cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Beam dynamics studies of four-gap low-beta superconducting resonators

The four-gap superconducting resonators which have been developed at Argonne for use in the low-beta positive ion-injector for ATLAS have potential applications for ions with velocities less than 0.007c and q/m less than 0.1. It was previously observed that at low velocities these structures can be focussing in both longitudinal and transverse phase spaces due to an inherent alternating-phase-focussing property. Studies are underway to determine the optimum combination of multi-gap structures and solenoids at low velocity and low q/m. We present the results of acceptance studies for the first three resonators at the front of the positive-ion injector linac, with and without the focussing solenoids. These studies include the effects of higher-order distortions in longitudinal and transverse phase spaces since minimising each aberrations is very important for most nuclear physics applications of such accelerators. >
Inbreeding, Incest, and the Incest Taboo: The State of Knowledge at the Turn of the Century

Inbreeding, Incest, and the Incest Taboo: The State of Knowledge at the Turn of the Century. Arthur P. Wolf and William H. Durham, eds. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 2004. 228 pp.
Bacterial degradation of ring-chlorinated acetophenones.

Two strains, Alcaligenes sp. strain ACA and Pseudomonas fluorescens ACB, isolated from acetophenone and 4′-hydroxyacetophenone enrichments, respectively, cometabolize a range of chlorinated acetophenones (CAs). A biological Baeyer-Villiger reaction converts the CA to chlorophenyl acetate. This is evident only in the presence of an esterase inhibitor, since the CA is normally rapidly hydrolyzed to a chlorophenol which has the same substitution pattern as the original ketone. The oxygenase that attacks the ketone uses NADPH in the incorporation of one atom of 18O2 and is strongly inhibited by phenols that bear an ortho or meta chlorine or bromine, but much less by cresols or phenol itself. A feedback phenomenon may thus account for the inability of strain ACA to grow on CAs, which also fail to induce the cells for their own metabolism.
You-Learn: computer-based method of teaching

An interactive computer-aided instruction system is described for teaching statics in civil engineering. The system, called You-Learn, consists of a set of software packages whose essential features are: presentations of the same subject from different perspectives allowing the student to choose the approach he or she understands the best; and interactive example problems requiring a student's participation and thus allowing the learner to use the just-obtained knowledge and check his or her subject comprehension. The variety of interactive example problems gives the learner an opportunity to continue studies while being exposed to as many different types of problems as he or she considers sufficient for the topic comprehension. The menu-driven system allows the student to judge topic mastery by a problem-solving-oriented computer-graded test with new problems each time it is taken. Students can improve their grades by retaking the test (an incentive for students to study the subject again and again). This system also allows online communication among the courseware authors, teaching faculty, and students, combined with an easy-to-change courseware structure to allow for a perpetual courseware improvement. >
Innovative Education for Diverse Students in a Changing Era: One U.S. Urban School's Alternative Teaching and Learning

Normal 0 false false false EN-US KO X-NONE This critical ethnographic case study describes and interprets how an urban K-8 charter school in the United States with a large number of students of color from low-income communities offers education that recognizes students’ minority status in the broader society and envisions students as agents working toward a just society. The analyses show that the school’s progressive teaching of diversity has a positive impact on minority students’ identification with their heritages and their academic achievements. This study advances a critical understanding of creating equitable education at the school level.
Formant-based feature extraction for emotion classification from speech

In a previous study, a robust formant-tracking algorithm was introduced to model formant and spectral properties of speech. The algorithm utilizes Gaussian mixtures to estimate spectral parameters, and refines the estimates by using a maximum a posteriori adaptation (MAP) algorithm. In this paper, the formant-tracking algorithm was used to extract the formant-based features for emotion classification. The classification results were compared to a linear predictive coding (LPC) based algorithm for evaluation. On average, the formant features extracted using the algorithm improved the unweighted accuracy by 2.1 percentage points when compared to a LPC-based algorithm. The combination of formant features and other acoustic features statistically significantly improved the unweighted accuracy by 2.7 percentage points, whereas the LPC-based features barely improved it by 1 percentage point. The results clearly indicate that an improved formant-tracking method improved emotion classification accuracy. The effect of formant-based features in emotion classification is also discussed.
Solid-state structures of sym -dibenzo-16-crown-5 and its derivatives

Solid-state structures of sym-dibenzo-16-crown-5 (1) and five derivatives with one or two substituents on the three-carbon bridge have been determined. The derivatives with three sp3-hybridized carbons include sym-(propyl)dibenzo-16-crown-5 (4), sym-(pentafluorophenoxy)-dibenzo-16-crown-5 (5), and sym-[di(methoxymethyl)]dibenzo-16-crown-5 (6). Structures of two derivatives with sp2-hybridization of the central carbon (7 and 8) were also determined. Twisting of the three-carbon bridge causes one of the terminal methylene groups to be oriented within the polyether cavity.
Hot on the trail of TRALI

Comment on Khan et al, page [2455][1] Khan and colleagues show that platelet-derived sCD40L accumulates in stored blood, primes neutrophils, and is associated with TRALI. Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is an acute lung injury unrelated to circulatory overload occurring within 6
The Impact of Structural Genomics on the Protein Data Bank

The advent of structural genomics presents new challenges to the archive of biomacromolecular structures — the Protein Data Bank (PDB). As technologies involved in structure determination have advanced, both the number and size of structures available in the PDB have increased rapidly. The structural genomics initiatives are creating a large amount of data that needs to be tracked, archived, and made easily available. The PDB has developed tools to facilitate the rapid deposition of data produced by the structural genomics initiatives and has created databases to track the progress of the work.
Texts used most widely in preparation for group counseling

Abstract This article reviews and discusses the three authors whose written works are most used in programs for the preparation of group counselors. The authors are Gerald Corey, George Gazda, and Irvin Yalom.
Combining proteasome with cell cycle inhibitors: a dual attack potentially applicable to multiple hematopoietic malignancies

Standard chemotherapy regimens are curative in only a subset of hematological malignancies, such as childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia and certain subgroups of Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Moreover, the molecular targets of many cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents, despite intensive investigation, remain uncertain. Because of a narrow therapeutic index for cytotoxic agents, most regimens combine different classes of agents with non-overlapping toxicities. Nevertheless, significant toxicities are observed.
Direct measurement of the charm structure of the nucleon in direct photon experiments

Abstract We show that the charm quark distribution function of the proton can be directly measured in p p collisions by counting events containing a high pT photon and a high pT muon.
Bone morphogenetic protein-7 regulates differentially the mRNA expression of bone morphogenetic proteins and their receptors in rat achilles and patellar tendon cell cultures

Previous animal studies have suggested that certain bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) may be useful therapeutically in treating tendon healing. To better understand the relationship among the different BMPs in the healing process, we initiated the present study to examine the effects of a member of the BMP family, BMP-7 (also called Osteogenic Protein-1) on the temporal and spatial expression patterns of other BMPs and the BMP receptors in cell cultures of adult rat Achilles and Patellar tendons. Cultures from both tendon types expressed detectable but variable levels of biochemical markers characteristics of tendons. RNAs coding for type II collagen and transcription factors Six1, Scleraxis, and Tendin were detected in both types of cultures. Distinct patterns of expression of several BMP members and their receptors were observed in these cultured cells and BMP-7 exerted differential effects on their expression. The findings may have implications in the treatment of different tendon injuries with BMPs.
Evidence for GABA involvement in the peripheral control of blood pressure and vascular resistance

Abstract Intravenous administration of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) caused a dose-related (10–1000 βg/kg) hypotension and bradycardia in enflurane (Ethrane) anesthetized dogs. GABA also caused significant decreases in cardiac output, carotid artery blood flow, and in left and right ventricular stroke work indices. Pulmonary arterial and pulmonary wedge pressures were not affected. However, pulmonary vascular resistance was significantly increased after high doses of GABA. Muscimol (20 βg/kg, IV) produced effects similar to those caused by GABA. Blockade of GABA receptors with picrotoxin (1.5 mg/kg, IV) antagonized all effects of GABA and muscimol. Picrotoxin itself, as opposed to GABA, caused significant increases in mean arterial pressure, pulmonary arterial pressure, systemic vascular resistance, and pulmonary vascular resistance. Thus, it is suggested that blood-borne GABA or peripheral GABA-containing neurons may play a role in the control of blood pressure and other cardiopulmonary variables.
Multicomponent CO2/Water/Hydrocarbon Phase Behavior Modeling: A Comparative Study

Phase behavior predictions of the Peng-Robinson (PR) equation and the Kleintjens-Koningsveld (KK) equation, a lattice-gas model, are compared for pure CO/sub 2/, water, methane, n-butane, n-octane, n-decane, and several binary and ternary mixtures of these components. The KK equation is more accurate than the PR equation for predicting the saturated liquid densities of pure fluids. The two equations are comparable in predictions of binary pressure/composition phase diagrams and ternary-composition phase diagrams. Thus for these properties, the PR equation is preferred because it is a simpler equation, has fewer adjustable parameters, and has parameters available for more systems than the KK equation.
Building Teen Power for Sexual Health

Alarming numbers of teens engage in behaviors that place them at risk for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including AIDS. Intervention studies targeted toward reducing risky sexual behavior and improving school retention and literature about variables that affect risky sexual behavior and school performance were reviewed to develop the Social-Cognitive Model for Sexual Behavior During Adolescence. Interventions that target change in the family and school environments in addition to building the personal capacities of each teen have the potential to be effective. Many environmental factors cannot be altered, but the intervention can help reframe the situation and provide the knowledge, specific skills, role models, and rehearsal that promote change. The 13-week school-based intervention assists students identify how personal strengths and family, school, and neighborhood environmental factors can reinforce health behaviors and choices.
Predicting microbial protein synthesis in beef cattle: relationship to intakes of total digestible nutrients and crude protein.

Prediction of microbial CP (MCP) synthesis in the rumen is an integral part of the MP system. For the NRC beef model, MCP is calculated as 0.13 multiplied by TDN intake (TDNI), with adjustment for physically effective NDF (peNDF) concentrations less than 20%. Despite its application for nearly 2 decades, MCP predictions using this approach have not been extensively evaluated. We assembled a database of 285 treatment means from 66 published papers using beef cattle and dairy or dairy × beef crossbred steers, fed diets with a wide range of TDN, CP, and ether extract (EE) concentrations, in which MCP synthesis was measured. Fat-free TDN (FFTDN) concentration was calculated by subtracting 2.25 × percent EE from the TDN concentration. Based on initial model selection procedures indicating that DMI and concentrations of TDN, FFTDN, and CP were significantly (P 0.96) and MCP synthesis (r(2) > 0.89). Models with FFTDNI were slightly more precise with slightly smaller prediction errors than those with TDNI. Randomly dividing the citations into Development (60%) and Evaluation (40%) data sets indicated that models such as those derived from the overall database accounted for 46 to 56% of the variation in MCP synthesis, with neither mean nor linear bias (P ≥ 0.26). In contrast, calculating MCP as 0.13 × TDNI, with or without adjustment for peNDF concentration, resulted in overprediction of MCP (P < 0.001 for both mean and linear bias). Cross-validation using 5,000 randomly drawn training and testing data sets yielded results similar to the Development/Evaluation approach. Recommended equations are provided, but the errors of prediction associated with these empirical regression equations were on the order of 25 to 30% of the mean MCP.
Ascent of Finite Cohen–Macaulay Type

In 1987 F.-O. Schreyer conjectured that a local ring R has finite Cohen–Macaulay type if and only if the completion R has finite Cohen–Macaulay type. We prove the conjecture for excellent Cohen–Macaulay local rings and also show by example that it can fail in general.
Isolation of histone genes from unfractionated sea urchin DNA by subculture cloning in E. coli

Histone genes have been cloned selectively in Escherichia coli directly from unfractionated sea urchin DNA using labelled mRNA probe. The cloning method used is potentially applicable for isolating any genetic sequence for which a probe is available. The several eukaryotic gene fragments introduced into bacteria by this method collectively contain all or nearly all of the DNA sequences represented in histone mRNA.
Subcutaneous Buffered Lidocaine for Intravenous Cannulation: Is There a Role in Emergency Medicine?

. Objective: To prospectively evaluate whether subcutaneous buffered lidocaine (SQBL) significantly reduces the pain or adversely affects the success rate of IV cannulation (IVC) in adult ED patients. Methods: A convenience sample of patients a 18 years old requiring IVC in a regional military ED were prospectively randomized to receive SQBL, SQ normal saline with 0.9% benzyl alcohol (SQNS), or no pretreatment (NPTx), prior to IVC with an 18-gauge angiocatheter. SQ infiltration was accomplished using a 27-gauge insulin syringe. Investigators and patients were blinded to SQBL and SQNS in the pretreatment groups. The number of attempts at IVC was recorded for each patient. A 100-mm visual analog pain scale (VAPS) was used to record pain scores for both SQ infiltration and IVC. Comparisons of the mean numbers of attempts to achieve IVC and of the VAPS scores were accomplished by analysis of variance followed by Duncan's multiple range test if significance was found. Results: A total of 103 patients (SQBL-34, SQNS-30, and NPTx-39) were enrolled between November 15, 1996, and June 13, 1997. There were no significant differences among the groups in either the mean number of attempts (SQBL = 1.35, 95% CI ± 0.260; SQNS = 1.13, 95% CI ± 0.124; and NPTx = 1.28, 95% CI ± 0.203) (p = 0.367) or the success rate on the first attempt (SQBL = 79.4%, SQNS = 86.7%, NPTx = 79.5%) (p = 0.533). The median VAPS score of rVC without pretreatment (21 mm, 95% CI ± 7.97) was greater than that for SQBL infiltration alone (10 mm, 95% CI ± 9.11), SQNS infiltration alone (9 mm, 95% CI ± 7.37), and IVC after SQBL (6 mm, 95% CI ± 9.18) (p < 0.009 for each group). SQNS infiltration had no significant effect on the VAPS score of subsequent rVC (20 mm, 95% CI ± 10.5) compared with IVC without pretreatment (21 mm). Conclusions: SQBL significantly reduced the pain, while not adversely affecting the success rate, of IVC in adult patients in the ED.
Sound attenuation in two-dimensional ducts with anisotropic liners

An analysis is presented of the transmission and attenuation of waves propagating in a two-dimensional duct carrying a uniform mean flow and treated by an acoustic liner consisting of an anisotropic porous material backed by a cellular honeycomb core. The results show that for a given porous material the attenuation is strongly dependent on the orientation of the material fibers. The influence of the fiber orientation is very sensitive to both the sound frequency and the material axial resistivity. The convective effects of the mean flow—a shift in the tuning frequency and a decrease in attenuation with increasing Mach number—demonstrated previously for point-reacting liners do not occur, in general, for anisotropic bulk-reacting liners.
Modelling pencil-beam divergence with the electron pencil-beam redefinition algorithm

The electron pencil-beam redefinition algorithm (PBRA), which is used to calculate electron beam dose distributions, assumes that the virtual source of each pencil beam is identical to that of the broad beam incident on the patient. In the present work, a virtual source specific for each pencil beam is modelled by including the source distance as a pencil-beam parameter to be redefined with depth. To incorporate a variable pencil-beam source distance parameter, the transport equation was reformulated to explicitly model divergence resulting in the algorithm divPBRA. Allowing the virtual source position to vary with individual pencil beams is expected to better model the effects of heterogeneities on local electron fluence divergence (or convergence). Selected experiments from a measured data set developed at The University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center were used to evaluate the accuracy of the dose calculated using divPBRA. Results of the calculation showed that the theory accurately predicted the virtual source position in regions of side-scatter equilibrium and predicted reasonable virtual source positions in regions lacking side-scatter equilibrium (i.e. penumbra and in the vicinity and shadow of internal heterogeneities). Results of the evaluation showed the dose accuracy of divPBRA to be marginally better to that of PBRA, except in regions of extremely sharp dose perturbations, where the divPBRA calculations were significantly greater than the measured data. Dose calculations using divPBRA took 45% longer than those using PBRA. Therefore, we concluded that divPBRA offers no significant advantage over PBRA for the purposes of clinical treatment planning. However, the results were promising and divPBRA might prove useful if further modelling were to include large-angle scattering, low-energy delta rays and brehmsstrahlung.
Endophage-ectophage ratios and plant defense

Endophagous folivores, which are concealed inside leaf tissue for much of their life cycle, or which live externally but feed internally, should be more successful on heavily defended plants than ectophagous species. This is because endophages are more facile at feeding selectively and can manipulate tissue development to avoid physical and chemical defenses and to enhance nutrition. As a result, endophage-ectophage ratios should increase on more heavily defended hosts. This pattern will likely be strengthened by negative asymmetrical interactions with ectophages and pathogens, which may displace endophages from lightly defended hosts. The hypothesis predicts that endophages should be particularly abundant in resource-poor habitats which seem to support a preponderance of heavily defended hosts. Although data do not yet exist for a rigorous test, several observed cases where endophage distributions seem biased toward heavily defended hosts are at least consistent with the hypothesis. Plant defense levels may have little influence on the total number of herbivores associated with a host, but I suggest that guild structure can be profoundly altered.
Adaptive and intellectual functioning in autistic and nonautistic retarded children

This study examined the relationship between adaptive functioning on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale (VABS) and intellectual functioning on the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, 4th edition (SB-IV) in autistic children and nonautistic retarded children of comparable CA and SB-IV composite score (IQ). The autistic group had lower scores than the retarded group in VABS adaptive composite, Socialization domain, and Communication domain, and SB-IV Verbal Reasoning area. VABS domain scores yielded higher classification rates than the SB-IV area scores in discriminating the two groups. Correlations between the two measures were much higher for the autistic group than for the retarded group. Results support the conclusion that the cognitive impairment in autism is reflected in greater impairment in adaptive behaviors than in mental retardation without autism.
Impact of payments for carbon sequestered in wood products and avoided carbon emissions on the profitability of NIPF landowners in the US South

Abstract This study determines economic impact of payments for carbon sequestered in wood products and avoided carbon emissions due to use of forest biomass for electricity generation instead of fossil fuels on the profitability of non-industrial private forest (NIPF) landowners in the US South. Penalties for carbon emitted at the time of undertaking various silvicultural activities and exponential decay of wood products were also considered. We used life-cycle assessment to evaluate carbon emissions from various silvicultural activities. We modified the traditional Faustmann forest rotation model to incorporate identified carbon payments and penalties. Slash pine ( Pinus elliottii ) was selected as a representative species. We found that the overall global warming impact (GWI) for managing a hectare of intensively managed slash pine plantation was 6539 kg carbon dioxide equivalent. The maximum land expectation value (LEV) for the scenario when all carbon payments and penalties along with payments for timber products were considered was $1299/ha using a 20 year rotation age. This value is about 71% higher than the LEV when only payments for timber products were taken into account ($760/ha using a 21 year rotation age). Our results clearly indicate that emerging carbon markets could greatly benefit southern NIPF landowners.
Microgravimetric analysis of nerve edema.

A technique for microgravimetric analysis of nerve edema was used to demonstrate increased water content in hexachlorophene neuropathy. The method was modified from one used previously to quantify brain edema by using density gradient columns prepared with two nonaqueous fluids of high and low specific gravity. This method revealed a wide separation between hexachlorophene-treated and control nerves, Gradient position was then related to specific gravity, which averaged 1.03426 in hexachlorophene-treated nerves versus 1.04921 for control nerves. This, in turn, was correlated with the percentage of water in the tissue. Water content of hexachlorophene-intoxicated nerves was approximately 10% greater than control nerves. A major advantage of this technique is its sensitivity in detecting edema in small tissue samples.
Monolithic 2-20 GHz GaAs travelling-wave amplifier

A two-stage monolithic GaAs travelling-wave amplifier operating in the 2-20 GHz frequency range with 12 dB flat gain is reported.
Primary alimentary lymphoma with metastasis to the liver causing encephalopathy in a horse.

A 23-year-old, 467-kg Palomino mare was examined for evaluation of sudden onset severe ataxia and depression. The mare had been found down in a pasture and was unable to rise. She was observed, by her owner, to be normal 24 hours earlier. This mare had resided with this owner for approximately 1.5 years, had always lived out on pasture, and had experienced numerous episodes of colic since the time she was purchased. Recent reported feed changes included introduction of new hay. Upon arrival at the hospital, the mare was severely ataxic in all 4 limbs and extremely disoriented. She head-pressed several times during the course of the evaluation and yawned repeatedly. The mare was tachycardic, with a heart rate of 98 beats per minute, and tachypneic, with a respiratory rate of 60 breaths per minute, and the mucous membranes were hyperemic and purple, with a capillary refill time of greater than 3 seconds. The mare was blind bilaterally, as indicated by absence of both menace and pupillary light responses. She had bilateral facial nerve paralysis and decreased hypoglossal nerve function. She was able to prehend, but was dysphagic with decreased tongue tone and movement. Analysis of the venous blood revealed metabolic acidosis and respiratory alkalosis with a normal pH of 7.38 (reference range 7.32–7.44), HCO3 of 13 mEq/L (reference range 25–30 mEq/L), PCO2 of 21.2 mmHg (reference range 36–46 mmHg), and BE of -12 mEq/L (reference range -1-1 mEq/L).a It also revealed a low blood urea nitrogen concentration of 8 mg/dL (reference range 11–27 mg/dL) and a high blood glucose concentration of 263 mg/dL (reference range 63–134 mg/dL).a Both packed cell volume and total solids were high at 52% (reference range 32–53%), and 8 g/dL (reference range 5.8–7.7 g/dL), respectively. The blood ammonia concentration was 120 μmol/L (reference range 18–78 μmol/L)b.
Nonlinear two‐stream instabilities as an explanation for auroral bipolar wave structures

The evolution of two counter-streaming electron beams is shown by means of 2-D kinetic simulations to lead to electron distributions and coherent localized bipolar plasma wave structures with features similar to those measured by the FAST satellite in the auroral ionosphere. Electrostatic whistler waves are generated at later times when the bipolar structures begin to lose coherence and break up in the dimension transverse to the geomagnetic field.
Guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate: a central nervous system regulator of analgesia

The dibutyryl derivative of guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cyclic GMP), administered centrally, totally abolishes response to noxious stimuli without depressing the central nervous system. Analgesic properties of the nucleotide are not reversed by naloxone. Microinjected intracerebrally into different sites, dibutyryl cyclic GMP does not mimic the action of morphine. Pharmacological effects of dibutyryl cyclic GMP suggest that endogenous cyclic GMP modulates an inhibitory pain pathway distinct from that on which morphine acts.
Development of an experimental system for the study of urethral biomechanical function

Despite its principal mechanical function in the storage and release of urine, the biomechanical properties of the urethra have remained largely unexplored. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate an experimental model that can be used for evaluating whole urethral tissue in such a manner. Bladder-urethral specimens were excised from halothane-anesthetized female rats and mounted at in vivo length within the experimental apparatus consisting of a tissue perfusion chamber, an adjustable fluid column, and a laser micrometer. Outer diameter measurements were made at proximal, mid, and distal axial locations in response to increases in intraluminal pressure and after addition of various muscle-responsive agents. Basal smooth muscle tone and regional variations in compliance were detected through pressure-diameter responses. Chemically evoked contractile responses were measured and correspond to regional compositions of intrinsic smooth and striated muscle components. The results presented illustrate the utility of this system, which should permit a more thorough characterization of structure-function relationships and urethral biomechanical function in relation to normal and dysfunctional tissue states.
Allogeneic transfusion after predonation of blood for elective spine surgery.

The literature suggests preoperative autologous blood donation in total joint arthroplasty is associated with increased overall transfusion rates compared with nondonation and is not cost-effective for all patients. We asked whether the amount of intraoperative blood loss and blood replacement differs between autologous donors and nondonors in elective spine surgery and whether the rates of allogeneic blood transfusions differ between the two groups; we then determined the cost of wasted predonated units. We retrospectively reviewed 676 patients who underwent elective lumbar spine surgery and compared relevant data to that in a matched cohort of 51 patients who predonated blood and 51 patients who received only cell-saver blood and underwent instrumented spinal fusion. Patients who predonated blood had similar blood loss as patients who did not predonate, but they had more blood replacement (1391 cc compared with 410 cc). Patients who predonated blood also had a lower preoperative hemoglobin level and wasted a half unit of blood on average. There was no major difference in allogeneic blood transfusion rates between the two groups. Our data suggest for short, instrumented lumbar fusion surgeries in patients with a normal coagulation profile, preoperative blood donation is not beneficial.
Prenatal diagnosis of hemoglobin opathies and other hematologic diseases

P R E N A T A L D I A G N O S I S of hemoglobinopathies and selected other hematologic diseases is now possible due to recent developments in molecular biology and biochemistry, combined with techniques for obtaining samples of fetal amniotic fibroblasts or fetal blood. Most of the groundwork and most of the cases have involved the hemoglobinopathies (fl- and a-thalassemia and sickle cell disorders), but the methods and approaches will have more general application. This review is focused on the hemoglobin disorders, but other blood diseases are discussed briefly. BACKGROUND Detection of hemoglobinopathies is predicated on an understanding of the molecular aspects of hemoglobin production, which are outlined in Fig. 1. Globin genes in DNA are transcribed into heterogeneous high molecular weight RNA, which is further processed to produce small.
Engaging or withdrawing, winning or losing? The contradictions of counterinsurgency policy in Afghanistan and Iraq

Abstract In the late summer and autumn of 2003, facing increasingly violent opposition in both Afghanistan and Iraq, the USA implemented contrasting policies. In Afghanistan, it began to expand its footprint, creating Provincial Reconstruction Teams (prts) around the country. In Iraq, on the other hand, the US military withdrew from cities, garrisoning itself in armed camps. Despite the worsening situations in 2005 – 06, this paper argues that establishing prts in Afghanistan is a policy that should be repeated elsewhere, albeit with significantly more personnel deployed to a country. It is far more in line with counterinsurgency theory and US military doctrine, acting to win the support of the population. In Iraq, however, the more consolidated US bases helped to set the stage for the worsening situation and should not be allowed in future conflicts. Although they lessened the danger to US forces, they contradicted counterinsurgency policy and theory in other ways, creating vacuums of power into which gu...
Elevated Plasma Levels of Interleukin-6 in Postmenopausal Women Do Not Correlate with Bone Density

Elevated Plasma Levels of Interleukin-6 in Postmenopausal Women Do Not Correlate with Bone Density OBJECTIVE: To determine if plasma levels of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) across the lifespan correlate with bone density or plasma osteocalcin. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-five healthy community-dwelling volunteers aged 25–74 years. Exclusion criteria were smoking, use of medications known to affect bone metabolism (corticosteroids, heparin, thyroxine, thiazides, and anticonvulsants), and presence of chronic inflammatory disease. MEASUREMENTS: Bone density was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at the femoral neck and lumbar spine. Plasma levels of IL-6 and osteocalcin were determined by ELISA and RIA, respectively. RESULTS: Plasma levels of IL-6 increased with advancing age (P <.0001) and correlated with postmenopausal status (P < .0001). No correlation was observed between plasma IL-6 level and bone mineral density at either the lumbar spine or femoral neck, and none was observed with plasma osteocalcin. CONCLUSIONS: The elevation of plasma IL-6 observed following menopause is consistent with the proposed importance of estrogen in the regulation of IL-6. These findings do not provide support for a role of IL-6 in determination of peak bone density or subsequent development of osteoporosis. However, it is possible that plasma levels of IL-6 differ from those in the bone microenvironment. J Am Geriatr Soc 43: 236–239, 1995.
A fluid treemap interface for personal digital libraries

The UC system employs hybrid quantum/continuous treemaps for fluidly interacting with documents in a personal digital library. By incorporating a document reader application within the visualization workspace, UC supports multi-document reading tasks that have been traditionally accomplished by laying out documents on a physical desk. One of the overall goals of the system is to eliminate the boundary between acquiring and using documents.
Nietzsche's ‘Interpretation’ in the Genealogy

1I should like to thank the anonymous referee of the British Journal for the History of Philosophy, Christopher Raymond, Brian Leiter, Bradford Cokelet and Steven Skultety for providing me with ver...
Helium, heat, and the generation of hydrothermal event plumes at mid-ocean ridges

Hydrothermal event plumes are unique water-column features observed over mid-ocean ridges, presumably generated by the sudden release of large volumes of hot, buoyant fluid. Although the specifics of event plume generation are unknown, event plumes have been attributed to the rapid emptying of a hydrothermal reservoir or to rapid heat extraction from a recently emplaced dike or seafloor lava flows. The chemical and thermal signatures of event plumes as compared to the underlying steady-state plumes offer important clues to the generation of event plumes. Event plumes have low 3He/heat ratios of ∼0.4 × 10−17 mol J−1, similar to vent fluids from mature hydrothermal systems. In contrast, the steady-state plumes found beneath the event plumes have elevated and variable 3He/heat ratios of 2 to 5 × 10−17 mol J−1. Fluids collected directly over fresh lava flows have even higher 3He/heat ratios of 2 to 8 × 10−17 mol J−1, up to 30 times the event plume values. These disparate 3He/heat ratios place strong constraints on models of event plume generation, especially models which rely on heat extraction from seafloor eruptions. Published by Elsevier Science B.V.
Measurement of the probability distribution of thermally excited fluxoid quantum transitions in a superconducting ring closed by a Josephson junction

The thermally induced distribution of transitions between fluxoid quantum states of a superconducting ring closed by a Josephson junction has been measured. The observed dependence of its width $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ on temperature, ring inductance, and weak-link critical current, as well as its shape, confirms the recent theoretical results of Kurkij\"arvi, $\ensuremath{\sigma}\ensuremath{\propto}L{({i}_{c})}^{\frac{1}{3}}{T}^{\frac{2}{3}}$.
Humorous stimuli and depression: An examination of Beck's premise

Investigated the premise that an ancillary characteristic of depression is a diminished humor response (N = 40). A 2 X 2 X 2 (High-Low Beck Depression Inventory Scores X Aggressive-Non-aggressive Cartoon X Self-Other Humor Target) design was used. Results indicated that there were no differences between those with higher and lower scores on the Beck in ratings of the cartoons in terms of enjoyment, funniness, or laughter. Additional analyses that used the Multiple Affect Adjective Checklist revealed relationships between the affects of anxiety, hostility, and depression, and cartoon type and target. The results raise questions, too, as to the relationship of responses to humorous stimuli and depression.
Supramolecular Materials with Electroactive Chemical Functions

A diblock coil with diphenylaminophenyl side chains, oligoethylene oxide segments, and a rigid molecular pentamer of phenylene vinylene are present in the molecule studied here (see formula). When films of this material were investigated, the material was found to organize into nanostructures 12 nm in dimension.
Status or Recommendation: Selecting the Type of Information for Decision Aiding

Decision aiding systems are becoming an important part of command and control. Selecting the best type of decision aiding information remains an important design decision. The research reported in this paper assesses the is to determine if a decision aid in an aircraft identification task should provide a recommendation for action or status information about the identity of the aircraft. Thirty-two subjects were equally divided into four groups: a control group where no decision aiding information was provided; a group who received only status information; a third group who received only recommendation information; and a fourth group who received both status and recommendation information. Results indicated that, in general, providing decision aiding information reduced the time required to identify the aircraft. Differences among the three types of decision aiding information occurred under those conditions when the decision aid was incorrect. When the decision aid provided inaccurate information, the gr...
Standard potential of the reaction: , and and the standard acidity constant of the ion HSO4− in synthetic sea water from 273.15 to 318.15 K

Abstract The standard potential of the reaction: AgCl(s) + 1 2 H 2 (g) = Ag(s) + HCl(aq) , has been measured in synthetic sea water in a galvanic cell from 273.15 to 318.15 K, and at five ionic strengths corresponding to salinities from 5 to 45. Measurements were made at various hydrochloric-acid molalities, and the results extrapolated to a pure ionic medium. These results allow the cell to be used to measure accurate values for acidity constants in sea water. The results have also been interpreted to provide values for the acidity constant of the ion HSO4− in sea water.
Diterpenes from a Soft Coral, Minabea SP., from Truk Lagoon

Ten new diterpenoids, minabeins-1 to −10, possessing the known briarein skeleton have been isolated from a soft coral, Minabea sp., collected from Truk Lagoon, Eastern Caroline Islands. This is the first report of the occurrence of this class of compounds in soft corals. An analysis of the distribution of cembranoids and various cyclized cembranoids among three orders of octorcorals (soft corals, gorgonians, and sea pens) is presented. Structures and relative stereochemistry of the minabeins was determined by extensive 1H and 13C NMR spectral analysis.
Neuroendocrine regulation of GnRH release in induced ovulators.

GnRH is the key neuropeptide controlling reproductive function in all vertebrate species. Two different neuroendocrine mechanisms have evolved among female mammals to regulate the mediobasal hypothalamic (MBH) release of GnRH leading to the preovulatory secretion of LH by the anterior pituitary gland. In females of spontaneously ovulating species, including rats, mice, guinea pigs, sheep, monkeys, and women, ovarian steroids secreted by maturing ovarian follicles induce a pulsatile pattern of GnRH release in the median eminence that, in turn, stimulates a preovulatory LH surge. In females of induced ovulating species, including rabbits, ferrets, cats, and camels, the preovulatory release of GnRH, and the resultant preovulatory LH surge, is induced by the receipt of genital somatosensory stimuli during mating. Induced ovulators generally do not show "spontaneous" steroid-induced LH surges during their reproductive cycles, suggesting that the positive feedback actions of steroid hormones on GnRH release are reduced or absent in these species. By contrast, mating-induced preovulatory surges occasionally occur in some spontaneously ovulating species. Most research in the field of GnRH neurobiology has been performed using spontaneous ovulators including rat, guinea pig, sheep, and rhesus monkey. This review summarizes the literature concerning the neuroendocrine mechanisms controlling GnRH biosynthesis and release in females of several induced ovulating species, and whenever possible it contrasts the results with those obtained for spontaneously ovulating species. It also considers the adaptive, evolutionary benefits and disadvantages of each type of ovulatory control mechanism. In females of induced ovulating species estradiol acts in the brain to induce aspects of proceptive and receptive sexual behavior. The primary mechanism involved in the preovulatory release of GnRH among induced ovulators involves the activation of midbrain and brainstem noradrenergic neurons in response to genital-somatosensory signals generated by receipt of an intromission from a male during mating. These noradrenergic neurons project to the MBH and, when activated, promote the release of GnRH from nerve terminals in the median eminence. In contrast to spontaneous ovulators, there is little evidence that endogenous opioid peptides normally inhibit MBH GnRH release among induced ovulators. Instead, the neural signals that induce a preovulatory LH surge in these species seem to be primarily excitatory. A complete understanding of the neuroendocrine control of ovulation will only be achieved in the future by comparative studies of several animal model systems in which mating-induced as well as spontaneous, hormonally stimulated activation of GnRH neurons drives the preovulatory LH surge.
Late Wenlock (Middle Silurian) global Bioevent: Possible chemical cause for mass graptolite mortalities

Graptolites nearly became extinct in the latest Wenlock in all preserved stratigraphic sequences of this age. Graptolite mortalities occurred along the western coast of Laurentia and at sites that surrounded the Proto‐Tethys. Graptolite mass mortalities took place among deep‐water, open ocean dwelling organisms. After the mass mortalities, only the Pristiograptus dubius group and retiolids surface or near‐surface dwellers, survived. For a period of time, little speciation or diversification occurred. The base of the Ludlow is marked by diversification, with appearances of S. colonus, M. nilssoni and other groups which occur in near surface waters. None of the extensive plate movements postulated for the Silurian readily explain the mass extinctions that occurred. During the Silurian, global temperatures were warmer than present and atmospheric oxygen concentrations were lower, creating extensive oceanic anoxia. Below the oxygenated surface layers of the ocean, was an anoxic, non‐sulfidic zone (i.e. nitrat...
Body tides of a convecting, laterally heterogeneous, and aspherical Earth

[1] Precise knowledge of Earth's body tides is crucial for correcting geodetic positioning measurements, satellite gravity surveys, and superconducting gravimeters with nanogal precision. With this aim, body tides are generally computed assuming a radially (or elliptically) stratified Earth. However, seismic tomography surveys and fluid dynamic studies show that thermal convection within Earth's mantle produces significant lateral heterogeneity exemplified by superplumes, superswells, and subducting slabs. To determine the influence of this heterogeneity on body tides, we used a tomographic model to constrain lateral variations in mantle density and rigidity. This heterogeneity drives convective flow that deflects Earth's surface and core-mantle boundaries by a few kilometers; we used a viscous flow model to constrain this dynamically supported asphericity. After verifying this complete Earth model using geoid observations, we used the spectral element method to determine how Earth's body tides are perturbed compared to a spherical Earth. We find maximum radial perturbations of surface and geoid displacements of 0.3 and 0.1 mm, respectively, and tidal gravity variations of 150 nGal. The amplitude of tidal gravity perturbations depends strongly on location and is greatest above large mantle density anomalies: e.g., large dense slabs (South America, Indonesia, Marianas), hot spots (Hawaii, Iceland), and the East African Rift. Predicted gravity perturbations are 100 times larger than the present precision of superconducting gravimeters and are comparable in magnitude to the unexplained residue observed at some gravimeter stations after tidal corrections. While this residue has been attributed to unmodeled loading from ocean tides, body tide perturbations caused by convection-induced mantle heterogeneity may contribute to this observed residue.
Solid-State Voltammetric Determination of Gaseous Hydrogen Peroxide Using Nanostructured Silica as the Electrolyte

By a base-catalyzed sol-gel process, solids were prepared that extracted hydrogen peroxide from the gas phase and served as electrolytes for the voltammetric oxidation of HO2− in the absence of a contacting liquid phase. A combination of a 60-min preconcentration by solid-phase extraction into the pore water of the xerogel and differential pulse voltammetry provided a detection limit of 10.2 ppbv H2O2. The linear least squares calibration plot parameters over the range 96–5400 ppbv were: slope 58.5 nA(ppmv)−1; intercept −1.70 nA; and r 0.999. The sensitivity was increased by including Triton X-114 well-above its critical micelle concentration and 1.3 M MgCl2 in the sol. The former is known to provide domains that serve as templates for obtaining nanoporous silica, and the latter acts as an internal humidistat that controls the pore water of the resulting xerogel in the 50 % (by weight) range.
Use of a Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron-specific α-1-6, mannanase quantitative PCR to detect human faecal pollution in water

Aims: The aims of this work were to develop a quantitative test, based on Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, for human faecal pollution in water and to evaluate test performance. Methods and Results: qPCR primers, based on the complete genomic sequence of B. thetaiotaomicron VPI 5482, were designed and tested. The single-copy putative mannanase homologue, α-1-6 mannanase, was selected as the particular target and sequences within this gene chosen as the qPCR primers by Blast search for specificity to B. thetaiotaomicron. The average concentration of B. thetaiotaomicron in human faeces was 1·39 × 108 cells per gram faeces and the detection limit was 9·3 B. thetaiotaomicron copies per qPCR procedure. Comparison of B. thetaiotaomicron content in sewage vs pooled nonhuman faecal samples indicated that the current assay is specific for sewage. Conclusion: The subject assay is potentially useful for quantification of sewage pollution in water. Significance and Impact of the Study: Bacteroides-associated markers, proposed for faecal source tracking, have exclusively been based on gene sequences related to generally classified and uncultured bacteria. However, genes associated with host-microbe interaction have been suggested as more specific markers. The present assay targets such a gene of B. thetaiotaomicron which is considered to be a symbiont in the human gut.