cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Frequency of “M-Type” Globulinemia Among a Tuberculosis Hospital Population: A Review of 4,216 Consecutive Electrophoretic Patterns

A total of 4,216 serum protein electrophoreses performed on 3,687 consecutive patient admissions to the Middle Tennessee Chest Disease Hospital are reviewed to estimate the frequency of “M-Type” proteinemia among the population of a tuberculosis hospital. The protein abnormality was found in 15 patients (0.41 percent) and included one patient with proved myeloma. This figure appears to be no higher than would be expected in the population at large. The protein abnormality is encountered twice as frequently in men as in women, and significantly higher frequency is observed in Negro men, two-thirds of whom had a positive VDRL test. The occurrence of this protein abnormality in tuberculosis patients seems to be coincidental, is encountered predominantly in patients beyond 50 years of age, and does not appear to affect the clinical course of tuberculosis.
Bernard Mandeville and the Therapy of "The Clever Politician"

Soulignant l'influence du materialisme dans le developpement de la nouvelle science medicale du XVIII e siecle, l'A. etudie le statut du medecin comme politicien adroit qui a pour fonction d'apaiser les passions du corps. Empruntant l'image de politicien adroit a la «Fable des abeilles» de B. Mandeville, l'A. montre que le medecin a developpe une theorie des passions a la fois dans son oeuvre medicale et dans son commentaire social, definissant la figure du politicien adroit comme le medecin des passions du corps politique
Characterization of calmodulin mediated phosphorylation of cardiac muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum

Abstract Sarcoplasmic reticulum, isolated from canine cardiac muscle, was phosphorylated in the presence of exogenous cAMP-dependent protein kinase or calmodulin. This phosphorylation has been shown previously to activate sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium uptake (LePeuch et al. (1979) Biochemistry 18 , 5150–5157). Calmodulin appeared to activate an endogenous protein kinase present in sarcoplasmic reticulum membranes. The incorporation of phosphate increased with time. However, once all the ATP was consumed, the level of phosphorylated protein started to decrease due to the action of an endogenous protein phosphatase. Dephosphorylation occurred even when the level of phosphorylated sarcoplasmic reticulum remained constant at high ATP concentrations. The phosphorylation of sarcoplasmic reticulum in the presence of calmodulin, increased as the pH was increased from pH 5.5 to 8.5. This phosphorylation was only inhibited by KCl concentrations greater than 100 m m . The apparent K m of cAMP-dependent protein kinase for ATP was 5.2 ± 0.2 × 10 −5 m , and of the calmodulin-dependent protein kinase for ATP was 3.67 ± 0.29 × 10 −5 m . Phosphorylation was maximally activated by 5–10 m m MgCl 2 ; higher MgCl 2 concentrations inhibited this phosphorylation. Thus the calmodulin-dependent phosphorylation of cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum could be maximally activated at sarcoplasmic concentrations of K + , Mg 2+ , and ATP. The calmodulindependent phosphorylation was half-maximally activated at Ca 2+ concentrations that were significantly greater than those required to promote the formation of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca-activated ATPase phosphoprotein intermediate. Thus at sarcoplasmic Ca 2+ concentrations that might be expected during systole, the sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium pump would be fully activated before any significant calmodul-independent sarcoplasmic reticulum phosphorylation occurred. However, under certain pathological conditions when the sarcoplasmic Ca 2+ becomes elevated (e.g., in ischemia) the kinase could be activated so that the sarcoplasmic reticulum would be phosphorylated and calcium uptake augmented. Thus, the calmodulin-dependent protein kinase may only function when the heart needs to rescue itself from a possibly fatal calcium overload.
The relationship among cultural dimensions, education expenditure, and PISA performance

Abstract We examine the channel relationship between cultural dimensions, public expenditure on education, and country level PISA test scores. We test the hypotheses that cultural dimensions impact aggregate public expenditure on education and higher expenditure improves PISA results. We find a causal relationship between measures of culture and expenditure on education. In particular, we document the negative impact of power distance and masculinity on education expenditure. In contrast, individualism and long-term orientation positively impact public expenditure. In addition, we find a strong positive association between public expenditure on education and PISA scores at the country level. These findings are robust and consistent for all PISA test types. Our research findings shed light on the important role of cultural dimensions on education expenditure and inter-country differences in PISA performance.
Comparison of demons deformable registration-based methods for texture analysis of serial thoracic CT scans

To determine how 19 image texture features may be altered by three image registration methods, “normal” baseline and follow-up computed tomography (CT) scans from 27 patients were analyzed. Nineteen texture feature values were calculated in over 1,000 32x32-pixel regions of interest (ROIs) randomly placed in each baseline scan. All three methods used demons registration to map baseline scan ROIs to anatomically matched locations in the corresponding transformed follow-up scan. For the first method, the follow-up scan transformation was subsampled to achieve a voxel size identical to that of the baseline scan. For the second method, the follow-up scan was transformed through affine registration to achieve global alignment with the baseline scan. For the third method, the follow-up scan was directly deformed to the baseline scan using demons deformable registration. Feature values in matched ROIs were compared using Bland- Altman 95% limits of agreement. For each feature, the range spanned by the 95% limits was normalized to the mean feature value to obtain the normalized range of agreement, nRoA. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to compare nRoA values across features for the three methods. Significance for individual tests was adjusted using the Bonferroni method. nRoA was significantly smaller for affine-registered scans than for the resampled scans (p=0.003), indicating lower feature value variability between baseline and follow-up scan ROIs using this method. For both of these methods, however, nRoA was significantly higher than when feature values were calculated directly on demons-deformed followup scans (p<0.001). Across features and methods, nRoA values remained below 26%.
Theory of elastic wave propagation in anisotropic film on anisotropic substrate: TiN film on single-crystal Si.

The delta-function representation of the elastodynamic Green’s function is used to derive an expression for the elastic wave forms on the surface of an anisotropic thin film on an anisotropic substrate due to a point or a line source located at the surface of the film. The dispersion relation for surface acoustic waves (SAWs) is obtained from the poles of the Green’s function. A computationally efficient algorithm is formulated to obtain the elastic constants and the density of the film from the SAW dispersion data. The theory is used to analyze measured SAW dispersion relations in a titanium nitride film on silicon. The analysis yields values of the elastic constants and the density of the film. Excellent agreement is obtained between the theoretical and experimental dispersion results. Calculated wave forms for the surface wave due to a pulsed line source on the surface of the film are reported.
The interactive effects of Eimeria acervulina infection and phytase for broiler chicks

An experiment was conducted to determine the interactive effects of Eimeria acervulina infection and phytase in male broiler chicks. Chicks were standardized from 0 to 4 d posthatching, and the assay period was 5 to 15 d. Treatments were replicated with 6 pens of 5 chicks each. The initial and final BW were 67 and 363 g. A corn-soybean meal diet formulated to provide 1.26% total Lys and 3,200 kcal of ME/kg was used, and it was adequate in all other nutrients except Ca and nonphytate P (NPP) when appropriate. The treatments were in a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial arrangement: adequate Ca and NPP (1.0% Ca and 0.45% NPP) or inadequate Ca and NPP (0.80% Ca and 0.25% NPP), 0 or 600 phytase units/kg of diet, and uninfected or infected with 400,000 E. acervulina oocysts on d 0, 3, and 6 of the experiment. Daily gain, average daily feed intake, and gain:feed (GF) were reduced (P < 0.01) by the coccidial infection and the reduction in Ca and NPP. Phytase addition increased (P < 0.02) average daily gain and average daily feed intake, regardless of the Ca and NPP contents of the diet or the presence of coccidiosis. The GF was increased by phytase but only in uninfected chicks (phytase x coccidiosis, P < 0.02). Toe and tibia ash percentages were decreased (P < 0.01) in chicks fed diets deficient in Ca and NPP, but tibia ash was decreased more by Ca and NPP in healthy chicks than in infected chicks (coccidiosis x Ca and NPP, P < 0.02). Phytase increased (P < 0.02) toe and tibia ash but only in diets deficient in Ca and NPP (phytase x Ca and NPP, P < 0.01). Phytase increased toe ash percentage of healthy chicks fed diets deficient in Ca and NPP, but it had less of an effect in infected chicks fed diets deficient in Ca and NPP (coccidiosis x Ca and NPP x phytase, P < 0.08). Also, phytase was less effective in increasing tibia ash percentage in coccidiosis-infected chicks than in uninfected chicks (phytase x coccidiosis, P < 0.02). These data indicate that phytase is effective in the presence of a coccidial infection, but based on GF and tibia ash percentage, it may not be as effective as in uninfected chicks. Also, phytase increased average daily gain and average daily feed intake in uninfected chicks fed diets formulated to be adequate (or in excess) in all nutrients for male broiler chicks.
Crowding as a possible factor for health outcomes in children.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "The Effect of Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status on Education and Health Outcomes for Children Living in Social Housing" by Patricia J. Martens, Daniel G. Chateau, and Elaine M. J. Burland et al. in a 2014 issue.
The institute for cyber-enabled research: regional organization to promote computation in science

The Institute for Cyber-Enabled Research (iCER) at Michigan State University (MSU) was established in 2009 to coordinate and support multidisciplinary resources for computation and computational sciences. iCER is the home of MSU's centralized High Performance Computing resources, which include a heterogeneous compute cluster with various hardware designed to meet the needs of different scientists. The goal of iCER is not to maximize Flops, but instead to maximize the amount of quality science being accomplished. This paper outlines many of the initiatives that iCER has taken to support researchers at MSU and throughout Michigan; describes the structure and evolution of iCER and its relationship with XSEDE; and offers insights for other institutions interested in putting together a similar computational organization.
Notch/LIN-12 signaling: transduction by regulated protein slicing

Intercellular signaling through the Notch/LIN-12 transmembrane receptors regulates growth and differentiation during animal development. Moreover, defects in the conserved Notch/LIN-12 pathway are linked to human diseases. Here, we review models for two key steps in Notch/LIN-12 signaling: ligand-mediated activation of the receptor and receptor-mediated activation of transcription. Ligand binding appears to permit proteolysis of the receptor; as a result, the receptor's intracellular domain can enter the nucleus and function as a transcriptional co-activator.
Copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes of amide pendant-armed cross-bridged tetraamine ligands

Abstract Copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes of cross-bridged cyclam and cyclen with primary amide pendant arms (ligands 1 and 2) have been prepared and structurally characterized. The copper complex of cyclam-derived 1 has a Jahn–Teller distorted Cu(II) octahedral coordination geometry with both amide arms coordinated through the carbonyl oxygens. The Cu(II) complex of the cyclen analogue 2 has been found to exist in three slightly different forms. Both zinc complexes also adopt full N4O2 coordination from these potentially hexadentate cross-bridged ligands. These structural data confirm the exclusive cis-folded ligand configuration in all four complexes as well as the significantly better fit of ligand 1 towards both Cu(II) and Zn(II) cations when compared to 2. The complexes of 1 provide the first examples of a [2233]/[2233] cross-bridged cyclam conformation, as opposed to the previously observed [2323]/[2323] conformation.
Onset and saturation of backward stimulated Raman scattering of laser in trapping regime in three spatial dimensions

A suite of three-dimensional (3D) VPIC [K. J. Bowers et al., Phys. Plasmas 15, 055703 (2008)] particle-in-cell simulations of backward stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) in inertial confinement fusion hohlraum plasma has been performed on the heterogeneous multicore supercomputer, Roadrunner, presently the world’s most powerful supercomputer. These calculations reveal the complex nonlinear behavior of SRS and point to a new era of “at scale” 3D modeling of SRS in solitary and multiple laser speckles. The physics governing nonlinear saturation of SRS in a laser speckle in 3D is consistent with that of prior two-dimensional (2D) studies [L. Yin et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 99, 265004 (2007)], but with important differences arising from enhanced diffraction and side loss in 3D compared with 2D. In addition to wave front bowing of electron plasma waves (EPWs) due to trapped electron nonlinear frequency shift and amplitude-dependent damping, we find for the first time that EPW self-focusing, which evolved from trap...
Carbon budgets for a phytoplanktivorous fish fed three different unialgal populations.

The filter feeding blue tilapia, Tilapia aurea, was fed three different algae. Blue tilapia ingestion of two green algae, Chlamydomonas sp. and Ankistrodesmus falcatus and the filamentous blue-green alga, Anabaena flos-aquae, ranged from 21%–89% of the available cells. There were significant differences in the assimilation of algal carbon by the fish depending on the alga fed; A. flos-aquae was the easiest to assimilate (83%). The fish respired significantly less of the Chlamydomonas sp. ingested carbon (15%). The gross growth efficiency of fishes fed either green alga was not significantly different (22%–24%), but these efficiencies were significantly less than the gross growth efficiency of fish fed A. flos-aquae (46%). The carbon budgets for fish feeding on the green algae were similar to that constructed from the literature for a congener fed a mixed algae diet. However, the assimilation component of the budget for blue tilapia fed A. flos-aquae was 2 times greater than that of the literature budget.
Synthesis, structures and full characterization of p-tert-butylcalix[5]arene mono-, di-, tri- and pentaanionic ligand precursors

Abstract The synthesis, complete characterization, and solid state conformation of a new series of p-tert-butylcalix[5]arene (ButC5) mono-, di-, tri- and pentaanions are reported. X-ray structures of the alkali metal salts illustrate the strong influence of the alkali metal ion on the structure of the calixanion. The strength of the alkali metal base and its reaction stoichiometry play an important role in the conformation and level of deprotonation of the resulting anion. Reaction of ButC5 in a 2:1 molar ratio with alkali metal bases M2CO3 (M = Rb, Cs), or in a 1:1 ratio with M2CO3 (M = Na, K), MOH (M = Na, K, Rb, Cs) or MH (M = Li, Na) produces ButC5 monoanions, but ButC5 reacts in a 1:1 molar ratio with M2CO3 (M = Rb, Cs) or a 1:2 molar ratio with MOC(CH3)3 (M = Na, K) to afford ButC5 dianions. Due to the steric bulkiness of the But group no polymeric structures are observed. Alkali metal salts of trianionic ButC5 were obtained in high yields from reactions of ButC5 with MOC(CH3)3 (M = Li, Na, K), BunLi, LiH and LiOH in a 1:3 molar ratio. Pentaanionic ButC5 salts were obtained by the reaction with MOC(CH3)3 (M = Li, Na, K) or BunLi in a 5:1 ratio. X-ray crystal structures of ButC5 · Na and ButC5 · Cs indicate that the size of the alkali metal influences the level of cation-π arene interactions and therefore the conformation of the ButC5 unit; for example, ButC5 · Na has a cone conformation while ButC5 · Cs shows a flattened cone conformation. Cation-π arene interactions are observed in most of the calixarene salts.
Molecular Dynamics Investigation of Homogeneous Nucleation in the Freezing of Selenium Hexafluoride

Simulations of phase changes provide a way to investigate nucleation at a depth of supercooling so far not accessible to laboratory experiments. One helpful aspect of this regime is that deficiencies of theory are substantially magnified, helping to call attention to the weaknesses of existing treatments. In the present molecular dynamics simulations, a system of small liquid clusters of SeF6 spontaneously froze to single body-centered cubic (bcc) crystals when cooled to 120 K. The transition was mediated by homogeneous nucleation rather than by spinodal decomposition. Its nucleation rate of 6.6 × 1035 m-3 s-1 was analyzed in both terms of classical nucleation theory (to derive the interfacial free-energy parameter) and Granasy's diffuse-interface theory (to derive the interface thickness parameter). In each case, both the classical prefactor and the Grant−Gunton (GG) prefactor were applied. Large differences between the various treatments were found. Derived interfacial free energies of 13−17 mJ/m2 were ...
Effects of turbidity flows on organic matter accumulation, sulfate reduction, and methane generation in deep-sea sediments on the Iberia Abyssal Plain

Non-steady-state sedimentation has affected preservation of organic matter in a Pliocene-Pleistocene turbidite sequence sampled by the Ocean Drilling Program at four closely spaced drill sites on the Iberia Abyssal Plain. Organic carbon concentrations average ca. 0.7% in sediments from Sites 897 and 898 and ca. 0.4% at Sites 899 and 900. Headspace concentrations of interstitial methane exceed 100,000 ppm in sediments from Sites 897 and 898 but are essentially zero in those from Sites 899 and 900. Methane concentrations do not rise until interstitial sulfate concentrations are virtually depleted, suggesting the presence of deep in situ methanogenic bacterial activity at Sites 897 and 898 and its absence at Sites 899 and 900. Two factors associated with the turbidity flows that created the sedimentary sequence evidently influenced post-depositional diagenesis at these sites. The principal factor is that the rapidly deposited turbidite sequences at Sites 897 and 898 protected organic matter from early oxic degradation and thereby permitted subsequent anoxic degradation to proceed. In contrast, organic matter in the more slowly deposited turbidites at Sites 899 and 900 was oxidized soon after deposition and was therefore not available for later microbial utilization. A lesser factor is that the turbidity flows may have obtained their entrained organic matter from different environments and consequently delivered organic matter with different characteristics. Both factors contributed to heterogeneity of the types and amounts of organic matter that accumulated in these deep-sea sediments, and this variability has influenced subsequent sulfate reduction and methanogenesis.
ACTIVE GROWTH OF THE OCEANIC DINOFLAGELLATE CERATIUM TERES IN THE CARIBBEAN AND SARGASSO SEAS ESTIMATED BY CELL CYCLE ANALYSIS1

The growth rate of an oceanic dinoflagellate, Ceratium teres Kofoid, was investigated in the Sargasso and Caribbean Seas from September 1989 to July 1990 using the cell cycle analysis method. Estimated growth rates ranged from 0.29 to 0.58 day−1 and were 1.5–7.2 times higher than generally accepted rates for oceanic dinoflagellates. The higher rates in this report were mainly due to an improvement in techniques that determine the duration of a terminal cell cycle phase in situ. The day-to-day variation in growth rates was surprisingly small, but, from long-term measurements, a weak correlation was found among temperature, daily irradiance, and seasonal growth rate. The calculated species-specific primary production ranged from 0.5 to 1.8 mg C·m−2·day−1, about 1% of the estimated total production. Ceratium teres may be an important carbon source at the base of the grazing food chain.
The Radiative Decay of Neutron-Resonant States

Although die first observation of γ-radiation following neutron capture came within a year of the identification of the neutron as an elementary particle [1], the use of neutrons to probe the electromagnetic properties of nuclei was not really introduced until 15 years ago, with die resonance capture experiments of Landon and Rae [2] and of Draper et al. [3], At about the same time Bertozzi and Sargent and their collaborators [4] used time-of-flight methods on the emitted neutrons to examine die behavior of the inverse process, die photoinduced neutron emission. In the intervening years from 1934 to 1957, and particularly since the building of research reactors subsequent to the Second World War, the chief use of neutron capture in nuclear spectroscopy was limited to populating the low-lying levels of the residual nucleus. In my review I will emphasize how neutrons may be used to provide information of the properties of the highly excited states near the neutron separation energy, that is the neutron-resonant states.
Cloning and Sequencing of the Gene for the Lactose Carrier of Citrobacter freundii

The gene coding for the lactose carrier of Citrobacter freundii was cloned into the plasmid pBR322. The gene was sequenced and the amino acid sequence was found to be 70% identical to the lactose carrier of E. coli. All of the charged residues in the membrane spanning region were conserved. The sugar specificity is somewhat different from that of E. coli. The C. freundii carrier has less activity for lactose and more activity for o-nitrophenyl-galactose (ONPG) than the carrier of E. coli.
Laser photodetachment in liquids: C6F−6 in tetramethylsilane☆

Abstract The photodetachment cross section of C 6 F − 6 in liquid tetramethylsilane was measured as a function of the photon energy, using a new two laser photoconductivity technique. The photodetachment threshold was found to be 1.51 eV using a 3 2 power threshold law. Two maxima were observed in the photodetachment cross section at photon energies of 2.58 and 3.15 eV; the cross section value at these two maxima is ≈ 11 × 10 −18 cm 2 .
Unsteady wake effects on progressing/regressing forced rotor flapping modes.

A two bladed 16 inch hingeless rotor model was built and tested outside and inside a 24 by 24 inch wind tunnel test section at collective pitch settings up to 5 deg and rotor advance ratios up to .4. The rotor model has a simple excentric mechanism to provide progressing or regressing cyclic pitch excitation. The flapping responses were compared to analytically determined responses which included flap-bending elasticity but excluded rotor wake effects. Substantial systematic deviations of the measured responses from the computed responses were found, which were interpreted as the effects of interaction of the blades with a rotating asymmetrical wake.
A consumer–resource approach to the density-dependent population dynamics of mutualism

Like predation and competition, mutualism is now recognized as a consumer- resource (C-R) interaction, including, in particular, bi-directional (e.g., coral, plant- mycorrhizae) and uni-directional (e.g., ant-plant defense, plant-pollinator) C-R mutualisms. Here, we develop general theory for the density-dependent population dynamics of mutualism based on the C-R mechanism of interspecific interaction. To test the influence of C-R interactions on the dynamics and stability of bi- and uni-directional C-R mutualisms, we developed simple models that link consumer functional response of one mutualistic species with the resources supplied by another. Phase-plane analyses show that the ecological dynamics of C-R mutualisms are stable in general. Most transient behavior leads to an equilibrium of mutualistic coexistence, at which both species densities are greater than in the absence of interactions. However, due to the basic nature of C-R interactions, certain density- dependent conditions can lead to C-R dynamics characteristic of predator-prey interactions, in which one species overexploits and causes the other to go extinct. Consistent with empirical phenomena, these results suggest that the C-R interaction can provide a broad mechanism for understanding density-dependent population dynamics of mutualism. By unifying predation, competition, and mutualism under the common ecological framework of consumer-resource theory, we may also gain a better understanding of the universal features of interspecific interactions in general.
Appropriate Use of Vancomycin in a Pediatric Emergency Department Through the Use of a Standardized Electronic Guideline

Objectives a. Compare utilization of vancomycin in the ED prior to and after implementation of standardized treatment guideline and order template (STGOT); b. assess the appropriate use as initial therapy based on indication versus admitting diagnosis. Methods Chart audits on all patients who received vancomycin and were admitted. Overall utilization and appropriateness of starting therapy were compared pre-and post-STGOT implementation. Results Overall utilization of vancomycin was 4% pre-STGOT compared to 3% post-STGOT; 98% of patients pre-STGOT compared to 99% post-STGOT received vancomycin appropriately. Conclusion There was no difference in vancomycin utilization and appropriateness of initiating therapy after STGOT implementation.
A Rapid Method for the Cytodiagnosis of Multibacillary Leprosy

: The diagnosis of leprosy is made clinically with histologic and cytologic confirmation. The traditional methods for making the cytologic diagnosis of leprosy take time and training, making them unsuitable for rapid office use. We describe a simple, rapid method for cytologic confirmation of the diagnosis of multibacillary leprosy using slit skin scrapings.
GEOGRAPHIC ACCESS TO JOB OPPORTUNITIES AND LABOR-FORCE PARTICIPATION AMONG WOMEN AND AFRICAN AMERICANS IN THE GREATER BOSTON METROPOLITAN AREA

The spatial-mismatch hypothesis argues that African American labor-force participation is reduced by African Americans' inability to gain access to relatively distant suburban job opportunities. A significant limitation of the mismatch literature is that it has failed to recognize that a number of factors associated with gender may interact with race-based constraints on access to job opportunities to mediate the mismatch effect. The purpose of this exploratory research is to investigate how the relationship between geographic access to job opportunities and labor-force participation is influenced by the interaction of both race and gender in the greater Boston metropolitan area using data from the 5% Public Use Microdata Sample of the 1990 U.S. Census. The results indicate that proximity to intra-metropolitan job opportunities has no effect on African American labor-force participation, but that it has a positive effect on labor-force participation among White married mothers. These findings demonstrate ...
Oxidative Coupling of Methane over Na2WO4/CeO2 and Related Catalysts

Na2WO4/CeO2 is an active and selective catalyst for the oxidative coupling of methane (OCM). At 780°C and using a reactant feed of CH4:O2:He = 4.8:1.0:5.6, a C2 selectivity in excess of 70% can be achieved over a 9.4 mol% Na2WO4/CeO2 catalyst at a CH4 conversion of 22%. By contrast, the C2 selectivity exhibited by pure CeO2 under the same reaction conditions, in the absence of Na2WO4 promoter, is <10%. The promoted catalyst is relatively insensitive to deactivation by formation of surface carbonate species. A comparable effect occurs for Na2WO4 on Pr6O11 which is also a nonselective catalyst in the absence of promoter. Characterization of Na2WO4/CeO2 by X-ray powder diffraction, both after calcination and after use for the OCM reaction at 780°C, confirms that both the Na2WO4 and CeO2 remain as discrete phases, and that no new bulk compounds or solid solutions are formed. X-ray photoelectron spectra demonstrate that all surface oxygen exists as lattice O2− on the calcined catalysts and reveal no evidence for additional surface oxygen species, such as O2−2 or O−, that might serve as sites for CH4 activation. Pulse reaction experiments show that bulk lattice oxygen species do not participate directly in the OCM reaction, and that the active oxygen species involved in the activation of methane exist only in the presence of gas phase oxygen. Ion scattering spectroscopy and in situ Raman spectroscopy indicate that the initial CeO2 surface of the calcined catalyst is completely covered by one or more layers of Na2WO4, which exists in the molten state under reaction conditions.
Geomagnetic activity and local modulations of cosmic rays circa 1 GV

Solar-sector synchronous modulations of the particulate cosmic radiation reaching the earth's atmosphere have been studied using low altitude satellite and surface data. The flux in the broad maximum of the galactic cosmic ray differential spectrum (near GV rigidity) exhibits an intermittent north-south asymmetry (NSA) in mid and high geomagnetic latitudes. During the 1964 and 1965 years of sunspot minimum, this modulation had a negative rigidity dependence and strong correlations with geomagnetic disturbance index (ap) and interplanetary magnetic field direction. Taken together with other features, this ap dependence is consistent with the hypothesis that reconnection of the interplanetary and geomagnetic fields should produce a local NSA independent of much larger scale NSAs associated with cosmic ray gradients in the heliosphere. This finding is also consistent with suggestions that solar activity influence on atmospheric processes may be mediated by the resulting modulations of upper tropospheric ionization.
Safety of multiple bolus loading of intravenous disopyramide

Although a single intravenous bolus of disopyramide is an effective antiarrhythmic, side effects occur in some patients. We tested the safety of multiple bolus loading for intravenous disopyramide in 10 patients with frequent premature ventricular beats. Concurrent with a 1.0 mg/kg/hr infusion, a bolus of 0.5 mg/kg of disopyramide was given over 5 minutes. Up to three additional boluses were given 5 minutes after the first bolus unless a 50% reduction in premature ventricular beats or side effects occurred. The infusion was continued for 3 hours and was then decreased to 0.4 mg/kg/hr for 15 hours. All patients had a 50% reduction in premature ventricular beats and attained therapeutic blood levels. Three patients with a history of controlled congestive heart failure developed either hypotension or pulmonary edema. Hypotension and pulmonary edema following intravenous disopyramide is more related to the pharmacology of the drug than to the loading scheme employed.
Human Dermal Fibroblast Clones Derived from Single Cells Are Heterogeneous in the Production of mRNAs for α1(I) Procollagen and Transforming Growth Factor-β 1

Fibroblast clonal heterogeneity has been reported for growth and protein synthesis, but quantitative studies of synthetic phenotype at the pretranslational level have been limited because of difficulty in reliably growing large numbers of clonal cells. We have recently shown a unique stimulatory activity of low oxygen tension in the early phases of clonal growth, which can be used to establish clonal fibroblast cultures suitable for Northern analysis. Using this methodology, we have measured mRNA levels of α1(I) procollagen and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β) both at baseline and after TGF-β stimulation in a total of 43 clones derived from single cells and from seven different cell strains. We report a remarkable baseline heterogeneity, commonly four- to sixfold, in procollagen mRNA levels among clones and between clones and their parent cultures. Conversely, differences in baseline TGF-β mRNA levels among clones were either not present or less than onefold. The clonal phenotypic expression of α1(I) procollagen mRNA remained stable after eight additional cell passages. TGF-β stimulation of itself (autoinduction) was highly variable among clones (range of increases 30% to 150%), and up-regulation of procollagen mRNA levels after TGF-β stimulation was detected in only 15 (540/0) of 28 clonal cultures (range of increases 30% to 353%). A notable lack of correlation was found between baseline mRNA levels of TGF-β and α1(I) procollagen in clonal cultures. In conclusion, fibroblast clonal populations are remarkably heterogeneous in their baseline procollagen mRNA levels and in their response to TGF-β.
Applying multiple pedagogical methodologies in an ethics awareness week: Expectations, events, evaluation, and enhancements

This paper reports the preliminary results from a semester-long ethics project at an AACSB accredited, regional comprehensive undergraduate school. This project culminated in an Ethics Awareness Week, which highlight a case study (Part B of this Journal) of the controversial EverQuest® multi-player online game. Issues of project planning and design are outlined, the dynamics of a business program-wide approach to ethics are social responsibility are presented, student survey results are presented and analyzed, and issues related to ongoing research are discussed. Nonparametric survey results indicate that the greatest effect in student’s self reported enhanced understanding and interest in issues of business ethics is present when multiple pedagogical methods, e.g., case studies, lectures, assignments, and an Oxford-style debate, are applied by a number of faculty members over an extended (semester) time period. The paper concludes with a discussion of future research issues as well as a series of prescriptions for planning, organizing, and implementing such an extended activity.
Efficacy of MER immunotherapy when added to a regimen of 5-fluorouracil and methyl-CCNU following resection for carcinoma of the large bowel. A Veterans Administration Surgical Oncology Group report.

Two hundred four patients with a microscopically incomplete resection for carcinoma of the colon or rectum were accepted for study. All patients were treated with 5-fluorouracil and methyl-CCNU beginning about the second postoperative week. Concurrent immunotherapy with the methanol extraction residue of bacillus Calmette-Guerin (MER) was randomly assigned to 103 patients. Treatment was continued as long as acceptable to the patient, and until clinical recurrence. Toxic reactions to the drug were not increased by the addition of MER, and seldom were severe enough to require the discrimination of therapy. No evidence of improved survival was seen in treated patients. On the contrary, survival in patients who experienced severe reactions to treatment may have been impaired by MER, with the period of impairment continuing after all adjuvant therapy was stopped. Similar proportions of treated and control deaths were attributable to residual or recurrent disease.
Cation exchange and oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria

Summary 1. Liver mitochondria behave as cation-exchangers which are surrounded by semipermeable membranes. The apparent K m 's of binding are: H + , 10 −6.6 M; Ca 2+ , 4·10 −5 M; Mg 2+ , 2·10 −3 M; K + , 10 −1 M; K + , in presence of valinomycin, 5·10 −3 M. 2. Substances which alter the permeability of mitochondrial membranes also alter the apparent binding affinities of the mitochondria for various cations, and facilitate exchanges of the cations, especially exchanges between H + and other cations. 3. These exchanges can lead to the apparent alkalination or acidification of the interior of the mitochondria. 4. The role of substrate is to produce H + inside mitochondria. These protons can leave intact mitochondria only by exchanging with some cation. 5. Addition of divalent anions, which diffuse slowly into mitochondria, leads to removal of cations from mitochondria. 6. Substances which cause a loss of bound cations from mitochondria, also lead to an increased rate of oxygen utilization. Likewise, addition of cations at a concentration sufficient to promote cation exchanges on the mitochondrial anionic sites result in increased utilization of oxygen. 7. These data imply that the energetic mechanism of both oxidative phosphorylation and cation transport are the same process, and both reactions are driven by the ability of mitochondria to separate charge (H + and OH − ) 8 . It is proposed that this separation of charge results in alkalination of the interior of the mitochondria, and this alkalination leads either to intramitochondrial precipitation of divalent cation phosphate salts, in the presence of large amounts of divalent cations and Pi in the buffer, or to dehydration of the ATP synthetase sites by removal of OH − from the enzyme by precipitation of the OH − , as Mg(OH) 2 . The dehydrated ATP synthetase enzyme is capable of exchanging its high energy bond via coupling factors with P i and finally of transferring this dehydrated enzyme-bound P i to ADP.
PmST2: A novel Pasteurella multocida glycolipid α2-3-sialyltransferase

Pasteurella multocida (Pm) is a multi-species pathogen that causes diseases in animals and humans. Sialyltransferase activity has been detected in multiple Pm strains and sialylation has been shown to be important for the pathogenesis of Pm. Three putative sialyltransferase genes have been identified in Pm genomic strain Pm70. We have reported previously that a Pm0188 gene homolog in Pm strain P-1059 (ATCC 15742) encodes a multifunctional sialyltransferase (PmST1). We demonstrate here that while PmST1 prefers to use oligosaccharides as acceptors, PmST2 encoded by the Pm0508 gene homolog in the same Pm strain is a novel glycolipid α2-3-sialyltransferase that prefers to use lactosyl lipids as acceptor substrates. PmST2 and PmST1 thus complement each other for an efficient synthesis of α2-3-linked sialosides with or without lipid portion. In addition, β1-4-linked galactosyl lipids are better PmST2 substrates than β1-3-linked galactosyl lipids. PmST2 has been used successfully in the preparative scale synthesis of sialyllactosyl sphingosine (lyso-GM3), which is an important glycolipid and an intermediate for synthesizing more complex glycolipids such as gangliosides.
``Diffraction-free'' optical beams in inverse free electron laser accelerators

Abstract “Diffraction-free” optical beams correspond to exact solutions of the wave equation in free space with the remarkable property that they propagate with negligible transverse spreading for distances much larger than the Rayleigh range. The requirement for this to occur is a large aperture. Using a 2D computer code, we find that these optical beams will also propagate with negligible diffraction even when perturbed by the electron beam in an IFEL; indeed they match well the FEL requirement for the accelerator. The numerical simulations are performed for the proposed facility at Brookhaven in which λ s = 10 μ m, B = 1.5 T (linearly tapered l w = 1.31−6.28 cm) and the optical beam power is either 8 × 10 11 W or 2.3 × 10 10 W. Approximately 70% of the electrons constituting a beam of current 5 mA or 15 A, radius 0.14 mm and initial energy of 50 MeV is accelerated at 50 MeV/m.
Bacillus subtilis Isocitrate Dehydrogenase A SUBSTRATE ANALOGUE FOR ESCHERICHIA COLI ISOCITRATE DEHYDROGENASE KINASE/PHOSPHATASE

In Escherichia coli, the homodimeric Krebs cycle enzyme isocitrate dehydrogenase (EcIDH) is regulated by reversible phosphorylation of a sequestered active site serine. The phosphorylation cycle is catalyzed by a bifunctional protein, IDH kinase/phosphatase (IDH-K/P). To better understand the nature of the interaction between EcIDH and IDH-K/P, we have examined the ability of an IDH homologue from Bacillus subtilis (BsIDH) to serve as a substrate for the kinase and phosphatase activities. BsIDH exhibits extensive sequence and structural similarities with EcIDH, particularly around the phosphorylated serine. Our previous crystallographic analysis revealed that the active site architecture of these two proteins is almost completely conserved. We now expand the comparison to include a number of biochemical properties. Both IDHs display nearly equivalent steady-state kinetic parameters for the dehydrogenase reaction. Both proteins are also phosphorylated by IDH-K/P in the same ratio (1 mole of phosphate per mole of monomer), and this stoichiometric phosphorylation correlates with an equivalent inhibition of IDH activity. Furthermore, tandem electrospray mass spectrometry demonstrates that BsIDH, like EcIDH, is phosphorylated on the corresponding active site serine residue (Ser-104). Despite the high degree of sequence, functional, and structural congruence between these two proteins, BsIDH is surprisingly a much poorer substrate of IDH-K/P than is EcIDH, with Michaelis constants for the kinase and phosphatase activities elevated by 60- and 3,450-fold, respectively. These drastically disparate values might result from restricted access to the active site cavity and/or from the lack of a potential docking site for IDH-K/P.
Double impact: What sibling data can tell us about the long‐term negative effects of parental divorce

Most prior research on the adverse consequences of parental divorce has analyzed only one child per family. As a result, it is not known whether the same divorce affects siblings differently. We address this issue by analyzing paired sibling data from the 1994 General Social Survey (GSS) and 1994 Survey of American Families (SAF). Both seemingly unrelated regressions and random effects models are used to study the effect of family background on offspring's educational attainment and marital stability. Parental divorce adversely affects the educational attainment and the probability of divorce of both children within a sibship; in other words, siblings tend to experience the same divorce the same way. However, family structure of origin only accounts for a trivial portion of the shared variance in offspring's educational attainment and marital stability, so parental divorce is only one of many factors determining how offspring fare. These findings were unchanged when controlling for a number of differences both between and within sibships. Also, the negative effects of parental divorce largely do not vary according to respondent characteristics.
Comparison of the amounts of key components in the bioluminescence systems of various coelenterates

Abstract 1. 1. The contents of luciferase, photoprotein, coelenterazine and its enol-sulfate in five species of bioluminescent coelenterates were assayed and compared. 2. 2. Hydrozoans Aequorea and Halistaura contained photoprotein plus very small amounts of coelenterazine enol-sulfate and luciferase activity, but no free coelenterazine. 3. 3. The anthozoans Ptilosarcus, Cavernularia and Renilla contained luciferase and coelenterazine as well as its enol-sulfate, but very little or no photoprotein. Most of the coelenterazine existed in a stabilized form bound to a Ca-binding protein.
Carbon cycle of terrestrial ecosystems of the former Soviet Union

Abstract Two to three percent of the organic matter accumulating annually in the terrestrial ecosystems of the FSU (8.2 Pg C/yr) was sequestered in relatively long-term storage pools. The total C store of the FSU, estimated at 601.1 Pg C (with 84% allocated in SOM, 10% in phytomass and approximately 3% each in CWD and litter), was increasing by 0.03%/yr. The remaining C was returned to the atmosphere through natural processes (over 90%) and disturbances (5%). Terrestrial ecosystems of the FSU represented a sink for 0.181 Pg C/yr. This C sink was provided by forest ecosystems (0.375 Pg C/yr), while agro–ecosystems and peatlands represented a net source of C to the atmosphere (0.194 Pg C/yr). Implementation of a number of forest management practices to a full extent would result in an increase in the forest C pools by 0.5%/yr. Management options in the agricultural sector may increase the total SOM C pool by 0.1%/yr. With climate warming, FSU terrestrial ecosystems within the permafrost area may make a transition to become a source of 0.2–0.5 Pg C/yr, which may concurrently be balanced by forest migration to the north and an increase in plant productivity. In the future, FSU terrestrial ecosystems may still represent a sink for atmospheric C if there would be a substantial amount of young to maturing forest ecosystems and forest logging would not increase dramatically.
Real-time load impedance optimization for radar spectral mask compliance and power efficiency

This paper presents a fast optimization algorithm for power amplifiers in radar transmitters based upon a metric designed to assess spectral mask compliance. The search finds the load impedance maximizing the power-added efficiency (PAE) while providing compliance with the assigned spectral mask. Measurement results illustrate consistency in the chosen optimum values of efficiency, while spectral mask requirements are consistently met at the optimum load impedances chosen by the search. This algorithm will allow adaptive radar transmitter amplifiers to quickly adjust their load impedances to change frequency bands of operation, change spectral output properties based on nearby spectrum users, and meet dynamically varying spectral mask requirements.
SU‐EE‐A1‐04: Dual Focus Collimator Design Studies For Temporally Precise IMRT Delivery

Purpose: Increasing the temporal precision of IMRT delivery is hampered by current mechanical limitations. We are studying the feasibility of a novel system that would electronically modulate a radiation beam and deliver a time dependent IMRT beam by incorporating pencil beam scanning with a dual focus collimator. This design requires a sharply focused photon pencil beam (FWHM ∼ 1 cm at 100 cm SSD), comparable to beams achievable with current LINAC technology. Collimator specifics were investigated using Monte Carlo (MC) techniques to evaluate the capability of producing photon pencil beams. Method and Materials: The BEAMnrc code was used to develop a geometry incorporating a novel 200 hexagon channel tungstencollimator. Simulations were performed varying collimator thickness, size, and spacing of the channels. Dose in water phantoms was calculated at depth of 10 cm using DOSXYZ. Similar MLC generated pencil beams were measured at equivalent depth using Computed Radiography(CR). Script files were written in MATLAB® to calculate peak output, FWHM, and off‐axis dose/dmax ratios. Results: Pencil beam FWHM and output decreased with increasing collimator thickness (2 cm collimator: FWHM = 1.5 cm, 9 cm collimator: FWHM = 0.6 cm), keeping all other factors constant, and compared favorably to the MLC pencil beam FWHM of 0.9 cm. Off‐axis dose leakage ratios decreased 20% between 2 and 9 cm thickness. These ratios also decreased 20% with increasing hexagon spacing (0.25 – 0.75 mm). An 8‐cm collimated (0.5 mm channel spacing, 0.43 mm radius) pencil beam (FWHM = 1.1 cm) matched closely the MLC pencil beam. Conclusion: A dual focus collimator was designed using Monte Carlo modeling to produce photon pencil beams comparing favorably with current LINAC technology. Future work will focus on comparing theoretical isodose distributions to those of our clinical IMRT system. Conflict of Interest: Research sponsored in part by Varian.