cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prednisolone treatment and restricted physical activity further compromise bone of mdx mice

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which prednisolone treatment and restricted physical activity caused deleterious changes in inherently compromised mdx bone. Methods: Four week-old male mdx mice (n=36) were treated for 8-wk either with or without prednisolone (0.8-1.3 mg/kg/d) and were housed in traditional or small cages (restricted activity). Tibial bone strength, geometry, and intrinsic material properties were assessed at the mid-shaft by three-point bending and micro-computed tomography (μCT). Results: Three-point bending results showed that both prednisolone and restricted activity reduced bone strength (7%), however stiffness was only reduced in restricted-activity mice. μCT analyses showed that cortical bone area and cortical thickness were 13% smaller in restricted-activity mice, and may have accounted for their compromised bone strength. Intrinsic material properties, including volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and modulus of elasticity, were not impacted by either treatment, however, vBMD tended to be lower in restricted-activity mice (p=0.06). Conclusions: These data show that prednisolone treatment and restricted physical activity independently accentuate reductions in the strength and geometry of mdx bone, but do not influence intrinsic material properties.
Applicability of the GAPS Model to Service Quality in Small Firms

Delivering quality is as critical to survival of small service firms as it is to large corporations. Zeithaml, Parasuraman, and Berry (1990) developed a conceptual model of service quality (Gaps) that identified gaps in service quality and suggested measures to close them. The Gaps model has been used in large service corporations, but is yet to be applied to small service firms. Therefore, this paper examines the applicability of the Gaps model to the smaller service firm. Our analysis revealed that the resources and structure of smaller firms significantly affect the types of service quality gaps that occur and the closure measures.
Effects of botanicals and combined hormone therapy on cognition in postmenopausal women.

Objective The aim of this study was to characterize the effects of red clover, black cohosh, and combined hormone therapy on cognitive function in comparison to placebo in women with moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms. Methods In a phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 66 midlife women (of 89 from a parent study; mean age, 53 y) with 35 or more weekly hot flashes were randomized to receive red clover (120 mg), black cohosh (128 mg), 0.625 mg conjugated equine estrogens plus 2.5 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate (CEE/MPA), or placebo. Participants completed measures of verbal memory (primary outcome) and other cognitive measures (secondary outcomes) before and during the 12th treatment month. A subset of 19 women completed objective, physiological measures of hot flashes using ambulatory skin conductance monitors. Results Neither of the botanical treatments had an impact on any cognitive measure. Compared with placebo, CEE/MPA led to a greater decline in verbal learning (one of five verbal memory measures). This effect just missed statistical significance (P = 0.057) in unadjusted analyses but reached significance (P = 0.02) after adjusting for vasomotor symptoms. Neither of the botanical treatment groups showed a change in verbal memory that differed from the placebo group (Ps > 0.28), even after controlling for improvements in hot flashes. In secondary outcomes, CEE/MPA led to a decrease in immediate digit recall and an improvement in letter fluency. Only CEE/MPA significantly reduced objective hot flashes. Conclusions Results indicate that a red clover (phytoestrogen) supplement or black cohosh has no effects on cognitive function. CEE/MPA reduces objective hot flashes but worsens some aspects of verbal memory.
Gaseous Reaction Rates at High Temperature. I. The Dissociation of Carbon Dioxide

The rate of dissociation of carbon dioxide has been measured in the temperature range 3000°—5000°K. The amount of carbon dioxide was varied from 1% to 10% in a diluent of argon or nitrogen. The concentration of the mixture was varied from 0.11×10−5 to 0.49×10−5 mole/cc. It is shown that the decrease in temperature and increase in density caused by the endothermic dissociation must be considered in the analysis of the data. A computer program was employed to account for the effect of the changes in temperature and density on the observed rate of dissociation. The rate constants for the reaction CO2+M→CO+O+M were determined to be k1,Ar=7.11×1011T12exp(−84 500/RT) cc/mole·sec with argon as the diluent and k1,N2=5.33×1011T12exp(−79 600/RT) cc/mole·sec with nitrogen as the diluent. The probable dissociation mechanism also is discussed.
Reconstitution of the augmin complex provides insights into its architecture and function

Proper microtubule nucleation during cell division requires augmin, a microtubule-associated hetero-octameric protein complex. In current models, augmin recruits γ-tubulin, through the carboxyl terminus of its hDgt6 subunit to nucleate microtubules within spindles. However, augmin's biochemical complexity has restricted analysis of its structural organization and function. Here, we reconstitute human augmin and show that it is a Y-shaped complex that can adopt multiple conformations. Further, we find that a dimeric sub-complex retains in vitro microtubule-binding properties of octameric complexes, but not proper metaphase spindle localization. Addition of octameric augmin complexes to Xenopus egg extracts promotes microtubule aster formation, an activity enhanced by Ran-GTP. This activity requires microtubule binding, but not the characterized hDgt6 γ-tubulin-recruitment domain. Tetrameric sub-complexes induce asters, but activity and microtubule bundling within asters are reduced compared with octameric complexes. Together, our findings shed light on augmin's structural organization and microtubule-binding properties, and define subunits required for its function in organizing microtubule-based structures.
Effects of Quantum Dots Adsorption on Algal Photosynthesis

We report on the adsorption of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots and its effects on algal photosynthesis. A logarithmic trend was established for the adsorption process using UV−vis spectrophotometry, with Freundlich constants determined as k = 0.588 ppm1−n and n = 0.629. Both our CO2 depletion and O2 production assays showed a significantly inhibited photosynthetic activity of the algae exposed to the quantum dots, suggesting the potential impact of nanoparticle adsorption on the photochemistry of plant species.
A Hybrid Model of Script Generation: or Getting the Best from Both Worlds

For many years researchers have attempted to model human behavior in familiar situations using the notions of schemata and script representations. Much psychological data exists to support the notion that humans use script or schema-like representations in their interactions with the world. Purely symbolic models and purely connectionist models each have difficulty accounting for both the contents and sequentiality of scripts. We describe a hybrid model that allows us to model scriptal behavior according to four criteria which we propose. It is shown how the model deals effectively with traditional and non-traditional AI problems which lend themselves to scriptal representations. This is followed by a review of several of the approaches that have been proposed to account for human behavior regarding scripts and schemata, and how they fare with respect to the four criteria. Following this, the benefits of each component of our hybrid model are described.
Procedural justice in promotion decisions: using perceptions of fairness to build employee commitment

Although companies spend millions of dollars each year in their attempts to comply with fair employment laws, many firms continue to have problems with employees who perceive unfair treatment in promotion decisions. Procedural justice refers to the perceived fairness or equity of the procedures used in making decisions regarding the distribution of rewards, such as promotion. Previous research indicates a positive relationship between procedural justice and organizational commitment, but these findings relate to the effect of unfair selection decisions on organizational commitment, instead of specifically focusing on justice perceptions in promotion decisions. Because employee perceptions of unfairness may result in negative consequences for organizations, the purpose of this study was to examine the significance of procedural justice in promotion decisions in predicting organizational commitment. Regression analysis results indicate a significant main effect of the perceived fairness of the promotion‐decision system on organizational commitment. Implications for research and practitioners are discussed.
An ab initio study of the structure of two-, three- and five-dimersilicon clusters: An approach to the Si(100) surface

Two-, three- and five-dimer cluster models were used to elucidate the structures of small models of the Si(100) surface. Because surface dimers have been shown to have significant singlet diradical character, multi-reference wave functions were used in order to obtain a reliable description of such species. CASSCF (complete active space SCF) geometry optimizations find symmetric structures to be the global minima, with no local minima at buckled structures. This result for the three- and five-dimer clusters implies that dimer– dimer repulsions are not sufficient to cause buckling of these species. These results are in contrast with most previous calculations that predict buckling of surface dimers. The effect of the dynamic part of the electron correlation on surface structure was assessed by performing single point multi-reference perturbation theory (MRMP) calculations along the three buckling normal modes of the three-dimer cluster. Although dynamic correlation effects are found to “soften” motion along the buckling coordinates, the surface remains unbuckled when such correlation effects are included. The MRMP results are in qualitative agreement with the CASSCF predictions. The implications of these results with regard to the structure of the Si(100) surface are discussed.
Translational dynamics in binary homopolymer mixtures

Abstract The influence of constraint release on the translational dynamics of deuteriated polystyrene (d-PS) chains of molecular weight, M, into two different binary mixtures was examined using forward recoil spectrometry. The first mixture was composed of two polystyrenes differing in molecular weight and the second was composed of polystyrene (PS) and poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME). The results are compared with a model developed to describe the effects of constraint release on the translational dynamics of a single chain diffusing into a melt whose behavior is characterized by chains that exhibit two different relaxation rates. A single fitting parameter, the ratio of the relaxation times of the fast to slow components, was used to describe the data. In the case of the PS/PS host, the ratio increased as the volume fraction of the slow component increased. For the PS/PVME system, a slight minimum was observed in the middle of the composition regime. Independent studies of the poly(ethylene oxide)/polymethylmethacrylate system, where relaxation times of the PEO and PMMA components were determined independently, reveal similar trends.
Language Ideologies: Practice and Theory

Language Ideologies: Practice and Theory. Bambi B. Schieffelin. Kathryn A. Woolard. and Paul Kroskrit. eds. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1998. xiii. 338 pp., illustrations, references, index.
Effect of retroviral transduction of canine microvascular endothelial cells on β1 integrin subunit expression and cell retention to PTFE grafts

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of retroviral transduction on canine microvascular endothelial cell (CMVEC) detachment from fibrin glue coated expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) graft material. CMVEC were isolated from adipose tissue by fluorescent activated cell sorting (FACS). Three treatment groups were evaluated: G-I, transduced CMVEC, selected in antibiotic G418 for 10 days (n=5); G-II, CMVEC selected in G418 and recovered from selection for 4 days (n=5); and G-III, control group of naive CMVEC (n=6). 3H-thymidine labeled endothelial cells were seeded on fibrin glue coated four-mm diameter PTFE. Grafts were exposed to physiologic shear stresses of 16 dyn/cm2. Cell detachment was determined by 3H-thymidine counts in the circuit effluent. β1 integrin subunit expression was measured by flow cytometry. After 2 hours of flow exposure, G-I and G-II demonstrated significantly greater cell detachment rates compared with the control seeded grafts. Median peak channel β1 integrin subunit value for G-III CMVEC was 2311±481.7 vs. 31.5±4.51 and 26.3±2.0 in the transduced cell groups (p=0.00043). Low β1 integrin expression correlated with flow induced high detachment rates of retrovirally-transduced CMVEC.
Body Composition in Amenorrheic Athletic Women

Excerpt To the editor: The low estimations of body fat of 4% to 10% in eumenorrheic women runners reported by Marcus and associates (1) must be interpreted with caution. The weight for height repor...
Polarization of neutrons from the 16O(d, n)17F reaction

Abstract The polarizations of neutrons from the 16 O(d, n 0 ) 17 F and 16 O(d, n 1 17 F reactions have been measured at 30° (lab) in steps of approximately 0.15 MeV from E d = 3.96 to 5.35 MeV. Polarization angular distributions have been obtained at 3.96 and 5.35 MeV. It is determined that the random phase approximation for the scattering amplitudes is not appropriate for the compound nucleus contributions. The analysis indicates probable interference between the compound nucleus and direct interaction reaction mechanisms.
Microstructural evolution during the heat treatment of nanocrystalline alloys

Nanocrystalline alloys often show exceptional thermal stability as a consequence of kinetic and thermodynamic impediments to grain growth. However, evaluating the various contributions to stability requires detailed investigation of the solute distribution, which is challenging within the fine structural-length-scales of nanocrystalline materials. In the present work, we use a variety of techniques to assess changes in the grain size, chemical ordering, grain-boundary segregation, and grain-boundary structure during the heat treatment of Ni–W specimens synthesized over a wide range of grain sizes from 3 to 70 nm. A schematic microstructural evolution map is also developed based on analytical models of the various processes activated during annealing, highlighting the effects of alloying in nanocrystalline materials.
Impaired generation of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate in a somatomammotroph cell line derived from dwarf (dw) rat anterior pituitaries.

The dwarf (dw) mutation in rats results in 40–50% growth retardation associated with a selective reduction in pituitary somatotroph number, GH content, and GH mRNA levels and a decreased GH secretory response to GH-releasing factor (GRF). Recent studies in freshly dispersed pituitary cells have provided evidence for a defect in adenylate cyclase-linked GRF signal transduction in dw somatotrophs. To further examine this defect in a more specific cell population, we developed a somatomammotroph cell line (DP) derived from anterior pituitaries of male dw rats. A similar cell line from normal rats (vPo) was used as control. We studied acute GH (4-h release) and cAMP (30-min intracellular accumulation) responses to GH secretagogues known to interact with the adenylate cyclase system. Basal GH release in both cell lines was 80–130% of the cell content, thus limiting the capacity for further GH responses. GRF (10−8 M) produced a doubling of cAMP levels in Po and DP cells (P < 0.01), but inconsistent effects on G...
Novel polyamine derivatives as potent competitive inhibitors of Trypanosoma cruzi trypanothione reductase

The inhibiting effects of several spermidine and spermine derivatives on T. cruzi trypanothione reductase were assessed. Spermidine and spermine derivatives containing hydrophobic aromatic substituents were found to be competitive inhibitors of trypanothione reductase. The most effective compounds tested were N1,N8-bis(2-naphthylmethyl)spermidine, N4,N8-bis(2-naphthylmethyl)spermine and N4,N8-bis(3-phenylpropyl)spermine.
Perceived risk for breast cancer and its relationship to mammography in Blacks, Hispanics, and Whites

A challenge for health behavior science is to develop theory and best practices that take cultural diversity into account. Using data from Black, Hispanic, and White respondents to the 2003 Health Information National Trends Survey, we examined racial/ethnic differences in: (1) breast cancer risk perceptions/worry; (2) the associations between perceived risk/worry and ever having received a mammogram; and (3) perceived risk/worry and having had at least 2 mammograms over a 4-year period (consecutive mammography). Compared to White race/ethnicity, Black race/ethnicity was associated with lower perceived absolute risk and comparative risk for developing cancer. For the sample as a whole, higher perceived risk (both absolute risk and comparative risk) and worry predicted greater odds of mammography use; however, this was not true for Hispanics. In stratified analyses, perceived risk and worry were not associated with mammography use for either Hispanics or Blacks whereas they were for Whites; however, this interaction effect was significant only for Hispanics vs. Whites. Results support the need for formative research to identify determinants of health behavior prior to cancer prevention message planning for diverse audiences in order to accommodate racial/ethnic differences not only in the level of perceived risk, but also the association between risk perception to behavior change in that community.
Compost, rapeseed rotation, and biocontrol agents significantly impact soil microbial communities in organic and conventional potato production systems

Abstract Cultural practices such as organic amendments, rotations, and use of biological control organisms are regularly investigated for their effects on controlling plant diseases but their effects on soil microbial populations are often unexplored. In this study, three different sustainable disease management practices, use of compost amendment, biocontrol organisms, and a potentially disease-suppressive rotation, were established in potato field trials at two sites under different management regimes and histories, and evaluated over three potato cropping seasons for their effects on soil microbial communities. Specific management factors assessed included the presence or absence of a conifer-based compost amendment, addition of one of three different biocontrol organisms (Trichoderma virens, Bacillus subtilis, and Rhizoctonia solani isolate Rhs1A1), and a Brassica napus (rapeseed) green manure rotation crop preceding potato, and treatments were assessed in all factorial combinations. The two farm sites represented organic and conventional potato production practices in Aroostook County, Maine. Compost amendment and rapeseed rotation had the greatest impacts on soil microbial communities, with both treatments increasing total populations of culturable bacteria at both sites over the course of the study, as well as causing detectable shifts in soil microbial community characteristics as determined by sole carbon-source substrate utilization and fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) profiles. Compost amendment generally led to increased utilization of complex substrates and increased levels of Gram-positive bacteria and fungi, and compost effects were more pronounced at the conventional site. Rapeseed rotation often resulted in somewhat different effects at the two different sites. Consistent overall effects were observed with the biocontrol amendments Rhs1A1 and T. virens, including increased microbial activity and bacterial populations. Combined effects of multiple treatments were greater than those of individual treatments and were generally additive. These results indicate that each treatment factor had significant and specific effects on soil microbial communities, and that combined effects tended to be complementary, suggesting the potential of combining multiple compatible management practices and their associated changes in soil microbial communities.
Natural Variation in HIV-1 Protease, Gag p7 and p6, and Protease Cleavage Sites within Gag/Pol Polyproteins: Amino Acid Substitutions in the Absence of Protease Inhibitors in Mothers and Children Infected by Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1

Reduced sensitivity of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) to protease inhibitors is associated with multiple amino acid substitutions in the virus-encoded protease. The combination of changes that contribute to drug resistance is dependent in part upon the amino acid residues comprising protease alleles prior to drug therapy. We analyzed within peripheral blood mononuclear cells from HIV-1-infected mothers and their children viral gag/pol regions, which included p7, transframe p6/p6*, and protease coding sequences, as well as six protease cleavage sites. Sixty protease alleles from 12 individuals differed by at least 3 to as many as 10 amino acids from proteases encoded by molecular clones of HIV-1, indicating that there is no prototype or consensus wild-type HIV-1 protease sequence. Protease variants with a proline at position 63, a substitution associated with resistance to protease inhibitors, appeared in the absence of antiprotease therapy in 7 patients and were transmitted by 2 mothers to their infants. Gag p7 p6 regions were significantly more variable than protease. The p6/p6* region contained length variants and amino acid repeats in both reading frames. Five protease cleavage sites (B, D', D, E, and F) contained highly conserved amino acid sequences in individuals infected by epidemiologically distinct viruses. In contrast, C cleavage sites, localized between Gag p2 and Gag p7, displayed considerable amino acid variability, were unique among groups of infected individuals, and appeared to be related to particular protease alleles. Genetic variability in vivo in protease, in cleavage sites, and in proteins upstream of protease provides the potential to modulate enzyme activity and susceptibility to protease inhibitors.
Scaled normalized lattice digital filter structures

The minimum-noise lattice digital filter with a systolizable structure, good scaling property and low output roundoff noise was recently proposed. In this paper, we show that the same structure can be designed by applying a new scaling method to the well known normalized lattice digital filter. Therefore, this structure can be referred to as the scaled normalized lattice digital filter. Different types of scaled normalized lattice digital filter structures are also derived. >
Validation of State Space Models in Non-Gaussian Systems

A methodology for testing whether a state space model accurately describes the system under consideration is presented. Unlike existing procedures it is not necessary to assume that all of the random terms in the model are normally distributed. The methodology is based on a single realization of observations and is relatively easy to implement since it is based on a normalized Kalman filter state estimate. The testing procedure rests on an asymptotic distribution theory for the filter estimate. The power of the methodology to detect modeling errors varies considerably according to the type of error occurring.
Existence of the colicinogenic factor-sex factor coli-P9 as a supercoiled circular DNA-protein relaxation complex

Abstract The colicinogenic factor Col E 1 has previously been isolated as a supercoiled circular DNA-protein complex designated relaxation complex. When treated with proteases, strong ionic detergents, or alkali, the supercoiled DNA in the complex is converted to the relaxed, or open circular, form. In these studies the colicinogenic factor-sex factor Col I b -P9 has been purified from Escherichia coli as a circular DNA molecule with sedimentation values of 73S and 45S for the supercoiled and open circular forms, respectively, and as a supercoiled DNA-protein relaxation complex with properties similar to those described for the Col E 1 relaxation complex.
j-partitions for visible shorelines

LetC be a compact set inR2. A setS\( \subseteq \)R2∼ C is said to have aj-partition relative toC if and only if there existj or fewer pointsc1,⋯, cj inC such that each point ofS ‘sees someci via the complement ofC’. Letm, j be fixed integers, 3 ⩽m, 2 ⩽j, and writem (uniquely) asm = qj + r, where 1 ⩽r ⩽j. Assume thatC is a convexm-gon in R2, withS\( \subseteq \)R2∼ C. Forq = 0 orq = 1, the setS has aj-partition relative toC. Forq ⩾ 2,S has aj-partition relative toC if and only if every (qj + 1)-member subset ofS has aj-partition relative toC, and the Helly numberqj + 1 is best possible.
Oxidative stress as a precursor to the irreversible hepatocellular injury caused by hyperthermia.

Heat-induced hepatotoxicity accompanying hyperthermic liver perfusion was studied in the isolated, haemoglobin-free perfused rat liver. Trypan blue uptake, a sensitive indicator of cell death, was used to examine the relationship between the efflux of oxidized glutathione (oxidative stress), the appearance of cytosolic enzymes in the perfusate and cell death. Livers were perfused at 37, 42, 42.5 and 43°C. The efflux of total glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) increased with time and temperature. Differences between temperature groups were significant for both parameters for 37 versus 42, 42.5 and 43°C (p < 0.05). Temperature-related differences in GSH levels appeared at 15 min for 37 versus 42 °C and in GSSG levels at 30 min for 37 versus 42 and 42.5°C. Biliary excretion of total GSH increased from 72 nmol at 37°C to 144 nmol at 42°C, 160 nmol at 42.5°C and 124 nmol at 43°C, which was significant for 37 versus 42 and 42.5°C (p < 0.05). The release of allantoin into the perfusate, a measure ...
Emergence and optimization of upright posture among hominiform hominoids and the evolutionary pathophysiology of back pain.

✓The lordotic region of the lumbar spine is a significant focus of pain and dysfunction in the human body, and its susceptibility to disorders may reflect its substantial reconfiguration during the course of human evolution. The basic anatomy of the lumbar vertebra in Old World Monkeys and Early Miocene apes, or proconsulids, retains typical mammalian architecture. The lumbar vertebra in humans is different in the repositioning of the lumbar transverse process dorsal to the vertebral body rather than originating on the body itself and in the loss of the styloid process that is adjacent to the facets in other primates. These two features appeared in Morotopithecus bishopi 21.6 million years ago, suggesting that this ape is the founder of an upright hominiform lineage. The iliocostalis lumborum muscles migrated onto the iliac crest approximately 18 million years ago, becoming a powerful lateral flexor muscle of the trunk. The posterior superior iliac spine shifted far dorsal to the longissimus insertion in ...
In vitro induction of tyrosinase activity in goldfish (Carassius auratus L.) integument by ACTH and dibutyryl-cAMP.

Tyrosinase was first detected in melanoblasts by the DOPA-oxidase reaction in the presence of catalase in explants of goldfish integument after 12 hr culture with either ACTH (1 IU/ml) or DB-cAMP (0.1m M). Melanin did not appear in the new melanocytes until 24 hr. The data indicate that the release of cAMP within the melanoblast in response to ACTH treatment is rapid and the tyrosinase in the melanoblast is released from inhibition and/or activated at least 12 hr prior to melanization of premelanosomes.
Can Neuropsychological Assessment Inform Forensic Evaluators' Psycholegal Opinions? Evidence Through a Case Report

Though competence to stand trial (CST) is a legal construct, demonstration of competence intrinsically relies on cognitive and interpersonal skills. In light of research suggesting forensic evaluators are less likely to attend to cognitive impairment than other factors (e.g., psychopathology), consulting with neuropsychologists can help when formulating psycholegal opinions. For example, neuropsychologists can provide insights about an individual's cognitive strengths and weaknesses, offer opinions about restorability, and make recommendations about strategies for optimizing restoration efforts. This case report highlights how referral and consultation with a neuropsychologist provided insights about a defendant's incompetence to proceed and potential for competence restoration.
Equilibrium vaporization of oils by the chain-of-rotators group contribution equation of state

Abstract The chain-of-rotators group contribution equation of state is applied to the fluid phase equilibrium of petroleum oils. An oil is decomposed into cuts,
Comparison of functional deficits in the rabbit tibialis anterior following tourniquet ischemia and tourniquet compression

The purpose of this study was to measure the contractile properties of skeletal muscle after direct compression with a tourniquet and to compare these properties with those found after a similar period of tourniquet ischemia. A rabbit model of tourniquet compression of the tibialis anterior was developed and tested for this investigation. Fifty-seven animals then were divided into four protocol groups: (a) thigh tourniquet (ischemia) at 350 mm Hg (46.7 kPa), (b) leg tourniquet (compression) at 350 mm Hg (46.7 kPa), (c) leg tourniquet at 125 mm Hg (16.7 kPa), and (d) controls. A significant decrease in maximum tetanic tension was demonstrated in all three experimental groups. Direct compression at 350 mm Hg resulted in the greatest decline in maximum tetanic tension (22.6% of control), followed by compression at 125 mm Hg (30.5% ) and ischemic injury (40.2% ). In addition, direct compression at 350 mm Hg resulted in a significantly greater loss of force-generating capacity when compared with the ischemic group (p < 0.01). A similar pattern was noted for the rate of rise in maximum tetanic tension. Gross histologic examination of the tibialis anterior sections was consistent with the results of functional testing, with the more severe abnormalities noted in the compressed specimens. These results clearly demonstrate that tourniquet compression injury results in a more significant loss of functional strength and contractile speed than tourniquet ischemia. Further investigations on the safe limits of tourniquet use thus should be directed toward measuring the effect of the pneumatic tourniquet on the underlying soft tissues.
Optimisation of magnification levels for near infrared chemical imaging of blending of pharmaceutical powders

A critical parameter in the evaluation of pharmaceutical dosage forms by hyperspectral imaging is the level of magnification. If the magnification (as set by the optical objective) is inadequate to resolve the relevant features, then the value of the imaging is diminished; if the magnification level is greater than is required, then the field of view is unnecessarily reduced. The purpose of this study was to determine an optimum magnification level for the study of powder mixing. Relevant features in this system include distribution of individual components within samples and the overall content of a given sample. In the present study, three magnification levels of near infrared (NIR) chemical imaging objectives were evaluated for their effects on imaging a blend of pharmaceutical materials (powders). High, medium and low objective magnification levels were investigated by comparing the resulting blend surface images of a two-component (salicylic acid and lactose) pharmaceutical powder mixture. Multiple i...
Production of small uranium dioxide microspheres for cermet nuclear fuel using the internal gelation process

Abstract The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is developing a uranium dioxide (UO2)/tungsten cermet fuel for potential use as the nuclear cryogenic propulsion stage (NCPS). The first generation NCPS is expected to be made from dense UO2 microspheres with diameters between 75 and 150 μm. Previously, the internal gelation process and a hood-scale apparatus with a vibrating nozzle were used to form gel spheres, which became UO2 kernels with diameters between 350 and 850 μm. For the NASA spheres, the vibrating nozzle was replaced with a custom designed, two-fluid nozzle to produce gel spheres in the desired smaller size range. This paper describes the operational methodology used to make 3 kg of uranium oxide (UOx) microspheres.
Eight microsatellite loci in Phaedranassa schizantha Baker (Amaryllidaceae) and cross-amplification in other Phaedranassa species

Phaedranassa schizantha is a species endemic to Ecuador from which eight polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated from an enriched genomic library. A total of 31 alleles with an average of four alleles per locus were detected across 29 individuals from a single natural population of P. schizantha. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.05 to 0.68. Most of the eight loci were successfully amplified in six Phaedranassa species. Five of those species are either “Vulnerable” or “Endangered” under IUCN criteria. These loci will be used to investigate patterns of inter- and intraspecific variation of Phaedranassa species, which will contribute data relevant to their conservation status.
Raman scattering by polaritons in tetragonal BaTiO3

Abstract Raman scattering spectra by polaritons of A 1 symmetry in tetragonal BaTiO 3 at room temperature are used to establish the q ≈ 0 TO phonon frequencies and to estimate the dielectric constant along the ferroelectric axis ϵ cs . Values of ϵ cs = 37 ± 5 and ϵ cs = 38 ± 6 are found from the LST relation and the polariton dispersion curves respectively. It is also found that the two broad bands centered at 270 cm -1 and 520 cm -1 correspond to TO phonons. Their widths are explained by large anharmonic couplings and a frequency dependent damping constant.
Study of electrical and chemical profiles of Si implanted in semi-insulating GaAs substrate annealed under SiO2 and capless

We have studied, compared, and correlated the chemical redistribution of Cr and Si, electrical profiles, mobilities, carrier concentrations, and channel conduction currents in Si‐implanted semi‐insulating GaAs substrates annealed with and without a SiO2 cap under an As4 and H2 ambient for 20 min at 830 and at 860 °C. Differences observed between capless and SiO2‐encapsulated annealing methods include the position and activation of net donor concentration peaks, the gradient of the leading edge of the profiles, and mobilities. An explanation of these differences is provided using a Cr redistribution model and a charge neutrality equation where this complex electrical behavior cannot be explained solely by the implanted impurity atoms and thermal diffusion effects.
Assignment of the quaternary structure of FeZn hybrid hemoglobins: Implications for allosteric theories

Abstract The quaternary structures of α 2 Znβ 2 Fe(III), α 2 Znβ 2 Fe(III)N 3 − , α 2 ZnβFe(II)CO, α 2 Fe(III)β 2 Zn, α 2 Fe(III)N 3 − β 2 Zn and α 2 Fe(II)COβ 2 Zn have been assigned using U.V. Circular dichroism, subunit dissociation measurements, and ligand binding rates. A “T” structure is obtained for all these Zn Fe hybrids. These results suggest that a complete R → T quaternary structure change does not occur until the third ligand binds. These observations, combined with previous studies of mixed valence Hb hybrids, place severe constraints on two state models of hemoglobin allostery.
Inhibition of neutrophil function by aspirin-like drugs (NSAIDS): Requirement for assembly of heterotrimeric G proteins in bilayer phospholipid

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit neutrophil functions via mechanisms that are independent of their effects on prostaglandin biosynthesis. We examined the effects of sodium salicylate and piroxicam on GTP/GDP exchange by a regulatory G protein (G alpha i). Plasma membrane and cytosol of human neutrophils were prepared by nitrogen cavitation and discontinuous sucrose density centrifugation. Salicylate (3 mM) and piroxicam (50 microM) reduced [35S]GTP gamma S binding to purified plasma membranes [65 +/- 3.7 and 75 +/- 5.3% (P < 0.003) of control, respectively]. Membrane-associated G alpha/beta gamma was solubilized by treatment of plasma membranes with sodium cholate. NSAIDs did not inhibit binding of GTP to solubilized G alpha/beta gamma derived from detergent-treated plasma membranes. Lipid reconstitution was achieved by detergent dialysis followed by the addition of bilayer liposomes (phosphatidylcholine). Salicylate and piroxicam inhibited GTP gamma S binding to G alpha/beta gamma derived from solubilized plasma membranes reconstituted in phosphatidylcholine vesicles (bilayer structures) but had no effect when phosphatidylethanolamine (hexagonal phase II structure) was used for reconstitution. Salicylate and piroxicam had no effect on GTP binding to cytosolic fractions in which soluble G alpha i exists as a free subunit, suggesting that the effect required either assembly of G alpha i/beta gamma heterotrimer or the presence of a lipid bilayer. Although the addition of purified bovine beta gamma subunits to dialyzed cytosol increased both the total GIP binding capacity and the pertussis toxin-dependent ADP-ribosylation of G alpha i, consistent with assembly of a G protein heterotrimer, NSAIDs had no effect on GTP binding. In contrast, NSAIDs inhibited GTP binding to heterotrimeric G alpha cytosol/beta gamma bovine when the complex was inserted into bilayer liposomes. The data indicate that salicylate and piroxicam disrupt neutrophil function via their capacity to interfere with GTP/GDP exchange at an alpha subunit of a regulatory G protein, an effect which requires assembly of the active heterotrimer G alpha i/beta gamma in a phospholipid bilayer.
Effects of Gender and Dress on Helping Behavior

Summay.-The effects of gender and dress on helping behavior were examined. Perceptions and feelings influencing decisions to help were also investigated in an exploratory manner. 128 subjects were asked by a male or female confederate for 370 and afterwards completed a questionnaire. The conhderates were either well-dressed or sloppily dressed. Analysis indicated that the woman was helped more than the man but that well-dressed and sloppily dressed confederates were helped equally. Subjects who helped generally perceived confederates to be needier than subjects who did not. Further, subjects who did not help reported greater djscomfon from he helping request than subjects who helped. The results of numerous studies of helping as a function of dress appear inconsistent. Some studies have shown significant differences when the type of dress was controlled (7, 12, 13, 151, whereas others did not (3, 4, 8, 11). For example, neatly dressed female confederates asking for a dime in an airport received money significantly more often than sloppily dressed peers (12). When the confederate attempted to buy an item in a convenience store, however, rhe dress of the confederate customer did not significantly affect the clerk's decision to allow the confederate to purchase an item when he d~d not have enough money (3). These discrepancies appear to vary across testing environments as well as helping behaviors. Interactions between the type of dress and the nature of the request for help have been found (4, 10). For example, poorly dressed confederates asking directions to a thrrft shop received more help than when asking directions to an elite tennis club, while well-dressed confederates received the same amount of help regardless of the location for which directions were requested (10). Benson, Karabenick, and Lerner (2) proposed that helping well-dressed people is due to their perceived attractiveness. They suggested that attractive people are more Ilkable than unattractive people and, therefore, are more apt to be helped. Juhnke, Barmann, Vickery, Cunningham, Hohl, Smith, and Quinones (10) proposed, however, that helping the sloppily dressed individual might be considered normative behavior because sloppily dressed 'A version of the present scudy was presented in osrer Form at the Midwesrern Ps cholo ical Association conference in May I994 in Chicago Aanks go to Dr. Linda Skitka For Ker hb ?s a consultant and to the rnana ement and staff of Edwardsville's Wal-Mart store for t err cooperation in conducting the &Id experiment. Requests For reprints may be addressed ro D. A. Long, 408 South Cherry, Lamoni, Iowa 50140.
Parallel visualization of large data sets

In this paper we describe our efforts towards the parallel visualization of large data sets. We describe the fully threaded tree (FTT) structure developed at NRL to tackle the problem of massive parallel calculations using adaptive mesh refinement methods. All operations with FTT are performed in parallel and require only a small memory overhead. The FTT can be viewed as a data compression scheme that dramatically improves the performance of standard finite difference algorithms by performing calculations on the compressed data in situ. Because of the tremendous benefits of this type of data structure, it is of great interest to develop visualization algorithms that are native to the FTT. Using the FTT library, we convert the FTT data structure to an unstructured data set and discuss applications to both scatter dot visualization and parallel ray-tracing. The latter technique gives a good indication of the performance and scalability of the FTT algorithm for ray-tracking. We then discuss conversion of the FTT data structure for virtual reality visualization in an immersive room. Our results are presented using an example of a numerical calculation of a detonation in a rectangular cavity using from 1 to 2 million cells.
Stationary neutrino radiation transport by maximum entropy closure

The authors obtain the angular distributions that maximize the entropy functional for Maxwell-Boltzmann (classical), Bose-Einstein, and Fermi-Dirac radiation. In the low and high occupancy limits, the maximum entropy closure is bounded by previously known variable Eddington factors that depend only on the flux. For intermediate occupancy, the maximum entropy closure depends on both the occupation density and the flux. The Fermi-Dirac maximum entropy variable Eddington factor shows a scale invariance, which leads to a simple, exact analytic closure for fermions. This two-dimensional variable Eddington factor gives results that agree well with exact (Monte Carlo) neutrino transport calculations out of a collapse residue during early phases of hydrostatic neutron star formation.
Institutional Design versus Reputational Effects on Bureaucratic Performance: Evidence from U.S. Government Macroeconomic and Fiscal Projections

Institutional scholars often presume that the selection of a particular structural design necessarily shapes resulting policy outputs and outcomes. This phenomenon is an inherently political choice, yet we know little about its consequences regarding bureaucratic performance in a democracy. In this study, we examine whether the quality of agency outputs varies in relation to its institutional design. We empirically investigate this issue by examining the quality of current-year macroeconomic and fiscal projections generated by both presidential (Council of Economic Advisers and Office of Management and Budget) and congressional (Congressional Budget Office) support agencies, as well as an independent regulatory commission (Federal Reserve). Our statistical results uncover trivial cross-agency differences regarding bias and accuracy contained in this type of policy information. While varying degrees of political insulation might affect the durability of administrative agencies ex post, our empirical evidence rejects the politics of structural design thesis for short-termoriented policy analysis. Specifically, bureaucratic task outputs are generally unaffected in an ex ante fashion by the extent to which an agency’s institutional structure is insulated from political influence. Our empirical evidence suggests that these particular agencies’ concern with reputational considerations are fairly homogeneous and thus outweigh the varying political pressures that they confront attributable to the institutional structure that they operate under. Is a public bureau’s performance ‘‘hardwired’’ by the structural design choice made by politicians? The answer to this question is of utmost importance to those interested in the nexus between democratic accountability and the administrative state because it tells us not only whether politicians are able to exert control over specialized experts in the bureaucracy A previous version of this article was prepared for delivery at the 2003 Public Choice Society Meetings, Nashville, Tenn., March 21–23, 2003. We thank David Lewis, Florenz Plassman, and the anonymous JPART reviewers for helpful comments on earlier versions of this article. Address correspondence to George A. Krause at george.krause@sc.edu. doi:10.1093/jopart/mui038 Advance Access publication on March 2, 2005 a The Author 2005. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, Inc. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oupjournals.org. JPART 15:281–306
Interferon alpha-2b injections used as an adjuvant therapy to carbon dioxide laser vaporization of recalcitrant ano-genital condylomata acuminata.

We retrospectively analyzed our treatment of men with genital condylomata acuminata (CA) at Hennepin County Medical Center and the University of Minnesota. Between October 1985 and August 1989, 48 patients with CA were treated with laser vaporization, and 27 were treated with laser vaporization followed by a series of intralesional interferon (IFN) alpha-2b injections. The patients in the IFN group were more likely to have perianal CA (44% vs 24%), had larger numbers of CA, and were more likely to have had previous treatment, including previous laser vaporization. The CA in the laser group were more likely to be on the penis alone (67% vs 45%) and had a longer mean duration. The laser-treated group experienced a 38.2% rate of recurrence or reinfection with a mean follow-up period of 13 weeks. The laser and IFN group had an 18.5% rate of recurrence or reinfection with the same follow-up. We conclude that intralesional injections of alpha-2b interferon following carbon dioxide laser vaporization of recalcitrant ano-genital condylomata substantially reduce the risk of recurrence or reinfection.
Linearized Weyl-Weyl correlator in a de Sitter breaking gauge

We use a de Sitter breaking graviton propagator [14,15] to compute the tree-order correlator between noncoincident Weyl tensors on a locally de Sitter background. An explicit and very simple result is obtained for any spacetime dimension $D$, in terms of a de Sitter invariant length function and the tensor basis constructed from the metric and derivatives of this length function. Our answer does not agree with the one derived previously by Kouris [26], but that result must be incorrect because it is not transverse and lacks some of the algebraic symmetries of the Weyl tensor. Taking the coincidence limit of our result (with dimensional regularization) and contracting the indices gives the expectation value of the square of the Weyl tensor at lowest order. We propose the next order computation of this as a true test of de Sitter invariance in quantum gravity.