cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fundus changes in Behcet's disease.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To describe the fundus findings in Behcet's Disease with emphasis on characteristic small white patches of retinitis. METHODS: Case study, utilizing review of clinical charts and fundus photographic files. RESULTS: Search of the University of California San Francisco ophthalmic photography files revealed 6 patients coded as Behcet's Disease between 1989 and 1996. Examination of the patients and their clinical records indicated that all 6 met the International Diagnostic Criteria for Behcet's Disease. The single most common fundus finding in these cases was the presence of transient, white patches of retinitis often with a small adjacent hemorrhage. Retinal vasculitis and optic neuritis were also seen, but neither with the frequency of the white patches. CONCLUSION: The presence of small patches of retinal whitening is the most characteristic finding in Behcet's Disease. These lesions are different from cotton wool spots, and their recognition can aid in the diagnosis of Behcet's Disease and of episodes of reactivation.
Hindered internal rotation and the Urey-Bradley force field: Part I. Consideration of non-bonded interaction in a five-atom configuration

Abstract The contributions of the nonbonded interaction between end atoms of a five-atom chain to the Urey-Bradley force field is derived. Explicit expressions are given for the F matrix elements corresponding to the internal coordinates of the five-atom chain. Inclusion of the two torsional internal coordinates and their force constants makes the treatment completely general.
Surface Velocity Determination on Large Polar Glaciers by Aerial Photogrammetry

Aerial photogrammetric block triangulation, a standard and well-developed technique for extending accurate control for mapping into the interior of a region from a few points of known position on its perimeter, can be readily adapted to determine surface velocities on bodies of ice which are too large, and often too crevassed, to be studied effectively by conventional ground surveying. Velocities are calculated from the changes in positions of the same natural surface features determined from photography of two (or more) epochs and the elapsed time. This method is capable of providing many uniformly-spaced measurements over the whole, moving, ice surface, thus allowing the production of maps of velocity and strain-rate, which are valuable in analyzing the ice-flow regime. Results from measurements completed some years ago on Byrd Glacier, one of the largest outlet glaciers from the East Antarctic plateau, are presented as an example of what the method can yield. By means of Doppler satellite surveying, relative positions of control points for each photography epoch can be determined with sub-meter accuracy, making the technique suitable also in regions where no fixed land features exist. A brief description of a project under way in such an area, on Ice Stream B in West Antarctica, is given.
Media and the Representation of Others.

This article criticises the role the mass media has played in constructing an idea of the Other, that is, people outside the national mainstream or other nationalities. It explains how the media promote or hinder a positive outlook on cultural diversity. Based on a review of the scholarly debate on media representations of Others, it identifies current obstacles to fair representations in media production, content and reception. This analysis results in a set of concrete strategies that overcome these problems and that stipulate a rethinking of the relationship between media and cultural diversity. The central argument is that culture should be understood as a dynamic process as opposed to being static and essential. Therefore, the media have to be situated as institutions that allow for cultural development: the media have to be positioned as enablers and not simply as preservers of cultural diversity.
Hemoglobin at High Altitude as Related to Age

During the summer of 1962 the early phase of acclimatization to high altitude was studied in 6 of those who participated in the international high-altitude expedition to Chile in 1935. Ages of the 6 ranged from 58 to 71. Two also had taken part in a high-altitude study in 1929. In their earlier years these subjects had had an increase in hemoglobin concentration beginning with their arrival at high altitude. This response has been well established, especially by the Pike's Peak party led by Haldane and the work of Hurtado and associates in Peru. On the other hand, 5 of the 6 in the 1962 party exhibited a decrease in hemoglobin concentration during the first few days. The greatest decrease was observed in the oldest subject. His hemoglobin was 88% of his sea level value after 9 days at altitude and remained below his sea level value for another week. No observations were made on blood volume; hence, we can only speculate regarding possible related changes.
Adrenal gland: Uncertainty in the selective use of adrenal vein sampling

A recent retrospective study assessed the use of adrenal vein sampling (AVS) in conjunction with CT to help in the diagnosis of primary aldosteronism subtypes. On the basis of their findings, Sarlon-Bartoli et al. conclude that AVS is essential in the diagnosis of primary aldosteronism and that all patients, regardless of adrenal CT findings, should undergo AVS prior to surgery.
Defective T-lymphocyte signal transduction and function in leukocyte adhesion deficiency.

The lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) molecule is a cell surface heterodimeric protein that directly mediates cellular adhesion. However, it remains unclear whether LFA-1 molecules are also involved in transmembrane signaling and in the subsequent regulation of cellular functions. Previous attempts to evaluate this issue have been hampered by (1) the ubiquitous expression of LFA-1 on normal lymphoid cells, (2) the limited availability of assays for cellular activation that are not affected by cellular adhesion, and (3) the difficulties in interpreting studies where anti-LFA-1 mAbs are used to alternatively block or stimulate this antigen. In order to avoid these pitfalls, we first isolated and cloned T lymphocytes from a patient with leukocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD), an inherited disorder in which the defective expression of leukocyte integrins results in the production of LFA-1− T lymphocytes. Different T-cell lines from this patient and from normal individuals were then stimulated through their T-cell antigen receptor complex and were then tested for three aspects of cellular activation: (1) transmembrane signaling (i.e., phospho-inositide turnover), (2) lymphokine secretion (i.e., release of lymphotoxin), and (3) their capacity to mediate cellular cytotoxicity (using murine anti-CD3-producing hybridoma cells as targets). Using assay systems that did not involve LFA-1-mediated adhesion to antigen-presenting cells or target cells, the T-cell lines from the LAD patient were found to be intrinsically defective in all three of these parameters of T cell activation. However, the defects in transmembrane signaling and lymphokine secretion were relative rather than absolute, as the cells were fully responsive to the maximal receptor stimuli provided by immobilized anti-CD3 mAbs or phytohemagglutinin. Our findings suggest that the leukocyte integrins act not only as cellular adhesion molecules, but also directly affect transmembrane signaling during T-cell activation.
A new strictly alternating comblike amphiphilic polymer based on PEG. 2. Associative behavior of a high molecular weight sample and interaction with SDS

We describe the associative behavior of a strictly alternating comblike amphiphilic polymer in aqueous surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)) solutions. The polymer contains normal stearyl pendent hydrophobic groups separated by poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) of molecular weight 8000. The average number of hydrophobes per chain is 9. In the dilute regime in the presence of very low amount of SDS, the polymer associates mainly in flowerlike micelles very similar to those formed by a sample of similar structure but a lower degree of polymerization (on average, two to three hydrophobes per chain). Further addition of SDS leads to the formation of mixed micelles of decreasing NR (number of hydrophobes from the polymer per micelle). Flowerlike conformation is preserved until a SDS concentration which coincides with the critical aggregation concentration (cac) of SDS in the presence of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), after which the structure is disrupted. In the absence of SDS, below the polymer overlapping concen...
UPb ages of zircon rims: A new analytical method using the air-abrasion technique

Abstract We present a new technique for directly dating, by conventional techniques, the rims of zircons. Several circumstances, such as a xenocrystic or inherited component in igneous zircon and metamorphic overgrowths on igneous cores, can result in grains with physically distinct age components. Pneumatic abrasion has been previously shown by Krogh to remove overgrowths and damaged areas of zircon, leaving more resistant and isotopically less disturbed parts available for analysis. A new abrader design, which is capable of very gently grinding only tips and interfacial edges of even needle-like grains, permits easy collection of abraded material for dating. Five examples demonstrate the utility of the “dust-collecting” technique, including two studies that compare conventional, ion microprobe and abrader data. Common Pb may be strongly concentrated in the outermost zones of many zircons and this Pb is not easily removed by leaching (even in weak HF). Thus, the benefit of removing only the outermost zones (and avoiding mixing of age components) is somewhat compromised by the much higher common Pb contents which result in less precise age determinations. A very brief abrasion to remove the high common Pb zones prior to collection of material for dating is selected.
1,N6 Ethenoadenosine formation, mutagenicity and murine tumor induction as indicators of the generation of an electro philic epoxide metabolite of the closely related carcinogens ethyl carbamate (urethane) and vinyl carbamate

Previous studies from this laboratory showed that (i) vinyl carbamate (VC) was much more carcinogenic than ethyl carbamate (EC) and that both carbamates induced the same spectrum of tumors in mice and rats, (ii) adducts of [14C]- or [3H]1,N6-ethenoadenosine and [14C]- or [3H]3,N4-ethenocytidine e were formed in the hepatic RNA of infant male B6C3F1 mice administered [1-14C]ethyl or [1,2-3H]ethyl EC and (iii) VC formed much more of the 1,N6-ethenoadenosine (epsilon Ado) adduct in the hepatic RNA and the 7-(2-oxoethyl)-guanine adduct in the hepatic DNA of mice than did EC. By analogy to the similar results of earlier studies by other investigators on the related carcinogen vinyl chloride, the above data suggested that VC epoxide was a reactive electrophilic metabolite of these carbamates. In the present studies, VC, but not EC, was found to be oxidized by 3-chloroperbenzoic acid to a derivative that reacted with adenosine to form epsilon Ado. Far more of this etheno nucleoside was formed from VC than from EC when these carbamates were metabolized by cofactor-fortified mouse liver microsomes in the presence of adenosine. Sodium diethyldithiocarbamate strongly inhibited these microsomal reactions and the formation of epsilon Ado in the hepatic RNA of mice administered either carbamate. Likewise, the i.p. preadministration of deithyldithiocarbamate markedly inhibited the induction of tumors by single i.p. doses of EC or VC in the livers of infant male B6C3F1 mice and in the livers, lungs and Harderian glands of infant female B6C3F1 mice. This inhibitor also considerably reduced lung tumor induction by VC in adult female A/Jax mice. 2-(2,4-Dichloro-6-phenyl) phenoxyethyl amine, a cytochrome P450 inhibitor, reduced the carcinogenicity of low doses of EC but appeared to increase the carcinogenicity of low doses of VC. The mutagenicity of VC for Salmonella typhimurium TA1535 in the presence of a hepatic activating system was greatly reduced by these inhibitors. The data from all these studies are consistent with the proposal that VC epoxide is an ultimate electrophilic and carcinogenic metabolite of EC and VC in the mouse.
Proton-induced X-ray emission: Applications in medicine☆

Abstract Fourteen elements have been recognized as essential trace elements for higher animals. Only fluorine and silicon are below 20 in atomic number; in addition, the list includes V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Mo, Sn, and I. Proton-induced X-ray emission spectroscopy allows simultaneous determination of the concentrations of all biologically essential trace elements. Correlations of trace element levels in different tissues and blood with disease activities have been studied. Trace element levels in hair appear to be very useful. Of special interest are the variations of concentrations along the length of hairs.
Genetic disorders involving molecular-chaperone genes: A perspective

Molecular chaperones are important for maintaining a functional set of proteins in all cellular compartments. Together with protein degradation machineries (e.g., the ubiquitin-proteasome system), chaperones form the core of the cellular protein-quality control mechanism. Chaperones are proteins, and as such, they can be affected by mutations. At least 15 disorders have been identified that are associated with mutations in genes encoding chaperones, or molecules with features suggesting that they function as chaperones. These chaperonopathies and a few other candidates are presented in this article. In most cases, the mechanisms by which the defective genes contribute to the observed phenotypes are still uncharacterized. However, the reported observations definitely point to the possibility that abnormal chaperones participate in pathogenesis. The available data open novel perspectives and should encourage searches for new genetic chaperonopathies, as well as further analyses of the disorders discussed in this article, including detection of new cases.
C-H Bond Cleavage by Bioinspired Nonheme Oxoiron(IV) Complexes, Including Hydroxylation of n-Butane.

The development of efficient and selective hydrocarbon oxidation processes with low environmental impact remains a major challenge of the 21st century because of the strong and apolar nature of the C–H bond. Naturally occurring iron-containing metalloenzymes can, however, selectively functionalize strong C–H bonds on substrates under mild and environmentally benign conditions. The key oxidant in a number of these transformations is postulated to possess an S = 2 FeIV═O unit in a nonheme ligand environment. This oxidant has been trapped and spectroscopically characterized and its reactivity toward C–H bonds demonstrated for several nonheme iron enzyme classes. In order to obtain insight into the structure–activity relationships of these reactive intermediates, over 60 synthetic nonheme FeIV(O) complexes have been prepared in various laboratories and their reactivities investigated. This Forum Article summarizes the current status of efforts in the characterization of the C–H bond cleavage reactivity of syn...
New revelations on the nature of organic matter in ice cores

[1] Analysis of organic species stored in ice cores provides a unique opportunity to obtain information about the environment of the past. Because of the trace nature of the organic components of interest, studying these species in molecular level detail within ice cores can be an analytical challenge. Using Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization, we have characterized, at an unprecedented molecular level, the organic material in an ice core collected from Franz Josef Land (Russia). Several thousand distinct molecular species are identified and provide clues to the principal sources of the organic matter. Humic-like substances have been identified in both modern and ancient ice, despite the remote marine setting of the ice field. Species containing sulfur heteroatoms are far more abundant in the modern ice, indicating that anthropogenic sulfur emissions are also present in the high–molecular weight organic compounds preserved in ice.
High Performance Solution-Processed Indium Oxide Thin-Film Transistors

In2O3 thin-film transistors (TFTs) were fabricated on various dielectrics [SiO2, self-assembled nanodielectrics (SANDs)] by spin-coating In2O3 film precursor solutions consisting of ethanolamine (EAA) and InCl3 in methoxyethanol. Optimized film microstructures are characterized by the high-mobility In2O3 00 L orientation and are obtained only within a well-defined range of base: In3+ molar ratios. Electron mobilities as high as ∼44 cm2 V−1 s−1 are measured for n+-Si/SAND/In2O3/Au devices using an EAA/In3+ molar ratio = 10. This result combined with Ion/Ioff ratios of ∼106 and <5 V operating voltages is encouraging for high-speed applications.
Savage imagery: (Mis)representations of the forest Tobelo of Indonesia

L'A. examine la maniere dont les villageois de la cote et les representants gouvernementaux indonesiens decrivent les Tobelo forestiers, des collecteurs habitant l'interieur de l'ile de Halmahera (Indonesie orientale). Il tente d'expliquer pourquoi les representations sur les Tobelo sont restes en grande partie stables alors que leur societe a connu des changements importants (deplacements de populations, christianisation...). Selon l'A., les stereotypes negatifs vehicules sur les Tobelo - les decrivant notamment comme des sauvages primitifs - permettent aux villageois de la cote et au gouvernement de justifier les mauvais traitements des collecteurs sous le couvert d'un projet de pacification et de civilisation. Au centre des conflits actuels sont notamment les questions de l'acces a la terre et aux ressources naturelles. Le gouvernement indonesien considerant la foret comme un espace inoccupe et ouvert a l'exploitation forestiere, il tente de resoudre le probleme des Tobelo en justifiant leur delocalisation forcee vers la cote et leur expulsion de la foret.
Chronoellipsometry : a new technique for the study of anodic processes of the dissolution-precipitation type

Abstract Conventional chronopotentiometry cannot be used for partially or totally diffusion-controlled anodic processes in which the precipitation of an insoluble salt (resulting from accumulation of products of metal dissolution) is not accompanied by a rapid potential increase. The new technique of “chronoellipsometry” permits the optical monitoring of film formation on the surface of a mirror anode and the registering of the time interval (called the “induction time”) between imposition of the anodic current and the formation of a precipitate. In order to analyze the induction time data, the diffusion problem has been solved under the appropriate boundary conditions. It is shown that the nature of the iτ vs i plot will reveal whether the ionic product of anodic electrolysis participates in a homogeneous chemical reaction. Further, the equilibrium and rate constants for the homogeneous reaction can be obtained.
On the analysis of stochastic high level Petri net models

Abstract In this paper we review the Stochastic High Level Petri Nets, SHLPNs, introduced in [LiM86] and discuss the difficulties encountered in designing tools to automate the analysis of SHLPNs. Construction of net invariants and reachability trees for different classes of high level nets lead to open problems. We present High Level Petri Nets with marking variables and show that for this class of nets it is possible to construct efficiently the reachability tree. The algorithm is based upon equivalence and covering relations among marking variables. Then we discuss the compound token and token flow path concepts and present an algorithm to compute the S-invariants.
HIV now: why human rights matter more than ever.

We are living in an extraordinary moment in the HIV response. Advances in science, implementation, community engagement and political support have led to unprecedented optimism and measurable declines in new forms of HIV infections in many communities, populations and affected countries. There is growing realization that through strategic use of the prevention, treatment and care advances we now have in hand, the fourth decade of the AIDS pandemic could be where we finally achieve meaningful and sustained reductions in new HIV infections, close to full life expectancy for those living with the virus, and integration of HIV into health services, which could be beneficial to both HIV programmes and strapped health systems. We are learning how to use the powerful insight that effective early HIV treatment is a potent HIV-preventive intervention for serodiscordant couples and may have preventive impacts at community and population levels. And we have new and combined prevention tools and technologies (and more in the research and development pipeline), which could markedly increase prevention choices and offer real promise in protecting those most in need of prevention. (Published: 10 December 2013) Citation: Beyrer C. Journal of the International AIDS Society 2013, 16 :18968 http://www.jiasociety.org/index.php/jias/article/view/18968 | http://dx.doi.org/10.7448/IAS.16.1.18968
Wilson's theorem for consensus functions on hierarchies

Wilson in 1972 gave a generalization of Arrow's theorem without the Pareto axiom. We prove a version of Wilson's theorem for consensus functions on hierarchies.
Fragility assessment for roof sheathing failure in high wind regions

This paper presents a fragility assessment for roof sheathing in light frame constructions built in high wind regions. A fragility methodology is developed to assess the performance of roof sheathing subjected to uplift (suction) pressures. The majority of single-family housing in the United States is woodframe construction. A review of the performance of woodframe buildings after recent hurricanes has shown that the majority of wind damage (insured losses) was the result of a breach in the building envelope. Loss of roof sheathing and broken windows result in water penetration causing extensive interior damage and associated property and contents losses. The aim of this study was to develop a fragility model for roof sheathing uplift using available fastener test data, recently developed wind load statistics, and a code-based approach for evaluating pressures. Five baseline structures considering different roof shapes, geographic locations, nail types, and enclosure conditions were investigated using simulation and system reliability concepts. Fragilities and complementary fragilities (or survivorship curves) of roof sheathing removal considering different levels of damage are developed as a function of basic wind speed (3 s gust wind speed at 33 ft (10 m) above the ground in open terrain). The fragility models presented in this paper can be used to develop performance-based design guidelines for woodframe structures as well as tools for condition assessment and loss estimation for use with the existing building inventory.
Decoding beyond the BCH bound (Corresp.)

In this correspondence, a decoding algorithm to decode beyond the BCH bound is introduced. It gives a complete minimum distance decoding for any cyclic code. A comparison between this decoding algorithm and previously existing ones is also given.
A re-examination of the contradictions in Kant's examples

In a recent edition of Philosophical Studies, Professor Ronald Glass attempts to unravel the mystery of the contradictions that are to be found in Kant's examples of testing a maxim.' The examples in question are those Kant employs to illustrate his distinction between perfect and imperfect duties.2 Glass attempts to represent these examples in a schematic way, and to point out just where the contradictions arise. Though I find his attempt interesting, I do not feel that Glass has succeeded in giving an account of the contradictions in Kant's examples that really shows what Kant took to be contradictory. In what follows, I shall examine the approach Professor Glass takes, show how it goes wrong, and propose what I take to be a more appropriate solution. I shall confine my remarks to the two examples of perfect duties, since I feel that it is here that Glass's analysis does not represent the spirit of Kant's point. The two points on which I want to concentrate are the examples of suicide (taking one's life out of a motive of self-love) and false promising (making a promise while intending not to keep it). These are examples of maxims which are contrary to what Kant calls 'perfect duty'.3 The former is a violation of a perfect duty to myself, and the latter is a violation of a perfect duty to others. Actions which conflict with perfect duty are, "... of such a nature that their maxim cannot even be thought as a universal law of nature without contradiction."4 Let us examine now Professor Glass's analysis of the way a contradiction arises in the case of suicide. Glass writes, "The maxim (shortening my life from a principle of self-love) requires that there be a connection between self-love and taking one's life that gives rise to a policy of, under certain conditions, taking one's life. This might be expressed as, SL= = (C v TL)."5 Kant cannot deem such a maxim morally acceptable because, "... Kant takes it as factually true of self-love that it always involves not taking one's life, (SL v TL)."'6 The contradiction, Glass
Light Emitting Diode Growth on Curved Gallium Nitride Surfaces

III-Nitride based Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are heavily pursued for various lighting applications due to the ability to engineer the emission through the visible wavelengths by controlling the alloy composition in the multi quantum well. Planar structures are characterized by a Lambertian emission pattern, however, depending on the applications in which the LED is employed, including but not limited to, general lighting, displays, and sensors, the emission profile may need to be more or less directional. As a result, there is significant interest in both improving the efficiency and controlling the emission profile of nitride based devices. Various components such as lenses and photonic crystals are used to improve light extraction and alter the emission profile while growth on semi-polar substrates is being pursued to minimize inherent polarization effects. In this work, curved Gallium Nitride (GaN) structures have been grown utilizing growth kinetics. These as-grown features do not require the extensive additional fabrication and allow for three-dimensional substrates to be employed for LED fabrication. The details of the fabrication and the optical and electrical characterization of Indium Gallium Nitride based LEDs grown on these structures is discussed.
Oncology nurses' teaching and support for suicidal patients.

Abstract Although the nursing literature contains many references to the nurses' teaching, support, and advocacy functions, the consumer and other health care professional literature suggests that the potential importance of nurses in these roles is not widely accepted. In a secondary analysis, we examined nurses' interventions for teaching and support in survey of a random sample of oncology nurses in a national organization. Clinical oncology nurses (n =454) reported their attitudes to and knowledge about suicidal patients. They reported their goals, interventions, and emotional support for a suicidal patient. When nurses described their care, they rarely mentioned patient teaching, emotional support, and advocacy. A gap also existed between the recommended assessments, related goals, and interventions. The nurses' difficulties in responding therapeutically to suicidal patients also emerged from their religious/other values, uncomfortable feelings, inadequate knowledge, personal experiences, and weight ...
Simultaneously forbidden resonances in the Autler-Townes effect with a modulated pump

It was shown recently that systems subject to a strong modulating interaction can exhibit a new property in their response to a probe field. Under certain conditions an infinite number of resonances are simultaneously forbidden [V. N. Smelyanskiy, G. W. Ford, and R. S. Conti, Phys. Rev. A 53, 2598 (1996)]. In the present paper we investigate this effect in the case of a three-state system in which a strong pump field with a periodic frequency modulation \ensuremath{\Omega} couples a pair of excited levels while the complex Autler-Townes spectrum is probed via a weak field that connects one of the coupled states to the ground state. Under certain conditions a half-infinite comb of spectral lines, spaced by \ensuremath{\Omega}, simultaneously disappear from the Autler-Townes spectrum. These lines are positioned above or below a unique edge frequency, which is that of the probe transition in the absence of the strong field. It is shown that the aforementioned effect results from a special factorization property of the corresponding Floquet Hamiltonian that describes the Autler-Townes spectrum. Detailed analysis of this property is presented. In particular, it is found that the subset of the parameter space of the system where the factorization occurs consists of an infinite number of quasiperiodic manifolds. These manifolds exhibit some universal features related to the degeneracy of the dressed states. The line shapes of the probe resonances near the degeneracy points are derived. The intensities of the probe resonances are investigated in the limit of \ensuremath{\Omega} small compared with the modulation depth and the strength of the pump field. In the latter case, effects related to the avoided crossings of the dressed-state levels are considered. The Floquet Hamiltonian that describes the Autler-Townes spectrum in the case considered, effectively corresponds to a special model of a periodically driven system (with period 2\ensuremath{\pi}/\ensuremath{\Omega}) in which an external perturbation has the form of an operator projecting onto a single-quantum state. We generalize this model to the case of an N-level periodically driven system where the simultaneous vanishing of a half-infinite number of the dressed-state Fourier harmonics are analyzed. Possible experimental tests of the effect are suggested.
THE PROPERTIES AND THE ENZYMATIC DEGRADATION OF DESOXYRIBONUCLEOPROTEIN FROM LIVER CELL NUCLEI

The isolation and properties of a desoxyribonucleoprotein of the rat liver cell nucleus are described. This material consists of DNA (desoxyribonucleic acid) bound to the residual chromosomal protein by what appear to be covalent linkages. Lipide is present, but can be removed by extraction in lipide solvents prior to isolation of the nucleoprotein, without much change in the physical properties of the latter. The nucleoprotein in question forms elastic, recoilable gels in molar saline at pH 7.0 or in water at pH 8.0 to 10.0 or even higher, which are similar to those that can be obtained from whole nuclei. The effects of x-rays, heat, and enzymes on the nucleoprotein are discussed, and the composition of the protein component is investigated. The latter contains an "occult" protein that can be liberated by heating in 0.1 N HCl. A study of the enzymatic degradation of the desoxyribonucleoprotein has been made, with the aim of attempting the isolation of small polynucleotide fragments attached to amino acids or short peptides that might be useful in characterizing the mode of attachment of the desoxyribonucleic acid to the protein in the desoxyribonucleoprotein. Evidence is presented indicating that such products can be isolated through the use of electrophoresis on paper.
Confusion vs. clarity: Property rights and forest use in Uganda

Abstract Projects and policies targeted at reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD +) frequently emphasize the articulation of property rights that are new, formalized or revised. A major question for successful REDD + implementation, and forest sector reform more broadly, is how changes in formal rights are understood and internalized by resource users. This paper explores the determinants of knowledge of formal rights, and whether accurate knowledge of rights influences forest clearing and forest product harvesting behavior in Uganda. We find limited awareness of rules surrounding clearing forest, and mixed levels of awareness regarding rights to harvest specific forest products. Harvesting behavior is variably correlated with awareness of rights depending on the product and capacity of district forest officials.
Worksite and communications-based promotion of a local walking path

Current research has shown relationships between the environment (eg, parks and trails) and levels of physical activity participation. This study was designed to implement and evaluate a communications based worksite campaign to promote awareness of an existing local walking path and to increase walking. Promotional materials were distributed for 1 month via flyers, email, website postings, and during bi-weekly information booths. Evaluations were conducted at baseline, during, and following the promotional campaign. Borderline statistically significant increases in walking activity from baseline were observed midway through the campaign (p = 0.069) and following the campaign (p = 0.075). Counts observed during the intervention were almost triple those at baseline and increased in the post-campaign phase to approximately three and a half times those at baseline. Sign recognition surveys revealed at baseline, 51% of the participants correctly identified the walking path signs, which increased to 65% during the campaign (p = .0674). Familiarity with physical activity messages around the workplace increased from 64.6% at baseline to 75.5% during the campaign (p = .097). This study shows initial promise of a theoretically based communications intervention to increase knowledge of physical activity and to promote walking.
Serum haptoglobins in some North American catostomid fishes.

Abstract 1. 1. The presence of hemoglobin-binding proteins, or haptoglobins, was noted in four species of North American Catostomid fishes: Catostomus insignis, C. latipinnis, Pantosteus clarki and P. plebeius . 2. 2. These haptoglobins exhibit variation in electrophoretic pattern which was found to be a function of the concentration of free hemoglobin in the serum prior to electrophoresis. 3. 3. Variation is attributd to the existence of more than one hemoglobin-binding site on the haptoglobin molecule.
A convenient, unified scheme for the differential extraction of conjugated and unconjugated serum C19 steroids on Sep-Pak C18-cartridges.

Abstract In order to conveniently and rapidly isolate by group both conjugated and unconjugated serum androgens, a scheme has been devised for their differential extraction from commercially available, disposable octadecylsilane cartridges (Sep-Pak C 18 ). Using added radioactive steroid standards and detection of endogenous serum steroids by group-specific enzymatic assays, the quantitative recovery of steroid glucuronides and sulfates in the 47% methanol fraction and of unconjugated steroids in the 100% methanol fraction was observed. Maximum recovery of serum protein-bound steroids (e.g. testosterone) was achieved with serum denatured by urea and heat. In order to separate glucuronides from sulfates, sequential hydrolysis of the conjugated fraction (47% methanol) by enzymatic hydrolysis and then organic solvolysis as well as an additional Sep-Pak cartridge extraction step was required. Groups of extracted steroids may be further separated and assayed by any appropriate method(s). An application is given which employs HPLC and an enzymatic assay for 17β-hydroxy- and 17-oxo-steroids to provide separate profiles of unconjugated, glucuronidated, and sulfated androgens in human, male serum.
Duodenal gangliocytic paraganglioma: A case report and literature review

Abstract Introduction Gangliocytic paraganglioma is a rare tumor that is most commonly located in the duodenum. At presentation, it may be confused with a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), but distinguishing between these tumors is critical because the natural history and treatment of these two tumors differs markedly. Duodenal gangliocytic paraganglioma typically exhibits benign behavior with occasional regional lymph node metastasis and no reports of tumor associated deaths. Recurrence after resection is rare. Presentation of case A 50 year-old male presented with melena and hemoglobin concentration of 4.6 g/dl. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy demonstrated a submucosal mass in the third portion of the duodenum with no active bleeding. CT scan identified no regional lymphadenopathy or distant metastasis. The tumor was resected through a longitudinal duodenotomy with negative margins. Discussion Endoscopic resection of duodenal gangliocytic paraganglioma appears to be safe and effective when tumor may be removed in its entirety by this method. If the tumor is not suspended by a stalk or there is suspicion for regional lymph node disease then surgical management is preferred. Radiation oncologists at high volume centers have endorsed utilization of adjuvant radiotherapy to the postsurgical bed in cases involving lymph node metastasis. Utilization of chemotherapy for management of this disease has not been reported. Conclusion Localized duodenal gangliocytic paragangliomas are best managed by resection with negative margins. In cases in which the tumor is resected with negative margins, it appears to be safe to embark on a course of surveillance and forego adjuvant therapy.
Depolymerization of oak wood lignin under mild conditions using the acidic ionic liquid 1-H-3-methylimidazolium chloride as both solvent and catalyst.

Abstract Oak wood lignin, which was separated from the wood using dissolution in the ionic liquid 1-methyl-3-ethylimidazolium acetate and subsequent precipitation, was successfully depolymerized in the acidic ionic liquid 1-H-3-methylimidazolium chloride under mild conditions (110–150 °C). Based on gel permeation chromatography results, an increase in temperature from 110 to 150 °C increased the rate of reaction, but did not significantly change the final size of the lignin fragments. Nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopy were utilized to demonstrate that the depolymerization proceeded via a hydrolysis reaction that cleaved the alkyl–aryl ether linkages. Coupling of the lignin fragments was also shown to occur in the reaction mixture. These hydrolysis results are consistent with the literature on acid catalyzed depolymerization of lignin in conventional solvents and with recent model compound studies involving guaiacylglycerol-β-guaiacyl ether and veratrylglycerol-β-guaiacyl ether done in acidic ionic liquids.
On the quasi-chemical theory of solutions

The classical canonical partition function for a one-dimensional, two-component system is examined for the case of nearest-neighbor interactions. The quasi-chemical model of solid solutions is found to be a natural consequence of the definition of the partition function when one replaces the normal configurational energy with a configurational free energy. Consequently, the quasi-chemical theory may be viewed as a consequence of the definition of the partition function and not as merely a physically pleasing model.
DENSITY-FUNCTIONAL AND ELECTROSTATIC CALCULATIONS FOR A MODEL OF A MANGANESE SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE ACTIVE SITE IN AQUEOUS SOLUTION

We have calculated the redox potential for a solvated manganese superoxide dismutase active-site model by immersing the solute described quantum mechanically into a continuum dielectric representation of an aqueous environment. Active-site models containing 37 or 38 atoms representing the side chains of the 5 ligands3 histidine residues, 1 aspartate, and 1 hydroxide or water moleculeand the manganese ion were constructed from X-ray crystal structure coordinates. The electronic structure of the active-site model was determined quantum mechanically using density-functional methods. The resultant ESP molecular charge distribution was then used to compute the reaction field potential between the active-site model and aqueous solvent by finite difference solutions to the Poisson−Boltzmann equation. This aqueous system was then coupled back into the molecular Hamiltonian and the process iterated to self-consistency. Electron-relaxation effects in the redox process were assessed and found to be important in the ...
Influence of electrostatic forces on the growth of one-dimensional nanostructures

The growth of crystalline ruthenium oxide square nanorods was considered on numerous substrate materials. The nanorods were found to grow easily on insulating substrates, while their growth on electrically conducting and grounded substrates was inhibited. The transfer of electrons from the plasma discharge to the developing nanorods caused the nanorods to be negatively charged and obtain a floating potential relative to ground. The electrical charging of the nanorod played a key role in their development.
A new cosmological argument

We present a valid deductive cosmological argument for the necessary existence of a powerful and intelligent creator of the actual universe. Whereas traditional cosmological arguments had to employ a strong version of the principle of sufficient reason that held that every fact actually has an explanation, our argument can make do with the weak version of Duns Scotus according to which every fact possibly has an explanation. As a result, our argument is less vulnerable to the charge of begging the question than are these traditional cosmological arguments.
Liquid sulphur dioxide — a reagent for the separation of coal liquids

Abstract Liquid sulfur dioxide has been found to be an excellent solvent for coal derived liquids. The higher alkanes and mineral matter are insoluble in this solvent and they are effectively separated. The sulfur dioxide-soluble fraction is very low in ash content. However, no improvement is achieved with respect to sulfur content. The soluble fraction has been separated by gel permeation chromatography and a large number of components have been identified.
Pattern electroretinogram: use of noncorneal skin electrodes.

Abstract Pattern electroretinograms (ERGs) were recorded in three adults by a noncorneal electrode technique: silver-silver chloride skin electrodes attached to the inferior orbit of the left eye while the subject monocularly viewed a high contrast checker-board that reversed in contrast at a rate of 10 Hz. Recordings revealed pattern ERGs with an average amplitude of 1.5 μV. In addition, pattern ERGs were recorded as a function of spatial frequency and contrast of a square-wave grating. The results showed that an increase in spatial frequency or contrast yielded an increase in the amplitude of the pattern ERG. The results demonstrate that the pattern ERG can be recorded with a noncorneal electrode technique and that the noncorneal electrode technique is sensitive to changes in retinal function. Finally, it is demonstrated that the pattern ERG can transfer between the eyes such that the pattern ERG from a viewing eye can be recorded from an electrode placed below an occluded eye.
Semi-implicit magnetohydrodynamic calculations

Abstract A semi-implicit algorithm for the solution of the nonlinear, three-dimensional, resistive MHD equations in cylindrical geometry is presented. The specific model assumes uniform density and pressure, although this is not a restriction of the method. The spatial approximation employs finite differences in the radial coordinate, and the pseudo-spectral algorithm in the periodic poloidal and axial coordinates. A leapfrog algorithm is used to advance wave-like terms; advective terms are treated with a simple predictor-corrector method. The semi-implicit term is introduced as a simple modification to the momentum equation. Dissipation is treated implicitly. The resulting algorithm is unconditionally stable with respect to normal modes. A general discussion of the semi-implicit method is given, and specific forms of the semi-implicit operator are compared in physically relevant test cases. Long-time simulations are presented.
Adenovirus oncoproteins inactivate the Mre11–Rad50–NBS1 DNA repair complex

In mammalian cells, a conserved multiprotein complex of Mre11, Rad50 and NBS1 (also known as nibrin and p95) is important for double-strand break repair, meiotic recombination and telomere maintenance1,2,3,4. This complex forms nuclear foci and may be a sensor of double-strand breaks. In the absence of the early region E4, the double-stranded DNA genome of adenovirus is joined into concatemers too large to be packaged5,6. We have investigated the cellular proteins involved in this concatemer formation and how they are inactivated by E4 products during a wild-type infection. Here we show that concatemerization requires functional Mre11 and NBS1, and that these proteins are found at foci adjacent to viral replication centres. Infection with wild-type virus results in both reorganization and degradation of members of the Mre11–Rad50–NBS1 complex. These activities are mediated by three viral oncoproteins that prevent concatemerization. This targeting of cellular proteins involved in genomic stability suggests a mechanism for ‘hit-and-run’ transformation observed for these viral oncoproteins7.
Small-signal heterodyne mixers with excessive injection amplitudes

The theory of small-signal heterodyne mixers operating with very large injection potentials is described. The mixer properties investigated are the conversion transconductance, the relative amplitudes of the difference-frequency and injection frequency components in the output, and the amplitude of the injection modulation-frequency component in the output in the case where the injection potential is amplitude-modulated to a small degree, as by power-supply ripple or noise, for example. The theoretical analysis is based upon 2- and 3-segment piecewise-linear approximations of the current and incremental transfer conductance curves, so that the mixer can be treated as a switch-type or commutator-type modulator. The method of constructing the approximations from the original curves is described. The result is a set of universal performance curves for mixers of the particular class chosen to illustrate the method. The method can be extended to other classes of mixers.
Billiards in polygons: Survey of recent results

In the ten or so years since the publication of ref. 19 polygonal billiards have remained an active subject of research in the mathematics and physics literature. As a result, our understanding of the subject, although still far from being complete, is much better than it was ten years ago. This survey attempts to give a broad overview of the dynamics of billiards in polygons, with an emphasis on the material that was not in the literature in 1985. This is not a survey of the publications on polygonal billiards, and we apologize to authors whose work has not been included. The selection of topics has been strongly influenced by the personal taste of the author, and by space limitations. Thus, we do not discuss quantum polygonal billiards (in particular, quantum chaos; see, e.g., refs. 41, 44, and 45). We hope that somebody will write a survey on this important subject in the near future. A fascinating aspect of the subject is the interplay between the geometric shape of the billiard table (i.e., a planar curve) and the qualitative features of the billiard dynamics. Hence it is instructive to compare polygonal billiard tables with other classes of billiard tables. In particular, the smooth, strictly convex tables and the dispersing (or Sinai) tables produce strikingly different types of billiard dynamics, We recommend refs. 46 and 15 for a general overview of the subject and a comparative study of billiard dynamics for various types of billiard tables.
Building a market: the rise of the home improvement industry, 1914–1960

That a nation of homeowners like the USA should have a robust home-improvement industry – and that scholars should know something about it – might strike some as obvious. Home Depot operates 2000 s...