cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interrelation between guanosine tetraphosphate accumulation, ribonucleic acid synthesis, and streptomycin lethality in Escherichia coli CP78.

Abstract The effects of streptomycin on the synthesis of ribonucleic acid (RNA) and guanosine-3′-diphosphate-5′-diphosphate have been examined in the isogenic strains CP78 (rel+) and CP79 (rel−). In the absence of the required amino acids arginine, leucine, or threonine, streptomycin stimulates RNA synthesis in CP78 and this stimulation coincides with cell death. However, in the absence of histidine, also a required amino acid, streptomycin kills the cells without stimulation of RNA synthesis above that which occurs in the absence of streptomycin. In all of these instances, guanosine-3′-diphosphate-5′-diphosphate levels vary inversely with RNA synthesis, decreasing when a stimulation of RNA synthesis occurs. Streptomycin has little effect on guanosine-3′-diphosphate-5′-diphosphate levels in CP78 in the absence of histidine. Another histidine auxotroph, 15 T−H−U− (rel+), does show streptomycin-stimulated synthesis of RNA which is coincident with cell death. CP79 (rel−) is 10 times more susceptible to streptomycin than CP78 and streptomycin causes an inhibition of the relaxed synthesis of RNA. The greater susceptibility of CP79 may be due to a greater initial uptake of streptomycin by CP79.
Optical parametric generation in periodically poled lithium niobate

We present recent experimental and simulation results for broad-band, off-axis infrared light generation by a parametric down-conversion process. We use a periodically poled lithium niobate in the experiments. Our simulations explore the competition between on-axis and off-axis signal generation. We explore the contrast between a narrow pump and a broad pump on the emission spectrum.
Perturbative analysis of non-Abelian Aharonov-Bohm scattering.

We perform a perturbative analysis of the non-Abelian Aharonov-Bohm problem to one loop in the framework of a local field theory, and show the necessity of contact interactions for renormalizability of perturbation theory. Moreover at critical values of the contact interaction strength the theory is finite and preserves classical conformal invariance.
Use of daclizumab as initial immunosuppression in liver transplant recipients with impaired renal function

Abstract The addition of daclizumab (a human immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody that blocks interleukin-2 receptors on T lymphocytes) to mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and steroids is a new option for initial immunosuppression in patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) with impaired renal function. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of daclizumab in preventing rejection in 25 patients with impaired kidney function undergoing LT. Patients with serum creatinine (Cr) levels greater than 2 mg/dL immediately before LT were administered initial immunosuppression with daclizumab, 1 mg/kg, in addition to MMF, 2 g/d, and methylprednisolone. Tacrolimus was added after kidney function improved (when Cr levels improved by >25% of initial value). Daclizumab-treated patients were compared retrospectively with 2 other groups of patients who underwent LT with kidney impairment (Cr > 2 mg/dL): 56 patients were administered OKT3 induction, and 48 patients were administered low-dose tacrolimus. The incidence of rejection and infection (bacterial, fungal, and viral), need for preoperative and postoperative dialysis, Cr level immediately post-LT and at 3 months, and graft and patient survival were analyzed. There was no difference among the groups in 3-month Cr levels or the incidence of rejection or fungal or viral infection. The daclizumab group had fewer bacterial infections (n = 13) than the tacrolimus group (n = 28) and significantly fewer than the OKT3 group (n = 58; P = .006). Only 1 patient (4%) in the daclizumab group required dialysis post-LT versus 13 patients in each of the other groups (OKT3, 23.21%; P
Note on Second Born Approximation and Proton-Neutron and Proton-Proton Scattering

The scattered amplitude $f(\ensuremath{\vartheta})$ is regarded as a series in powers of the interaction potential $V$, and the second Born approximation consists in calculating the scattered intensity up to the fourth power of $V$. The calculation can be carried out analytically for a Gaussian potential, leading to a simple way of calculating the second approximation for the phases. The result is applied to the proton-neutron and proton-proton scattering at 100 Mev, on the basis of the three forms of nucleon interaction suggested by Rarita and Schwinger, with a Gaussian $V(r)$ and without tensor forces. The result for the symmetrical theory is: ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{p\ensuremath{-}n}=0.96\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}25}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$, ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{p\ensuremath{-}p}=0.22\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}25}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$, as compared with the first approximation values 1.40\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}25}$ and 0.28\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}25}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$, respectively. These give for ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{p\ensuremath{-}n}+{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{p\ensuremath{-}p}$ the value 1.18, in much closer agreement with the observed value 1.17 for ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{p\ensuremath{-}d}$ than the other two forms of interaction potential.
Terrestrial versus Jovian VLF chorus; A comparative study

The relevant parameters of the magnetospheres of Jupiter and earth are investigated based on the wave-particle resonant interactions that are believed to be responsible for the generation of VLF chorus emissions observed on Voyager 1. Expressions are derived for the wave-particle interaction length and the nonlinearity parameter, and the values of these parameters are compared with those calculated for the earth's magnetosphere. It is determined that the typical interaction lengths are at least 2-5 times larger in the Jovian than in the terrestrial magnetosphere, and that the wave intensity necessary to reach the threshold of nonlinearity in the Jovian magnetosphere is 5-100 times lower. Measurements by Voyager 1 show that the inferred wave magnetic field intensities of the Jovian chorus are in the range of reported intensities for terrestrial chorus, probably due to the fact that the fluxes of few keV resonant particles found in the Jovian magnetosphere were typically two orders of magnitude higher. Growth rate measurements on Voyager 1 broadband wave data are employed to confirm that the temporal growth rates of Jovian chorus bursts are higher than for the earth.
Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for resection of metastatic adenocarcinoma as an acceptable alternative.

Background Adenocarcinomas commonly metastasize to the lungs and can be resected using open thoracotomy or video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). This study reviews metastatic resections in primary adenocarcinoma patients, using both thoracotomy and VATS. We aim to compare long-term prognoses to test the efficacy and viability of VATS.
Amyloid-associated proteins α 1 -antichymotrypsin and apolipoprotein E promote assembly of Alzheimer β-protein into filaments

THE protease inhibitor α,-antichymotrypsin and the lipid transport protein apolipoprotein E (apoE) are intimately associated with the 42-amino-acid β-peptide (Aβ) in the filamentous amyloid deposits of Alzheimer's disease1–3. We report here that these two amyloid-associated proteins serve a strong stimulatory role in the polymeri-zation of Aβ into amyloid filaments. Addition of either α,-anti-chymotrypsin or apoE to the Aβ peptide promoted a 10- to 20-fold increase in filament formation, with apoE-4, the isoform recently linked to the development of late-onset Alzheimer's disease, showing the highest catalytic activity. These and other experiments suggest that Alzheimer amyloid deposits arise when Aβ is induced to form filaments by amyloid-promoting factors (pathological chaperones) expressed in certain brain regions.
Creating individualized e-mail to students

PARTICULARLY IN HIGHER EDUCATION, instructors often use e-mail to communication course-related information to students. This use of e-mail is increasing substantially because of instructors’ and students’ greater access to and familiarity with the medium, and also because of the greater involvement of post-secondary institutions in distance learning. Creating e-mail messages to large numbers of students, however, is time consuming when separate messages are written to each student. Sending a common message to all students in a class, for example, using a ListServ, saves time but is inadequate when different information must be conveyed to each student. The present paper describes how to create individualized e-mail messages to students in a way that is both efficient and personalized. These procedures have been used successfully by the author in two courses—a large-enrollment statistics course taught by lecture and a graduate-level course in educational measurement taught through distance learning. The technique combines the mail merge capability of a Windows-based word-processing program with that of an MAPI-compliant e-mail client. Step-by-step directions are provided.
Crystallography and Microstructure of Directionally Solidified Oxide Eutectics

The crystallographic features of several directionally solidified binary oxide eutectics were examined by the Buerger precession X-ray method and are discussed in terms of the lattice misfit and ionic charge compensation at the interface, particularly with regard to the oxygen sublattice. Fibrous and lamellar micro-structures are classified and the resultant morphologies related to the phase volumes. The interphase spacing proportionality to the inverse square root of the solidification rate is examined.
DNA topoisomerases as potential targets of antiviral action

After introducing the DNA topoisomerases, I will summarize recent experiments suggesting that topoisomerase inhibitors could become very useful antiviral agents
Analysis of prospective epidemiologic studies on the neurobehavioural effects of lead.

High-level lead exposure can have serious effects on the intellectual and behavioural development of young children. There has been much controversy in the last decade concerning the possible impact of low-level lead exposure upon the neurobehavioural and psychomotor development of children. Five longitudinal studies (Boston, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Port Pirie and Sydney) examining lead effects on child development were initiated in the early 1980s. These studies share multiple design features and include data on blood lead and neurobehavioural measurements from birth, six months, or annual intervals to seven years. All the studies use multivariate analysis to take into account possible confounding covariates with outcome measures.
Isolation of Naegleria fowleri from artificially heated water

Abstract Water samples were collected from artificially heated and ambient temperature water and processed for the presence of Naegleria fowleri. Samples taken from thermally altered habitats were positive 43% of the time, whereas ambient temperature habitats were positive 2% of the time. The data suggests that thermally altered aquatic systems in the south-eastern United States may provide habitats conducive to the proliferation of N. fowleri.
Fruit trap: A detection and collection tool for opiine parasitoids (Hym.: Braconidae) of the oriental fruit fly,Bactrocera dorsalis (Dipt.: Tephritidae)

A fruit trap was developed for detection and collection of the opiine parasitoids of the oriental fruit fly,Bactrocera (=Dacus)dorsalis (Hendel). Gravid females ofBiosteres arisanus (Sonan), an egg-larval parasitoid, orDiachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) andPsytallia incisi (Silvestri), both larval parasitoids, were lured to parasitize the eggs or larvae ofB. dorsalis inoculated in ripe papaya fruits,Carica papaya L. Progenies ofB. arisanus were consistently recovered from papaya fruits inoculated withB. dorsalis eggs (subsequently referred to as egg fruit traps). Except in Moloaa on Kauai (6%), higher percentage ofB. dorsalis parasitization (range=38–43%) was recorded in Hilo, island of Hawaii and Waimanalo and Poamoho, island of Oahu. Progenies ofD. longicaudata and a fewP. incisi were recovered from papaya fruits artificially infested withB. dorsalis larvae (subsequently referred to as larval fruit traps). The recovery of parasitoid progenies from larval fruit traps suspended from papaya trees did not differ significantly from larval fruit traps placed on the ground. In both methods of trap placement, percent parasitization ofB. dorsalis byD. longicaudata (predominant species) ranged from 58–60%. On the other hand, significantly moreB. arisanus thanD. longicaudata andP. incisi adults (larval parasitoids) were recovered from fully ripened to highly deteriorated papaya fruits collected from papaya trees or ground (fallen fruits).
Optimization of simulated system effectiveness using evolutionary algorithms

Using evolutionary algorithms, a search is per formed based on a population where each popula tion member consists of a vector of attribute values and a fitness value. A simulation of a system is run, given a particular set of the member attribute values, producing a fitness value. Fitness measures how well the system achieves its mission objectives. If the fitness has a random component, several runs are made to produce average fitness. The pro cedure is to select the best members from the popu lation based on average fitness and mutate the member attribute values to produce new popula tion members. Since population member attributes can affect process reaction times, wait logic, or decision logic, a search for the best attribute values over 50 to 100 generations can result in optimal fitness. In order to demonstrate the use of evolu tionary algorithms in system optimization, a sim ple inventory system that has a complex fitness surface is considered.
Loss in Corn Yield Associated with the Abundance of the Corn Leaf Aphid, Rhopalosiphum maidis, in Indiana

The corn leaf aphid is a common pest of corn in Indiana, causing occasional damage in a few widely scattered fields. In 1959, conditions favored the development of this insect and serious losses occurred in many corn fields in the northern two-thirds of the State. The area of heaviest infestation was a band three counties wide in the north central part of the State, from Warren and Fountain counties on the west to the Ohio line, and a single row of counties north and west along the Michigan line to Lake Michigan. The area of greatest losses followed a similar pattern. Losses in yield as high as 40% occurred in many fields. The data obtained under these conditions of widespread and heavy infestations supported previous observations that severe infestations result in barren plants. In addition, such infestations also increased the production of nubbins. In one field, data indicated that light infestations can also reduce the yields as much as 10% through decreased size and weight of ears. There was also evidence that commercial hybrid corn varies in degree of infestation and tolerance to loss by this insect. Data from the 12 areas of Indiana used for the Fall Corn Insect Survey indicated a high degree of correlation between loss of yield and per cent of plants infested. It was possible to estimate the amount of loss in individual fields from this relationship when the percentage of plants infested was known. The relationship of reduction in yield and infestation by the corn leaf aphid will probably vary from year to year as the interaction of control factors change, but it indicated the possibility of establishing a relationship of infestation and loss through the proper evaluation of environmental factors.
Down-regulation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Up-regulation of Pigment Epithelium-derived Factor A POSSIBLE MECHANISM FOR THE ANTI-ANGIOGENIC ACTIVITY OF PLASMINOGEN KRINGLE 5

We have previously shown that intravitreal injection of plasminogen kringle 5 (K5), a potent angiogenic inhibitor, inhibits ischemia-induced retinal neovascularization in a rat model. Here we report that K5 down-regulates an endogenous angiogenic stimulator, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and up-regulates an angiogenic inhibitor, pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) in a dose-dependent manner in vascular cells and in the retina. The regulation of VEGF and PEDF by K5 in the retina correlates with its anti-angiogenic effect in a rat model of ischemia-induced retinopathy. Retinal RNA levels of VEGF and PEDF are also changed by K5. K5 inhibits the p42/p44 MAP kinase activation and nuclear translocation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha, which may be responsible for the down-regulation of VEGF. Down-regulation of endogenous angiogenic stimulators and up-regulation of endogenous angiogenic inhibitors, thus leading toward restoration of the balance in angiogenic control, may represent a mechanism for the anti-angiogenic activity of K5.
Regulation of Cell Adhesion Strength by Peripheral Focal Adhesion Distribution

Cell adhesion to extracellular matrices is a tightly regulated process that involves the complex interplay between biochemical and mechanical events at the cell-adhesive interface. Previous work established the spatiotemporal contributions of adhesive components to adhesion strength and identified a nonlinear dependence on cell spreading. This study was designed to investigate the regulation of cell-adhesion strength by the size and position of focal adhesions (FA). The cell-adhesive interface was engineered to direct FA assembly to the periphery of the cell-spreading area to delineate the cell-adhesive area from the cell-spreading area. It was observed that redistributing the same adhesive area over a larger cell-spreading area significantly enhanced cell-adhesion strength, but only up to a threshold area. Moreover, the size of the peripheral FAs, which was interpreted as an adhesive patch, did not directly govern the adhesion strength. Interestingly, this is in contrast to the previously reported functional role of FAs in regulating cellular traction where sizes of the peripheral FAs play a critical role. These findings demonstrate, to our knowledge for the first time, that two spatial regimes in cell-spreading area exist that uniquely govern the structure-function role of FAs in regulating cell-adhesion strength.
Burial of Vertically Loaded Offshore Pipelines in Weak Sediments

Cyclic vertical loads were applied to a 5'x 0.5' diameter model pipe in order to simulate the effect on pipeline stability of various lift forces including waves, in addition to self weight. Experiments were carried out in a large sediment-filled tank, applying controlled vertical loads or displacements to the pipe section with a servo-hydraulic system. The cyclic and incremental movement and forces were electronically recorded to provide data for the behaviour of similar full scale structures and for analysis of the problem.
The effects of ultraviolet radiation, humidity and reducing gases on the temperature coefficient of resonant frequency of ZnO based film bulk acoustic-wave resonator

This paper described the influence of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, relative humidity (RH) and reducing gases on the temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (TCF) of ZnO based Film Bulk Acoustic-wave Resonator (FBAR). Under UV illumination, the TCF of the FBAR increased. This was attributed to the adsorption of oxygen due to the electrons generated by UV absorption. Water molecules can replace adsorbed oxygen on the ZnO surface. However at high temperature, less water can be sustained by the ZnO film due to its energetically unstable nature. In this way, the TCF in high RH became smaller. When reducing gases, such as acetone, were exposed to FBAR, a smaller TCF was observed.
The potential of fast atom bombardment for quantitative minor component analysis: Determination of α‐tomatine in tomato fruit

Fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry (FAB‐MS) has been used for the quantitative determination of tomatine in tomato fruit. Levels of 7 ppm (green fruit) and ≤0.8 ppm (detection limit, red fruit) were found, in agreement with figures recently reported using a radiolabelling approach. The potential of FAB‐MS for the quantitative analysis of important food constituents is discussed.
The Past, Present, and Future

Editor-in-chief Norman Chonacky describes the current editorial board and his plans for balancing out the two communities that CiSE serves, computational scientists and scientists who use computation.
Automation of the direct current comparator resistance bridge

The direct current comparator resistance bridge, Model 9975, manufactured by Guildline Instruments, Inc., which permits electrical resistance measurements up to eight digits, has been fully automated. Details of this automation are described in this paper. The performance of the automated bridge is demonstrated with applications to electrical resistivity studies on some metallic alloys.
Thermodynamic stabilities of internal loops with GU closing pairs in RNA.

Many internal loops that form tertiary contacts in natural RNAs have GU closing pairs; examples include the tetraloop receptor and P1 helix docking site in group I introns. Thus, thermodynamic parameters of internal loops with GU closing pairs can contribute to the prediction of both secondary and tertiary structure. Oligoribonucleotide duplexes containing small internal loops with GU closing pairs were studied by optical melting, one-dimensional imino proton NMR, and one-dimensional phosphorus NMR. The thermodynamic stabilities of asymmetric internal loops with GU closing pairs relative to those of loops with GC closing pairs may be explained by hydrogen bonds. In contrast, the free energy increments for symmetric internal loops of two noncanonical pairs with GU closing pairs relative to loops with GC closing pairs show much more sequence dependence. Imino proton and phosphorus NMR spectra suggest that some GA pairs adjacent to GU closing pairs may form an overall thermodynamically stable but non-A-form ...
SU‐GG‐T‐311: A Distributed‐Computing Platform for Monte Carlo Dose Calculations and Beam‐Weight Optimization

Purpose:Monte carlo(MC) algorithms remain the gold standard in dose calculation routines. However, their long calculation times generally make them infeasible for clinical implementation, especially for IMRToptimization which requires rapid pencil‐beam dose computation. In a preliminary study, we are investigating how high‐throughput computing may be employed to perform MCdose calculations and rudimentary optimization using non‐commercial software.Method and Materials: Two non‐commercial software packages were used for this project, VMC++ and CERR. VMC++ is an MCdose calculation package which is more efficient than general‐purpose MC routines due to its use of variance reduction techniques. A combination of particle splitting and Russian Roulette methods is employed in VMC++ for photon transport modeling, which enhances the efficiency and speed of the calculation, making it approximately 50 times faster than the BEAMnrc code. CERR is an open‐source environment for radiotherapy calculations. We used the data‐importation and beam‐shaping features of CERR in conjunction with the dose‐calculation routines of VMC++ to perform dose computation on a 4‐field 3D CRT prostate case. We then optimized the beam weights using DVH‐based constraints and the Nelder‐Mead simplex technique, a multidimensional unconstrained nonlinear minimization algorithm. Collaborating with members of an academic supercomputing facility enabled us to perform the calculations on a subset of a cluster of 1000 dual‐core Linux‐based computers.Results: The dose calculation and optimization, involving several million particle histories, required only a few minutes to complete. The resulting plan was optimal based on the constraints provided to the system, and indicated that additional constraints may be necessary for clinical feasibility. Conclusion: We have shown that, using a distributed‐computing platform, an MC routine may be employed for treatment planning in a reasonable amount of time. This work will be extended to IMRT and beam‐angle optimization by combining a variety of Techniques.
Some remarks on the westward propagation of the monsoon depression

Several westward propagation properties of the Indian monsoon depression were neglected byprevious studies. They include: (1) the slower propagation speed of the depression depicted bya quasi-geostrophic model, (2) the initiation of the asymmetric secondary circulation withrespect to the depression center, and (3) the absence of the depression perturbation in the uppertroposphere. Some further insights into these neglected propagation properties of the depressionare obtained from the streamfunction budget analysis with the ECMWF (European Centre forMedium RangeWeather Forecasts) reanalysis data. (1) The inclusion of relative vorticity stretching,which is neglected in a quasi-geostrophic model, increases the depression’s westward propagationspeed. (2) Within the large-scale environment of the summer monsoon, the coupling ofthe east–west differentiation of the meridional absolute vorticity advection with the CISKmechanism is conducive to the initiation and development of the asymmetric secondary circulationassociated with the depression. (3) The Tibetan high is formed by summertime global-scalestationary waves which are maintained by a Sverdrup balance. The positive streamfunctiontendency induced by the upper-tropospheric vortex stretching over the monsoon region suppressesthe development of the monsoon depression in the upper troposphere. DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0870.2000.01127.x
Corrosion and Passivity of Ti-13% Nb-13% Zr in Comparison to Other Biomedical Implant Alloys

Abstract Corrosion and passivation of solution-treated (ST), solution-treated and aged (STA), and diffusion-hardened (DH) variants of Ti-13% Nb-13% Zr (Ti-13-13) were examined in a simulated physio...
Electron back-scattered diffraction of crystallized vanadium dioxide thin films on amorphous silicon dioxide

Abstract Crystalline films and isolated particles of vanadium dioxide (VO2) were obtained through solid phase crystallization of amorphous vanadium oxide thin films sputtered on silicon dioxide. Electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD) was used to study the crystals obtained in the thin films, to differentiate them from different vanadium oxide stoichiometries that may have formed during the annealing process, and to study their phase and orientation. EBSD showed that the crystallization process yielded crystalline vanadium dioxide thin films, semi-continuous thin films, and films of isolated particles, and did not show evidence of other vanadium oxide stoichiometries present. Indexing of the crystals for the orientation study was performed using EBSD patterns for the tetragonal phase of vanadium dioxide, since it was observed that EBSD patterns for the monoclinic and tetragonal phases of vanadium dioxide are not distinguishable by computer automated indexing. Using the EBSD patterns for the tetragonal phase of vanadium dioxide, orientation maps showed that all VO2 crystals that were measurable (approximately the thickness of the film) had a preferred orientation with the c-axis of the tetragonal phase parallel to the plane of the specimen.
N=1: An alternative research strategy for school psychologists☆

Abstract Single subject (N=1) research strategies deserve increased emphasis in the training of school psychologists. Single subject methodology has demonstrated credibility in research and in monitoring effects of professional interventions, but school psychology programs have typically not provided systematic training in this area. This paper suggests that N=1 research paradigms offer a promising supplement and, in some cases, an alternative to traditional large N between group strategies in school-based research; it reviews some examples of N=1 research design and methodology; it discusses some advantages and limitations of N=1 research strategies; and it argues that school psychology training programs must train graduate students in N=1 research and encourage this form of research methodology in practice.
Patients' attitudes about the role of physicians in counseling about firearms

This study investigated ambulatory clinic patients' perceptions regarding the physician's role in counseling about firearms in the United States. In all, 137 (94% response rate) patients completed a self-administered survey instrument during their office visit. Slightly more than half (56%) of the patients thought that physicians should talk to patients about guns in the home and 64% of the patients believed that doctors can affect public opinion about guns by counseling patients about gun-related dangers. One in five (21%) respondents reported that they, or a family member had been shot and 58% reported knowing someone personally who had been shot. Of the 23% who reported that someone in their home owned a gun, 52% indicated that the reason for owning a gun was for personal protection. Implications of the results for physician counseling are discussed.
Economic Assessment of FGD Sludge Disposal Alternatives

The results of studies, both complete and underway, to evaluate the economics of waste disposal alternatives available to the utility industry are presented in this paper. Six disposal alternatives are considered in this paper. These are: (1) untreated ponding; (2) Dravo Corporation's Synearth process; (3) IUCS's Poz-O-Tec process; (4) Chemfix's process; (5) physical stabilization of untreated sludge by mixing and blending with dry ESP collected flyash; and (6) gypsum produced by the forced oxidation of lime or limestone process sulfite compounds. A base case was established for the power plant, FGD system, and each disposal alternative. Case variations were considered for the six alternatives so that plant, FGD system, and coal variations could be evaluated. For each case variation the total capital investment and annual revenue requirements (operating costs) were estimated. Gypsum disposal had the lowest total capital investment and annual revenue requirements.
Life insurance underwriting in the United States – yesterday, today and tomorrow

Underwriting in the United States (US) life insurance marketplace has evolved tremendously over the last several decades. This paper will take a brief look at that history, from the older underwriting techniques still in use today to the introduction of smoker/nonsmoker distinctions in about 1980 to the evolution of preferred underwriting in the late 1980s, and finally to a movement toward simplified issue underwriting and a new approach to older age underwriting today.
Intelligent agents on the Web: a review

Intelligent agents are goal-driven and autonomous, and can communicate and interact with each other. Moreover, they can evaluate information obtained online from heterogeneous sources and present information tailored to an individual's needs. This article covers different facets of the intelligent agent paradigm and applications, while also exploring new opportunities and trends for intelligent agents.
Preliminary Evaluation of White Lupin (Lupinus albus L.) as a Forage Crop in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States of America

White lupin (Lupinus albus L.), a winter legume, is being evaluated in Virginia as a grain and a winter legume cover crop. There is however scanty information available about lupin’s potential to provide forage. This study was, therefore, conducted to determine the potential of white lupin as a forage crop and to characterize effects of genotypes and growing locations on forage yield and quality. Twenty lines were grown at three locations in Virginia (Orange, Petersburg, and Suffolk), during 2003-04 crop growing season using four replications of a Randomized Complete Block Design. Data on fresh and dry matter yield, crude protein, and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were recorded. The fresh matter yields varied from 6.5 to 12.6 Mg/ha with Petersburg location exhibiting the highest fresh matter yield whereas Orange location exhibited the lowest fresh matter yield. This was also true for dry matter yields which were 0.8, 2.0, and 1.1 Mg/ha for Orange, Petersburg, and Suffolk locations, respectively. The mean crude protein contents were 16.7, 21.3, and 18.1 percent whereas the mean ADF contents were 18.9, 21.2, and 30.4 percent for the Orange, Petersburg, and Suffolk locations, respectively. These differences were attributed to differences in temperatures during lupin growth and soil types at different locations. The Orange location is considered a cooler environment whereas Suffolk is considered a warmer environment with Petersburg being intermediate in temperature. The soil type and soil pH at Orange, Petersburg, and Suffolk locations were Star silty clay loam and 6.9, Abel sandy loam and 6.2, and Rains fine sandy loam and 5.6, respectively. Auburn-04 was identified to be a high yielding white lupin lines for forage yield (10.7 Mg/ha) and protein content (19.1 percent). The results of this preliminary study indicated that white lupin is a potential forage crop for the mid-Atlantic region of the United States of America. We suggest that further studies be conducted to confirm our results and to determine lupin’s forage yields under additional environments in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States of America and elsewhere.
Random Sets in Subrecursive Hierarchies

Successive modifications of Church's definition of a random sequence are considered in terms of their relative position in the Ritchie hierarchy of Kalmar elementary functions. A general result is derived governing the classification of Church random sequences in subrecursive hierarchies which include the elementary functions, such as the Grzegorczyk and Kleene subrecursive hierarchies.
Comparison of the prognostic value of RR-interval variability after acute myocardial infarction in patients with versus those without diabetes mellitus

Diabetic patients have substantially greater long-term mortality after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) than nondiabetic patients. Traditionally, cardiac autonomic neuropathy is believed to contribute significantly to the increased mortality rate in patients with diabetes mellitus. In contrast, a recent study suggested that RR-interval variability (RRV) did not predict mortality after AMI in diabetic patients. We compared, in diabetic and nondiabetic patients, the relation between low RRV and long-term mortality in the Multicenter Post Infarction Program (MPIP), a longitudinal observational study of 715 survivors of AMI, including 117 diabetic patients. We studied the association between mortality and 6 frequency-domain measurements and 1 time-domain measurement of RRV. We tested 2 hypotheses: (1) RRV is lower in diabetic patients; and (2) low RRV is less predictive of mortality in diabetic patients. Reduced RRV was significantly more frequent in diabetic patients than nondiabetic patients for all measurements, except high-frequency (HF) power. In diabetic patients, the association between reduced RRV and long-term mortality was at least as strong as it was in nondiabetic patients for all measurements except HF power; this pattern was found for all-cause, cardiac, and arrhythmic death. In multivariable models, reduced RRV was significantly associated with all-cause mortality in diabetic patients even when adjusted for left ventricular ejection fraction, heart failure class, and ventricular arrhythmias. In our post-AMI sample, RRV provided valuable prognostic information among diabetic patients. Our findings suggest that cardiac autonomic neuropathy plays a role in the high mortality rate seen in diabetic patients after AMI.
Sunken eyes, sagging brain syndrome: bilateral enophthalmos from chronic intracranial hypotension.

Purpose To explain the mechanism for acquired enophthalmos after ventriculoperitoneal shunting (VPS). Design Case series and a case-control study. Participants and Controls Four study patients with bilateral enophthalmos after VPS and 10 control subjects. Methods Case description of 4 study patients. Calculated orbital volumes for 2 study patients were compared with controls using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Main Outcome Measures Exophthalmometry measurements and total orbital and fat volumes. Results Patient 1 is a 25-year-old man who presented with progressive enophthalmos 3 years after VPS for traumatic intracranial bleeding. Imaging demonstrated upward expansion of the orbital roof and evidence of intracranial hypotension. The intracranial pressure (ICP) was 20 mm H 2 O. The enophthalmos improved after shunt revision. Patient 2 is a 19-year-old man who presented with progressive enophthalmos 18 months after VPS for traumatic intracranial hemorrhage. Patient 3 is a 38-year-old woman who presented with bilateral enophthalmos 15 years after VPS after a ruptured aneurysm. Imaging showed orbital expansion. Patient 4 is a 16-year-old man who presented with severe enophthalmos 5 years after a VPS for aneurysm-related hemorrhage. Imaging demonstrated orbital enlargement and findings of intracranial hypotension. Intracranial pressure ranged between −200 and 0 mm H 2 O. Shunt revision improved the enophthalmos. Total orbital volumes were significantly greater in the study patients than in the controls. Control subjects (5 male, 5 female, ages 23–45 years) had an average right orbital volume of 24.6±3.3 cm 3 (n = 10). In comparison, the right orbital volumes of patients 1 and 3 were 32.6 and 32.1 cm 3 . Similar results were found for the left orbits (23.9±2.7 cm 3 [control average] vs. 35.9 and 32.6 cm 3 ). In patient 1, the post-shunt volumes increased 14% (right) and 23% (left) from pre-shunt volumes. In contrast, orbital fat volume was not statistically significantly different between the control group and enophthalmic patients (right orbit control mean 7.94±3.1 cm 3 [n = 10] vs. 7.9 and 9.8 cm 3 ; left orbit control mean 7.88+3.1 cm 3 vs. 9.2 and 10.0 cm 3 ). Conclusions Enophthalmos after VPS results primarily from chronic intracranial hypotension. Low ICP causes expansion of orbital volume with no fat atrophy. In such patients, shunt revision with a pressure-regulating valve to correct intracranial hypotension should be considered. Financial Disclosure(s) The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
Concentration gradient generator using a convective-diffusive balance.

Since biomolecular concentration gradients are an important factor in various biological phenomena, many concentration gradient generators utilizing microfluidic techniques have been devised in order to establish stable in vitro biomolecular concentration gradients, each with their own strengths. However, all the fundamental issues, simplicity in apparatus, dynamic controllability, and convection-free conditions, have not been addressed simultaneously. In this paper, we describe a novel way of establishing concentration gradients using a convective–diffusive balance in a counterflow configuration. With the help of this method, stable, reproducible concentration gradient profiles can be formed in under a minute and the shape of the profiles are easily predicted with a simple mathematical formula.
Predicting Turnover of Appointed County Managers in Large American Counties

Researchers have suggested that American counties are emerging as leaders in local governance. This is mainly attributed to counties being called on to provide a whole host of new services to an ever-growing population. County managers are known to play a critical role in the provision of these services. Thus, the extent of turnover among county managers can significantly affect the services provided to a community. To date, researchers know very little about the factors contributing to county manager turnover. Several empirical analyses have explored tenure and turnover patterns of top-level government executives, yet these analyses have principally focused on cities. The purpose of this article is to extend existing research on city and county manager turnover. In this study, the authors test hypotheses with data on county manager turnover from 32 large counties with populations greater than 500,000 over a period of 15 years (1992-2006). As with prior studies performed on city manager turnover, the authors posit that county manager turnover in counties with a commission–manager form of government are influenced by forces of political uncertainty, fiscal stress, and community instability. The results show that increases in measurements of political uncertainty, fiscal stress, and community instability positively influence county manager turnover. Furthermore, the results show that increases in a county manager’s level of formal education increase the odds that a county manager will remain in office. Similar increases were found when county managers who were promoted from within the organization were compared with those who were recruited from external sources.
The Diffusion of New Antipsychotic Medications and Formulary Policy

Spending on antipsychotic medications continues to escalate as new products such as atypicals are increasingly used to treat schizophrenia and other conditions. Given that per person spending on behavioral health benefits is shrinking while spending on pharmaceutical products is increasing, the psychotropic portion of mental health expenditures is likely to continue to increase in the future. The diffusion of these new behavioral health technologies, or the rate at which these products have spread through the market, has been very uneven. Differences in adoption and diffusion rates of psychotropic medications across insurance settings, geographic regions, or subpopulations defined by age, gender, or racial or ethnic groups have important implications for the quality of care received by persons with mental illnesses. This article reviews the evidence on the diffusion of antipsychotic medication and discusses the implications of formulary policies on diffusion, addressing the health care service and administrative context in which the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE) project is being conducted and which it is intended to inform.
Liquid‐Phase Synthesis of Inorganic Nanoparticles

In this article we review some of the most representative liquid-phase synthetic methodologies for the preparation of inorganic nanoparticles. Metallic nanoparticles and alloys have been chosen as a model to discuss the preparation of colloidal nanocrystals and their functionalization with organic molecules. Of a particular interest have been the synthetic methodologies allowing not only the compositional control of the nanoparticles but also the size/shape of the nanoparticles along with their ability to organize into hierarchical architectures suitable for different technological applications. Keywords: wet chemical synthesis; nanoparticles; chemical reduction; “green chemistry”; thermal decomposition; self-assembly; core-shell structures
Changes in Mortality After Massachusetts Health Care Reform

Studies completed after the 2006 Massachusetts health reform law examined many changes in health care but none examined the relationship of reform with mortality. This quasi-experimental study foun...
A simple method for real-time DSP-based neutron chopper speed and phase control

Spallation-neutron facilities often use precisely-phased rotating choppers to parse the neutron beams that are used in various experiments. Typically, the reference signal is a digital pulse train of nearly-constant frequency. A chopper provides phase and frequency information to a controller by outputting a digital pulse each time its rotating blade passes a top-dead-center (TDC) location. Early controller designs used analog techniques to measure speed and phase and perform the necessary closed-loop control. More recently, purely digital techniques using digital signal processors (DSPs) and counter-based phase detectors have been implemented. This paper describes a relatively simple and low-cost method of implementing chopper speed and phase control with an off-the-shelf DSP card. In this technique, the reference and chopper-TDC digital-pulse trains are slew-rate limited to form trapezoidal waveforms which are sampled by 16-bit ADCs on the DSP board. The DSP finds the zero crossings, computes the frequency and relative phase of the two input signals and performs the dual-loop feedback control functions. A 16-bit DAC outputs a control voltage to a chopper-motor power driver. The paper also describes the rate-limiting circuitry, the real-time dual-loop control algorithm, and system performance.
Immunoprecipitation Studies of Mycobacterial Catalase

Serological techniques have been used to detect small changes in amino acid sequences of specific proteins in closely related biological systems. These changes are believed to reflect evolutionary divergence. In the present study, the differences in binding capacities of catalases from different mycobacteria for a reference antiserum were measured very specifically by assaying the unbound functional enzyme after exposure to antibody. Catalase derived from Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been used to immunize rabbits. The antibody so produced precipitated the enzyme but did not inactivate it. This antibody also precipitated catalase from sonic lysates of other mycobacterial species. The binding capacity of catalase derived from a number of heterologous species for the M. tuberculosis antibody was always lower than that of homologous enzyme. Some species produced catalase that failed to react at all with the reference serum. In other cases, there was evidence of at least two serologically unrelated catalases in a single strain. There was also a limited correlation between rate of inactivation of catalase by heat and the relative antibody-binding capacity of the enzyme. The serological study of catalases offers promise of providing a useful tool for clarifying evolutionary relationships among mycobacterial species.
Inside Rebellion: The Politics of Insurgent Violence

Part I. The Structure of Rebel Organizations: 1. The industrial organization of rebellion 2. Four rebel organizations 3. Recruitment 4. Control Part II. The Strategies of Rebel Groups: 5. Governance 6. Violence 7. Resilience 8. Extensions.
Multijunction thin-film solar cells on flexible substrates for space power

Photovoltaic arrays have played a key role in power generation in space. The current technology will continue to evolve but is limited in the important mass specific power metric (MSP or power/weight ratio) because it is based on bulk crystal technology. Solar cells based on thin-film materials offer the promise of much higher MSP and much lower cost. However, for space applications, a 20% or greater AM0 efficiency (/spl eta/) is required. The leading thin-film materials, amorphous Si, CuInSe/sub 2/ and CdTe have seen significant advances in efficiency over the last decade but will not achieve the required efficiency in the near future. Several new technologies are herein described to maximize both device /spl eta/ and MSP. One novel approach involves the use of very lightweight flexible substrates such as Kapton/sup /spl trade// and metal foil. Recently, prototype devices of thin-film materials have been fabricated on these substrates. We describe our efforts to enable this advance including materials processing and device fabrication and characterization on both polymer and metal foil substrates. Another approach involves stacking two cells on top of each other. These tandem devices more effectively utilize solar radiation by passing through nonabsorbed longer wavelength light to a narrow-bandgap bottom cell material. AMPS modeling of current devices in tandem format indicate that AM0 efficiencies near 19 % can be achieved. And with improvements in materials, AM0 efficiencies approaching 25% are achievable. Several important technical issues need to be resolved to realize these complex devices: development of a wide bandgap material with good electronic properties, development of transparent contacts, and targeting a 2-terminal device structure (with more complicated processing and tunnel junction) or 4-terminal device.