cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mammalian cells are not synchronized in G1‐phase by starvation or inhibition: considerations of the fundamental concept of G1‐phase synchronization

Synchronization of mammalian cells by starvation-refeeding or by inhibi- tion-release are among the most commonly used techniques for division cycle analysis. An alternative analysis—in the form of a Gedanken or thought experi- ment—is presented, casting doubt on the utility of this synchronization method. Arresting cell growth produces a culture where all cells contain a G1 amount of DNA. However, these cells are not arrested at a particular point in the G1-phase. Analysis of 'G1 arrested cells' suggests that, upon resumption of growth, the cells are not synchronized. I wish to reanalyse the major experimental approach for the analysis of the mammalian cell cycle—the synchronization of mammalian cells in the G1-phase of the division cycle using starvation or inhibition techniques. This method is arguably the most prominent, most utilized, and most influential experimental approach for analysing the cell cycle. Although one could cite a large number of papers using the starvation/synchrony method, perhaps two examples may suffice. In one paper (Pellegata et al. 1996), the methods section states that 'Synchronized cell populations were obtained by release from confluence/serum deprivation- induced G0 arrest'. In another paper (Lindeman et al. 1997), 'cells were arrested in G0 by serum starvation for 72 h and then released into the cycle by refeeding with 10% serum for 24 h'. An enormous number of additional examples may be easily found throughout the literature. I will evaluate the block-and-release synchronization method by presenting a counter- example (or perhaps it should be called a counter-analysis) which leads to an alternative explanation of how cells resume growth after arrest. This analysis is presented in the form of a Gedanken or thought experiment. An idealized situation is presented in which it is shown that while cells may be starved such that one property is uniform in all cells (i.e. all cells may have the same DNA content), these cells are not necessarily synchronized.
The polar cusp

Abstract The polar cusp is a region in which the magnetosheath plasma has direct access to the ionosphere. It exists whether the interplanetary magnetic field is northward or southward. In a non-reconnecting magnetosphere the location of the cusp depends on the shape of the magnetopause but when the magnetosphere reconnects with either southward or northward interplanetary magnetic field the location of the cusp is altered. Since the polar cusp was discovered simultaneously at both low and high altitudes in 1971, its exploration has been mainly carried out at low altitudes. The launch of the POLAR spacecraft has allowed similar exploration of the high altitude polar cusp in the northern hemisphere. Where the high altitude properties of the cusp have direct counterparts at low altitudes, we find consistency between the measurements in the two regions. The invariant latitude of the cusp depends on the tilt angle of the cusp producing a significant north-south asymmetry at the solstices. The cusp moves equatorward when the IMF turns southward but also moves somewhat equatorward for increasingly northward IMF. As the IMF By component becomes more negative, the cusp moves to earlier local times in the northern hemisphere. This is consistent with a motion of the reconnection site away from the noon meridian when the IMF is not due southward. When it is positive, the northern cusp moves to later local times. When the solar wind dynamic pressure increases the polar cusp becomes wider in both local time and latitude. Surprisingly simple models such as the vacuum model of Tsyganenko predict the cusp location better than the more recent Tsyganenko 96 empirical model. MHD models appear to be quite successful in predicting the location of the cusp, its magnetic configuration and plasma properties.
UNCERTAINTY IN BINOMIAL FAILURES AND DEMANDS WITH APPLICATIONS TO RELIABILITY

In estimating a plant-specific binomial probability of failure on demand p in probabilistic risk assessment, the corresponding number of binomial demands n or the observed number of failures x (or both) may be uncertain. We present several methods which account for uncertainties in both x and n when using Bayesian methods to estimate p. A beta prior distribution on p is considered. While the methods formally require the use of numerical integration, approximations are provided to implement them in practice. Several numerical examples are used to illustrate the methods, including a real-data example involving commercial nuclear boiling water reactors.
Coupling the circuit equations to the non-linear time dependent field solution in inverter driven induction motors

The conventional way of analysing electric machinery has been to impose currents or current densities, to calculate from them the electromagnetic field and from that the self and mutual inductances of the windings. Circuit equations using these inductances would give correct values for the currents in the windings. In this paper, the field and circuit equations are coupled, giving a time dependent set of nonlinear equations, the solution of which gives the magnetic vector potential at every point in the cross section of the machine and the electric field intensity at the cross section of the conductors. The method is of particular interest when the harmonic content of the excitation is large, prohibiting the calculation of permeability of iron from only the fundamental.
Size distribution and properties of wheat starch granules in relation to crumb grain score of pup-loaf bread

ABSTRACT Twelve hard winter wheat flours with protein contents of 11.8–13.6% (14% mb) were selected to investigate starch properties associated with the crumb grain score of experimentally baked pup-loaf bread. The 12 flours were classified in four groups depending on the crumb grain scores, which ranged from 1 (questionable-unsatisfactory) to 4 (satisfactory). Flours in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 produced breads with pup-loaf volumes of 910–1,035, 1,000–1,005, 950–1,025, and 955–1,010 cm3, respectively. Starches were isolated by a dough handwashing method and purified by washing to give 75–79% combined yield (dry flour basis) of prime (62–71%) and tailing (7–16%) starches. The prime starch was fractionated further into large A-granules and small B-granules by repeated sedimentation in aqueous slurry. All starches were assayed for weight percentage of B-granules, swelling power (92.5°C), amylose content, and granular size distribution by quantitative digital image analysis. A positive linear correlation was fo...
The adrenal cortex and steroidogenesis as cellular and molecular targets for toxicity: critical omissions from regulatory endocrine disrupter screening strategies for human health?

Current testing strategies to assess the endocrine disrupting properties of chemicals have omitted examination of the adrenal gland and do not adequately cover the process of steroidogenesis. Steroidogenesis is critical for adrenocortical function as well as that of the testes and ovaries, and presents multiple molecular targets for toxicity, ranging from general effects on all steroidogenic tissues (e.g. via StAR protein or CYP11A1 cholesterol side-chain cleavage) through to specific targets affecting only adrenocortical function (e.g. CYP11beta/18 and glucocorticoid synthesis). Numerous chemicals of environmental relevance are now being shown to affect adrenocortical function both in vivo in aquatic species and in vitro in human cell lines, and given the vital role of the adrenal gland to human health and development, there is a strong case for including dedicated assessment techniques in screening batteries for endocrine-disrupting chemicals, not least to assist in general data interpretation (e.g. whether adrenal hypertrophy is due to stress or to a more sinister adrenocortical insufficiency). Cell lines such as H295R (derived from a human adrenocortical adenocarcinoma) currently exist that will allow assessment of cortisol production and most of the major enzymes and functional proteins in the steroidogenic pathway (e.g. StAR; CYP11A1/scc; CYP11beta/18; CYP17; CYP19; CYP21; 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase). Adequate assessment of adrenocortical function, as with any component of the integrated endocrine system, probably also will require the development of specific in vivo methodology to include effects on hypothalamo-pituitary function. Finally, although there is currently no direct evidence that environmental exposure to endocrine-disrupting (oestrogenic) chemicals has actually caused adverse human health effects, lessons have been learned on their potential from the diethylstilboestrol case. Similar evidence exists from aminoglutethimide and etomidate on the lethal impact of unpredicted chemically induced adrenal insufficiency in sensitive human subgroups, and it would seem prudent to incorporate relevant tests for adrenal function and steroidogenesis into current regulatory validation programmes.
Never the twain shall meet: Aging men and women in Bangladesh

The story of aging in Bangladesh may be quite different, depending on whether one is a woman or a man. There are rewards for the woman if she manages to become the head of the domestic realm of an extended family, but even this is brief, as she loses that role when her husband dies. The old man, however, does not relinquish his authority nor hand over the economic reins until his own death. Male and female roles cannot be said to converge in old age, let alone cross over, as described for a number of societies. Only in their roles as grandparents do males and females share similar behaviors.
Convex Optimization Approach to Observer-Based Stabilization of Uncertain Linear Systems

New sufficient linear matrix inequality conditions guaranteeing the stability of uncertain linear systems by means of dynamic output feedbacks are presented. It is shown that the search of an observer-based controller for this class of systems is fundamentally decomposed into two main problems: robust stability with a memoryless state feedback and observer design with measured uncertainties. Under the fulfilment of the developed linear matrix inequalities conditions, we show that the observer-based problem is solvable without any need for some equality constraints or iterative computational algorithms. Examples showing the potential of the results are presented. DOI: 10.1115/1.2363202
A novel characterization method to study multivariable joint mechanical impedance

This paper presents a novel method to characterize mechanical impedance of a human joint. We employed a non-parametric stochastic identification method and an interactive robot. This method allows us to determine several important properties including a) joint impedance in the direction of the joint principal axes, b) the spatial joint impedance structure, and c) the passivity properties of the joint. The method is applicable to studies of multivariable mechanical joint impedance, both for multi-joint impedance and single joint multi-DOF impedance. The method was successfully applied to the human ankle, and we showed that the determined ankle impedance precludes the utilization of a 2nd order model. In addition, the impedance structure exhibited a characteristic “peanut” shape, being weak in inversion-eversion, and the ankle has passive and dissipative behavior over wide range of frequency.
Thoracic outlet syndrome

Thoracic outlet syndrome / , Thoracic outlet syndrome / , کتابخانه دیجیتال جندی شاپور اهواز
Survey of pharmacist-managed inpatient anticoagulation services

Purpose. The scope of existing pharmacist-managed inpatient anticoagulation services and the roles and responsibilities of the pharmacists involved were studied. Methods. A general query regarding the provision of inpatient anticoagulation services was sent by e-mail to members of the American College of Clinical Pharmacists practice and research networks for cardiology, critical care, and general internal medicine. Those individuals whose institutions had such services were sent a written questionnaire and asked to describe the scope of the services provided. Data collected included a description of the type of service model and the management strategies for seven different antithrombotic agents: warfarin, unfractionated heparin, low-molecular-weight heparin, fondaparinux, argatroban, lepirudin, and bivalirudin. Survey results were entered into a database and sent to all participants for use as a resource. Results. Of the 33 respondents to the initial e-mail, 25 completed the written questionnaire. A variety of service models were used, most of which were developed and implemented within the past seven years. The majority of services (92%) were consultation based, many of which incorporated daily pharmacist rounds. Less than half of the services were under the supervision of a physician, and only four services involved a multidisciplinary team. In addition, the management of individual antithrombotic agents varied between services, including the automatic management of all patients receiving targeted agents, strict institution-specific protocols, and general guidelines. All but one service provided educational opportunities for students and residents. Conclusion. Inpatient anticoagulation services described by survey respondents varied in design, structure, and level of responsibility of pharmacists.
Detrimental effect of visible light on meiosis of mammalian eggs in vitro

Short wavelength visible light (less than 470-480 nm) emmitted from ordinary light sources is detrimental to unfertilized hamster eggs in that prolonged exposure to the light disturbs the completion of normal meiosis after the eggs are penetrated by spermatozoa. The fluorescent light commonly used in modern laboratories is more harmful than the light from incandescent lamps. In experiments involving the handling of eggs in vitro, minimal exposure to the light or the use of appropriate filters (e.g., red cellophane sheets) is recommended.
CMOS scaling beyond the 100-nm node with silicon-dioxide-based gate dielectrics

The limitations of reliability of silicon dioxide dielectric for future CMOS scaling are investigated. Several critical aspects are examined, and new experimental results are used to form an empirical approach to a theoretical framework upon which the data is interpreted. Experimental data over a wide range of oxide thickness (TOX), voltage, and temperature were gathered using structures with a wide range of gate-oxide areas, and over very long stress times. This work resolves seemingly contradictory observations regarding the temperature dependence of oxide breakdown. On the basis of these results, a unified, global picture of oxide breakdown is constructed, and the resulting model is applied to project reliability limits for the wear-out of silicon dioxide. It is concluded that silicon-dioxide-based materials can provide a reliable gate dielectric, even to a thickness of 1 nm, and that CMOS scaling may well be viable to the 50-nm-technology node using silicon-dioxide-based gate insulators.
Production, family, and free-time projects: a time-geographic perspective on the individual and societal change in nineteenth-century U.S. cities

Abstract Time-geography, with its path and project concepts, is very well suited for seeking insights regarding the interplay between individual behavior and experience, the workings of society, and societal change. In order to demonstrate this suitability the impacts of the emergence of the factory and large-scale shop mode of production in nineteenth-century U.S. cities are examined. Particular emphasis is placed on the timespace requirements of production projects, or activities, and their impact both on the functioning of the family and individual participation in “free-time” projects outside the home.
Relationship Between Water Activity and Freezing Point Depression of Food Systems

A simplified freezing point depression (FPD) equation was derived for calculating water activity (aw) of food systems. The aw values as calculated by FPD data agreed with literature data for a variety of foods to within ± 0.01 aw units. The FPD equation was found particularly useful for calculating aw values of frozen foods at temperatures between 273.1.5–233.15 °K (0 to −40°C).
Comparison of PVT and NaI(Tl) scintillators for vehicle portal monitor applications

The demand for radiation portal monitor (RPM) systems has increased, and their capabilities are being further scrutinized as they are being applied to the task of detecting nuclear weapons, special nuclear material, and radiation dispersal device materials that could appear at borders. The requirements and constraints on RPM systems deployed at high-volume border crossings are significantly different from those at weapons facilities or steel recycling plants, where RPMs have been historically employed. In this new homeland security application, RPM systems must rapidly detect localized sources of radiation with a very high detection probability and low false-alarm rate, while screening all of the traffic without impeding the flow of commerce. In light of this new Department of Homeland Security application, the capabilities of two popular gamma-ray-detector materials as applied to these needs are re-examined. Both experimental data and computer simulations, together with practical deployment experience, are used to assess currently available polyvinyltoluene and NaI(Tl) gamma-ray detectors for border applications.
Integration and access regulations in telecommunications

Abstract Competition in telecommunications is not only affected by the integration structure, but also by regulatory arrangements on access. We find that, under partial deregulation, where access is mandated but access rates are not regulated, the access charge and hence the price of long distance calls is lower when LECs are not integrated with IXCs than when they are integrated. However, under both complete deregulation and full regulation, competition in integration is more efficient than separation. Under all three regulation regimes, consumers are better off in integration than separation, while the firms are worse off. These results suggest that regulation on access should be formulated in conjunction with industrial or competition policy. They also indicate that a particular market structure may emerge endogenously under a given regulation regime.
A critical review of the current end-coining practices for container end closures

A finished two-piece drawn and ironed aluminum can is composed of a bottom, sidewall, neck, flange, and applied end. Each requires attention to detail and each has proponents for particular methods of manufacture. A recent program developed at Alcoa for lightweighting of cans in a cost-effective manner leads to the present research effort. This effort is aimed at increasing the fundamental understanding of end-coining processes and in developing a stronger and lighter can end.
Surface Chemistry and Characteristics Based Model for the Thermal Contact Resistance of Fluidic Interstitial Thermal Interface Materials

Microprocessor powers are increasing at a phenomenal rate, which requires very small thermal resistance between the die (chip) and the ambient, if the current economical methods of conduction and convection cooling are to be utilized. A typical thermal solution in flip chip technology utilizes two levels of thermal interface materials: between the die and the heat spreader, and between the heat spreader and the heat sink, Phase change materials and thermal greases are among the most prominent interstitial thermal interface materials (TIM) used in electronic packaging. These TIMs are typically polymeric matrix loaded with highly conducting filler particles. The dwindling thermal budget has neces-sitated a better understanding of the thermal resistance of each component of the thermal solution. Thermal conductivity of these particle-laden materials is better understood than their contact resistance. A careful review of the literature reveals the lack of analytical models for the prediction of contact resistance of these types of interstitial materials, which possess fluidic properties. This paper introduces an analytical model for the thermal contact resistance of these types of interstitial materials. This model is compared with the experimental data obtained on the contact resistance of these TIMs. The model, which depends on parameters such as, surface tension, contact angle, thermal conductivity, roughness and pressure matches very well with the experimental data at low pressures and is still within the error bars at higher pressures.
Influence of Race of Cadaveric Kidney Donor and Recipient on Graft Survival: A Multifactorial Analysis

Actuarial survival analysis of 889 cadaver transplant patients between 1972 and 1981 in Michigan reveals functional graft (P = .0003) and patient (P = .004) survivals are improved when donors and recipients are of the same race (black or white). The Cox regression model for multifactorial analysis confirms the significantly lower graft survival for the mixed racial combination group with a relative risk of 1.27 (P less than .05). By this analysis, other significant factors adversely affecting the graft survival rates include diabetes as a cause of end-stage renal disease, earlier date of transplantation, shorter duration of prior dialysis, and a significant center effect. Patient survival has a significantly greater relative risk for the black to white racial combination, diabetes, earlier calendar year of transplantation, and age of patient. While the mixed racial group was slightly older (delta = 2 years), had more hypertension, less glomerulonephritis, and more HLA mismatches, our analysis by the Cox regression model suggests that these factors played only minor roles (P greater than .05) regarding graft survival rates. Therefore, our data suggest that independent of several other factors, cadaver kidneys have a better functional outcome when they are transplanted into recipients of the same race.
Community Change and Persistence: the Case of El Cerrito, New Mexico

El Cerrito, New Mexico, has since 1939 been the subject of nine published studies and one doctoral dissertation. This qualitative analysis synthesizes those studies, adding recently collected primary data. The population declined from 135 persons in 1940 to five elderly adults in the late 1960s. Since 1970 a turn-around has occurred. By 1992 nine households were occupied full-time and two occupied part-time. El Cerrito's location between Santa Fe and Las Vegas is a major factor in its revitalization. Both are within acceptable commuting distance for workers. At the same time, it is just isolated enough to have a special appeal to several multi-talented residents who have been instrumental in obtaining funds to improve community infrastructure. Another key factor appears to be the remarkable level of psychological identification with this community. El Cerrito's resurgence illustrates the crucial role of locally-initiated effort in development outcomes that might otherwise seem implausible.
Surface integrity and process mechanics of laser shock peening of novel biodegradable magnesium-calcium (Mg-Ca) alloy

Abstract Current permanent metallic biomaterials of orthopedic implants, such as titanium, stainless steel, and cobalt–chromium alloys, have excellent corrosive properties and superior strengths. However, their strengths are often too high resulting in a stress shielding effect that is detrimental to the bone healing process. Without proper healing, costly and painful revision surgeries may be required. The close Young’s modulus between magnesium-based implants and cancellous bones has the potential to minimize stress shielding while providing both biocompatibility and adequate mechanical properties. The problem with Mg implants is how to control corrosion rates so that the degradation of Mg implants matches that of bone growth. Laser shock peening (LSP) is an innovative surface treatment method to impart compressive residual stress to a novel Mg–Ca implant. The high compressive residual stress has great potential to slow corrosion rates. Therefore, LSP was initiated in this study to investigate surface topography and integrity produced by sequential peening a Mg–Ca alloy. Also, a 3D semi-infinite simulation was developed to predict the topography and residual stress fields produced by sequential peening. The dynamic mechanical behavior of the biomaterial was modeled using a user material subroutine from the internal state variable plasticity model. The temporal and spatial peening pressure was modeled using a user load subroutine. The simulated dent agrees with the measured dent topography in terms of profile and depth. Sequential peening was found to increase the tensile pile up region which is critical to orthopedic applications. The predicted residual stress profiles are also presented.
Hepatic Metastasectomy for Testicular Germ Cell Tumors: Is it worth it?

Chemotherapy is highly effective for metastatic germ cell tumor (GCT), but experience with resection of hepatic metastases from GCT is limited. Fifteen patients with GCT metastatic to the liver underwent 16 hepatic operations (1975–2002). Pre-resection therapy, surgical pathology, and operative outcomes were reviewed. All patients were followed to death or last contact for survival and disease status. Patients underwent biopsy (three), wedge resection (nine), bisegmentectomy (two), and major lobectomy (two). Hepatic histology included: necrosis (33%), viable tumor (27%), mature teratoma (13%), and benign histology (27%). Concomitant resection of extrahepatic disease (14 patients, 93%) found necrosis (53%), mature teratoma (27%), and viable tumor (13%). Operative mortality was 0% and morbidity was 40%. At 8.2 years (mean) from resection, 11 patients (73%) were alive: five with no evidence of disease, two with elevated tumor marker only, and four with gross disease. Four patients (27%) died. The 10-year overall survival was 62% from diagnosis. Resection of post-chemotherapy hepatic disease is safe, even when combined with resection of extrahepatic residual disease. The varied histologic findings, lack of reliable predictors, and prolonged survival achieved support a multidisciplinary approach which includes surgical resection of hepatic metastases.
Blackness and Art in Toni Morrison’s Tar Baby

I heard Black for the first time in the wake of the Civil Rights movement, in the wake of the de-colonization and nationalistic struggles. Black was cre ated as a political category in a certain historical moment. It was created as a consequence of certain symbolic and ideological struggles. We said, "You have spent five, six, seven hundred years elaborating the symbolism through which Black is a negative factor. Now I don't want another term. I want that term, that negative one, that's the one I want. I want a piece of that action. I want to take it out of the way in which it has been articulated in religious discourse, in ethnographic discourse, in literary discourse, in visual discourse. I want to pluck it out of its articulation and rearticulate it in a new way." In that very struggle is a change of consciousness, a change of self recognition, a new process of identification, the emergence into visibility of a new subject. A subject that was always there, but emerging, historically.
Generalized relativistic meson wave function.

We study the most general, relativistic, constituent $q\overline{q}$ meson wave function within a new covariant framework. We find that by including a tensor wave function component, a pure valence quark model is now capable of reproducing not only all static pion data (${f}_{\ensuremath{\pi}},〈{r}_{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{2}〉$) but also the distribution amplitude, form factor [${F}_{\ensuremath{\pi}}({Q}^{2})$], and structure functions. Further, our generalized spin wave function provides a much better detailed description of meson properties than models using a simple relativistic extension of the $S=L=0$ nonrelativistic wave function.
High Performance 1.5 μm Metamorphic InAs Quantum Dot Lasers on GaAs

In this context, we have investigated the growth kinetics and characteristics of metamorphic InAs QD lasers on GaAs, wherein special techniques of p-doping and tunnel injection are incorporated. As a result, we have realized high quality InAs QDs on GaAs that are comparable, in both photoluminescence (PL) intensity and linewidth (~30 meV), to state-of-the-art 1.1 and 1.3 μm InAs pseudomorphic QDs. 1.5 μm metamorphic lasers made with these heterostructures exhibit ultra-low Jth, large T0 (556 K), large modulation frequency response and near-zero alpha-parameter and chirp
Technical Note-An Implementation of Surrogate Constraint Duality

This paper presents an implementation of surrogate constraint duality in mathematical programming. Motivated by the use of linear programming duality for surrogate constraints in integer linear programs, this implementation is based on geometric programming duality. As a result of this formulation we are able to present an algorithm for surrogate constraint duality and discuss several important properties of the algorithm.
Climate change and vector-borne viral diseases potentially transmitted by transfusion

Vector-borne diseases occur when infectious agents (virus, protozoa, bacteria, or helminthes) are transmitted to their hosts by a carrier organism. Climate conditions and their changes play a role in the inter-relationship between these agents, the vectors and the host (or hosts). This review is focused on arthropod-borne viruses (Arboviruses). These viruses are transmitted between susceptible vertebrate hosts by blood-feeding arthropods, and may be transmitted by blood transfusion, tissue and organ transplantation and breast feeding. The lifecycle of arboviruses is influenced by changes in temperature, rainfall, humidity, length of day, average daily solar radiation and/or storm patterns, as well as changes in the frequency of rare events such as floods or droughts. A plethora of studies have suggested that climate changes, particularly temperature changes, are likely to be induced by increase in the amount of greenhouse gases, such as methane, carbon dioxide (CO2) and chlorofluorocarbons, which deplete ozone in the atmosphere leading to an increase in ultraviolet radiation. Current models predict that ambient temperature will increase by 3–5°C on average with a doubling in CO2 concentration in the atmosphere. Vectors, pathogens and hosts each survive and reproduce within a range of optimal climatic conditions: temperature and precipitation being most important, while sea level elevation, wind and daylight duration are also important. Climate changes may affect important determinants of vector-borne disease transmission including (i) vector survival and reproduction, (ii) the vector's biting rate, and (iii) the pathogen's incubation rate within the vector organism. Droughts can increase the dissemination of arboviral diseases in urban areas by allowing a boost in the population of mosquitoes in foul water concentrated in catch basins where they breed. Furthermore, eggs can be vertically infected with arboviruses and heat waves speed up the maturation of the mosquitoes and of the viruses within mosquitoes. Droughts also cause a decline in mosquito predators like frogs, darning needles and dragonflies. In addition, birds congregate around shrinking water sites, enhancing circulation of viruses among birds and mosquitoes. In conclusion, the seriousness of some of the recent epidemics like West Nile virus and Dengue appear to has been influenced by climate change. As most of the arboviral infections are asymptomatic in humans, there is an increased opportunity for blood, organ and tissue donations by infected individuals during the viraemic period, resulting in an increased risk of transmission of arboviruses.
‘The Offering of the Gentiles’ in Romans 15.16

The phrase (see pdf for character) in Rom. 15.16 is typically read as a genitive of apposition and seen as a reference to Paul’s symbolic offering of the Gentiles themselves. This article contends, however, that the phrase (see pdf for character) should be taken as a subjective genitive and therefore as a reference to an offering given by the Gentiles, namely, the collection for the saints that Paul discusses specifically in Rom. 15.25-32. This reading helps to explain the concentration of cultic metaphors in Rom. 15.16 and Rom 15.25-32. Paul uses cultic language to map his priestly ministry as caretaker of the relief fund onto the Gentiles’ priestly participation in the collection. In doing so, Paul frames ‘the offering of the Gentiles’ as an act of cultic worship, underscoring the point that the fulfillment of mutual obligations within the Christian community results in praise to God.
Switch Protein Alters Specificity of RNA Polymerase Containing a Compartment-Specific Sigma Factor

During sporulation in Bacillus subtilis, expression of developmental genes spoIVCB and cotD is induced in the mother cell compartment of the sporangium at morphological stages IV and V, respectively. A 27-kilodalton RNA polymerase sigma factor called sigma K (or sigma 27) has been found that causes weak transcription of spoIVCB and strong transcription of cotD. A 14-kD protein was also discovered that changes the specificity of sigma K-containing RNA polymerase, greatly stimulating spoIVCB transcription and markedly repressing cotD transcription. Both sigma K and the 14-kD protein are products of genes known to be required for expression of specific genes in the mother cell. Thus, sigma K directs gene expression in the mother cell and it is proposed that inactivation or sequestering of the 14-kD protein switches the temporal pattern of gene expression during the transition from stages IV to V of development.
Towards understanding the nucleation mechanism for multi-component systems: an atomistic simulation of the ternary nucleation of water/n-nonane/1-butanol

Inspired by the previous finding of some unusual vapour/liquid nucleation results on the ternary water/n-nonane/1-butanol system, atomistic simulations were carried out for a detailed investigation of this mixture. These simulations reproduced the experimentally-reported non-ideal nucleation behaviour for this system, including both onset activities and the average compositions of the critical nuclei. Close examination of the nucleation free energy data and the structure of the critical nuclei reveals two types of phase separation. One occurs internally inside the clustervia formation of a multi-layered structure. The other takes place externally, leading to the coexistence of multiple nucleation channels, characterized by critical clusters of different compositions. Such mechanistic and structural heterogeneity is the microscopic origin of the complex nucleation behaviour observed for this ternary mixture.
A summary of the NBS literature reviews on the chemical nature and toxicity of the pyrolysis and combustion products from seven plastics: Acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrenes (ABS), nylons, polyesters, polyethylenes, polystyrenes, poly(vinyl chlorides) and rigid polyurethane foams

A series of literature reviews was undertaken by the National Bureau of Standards to examine the toxicity and chemistry of the effluents produced when seven plastics were decomposed under various thermal and atmospheric condition. These plastics are: acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrenes, nylons, polyesters, polyethylenes, polystyrenes, poly(vinyl chlorides) and rigid polyurethane foams. The English-language literature on each of these was reviewed and published as a separate report of the National Bureau of Standards. Over 400 different thermal decomposition products, many common to more than one plastic, were identified. The toxicity of most of these individual products is products, many common to more than one plastic, were identified. The toxicity of most of these individual products is unknown and an assessment of the toxicity of the multitude of possible combinations is not feasible at this time. Therefore a variety of bioassay toxicity protocols have been used to assess the toxicity of the gaseous atmospheres generated by the thermal decomposition of these plastics. In general, these seven plastics did not produce unusually or extremely toxic pyrolysis or combustion products when compared with those of other synthetic or natural materials. In a few cases involving additives, toxic products of concern were produced.
Design of an elemental analysis system for CELSS research

The results of experiments conducted with higher plants in tightly sealed growth chambers provide definite evidence that the physical closure of a chamber has significant effects on many aspects of a plant's biology. One of these effects is seen in the change in rates of uptake, distribution, and re-release or nutrient elements by the plant (mass balance). Experimental data indicates that these rates are different from those recorded for plants grown in open field agriculture, or in open growth chambers. Since higher plants are a crucial component of a controlled ecological life support system (CELSS), it is important that the consequences of these rate differences be understood with regard to the growth and yield of the plants. A description of a system for elemental analysis which can be used to monitor the mass balance of nutrient elements in CELSS experiments is given. Additionally, data on the uptake of nutrient elements by higher plants grown in a growth chamber is presented.
Removal of Retained Lens Fragments after Phacoemulsification Reverses Secondary Glaucoma and Restores Visual Acuity

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effect of vitrectomy on secondary glaucoma and visual acuity outcomes in patients with retained lens fragments after phacoemulsification. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 126 patients who had vitrectomy for retained lens fragments after phacoemulsification during the 3-year period between January 1, 1993, and December 31, 1995. Results: Glaucoma, defined as an intraocular pressure of greater than or equal to 30 mmHg, occurred in 42 (36.8%) of 114 patients before vitrectomy and in 4 patients (3.2%) of 126 after vitrectomy. There were no differences in the rates of persistent glaucoma regardless of the intervals between cataract surgery and the vitrectomy: less than or equal to 1 week, 2 patients (4.1 %); greater than 1 week to less than or equal to 4 weeks, 1 patient (2.5%) and greater than 4 weeks, 1 patient (2.6%). The visual acuity was 20140 or better in 13 patients (11.4%) before vitrectomy and in 75 patients (59.5%) after vitrectomy. The rates of visual acuity 20140 or better also were similar for all intervals: less than or equal to 1 week, 29 patients (59.2%); greater than 1 week to less than or equal to 4 weeks, 22 patients (56.4%) and greater than 4 weeks, 24 patients (63.1 %). Conclusions: Vitrectomy for removal of retained lens fragments reduces secondary glaucoma and yields favorable visual acuity outcomes. In eyes with elevated intraocular pressure, early vitrectomy generally is recommended, but delayed vitrectomy also has favorable outcomes.
DISTRIBUTION OF INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTORS AND IGF BINDING PROTEINS DURING PREGNANCY IN THE RABBIT. † 1326

We have previously demonstrated a 16,000-fold increase in maternal insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-II with parallel changes in IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) by mid-late gestation in the rabbit. The purpose of the present study was to characterize the distribution of the IGF-I, -II and IGFBPs and to identify the site(s) of production of these peptides in pregnant rabbits. In serum from nonpregnant rabbits and from does up to 24 days of gestation (term = 31-32 days), total circulating IGF was predominately associated with the 150 kDA ternary complex by neutral size-exclusion chromatography, but at day 30 both IGFs were carried by the smaller IGFBPs. The distribution of serum IGFBPs at day 24 revealed a substantial increase in the IGFBP-3 doublet and a broad 30kDa IGFBP eluting in fractions of the 150 kDa region, yet at day 30, all IGFBPs were substantially decreased. Although there was no IGFBP-3 proteolytic activity detected at day 24, but there was significant proteolytic activity at day 30, possible explaining the decreased IGFBPs. Northern blot analysis demonstrated that IGF-II and IGFBP-3 are produced by the placenta, while maternal liver is the source of IGFBP-1. These data suggest that the placenta is the key modulator of the IGF axis in the pregnant rabbit. (Supported by NIH CA-58110 and HL-44941, Dr. Labarta received scholarship 94/5373 from Fondo de Investigation Sanitaria, Spain).
Differential instructional productivity indices

Teaching load formulas to provide for differential program productivity ratios are in wide use. However, the various sets of differential weights on student credit hours (SCH) in use tend to be the result of historical accident, negotiation, or limited cost studies. To bring a unity into these formulas, a new statistical methodology applied to three years of teaching load data from 21 major public universities has yielded an objective, broadly applicable set of SCH weight factors. Those weights give promise of providing comparison of instructional productivity via unobtrusive measures. A table of optimum weighting factors for upper division and graduate SCH (relative to lower division) is presented by NCES Code discipline division. The weights derived from analysis are then compared with those developed by more traditional means.
Recent Developments In Infrared Data Processing

Airborne reconnaissance must move to a real-time capability in the late 1980's and 1990's. Airborne reconnaissance missions will use a variety of sensors including radar, E-0, IR linescanners and FLIRS, which all generate very high data rates. This is particularly true of IR linescan sensors that are used for wide angle viewing in the low level penetration reconnaissance mis-sions. It is clear that machine aided data management is needed for optimum use of all the on-board sensors. The data manage-ment system (DMS) must be capable of adapting to the various sensors so as to manage the collection, processing, recording, airborne display, and radio transmission of the required target data. A very important data processing task is automatic target screening so that data flow can be reduced to feature only those frames that contain candidate targets. This paper briefly reviews Honeywell progress and capabilities in the development and production of Data Management Systems, Data Recording, and Auto-matic 'Parget Cuers. The semiconductor technology being applied by Honeywell to the DMS and autocuer circuitry is also briefly reviewed. The necessary advanced fabrication technology is all available at Honeywell's Signal Processing Technologies Center and includes VLSI and VHSIC Phase II implementations of dense high speed image processing chips. CMOS, Bipolar Enhanced MOS (BEMOS), Digital Bipolar, and Linear Bipolar designs in both silicon and GaAs are used as appropriate. Progress on the algorithms needed to operate the DMS and autocuer hardware is also noted. Laboratory demonstrations of some hardware and algorithms have been done in 1986. Further development in all areas is underway for 1987 and 1988 demonstrations.
Durable Antimicrobial Finishing of Nylon Fabrics with Acid Dyes and a Quaternary Ammonium Salt

A new finishing method of preparing durable antimicrobial nylon fabrics, developed recently, uses acid dyes as bridges to link antimicrobial agents such as quaternary ammonium salts to synthetic fabrics. The durability of antimicrobial functions is determined by the ionic interactions of the dyes with a quaternary ammonium salt, and by the add-on amount of the salt on the fabrics. Add-on amounts of the quaternary ammonium salt on fabrics are controlled by varying the concentrations of finishing baths. Curing time and curing temperature impact the durable antimicrobial functions of the finished fabric. When nylon fabric is treated with a solution containing 4% quaternary ammonium salt and then cured at 150°C for 10 minutes, it maintains durable antimicrobial properties even after ten Launder-Ometer washings. The antimicrobial properties of the finished fabrics are also durable in conventional laundering. Furthermore, the finished fabrics possess good color fastness after ten Launder-Ometer washes.
Water in glass

Abstract Water in glass has drastic influence on glass properties. The structure of water in glass and selected water-related phenomena, i.e. water diffusion in glass, and glass—water phase separation are described. Their relation to glass properties, such as mechanical and chemical properties are discussed. Outstanding problems and the future are also discussed.
Production of a hybrodoma cell line secreting retinoic acid-specific monoclonal antibody

A stabilized hybridoma cell line secreting anti-retinoic acid monoclonal antibodies of subclass IgG1 with κ chains was produced by fusing NS-1 myeloma cells with the spleen cells from BALB/c female mice immunized with all-trans-4-oxoretinoic acid-oxime-chicken IgG conjugate. The antibody titer of mice ascitic fluid ranged from 112,800to125,600, as determined by competitive indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). 50% inhibition dosage of all-trans-retinoic acid at a 120,000 dilution of mice ascitic fluid was 6.6 ng/ml, as determined by ELISA. The anti-retinoic acid monoclonal antibody was generated in mice ascitic fluid and purified by protein G affinity chromatography. Cross-reactivity of the monoclonal antibody was determined at 0.1 μg/ml concentration of retinoids and indicated high specificity to both all-trans-retinoic acid (86% inhibition) and 13-cis-retinoic acid (87% inhibition), and strong cross-reactivity with 4-oxoretinoic acid (77%) and 4-oxoretinoic acid oxime (109%). Specificity was confirmed by the horseradish peroxidase-linked immunostaining method and immunoradioassay. The affinity constant of the monoclonal antibody, K, was determined to be 3.6 × 109 1/mol. A calibration curve for retinoic acid using the monoclonal antibody to retinoic acid was developed; the detection limit for all-trans-retinoic acid is 1 ng/ml in the competitive indirect ELISA. The antibody counteracts the effect of retinoic acid on growth inhibition and differentaition in HL-60 cells.
Offender and Victim Characteristics of Registered Female Sexual Offenders in Texas: A Proposed Typology of Female Sexual Offenders

Victim and offender characteristic of all registered adult female sexual offenders in Texas (N = 471) were examined. The most common offenses the females were arrested for were indecency with a child—sexual contact, sexual assault on a child, and aggravated sexual assault on a child. The majority (88%) of the females were Caucasian and the ages ranged from 18 to 77 (M = 32). The results of Hierarchical Loglinear Modeling yielded a complex relationship between offender and victim characteristics; thus, identification of preferred victims is mitigated by more than one variable. Additionally, the employment of cluster analysis yielded 6 types of female sexual offenders. The most common group includes 146 offenders, heterosexual nurturers. They were the least likely to have an arrest for a sexual assault. The victims were males who averaged 12 years of age. The other types of offenders included, noncriminal homosexual offenders, female sexual predators, young adult child exploiters, homosexual criminals, and aggressive homosexual offenders.