cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enzymatic conversion of glutamate to δ-aminolevulinate in soluble extracts of the unicellular green alga, Chlorella vulgaris

Cell-free preparations from the unicellular green alga, Chlorella vulgaris, catalyze the conversion of glutamate to δ-aminolevulinate, which is the first committed step in heme and chlorophyll biosynthesis. Most activity remains in the supernatant fraction after centrifugation at 264,0000g. Additional activity can be solubilized from the high-speed pellet by treatment with 0.5 m NaCl. After gel filtration through Sephadex G-25, the reaction catalyzed by the high-speed supernatant requires glutamate, ATP, Mg2+, and NADPH. Boiled extract is inactive. The pH optimum is between 7.8 and 7.9 and the temperature optimum is 30 °C. Concentrations required for half-maximal activity are 0.05 mm glutamate, 0.4 mm ATP, 6 mm MgCl2, and 0.4 mm NADPH or 0.7 mm NADH. The reaction requires no additional amino donor. Involvement of pyridoxal phosphate in the catalytic mechanism is suggested by sensitivity to pyridoxal antagonists; 50% inhibition is achieved with 5 μm gabaculine or 0.4 mm aminooxyacetate. Involvement of two or more enzymes is suggested by the nonlinear reaction rate dependence on protein concentration. Evidence for the involvement of an activated glutamate intermediate was obtained by product formation after sequential addition and removal of substrates, and by inhibition (80%) with 1 mm hydroxylamine. Protoheme inhibits the activity by 50% at 1.2 μm. Preincubation of the extract with ATP causes stimulation and/or stabilization of the activity compared to preincubation without ATP or no preincubation. In preparations obtained from C. vulgaris strain C-10, which requires light for greening, dark-grown cells yield one-third as much activity aS 4-h-greened Cells.
Summary of a panel presentation at the 2011 general meeting of IEEE/PES: Establishment of campus microgrid for power engineering education and research

Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) was awarded a grant by the US Department of Energy to to build the first ever fully-functional microgrid on its Main Campus in Chicago. Microgrid is a system that provides U.S. businesses and cities with a distinct competitive advantage by providing access to an electric system that offers
Equivalence of male and female performance on a tactuospatial maze

Sex differences in performance of a tactuospatial finger-maze task were assessed in 28 male and 32 female right-handed college undergraduates. The subjects performed the task with their nondominant left hand, and were trained to one error-free trial within specified time limits. Cognitive tests were administered to assess vocabulary, word fluency, and spatial relations capabilities. The results failed to indicate any significant sex differences in performance on the tactuospatial maze in terms of mean errors, number of trials, and trial latencies, or on any of the cognitive tests. The findings strengthen proposals that male superiority in spatial ability may not be as substantial as commonly accepted, and that sex differences in performance may depend on the particular components of spatial ability that are measured in specific tasks.
Purified roswell park cultured antilymphocytie globulin RPMI-CALG: Preparation and clinical trial

Purified human antilymphocytic globulin (RPMI-CALG) has been prepared in bulk quantities by immunization of horses with purified normal lymphocytes maintained in continuous cell culture at the Roswell Park Cell Plant. The characterization studies herein described reveal RPMI-CALG to be purified, nontoxic, and nonpyrogenic with specific in vitro immunosuppressive activity. Contamination with hemolysins and hemagglutinins is minimal and in marked contrast to other available preparations. Initial clinical trials with a lyophilized preparation reveal that it can be safely administered intravenously to humans without untoward effects. Comparison of hematological data was made on patients receiving RPMI-CALG pretransplant without other immunosuppressive agents to the same patients post-transplant receiving RPMI-CALG plus azathioprine and prednisone. No significant depressive hematological effect was apparent. Platelets were not depressed. Eosinophilia was not seen acutely or on follow-up examination. Urticaria was not evident. Follow-up studies up to 6 months after allografting failed to reveal any specific toxicity in the measured hematological parameters. This purified preparation merits further clinical trial.
Migration Records of the Red Bat, Lasiurus borealis

Sometime during the night of October 18–19, 1955, two male red bats were killed when they struck the 1,472 foot high Empire State Building in New York City, presumably during their migration flight southward. The bats were found on one of the roof set-backs of the building. They were picked up by maintenance men of the building who also gathered 156 dead birds of 18 species that struck the building early on the morning of October 19. The maintenance men claim that the bats struck the …
Prostacyclin-induced hypothermia: Involvement of central histamine H2-receptors

Abstract Some of the biological activities of prostacyclin (PGI 2 ) are known to be mediated through cyclic AMP (cAMP). The purpose of this study was to assess the involvement of histamine and serotonin receptors as well as cAMP in the PGI 2 -induced hypothermia in conscious guinea pig. Intracerebroventricular administration of 50–500 μg/kg PGI 2 produced a dose-related hypothermia, whereas its stable metabolite 6-keto prostaglandin F 1 α had an insignificant effect. Low central doses (10–50 μg/kg) of dibutyryl cAMP (DBC) were hyperthermic, but high doses (100–500 μg/kg) caused hypothermia. Theophylline and low doses of DBC given centrally attenuated the PGI 2 -induced hypothermia. Mepyramine and methysergide did not antagonize the effects of PGI 2 or DBC. However, central administration of metiamide (10–100 μg/kg) attenuated the hypothermic responses to both PGI 2 and DBC. These results suggest that histamine H 2 -receptors are involved in the hypothermia induced by PGI 2 .
Do emergency medicine physicians perform ultrasound and conventional radiography in the emergency department? Recent trends from 1993 to 2001.

Purpose To examine trends in emergency medicine physicians' participation in diagnostic ultrasound and conventional radiography from 1993 to 2001. Methods and materials The nationwide Medicare Part B Physician/Supplier Procedure Summary Master Files for 1993 and 1996 through 2001 were examined to determine the total number of ultrasound and conventional radiography examinations performed in emergency departments, except for ophthalmic ultrasound and supervision or interpretation claims. Ultrasound examinations were categorized as general, vascular, breast, echocardiography, and obstetrical. Conventional x-ray examinations were categorized as chest, skeletal, abdomen, and gastrointestinal fluoroscopy. The total volume and overall share of the two modalities and nine aforementioned categories were calculated for each year for radiologists, emergency medicine physicians, other nonradiologists, and multispecialty groups using the Medicare provider and location-of-service codes. Results The total volume of ultrasound examinations performed in emergency departments increased from 134,533 in 1993 to 355,889 in 2001 (+164.5%). Emergency medicine physicians performed 760 (0.6%) of the examinations in 1993 and 1160 (0.3%) in 2001. Radiologists performed 87,377 (64.9%) in 1993 and 257,479 (72.3%) in 2001, other nonradiologists (primarily cardiologists performing echocardiography and vascular surgeons performing vascular ultrasound) performed 40,501 (30.1%) in 1993 and 76,649 (21.5%) in 2001, and multispecialty groups performed 5895 (4.4%) in 1993 and 20,601 (5.8%) in 2001. The total volume of conventional radiography examinations increased from 5,120,608 in 1993 to 8,054,771 (+57.3%) in 2001. Emergency medicine physicians performed 243,705 examinations (4.8%) in 1993 and 167,968 (2.1%) in 2001, radiologists performed 4,558,933 (89.0%) and 7,478,659 (92.8%), other nonradiologists performed 113,848 (2.2%) and 99,627 (1.2%), and multispecialty groups performed 204,122 (4.0%) and 308,517 (3.8%). The largest volume of examinations performed by radiologists and emergency medicine physicians in emergency departments in 2001 was in chest radiography, with radiologists performing 3,765,209 and emergency medicine physicians performing 98,851. The largest volume for other nonradiologists in emergency departments in 2001 was in echocardiography; they performed 53,943 of these examinations. Conclusion Emergency medicine physicians perform a very small percentage of all ultrasound and conventional x-ray examinations performed in emergency departments, with their share decreasing over the 8-year period. The fact that the participation of emergency medicine physicians in ultrasound imaging and conventional radiography in emergency departments is limited and has been decreasing makes their claim of substantial participation highly questionable.
The volume- and surface-binding energies of ice systems containing CO, CO2 and H2O

Laboratory-measured, temperature-dependent sticking efficiencies are presently used to derive the surface-binding energies of CO and CO{sub 2} on H{sub 2}O-rich ices, with a view to determining the condensation and vaporization properties of these systems as well as to the measured energies' implications for both cometary behavior and the evolution of interstellar ices. The molecular volume and the surface binding energies are not found to be necessarily related on the basis of simple nearest-neighbor scaling in surface and bulk sites; this may be due to the physical constraints associated with matrix structure-associated physical constraints, which sometimes dominate the volume-binding energies. 11 refs.
Neighborhood Perceptions and Active School Commuting in Low-Income Cities

BACKGROUND: Few children accumulate the recommended ≥60 minutes of physical activity each day. Active travel to and from school (ATS) is a potential source of increased activity for children, accounting for 22% of total trips and time spent traveling by school-aged children. PURPOSE: This study identifies the association of parents' perceptions of the neighborhood, geospatial variables, and demographic characteristics with ATS among students in four low-income, densely populated urban communities with predominantly minority populations. METHODS: Data were collected in 2009-2010 from households with school-attending children in four low-income New Jersey cities. Multivariate logistic regression analyses (n=765) identified predictors of ATS. Analyses were conducted in 2012. RESULTS: In all, 54% of students actively commuted to school. Students whose parents perceived the neighborhood as very unpleasant for activity were less likely (OR=0.39) to actively commute, as were students living farther from school, with a 6% reduction in ATS for every 0.10 mile increase in distance to school. Perceptions of crime, traffic, and sidewalk conditions were not predictors of ATS. CONCLUSIONS: Parents' perceptions of the pleasantness of the neighborhood, independent of the effects of distance from school, may outweigh concerns about crime, traffic, or conditions of sidewalks in predicting active commuting to school in the low-income urban communities studied. Efforts such as cleaning up graffiti, taking care of abandoned buildings, and providing shade trees to improve neighborhood environments are likely to increase ATS, as are efforts that encourage locating schools closer to the populations they serve. Language: en
Customer Service Employees’ Behavioral Intentions and Attitudes: An Examination of Construct Validity and a Path Model

Abstract Customer service employees ( N =386) from a variety of service-based organizations (e.g., hotels, restaurants, and retail stores) were sampled in a cross-sectional design to assess the construct validity and predictive utility of measures of: (a) perceptions of organizational support, (b) organizational commitment, (c) job satisfaction, (d) intent to quit, and (e) life satisfaction and to assess the appropriateness of use and the impact of these scales within a service-based context. The construct validity of the measures was assessed through the application of confirmatory factor analysis, while the predictive character of the proposed path models was assessed using path analysis. Results indicated that the measures of job satisfaction, intent to quit, and life satisfaction demonstrated acceptable construct validity within the service context sampled, while the measures of organizational support and commitment received mixed support due to problems with measurement error and item specification. The analyses of the path models revealed that: (a) perceived organizational support strongly and significantly influenced job satisfaction and organizational commitment, (b) job satisfaction had a unidirectional impact upon life satisfaction, (c) despite a strong correlation, job satisfaction displayed a limited predictive impact on organizational commitment, and (d) intent to quit was influenced by both job satisfaction and organizational commitment.
Crystallization Kinetics of Nitric Acid Dihydrate Aerosols

Type Ia polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) are thought to consist of HNO3/H2O mixtures, usually assumed to be crystalline nitric acid trihydrate (NAT). However, it has recently been suggested that metastable nitric acid dihydrate (NAD) may form preferentially in the atmosphere due to a lower nucleation barrier. We have used Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to investigate the crystallization kinetics of NAD aerosols. The crystallization rates were measured under two experimental regimes. In the first, we formed glassy 2:1 H2O:HNO3 aerosols in a cryostat held at 77 K and measured the rates of crystalline NAD formation when the aerosols were warmed to stratospheric temperatures. The crystal growth rates were then used to estimate the activation energy for diffusional transfer of HNO3 across the solid/liquid phase boundary, Δgd. We found Δgd = 13.3 kcal mol-1 for the temperature range 190−202 K. We have also measured the crystallization rate of NAD aerosols nucleated at stratospheric temperatures. We us...
The long-term safety and efficacy of brinzolamide 1.0% (Azopt) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension

Abstract PURPOSE: Oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors used to treat glaucoma have significant systemic side effects. Brinzolamide 1.0%, a new topical ocular carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, is effective apparently without significant systemic side effects. This study was performed to establish the long-term safety and efficacy of brinzolamide 1.0% two and three times daily for primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. METHODS: An 18-month, multicenter, double-masked, parallel, controlled study was conducted. Patients were randomized to brinzolamide two or three times daily or timolol 0.5% twice daily in a 2:2:1 ratio (n = 150, 153, and 75, respectively). Intraocular pressure was measured at 8:00 am at eligibility and months 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18. Efficacy was based on intraocular pressure reduction from baseline. Safety was also evaluated. RESULTS: All regimens produced clinically relevant and statistically significant (P CONCLUSION: Brinzolamide produced significant and equivalent reductions in intraocular pressure when dosed two and three times daily for 18 months. Brinzolamide was safe and well tolerated by patients, with minimal ocular discomfort.
Nursing Home Consumer Complaints and Quality of Care: A National View:

This study uses 5 years of national data on investigated nursing home complaints (1998-2002) to evaluate whether complaints might be used to assess nursing home quality of care. On-Line Survey Certification and Reporting (OSCAR) data are used to evaluate the association between consumer complaints, facility and resident characteristics, and other nursing home quality measures. The analyses are undertaken in the context of considerable cross-state variation in nursing home complaint processes and rates. Complaints varied across facility characteristics in ways consistent with the nursing home quality literature. Complaints were significantly positively associated with survey deficiencies and the presence of serious survey deficiencies, and significantly negatively associated with nurse and nurse aide staffing. Complaints performance was significantly predictive of survey deficiencies at subsequent inspections. This study presents the first national evidence for using consumer complaints to assess nursing home quality of care. Despite limitations, nursing home complaints appear to offer a real-time signal of quality concerns.
Prediction Error Estimation Under Bregman Divergence for Non-Parametric Regression and Classification

. Prediction error is critical to assess model fit and evaluate model prediction. We propose the cross-validation (CV) and approximated CV methods for estimating prediction error under the Bregman divergence (BD), which embeds nearly all of the commonly used loss functions in the regression, classification procedures and machine learning literature. The approximated CV formulas are analytically derived, which facilitate fast estimation of prediction error under BD. We then study a data-driven optimal bandwidth selector for local-likelihood estimation that minimizes the overall prediction error or equivalently the covariance penalty. It is shown that the covariance penalty and CV methods converge to the same mean-prediction-error-criterion. We also propose a lower-bound scheme for computing the local logistic regression estimates and demonstrate that the algorithm monotonically enhances the target local likelihood and converges. The idea and methods are extended to the generalized varying-coefficient models and additive models.
Formation and characteristics of Al−Zn hydrotalcite coatings on galvanized steel

In this study, a process for depositing hydrotalcite (HT) coatings on galvanized steel was developed and the resulting coatings were characterized. Results showed that coatings formed spontaneously on galvanized surfaces upon exposure to ambient temperature alkaline aluminate solutions. Anodic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy experiments showed clear evidence of surface passivation. Scanning electron microscopy showed the formation of a continuous and conformal surface film comprised on a compact mass of crystallites. X-ray diffraction confirmed that the coating contained an Al−Zn hydrotalcite compound. Coating formation was enhanced by oxidizer and ammonium salt additions. Coatings formed by using best practices were deposited in less than 10 minutes and demonstrated good surface coverage and good organic coating adhesion. HT coatings formed by using best practices showed excellent organic coating adhesion compared to zinc phosphate control coatings. In salt spray testing, the presence of a hydrotalcite conversion coating under an epoxy neat resin was found to delay the onset of red rusting compared to control samples that were epoxy coated, but not conversion coated.
Novel electrode materials to enhance the bacterial adhesion and increase the power generation in microbial fuel cells (MFCs)

In this study, two novel electrode materials were tested to enhance bacterial adhesion and increase power production in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Polypyrrole (PPy), a nontoxic conductive polymer, was coated on the plain carbon cloth electrodes to bridge with the biopolymers on bacterial cell membranes and to improve the power production. The PPy-coated electrodes increased the initial power from 20 mW/m(2) to 160 mW/m(2) in the first 4-day period. But there was no clear difference between two PPy coating thicknesses (5-cycle coating and 50-cycle coating) in terms of the bacterial adhesion and power production. Granular activated carbon (GAC), a commonly used bacterial support material with high surface area, exhibited a good bacterial adhesion and high power output. GAC-SCMFCs (single chamber MFCs) generated 5 W/m(3) and maintained the peak power for 6 days. Compared with plain carbon cloth electrodes, GAC-SCMFCs had lower internal resistances and higher power generations. However, GAC-SCMFCs had lower columbic efficiency and energy conversion efficiency than the conventional two chamber MFCs.
Nonresponse in Mail Surveys: Access Failure or Respondent Resistance

CONCERN has been voiced increasingly in the past few years that respondent unwillingness to participate in surveys has become a serious threat to the validity of information collected through survey methods (American Statistical Association, 1974). Survey researchers have assumed that burdensome survey instruments, respondent skepticism about the usefulness of research, and the issues of informed consent, invasion of privacy, and confidentiality have been major factors in the assumed increase in respondent resistance (Bailar and Lanphier, 1978; Sinaiko and Broedling, 1976). To date, there is little evidence to support these beliefs (Marquis, 1977). The limited but systematic data collected thus far do not support the contention that informed consent and confidentiality issues play a major role in increasing nonresponse (Singer, 1978; Goldfield et al., 1978). But despite the lack of empirical evidence, strongly held beliefs about respondent resistance guide the research strategies of survey organizations and survey sponsors.' If respondent resistance is indeed as widespread and serious a phenomenon as has been suggested, mail surveys-as well as surveys
Coherent Pump-Probe Interactions and Terahertz Intersubband Gain in Semiconductor Quantum Wells

In recent years there has been considerable interest in intersubband-transition-based infrared semiconductor quantum well (QW) lasers because of their potential applications. In the mid-infrared range, both electrically-injected quantum cascade lasers [1] and optically-pumped multiple QW lasers [2] have been experimentally realized. In these studies, optical gain is due to population inversion between the lasing subbands. It was also proposed that stimulated Raman scattering in QW systems can produce net infrared optical gain [3j. In such a nonlinear optical scheme, the appearance of optical gain that may lead to intersubband Raman lasers does not rely on the population inversion. Since, in tile resonant Raman process (Raman gain is the largest in this case), the pump field induces population redistribution among subbands in the QW s ystem, it seems that a realistic estimate of the optical gain has to include this effect. Perturbative calculations used in the previous work [3] may overestimate the Raman gain. In this paper we present a nonperturbative calculation of terahertz gain of optically-pumped semiconductor step quantum wells. Limiting optical transitions within the conduction band of QW, we solve the pump-field-induced nonequilibrium distribution function for each subband of the QW system from a set of coupled rate equations. Both intrasubband and intersubband relaxation processes in the quantum well system are included. Taking into account the coherent interactions between pump and THz (signal) waves, we we derive the susceptibility of the QW system for the THz field. For a GaAs/AlGaAs step QW, we calculate the Thz gain spectrum for different pump frequencies and intensities. Under moderately strong pumping (approximately 0.3 MW/sq cm), a significant THz gain (approximately 300/m) is predicted. It is also shown that the coherent wave interactions (resonant stimulated Raman processes) contribute significantly to the THz gain.
Psychological aggression in dating relationships: The role of interpersonal control

This research examines the relatively unexplored area of psychological aggression in dating relationships. One causal factor of particular interest is interpersonal control, that is, the degree to which one person controls another in a relationship. Data are collected on men and women inflicting and sustaining psychological abuse in heterosexual college dating relationships. The results show that interpersonal control is an important predictor of psychological aggression.
Crafting evaluation in support of welfare reform

This chapter discusses the challenges facing evaluators of welfare reform and the ways that multiple methods can be combined to meet these challenges.
A New Preprocessing Stage for Compression of Ultraspectral Images

We propose a new preprocessing stage destined to convert an ultra spectral image into a speech-like signal that exposes redundancy in such a way that the compression stage removes it more efficiently. In general, preprocessing involves a sequence of reversible operations that in spite of not providing compression they redistribute the input data to better present redundancy in preparation for the following stage. Three techniques are hereby integrated to accomplish this: band normalization, band ordering and image scanning. Band normalization reduces the dynamic range of spectral bands while preserving their integrity, band ordering rearranges them to maximize the interband correlation and image scanning applies specific spatial block scanning techniques to maximize the intraband correlation. These techniques induce intraband periodicity of highly correlated samples transforming the output into a predictable signal that, by means of linear filtering, can be compressed the same way a speech signal is.
Rearrangement of substituted tricyclo[2.1.0.02,5]pentan-3-ones

Abstract Treatment of 1,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)tricyclo[2.1.0.0 2,5 ]-pentan-3-one (III) with triphenyl phosphine and carbon tetrachloride results in deep-seated rearrangement to the keto furan, 3-oxybicyclo-[3.3.0]octa-1,4-dien-7-one, VI; the analogous reaction with carbon tetrabromide is normal and yields, the anticipated dibromide IV. Cyclopentadienone intermediates account for the latter reaction and for a dimer formed from 1,5-dimethyltricyclo[2.1.0.0 2,5 ] pentanone (Ia) upon treatment with iodine.
Medical consequences of multiple fire ant stings occurring indoors

Abstract Stings by the imported fire ant almost always lead to dermal wheal and flare reactions followed by sterile pustules at sting sites. Less commonly, large local dermal reactions, pyoderma, anaphylaxis, or neuropathy may occur. Such reactions have previously been associated with contact with the insects out of doors. We present two previously unreported cases of indoor attacks on individuals by imported fire ants. One patient experienced a cerebrovascular accident in association with the attack, whereas the second patient had no obvious sequelae. With these two reports, a total of four such indoor massive sting episodes have appeared in the recent medical literature. Physicians and other individuals living in areas indigenous to the fire ant should be aware that infestation of buildings with fire ants may be associated with attacks on human beings indoors. Individuals with cognitive dysfunction seem to be especially at risk for attacks by fire ants.
Intramuscular diazepam pharmacokinetics in soman-exposed guinea pigs.

Intramuscular (i.m.) diazepam is included by the US military as an anticonvulsant in the standard therapeutic regimen for organophosphorus nerve agent intoxication. In this study we investigated the pharmacokinetics of diazepam after i.m. administration while monitoring pharmacodynamic (electroencephalogram, EEG) data in soman-exposed guinea pigs. Prior to experiments the animals were surgically implanted with EEG leads to monitor seizure activity. For the study, animals were administered pyridostigmine (0.026 mg x kg(-1) i.m.) 30 min prior to soman (56 microg x kg(-1), 2 x LD50; subcutaneously, s.c.), which was followed in 1 min by atropine sulfate (2 mg x kg(-1) i.m.) and pralidoxime chloride (25 mg x kg(-1) i.m.). All animals receiving this regimen developed seizure activity. Diazepam (10 mg x kg(-1) i.m.) was administered 5 min after onset of seizure activity. Based on EEG data, animals were categorized as either seizure terminated or not terminated at 30 min after diazepam. Serial blood samples were obtained from each animal. Diazepam (10 mg x kg(-1) i.m.) terminated seizure activity in 52% of the animals within 30 min. The pharmacokinetics were characterized by a one-compartment model with first-order absorption and elimination. The maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) were 991 and 839 ng x ml(-1) for seizure terminated and not terminated, respectively. Mean plasma concentrations of diazepam were significantly different (P < 0.05) for seizure terminated vs not terminated groups at 30 min. The plasma Cmax in seizure-terminated animals in this study is similar to the minimum range of plasma diazepam (200-800 ng x ml(-1)) reported to suppress seizure activity in humans. It has been reported in an earlier study that the minimum effective i.m. dose (0.1 mg x kg(-1)) required to prevent soman-induced convulsions in Rhesus monkeys produces a mean Cmax of 50 ng x ml(-1) for diazepam. The data from our current study suggest that a higher dose (and corresponding Cmax) is necessary to terminate ongoing seizure activity.
Nonlinear Hilbert adjoints: properties and applications to Hankel singular value analysis

The notion of an adjoint operator for a nonlinear mapping has few interpretations in the literature. In this paper a nonlinear Hilbert adjoint operator is proposed. It is shown to unite several existing concepts and provides an essential tool for singular value analysis of nonlinear Hankel operators.
2-Methylene-13-dicelenole: A precursor of tetraselenafulvalene (TSeF)

Abstract The preparation of methylene-1, 3-diselenole and its ready conversion to TSeF are discussed.
Purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic analysis of squid heavy meromyosin.

All muscle-based movement is dependent upon carefully choreographed interactions between the two major muscle components, myosin and actin. Regulation of vertebrate smooth and molluscan muscle contraction is myosin based (both are in the myosin II class), and requires the double-headed form of myosin. Removal of Ca2+ from these muscles promotes a relatively compact conformation of the myosin dimer, which inhibits its interaction with actin. Although atomic structures of single myosin heads are available, the structure of any double-headed portion of myosin, including the ∼375 kDa heavy meromyosin (HMM), has only been visualized at low (∼20 A) resolution by electron microscopy. Here, the growth of three-dimensional crystals of HMM with near-atomic resolution (up to ∼5 A) and their X-ray diffraction are reported for the first time. These crystals were grown in off-state conditions, that is in the absence of Ca2+ and the presence of nucleotide analogs, using HMM from the funnel retractor muscle of squid. In addition to the crystallization conditions, the techniques used to isolate and purify this HMM are also described. Efforts at phasing and improving the resolution of the data in order to determine the structure are ongoing.
Tuning the Catalytic Activity of Cyclodextrin-Modified Palladium Nanoparticles through Host−Guest Binding Interactions

Water-soluble Pd nanoparticles (diameter 3.5 ± 1.0 nm) modified with covalently-attached cyclodextrin (CD) receptors were prepared by the reduction of PdCl42- in dimethylformamide solution containing perthiolated β-CD. These Pd nanoparticles behave as active catalysts for the hydrogenation of alkenes in aqueous media. For instance, the turnover frequency for the hydrogenation of 1-butenyltrimethylammonium bromide (1) was found to be 320 (moles of 1) (moles of Pd)-1 h-1 at 25 °C and 1.0 atm of H2(g). The addition of cationic ferrocene derivatives, such as ferrocenylmethyltrimethylammonium bromide (3), to the reaction medium decreases the catalytic activity of the Pd nanoparticles. Other CD substrates, such as anionic ferrocene derivatives or neutral adamantanol, are much less effective as inhibitors of the catalytic hydrogenation process.
Further evidence for individual differences in placebo responding: an interactionist perspective.

Objective A prior investigation found that individuals low in optimism are more likely to follow a negative placebo (nocebo) expectation. The present study tested the hypothesis that individuals high in optimism are more likely to follow a positive placebo expectation. Methods Individuals (N=56) varying in their level of optimism were randomly assigned to one of three conditions. In the first condition, participants were given the expectation that a placebo sleep treatment would improve their sleep quality (placebo expectation condition). In the second condition, participants engaged in the same sleep treatment activity but were not given the positive placebo expectation (treatment control condition). Finally, a third group did not receive the positive placebo expectation and also did not engage in the placebo sleep treatment (no-placebo control condition). Results Optimism was positively associated with better sleep quality in the placebo expectation condition (r=.48, P<.05). Optimism scores were not associated with better sleep quality in either the treatment control condition (r=−.17, P=.46) or the no-placebo control condition (r=−.24, P=.35). Conclusion Dispositional optimism relates to placebo responding. This relationship, however, is not manifested in a simple increase or decrease in all types of placebo responding. Rather, it appears that, as optimism increases, response to the positive placebo expectation increases, whereas response to nocebo expectation decreases. It is recommended that future research on personality and placebo effects consider the interaction between situational and dispositional variables.
Raman spectrum of natural and synthetic stishovite

Raman spectra of natural and synthetic samples of stishovite have been measured with a micro-optical spectrometer system. These spectra have a pattern that is characteristic of rutile-structured oxides. The spectrum of synthetic stishovite is characterized by well-resolved bands at 231, 589, 753, and 967 cm−1, which are assigned as theB1g,Eg,A1g, andB2g fundamentals, respectively, of the first-order Raman spectrum of the ideal, ordered structure. Natural stishovite obtained from Meteor Crater, Arizona has a first-order Raman spectrum that is fully consistent with that of the synthetic material. The observed spectrum of the natural sample, however, is weaker and has bands in addition to those identified as fundamentals in the spectrum of the synthetic material. A broad band at ∼475 cm−1 may be indicative of glass or contaminants derived from the extraction procedure. Alternatively, this band may arise from multiphonon scattering that is enhanced by poor crystallinity or structural disorder in the natural shocked sample.
The prevalence of significant left–right hip bone mineral density differences among black and white women

In a cross-sectional retrospective study, we examined the prevalence of significant opposite hip bone mineral density difference among white and black women. Left–right hip bone mineral density difference was a common finding in both races, raising the possibility that osteoporosis can be missed if only one hip is imaged. We examined the prevalence of significant left–right hip bone mineral density (BMD) difference among black and white female subjects and its implications on the diagnosis of osteoporosis. This was a retrospective review of dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) data in black and white subjects age 50 years and older. One thousand four hundred seventy-seven scans obtained using a GE Lunar Prodigy scanner in dual hip mode were analyzed (24% black, 76% white). Significant left–right hip BMD difference was considered present when the subregion least significant change (LSC) was exceeded. Its prevalence was determined, along with consequences on the diagnosis of osteoporosis. Significant differences in BMD were common in both races; the LSC was exceeded in 47% of the patients at the total hip, 37% at the femoral neck, and 53% at the trochanter. Diagnostic agreement was lower when the LSC was exceeded than when it was not. The LSC was exceeded in a statistically significant number of black and white patients with normal or osteopenic spines and unilateral hip osteoporosis. Significant left–right hip BMD difference is a common finding among black and white women and can result in osteoporosis being missed if only one hip is imaged.
Spray Processable Green to Highly Transmissive Electrochromics via Chemically Polymerizable Donor–Acceptor Heterocyclic Pentamers

Electrochromic polymers (ECPs) of tunable green: Two symmetrical donor-acceptor based oligomers were designed, synthesized and chemically polymerized affording solution-processable conjugated polymers of distinct green hues in their neutral state. The polyheterocyclic hybrids exhibited highly transmissive oxidized states, excellent optical contrasts both in the visible and in the near infrared, fast switching times and long-term redox switching stability as expected for practical ECP devices.
Semen production and fertility of dairy bulls fed rations containing proteins of plant and animal origin.

Summary Using 18 bulls, 11 Holstein-Friesians, 6 Guernseys and 1 Ayrshire, studies were conducted relating differences in measurable semen characteristics and relative fertility to concentrate mixtures containing corn gluten feed, skim milk powder or soybean oil meal as the protein supplement when fed with timothy hay as the only roughage. The results, as judged, by the averages for volume of semen per ejaculate, per cent of motile spermatozoa and their rates of motility, the number of spermatozoa per mm. 3 of semen, the methylene blue reduction time and the per cent of usable samples during a 120-day period, showed that corn gluten feed, skim milk powder and soybean oil meal were approximately equal in value as protein supplements in the concentrate mixture. Based on 60 to 90 days non-returns to first service cows, the average fertility levels of the semen produced when the bulls were fed corn gluten feed, skim milk powder and soybean oil meal were 63.5, 61.6 and 65.7 per cent, respectively. While the average per cent non-returns was significantly higher during the periods when soybean oil meal was fed as compared to the periods when skim milk powder was fed, the difference was relatively small and it is doubtful whether any real advantage lies with the soybean oil meal. In these studies, animal protein was not superior to the plant proteins. The monetary economy of the particular plant protein sources used in these trials was much greater than for the animal protein source. A T. D. N. intake of 110 per cent of Morrison's recommended requirements for the maintenance of dry dairy cows of equivalent weight resulted in consistent body weight increases for all bulls during the first 240 days but consistent decreases during the last 120 days of the experiment. While the decreases occurred during the summer and early fall months, it was not definitely established whether the observed decreases represented a true cause and effect relationship.
Acoustoelastic response of polycrystalline aggregates exhibiting transverse isotropy

Acoustoelasticity is an ultrasonic technique which has been used for the determination of active and residual stresses in common structural materials. This paper examines the effect of texture on the acoustoelastic response in polycrystalline bodies. In particular materials which are transversely isotropic aggregates of cubic crystals are studied. The second- and third-order elastic constants of the polycrystal are derived from the elastic properties of the constituent crystals, and the crystalline orientation relative to the body's symmetry axis. The acoustoelastic relations between velocity and deformation are then presented for the aggregate. Finally, evaluation of the acoustoelastic response for several ideal textures using data for aluminum single crystals shows that the response is highly dependent on the texture.
Increasing mammography screening among low-income African American women with limited access to health information

Abstract Background Previous research showed low-income African American women with limited access to breast screening information through mass media to have a low likelihood of obtaining screening. This report describes a controlled evaluation of a component of a community-based breast screening promotion program focused on increasing screening among low-income African American women. Methods A direct-contact screening promotion component tailored to the needs of low-income African American women was conducted between 1990 and 1997 in one of two matched Florida study areas. Before and after assessments of breast screening, behavior and psychosocial mediators of screening were examined using logistic regression analyses for 1201 women with differing levels of exposure to media information about breast screening. Results Recent/repeat mammography use increased significantly in the program area for women with limited access to media information, although there was no significant program impact on hypothesized psychosocial mediators of screening. Conclusions The program led to increased mammography use among low-income African Americans having limited access to screening information through the media. For these women, using direct contact to deliver educational messages and facilitation of access to services may be the best method available to promote regular mammography.
Identity Isomorphism: Role Schemas and White Masculinity Formation

This article explores a counterintuitive intersection of class, gender, and race within two politically antagonistic white movements—white nationalists and white antiracists. Ethnographic field-notes, in-depth interviews, and content analysis provide comprehensive data and triangulation for how implicit perceptions of class and gender are intertwined with the social construction of an ideal white, male, middle-class identity. While both organizations express antithetical political goals, they together reinforce broader discourses about whiteness and white supremacy. In so doing, these two organizations present an empirical and theoretical puzzle: How and why do two supposedly antithetical and divergent white male organizations simultaneously rationalize the inclusion and exclusion of women and the lower class from their ranks? Findings gesture toward tempering conceptual models of white male identity formation to further explore how cultural schemas are utilized toward the construction of both identity formation and interest protection.
Distribution of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in the rat brain stem nuclei

Abstract The distribution of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in the individual nuclei of the rat brain stem was examined. Highest VIP concentrations in brain stem (> 1 ng/mg protein) are confined to dorsal regions, including periaqueductal gray and structures under the fourth ventricle. VIP concentrations are moderately high (0.8–1 ng/mg protein) in gracile nucleus, area postrema, nucleus of the solitary tract, motor nucleus of the XIIth, locus ceruleus and dorsal tegmental nucleus. Cerebellum and pontine nuclei contained only very low levels (
Estimation of carbon nanotubes deposition in a human respiratory tract replica

Abstract Investigation of the deposition of airborne carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in the human respiratory tract is essential from the occupational health perspective. Due to the dimension of CNTs, it is very difficult to apply traditional deposition experimental methods to CNTs for conducting a deposition study using human airway replicas. In this research, an innovative experimental approach was adopted to estimate the deposition of CNTs in the human respiratory tract. Two types of CNT materials were used as the challenge CNT materials. The deposition experiments were carried out by delivering size classified CNT aerosols into a human airway replica (from the oral cavity down to part of the 4th lung generation). The CNT deposition fractions and efficiencies in the airways were estimated based on the air flow rates, as well as the CNT concentrations measured in associated lung airways. Experimental results acquired showed that CNT deposition fractions in different sections of the airway replica were all smaller than 5%. The CNT deposition efficiency in the tracheobronchial airways was generally less than 0.1. This result implies that the CNTs inhaled into the human respiratory tract could easily penetrate through the upper airways and transit down to the lower airways to cause potential health effects.
The apophasis of limits: genius, madness, and learning disability

The rock struck Aeneas on the groin where the hip turns in the joint that is called the ‘cup‐bone’. The stone crushed this joint, and broke both the sinews. (Homer/Murray, c.800 BCE/1999, V, 303ff. verse 32) For health and sickness, goodness or badness, the proportion or disproportion between soul and body themselves is more important than any other. … Just as a body that is out of proportion because the legs or some other members are too big, is not only ugly, but in the working of one part with another brings countless troubles upon itself with much fatigue and frequent falls due to awkward convulsive movement, so is it, we must suppose, with the composite creature we call an animal. (Plato/Cornford, c.360 BCE/1937, 87D–E, p. 350) The maiden answered him, ‘Good sir, he is a king, you may be sure, but in a battle he was lamed, So badly wounded, he was maimed, He cannot move and must have aid, Hurt by a wound a javelin made between his thighs, the king is still in such pain, it's impossible for him to...
Access to medications and medical care after participation in HIV clinical trials: a systematic review of trial protocols and informed consent documents.

Background: Expectations regarding receipt of medications and medical care after clinical trials conclude may inform decisions about trial participation. We describe the frequency with which these ...
Glycobiology, how to sugar‐coat an undergraduate advanced biochemistry laboratory

A second semester biochemistry laboratory has been implemented as an independent projects course at California State University, Sacramento since 1999. To incorporate aspects of carbohydrate biochemistry, or glycobiology, into our curriculum, projects in lectin isolation and purification were undertaken over the course of two semesters. Through this modification in course content, this class now offers a diverse, hands-on treatment of not only standard protein purification techniques but also carbohydrate techniques, specifically the study of carbohydrate-protein interactions through hemagglutination assays, a novel commercial assay known as the Instant™Chek assay, and the generation and use of appropriate affinity chromatography matrices. Throughout the semester, the students are in charge of all aspects of their projects, from planning to execution and completion. Specific examples of student projects are highlighted such that the breadth of protein-carbohydrate chemistry pursued in a 15-week semester can be appreciated. The feedback of the course was very favorable, indicating that the students came away with skills necessary for them to be successful in their future careers. Most importantly, however, aspects of glycobiology have now been incorporated effectively into a mainstream undergraduate biochemistry laboratory class.
Radial conductivity of arterial walls.

Experimental measurements of the radial conductivity of dog arteries in blood and saline were accomplished. These demonstrated that the radial conductivity of arteries is from one half to one quarter the conductivity of the physiological solution in which it is contact.