cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An invisible bend sensor based on porous crosslinked polyelectrolyte film

Abstract This paper reports the fabrication and electromechanical characterization of a thin porous polyelectrolyte film and its application in an invisible bending transducer. The porous film consists of 10 bilayers of polycation and polyanion that are adsorbed using electrostatic self-assembly (ESA). Such porous film can be thermally crosslinked. The size of the pores on top surface is adjustable and can be covered up by a type of Na+-montmorillonite nanosheet whose size is comparable to those of the pores. As a result, the sealed top surface can be coated by metal for an electrode. After such polymeric film is integrated into a sandwich structure that was designed for a bend sensor, it can perform as an ultrathin piece of elastomer. It is found that the bending of the substrate resulted in the increasing of the current. It is hypothesized that the tunneling current through the thin polymeric film changes when the film is compressed by bending. Finite element simulation corroborates the existence of strain concentration especially near two ends of the polymer film and the shoulder of the bottom electrode.
DESIGN WITH FEATURE-SENSITIVE NEURAL NETS IN THE IMMERSIVE ENVIRONMENT

This paper makes an assessment of the utility of modeling of structural systems based on existing databases in which the knowledge about the system behavior has been collected. It is believed that such modeling will open a critical path for equipping "offthe-shelf" structural components with physics-based models needed for the next generation of the design environment enabling virtual prototyping. The focus of this paper resides with a class of feed-forward neural nets for such modeling, and backpropagation, radial basis and feature-sensitive nets are examined. It is shown that such nets provide not only a high ratio of data compression but also effective and efficient data storage and retrieval. In the numerical study, two problems of building physics-based models from databases are presented; namely sizing a solar panel of a generic satellite for the pointing accuracy, and visualization of nonlinear deformation of the upper skin of a wing box structure.
Through the looking glass … preservice professional portfolio's

Abstract This article shares one institution's experiences using professional portfolios to assist future teachers in becoming effective practitioners and making the transition between school and work. It describes the portfolio development process and the exit presentations. Both give students a peer/faculty forum to showcase their competencies, growth, and promote reflection, self‐confidence, job search preparedness, and an increased awareness of professional standards. In order to ascertain students’ perceptions regarding the development of a professional portfolio, faculty administered a questionnaire. Student feedback highlighted the benefits of portfolio development and offered suggestions for future improvements. They overwhelmingly viewed the invested time as worthwhile, saw the process as an appropriate program exit assessment, and recommended its continuation with future students. In addition, their suggestions held implications for portfolio use in teacher training programs.
Interventional studies for polycystic ovarian syndrome in children and adolescents

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by chronic anovulation, clinical and/or biochemical hyperandrogenism, which can be associated with altered insulin action. Symptoms usually begin around menarche, but onset after puberty may also occur as a result of environmental modifiers such as weight gain. The consequences of PCOS extend beyond the reproductive axis; there is a substantial risk for development of metabolic and cardiovascular abnormalities similar to the metabolic syndrome. Currently, the treatment is targeted to the patient's primary complaint such as hirsutism, restoration of regular menses or pregnancy. Pharmacological agents available for the treatment of hirsutism include androgen suppressors and peripheral androgen blockers. Recently, our understanding of the role of insulin resistance has led to the use of insulin-sensitizing medications as first-choice therapy. In conjunction with weight reduction and exercise, a pharmacologic reduction in insulin levels by either metformin or thiazolidinediones ameliorates both hyperinsulinemia and hyperandrogenism.
Results of Pelvic Osteotomies for Hip Subluxation or Dislocation in Children with Spinal Cord Injury

Hip subluxation commonly occurs in children with spinal cord injuries (SCIs). Treatment is controversial. The purpose of this study is to report our experience with hip reconstructive surgery in children with SCI. This is a retrospective review of 13 children with SCI who underwent 21 procedures for hip subluxation or dislocation. Clinical, functional, and radiographic parameters were evaluated. All mean radiographic measurements improved at follow-up. Most patients noted little change in range of motion or sitting posture. No statistical significance was established between data pre- and post-hip surgery Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores, although all categories showed improvement in scores. Satisfaction was high.
Induction of DNA adducts in vivo in rat lung cells by fume condensates of roofing asphalt

Many workers in the highway construction and roofing industries are potentially exposed to asphalt fumes. However, little is known regarding the carcinogenic hazards of these fumes to the exposed workers. Previous studies have shown that condensates of asphalt fumes are weakly mutagenic to bacteria and are capable of inducing micronucleus formation in cultured mammalian cells. In this study, the induction of DNA adducts in vivo in lung and white blood cells (WBCs) of rats by fume condensates of type I and type III roofing asphalts was investigated using 32P-postlabeling analysis. Male CD rats (3/group) received 3 intratracheal instillations of fume condensates in a 24-h period. DNA from both lung cells and WBCs were isolated and used to detect DNA adducts. Condensates of both roofing asphalt fumes caused DNA adduct formation in rat lung cells in a similar dose-related manner. Under the conditions studied, however, neither type I nor type III fume condensate induced DNA adducts in WBCs. These results indicate that 1) condensates of fumes from both type I and type III have similar genotoxic activity, 2) chemicals in the condensates of roofing asphalt fumes can covalently bind to the DNA of rat lung cells, and 3) WBCs may not be a suitable surrogate for lung cells in DNA adduct studies of workers exposed to roofing asphalt fumes. Teratogenesis Carcinog. Mutagen. 18:131–140, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A 3D surface imaging system for assessing human obesity

The increasing prevalence of obesity suggests a need to develop a convenient, reliable and economical tool for assessment of this condition. Three-dimensional (3D) body surface imaging has emerged as an exciting technology for estimation of body composition. This paper presents a new 3D body imaging system, which was designed for enhanced portability, affordability, and functionality. In this system, stereo vision technology was used to satisfy the requirements for a simple hardware setup and fast image acquisitions. The portability of the system was created via a two-stand configuration, and the accuracy of body volume measurements was improved by customizing stereo matching and surface reconstruction algorithms that target specific problems in 3D body imaging. Body measurement functions dedicated to body composition assessment also were developed. The overall performance of the system was evaluated in human subjects by comparison to other conventional anthropometric methods, as well as air displacement plethysmography, for body fat assessment.
Unions as value-adding networks: Possibilities for the future of U.S. Unionism

VII. Conclusions The decline in private sector union density in the U.S. coincided with increased innovation at the local level. One trend in particular, value-adding unionism, may offer some hope for those who believe that workers, the economy, and the nation benefit from strong, independent trade union movement. Unions that can add value to firm performance while at the same time fulfilling their responsibilities to represent the collective and individual interests of their membership have greater appeal to potential union members seeking opportunities for both representation and participation. Since they add economic value to firms, they may also reduce the level of managerial resistance that we have seen in recent history. Farber and Western (2001) argue that the overall U.S. decline in union density is almost entirely due to falling employment in unionized firms and increases in nonunion firms. This value-adding approach offers one strategy to preserve and expand union employment in firms where it is already established, thus slowing or reversing the decline. Moreover, as structural changes in the economy have led to shifts away from sectors with high levels of union density, they have at the same time put a premium on the ability of firms to respond quickly to changes in the marketplace and the competitive environment. Value-adding unions can provide the infrastructure for organizational networks that facilitate the communication and coordination necessary to adjust to such changes. Thus, new forms of representation that provide unions and their members with greater opportunities in decision making, management, and governance can add value to both management and labor.
Hyperspherical harmonic model for the ground-state baryons

The wave functions of the 18 ground-state light baryons are calculated in the quark model. The space wave functions are obtained by means of a (confining) hyperspherical harmonic potential in a nonrelativistic Hamiltonian. The different flavors (up, down, strange) are treated as identical particles.
Time-Resolved Current, Current-Density, and Emittance Measurements of the Phermex Electron Beam

The PHERMEX electron-beam pulse is a burst of ten 3.3-ns micropulses separated by 20 ns. Typical accelerator operating parameters produce a mean beam micropulse energy of 26 MeV with peak current of 300-500 A. A description of the facility is given. The purpose of this work is to present experimental measurements of the current, current density, and emittance of a single PHERMEX micropulse.
Dopamine agonist-triggered pathological behaviors: surveillance in the PD clinic reveals high frequencies.

Abstract Background Compulsive behaviors provoked by dopamine agonists often go undetected in clinical series, especially if not specifically inquired about. Aim To determine the frequency of compulsive behaviors in a Parkinson’s disease (PD) clinic where agonist-treated patients were routinely asked about such aberrant behaviors. Methods We utilized the Mayo Health Science Research database to ascertain all PD patients taking a dopamine agonist over a two year period (2007–2009). All were seen by a Mayo-Rochester Movement Disorders Staff specialist who routinely inquired about behavior compulsions. Results Of 321 PD patients taking an agonist, 69 (22%) experienced compulsive behaviors, and 50/321 (16%) were pathologic. However, when the analysis was restricted to patients taking agonist doses that were at least minimally therapeutic, pathological behaviors were documented in 24%. The subtypes were: gambling (25; 36%), hypersexuality (24; 35%), compulsive spending/shopping (18; 26%), binge eating (12; 17%), compulsive hobbying (8; 12%) and compulsive computer use (6; 9%). The vast majority of affected cases (94%) were concurrently taking carbidopa/levodopa. Among those with adequate followup, behaviors completely or partly resolved when the dopamine agonist dose was reduced or ceased. Conclusions Dopamine agonist treatment of PD carries a substantial risk of pathological behaviors. These occurred in 16% of agonist-treated patients; however, when assessing patients whose dose was at least minimally in the therapeutic range, the frequency jumped to 24%. Pathological gambling and hypersexuality were most common. Carbidopa/levodopa therapy taken concurrently with a dopamine agonist appeared to be an important risk factor.
Somatostatin inhibition of insulin and glucagon secretion in rat islet culture: reversal by ionophore A23187.

Both insulin and glucagon release by monolayer cell cultures of newborn rat pancreas were increased when calcium concentration was raised from 1.8 mEq⁄1 to 7.2 mEq⁄1. In low calcium medium, the calcium ionophore A23187 (10 μg⁄ml) enhanced insulin and glucagon secretion. Incubation with somatostatin (1.0 μg⁄ml), which inhibited hormonal release in a low calcium environment, paradoxically caused augmented insulin and glucagon secretion when A23187 was also present.
Why Health Insurance Literacy Matters

progressed, a placental abruption may occur or a prolapsed umbilical cord drop through the cervix. Although such complications affect only 1% to 1.5% of pregnancies, if you don’t have the capacity to deal with them, it’s catastrophic for the fetus,” said Lawrence, who has delivered 7000 babies. Mairi BreenRothman, CNM,MSN,who has a home birth practice in the Washington, DC, area and is a board member of the AmericanCollegeofNurse-Midwives,agreed that rare complicationsarehandled faster in ahospital. “But therearealso risks in thehospital that don’t exist at home—a hospitalacquired, antibiotic-resistant infectionor an adverse reaction to regional anesthesia,” she wrote in an email.
Assessment of Technical Services Workflow in an Academic Library: A Time-and-Path Study

Patricia Dragon is the Special Collections Cataloger and Principal Cataloger at East Carolina University's Joyner Library. She holds an MILS degree from the University of Michigan. Lisa Sheets Barricella is the Acquisitions Librarian at East Carolina University's Joyner Library. She holds an MLIS from the University of Pittsburgh. Address correspondence to: Patricia Dragon (dragonp@mail.ecu.edu), Cataloging Department, or Lisa Barricella (barricellal@mail.ecu.edu), Acquisitions Department, Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville NC 27858.
The species composition, occurrence and temporal stability of submerged aquatic macrophyte patches along the main channel border of pool 5A, Upper Mississippi River

Species composition, relative abundance, distribution and physical habitat associations of submerged aquatic macrophytes in the main channel border (MCB) habitat of Pool 5A, Upper Mississippi River (UMR) were investigated during the summers of 1980 and 1983. The submerged aquatic macrophytes in Pool .5A MCB were a small and stable component of the river ecosystem. Submerged plants occurred primarily in small, monospecific clumps. Clumps in close proximity to each other formed plant patches. Plant patches were stable in location and number between 1980 and 1983; 82.5% of the patches first observed in 1980 were present in 1983. Submerged macrophytes covered about 10–12 ha of the 201 ha MCB in Pool 5A. Submerged plants were most common in the lower two-thirds of the pool. Ten species of aquatic macrophytes occurred on rock channel-training structures and eleven occurred on non-rock substrates in the MCB. The most common submerged plants, in order of abundance, were Vallisneria americana Michx., Heteranthra dubia Jacq., Potamogeton pectinatus L., Ceratophyllum demersum L. and Potamogeton americanus C. & S.
Nanosatellite Attitude Stabilization Using Passive Aerodynamics and Active Magnetic Torquing

Aerodynamic and magnetic torques have been used to develop a new three-axis attitude stabilization system for a nadir-pointing low-Earth-orbiting spacecraft. The goal is to develop a crude three-axis stabilization system for a 1-kg nanosatellite and to stay within a mass budget of 0.1 kg and an average power budget of 0.06 W. The system uses passive aerodynamic drag torques to stabilize pitch and yaw. The aerodynamic design resembles a badminton shuttlecock and uses thin metallic “feathers” that deploy from the rear of a small cubic main spacecraft bus. The active magnetic control system stabilizes roll and damps pitch and yaw by feeding magnetometer measurements back to magnetic torque coils. It also includes a feedforward term that is based on the expected magnetic field vector direction in spacecraft coordinates when the spacecraft is in its commanded orientation. The system has been tested via simulation. Global stabilization is achieved for all altitudes below 500 km, as evidenced by the system’s ability to capture the nadir-pointing attitude when starting from a tumble. Worst-case pointing errors are below 25 deg per axis at altitudes below 450 km, and these errors can be decreased by a decrease in orbital inclination, asymmetries, or both.
“Peace Is More Than the End of Bombing”: The Second Stage of the Vieques Struggle

The nature of colonialism in Puerto Rico has caused most political issues to be viewed within the framework of status politics. In the first stage of the struggle to expel the U.S. Navy from the island (1999-2003), civil society in Puerto Rico united when the issues were reframed with links not to status politics but to human rights and social justice. Viequenses symbolized for Puerto Ricans in Puerto Rico, on the mainland, and in the world at large the costs of military colonialism. In the second stage of the struggle, since the military’s departure, Viequenses have struggled to control the future development of their community as well as to clean up the toxic legacy of six decades of military maneuvers. The important question with regard to this stage is whether civil society can again rise above the institutionalized structure of colonial status politics to advocate for social and environmental justice. Viewing the Vieques case within the larger context of Puerto Rico’s dependent relationship on the Un...
Duplication 17p11.2 in two patients: clinical features and molecular cytogenetic findings

Since patients with duplications or deletions involving the Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS) region at 17p11.2 are thought to arise by the same mechanism of unequal recombination between a repeat sequence that flanks the SMS region (Chen et al., 1997), it is surprising that the duplication patients have been so rarely reported (Magenis et al., 1986; Kozma et al., 1991, Brown et al., 1996; Chen et al., 1997 and 1998; Summers et al., 1998). These patients are most likely underdiagnosed because of lack of defined clinical features and subtlety of the duplication with routine cytogenetic studies. We report two additional patients and review the common physical features in this duplication syndrome. Patient 1 is an 11 month old male with postnatal growth retardation, length at mean for 5 months, and head circumference average for 6 months. He has ptosis of the left eyelid, narrow nose and palate, small mandible, sacral dimple, overlapping toes, decreased tone, and global developmental delay. Patient 2 is a 6 year old female with a history of failure to thrive in early childhood and developmental delay. Height, weight, and head circumference are at the 50th percentile; she has upslanting, narrow palpebral fissures, broad eyebrows, distal joint laxity, and normal neurologic exam. Developmental testing at age 6 showed a full scale IQ of 65, with performance IQ 60 and verbal IQ 78 and behavior consistent with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Cytogenetic analyses with G-banding showed duplication of 17p11.2 with a narrow extra gray band in the middle of the G-negative area in the p11.2 region. The duplication was confirmed with a FISH assay using the D17S258 probe (Oncor) for the SMS region. The D17S122 cosmid probe (Oncor), which hybridizes within the region that is duplicated in Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1A patients, showed a single signal on each chromosome 17 indicating that this region is not duplicated. Comparison of facial features reveals striking similarities between patient 2 and the patient reported by Magenis. It also appears that despite significant early problems with weight gain and development, these patients have fewer problems as they get older and may function in the low normal to borderline range. Detailed clinical descriptions of patients with duplications of 17p11.2 will be helpful in further delineation and recognition of this duplication syndrome.
Effect of Chloride Salts and Antioxidants on Sensory and Storage Traits of Restructured Beef Steaks

The effects of antioxidants (0.01 or 0.02% of total fat), salt level (0.375 or 0.750%) and salt type (NaCl, KCl or a 65% NaCl + 35% KCl combination) in a 2 × 2 × 3 factorial arrangement on the quality of restructured beef steaks were determined. Meat blends with 0.02% antioxidant had lower thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values than those with 0.01% after 85 to 155 days of frozen storage. Steaks with no salt (pooled across antioxidant levels) had lower TBA values than steaks with any salt type after 85 days storage or either level of salt after 155 days storage. Steaks with either level of added salt resulted in higher ratings for juiciness, saltiness and overall palatability than steaks with no added salt. Juiciness, flavor desirability, saltiness and overall palatability ratings generally were higher for restructured steaks made with NaCl or NaCl + KCl compared to those made with KCl. KCl at 35% of total salt could serve as a NaCl substitute in restructured beef steaks.
Additive Effects of Ultraviolet B and Crude Coal Tar on Cutaneous Carcinogen Metabolism: Possible Relevance to the Tumorigenicity of the Goeckerman Regimen

Abstract The effect of cutaneous exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation alone, to crude coal tar (CCT) alone, and to the combination of UVB and CCT on the inducibility of the microsomal cytochrome P-450-dependent carcinogen-metabolizing enzyme aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) and other monooxygenases such as 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (ERD) and 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase (ECD) activities in the skin of neonatal rats was studied. Exposure of the animals to UVB (400–1600 mJ/cm 2 ) alone resulted in a dose-dependent increase in cutaneous enzyme activities. At a UVB dose of 1200 mJ/cm 2 increases in AHH, ECD, and ERD were 194%, 115%, and 244%, respectively. A single topical application of CCT (10 ml/kg) 24 h before sacrifice resulted in significant induction of AHH (350%), ECD (921%), and ERD (796%) activities. Treatment of animals with the same dose of CCT followed by UVB exposure resulted in additive and/or synergistic effects on AHH (858%), ECD (1229%), and ERD (1166%) activities in the skin. In contrast, exposure of animals to UVB prior to CCT application had effects no different from those of CCT alone. Epoxide hydrolase and glutathione S-transferase activities in skin from all experimental groups were not different from those of controls. High pressure liquid chromatographic analysis of the metabolism of benzo[a]pyrene (BP) by cutaneous microsomes prepared from animals treated with UVB alone, CCT alone, and the combination of UVB and CCT revealed increased formation of all the metabolites in each experimental group. The largest increase in metabolite formation occurred in animals receiving CCT followed by UVB exposure. The inducibility of trans -7,8-diol formation by UVB alone and CCT alone was 203% and 435%, respectively, whereas with CCT followed by UVB it was 1065%. The differential responses in AHH activity were found to parallel the capacity of skin microsomal enzymes to enhance the binding of [ 3 H]-BP to DNA. These studies indicate that the sequence of exposure to the components of the Goeckerman regimen in rodents greatly influences matabolic activity in skin. When applied in the same sequence employed in the Goeckerman regimen (CCT followed by UVB exposure) the additive effect upon catalytic activity essential for cancer initiation suggests a possible mechanism for the enhancement of human skin cancer in individuals exposed to this therapeutic regimen.
Porous Structures in Stacked, Crumpled and Pillared Graphene-Based 3D Materials

Graphene, an atomically thin material with the theoretical surface area of 2600 m2g-1, has great potential in the fields of catalysis, separation, and gas storage if properly assembled into functional 3D materials at large scale. In ideal non-interacting ensembles of non-porous multilayer graphene plates, the surface area can be adequately estimated using the simple geometric law ~ 2600 m2g-1/N, where N is the number of graphene sheets per plate. Some processing operations, however, lead to secondary plate-plate stacking, folding, crumpling or pillaring, which give rise to more complex structures. Here we show that bulk samples of multilayer graphene plates stack in an irregular fashion that preserves the 2600/N surface area and creates regular slot-like pores with sizes that are multiples of the unit plate thickness. In contrast, graphene oxide deposits into films with massive area loss (2600 to 40 m2g-1) due to nearly perfect alignment and stacking during the drying process. Pillaring graphene oxide sheets by co-deposition of colloidal-phase particle-based spacers has the potential to partially restore the large monolayer surface. Surface areas as high as 1000 m2g-1 are demonstrated here through colloidal-phase deposition of graphene oxide with water-dispersible aryl-sulfonated ultrafine carbon black as a pillaring agent.
Statistics of coarsening in water-saturated snow

Abstract The particle size distributions in water-saturated snow are distinctly log-normal at all times. The rate of increase of the average volume decreases somewhat with time. Both of these conclusions are contrary to the LSW theory, which should apply to this system. Also, the particles are distinctly spheroidal, probably prolate. These discrepancies might be explained by extending the LSW theory to nonspherical particles with interparticle contacts. When normalized to the mean the distribution is invariant with only the mean changing with time.
Bowel management related quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis: Psychometric evaluation of the QoL-BM measure

Abstract Background Bowel dysfunction affects quality of life (QoL) of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Existing QoL measures specific to MS disease contain little or no assessment of bowel dysfunction. The Quality of Life Scoring Tool Relating to Bowel Management (QoL-BM) developed for spinal cord injured patients may be relevant for MS patients. Objective Determine reliability and validity of the QoL-BM scale with MS patients. Method The North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis randomly selected 700 MS patients from their registry resulting in 502 respondents who completed the QoL-BM scale, Bowel Function Questionnaire for MS persons (Constipation, Fecal Incontinence, both Constipation and Fecal Incontinence), Patient Derived Disease Steps (mild, moderate, severe disability), MS classification (Relapsing-Remitting MS, Secondary Progressive MS), and demographic sheet. Results Factor analysis of the QoL-BM scale resulted in two subscales: Management and Relationships. Reliability coefficients for total and subscales were: .90, .86, and .83, respectively. Known-group validity was demonstrated as QoL-BM total scale and subscale scores differed significantly according to type of bowel dysfunction and disability level. Conclusion The QoL-BM scale provides information on current bowel status and its impact on QoL for MS patients.
A weighted quantile regression for randomly truncated data

Quantile regression offers great flexibility in assessing covariate effects on the response. In this article, based on the weights proposed by He and Yang (2003), we develop a new quantile regression approach for left truncated data. Our method leads to a simple algorithm that can be conveniently implemented with R software. It is shown that the proposed estimator is strongly consistent and asymptotically normal under appropriate conditions. We evaluate the finite sample performance of the proposed estimators through extensive simulation studies.
The iron electron-nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) of two-iron ferredoxins from spinach, parsley, pig adrenal cortex and Pseudomonas putida.

Abstract The iron electron-nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) spectra of reduced iron-sulfur proteins (two-iron ferredoxins) from spinach, parsley, pig adrenal cortex and Pseudomonas putida unequivocally show two inequivalent iron atoms at the active sites of each of these proteins. The frequencies of the ENDOR lines establish the total electronic spin in the ground state to be S = 1 2 . The principal values of the hyperfine tensor have been determined for each of the iron atoms and these values are consistent with and lend considerable support to the model of a high-spin Fe(III) atom and a high-spin Fe(II) atom antiferromagnetically coupled to form an S = 1 2 system. The measured principal axis components of the effective hyperfine tensors for S = 1 2 are as follows (1 and 2 refer to the inequivalent iron sites): Site 1 ( Fe ( III )) Site 2 ( Fe ( II )) A x A y ′ A z ′ A x A y A z Spinach 51 ± 1 50 − 7 +2 42 ± 1.5 ? ? 35.5 ± 2 MHz Parsley 51 ± 1 50 − 7 +2 42 ± 2 ? ? 34.5 ± 2.5 MHz A ⊥ A ⊥ ′ A z A ⊥ A ⊥ ′ A z Adrenodoxin 50 ± 1 56 − 3 +1 43 +2 − 1 17 ± 4 24 ∓ 4 35 ± 1.5 MHz Putidaredoxin 50 ± 1.5 56 − 3 +1 43 +2 − 1 17 ± 4 24 ∓ 4 35 ± 1.5 MHz These data are consistent with Site 1 being ferric and Site 2, ferrous iron. The primes indicate that the A -tensor principal axes for Site 1 (Fe(III)) are apparently rotated about the x -axis with respect to the g -tensor axes by an angle θ (20° ⩽ θ ⩽ 40°). The orientations of the A -tensors for Site 2 (Fe(II)) have not been determined and hence the values presented are the observed values of the A -tensors along the x , y , and z -axes of the g -tensor for this complex. A brief introduction to the theory of ENDOR is given.
Fermat's Last Theorem for Gaussian Integer Exponents

In this note, we observe that Wiles' Theorem [2] on the impossibility of x + yn =Z for x, y, z positive rational numbers with integer exponents n 0 + 1, + 2 can be generalized to the case of Gaussian integer exponents v = n + im without additional exceptions. The proof uses the Gelfond-Schneider Theorem [1], according to which a o is transcendental for ,( algebraic but not rational and a algebraic 0,1. The proof almost fits into the margin. In fact, from xv + yv = zv, withv=n+im, moo it follows by taking the complex modulus squared that x2n + 2xnyn COS 0 + y2n = z2n, with 0 = m log(x/y), so cos 0 is rational. Since, for any real number 0 whatsoever there is the identity e2i0 -2cos Oe' + 1 = O, it follows for the particular 0 that
Smokeless tobacco use in a population of young adults.

Abstract The current study examined characteristics of smokeless tobacco users in a large population of Air Force recruits. In addition, smokeless tobacco users were compared to non- tobacco users, to cigarette smokers, and to users of both smokeless tobacco and cigarettes. Participants were 32,144 individuals who entered Basic Military Training from August 1995 to August 1996. A 53-item questionnaire assessed demographics, tobacco use history, risk taking, and other health-risk factors. Those who both chewed and smoked scored considerably higher on a number of risk factors than did those who limited their tobacco consumption to either cigarettes or chew. Cigarette smokers in turn tended to score consistently higher on self-reported risk factors than did nontobacco users.
Mechanism of activation of hog pancreatic lipase by sodium taurocholate.

A new preparation of hog pancreatic lipase is described which is evidently the most stable one of its kind. From the composition of the reaction mixtures after enzymatic hydrolysis with and without...
Mental health planning and problem-solving in the 90s: satisficing rather than optimizing during a time of turbulence.

This paper describes one aspect of a community demonstration project in Rochester, New York, which attempted to downsize a state hospital while expanding community services for individuals with serious mental illnesses. In order to successfully transfer resources from the institution to the community, private sector administrators and planners needed to modify some of their original plans based on the realities, constraints and politics of public sector systems. It is suggested that this type of compromise is well documented in systems theory and is of importance to mental health administrators and planners as we try to serve more needs with the same or fewer resources during the decade of the 90s.
Calmodulin-activated protein kinase activity in rat pancreatic islet cell membranes

Abstract A calmodulin-activated protein kinase activity was identified in pancreatic islet cell membranes, which phosphorylated an endogenous protein of molecular weight 57,000 as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate electrophoresis. Calmodulin activation of the protein kinase activity was dose dependent and saturable, with half-maximal activation occurring at 360 n m calmodulin. Trifluoperazine inhibited calmodulin activation of the protein kinase but had negligible effects on basal activity. The 50% inhibition occurred at 40 μ m trifluoperazine. Subcellular fractionation of islet cells demonstrated that the calmodulin-activated activity was enriched in a light-particle fraction. This fraction was enriched in endoplasmic reticulum, but there was no correlation between protein kinase activity and endoplasmic reticulum marker enzyme activity among various subcellular fractions. The function of the kinase activity and the identity of the substrate are unknown, but the kinase activity may be involved in pancreatic stimulus-secretion coupling.
Stimulus control of predatory behavior in the brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis) IV. Effect of mammalian blood

Brown tree snakes (Boiga irregularis) from Guam were exposed to mammalian (Rattus norvegicus) blood on cotton-tipped applicators. Water and other control substances were similarly presented. All trials lasted 60 s, and the dependent variable was the number of tongue flicks emitted by the snake during the trial. In five experiments, B. irregularis responded with greater numbers of tongue flicks to blood than to control substances. This is the first study to reveal an ophidian response to internal chemicals of potential prey organisms.
Reaction of ovine interstitial cell stimulating hormone with citraconic and maleic anhydrides.

Abstract The free amino groups of ovine interstitial cell stimulating hormone and its subunits are modified with citraconic and maleic anhydrides. Three lysine residues in the native hormone are not available for reaction. Introduction of negatively charged groups does not cause dissociation of the hormone into its subunits. The completely modified interstitial cell stimulating hormone-β combines with the native α subunit to give a recombinant that has biological activity, while the modified interstitial cell stimulating hormone-α is unable to form an active product with native interstitial cell stimulating hormone-β. The results suggest that the ϵ-NH 2 groups of the α subunit play an important role in determining biological activity.
Effects of Steam Environment on Fatigue Behavior of Two SiC/[SiC+Si3N4] Ceramic Composites at 1300°C

The fatigue behaviors of two SiC/[SiC+Si3N4] ceramic matrix composites (CMC) were investigated at 1,300°C in laboratory air and in steam. Composites consisted of a crystalline [SiC+Si3N4] matrix reinforced with either Sylramic™ or Sylramic-iBN fibers (treated Sylramic™ fibers that possess an in situ BN coating) woven in a five-harness satin weave fabric and coated with a proprietary boron-containing dual-layer interphase. The tensile stress–strain behaviors were investigated and the tensile properties measured at 1,300°C. Tension–tension fatigue behaviors of both CMCs were studied for fatigue stresses ranging from 100 to 180 MPa. The fatigue limit (based on a run-out condition of 2 × 105 cycles) in both air and steam was 100 MPa for the CMC containing Sylramic™ fibers and 140 MPa for the CMC reinforced with Sylramic-iBN fibers. At higher fatigue stresses, the presence of steam caused noticeable degradation in fatigue performance of both composites. The retained strength and modulus of all run-out specimens were characterized. The materials tested in air retained 100% of their tensile strength, while the materials tested in steam retained only about 90% of their tensile strength.
Plant separation: 50 ways to leave your mother

One of the remarkable features of plants is their ability to shed organs, such as leaves, seeds, flowers, and fruit. Genetic analysis of fruit dehiscence and floral organ shedding in Arabidopsis is revealing the pathways that underlie these distinct separation events. The transcriptional network that patterns the fruit links factors that regulate organ polarity and growth with those that control differentiation of the three cell types that are required for dehiscence. Transcriptional regulators that pattern the proximal-distal axis in developing leaves are required for floral organ shedding, and chromatin-modifying complexes might globally regulate genes that affect flower senescence and abscission. Ground-breaking studies have also recently identified a hydrolytic enzyme that is required for microspore separation during pollen development, and the first transcription factor controlling seed abscission.
Almost Mathieu Operators and Rotation C*-Algebras

A concept of eigenstates is discussed for almost Mathieu operators, relating these operators to the rotation C*-algebras they are associated with and to the integrated density of states. For irrational rotations the eigenstates give rise to a notion of multiplicity for all points in the spectrum of an almost Mathieu operator, an integer which is either 1 or 2. It is shown how the occurrence of point spectrum relates to the multiplicity of the corresponding eigenvalues.
Tumor growth and chemotherapy: Mathematical methods, computer simulations, and experimental foundations

Abstract Mathematical methods and computer simulation techniques for describing tumor growth in the presence or absence of chemotherapy are reviewed. The experimental and clinical background is discussed briefly, and several major current issues are identified. These include the development of appropriate descriptions for variable tumor growth rates and kinetic parameters over the entire range of tumor size or maturity, the effects of cell-cycle specific therapy on tumor growth, and the possible implications during treatment of cell-cycle time distributions and degree of correlation between succeeding generations of tumor cells.
Compliance with CPAP therapy in older men with obstructive sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVES: Factors specifically affecting compliance with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in older patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have not been described. The purpose of this study is to determine which factors are associated with compliance and noncompliance in older patients, a growing segment of the population. DESIGN: A retrospective chart review of older male patients prescribed CPAP therapy for OSA over an 8-year period. SETTING: Veterans Affairs Medical Center. PARTICIPANTS: All patients age 65 and older for whom CPAP therapy had been prescribed for treatment of OSA in the past 8 years. MEASUREMENTS: Records of all older male patients prescribed CPAP therapy for OSA over the last 8 years were reviewed. Compliance was defined by time-counter readings averaging 5 or more hours of machine run-time per night. RESULTS: Of 33 older male patients with OSA studied, 20 were found to be compliant and 13 noncompliant with nasal CPAP therapy. The mean age (± SEM) at the time of diagnosis of OSA in the compliant group was 68 (±1) years, whereas that of the noncompliant group was 72 (±1) years (P < .05). Of the compliant patients, 95% attended a CPAP patient education and support group, whereas only 54% of noncompliant patients attended (P = .006). Resolution of initial symptoms of OSA with CPAP therapy was significantly associated with compliance. Symptom resolution occurred in 90% of compliant patients and in only 18% of noncompliant patients (P < .0002). Factors that were significantly associated with noncompliance with CPAP were cigarette smoking, nocturia, and benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Of noncompliant patients, 82% complained of nocturia, whereas only 33% of compliant patients complained of nocturia (P = .02). BPH was diagnosed in 62% of noncompliant patients and in only 15% of compliant patients (P = .004). Diuretic use was more common in the compliant group and, therefore, was not a cause of increased nocturia in noncompliant patients. CONCLUSION: In older male patients with OSA, compliance with CPAP therapy is associated with attendance at a patient CPAP education and support group. Resolution of symptoms with therapy also appears to be associated with enhanced compliance. In addition, we found an association between nocturia and the existence of BPH in older men with OSA who are not compliant with nasal CPAP. Larger observational studies should be performed to confirm these findings, and, if so confirmed, then further studies to determine whether treatment of BPH in older men with OSA improves compliance with CPAP.
Electrical properties of undoped large-grain and small-grain diamond films

Abstract The electrical properties of diamond and of the metal-contact to diamond interface depend strongly on preparation conditions. A microwave plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition technique was used to deposit undoped diamond films with a variety of grain sizes. Schottky barrier contacts were achievable with rectification ratios as high as 2 × 10 5 . The current-voltage characteristics of such samples were modeled as a Schottky barrier diode in series with bulk diamond, for which the property of the bulk diamond follows an I ∝ V m relationship indicative of space-charge-limited current. Generally the low-voltage rectification ratio, which is indicative of diode quality, increased with increasing grain size for a given set of deposition conditions.
Who goes to school? School enrollment patterns in Somalia

Abstract Somalia gained its independence in 1960; however, civil conflict broke out in 1991. The outbreak of civil conflict was the final blow for already collapsed education in Somalia. The civil conflict completely destroyed the remaining educational structure. Despite the protracted nature of the conflict Somalia has slowly been pushed Somalia out of the active international agenda. This paper aims to highlight the state of education in Somalia. The study examines 5969 households and presents the patterns of educational enrollment and attendance in Somalia, and identifies the major challenges of expanding education access in Somalia.
Hepatic inflammation and progressive liver fibrosis in chronic liver disease

Chronic liver inflammation drives hepatic fibrosis, and current immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral therapies can weaken this driver. Hepatic fibrosis is reversed, stabilized, or prevented in 57%-79% of patients by conventional treatment regimens, mainly by their anti-inflammatory actions. Responses, however, are commonly incomplete and inconsistently achieved. The fibrotic mechanisms associated with liver inflammation have been clarified, and anti-fibrotic agents promise to improve outcomes as adjunctive therapies. Hepatitis C virus and immune-mediated responses can activate hepatic stellate cells by increasing oxidative stress within hepatocytes. Angiotensin can be synthesized by activated hepatic stellate cells and promote the production of reactive oxygen species. Anti-oxidants (N-acetylcysteine, S-adenosyl-L-methionine, and vitamin E) and angiotensin inhibitors (losartin) have had anti-fibrotic actions in preliminary human studies, and they may emerge as supplemental therapies. Anti-fibrotic agents presage a new era of supplemental treatment for chronic liver disease.
Transcriptional Control of Activation-Induced Cytidine Deaminase and Error-Prone DNA Polymerases Is Functionally Mature in the B Cells of Infants at Birth

Abstract Somatic hypermutation (SHM) of immunoglobulin genes requires activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID). The error-prone DNA polymerases, such as Pol η, Pol ζ, and Pol ι, also have been implicated in the process. Human adult antibodies directed to microbial pathogens are increased in affinity and function compared with those of infants. Adult antibodies achieve this increased affinity through somatic mutations, which are lacking in the B cells of infants. It is unknown if infant B cells are capable of upregulating the cell machinery needed to introduce mutations after stimulation through the antigen receptor. We show here that infant B cells exhibit similar kinetics and magnitude of transcription of AID and pol η genes and only marginally lower levels of pol ι and pol ζ genes after stimulation through the B cell receptor. These data suggest that the ability to upregulate gene transcription of enzymes mediating SHM is not a limiting determinant of the functional quality of infant antibody responses.
Systemic noninflammatory vasculopathy with prominent CNS involvement--a case report.

This is a case report of a thirty-seven-year-old man with systemic noninflam matory vasculopathy who developed a slowly progressive dementia with multi ple sites of stroke. Cerebral angiography rev...
Impact of methyl 5-O-(E)-feruloyl-α-L-arabinofuranoside on in-vitro degradation of cellulose and xylan

The potential for inhibition of ruminal cell wall degradation by soluble phenolic acid-carbohydrate complexes was assessed using a synthetic molecule, methyl 5-O-(E)-feruloyl-alpha-L-arabinofuranoside (FA-Ara). In-vitro 24 and 72 h degradabilities of glucose from microcrystalline cellulose, and neutral sugars and uronic acids of oat spelts xylan were determined. Treatments included 0 (Control), 15, 150, 1500, and 4500 micromole liter-1 of methyl alpha-L-arabinofuranoside (Me-Ara), FA-Ara, or ferulic acid (FA). Additions of 1500 and 4500 micromole liter-1 Me-Ara; 15 and 150 micromole liter-1 FA-Ara; as well as 4500 micromole liter-1 FA significantly (P < 0.05) decreased 24 h cellulose degradation. Arabinose degradation from xylan after 24 h was decreased (P < 0.05) by 1500 and 4500 micromole liter-1 concentrations of Me-Ara and FA-Ara. No inhibitory effects of added compounds on 72 h glucose, xylose, or arabinose degradability were observed. Very little FA-Ara remained intact after 24 h. Following 72 h, no added FA-Ara was detectable, suggesting extensive degradation by microbial feruloyl esterases. Extent of polysaccharide degradation, in vitro, was not limited by a soluble phenolic acid-carbohydrate compound, which accurately models a known cell wall complex.
The FET3 Gene Product Required for High Affinity Iron Transport in Yeast Is a Cell Surface Ferroxidase

The yeast FET3 gene is required for high affinity iron transport (Askwith, C., Eide, D., Ho, A. V., Bernard, P. S., Li, L., Davis-Kaplan, S., Sipe, D. M., and Kaplan, J. (1994) Cell 76, 403-410). The gene has extensive sequence homology to the family of multi-copper oxidases. In this communication, we demonstrate that the gene product is a cell surface ferroxidase involved in iron transport. Cells that contain a functional FET3 gene product exhibited an iron-dependent non-mitochondrial increase in oxygen consumption. Comparison of the rate of iron oxidation to O2 consumption yielded an approximate value of 4:1, as predicted for a ferroxidase. Spheroplasts obtained from cells grown under low iron conditions also displayed an iron-dependent increase in O2 consumption. Treatment of spheroplasts with trypsin or affinity-purified antibodies directed against the putative external ferroxidase domain of Fet3 had no effect on basal O2 consumption but inhibited the iron-dependent increase in O2 consumption. Anti-peptide antibodies directed against the cytosolic domain of Fet3 had no effect on O2 consumption. These studies indicate that Fet3 is a plasma membrane ferroxidase required for high affinity iron uptake, in which the ferroxidase-containing domain is localized on the external cell surface.