cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microcolumn liquid chromatography of small nucleic acid constituents

Abstract Mixtures of small nucleic acid fragments were separated by reversed-phase microcolumn liquid chromatography. By using a miniaturized UV detector, a detection limit of 10 pg with a signal-to-noise ratio of 2 for individual nucleosides was achieved. Various mixtures of nucleobases, nucleosides, nucleotides, and cyclic nucleotides were separated. Using tetrabutylammonium hydrogensulfate as an ion-pairing reagent, the negatively charged mono-, di-, and triphosphate nucleotides were also resolved. As an application for nucleic acid research, the separation of the enzymatic hydrolysis products from a 100-ng sample of tRNA-Phe is shown.
TH-A-141-09: BEST IN PHYSICS (IMAGING) — Superficial Dose Imaging Based On Cherenkov Radiation Emission During Megavoltage External Beam Radiotherapy

Purpose: To show that Cherenkov emission generated by megavoltage X‐ray beams could be imaged in real time during external beam radiotherapy. Images of Cherenkov emission could be applied for quality assurance (QA) and estimate the superficial dose distribution for complex surface profiles. Methods: Cherenkov radiation has been documented to be generated by MeV external beam radiotherapy in both water and tissue. A typical breast cancer treatment plan was adopted to irradiate the breast and torso region of an anthropometric phantom. Images of Cherenkov emission have been taken by using a scientific‐grade time‐gated ICCD camera, synchronized to the LINAC pulse output, during treatment. Sampling depth depending on wavelength and angular distribution of Cherenkov photons (similar to Lambertian distribution) emitted from the surface have been investigated for different optical properties by Monte Carlo simulations in GAMOS and corresponding angular emission corrections have been applied. Registration of the 2‐D Cherenkov emission images to 3‐D surface profiles measured by motion monitoring system (Catalyst™, C‐RAD) has been investigated. Results: The images show that superficial dose varies dramatically with complex surface profiles. Imaging of this can be done, with a typical acquisition time of 2 sec, based upon Signal to noise ratio of SNR=30 for a 10 MeV beam, suggesting that near real time surface dosimetry is possible during the treatment time. The spatial resolution achieved here was approximately 1mm. Conclusion: Superficial dose can be imaged in realtime directly with a camera, capturing the Cherenkov emitted from the surface of the treatment region during external beam radiotherapy, and these surface dose images could potentially allow real time monitoring, quality assurance and decisions to be made about dose errors in complex treatment areas.
Advice for undergraduates considering graduate school

This article contains informal advice for undergraduates who are thinking about graduate school. Graduate school comes in three varieties: professional schools (law, medicine, education, and so on), master's programs, and doctoral programs. I know little about either professional schools or master's programs, so I will concentrate on doctoral programs. In particular, I will use the term "graduate school" to refer to doctoral programs. Much of my advice, though, probably applies to the other options as well. Please note, too, that I originally wrote this document for students in my own field and department. Things might work differently where you are, particularly if you are not currently in college, or if the faculty in your college do not do much research in the area that most interests you. As with all advice, only trust these notes to the extent they correspond to your own experience.
A signal peptide that directs non-Sec transport in bacteria also directs efficient and exclusive transport on the thylakoid Delta pH pathway.

Signal peptides that specifically direct precursor proteins to the thylakoid Delta pH pathway possess an N domain RR motif. Signal peptides that direct transport of bacterial proteins across a non-Sec export pathway possess an N domain RRXFLK consensus motif. Recent genetic studies suggest an evolutionary link between these two protein translocation pathways. To further explore this relationship, we examined the thylakoid targeting capability of the signal peptide for Escherichia coli hydrogenase 1 small subunit (HyaA) by linking it to plastocyanin and assaying the chimeric protein in an in vitro thylakoid transport assay. The chimeric precursor was transported across thylakoids with high efficiency. Transport was characteristic of the Delta pH but not the Sec pathway, i.e. it was eliminated by ionophores that dissipate the DeltapH but occurred in the absence of stromal extract or ATP. This result was confirmed by competition with chemical quantities of a Delta pH pathway precursor. This indicates that the HyaA signal peptide has the necessary elements for efficient and exclusive targeting to the Delta pH pathway and further supports the notion that the alternate targeting pathways in prokaryotes and plant thylakoids are analogous.
H2 production from simulated coal syngas containing H2S in multi-tubular Pd and 80 wt% Pd–20 wt% Cu membrane reactors at 1173 K ☆

Abstract 99.7% conversion of CO in a simulated syngas feed containing 53% CO, 35% H 2 and 12% CO 2 was achieved via the water–gas shift (WGS) reaction in a counter-current Pd multi-tube membrane reactor (MR) at 1173 K and 2 s residence time. This conversion is significantly greater than the 32% equilibrium conversion associated with a conventional (non-membrane) reactor primarily due to the high rate of H 2 extraction from the reaction zone through the Pd membranes at elevated temperatures. Furthermore, nearly complete H 2 recovery was attained in the permeate, resulting in the simultaneous production of a high-pressure CO 2 (>99%) retentate stream after condensation of the steam. When Pd 80 wt% Cu tubes were used in the reactor, a significantly lower CO conversion of 68% was attained at comparable residence times, probably due to the lower H 2 permeance of the alloy. When H 2 S was added to the syngas feed and the H 2 S-to-H 2 ratio was maintained below the threshold required for thermodynamically stable sulfides to form, the Pd and Pd 80 wt% Cu MRs retained their mechanical integrity and H 2 selectivity, but a precipitous drop in CO conversion was observed due to deactivation of the catalytic surface. The Pd and Pd 80 wt% Cu MRs were observed to fail within minutes after increasing the H 2 S-to-H 2 ratio to levels above that expected for thermodynamically stable sulfides to form, as evidenced by rupturing of the membrane tubes. SEM–EDS analyses of the membranes suggested that at high H 2 S-to-H 2 ratios, the H 2 S compromised the mechanical integrity of the MRs by preferentially attacking the grain boundary region.
Electron spin resonance characterization of the NAD(P)H oxidase in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Abstract Endogenously produced reactive oxygen species are important for intracellular signaling mechanisms leading to vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) growth. It is therefore critical to define the potential enzymatic sources of ROS and their regulation by agonists in VSMCs. Previous studies have investigated O2•− production using lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence. However, lucigenin has been recently criticized for its ability to redox cycle and its propensity to measure cellular reductase activity independent from O2•−. To perform a definitive characterization of VSMC oxidase activity, we used electron spin resonance trapping of O2•− with DEPMPO. We confirmed that the main source of O2•− from VSMC membranes is an NAD(P)H oxidase and that the O2•− formation from mitochondria, xanthine oxidase, arachidonate-derived enzymes, and nitric oxide synthases in VSMC membranes was minor. The VSMC NAD(P)H oxidase(s) are able to produce more O2•− when NADPH is used as the substrate compared to NADH (the maximal NADPH signal is 2.4- ± 0.4-fold higher than the NADH signal). The two substrates had similar EC50’s (∼10–50 μM). Stimulation with angiotensin II and platelet-derived growth factor also predominantly increased the NADPH-driven signal (101 ± 8% and 83 ± 1% increase above control, respectively), with less of an effect on NADH-dependent O2•− (17 ± 3% and 36 ± 5% increase, respectively). Moreover, incubation of the cells with diphenylene iodonium inhibited predominantly NADPH-stimulated O2•−. In conclusion, electron spin resonance characterization of VSMC oxidase activity supports a major role for an NAD(P)H oxidase in O2•− production in VSMCs, and provides new evidence concerning the substrate dependency and agonist-stimulated activity of this key enzyme.
Effects of interventions on depression in heart failure: A systematic review

Abstract Objective We sought to conduct a systematic review to evaluate the effects of interventions on depression in adults with heart failure (HF). Methods Published, peer-reviewed, English-language, prospective interventional studies were identified in a search of Medline, CINAHL, PsychINFO, and the Cochrane Libraries of Systematic Reviews and Clinical Trials from 1996 through August 2011 and relevant bibliographies. Eligible studies included patients with New York Heart Association functional class II and III HF with experimental or quasiexperimental designs and preintervention and postintervention measures of depression. Ineligible studies were nonpharmacologic with a sample size Results Twenty-three experimental and quasiexperimental studies that enrolled a total of 3564 persons with HF contributed evidence about 6 types of interventions: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent, exercise, disease management programs, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), and a multimodal intervention of cognitive behavioral therapy and exercise. Studies with SSRIs examined effects of sertraline, paroxetine, and citalopram. The CAM interventions included tai chi, progressive muscle relaxation therapy, and mindfulness-based stress reduction. Conclusions Evidence is strong that pharmacology and CAM may improve depression. Moderate evidence supports the use of exercise. A strong body of evidence indicates that disease management programs do not improve depression. This review does not support the development of guidelines for treatment of depression in persons with HF because evidence is insufficient and, at times, contradictory.
A golgi analysis of cerebellar immunopathy in neonatal rats after infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus

Morphological changes in cerebellar neurons during the immune reaction to a viral infection were examined using Golgi methods. Wistar albino rats, infected at 4 days of age with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, were killed on postinfection days 4 to 10, and the cerebella were processed by rapid Golgi and Golgi-Cox methods. Some of the sections impregnated by the rapid Golgi method were subsequently processed for electron microscopy. Necrosis was evident in the lingula and portions of the posterior vermis by postinjection day 7. By the 9th day, degeneration was observed throughout the vermis. Purkinje cells appeared normal 4 days after infection, but by days 9 and 10, all the impregnated Purkinje cells had atrophic cell bodies; stunted, agglomerate dendrites; and dilated axons with collaterals that had many short processes. Some cells in the infected tissue did not resemble any normal cell type. These data indicate that the value of the Golgi method is a useful complement to conventional techniques for ...
It was the best of times. it was a waste of time: university of kentucky students' views of writing under KERA

Abstract A survey was administered to University of Kentucky freshmen enrolled in introductory composition courses. Former Kentucky high school students were asked to describe their high school writing experiences since the 1990 passage of the Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA) and the implementation of its controversial testing and accountability component. The survey revealed much that is positive. Almost three-quarters of the students reported writing daily in high school in a variety of disciplines. Approximately one-half rated their writing abilities as “above average” or “excellent” and felt prepared or somewhat prepared to write in college. Most reported regularly employing writing process strategies. Few, however, mentioned consideration of purpose and audience as part of their approach to writing, even though these are the two most important criteria for scoring the portfolio. Some two-thirds of the students responded that compiling the portfolio was not a useful activity. These findings suggest that KERA's accountability system may be undermining the instructional improvements it was intended to foster. In its haste to implement mandated reform, the state failed to take into account students' willingness to assume new roles as “creators, authors, and owners” of writing portfolios. Students' negative attitudes toward writing under KERA may reflect a more widespread misunderstanding among teachers and administrators of the theoretical bases for the writing portfolio. Professional development might help to dispel some of this negativity, but classroom teachers alone cannot bear responsibility for ensuring that students see “real world” value in the writing portfolio. Public schools, post-secondary institutions, and employers must work together to find authentic uses for the portfolio.
Blood Sugar in Cats with Diabetes Insipidus Before and After Adrenalectomy

SummaryCats with posterior pituitary inactivation may die in adrenal insufficiency with blood sugars in the normal range, even if these animals have previously been found to be hypersensitive to small doses of insulin. This is true whether or not the animals are under treatment with pitressin. There is no evidence that the short survival period of untreated diabetes insipidus cats after adrenalectomy is associated with the blood sugar level or partial anterior lobe suppression.
Prediction of microelectronic substrate warpage using homogenized finite element models

The focus of this study was to numerically predict effective thermo-mechanical properties and substrate warpage of high-density microelectronic substrates used in organic CPU packages. Microelectronic substrates are typically composed of several polymer, fiber-weave, and copper layers and are filled with a variety of complex features, such as electric traces, plated-through-holes, micro-vias, and adhesion holes. When subjected to temperature changes, these substrates may warp, driven by the mismatch in coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) of the constituent materials. This study focused on predicting substrate warpage in an isothermal condition. The numerical approach consisted of three major tasks: estimating homogenized (effective) thermo-mechanical properties of the features; calculating effective properties of discretized layers using the effective properties of the features; and assembling the layers to create two-dimensional (2D) finite element (FE) plate models and to calculate warpage of the substrates. The effective properties of the features were extracted from three-dimensional (3D) unit cell FE models, and closed-form approximate expressions were developed using the numerical results, curve fitting, and some simple bounds. The numerical approach was applied to predict warpage of production substrates, analyzed, and validated against experimentally measured stiffness and CTEs. In this paper, the homogenization approach, numerical predictions, and experimental validation are discussed.
Inhibition by aminochromes of in vitro polypeptide synthesis in Escherichia coli

Abstract In a previous study of in vitro brain ribosomal protein synthesis from this laboratory, solutions of oxidized catecholamines (aminochromes) were found to inhibit poly U dependent polyphenylalanine synthesis. Since aminochromes also inhibited phenylalanine polymerization in the well defined in vitro ribosomal system from E. coli , the latter was used to determine the effect of aminochromes on various intermediate partial reactions of protein synthesis. All of the partial reactions studied were inhibited by approximately 50% at aminochrome concentrations of 3–5 × 10 −4 m (10 times that required for equivalent inhibition of overall polymerization). In addition, using Sephadex G-50 and G-100 chromatography, it was determined that high molecular weight oxidized products from epinephrine (melanin precursors) are bound to ribosomes, and this may explain the observed inhibition.
State of the Art Report on Mathematical Methods for Groundwater Pollution Source Identification

Abstract The reliable assessment of hazards or risks arising from groundwater contamination problems and the design of efficient and effective techniques to mitigate these problems require the capability to predict the behavior of chemical contaminants in flowing water. Most attempts at quantifying contaminant transport have relied on a solution of some form of a well-known governing equation referred to as advection-dispersion-reaction equation. To choose an appropriate remediation strategy, knowledge of the contaminant release source and time release history becomes pertinent. As additional contaminated sites are being detected, it is almost impossible to perform exhaustive drilling, testing, and chemical fingerprint analysis every time. Moreover, chemical fingerprinting and site records are not sufficient to allow a unique solution for the timing of source releases. The purpose of this paper is to present and review mathematical methods that have been developed during the past 15 years to identify the contaminant source location and recover the time release history.
Counseling the isolated elderly.

: Increasing interest is manifest in the development of alternative models of counseling for older persons. Irrespective of the particular model used, the counseling of aged persons who have emotional and psychologic problems may require a treatment plan for health, mental health, and social services, to resolve the problems and to assess the functional limitations. Health and mental health centers employing both professional and nonprofessional counselors need to determine the value of adding outreach components to their services, and agencies which already have outreach programs may need to determine their relevance and effectiveness. Effective outreach requires a high level of gerontologic knowledge and clinical skills with aged patients. Agencies and clinics can design and implement mechanisms for supporting the elderly as they make use of multiple sources of service. Mobilization of the family and other informal helping networks in the community, the establishment of better coordination mechanisms within clinic and service programs, and multipleservice integration will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of long-term community care and follow-up programs.
Object detection using scale space

Scale-space representation is a topic of active research in computer vision. Most of the work so far has concentrated on image reconstruction from the scale-space representation. In this paper we discuss the use of scale- space representation for object detection. We have proposed a model based approach and developed an algorithm to implement it. Channel integration is the heart of the algorithm and there are a number of unresolved issues in it. Object detection is possible only if the objects of interest are different from the noise and clutter in certain features. We have used two different images, one with good signal to noise ratio and the other with poor signal to noise ratio In the first image the distinguishing feature of the object is its signal strength and in the second image it is its size. Accordingly we have studied two approaches to the channel integration : (i) based on the contrast value and (ii) based on edge focusing and splitting. The results of both approaches are presented and discussed.
Mitotic Activity of Epidermal Melanocytes in Uv-Irradiated Mouse Skin

The role of mitosis in the increase in the epidermal melanocyte population following repeated ultraviolet (UV) irradiation has been studied in C57Bl mice. Cumulative labeling with 3H-methyl-thymidine (3HTdr) was used in combination with autoradiography. A 4–6 fold increase in the melanocyte population was associated with an isotope labeling of 65–80% of the melanocytes. This indicates that cell division during the irradiation period can account for the total increase in the number of melanocytes. Labeled melanocytes were also found in the epidermis from unirradiated skin. Thus, the epidermal melanocytes seem to constitute a dynamic cell population under continuous renewal.
Effects of mechanically produced Capillary Waves on the Evaporation of Water through Monolayers

THE extensive measurements1 on the retardation of evaporation by monolayers conducted during the past decade at Columbia University have been restricted to static conditions to eliminate the erratic results arising from uncontrollable turbulence induced by a current of air passed over the surface of the water. We have extended these investigations by producing capillary waves of wave-length 0.5 cm, of frequency 60 c/s, and of amplitudes extending from 0.08 cm to 0.03 cm, by the action of a mechanical vibrator, that is, we have measured the effects of waves without the complication of wind.
Nonexponential relaxations in a two-dimensional electron system in silicon.

The relaxations of conductivity have been studied in a strongly disordered two-dimensional (2D) electron system in Si after excitation far from equilibrium by a rapid change of carrier density ${n}_{s}$ at low temperatures $T$. The dramatic and precise dependence of the relaxations on ${n}_{s}$ and $T$ strongly suggests (a) the transition to a glassy phase as $T\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0$, and (b) the Coulomb interactions between 2D electrons play a dominant role in the observed out-of-equilibrium dynamics.
Theoretical and clinical studies of the electrocardiogram and vectorcardiogram in right ventricular enlargement

Abstract A theoretical study in which the electrocardiographic and vectorcardiographic effects of right bundle branch block and of several varieties of right ventricular enlargement were examined was carried out. the basis of this study was derivation of electrocardiograms and vectorcardiograms from the ventricular excitation sequence. Results of the study provided a theoretical basis for the observation that right ventricular enlargement may alter the direction of inscription of the QRS loop in the horizontal plane. Results also indicated that right ventricular enlargement may decrease the area of projection of the QRS loop in the horizontal plane without changing the direction of inscription. On the basis of these results a quantitative parameter, the “polar vector,” based on the area of plane projections of the VCG and their direction of inscription, was examined in records from a group of normal subjects and records from patients with right ventricular enlargement. Results of this clinical study showed a significant difference in the orientation of this vector in records from normal subjects and those with right ventricular enlargement. The group studied included several patients whose conventional electrocardiograms were not diagnostic of right ventricular enlargement. The theoretical study also suggested several ECG and VCG features of possible value for identifying specific varieties of right ventricular enlargement. These have not been evaluated clinically since this will require demonstration of the type of enlargement present.
The effect of salt concentration on the structure of water in CaCl2 aqueous solutions

Abstract The microstructure of water in aqueous CaCl2 solutions over a wide range of salt concentrations at T=298 K is characterized by molecular simulation to determine the effect of the ions on the structure of water. The structural results are subsequently used to test the validity of a recently proposed hypothesis, which equates the ion effect to a pressure or temperature effect on the structure of water in the aqueous solution. The simulation results indicate unequivocally that the changes of the water structure caused by the presence of ions in solution cannot be emulated as a pressure effect due to the local nature of such structure perturbation.
Regulation of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Slt2 kinase pathway by the stress-inducible Sdp1 dual specificity phosphatase.

The Slt2/Mpk1 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cell integrity pathway is involved in maintenance of cell shape and integrity during vegetative growth and mating inSaccharomyces cerevisiae. Slt2 is activated by dual phosphorylation of a threonine and tyrosine residue in response to several environmental stresses that perturb cell integrity. Negative regulation of Slt2 is achieved via dephosphorylation by two protein-tyrosine phosphatases, Ptp2 and Ptp3, and a dual specificity phosphatase, Msg5. In this study, we provide genetic and biochemical evidence that the stress-inducible dual specificity phosphatase, Sdp1, negatively regulates Slt2 by direct dephosphorylation. Deletion ofSDP1 exacerbated growth defects due to overexpression of Mkk1p386, a constitutively active mutant of Slt2 MAPK kinase, whereas overexpression of Sdp1 suppressed lethality caused by Mkk1p386 overexpression. The heat shock-induced phosphorylation level of Slt2 was elevated in an sdp1Δstrain compared with that of the wild type, and heat shock-activated phospho-Slt2 was dephosphorylated by recombinant Sdp1 in vitro. Under normal growth conditions, an Sdp1-GFP fusion protein was localized to both the nucleus and cytoplasm. However, the Sdp1-GFP protein translocated to punctate spots throughout the cell after heat shock. SDP1 transcription was induced by several stress conditions in an Msn2/4-dependent manner but independent of the Rlm1 transcription factor, a downstream target activated by Slt2. Induction of SLT2 by high osmolarity was dependent on Rlm1 transcription factor and Hog1 kinase, suggesting cross-talk between Slt2 and Hog1 MAPK pathways. These studies demonstrate regulation of Slt2 activity and gene expression in coordination with other stress signaling pathways.
The US Research & Experimentation tax credit: The case for an effective R&D investment policy incentive

Since 1981 (excluding one year of unavailability), the US Research and Experimentation (R and E) tax credit has been available as an incentive to corporate managers interested in increasing their annual investment in applied research. Research indicates that the R and E tax credit has an overall negligible effect on increasing annual industry applied research investment in the US (as a percentage of overall industry-funded R and D expenditures, it has ranged from a low of 1.3% (for 1995) to a high of 3.9% (for 2000)). The author reviews the economic literature on the R and E tax credit program's effectiveness and contrasts it with the management literature on firm-level, R and D strategic investment decision-making. A key recommendation is that a survey be conducted to assess the importance of this policy incentive to executive management decision-makers when they consider company R and D investment. The survey results will assist in the policy design of an effective R and E tax credit program.
Biogenesis of the centrosome during mammalian gametogenesis and fertilization

Mammalian gametogenesis results in the production of highly specialized cells, sperm and oocytes, that are complementary in their arsenal of organelles and molecules necessary for normal embryonic development. Consequently, some of the zygotic structures, as illustrated in this review on the centrosome, are a combination of complementary paternal and maternal contributions. Mammalian oocytes are deprived of their centrioles during oogenesis, yet at the same time they generate a huge cytoplasmic reserve of centrosomal proteins. The active centrosome of spermatogenic stem cells is reduced to a single centriole that does not possess microtubule-nucle-ating activity. This centrosomal activity is restored at fertilization, when the sperm centriole is released into the oocyte cytoplasm, from which it attracts the oocyte-derived proteins of pericentriolar material and ultimately converts itself into an active zygotic centrosome. Subsequently, the microtubules around the zygotic centrosome are organized into a radial array called the sperm aster, that guides the apposition of male and female pronuclei, and the union of paternal and maternal genomes in the cytoplasm of a fertilized oocyte. The original sperm centriole duplicates and gives rise to the first mitotic spindle. This biparental mode of centrosome inheritance is seen in most mammals, except for rodents, where both centrioles are degraded during spermiogenesis and the zygotic centrosome is organized without any paternal contributions. The studies of centrosomal inheritance at fertilization provide the platform for designing new safe methods of assisted-reproduction and infertility treatments in humans.
Theory of optical scattering by carbon nanotubes

Here, a theory of optical scattering by single-wall carbon nanotube using modal expansion of the scattered and transmitted fields is developed. The effective-boundary condition, derived previously using accurate quantum-mechanical one-electron tight-biding approach, is employed to obtain the unknown coefficients in the series expansion. The complete scattered field is then derived analytically and compared to Rayleigh spectroscopy experiments. Very good agreement with the empirical data is observed. The theory is shown to produce expressions for the dielectric function of carbon nanotubes that can be used for further study of the optical and electronic structure. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 2360–2364, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22768
Optically Pure C2-Symmetric Transition Metal Complexes. Steric Consequences of Flanking the Cyclopentadienyl Anion with a Pair of Bridged Bicyclic Terpene-Derived Hydrocarbon Subunits

The method developed by Erker for the preparation of “dibornacyclopentadiene” 1 has been generalized to encompass two related cyclopentadienes flanked by bridged bicyclic subunits derived from (1R)-(+)-verbenone (4). Whereas lithium dimethylcuprate addition to 4 leads to 5a, reaction with diisobutylaluminum hydride and methylcopper affords the less substituted analog 5b. Both saturated ketones undergo the Shapiro reaction and subsequent in situ condensation with ethyl formate to deliver the dienols 7a,b, respectively. The dehydrative cyclization of these intemediates proved to be more difficult to accomplish than in the earlier work involving 1. Exposure of 7a to camphorsulfonic acid in benzene at 25 °C gives rise to 8 in 82% yield. These conditions proved much too harsh for 7b, which however undergoes ring closure to give 9 (68%) with iodine in ether. Following deprotonation, 8 can be silylated to give 11, but neither the lithium cyclopentadienide nor the silane can be coaxed into forming a variety of ti...
The synthesis and characterization of solid-state materials produced by high shear-hydrodynamic cavitation

A new method for the synthesis of complex metal oxides, based on hydrodynamic cavitation, was used to prepare pure phase, nanostructured solid-state materials. The continuous process afforded a wide variety of metal oxides in grain sizes of 1-10 nm. Catalysts, ceramics, superconductors, piezoelectrics, and zeolites were prepared by cavitational synthesis. The method enabled the synthesis of fine particles of metals and metal oxides supported on high surface area supports such as silica, and the synthesis of fine particles of cubic zirconia without ion modification.
Smoking cessation advice by rheumatologists: results of an international survey

Objective The aim of this study was to understand practices regarding smoking cessation among rheumatologists for patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Methods A survey was sent to the rheumatologists participating in the multinational Quantitative Standard Monitoring of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (QUEST-RA) group. The survey inquired about the clinical practice characteristics and practices regarding smoking cessation (proportion of smokers with inflammatory rheumatic diseases given smoking cessation advice, specific protocols and written advice material, availability of dedicated smoking cessation clinic). Results Rheumatologists from 44 departments in 25 countries (16 European) completed the survey. The survey involved 395 rheumatologists, of whom 25 (6.3%) were smokers, and 199 nurses for patient education, of whom 44 (22.1%) were smokers. Eight departments (18.1 %) had a specific protocol for smoking cessation; 255 (64.5%) rheumatologists reported giving smoking cessation advice to all or almost all smokers with inflammatory diseases. In a regression model, early arthritis clinics (P = 0.01) and high gross domestic product countries (P = 0.001) were both independently associated with advice by the rheumatologist. Nurse gives advice to most patients in 11 of the 36 (30.5%) departments with nurses for patient education. Conclusion Advice for smoking cessation within rheumatology departments is not homogeneous. In half of the departments, most doctors give advice to quit smoking to all or almost all patients with inflammatory diseases. However, only one in five departments have a specific protocol for smoking cessation. Our data highlight the need to improve awareness of the importance of and better practice implementation of smoking cessation advice for inflammatory rheumatic disease patients.
The Natural History of the Soul In Ancient Mexico

The Natural History of the Soul In Ancient Mexico. JILL LESLIE MCKEEVER FURST. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 1995. x + 230 pp., illustrations, notes, bibliography, index.
Organizational Decline: A Neglected Topic in Organizational Science1

Organizational decline has not been adequately examined by organizational scientists, because they are preoccupied with organizational growth and its consequences. The emphasis on growth reflects actual organizational conditions and the prevailing ideology in our society. However, predictions of an emerging era of retrenchment imply a need to study the management of organizational decline. In this paper, I propose an agenda of research, teaching, and consulting activities to rectify our neglect of this topic.
Big Wins with Small Application-Aware Caches

Large datasets, on the order of GB and TB, are increasingly common as abundant computational resources allow practitioners to collect, produce and store data at higher rates. As dataset sizes grow, it becomes more challenging to interactively manipulate and analyze these datasets due to the large amounts of data that need to be moved and processed. Application-independent caches, such as operating system page caches and database buffer caches, are present throughout the memory hierarchy to reduce data access times and alleviate transfer overheads. We claim that an application-aware cache with relatively modest memory requirements can effectively exploit dataset structure and application information to speed access to large datasets. We demonstrate this idea in the context of a system named the tree cache, to reduce query latency to large octree datasets by an order of magnitude.
Solidarity in the Grandparent–Adult Grandchild Relationship and Trajectories of Depressive Symptoms

Purpose of the Study: Grandparent–adult grandc hild relationships are becoming longer and more common, and therefore potentially more influential in the lives of individuals. This study examined the influence of solidarity (i.e., affinity, contact, and functional exchange) in the grandparent–adult grandchild relationship upon the depressive symptoms of both members of the dyad. Design and Methods: The study used data from the L ongitudinal Study of Generations, a survey of 3- and 4-generation U.S. families that included 7 waves of data collection between 1985 and 2004. The sample was comprised of 374 grandparents and 356 adult grandchildren. We analyzed the data using multilevel growth curve models. Results: F or both grandparents and adult grandchildren, greater affinity reduced depressive symptoms and more frequent contact increased symptoms. For grandparents only, receiving functional support without also providing it increased depressive symptoms. Implications: The average grandparent–adult grandc hild relationship is a source of both support and strain to both generations. These relationships exhibit great diversity, however, with large amounts of variation between dyads and within a single dyad over time. We suggest how policy makers and practitioners can identify the relational contexts that best promote the well-being of members of both generations.
Validity and Reliability of a Modified Qualitative Dietary Fat Index in Low-Income, Overweight, African American Adolescent Girls

Abstract This study evaluated the validity and reliability of a modified qualitative dietary fat index questionnaire (QFQ) in an adolescent minority population. The QFQ was administered to study participants twice over a 2-week period, and data were compared with mean values from three 24-hour recalls. Fifty-seven low-income, overweight, African American adolescent girls, aged 11 to 17 years, were recruited from 7 public housing developments in Atlanta, Georgia. To determine validity, the total QFQ score was compared with the mean values of total fat, percentage of energy from fat, and total energy from three 24-hour recalls within 2 weeks of first administration of the QFQ. Reliability was tested in a subsample (n=22) by comparing total QFQ scores administered 2 weeks apart. total fat was significantly correlated ( r =0.31, p r =20.23) and percentage of energy from fat (r = -0.23) were not significantly correlated with the QFQ score. The test-retest QFQ scores were significantly correlated ( r =0.54, p J Am Diet Assoc. 2000;100;1525-1529.
Fast 2D inversion of large borehole EM induction data sets with an efficient Fréchet-derivative approximation

In addition to reliability and stability, the efficiency and expediencyofinversionmethodshavelongbeenastrongconcernfor their routine applications by well-log interpreters. We have developedandsuccessfullyvalidatedanewinversionmethodtoestimate2Dparametricspatialdistributionsofelectricalresistivity from array-induction measurements acquired in a vertical well. The central component of the method is an efficient approximation to Frechet derivatives where both the incident and adjoint fields are precomputed and kept unchanged during inversion.To further enhance the overall efficiency of the inversion, we combined the new approximation with both the improved numerical mode-matching method and domain decomposition. Examples of application with synthetic data sets show that the new method iscomputerefficientandcapableofretrievingoriginalmodelresistivities even in the presence of noise, performing equally well in both high and low contrasts of formation resistivity. In thin resistive beds, the new inversion method estimates more accurate resistivities than standard commercial deconvolution software. We also considered examples of application with field data sets that confirm the new method can successfully process a large data set that includes 200 beds in approximately 40 minutes of CPU time on a desktop computer. In addition to 2D parametric spatial distributions of electrical resistivity, the new inversion methodprovidesaqualitativeindicatoroftheuncertaintyofestimated parameters based on the estimator’s covariance matrix. The uncertainty estimator provides a qualitative measure of the nonuniqueness of estimated resistivity parameters when the data misfitlieswithinthemeasurementerrornoise.
Combined methotrexate-ultraviolet B therapy in the treatment of psoriasis

Twenty-six patients with extensive psoriasis were treated with a 3-week course of methotrexate followed by a combination of ultraviolet B (UVB) therapy and methotrexate. A plaque of psoriasis was shielded during UV therapy to serve as a control. When lesions cleared to 2 . The mean total dose of methotrexate was 112 mg (range, 75 mg-165 mg). At the time of clearing, the shielded area had a decrease in scaling and thickness in twenty-two patients but was free of psoriasis in only four patients. In a preliminary study we were unable to reproduce a methotrexate recall of UV-induced erythema. The combination therapy of methotrexate and UVB allows for clearing of psoriasis at relatively low doses of UVB and methotrexate, and thus may reduce the long-term cumulative toxicity of both agents.
Calcium carbonate dissolution in deep sea sediments: reconciling microelectrode, pore water and benthic flux chamber results

Abstract We report the benthic fluxes of O2, titration alkalinity (TA), Ca2+, NO3−, PO43−, and Si(OH)4 from in situ benthic flux chamber incubations on the Ceara Rise and Cape Verde Plateau and compare them to previously published results. We find within analytical uncertainty that the TA flux is twice the calcium flux, suggesting that dissolution/precipitation of CaCO3 is the principal mechanism controlling benthic TA and Ca2+ fluxes. At sites where the sediments contain significant (>35%) CaCO3 and the overlying waters are supersaturated with respect to CaCO3, the ratios of the total dissolution rate to the remineralization rate are significantly less than at all other study sites. We propose that these observations can be explained by precipitation of fresh CaCO3 at the supersaturated sediment surface followed by redissolution deeper in the sediments because of metabolically-produced CO2. A numerical simulation is presented to demonstrate the feasibility of this explanation. In addition, surface exchange reactions in high-CaCO3 sediments coupled with high rates of particle mixing may also impact rates of metabolic dissolution and depress chamber-derived estimates of carbonate alkalinity and calcium benthic fluxes. These results suggest that at supersaturated, high CaCO3 locations, previous models of sediment diagenesis may have overestimated the impact of metabolic dissolution on the preservation of CaCO3 deposited on the sea floor.
Chronic exercise enhances endothelium-mediated dilation of epicardial coronary artery in conscious dogs.

Whether endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF)/nitric oxide (NO) plays a role in the dilation of the left circumflex coronary artery during acute exercise and whether endothelium-mediated dilation of this artery is altered after chronic exercise training have not been determined previously. Nine dogs were chronically instrumented for measurements of systemic hemodynamics, left circumflex coronary artery diameter, and blood flow. Acute treadmill exercise (10.9 km/h) caused dilation of the circumflex coronary artery by 4.33 +/- 0.84% and an increase in coronary blood flow by 32 +/- 5.2 mL/min. After the administration of intravenous nitro-L-arginine, the dilation of the circumflex coronary artery was converted to vasoconstriction (-4.13 +/- 1.58%), whereas the increase in coronary blood flow was not altered (24 +/- 3.6 mL/min). Chronic exercise training (2 hours each day at a speed of 10.9 km/h for 7 days) enhanced acetylcholine-induced dilation and reactive dilation (following release of a brief coronary artery occlusion) of the large coronary artery (P < .05), whereas the coronary blood flow responses were not changed. These enhanced acetylcholine-induced and reactive dilations of the circumflex coronary artery were due to a greater release of EDRF/NO since they were eliminated by nitro-L-arginine. Thus, in the circumflex coronary artery, EDRF/NO-dependent dilation was enhanced after 7 days of exercise training. This may represent the mechanism responsible for the perception that chronic exercise induces cardiovascular "well being."
Biomarker and animal models for assessment of retinoid efficacy in cancer chemoprevention.

Vitamin A is essential for normal growth and development. Epidemiology and laboratory studies suggest that decreased vitamin A levels and defective metabolism/action may contribute to the genesis of certain cancers. Based on this information, natural and synthetic derivatives of vitamin A (retinoids) have been used for chemoprevention of cancer. Retinoids have had some success in the chemoprevention of leukoplakia and in the decreased incidence of second primaries in head and neck cancer. There is little information on biomarkers that can be used to assess the efficacy of the chemopreventive activity of retinoids. The ability of retinoids to induce RARb has been consistently shown to correlate with the response of cells and tissues to retinoic acid, but few other biomarkers have been certified as indicators of retinoid activity. In light of the failure of the ATBC and CARET clinical intervention trials for chemoprevention of lung cancer, greater use of animal models for chemoprevention studies is necessary. The potential combination of phytochemicals that inhibit DNA methyltransferase activity with retinoids holds promise for more effective chemoprevention of retinoid-unresponsive premalignant lesions.
A dynamically reconfigurable Field Programmable Gate Array hardware foundation for security applications

As field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) become more widely used, security concerns have been raised regarding FPGA use for cryptographic, sensitive, or proprietary data. Storing or implementing proprietary code and designs on FPGAs could result in the compromise of sensitive information if the FPGA device was physically relinquished or remotely accessible to adversaries seeking to obtain the information. A hardware description language (HDL) FPGA architecture supporting dynamic reconfiguration through granular reconfiguration control is presented for use in security applications. Testing validates the reconfiguration results and compares power usage, timing, and area estimates from a conventional and Dynamically Reconfigurable FPGA (DRFPGA) model.