cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vertical Merger Policy: Special Considerations in Regulated Industries

We examine the special considerations that vertical mergers can raise in regulated industries. We explain how regulation can affect the distribution of merger-induced benefits, the type of vertical mergers that arise, the potential for effective post-merger industry oversight, and the post-merger incentives of the merging entities. These considerations imply that vertical mergers that would reduce (enhance) welfare in unregulated settings can sometimes enhance (reduce) welfare in regulated settings.
Risk Factors of Forced Take-Off in Dairy Cows Milked Three Times per Day in A Rotary Milking Parlor: A Case Control Study.

The aims of the research were to: (1) describe a protocol for the identification of cows that are subjected repeatedly to a forced retraction event at the end of milking; (2) study risk factors of repeated forced take-off (RFTO); and (3) assess the average milk flow rate at which the forced retraction event occurred. In a retrospective study, we collected milk flow data over a 1-week period from a 4300-cow dairy with a rotary milking parlor and a thrice-daily milking schedule. We identified 109 cases of RFTO and 2467 controls. A multivariable logistic regression model revealed associations of parity, stage of lactation, average daily milk production, and milking speed with RFTO. Cows in parity 3 or greater, animals ≤100 days in milk, high-producing animals, and cows with low milking speed had higher odds of RFTO. The average (least squares means (95% CI)) milk flow rates at the time of removal of the milking unit were 2.1 (2.0–2.1) kg/min in milking observations that were terminated with the forced retract and 1.5 (1.4–1.5) kg/min when milking units were removed with the automatic cluster remover. Future research to better understand the effect of RFTO on milk production, udder health, and animal well-being is warranted.
Advanced sensor technologies and the future of work

Exposure science is fundamental to the field of occupational safety and health. The measurement of worker exposures to hazardous agents informs effective workplace risk mitigation strategies. The modern era of occupational exposure measurement began with the invention of the personal sampling device, which is still widely used today in the practice of occupational hygiene. Newer direct-reading sensor devices are incorporating recent advances in transducers, nanomaterials, electronics miniaturization, portability, batteries with high-power density, wireless communication, energy-efficient microprocessing, and display technology to usher in a new era in exposure science. Commercial applications of new sensor technologies have led to a variety of health and lifestyle management devices for everyday life. These applications are also being investigated as tools to measure occupational and environmental exposures. As the next-generation placeable, wearable, and implantable sensor technologies move from the research laboratory to the workplace, their role in the future of work will be of increasing importance to employers, workers, and occupational safety and health researchers and practitioners. This commentary discusses some of the benefits and challenges of placeable, wearable, and implantable sensor technologies in the future of work.
A Bedside Perspective of Neonatal Lupus

Publisher Summary Detection of isolated congenital heart block (CHB) in the latter half of the 2nd trimester predicts with high certainty, the presence of maternal autoantibodies to the intracellular ribonucleoproteins SSA/Ro and SSB/La. CHB is considered a passively acquired autoimmune disease, in which maternal autoantibodies cross the placenta and injure an otherwise normally developing heart. Other neonatal abnormalities, including cutaneous manifestations, cholestasis, and cytopenias, are also associated with anti-SSA/Ro–SSB/La antibodies in the maternal and fetal circulation and are now grouped under the heading of neonatal lupus (NL) syndromes. This term, derived from the resemblance of the neonatal rash to the subacute cutaneous rash of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in adults, is clearly a misnomer, as the newborn does not have a systemic autoimmune disease and the mother is completely asymptomatic. The noncardiac manifestations of NL are generally transient, resolving at about 6 months of life coincident with the disappearance of maternal autoantibodies from the neonatal circulation. To date, however, complete heart block is irreversible. The relative rarity of autoimmune-associated CHB has posed a challenge to clinical and epidemiologic researchers.
Copyright and Digital Media in a Post-Napster World: 2005 Update

The objective of this White Paper (initially released in August 2003 and updated in January 2005) is to provide a foundation for evaluating key questions facing the different stakeholders in the contentious debate over the future of digital media. It explores issues surrounding the current digital media ecosystem, including: - The legal and regulatory developments regarding copyright and related intellectual property issues. - Business models upset or enabled by digital media distribution. - Technological developments driving change across the value chain. - Shifts in consumer attitudes and behavior. Focusing on these topics, the paper identifies five scenarios that flow from developments in law, technology and society. The five scenarios are outlined at the end of the White Paper. They have provided an analytical structure for a series of conferences and recently published papers as well as research in progress.
[11] σ Factors: Purification and DNA binding

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on purification of σ polypeptides using affinity tags, and analysis of DNA binding in vitro . The sigma (σ) subunit of prokaryotic RNA polymerases provides specificity for transcription initiation by directing polymerase to the appropriate promoter DNA sequences. The chapter describes a large number of different σ subunits, which are related to the Escherichia coli primary σ. Members of this group are characterized by four regions of amino acid similarity. The ability of σ to bind to DNA in vitro , in the absence of the core polymerase subunits varies depending on the structure of the σ polypeptide. For example, DNA binding by σ is not observed unless the amino-terminal inhibitory domain is removed. Alternative σ factors, such as Bacillus subtilis σ K and Salmonella typhimurium σ, which lack the inhibitory domain, bind to DNA in full-length form. Another family of σ factors, related to E. coli σ, contains members that are quite dissimilar to the σ family in both structure and function. Unlike σ, full-length σ is capable of binding to DNA.
Bit Allocation for Video Coding with Temporal-Spatial Tradeoff

Bit allocation with joint temporal-spatial consideration for video coding and motion-compensated frame interpolation at low bit rates is investigated. In contrast with traditional approaches where the frame-rate control and the quantization parameter selection are treated separately, they are jointly optimized in this work. In our framework, an affine warping based on triangular patch is adopted to interpolate skipped frames. Both skipped and coded frames contribute to the operational rate-distortion (R-D) function, and bit allocation is formulated as an optimization problem. A heuristic approach using iterative greedy pruning is proposed to solve this problem. It provides a suboptional solution at a reasonable complexity. Experimental results show that, with various temporal (frame skipping) and spatial (quantizer) combinations, the proposed algorithm can achive an average PSNR that is 0.3~1.0 dB better than that of ITU-T H.263+/ TMN8. Moreover, consistency of visual quality has significantly improved as evidenced by the reduced PSNR variance among frames.
Test Procedures for Studying Vehicle Dynamics in Lane-Change Maneuvers

The use of both closed- and open-loop test procedures for evaluating the performance of motor vehicles in lane-change maneuvers is reviewed. It is found that (a) variations in driver skill, (b) differences in the amount of information imparted to the driver by the layout of the test course, (c) the asymmetry in response between right and left lane-changes, and (d) the lack of understanding of the connection between open- and closed-loop performance present difficulties in evaluating lane-change performance. Further study is recommended using a particular form of evasive performance test to seek identifiable ergonomic and vehicle dynamics bounds on driver-vehicle system performance.
Elastomers, Synthetic, Survey

The purpose of this article is to provide a brief overview of the materials designated synthetic elastomers and the elastomeric or rubbery state. The term elastomer describes a material that exhibits rubbery properties, ie, that can recover most of its original dimensions after extension or compression. When elastomers are extended or stretched, the individual long-chain molecules are partially uncoiled, but will retract when the force is removed. The properties of elastomeric materials are greatly influenced by the presence of strong interchain, ie, intermolecular forces that can result in the formation of crystalline domains. Two principal forces that govern the ability of a polymer to crystallize are the interchain attractive forces and the countervailing kinetic energy. In order to cure or vulcanize an elastomer, ie, cross-link, certain additives are mixed and compounded with the rubber. Specific elastomers discussed are styrene-butadiene rubber, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, elastomers resistant to age, solvent, and temperature,liquid rubber, and thermoplastics. Keywords: elastomers; synthetic; liquid rubber; styrene-butadiene rubber; vulcanization; resistant elastomers
SIPROL: A high level language for digital signal processing

This paper presents the design ideas for a high level signal processing language. The design objectives for the signal processing language SIPROL are adaptation to the problem domain, portability and code efficiency. SIPROL is derived from PASCAL and comprises abstraction as the most significant extension. The problem of signal processing requirements is discussed and the main language issues are presented with respect to typical signal processing applications.
The neural receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase DPTP69D is required during periods of axon outgrowth in Drosophila.

We have isolated and characterized a series of 18 chemically induced alleles of Ptp69D ranging in strength from viable to worse than null, which represent unique tools for probing the structure, function, and signaling pathway of DPTP69D. Three alleles are strongly temperature sensitive and were used to define the developmental periods requiring DPTP69D function; adult health requires DPTP69D during the mid- to late-pupal stage, eclosion requires DPTP69D during the early to mid-larval stage, and larval survival requires DPTP69D during embryogenesis. Mutations predicted to abolish the phosphatase activity of the membrane proximal D1 domain severely reduce but do not abolish DPTP69D function. Six alleles appear null; only 20% of null homozygotes pupate and <5% eclose, only to fall into the food and drown. One allele, Ptp69D7 , confers axon and viability defects more severe than those of the null phenotype. Sequence analysis predicts that Ptp69D7 encodes a mutant protein that may bind but not release substrate. Like mutations in the protein tyrosine phosphatase gene Dlar , strong Ptp69D alleles cause the ISNb nerve to bypass its muscle targets. Genetic analysis reveals that the bypass defect in Dlar and Ptp69D mutants is dependent upon DPTP99A function, consistent with the hypothesis that DPTP69D and DLAR both counteract DPTP99A, allowing ISNb axons to enter their target muscle field.
A Method for Cannulation of Pancreatic Ducts in Young Chicks

Abstract PANCREATIC ducts have been cannulated in dogs (Zucker et al., 1932), rats (Love, 1957), swine (Pekas, 1965), and cattle (Wass, 1965). Because of anatomical differences in the chicken, techniques for pancreatic duct cannulation must be altered. When pancreatic ducts of chicks are cannulated, a complete or partial blockage occurs within 30 to 60 minutes (Heatley et al., 1965). This blockage is due mainly to strong peristaltic movements of the pancreatic duct, resulting in irritation of the duct walls by the cannula, which in turn causes a cell and mucuous plug to form. To avoid this problem, the collection of pancreatic juice from the intestine has been used (Heatley et al., 1965). However, this method involved ligation of the bile ducts and required several incisions. Also, it could not be used for medium or long-term experiments, and since pancreatic secretion was irregular no conclusive data could be obtained by this method. . . .
Idiopathic transient normocytic, normochromic anaemia of childhood.

Idiopathic transient normocytic, normochromic anaemia of childhood. The paediatric literature recognises an uncommon, self-limiting condition characterised by a severe normocytic, normochromic anaemia occurring in otherwise healthy children. Previous descriptions report erythroblastopenia as the characteristic bone marrow finding. Fifteen children are described with the essential features of this condition. Of these, erythroblastopenia was present in only seven; four showed an erythroid hyperplasia and in four the bone marrow was only marginally abnormal. The latter two groups of patients demonstrated a “shift to the left” in their erythroid precursors. Contrary to earlier reports, it is suggested that the bone marrow changes in this condition are variable.
Review of power electronics for kinetic energy harvesting systems

In the past decade, there has been a dramatic rise of research in the field of energy harvesting from ambient environment, such as mechanical vibrations and dissipated heat. As a key element connecting the harvester and energy storage element in energy harvesting systems, power electronic interface circuitry has drawn significant interests. Abundant research on the power electronic circuits with functions of voltage regulation, optimal power extraction and damping control for energy harvesting systems has been conducted and reported, together with control algorithms and implementations to achieve these functions. This paper reviews the reported concepts for power electronic interface circuits in kinetic energy harvesting systems, such as electromagnetic and piezoelectric harvesters. Power electronic interface circuit concepts included were grouped in the view of energy scale, power flow direction, functionality and complexity. An overview of the power electronic circuit topologies with various functions available for constructing the power electronic interface circuits and problems yet to be solved for kinetic energy harvesting systems is provided by this paper.
The Human Side of Enterprise in Peril.

The article reviews the books “The Human Side of Enterprise,” by Douglas McGregor, and “Douglas McGregor, Revisited: Managing the Human Side of the Enterprise,” by Gary Heil, Warren Bennis, and Deborah C. Stephens.
Measurement of the distribution of [3H]bicuculline microinjected into the rat hypothalamus

Abstract The purpose of this study was to measure the distribution of a radiolabeled drug [ 3 H]bicuculline methylchloride ([ 3 H]BMC) following microinjection into the supraoptic nuclei (SON) and the dorsal hypothalamus of conscious rats. The anteroposterior (AP) distribution was measured using liquid-scintillation counting while computer-assisted densitometry was used to measure the mediolateral (ML) and dorsoventral (DV) distribution of silver grains on autoradiograms. Following a 50-nl microinjection into the SON, 90% of the detected tracer was found within 0.6 ± 0.1 mm ( n = 5) of the injection site. Using the same volume, the pattern of distribution of 90% of the detected tracer in the SON was not significantly altered when rats received a microinfusion over 10 min ( n = 5) or a bolus microinjection with a 10 min waiting period ( n = 6) prior to death. Following a 100-nl microinfusion over 20 min into the dorsal hypothalamus, 90% of the detected radiolabel was found within 0.6 ± 0.1 mm ( n = 7) of the injection site, in a spherical pattern of distribution. Although caution must be used in extrapolating these results to other drugs, these data suggest that intraparenchymal microinjections of 50- and 100-nl volumes are suitable for drug localization in studies using microinjection techniques for conscious rats.
Nuclear Spin Relaxation and Nuclear Electric Dipole Moments

Proposals that nuclear spin relaxation in an appropriate system could serve as a test for the existence of a nuclear electric dipole moment are examined with attention to the consequences of the fact that the electric field at the nucleus is proportional to the nuclear acceleration. It is found that low-frequency fluctuations of the local electric field are suppressed. In particular, the necessarily negative correlation of the momentum transferred in consecutive collisions of an atom in a gas alters the spectral density of the perturbation, from that of uncorrelated pulses, by the factor $\frac{{\ensuremath{\omega}}^{2}{{\ensuremath{\tau}}_{c}}^{2}}{(1+{\ensuremath{\omega}}^{2}{{\ensuremath{\tau}}_{c}}^{2})}$, where ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{c}$ is the mean time between collisions. It follows that fairly low gas density is preferable to high. At optimum density a light gas at room temperature carrying electric dipole moments of magnitude $e\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}14}$ cm should have a spin relaxation time, in the absence of competing processes, of around 10 minutes. A formula is given for the electrically induced spin relaxation rate in a crystal. The process is hopelessly slow. In the electric coupling of the lattice vibrations to the spin the ordinarily dominant "two-phonon" or "Raman" process is absent, because of the linearity of the connection between local electric field and nuclear motion.
Repair of Left Atrial Abnormalities in Children by the Superior Approach

We have used the superior approach through the dome of the left atrium to repair cardiac lesions in the left atrium in 15 children ranging from 3 months to 17 years old. The single hospital death occurred in a 16-month-old infant with levo (L) transposition of the great arteries, Ebstein's malformation of the left atrioventricular valve, and ventricular septal defect. Exposure of the intraatrial structures was excellent, injury to adjacent cardiac structures did not occur, and hemorrhage from the left atrial suture line was not a problem. Though a few transient arrhythmias were seen, all survivors are in sinus rhythm without evidence of sick sinus syndrome, except 1 patient in whom atrial flutter associated with cardiomyopathy developed 1 year after operation. The excellent surgical exposure obtained of the interior of the left atrium and the absence of important complications related to the incision cause us to recommend this approach in children.
Superstring effects on D=4, N=1 supergravity☆

Abstract We give a lagrangian and supersymmetry transformation rules for the four-dimensional N =1 supergravity sector of superstring theories with their O ( α ′) corrections, obtained by the dimensional reduction a la Witten of the effective action of the ten-dimensional heterotic superstring. We also give general forms of O ( α ′ ″) corrections to supersymmetry transformation rules which arise through an axial vector superfield. Since our system is based on the ten-dimensional superstring without any auxiliary fields, our four-dimensional N =1 supergravity is free of auxiliary fields. Our point-field theory lagrangian is supposed to describe the mass-less fields in the untwisted sector of the ten-dimensional heterotic superstring propagating on orbifolds.
Mechanism of the effect of bretylium on the ventricular fibrillation threshold in dogs.

Abstract Experiments were performed to determine the importance of sympathetic blockade vs a direct myocardial effect as a mechanism for the antifibrillatory action of bretylium. The ventricular fibrillation (VF) threshold was determined in open-chest, anesthetized dogs by scanning the vulnerable period with either a single electrical stimulus (10 ms) or a train of electrical stimuli (14 pulses, 4 ms, 100 Hz). Using the train-of-pulses technique, the VF threshold increased from 6.8 ± 0.6 mA to 29.7 ± 6.4 mA 15 minutes after a 10-mg/kg intravenous bolus of bretylium (p ; 0.01 n = 8) and prevented any further significant change in response to bretylium. When single electrical pulses were used to scan the vulnerable period, bretylium at doses of 10 mg/kg (n = 8) and 100 mg/kg (n = 6) did not alter the VF threshold over a 4-hour observation period. The administration of timolol, alone or in combination with bretylium, did not significantly alter the single-pulse VF threshold. The failure of bretylium to alter the single-pulse VF threshold was not dependent on the site of stimulation. Stimulation of the right sympathetic cardiac nerves showed that 15 minutes of bretylium treatment was sufficient to completely inhibit adrenergic neuronal transmission to the myocardium. The data indicate that bretylium has little direct antifibrillatory action on the normal canine myocardium. The ability of bretylium to elevate the VF threshold determined with a train of stimuli appears to be primarily a result of adrenergic neuronal blockade.
New intramolecularly quenched fluorogenic peptide substrates for the study of the kinetic specificity of papain

Abstract A series of new substrates for determining the catalytic activity of cysteine proteinases is described. The rate of hydrolysis by papain was monitored by a fluorescence continuous assay based on internal resonance energy transfer using 5-[(2-aminoethyl)amino]naphtalene-1-sulfonic acid (EDANS) and 4-(4-dimethylaminophenylazo)benzoic acid (DABCYL) as fluorescent donor and quenching acceptor, respectively, in peptides with the general structure: DABCYL-Lys-Phe-Gly-Xxx-Ala-Ala-EDANS. The substrates were used to evaluate the effect of amino acid structure in the Sl 1 position on the kinetic parameters for papain catalyzed hydrolysis.
On the effects of radiative heat transfer in monoliths

Abstract When a gas mixture flows through a passage and a highly exothermic reaction takes place on the wall very steep temperature gradients may develop and, though the passage be narrow, radiation from wall to wall may be important. General equations for this are set up for a cylindrical passage and solved by iterating on the concentration and temperature distributions on the wall. It is shown how the effect of radiation is to ameliorate the steep gradient and maximum temperature and to increase the length required for 99% conversion. Various approximations are discussed.
Reflections on studies of gene expression in aneuploids

Aneuploidy involves changes in chromosomal copy number compared with normal euploid genotypes. Studies of gene expression in aneuploids in a variety of species have claimed many different types of responses. Studies of individual genes suggest that there are both structural gene dosage effects and compensation in aneuploids, and that subtle trans-acting effects across the genome are quite prevalent. A discussion is presented concerning the normalization procedures for studying gene expression in aneuploids. A careful documentation of the modulations of gene expression in aneuploids should provide insight into the nature of cancerous cells and the basis of aneuploid syndromes.
The exercise test is alive and well when coupled with coronary calcium scoring.

In this issue of iJACC, Chang et al. [(1)][1] report on the long-term prognostic findings with coronary artery calcification scoring (CACS) added to the more conventional exercise electrocardiographic (ECG) diagnostic testing. Although exercise testing is well established as a diagnostic tool for
Analyzing the path of responding in maze-solving and other tasks.

Response time and accuracy are sensitive measures of overall performance but may mask underlying response strategies. For example, analysis of latency and accuracy measures produced in a computerized-maze task does not reveal whether rhesus monkeys really “solve a maze” or simply move as much as is possible toward the target, negotiating barriers through trial and error as they encounter them. Regression procedures are described for analyzing response path against several hypothetical response curves, and analyses of response path for rhesus monkeys’ performance on the computerized MAZE task are presented as an illustration. The data suggest that rhesus monkeys do invoke a response strategy of solving the maze, because the observed response topography is significantly associated with the optimal path of responding. Many experimental paradigms should similarly benefit from analysis of the response paths that subjects exhibit.
Myofacial pain dysfunction: A manifestation of the short-face syndrome

The practitioner who treats patients with MPD should be aware that certain anatomic variations may predispose a patient to developing the syndrome. We feel that the newly described entity, the short-face syndrome, is such an example. Patients exhibiting short-face syndrome are overclosed. Their condition appears to be improved by establishing an increased vertical dimension of occlusion. This is first accomplished with the use of a processed acrylic resin occlusal splint. If a patient has been asymptomatic at the new occlusal relationship, a maxillary osteotomy is recommended to achieve a more permanent functional and cosmetic result.
Vibration Analysis Of A Partially Covered, Double Sandwich-Type, Cantilever Beam

Abstract The natural vibration of a cantilever beam that is partially covered by a double sandwich-type viscoelastic material is analyzed. In this paper, the differential equations of motion are derived employing Hamilton's principle. The frequency and the loss factor of the system are evaluated. The effects of different physical and geometrical parameters on the complex natural frequency and system loss factor are also discussed. A comparison of a double sandwich vs. single sandwich system is provided and, for our set of data, indicates that the double sandwich system provides better damping in most cases.
Non‐linear dynamic earth dam–foundation interaction using a BE–FE method

A general, rigorous, coupled Boundary Element–Finite Element (BE–FE) formulation is presented for non-linear seismic soil–structure interaction in two dimensions. The BE–FE method is applied to investigate the inelastic response of earth dams to transient SV waves. The dam body, consisting of heterogeneous materials modelled with a simple non-linear hysteretic model, is discretized with finite elements, whereas the elastic half-space is discretized with boundary elements. The study focuses on the combined effects of the material non-linearity and foundation flexibility. The results show the significant effect of the foundation flexibility in reducing the response through radiation of energy. For excitations with peak ground accelerations from 0·2gto 0·6g, the crest acceleration amplification ranges from 2·5 to 1·4 and seems to be comparable with field observations and results from other studies. Deamplification increasing with strain is reported at the lower part of the dam. The method is computationally powerful and can be used for efficient non-linear analysis of complex soil–structure systems. The efficiency of the BE–FE method allows further improvements with incorporation of a more advanced constitutive model and consideration of the generation and dissipation of pore-water pressures during the earthquake. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rotational Level Structure in O 16

A recent determination of the branching ratio (6.92 \ensuremath{\rightarrow} 6.05)/(6.92 \ensuremath{\rightarrow} 0) in ${\mathrm{O}}^{16}$ has previously been used to demonstrate that the ground state retains approximately an 11% deformed character. By assuming that the ${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}=2+ \mathrm{and} 4+$ levels at 6.92 and 10.36 MeV adhere strictly to a rotational relationship, an independent estimate of this admixture is obtained. Agreement is found to be excellent.
Elevated CO2 concentration impacts cell wall polysaccharide composition of green microalgae of the genus Chlorella.

The effect of CO2 concentration on the relative content of starch, lipid and cell wall carbohydrates in microalgal biomass was investigated for the four following Chlorella strains: C. vulgaris (UTEX 259), C. sorokiniana (UTEX 2805), C. minutissima (UTEX 2341) and C. variabilis (NC64A). Each strain had a different response to CO2 concentration. The starch content was higher in UTEX259 and NC64A cultured with 2% CO2 in the air supply than in cells cultured with ca. 0·04% CO2 (ambient air), while starch content was not affected for UTEX 2805 and UTEX 2341. The lipid content was higher in Chlorella minutissima UTEX 2341 cultured in 2% CO2 than in cells cultured in ambient air, but was unchanged for the other three strains. All four Chlorella strains tended to have a higher percentage of uronic acids and lower percentage of neutral sugars in their cell wall polysaccharide complement when grown with 2% CO2 supply. Although the percentage of neutral sugars in the cell walls varied with CO2 concentration, the relative proportions of different neutral sugar constituents remained constant for both CO2 conditions. The results demonstrate the importance of considering the effects of CO2 on the cell wall carbohydrate composition of microalgae. Significance and Impact of the Study Microalgae have the potential to produce products that will reduce society's reliance on fossil fuels and address challenges related to food and feed production. An overlooked yet industrially relevant component of microalgae are their cell walls. Cell wall composition affects cell flocculation and the recovery of intracellular products. In this study, we show that increasing CO2 level results in greater cell wall polysaccharide and uronic acid content in the cell walls of three strains of microalgae. The results have implications on the management of systems for the capture of CO2 and production of fuels, chemicals and food from microalgae.
LETHAL CONSEQUENCES OF SIMULATED SOLAR RADIATION ON THE NEMATODE CAENORHABDITIS ELEGANS IN THE PRESENCE AND ABSENCE OF PHOTOSENSITIZERS

— The partial destruction of the earth's protective ozone layer has raised concerns about the impact of increased UV radiation on the earth's biological systems. In this study, polychromatic light sources were employed to observe the biological responses of the soil nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to simulated solar UV. Using various filter combinations, action spectra were constructed that approximated those generated previously with monochromatic radiation. In both cases, a mutant strain (rad-3) progressively lost its hypersensitivity as shorter wavelengths were filtered out. In addition, both wild type and radiation-sensitive (rad) mutants were irradiated with several combinations of filtered light sources in the presence and absence of two exogenous photosensitizers (ethidium bromide and bromodeoxyuridine). Treatment with either of the introduced photosensitizers increased photosensitivity to solar UV. Solar UV also induced a fluence-dependent reduction in fertility in wild-type animals. These experiments extend previous data and substantially expand our understanding of the biological responses of C. elegans to solar radiation.
An O(N) multilevel solver for dense method of moment systems in electrostatic applications

Integral equation methodologies applied to extract parasitics at the board, package and on-chip levels involve solving a dense system of equations. In this paper, we present a multilevel matrix compression algorithm that reduces both computational complexity and memory requirement to O(N) for N number of unknowns. The approach is based on the adaptive cross approximation method that exploits the rank deficiency of matrix blocks for physically separated groups of basis functions without explicitly dealing with the integral equation kernel. Hence the proposed method is practical for large-scale problems and can be implemented in a wide range of applications with a few or no modifications.
New method for doing flat-field intensity calibrations of multiplexed ITT Streak Cameras

The flat-field intensity calibrations of ITT downhole streak cameras were previously done with a bandpass filtered flashlamp/integrating sphere combination. However this system had several problems when characterizing ITT streak cameras that were spatially multiplexed. The main problem simply stated was that there was excessive charge build-up on the phosphor screen of the microchannel plate image intensifier (MCPII) before the sweep of the streak camera started. Consequently the swept CCD image had as many as twenty rows of saturated pixels. In addition contamination or charge spillover into other rows of the CCD readout became an issue. This article outlines a better approach for doing flat-field calibrations which avoids the CCD saturation problem.
Temperature dependence of the rate constant for the reaction OH + H2S

Absolute rate constants for the reaction of OH with H2S have been measured over the temperature range of 239–425 K using the flash photolysis–resonance fluorescence technique. The results showed that the rate constants deviate slightly from Arrhenius behavior but can still be represented adequately by the following Arrhenius equation: Comparisons with recent literature values are presented.
Genetics of Type 1A Diabetes

Genetic contributions to the cause of type 1 diabetes have been studied for more than 30 years, but only recently, with modern genetic tools, has the importance of seemingly minor contributors been appreciated. This article reviews recent advances in knowledge of the genetics of type 1 diabetes and shows how this information could find clinical applications of considerable consequence.
May thrombosis be a cause of congenital extremity absence

Congenital extremity anomalies have many modes of presentation. Interruption of vascular supply with thrombophily is a rare cause of congenital extremity absence. Here it is presented a 7 mth old male with absence of the left lower extremity. Laboratory tests revealed Factor V Leiden and Prothrombin G20210A heterozygote mutation and that was as the cause of extremity absence. At the patients with congenital extremity absences, it is not imprudent to explore a possible thrombophilic mutation along with other known etiologic factors.
Actual timing of neodymium isotopic variations recorded by FeMn crusts in the western North Atlantic

Hydrogenetic ferromanganese (FeMn) crusts from the western North Atlantic record variations in the Nd and Pb isotopic composition of Cenozoic deep water preserved during their growth. The timing and cause of the most striking change have been the subject of debate. Some have proposed that the shift took place after 4 Ma in response to the closure of the Panama gateway. Others have argued that the major change in isotope composition occurred as early as 8 Ma. This study presents high-resolution Nd isotope records for crusts previously dated using 10Be/9Be chronology. These data confirm that the shifts in Nd occurred after 4 Ma, consistent with a likely relationship with the closure of the Central American Isthmus and intensification of Northern Hemisphere Glaciation, and in accordance with changes seen in other physical and chemical records. These results illustrate the need for both a robust chronological framework and high-resolution records before a reliable paleoceanographic interpretation can be made of the variations recorded by FeMn crusts.
Indexing withdrawal in mice: matching genotypes for exposure in studies using ethanol vapor inhalation.

Withdrawal Seizure-Prone (WSP) and -Resistant (WSR) mice have been bidirectionally selected for severity of handling-induced convulsions (HIC) following withdrawal from 72 hr of chronic ethanol vapor inhalation. During selection, daily injections of the alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor, pyrazole, were used to enhance and stabilize blood ethanol concentrations (BEC). After 26 generations of selection, WSR mice show lower withdrawal BEC than WSP mice exposed to the same ethanol vapor concentrations. Because it is desirable to compare mice maintained at the same BEC to assess correlated responses to selection, this has necessitated exposing WSR mice to higher ethanol vapor concentrations than WSP mice to achieve matched chronic BEC. The experiments reported herein demonstrate two methods for producing matched withdrawal BEC: (1) by exposing mice to the same ethanol vapor concentration and varying the pyrazole dose; and (2) by administering only ethanol at different vapor concentrations and selecting some mice with approximately the same BEC. When exposed to the same ethanol vapor concentration, WSR mice given 1.0 mmol/kg pyrazole had withdrawal BEC equivalent to WSP mice given 0.75 mmol/kg pyrazole. However, WSP mice had much more severe withdrawal HIC than WSR mice. WSP and WSR mice metabolized ethanol at the same rate following withdrawal. The basis for the differential effectiveness of pyrazole is unknown. We also exposed mice to higher ethanol vapor concentrations in the absence of pyrazole. By exposing WSR mice to higher concentrations than WSP, roughly equivalent BEC on withdrawal was achieved. Because BEC are more variable in the absence of pyrazole, it was necessary to select animals of each genotype to achieve relatively matched BEC. Again, WSP mice had much more severe HIC on withdrawal than WSR.
Temporal requirements of the fragile X mental retardation protein in modulating circadian clock circuit synaptic architecture

Loss of fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene function is the most common cause of inherited mental retardation and autism spectrum disorders, characterized by attention disorder, hyperactivity and disruption of circadian activity cycles. Pursuit of effective intervention strategies requires determining when the FMR1 product (FMRP) is required in the regulation of neuronal circuitry controlling these behaviors. In the well-characterized Drosophila disease model, loss of the highly conserved dFMRP causes circadian arrhythmicity and conspicuous abnormalities in the circadian clock circuitry. Here, a novel Sholl Analysis was used to quantify over-elaborated synaptic architecture in dfmr1-null small ventrolateral neurons (sLNvs), a key subset of clock neurons. The transgenic Gene-Switch system was employed to drive conditional neuronal dFMRP expression in the dfmr1-null mutant background in order to dissect temporal requirements within the clock circuit. Introduction of dFMRP during early brain development, including the stages of neurogenesis, neuronal fate specification and early pathfinding, provided no rescue of dfmr1 mutant phenotypes. Similarly, restoring normal dFMRP expression in the adult failed to restore circadian circuit architecture. In sharp contrast, supplying dFMRP during a transient window of very late brain development, wherein synaptogenesis and substantial subsequent synaptic reorganization (e.g. use-dependent pruning) occur, provided strong morphological rescue to reestablish normal sLNvs synaptic arbors. We conclude that dFMRP plays a developmentally restricted role in sculpting synaptic architecture in these neurons that cannot be compensated for by later reintroduction of the protein at maturity.
Integration of mechanical and electrical hardware for testing full scale wind turbine nacelles

This paper describes in detail the 7.5 and 15 megawatt mechanical test benches located at the Wind Turbine Drivetrain Testing Facility (WTDTF) at Clemson University's Restoration Institute in North Charleston, SC, USA, including their ability to couple with a 15 megawatt, hardware-in-the-loop, electric grid simulator at the Duke Energy eGRID Center located at the same site. System topology of both the mechanical and electrical systems are discussed in detail and special attention is paid to how the two systems may be used simultaneously to test full scale wind turbine nacelles. Additionally, the results of two model development surveys are presented. These surveys were completed by the WTDTF's internal engineering team, suppliers, and customers, and are used to shape the model development strategy for the mechanical test benches. Finally, a control system application for the developed models is described.
Membranous nephropathy following exposure to volatile hydrocarbons

Abstract Membranous nephropathy occurred in four male patients following exposure of 2, 11, 18, and 20 years, respectively, to various organic solvents. There was absorption through lungs and skin. It is impossible to identify the causative agent among the substantial number of solvents to which the individuals were exposed. There may be a causal relationship between membranous nephropathy and solvent exposure. Although the mechanism of production of membranous nephropathy in these cases is not known, an indirect immunological process mediated by endogenous tubular antigen is suggested. Exposed individuals may have proteinuria for long periods before onset of overt manifestations. Examination for proteinuria is a simple method of screening in these cases.
On the asymptotic trajectory of the roots of Lotka's equation

Abstract A mathematical formula is given for the asymptotic trajectory of the complex roots of Lotka's equation. This formula is obtained by use of a Taylor expansion of the net fertility function in the neighborhood of the age beyond which fertility is zero. The approximate trajectory is compared with an exact trajectory obtained by use of a computational algorithm for finding complex roots suggested by Turner. For two examples, the agreement is surprisingly good.
Ultrafast Chelation Dynamics of Cyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl Derivatives with Pendant Sulfides

The photoinduced dynamics of two new [η5-C5H4C(O)R]Mn(CO)3 complexes 2 (R = CH(SCH3)2) and 3 (R = C(SCH3)3) have been investigated in n-heptane solution on the ps to μs time scale by UV-pump IR-probe transient absorption spectroscopy. Irradiation of 2 at 266 or 289 nm induces CO loss to yield two initial products in approximately equal abundance, assigned by their CO-stretching bands to be a heptane solvate of the unsaturated Mn fragment and a ring-formed product in which the pendant sulfide moiety is coordinated to the metal center. In direct analogy with the previously observed behavior of [η5-C5H4C(O)CH2(SCH3)]Mn(CO)3 (1), the solvate reacts through a secondary pathway to afford the S-bound product within 200 ns. Irradiation of 3 under identical conditions yields the chelated product exclusively, with no evidence of a competing solvation pathway.
Indicators of the Quality of Nursing Home Residential Care

OBJECTIVES: To identify quality indicators (QIs) that can be used to measure nursing home (NH) residential care processes. DESIGN: Modified-delphi panel process to rate potential QIs that were identified through reported interviews with residents and families and through a review of the scientific literature. SETTING: Meetings of panel of experts. PARTICIPANTS: A national panel of nine experts in NH care rated potential QIs. A content expert and a clinical oversight committee performed external reviews. MEASUREMENTS: Panelists' median validity and importance ratings for each QI choice. RESULTS: The panel considered 64 choices for QI content and rated 28 of these as valid and important for measuring residential care quality. These 28 choices translated into 18 QIs. The external review process resulted in the addition of one QI that was not considered by the NH panel. The 19 indicators address areas identified as important by residents and proxies. Ten of these QIs were rated feasible to implement with current resources in average community NHs, and nine were rated feasible only in better NHs. The panelists identified nine as being measured most reliably by direct observations of care. CONCLUSION: Experts identified 19 specific care processes as valid and important measures of the quality of NH residential care. Nine of these QIs may be measured best by direct observation of NH care, rather than by interviews or review of existing NH records. Almost half of the QIs were viewed as discriminating between better and average NHs. The panel deemed that only well-staffed nursing homes could consistently implement nine of the QIs.
A method for measuring temperature-dependent stress and thermal expansion of coatings

Equations and a strain-gauge technique have been presented previously for the determination of the residual stresses in ceramic coatings. In the current work, the equations are rewritten in terms of simple form. The technique is extended to elevated-temperature environments. The stress-temperature relations of coated systems are modelled according to elastic and thermoviscoelastic theory. In addition, residual stress and thermal expansion coefficient measurements are performed on SiC coating-graphite substrate composites.
Patterns of practice survey for nonsmall cell lung carcinoma in the U.S.

BACKGROUND Nonsmall cell lung carcinoma comprises approximately 75% of all lung carcinoma cases in the U.S. Newly evolving strategies have created considerable controversy regarding the optimal treatment for patients diagnosed with this disease. METHODS A 17-item survey was designed to collect demographic data and information regarding practice patterns for nonsmall cell lung carcinoma, including patient assessment, treatment approaches, and roles of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Surveys were mailed in the summer of 1997 to approximately 9200 oncologists of all types throughout the U.S. Practice settings included private office, private hospital, academic, university-affiliated office, government, and Veterans Administration institutions. RESULTS Approximately 10% of the oncologists responded (n = 979), including 499 medical oncologists (51%), 464 radiation oncologists (47%), and 16 others (2%). For the adjuvant treatment of surgically resected N1-2 disease, combined modality treatment was preferred over radiation therapy alone by medical oncologists (48% vs. 16%; P < 0.001) and radiation therapy alone was preferred over combined modality treatment by radiation oncologists (55% vs. 38%; P < 0.001). The combination of paclitaxel and carboplatin was the preferred first-line regimen for all stages of nonsmall cell lung carcinoma by the majority of medical oncologists (55%), whereas the majority of radiation oncologists (58%) chose the combination of etoposide and platinum. With regard to the optimal combined modality approach, respondents were divided evenly between concurrent chemoradiotherapy (34%) and sequential chemoradiotherapy (31%). Overall, respondents reported basing treatment decisions largely on published literature (55%) compared with personal experience (19%), seminars and colleagues (16%), and clinical trial availability (10%) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This survey confirms many differences in practice patterns among medical oncologists and radiation oncologists in the treatment of patients with nonsmall cell lung carcinoma and suggests the need for the multidisciplinary management of this entity. In addition, the current study demonstrates that reliance on the medical literature as a basis for treatment steadily declines the longer the physician has been in practice. Cancer 2000;88:1336–1346. © 2000 American Cancer Society.