cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act: Does It Live Up to the Promise?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) was passed by Congress with two formidable tasks: (1) reform the insurance market; and (2) simplify healthcare administrative processes. From these ambitious beginnings, HIPAA has since taken on major healthcare issues including administrative simplification, security, privacy, and patient confidentiality. In November 1997, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (DHHS) introduced the proposed "standards" for what is referred to as "administrative simplification". But, establishing the standards and guidelines necessary for administrative compliance was not an easy undertaking. DHHS estimated that 400 different formats were used in the US for healthcare claims processing. Three years later (August 2000), the Final Rule for Standards for Electronic Transactions and Code Sets was published by DHHS. The rule provided for national standardization of the most common healthcare transactions and several code sets. The compliance deadline for implementation of the new transactions and code sets was set for October, 2002. In January 2001, Congress enacted The Administrative Simplification Compliance Act to provide the industry with additional time to reach compliance. Yet, recent survey results by Phoenix Health Systems and the Health Information and Management Society (HIMSS) indicate many providers and payers are not fully compliant with the security and privacy regulations mandated by HIPAA. This issue threatens the effectiveness of administrative simplification and the integrity of healthcare information. Overall, HIPAA does offer the promise of a more efficient and effective means of sharing and disseminating vital healthcare information. But, many experts have concerns that the implementation and maintenance of HIPAA standards and policies will become a financial burden for many in the healthcare industry. Although DHHS has established mandates for the healthcare industry, many deadlines have been extended and the standards of administrative simplification continue to evolve over time. Others question whether the Department of Health and Human Services is capable of spearheading an information technology revolution in the healthcare industry. Unfortunately, it may take several years before the industry is able to realize any true cost savings from administrative simplification. Yet, few can question how HIPAA has revolutionized information technology in the healthcare industry.
A Test of Molybdenum Disulfide Lubricants in Radiation and Vacuum Environments

Tests have been conducted on two MoS2 -base solid-film lubricants, one containing gold and sodium silicate and the other containing bismuth and aluminum phosphate, having potential for application under severe environmental conditions. The lubricant with gold was applied to test races of 440 C steel and Rene 41 and exposed with a reactor to 1.5 × 1011 ergs/g(C) of gamma and 8.2 × 1016 neutrons/cm2 (E > 0.1 MeV). The test specimens were subsequently evaluated in sliding-wear tests at temperatures as high as 1200 deg F. Both lubricants were tested in vacuum (∼10−6 torr) and in air on size R-3 ball bearings, which were run at 6000 rpm in servomotors. No significant radiation effects were detected with the MoS2 :Au lubricant on 440 C steel in tests at room temperature and 600 deg F. In tests at room temperature, 600 deg F, and 1200 deg F on Rene 41, the data indicated a possible radiation effect at 600 deg F but not at the other temperatures. In two vacuum tests on bearings, the MoS2 :Au lubricant gave a mean running time of about 110 h. The MoS2 :Bi film gave a mean life of 96 h in the first test and 853 h in the second test.
Fine structure analysis of black band disease (BBD) infected coral and coral exposed to the BBD toxins microcystin and sulfide.

Abstract Black band disease (BBD) of corals is a complex pathogenic polymicrobial mat community that lyses coral tissue as it migrates over an infected colony. Two known toxins are produced by BBD microorganisms – sulfide, produced by sulfate-reducing bacteria, and microcystin, produced by cyanobacteria. Experiments were carried out to determine the effects of exposing healthy coral fragments to variable concentrations of purified microcystin, sulfide at a concentration known to exist in BBD, and a combination of the two. Healthy fragments of the coral Montastraea annularis were placed into experimental chambers with known toxin/s for 18–22.5 h. Fine structural analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that toxin exposure resulted in thinning or removal of the coral epidermal layer coupled with degradation of the gastrodermis. These effects were exacerbated when both toxins were used in combination. Exposure to sulfide and the highest concentration of microcystin caused zooxanthellae to dissociate from the coral tissue and to form clusters on the coral surface. Examination of coral fragments infected with BBD was carried out for comparison. It was determined that the effects of exposure to sulfide and microcystin on coral fine structure were consistent, both quantitatively and qualitatively, with the effects of artificially induced and naturally occurring BBD on M. annularis.
A mu-opioid receptor single nucleotide polymorphism in rhesus monkey: association with stress response and aggression

Variations in the human mu-opioid receptor gene have driven exploration of their biochemical, physiological and pathological relevance. We investigated the existence of variations in the nonhuman primate mu-opioid receptor gene to determine whether nonhuman primates can model genotype/phenotype associations of relevance to humans. Similar to the A118G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the human mu-opioid receptor gene, a SNP discovered in the rhesus monkey mu-opioid receptor gene (C77G) alters an amino acid in the N-terminal arm of the receptor (arginine for proline at position 26). Two mu-opioid receptor coding regions isolated from a single heterozygous (C77/G77) rhesus monkey brain were expressed in HEK-293 cells and characterized in radioreceptor assays. Paralleling the findings of increased affinity of β-endorphin by the A118G allele in the human, the rhesus monkey mu-opioid receptor protein derived from the G77-containing clone demonstrated a 3.5-fold greater affinity for β-endorphin than the receptor derived from the C77-containing clone. An assay developed to assess the incidence of the C77G SNP in a behaviorally and physiologically characterized cohort of rhesus monkeys (n=32) indicated that 44% were homozygous for C77-containing alleles, 50% were heterozygous and 6% were homozygous for G77-containing alleles. The presence of G77-containing alleles was associated with significantly lower basal and ACTH-stimulated plasma cortisol levels (P<0.03–0.05 and P<0.02, respectively) and a significantly higher aggressive threat score (P<0.05) in vivo. In a cohort of 20 monkeys, a trend towards an inverse correlation between aggressive threat and plasma cortisol levels was observed. The findings suggest that mu-opioid receptor haplotypes in monkeys can contribute to individual variability in stress response and related aggression. The data support the use of nonhuman primates to investigate mu-opioid receptor genotype/phenotype relations of relevance to humans.
Retromer Mediates a Discrete Route of Local Membrane Delivery to Dendrites

A fundamental and still largely unresolved question is how neurons achieve rapid delivery of selected signaling receptors throughout the elaborate dendritic arbor. Here we show that this requires a conserved sorting machinery called retromer. Retromer-associated endosomes are distributed within dendrites in ∼2 μm intervals and supply frequent membrane fusion events into the dendritic shaft domain immediately adjacent to (<300 nm from) the donor endosome and typically without full endosome discharge. Retromer-associated endosomes contain β-adrenergic receptors as well as ionotropic glutamate receptors, and retromer knockdown reduces extrasynaptic insertion of adrenergic receptors as well as functional expression of AMPA and NMDA receptors at synapses. We propose that retromer supports a broadly distributed network of plasma membrane delivery to dendrites, organized in micron-scale axial territories to render essentially all regions of the postsynaptic surface within rapid diffusion distance of a local exocytic event.
Inducibility of human cytochromes P-450 primarily involved in the activation of chemical carcinogens

Abstract Of least 20 different cytochromes P-450 (CYPs) that have been found in human tissues, only 4 of these thus far have been shown to contribute to carcinogen metabolism to a major extent. There is wide interindividual variability for these CYP's in human populations that appear to arise from both genetic and environmental factors. CYP2E1, which catalyzes the oxidation of many low molecular weight compounds, including nitrosamines, halogenated hydrocarbons, and vinyl derivatives, is known to be inducible in humans by alcohol and is elevated in diabetics. CYP3A4, which plays a major role in the activation of mycotoxins, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, and some aromatic amines, is inducible in humans by certain glucocorticoids and antibiotics. CYP1A1 and CYP1A2, which have been well-studied in animals as dioxin-inducible enzymes, are induced in humans by cigarette smoke and polyhalogenated biphenyls; and the latter is also induced by charbroiled meats, cruciferous vegetables, and the drug omeprazole. CYP1A1 appears to be important in polycyclic hydrocarbon activation, while CYP1A2 is primarily responsible for the N-oxidation of most carcinogenic aromatic and heterocyclic amines.
Multistep Kinetics of the U1A–SL2 RNA Complex Dissociation

The U1A-SL2 RNA complex is a model system for studying interactions between RNA and the RNA recognition motif (RRM), which is one of the most common RNA binding domains. We report here kinetic studies of dissociation of the U1A-SL2 RNA complex, using laser temperature jump and stopped-flow fluorescence methods with U1A proteins labeled with the intrinsic chromophore tryptophan. An analysis of the kinetic data suggests three phases of dissociation with time scales of ∼100 μs, ∼50 ms, and ∼2 s. We propose that the first step of dissociation is a fast rearrangement of the complex to form a loosely bound complex. The intermediate step is assigned to be the dissociation of the U1A-SL2 RNA complex, and the final step is assigned to a reorganization of the U1A protein structure into the conformation of the free protein. These assignments are consistent with previous proposals based on thermodynamic, NMR, and surface plasmon resonance experiments and molecular dynamics simulations. Together, these results begin to build a comprehensive model of the complex dynamic processes involved in the formation and dissociation of an RRM-RNA complex.
Modeling the behavior of the northern anchovy, Engraulis mordax, as a schooling predator exploiting patchy prey

Abstract Extensive data sets on the bioenergetics of the northern anchovy, Engraulis mordax, and the patchy food distribution in its natural habitat allow its foraging dynamics to be inferred by modeling using techniques from population biology and behavioral ecology. The behavioral model consistently predicts that E. mordax grows much more slowly than would be expected with a pure, net-energy intake rate maximization strategy. The reduced growth rates could result from the fish avoiding zooplankton patches, where they are under increased predation risk, by swimming slowly in the waters between zooplankton patches. The combinations of growth rates and daily instantaneous mortality rates generated by the behavioral model are internally consistent with a Lefkovitch matrix population model, which includes an early juvenile stage of a stable and stationary population. Several novel and testable predictions are made by the behavioral model, including: (1) anchovies swim very slowly between zooplankton patch encounters; (2) within a patch fish swim very rapidly while searching for prey; and (3) fish often leave zooplankton patches before totally filling their stomachs. Given these encouraging initial results, the behavioral modeling approach appears to be a valuable technique for examining how potential habitat changes due to global warming may affect fish behavior and populations. Several such scenarios are proposed and discussed.
Chemical reaction network structure and the stability of complex isothermal reactors—II. Multiple steady states for networks of deficiency one

Abstract The following problem is considered: Given a deficiency one network, determine whether there exist rate constants for it such that the corresponding isothermal mass action differential equations admit multiple positive steady states. A procedure is given to make this determination for any deficiency one network, no matter how intricate, so long as it satisfies certain weak structural conditions. When there do exist rate constants that give rise to multiple steady states, such rate constants can in fact be exhibited. If multiple steady states are observed in a laboratory reactor with poorly understood chemistry, the theory provides sensitive means to screen candidates for the operative chemical mechanism. Even when measurements of the steady state compositions are fragmentary, the theory will sometimes indicate that a candidate network which does admit multiple steady states will nevertheless be unable to account for the particular measurements made. A catalytic CFSTR is considered as an example.
The Intensity of Reflection of X-Rays by Powdered Crystals. II. The Effect of Crystal Size

The problem of extinction in its relation to the intensity of reflection of x-rays is studied by a comparison of measurements upon large single crystals with those upon powdered crystals of various particle sizes. The apparatus and method of making the measurements upon powders have been described in the preceding paper. Secondary extinction was not operative in the powder method measurements. Primary extinction is also absent in measurements upon thoroughly ground crystals of substances which, like the alkali halides, naturally form rather imperfect crystals; but a small amount of primary extinction may be produced by heat treatment of the powder. The relative intensities of reflection from the different planes of powdered NaCl, Ca${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$ and calcite are compared with similar data from single crystal measurements on these substances. In the case of rock-salt, it is found that the single crystal measurements of Bragg, James and Bosanquet, when corrected for secondary extinction, agree with the powder method results, hence primary extinction was not operative in their experiments. The empirical correction for secondary extinction applied by James and Randall to their single crystal measurements upon Ca${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$ is not quite large enough to produce agreement with the powder method data. Although the powder method measurements upon calcite, when comparedwith single crystal data, show that the latter have been affected by a great deal of extinction, it is not certain that a small amount of primary extinction was not operative even in the powder method measurements, for calcite forms very perfect crystals.
Automatic model-based evaluation of magnetic resonance-guided radio frequency ablation lesions with histological correlation.

Purpose To develop a model-based method for automatic evaluation of radio frequency (RF) ablation treatment using magnetic resonance (MR) images. Materials and Methods RF current lesions were generated in a rabbit thigh model using MR imaging (MRI) guidance. We created a 12-parameter, three-dimensional, globally deformable model with quadric surfaces that delineates lesion boundaries and is automatically fitted to MR grayscale data. We applied this method to in vivo T2- and contrast-enhanced (CE) T1-weighted MR images acquired immediately post-ablation and four days later. We then compared results to manually segmented MR and three-dimensional registered corresponding histological boundaries of cellular damage. Results Resulting lesions featured a two-boundary appearance with an inner region and an outer hyperintense margin on MR images. For automated vs. manual MR boundaries, the mean errors over all specimens were 0.19 ± 0.51 mm and 0.27 ± 0.52 mm for the inner surface, and −0.29 ± 0.40 mm and −0.12 ± 0.17 mm for the outer surface, for T2- and CE T1-weighted images, respectively. For automated vs. histological boundaries, mean errors over all specimens were 0.07 ± 0.64 mm and 0.33 ± 0.71 mm for the inner surface, and −0.27 ± 0.69 mm and 0.02 ± 0.43 mm for the outer surface, for T2- and CE T1-weighted images, respectively. All boundary errors compared favorably to MR voxel dimensions, which were 0.7 mm in-plane and 3.0 mm thick. Conclusion The method is accurate both in describing MR-apparent boundaries and in predicting histological response and has applications in lesion visualization, volume estimation, and treatment evaluation. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2004;19:245–254. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Unraveling the links between dimensions of innovation and organizational performance

Abstract Economists typically define innovation as a process or practice that is new to an industry; hence they emphasize a firm's speed of innovation relative to other firms in the industry. Organizational theorists, on the other hand, usually focus on the number of products or processes that are new to the firm; hence, they emphasize innovation magnitude. This study builds a bridge between these two approaches by exploring the link between two dimensions of innovation—speed and magnitude—and two measures of a firm's performance—objective financial reports and executive ratings of perceived effectiveness. We propose that each dimension of innovation will be associated with a different measure of firm performance. Using data from the commercial banking industry, we find interesting results that partially support our predictions based on the theory that different dimensions are indeed linked to different measures of performance. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Provider, patient, or both: Exploring the patient spectrum of substance use disorder

In its inaugural year, The Mental Health Clinician published an excellent issue with articles devoted to substance use disorder. In this issue, the theme once again centers on substance use disorder. With a case report and literature reviews, our article focus has shifted this time around to explore pharmacists and pharmacistsin-training and their knowledge and experiences with substance use disorder, both in their patients and amongst themselves, as well as some innovative practices.
Measurements of Plasma Density Distribution and Current-Sheath in the Implosion Phase of a Theta-Pinch Discharge

The spatial and temporal evolution of the plasma density distribution and its relation to the magnetic-piston-field structure during a theta-pinch implosion have been experimentally investigated. With a deuterium fill density of 0.7 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{15}$ atoms ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$, evidence of particle reflections from the imploding piston field is indicated.
Autonomic dysreflexia and foot and ankle surgery

Autonomic dysreflexia is a syndrome of massive imbalance of reflex sympathetic discharge occurring in patients with spinal cord injury with a lesion above the splanchnic outflow (Thoracic 6). Autonomic dysreflexia is characterized by a sudden and severe rise in blood pressure and is potentially life threatening. Because the onset of this entity is rapid and the potential morbidity is severe, it is important for those caring for spinal cord injury patients to be aware of this syndrome. The paper presents a review of the literature, and familiarizes one with the diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment Two illustrative case reports are also presented.
Spatio-Temporal Energy Demand Models for Electric Vehicles

This paper models the energy demand of electric vehicles in a city as a function of space (location) and time. Energy demand formulations are derived for a number of scenarios ranging from individual vehicles to global demand in a large city. One of the important considerations for decision making in sizing and placement of charging stations is the characterization of local charging energy demand as a function of time, which is the prime focus of this work. Additionally, the characterization of typical stay times is also considered in the decision making process, simply because it provides important data on the required charge rates, i.e. power. The chosen approach utilizes previously developed software EVRE to predict the energy demand at candidate locations in a city.
Using photosystem I as a reporter protein for 13C analysis in a coculture containing cyanobacterium and a heterotrophic bacterium

Abstract 13C metabolism analysis of a microbial community is often hindered by the time-consuming and complicated separation procedure for a single species. However, a “reporter protein,” produced uniquely by one cell type, retains 13C fingerprint information in microbial consortia. This study describes the use of photosystem I (PSI), a multi-subunit protein complex universally found in oxygenic phototrophs, as a reliable reporter protein to probe microalgal metabolism (i.e., cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803) in a mixed culture with heterotrophic bacteria (i.e., Escherichia coli). We demonstrate that efficient purification of PSI and subsequent 13C-based amino acid analyses may decipher photomixotrophic metabolism of Synechocystis 6803 in the coculture. This study also indicates that a supplement of NaHCO3 at high concentration could significantly improve the robustness of cyanobacterial growth against bacterial contamination.
Antidepressants in the treatment of agoraphobia and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Abstract Agoraphobia and obsessive-compulsive disorder share many similarities, not the least of which is their response to behavioral and pharmacological treatments. The mechanism of action of antidepressants in these complex anxiety disorders is not known. The question as to whether they possess antiphobic/antiobsessional properties, independent of their antidepressant effect, is controversial and unlikely to be solved on symptomatic grounds alone. A fruitful approach is indicated by recent biochemical findings that link their obsessional effect to the serotonergic neurotransmitter system. The use of agents with more specific biochemical action should permit a more accurate differentiation of antiphobic/antiobsessional and antidepressant effects. Furthermore, the exploration of the role of neurotransmitter systems in agoraphobia and obsessive-compulsive disorder might further elucidate the relationship between depressive disorders and anxiety disorders.
Brief Report: Psychopharmacology of Autism Spectrum Disorders.

The purpose of this paper is to review briefly recent findings on the efficacy of psychopharmacological interventions in autism spectrum disorder, point out gaps in our current knowledge of the effects of specific drug classes, and suggest both general and specific research directions for the future. For a more comprehensive review of drug studies in autism, readers are directed toward McDougle, Price, and Volkmar (1994).
Nalorphine as a stimulus in drug discrimination learning : assessment of the role of μ- and κ-receptor subtypes

Using the conditioned taste aversion baseline of drug discrimination learning, animals were trained to discriminate nalorphine from distilled water. In subsequent generalization tests, the mu-opiate agonist morphine substituted for the nalorphine stimulus in a dose-dependent manner, while the kappa-opiate agonist U50,488H and the mu-opiate antagonists naloxone and naltrexone failed to do so. That the mu-agonist morphine substituted for the nalorphine stimulus while a kappa-agonist and mu-antagonists failed to substitute indicate that the discriminative control that was established with nalorphine in the present study was mu-agonist receptor-mediated. The basis for this selective control by the mu-receptor subtype may be related to the relative salience of receptor activity in opiate-naive animals. The present results suggest that discriminative control by compounds with activity at multiple receptor sites is not uniformly mediated by specific activity at all of those sites. The specific site mediating discriminative control appears to be a function of the specific training drug.
Water inlet subcooling effects on flooding with steam and water in a large diameter vertical tube

Abstract A counter current annular flow experiment was performed to determine flooding conditions for varying degrees of subcooling using steam and water. The findings can be used in reactor safety codes to provide an improved model of flooding during accident analysis. The test section is a stainless steel tube which is approximately a 5/16 scale version of a pressurized water reactor (PWR) surge line. The water flows in an annular film down the inside of the tube and steam flows upward through the annulus. Flooding is the point at which the water film reverses direction and begins to travel upward. Flooding tests were conducted at atmospheric pressure for water flow rates between 0.0132 m3/min and 0.0416 m3/min and water inlet temperatures between 308 K and 370 K. The data obtained at high water subcooling indicate a significant departure from accepted flooding correlations developed for air–water systems which is expected because vapor condensation alters the steam inlet flow rate needed to induce flooding. The data more closely follow air–water data at low subcooling. Such data has not been seen in the literature for steam–water flooding experiments in a large diameter vertical tube and will serve as an important benchmark.
Recent Advances in Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis, a systemic granulomatous disease of undetermined etiology, is characterized by a variable clinical presentation and course. During the past decade, advances have been made in the study of sarcoidosis. The multicenter ACCESS (A Case Control Etiologic Study of Sarcoidosis) trial recruited > 700 subjects with newly diagnosed sarcoidosis and matched control subjects. Investigators were unable to identify a single cause of sarcoidosis, but ACCESS paved the way for subsequent etiologic studies. The Mycobacterium tuberculosis catalase-peroxidase protein has been identified as a potential sarcoidosis antigen. Genetic aspects of the disease have been elucidated further. Genome-wide scans have identified candidate genes. Gene expression analyses have defined cytokine dysregulation in sarcoidosis more clearly. Although the criteria for diagnosis have not changed, sarcoidosis remains a diagnosis of exclusion best supported by a tissue biopsy specimen that demonstrates noncaseating granulomas in a patient with compatible clinical and radiologic features of the disease. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration of mediastinal lymph nodes has facilitated diagnosis, often eliminating the need for more invasive procedures, such as mediastinoscopy. PET scanning has proven valuable in locating occult sites of active disease. Currently, no reliable prognostic biomarkers have been identified. The tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, a relatively new class of agents, have been used in patients with refractory disease. It is unclear whether phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, prostaglandin analogs, or endothelin antagonists should be used for the treatment of sarcoidosis-associated pulmonary hypertension.
Combined preconditioning and in vivo chemoselection with 6-thioguanine alone achieves highly efficient reconstitution of normal hematopoiesis with HPRT-deficient bone marrow.

Purine analogs such as 6-thioguanine (6TG) cause myelotoxicity upon conversion into nucleotides by hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT). Here we have developed a novel and highly efficient strategy employing 6TG as a single agent for both conditioning and in vivo chemoselection of HPRT-deficient hematopoietic stem cells. The dose-response and time course of 6TG myelotoxicity were first compared in HPRT wild-type mice and HPRT-deficient transgenic mice. Dosage and schedule parameters were optimized to employ 6TG for myelosuppressive conditioning, immediately followed by in vivo chemoselection of HPRT-deficient transgenic donor bone marrow (BM) transplanted into syngeneic HPRT wild-type recipients. At appropriate doses, 6TG induced selective myelotoxicity without any adverse effects on extrahematopoietic tissues in HPRT wild-type mice, while hematopoietic stem cells deficient in HPRT activity were highly resistant to its cytotoxic effects. Combined 6TG conditioning and post-transplantation chemoselection consistently achieved ∼95% engraftment of HPRT-deficient donor BM, with low overall toxicity. Long-term reconstitution of immunophenotypically normal BM was achieved in both primary and secondary recipients. Our results provide proof-of-concept that single-agent 6TG can be used for both myelosuppressive conditioning without requiring irradiation and for in vivo chemoselection of HPRT-deficient donor cells. Our results show that by applying the myelosuppressive effects of 6TG both before (as conditioning) and after transplantation (as chemoselection), highly efficient engraftment of HPRT-deficient hematopoietic stem cells can be achieved.
Large-area, near-infrared (IR) photonic crystals with colloidal gold nanoparticles embedding.

A polymeric composite material composed of colloidal gold nanoparticles (<10 nm) and SU8 has been utilized for the fabrication of large-area, high-definition photonic crystal. We have successfully fabricated near-infrared photonic crystal slabs from composite materials using a combination of multiple beam interference lithography and reactive ion etching processes. Doping of colloidal gold nanoparticles into the SU8 photopolymer results in a better definition of structural features and hence in the enhancement of the optical properties of the fabricated photonic crystals. A 2D air hole array of triangular symmetry with a hole-to-hole pitch of ∼500 nm has been successfully fabricated in a large circular area of 1 cm diameter. Resonant features observed in reflectance spectra of our slabs are found to depend on the exposure time, and can be tuned over a range of near-infrared frequencies.
Electron-ion recombination at low pressures

AS THE name implies, the recombination process describes the situation in which a neutral gas is ionized and the electrons and ions which are thus formed recombine to form neutral atoms and molecules again. Its importance in the field of gas discharge derives from the fact that this process constitutes one of the important agencies whereby charges disappear from a discharge. From the point of view of physics in general, it is one of the fundamental processes which all the artillery of classical and modern physics must be capable of explaining.
Life-cycle toxicity of dibutyltin to the sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus) and implications of the ubiquitous tributyltin impurity in test material

Dibutyltin (DBT) is used in the plastics polymerization process as a catalyst in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products and is the primary degradation product of tributyltin (TBT), an antifoulant in marine paint. DBT and other organotin compounds make their way into the environment through antifoulants, PVC processing plants, and PVC products maintained in water and water-handling systems. A flow-through saltwater life-cycle toxicity test was conducted to determine the chronic effect of DBT to the sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus Lacepede), an estuarine species. Embryos were monitored through hatch, maturation, growth, and reproduction in DBT concentrations of 158, 286, 453, 887, and 1510 µg l−1. Progeny were monitored for survival as embryos and fry/juveniles, and growth for 30 days post-isolation. Mean length of parental generation fish was significantly reduced on day 30 at DBT concentrations ≥887 µg l−1, setting the lowest observable effect concentration (LOEC) at 887 µg l−1 and the no observable effect concentration (NOEC) at 453 µg l−1. Fecundity, as egg viability, was significantly reduced at the LOEC. Survival of parental and progeny generation embryos and mean length, wet weight and dry weight of progeny generation juveniles were not significantly affected at concentrations ≤LOEC. TBT, a toxic impurity in DBT reversibly produced in DBT by the process of comproportionation, was also monitored throughout this study. Comparing measured levels of TBT in this study with levels exerting toxic effects in an earlier TBT life-cycle study with C. variegatus suggests biological responses in this study were likely due to the TBT impurity and not to DBT alone. Results indicate that TBT impurity as low as 0.1% may have a significant influence on the perceived toxicity of DBT and that spontaneous production of TBT in DBT may be the major source of biological toxicity of DBT. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solidification of low-silicon iron under the action of nanosecond electromagnetic pulses

When low-silicon iron solidifies in the presence of nanosecond electromagnetic pulses, the influence of the irradiation time on the process is considered, as well as its influence on the structure and properties (hardness, density, local microhardness, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance) of the gray iron that forms. Extending the irradiation time increases the initial temperature of austenite solidification and reduces the eutectic and eutectoidal transformation temperatures. The dependences of the iron’s physicomechanical properties on the irradiation time include maxima or minima in the range 10–15 min. For example, the thermal conductivity doubles in that range.
Significance of Strontium-90 in Milk. A Review

Summary Milk has received attention as a source of strontium-90 (Sr-90), since it is the major source of calcium and, hence, Sr-90, in the diet of most Western countries. Although several biologically active radioactive isotopes are produced in a uranium-235 atomic bomb explosion, Sr-90 is the major problem when considering long-term fallout, because of its slow fallout from the atmosphere, its long half-life of 28 yr., and its biological similarity to calcium. There are several discrimination steps against Sr-90 in its route to the bones of man after its deposition in soil from the atmosphere. These include the plant, the gut, the kidneys, the placenta, and the mammary gland. Compared to bone radiation received from other natural sources, the radiation from Sr-90 present in bone constitutes a small proportion, both now and if nuclear tests continue at the same rate. Milk contains much less Sr-90 per unit of calcium than do vegetables and cereals because of several discrimination factors in its formation, including the mammary gland. A comparison of diets consumed by various countries of the world indicates that those countries consuming a higher percentage of milk have lower relative Sr-90 intakes in their diets. Reliable data from which to draw sound conclusions are crucially lacking in many areas of the long-term fallout problem. The present knowledge strongly suggests that the current and projected levels of Sr-90 in milk should not cause us concern when compared to radiation received from natural sources; but further studies are necessary to be certain if this is true.
The reduction of psychology to physiology: a reinterpretation.

(1972). The Reduction of Psychology to Physiology: A Reinterpretation. The Journal of General Psychology: Vol. 86, No. 1, pp. 39-53.
Renal Urate Transport

Serum uric acid is determined by a balance between production and renal excretion. Luminal reabsorption of urate by the proximal tubule from the glomerular ultrafiltrate involves coupling between sodium-anion cotransport and urate-anion exchange. Apical sodium-coupled cotransport of lactate, ketoacids, nicotinate, and pyrazinoate increases intracellular levels of these anions in proximal tubular cells, stimulating the apical absorption of luminal urate via anion exchange. Hyperuricemia occurs when plasma levels of these anions increase; for example, hyperuricemia is a well-recognized concomitant of lactic acidosis and ketoacidosis. Relevant developments in the molecular and renal physiology of urate homeostasis are reviewed.
Molecular orbital study of the chemisorption of carbon monoxide on a tungsten (100) surface

Abstract The adsorption energies of carbon monoxide chemisorbed at various sites on a tungsten (100) surface have been calculated by extended Huckel molecular orbital theory (EHMO). The concept of a “surface molecule” in which CO is bonded to an array of tungsten atoms W n has been employed. Dissociative adsorption in which C occupies a four-fold, five-coordination site and O occupies either a four- or two-fold site has been found to be the most stable form for CO on a W surface. Stable one-fold and two-fold sites of molecularly adsorbed CO have also been found in which the CO group is normal to the surface plane and the C atom is nearest the surface. Adsorption energies and molecular orbitals for the stable molecularly and dissociatively adsobred CO sites are compared with the experimental data on various types of adsorbed CO, i.e., virgin-, α-, and β-CO. Models are suggested for each of these adsorption types. The strongest bonding interactions occur between the CO 5σ orbital and the totally symmetric 5d and 6s orbitals of the W n cluster. Possible mechanisms for conversion of molecularly adsorbed CO to dissociatively adsorbed CO are proposed and the corresponding activation energies are estimated.
Earthquake-protective pneumatic foundation

The main objective of the research in progress is to evaluate the applicability of an innovative earthquake-protective system called pneumatic foundation to building construction and industrial equipment. The system represents kind of seismic soil isolation. The research is analytical and accompanied with limited testing on a shake table. The concept of partial suppression of seismic energy flow inside a structure is known as a seismic or base isolation. Normally, this technique needs some pads to be inserted into all major load-carrying elements in a base of the building. It also requires creating additional rigidity diaphragms in the basement and a moat around the building, as well as making additional provisions against overturning and/or P-(Delta ) effect. Besides, potential benefits of base isolation techniques should not be taken for granted: they depend on many internal and external factors. The author developed a new earthquake protective technique called pneumatic foundation. Its main components are: a horizontal protective layer located under the footing at a certain depth, and a vertical one installed along the horizontal protective layer perimeter. The first experiments proved a sizable screening effect of pneumatic foundation: two identical models of a steel frame building, put simultaneously on the same vibrating support simulating an earthquake, performed in a strikingly different manner: while the regular building model shook vigorously, the model on a pneumatic foundation just slightly trembled.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Laboratory Preparation of Polyethylene Pellets

The development and increasing application of far-infrared spectroscopy has led to a corresponding need of sample-preparation techniques suitable for the far-infrared frequency range. With respect to solid-state samples, methods used for normal-infrared range spectra have been applied with some success to the far infrared. Thus, samples may be mulled with the usual mineral oils since such oils have good transmission properties throughout the far-infrared range. Pellets made of cesium iodide transmit very well down to 175 cm−1, and the method of preparation is essentially the same as for potassium bromide pellets. Interest in far-infrared spectra, however, often extends well below this frequency. A remarkably convenient matrix material with excellent transmission from 650 cm−1 to at least 33 cm−1 (low-frequency limit on the Beckman IR-11) is polyethylene. The polymer in powder form, to which has been added a small quantity of sample, can be melted at relatively mild temperatures and then recooled to form a pellet semitransparent in appearance. These pellets are tough and durable, do not absorb atmospheric moisture, and do not alter perceptibly even after long periods of time.
Factors affecting fibrinolytic potential: Cardiovascular fitness, body composition, and lipoprotein(a)

The purpose of the study was to determine the factors that affect basal (resting) and poststressor fibrinolytic activity or potential. Variables of interest included cardiovascular fitness (maximal oxygen consumption [Vo2max]), body fat, body mass index (BMI), and lipids/lipoproteins, including lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]. Blood was collected from 46 middle-aged men before and after a maximal exercise test. Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated to determine associations between the variables of interest and tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) activities in the basal state and after stimulation with maximal exercise. Multiple regression analyses were also conducted to determine independent predictors of the fibrinolytic variables. Maximal exercise produced significant increases in t-PA activity and decreases in PAI-1 activity. Postexercise t-PA activity was inversely related to basal PAI-1 activity (r = -.34). Vo2max was positively correlated with t-PA activity (basal, r = .39; postexercise, r = .67) and inversely related to PAI-1 activity (basal, r = -.41; postexercise, r = -.42). Body fat was correlated with postexercise t-PA activity (r = -.60) and both basal and postexercise PAI-1 activity (r = .42), but the correlation with basal t-PA activity was not significant (P = .058). Postexercise t-PA activity was positively correlated (r = .37) with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and negatively correlated (r = -.42) with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Basal PAI-1 activity was negatively correlated with HDL-C (r = -.37), Lp(a) was not correlated with any fibrinolytic variable or fitness. Multiple regression analyses showed that Vo2max was an independent predictor of both basal and postexercise t-PA activity (R2 = .16 and .34, respectively). Triglyceride (TG) levels and Vo2max were significant independent predictors of PAI-1 activity (R2 = .31). In conclusion, cardiovascular fitness was a strong independent predictor of fibrinolytic potential. In addition, poststressor measures of fibrinolytic potential may provide more information about the fibrinolytic system than basal values.
Some considerations on the melting of reactor fuel plates and rods

Abstract Current practice generally leads to overdesigning with respect to catastrophic accidents involving gross melting of fuel elements. It is clear, however, that from both the standpoints of cost and safety it would be desirable to be able to base the design on calculations regarding the details of the melting process itself. This paper considers the gross melting of fuel plates and rods and seeks to estimate the extent of melting and the rapidity with which it occurs. Methods of analysis are presented in detail in the present exploratory study. For short times after the onset of melting, an analytical series solution is constructed by the ‘embedding technique’. The effect of the change in density which accompaies the change in phase is examined, and is found to be relatively unimportant as far as the melting front position is concerned. An exact steady-state solution is found, which makes possible a prediction of the maximum extent of melting in cases in which steady state can be expected. The actual progress of melting for all times is more difficult to calculate, and an approximate solution is therefore introduced. Its accuracy can, in some cases, be estimated by comparison with the known final melting extent. The approximate solution is applied to a class of melting problems, and the results are presented in the form of graphs depicting the progress of the melting front for a range of parameters representing various possible conditions.
Comparative study of face recognition techniques using joint transform correlation and independent component analysis

Face recognition based on independent component analysis (ICA) has emerged as a popular approach for face recognition application. In this paper we present a comparison between various optoelectronic face recognition techniques and ICA based face recognition. Computer simulations are used to study the effectiveness of the fastICA algorithm in recognizing facial images with a high level of three-dimensional (3-D) distortion. Results are then compared to various distortion-invariant optoelectronic face recognition algorithms such as synthetic discriminant functions (SDF), projection-slice SDF, optical correlator based neural networks, and pose estimation based correlation.
Ablation of Myosin-Binding Protein-C Accelerates Force Development in Mouse Myocardium

Myosin-binding protein-C (MyBP-C) is a thick filament-associated protein that binds tightly to myosin. Given that cMyBP-C may act to modulate cooperative activation of the thin filament by constraining the availability of myosin cross-bridges for binding to actin, we investigated the role of MyBP-C in the regulation of cardiac muscle contraction. We assessed the Ca2+ sensitivity of force (pCa50) and the activation dependence of the rate of force redevelopment (ktr) in skinned myocardium isolated from wild-type (WT) and cMyBP-C null (cMyBP-C−/−) mice. Mechanical measurements were performed at 22°C in the absence and presence of a strong-binding, nonforce-generating analog of myosin subfragment-1 (NEM-S1). In the absence of NEM-S1, maximal force and ktr and the pCa50 of isometric force did not differ between WT and cMyBP-C−/− myocardium; however, ablation of cMyBP-C-accelerated ktr at each submaximal force. Treatment of WT and cMyBP-C−/− myocardium with 3 μM NEM-S1 elicited similar increases in pCa50, but the effects of NEM-S1 to increase ktr at submaximal forces and thereby markedly reduce the activation dependence of ktr occurred to a greater degree in cMyBP-C−/− myocardium. Together, these results support the idea that cMyBP-C normally acts to constrain the interaction between myosin and actin, which in turn limits steady-state force development and the kinetics of cross-bridge interaction.
Disorders of hemoglobin-oxygen release in ischemic heart disease

Abstract The occurrence of myocardial infarction in the presence of patent coronary arteries and the poor correlation between acute vascular occlusion and myocardial infarction indicates that ischemic heart disease is a multifactorial entity. The release of oxygen from hemoglobin is the basic step in tissue oxygenation, and this function has traditionally been assayed by equilibrium measurements. A more physiologic approach may be the determination of the rate at which oxygen is actually released from whole blood. The speed of this reaction is directly proportional to erythrocytic levels of 2,3-DPG, ATP, and acidity. Clinically, kinetic alterations of the hemoglobin-oxygen interaction are seen in sickle cell anemia, carbon monoxide intoxication, and to date, in a small group of patients with ischemic heart disease and normal coronary arteriograms. The importance of abnormal oxygen transport in ischemic heart disease remains to be determined. Its role may well be that of a contributory factor in the pathophysiologic continuum of myocardial ischemia and infarction, and its study provides a new approach to problems of tissue oxygenation.