cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Heavy ion irradiation effects in the rare-earth sesquioxide Dy2O3

Abstract Polycrystalline pellets of the rare-earth sesquioxide Dy2O3 with cubic C-type rare-earth structure were irradiated with 300 keV Kr2+ ions at fluences up to 5 × 1020 Kr/m2 at cryogenic temperature. Irradiation-induced microstructural evolution is characterized using grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In previous work, we found a phase transformation from a cubic, C-type ( Ia 3 ¯ ) to a monoclinic, B-type (C2/m) rare-earth structure in Dy2O3 during Kr2+ ion irradiation at a fluence of less than 1 × 1020 Kr/m2. In this study, we find that the crystal structure of the top and middle regions of the implanted layer transform to a hexagonal, H-type (P63/mmc) rare-earth structure when the irradiation fluence is increased to 5 × 1020 Kr/m2; the bottom of the implanted layer, on the other hand, remains in a monoclinic phase. The irradiation dose dependence of the C-to-B-to-H phase transformation observed in Dy2O3 appears to be closely related to the temperature and pressure dependence of the phases observed in the phase diagram. These transformations are also accompanied by a decrease in molecular volume (or density increase) of approximately 9% and 8%, respectively, which is an unusual radiation damage behavior.
Spin and Parity of F 20 Levels from Gamma-Ray Linear-Polarization Measurements

The status of experimental quantum number assignments to low-lying levels of /sup 20/F is reviewed. The use of a Compton-scattering polarimeter of limited resolution but good efficiency, in coincidence with an annular particle detector and perpendicular to the reaction symmetry axis, is described. Measurements of /sup 20/F deexcitation gamma -ray polarization have been carried out following the /sup 18/O(/sup 3/He, p) reaction at 3.8 MeV and 0 deg In conjunction with past experiments, thc following assignments are inferred: 656 KeV, 3/sup +/; 823 keV, 4/sup +/; 984 keV, l-; 1309 keV, 2-; 1824 keV, 51; and 1843 keV, (2-). The relation of the experimental level structure to the rotational band grouping and to the pds shell-model calculation of McGrory and and Wildenthal is illustrated. (auth) H14185 The tensor-analyzing power T/sub 20/ of (d, p) reactions on /sup 12/C, /sup 28/S i and /sup 40/Ca are measured at small angles as a function of bombarding energy. Measurements are carried out for theta /sub lab/ from 0-l5 deg and E/sub d/ from 5-l2 MeV. Strong fluctuations of T/sub 20/ with energy are observed. The measurements are not explained by distonted-wave calculations which neglect the deuteron D state. Inclusion of the D statemore » leads to better agreement with the data. The remaining discrepancy between the D-state calculation and the measured T/sub 20/ can be explained by a compound-nucleus contribution to the reaction mechanism. (auth)« less
Lung carcinoma in a patient with Lucite sphere plombage thoracoplasty

A patient with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis was treated in 1949 with Lucite sphere plombage thoracoplasty. She subsequently developed squamous cell carcinoma of the lung despite having no history of exposure to known carcinogens associated with the development of squamous cell carcinoma. The patient's lung carcinoma developed adjacent to the plombage space. Lung carcinoma has not previously been reported in association with Lucite sphere plombage.
Oocyte maturation and in vitro hormone production in small antral follicles (SAFs) isolated from rhesus monkeys

Purpose The small antral follicles (SAFs) from the ovarian medulla can be a potential source of oocytes for infertility patients, but little is known about their ability to yield mature oocytes. This study evaluated the response of these SAFs to a stimulatory bolus of human corionic gonadotropin (hCG) in vitro.
Por quê confiamos nas instituições?O caso boliviano

A Bolivia passou por um grande processo de reforma institucional desde seu retorno a democracia, em 1982, reconhecido internacionalmente como um dos mais profundos da America Latina. Apesar de todos os esforcos do Estado boliviano para aperfeicoar e modernizar suas instituicoes, e apesar das reformas bem sucedidas em setores fundamentais do governo, a Bolivia tem um dos niveis mais baixos de confianca nas instituicoes dos paises latino-americanos e os dados mostram indicios de que a confianca nas instituicoes politicas tende a diminuir com o tempo. Ao mesmo tempo, a Bolivia e o pais mais pobre da America do Sul; tem os graus mais altos de corrupcao na administracao publica e, nos ultimos anos, um ambiente politico cada vez mais instavel. Ha indicios de que os efeitos de uma polarizacao regional de interesses, as percepcoes negativas da situacao economica e da corrupcao e niveis baixos de conhecimento politico da populacao boliviana sejam preditores confiaveis dos baixos niveis de confianca institucional que consistentemente encobrem a melhoria do desempenho institucional dos governos bolivianos.
Treatment of a segmental defect in open radial and ulnar shaft fractures using rhBMP-2 and iliac crest bone graft: a case report

Segmental defects and delayed healing of long bone fracture remains a major problem among orthopedic surgeons. Nonunion of the forearm as a result of complex open fracture can result in imbalance in the main anatomical structures, leading to impaired function [17]. Therefore, the treatment of these defects must include the restoration of length and alignment in order to restore functional forearm motion [21]. Current treatment options for segmental long bone defects includes autogenous bone grafting, bone shortening, plate fixation combined with either intercalary non-vascularized structural (corticocancellous) bone grafts, vascularized grafts, or amputation [9]. The identification of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) has led to revolutionary treatment options in certain orthopedic procedures. Currently, rhBMP-2 is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for spine fusion [7, 11, 13, 16], tibial fractures [12, 14], and oral maxillofacial [4–6] procedures. The reported use of BMP-2 in cases of forearm shaft fractures has been limited. In our case report, we describe an off-label use of rhBMP-2 used in combination with iliac crest bone graft to treat segmental defects in a man with open radius and ulna fractures. Case Report A 35-year-old right hand dominant male sustained an open ipsilateral radius and ulna fracture with significant bone loss after a motorcycle accident (Fig. 1). On the day of presentation, the patient was taken to the operating room for irrigation and debridement of the open fractures. After the wounds were copiously irrigated, a dynamic compression plate was first placed on the extensor aspect of the ulna. Next, the radius was approached through a volar Henry interval. After initial reduction with dynamic compression plate, it was noted that the ulna was 12 mm longer than the radius. Contralateral fluoroscopic images were then taken in the operating room to assess the ulnar variance, which was noted to be neutral. The radius was then brought out to the appropriate length and the plate was reapplied. This resulted in a 3-cm gap in the mid-radial shaft. The ulnar shaft fracture had an approximately 1-cm defect, but had one point of cortical contact (Fig. 2). The wound was then closed with all bone and tendon being covered. The wound healed with dressing changes over the next 2 weeks without any signs of infection. He was seen several times in the office and underwent therapy to promote forearm, wrist, and finger range of motion. The soft tissue healed completely, and the ulna and radius stayed in good alignment; however, the bony defects persisted at the fracture sights. At 10 weeks postoperatively, the ulna fracture showed some signs of partial bridging, but the radius fracture defect was persistent. He was then scheduled for revision of his hardware and bone grafting. Open in a separate window Fig. 1 Anteroposterior (a) and lateral (b) initial injury radiographs of the left forearm demonstrating comminution at the fracture sites
What Do the Sun and the Sky Tell Us About the Camera

As the main observed illuminant outdoors, the sky is a rich source of information about the scene. However, it is yet to be fully explored in computer vision because its appearance in an image depends on the sun position, weather conditions, photometric and geometric parameters of the camera, and the location of capture. In this paper, we analyze two sources of information available within the visible portion of the sky region: the sun position, and the sky appearance. By fitting a model of the predicted sun position to an image sequence, we show how to extract camera parameters such as the focal length, and the zenith and azimuth angles. Similarly, we show how we can extract the same parameters by fitting a physically-based sky model to the sky appearance. In short, the sun and the sky serve as geometric calibration targets, which can be used to annotate a large database of image sequences. We test our methods on a high-quality image sequence with known camera parameters, and obtain errors of less that 1% for the focal length, 1° for azimuth angle and 3° for zenith angle. We also use our methods to calibrate 22 real, low-quality webcam sequences scattered throughout the continental US, and show deviations below 4% for focal length, and 3° for the zenith and azimuth angles. Finally, we demonstrate that by combining the information available within the sun position and the sky appearance, we can also estimate the camera geolocation, as well as its geometric parameters. Our method achieves a mean localization error of 110 km on real, low-quality Internet webcams. The estimated viewing and illumination geometry of the scene can be useful for a variety of vision and graphics tasks such as relighting, appearance analysis and scene recovery.
Racial differences in timeliness of follow-up after abnormal screening mammography

BACKGROUND To determine whether patient race was associated with timeliness of follow-up after abnormal screening mammography, a retrospective record review of diagnostic tests for women with abnormal screening mammography from a Northern California mobile van program was conducted. METHODS The study included 317 women between the ages of 33 and 85 who were reported to have abnormal screening mammography between July 1993 and May 1994. Measurements included patient demographics, screening mammography interpretation, follow-up diagnostic tests, and dates of diagnostic evaluation. RESULTS Women with abnormal screening mammography underwent a wide variety of diagnostic evaluations. Nonwhite women had significantly longer time (median time, 19 days) from date of index abnormal screening mammography to final disposition compared with white women (median time, 12 days). This racial difference was primarily due to the longer interval between index abnormal screening mammography and first diagnostic test (median time, 15 days for nonwhite women versus 7 days for white women, P < 0.001). The difference persisted when adjusting for patient age, family history of breast cancer, report of palpable mass, and income. The racial difference was similarly significant for each nonwhite subgroup (African American, Latina, and Asian) when compared with white women (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Reasons for less timely follow-up of abnormal mammography among nonwhite women need to be identified. Delays that may be instigated by the patient or be due to her physician or system of care need to be explored further. Cancer 1996;78:1395-402.
Sliding and indentation by a rigid half-wedge with friction and displacement coupling effects

Abstract Dynamic rigid indentation induced by sliding contact in the presence of Coulomb friction is studied by considering a rigid half-wedge which simultaneously translates tangentially and normally at constant speeds with respect to the surface of an elastic half-plane. The tangential displacements of half-plane points in the contact zone are not a priori assumed to be negligible, and are thus coupled with the normal displacements in imposing the contact zone boundary conditions. The contact zone itself, as defined on the undeformed half-plane, extends at a constant rate. A complete solution to the problem shows that the coupling effects may be small for low indentation speeds and relatively flat half-wedges. The coupling effect decreases the singularity order at the half-wedge apex, while the friction increases it. Indeed, the two effects may cancel out in this and other aspects of the solution. It is also found that apex particle velocity singularities occur only due to the tangential motion of the half-wedge.
Mechanisms of atomic diffusion on the flat, stepped, and faceted surfaces of Al(110)

Using first-principles calculations based on density-functional theory, we elucidate mechanisms and energy barriers for atomic diffusion on Al(110), Al(100), and Al(111), up and down (100) and (111) steps on Al(110), and between the (100), (111), and (110) facets of Al. We find that the energetically preferred mechanism for adatom diffusion on Al(110) is a diagonal exchange between the adatom and the substrate, which leads to isotropic diffusion on this anisotropic surface. Similarly, diagonal exchange involving three atoms is the preferred mechanism for atoms to ascend and descend the (100) and (111) steps. The descent of atoms over the (100) steps is hindered by diffusion to the step edge while for the (111) steps, it is hindered by diffusion over the edge. Energy barriers to ascend from (110) to (100) or (111) facets depend on facet height. Neighboring adatoms can significantly influence diffusion-energy barriers and simple approaches cannot predict this complex behavior. The energy barriers for dimers to climb from the (110) to the (100) and (111) facets are lower than those for isolated adatoms.
Reaction-based modeling of quinone-mediated bacterial iron(III) reduction

Abstract This paper presents and validates a new paradigm for modeling complex biogeochemical systems using a diagonalized reaction-based approach. The bioreduction kinetics of hematite (α-Fe2O3) by the dissimilatory metal-reducing bacterium (DMRB) Shewanella putrefaciens strain CN32 in the presence of the soluble electron shuttling compound anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonate (AQDS) is used for presentation/validation purposes. Experiments were conducted under nongrowth conditions with H2 as the electron donor. In the presence of AQDS, both direct biological reduction and indirect chemical reduction of hematite by bioreduced anthrahydroquinone-2,6-disulfonate (AH2DS) can produce Fe(II). Separate experiments were performed to describe the bioreduction of hematite, bioreduction of AQDS, chemical reduction of hematite by AH2DS, Fe(II) sorption to hematite, and Fe(II) biosorption to DMRB. The independently determined rate parameters and equilibrium constants were then used to simulate the parallel kinetic reactions of Fe(II) production in the hematite-with-AQDS experiments. Previously determined rate formulations/parameters for the bioreduction of hematite and Fe(II) sorption to hematite were systematically tested by conducting experiments with different initial conditions. As a result, the rate formulation/parameter for hematite bioreduction was not modified, but the rate parameters for Fe(II) sorption to hematite were modified slightly. The hematite bioreduction rate formulation was first-order with respect to hematite ”free“ surface sites and zero-order with respect to DMRB based on experiments conducted with variable concentrations of hematite and DMRB. The AQDS bioreduction rate formulation was first-order with respect to AQDS and first-order with respect to DMRB based on experiments conducted with variable concentrations of AQDS and DMRB. The chemical reduction of hematite by AH2DS was fast and considered to be an equilibrium reaction. The simulations of hematite-with-AQDS experiments were very sensitive to the equilibrium constant for the hematite-AH2DS reaction. The model simulated the hematite-with-AQDS experiments well if it was assumed that the ferric oxide “surface” phase was more disordered than pure hematite. This is the first reported study where a diagonalized reaction-based model was used to simulate parallel kinetic reactions based on rate formulations/parameters independently obtained from segregated experiments.
Melting and degradation of nylon‐11 particles during HVOF combustion spraying

Numerical predictions and experimental observations have been correlated to improve the qualitative understanding of the degree of thermal degradation occurring during the HVOF spray deposition of nylon-11. Particle residence time (∼ 1 ms) in the HVOF jet was insufficient for significant decomposition of the nylon-11, but was sufficient for noticeable discoloration (yellowing) of the particles of a powder with a mean particle size of 30 μm. Experimental observation showed this to be the case even though numerical predictions indicated that the temperature of a 30 μm diameter particle should be considerably higher than the upper degradation limit of nylon-11. Initial thermal oxidation of nylon-11 promotes the formation of carbon–carbon double bonds that strongly absorb in the visible spectrum even at concentrations of parts per million causing discoloration of the nylon. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Statistical properties of many-particle spectra. IV. New ensembles by Stieltjes transform methods☆

Abstract New Gaussian matrix ensembles, with arbitrary centroids and variances for the matrix elements, are defined as modifications of the three standard ones—GOE, GUE and GSE. The average density and two-point correlation function are given in the general case in terms of the corresponding Stieltjes transforms, first used by Pastur for the density. It is shown for the centroid-modified ensemble K + αH that when the operator K preserves the underlying symmetries of the standard ensemble H, then, as the magnitude of α grows, the transition of the fluctuations to those of H is very rapid and discontinuous in the limit of asymptotic dimensionality. Corresponding results are found for other ensembles. A similar Dyson result for the effects of the breaking of a model symmetry on the fluctuations is generalized to any model symmetry, as well as to the fundamental symmetries such as time-reversal invariance.
Age and gender differences in medicare expenditures and service utilization at the end of life for lung cancer decedents.

Purpose Gender and age differences in medical care are well documented. We examined age and gender differences in Medicare expenditures for lung cancer decedents in the last year of life (LYOL) through a cross-sectional study of Medicare administrative and claims data. Methods Participants were aged Medicare beneficiaries (≥68) with lung cancer, who were covered by Parts A and B for 36 months before death (1996–1999; n = 13,120). Regression techniques were used to estimate age and gender differences in mean Medicare utilization and expenditures in the LYOL overall and by type of service, conditional on use: inpatient, outpatient, physician, skilled nursing facility (SNF), home health, and hospice, controlling for demographic, clinical, geographic, and supply characteristics. Results Women were more likely than men to use inpatient, SNF, home health, and hospice services. Women's average expenditures were approximately $1,900 greater than men's, with differences attributed to higher average expenditures for SNF, home health, and hospice. Older cohorts used fewer inpatient and outpatient services and used more SNF and hospice services in their LYOL. Average Medicare expenditures were significantly lower in older cohorts ($8,487 less for those age ≥85 at death than for those 68–74). Adjusting for age explains most of the gender differences in average Medicare expenditures. Remaining gender differences vary across age cohorts, with larger gender differences in social-supportive service expenditures among those 68–74 and 75–84 and outpatient and physician services among those 75–84 and ≥85. Discussion and Conclusions Our findings suggest that gender disparities in expenditures are generally small at the end of life for lung cancer decedents, particularly among the older cohorts. As expected, the bigger observed differences are by age although the direction of the association is not consistent across types of service. Higher expenditures for women on social-supportive services may reflect fewer informal supports for older women compared with men.
Functional module identification by block modeling using simulated annealing with path relinking

Identifying functional modules and understanding their organization in biological networks is of great importance. Recently, module identification by block modeling has demonstrated its advantages over the existing algorithms only considering topologically "cohesive" modules. In this paper, we aim to identify biologically meaningful functional modules by not only considering topologically "cohesive" modules but also taking into account the modules with nodes sparsely connected but sharing similar interaction patterns. In our adopted block modeling framework, we propose a novel efficient optimization algorithm by combining Simulated Annealing (SA) and Path Relinking (PR) to solve this difficult combinatorial optimization problem. We have evaluated the performance of our algorithm on a set of synthetic benchmark networks and a human protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Our results show that our new SAPR algorithm achieves higher accuracy than existing state-of-the-art algorithms. The new algorithm also has significantly reduced computation time compared to the traditional SA algorithm with competitive accuracy. Preliminary results for identifying functional modules in the human PPI network and the comparison with the commonly adopted Markov Clustering (MCL) algorithm have demonstrated the potential of our algorithm to discover new types of modules, within which proteins are sparsely connected but with significantly enriched biological functionalities.
Photoperiodic responses in bilaterally enucleated female white-crowned sparrows, Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii.

Abstract The responses to long daily photophases (20L 4D) by bilaterally and unilaterally enucleated female white-crowned sparrows were studied in order to assess the role of extraretinal photoreceptors in the induction of the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH), of growth of the ovary and oviduct, and of premigratory fat deposition. Photostimulation induced a marked increase in the concentration of LH in the plasma of both groups with maximum levels of 8.9 ng/ml of plasma in the bilateral enucleates and 6.9 ng/ml in the unilateral enucleates. Plasma levels of LH in the bilateral enucleates remained consistently higher than in the unilateral enucleates throughout the experimental period of 36 days and were higher than those attained by intact females treated similarly. Unilateral and bilateral enucleates showed typical photoperiodically induced fattening; however, the increase in weight in the bilateral enucleates began approximately 8 days later than in the unilateral enucleates. Extraretinal photoreceptors are clearly involved in the photoperiodic responses studied. The presence of eyes appears somehow to suppress the level of LH in the plasma.
Convergence of the projection method for an autoregressive process and a matched DPCM code

The key step in the analysis of differential pulse code modulation (DPCM) is to find the steady-state probability distribution of a random process in terms of which the code distortion can be evaluated. For the case of an autoregressive source and a matched DPCM code, a well-known approximation technique has been used for the evaluation of the steady-state distribution of the prediction error process. However, the validity of this approximation method has not been justified before. A framework in which this approximation technique can be viewed as the projection method for the solution of integral equations is established. Sufficient conditions under which the approximation method can be rigorously justified are obtained. >
Abstract LB-487: Pim protein kinase inhibitors induce the unfolded protein response and sensitize prostate cancer cells to killing by ABT-737-mediated apoptosis

Pim serine/threonine kinases contribute to prostate tumorigenesis and therapeutic resistance, yet anticancer efficacy of Pim kinase inhibitors on prostate cancer is unknown. We demonstrate for the first time that a genetically engineered decrease in Pim kinase levels or the addition of Pim kinase small molecule inhibitors (e.g. SMI-4a) to human prostate cancer cells, including LNCaP and PC-3, causes ER stress and activates the unfolded protein response (UPR) stimulating increases in eIF-2α phosphorylation, ATF-4, CHOP proteins, and cleavage of XBP-1. Because (1) Bcl-2 family proteins reside on the ER lumen and play an important role in regulation of XBP-1 splicing, (2) Bcl-2 family members are over expressed in prostate cancer to enhance Pim kinase anti-cancer activity, and (3) Pim kinase inhibitors decrease Mcl-1 and increase Noxa protein, we treated prostate cancer cell lines with SMI-4a plus the Bcl-2 family antagonist ABT-737, a small molecule antagonist of Bcl-2 family members. Strikingly, the addition of ABT-737 to Pim inhibitors triggered a robust apoptosis of prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Pim inhibitors decreased levels of the Bcl-2 family member Mcl-1, both by blocking 5′-cap dependent translation and decreasing protein half life. Additionally, Pim inhibition transcriptionally increased levels of the BH3 protein Noxa by activating the UPR, lead to eIF2α phosphorylation and increased expression of CHOP. Increased levels of Noxa also inactivated the remaining levels of Mcl-1 protein activity. Notably, these specific protein changes were essential to the apoptotic process because ABT-737 did not inhibit Mcl-1 protein activity and Mcl-1 overexpression blocked the apoptotic activity of ABT-737. We find that the Pim kinase inhibitors and ABT-737 are highly synergistic in killing prostate cancer both in vitro and when used together in a subcutaneous animal model of prostate cancer therapy. Our results therefore suggest that this combination treatment could be developed as a potential therapy for human prostate cancer where overexpression of Pim kinases and antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family members drives tumor cell resistance to current anticancer therapies. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-487. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-LB-487
Current techniques for infrainguinal arterial reconstruction.

Infrainguinal reconstruction for peripheral vascular occlusive disease comprises an increasingly complex array of interventions which provide unparalleled options for the salvage of threatened limbs. Conventional autogenous saphenous vein bypass remains the most durable revascularization with anticipated graft patency rates approaching 80 per cent after five years and excellent long term limb salvage. These excellent results are equally applicable to vein grafts carried to infrapopliteal and even inframalleolar levels, possibly reflecting increased utilization of thein situ method. Although 20 per cent of grafts fail within five years, secondary intervention results in sustained limb salvage in the majority of patients. In the absence of autogenous vein, however, prosthetic material performs poorly such that new interventions consisting of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, rotary atherectomy devices and laser systems are under aggressive development. Although initial results with these devices are encouraging, longterm patency rates remain poor largely due to restenosis. Further progress seems to depend primarily on an increased understanding of the natural healing response of the injured artery.
Modulation of the NMDA receptor by polyamines

Results of recent biochemical and electrophysiological studies have suggested that a recognition site for polyamines exists as part of the NMDA receptor complex. This site appears to be distinct from previously described binding sites for glutamate, glycine, Mg++,Zn++, and open-channel blockers such as MK-801. The endogenous polyamines spermine and spermidine increase the binding of open-channel blockers and increase NMDA-elicited currents in cultured neurons. These polyamines have been termed agonists at the polyamine recognition site. Studies of the effects of natural and synthetic polyamines on the binding of [3H]MK-801 and on NMDA-elicited currents in cultured neurons have led to the identification of compounds classified as partial agonists, antagonists, and inverse agonists at the polyamine recognition site. Polyamines have also been found to affect the binding of ligands to the recognition sites for glutamate and glycine. However, these effects may be mediated at a site distinct from that at which polyamines act to modulate the binding of open-channel blockers. Endogenous polyamines may modulate excitatory synaptic transmission by acting at the polyamine recognition site of the NMDA receptor. This site could represent a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of ischemia-induced neurotoxicity, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Quantitative examination of the deep cerebellar nuclei in the staggerer mutant mouse

Quantitative morphological techniques have revealed several new aspects of the action of the Staggerer mutant gene. Staggerer is an autosomal recessive gene which causes ataxia and severe malformation of the cerebellar cortex in mice. The Purkinje cells of the cerebellar cortex are small, abnormal in morphology and reduced in numbers. The close synaptic and developmental relationship of Purkinje cells with the cells of the deep cerebellar nuclei (dcn) lead us to look for effects of the Staggerer mutation on the dcn neurons. The volume of the deep nuclear region is shrunken in Staggerer and there is a reduction in the volume of the white matter. These findings account for the reduced wet weights and protein concentration found by Roffler-Tarlov and Sidman. In contrast to the cells of the cortex, where 75% of the medium-to-large neurons are missing, the number of cells present in Staggerer dcn is identical to wild-type. The dcn neurons are not completely spared, however. Measurements of cross-sectional cell area revealed a 30% shrinkage of neurons in Staggerer dcn. The most likely interpretation of previous work and the current findings is that the Staggerer gene acts early in development but exerts its effects directly only on those derivatives of the ventricular zone in the roof of the fourth ventricle which are destined to become Purkinje and Golgi cells.
Binuclear Copper(II) Chelates of Amide-Based Cyclophanes.

A chelating cyclophane has been synthesized by cyclocondensation of two ethylenediaminetetraacetic (EDTA) units with two p-phenylenediamine units: the resulting cyclophane is 2,9,18,25-tetraoxo-4,7,20,23-tetrakis(carboxymethyl)-1,4,7,10,17,20,23,26-octaaza[10.10]paracyclophane, abbreviated as (bis-edtapdn)H4. Cyclocondensation of two EDTA and two 1,5-diaminonaphthalene units has given the naphthalenophane, 2,9,22,29-tetraoxo-4,7,24,27-tetrakis(carboxymethyl)-1,4,7,10,21,24,27,30-octaaza[10.10](1,5)naphthalenophane, (bis-edtanap)H4. Studies of electronic and EPR spectra have been carried out on the binuclear Cu2+ complexes of these new ligands and of related chelating cyclophanes, 2,9,25,32-tetraoxo-4,7,27,30-tetrakis(carboxymethyl)-1,4,7,10,24,27,30,33-octaaza[10.1.10.1]paracyclophane, abbreviated as (bis-edtabpm)H4, and 2,9,25,32-tetraoxo-4,7,27,30-tetrakis(carboxymethyl)-1,4,7,10,24,27,30,33-octaaza-17,40-dioxa[10.1.10.1]paracyclophane, abbreviated as (bis-edtabpe)H4. Common features of these chelating...
CONFORMITY: LONG-TERM PROGNOSES FOR SELECTED OZONE NONATTAINMENT AREAS IN CALIFORNIA

The Clean Air Act requires that long-range transportation plans conform to emissions budgets established for nearer-term attainment years in state implementation plans (SIPs). This poses the question of whether travel growth in the intervening period may overwhelm the benefits of fleet turnover and adopted control strategies, with adverse implications for air quality and for conformity. Emissions trends are examined for three planning areas in California that are nonattainment for ozone. Forecasted emissions of ozone precursors for attainment years are compared with projected emissions for 2020. The latest model for estimation of on-road motor vehicle emissions in California is employed to estimate emissions, augmented by estimated effects of additional control strategies from the 1994 California ozone SIP. Alternative higher-growth travel forecasts for two areas, developed in consultation with regional transportation agency modeling staffs, are then applied to test the sensitivity of emissions to various...
REDUCING EXPOSURES DURING THE POURING OPERATIONS OF A BRASS FOUNDRY

The focus of this exposure assessment and control technology study was a brass foundry and the lead exposures of workers involved in the transportation and pouring of metal. Controls in place at the foundry included ventilation systems at the furnace and along the continuous and stationary pouring lines. Real-time measurements were made to determine which tasks were the primary exposure sources, and a handheld aerosol monitor was used to measure real-time aerosol exposures (as a surrogate for lead) in the workers' breathing zones. Data were collected over two 30-min sampling periods while worker activities were monitored using a video camera. Analysis of the data showed that the greatest aerosol exposures occurred during the transportation of an unventilated, full ladle, resulting in an average concentration of at least twice that of the other tasks. The study concluded that the addition of exhaust ventilation such as a moveable hood and duct system during the ladle transport and pouring tasks, and the im...
An analysis and assessment of environmental operating practices in hotel and resort properties

Abstract The objective of this research study is to examine the environmental operating practices of hotels and resorts to identify common operating activities and examples of ‘best practices’. The findings illustrate a lack of systemized measurement and documentation of utility consumption rates and costs in individualized properties. This study also finds that corporate benchmarks for utility consumption are not effective benchmarks for nonaffiliated hotels and resorts to achieve. This study also finds that the education of hotel owners and operators is the key to understanding the benefits of implementing environmental management practices.
Determination of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and IGF binding protein levels in swine.

A heterologous radioimmunoassay system was validated for the determination of IGF1 concentrations in swine sera. Parallelism, accuracy and response to physiological stimuli were obtained following the incubation of serum samples with 1M glycine-glycine HC1 buffer at a pH of 3.5 +/- 0.2 for 24 hours at 37C. Following acidification and neutralization, circulating IGF1 concentrations were significantly (P less than .05) reduced in hypophysectomized swine and elevated in swine injected with porcine growth hormone (pGH) when compared to IGF1 levels in control hogs. IGF binding protein levels were also increased following GH administration and reduced by hypophysectomy. In addition, circulating IGF1 concentrations were significantly (P less than .05) correlated with body size in three types of swine which differ in growth rate and mature body weight. These data suggest that IGF1 is involved in the regulation of swine growth in vivo and that its physiologic regulation is similar to that in humans.
Fluconazole Therapy for Experimental Cryptococcosis and Candidiasis in the Rabbit

Fluconazole is a second-generation azole compound with broad-spectrum antifungal activity. It has been examined in several animal models emphasizing important clinical sites of infection with common yeast pathogens. The drug has an excellent pharmacokinetic profile for central nervous system, renal, and ocular infections; at these sites fluconazole has been successful in the treatment of infections with Cryptococcus neoformans or Candida albicans. On the basis of the experience in animals, fluconazole should be critically evaluated in the treatment of human mycoses such as cryptococcosis of the central nervous system and renal/ocular candidiasis. This agent represents the new wave of interest in the increasingly troublesome problem of deep-seated fungal infections. For over 30 years amphotericin B has been the primary agent used in therapy for disseminated mycoses [1]. Although it has been successfully used in the management of many different mycoses, its toxicity and pharmacokinetics can complicate treatment. In the continuing search for new and effective antifungal compounds, most of the recent successes have involved the azole compounds. Miconazole and ketoconazole are first-generation azole compounds shown to be effective in certain invasive mycoses [2-7]. Fluconazole, a second-generation azole, has a broad antifungal spectrum, apparently low toxicity, and an excellent pharmacokinetic profile. The evaluation of new antimicrobial agents requires both in vitro and in vivo studies of efficacy prior to use in humans. In vivo studies are particularly important in the treatment of fungal infections since the results of in vitro susceptibility tests of fungi do not consistently correlate with the in vivo outcome of therapy. Although in vitro testing remains a good screening device when many compounds are examined, animal models have been helpful in assessing a drug's potential application to treatment of humans, representing controlled experiments where antimicrobial activity can be examined in the presence of the host's immune responses. Immune factors are crucial to the success or failure of antifungal regimens, and studies in animals allow researchers to examine the interaction between new antifungal compounds and the immune system in the face of fungal invasion. Animal studies can also provide immediate direction in the planning of appropriate
Soft tissue coverage of mandibular reconstruction plates

Free tissue transfer was compared to pectoralis major flap coverage of mandibular reconstruction plates in a retrospective review. The study group consisted of 14 patients whose composite defects were reconstructed with metal plates covered with either pectoralis flaps (9) or soft tissue free flaps (5). Four patients in the pectoralis group (44%) had plates that extruded compared to none in the free flap group. The mean operating room time for the free flap group (721 minutes) was longer than the pectoralis group (550 minutes), but the overall hospital stay for the free flap group (20 days) was half that of the pectoralis group (39 days). The pectoralis group required more secondary procedures (88%) than the free flap group (20%). Free flaps have a higher success rate, a shorter hospital stay, and require fewer additional procedures than do pectoralis flaps. This justifies the longer operating time and greater technical complexity of free tissue transfer for reliable coverage of mandibular reconstruction plates. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Miniaturization technologies in HTS: how fast, how small, how soon?

Abstract Miniaturized analytical methods are currently being developed to suit many needs. One area that is evolving with particular speed is HTS for pharmaceutical lead discovery. This review explores the scope and impact of miniaturized methods as applied to modern HTS, and summarizes the prospects for both existing and proposed strategies for miniaturized HTS assay systems
Electrowetting on dielectric-actuation of microdroplets of aqueous bismuth telluride nanoparticle suspensions

This work reports the actuation of droplets of nanofluid by the electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) effect. The nanofluid is comprised of an aqueous (deionized water) suspension of 3?nm diameter bismuth telluride nanoparticles capped with thioglycolic acid (TGA). Microdroplets of nanofluid are cast on Si(001) wafers coated with 100?nm thick layers of silicon dioxide and AF Teflon. Applying an electric field between the substrate and an electrode immersed in the nanofluid droplet results in a strong change in the contact angle from 110? to 84? for a 0?60?V voltage range. The droplets of nanofluid exhibit enhanced stability and absence of contact angle saturation in the tested voltage range when compared with droplets of aqueous solutions of 0.01?M Na2SO4 or thioglycolic acid in deionized water. We propose that ion generation due to capping-agent desorption is a key factor determining the EWOD effect in the bismuth telluride nanofluid along with the nanoparticle contribution to charge transport. Our results open up new vistas for using nanofluids for microscale?actuator device applications.
Connectivity Properties of Mandelbrot's Percolation Process

In 1974, Mandelbrot introduced a process in [0, 1]2 which he called “canonical curdling” and later used in this book(s) on fractals to generate self-similar random sets with Hausdorff dimension D∈(0,2). In this paper we will study the connectivity or “percolation” properties of these sets, proving all of the claims he made in Sect. 23 of the “Fractal Geometry of Nature” and a new one that he did not anticipate: There is a probability pc∈(0,1) so that if p<pc then the set is “duslike” i.e., the largest connected component is a point, whereas if p≧pc (notice the =) opposing sides are connected with positive probability and furthermore if we tile the plane with independent copies of the system then there is with probability one a unique unbounded connected component which intersects a positive fraction of the tiles. More succinctly put the system has a first order phase transition.
Behavior of rare earth elements in a paleoweathering profile on granodiorite in the Front Range, Colorado, USA

Abstract A Paleoweathering profile on the Boulder granodiorite in northern Colorado provides an opportunity to trace the behavior of REEs from parent rock, through a weathering profile, into unconformably overlying Permian sediments. With progressive upward weathering of the granodiorite, Na2O, CaO, SiO2, Ta Hf , Co Th , Cr Sc , Cr Th , Zr Hf , La Sc , Zr Y , and La Th decrease; Al2O3 and Fe2O3T increase; and TiO2, MgO, K2O, P2O5, Rb, Zr, Sc, Cr, Co Hf, Nb, Ta, Y, Th, U, REE, Ti Nb , and Zr Nb increase to maximum values and then either level off or decrease. LREE enrichment is less in the weathering profile than in the parent granodiorite and although the parent does not have an Eu anomaly (or only a slight positive anomaly), all samples from the weathering profile and overlying sediments have significant negative Eu anomalies. This observation is especially important in that it shows conclusively that a negative Eu anomaly can be produced during chemical weathering of granitoids. We suggest these Eu anomalies are due to relative enrichment of the other REEs and partial loss of Eu during the breakdown of plagioclase. The Boulder weathering profile also has a very minor negative Ce anomaly that is within error of a Ce anomaly in the parent. In the unweathered parent, >50% of the REE are contained in sphene, and in the case of La, also in allanite. From 10–20% of the REE are contained in apatite and biotite (± hornblende), and from 7–10% of the HREEs are in zircon. With exception of Eu, for which feldspars contribute about 8%, negligible amounts of REEs occur in the feldspars. In weathered samples, >75% of the REEs are contained in clay minerals. The crossover between sphene and clay control of REEs occurs over a distance of 1 m near the contact with fresh rock. Except for their small negative Eu anomalies, the clay minerals have REE patterns very similar to those of the parent rock. Isocon plots suggest apparent enrichments of many elements in the Boulder weathering profile result from losses of Na, Ca, and Si during plagioclase weathering. In addition, variable amounts of Sr, Eu, Ta, Nb, P, and Ba were lost during weathering. Although Th U , Zr Y , Th Sc , Zr Hf , Lu Hf , and Ti Zr may have been transferred relatively unchanged from granodiorite parent to the bulk weathering profile, most other element ratios and REE distributions were significantly changed during weathering. This observation implies that caution needs to be exercised when using REE patterns and element ratios to trace sediment provenance. The fact that most element ratios and REE distributions also differ between Fountain sediments and the bulk weathering profile may be related to one or a combination of four factors, listed in order of probable decreasing importance: contribution of other sources to the Fountain sediments, sorting of minerals during sediment deposition, remobilization of elements during diagenesis, and leaching of elements by water flow through the upper meter of the weathering profile.
Advances in understanding E. coli cell fission

Much of what we know about cytokinesis in bacteria has come from studies with Escherichia coli, and efforts to comprehensively understand this fundamental process in this organism continue to intensify. Major recent advances include in vitro assembly of a membrane-tethered version of FtsZ into contractile rings in lipid tubules, in vitro dynamic patterning of the Min proteins and a deeper understanding of how they direct assembly of the FtsZ-ring to midcell, the elucidation of structures, biochemical activities and interactions of other key components of the cell fission machinery, and the uncovering of additional components of this machinery with often redundant but important roles in invagination of the three cell envelope layers.
Emergency Department Documentation in Cases of Intentional Assault

Study objective: Emergency department records are an important source of injury surveillance data. However, documentation regarding intentional assault has not been studied and may be suboptimal. The purpose of this study was to analyze physician documentation of assailant, site, and object used in intentional assault. Methods: The ED log of an urban Level I trauma center was retrospectively reviewed to identify eligible patients presenting consecutively in November 1996. All acutely injured patients not involved in a motorized vehicle crash were identified. Results: From the ED log, 1,483 patients were identified as possible study subjects; 1,457 (98%) charts were located and reviewed and 971 (67%) met inclusion criteria. Of these, 288 (30%) cases resulted from intentional assault. In 67% of patients, there was no documentation of the identity of the assailant. For 13% of cases, there was no documentation regarding the object or force used in the assault. In 79% of cases there was no documentation regarding the site of assault. For 24 cases (8%), the assailant was documented as an intimate partner or ex-partner. Police involvement in these cases was documented 54% of the time, despite the fact that this state mandates police reports for cases of acute partner violence. Social service involvement and shelter referrals were documented in less than one fourth of domestic violence cases. Conclusion: Although the ED commonly treats patients who have been assaulted, basic surveillance data are often omitted from the chart. Structured charting may provide more complete data collection.[Houry D, Feldhaus KM, Nyquist SR, Abbott J, Pons PT: Emergency department documentation in cases of intentional assault. Ann Emerg Med December 1999;34:715-719.]