cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Behavior of microemulsions under compression

Compression to reservoir pressures can alter microemulsion phase behavior, on which the success of microemulsion-based EOR processes depends. For convenience, however, phase behavior studies usually are conducted at atmospheric pressure. Extrapolating phase behavior data from atmospheric to reservoir pressures requires the volumetric properties of each phase under compression, including the isothermal compressibility as a function of pressure and composition. Two topics are addressed here. First, compressibility data up to 16 MPa (2,300 psi) are presented for several systems of oil and water with surfactants and protosurfactants and the data are fit to simple models for pressure and composition dependence. The pressure dependence fits the Tait equation in this pressure range; selected high-pressure data indicate how the compressibility deviates at much higher pressures. To within the resolution of the data, the composition dependence is linear in volume-fraction composition; moreover, the effective compressibilities of oil and water in solution appear to be near their pure-component values. More data are needed to verify and determine the exact dependence. Second, a simple compressibility cell is described that allows both rapid determination of compressibility and direct determination of the phase boundary in pressure. Both phase separation and coalescence of distinct phases with increasing pressure wasmore » observed in microemulsion systems, although the phase boundaries in pressure for these systems were not mapped out systematically. The effect of dissolved gases such as methane, which can affect miscroemulsion phase behavior at high pressure, is not addressed here.« less
The effectiveness of undergraduate research programs: A follow-up study

Graduate work, especially the Ph.D., requires extensive research, a skill not often emphasized in undergraduate programs. Although not much is known about all the factors that influence undergraduate students' decision to pursue or not pursue graduate studies, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, recent research indicates that many undergraduates feel unprepared for graduate studies and view the research requirement as a deterrent. Opportunities for undergraduates to engage in research have increased recently as a result of federally funded programs including Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs), McNair Achievement Programs and Bioengineering and Bioinformatics Summer Institutes (BBSI). Students work in research laboratories during the summer, interact with faculty and graduate students, learning hands-on how to do research. The Attitudes toward Graduate Studies Survey was developed to help evaluate the effectiveness of these programs at New Jersey Institute of Technology. Students who participate in these programs show increases in their attitudes toward graduate studies and have significantly higher attitudes than students who do not participate. Often students indicate confidence in their ability to pursue graduate studies but only a small percentage think that they will have the skills necessary to begin a Ph.D. program when they complete their undergraduate degree. A possible conclusion is that even though students feel confident in their academic abilities they do not feel confident enough about their research skills to complete a Ph.D. program, making research programs such as REU's, BBSI and McNair, necessary. A follow-up study of students who attended these programs at NJIT over the last decade has found that participation in these programs increases attendance in graduate programs.
Shi'i Islamic cosmopolitanism and the transformation of religious authority in Senegal

Senegalese “conversion” to Shi‘i Islam resulted from cosmopolitan interactions with West Africa’s resident Lebanese population and Iranian revolutionary ideologies. Shi‘i advocates spread their religious convictions through teaching, conferences, holiday celebrations, and media publicity. Key to their success are libraries full of Arabic and French texts from Iran and Lebanon. Inherent in Islamic education is the authority bestowed on those who are knowledgeable, and with the spread of religious knowledge through books, media, and the Internet comes a broadening of the scope of religious authority and resulting conflict with or accommodation of old political communities. Senegalese converts to Shi‘i Islam use their literacy in Arabic and individually acquired libraries of Islamic legal books to bypass the authority of Sufi marabouts. Some keep their feet in both Sunni and Shi‘i worlds, and their ability to compare religious texts of both traditions wins them disciples. Shi‘i minorities claim autochthony and authenticity in Senegal through narrating revisionist historical accounts of the spread of (Shi‘i) Islam to Africa. Conferences commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Husayn during the Shi‘i mourning period in the month of Muharram target Sufi Muslims who also love the family of the Prophet. Shi‘i leaders skillfully detach this foreign religious ideology from Middle Eastern politics and make this branch of Islam relevant to Senegalese through establishing religious centers as NGOs, which work to bring health care and economic development to neighborhoods in the name of Shi‘i Islam.
Critical current and microstructure in oxide superconductors

Critical current density (Jc) in the presence of a magnetic field is the property that currently limits many applications of the high-critical-temperature oxide superconductors. Poor current transmission at grain boundaries and weak flux pinning are responsible for the low critical current densities observed in bulk materials. Since 1986, substantial progress has been made both in understanding the microstructural factors affecting Jc and in developing practical fabrication methods. Much of the fundamental understanding has been obtained from studies of YBa2Cu3O7−x while the bismuth and thallium-based compounds appear to offer greater potential as the basis for the first practical conductors.
Polarization of Silver Nuclei in Metallic Iron and Nickel

Nuclei of ${\mathrm{Ag}}^{104}$ and ${\mathrm{Ag}}^{110m}$ were polarized at temperatures between 0.0105 and 0.97\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, employing the large hyperfine magnetic fields induced at the nuclei of silver atoms dissolved in iron and in nickel. The temperature and angular dependences of $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray angular distributions were used to determine the magnitudes of the hyperfine structure constants. Nonconservation of parity in beta decay was used to determine the signs of the internal fields, using germanium detectors to count positrons from ${\mathrm{Ag}}^{104}$ and electrons from ${\mathrm{Ag}}^{110m}$. The hyperfine fields were found to be negative in both iron and nickel. Analysis of the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray data on one-hour ${\mathrm{Ag}}^{104}$ yielded approximate values for the internal fields: ${H}_{i}(\mathrm{Ag}\mathrm{in}\mathrm{Fe})=\ensuremath{-}350\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}100$ kG, ${H}_{i}(\mathrm{Ag}\mathrm{in}\mathrm{Ni})=\ensuremath{-}108\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}30$ kG. Cobalt-60 $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray thermometry was used, and the problems of thermometry at 0.01\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K are discussed. Nuclear spins of four levels in ${\mathrm{Cd}}^{110}$ were determined unambigously, confirming earlier work, which was re-interpreted where necessary. The energy levels (spins) are 2162 keV (3+), 2219 keV(4+), 2479 keV(6+), 2926 keV(5+). The 1384-keV $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ ray in ${\mathrm{Cd}}^{110}$ was found to be (91.7\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2.8)% magnetic dipole and (8.3\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2.8)% electric quadrupole. The 1505-keV $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ ray was (78.9\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}4.8)% magnetic dipole and (21.1\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}4.8)% electric quadrupole. An approximate value of +2.9\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.3 nm was determined for the nuclear moment of ${\mathrm{Ag}}^{110m}$.
Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide-27 (PACAP-27) inhibits pentagastrin-stimulated gastric acid secretion in conscious rats.

Abstract Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a novel neuropeptide and has two amidated forms, PACAP-27 and PACAP-38. Its chemical structure is similar to that of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). In our previous studies, we found that PACAP has a stimulatory effect on rat exocrine pancreas secretion and an inhibitory effect on rat gastrointestinal motility. These effects of PACAP-27 were greater than those of PACAP-38 and VIP. In the present study, we examined the effect of PACAP-27 on basal and pentagastrin (PG)-stimulated gastric acid secretion in conscious rats and compared its effect with that of VIP. Rats were equipped with a chronic gastric fistula and a permanent IV line and separately housed in metabolic cages. The effects of PACAP-27 and VIP at doses of 1.25, 2.5, 5 and 10 nmol/kg/h on basal and PG (24 μg/kg/h)-stimulated gastric acid secretion were tested. Our results showed that: (1) VIP had no significant effect on basal and PG-stimulated gastric acid secretion at the tested doses. (2) PACAP-27 had no effect on basal acid secretion but had a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on PG-stimulated gastric acid secretion. The highest inhibition by PACAP-27, 68.2 + 8.1% , was achieved at 5 nmol/kg/h. We suggest that PACAP may have a regulatory role in gastric acid secretion.
Quaternary structure and the geminate recombination of carp hemoglobin with methylisocyanide

The kinetics of geminate recombination were studied for the methylisocyanide derivative of carp hemoglobin. Carp hemoglobin is of interest because it has been established that the fully liganded form switches between a high affinity R state at pH 9 and a low affinity T state at pH 6 in the presence of IHP. Geminate recombination was observed on both the picosecond and the nanosecond time scales under all conditions; however, only a small variation is observed in the rates and the yields of geminate recombination as the protein switches from the R to the T state. Taken together with overall "on" and "off" rates, the data indicate that the change from the R to the T configuration affects bond breaking most, but also influences subsequent escape from the protein as well as both entry into the protein and bond formation. There is some reason to postulate tertiary conformational change in the T state on the microsecond time scale following ligand escape from the protein.
Clinical evaluation of guanethidine sulfate, a new antihypertensive agent.

Abstract A 6 to 12-month study of the effect of guanethidine has been carried out in a group of 28 patients with essential hypertension of varying degrees of severity. The blood pressure response to an average daily dose of 73 mg. of guanethidine was 161 98 mm. Hg supine and 143 89 mm. Hg standing, from control levels of 197 117 mm. Hg supine and 183 116 mm. Hg standing. These results are the average blood pressures during the fourth to sixth months of therapy. The side effects were minimal; when compared to those noted with trimethidinium, they were markedly decreased or absent. Guanethidine is a very useful and versatile antihypertensive drug. It may be used singly or in combination with other drugs in cases of mild and moderate hypertension, although less potent preparations may be preferable. In cases of more severe and malignant hypertension it may be employed in the initiation of therapy or it may be readily substituted for ganglionic blocking agents without loss of blood pressure control.
Shattering Rock with Intense Bursts of Energetic Electrons

It has been successfully demonstrated that intense bursts of energetic electrons cause significant rock spalling for modest energy inputs. The corresponding temperature rise per pulse in the bombarded volume of rock is only ~ 200° C, or so. Some analytical predictions and experimental evidence of this novel accelerator application are presented. The promise of this technique for more rapid and economical tunneling through rock is also examined.
Phenol Toxicity Following Cutaneous Exposure to Creolin®: A Case Report

Phenol is a caustic that may cause cutaneous or gastrointestinal burns depending on the route of exposure. Significant absorption may result in systemic toxicity. We present a case of topical phenol exposure resulting in cutaneous burns and systemic phenol toxicity. A 9-year-old girl was exposed to Creolin®, a general-purpose disinfectant containing phenol, when her mother applied this product to her head and upper torso. The patient required endotracheal intubation due to depressed mental status; she had cutaneous erythema in the distribution of contact with the cleanser. An initial EKG revealed sinus tachycardia with brief runs of monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. On hospital day (HD) 1, the area of erythema extended to both upper extremities and hyperpigmentation developed over the affected areas, which continued to darken during the hospital course. The patient was extubated late on HD 1. On HD 2, the patient’s urine was noted to be a dark green color that resolved later that day. On HD 3, areas of desquamation and decreased sensation developed in skin areas of maximal contact with the cleanser. The patient developed a mild transaminitis with peak AST and ALT levels of 84 units/l and 99 units/l, respectively. The patient was discharged to home on HD 4. Our patient presented with signs of cutaneous and systemic phenol toxicity characterized by dermal burns, depressed mental status, cardiac dysrhythmias, and elevated hepatic transaminases. Phenol exposure may cause systemic toxicity following limited dermal exposure.
Sex attractant of an arctiid moth (Utetheisa ornatrix): A pulsed chemical signal

The sex attractant pheromone produced by the female of the moth Utetheisa ornatrix was shown to contain Z, Z, Z-3, 6, 9-heneicosatriene. The compound, whose structure was confirmed by synthesis, proved active in electroantennogram and field bioassays. Pheromone emission occurs discontinuously, in the form of short pulses (pulse repetition rate=1.5±0.2 pulses/s). It is argued that such temporal patterning — which had not previously been demonstrated for an airborne chemical signal — can provide close-range orientation cues to the male moth as it seeks out the female.
Whole field measurements of acousto-optic refraction

Abstract A new effect of acousto-optic refraction has been detected. The effect is observed in optical images of sound fields and has the appearance of bright fringes in the images. The fringes are shown to identify contours of equal refraction angle. Since the angle of optical refraction induced by a sound field is—under certain conditions—proportional to the spatial gradient or slope of the acoustic pressure, the name “iso-slope fringes” is applied. This new effect can be used to make optical whole field measurements of sound fields with significantly better spatial resolution than is possible with current measurement methods. The new effect may be of particular interest to investigators analyzing non-linear acoustic propagation phenomena.
Automated system for ion-exchange chromatography of saccharides.

Abstract An ion-exchange column chromatographic procedure for the rapid separation and quantitation of micromole quantities of neutral mono- and oligosaccharides is described. This chromatographic system employs elution with boric acid/2,3-butanediol buffers at neutral pH at a flow rate of 160 ml/cm 2 /hr. Automation of the procedure was achieved by continuous-stream analysis, employing the Hitachi Perkin-Elmer model 034-04 liquid chromatograph. The precision of the analysis was approximately ±5%.
Brownian Motion of a Rough Sphere and the Stokes−Einstein Law†

Using molecular dynamics computer simulation, we have calculated the velocity autocorrelation function and diffusion constant for a variety of solutes in a dense fluid of spherical solvent particles. We explore the effects of surface roughness of the solute on the resulting hydrodynamic boundary condition as we naturally approach the Brownian limit (when the solute becomes much larger and more massive than the solvent particles). We find that when the solute and solvent interact through a purely repulsive isotropic potential, in the Brownian limit the Stokes−Einstein law is satisfied with slip boundary conditions. However, when surface roughness is introduced through an anisotropic solute−solvent interaction potential, we find that the Stokes−Einstein law is satisfied with stick boundary conditions. In addition, when the attractive strength of a short-range isotropic solute−solvent potential is increased, the solute becomes dressed with solvent particles, making it effectively rough, and so stick boundary...
Isolation and culture of Trifolium rubens protoplasts with whole plant regeneration

Abstract Protocols for the successful isolation and culture of Trifolium rubens protoplasts derived from leaf tissue and cell suspension cultures have been developed. High plating efficiencies were obtained with both sources of protoplasts. Whole plant regeneration from cultured protoplasts was achieved via somatic embryogenesis.
Bandwidth allocation computations with measured traffic

Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) networks provide guarantees on quality of service by first determining the availability of the required network resources and then reserving these resources for the duration of the application call. The Call Admission Control components of the network is responsible for these functions. This paper is concerned with the calculation of bandwidth requirements for traffic traces obtained from measurements taken from a wide area ATM testbed network. Two kinds of traces are considered: IP applications traffic and jittered constant bit rate traffic streams that have traversed multiple switching hops of the network. The actual bandwidth requirements are computed using simulation and then compared with the equivalent bandwidth theory for on-off sources.
Frequency dependent effective cell volume estimation for circular disk transducers using Lommel diffraction formulation

In medical ultrasonic imaging the signal reflected from the tissue often has a random character to it. It is believed that the random nature of the tissue scattering microstructure is responsible for the stochastic nature of the echo signal. Chen, et. al. Have proposed a signal processing scheme that is based on the statistical moments calculated on the Fourier transform of the time gated echo signal. The theory requires the knowledge of a frequency- dependent effective cell volume term. This paper describes the use of a closed form expression (Lommel diffraction formulation) for this purpose. Our simulation results suggest that reliable estimation of the cell volume is possible only when the time duration of the excitation pulse is small compared to the time gate length.
On the reaction of iron bleomycin with thiols and oxygen

Abstract Iron(III)bleomycin undergoes a redox reaction with thiols. Evidence from epr and UV-visible absorbance spectra indicate that the metal complex forms an intermediate with sulfhydryl groups presumably by adding a sixth ligand. In the presence of oxygen iron bleomycin cycles between its two oxidation states to catalyze the generation of oxygen free radicals using thiols as a source of electrons.
Identification of tertiary aminomethylenedioxy-propiophenones as urinary metabolites of safrole in the rat and guinea pig

Abstract Three nitrogen-containing metabolites of safrole (1-allyl-3,4-methylenedioxy-benzene) are excreted in the urine of rats and/or guinea pigs following oral or intraperitoneal administration. The major safrole basic ninhydrin-positive metabolites of the guinea pig and rat are 3- N - N -dimethylamino-1-(3′,4′-methylenedioxyphenyl)-1-propanone and 3-piperidyl-1-(3′,4′-methylenedioxyphenyl)-1-propanone, respectively. In addition, the rat also excretes the above N , N -dimethylaminoketone and trace amounts of 3-pyrrolidinyl-1-(3′,4′-methylenedioxyphenyl)-1-propanone. All three of these aminoketones decompose to form 1-(3′,4−methylenedioxyphenyl)-3-propen-1-one.
Body growth in urinary tract malformations

Body height and height velocity were analysed in 54 children with obstructive urinary tract malformations over a mean period of 8.7 years, using new auxological methods. At the time of diagnosis, 9% of patients had a height of more than 2 standard deviations below the normal mean. Mean relative height changed significantly from the first to the last observation, the standard deviation score (SDS) increasing from −0.16 to +0.36 in patients with hydronephrosis compared with normal children (P<0.05) and from −0.63 to +0.02 SDS in those without hydronephrosis (P<0.005). The pathogenesis of the described growth disturbance is not clear. Stepwise multiple regression analysis pointed to a possible link between the duration of antibiotic treatment and the recovery of growth capacity, but improved growth could not clearly be attributed to any medical or surgical treatment. The synchronized average growth velocity curve was similar to that of healthy children and showed a normal pubertal spurt. Final height and target height calculated from parents' height differed only slightly from that of the normal population.
Hypoxylon rubiginosum: Cytology of the ascus and surface morphology of the ascospore

The haploid chromosome number ofHypoxylon rubiginosum is 5. The ascospore is uninucleate when formed, becoming binucleate following a mitosis. One of the nuclei subsequently disintegrates. Maturing ascospores are uninucleate.
Symptomatic hypocalcemia after tocolytic therapy with magnesium sulfate and nifedipine.

Abstract Objectives In this study, we presented 2 cases and evaluated the evidence for symptomatic hypocalcemia after treatment with magnesium sulfate alone or combined with use of nifedipine. Study design Case reports, such as the one that follows, and literature review were used. A 25-year-old gravida presented at 33 weeks' gestation with advanced preterm labor. She received magnesium sulfate followed by nifedipine and experienced bilateral hand contractures 12 hours after discontinuation of magnesium sulfate. Total serum calcium was 5.4 mg/dL. A 35-year-old gravida presented at 26 weeks' gestation with ruptured membranes and received magnesium sulfate until it was discontinued prematurely because of pulmonary edema. Twenty hours later she experienced bilateral hand contractures; total serum calcium was 5.9 m/dL. Symptoms for both patients resolved with calcium gluconate therapy. Results Hypocalcemia is a well-recognized complication of magnesium sulfate infusion. These are the fifth and sixth symptomatic case reports, as identified by Medline Search. Our first case is the only report in which the subsequent use of nifedipine may have been a factor. Little has been reported on the possible toxicity associated with the combined or sequential use of magnesium sulfate and nifedipine. Conclusion Marked hypocalcemia is clearly associated with magnesium sulfate infusion, is likely dose related, and may appear after discontinuation of magnesium sulfate therapy. Moreover, while the evidence for synergistic toxicity of magnesium sulfate and nifedipine is sparse, caution is advised when these agents are used together.
Endoscopic specimen pouch technique for removal of giant fibroadenomas of the breast

Giant (juvenile or cellular) fibroadenoma of the breast is the most common tumor that present in adolescent girls. As benign tumors that can exceed 10 cm in diameter, giant fibroadenomas have historically necessitated large incisions to remove these masses, resulting in large unsightly scars. We describe the novel use of an endoscopic specimen pouch to facilitate the removal of these large tumors through minimal incisions in 3 patients. In follow-up, all 3 patients have had excellent cosmetic outcomes, no recurrences, and no postoperative complications.
Effects of angle of approach on cursor movement with a mouse: Consideration of Fitt's law

Research related to various aspects of human-computer interactions has become increasingly important to the design and implementation of effective interface systems and input devices. As the man-machine interface has become more direct, the analysis and application of models to account for this interaction have received increasing attention by investigators. In that regard, the speed and accuracy of human motor movements associated with computer input devices have often been modeled by Fitts' law. Most such analyses, however, have not considered the angle of approach as a factor. The present study investigated the interactive effects on movement time of the angle of approach, the size of the target, and the distance to the target for the use of a mouse to select icon-like targets presented on a computer's display screen. Angle of approach, target size, and target distance significantly affected movement time. Although the global R2 based on a Fitts' law linear model was low in comparison with other studies, an analysis of the residuals showed that the linear model's effectiveness in prediction interacted with the other variables under investigation.
Effects of trazodone treatment on alpha-2 adrenoceptor function in depressed patients.

Tricyclic antidepressant drugs reduce the sensitivity of α2 adrenoceptors during long-term treatment. In the present study, the α2 adrenergic agonist clonidine was administered to 11 depressed patients before and during treatment with the triazolopyridine antidepressant trazodone (TRZ). Clonidine's ability to decrease blood pressure (BP) and plasma levels of the norepinephrine metabolite 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethyleneglycol (MHPG), and to increase sedation and plasma growth hormone (GH), were measured. TRZ had little effect on these indices of pre- and postsynaptic α2 receptor function, suggesting that the antidepressant properties of TRZ are not related to changes in α2 adrenoceptor sensitivity.
The Design and Communication of Systematic Monetary Policy Strategies

The ecacy of central bank communications is inextricably linked to the characteristics of the monetary policy framework. Therefore, this paper presents a set of fundamental principles regarding the joint design of monetary policy strategy and communications. The practical implications of these principles are illustrated by considering a number of signicant policy challenges faced by central banks in the advanced economies.
Collisions with relativistic ions in solid targets

Abstract Relativistic ions allow the study of the role of excited states in determining the charge states and projectile X-ray production in solid targets. This paper examines the charge states and effective stripping cross sections for ions in targets ranging from Be to U. For low- Z ions, the radiative decay rates are small, so excited-state populations are significant and predicted fractions of ions carrying electrons differ by about 30% in gas and solid targets. For high- Z ions, the decay rates are enormous, so gas-solid charge-state differences are smaller, but still present in the He-like fractions, where metastable states are present.
Value and cost of sensor information in a coordinated manipulator task

Research results on the use of sensor information in coordinated manipulator tasks are presented. A task example is presented and is modeled in a computer simulation. The computer simulation is discussed and documented, and results of simulation runs are presented for different types and configurations of manipulator sensors. Position errors are calculated for nine different cases of sensor type and configuration. The required information rates corresponding to these cases are also presented. A comparative analysis of the cases is performed to identify the cases that are suboptimal. The optimal cases are then presented with a discussion of the final results. >
Roles of Glutamate Synthase, gltBD, and gltF in Nitrogen Metabolism of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella aerogenes

Mutants of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella aerogenes that are deficient in glutamate synthase (glutamate-oxoglutarate amidotransferase [GOGAT]) activity have difficulty growing with nitrogen sources other than ammonia. Two models have been proposed to account for this inability to grow. One model postulated an imbalance between glutamine synthesis and glutamine degradation that led to a repression of the Ntr system and the subsequent failure to activate transcription of genes required for the use of alternative nitrogen sources. The other model postulated that mutations in gltB or gltD (which encode the subunits of GOGAT) were polar on a downstream gene, gltF, which is necessary for proper activation of gene expression by the Ntr system. The data reported here show that the gltF model is incorrect for three reasons: first, a nonpolar gltB and a polar gltD mutation of K. aerogenes both show the same phenotype; second, K. aerogenes and several other enteric bacteria lack a gene homologous to gltF; and third, mutants of E. coli whose gltF gene has been deleted show no defect in nitrogen metabolism. The argument that accumulated glutamine represses the Ntr system in gltB or gltD mutants is also incorrect, because these mutants can derepress the Ntr system normally so long as sufficient glutamate is supplied. Thus, we conclude that gltB or gltD mutants grow slowly on many poor nitrogen sources because they are starved for glutamate. Much of the glutamate formed by catabolism of alternative nitrogen sources is converted to glutamine, which cannot be efficiently converted to glutamate in the absence of GOGAT activity. Finally, GOGAT-deficient E. coli cells growing with glutamine as the sole nitrogen source increase their synthesis of the other glutamate-forming enzyme, glutamate dehydrogenase, severalfold, but this is still insufficient to allow rapid growth under these conditions.
In Vitro Susceptibilities to and Bactericidal Activities of Garenoxacin (BMS-284756) and Other Antimicrobial Agents against Human Mycoplasmas and Ureaplasmas

The in vitro susceptibilities to garenoxacin (BMS-284756), an investigational des-fluoroquinolone, and eight other agents were determined for 63 Mycoplasma pneumoniae, 45 Mycoplasma hominis, 15 Mycoplasma fermentans, and 68 Ureaplasma sp. isolates. Garenoxacin was the most active quinolone, inhibiting all isolates at <or=1 microg/ml. The garenoxacin MIC at which 90% of isolates are inhibited (MIC(90)s; <or=0.008 microg/ml) was at least 4-fold less than those of moxifloxacin and clindamycin, 8-fold less than that of sparfloxacin, and 64-fold less than those of levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin for M. pneumoniae. For M. hominis, the garenoxacin MIC(90) (<or=0.008 microg/ml) was 4-fold less than those of clindamycin and moxifloxacin, 8-fold less than that of sparfloxacin, and 64-fold less than those of levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin. All 15 M. fermentans isolates were inhibited by garenoxacin at concentrations <or=0.008 microg/ml, making it the most active drug tested against this organism. For Ureaplasma spp., the garenoxacin MIC(90) (0.25 microg/ml) was equivalent to those of moxifloxacin and doxycycline, 4-fold less than those of levofloxacin and sparfloxacin, 8-fold less than that of azithromycin, and 32-fold less than that of ciprofloxacin. Garenoxacin and the other fluoroquinolones tested were demonstrated to have bactericidal activities against M. pneumoniae and M. hominis by measurement of minimal bactericidal activities and by time-kill studies. Further study of garenoxacin is required, as it has great potential for use in the treatment of infections due to mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas.
Departures from the Eightfold Way: Theory of Strong Interaction Symmetry Breakdown

We consider the three kinds of departure from exact unitary symmetry: medium-strong interactions which leave only isospin and hypercharge as good symmetries, electromagnetism, and weak interactions. We postulate the existence of an octet of scalar mesons that give the possibility of symmetry-breaking tadpole diagrams. Our fundamental dynamical assumption---that symmetry-violating processes are dominated by symmetry-breaking tadpole diagrams---gives an immediate explanation of the success of two empirical laws: the Gell-Mann-Okubo mass formulas and the nonleptonic $\ensuremath{\Delta}I=\frac{1}{2}$ rules. Moreover, including tadpole diagrams and some other electromagnetic corrections, we calculate the six electromagnetic mass splittings of mesons and baryons in terms of a single unknown parameter correctly to within 0.5 MeV.
Impairment of Lon-Induced Protection Against the Accumulation of Oxidized Proteins in Senescent Wi-38 Fibroblasts

Oxidative damage to mitochondrial proteins is thought to contribute to the aging process, but the Lon protease normally degrades such proteins. In early-passage WI-38 human lung fibroblasts, Lon expression is rapidly induced during H(2)O(2) stress, which prevents the accumulation of oxidized proteins and protects cell viability. In contrast, middle passage cells exhibit only sluggish induction of Lon expression in oxidative stress, and oxidized proteins initially accumulate. Late-passage, or senescent, cells have low basal levels of Lon and high levels of accumulated oxidized proteins; in response to oxidative stress, they fail to induce Lon expression and exhibit continually increasing accumulation of oxidized proteins. Senescent cells separated into two populations, one exhibiting normal mitochondrial mass and a second displaying significant loss of mitochondria; both populations had diminished mitochondrial transmembrane potential. These senescent changes are similar to the effects of Lon silencing in young cells. We suggest that loss of Lon stress inducibility is part of a pattern of diminishing stress adaptability that predisposes cells to senescence.
Mattress replacement or foam overlay? A prospective study on the incidence of pressure ulcers

The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of pressure ulcers in 40 newly admitted at-risk (Braden Scale score n = 20) or a MAXIFLOAT (BG Industries, Northridge, CA) foam mattress replacements ( n = 20). Head-to-toe skin assessments were done 3 times weekly for a maximum of 21 days, using Bergstrom Skin Assessment Tool. Subjects on MAXIFLOAT had fewer pressure ulcers (X 2 [1, N = 40] = 5.013, p = .025) despite heavier body mass ( t [35] = 2.60, p = .013) and more days on the surface ( t [38] = 2.24, p = .03). MAXIFLOAT proved to be more effective in preventing pressure ulcers in an at-risk skilled-care population and was cost-effective. Research findings on efficacy, adequate feedback from nursing staff, residents, and ancillary staff regarding issues of patient comfort, ease of use, and cost are important factors in decision-making when considering product changes.
Conceptualising an integrated planning system

This paper explores an innovative approach to planning in organisations based on viewing planning itself as a system. Beginning with an outline of problematic and rigid planning processes, this article advocated for a reconceptualisation of planning itself to accommodate the complex and ever-changing environment in which planning must take place. By using van der Heijden's (1997) strategy paradigms, and Mintzberg and Lampel's (1999) schools of strategy, a heuristic is created for a modular and flexible systems-based approach to planning. Implications for planning practices are considered in light of this novel approach to planning as well as some suggestions for further research.
Model Validation and Decision Making: An Example Using the Twin Lakes Tracer Test *

An approach to the validation of ground-water flow and transport models that are used in support of licensing a radioactive waste site is proposed and demonstrated. The approach attempts to interpret modeling results in light of their intended purpose. Instead of trying to find the ``best`` fit model to the experimental data, we attempt to determine the conservativeness or bias invoked by applying different models to simulate the same experiment. In this way we are able to provide guidance to the regulatory community on where they should expect model results to fall relative to actual data and provide some evidence that certain model approaches lead to conservative results while other modeling approaches lead to non-conservative results. Applying this approach to the Twin Lakes Tracer Test demonstrated that a simple one-dimensional flow and one-dimensional dispersion model consistently over-predicts the maximum concentration. A one-dimensional flow with three-dimensional dispersion and two dimensional flow with two dimensional advection-dispersion are conservative only if they employ laboratory scale dispersivities. Therefore, if a decision-maker were to accept a similar site based on results from these types of models, there would be a relatively low chance that he has accepted an unsafe site. However, if decision-makers were tomore » reject a similar site based on these types of results, there would be a relatively large chance that they rejected a safe site.« less
Tumor necrosis factor-induced proliferation of astrocytes from mature brain is associated with down-regulation of glial fibrillary acidic protein mRNA.

Previous results from this laboratory have shown that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is mitogenic for bovine astrocytes in chemically defined (CO) medium. The maximum mitogenic response was detected with 200 U/ml at 48 h. We have now extended these studies to assess the effect of TNF on message levels for the intermediate filament proteins glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and vimentin. The results have shown that, whereas TNF had only a slight effect on vimentin mRNA, TNF induced a marked decrease to 4.3 ± 2.0% of controls in GFAP mRNA which was both time and dose dependent. The lowest effective dose was 50 U/ml and the maximal effective dose was 200 U/ml. Kinetic analysis of this response demonstrated that a marked decrease in GFAP mRNA was present at 12 h and continued to decrease through 72 h. To determine the reversibility of the TNF effect, astrocyte cultures were exposed to 200 U/ml TNF for varying periods of tee and then cultured in fresh CD medium. A 1-h pulse with TNF was sufficient to reduce GFAP mRNA levels when measured 24 h later. However, cultures incubated with 200 U/ml TNF for 48 h followed by incubation in CD medium without TNF for 7 days showed that GFAP mRNA levels had returned to 60% of the control values. Nuclear runoff assays showed that the effect of TNF on GFAP mRNA was at the posttranscriptional level. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic analysis of astrocyte cytoskeletal proteins demonstrated that GFAP levels were reduced after a 5-day incubation with 200 U/ml TNF whereas protein levels of vimentin and actin were not significantly changed. Western blots confirmed that GFAP levels were reduced to 36% of the control values. Thus the effect of TNF on GFAP mRNA expression was not due to a generalized effect on intermediate filament metabolism.
FPGA Implementation of Evolvable Block-based Neural Networks

This paper presents a hardware implementation approach for block-based neural networks (BbNNs) on a Programmable System-On-Chip. This is an intrinsic online evolution system that can be genetically evolved and adapted to changes in input data patterns dynamically without any need for multiple FPGA reconfigurations to accommodate various network structure/parameter changes. This removes a considerable bottleneck for performance. The research presented here is a first step towards an evolvable system that can be implemented as an embedded system.
Recent Measurements of the Beam-Beam Interaction at PEP-II

The beam-beam interaction is one of the performance limitations at PEP-II. The peak luminosity in PEP-II has reached 4.6 x 10{sup 33}/cm{sup 2}/s with 800 bunches with a positron current of 1.77 A and an electron current of 1.07 A. The beam-beam tune shift limits have exceeded 0.07 horizontally and 0.03 vertically. A model of the luminosity with current using the measured beam sizes has been developed. Studies are underway to increase the luminosity toward 2 x 10{sup 34}/cm{sup 2}/s and beyond by increasing the number of bunches, raising the beam currents, lowering the betas at the interaction points, and shortening the bunch lengths[1].
Simultaneous bidirectional signaling with adaptive pre-emphasis

This paper presents a novel design for a simultaneous bidirectional signaling system with an adaptive pre-emphasis feature. The feedback loop inherent in a simultaneous bidirectional link provides a natural opportunity to use adaptive pre-emphasis to compensate for channel characteristics. The system determines the degree of corruption of a received signal and generates a pulse width modulated signal which gets sent back through the bidirectional link to control the amount of pre-emphasis that is used. The technique has been verified using Cadence SpectreRF and Verilog-A simulators, where the channel loss characteristics are based on an FR-4 material model. The simulation results show that the system automatically selects the best fit for the observed channel loss compensation, which then reduces the efforts needed to recover the data at each receiver.
Extension of the Predictable Integrands

In this chapter, we show that the definition of the stochastic integral can be extended to a larger class of integrands than the predictable ones, when either a mild condition on the Doleans measure \( \mu_{M} \) is satisfied or M is continuous.
Glucosensing neurons in the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMN) and hypoglycemia-associated autonomic failure (HAAF).

Hypoglycemia is a profound threat to the brain since glucose is its preferred fuel. Thus, decreases in plasma glucose must be sensed and appropriate hormonal and neuroendocrine responses generated to restore glucose to safe levels (i.e. counterregulatory responses (CRR) to hypoglycemia). Recurrent hypoglycemia impairs these protective mechanisms, resulting in a potentially life-threatening condition known as hypoglycemia-associated autonomic failure (HAAF). During HAAF, the glycemic threshold is reset so that glucose levels must fall further before the CRR is initiated. The brain plays a critical role in sensing hypoglycemia and initiating the CRR. Additionally, many neurons may sense changes in plasma and extracellular glucose. However, the way in which central glucose sensing is integrated to lead to effective initiation of the CRR is unknown. Furthermore, the mechanisms by which this system becomes impaired during HAAF are also unknown. Glucosensing neurons in the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMN) are poised to serve an integrative function in glucose homeostasis. First, they sense glucose. Second, the VMN receives input from other glucose-sensing areas. Finally, the VMN projects to areas linked to the regulation of the sympathoadrenal system that mediates the CRR. This review discusses VMN glucosensing neurons relative to their capacity to play a role in the regulation of the CRR and the generation of HAAF. Glucosensing neurons in the hindbrain as well as peripheral glucosensors are also considered.
Treatment of persistent chylothorax after Norwood procedure with somatostatin

A newborn who had undergone Norwood procedure for hypoplastic left heart syndrome developed a voluminous chylothorax that persisted despite weeks of prolonged complete bowel rest, total parenteral nutrition, and effective chest tube drainage. Chest tube output diminished immediately following initiation of intravenous somatostatin, allowing restoration of full enteral feeds and removal of chest tubes within 6 days.
THE EMPLOYMENT INTERVIEW: A REVIEW OF RECENT RESEARCH AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH

Abstract The past decade has seen continued interest in the employment interview, with several changes in research emphasis. The present review is a comprehensive examination of interview research conducted since Harris last reviewed this literature. We begin with a review of the traditional areas of interview research: reliability, validity, structured interviews, interviewer differences, equal employment opportunity issues, impression management, and decision-making processes. Next, we review and discuss more recent developments in interview research such as the use of the interview as a means of assessing person–organization (P–O) fit and applicant reactions to the employment interview. Throughout the review, suggested topics for future research are discussed.
Parent and child personality characteristics as predictors of negative discipline and externalizing problem behaviour in children

Negative discipline has been linked to childhood externalizing behaviour. However, relatively little attention has been given to the potential effect of individual personality characteristics of ch...
Exact calculation of pattern probabilities

We describe two algorithms for calculating the probability of m-symbol length-n patterns over k-element distributions, a partition-based algorithm with complexity roughly 2O(m log m) and a recursive algorithm with complexity roughly 2O(m+log n) with the precise bounds provided in the text. The problem is related to symmetric-polynomial evaluation, and the analysis reveals a connection to the number of connected graphs.
Supertree Bootstrapping Methods for Assessing Phylogenetic Variation among Genes in Genome-Scale Data Sets

Nonparamtric bootstrapping methods may be useful for assessing confidence in a supertree inference. We examined the performance of two supertree bootstrapping methods on four published data sets that each include sequence data from more than 100 genes. In "input tree bootstrapping," input gene trees are sampled with replacement and then combined in replicate supertree analyses; in "stratified bootstrapping," trees from each gene's separate (conventional) bootstrap tree set are sampled randomly with replacement and then combined. Generally, support values from both supertree bootstrap methods were similar or slightly lower than corresponding bootstrap values from a total evidence, or supermatrix, analysis. Yet, supertree bootstrap support also exceeded supermatrix bootstrap support for a number of clades. There was little overall difference in support scores between the input tree and stratified bootstrapping methods. Results from supertree bootstrapping methods, when compared to results from corresponding supermatrix bootstrapping, may provide insights into patterns of variation among genes in genome-scale data sets.
On the optical properties of undoped and rare-earth-doped yttrium aluminium garnet single crystals

Optical absorption and photoluminescence (PL) measurements were performed on single crystals of undoped Y3Al5O12 (YAG) and a number of rare-earth-doped YAG to study the effect of dopant type and concentration, growth atmosphere, post-growth annealing and UV irradiation on the optical properties of YAG crystals. The presence of hydrogen in the growth atmosphere was found to be essential for enhancing the incorporation of Ce ions in the Ce3+ state in Ce-doped YAG (Ce : YAG). Annealing in air was shown to have no effect on the PL emission of Ce : YAG crystals. An absorption peak around 256 nm was observed in the undoped YAG and Ce : YAG crystals after air anneal at 1200 °C. Optical absorption and annealing experiments support the association of the 256 nm peak with Fe impurities and oxygen ions. UV irradiation modifies the valency of impurities and generates electronic defects leading to an increase in the optical density of YAG crystals. Optimizing the growth and annealing conditions is critical in order to develop Ce : YAG single crystals as efficient scintillators.