at 10–25 μM (2.2–5.7 ppm) and higher concentrations. These compounds were also effective competitors at concentrations of 10−6–10−5 M of [3H]-20β-S binding to the ovarian progestin membrane receptor that mediates the OM response to 20β-S. The results suggest that diverse classes of environmental chemicals can disrupt nongenomic progestin actions via receptor-mediated mechanisms.
Development of USNRC standard review plan 3.6.3 for leak-before-break applications to nuclear power plants

Abstract In the United States, it is now permissible to eliminate the dynamic effects of postulated high energy pipe ruptures from the design basis of nuclear power plants using ‘Leak-Before-Break’ (LBB) technology. To provide review guidance for the implementation of LBB, a new Standard Review Plan (SRP) 3.6.3 was issued for public comment. Based upon public comments received and advances in fracture mechanics application, further development of SRP 3.6.3 is in progress. SRP 3.6.3 will outline the review procedures and acceptance criteria for LBB licensing applications. A deterministic fracture mechanics evaluation accounting for material toughness will be required. Margins on load, crack size, and leakage will be specified and the load combination methods and leakage detection sensitivity will be described. Piping particularly susceptible to failure from potential degradation mechanisms will be excluded from the application of LBB. The design basis of containment, emergency core cooling systems, and environmental qualification of equipment in the context of LBB applicability will be clarified.
Immobilization of anterior alveolar injuries with cold-curing acrylic resins

The advantages of splinting of traumatized anterior teeth with cold-curing acrylic resin include simplicity of application, less gingival irritation, improved hygiene, better esthetics, less pain, and greater flexibility.
Junction Potential Studies in Tunnel Diodes

A unique model is proposed for the potential distribution in the junction region of a tunnel diode. The essential feature of this model, in addition to band tailing, is a discontinuity in the band edges at the $n\ensuremath{-}p$ interface arising from a difference in the electron affinities of degenerate $n$- and $p$-type semiconductors. In connection with the proposed description of a tunnel diode junction, precise capacitance measurements have been carried out on a series of germanium units at 78\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The experimentally determined values of the capacitance built-in voltage are in substantial agreement with the theoretical prediction, $e{V}_{b}={E}_{g0}+\frac{1}{5}({\ensuremath{\xi}}_{n}+{\ensuremath{\xi}}_{p})$, and thus lend strong support to the validity of the discontinuity model. The temperature dependence of the built-in voltage is also discussed.
A brief review of atomic layer deposition: from fundamentals to applications

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a vapor phase technique capable of producing thin films of a variety of materials. Based on sequential, self-limiting reactions, ALD offers exceptional conformality on high-aspect ratio structures, thickness control at the Angstrom level, and tunable film composition. With these advantages, ALD has emerged as a powerful tool for many industrial and research applications. In this review, we provide a brief introduction to ALD and highlight select applications, including Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cell devices, high-k transistors, and solid oxide fuel cells. These examples are chosen to illustrate the variety of technologies that are impacted by ALD, the range of materials that ALD can deposit – from metal oxides such as Zn1−xSnxOy, ZrO2, Y2O3, to noble metals such as Pt – and the way in which the unique features of ALD can enable new levels of performance and deeper fundamental understanding to be achieved.
Expectation Effects in Alpha Wave Control

In a study designed In investigate expectation artifact in EEG alpha training, Ss' actual direction of alpha change and expected direction of change were orthogonally manipulated in a 2x2 design. Twenty Ss actually enhanced alpha and 20 actually suppressed alpha (Task manipulation). Within each Tank group. 10 Ss were led to believe they enhanced alpha and 10 were told they suppressed alpha (Expectation manipulation) Five high and 5 low alpha baseline Ss were assigned to each of the 4 conditions. Ss participated in 4 alpha training sessions in a dark room, each composed or a 2-min eyes-closed baseline period followed by 20 2-min training period with a tone indicating S's EEG activity. Results, based on percent alpha change between the baseline period and the final alpha training period in each session, indicated that Ss who believed they enhanced alpha controlled alpha significantly better (more enhancement in the Task Enhancement condition and more suppression in the Task Suppression condition) than Ss who believed they suppressed alpha, Implications of expectation artifact for EEG biofeedback studies were discussed.
The effect of an arbitrarily located mass on the longitudinal vibrations of a bar

Abstract For a bar/mass assembly the vibrational effect of the mass, assumed slender in comparison with the length dimension of the bar to which it is centrally attached, is investigated for various mass positions and various mass ratios. The investigation is limited to harmonic disturbances in line with the bar and symmetry of the mass with respect to the bar centerline. The general transcendental equation is derived from which the natural frequencies may be found. The eigenfunctions describing the mode shapes are also derived. A general relationship for the ratio of the inertial force acting on the attached mass to the magnitude of a harmonic end force is developed. Some comparisons with experimental results are given which verify the derived closed form solutions. In these experiments a two foot long, 1 2 inch diameter steel bar with an attached steel block was used, with various accelerometer arrangements and an electrodynamic shaker.
Cinema, Theory, and Political Responsibility in Contemporary Culture

This 1997 book explores the political significance of aesthetic analysis in the context of cultural studies. It applies the theories of Adorno, Derrida, and Lacan to film studies, and asks how political responsibility can be reconciled with the concept of the university as a democratic institution. Art and the university, Patrick McGee claims, share a common feature: they are commonly regarded as autonomous realms that resist the determination of economic and political interests, while still playing a crucial role in ethical and political discourse. Through detailed reference to Neil Jordan's film The Crying Game, McGee shows how film can be both a product and a critique of the culture industry. He goes on to analyse the function of the university in producing interpretations of such highly political art forms and in determining the limits of critical discussion. McGee links Adorno with Derrida to provide a new route through cultural studies and the claims of political criticism.
Leukotrienes stimulate phosphatidylcholine secretion in cultured type II pneumocytes

We previously reported that arachidonic acid stimulates secretion of phosphatidylcholine in cultures of type II pneumocytes and, based on studies with cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase inhibitors, suggested that this effect was mediated by lipoxygenase products of arachidonic acid metabolism (Gilfillan, A.M. and Rooney, S.A. (1985) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 833, 336-341). We have now examined the effect of leukotrienes on phosphatidylcholine secretion in type II cells as well as the effect of a leukotriene antagonist, FPL55712, on the stimulatory effect of arachidonic acid. Leukotrienes C4, D4 and E4 stimulated phosphatidylcholine secretion and this effect was dependent on concentration in the range 10(-12)-10(-6) M. Leukotriene E4 was the most stimulatory, followed by D4 and C4. Leukotriene B4 had no effect. Incubation of the cells with 10(-7) M leukotriene E4 for 90 min resulted in a 107% increase in the rate of phosphatidylcholine secretion. Incubation with 10(-6) M leukotrienes D4 and C4 for the same period resulted in 81% and 63% stimulation, respectively. The leukotrienes had no effect on cellular phosphatidylcholine synthesis or on lactate dehydrogenase release. The stimulatory effects of leukotrienes E4 and D4 were abolished by FPL55712. Similarly, the stimulatory effect of 6 X 10(-6) M arachidonic acid on phosphatidylcholine secretion was reduced from 74% to 25% by 10(-5) M FPL55712. Thus, the stimulatory effect of arachidonic acid on surfactant phospholipid secretion in type II cells is mediated at least in part by leukotrienes.
An Analogue of the Kato–Rosenblum Theorem for Commuting Tuples of Self-Adjoint Operators

Suppose that A= (A 1, ..., A N ) and \(\) are tuples of self-adjoint operators on a Hilbert space H such that \(\) and \(\) for all 1 ≤j, $k≤N. Suppose that there are z 1, ..., z N ∋C\R such that \(\) belongs to the trace class, \(\). We prove that \(\) is unitarily equivalent to \(\). Here,\(\) and \(\) is the largest invariant subspace on which A can be simultaneously diagonalized modulo the trace class.
Postanesthetic delirium: historical perspectives

Postanesthetic delirium is a type of postoperative emotional response occurring immediately after emergence from general anesthesia. Associated with excitement and confusion, the alternative terms emergence delirium or postanesthetic excitement are frequently used. Historically, the more encompassing term postoperative psychosis is used interchangeably but more frequently refers to those conditions occurring after a lucid interval of 24 to 48 hours. Either phenomenon may arise from a variety of disturbances, with drug reactions, hypoxemia, or reaction to pain being common, or it may arise from psychological causes. Reported is a case of postanesthetic delirium in a healthy young man. An historical overview of this potentially harmful condition, with specific recommendations for diagnosis and treatment, also is presented.
CIRCUIT INTEGRATION THROUGH LATTICE HYPERTERMS

Reducing the size of a logic circuit through lattice identities is an important and well-studied discrete optimization problem. In this paper, we consider a related problem of integrating several circuits into a single hypercircuit using the recently developed concept of lattice hyperterms. We give a combinatorial algorithm for integrating k-out-of-n symmetrical diagrams which play an important role in reliability theory. Our results show that the integration can reduce the number of circuit gates by more than twice.
The New Medicaid Under PPACA What Will it Mean for General Internists

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) institutionalized Medicaid as a significant and permanent structure in the U.S. health care system. About half of the 32 million Americans expected to gain health insurance coverage under the ACA will be covered under Medicaid. While it is clear general internists will be significantly impacted by Medicaid-related health care reform provisions, its ultimate effect is unclear since these new opportunities also come with some new potential burdens. There are four main areas of impact for general internists to consider: (1) coverage expansions and reimbursement; (2) multiple payers and fragmented coverage; (3) primary care workforce and infrastructure capacity; and (4) delivery model changes.
The performance of deterministic matched subspace detectors when using subspaces estimated from noisy, missing data

We consider a matched subspace detection problem where a signal vector residing in an unknown low-rank k subspace is to be detected using a subspace estimate obtained from noisy signal-bearing training data with missing entries. The resulting subspace estimate is inaccurate due to limited training data, missing entries, and additive noise. Recent results from random matrix theory (RMT) precisely quantify these subspace estimation errors for the setting where the signal has low coherence. We analytically quantify the ROC performance of the resulting plug-in detector and derive a new detector which explicitly accounts for these subspace estimation errors. The realized increase in performance can be attributed to the new detector only using the k eff ≤ “informative” signal subspace components. The fraction of observed entries determines k eff via a simple relationship that we describe. Detection performance better than random guessing is only achievable when the percent of observed data is above a critical threshold which we explicitly characterize.
Cellular and intracellular pathways mediating the metamorphic stimulus in hydrozoan planulae

Both the natural metamorphic stimulus (an unidentified bacterial product) and an artificial trigger of metamorphosis (Cs+) cause large calcium transients in planula cells of the hydrozoanMitrocomella polydiademata. When these transients are inhibited with calcium channel blockers, metamorphosis is also inhibited. All cells of theMitrocomella planula contain a calcium-specific photoprotein. The cells where the calcium transients occur during natural- and Cs+-induced metamorphosis have been visualized in normal and entoderm free planulae that lack ganglion cells, using a compound microscope coupled to an image intensifier and video camera. During bacteria- and Cs+-induced metamorphosis, groups of contiguous cells, occupying from about 10% to the entire visible surface of the planula, simultaneously exhibit calcium transients. When the cells that initiate a transient comprise only part of the planula surface, the calcium transient frequently propagates and can eventually involve every cell on the visible planula surface. There is no special site on the planula surface where calcium transients are more apt to be initiated. There is no indication that propagation of a flash in one direction is more likely than in another. The velocity of propagation is virtually the same in all directions. The only feature of the spatial distribution of bacteria- and Cs+-induced calcium transients that appears to be necessary for the induction of metamorphosis is that at least one transient must involve all of the surface cells of the planula. The spatial behavior of calcium transients is the same in entoderm free planulae (lacking ganglion cells) as in normal planulae. The propagation of these calcium transients most probably occurs via epithelial conduction. This metamorphic step involving calcium transients is probably the intercellular communication system that informs the cells of the planula that metamorphosis will commence.Metamorphosis inMitrocomella planulae can also be induced with phorbol esters. Calcium transients do not occur during phorbol ester-induced metamorphosis, indicating that they act at a different point in the metamorphic pathway. Calcium channel blockers do not inhibit phorbol ester-induced metamorphosis. Inhibitors of protein kinase-C, inhibit both phorbol ester-induced metamorphosis and Cs+- and bacteria-induced metamorphosis, but have no effect on the calcium transients induced by Cs+. This indicates that the calcium transient mediated step in the metamorphic pathway occurs prior to protein kinase-C activation. Calcium transients probably play a major role in activating protein kinase-C.
Relationships between nutrient enrichment, pleurocerid snail density and trematode infection rate in streams

Summary Nutrient enrichment is a widespread environmental problem in freshwater ecosystems. Eutrophic conditions caused by nutrient enrichment may result in a higher prevalence of infection by trematode parasites in host populations, due to greater resource availability for the molluscan first intermediate hosts. This study examined relationships among land use, environmental variables indicating eutrophication, population density of the pleurocerid snail, Leptoxis carinata, and trematode infections. Fifteen study sites were located in streams within the Shenandoah River catchment (Virginia, U.S.A.), where widespread nutrient enrichment has occurred. Snail population density had a weak positive relationship with stream water nutrient concentration. Snail population density also increased as human activities within stream catchments increased, but density did not continue to increase in catchments where anthropogenic disturbance was greatest. Cercariae from five families of trematodes were identified in L. carinata, and infection rate was generally low (<10%). Neither total infection rate nor the infection rate of individual trematode types showed a positive relationship with snail population density, nutrients or land use. There were statistically significant but weak relationships between the prevalence of infection by two trematode families and physical and biological variables. The prevalence of Notocotylidae was positively related to water depth, which may be related to habitat use by definitive hosts. Prevalence of Opecoelidae had a negative relationship with orthophosphate concentration and a polynomial relationship with chlorophyll a concentration. Transmission of Opecoelid trematodes between hosts may be inhibited by eutrophic conditions. Leptoxis carinata appears to be a useful species for monitoring the biological effects of eutrophication and investigating trematode transmission dynamics in lotic systems.
Influence of an americium solid phase on americium concentrations in solutions

Abstract Americium-241 concentrations in solutions contacting contaminated sediments for up to 2 yr were measured as a function of pH. Steady-state concentrations were reached within a few days. The solubility-limited Am concentration was found to decrease approximately 10-fold with one unit increase in pH. The log equilibrium constant for the solubility of Am (soil) solid [Am (soil) + H + ⇌ Am (aq complex) + ] was found to be −4.12. The predictions based upon thermodynamic data suggest that Am (aq complex) + is likely to be Am(OH) 2 + . Although the chemical formula of Am (soil) was not determined, it does not appear to be Am(OH) 3 (a). Published data on sorption coefficients of Am by different rocks, soils, and minerals were critically evaluated. Final Am solution concentrations calculated from the sorption coefficients of a variety of earth materials with several solutions agreed well with the concentrations predicted from the solubility of Am (soil) solid, indicating that the sorption coefficient data are controlled by Am precipitation.
Comparing the performance of us college football teams in the web and on the field

In previous research it has been shown that link-based web page metrics can be used to predict experts' assessment of quality. We are interested in a related question: do expert rankings of real-world entities correlate with search engine (SE) rankings of corresponding web resources? To answer this question we compared rankings of college football teams in the US with rankings of their associated web resources. We looked at the weekly polls released by the Associated Press (AP) and USA Today Coaches Poll. Both rank the top 25 teams according to the aggregated expertise of sports writers and college football coaches. For the entire 2008 season (8/2008 { 1/2009), we compared the ranking of teams (top 10 and top 25) according to the polls with the rankings of one to eight URLs associated with each team in Google, Live Search and Yahoo. We found moderate to high correlations between the final rankings of 2007 and the SE ranking in mid 2008 but the correlation between the polls and the SEs steadily decreased as the season went on. We believe this is because the rankings in the web graph (as reported via SEs) have "inertia" and do not rapidly fluctuate as do the teams' on the field fortunes.
Ultrarelativistic electromagnetic pulses in plasmas

The physical processes of a linearly polarized electromagnetic pulse of highly relativistic amplitude in an underdense plasma accelerating particles to very high energies are studied through computer simulation. An electron-positron plasma is considered first. The maximum momenta achieved scale as the square of the wave amplitude. This acceleration stops when the bulk of the wave energy is converted to particle energy. The pulse leaves behind as a wake a vacuum region whose length scales as the amplitude of the wave. The results can be explained in terms of a snow plow or piston-like action of the radiation on the plasma. When a mass ratio other than unity is chosen and electrostatic effects begin to play a role, first the ion energy increases faster than the electron energy and then the electron energy catches up later, eventually reaching the same value.
Collective motion of iron and exogenous ligands in hemoglobin.

Mossbauer studies of deoxyhemoglobin (Hb), oxyhemoglobin (HbO2), and (carbonmonoxy)-hemoglobin (HbCO) have been performed providing information regarding the center shift (CS) up to 250 K and the recoil-free fraction (f) in the "solid state regime". The temperature dependence of the CS indicates that the effective mass of the iron in liganded hemoglobin includes the exogenous ligand, suggesting that vibrations of the iron are strongly coupled to those of the ligand. As a result of this coupled motion, the recoil-free fraction (f) provides a valuable probe for the shape of the potential energy surface in the ligand pocket. Thus HbO2 experiences a stronger restoring force than HbCO, which can be attributed to a steeper potential well for the oxygen into the ligand pocket.
Libraries and Librarianship in Japan

Preface History of Libraries The National Library Academic Libraries Public Libraries School Libraries Special Libraries Bibliographic Control and Services Automation Professional Organizations Library and Information Science Education Bibliography of Sources Consulted and Cited Index
Impairment of the anterior thalamic head direction cell network following administration of the NMDA antagonist MK-801

Abstract Head direction (HD) cells, found in the rodent Papez circuit, are thought to form the neural circuitry responsible for directional orientation. Because NMDA transmission has been implicated in spatial tasks requiring directional orientation, we sought to determine if the NMDA antagonist dizocilpine (MK-801) would disrupt the directional signal carried by the HD network. Anterior thalamic HD cells were isolated in female Long-Evans rats and initially monitored for baseline directional activity while the animals foraged in a familiar enclosure. The animals were then administered MK-801 at a dose of .05 mg/kg or 0.1 mg/kg, or isotonic saline, and cells were re-examined for changes in directional specificity and landmark control. While the cells showed no changes in directional specificity and landmark control following administration of saline or the lower dose of MK-801, the higher dose of MK-801 caused a dramatic attenuation of the directional signal, characterized by decreases in peak firing rates, signal to noise, and directional information content. While the greatly attenuated directional specificity of cells in the high dose condition usually remained stable relative to the landmarks within the recording enclosure, a few cells in this condition exhibited unstable preferred directions within and between recording sessions. Our results are discussed relative to the possibility that the findings explain the effects of MK-801 on the acquisition and performance of spatial tasks
Kinesin-2 Navigates Microtubule Obstacles more Efficiently than Kinesin-1

During axonal transport, an ensemble of molecular motors, including kinesin-1 and kinesin-2, navigate a complex microtubule landscape to deliver cargo to their target destinations within the cell. It has previously been shown in vitro that the neuronal microtubule associated proteins, 3RS-tau and 4RL-tau, reduce kinesin-1 processivity on taxol-stabilized GDP microtubules, but not on microtubules stabilized with GMPCPP (a slowly hydrolyzable GTP analog ). Furthermore, kinesin-1 processivity is also reduced on GMPCPP microtubules relative to taxol-stabilized microtubules, suggesting the microtubule lattice modulates interactions with both kinesin-1 and tau (McVicker et al., (2011) J Biol Chem 286:42873). However, the effects of tau and the microtubule lattice structure on kinesin-2 processivity are still unknown. Kinesin-2 is known to have a longer neck-linker than kinesin-1, resulting in reduced coordination between motor domains and decreased processivity on taxol-stabilized microtubules (Shastry et al., (2010) Curr Biol 20:939). We hypothesize that these differences in kinesin-2 function make it less sensitive to alterations in the microtubule lattice than kinesin-1, and allow it to more easily navigate obstacles, such as tau, on the microtubule surface. To directly test this hypothesis, we used single molecule imaging with TIRF microscopy to measure kinesin-2 motility as it stepped along microtubules in different nucleotide states (GDP or GMPCPP) in the absence or presence of 3RS-tau and 4RL-tau. Our results demonstrate that, in contrast to kinesin-1, kinesin-2 processivity is unchanged on taxol-stabilized vs. GMPCPP microtubules and is insensitive to the presence of either 3RS-tau or 4RL-tau. Thus, while kinesin-2 is less processive than kinesin-1, it may be better optimized to navigate around obstacles on different microtubule lattice structures, allowing the two motors to work together for the efficient delivery of cargo in the complex environment of the neuronal axon.
The effects of hyper-and hypo-chlorinities on members of the wood-boring genus Limnoria

Three species of the marine wood-boring genus Limnoria were subjected to hypo-and hyper-chlorinities under laboratory conditions for a 28-day period. L. lignorum was more tolerant to hypo-chlorinities and L. tripunctata more tolerant to hyper-chlorinities. L. quadripunctata was the most sensitive species. L. tripunctata had the highest burrowing rate at all chlorinities and L. quadripunctata the lowest rate.
Subsidence of suspensions of phosphatic slime and its major constituents

Abstract The dewatering of stable phosphatic clay suspensions resulting from the processing of phosphate rock is a problem of much practical and theoretical significance. In order to investigate this aspect, the sedimentation behavior of suspensions of major components of phosphatic slimes, or morphologically similar meterials, both separately and in appropriate combinations, was studied. Systems which behaved very similarly to phosphatic slimes were termed “model systems”. Study of these model systems revealed that the minerals montmorillonite and attapulgite, with their special properties — morphology, swelling, ion exchange capacity, surface charge, and viscosity — were responsible for the behavior of phosphatic slimes. Mechanisms by which coarse particles and micro air bubbles enhance the dewatering of the phosphatic slimes are reviewed. In both cases, creation of paths for water seepage as a result of their movement is considered to be mainly responsible for the enhanced subsidence of the slurry.
An alternate method for designing dipole magnet ends

The authors present a novel procedure for designing dipole magnet ends which can be applied to magnets with either cylindrical or conical bulged ends to produce integrated field multipoles which meet the constraints imposed by the SSC (Superconducting Super Collider) lattice. The method makes it possible to couple existing multiparameters optimization routines (i.e. MINUIT with suitable independent parameter constraints) with a computer code DIPEND, which describes the multiples, so that any reasonable objective (i.e. minimizing integrated sextupole and decapole) can be met. The authors describe how the computer method was used to analyze the bulged conical ends for an SSC dipole. >
Valutazione di alcuni nuovi algoritmi derivanti dal metodo della origine variabile per la soluzione di equazioni non lineari

In un precedente articolo [1] fu dedotta nua classe di metodi per la soluzione di equazioni e sistemi di equazioni partendo dalla inversione della funzione mediante una particolare serie di Burman. Partendo sempre dalla stessa serie, sono stati dedotti altri algoritmi. In questa nota sara fatto un confronto tra tali algoritmi, il metodo della secante ed il metodo dei momenti del socondo ordine.
On vortex locking-on phenomenon for a cable in linear shear flow

Abstract Resonant self-excited oscillation phenomenon for a cable in linear shear flow was investigated by an experimental study. The so-called complete locking-on of the vortex shedding to the cable oscillation is found to be a result of synchronization of modulated Karman vortices and motion induced vortices.
Heme–heme interactions in tetramers and dimers of hemoglobin subunits: DeVoe theory calculations

Detectable exciton couplets arising from heme–heme interactions in the hemoglobin (Hb) tetramers of HbO2 and deoxyHb were predicted by DeVoe theory (Woody, in: Optical properties and structure of tetrapyrroles. Berlin: Walter deGruyter & Co.; 1985. p 239–259). This prediction was supported by the observation of an exciton couplet in the CD difference spectrum between the Hb tetramer and the αβ dimer of HbCO (Goldbeck et al., Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1997;235:610–614). In this paper, DeVoe theory is used to calculate the heme–heme interactions in the CO complex of the Hb tetramer (α2β2) and dimer (αβ), the systems studied by Goldbeck et al. The couplet strength of the resulting theoretical CD difference spectrum agrees well with experiment, thus confirming that heme–heme interactions contribute significantly to the CD of HbCO. Given that the heme–heme distances in HbCO are 25 A and more, it is highly likely that heme–heme interactions also contribute significantly to the CD of other multi-heme proteins, e.g., cytochrome c3, cytochrome oxidase, cytochrome bc1, etc., where the hemes are in closer proximity. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Chirality 17:450–455, 2005.
ADDITION OF TEXTURED SOY PROTEIN AND MECHANICALLY DEBONED BEEF TO GROUND BEEF FORMULATIONS

Ground beef patties containing 10, 20 or 30% textured soy protein (TSP); 10, 20 or 30% mechanically deboned beef (MDB); or combinations of 10% TSP plus 10% MDB, 20% TSP plus 20% MDB, or 30% TSP plus 30% MDB were evaluated for chemical composition, raw product appearance, cooking characteristics and palatability. Raw patties containing 20% or 30% TSP were lighter in color than control (all-beef) patties and therefore received lower overall appearance ratings. Raw patties containing 10% or 20% MDB were significantly darker in color and finer in visual texture than control patties, Raw patties containing combinations of TSP and MDB were generally acceptable in color but too fine in visual texture which lowered overall appearance ratings at the 40% and 60% (TSP plus MDB) substitution levels. Proximate analysis indicated that cooked patties containing TSP retained more moisture but lost more fat than controls, whereas patties containing 10% or 30% MDB lost slightly less fat during cooking than all-beef patties. In comparison with control patties, cooking losses. were lower for patties containing 10% or 30% MDB. Cooking losses were similar for patties containing both TSP and MDB and for patties containing TSP alone. Taste panel evaluation indicated that addition of 20% or 30% TSP decreased flavor desirability and overall palatability ratings. Blended patties containing 20% or 30% MDB had less desirable ratings for taste panel texture than all-beef patties, These data suggest that 10% TSP plus 10% MDB can be added to ground beef patties without significantly affecting overall appearance of raw product, surface area shrinkage during cooking, cooked patty appearance or palatability traits.
Using Wenger’s Communities of Practice to Explore a New Teacher Cohort

This qualitative study explores a cohort professional development experience that brought new teachers together every few weeks from across an urban school district. Observation data were analyzed ...
Reporter gene construct containing 1.4-kB α1-proteinase inhibitor promoter confers expression in the cornea of transgenic mice

A 1.4-kb human α1-proteinase inhibitor (α1-PI) 5′-flanking sequence fused to the E. coliLacZ gene was used to generate transgenic mice. The 1.4-kb α1-PI fragment was found to target LacZ expression preferentially in the epithelium and stroma of the mouse cornea, and moderately or weakly in white blood cells and a few other tissues, such as the skin and brain. This finding implies that the α1-PI promoter may offer an option for targeting foreign genes in both the epithelial and stromal layers of the cornea in future transgenic experiments. Anat Rec 266:5–9, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Mass spectrometric and thermodynamics studies of the CVD of some III–V compounds

Abstract A time-of-flight mass spectrometer has been coupled to a CVD reactor. With this set-up it has been possible to elucidate the chemistry of CVD processes occuring in the synthesis of several III-V compounds. In particular, vapor phase transport of the Group III metals, the thermal decomposition of the Group V hydrides, and the reactions leading to the deposition of III-V compounds have been studied. Results of these studies will be presented and discussed. Computer calculations based on mass spectrometric identification of vapor species and processes in the CVD reactor have been made in order to compare the actual with the calculated partial pressures of vapor species present in reactors. The applicability of thermochemical calculations in predicting proper conditions for the growth of some desired III-V material will be examined. On the basis of these results, we intend to discuss the thermodynamical and kinetical aspects of the CVD of III-V compounds.
Instrument-independent dynamic mechanical analysis of polymeric systems

Abstract Large discrepancies are often observed among data obtained by different dynamic mechanical instruments, different analysis methods, or even different laboratories using identical instruments. Four commonly used dynamic mechanical instruments, the Rheovibron, the DMA 982 and 983, the Dynastat, and the PPM-R5 sonic tester, were methodically analysed for type of deformation as well as frequency-temperature relationships that may affect comparison of their data. Such discrepancies were shown to arise from the instruments' limited ranges of test frequencies, types of deformation, types of material tested, and the material morphology, orientation and conformation as well as limitations of theoretical methods of analysis and overall test sensitivity to external factors. Through the use of macro- and microscopic theory of elasticity as well as the time-temperature superposition principle, along with careful experimental set-ups, the dynamic mechanical responses of a set of well characterized polyethylene samples were successfully compared with one another across all instruments.
HgCl2 inhibition of l-leucine transport in hamster placental slices

Abstract Hamster placental slices accumulated l -leucine by two processes: (1) a carrier-mediated mechanism that was inhibitable by l -isoleucine, but was not dependent on medium Na or oxidative metabolism, and (2) an isoleucine-insensitive process that appeared to be nonmediated. Slices exposed to 0.01–1.0 m M HgCl2 for 1–30 min showed time- and concentration dependent inhibition of specific leucine uptake; the isoleucine-insensitive component of uptake was not affected. Transport in slices that were composed of maternal and fetal tissue (labyrinth) was more sensitive to inhibition by HgCl2 than transport in slices composed of maternal tissue alone (decidua basalis and trophospongium). These in vitro experiments indicate that one or more specific transport mechanisms for long-chain, neutral amino acids are sites of HgCl2 action in the placenta.
Scattering and spectral shape in ballistic-electron-emission microscopy of NiSi 2 -Si(111) and Au-Si samples

The ballistic-electron-emission microscopy (BEEM) tip voltage versus collector current spectral shape is used as a tool to study Au-Si and ${\mathrm{NiSi}}_{2}$-Si samples on a nanometer scale. A method is outlined for the extraction of an energy-dependent transmission factor from the BEEM spectra. Results for Au-Si samples compare favorably with theoretical interface transmission calculations. Data from both systems suggest that the shape of the spectra is influenced by scattering. The influence of scattering induced broadening of the injected electron transverse momentum distribution is considered.
Developments in the treatment of candidiasis: more choices and new challenges.

The incidence of oesophageal candidiasis, candidaemia and disseminated candidiasis has increased dramatically. In addition to the amphotericin B formulations and fluconazole, the echinocandins anidulafungin, caspofungin and micafungin and the newer triazoles posaconazole and voriconazole are in the last stages of development and are becoming available for the management of candidiasis. This review presents these new agents and addresses their role in the treatment of candidiasis. All new antifungal agents exhibit potent activity against Candida spp. and echinocandins are fungicidal against most Candida spp. but appear to be less potent against certain species, such as Candida parapsilosis and C. guilliermondii. Systemic antifungal therapy can now be individualised based on the severity of the infection, comorbid conditions and the Candida spp. causing the infection. Studies are needed to investigate the possible development of resistance and the efficacy of these antifungal agents against the more resista...
A toxicity study of low-dose rate half-body irradiation and chemotherapy in dogs with lymphoma

Thirteen dogs with previously untreated multicentric lymphoma were enrolled in a prospective study investigating the effects of low-dose rate total body irradiation (TBI) and chemotherapy. Dogs received either 6 or 8 Gy TBI in half-body fractions, 2 weeks apart. Toxicity consisted of mild to moderate haematological and gastrointestinal (GI) signs. One dog died from treatment complications. Anorexia was noted independent of dose. Haematological toxicity was more common and more severe after 8 Gy treatment. GI toxicity was more likely postcaudal half-body irradiation with 8 Gy. Other than leukotrichia, late effects from radiation were not observed. Results indicated that haematological and nonhaematological toxicity was dose dependent. However, the protocol was well tolerated and treatment intensification using a 2-week inter-radiation interval was possible in all dogs treated with 6 Gy. Preliminary survival data for these dogs were very encouraging, providing a strong rationale to analyse the efficacy of low-dose rate irradiation (LDRI) in canine lymphoma.
Milton Fingerman—50 Years of Crustacean Endocrinology1

This symposium was organized to honor the career of Professor Milton Fingerman. Every discipline has its leaders, individuals who through insight and persistence move their field forward. Milt Fingerman is such an individual, one who has had a lasting impact on the field of crustacean endocrinology. In addition, Milt's tireless efforts have benefited the greater scientific enterprise, including the Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology and the Crustacean Society. Born in Boston, Milt attended Boston College as an undergraduate, and then went to Northwestern University for his Ph.D. His professional interest in crustaceans began during this period, when he joined the laboratory of Frank Brown and spent summers at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Mass. After a two-year stint with the U.S. Army at Fort Detrick Md., Milt joined the faculty at Tulane University in 1954. Milt retired from its Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology in 2000, after having served as chair of the department for 13 yr. Milt also served as the Managing Editor of the American Zoologist for 15 yr, and has been an editorial board member of 8 journals and associate editor of two journals. Milt's career has been distinguished by an enormous productivity. At the time of the symposium, he had published more than 325 papers or book chapters, two books, and over 120 abstracts. His contributions to the field of crustacean endocrinology have been broad, and have covered nearly all areas of crustacean biology and physiology—color changes (Fingerman, 1966), reproduction (Fingerman, 1997), molting (Fingerman et al. , 1996), eye pigment movements (Fingerman et al. , 1959), regeneration (Fingerman et al. …
Creating Safe Learning Environments for At-Risk Students in Urban Schools

This article shows that students tend to prosper in safe learning environments and that stakeholders are disturbed by the number of at-risk students that are being suspended and expelled from urban schools. The suspensions and expulsions result from repeated offenses, including disrespect and insubordination, gang fights, and possession of illegal narcotics and weapons charges, to name only a few. If at-risk students are not safe, we cannot soberly expect them to prosper and learn. Accordingly, stakeholders must work collectively to change this phenomenon.
Akt and foxo dysregulation contribute to infection- induced wasting in Drosophila

Summary Background Studies in Drosophila have taught us a great deal about how animals regulate the immediate innate immune response, but we still know little about how infections cause pathology. Here, we examine the pathogenesis associated with Mycobacterium marinum infection in the fly. M. marinum is closely related to M. tuberculosis , which causes tuberculosis in people. Results A microarray analysis showed that metabolism is profoundly affected in M. marinum -infected flies. A genetic screen identified foxo mutants as slower-dying after infection than wild-type flies. FOXO activity is inhibited by the insulin effector kinase Akt; we show that Akt activation is systemically reduced as a result of M. marinum infection. Finally, we show that flies infected with Mycobacterium marinum undergo a process like wasting: They progressively lose metabolic stores, in the form of fat and glycogen. They also become hyperglycemic. In contrast, foxo mutants exhibit less wasting. Conclusions In people, many infections—including tuberculosis—can cause wasting, much as we see in Drosophila . Our study is the first examination of the metabolic consequences of infection in a genetically tractable invertebrate and gives insight into the metabolic consequences of mycobacterial infection, implicating impaired insulin signaling as a key mediator of these events. These results suggest that the fly can be used to study more than the immediate innate immune response to infection; it can also be used to understand the physiological consequences of infection and the immune response.
The deep space network's X/X/Ka feed: Modifications for 100 kW CW uplink operation

The Deep Space Network, which provides communication services for NASA's robotic missions, consists of a number of 34m beam waveguide antennas and conventional 70m dual-reflector antennas located around the globe, [1]. The 34m beam waveguide antennas employ a three-band feed covering the deep space uplink band near 7.2 GHz, and downlink bands at 8.45 and 32 GHz. Simultaneous uplink commanding at 25 kW CW and ultra low noise reception in both bands is supported along with monopulse tracking at 32 GHz, [2]. An existing uplink capability of 25 kW is also available on the 70m antennas using a more conventional X/X diplexing feed. In order to provide an equivalent uplink capability with the 34m antennas the X/X/Ka feed is currently being modified for 100 kW CW operation, [3]. Here we will discuss both the existing feed and the 100 kW modifications which are underway.
Empowering nursing staff and residents in long-term care

Abstract An exploration of empowering and disempowering experiences among nursing staff members and long-term care residents yielded themes based on educational, communication, and relationship needs of nursing staff and environmental and relationship needs of residents in long-term care. Strategies for empowering nursing staff and residents are suggested. (Geriatr Nurs 2003;24:170-5)
Microbial Phytase Does Not Improve Protein–Amino Acid Utilization in Soybean Meal Fed to Young Chickens

Three growth trials were conducted with young chicks to evaluate crude protein (CP) utilization in soybean meal (SBM) as affected by dietary addition of microbial phytase. In assay 1, chicks were fed two CP-deficient (50 or 150 g CP/kg) levels of dehulled SBM, and each SBM level was then supplemented with equimolar amounts of cystine or methionine (Met) or with 1200 U phytase/kg. At 50 g CP/kg, cystine or Met supplementation improved (P 0.10) chick performance at either level of CP. Chicks in assay 2 were fed 100 g CP/kg furnished by SBM, casein or corn gluten meal in the absence and presence of 1200 U phytase/kg. Weight gain, gain/food and PER values were greater (P 0.10) on any measure of chick performance, regardless of the protein source fed. In assay 3, three deficient levels of CP (50, 100 and 150 g/kg) from SBM were fed in the absence and presence of 1200 U dietary phytase/kg. Weight gain, food efficiency and protein accretion increased linearly (P 0.10) on slopes of the body weight and protein accretion curves. Likewise, phytase addition did not affect (P > 0.10) measures of protein utilization, i.e., weight gain/protein intake and protein gain/protein intake at any of the CP levels that were fed. Because sulfur amino acids are the growth-limiting factors when protein-deficient levels of SBM are fed to young chicks, we conclude that dietary addition of phytase does not improve sulfur amino acid utilization in SBM.
Parallel circuit simulation based on nonlinear relaxation methods

The authors describe a number of techniques to perform parallel circuit simulation on a shared-memory multiprocessor using nonlinear relaxation algorithms. These approaches have been implemented on the Alliant FX/80 multiprocessor, which is a shared-memory machine with 8 processors. Various schemes based on the iterated timing analysis (ITA) algorithm exploiting subcircuit-level parallelism are described, including multiple barrier, single barrier, event-driven and unrolled versions of multiple barrier and single barrier. Simulation results on industrial circuits are used to identify the tradeoffs and limitations of each approach. Results indicate that, while event-driven is generally able to provide good speedups, the unrolled schemes are capable of providing better speedups on particular circuit examples. >