cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The profession's responsibility towards the environment.

Thank you to Charles Foster and Keith Powell for their letter, ‘The profession’s responsibility towards the environment’ ( VR , 23 November 2019, vol 185, pp 634-635). The climate crisis is indeed something that we are concerned about. In a recent survey that we undertook, 89 per cent of BVA members said that they would like to play a bigger part in the sustainability agenda. It is great to hear from members who are passionate …
The Effect of Exchange Rate Uncertainty on International Trade: The Role of Financial Frictions

This paper studies the role of financial frictions in explaining the heterogeneous effect of exchange rate uncertainty on international trade. Empirically, exports in industries in which firms have less tangible capital or rely more heavily on external finance decrease more in times of high uncertainty. However, the marginal effect of financial constraints depends on the relative size of exporters within a sector. A heterogeneous-firm model of financially-constrained exporters rationalizes the empirical findings even in the absence of risk aversion. In the model, exchange rate uncertainty affects firms by increasing the interest rates they need to pay. Lenders are concerned with the exchange rate because it affects the exporting firms' revenues and their ability to repay their loans. The calibrated model shows that providing additional collateral to financially-constrained firms lessens the reduction in exports due to uncertainty, but has limited effects.
Topography of alpha rhythms evoked by transcranial laser neuromodulation and thermal stimulation

To understand the mechanism of action of transcranial photobiomodulation, we measured and compared alpha rhythms evoked by transcranial laser and thermal stimulations. The two types of stimulations resulted in distinct difference in alpha topographs.
Modern Endovascular Therapy

The past 25 years have been witness to a revolution in how vascular care is delivered. The majority of arterial and venous interventions have converted from open surgery to minimally invasive percutaneous endovascular procedures. This surgical innovations symposium article reviews current endovascular therapy in multiple vascular beds with a primary focus on carotid artery occlusive disease, aortic pathologies, and lower extremity arterial occlusive disease. Mesenteric arterial occlusive disease and lower extremity venous endovascular therapies are also briefly discussed. Indications for intervention, treatment examples and outcomes analysis are presented. While not reviewed in this article, endovascular therapy has also become first line in the treatment of coronary artery disease, chronic mesenteric arterial occlusive disease, superficial venous reflux, central vein occlusion, and acute venous thrombus intervention when indicated. Endovascular therapies are used in all vascular beds to treat the full spectrum of vascular pathologies. Aneurysm disease, atherosclerotic arterial occlusive disease, acute arterial and venous thrombosis, ongoing hemorrhage, and venous reflux are among the issues which can be addressed by endovascular means. The minimally invasive nature of endovascular treatments in what is largely a very co-morbid patient cohort is an attractive method of avoiding major procedural related morbidity and mortality.
Determining the angle-of-arrival of a radio-frequency source with a Rydberg atom-based sensor

In this work, we demonstrate the use of a Rydberg atom-based sensor for determining the angle of arrival of an incident radio frequency (RF) wave or signal. The technique uses electromagnetically induced transparency in Rydberg atomic vapor in conjunction with a heterodyne Rydberg atom-based mixer. The Rydberg atom mixer measures the phase of the incident RF wave at two different locations inside an atomic vapor cell. The phase difference at these two locations is related to the direction of arrival of the incident RF wave. To demonstrate this approach, we measure phase differences of an incident 19.18 GHz wave at two locations inside a vapor cell filled with cesium atoms for various incident angles. Comparisons of these measurements with both the full-wave simulation and the plane wave theoretical model show that these atom-based sub-wavelength phase measurements can be used to determine the angle of arrival of an RF field.
Negative oxidation-reduction potentials resulting from the use of auxin in plants and tobacco smoke on animal cells

The action of auxin when used on plant growth is explained. Auxin becomes activated and has its maximum activity in the negative region of the oxidation reduction scale, with an approximate redox potential in the vicinity of — .1737 to — .198 volts at pH 7.O.
Unchecked intermediaries: Price manipulation in an emerging stock market

Abstract How costly is the poor governance of market intermediaries? Using unique trade level data from the stock market in Pakistan, we find that when brokers trade on their own behalf, they earn annual rates of return that are 50-90 percentage points higher than those earned by outside investors. Neither market timing nor liquidity provision by brokers can explain this profitability differential. Instead we find compelling evidence for a specific trade-based “pump and dump” price manipulation scheme: When prices are low, colluding brokers trade amongst themselves to artificially raise prices and attract positive-feedback traders. Once prices have risen, the former exit leaving the latter to suffer the ensuing price fall. Conservative estimates suggest these manipulation rents can account for almost a half of total broker earnings. These large rents may explain why market reforms are hard to implement and emerging equity markets often remain marginal with few outsiders investing and little capital raised.
Impact of facility type and volume on survival in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

Introduction To investigate the impact of facility type and volume on survival in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Materials and methods We investigated the National Cancer Database for patients with mRCC. Patients were stratified according to treatment facility type (academic vs. non-academic) and facility volume (high, intermediate, and low). Kaplan-Meier survival estimates and Cox proportional hazard models were fitted to evaluate overall survival (OS) as a function of facility type, volume, and different treatment modalities. Results A total of 27,598 patients were identified, of which 10,938 (40%) were treated at academic centers (AC) and 16,131 (60%) at non-academic centers (non-AC). Overall, 19,904 patients (72%) were treated in high-volume hospitals (HVH). Among patients treated at AC, 94% were treated at HVHs. Patients treated at AC were more likely to receive immunotherapy, undergo cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) and metastasectomy. The 2 and 5 year OS rates for patients treated in AC were 29.7% (CI 28.8%-30.6%) and 13% (CI 12%-14%) vs. 21.7% (CI 21%-22.4%) and 8.4% (CI %7.91-%8.99) in the Non-AC, respectively (p Conclusions Treatment at ACs and HVHs was associated with a survival benefit in patients with mRCC. Patients treated at AC were more likely to receive immunotherapy, undergo CN and metastasectomy.
Ultraviolet and laser therapy

Natural sunlight’s beneficial effect on psoriasis has been long known. This observation led over the past century to the utilization of artificial light sources for the treatment of psoriasis. For over seven decades, phototherapy using artificial ultraviolet light has been an established standard in the treatment of psoriasis. Advancements in our understanding of ultraviolet energy and photobiology have led to a number of available modalities in this field. After a brief historical introduction, we will discuss these techniques in detail, with emphasis on indications, efficacy, advantages and disadvantages and administration of each modality.
Fructose consumption: recent results and their potential implications

In addition to acquiring a better understanding of foods that may have intrinsic health benefits, increasing our knowledge of dietary components that may adversely impact health and wellness, and the levels of consumption at which these adverse effects may occur, should also be an important priority for the Foods for Health initiative. This review discusses the evidence that additional research is needed to determine the adverse effects of consuming added sugars containing fructose. Current guidelines recommend limiting sugar consumption in order to prevent weight gain and promote nutritional adequacy. However, recent data suggest that fructose consumption in human results in increased visceral adiposity, lipid dysregulation, and decreased insulin sensitivity, all of which have been associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. A proposed model for the differential effects of fructose and glucose is presented. The only published study to directly compare the effects of fructose with those of commonly consumed dietary sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup and sucrose, indicates that high fructose corn syrup and sucrose increase postprandial triglycerides comparably to pure fructose. Dose-response studies investigating the metabolic effects of prolonged consumption of fructose by itself, and in combination with glucose, on lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity in both normal weight and overweight/obese subjects are needed.
Abstract 2365: Multipotent Mesenchymal Stem Cells Contribute to Vascular Remodeling in Patients With Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

Despite knowledge of the clinical characteristics of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), the cellular and molecular determinants of the disease remain poorly understood. It has been postulated that proliferation of adventitial fibroblasts, circulating progenitor cells and myofibroblasts contributes to pulmonary vascular wall thickening. This study aimed to identify the cells contributing to the remodeling/hypertrophy, and to elucidate potential mechanisms involved in the development of vascular remodeling in CTEPH patients. Histology of endarterectomized CTEPH tissues identified significant neointimal formation. Isolated cells from these tissues had diverse morphological heterogeneity and grew in a honeycomb-like network indicative of fibroblast-like cells. Additionally, cells frequently formed colonies of small spherical cells fanned by elongated cells reminiscent of more primitive fibroblast-colony forming units. The co-expression of intermediate filament vimentin and smooth muscle α -actin indicates the presence of myofibroblasts. Expression of cell surface markers typical of mesenchymal progenitor cells was investigated using immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry; cells were >99% CD44 + , CD73 + , CD90 + , CD166 + , >60% CD29 + , 45–99% CD105 + and negative for CD34 and CD45. In addition to myogenesis, cells isolated from endarterectomized tissues from CTEPH patients were capable of undergoing adipogenic differentiation, determined by Oil Red O staining and osteogenic differentiation, determined by alkaline phosphatase and Alizarin Red staining. Additionally, a population of Stro-1 + cells (~4.2%), a marker of bone marrow-derived stromal cells, was sorted by flow cytometry and also capable of adipogenesis and osteogenesis. This study is the first to investigate the cellular phenotypes and identify myofibroblasts and multipotent mesenchymal progenitor cells as the predominant cells comprising the endarterectomized tissues from patients with CTEPH. These findings will be critical in establishing future studies to determine the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the disease and in the development of novel and much needed therapeutic approaches.
Border-Crossing Stories and Masculinities

In 2008, sociologist M. Cristina Morales and I visited Hidalgo, Mexico, the sending state of many of the workers in residential construction in Las Vegas, Nevada. This trip and the interviews we conducted were part of a larger project involving over 100 male and female workers who discussed with us their work conditions, their migration patterns, and their involvement in organizing or grievance efforts in the U.S. workplaces (Saucedo and Morales 2010). In Hidalgo, Mexico, we interviewed 32 male migrants who had worked in the United States and who had returned to their hometowns. Among the topics of conversation with these workers were discussions about their own migration and border crossing stories. By focusing on their border crossing stories, this chapter explores the behavioral responses of border crossing migrants between the United States and Mexico to restrictive immigration measures and to economic and social conditions. The stories explain the migration pattern and the reasons for it, and correspondingly, the reasons that individual immigrants journey across the border.
Alexithymia and stress-induced brain activation in cocaine-dependent men and women

Objectif : L'expression « alexithymie » signifie capacite reduite de definir et de decrire ses sentiments. Le stress et une reponse alexithymique a celui-ci peuvent contribuer a une rechute chez un toxicomane, mais sauf erreur, on n'a pas etudie le neurotraitement d'une reponse alexithymique au stress chez les cocainomanes. Methodes: Au cours d'une seance d'imagerie par resonnance magnetique fonctionnelle, 17 hommes et 10 femmes cocainomanes abstinents ont participe a une imagerie guidee par scenario portant sur des situations neutres ou stressantes. On a procede au pretraitement spatial et a l'analyse statistique d'images cerebrales au moyen du logiciel de cartographie parametrique statistique (SPM2). On a etabli une correlation au moyen de voxels entre des contrastes dependants de la concentration sanguine d'oxygene pour les images neutres et pour le stress et les resultats de l'echelle de l'alexithymie de Toronto (TAS) a 26 questions. Resultats: On a constate chez les cocainomanes de sexe masculin un lien positif entre les resultats de l'echelle TAS et l'activation dans le putamen droit et le cortex frontal median en presence d'images stressantes comparativement a des images neutres. Par contre, aucune region cerebrale n'a montre de lien negatif avec les resultats TAS. On a constate chez les sujets de sexe feminin un lien negatif entre les resultats de l'echelle TAS et l'activation dans le corps amygdalien droit, le thalamus, le putamen, et le cortex frontal gauche et les cortex temporaux des deux cotes, et aucun lien positif avec les resultats de l'echelle TAS en presence d'images stressantes comparativement a des images neutres. Conclusions: Chez les femmes presentant des caracteristiques alexithymiques plus marquees, on a constate une reduction de l'activation corticale dans l'hemisphere gauche et de l'activation subcorticale dans l'hemisphere droite au cours du traitement du stress. On a toutefois constate chez les hommes un lien contraire dans le cortex frontal droit et le putamen, ce qui indique que la reponse au stress dans le putamen (activation c. desactivation) et le cortex frontal (activation c. desactivation, ainsi que correlations droit c. gauche entre les hemispheres) presente des differences critiques reliees a l'alexithymie entre les hommes et les femmes cocainomanes.
Rheological and Physical Properties of Magesium Oxide and Silica Fume-Modified Cement Mortars Cured at High Temperature

Physical properties and placement characteristics of cementitious mortars have been studied for their potential as repository sealing materials. They contained various expansive agents and industrial by-products, and were investigated at curing temperatures up to 250° C, the upper limit of an emplacement site or generally of relevance in accelerated reaction studies. An expansive agent, magnesium oxide, and two industrial by-products, silica fume and granulated blast furnace slag have been used at different percentages in the mixtures. Excellent general performance, including very high strengths up to 240 MPa combined with very low intrinsic permeability −8 Darcy (μm 2 ) were generated at 175°C on material having a viscosity of 5000 cP (mPa·s) at 38° C. One 1700 cP(mPa·s) material treated at 250°C had compressive strength >180 MPa and also −8 Darcy (μm 2 ) permeability. MgO was found to accelerate formation of tobermorite and generally cause expansion; at 250° C expansion was also related to xonotlite formation.
Multi-scale simulation of L-selectin–PSGL-1-dependent homotypic leukocyte binding and rupture

L-selectin-PSGL-1-mediated polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocyte homotypic interactions potentiate the extent of PMN recruitment to endothelial sites of inflammation. Cell-cell adhesion is a complex phenomenon involving the interplay of bond kinetics and hydrodynamics. As a first step, a 3-D computational model based on the Immersed Boundary Method is developed to simulate adhesion-detachment of two PMN cells in quiescent conditions. Our simulations predict that the total number of bonds formed is dictated by the number of available receptors (PSGL-1) when ligands (L-selectin) are in excess, while the excess amount of ligands influences the rate of bond formation. Increasing equilibrium bond length results in a higher number of receptor-ligand bonds due to an increased intercellular contact area. On-rate constants determine the rate of bond formation, while off-rates control the average number of bonds by modulating bond lifetimes. Application of an external pulling force leads to time-dependent on- and off-rates and causes bond rupture. Moreover, the time required for bond rupture in response to an external force is inversely proportional to the applied load and decreases with increasing off-rate.
The Role of Manned Extravehicular Activity in Reducing the Cost of Space Payloads

Substantial cost savings and performance improvement will result by the use of Extravehicular Activity (EVA) to supplement or replace automation. Taking an all-pallet version of Langley Research Center's Advanced Technology Laboratory payload as an example, $54.5 million should be saved by EVA over automation, considering deployment and stowing only. Additional savings should accrue when reduced-reliability equipment (where permitted) is substituted for high reliability equipment and EVA is used for repairs. More comprehensively, launch and operation costs could also be reduced by elimination of the need to return to the ground for repairs; and production spending might be reduced when an entire vehicle was saved by manned EVA repair not feasible via automation. Potential disadvantages include increased cost due to development and manufacture of EVA equipment, payload provisions to enable EVA interfaces, training, orbiter modification, and prevention of EVA-caused contamination. Possible applications to the Space Shuttle missions are discussed.
Relative prices and improvement of real factor rewards in several sectors

Abstract For a neoclassical model of an open economy, Ronald Jones shows that for any factor, there is a change in the relative prices of outputs that improves its real reward unambiguously. We consider the real reward increase of any proper subset of factors. If the percentage increases in output prices are chosen in proportion to the chosen group's factor shares in corresponding sectors, then the real reward of each factor in the group increases and the real reward for every other factor falls. This result captures the idea that increases in relative prices of outputs tend to reward those factors that are `intensively' used in the production of the outputs.
Effects of Temperature and Chemical Modification on Polymer Langmuir Films

We previously reported on a rheological study of Langmuir films of poly(tert-butyl methacrylate) (PtBMA), and this work describes further studies on this system. Here, surface pressure−area (Π−A) isotherms and interfacial shear rheology experiments are performed to better understand the effects of two modifications: varying the temperature between 5 and 40 °C and introducing small amounts of carboxylic acid groups by partially hydrolyzing the polymer. Increased temperature produced isotherms with lower plateau surface pressures, Πp, and Π values shifted to lower areas above Πp. Film properties transition from being primarily viscous to being dominated by elasticity as Πp is crossed for all temperatures studied, even as the value of Πp changes. Increasing the hydrolysis fraction leads to isotherms shifted to lower areas throughout the curve and higher Πp values. Both temperature variation and chemical modification are believed to affect the relative importance of polymer−polymer and polymer−subphase inter...
A short and efficient synthesis of echiguanines A and B: Potent inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol-4-kinase

Abstract An efficient synthesis which utilizes a palladium catalyzed carbonylation reaction between 2-pivaloyl-7-iodo-7-deazaguanine and 3-aminopropionitrile as a key step was developed for the preparation of a new class of pyrrolopyrimidine based PI4-Kinase inhibitors: Echiguanines A and B.
A novel function of sphingosine kinase 1 suppression of JNK activity in preventing inflammation and injury.

The mechanism underlying the protective effect of sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) in inflammatory injury is not clear. We demonstrated using SphK1-null mice (SphK1−/−) the crucial role of SphK1 in suppressing lipopolysaccharide-induced neutrophil oxidant production and sequestration in lungs and mitigating lung inflammatory injury. This effect of SphK1 was independent of the production of sphingosine 1-phosphate, the product of SphK1 activity. The anti-inflammatory effect of SphK1 in the lipopolysaccharide model was mediated through SphK1 interaction with JNK. SphK1 stabilization of JNK in turn inhibited JNK binding to the JNK-interacting protein 3 (JIP3) and thus abrogated the activation of NADPH oxidase and oxidant generation and resultant NF-κB activation. Therefore, SphK1-mediated down-regulation of JNK activity serves to dampen inflammation and tissue injury.
Working‐memory capacity and the use of elaborative inferences in text comprehension

The purpose of this research was to determine if individual differences in working‐memory capacity are related to the ways readers use inferences to facilitate text comprehension. Two groups of subjects, who differed in working‐memory span, read difficult narrative passages a few sentences at a time. The subjects furnished “thinking out loud” protocols of their emerging interpretations. Idea units from the subjects’ protocols were categorized with particular attention to those idea units that expressed a general or specific elaborative inference. Several differences between the two groups of subjects emerged. Low‐memory‐span subjects produced significantly more specific elaborations than the high‐span readers. In addition, most of the specific elaborations that were produced by the high‐span readers were toward the end of a passage. Low‐span readers had a more even distribution of specific elaborations throughout their protocols. Thus, readers with adequate working‐memory capacity can keep their interpret...
A bootstrap control chart for inverse Gaussian percentiles

The conventional Shewhart-type control chart is developed essentially on the central limit theorem. Thus, the Shewhart-type control chart performs particularly well when the observed process data come from a near-normal distribution. On the other hand, when the underlying distribution is unknown or non-normal, the sampling distribution of a parameter estimator may not be available theoretically. In this case, the Shewhart-type charts are not available. Thus, in this paper, we propose a parametric bootstrap control chart for monitoring percentiles when process measurements have an inverse Gaussian distribution. Through extensive Monte Carlo simulations, we investigate the behaviour and performance of the proposed bootstrap percentile charts. The average run lengths of the proposed percentage charts are investigated.
Cytokinin-induced mRNAs in cultured soybean cells.

Abstract We have isolated 20 cDNA clones for which the corresponding mRNAs accumulate 2- to 20-fold within 4 hr of cytokinin addition to cytokinin-starved soybean suspension cultures. These changes in mRNA levels precede the greening and cell growth induced by cytokinin in this system. Treatment with cycloheximide before cytokinin addition enhances the accumulation of these messages. In addition, the abundance of these mRNAs is influenced by auxin. We demonstrate that the mRNAs corresponding to the cDNAs in this collection display a variety of patterns of accumulation in the tissues of an intact plant. We also show that different cytokinins induce similar increases in message levels. However, analogs of cytokinin that are much less active in bioassays induce lower levels of message accumulation. Sequence analyses indicate that two of the cDNAs correspond to ribosomal protein genes. The remaining cDNAs are likely to represent previously undiscovered genes that function early in the initiation of plant cell growth and/or chloroplast development.
An Efficient Re-Analysis Methodology for Probabilistic Vibration of Large-Scale Structures

Probabilistic analysis and design of large-scale structures requires repeated finite-element analyses of large models, and each analysis is expensive. This paper presents a methodology for probabilistic analysis and reliability-based design optimization of large-scale structures that consists of two re-analysis methods, one for estimating the deterministic vibratory response and another for estimating the probability of the response exceeding a certain level. The deterministic re-analysis method can analyze efficiently large-scale finite-element models consisting of tens or hundreds of thousand degrees of freedom and design variables that vary in a wide range. The probabilistic re-analysis method calculates very efficiently the system reliability for different probability distributions of the random variables by performing a single Monte Carlo simulation of one design. The methodology is demonstrated on probabilistic vibration analysis and reliability-based design optimization of a realistic vehicle model. It is shown that the computational cost of the proposed re-analysis method for a single reliability analysis is about 1/20 of the cost of the same analysis using MSC/NASTRAN. Moreover, the probabilistic re-analysis approach enables a designer to perform reliability-based design optimization of the vehicle at a cost almost equal to that of a single reliability analysis. Without using the probabilistic re-analysis approach, it would be impractical to perform reliability-based design optimization of the vehicle.
Interpersonally Skillful Bank Officers View Their Behavior

The study focuses upon two dimensions of particularly effective interpersonal behavior in an organizational setting. Bank officers who saw themselves as expressive and assertive, depending on the demands of the situation, were judged by their superiors as more interpersonally skillful than those capable of only one or neither of these two kinds of behavior. This dual ability extended to interactions with clients, colleagues, superiors, and a generalized work style. The findings for this context describe the nature and quality of interpersonal skill required for on-the-job effectiveness, and thus provide an empirical basis for improving organizational functioning through specific interpersonal behavior skill training.
Localization method for a magnetic capsule endoscope propelled by a rotating magnetic dipole field

Previous research on the localization of wireless capsule endoscopes with magnetic fields and sensors has typically utilized incremental methods. This paper provides a non-iterative solution to determine the six degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) position and orientation of a wireless capsule endoscope being actuated by a rotating magnetic dipole. Non-iterative solutions in the past have only been used to locate immobile objects. We experimentally demonstrate that our algorithm calculates the 6-DOF position and orientation of capsules that are truly stationary as well as those that are operated in the “step-out” regime, where the magnetic field is rotated too quickly for the capsule to rotate synchronously, but the capsule does undergo chaotic movement.
Preoperative lifestyle intervention in bariatric surgery: Initial results from a randomized, controlled trial†‡§

Objective: To document preoperative outcomes of a behavioral lifestyle intervention delivered to patients prior to bariatric surgery in comparison to treatment as usual (insurance-mandated physician supervised diet). Design and Methods: After completing a baseline assessment, candidates for surgery were randomized to a 6-month, evidence-informed, manualized lifestyle intervention (LIFESTYLE, n = 121) or to preoperative care as usual (USUAL CARE, n = 119). At 6 months, 187 participants remained candidates for bariatric surgery and were included in the analyses. Results: LIFESTYLE participants lost significantly more weight than those receiving USUAL CARE [8.3 ± 7.8 kg vs. 3.3 ± 5.5 kg, F(1,183) = 23.6, P < 0.0001], with an effect size of 0.72. Additionally, logistic regression modeling indicated that LIFESTYLE patients were significantly more likely to lose at least 5% of initial body weight than those in USUAL CARE [OR (95% CI) = 2.94 (1.253, 6.903)], as were participants who were heavier [OR (95% CI) = 1.07 (1.001-1.14) for each unit increase in BMI] or with larger improvements in eating behaviors [OR (95% CI) = 1.1 (1.049, 1.145) for each unit increase on the Eating Behavior Inventory). Conclusions: A behavioral lifestyle intervention for severely overweight individuals leads to clinically significant weight loss prior to bariatric surgery. Post-surgery follow-up will allow us to examine the impact of the preoperative intervention on postoperative outcomes.
A Transition-Flow Reactor Tube for Measuring Trace Gas Concentrations

Dry deposition contributes significantly to the acidification of ecosystems. However, difficulties in measuring dry deposition of reactive gases and fine particles make routine direct monitoring impractical. An alternate approach is to use the “concentration monitoring” method in which dry deposition flux is estimated as the product of measured concentration and estimated deposition velocity. A sampling system that performs over the period of 6 hours to 7 days, depending on atmospheric concentrations, has been developed. It consists of a Teflon cyclone to exclude particles larger than about 2 μm, selective solid adsorption media for reactive gases—some of which are sampled from a transition flow to avoid possible bias from particle evaporation, a particle filter, and a final gas adsorption filter to collect the remaining trace gas. The sampler Is the first reported application of transition flow mass transfer for the collection and quantitative measurement of trace atmospheric gases. Laboratory and field ...
The growth of GaN on lithium gallate (LiGaO2) substrates for material integration

Compliant substrates offer a new approach for strain management in semiconductors. Various implementations and processes for achieving substrate compliancy have been proposed and demonstrated. These include the use of twist-, glass-, and metal-bonds. A recent focus in our work has been on the growth of GaN on a novel and easily removable substrate—lithium gallate—for the ultimate regrowth on a bonded GaN template. The bonding technology is important to reduce thermal stresses during the regrowth step. Herein, we focus on the understanding of the growth of GaN on lithium gallate.
Dynamics studies on thermoresponsive poly( N -isopropylacrylamide) hydrogel in tetrahydrofuran/water mixtures

The properties of thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) hydrogel in tetrahydrofuran/H2O mixtures were studied. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images demonstrate that the hydrogel changes from homogeneous to heterogeneous microstructure upon the addition of tetrahydrofuran to water. This heterogeneous PNIPAAm hydrogel in the mixture solvent exhibits a very slow response rate at temperatures above its lower critical solution temperature. The decreased response rate is attributed to the formation of special ternary complexes including the polymer and the two solvents in the tetrahydrofuran/H2O mixture. Factors controlling the thermoresponse rate are discussed further and several suggestions are provided for designing and developing fast-response PNIPAAm hydrogels in the future.
Extraosseous Epidural Tuberculoma: Case Report and Review

Extraosseous epidural tuberculoma has been reported infrequently, in spite of the widespread availability in recent years of computerized axial tomography and magnetic resonance imaging that can detect bony involvement not apparent on roentgenography with plain films. Thirty-two cases of extraosseous epidural tuberculoma have been reported in the English-language literature; however, only seven of these were radiologically and microbiologically confirmed. The single case from North America was reported over 30 years ago. We describe a patient with a spinal epidural mass due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis that was not associated with bony involvement and review the epidemiology, pathophysiology, presentation, and outcome of the previously reported cases.
Preparation and characterization of multi-cationic BODIPYs and their synthetically versatile precursors

Abstract We report the synthesis and characterization of a family of mono-, di- and tri-cationic boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) dyes and their versatile precursors using convenient and high yielding synthetic procedures. The distyryl substituted precursors for the cationic target molecules presented in this study allow for further functionalization in a variety of ways, and are promising starting materials for further synthetic development of BODIPY dyes. The fluorescent, red-absorbing di- and tri-cationic dyes are well soluble in water and polar organic solvents and offer possibilities for fluorescence marking in biochemistry, photodynamic therapy, chemical sensing and other aqueous applications. The introduction of a pyridine substituent in the meso position of the BODIPY allows for control over fluorescence properties and offers the future possibility for the development of novel coordination complexes. This combination of properties allows these BODIPY derivatives to be possible building blocks for multi-purpose functional materials.
Life-History Inference in the Early Hominins Australopithecus and Paranthropus

The life histories of early hominins are commonly characterized as being like those of great apes. However, the life histories of the extant great apes differ considerably from one another. Moreover, the extent to which their life histories correlate with the two aspects of morphology used to infer the life histories of fossil species, brain size and dental development, has remained subject to debate. Increased knowledge of great ape life histories and, more recently, dental development —in particular ages at first molar emergence— now make it clearer that the latter is strongly associated with important life-history attributes, whereas brain size, as reflected by cranial capacity, is less informative. Here we estimate ages at M1 emergence in several infant/juvenile individuals of Australopithecus and Paranthropus based on previous estimates of ages at death, determined through dental histology. These are uniformly earlier than would be predicted either by adult cranial capacity or by comparison to ages at M1 emergence in free-living extant great apes. This suggests that either, 1) the life histories of the early hominins were faster than those of all extant great apes; 2) there was selection for rapid initial dental development and presumably early weaning, but that early hominin life histories were otherwise more prolonged and consistent with adult cranial capacities; or 3) the ages at death have been systematically underestimated, resulting in underestimates of the ages at M1 emergence. We investigate the implications of each of these alternatives and, where possible, explore evidence that might support one over the others.
The effects of preexposure to the drug on state dependent retention

The present experiment examined whether previous experience with a drug would decrease the potential of the drug to produce state dependent retention (SDR) for a passive avoidance response in rats. In the first experiment, a single injection of sodium pentobarbital (20 mg/kg) given on six consecutive days before the training day slightly reduced, but did not block, pentobarbital-induced SDR. In Experiment Two, four preexposure injections of 5 IU/kg insulin reduced the magnitude of memory loss produced by administration of the hormone prior to training. As with pentobarbital, however, preexposure to insulin did not completely block the amnestic effect of the hormone. A subsequent experiment demonstrated that the decrease in the strength of insulin-induced SDR in insulin preexposed rats was not the result of enhanced acquisition. Collectively, these data indicate that noncontingent preexposure to an amnestic treatment may decrease the magnitude of memory loss that would normally result from the administration of that treatment during training.
Visualization of Network Structure in Poly(butadiene)/Polystyrene Pseudo Interpenetrating Polymer Networks by Transmission Electron Microscopy.

Visualization of Network Structure in Poly(butadiene)/Polystyrene Pseudo Interpenetrating Polymer Networks by Transmission Electron Microscopy
Glucose sensors based on microcapsules containing an orange/red competitive binding resonance energy transfer assay.

Fluorescent sensing systems offer the potential for noninvasive monitoring with implantable devices, but they require carrier technologies that provide suitable immobilization, accessibility, and b...
Non-linear sigma models with anti-de Sitter target spaces

Abstract We present evidence that there is a non-trivial fixed point for the AdS D + 1 non-linear sigma model in two dimensions, without any matter fields or additional couplings beyond the standard quadratic action subject to a quadratic constraint. A zero of the beta function, both in the bosonic and supersymmetric cases, appears to arise from competition between one-loop and higher loop effects. A string vacuum based on such a fixed point would have string scale curvature. The evidence presented is based on fixed-order calculations carried to four loops (corresponding to O ( α ′ 3 ) in the spacetime effective action) and on large D calculations carried to O ( D −2 ) (but to all orders in α ′ ). We discuss ways in which the evidence might be misleading, and we discuss some features of the putative fixed point, including the central charge and an operator of negative dimension. We speculate that an approximately AdS 5 version of this construction may provide a holographic dual for pure Yang–Mills theory, and that quotients of an AdS 3 version might stand in for Calabi–Yau manifolds in compactifications to four dimensions.
A one-year experience with a capitated health care plan for infertility

Abstract Objective: To report on a one-year experience participating in a capitated healthcare plan for infertility. Design: Prospective study. Setting: University population. Patient(s): Reproductive-age women 15 to 50 years. Intervention(s): The first-generation Lewin infertility algorithm and CATHI software were used to negotiate infertility services under a capitated arrangement for $0.50 per member per month. The following reports our experience for the fiscal year 1997. Main Outcome Measure(s): Infertility services rendered, pregnancy rate, cost of services, collection rates. Result(s): Five thousand forty-six women representing 39,689 member months generated 39 new and 198 return visits. Thirty-two percent of the patients required three visits or less; six patients generated 22% of the visits. Fifty-one percent listed infertility as one of their chief complaints; 31% had mixed diagnoses. Eight (7.6%) patients required surgery, 11 (10.5%) patients underwent either IVF or GIFT cycles. Total charges submitted were $176,636; the amount assigned to specialty care was $135,277, and to IVF/GIFT, $33,433. Total capitated payments, including copayments, was $126,256 under the reproductive medicine agreement and $32,891 under the infertility rider. This resulted in a 71% gross collections rate. Conclusion(s): This study indicates that entering into a capitated health care plan to provide an infertility benefit can produce a successful result.
Histone H1 phosphorylated by protein kinase C is a selective substrate for the assay of protein phosphatase 2A in the presence of phosphatase 1.

Abstract A protein phosphatase assay, selective for protein phosphotase 2A, has been developed. Bovine histone H1 phosphorylated by protein kinase C and [γ 32 P]ATP, designated H1(C), was tested as the substrate for various preparations of protein phosphatases 1 and 2A. The phosphatase 2A preparations were 10–60 times more active with H1(C) as the substrate when compared to phosphorylase a . The phosphatase 1 enzymes showed very little dephosphorylation of the H1(C) substrate, the activity being less than 5% of the phosphorylase phosphatase activity. This preference and selectivity was demonstrated for purified phosphatase preparations in addition to fresh tissue extracts. The assay provides a rapid, simple assay for the routine analysis of phosphatase 2A in the presence of phosphatase 1, without the use of heat-stable inhibitor proteins.
Nonlinear interaction of ice cover with shallow water waves in channels

A nonlinear analysis of the interaction between a water wave and a floating ice cover in river channels is presented. The one-dimensional weakly nonlinear equation for shallow water wave propagation in a uniform channel with a floating ice cover is derived. The ice cover is assumed to be a thin uniform elastic plate. The weakly nonlinear equation is a fifth-order KdV equation. Analytical solutions of the nonlinear periodic wave equation are obtained. These solutions show that the shape, wavelength and celerity of the nonlinear waves depend on the wave amplitude. The wave celerity is slightly smaller than the open water wave celerity. The wavelength decreases as the wave amplitude increases. Based on these solutions the fracture of the ice cover is analysed. The spacing between transverse cracks varies form 50 m to a few hundred metres with the corresponding wave amplitude varying from 0.2 to 0.8 m, depending on the thickness and strength of the cover. These results agree well with limited field observations.
Nursing students: stereotypically feminine.

In a validation of the Bem Sex-role Inventory (Bem, 1974) Gaudreau (1975) chose housewives as stereotypically feminine females and found an average femininiry score of 5.4 and masculinity score of 4.4. At the university it might be hypothesized that nursing students are stereotypically feminine and thus can be compared to the housewives. In February 1977 the inventory was administered to 135 sophomore, junior and senior nursing school students at the University of North Dakota. Freshmen were not included since they had completed the inventory during registration the previous fall. The sample included 13 males. The average femininity score was 5.1 and masculinity score was 4.7.
Genotoxic activity of organic chemicals in drinking water.

The information summarized in this review provides substantial evidence for the widespread presence of genotoxins in drinking water. In many, if not most cases, the genotoxic activity can be directly attributed to the chlorination stage of drinking water treatment. The genotoxic activity appears to originate primarily from reactions of chlorine with humic substances in the source waters. Genotoxic activity in drinking water concentrates has been most frequently demonstrated using bacterial mutagenicity tests but results with mammalian cell assay systems are generally consistent with the findings from the bacterial assays. There is currently no evidence for genotoxic damage following in vivo exposures to animals. In some locations genotoxic contaminants of probable industrial and/or agricultural origin occur in the source waters and contribute substantially to the genotoxic activity of finished drinking waters. The method used for sample concentration can have an important bearing on study results. In particular, organic acids account for most of the mutagenicity of chlorinated drinking water, and their recovery from water requires a sample acidification step prior to extraction or XAD resin adsorption. Considerable work has been done to determine the identity of the compounds responsible for the mutagenicity of organic concentrates of drinking water. Recently, one class of acidic compounds, the chlorinated hydroxyfuranones, has been shown to be responsible for a major part of the mutagenic activity. Strategies for drinking water treatment that have been evaluated with respect to reduction of genotoxins in drinking water include granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration, chemical destruction, and the use of alternative means of treatment (i.e., ozone, chlorine dioxide, and monochloramine). GAC treatment has been found to be effective for removal of mutagens from drinking water even after the GAC is beyond its normal use for organic carbon removal. All disinfectant chemicals appear to have the capacity of forming mutagenic chemicals during water treatment. However, the levels of mutagenicity formed with the alternative disinfectants have been generally less than those seen with chlorine and, especially in the case of ozone, highly dependent on the source water.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Evidence for the periplasmic location of glycogen in Saccharomyces.

Abstract Treatment of yeast cells with hot alkali fails to solubilize a significant amount of glycogen. The insoluble glycogen is readily hydrolyzed by insolubilized α-amylase indicating that the apparent insolubility of this glycogen fraction does not result from its physical entrapment within an insoluble glucan membrane. The alkali-insoluble glycogen fraction of glutaraldehyde treated-cells is rapidly degraded by a mixture of snail gut enzymes during the formation of spheroplasts but the alkali-soluble glycogen fraction is unaffected. These results indicate that a major fraction of yeast glycogen is located outside the cellular membrane.