cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of coating techniques on the creation of a calcified zone for implant-tendon entheses

An attachment or insertion site of tendon, ligament or joint capsule to bone, so called entheses, is either fibrous or fibrocartilaginous. A well characterized fibrocartilaginous entheses is comprised of four zones- pure dense fibrous connective tissue, uncalcified and calcified fibrocartilage,and bone. Increase in hardness from fibrous tissue to bone appears to be a natural way of dealing with mechanical stresses in the entheses region. Calcified zone, which is made up of mineralized extracellular matrix (ECM), acts as a transitional zone between the hard and soft regions of the entheses. Thus, success of long term orthopedic implants depends upon the creation of a bio-mimicked calcified zone on their surface. As tendon/ligament entheses are basically composed collagen based ECM, in this in vitro investigation, we made use of collagen based bioscaffolds; specifically, gelatin B and porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) were used in the creation of a calcified zone on a model orthopedic biomaterial-titanium sheet, by mixing them with saturated levels of hydroxyapatite (HA). In order to enhance attachment on an implant, we gelatinized these bioscaffolds by heat denaturation in water followed by spin coating or coating by pipette on a titanium (Ti) sheet by taking advantage of the self-assembling properties of collagen. Our scanning electron microscope (SEM) results suggest that the calcification as well as the area covered by their coating on Ti is better during a pipette technique as compared to spin coating. Further, gelatin B and SIS behaved differently in terms of coating uniformity, except in the pipette coating where the proportion of surface area covered by gelatin B is similar to SIS. In this manner, a coating technique and method has been developed which is promising for entheses biomaterials.
Conjugate pairs of categories and Quillen equivalent stable model categories of functors

Abstract We describe the notion of a conjugate pair ( B , A ) of small categories, wherein maps in B admit a factorization by maps in the subcategory A , much in the spirit of a “two-sided” calculus of fractions. When ( B , A ) is a conjugate pair, we prove that for any cofibrantly generated model category C there is an induced Quillen adjunction between the functor categories [ B op , C ] and [ A op , C ] . When C is a left proper stable model category, this adjunction is a Quillen equivalence. Finally, we demonstrate that minor modifications of our arguments give the analogous result when C is instead assumed to be an Ab-category.
In Situ Characterization of Twin Nucleation in Pure Ti Using 3D-XRD

A small tensile specimen of grade 1 commercially pure titanium was deformed to a few percent strain with concurrent synchrotron X-ray diffraction measurements to identify subsurface {10\( \bar{1} \)2} twin nucleation events. This sample was from the same piece of material in which a prior study showed that twin nucleation stimulated by slip transfer across a grain boundary accounted for many instances of twin nucleation. The sample had a strong c-axis texture of about eight times random aligned with the tensile axis. After ~1.5 pct tensile strain, three twin nucleation events were observed in grains where the c-axis was nearly parallel to the tensile direction. Far-field 3-D X-ray diffraction data were analyzed to obtain the positional center of mass, the average lattice strain, and stress tensors in each grain and twin. In one case where the parent grain was mostly surrounded by hard grain orientations, the twin system with the highest resolved shear stress (RSS) among the six {10\( \bar{1} \)2} twin variants was activated and the stress in the parent grain decreased after twin nucleation. In two other parent grains with a majority of softer neighboring grain orientations, the observed twins did not occur on the twin system with the highest RSS. Their nucleation could be geometrically attributed to slip transfer from neighboring grains with geometrically favorable 〈a〉 basal slip systems, and the stress in the parent grain increased after twin nucleation. In all three twin events, the stress in the twin was 10 to 30 pct lower than the stress in the parent grain, indicating load partitioning between the hard-oriented parent grain and the soft-oriented twin.
Optimal pixel profiles for spatially discrete coherent imaging systems

Abstract The term “pixel profile” refers to the spatial distribution of electric field amplitude within the aperture of a single pixel of a spatial light modulator. We discuss the use of non-uniform pixel profiles for increasing the energy throughput of spatially discrete coherent optical imaging systems. Prolate spheroidal pixel profiles are shown to be optimal and can produce throughput gains of up to 32% for optical systems with rectangular symmetry and 27% for those with circular symmetry. These throughput gains are shown to impact the capacity of volume holographic data storage systems. A simple M/#-based analysis predicts a 15% capacity increase as compared with the use of uniform pixel profiles.
Oregon's civil commitment law: 140 years of change.

Legislatures, professional groups, and mental health consumers across the United States are currently engaged in a debate about the need for change in civil cormitment procedures. The authors summarize modifications of legislation and judicial opinion in the history of Oregon's civil commitment procedures from 1853 to the present to show that changes in civil commitment reflect broader shifts in the social and political aspects of the mental health system. Many current issues in civil commitment, such as the question of a patient's competency to make treatment decisions, are not new, and they are likely to continue to be controversial as mental health systems attempt to balance concerns about the liberty interests of mentally ill persons with concerns about providing appropriate treatment for mental illness.
Resistance to water loss from warm and cool-season forage canopies in a growth chamber

Abstract Data are presented from a growth chamber study which indicate that there is a difference in the internal plant resistance of warm and cool-season forages to water loss. The resistance of warm-season species was higher and resulted in lower evapotranspiration and warmer canopy temperatures at any given vapor pressure deficit. While species within each photosynthetic group shared a similar non-water-stressed baseline, between groups there was a substantial difference.
Uranium and phosphorus contents in morrow plot soils over 82 years 1

Abstract Samples of the surficial 17 cm of the plot in continuous corn production since 1876 and without fertility treatment and the adjacent plot, also planted annually to corn but receiving rock and super P among other fertility amendments, were studied. Average uranium (U) content in the untreated corn plot was 3.04 mg/kg, and there was no change between 1904 and 1985. Average U in the P‐treated plot was 3.78 mg/kg and more variable than the untreated plot. Uranium did not increase with addition of 17.6 t/ha of rock P between 1904 and 1919; U increases in 1955 and 1967 may be attributable to limestone applications and in both cases U content declined rapidly with time. From 1923 to 1985 the average annual loss of phosphorus was 1.8 mg/kg from the P‐treated plot that received rock P between 1904 and 1919 and then super P after 1966. This rate of P loss from 1923 to 1985 in the treated plot is not significantly different than that in the untreated plot (1.9 mg/kg). It is speculated that P has eluviated a...
Identification of three new single nucleotide polymorphisms in the human tumor necrosis factor-α gene promoter

We have identified three new human tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) promoter polymorphisms with single nucleotide (nt) substitutions at -862, -856, and -574 nt relative to the TNF-alpha transcription start site. The -862 and -856 nt TNF-alpha promoter polymorphisms occur with high frequency in Caucasian and Cambodian individuals and are each non-randomly associated with three extended HLA haplotypes. This study, in which 61 independent TNF-alpha promoters were analyzed spanning from -977 to +93 nt relative to the TNF-alpha mRNA cap site, establishes a new canonical TNF-alpha promoter sequence. Furthermore, we show that none of the three novel polymorphisms at -862, -856 and -574 nt or polymorphisms previously described at positions -238, -308 and +70 have an effect upon TNF-alpha gene expression in activated lymphocytes. Thus, these TNF-alpha promoter polymorphisms likely serve as markers for neighboring genes encoding HLA or other undefined molecules in the MHC that may influence disease susceptibility.
GABAA receptor activation induces GABA and glutamate release from preoptic area

Abstract The effect of GABA receptor agonists on release in vitro of radiolabeled GABA and glutamate was studied using a crude preparation of isolated nerve terminals (neurosomes). GABA agonists were incubated (2 min, 37 °C) with neurosomes prepared from hypothalamus, preoptic area (POA) and frontal cortex tissues. Under these conditions, GABA and the GABA A receptor agonist muscimol, but not the GABA B receptor agonist baclofen, stimulated 3 H-GABA and 3 H-glutamate release from POA but not hypothalamic or cortical neurosomes of gonadally intact male rats. These effects were inhibited by the GABA A receptor antagonists picrotoxin, bicuculline and SR-95531. Significant efflux of 3 H-glutamate could be elicited from cortical neurosomes following longer (5 min) incubations with 500 μM GABA and 400 μM muscimol. Muscimol-induced release of 3 H-glutamate and 3 H-GABA was dependent on extracellular calcium. Muscimol and GABA failed to release 3 H-GABA or 3 H-glutamate from POA neurosomes of ovariectomized female rats. However, administration of estradiol and progesterone to ovariectomized females prior to sacrifice caused the appearance of muscimol induced-release of amino acids from POA neurosomes comparable to that obtained in male rats. GABA-induced release of 3 H-glutamate was similarly dependent on pretreatment of ovariectomized rats with ovarian steroids. GABA A receptor-induced release of amino acids is therefore brain region-specific and modified by hormonal status.
The mouse as an investigational model for preterm labor

Preterm labor continues to be a leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. In many cases the etiology of preterm labor is unknown. However, much interest has been generated surrounding the infectious causes of preterm labor. Because data suggest that preterm labor is preceded by a cascade of complex events, in vivo observations in humans and in vitro experiments using human tissue may not be sufficient to answer questions regarding its etiology. The murine model holds significant promise in delineating the chronology and specifics regarding the events precipitating preterm labor.
The structure of free abelian l-groups and free vector lattices

This paper gives the prime and regular subgroup structures of free abelianl-groups and free vector lattices of finite rank. For the free abelianl-group\(A_n\) of rankn, the prime structure of\(A_n\) is 2 ω copies of the prime structure of\(A_{n - 1}\) and ω many copies of the prime structure of\(A_{n - 1} \overset{\lower0.5em\hbox{$\smash{\scriptscriptstyle\leftarrow}$}}{x} \mathbb{Z}\). For the free vector lattice\(V_n\) or rankn, the prime structure is 2 ω many copies of the prime structure of\(V_{n - 1} \overset{\lower0.5em\hbox{$\smash{\scriptscriptstyle\leftarrow}$}}{x} \mathbb{R}\).
Chord-arc surfaces with small constant, I☆

Abstract We introduce a notion for hypersurfaces in R d + 1 that is analogous to the chord-arc condition with small constant for curves in the plane. We give various equivalent operator-theoretic, function-theoretic, and geometrical characterizations of these surfaces. We not know any nice potential-theoretic characterizations. In a companion paper we address the issue of finding good parameterizations for these surfaces.
Unlocking communication with the nose

It is the start of your day. As you shower and mull over all of the things you hope to accomplish, you pass out without warning. You awaken days later, in the hospital, on a ventilator, unable to move your arms or legs, unable to cry out. Worse yet, the nurses and doctors passing by do not seem to realize that you are wide awake. They talk about your coma, your physical needs, and your brain scan showing a brainstem stroke, oblivious that you can hear all that they are saying. Finally, one of them notices your eyes, moving ever so slightly, upward or downward. They instruct you to move them up if you can hear them. You comply. So begins a long, slow process of recovery as both you and the medical team realize you are “locked in.” Although communicating through eye movements is feasible, it is difficult, and you are desperate to find an easier means of expressing yourself. It turns out that an effective solution is right under your nose. In PNAS, Plotkin et al. (1) demonstrate the efficacy of sniffing as an interface for communication.
588 MEDICAL COSTS OF HIGH-RISK INFANTS AFTER NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE

Medical costs including that of primary health care, diagnostic and therapeutic medical care were computed from Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) discharge to 3 yrs of age in two groups of infants. Thirty-five infants with neurological or developmental defects were matched for neonatal and social risk factors with 25 infants who had normal outcomes. Costs are reported per infant per month following discharge from NICU. The costs of primary health care were comparable in both groups ($7.6 ± 1.3 in the control vs 8.0 ± 1.4 in the disabled group). The highest cost per service was developmental testing in the control group (9.7 ± 4.4) and occupational and physical therapy in the disabled group ($22.0 ± 4.1). Twenty-two disabled infants were hospitalized on 53 occasions, with a cost per admission of $3612 ± 571, compared to one hospitalization for a control infant ($1110). The total medical costs were compared to the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture estimates of the medical cost of raising an urban child which ranges from $22-26.8/infant/month (July, 1983). Our study demonstrates that medical costs of developmentally or neurologically disabled infants after discharge from NICU are significantly higher than control infants.
Chemical Analysis of Surfaces by Use of Large-Angle Scattering of Heavy Charged Particles.

The Rutherford scattering of carged particles from the heavier elements and nuclear scattering and (α,p) reactions from the light elements result in energy spectra that are characteristic of the nucleus being bombarded. A simple apparatus for analyzing surfaces based on these ideas can be made by using an alpha source such as Cm244, a solid state detector, and an electronic pulse height analyzer
Host-pathogen relationships of two previously undescribed microsporidia from the Indian-meal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hübner), (Lepidoptera: Phycitidae).

Abstract Moribund larvae of the Indian-meal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hubner), collected in California harbored dual infections of two previously undescribed species of Microsporidia, Nosema heterosporum sp. n. and Thelohania nana sp. n. N. heterosporum is highly infective and was readily transmitted perorally to larvae in laboratory tests; such infections were usually progressive. Transovarian transmission did not occur. Midgut epithelium and fat tissue are primarily invaded; silk and salivary glands and muscle are invaded to a relatively light degree. Spores are morphologically variable and may remain viable for at least a year at 4°C in aqueous suspension. T. nana primarily invades fat tissue and occasionally occurs in muscle. It was readily transmitted to young larvae, but it has only been observed in dual infections. The thelohanian may occur independently in isolated fat lobes adjacent to tissue harboring Nosema. Both microsporidians were transmitted to the navel orangeworm, Paramyelois transitella (Walker), and the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella (Linneaus). The almond moth, Cadra cautella Walker, the raisin moth, Cadra figulilella Gregson, the tobacco moth, Ephestia elutella (Hubner), the confused flour beetle, Tribolium confusum Jacquelin duVal, and the dried fruit beetle, Carpophilus hemipterus (Linnaeus), were not susceptible in laboratory tests.
Teaching nuclear and radiochemistry at undergraduate colleges

A large fraction of the potential graduate students in chemistry come from undergraduate colleges. The exposure of these students to the field of nuclear and radiochemistry is limited by the fact that few professionals actively involved in the field teach at these schools. There is also increasing competition for the limited number of chemistry students by other chemical specializations. Innovative approaches such as a short course to introduce students to nuclear and radiochemistry and some of the needs for undergraduate teaching are discussed.
Psychological rationales for grouping children.

Summary.-Schools are organized so children are most often taught in groups. The rationale for grouping children can be based on psychological principles. Broad paradigms, such as the mechanistic, organismic, and the dialectical/contextual, provide reasons for grouping children. Specific psychological approaches including behavioral, maturacional, constructivist, cultural-historical, and social cognitive indicate varying reasons why children collaborate. This article lists psychological reasons children are grouped for instruction.
Epigenetic synergies between biotin and folate in the regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and repeats.

The protein biotin ligase, holocarboxylase synthetase (HLCS), is a chromatin protein that interacts physically with the DNA methyltransferase DNMT1, the methylated cytosine-binding protein MeCP2 and the histone H3 K9-methyltransferase EHMT1, all of which participate in folate-dependent gene repression. Here we tested the hypothesis that biotin and folate synergize in the repression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and long-terminal repeats (LTRs), mediated by interactions between HLCS and other chromatin proteins. Biotin and folate supplementation could compensate for each other's deficiency in the repression of LTRs in Jurkat and U937 cells. For example, when biotin-deficient Jurkat cells were supplemented with folate, the expression of LTRs decreased by >70%. Epigenetic synergies were more complex in the regulation of cytokines compared with LTRs. For example, the abundance of TNF-α was 100% greater in folate- and biotin-supplemented U937 cells compared with biotin-deficient and folate-supplemented cells. The NF-κB inhibitor curcumin abrogated the effects of folate and biotin in cytokine regulation, suggesting that transcription factor signalling adds an extra layer of complexity to the regulation of cytokine genes by epigenetic phenomena. We conclude that biotin and folate synergize in the repression of LTRs and that these interactions are probably mediated by HLCS-dependent epigenetic mechanisms. In contrast, synergies between biotin and folate in the regulation of cytokines need to be interpreted in the context of transcription factor signalling.
New developments in experimental models of inflammatory bowel disease.

Purpose of reviewTo consider new data and directions coming from experimental models of inflammatory bowel diseases.Recent findingsAdvances are discussed in the areas of microbial-host interactions in the intestine, the role of cytokines like IL-23, chemokines like IP-10, and various costimulatory m
Hematosalpinx in a female infant

Abstract A case of infarct of the tube and ovary with peri-appendicitis in a thirteen month old female is presented, showing the necessity of a thorough examination of the pelvic viscera in the female infant with acute appendicitis.
On the Nonlinearity of Human Communication: Insatiability, Context, Form

This manuscript defines nonlinearity, outlines the phenomenon of insatiability, and shows how alphabetic literacy and technologies made possible through such literacy increase the possibility of experiencing insatiability. It also attempts to demonstrate how notions of context, insatiability, expressive form, and denotative content can be integrated into a broad-based model of the nonlinearity of human communication. Finally, it argues that only by learning how to articulate difference and distance, (i.e., build form) can we deal sufficiently with the nonlinear dimensions of human communication and life more generally. Once it is ours, we crave for something else. So an unquenchable thirst for life keeps us always on the gasp. Lucretius Exceed due measure, and the most delightful things become the least delightful. Epictetus Abstraction is the enemy wherever it is found. Wendell Berry
Solid-phase reactions between (100) GaAs and thin-film refractory metals (Ti, Zr, V, Nb, Cr, Mo, and W)

Recently, there has been an increased interest in the applications of refractory metals as gate materials for the self aligned gate process in the fabrications of GaAs field effect transistors. In this study, we systematically investigated the thermally induced interface interactions between (100) GaAs substrates and thin films of refractory metals (Ti, Zr, V, Nb, Cr, Mo, and W). Depth profilings of the M/GaAs interfaces were obtained using conventional and heavy ion Rutherford backscattering spectrometry. Phase identifications were achieved by x-ray diffraction. Results on the phase formation sequence, reaction kinetics, the distribution, composition and structure of the reacted phases and the interface reactivity of these contacts will be presented. Correlations between metal properties (electronegativity and metal-metal bond strength) and kinetics of the reactions (activation energy and reactivity of the interfaces) will also be discussed.
Adolescents' Knowledge of and Attitudes toward Minnesota Laws Concerning Adolescent Medical Care

Abstract Background Healthcare delivery to adolescents involves consent to care, confidentiality, and reimbursement in attendance to patients' medical problems. State laws address the medical care of minors with respect to privacy and autonomy. This study was conducted to determine adolescents' knowledge and attitudes toward the laws in their state, Minnesota, that influence their medical care. This information may guide health care providers in their education of adolescent patients, as well as advise future legislation on the healthcare of minors. Methods Written questionnaires were administered to 636 9 th through 12 th grade students in required classes at the three public high schools in Rochester, MN, providing a representative sample of approximately fifty participants from each of the four grades. Results from the sixteen-question, anonymous survey were compiled to calculate an overall median knowledge score. Median scores were also reported by individual question, policy category, gender, grade, and socioeconomic status. Adolescent opinion was scored on a system in which +1 signified a “good law,” 0 “neither a good nor bad law,” and −1 a “bad law.” These opinion scores were used to determine adolescents' attitudes by category as well as an overall positive, negative, or neutral opinion toward the laws. Results 594(93.4%) students returned surveys. Adolescents obtained a median score of 31.3% (range, 0–100%) correct on a knowledge test. Opinion score was positive, with a median of + 0.38. 81.1% of adolescents reported that the laws in the survey had no effect on their lives. Conclusions These results indicate that adolescents are not knowledgeable of Minnesota laws regarding their medical care. Overall opinion of the existing laws is positive, particularly of those laws that protect minor consent. Most adolescents feel that these laws have not affected their lives. Low knowledge and a lack of a sense of impact from these laws indicate a need for clinicians to educate patients and their families about the legal aspects of adolescent medical care. These results are particularly relevant at a time when changes to current minor health care legislation are under consideration.
Early diagenesis of sulfur in estuarine sediments: the role of sedimentary humic and fulvic acids

Sediments were collected from anoxic, organic-rich estuarine muds of St. Andrew Bay, Florida to assess the early diagenetic pathways leading to the formation of organic and inorganic sedimentary sulfide species. Abundance and sulfur isotopic composition were determined for dissolved sulfide, dissolved sulfate, elemental sulfur, acid-volatile sulfide, chromium-reducible sulfur, fulvic acid-sulfur, humic acid-sulfur, and residual organic (protokerogen) sulfur. Fulvic acid-sulfur, elemental sulfur, and acid-volatile sulfides are the initial sinks for dissolved sulfide and form before pyrite. Subsequently, two-thirds of fulvic acid-sulfur are lost. A fraction of fulvic acid-sulfur is transferred to higher molecular weight compounds such as humic acids and protokerogens, but most of the sulfides are recycled back to the porewaters. Enrichments in the isotopic composition of organic sulfur fractions, relative to pyrite and acid-volatile sulfides, suggest a contribution of detrital biosynthetic sulfur to the organic sulfur pool. Accounting for the biosynthetic component in fulvic acid-sulfur, the isotopic similarities between elemental sulfur, acid-volatile sulfides, and fulvic acid-sulfur suggest isotopic exchange in the uppermost 3 cm of sediment. Isotopic mass calculations suggest an additional isotopic fractionation takes place during recycling of sulfide released from fulvic acids and elemental sulfur by bacterial disproportionation of polysulfides and elemental sulfur. Subsequent precipitation of recycled, 34S-depleted sulfide as pyrite reconciles the consistent depletion in 34S of pyrite-S relative to all other sedimentary sulfide species.
Binaural disparity cues available to the barn owl for sound localization.

1. Bilateral recording of cochlear potentials was used to measure the variations in interaural time differences (ITDs) and interaural intensity differences (IIDs) as a free-field auditory stimulus was moved to different positions around a barn owl's head. 2. ITD varied smoothly with stimulus azimuth across a broad frequency range. 3. ITD varied minimally with stimulus elevation, except at extreme angles from the horizontal. 4. IID varied with both stimulus elevation and stimulus azimuth. Lower frequencies were more sensitive to variations in azimuth, whereas higher frequencies were more sensitive to variations in elevation. 5. The loci of spatial coordinates that form iso-IID contours and iso-ITD contours form a nonorthogonal grid that relates binaural disparity cues to sound location.
Striated myofibrils in anti-myosin stained, isolated chicken gizzard smooth muscle cells

Highly purified chicken gizzard myosin was used to induce antibody production in rabbits. The IgG fraction was separated from the antisera and coupled to fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC). Specific antibody (AGM) was isolated from the IgG fraction by affinity purification. Comparisons of the specificity of IgG and AGM for chicken smooth muscle myosin revealed a much greater specificity by AGM. Staining with IgG led to an apparent cross-reactivity with guinea pig smooth muscles which was not seen with AGM staining. Therefore, staining of cells for localization of myosin was performed with AGM.
Association of different zinc concentrations combined with a fixed caffeine dose on plasma and tissue caffeine and zinc levels in the rat.

Because caffeine and tissue levels of Zn are closely related, the objectives of this study were to determine the changes in plasma caffeine levels over a period of 5 h when different concentrations of Zn combined with a fixed concentration of caffeine were injected into the femoral vein of rats and to determine the relationship between tissue levels of caffeine and Zn at 5 h postinjection. Rats were divided into three groups: group 1, 220 µg caffeine; group 2,220 µg caffeine + 8 µg Zn/g body weight (BW); group 3, 220 µg caffeine +16 µg Zn/g BW. Blood from groups 1 and 3 was collected at 3 min, 30 min, 1h, 3h, and 5h to determine the pharmacokinetics of caffeine. All groups were killed at 5 h. Caffeine and Zn concentrations of the brain, kidney, heart, and liver of all groups were determined. The plasma-caffeine curve in group 3 showed a lower concentration at 3 min and a slower caffeine-elimination rate during the first 3 h. Brain and kidney caffeine levels remained constant in all groups, whereas caffeine levels were increased in the heart in group 2 and in the liver in group 3. Zn concentrations in the brain and kidney were lower in group 2 compared with groups 1 and 3 and higher in group 3 compared to groups 1 and 2. Zn concentration in the heart was the same among the three groups but was increased in the liver in group 3 compared to groups 1 and 2. Therefore, we concluded that caffeine combined with Zn affects caffeine pharmacokinetics. With caffeine intake, levels of Zn (16 µg/g BW) that are slightly higher than the daily requirements (12 µg/g BW) may prevent a reduction of Zn in tissue. In addition, caffeine’s effects on Zn concentration among organs are different.
A Thermodynamic Description for the Al-Cu-Zn System

A thermodynamic description of the Al-Cu-Zn system is obtained by thermodynamic modeling of the Gibbs energies of all the phases in the system. The model parameters are optimized based on the established descriptions of the constituent binaries and ternary experimental phase equilibrium and thermodynamic data available in the literature. The agreement obtained between calculated phase equilibria and thermodynamic properties and experimental data suggest that the current description of this system is reasonable. The calculated phase equilibria close to the Al-Zn side are believed to be reliable for research in related fields such as solidification and phase transformation and for practical applications, while those near the Cu-rich region are topologically correct but need to be confirmed by future experimental investigations.
A DGGE-cloning method to characterize arbuscular mycorrhizal community structure in soil

Abstract Although arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are crucial for ecosystem functioning, characterizing AMF community structure in soil is challenging. In this study, nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) were combined with cloning of fungal 18S ribosomal gene fragments for the rapid comparison of AMF community structure in soil. Reference AMF isolates, representing four major genera of AMF, were used to develop the method. Sequential amplification of 18S rDNA fragments by nested PCR using primer pairs AM1-NS31 and Glo1-NS31GC followed by DGGE analysis yielded a high-resolution band profile. In parallel, 18S rDNA fragment clone libraries were constructed and clones screened by DGGE. Sequence identity was inferred by matching the electrophoretic mobility of the sample fingerprint bands to that of bands from individual clones. The effectiveness of this approach was tested on soil samples from different ecosystems, yielding reproducible, complex DGGE band patterns specific to each site. The coupling of PCR–DGGE with clone library analysis provides a robust, reliable, and precise means to characterize AMF community structure in soils.
Uptake of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin from plasma lipoproteins by cultured human fibroblasts

Summary Tritiated 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (TCDD) added to human plasma in vitro associated with the plasma lipoproteins. The effects of plasma and lipoproteins on cellular uptake of dioxin were studied using normal human skin fibroblasts and mutant fibroblasts from a patient with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. The latter cells lack the normal cell membrane receptor for low density lipoprotein (LDL). The time-and temperature-dependent cellular uptake of [ 3 H]dioxin was greatest from LDL, intermediate from high density lipoprotein (HDL) and least from serum. A significantly greater uptake from LDL by the normal cells compared to the mutant cells indicated the involvement of the LDL receptormediated pathway. Concentration-dependent studies indicated that the cellular uptake at 37 °C of [ 3 H]dioxin varied linearly with dioxin concentration at constant LDL concentration. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) showed that conversion to more polar compounds may have occurred after 24-h incubation with cells. [ 3 H]Dioxin could be removed from cells efficiently by incubation with 20% serum > HDL > LDL. Since the vehicle of delivery may influence subsequent location and metabolism of this compound in cells, it is concluded that the physiologic vehicles (either serumor LDL-associated dioxin), rather than organic solvents, should be used in experiments with cultured cells or perfused organs.
Can the Sub-millimetre Background Radiation be Cosmological?

Submillimeter background radiation origin possibility from extragalactic discrete sources based on cosmological models
Reactivity of Ar‘GeGeAr‘ (Ar‘ = C6H3-2,6-Dipp2, Dipp = C6H3-2,6-iPr2) toward Alkynes: Isolation of a Stable Digermacyclobutadiene

The first reactions of the “digermyne” Ar‘GeGeAr‘ (1, Ar‘ = C6H3-2,6-Dipp2, Dipp = C6H3-2,6-iPr2) with alkynes are reported. 1 reacts with 1 equiv of H5C6CCC6H5 to afford the 1,2-digermacyclobutadiene 2 in high yield, while it reacts with 2 equiv of the less hindered alkyne Me3SiCCH to yield an unexpected bicyclic compound 3. Molecular structures of 2 and 3 were determined by X-ray crystallography. A possible mechanism for the formation of 3 is discussed. The high reactivity of 1, even at room temperature, emphasizes the fundamental differences between the GeGe and CC multiple bonds.
The Tortoise and the Hare restart GMRES

When solving large nonsymmetric systems of linear equations with the restarted GMRES algorithm, one is inclined to select a relatively large restart parameter in the hope of mimicking the full GMRES process. Surprisingly, cases exist where small values of the restart parameter yield convergence in fewer iterations than larger values. Here, two simple examples are presented where GMRES(1) converges exactly in three iterations, while GMRES(2) stagnates. One of these examples reveals that GMRES(1) convergence can be extremely sensitive to small changes in the initial residual.
The Use of Exposure and Ritual Prevention in the Treatment of Harm Obsessions With Covert Compulsions

This case study illustrates the use of exposure and ritual prevention in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) involving obsessional thoughts but without overt compulsions. Such presentations, once considered rare and treatment resistant, are now thought to represent a considerable portion of OCD sufferers. Recently, innovative treatment approaches with exposure and ritual prevention have shown encouraging treatment outcomes for this population. Successful treatment requires careful assessment of cognitive misappraisals and covert compulsions. A theoretical and research basis for obsessions is discussed along with a cognitive behavioral conceptualization of the problem. A detailed discussion of the course of treatment, complicating factors, managed-care issues, and recommendations to clinicians is included.
Stabilization of vitamin A in halibut liver oil with nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA)

The gradual destruction of vitamin A in fish liver oils stored under oxidizing conditions occurs simultaneously with the oxidation of the oil and may be taneously with the oxidation of the oil and may be correlated with the increase of the peroxide number. Antioxidants which effectively retard the oxidation of the oil are also effective in the stabilization of the vitamin A content. The effectiveness of various concentrations of NDGA with and without added synergists was determined in halibut liver oil using a modified Swift stability procedure at 97.7°C. and at 80°C. Accelerated storage tests at 25°C. were also made. Wheeler peroxide numbers and spectrophotometric vitamin A were determined at intervals. Use of NDGA at 0.1 to 0.5% level without added synergist did not give effective protection at 97.7°C. but did at the lower temperature. NDGA was more effective at all temperatures if a synergist as citric or ortho-phosphoric acid was added; however the relative effectiveness appeared to increase markedly with the lowering of the oxidation temperature. At lower temperatures the increased efficiency of NDGA with synergists permitted concentrations of less than 0.1% NDGA for effective stabilization. A loss of 50% vitamin A was associated with a peroxide value from 40 to 55. Undesirable effects in the oil, due to the addition of the antioxidant, were at a minimum below concentrations of 0.3%.
FERTILIZATION IN ANIMALS

Fertilization in mammalian and nonmammalian organisms has many features in common. These features include a final maturation phase for sperm and eggs, species-specific binding of sperm to eggs, penetration by sperm of one or more extracellular coats surrounding eggs, fusion of sperm and eggs, and activation of eggs. Implicit in this are a variety of basic molecular events, including receptor-ligand interactions, signalling cascades, specific proteolysis, and nuclear transformations. Here, several of these events are addressed for fertilization in animals as diverse as starfish and mice.
Urolithiasis in the lower urinary tract

I N COMPARISON to the upper urinary tract, lower tract calculi are infrequent. The majority are found in the urinary bladder. A ureteral calculus that spontaneously passes into the bladder may, on rare occasion, reside there for a considerable time. This is referred to as a migrant calculus. Otherwise, vesical calculi fall into three etiologic categories: primary, stasis, and foreign body nidus calculi. Primary or endemic calculi form in the urinary tract of patients, usually children, in whom obstruction, infection, or other known calculogenie factors are absent. They are especially prevalent in young boys of low socioeconomic class in the Middle and Far East, and are possibly related to deficiencies of milk or certain proteins in their diets. They are usually composed of ammonium hydrogen urate which may be admixed with calcium oxalate or, less frequently, calcium phosphate, and are nonopaque or poorly opaque.’ Radiologic discovery of calculi in the bladder or urethra occurs when evaluating such children for symptoms of lower tract irritation or intermittent involuntary interruption of the urinary stream (Fig. 1). The majority of secondary calculi occur in adults and are related to urinary stasis. The stasis is usually associated with bladder outflow obstruction in men with residual urine, vesical diverticula, or lower urinary tract infection. Women with a large cystocele and patients of either sex with neuropathic bladder dysfunction and residual urine, especially if infected, are also at risk for developing bladder calculi. These calculi may be of almost any composition, including uric acid, struvite, calcium phosphate, or
A Model Predicting the Evolution of Ice Particle Size Spectra and Radiative Properties of Cirrus Clouds. Part I: Microphysics.

Abstract A Lagrangian time-dependent three-dimensional model was developed that predicts the evolution of ice particle size spectra in cirrus clouds in terms of the growth processes of vapor diffusion and aggregation, as well as the cloud updraft profile. This was done by deriving moment conservation equations from a form of the ice particle number density equation, and parameterizing the moment conservation equations. Size distributions were parameterized by the form N(D) = N0Dv exp(−λD), where λ and N0 are functions of the growth processes. Growth by diffusion and aggregation were formulated to depend on the percentages of spatial and columnar crystal habits at a given level in the cloud. Two cirrus cloud field studies were simulated by the model, where the model was run in the one-dimensional, height-dependent mode that assumes steady-state, horizontally homogeneous ice water contents. Predicted and observed ice particle size spectra compared favorably. This implied that ice particles at lower levels e...
Experimental investigation of a 140 GHz gyrotron-backward wave oscillator

We report the experimental operation of a voltage tunable gyrotron backward wave oscillator (gyro-BWO) in the frequency range near 140 GHz. Voltage tunability is an important feature of the gyro-BWO for application as a fast tuning source for driving high power free electron lasers or cyclotron autoresonance maser amplifiers. The gyro-BWO operated in an overmoded cylindrical waveguide structure in the TE1,2 mode. The electron beam source was a Pierce-wiggler gun producing an 80 kV, 6.2 A beam. Frequency tuning with voltage between 134 and 147 GHz was achieved in the TE1,2 mode with constant magnetic field. However, this tuning was found to be discontinuous. Output powers of up to 2 kW and 2% efficiency were found, significantly below theoretical predictions for a cold beam. The theoretical beam velocity spread was modeled by a 3D beam transport code. The code results show that space charge forces, coupled with the wiggler-induced helical motion and the short cyclotron wavelength of the beam, produce large increases in velocity spread in the magnetic compression region. A beam with smaller velocity spread would be needed to make the gyro-BWO operate at the desired efficiency.
Margaret H.D. Smith, MD: Researcher, teacher, and pioneer in treating tuberculosis and other infectious diseases

Tuberculosis is the most important chronic infectious disease worldwide in terms of morbidity, mortality, and cost, with an estimated 1 to 2 billion people infected with the tubercle bacillus and 2 to 3 million deaths occurring annually. Approximately 60 percent of the cases of tuberculosis in the United States occur in children younger than 5 years of age, most of whom acquire infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the home or community from relatives or neighbors. Epidemics caused by contact with infectious adults continue to occur in schools, churches, and other places where children are in close quarters. One of the foremost pioneers in treating the disease is Margaret H.D. Smith, MD, who was also a pioneer in establishing infectious diseases as a subspecialty. This article provides a brief biographical sketch, an interview with her taken in 1998, and comments from some of her colleagues, former fellows, and friends.
Tate cohomology for arbitrary groups via satellites

We define cohomology groups Ĥn(G; M), n ϵ Z, for an arbitrary group G and G-module M, using the concept of satellites. These cohomology groups generalize the Farrell-Tate groups for groups of finite virtual cohomological dimension and form a connected sequence of functors, characterized by a natural universal property.
Prevalence of CYP21 mutations and IRS1 variant among women with polycystic ovary syndrome and adrenal androgen excess.

Objective To determine whether frequencies of the mutations in the 21-hydroxylase ( CYP21 ) gene and the G972R variant of the insulin receptor substrate-1 ( IRS1 ) gene are increased in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and adrenal androgen (AA) excess. Design Prospective case–control study. Setting University reproductive endocrinology laboratory and outpatient clinic. Patient(s) Consecutive patients of non-Hispanic white race diagnosed with PCOS (n = 114) and healthy controls (n = 95). Intervention(s) Blood and DNA sampling before hormonal therapy. Main outcome measure(s) Polycystic ovary syndrome patient and healthy control genotypes, with the CYP21 and IRS1 variants. Result(s) Fifty-four PCOS patients with (DHEAS >3000 ng/mL) and 55 without (DHEAS CYP21 gene. Of these 16, 10 (62.5%) had excessive AA secretion (i.e., excess DHEAS levels). Fifteen patients (13.8%) were found to be heterozygous carriers of the IRS1 variant; 9 (60.0%) of these 15 had excessive AA secretion. There were no significant differences in the allele frequency of CYP21 mutations or the IRS1 variant between PCOS patients with and without AA excess, and controls. None of the subjects were found to be homozygous carriers of CYP21 mutations or the IRS1 variant. Combined heterozygosity for CYP21 mutations and the IRS1 variant was limited to women with PCOS and excessive AA (n = 3). Conclusion(s) The G972R variant of the IRS1 gene might represent a modifier locus among women who are heterozygous carriers of CYP21 mutations, potentially increasing their risk of developing AA excess in PCOS. Nonetheless, this IRS1 variant and CYP21 mutations seem to play a limited role in the development of PCOS in the population studied.
The law and women's bodies: The case of menstruation leave in Japan

The right to take leave during menstruation is an unusual institutionalized practice, permitting an examination of the impact of social definitions of menstrual function. This research utilized in‐depth interviews with 30 knowledgeable Japanese informants to gather data on history, rationale, and use of menstruation leave, as well as opinions on the controversy about abolishing it. Materials were systematically content analyzed; findings indicated that social factors were primary determinants for use of menstruation leave. These factors included working conditions, labor union strength, and company attitudes. Major themes in the controversy over abolishing menstruation leave included the power to define menstrual experience as normal or pathological; the legitimation of menstruation leave as related to maternity; and strategies for improving women's status at work. In symbolic interactionist terms, menstruation leave represents the lack of fit between social institutions of work and women's experience.
Reversible sensorineural hearing loss with normal brainstem auditory evoked potentials in pontine hemorrhage due to capillary telangiectasia

Capillary telangiectasias are vascular malformations most commonly found in the pons that are rarely associated with hemorrhage. We describe a unique case of pontine capillary telangiectasia causing central brainstem hemorrhage leading to reversible sensorineural deafness associated with a normal brainstem auditory evoked response.
Surface Modifaction of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene by Low Energy DC Plasma Discharge

Surface effects produced by plasma processing Ultra High Molecular Weight polyethylene (UHMW) were examined. The goal was to enhance adhesion of UHMW to a variety of polar polymers. This research focussed on enhancing adhesion to polyurethane. UHMW samples were immersed in a DC discharge and subjected to various processing conditions. The background gases experimented with were oxygen, nitrogen, and argon, and the pressure was varied between 6-67 Pa. The processing time, discharge current and discharge potential were also varied. A polar polymer (polyurethane) was subsequently applied to the processed UHMW samples and the tensile strength of the bonds was measured. Standard dogbone specimens were fabricated, and the polymer interfaces placed in the middle of the gage section and oriented normal to the tensile axis. The specimens were tested to failure in displacement control at an approximate strain rate of 0.2% per sec. In general, significant enhancement in yield strength was observed over unprocessed samples, where essentially no bonding occurred. Samples subjected to plasma processing in oxygen showed the strongest adhesion, while those in argon were almost as good, followed by nitrogen. The contact angle of water on the processed UHMW samples ranged from about 45° to less than 2°, while unprocessed samples had a contact angle of about 70°. These data correlated with the yield tests. XPS was used to examine the composition of the UHMW surfaces before and after plasma processing with oxygen. It is believed that the plasma etched off surface layers, creating unsaturated carbon bonds that can chemically react with polar polymer groups. Precast, processed UItMW surfaces were found to be reactive for periods of up to one week. Optimum conditions of plasma processing were identified, and will be discussed in light of the chemistry occurring at the interface.