cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Formation and distribution of benzene on Titan

[1] We present a study of the formation and distribution of benzene (C6H6) on Titan. Analysis of the Cassini Mass Spectrometer (INMS) measurements of benzene densities on 12 Titan passes shows that the benzene signal exhibits an unusual time dependence, peaking � 20 s after closest approach, rather than at closest approach. We show that this behavior can be explained by recombination of phenyl radicals (C6H5) with H atoms on the walls of the instrument and that the measured signal is a combination of (1) C6H6 from the atmosphere and (2) C6H6 formed within the instrument. In parallel, we investigate Titan benzene chemistry with a set of photochemical models. A model for the ionosphere predicts that the globally averaged production rate of benzene by ion-molecule reactions is � 10 7 cm � 2 s �1 , of the same order of magnitude as the production rate by neutral reactions of � 4 � 10 6 cm �2 s �1 . We show that benzene is quickly photolyzed in the thermosphere, and that C6H5 radicals, the main photodissociation products, are � 3 times as abundant as benzene. This result is consistent with the phenyl/benzene ratio required to match the INMS observations. Loss of benzene occurs primarily through reaction of phenyl with other radicals, leading to the formation of complex aromatic species. These species, along with benzene, diffuse downward, eventually condensing near the tropopause. We find a total production rate of solid aromatics of � 10 � 15 gc m � 2 s �1 , corresponding to an accumulated surface layer of � 3m .
Regulation of mature T cell homeostasis

The overall size and the composition of the mature T cell pool are regulated by homeostatic mechanisms. Recent work has revealed that homeostatic signals are received from contact with two members of the common gamma chain family of cytokines, IL-7 and IL-15, and from self-MHC/peptide ligands. In essence, homeostasis of naive T cells is regulated by IL-7 and self-MHC/peptide ligands and homeostasis of memory CD8 cells is controlled by IL-7 and IL-15. All of these signals also appear to be important to a varying degree for homeostasis of memory CD4 cells, but the details are less well understood than for other cell type.
Quinpirole inhibits striatal and excites pallidal neurons in freely moving rats.

The activity of single neurons in the striatum of freely moving rats was recorded in response to systemic administration of dopamine agonists selective for either the D1 or D2 family of receptors. At a dose that induced behavioral activation, SKF-38393 (5.0 mg/kg s.c.), a D1 agonist, had no consistent effect on striatal activity, whereas quinpirole (1.0-5.0 mg/kg s.c.), a D2 agonist, inhibited the great majority of striatal neurons. In addition, quinpirole (1.0 mg/kg s.c.) excited neurons of the globus pallidus, which receives an inhibitory projection from the striatum. These results are consistent with models of the basal ganglia in which dopamine, via D2 receptors, inhibits striatopallidal activity, resulting in a disinhibition of neurons in globus pallidus.
Pulmonary Artery Pressure in Lymphangioleiomyomatosis: An Echocardiographic Study

Background Exercise-induced hypoxemia is frequent in patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) and could be associated with pulmonary hypertension. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in patients with LAM, to identify physiologic parameters associated with its occurrence, and to evaluate the effect of oxygen on response to exercise. Methods Studies were performed in 120 patients. Complete data, including exercise echocardiography, pulmonary function testing, and standard cardiopulmonary exercise testing, were obtained in 95 patients. Results Resting pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) was 26 ± 0.7 mm Hg (mean ± SEM). Eight patients had pulmonary hypertension (43 ± 3 mm Hg), and two patients had right ventricular dilatation. Ninety-five patients exercised (room air, n = 64; oxygen, n = 31) to a power of 58 ± 2 W (49% of predicted) and an estimated peak oxygen uptake of 938 ± 30 mL/min (56% of predicted). Sixty-one patients had a decline in arterial oxygen saturation (Sa o 2 ) > 3%, and 56 patients had an elevation in PAP > 40 mm Hg. Peak exercise PAP was negatively correlated with exercise Sa o 2 (p = 0.0005). Multivariate analysis showed that exercise Sa o 2 was the best predictor of exercise PAP (p = 0.012). Conclusions Although resting pulmonary hypertension is rare in patients with LAM, a rise in PAP at low exercise levels occurs frequently, in part related to exercise-induced hypoxemia. Optimization of oxygen administration during activities of daily living should be undertaken in patients with LAM to prevent hypoxemia and exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension.
Iterative estimates for a smoothing parameter

A recently developed penalized non-parametric maximum likehood estimate (NPMLE), of a non-increasing density, overcomes the so-called spiking problem in the well-known NPMLE. In this paper, some iterative procedures for choosing the optimal smoothing parameter in the penalized NPMLE are considered. The iterative estimates are shown to converge and improve on adaptive estimates. Comparisons with Jackknife estimates are made. Remarks about bootstrap and kernel estimates are given.
Teaching ultrasound in tropical countries.

Introduction This paper reports my experience as a teacher of clinical ultrasound (US) in an African hospital. While US in tropical countries has received some attention and a few papers – though possibly fewer than deserved by this issue-are available in the medical literature on this subject, very little has been done in terms of assessment of teaching.
Computer prediction of thrombogenic sites for a tilting-disc prosthetic heart valve.

Abstract In an attempt to identify the hemodynamic factors that contribute to thrombus growth on tilting-disc prosthetic heart valves, a mathematical model was developed to simulate blood flow through the Bjork-Shiley-type aortic prosthesis. The Navier-Stokes equations which describe the flow were solved numerically on a digital computer, and the solutions were displayed on a cathode-ray tube in pictorial form. Results included a detailed pressure variation across the flow regime surrounding the tilted disc. Such a plot provides guidelines for the placement of pressure probes for laboratory simulations. Velocity vector displays indicated certain flow stagnation regions; shear stress and normal stress distributions were made available; simulated steady flow at a relatively low Reynolds number showed interesting comparisons to thrombogenic sites in necropsy findings. Based upon such simulations, it is hypothesized that possible red blood cell damage due to high fluid stress and subsequent deposition of these degenerated cells at certain sites could be the cause of the noted thrombi. The totality of the displays can permit one to obtain proper blood flow patterns necessary for optimal prosthesis design.
A Review of Christlicher Glaube im Pluralismus. Studien zu einer Theologie der Kultur by Christoph Schwöbel

The key question that Christoph Schw6bel raises in Christlicher Glaube im Pluralismus is one that has emerged as an imperative. A Christian theology responsible to the contemporary realities of pluralism must enter its theological analysis of the global situation of Christian faith into wider discussions of culture. Theologians cannot abdicate their role in articulating their distinctive ways of schematizing reality. They cannot shy away from making truth claims amid other competitors, and they cannot give up on the question of unity-whether metaphysical, ethical, or eschatological-while celebrating difference. Christoph Schw6bel, professor of systematic theology at the Eberhard Karls Universitit Tiibingen, Germany since 2004, dares to respond to this imperative. In this recent collection of essays, he enters into the pluralist conversation with a commitment to the trinitarian centerpiece of Christianity, which he fleshes out with considerable knowledge of the Western European Christian theological and philosophical tradition. Pluralism is a complex subject. The global diversity of cultures, the multiple religious trajectories of Christianity in diverse relations with each other, and the interplay between secular and religious tendencies in the modern West (with their implications for the world), are among the many faces of pluralism. Schw6bel sustains a theological gaze on these many faces, offering a collection of studies that are decisively unapologetic in view of the trinitarian "determining horizon of Christian faith"' and decidedly realist in view of metaphysical commitment. A book that places the Trinity on the center-stage of discussions of pluralism is to be welcomed on a theological stage that has tended to relegate apologetically its
193-nm detector nonlinearity measurement system at NIST

To meet the semiconductor industry’s demands for accurate measurements on excimer lasers, we have developed a system using the correlation method to measure the nonlinear response of pulse energy detectors of excimer laser at 193 nm. The response of the detector under test to incident laser pulse energy is compared to the corresponding response of a linear monitor detector. This method solves the difficulties caused by large pulse-to-pulse instability of the excimer laser and delivers measurement results with an expanded uncertainty (k=2) of 0.8 %.
Development and validation of a model predictive of occult nipple involvement in women undergoing mastectomy.

Background: This prospective study aimed to build a predictive model using preoperative information to aid selection for nipple-sparing mastectomy. Methods: Two hundred consecutive skin-sparing mastectomy specimens without overt nipple involvement were evaluated. Demographic, preoperative pathology and imaging information was collected. Nipple specimens (2 x 2 x 2 cm) were sectioned at 3-mm intervals. Haematoxylin and eosin-stained slides were examined by a breast pathologist for involvement by tumour. Logistic regression analyses of 65 therapeutic procedures identified factors associated with occult involvement and created a predictive model. This was tested on specimens from a further 65 therapeutic procedures. Results: Occult nipple involvement was noted in 32 (24.6 per cent) of 130 mastectomy specimens. In the training set, imaging diameter of the lesion and its distance from the nipple predicted nipple involvement on univariable analysis (P= 0.011 and P = 0.014 respectively). The multivariable logistic regression model was validated in the test set. The areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curve were 0.824 and 0.709 for the training and test sets respectively. Conclusion: Three-quarters of women undergoing mastectomy did not have occult nipple involvement. A clinical tool including tumour size and distance from the nipple has been developed to improve patient selection for nipple-sparing mastectomy.
Cigarette smoke extract-induced suppression of caspase-3-like activity impairs human neutrophil phagocytosis

Neutrophils are the primary inflammatory cell in smokers’ lungs, but little is known about the ability of cigarette smoke to modulate neutrophil function. Neutrophils undergo caspase-3-dependent sp...
Incidence of loss of consciousness during automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator shocks.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of loss of consciousness occurring in association with shocks delivered by automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (AICD) in patients who had undergone implantation as treatment for ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: Two major tertiary medical care facilities. PATIENTS: A total of 180 patients who had undergone implantation of an AICD for treatment of ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. INTERVENTION: Implantation of an AICD that delivered only high-energy shock. MEASUREMENTS: During a mean (+/- SD) follow-up period of 16 +/- 12 months, the incidence of loss of consciousness occurring in association with spontaneous AICD shocks was determined. Various clinical factors were analyzed to identify predictors of loss of consciousness that occurred during AICD shocks. MAIN RESULTS: Of the 180 patients who received an AICD, 106 patients (59%) experienced AICD shocks during follow-up. Sixteen of the 180 patients (9%) experienced loss of consciousness; 13 of these 16 patients had syncope and 3 died suddenly, in association with AICD shocks. The absence of syncope during one AICD shock did not always predict the absence of syncope during subsequent shocks. Syncope could not be predicted by age, sex, history of syncope, left ventricular function, type of underlying heart disease, electrophysiologic findings, rate of ventricular tachycardia, antiarrhythmic medications, and type of pulse generator implanted. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation who receive an AICD that delivers only high-energy shock therapy are at moderate risk for experiencing loss of consciousness during AICD shocks. No clinical variables were found to be predictors of syncope. Therefore, driving and other activities that require patients to be extra vigilant should not be assumed to be safe after implantation of an AICD that delivers only high-energy shock. Language: en
Nucleotide sequence of the rpsU-dnaG-rpoD operon from Salmonella typhimurium and a comparison of this sequence with the homologous operon of Escherichia coli.

Abstract In Escherichia coli the genes encoding ribosomal protein S21 (rpsU) DNA primase (dnaG) and the 70-kDal sigma subunit of RNA polymerase (rpoD) are contained in a single operon. These gene products are involved in the initiation of translation, DNA replication, and transcription, respectively. We have examined the homologous region in the closely related bacterium Salmonella typhimurium and have found that the same three genes are similarly organized. We have sequenced the DNA for this operon in S. typhimurium and have compared the (nt) nucleotide and amino acid (aa) sequences with E. coli. In the coding regions, the sequence conservation varies from extremely high for rpsU to moderate for dnaG with respect to both nt and aa sequence. In the noncoding regions, sequences thought to be important for the regulation of transcription are conserved, while other sequences are not conserved, aa differences in DNA primase and sigma are not randomly distributed and suggest regions that may be important for protein structure or function.
Teacher Perspectives of Their Instructional Use of Tests

AbstractThe study investigated teacher attitudes toward measurement (testing) as it is routinely used for classroom instructional purposes. Data were collected from a stratified random sample of elementary and secondary teachers in a rural mid western state. Results are reported for six major attitudinal areas: teachers’ knowledge, information desired by the teacher, student acceptance/support, external constraints on the testing situation, the nature and quality of information yielded by tests, and the evaluative uses made of tests. The results depict teachers as: heavy users of tests, supportive of tests but concerned about the evaluative merits of tests, and limited in their testing expertise.
Adhesion and Autohesion in the System Clay-Cellulose:

Adhesion between sodium montmorillonite and cellulose was investigated by three techniques. (1) Beaten cellulose pulp was treated with aqueous clay suspensions to cover the fibers completely with a thin clay film. The adhesion was estimated by measuring the mechanical properties of handsheets made from this pulp. (2) Finely dispersed cellulose was added to montmorillonite suspensions in amounts up to 77 volume %. The mixed suspensions were cast into thin layers and dried to films. The clay-cellulose adhesion was estimated from the mechanical properties of these mixed films. (3) Cellophane strips were embedded in clay matrices, while other cellophane strips were bonded together. The stresses required to detach cellophane strips from the clay and the stresses required to rupture bonds between pairs of cellophane strips are measurements of the adhesion between clay and cellulose and of the autohesion of cellulose, respectively, and permit a direct comparison of the two,Results obtained with the first two met...
Branched glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers in Pleistocene loess-paleosol sequences: Three case studies

Abstract Branched glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (branched GDGTs) are membrane lipids presumably derived from anaerobic, heterotrophic soil bacteria. Empirical studies have shown that the composition of branched GDGTs in topsoils varies in degree of cyclization and methylation (expressed as CBT and MBT, i.e. cyclization and methylation index of branched tetraethers) depending on soil pH and mean annual air temperature (MAT). Here we present results from three case studies, namely three well-studied loess-paleosol sequences (LPSs), in which we measured the branched GDGTs in order to test the applicability of these biomarkers for paleoclimate reconstruction. The results show that major disagreements exist between expectations based on available stratigraphic, pedological and geochemical data on the one hand, and GDGT-derived reconstructions on the other hand. Caution is therefore advised when interpreting the respective indices in LPS studies. We discuss several potential directions for future research: (i) Some of the target peaks in the HPLC chromatograms consist of multiple, unidentified compounds. This needs to be addressed by way of improved component separation, identification and new calibration studies. (ii) Factors other than MAT and soil pH that could affect membrane composition should be further investigated, e.g. nutrient availability and redox conditions, as well as seasonality and changes in bacterial communities. (iii) GDGTs may be produced in non-negligible amounts at depth and thus overprint the original in situ signal, a concern that could be termed ‘growth depth effect’. (iv) GDGTs should also be analyzed in dust source regions and contemporaneous eolian sediments in order to address a potential redeposition effect.
An efficient and general numerical method to compute steady uniform vortices

Steady uniform vortices are widely used to represent high Reynolds number flows, yet their efficient computation still presents some challenges. Existing Newton iteration methods become inefficient as the vortices develop fine-scale features; in addition, these methods cannot, in general, find solutions with specified Casimir invariants. On the other hand, available relaxation approaches are computationally inexpensive, but can fail to converge to a solution. In this paper, we overcome these limitations by introducing a new discretization, based on an inverse-velocity map, which radically increases the efficiency of Newton iteration methods. In addition, we introduce a procedure to prescribe Casimirs and remove the degeneracies in the steady vorticity equation, thus ensuring convergence for general vortex configurations. We illustrate our methodology by considering several unbounded flows involving one or two vortices. Our method enables the computation, for the first time, of steady vortices that do not exhibit any geometric symmetry. In addition, we discover that, as the limiting vortex state for each flow is approached, each family of solutions traces a clockwise spiral in a bifurcation plot consisting of a velocity-impulse diagram. By the recently introduced ''IVI diagram'' stability approach [Phys. Rev. Lett. 104 (2010) 044504], each turn of this spiral is associated with a loss of stability for the steady flows. Such spiral structure is suggested to be a universal feature of steady, uniform-vorticity flows.
A comparison of simple correction and functional feedback in schema learning

The role of knowledge of results (KR) in a schematic concept formation task was clarified by manipulating the specificity of information provided during feedback. Ss learned to discriminate between pairs of random forms from two schema families. Verbal correction was compared with a functional KR procedure in which the schema prototypes were superimposed over test stimuli. In no case did verbal correction improve learning in comparison with functional KR. Differences in acquisition persisted in a retention test.
Substituent effects on the genotoxicity of 4-nitrostilbene derivatives

Nitrostilbene and twelve of its derivatives (eleven E-stilbenes and two Z-stilbenes) were examined for possible quantitative structure-activity relationships of their in vitro and in vivo genotoxicity. Relative mutagenicity was studied with and without S9 activation in Salmonella strains TA98 and TAlOO, as well as in the nitroreductase deficient strains TA98/NR and TAlOO/NR. Chromosomal aberrations in the bone-marrow cells of mice following intraperitoneal administration of the nitrostilbenes were observed as an indicator of in vivo genotoxicity. All of the compounds were active in TA98 and TAlOO without S9 activation, with the exception of 4-amino-4'-nitrostilbene in TAlOO. Mutagenic activity was greatly reduced or eliminated in the NR strains, which is consistent with metabolic activation of the compounds by bacterial reductase. The presence of S9 lowered the activity of most of the nitrostilbenes presumedly by enzymatic detoxication. Hammet values of substituents, partition coefficients and frontier orbital energies (ELUMO and E,,,,) were studied for correlations with mutagenicity of the eleven E-stilbenes. Correlations could be established between mutagenicity in TA98 without S9 activation and the Hammet values. The same mutagenicity could also be correlated to E,,,. Rationales for these correlations include the concept that electron-withdrawing groups which lower E,,,, should facilitate the reduction of the nitro group, leading to the proximate mutagen hydroxylamine. The correlations are also explained by the concept that electron-withdrawing groups should help stabilize the hydroxylamine intermediate and make the ultimate mutagenic species, the nitrenium ions, more reactive toward DNA. The relationship between mutagenicity and electronic effects of substituent groups found in vitro could not be extended to the in vivo results. However, except for the dinitrostilbenes, where insolubility prevented their testing, all the nitrostilbenes produced a statistically significant increase in chromosomal aberrations compared to the negative solvent control.
The interaction of thyroid state, MAOI drug treatment, and light on the level and circadian pattern of wheel-running in rats

In order to examine the relationship between thyroid status, the circadian system, and antidepressant drug response, the antidepressant drug clorgyline, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), was administered chronically to sham-operated or thyroparathyroidectomized rats. Wheel-running was monitored continuously in a light-dark (LD) cycle, and then in constant dim light. In LD, MAOI treatment increased levels of running. This effect was delayed in hypothyroid rats relative to euthyroid rats. In constant light, the MAOI-induced increase in running was diminished in euthyroid but not hypothyroid animals. Hypothyroid animals were less responsive to the change in lighting than were euthyroid animals, and this was more apparent in hypothyroid rats given MAOI. The daily pattern of running differed with lighting condition as well as with treatment group. MAOI-treatment of hypothyroid animals phase-advanced the pattern of wheel-running. MAOI-treatment of control animals increased the amplitude of wheel-running particularly in the LD cycle. These results indicate that thyroid status, lighting, and MAOI treatment interact to alter the behavioral response to chronic drug treatment.
Risk of dementia and AD with prior exposure to NSAIDs in an elderly community-based cohort

Background: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may prevent Alzheimer dementia (AD). Methods: We analyzed the association of prior NSAID exposure with incident dementia and AD in the Adult Changes in Thought population-based cohort aged ≥65 years (median 74.8) at enrollment. Participants were members of Group Health, which provided computerized pharmacy dispensing records from 1977 onward. We studied 2,736 dementia-free enrollees with extensive prior pharmacy data, following them biennially for up to 12 years to identify dementia and AD. Cox proportional hazards regression assessed association of dementia or AD with NSAID use graded in standard daily doses (SDD) dispensed over 2 years (e.g., heavy use = 500+ SDD), with some analyses also adding consecutive biennial self-reports of NSAID use. Results: Pharmacy records identified 351 participants (12.8%) with history of heavy NSAID use at enrollment. Another 107 became heavy users during follow-up. Some 476 individuals developed incident dementia, 356 with AD (median onset ages 83.5 and 83.8 years). Contrary to the hypothesis that NSAIDs protect against AD, pharmacy-defined heavy NSAID users showed increased incidence of dementia and AD, with adjusted hazard ratios of 1.66 (95% confidence interval, 1.24–2.24) and 1.57 (95% confidence interval, 1.10–2.23). Addition of self-reported exposure data did not alter these results. Conclusions: These findings differ from those of other studies with younger cohorts. The results observed elsewhere may reflect delayed onset of Alzheimer dementia (AD) in nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) users. Conceivably, such delay could result in increased AD incidence in late old age. The relation of NSAID use and AD pathogenesis needs further investigation. ACT = Adult Changes in Thought; AD = Alzheimer dementia; ADL = activities of daily living; aHR = adjusted hazard ratio; CI = confidence interval; DSM-IV = Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , 4th edition; GH = Group Health; HR = hazard ratio; NSAID = nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug; OR = odds ratio; SDD = standard daily dose.
Dual Focus Schema Therapy for personality disorders and substance dependence: Case study results

We review the theory, techniques, and development of a manual-guided individual psychotherapy for substance-dependent individuals diagnosed with personality disorders. Dual Focus Schema Therapy (DFST) integrates relapse prevention for substance dependence with targeted work on early maladaptive schemas (enduring negative beliefs about oneself, others, and events) and coping styles. The first 3 patients (one each from DSM-IV Axis-II Cluster A, B, and C) treated during the pilot testing phase of the manual are summarized to illustrate differences in psychopathology, personality and interpersonal functioning, early maladaptive schemas and coping styles, and treatment response.
Assessing multivariate normality: a compendium

Various aspects of assessing multivariate normality are discussed. Practical recommendations are given, and areas of further research interest are noted.
Studies on an Iodinating Enzyme from Calf Thyroid

A soluble iodide peroxidasetyrosine iodinase has been derived from calf thyroid tissue by treatment of mitochondria and microsomes with deoxycholate, trypsin and acetone. The enzyme system is stabilized by the presence of KI (10-6M) through all preparative procedures. The “protective” iodide is not bound to the protein by covalent bonds. Tyrosine and KSCN are also protective. Enzyme activity can be partially purified by chromatography on Sephadex G-200 and diethylamino ethyl cellulose. The purified preparation appears to be a mixture of low weight proteins (Svedberg 2–4) with equal or smaller amounts of cytochrome than the original soluble enzyme. Flavin nucleotide is present in amounts too small to act as a cofactor. No evidence has been found for dissociation of the iodinating enzyme into an apoenzyme and iron-porphyrin prosthetic group. Preparation of the soluble enzyme system from thyroid cell particles is accompanied by a loss of DPNH oxidase, DPNH-cytochrome c reductase, and cytochrome oxidase activ...
Water dynamics and interactions in water-polyether binary mixtures.

Poly(ethylene) oxide (PEO) is a technologically important polymer with a wide range of applications including ion-exchange membranes, protein crystallization, and medical devices. PEO’s versatility...
Synthesis of new steroidal isoxazoles: inhibitors of estrogen synthase

A novel class of steroidal A/B ring isoxazoles have been prepared by two independent reaction schemes using 3 beta,17 beta-diacetoxyandrost-5-ene (1) and 3 beta,17 beta-diacetoxyandrost-4-en-6-one (4) as synthetic precursors. The key common intermediate in these syntheses, 3 beta,17 beta-diacetoxyandrost-4-eno[6,5,4-c,d] isoxazole (3), was prepared by synthetic methods described in both schemes. Further chemical modification of 3 yielded 3 beta,17 beta-dihydroxyandrost-4-eno[6,5,4-c,d] isoxazole (6), androst-3,17-dione-4-eno[6,5,4-c,d] isoxazole (7), and 17 beta-hydroxyandrost-3-one-4-eno[6,5,4-c,d] isoxazole (9). Human placental estrogen synthase (aromatase) bioassays were conducted to obtain the following IC50 values resulting from a 50% reduction of enzymatic activity: 6, 120.5 microM; 7, 1.889 microM. 9, 18.57 microM.
Integrating Process Interventions into a School-Based Curriculum Group

ABSTRACT Manualized approaches are widely used in work with aggressive, impulsive, and oppositional behaviors to improve their peer relations, school behavior, and interactions with adults, including their teachers. When group-work principles and interventions are not applied to the live spontaneous group situations that arise, however, workers miss opportunities to further help members understand, incorporate, and practice the very behaviors being offered in the curriculum. This article describes a curriculum-based group experience and the successes and limitations of the work that was done and identifies areas in which the integration of more traditional group process interventions could have increased the effectiveness of the cognitive-behavioral curriculum-oriented approach.
Rapidly growing carcinoma of the colon.

Carcinoma of the colon is usually considered a slow growing neoplasm. Three case reports are presented demonstrating growth rapid by previous standards, stimulating a reassessment of the literature. The present data suggests that rapidly growing colonic cancers may not be unusual and this might ultimately be reflected in changing currently accepted screening practices.
The Daily Life of Complicated Grief Patients—What Gets Missed, What Gets Added?

Many patients with complicated grief suffer severe symptoms for several years after the loss, interfering with daily life. We sought to determine which elements of a patient's daily routine were likely to be missed or added. Sixty-four patients completed a diary each evening for 2 weeks. The diary asked whether each of 13 daily life activities were done or missed on that day. Comparisons were made with 64 matched healthy control participants. Patients were significantly more likely than controls to miss contact with another person, breakfast, lunch, dinner, starting work, and going outside, and to add a nap and evening snack.
Preliminary Design of Tubular Composite Structures Using Netting Theory and Composite Degradation Factors

Fiber-reinforced composite materials have been used effectively in applications such as flow lines, downhole tubing for injection and disposal wells, sucker rods, storage tanks, process vessels, and piping for offshore firewater systems. Composite directional drilling systems, and production risers for offshore tension leg platforms are currently being developed and tested for future oilfield use. Here, tubular products and process vessels built using fiber-reinforced composite materials provide significant advantages in applications that require corrosion resistance, high strength, and light weight. A design approach based on netting theory is presented which enables engineers to develop preliminary structural designs for these structures using composite materials. The integration of creep, cyclic loading, and environmental degradation factors into initial design calculations is also discussed and illustrated.
Rate-based packet scheduling paradigm

One of the most important issues in providing timely and predictable communication services is the packet scheduling algorithms used at the end/intermediate nodes in the network. A generic rate-based scheduling paradigm that can serve as a vehicle for implementing existing well-known rate-based packet scheduling algorithms is presented. The proposed scheduling paradigm is general enough to encompass a wide spectrum of rate-based scheduling algorithms and is flexible enough to allow realisation of several desirable features, e.g. rate enforcement, capability of handling overbooking, and capability of providing rate parameters for traffic monitoring. Its modular design also facilitates realisation of multiple scheduling algorithms in a uniform framework.
Biochemical and biophysical analyses of concerted (U5/U3) integration.

Retrovirus integrase (IN) integrates the viral linear DNA genome (∼10 kb) into a host chromosome, a step which is essential for viral replication. Integration occurs via a nucleoprotein complex, termed the preintegration complex (PIC). This article focuses on the reconstitution of synaptic complexes from purified components whose molecular properties mirror those of the PIC, including the efficient concerted integration of two ends of linear viral DNA into target DNA. The methods described herein permit the biochemical and biophysical analyses of concerted integration. The methods enable (1) the study of interactions between purified recombinant IN and its viral DNA substrates at the molecular level; (2) the identification and characterization of nucleoprotein complexes involved in the human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) concerted integration pathway; (3) the determination of the multimeric state of IN within these complexes; (4) dissection of the interaction between HIV-1 IN and cellular proteins such as lens epithelium-derived growth factor (LEDGF/p75); (5) the examination of HIV-1 Class II and strand transfer inhibitor resistant IN mutants; (6) the mechanisms associated with strand transfer inhibitors directed against HIV-1 IN that have clinical relevance in the treatment of HIV-1/AIDS.
Oriented adsorption at well-defined electrode surfaces studied by Auger, LEED, and EELS spectroscopy

Abstract Quantitation by use of Auger spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry of molecular layers adsorbed at Pt(111) and Pt(100) surfaces from aqueous electrolytes is examined in this work for the following compounds: hydroquinone (HQ); phenol (PL); catechol (CT); 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC); L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA); l -tyrosine (TYR); l -phenylalanine (PHE); nicotinic acid (NA); 2,5-dihydroxy-4-methyl-benzyl mercaptan (DMBM); thiophenol (TP); benzylmercaptan (BM); 3-thiophene carboxylic acid; and 2,5,2′,5′-tetrahydroxybiphenyl (THBP). Two independent methods of measurement of packing density based upon Auger spectroscopy, and one based upon cyclic voltammetry are employed and the results compared. Voltammetric oxidation/reduction of adsorbed layers formed from these compounds at Pt surfaces in aqueous electrolyte is found to be essentially the same whether carried out before or after lengthy evacuation. Therefore, the results of surface spectroscopy in UHV are directly applicable to the liquid—solid chemistry and electrochemistry of these adsorbed compounds. Packing densities measured by means of two Auger spectroscopic methods were in good agreement with each other and with the voltammetric measurements.
Probing the ruthenium-catalyzed higher polyol hydrogenolysis reaction through the use of stereoisomers

Nine polyol stereoisomers ranging from three to six carbons in length were reacted under hydrogenolysis conditions (205–240 °C, 100 bar H2) over a Ru–C catalyst to better understand the reaction mechanism. Previous reports have postulated the retro-aldol mechanism as the main pathway leading to C–C scission. However, the retro-aldol mechanism was insufficient in explaining the product distribution of tetritols from pentitols, while the decarbonylation mechanism could explain the selectivity results of terminal C–C scission. Retro-aldol scission of internal C–C bonds was confirmed to occur by the tetritol product distribution from hexitols. Therefore, the presence or role of 3-keto and 4-keto intermediates had a negligible effect on the C–C hydrogenolysis of polyols when compared to aldehyde intermediates. The reaction rates of the polyols depended on the configuration of the polyol stereoisomers. The reactivity of the stereoisomers was correlated to the presence of erythro sequences of hydroxyl groups and was independent of the carbon chain length.
Graphs with not too many spanning trees

Let G be a class of graphs that is closed under taking topological minors. We derive in this paper some necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a polynomial p(n) such that t(G) ≤ p(|E(G)|) for all graphs G in G, where t(G) is the number of spanning trees of G
The depiction of linear association by matroids

Abstract This article overviews a new approach to depicting multivariate structure which is based on matroid theory. Combinatorial techniques from matroid theory are employed along with standard goodness of fit criteria to generate matroids which represent the subsets of variables that belong to j -dimensional clusters for each j ϵ {0, 1, 2,…, p }, where p is the number of variables under consideration. The combinatorial techniques used to generate the matroids can be viewed as multivariate generalizations of linkage criteria employed in cluster analysis. The structure of the generated matroids is depicted with highly concise, graphical representations. These representations simultaneously determine many aspects of the approximate dependencies in the data which are of interest to practitioners. We illustrate our approach with an example concerning variable subset selection and indicate applications to model building and dimension reduction.
THE SONIC SPARK CHAMBER AND SOME OF ITS EXPERIMENTAL ASPECTS

Efforts to make spark chambers in which the sparks are located by sound are reviewed brie fly. Advantages and limitations of this type of chamber are pointed out. (A.G.W.)
Tropospheric Humidity Variations at Brownsville, Texas and Great Falls, Montana, 1958-80.

Abstract As a preliminary step in evaluating the feasibility of determining meaningful tropospheric humidity trends on a hemispheric or global scale using a sparse radiosonde network, radiosonde data at the earth's surface and at 850, 700 and 500 mb mandatory pressure surfaces, and significant levels between, have been examined for the interval 1958-80 at Brownsville, Texas and Great Falls, Montana. Adjustments had to be applied to the data prior to 1966 because at this earlier time dry observations (“motorboating”) were not reported. In general, the relative humidity at these two stations decreased or remained constant between 1958 and about 1970, and increased between about 1970 and 1980, but over the full record, it decreased at Brownsville and increased at Great Falls. Mixing ratio and precipitable water decreased during the earlier interval and increased during the later interval, similar to the variation in Northern Hemisphere temperature, although this may well be coincidence. On the seasonal and y...
Eversion endarterectomy complicating radial artery access for left heart catheterization.

The use of the radial artery for arterial access for left heart catheterization is gaining popularity. We report the first case of traumatic eversion endarterectomy following the removal of the arterial sheath after the cannulation of the radial artery. The patient has no long-term vascular compromise of the limb and did not require surgical intervention.
Pervasiveness of cluster excitations as seen in the Mössbauer spectra of magnetic materials

Magnetic cluster excitations in various physical systems (e.g., soliton bearing one-dimensional solids, metallic alloys, amorphous materials, small particle aggregates, magnetically ordered substances near TC, transition metal di-chloride graphite intercalation compounds, etc.) are described. Use of Fe-57 Mossbauer effect spectroscopy as a probe of the spin dynamics for inverse autocorrelation times between ∼107Hz to ∼1010 Hz is emphasized. Particular attention is given to systems which exhibit local or long range magnetic order and whose Mossbauer spectra must therefore be described by more than one autocorrelation (or dwell) time for fluctuations between different allowed hyperfine field directions on a given site.
Effect of Process Parameters on Pulsed-Laser Repair of a Directionally Solidified Superalloy

Directionally solidified nickel-based superalloy GTD-111 was repaired using pulsed Nd:YAG laser powder deposition (PLPD). A test matrix was created and tested to link deposit and defect formation to process parameters. Epitaxial solidification of the deposit was achieved. The grain size was uniform throughout multiple layers of deposit and appeared to be of cellular dendritic morphology. The crack formation is associated with the “stray” grains, which seem to be controlled by the geometry and overlap of the deposits. The formation of stray grains tended to be suppressed in deposits with shallow and wide profiles with smooth toe transitions into previous beads. Geometric discontinuity and formation of stray grains were found to contribute significantly to the formation of microfissures at the weld toes. Multiple pulses were found to remelt and heal the microfissures in the previous spot deposit. With optimized process parameters, crack-free, multiple-layered, deposits were achieved for tip repair (top-down orientation) of GTD-111 blades with Rene 80 and IN625 filler metals.
Achieving effective service-contracting results: the process is the key to success.

Focuses on the contract process as a source of information for managers seeking to contract more effectively. Draws on the findings of a multiple‐case comparative study undertaken to understand service‐contracting processes and the factors that influence them. Offers specific ideas for ways to manage contracting processes more effectively. Includes case examples to clarify the points raised.
Treatment of metastatic chemodectoma

Six patients were treated for metastatic chemodectoma at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center from 1971 through 1988. Four patients' primary tumors arose in the cervical region, and two arose in the retroperitoneum. Four patients received a total of eight different chemotherapeutic regimens, including cisplatin, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and dacarbazine. Metastatic sites treated included bone, liver, lung, and retroperitoneum. No patient had a response to chemotherapy. Four patients received a total of nine courses of radiation therapy for palliation of bone metastases. Pain relief was complete in eight patients and partial in one. One patient was irradiated for a mass in the left psoas muscle, with stabilization of disease for 6 months after treatment. One patient was irradiated for epidural compression at T6, with resolution of neurologic symptoms and 50% clearing of the spinal block on follow-up myelogram. Recurrence or progression of disease in a previously irradiated site occurred in one patient 2 years after treatment. One patient was lost to follow-up 3 months after radiation therapy for epidural compression. The other five patients died of widespread metastatic disease 6 months to 9 years after initial treatment for their metastatic disease.
The Current Status of Medical Student Urological Education in the United States

Purpose: The current status of urological education in medical schools in the United States was investigated.Materials and Methods: A questionnaire regarding medical student teaching was sent to the program directors of the 118 urological residency programs in the United States.Results: Of the 118 individuals 95 (81%) completed and returned the questionnaire. Three urology programs were not affiliated with medical schools and had no contact with medical students. In 29 programs (32%) there were no urology faculty lectures in the preclinical years. At 46 schools (50%) there was no urology lecture in the physical diagnosis course. Compared to a decade ago program directors believed that exposure to urology was about the same at 41 schools (45%), increased at 20 (22%) but decreased at 31 (34%). Finally, 60 program directors (65%) stated that it was possible for a student to graduate from the school without any clinical exposure to urology.Conclusions: This survey identifies alarming trends that, if left unco...
Contemporary Modeling of Gene × Environment Effects in Randomized Multivariate Longitudinal Studies

There is a great deal of interest in the analysis of Genotype × Environment interactions (G×E). There are some limitations in the typical models for the analysis of G×E, including well-known statistical problems in identifying interactions and unobserved heterogeneity of persons across groups. The impact of a treatment may depend on the level of an unobserved variable, and this variation may dampen the estimated impact of treatment. Some researchers have noted that genetic variation may sometimes account for unobserved, and hence unaccounted for, heterogeneity. The statistical power associated with the G×E design has been studied in many different ways, and most results show that the small effects expected require relatively large or nonrepresentative samples (i.e., extreme groups). In this article, we describe some alternative approaches, such as randomized designs with multiple measures, multiple groups, multiple occasions, and analyses, to identify latent (unobserved) classes of people. These approaches are illustrated with data from the Aging, Demographics, and Memory Study (part of the Health and Retirement Study) examining the relations among episodic memory (based on word recall), APOE4 genotype, and educational attainment (as a proxy for an environmental exposure). Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and randomized field trials (RFTs) have multiple strengths in the estimation of causal influences, and we discuss how measured genotypes can be incorporated into these designs. Use of these contemporary modeling techniques often requires different kinds of data be collected and encourages the formation of parsimonious models with fewer overall parameters, allowing specific G×E hypotheses to be investigated with a reasonable statistical foundation.
The growth of Spirillum volutans Ehrenberg in mixed and pure cultures.

The growth of Spirillum volutans in mixed culture was studied and liquid media were developed in which it grew rapidly and attained populations of over a million cells per ml. By taking advantage of their rapid and unidirectional motility, spirilla were separated from the mixed population by migration in capillary tubes. Pure cultures were achieved by growing the separated spirilla inside of dialysis sacks in contact with mixed cultures on the outside, and also by growth in an asparagine-mineral salts medium supplemented with an extract of Escherichia coli.
Long-Term Efficacy of Deferasirox in Preventing Cardiovascular Complications in the Iron-Overloaded Gerbil:

Iron-induced cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in iron-overloaded patients. Deferasirox is a novel tridentate oral chelator that exhibits a half-life suitable for once-daily dosing; however, little is known regarding the effectiveness of this agent in preventing iron-induced cardiovascular disease. Adult male Mongolian gerbils were randomly divided into 3 groups: control, iron overload, and iron overload followed by deferasirox treatment. Iron-overloaded animals received iron dextran 100 mg/kg intraperitoneally (ip)/5 days for 10 weeks, while deferasirox was given 100 mg/kg per d orally (po) for 9 months post iron loading. Cardiac and aortic iron levels were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Gerbil electro- and echocardiograms were obtained in anesthetized animals at regular intervals. Compared to control animals, iron concentration was 3.3- and 2.4-fold higher in iron-overloaded heart and aorta, respectively (P < .05). Deferasirox treatment reduced ...