cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
From entitlements to incentives: The changing philosophy of social protection

In recent years policies for social protection initially designed for purposes of income maintenance have come to place increasing emphasis on the reintegration of welfare beneficiaries into the labour force. This paper describes a range of initiatives in public assistance, unemployment insurance, disability insurance, and public pensions, which link social benefits with incentives to work. These measures are seen as part of a broader pattern of change that seeks to balance social rights and obligations. The reasons for this change are examined in the light of demographic trends, ideological shifts, and unanticipated consequences of past social welfare policies. An analysis of the uncertainties surrounding incentive-oriented social policies suggests that these measures bear careful monitoring.
An Engine of Growth: Real Bills and Schumpeterian Banking in Antebellum New York

Abstract This paper provides some insights into the microeconomics of antebellum banking practice. The surviving records of the Black River Bank of Watertown, New York include two discount books for the period 1844 to 1859. These loan records report the borrowers' names, loan maturities, loan amounts, interest rates, and several other characteristics. Combining this information with data from city directories and manuscript censuses, a picture of one banker's lending practice emerges. While the practices of one banker cannot be taken as representative of an entire industry, the findings suggest that early American bankers may have served the dual (and not incompatible) roles of a real-bills mercantile bank and an innovation-inducing Schumpeterian bank.
Liberation of labile sulfur from ferredoxins by alkaline zinc reagent: An appraisal of the methylene blue method☆

Abstract In disagreement with reported observation by Suhara and her colleagues ( K. Suhara, S. Takemori, M. Katagiri, K. Wada, H. Kobayashi, and H. Matsubara, 1975 , Anal. Biochem. 68 , 632–636) we found that more than 90% of labile sulfur was liberated from adrenodoxin within 5 min at 22°C. This rate was faster than those of spinach and clostridial ferredoxins, a result also at variance with Suhara's observation. At low temperature, the reaction was clearly biphasic, and spinach ferredoxin showed a similar profile. In the absence of zinc acetate, activation energies of the decomposition reaction of iron-sulfur center of OH − were obtained as 39, 26, and 11 kcal/mol for adrenal, spinach, and clostridial ferredoxins, respectively. The adrenal reaction became faster as the dipole moment of the solvent increased. In the presence of 4 m urea and 1 m KCl, the rate was enhanced by approximately 26-fold, relative to the reaction without the addition of urea. In conclusion, the liberation reaction of adrenal labile sulfur with alkaline zinc reagent is fast at 22°C, indicating no need for modification of the original method ( T. Kimura and K. Suzuki, 1967 , J. Biol. Chem. 242, 485–491; P. E. Brumly, R. W. Miller, and V. Massey, 1965 , J. Biol. Chem. 240, 2222–2228).
Polyhedral Analysis and Algorithms for a Demand-Driven Refleeting Model for Aircraft Assignment

The current airline practice in conducting fleet assignments is to begin assigning aircraft capacity to scheduled flights well in advance of departures. However, the accuracy of the passenger demand forecast improves markedly over time, and revisions to the initial fleet assignment become naturally pertinent when the observed demand differs considerably from the assigned aircraft capacities. The demand-driven refleeting (DDR) approach proposed in this paper offers a dynamic reassignment of aircraft capacities to the flight network, when improved demand forecasts become available, so as to maximize the total revenue. Because of the need to preserve the initial crew schedule, this reassignment approach is limited within a single family of aircraft types and to the flights assigned to this particular family. This restriction makes it computationally tractable to include more relevant path-level demand information into the DDR model. Accordingly, we construct a mixed-integer programming model for this enhanced problem context and study its polyhedral structure to explore ways for tightening its representation and for deriving certain classes of valid inequalities. Various schemes for implementing such reformulation techniques are investigated and tested using a set of simulated and real instances obtained from United Airlines.
Statistical multiparameter sensitivity measure of gain and phase functions

Statistical multiparameter sensitivity proposed by Rosenblum and Ghausi, for transfer function of a linear system, has been studied with regard to gain and phase sensitivities. It is shown that for small element changes a very simple relationship exists between these quantities. The integrand of these sensitivities are furthermore equivalent to the variance of magnitude and phase variations. Finally general formulas are derived which would simplify calculations for gain, phase as well as the transfer function. These formulas are helpful in optimization and comparison of various low sensitivity networks.
Development of the intercultural willingness to communicate scale

The purpose of this research was to investigate whether or not people vary in their willingness to engage in intercultural interactions. To explore this possibility the Intercultural Willingness to Communicate Scale was developed. The 12‐item scale was administered to a sample of 390 undergraduate students. A unidimensional factor structure emerged with a high alpha (.91). Two hypotheses were offered to generate evidence of validity for the measure. Results indicated that people high in intercultural willingness to communicate reported having significantly more friends from foreign countries than people low in intercultural willingness to communicate. Results abo indicated that intercultural and intracultural willingness to communicate correlated moderately, indicating that the constructs are in fact related, but not redundant.
Texas Instruments' DLP products massively paralleled MOEMS arrays for display applications: a distant second to Mother Nature

This paper describes the business scope to which DLP® Products works under with emphasis placed upon some of the technological complications and challenges present when developing an actuator array with the ultimate intention of rendering visual content at high-definition and standard video rates. Additionally, some general thoughts on alternative applications of this spatial light modulation technology are provided.
Functional expression of a rapidly inactivating neuronal calcium channel

DIVERSE types of calcium channels in vertebrate neurons are important in linking electrical activity to transmitter release, gene expression and modulation of membrane excitability1. Four classes of Ca2+ channels (T, N, L and P-type) have been distinguished2–6on the basis of their electrophysiological and pharmacological properties. Most of the recently cloned Ca2+ channels7–16 fit within this functional classification. But one major branch of the Ca2+ channel gene family, including BII (ref. 15) and doe-1 (ref. 16), has not been functionally characterized. We report here the expression of doe-1 and show that it is a high-voltage-activated (HVA) Ca2+ channel that inactivates more rapidly than previously expressed calcium channels. Unlike L-type or P-type channels, doe-1 is not blocked by dihydropyridine antagonists or the peptide toxin ω-Aga-IVA, respectively. In contrast to a previously cloned N-type channel14, doe-1 block by ω-CTx-GVIA requires microm-olar toxin and is readily reversible. Unlike most HVA channels, doe-1 also shows unusual sensitivity to block by Ni2+. Thus, doe-1 is an HVA Ca2+ channel with novel functional properties. We have identified a Ca2+ channel current in rat cerebellar granule neurons that resembles doe-1 in many kinetic and pharmacological features.
Large Optical Limiting from Novel Metal-Dendrimer Nanocomposite Materials

due to their possible applications in optoelectronics and theiranticipated versatility in providing a deeper understanding of size-sealed structure-function relationships. Nanostructured materialscan be fabricated by a variety of methods, one of which involvesthe use of synthetic dendrimers as host container or scaffoldingmolecules.
Post-translational processing of the murine third component of complement

The biosynthesis and secretion of the third component of complement (C3) has been studied with the macrophage cell line J774.2. C3 is initially synthesized as a single polypeptide chain precursor termed pro-C3, of relative molecular weight (Mr) 170,000 that is post-translationally modified by proteolytic cleavage into two polypeptides linked by disulphide bonds. The larger polypeptide, termed the alpha chain, has an Mr of 110,000-115,000, while the smaller beta chain has an Mr of 55,000-60,000. Pulse-chase experiments indicate that the proteolytic processing of pro-C3 occurs intracellularly, just prior to secretion. Unlike human C3, which has carbohydrate on both the alpha and beta chains, only the alpha chain of murine C3 is glycosylated. The carboxylic ionophores monensin and nigericin totally inhibit the proteolytic processing of pro-C3 at a concentration of approximately 10(-6) M. This block on proteolytic processing was shown not to be mediated by changes in intracellular pH induced by the disruption of proton gradients. Rather, data from experiments using carboxylic ionophores and other perturbants of cellular physiology indicated that the enzyme(s) responsible for the proteolytic cleavage of pro-C3 either reside in a cellular compartment with a neutral pH or are proteinases active over a relatively broad pH range.
Errors in the estimation of the distance of fall and angles of impact blood drops.

Abstract This paper presents derived equations for the estimation of the variances in the estimated distance of fall and the estimated angle of impact for blood droplets. The derived equation for the variance of the estimated distance of fall predicts that as the blood drop size approaches that of a blood droplet falling at terminal velocity, the variance of the estimate grows without limit. The derived equation for the variance in the estimated angle of impact shows that as the angle of impact approaches 90°, the variance grows without limit. The validity of the equation for the estimated variance of the angle of impact was tested for five angles of impact (15, 30, 45, 60 and 75°); the equation correctly predicted the observed variance up to an angle of 60°.
The New World Order: Messianic Rhetoric and Dreams of the Senior Bush Administration

George Bush, Sr. and his speech writers had their creative pens on the pulse of popular Judeo-Christian American Messianic beliefs. With skillful wit and apocalyptic religio-political rhetoric they successfully employed and combined Messianic myths with social failings in order to rationalize, gain support, and sustain the Persian War in the Gulf. Americans were glued to their televisions. George Bush, Sr.'s grandiose aims included nothing less than economic and military world domination. From his nominating speech in New Orleans to the final days of Desert Storm, he planned to create a New World Order. He began his acceptance of the nomination speech in New Orleans with a hint that something new was dawning in America. He would move the country forward toward "an endless enduring dream and a thousand points of light."
Growing Ochromonas malhamensis Above 35°C.*

SUMMARY. Ochromonas malhamensis (Pringsheim strain) can be grown above 35.5°C.; below 35°, the previous chemically defined medium supports dense growth. The B12 and thiamine requirements rise steeply with temperature, and growth promotion by folic acid emerges; folic acid spares the enhanced B12 requirement. B12 is spared also, perhaps wholly bypassed, by purines + pyrimidines + amino acids (below 35°, exogenous purines, pyrimidines, and folic acid have little effect). Requirements also emerge for glycine (spared by serine), valine and isoleucine (their ratio is critical; leucine and threonine assist in maintaining a good balance), and, at very slightly higher temperatures, phenylalanine, tryptophan, cystine, and lysine. Requirements for Mg, Fe, Zn, and Mn appear to rise steeply with temperature; metal toxicities have to be circumvented carefully. The proportion of histidine + arginine to carbohydrate has to be increased, and a Krebs-cycle component such as succinic acid becomes stimulatory. At 36.3–36.7°, a further supplement of crude natural materials such as an autoclaved suspension of Ochromonas cells is needed. Relevance of these findings to fever stress in vertebrates, general mitochondrial function, and repair of radiation damage, is discussed.
Identifying perceptually significant features for recognizing faces

The human visual system possesses a remarkable ability to detect and identify faces even under degraded viewing conditions. The fundamental challenge in understanding this ability lies in determining which facial attributes the visual system uses for these tasks. Here we describe experiments designed to probe the limits of these abilities and determine the relative contributions of internal versus external facial features for the detection and identification tasks. The results provide strong constraints and guidelines for computational models of face perception.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Point and interval estimation of P(X<Y):The normal case with common coefficient of variation

The problem of estimating R = P(X < Y) originated in the context of reliability where Y represents the strength subjected to a stress X. In this paper we consider the problem of estimating R when X and Y have independent normal distributions with equal coefficient of variation. The maximum likelihood estimation of R when the coefficient of variation is known and when it is unknown is studied. The asymptotic variance of the estimators are obtained and asymptotic confidence intervals are provided. An example is presented to illustrate the procedure. Finally some simulation studies are carried out to study the coverage probability and the lengths of the confidence interval. In particular, lengths of the confidence intervals are compared with and without the assumption of common coefficient of variation. It is observed that the assumption of common coefficient of variation results in considerably tighter intervals.
Nearly exotic topologies on normed spaces

It is proved that for every infinite dimensional normed space (E, ‖ ‖) there is a non-trivial linear space topologyτ onE which is weaker than the norm topology and is such that (E, τ) admits no non-trivial continuous linear functionals. IfE is a space with a generalized basis or is aC(X) space, it is proved that the topologyτ can be taken to be Hausdorff.
Secrets of high-performance image display

Medical imaging companies have traditionally supplied the industry with image visualization solutions based on their own custom hardware designs. Today, more and more systems are being deployed using only off-the-shelf workstations. Two major factors are driving this change. First, workstations are delivering the functionality and performance required to replace custom hardware for an ever increasing subset of visualization techniques, while continuing to come down in cost. Second, cost pressures are forcing medical imaging companies to OEM the hardware platform and focus on what they do best -- delivering solutions to health care providers. This industry shift is challenging the workstation vendors to deliver the maximum inherent performance in their computer systems to medical imaging applications without locking the application into a specific vendor's hardware. Since extracting the maximum performance from a workstation is not always intuitively obvious and often requires vendor-specific tricks, the best way to deliver performance to an application is through an application programmer's interface (API). The Hewlett-Packard Image Visualization Library (HP-IVL) is such an API. It transparently delivers the maximum possible imaging performance on Hewlett-Packard workstations, while allowing significant portability between platforms. This paper describes the performance tricks and trade-offs made in the software implementation of HP's Image Visualization Library and how the HP Image Visualization Accelerator (HP-IVX) fits into the overall architecture.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A microscopic view of peptide and protein solvation

The structure and dynamics of the water hydrating peptides and proteins are examined here at atomic resolution via molecular dynamics simulations. Detailed solvation density and residence time data for all 20 L-amino acids in an end-capped AXA tripeptide motif are presented. In addition, the solvation of the protein chymotrypsin inhibitor 2 is investigated as a point of comparison. Residues on the surface of proteins are not isolated; they interact both locally and non-locally in sequence space, and comparison of the solvation properties of each amino acid in both the peptide and protein allow us to distinguish inherent solvation properties from context-dependent perturbations due to neighboring residues. This work moves beyond traditional radial distribution functions and presents graphical representations of preferential solvation and orientation of water by side chains and the main chain. The combination of 0.3 micros of simulation data improves the statistical sampling over previous studies and reveals the significance of bridging water molecules that stabilize and mediate side chain-side chain, side chain-main chain and main chain-main chain interactions at the solvation interface.
Matrix isolation study of the interaction of excited argon atoms with CF2Cl2, CF2ClBr, and CF2Br2. Infrared spectra of the CF2Cl+ and CF2Br+ molecular ions

Abstract The infrared absorptions associated with the two CF stretching fundamentals of CF2Cl+ and CF2Br+ have been identified in studies of the matrix-isolated products of the interaction of excited argon atoms with CF2Cl2, CF2ClBr, and CF2Br2. The exceptionally high values of the CF stretching frequencies obtained in these experiments are consistent with the implications of previous experimental and theoretical studies.
Quantum and classical statistical mechanics of the sinh-Gordon equation

The authors give two fundamental methods for quantum or classical free energies of integrable models. Periodic boundary conditions induce an integral equation for classically allowed momenta. Generalisations of the Berthe ansatz and a method of functional integration on the classical action in action-angle variables follow, giving identical (Bose-Fermi equivalent) results. For sinh-Gordon the Bose classical limits agree with the transfer integral method.
From genes to drugs: targeted strategies for melanoma

The past decade has revealed that melanoma is comprised of multiple subclasses that can be categorized on the basis of key features, including the clinical stage of disease, the oncogenic molecular 'drivers', the anatomical location or the behaviour of the primary lesion and the expression of specific biomarkers. Although exercises in subclassification are not new in oncology, progress in this area has produced both conceptual and clinical breakthroughs, which, for melanoma, are unprecedented in the modern history of the disease. This Review focuses on these recent striking advances in the strategy of molecularly targeted approaches to the therapy of melanoma in humans.
Discrete Yang-Mills connections

Abstract The computation of the Yang-Mills action is described for the discretization of the Hopf bundle S3→S2 proposed by Manton. The minimal discrete connections are described. By enlarging the structure group and lattice there is a unique minimal connection that is clearly a discrete analogue of a connection with a harmonic curvature form, which is a minimal connection in the continuous setting.
Can't see the [old growth] forest for the logs: Dialectical tensions in the interpretive practices of environmentalists and loggers

This research examines the discourse of two groups from a community in Northern California where the future of old growth redwood forests has become a center of controversy. Based on focus group discussions with self‐identified environmentalists and loggers, two levels of analysis were conducted. First, divergent codes of personhood, time, space, and corporate responsibility were revealed. Second, there were differences in the two groups’ discursive statements about the nature of understanding and how communication functions in the controversy.
Measurements of Scalar Variance, Scalar Dissipation, and Length Scales in Turbulent Piloted Methane/Air Jet Flames

One-dimensional (line) measurements of mixture fraction, temperature, and scalar dissipation in piloted turbulent partially premixed methane/air jet flames (Sandia flames C, D, and E) are presented. The experimental facility combines line imaging of Raman scattering, Rayleigh scattering, and laser-induced CO fluorescence. Simultaneous single-shot measurements of temperature and the mass fractions of all the major species (N2, O2, CH4, CO2, H2O, CO, and H2) are obtained along 7 mm segments with a nominal spatial resolution of 0.2 mm. Mixture fraction, ξ, is then calculated from the measured mass fractions. Ensembles of instantaneous mixture fraction profiles at several streamwise locations are analyzed to quantify the effect of spatial averaging on the Favre average scalar variance, which is an important term in the modeling of turbulent nonpremixed flames. Results suggest that the fully resolved scalar variance may be estimated by simple extrapolation of spatially filtered measurements. Differentiation of the instantaneous mixture fraction profiles yields the radial contribution to the scalar dissipation, χ r = 2D ξ(∂ξ/∂r)2, and radial profiles of the Favre mean and rms scalar dissipation are reported. Scalar length scales, based on autocorrelation of the spatial profiles of ξ and χ r , are also reported. These new data on this already well-documented series of flames should be useful in the context of validating models for sub-grid scalar variance and for scalar dissipation in turbulent flames.
Acquired Left Ventricular–Right Atrial Fistula Following Aortic Valve Replacement

Intracardiac communications produced as a complication of valve replacement can result in left-to-right shunts and a poor surgical result. The successful surgical closure of a left ventricular-right atrial fistula following aortic valve replacement is discussed. The intricate relationships of the membranous interventricular septum, the aortic, mitral, and tricuspid valves, and the aortic root predispose to the creation of abnormal intracardiac shunts when aggressive debridement of extensive valvular calcification is performed at the time of valve excision and replacement.
Lectin–carbohydrate interactions on nanoporous gold monoliths

Monoliths of nanoporous gold (np-Au) were modified with self-assembled monolayers of octadecanethiol (C18-SH), 8-mercaptooctyl α-D-mannopyranoside (αMan-C8-SH), and 8-mercapto-3,6-dioxaoctanol (HO-PEG2-SH), and the loading was assessed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Modification with mixed SAMs containing αMan-C8-SH (at a 0.20 mole fraction in the SAM forming solution) with either octanethiol or HO-PEG2-SH was also investigated. The np-Au monoliths modified with αMan-C8-SH bind the lectin Concanavalin A (Con A), and the additional mass due to bound protein was assessed using TGA analysis. A comparison of TGA traces measured before and after exposure of HO-PEG2-SH modified np-Au to Con A showed that the non-specific binding of Con A was minimal. In contrast, np-Au modified with octanethiol showed a significant mass loss due to non-specifically adsorbed Con A. A significant mass loss was also attributed to binding of Con A to bare np-Au monoliths. TGA revealed a mass loss due to the binding of Con A to np-Au monoliths modified with pure αMan-C8-SH. The use of mass losses determined by TGA to compare the binding of Con A to np-Au monoliths modified by mixed SAMs of αMan-C8-SH and either octanethiol or HO-PEG2-SH revealed that binding to mixed SAM modified surfaces is specific for the mixed SAMs with HO-PEG2-SH but shows a significant contribution from non-specific adsorption for the mixed SAMs with octanethiol. Minimal adsorption of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and peanut agglutinin (PNA) towards the mannoside modified np-Au monoliths was demonstrated. A greater mass loss was found for Con A bound onto the monolith than for either IgG or PNA, signifying that the mannose presenting SAMs in np-Au retain selectivity for Con A. TGA data also provide evidence that Con A bound to the αMan-C8-SH modified np-Au can be eluted by flowing a solution of methyl α-D-mannopyranoside through the structure. The presence of Con A proteins on the modified np-Au surface was also confirmed using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results highlight the potential for application of carbohydrate modified np-Au monoliths to glycoscience and glycotechnology and demonstrate that they can be used for capture and release of carbohydrate binding proteins in significant quantities.
Condition based maintenance optimization for multi-component systems using proportional hazards model

The objective of condition based maintenance (CBM) is typically to determine an optimal maintenance policy to minimize the overall maintenance cost based on condition monitoring information. The existing work reported in the literature only focuses on determining the optimal CBM policy for a single unit. In this paper, we investigate CBM of multi-component systems, where economic dependency exists among different components subject to condition monitoring. The fixed preventive replacement cost, such as sending a maintenance team to the site, is incurred once a preventive replacement is performed on one component. As a result, it would be more economical to preventively replace multiple components at the same time. In this work, we propose a multi-component system CBM policy based on proportional hazards model (PHM). The cost evaluation of such a CBM policy becomes much more complex when we extend the PHM based CBM policy from a single unit to a multi-component system. A numerical algorithm is developed in this paper for the exact cost evaluation of the PHM based multi-component CBM policy. Examples using real-world condition monitoring data are provided to demonstrate the proposed methods.
Finite difference time domain studies of the local electric field enhancements near nanoshell structures

The local electric field enhancements around various nanoshell structures are investigated using the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method. The method provides a convenient and systematic approach for calculating several physical properties of nanostructures, including the optical absorption and scattering cross sections as well as the local electromagnetic fields. The method is applied to single uniform nanoshells as well as nanoshells with surface defects and structural distortions. The results show that, while defects can significantly affect local electric field enhancements, far field results such as extinction spectra can be remarkably insensitive to defects and distortions.
A preliminary factor structure for the threat index

Abstract In response to recent concerns about the multidimensionality of presumedly unidimensional death anxiety scales, we employed state-of-the-art factor analytic procedures to explore the factor structure of the Threat Index (TI). A heterogeneous sample of respondents completed 407 TIs, which were submitted to the LISREL VI program in an attempt to identify a clearly interpretable model of the dimension or dimensions assessed by the instrument. Although we were unable to find a satisfactory model to account for all of the variance in the full 30-item TI, we did identify afactorially “pure” 7-item model that holds promise for future research.
Carbon monoxide decreases the level of iNOS protein and active dimer in IL-1β-stimulated hepatocytes

There is evidence that NO can regulate CO production, however less is known about CO regulation of NO synthesis. Our studies were undertaken to define how CO regulates iNOS in cultured hepatocytes. CO (250ppm) exposure resulted in a significant decrease in iNOS protein, nitrite production, level of active iNOS dimer and cytosolic iNOS activity in cells stimulated with cytokines (IL-1beta) or transfected with the human iNOS gene. However, IL-1beta-stimulated iNOS mRNA expression was unaffected by CO. These effects of CO on iNOS protein levels were inhibited when CO was scavenged using hemoglobin. HO-1 induction with an adenoviral vector carrying HO-1 showed a decrease in total iNOS protein, nitrite production, and iNOS dimer level from cells stimulated by IL-1beta. iNOS protein level was significantly higher in lung endothelial cells isolated from HO-1 knockout mice compared to wild type cultures stimulated with cytokines mixture. CO was found to increase p38 phosphorylation and p38 inhibition using SB203580 increased iNOS protein levels in response to IL-1beta. Interestingly, proteasome inhibitors (MG132 and Lactacystin) and an autophagy inhibitor (3-methyladenine) reversed CO influence iNOS levels. Our results imply that CO exposure decreases NO production by suppressing dimer formation and increasing iNOS degradation through a process involving p38 activation.
Accurate, quantitative assays for the hydrolysis of soluble type I, II, and III 3H-acetylated collagens by bacterial and tissue collagenases.

Accurate and quantitative assays for the hydrolysis of soluble /sup 3/H-acetylated rat tendon type I, bovine cartilage type II, and human amnion type III collagens by both bacterial and tissue collagenases have been developed. The assays are carried out at any temperature in the 1-30/sup 0/C range in a single reaction tube and the progress of the reaction is monitored by withdrawing aliquots as a function of time, quenching with 1,10-phenanthroline, and quantitation of the concentration of hydrolysis fragments. The latter is achieved by selective denaturation of these fragments by incubation under conditions described in the previous paper of this issue. The assays give percentages of hydrolysis of all three collagen types by neutrophil collagenase that agree well with the results of gel electrophoresis experiments. The initial rates of hydrolysis of all three collagens are proportional to the concentration of both neutrophil or Clostridial collagenases over a 10-fold range of enzyme concentrations. All three assays can be carried out at collagen concentrations that range from 0.06 to 2 mg/ml and give linear double reciprocal plots for both tissue and bacterial collagenases that can be used to evaluate the kinetic parameters K/sub m/ and k/sub cat/ or V/sub max/. The assaymore » developed for the hydrolysis of rat type I collagen by neutrophil collagenase is shown to be more sensitive by at least one order of magnitude than comparable assays that use rat type I collagen fibrils or gels as substrate.« less
Four-contrast defecography: pelvic "floor-oscopy".

PURPOSE: This study was designed to determine the accuracy of physical examination (as judged by four-contrast defecography) for women with pelvic floor relaxation disorders. METHODS: Sixty-two women (mean age, 59 years) who had obstructed defecation or constipation, vaginal prolapse, urinary difficulty, or pelvic pain underwent four-contrast defecography. Oral, vaginal, bladder, and rectal contrast were administered selectively and fluoroscopy was performed. Radiographic findings were compared with physical examination diagnosis. RESULTS: Four-contrast defecography changed the diagnosis in 46 patients (75 percent); 26 percent of presumed cystoceles, 36 percent of enteroceles, and 25 percent of rectoceles were not present on defecography. Defecography also revealed unsuspected coexisting defects in addition to known abnormalities detected on physical examination. In contrast, when physical examination was negative for these defects, 63 percent of patients were found to have cystoceles, 46 percent to have enteroceles, and 73 percent to have rectoceles on four-contrast defecography. The discovery of Grade 2 or 3 unsuspected abnormalities was significant, especially so for enteroceles. For posterior vaginal eversions extending to or past the introitus, physical examination was accurate in only 61 percent. Physical examination of large anterior defects was more accurate, with 74 percent of patients being correctly diagnosed. CONCLUSIONS: Physical examination diagnosis of pelvic floor relaxation disorders is frequently inaccurate, especially for large vaginal eversions. Four-contrast defecography improves diagnostic accuracy, helps to identify all pelvic floor defects before surgery, and can assist with planning the correct operative approach.
Stand-off distances on a flat flame burner

Abstract For a given stand-off distance of a laminar flame on a porous metal burner, it has been shown both experimentally and theoretically that there exists two solutions, a low-speed flame and a high-speed flame. For small enough stand-off distance there is no solution. The minimum stand-off distance is identified as the quasi-steady approximation to the extinction length for flames quenching in flows perpendicular to a heat sink. Measurements of flame speed, maximum flame temperature, and stand-off distance have been correlated for hydrogen, ethylene, and methane flames by a Peclet number dependent only on the ratio of the heat of combustion to the heat loss. The correlation agrees quantitatively with solution of one-dimensional flame equations where a Dirac-delta function models the reaction rate.
Isostructural neo-pentoxide derivatives of group 3 and the lanthanide series metals for the production of Ln2O3 nanoparticles.

The synthesis and characterization of a series of neo-pentoxide (OCH2C(CH3)3 or ONep) derivatives of group 3 and the lanthanide (Ln) series' metals were undertaken via an amide/alcohol exchange route. Surprisingly, the products isolated and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction yielded isostructural species for every trivalent cation studied: [Ln(μ-ONep)2(ONep)]4 [Ln = Sc (1), Y (2), La (3), Ce (4), Pr (5), Nd (6), Sm (7), Eu (8), Gd (9), Tb (10), Dy (11), Ho (12), Er (13), Tm (14), Yb (15), Lu (16)]. Compounds 3, 4, 6, and 11 have been previously reported. Within this series of complexes, the Ln metal centers are oriented in a square with each Ln−Ln edge interconnected via two μ-ONep ligands; each metal center also binds one terminal ONep ligand. NMR data of 1−3 indicate that the solid-state structure is retained in solution. FTIR spectroscopy (KBr pellet) revealed the presence of significant Ln− − −H−C interactions within one set of the bridging ONep ligands in all cases; the stretching fre...
ROLE OF MEDICAL AND NURSING PERSONNEL (P) IN NOSOCOMIAL (nosoc) SPREAD OF ROTAVIRUS (RV) ON AN INFANT WARD

To assess the role of ward P in nosoc transmission of RV on an infant ward, during a month with a 14% incidence of nosoc RV infection (RVI), 36 P were studied as follows: twice weekly stool and throat swabs were tested for RV (ELISA); paired pre- and post-study sera were examined for 4X rises in anti-RV by an ELISA technique; P were interviewed weekly for GI symptoms; and handwashings from each P were tested for RV. RV was not detected in the stool or throat of any P. Handwashings yielded RV in 1 of 10 P caring for RVI patients and none of 26 P not caring for RVI patients on the sample day. Serology demonstrated 3 RV infections (2 mildly symptomatic, 1 asymptomatic). All P had preexisting anti-RV; the mean was 2744 (95% CL, 1538-3950). Infection occurred in 3/13 with low titers (≤ 500) as compared with 0 of 23 of those with higher titers (p = 0.05). 2 of 9 medical students (MS), 1 of 9 house officers (HO) and 0 of 18 nurses (N) were infected. The mean preexisting titer for the MS (948) was significantly (p = 0.03) lower than that for HO (3111) and for N (3458). P exposed to children with RVI appear to become infected infrequently, RVI is most likely to occur when P are first exposed; those repeatedly exposed maintain high serum anti-RV titers. If P serve as intermediaries in nosoc transmission, they presumably do so by transient RV carriage.
Safety and efficacy of influenza vaccination in renal transplant recipients.

This Practice Point commentary discusses Scharpe et al.'s single-center, nonrandomized, prospective trial of influenza vaccination in renal transplant recipients. In total, 165 transplant recipients and 41 healthy volunteers were vaccinated with a standard inactivated trivalent influenza vaccine (containing strains of the A/H1N1, A/H3N2 and B viruses). No rejection episodes or other adverse events were reported in either group. Influenza-specific antibody titers increased in renal transplant recipients following vaccination, as measured by comparison of pre-vaccination and post-vaccination seroprotection and seroresponse rates. This commentary discusses the limitations of the trial, and urges caution in extending the conclusions drawn by Scharpe et al. regarding the safety of the trivalent, non-adjuvant-containing influenza vaccine to newer adjuvant-assisted vaccines. Annual vaccination for influenza by use of the trivalent vaccine strategy without adjuvant should, however, be standard of care for all stable renal transplant recipients who do not have clinical contraindications.
Interatomic Forces in Various Solids

Inferences are made concerning the nature and range of interatomic forces in several solids, by the use of the observed dispersion relations of the lattice vibrations together with the simple analytical properties of the sum of the squares of all the lattice vibrations corresponding to the same point in reciprocal space. Eleven metals, one alloy, and four semiconductors are treated. The method enables one to separate longrange electromagnetic (i.e., multipole) forces from "overlap" ones. The results suggest in several cases that the former are required to describe the interactions in a realistic way.
A high resolution lifetime study of positron trapping by vacancies in lead

The trapping model is tested by unconstrained analyses of 31 positron annihilation spectra from Pb_between 22 and 327°C. Temperature variations in both λV and λf, are observed and the sensitivity of EV and μ exp (S/k) to the details of analysis is discussed.
Cytoplasmic incompatibility in natural populations of a mosquito, Culex pipiens L.

When two strains of Culex pipiens (s.l.) of different geographical origin are cross-mated, the cross is frequently sterile in one or both directions1. Such incompatibility is said to be cytoplasmic because the crossability of a strain is determined by its maternal lineage2. The incompatibility is caused in some way by infection with a rickettsia-like bacterial symbiote, as removal of the symbiote abolishes the incompatibility3. Incompatibility has not been observed in crosses of American strains of C. pipiens4–7. On the other hand, most workers in other parts of the world who have crossed C. pipiens strains have noticed incompatibility7–14, although there are no reports of incompatible egg rafts being collected in the field. We now report incompatibility in crosses of sympatric American strains of C. pipiens and the collection of incompatible egg rafts in the field.
Platination of nucleobases to enhance noncovalent recognition in protein-DNA/RNA complexes.

Fluorescence quenching experiments show that the stacking interaction between nucleic acid bases and I-tryptophan is enhanced significantly upon base coordination to a metal center such as Pt(II), and the biological implications of such enhancement are discussed.
Why what juveniles do matters in the evolution of cooperative breeding.

The evolution of cooperative breeding is complex, and particularly so in humans because many other life history traits likely evolved at the same time. While cooperative childrearing is often presumed ancient, the transition from maternal self-reliance to dependence on allocare leaves no known empirical record. In this paper, an exploratory model is developed that incorporates probable evolutionary changes in birth intervals, juvenile dependence, and dispersal age to predict under what life history conditions mothers are unable to raise children without adult cooperation. The model’s outcome variable (net balance) integrates dependent children’s production and consumption as a function of varying life history parameters to estimate the investment mothers or others have to spend subsidizing children. Results suggest that maternal-juvenile cooperation can support the early transition toward a reduction in birth intervals, a longer period of juvenile dependence, and having overlapping young. The need for adult cooperation is most evident when birth intervals are short and age at net production is late. Findings suggest that the needs of juveniles would not have been an early selective force for adult cooperation. Rather, an age-graded division of labor and the mutual benefits of maternal-juvenile cooperation could be an important, but overlooked step in the evolution of cooperative breeding.
Dielectric relaxation by charged dislocation process

Abstract X-ray topographic observations of dislocations in ice indicate that dislocations can be displaced by an electric field1. One of two possibilities that the dislocations are electrically charged seems promising. Another possibility is the piezo-electric effect whose existence in ice crystals is doubtful. Such displaced charged dislocations can contribute a new type of polarization mechanism. Complete absence of two dielectric relaxation spectra in dislocation free ice is positive proof of such a mechanism2.
Electrochemical and electron microscopic characterization of thin-film LiCoO2 cathodes under high-voltage cycling conditions

Abstract Thin-film LiCoO 2 batteries using the Lipon electrolyte exhibit excellent cycleability up to 4.4 V. With the enhanced voltage limit for repeatable cycling, the thin-film cathode delivers a specific capacity of 170 mAh/g, which is 22% higher than that for previous LiCoO 2 cathodes cycled to 4.2 V. No evidence of grain fracture was detected by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in the cathode layer after cycling to 4.4 V. When cycled to >4.4 V, capacity fades and cell resistance increases more rapidly, attributed to the onset of a phase transition at >4.4 V. Fracture of grains was observed by TEM in the cathode layer after cycling to 5 V. Nanocrystalline films show better cycleability to 5 V than films with a larger grain size.
Extraordinary Nutritional Support: A Case Study and Ethical Analysis

: Ethical issues surrounding decisions to limit treatment often focus on dramatic and highly technical interventions, such as mechanical ventilation. Many less dramatic forms of therapy are considered routine,1 and ethical aspects of their use may be less closely examined. Nutritional support can be crucially important in elderly patients, especially the very frail. Yet, appropriate use of nutritional therapy must consider the circumstances of an individual patient. Where severe underlying illness cannot be reversed, technical means of providing nutrition can represent extraordinary rather than ordinary means of prolonging life. The following case examines the ethical issues in respecting the apparent refusal of nutritional support by a severely debilitated geriatric patient.
A New Way to Determine the Biodegradability of Lubricants by a Biokinetic Model

With advanced lubrication technology, natural resources have been turned into lubricants which are no longer recognizable by microorganisms and enzymes that convert natural substances into their basic building blocks. To make more environmentally friendly products, significant efforts are on-going to develop biodegradable materials and technologies which are fully compatible with the environment. One concern in these efforts is the evaluation of their biodegradability in laboratory environments within a short period. Currently, several ASTM and Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) biodegradation test methods are available for determining this environmental property, but these take a long time (28 days) and special biological knowledge is required. Because of these disadvantages, it is very difficult to use in lubrication laboratories for assessing the biodegradability of lubricants. To resolve this problem, a biokinetic model has been developed based on the composition of lubricants. The advantage of this biokinetic model is that it can predict the biodegradability of lubricants within a day without the use of microorganisms. In addition, this new technology resulted in an excellent correlation with the existing laboratory biodegradation tests. Currently, this technology is used in the ASTM D7373 test method. This report presents how to develop a biokinetic model and the results are discussed in a comparison with the Aerobic Closed Respirometer test (ASTM D 6731).
Implications of a New Theory of Disuse for the Treatment of Emotional Disorders

In this review, we conceptualize exposure-based treatment as a learning experience. With this approach, optimizing treatment is a matter of optimizing memory for new learning. Given that perspective, we discuss the implications of a "new theory of disuse," proposed by Bjork and Bjork (1992) to capture the storage and retrieval dynamics that characterize human memory. The theory distinguishes between the storage strength and retrieval strength of learned representations and provides a framework from which we derive a number of manipulations that have the potential to improve the long-term effectiveness of Cognitive behavioral therapy. Implications for treatment of specific fears are described in detail, with additional discussion regarding treatment for other emotional disorders.
Reliability and validity of the secondary level english proficiency test

Abstract The SLEP is a group administered test of English language proficiency which includes two subscores and eight different item types. It is designed to assess a foreign student's readiness for English medium instruction at the secondary level. This article describes the development of the test specifications and the performance of each item type and the total test during an administration of SLEP to students in other countries. Several innovative formats are described and discussed, including multiple-choice cloze and multiple-choice dictation. The paper also reports the findings of a validity study which involved the analysis of test scores and demographic data for U.S. public school students.
Modeling the impedance of a Josephson-junction noise thermometer

Recent experiments on noise thermometers made with Josephson junctions [rf SQUID's (superconducting quantum interference devices) shunted by a small resistance $R$] have shown that the SQUID impedance has an envelope which generally rises to the value of $R$ as the rf power is increased, although the envelope can be distorted when the frequency is just above the rf circuit resonance. We summarize the results of a mathematical analysis which shows that in the absence of noise, and with no reactive feedback of the SQUID upon the rf circuit, the SQUID impedance will have a uniformly rising envelope because of the SQUID inductance. The calculated curves have the characteristics of the experimental observations in the rising-envelope cases.