cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Search for a bosonic component in the neutrino wave function

Recently, Dolgov and Smirnov speculated that neutrinos may not obey the principle named after their inventor, the Pauli Principle. The neutrino wave function may contain a bosonic component. In principle, two-neutrino double-beta (2ν2β) decay data could be used to check on the conjecture that neutrinos violate the Pauli Principle. Recent 2ν2β data on 100Mo to both the ground state and excited states in 100Ru will be used to illustrate the procedure.
Practice Variability in the Inpatient Treatment of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

ABSTRACT Objective. To examine variability in the practice of hospitalization and the factors predictive of hospitalization for women with diagnosed Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Design. Population-based chart review. Setting. Twenty-three hospitals and 40 clinics in King County, Washington. Patients. 2,803 women with a clinical diagnosis of PID who were evaluated at participating hospitals and clinics. Results. Thirteen percent of women diagnosed with PID were hospitalized. Women presenting for care to hospitals were more likely to be referred for inpatient treatment than were those presenting to non-hospital-affiliated clinics (adjusted odds ratio 8.7, 95% confidence interval 5.4 to 13.9). Of clinical features recommended as criteria for hospitalization by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that we could evaluate, only patients′ complaints of fever, chills or sweats, indicative of severity of illness, significantly predicted hospitalization. Other factors independently associated with more hospi...
Thyroglobulin: Evidence for Crystallization and Association

Crystals of thyroglobulin have been obtained from ammonium sulfate solutions and have been examined by electron microscopy as shadowed carbon replicas. Unit size in the crystal is 228 ± 9 angstroms, which corresponds to a molecular weight of 5,300,000. Data are in accord with the possibility that this unit represents a polymer of thyroglobulin.
Percentiles for gas values in human umbilical cord blood

Abstract The distribution of gas values of umbilical cord blood was studied in an university clinic population during a period of 3 yr. All patients in labor were guided by obstetrical personnel and continuous electronic fetal monitoring (CTG). Microblood analyses were performed on indication of the CTG. The tenth percentile for the total population for umbilical artery blood pH was 7.14 and base excess was −12.7 mmol 1 . The tenth percentile for pH in umbilical venous blood was 7.23 and base excess was −10.2 mmol 1 . Increase of acidemia was seen in the following order: optimal pregnancy and labor, spontaneous vertex delivery, multiparity, primiparity, instrumental and breech delivery. Percentiles of umbilical cord blood gases could serve as an index for the standard of obstetrical care in addition to perinatal mortality and other measures of perinatal morbidity.
Polymerase activities and RNA structures in the atomic force microscope.

The structures of the reaction products are the basis for novel polymerase assays using the atomic force microscope (AFM). Polymerases are the enzymes involved in transcription and replication of DNA. Rapid semiquantitative estimates of the activity of DNA polymerases such as Sequenase, Taq polymerase, and AMV reverse transcriptase and RNA polymerases (RNAP) such as Escherichia coli RNAP were obtained from AFM images of the nucleic acids after polymerase reactions. DNA polymerases were assayed via replication of the single-stranded fX-174 virion. RNAP was assayed via transcription, using a rolling circle DNA template that produces long strands of RNA. In some cases, AFM was better than agarose gel electrophoresis for assaying DNA polymerase activity, since aggregation prevented the DNA from entering the agarose gel. Extended molecules of single-stranded RNA synthesized with the rolling circle DNA template showed varied conformations and degrees of stretching. Some structural differences were observed between two RNAs—a ribozyme concatamer and an RNA with 90% purines. r 1999 Academic Press
Membrane potential greatly enhances superoxide generation by the cytochrome bc1 complex reconstituted into phospholipid vesicles.

The mitochondrial cytochrome bc1 complex (ubiquinol/cytochrome c oxidoreductase) is generally thought to generate superoxide anion that participates in cell signaling and contributes to cellular damage in aging and degenerative disease. However, the isolated, detergent-solubilized bc1 complex does not generate measurable amounts of superoxide except when inhibited by antimycin. In addition, indirect measurements of superoxide production by cells and isolated mitochondria have not clearly resolved the contribution of the bc1 complex to the generation of superoxide by mitochondria in vivo, nor did they establish the effect, if any, of membrane potential on superoxide formation by this enzyme complex. In this study we show that the yeast cytochrome bc1 complex does generate significant amounts of superoxide when reconstituted into phospholipid vesicles. The rate of superoxide generation by the reconstituted bc1 complex increased exponentially with increased magnitude of the membrane potential, a finding that is compatible with the suggestion that membrane potential inhibits electron transfer from the cytochrome bL to bH hemes, thereby promoting the formation of a ubisemiquinone radical that interacts with oxygen to generate superoxide. When the membrane potential was further increased, by the addition of nigericin or by the imposition of a diffusion potential, the rate of generation of superoxide was further accelerated and approached the rate obtained with antimycin. These findings suggest that the bc1 complex may contribute significantly to superoxide generation by mitochondria in vivo, and that the rate of superoxide generation can be controlled by modulation of the mitochondrial membrane potential.
Learning about Writing, Thinking about Teaching:

A student's story and our participation on a general education renewal project prompted us to learn more about writing. In the process, we discovered the writing activities developed by psychologists, the strategies for assessing writing used by colleagues in other disciplines, and the means used by departments and universities to develop effective writing programs. The theme of this article is that learning about writing led us to think more about our teaching and about how our students learn.
Seasonal development of soybean arthropod communities in east central Illinois

Abstract Numbers of individuals of arthropod species were sampled by direct observation at four sites in each of three different east central Illinois soybean fields at weekly intervals from plant emergence until harvest. Soybean plant development at each field was monitored throughout the season. The number of species detected in a field was greater at the edge (site A) than in the middle (site D). Site A vs. site D differences in numbers of herbivore species were greater than for predator/parasitoid species. Habitat space development (i.e. plant growth) was correlated with the pattern of soybean field colonization by arthropods: a relatively constant number of species per habitat space existed throughout most of the season in all three fields. The mean number of species per habitat space was higher at site A than at site D for both herbivores and predators/parasitoids. A windbreak at the edge of a field concentrated certain aerially dispersed herbivores at the leeward edge early in the season. Arthropod food webs during most of the season were very complex compared to early season trophic relationships. Suggestions for further study, including investigation of the effects of planting time, row-width, and interplanting on seasonal development of the soybean arthropod community are discussed.
Separation of Major Casein Fractions Using Cation-Exchange Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography

Abstract Whole casein was separated into β-casein, κ-casein, α s1 -casein, and α s2 -casein fractions using cation-exchange fast protein liquid chromatography. The γ-caseins and several unidentified peaks were also separated. A urea-acetate buffer at pH 5 and a NaCl gradient from 0 to .26 M were used to separate the casein fractions. Several γ-caseins and unidentified fractions eluted first, followed by three β-casein peaks, several γ-casein and unidentified peaks, κ-casein, α s1 -casein, and α s2 -casein. Some γ-caseins eluted with β-casein. The four major caseins, which accounted for over 90% of the whole casein fractions, were accounted for with this method, and the calculated compositions correlated well with values obtained using anion-exchange fast protein liquid chromatography at pH 7.
Alternative breeding strategies for the improvement of iron efficiency in soybean

Abstract The potential production loss attributable to Fe‐deficiency chlorosis in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] grown on calcareous soil is sufficient to justify the development of high‐yielding, Fe‐efficient soybean cultivars in several states. Alternative breeding methods and screening techniques for the development of high‐yielding, Fe‐efficient cultivars and parental germplasm were studied. In the breeding methodology studies, populations derived from crosses of lower yielding, Fe‐efficient X high‐yielding, Fe‐inefficient parents had lower mean yields but greater average Fe‐efficiency than populations derived by backcrossing to the high‐yielding parent. Phenotypic correlations between the yield of breeding lines on noncalcareous soil and their Fe‐efficiency on calcareous soil were positive or not significant, indicating that selection of high‐yielding, Fe‐efficient cultivars should be possible. In a recurrent selection program to improve the Fe‐efficiency of a population, a nutrient solution system...
Biodegradable Polymer Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering

Synthetic polymer scaffolds designed for cell transplantation were reproducibly made on a large scale and studied with respect to biocompatibility, structure and biodegradation rate. Polyglycolic acid (PGA) was extruded and oriented to form 13 μm diameter fibers with desired tenacity. Textile processing techniques were used to produce fibrous scaffolds with a porosity of 97% and sufficient structural integrity to maintain their dimensions when seeded with isolated cartilage cells (chondrocytes) and cultured in vitro at 37°C for 8 weeks. Cartilaginous tissue consisting of glycosaminoglycan and collagen was regenerated in the shape of the original PGA scaffold. The resulting cell-polymer constructs were the largest grown in vitro to date (1 cm diameter × 0.35 cm thick). Construct mass was accurately predicted by accounting for accumulation of tissue components and scaffold degradation. The scaffold induced chondrocyte differentiation with respect to morphology and phenotype and represents a model cell culture substrate that may be useful for a variety of tissue engineering applications.
A Theoretical and Experimental Procedure for Designing of Oil Circulation Ratio Reduction

This report demonstrates the successful development of a design method reducing oil circulation ratio (hereafter OCR) in swing compressors, based on calculations from a simplified model and an actual experiment. The developed OCR analysis tool features the addition of oil circulation flow rate circuit to the oil supply circuit that diagnoses the pump, the oil feeding passage, and the bearings by electrical circuit. The oil circulation flow rate is affected by refrigerant flow. In consideration of the complementary effects of refrigerant gas and oil circulation flow rate, including wall impingement of oil droplets, the gravity of oil droplets, and buoyancy, calculations can be conducted as separation efficiency ratio. In the experiment, the behavior of oil droplets in refrigerant in a compressor outfitted with pressure-proof glass was observed with a high-speed camera. It was thereby ascertained that the predicted speed of oil droplets and the actual speed in the compressor were almost the same. The effects of a drop in oil level during operation due to the oil circulation flow rate can be taken into account, something previously impossible with conventional circuits. The conclusive analytical precision of OCR is a range of 30–115Hz with a margin of error of ±0.3wt%. Using this method, design points that have substantial impact on OCR reduction can be clarified. With structural changes to the motor-rotor as suggested from the analysis, OCR can be reduced. Consequently, a significant reduction in the period necessary for compressor development has been achieved.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Kernel Milk Line as a Harvest Indicator for Corn Silage in Pennsylvania

A better understanding of the relationship between kernel milk line and whole-plant moisture, yield, and forage quality of corn (Zea mays L.) silage would improve producers' ability to time harvests. This study was conducted to validate the use of the milk line for predicting whole-plant moisture of corn under conditions in the northeastern USA and to evaluate the effect of harvest timing on yield and forage quality. Experiments were conducted in 1986 and 1987 using four cultivars that were harvested at full dent (FD), half milk (HM), and black layer (BL). Whole-plant moisture, kernel moisture, whole-plant yield, and forage quality were evaluated at each stage (...)
Snapping popliteal tendon as a source of lateral knee pain

A 25-year-old female patient underwent surgery for a history of pain and popping on the lateral aspect of her right knee. It was initially thought that the patient had iliotibial (IT) band syndrome which was refractory to conservative treatment. However, upon release of the IT band, the snapping which was audible and palpable pre-operatively was still present. Further exploration of the posterior-lateral aspect of the knee revealed that the popliteal tendon was snapping over the incisura poplitea extensoria on the lateral femoral condyle. Excision of the prominent portion of the articular ridge below the sulcus popliteus eliminated the snapping sensation. The patient has remained asymptomatic since surgery for the past 22 months.
Trapping of positive ions in the electron beam of an ion cyclotron resonance spectrometer

Abstract Trapping of positive ions in the space charge of an electron beam is observed in the drift mode of an ion cyclotron resonance spectrometer at emission currents above 1 μA. This phenomenon is evident in two observations not normally seen in the ICR drift mode: (1) the appearance of product ions from ion-molecule reactions at pressure below 5 × 10 −7 torr using moderate drift potentials; and (2) the appearance of fragment ions occurring below thermodynamic threshold arising from electron impact dissociation of precursor parent ions. Trapping efficiency is found to increase with increasing emission current, decreasing electron energy, and decreasing source and trapping plate potentials. The implication of these results are discussed.
On the missing equation: A reply

Abstract Shaller's criticism of our paper improperly interprets our model. Furthermore, his proof either assumes that the aggregate supply and demand curves are identical, or ignores that factor market demand already incorporates aggregate demand.
Behavioral health in the gulf coast region following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill: findings from two federal surveys.

This article summarizes findings from two large-scale, population-based surveys conducted by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the Gulf Coast region following the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, to measure the prevalence of mental and substance use disorders, chronic health conditions, and utilization of behavioral health services. Although many area residents undoubtedly experienced increased levels of anxiety and stress following the spill, findings suggest only modest or minimal changes in behavioral health at the aggregate level before and after the spill. The studies do not address potential long-term effects of the spill on physical and behavioral health nor did they target subpopulations that might have been most affected by the spill. Resources mobilized to reduce the economic and behavioral health impacts of the spill on coastal residents—including compensation for lost income from BP and increases in available mental health services—may have resulted in a reduction in potential mental health problems.
An architecture for factory control automation

The automation of manufacturing functions can be usefully categorized as physical, control, and information automation. Because control and information automation are functionally dedicated to processing data, they are founded in computing and data communications technology. But they characteristically differ in important ways, such as response-time requirements, variability of functionality, and volume and volatility of associated data. Thus, different computing architectures are appropriate for these automation arenas. This paper outlines the architectural considerations that derive from the functional and performance requirements typical in control automation. It also suggests an architectural approach to the automation of factory control functions.
Introduction of a Self-Report Version of the Prescription Drug Use Questionnaire and Relationship to Medication Agreement Noncompliance

The Prescription Drug Use Questionnaire (PDUQ) is one of several published tools developed to help clinicians better identify the presence of opioid abuse or dependence in patients with chronic pain. This paper introduces a patient version of the PDUQ (PDUQp), a 31-item questionnaire derived from the items of the original tool designed for self-administration, and describes evidence for its validity and reliability in a sample of patients with chronic nonmalignant pain and on opioid therapy. Further, this study examines instances of discontinuation from opioid medication treatment related to violation of the medication agreement in this population, and the relationship of these with problematic opioid misuse behaviors, PDUQ and PDUQp scores. A sample of 135 consecutive patients with chronic nonmalignant pain was recruited from a multidisciplinary Veterans Affairs chronic pain clinic, and prospectively followed over one year of opioid therapy. Using the PDUQ as a criterion measure, moderate to good concurrent and predictive validity data for the PDUQp are presented, as well as item-by-item comparison of the two formats. Reliability data indicate moderate test stability over time. Of those patients whose opioid treatment was discontinued due to medication agreement violation-related discontinuation (MAVRD) (n=38 or 28% of sample), 40% of these (n=11) were due to specific problematic opioid misuse behaviors. Based upon specificity and sensitivity analyses, a suggested cutoff PDUQp score for predicting MAVRD is provided. This study supports the PDUQp as a useful tool for assessing and predicting problematic opioid medication use in a chronic pain patient sample.
Nitric oxide production in collisions of hot O(3P) atoms with N2

[1] Energetic oxygen atoms play a central role in the heat and energy balance of the terrestrial thermosphere. The reaction between hot O( 3 P) atoms and N 2 has been suggested as a source of shuttle glow in low-Earth orbits due to the formation of nitric oxide. We report cross sections and rate coefficients for the production of nitric oxide in the reaction between hot O( 3 P) atoms and N 2 and show that vibrational excitation of N 2 significantly enhances the reaction rate coefficients. Results are found to be in agreement with shock-tube experiments as well as with crossed molecular beam data.
Nucleosides of 2-aza-purines— cytotoxicities and activities as substrates for enzymes metabolizing purine nucleosides

Abstract Nucleosides of 2-aza-adenine, 2-aza-hypoxanthine and 4-amino-7H-pyrazolo[3,4- d ]- v -triazine were examined: (a) for cytotoxicity to cultured H. Ep. No. 2 cells and to sublines resistant to certain analogs of purines and purine nucleotides and deficient in certain enzymes of purine metabolism, and (b) as substrates for adenosine kinase, adenosine deaminase, and nucleoside-cleaving enzymes. 2-Aza-adenosine was much more toxic than 2-aza-adenine and was a good substrate for both the kinase and the deaminase. The responses of the resistant cell lines indicated that the cytotoxicity of 2-aza-adenosine was due both to its direct phosphorylation and to its conversion to 2-aza-hypoxanthine. 2-Aza-inosine, 2′-deoxy-2-aza-inosine and 2-aza-hypoxanthine had similar cytotoxicities, and the responses of the resistant cell lines showed that the cytotoxicities of both of the nucleosides resulted from their conversion to 2-aza-hypoxanthine. The ribonucleoside of 4-amino-7H-pyrazolo[3,4- d ]- v -triazine was less toxic than 2-aza-adenosine, and was a good substrate for adenosine kinase but a poor substrate for adenosine deaminase. 2-Aza-inosine and 2′-deoxy-2-aza-inosine were cleaved to 2-aza-hypoxanthine by cell-free supernatants, but the conversions were poor relative to those of inosine and 2′-deoxyinosine. 3′-Deoxy-2-aza-adenosine and the α-arabinosyl, β-arabinosyl and β-xylosyl derivatives of 2-aza-adenine were not toxic. 3′-Deoxy-2-aza-adenosine and β-xylosyl-2-aza-adenine were moderately good substrates for the deaminase, but α-arabinosyl-2-aza-adenine was not deaminated and β-arabinosyl-2-aza-adenine was deaminated at a rate less than 5 per cent that of β-arabinosyladenine. These results indicate that some of these nucleosides, particularly 2-aza-adenosine, may merit further study as growth-inhibitory and potential antitumor agents.
Photonic stopbands and light transmission characteristics in GaAs-based three dimensional waveguides with large index contrast

A relatively simple technique to realize a III–V semiconductor based quasi-three-dimensional photonic crystal material with a refractive index contrast ∼2 is described. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurement reveals a stop band between 15 and 20 μm for a sample with scattering center spacing of 6.3 μm. Another narrow transmittance dip is observable in the wavelength range of 1.1–1.58 μm, with an attenuation of 12 dB at 1.18 μm. The relation between transmission T and waveguide length L, as measured by 1.15 μm wavelength light is either T−L−2 or T−exp(−L/L0), indicating photon localization in the weakly disordered system.
Ovulation Detection by Monitoring Temperature During Sleep

It is demonstrated that the temperature rise associated with ovulation in women can be detected by monitoring the body temperature noninvasively throughout the night. Digital recordings of the temperature were taken every 6 min during sleeping hours. It took 2-3 h for the temperature to rise and stabilize. Following this period, gradual temperature changes and abrupt fluctuations of about 0.60C (peak-to-peak) were observed. In spite of these changes, the average nightly temperatures clearly exhibited the rise of about 0.50C which normally follows ovulation.
Development and Validation of a High Performance Liquid Chromatographic (HPLC) Method for the Determination of Phenytoin Prodrug (Fosphenytoin) in Solutions, Parenteral Formulations, and Active Drug Substance

Abstract A rapid, stability indicating high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) procedure for the determination of phenytoin prodrug (fosphenytoin) content in solutions, parenteral formulations and the active drug substance was developed. Reverse-phase liquid chromatography was performed using a 15 cm microparticulate (5 μm) NOVA-PAK phenyl packed column, a variable wavelength detector (214 nm), and a mobile phase that consisted of a buffer that was 0.025 M in potassium phosphate monobasic and 0.05 M in 1-heptanesulfonic acid sodium salt (pH = 4.1 with phosphoric acid) and methanol (65:35) pumped at 1.0 mL/minute. The method is precise and accurate, with three separate analysts achieving an accuracy greater than 99.0% and a relative standard deviation of less than 0.8%. A limit of detection determined by visual examination was found to be approximately 0.1 μg/mL. Accuracy of this method decreases at concentrations of less than 10 μg/mL fosphenytoin. Either peak height or peak area ratios at 214 nm c...
DNA Distress: Just Ring 9-1-1

The Rad9-Hus1-Rad1 checkpoint clamp (9-1-1) is a central player in the cellular response to DNA damage; three groups have determined the crystal structure of 9-1-1, providing new insight into its loading mechanism and association with DNA damage checkpoint and repair enzymes.
Stenotrophomonas (Xanthomonas) maltophilia infection in necrotizing pancreatitis.

Conclusion: Although the therapy of infected pancreatic collections or organized pancreatic necrosis remains surgical, we have demonstrated that infected organized pancreatic necrosis can be treated endoscopically. Background:Stenotrophomonas (Xanthomonas) maltophilia has been increasingly recognized as a nosocomial pathogen associated with meningitis, pneumonia, conjunctivitis, soft tissue infections, endocarditis, and urinary tract infections. This organism is consistently resistant to imipenem, a drug commonly employed in patients with necrotizing pancreatitis to prevent local and systemic infections. Methods and Results: We report the first case of infected pancreatic necrosis by S. (X.) maltophilia. Our patient was treated successfully with endoscopic drainage of the pancreatic fluid collection and appropriate antibiogram-based antibiotic therapy. Endoscopic drainage has emerged as one of the treatment modalities for pancreatic fluid collections.
Urdu character recognition using next-generation optical networks

We developed a robust Urdu character pattern classification system using next-generation optical networks. Optical fiber has dominated information transmission over long distance due to its large bandwidth and low loss. It is of high importance to represent Urdu character uniquely by Fourier Descriptors even if they are deformed by transformations.
Efficiency of PV Module under Real Working Conditions

This work illustrates the testing of a photovoltaic module (ISOFOTON I-100/24) under real operating conditions. The location of the test is in Adrar region in south Algeria. The module was exposed outdoor under cloudless sky during light (from sunrise until noon time). The tests were carried out under different solar radiation, cell temperature and air mass conditions, where different I- V characteristics were taken, for efficiency determination as a function of irradiance, cell temperature and air mass. Applying a semi-empirical efficiency model developed by W. Durisch [1] for determine the impact of every climatic parameters (the global irradiance in to inclined module plane, cell temperature and air mass) on the efficiency of PV module. Very interesting scientific results where the module offers an acceptable efficiency behaviour over the irradiance range; more sensitivity to temperature. The STC efficiency was found to be 8.96% corresponding to an STC module output power of 65.6W. An efficiency maximum of 9.093% was found at 800w/m2. The efficiency linearly decreases with temperature and air mass.
The effect of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin on mouse embryos fertilized in vivo or in vitro.

The effect of increasing doses of exogenous gonadotropin stimulation for ovarian hyperstimulation was studied utilizing mouse embryos fertilized in vivo or in vitro. Increased rates of embryo degeneration, fragmentation, and triploidy, increased sister-chomatid exchange, and decreased fertilization rates were observed in high-dose stimulation groups. It appears, therefore, that oocyte and/or embryo quality may be affected by increased amounts of exogeneous gonadotropin stimulation.
Pore‐scale modeling extension of constitutive relationships in the range of residual saturations

A pore network model is used to describe constitutive relationships between saturation, capillary pressure, relative permeabilities, and interfacial areas over the full range of saturations. We focus on residual nonwetting-phase saturations, that is, the saturation range between main drainage and primary drainage. Interphase mass transfer and dynamic miscible transport are modeled to generate the range of saturations over which the extended constitutive relationships are calculated. To accommodate all saturations in a consistent way, we define capillary pressure as the areal average of local capillary pressures associated with each fluid-fluid interface. The extended constitutive relationships provide input for continuum-scale models covering the entire saturation range and indicate that special care is needed in the general formulation of continuum-scale equations.
Catching the wave [gravity wave communication]

In 1873, when James Clerk Maxwell published his treatise unifying electromagnetic theory, he stated that light was electromagnetic in nature and he predicted that electromagnetic waves of greater length might exist. A dozen years later, Heinrich Hertz constructed apparatus with which he generated and received these longer waves, and he demonstrated that their behavior was identical to that of light. In the century following Hertz, these longer waves, which we now call radio waves, have been utilized to provide a vast worldwide communication system. In his theory of general relativity, published in 1915, Albert Einstein postulated the existence of gravity waves that propagate at the speed of light. If these waves could be used for communication purposes, they would open a whole new spectrum for exploitation, independent of the electromagnetic spectrum. Why is it that today, three quarters of a century later, we don't have gravity-wave transmitting and receiving stations? The article examines the reasons for this and then determines quantitatively how far we are from adding gravity waves to our communications repertoire. >
Protest—the South African way

(1976). Protest—the South African way. World Literature Written in English: Vol. 15, No. 1, pp. 42-45.
Bilirubin photo-isomers: regiospecific acyl glucuronidation in vivo

(4Z,15Z)-Bilirubin-IXα, the end product of heme catabolism, requires uridine glucuronosyl transferase 1A1 (UGT1A1)-catalyzed glucuronidation for elimination in bile, where it appears as two isomeric monoglucuronides and a diglucuronide. When people are exposed to light, endogenous bilirubin is converted partly to photo-isomers that are produced in greater abundance during treatment of jaundiced babies with phototherapy. Little is known about the metabolism of the photo-isomers, other than that they appear not to require glucuronidation for elimination in bile. Studies have been hampered by their unavailability and instability, as well as confusion about the identity, structures, preparation, and purity of bilirubin photoproducts. This paper outlines methods for preparing photo-isomers of bilirubins in sufficient quantity and purity for metabolic studies in rats and reappraises the composition of some previous preparations. The studies show that (Z,E)-isomers of bilirubins and the structural isomer (Z)-lumirubin undergo glucuronidation in the rat, but unlike (4Z,15Z)-bilirubin, form only monoglucuronides. Moreover, glucuronidation is regiospecific for just one of the two propionic acid groups, the one attached to the isomerized half of the molecule. This unusual stereoselectivity appears to be dictated by intramolecular hydrogen bonding. Formation of hydroxylated bilirubins was not detected. During phototherapy, photo-isomers will compete with endogenous (4Z,15Z)-bilirubin for glucuronidation by nascent hepatic enzyme UGT1A1.
Guanidinium-capped cucurbit[7]uril molecular cages in the gas phase

We have used ultra-high resolution tandem mass spectrometric and computational electronic structure calculation techniques to discover and characterise supramolecular containers comprising the hollow pumpkin-shaped host cucurbit[7]uril hydrogen bonded to two guanidinium ions, which form caps to enclose the interior of the cucurbituril. While complexes of the smaller cucurbit[6]uril with two guanidinium ions are also observed when appropriate mixtures are electrosprayed, these exhibit low relative stability and were not observed to form complexes with neutral guests. The cucurbit[7]uril complex traps benzene, fluorobenzene or toluene when these neutrals are spiked into the electrospray solution, but similar experiments involving phenol, chlorobenzene and the xylene isomers did not yield observed inclusion complexes. Relative collision energies required to dissociate the inclusion complexes are in the order benzene ≈ fluorobenzene ≫ toluene, in qualitative agreement with B3LYP/6-31+G* calculations, which in...
Effect of two isomeric tetrachlorobiphenyls on rats and their hepatic enzymes.

Oral administration of two isomeric tetrachlorobiphenyls (TCBs) (2, 3, 4, 5-and 3, 5, 3′, 5′-tetrachlorobiphenyls) to rats at three dosage levels does not cause any adverse effect on their growth. However, several hepatic enzyme systems are affected, even at the lowest level (5 mg/kg). EthylmorphineN-demethylase and aniline hydroxylase activities are slightly induced by 2, 3, 4, 5-TCB but, at a medium dose level (20 mg/kg), the activity ofpara-nitroanisoleO-demethylase is induced two-fold. Also, 3, 5, 3′, 5′-TCB induces these enzyme systems in male rats but decreases the activities of aniline hydroxylase and ethyl morphineN-demethylase in female rats at higher doses. An extra polar metabolite occurs in thein vitro metabolism of oestradiol-3H when female rats are treated with 2, 3, 4, 5-TCB at a dosage level of 40 mg/kg. UDP-Glucuronyl/transferase and δ-aminolevulinic acid synthetase activities are not affected by the administration of these two TCBs.
Astrophysics: Lopsided stellar death

Observations of the supernova remnant Cassiopeia A offer an unprecedented look back at the centre of this explosion, and support the hypothesis that spatial asymmetry is key to explaining the event. See Letter p.339 Most simulations of stellar core collapse events indicate that the explosions are asymmetric, but the resulting shapes differ in the various models. Brian Grefenstette et al. analysed the distribution of radioactive titanium-44 in Cassiopeia A, a young core-collapse remnant, as a proxy for explosion asymmetry. They report a degree of non-uniform distribution in the unshocked interior of Cas A greater than that expected from a spherical explosion, yet not as pronounced as would follow a highly bipolar explosion. On the basis of these findings, the authors conclude that the type of explosion for the Cas A core-collapse explosion was part-way between the two extremes of asymmetry.
Human-robot interaction for field operation of an autonomous helicopter

The robustness of autonomous robotic systems to unanticipated circumstances is typically insufficient for use in the field. The many skills of a human user often fill this gap in robotic capability. To incorporate the human into the system, a useful interaction between man and machine must exist. This interaction should enable useful communication to be exchanged in a natural way between human and robot on a variety of levels. This paper describes the current human-robot interaction of the Stanford HUMMINGBIRD autonomous helicopter. In particular, the paper discuses the elements of the system that enable multiple levels of communication. An intelligent system agent manages the different inputs given to the helicopter. An advanced user interface gives the user and helicopter a method for exchanging useful information. Using this human-robot interaction, the HUMMINGBIRD has carried out various autonomous search, tracking, and retrieval missions.
IDENTIFICATION OF ELEMENTARY SULFUR AND SULFUR COMPOUNDS IN LIPID EXTRACTS BY THIN-LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY.

Elementary sulfur, long chain thiols and sulfides in lipid mixtures can be separated and identified by thin layer chromatography (TLC), preparation of derivatives, development of typical flourescent colors with Rhodamine 6G under ultraviolet light, and colors with other spray reagents. Silica gel mixed with magnesium silicate and the same adsorbent plus silver nitrate are used for polar stationary phase and silver nitrate complexing chromatography, respectively. Elementary sulfur yields a purple fluorescent spot with Rhodamine 6G in contrast to the yellow fluorescent of most lipids. Compounds isolated by means of TLC were further identified by spectroscopic methods. The sulfur bacterium (Chromatium sp.), and the Orgueil carbonaceous meteorite were analyzed by the new technique. Elementary sulfur was identified in both samples, but the lipid compositions of the bacteria and meteorite were found to be entirely different. The meteorite lipids and hydrocarbons were also different from the abiological hydrocarbons synthesized in a Miller high frequency spark discharge experiment. The new analytical technique is suitable for the analysis of recent biological matter, petroleum, bitument and organic matter from marine sediments.
'Nasal' speech--hyper or hypo?

Vergult et al1 present interesting and useful descriptions of three patients with deletions at 12q15. It would be helpful if they could clarify one point, however. The authors refer throughout the paper to ‘nasal' speech. It is not clear from the description whether their patients have hypernasal speech or hyponasal speech. Hypernasal speech occurs when there is escape of airflow and acoustic energy into the nasal cavity during speech, commonly due to dysfunction (mechanical or neuromuscular) of the velopharyngeal valving mechanism, as in velocardiofacial syndrome.2 Hyponasal speech, by contrast, is caused by reduced nasal cavity resonance during speech, usually due to anatomical obstruction of the nasal cavity. It is easy to demonstrate, by simply pinching the nose closed while speaking. Distinguishing between these two abnormalities is important, both in diagnosis and in management of conditions in which they occur.
Simple microcomputer system for mapping tissue sections with the light microscope

We describe a method for two-dimensional mapping of tissue sections that makes use of a drawing tube, microscope stage encoders and a microcomputer. The drawing tube views the graphics monitor and superimposes the image of the screen cursor and on-screen menus on the specimen image. Thus, the position of every landmark in each microscopic field can be mapped without stage movement while directly viewing the specimen through the microscope. A mouse is used for data entry and program control. Fields mapped in this way are then assembled into a complete map, which can include line drawings as well as up to 20 landmark types. The coordinate values of all landmarks mapped are stored and remain accessible for editing and analysis. High resolution plots are produced. Specialized functions include grain counting, area and perimeter calculations as well as a perimeter limiter that predefines the area to be mapped. The system uses general purpose hardware that is widely available. Many hitherto time-consuming tasks, such as detailed mapping of cell positions, regions of immunocytochemical staining, degenerating fibers, neuronal connections or any other anatomical feature, can be done in a fraction of the time and effort previously involved. These labor savings can be realized while maintaining the highest resolution and enabling statistical analysis since the data are already in digital form.
A clinical pathway for pediatric gastroenteritis.

Gastroenteritis is one of the most common reasons for hospitalization in the United States for children under the age of 5 years. Second only to respiratory problems, the cost of providing care for these children is estimated to exceed $2 billion dollars annually (Burkhart, 1999;Prescilla, 2002). Th
Effects of reaction order and convection around gas-bubbles in a gas-liquid reacting system

Abstract The mass transfer of gaseous reactant into liquid for chemical reaction is significantly affected by relative flow at the interface of gas and liquid. Two extreme cases are for a bubble behaving like a solid particle due to absorbed surfactant impurities and for a freely-internally circulating bubble with a relative interfacial velocity; the present calculations indicate a ratio of mass-transfer rates of a factor up to 1·4–2·45. The factor decreases with increasing reaction rate, becoming negligible for values of K > 2000 sec−1. It is larger for a 3 2 order reaction than for a 1st order reaction. If there is internal circulation, the relative flow changes depending on whether the bubble is alone or in a rising bubble swarm. For small reaction rates the effect of this change in the mass transfer rate has been calculated to be 7–9% at typical bubble sizes of 0·1–0·2 cm radius. The mass transfer rate for a freely-circulating bubble is about 15% larger for a 1 2 order reaction than for a 1st order reaction at steady state. Transient and time averaged values of the Sherwood number were obtained. Shrinkage of bubbles from loss of reactant was also considered.
Incremental Criterion Validity of the WJ-III COG Clinical Clusters: Marginal Predictive Effects beyond the General Factor.

The current study examined the incremental validity of the clinical clusters from the Woodcock–Johnson III Tests of Cognitive Abilities (WJ-III COG) for predicting scores on the Woodcock–Johnson II...
Effects of finasteride on hematuria associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia : Long-term follow-up

Abstract Objectives. To report long-term follow-up in 18 patients with gross hematuria associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) who have been treated with finasteride and to report preliminary follow-up in an additional 10 patients. Methods. The charts of the 18 original patients, and 10 additional patients who had been placed on finasteride (5 mg daily) for intermittent gross hematuria associated with BPH, were reviewed. All had evaluations that were negative for tumor. A hematuria grading system was devised using grades 0, 1, 2, and 3 (grade 0 the least severe, grade 3 the most severe hematuria). Results. Sixteen of 18 patients have continued finasteride therapy. Mean follow-up is 31 months (range 10 to 47). Twelve had undergone prior prostatectomy. In this group, 3 patients had grade 1, 5 grade 2, and 4 grade 3 hematuria prior to treatment with finasteride. During finasteride therapy, 9 patients had grade 0, 2 grade 1 (pretreatment grades 2 and 3), and 1 grade 3 (pretreatment grade 3) hematuria. Of the 4 patients without prior prostate surgery, 2 had grade 0 (pretreatment grades 1 and 3), and 2 had grade 1 (pretreatment grade 2) hematuria. In summary, 14 of 16 patients improved according to their hematuria grade. We have since added another 10 patients to our study, with a mean follow-up of 11 months. Six of 7 patients who had previous prostatectomies in this group now have grade 0 hematuria. Overall, 8 of the 10 have improved according to hematuria grade. Conclusions. Long-term follow-up has confirmed the efficacy of finasteride in treating gross hematuria associated with BPH and we now recommend finasteride as first line therapy in the treatment of BPH-associated gross hematuria.
Accuracy of ICD-9-CM Coding for the Identification of Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke: Effect of Modifier Codes

Background and Purpose—Discharge ICD-9-CM (International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification) codes have been used to identify patients with acute stroke for epidemiological, quality of care, and cost studies. The aim of this study was to determine if the accuracy of the primary ICD-9-CM codes for ischemic stroke is improved by modifier codes and how specific codes reflect stroke subtype diagnoses. Methods—Available hospital charts for all patients discharged from a single hospital between May 1995 and June 1997 with ICD-9-CM codes 433 (occlusion and stenosis of precerebral arteries), 434 (occlusion of cerebral arteries), or 436 (acute but ill-defined cerebrovascular disease) listed in the first position were reviewed. The primary discharge diagnosis was verified, and a presumed stroke subtype was assigned on the basis of information provided in the medical record. Results—Charts were available for 175 of the 198 identified patients (88%). Of these, 61% had an acute ischemic st...
Overnutrition induced decrease in insulin action for glucose storage: In vivo and in vitro in man

The effect of short-term overnutrition on insulin action for glucose disposal was assessed in 15 Southwest American Indians (mean wt = 74 ± 6 kg). After two weeks of weight maintenance and again after two weeks of 62% greater caloric intake (constant ratio of fat:carbohydrate:protein), insulin action for glucose disposal was measured using the euglycemic clamp technique with plasma insulin concentrations of about 110 and 1800 uU/mL. Simultaneous indirect calorimetry was used to estimate carbohydrate oxidation and storage rates. Following overnutrition, mean weight gain was 3.0 ± 0.2 kg, P < 0.01. Overnutrition induced a decrease in glucose storage at the low and high insulin concentrations: 1.2 ± 0.3 to 0.2 ± 0.3, P < 0.01, and 6.4 ± 0.3 to 4.3 ± 0.5, mg/kg FFM min, P < 0.001. Carbohydrate oxidation was significantly increased at both insulin concentrations. The mean total insulin mediated glucose disposal rate decreased from 11.6 ± 0.5 to 10.3 ± 0.7, P < 0.01, at the high insulin concentration. This decrease was due entirely to the reduction in carbohydrate storage and was correlated with increased fasting insulin concentration (r = 0.7, P < 0.01). Overnutrition also induced a significant decrease in the percent muscle glycogen synthase active measured fasting and at the end of the high-dose insulin infusion. The results indicate that short-term overnutrition results in reduced insulin action for glucose storage and disposal which is correlated with increased fasting insulin concentrations. Reduced glycogen synthase activity may contribute to the effect of overnutrition on in vivo insulin-mediated glucose storage.
Evidence for PAS positive reaction of the corticotroph granules of the rat adenohypophysis

Adjacent thick and thin plastic sections from control rat pituitaries were used so that individual cells could be identified and studied. The corticotroph of the rat adenohypophysis was readily recognized at both light and electron microscopic levels. There was an absolute correlation among PAS intensity, reaction product of the immunocytochemical technique and granule localization. It was concluded that the secretory granules of the rat pituitary corticotroph were PAS positive.
Simultaneous in vivo time course and dose response evaluation for TCDD-induced impairment of the LPS-stimulated primary IgM response.

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a potent suppressor of humoral immunity but the specific molecular mechanisms responsible for immunosuppression by TCDD are poorly understood. In vivo and in vitro studies of the primary humoral IgM response demonstrated that the B cell is a sensitive cell type to modulation by TCDD. We hypothesized that in vivo administration of TCDD disrupts expression of transcription factors controlling B cell to plasma cell differentiation. Female C57BL6 mice were treated with a single dose of TCDD (3, 10, or 30 μg/kg) and/or vehicle (sesame oil). On day 4 post-TCDD administration mice were sensitized with 25 μg lipopolysacchride (LPS) by intraperitioneal injection to stimulate an immune response. Splenocytes were isolated on subsequent days following LPS, up to 3 days post-LPS, and the expression of IgM, XBP-1, PAX5, BCL-6, and Blimp-1 was assessed. TCDD treatment dose-dependently suppressed LPS-induced IgM antibody-forming cell number, which was correlated with decreased frequency of CD19+ CD138+ cells. Gene expression analysis revealed that TCDD caused a dose-dependent suppression of Igμ chain, Igκ chain, IgJ chain, XBP-1, and Blimp-1. TCDD also dose-dependently suppressed LPS-stimulated increases in Blimp-1 protein expression in CD19+ B cells. The deregulation of Blimp-1 expression by TCDD provides a partial explanation for the concomitant suppression of the IgM response and confirms previous observations established in vitro.