cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of flavin reduction in the alkanesulfonate monooxygenase system.

Abstract The alkanesulfonate monooxygenase system from Escherichia coli is involved in scavenging sulfur from alkanesulfonates under sulfur starvation. An FMN reductase (SsuE) catalyzes the reduction of FMN by NADPH, and the reduced flavin is transferred to the monooxygenase (SsuD). Rapid reaction kinetic analyses were performed to define the microscopic steps involved in SsuE catalyzed flavin reduction. Results from single-wavelength analyses at 450 and 550 nm showed that reduction of FMN occurs in three distinct phases. Following a possible rapid equilibrium binding of FMN and NADPH to SsuE (MC-1) that occurs before the first detectable step, an initial fast phase (241 s − 1 ) corresponds to the interaction of NADPH with FMN (CT-1). The second phase is a slow conversion (11 s − 1 ) to form a charge–transfer complex of reduced FMNH 2 with NADP + (CT-2), and represents electron transfer from the pyridine nucleotide to the flavin. The third step (19 s − 1 ) is the decay of the charge–transfer complex to SsuE with bound products (MC-2) or product release from the CT-2 complex. Results from isotope studies with [(4 R )- 2 H]NADPH demonstrates a rate-limiting step in electron transfer from NADPH to FMN, and may imply a partial rate-limiting step from CT-2 to MC-2 or the direct release of products from CT-2. While the utilization of flavin as a substrate by the alkanesulfonate monooxygenase system is novel, the mechanism for flavin reduction follows an analogous reaction path as standard flavoproteins.
Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Determination of Ti3+ in Several Titanium Phosphate Compounds

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy was used to test the presence of Ti3+ in several novel compounds also containing Ti4+. The results obtained confirmed the presence of Ti3+, and indicated that differences in the EPR spectral lines of Ti3+ can make differentiation easier between compounds which have X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns that are not markedly different.
Teratogenic effects of aldrin, dieldrin, and endrin in hamsters and mice

Single oral doses of aldrin, dieldrin, and endrin, 1/2 LD50 incorn oil, administered to pregnant golden hamsters on day 7, 8, or 9 of gestationcaused a high incidence of fetal death, congenital anomalies, and growthretardation. The most frequent defects were cleft palate, open eye, andwebbed foot, often occurring in combination. Pregnant CD1 mice given equivalent oral doses of each pesticide on day 9 of gestation showed similar anomalieswithout concurrent increase in fetal mortality or growth impairment.
Guiding-centre diffuse pinch and local instability

The stability problem of a linear diffuse pinch is studied by a normal-mode analysis using guiding-centre theory. The general normal-mode equation capable of determining the growth rate is obtained. The guiding-centre Suydam instability and the associated eigenvalue (growth rate) are examined.
A Maroon Moment: Rebel Slaves in Early Seventeenth-century Guatemala

In the preface to a recent reissue of his classic anthology on maroon societies in the Americas, Richard Price says ‘resistance, rebellion, and marronage, and the existence of independent maroon co...
Metabolic response to exercise in dialysis patients

Metabolic response to exercise in dialysis patients. The metabolic and hormonal response to acute moderate intensity (40% of VO 2 max) bicycle exercise was examined in eight uremic subjects maintained on chronic dialysis and in 12 age- and weight-matched controls before and after the administration of low dose, selective (metoprolol) and nonselective (propranolol), beta adrenergic antagonists. The fasting plasma glucose concentration and basal rates of hepatic glucose production (HGP) and tissue glucose disappearance (Rd) were similar in control and uremic subjects. In both groups HGP and Rd increased in parallel during exercise, and the plasma glucose concentration remained constant at the fasting level. However, the increments in Rd (2.27 ± 0.27 vs. 0.87 ± 0.31 mg/kg · min, P 2 max was decreased by 50% (39 ± 2 vs. 20 ± 2 ml/min · kg;P 2 max was weak (r = 0.33, P
Marital Conventionalization Revisited

Edmonds' (1967) recommendation of the Marital Conventionalization Scale as a control variable involved inherent violations of two statistical assumptions underlying partial correlation and multiple...
Epidermal growth factor, like tumor promoters, enhances viral and radiation-induced cell transformation.

The polypeptide hormone epidermal growth factor (EGF) has been shown to enhance adenovirus type 5 transformation of a cloned culture of rat embryo cells (CREF) and X-ray or u.v.-light induced transformation of 10T1/2 mouse embryo cells. In both systems, the degree of enhancement was quantitatively similar to that observed in treated rats grown in the presence of the potent tumor promoting agent 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA). An increase in viral transformation was also observed in cells continuously exposed to phorbol esters with known promoting activity on mouse skin, but not structurally related analogs, inactive or weakly active in the two-stage mouse skin carcinogenesis assay. In addition, the appearance of transformed foci was accelerated and colonies tended to be larger in cultures grown in the presence of EGF or TPA. The present studies suggest the possibility that EGF may function as an endogenous promoter of carcinogenesis and further indicates that in vitro cell transformation systems may prove useful in identifying such agents.
Electrophysiologic Effect of Digitalis on Sinoatrial Nodal Function in Children

Despite the prevalence of digitalis usage in children, the electrophysiologic effects of digitalis on sinoatrial (S-A) nodal function is unknown in this age group. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of digitalis on sinoatrial conduction time as well as on S-A nodal automatically. Ten subjects (mean age 10.5 years) underwent electrophysiologic assessment of S-A nodal function before and 30 minutes after administration of ouabain (0.01 mg/kg). Total S-A conduction time increased in each subject and the mean value after ouabain (182 msec +/- 13 standard errors of the mean [SEM]) was significantly higher (P less than 0.01) than before (149 msec +/- 11). The sinus cycle length was variable after ouabain (P greater than 0.1). The corrected sinus nodal recovery time also was variable (P greater than 0.1), decreasing substantially in three subjects. Mechanisms of the effect of digitalis on the S-A node and atrium are proposed and discussed. It is concluded that digitalis prolongs the S-A conduction time in children with normal S-A nodal function. By prolonging the S-A conduction time, digitalis may artifactually shorten corrected S-A nodal recovery time in some patients.
Perturbational approach to glasslike low-energy excitations in interacting tunneling dipoles and quadrupoles.

Second- and third-order peturbation theory is used to calculate the low-energy spectrum of pairs of interacting tunneling dipoles (TD's) and tunneling quadrupoles (TQ's). The TD's and/or TQ's are assumed to be in an n-orientational potential well, determined by the local environment; hence assume n directions of orientation. For each of the orientations, the TD's and/or TQ's are allowed to tunnel only to their nearest-neighbor potential wells. We derive equations which relate the energy eigenvalues of a pair of interacting TD's and/or TQ's to the energies of the noninteracting tunneling Hamiltonian. We show that the pair has low-energy excitations provided the interaction potential is sufficiently greater than the tunneling matrix element. In particular we show that dilute concentrations of strongly interacting TQ's randomly distributed in a nondipolar crystalline host give low-energy excitations at low temperature T. Our calculation predicts that the very low T thermal properties of very small concentrations of eight-orientational TQ's (${\mathrm{CN}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ in KBr) are different than those of TD's and other TQ's dissolved in alkali halides.
Precise Monitoring of Drinking Behavior in Small Mammals

A method is described whereby the time of beginning and ending of each drink taken by captive mammals is recorded to the split-second. Used in conjunction with other automatic monitoring techniques, detailed profiles of activity can be built up, including auto-correlations of drinking and cross-correlations with other activities. Representative data for a mature Peromyscus maniculatus female show that drinking follows a specific pattern correlating with time of day and concurrent activities.
Theories, their formulations, and the operational imperative

We have seen that the operational imperative is a prescriptive thesis about formulations of theories which imposes restrictions on the sorts of theories science may employ. We assessed the operational imperative by investigating a number of relationships holding between theory formulations, theories, physical systems, and phenomena, and then applying our findings to the operational imperative. These applications showed that the operational definitions required by the operational imperative were not definitions at all, being rather statements of putative empirical regularities holding between particulars which in effect are formulations of empirically true or false theories. From this fact it followed that the supposed epistemic pay-offs of following the operational imperative fail to accrue: Operational definitions do not enable one to go deductively from knowledge of observables to knowledge of unobservables, and operational definitions do not provide a means for testing theories about unobservable phenomena. As such the operational imperative should be rejected in both its weak and strong versions. However, we did discover a grain of truth in the observational imperative — namely that theories with non-observable parameters are testable only if these parameters have observable manifestations. But that grain of truth does not lead to the operational imperative as typically advanced unless one embraces certain epistemological theories about observation which recent work on observation makes highly doubtful.
Heat capacities and thermodynamic functions of hexagonal ice from T =0.5K to T =38K

Abstract The heat capacity of water in the form of hexagonal ice was measured between T = 0.5 K and T = 38 K using a semi-adiabatic calorimetric method. Since heat capacity data below T = 2 K have never been measured for water, this study presents the lowest measured values of the specific heat of water to date. Fits of the data were used to generate thermodynamic functions of water at smoothed temperatures between 0.5 K and 38 K. Both our experimental heat capacities and calculated enthalpy increments agree well with previously published values and thus supplement other studies well.
Short wave infrared imager cockpit interface issues

With the introduction of the night-vision goggle (NVG) into vehicle cockpits, the transfer of visual information to the observer became more complex. This problem stems primarily from the fact that the image intensifier tube photocathode was sensitive to much of the visible spectrum. NVGs were capable of sensing and amplifying visible cockpit light, making the observation of the scene outside of the cockpit, the primary use for NVGs, difficult if not impossible. One solution was to establish mutually exclusive spectral bands; a band of shorter wavelengths reserved for transmission of visible information from the cockpit instrumentation to the observer and a longer wavelength region left to the night vision goggle for imaging the night environment. Several documents have been published outlining the night vision imaging system (NVIS) compatible lighting performance enabling this approach, seen as necessary for military and civilian aviation. Recent advances in short wave infrared (SWIR) sensor technology make it a possible alternative to the image intensifiers for night imaging application. However, application-specific integration issues surrounding the new sensor type must still be thoroughly investigated. This paper examines the impact of the SWIR spectral sensitivity on several categories of lighting found in vehicle cockpits and explores cockpit integration issues that may arise from the SWIR spectral sensitivity.
The dimeric Aα chain composition of dysfibrinogenemic molecules with mutations at Aα 16

Abstract In the last stage of fibrinogen synthesis, two Aα-Bβ-γ half-molecules are disulfide linked in their N-terminal regions to form a dimeric fibrinogen molecule. It is not known whether intracellular hepatocyte assembly of fibrinogen half-molecules occurs randomly or is a directed process. One analysis based on partitioning of coagulable components of fibrinogen from a heterozygous dysfibrinogenemic subject having a mutation at the thrombin cleavage site (Fibrinogen Louisville, Aα16 R→H), suggested that only homodimeric molecules containing two normal fibrinopeptides A (FPA, FPA) or two abnormal fibrinopeptides A (FPA ★ , FPA ★ ) were present in plasma, implying that fibrinogen dimer assembly is directed. The same type of analyses on Fibrinogen Birmingham (Aα16 R→H) indicated that there were heterodimers as well as homodimers, suggesting that fibrinogen dimer assembly is random. To examine this question more directly, the composition of fibrinogen molecules from seven dysfibrinogenemic families with either R→C (four) or R→H (three) Aα16 mutations was determined. Following treatment with Atroxin to release normal FPA from fibrinogen, N-terminal disulfide knot (‘N-DSK’) cleavage fragments were prepared and subsequently separated by SDS-PAGE to resolve ‘N-DSK’ components with two FPA ★ 's (N-DSK homodimer), one FPA ★ (des A N-DSK heterodimer), or no FPA's (des AA N-DSK homodimer). Fibrinogen from subjects whose molecules contained both normal and abnormal Aα chains, yielded a heterodimeric des A N-DSK derivative, as well as smaller amounts of homodimeric N-DSK and des AA N-DSK. These results indicate that when both types of Aα chain are produced, both Aα chain alleles are expressed and the resulting fibrinogen dimers are assembled randomly.
In vitro mitral valve simulator mimics systolic valvular function of chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation ovine model.

Background This study was undertaken to evaluate an in vitro mitral valve (MV) simulator's ability to mimic the systolic leaflet coaptation, regurgitation, and leaflet mechanics of a healthy ovine model and an ovine model with chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR). Methods Mitral valve size and geometry of both healthy ovine animals and those with chronic IMR were used to recreate systolic MV function in vitro. A2-P2 coaptation length, coaptation depth, tenting area, anterior leaflet strain, and MR were compared between the animal groups and valves simulated in the bench-top model. Results For the control conditions, no differences were observed between the healthy animals and simulator in coaptation length (p = 0.681), coaptation depth (p = 0.559), tenting area (p = 0.199), and anterior leaflet strain in the radial (p = 0.230) and circumferential (p = 0.364) directions. For the chronic IMR conditions, no differences were observed between the models in coaptation length (p = 0.596), coaptation depth (p = 0.621), tenting area (p = 0.879), and anterior leaflet strain in the radial (p = 0.151) and circumferential (p = 0.586) directions. MR was similar between IMR models, with an asymmetrical jet originating from the tethered A3-P3 leaflets. Conclusions This study is the first to demonstrate the effectiveness of an in vitro simulator to emulate the systolic valvular function and mechanics of a healthy ovine model and one with chronic IMR. The in vitro IMR model provides the capability to recreate intermediary and exacerbated levels of annular and subvalvular distortion for which IMR repairs can be simulated. This system provides a realistic and controllable test platform for the development and evaluation of current and future IMR repairs.
Optical Camera Link cable for the industrial applications

We present the development of an active optical cable (AOC) for the Camera Link interface, in which our compact optical assembly structure has been applied. The optical Camera Link cable enables the transmission of a high resolution image more than 10 m which has been the maximum transmission length for conventional metal cables.
Inductive (flux linkage) coupling to local coils in magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy

Abstract An engineering analysis of inductive (flux linkage) coupling to local coils used for NMR imaging and spectroscopy is presented. It is emphasized that the concept of “resonance” must be carefully defined because of complexity introduced into the equivalent circuit by the coupling loop inductance and the mutual inductance between the coupling and receiving loops. The condition of match to the transmission line is unique and coincides with the maximum in receiver voltage. The effect of matching on frequency detuning is analyzed, and it is shown that the coupling loop should be as small as possible and the coupling coefficient as large as possible. A convenient variable inductive coupler is described in which a variable capacitor is displaced on odd number of quarter wavelengths from the coupling loop. The variable coupler has been implemented using a voltage controlled tuning capacitor (varactor).
Children's experience of public space

Children and young people regard the external physical environment as important for their needs. Their use of space varies according to age and circumstance and includes designated play and leisure facilities as well as other informal areas within their neighbourhoods. However, children have little influence over the development of public space as they do not have the opportunity to contribute their views to local processes. This paper explores children's and young people's views and experience of public space in regeneration areas. It considers whether children's perspectives are accurately reflected in public policy. It draws on primary research with young people aged ten to 14 years and representatives from local organisations in a disadvantaged urban area in Scotland.
An atomistic model for stepped diamond growth

THE growth of many crystalline materials occurs through lateral propagation of steps over the surface1–3. A stepped texture is also characteristic of diamond grown by chemical vapour deposition (CVD)4–10. Diffusion of atoms on the surface is usually held responsible for the stepped growth of metals, but it has been thought11–14 that the stronger bonding of adatoms should prevent this mechanism from operating in the case of diamond. Recent experiments15 have, however, indicated that surface diffusion can take place during diamond growth. We have recently shown theoretically16 that bridging methylene (CH2) groups on the {100} plane of diamond growing in the presence of hydrogen can migrate in a manner equivalent to surface diffusion. Here we show that this theoretical picture can be developed into an atomistic model that accounts for stepped growth of diamond. The stepped pattern can be understood in terms of the formation of surface-bound species from the gaseous precursors, followed by their migration by means of a series of surface chemical reactions involving covalent bond breaking and formation.
Scapular muscle activation and co-activation following a fatigue task.

Scapular muscles precisely move the scapulothoracic articulation and if fatigued may contribute to pathology. Fatigue of serratus anterior may be a mechanism for shoulder pathology by altering scapula motions and requiring compensation by other shoulder muscles. A total of 28 asymptomatic subjects performed a task to fatigue the serratus anterior, while muscle activity was recorded from three muscles. Mean normalized activation levels and activation ratios were examined before and after the fatigue task during arm elevation and lowering. All muscles demonstrated meaningful declines in the median frequency of the electromyographic signal during the task. Following the task, only the upper trapezius had higher mean activation levels (mean difference 10.79% MVIC), while the serratus anterior/lower trapezius activation ratio was altered (mean difference −0.3). Higher mean upper trapezius activation may be compensatory for fatigue of other shoulder muscles and may reflect fiber type or central control mechanisms. Serratus anterior eccentric endurance training may be beneficial for the prevention of shoulder pathology.
Metabolic clearance and secretion rates of prolactin in the rat.

Rat prolactin 131I, prepared by a standard method for radioimmunoassay, was given intravenously by constant infusion or by a single injection into anesthetized (Na pentobarbital) intact male rats, and ovariectomized, hypophysectomized or intact female rats. Blood samples were collected at frequent intervals and the serum was assayed for immuno-precipitable prolactin and for total radioactivity. The disappearance curve after a single intravenous injection of rat prolactin in a pituitary homogenate, as measured by radioimmunoassay, was the same as that of the labeled prolactin, indicating that the latter was cleared from the blood in a manner identical to that of the endogenous hormone. The metabolic clearance rate (MCR), denned as the volume of blood cleared of prolactin per unit time, was 1.26 ± 0.08 ml/min by the constant infusion method and 1.2 to 1.46 ml/min by the single injection method. The half-life time for the first exponential (first 10 min after iv injection) of injected rat prolactin ranged fr...
Consulting the community: public expectations and attitudes about genetics research.

Genomic discoveries and technologies promise numerous opportunities for improving health. Key to these potential health improvements, however, are health-care consumers’ understanding and acceptance of these new developments. We identified community groups and invited them to a public information-consultation session in order to explore public awareness, perception and expectations about genetics and genomics research. One hundred and four members of seven community groups in Newfoundland, Canada took part in the community sessions. Content analysis of participant comments revealed they were largely hopeful about genetics research in its capacity to improve health; however, they did not accept such research uncritically. Complex issues arose during the community consultations, including the place of genetics in primary care, the value of genetics for personal health, and concerns about access to and uses of genetic information. Participants unequivocally endorsed the value of public engagement with these issues. The rapid pace of discoveries in genomics research offers exciting opportunities to improve population health. However, public support will be crucial to realize health improvements. Our findings suggest that regular, transparent dialog between researchers and the public could allow a greater understanding of the research process, as well as assist in the design of efficient and effective genetic health services, informed by the public that will use them.
Melting of the moving vortex lattice in the presence of disorder

Abstract We investigate the melting of the two-dimensional vortex lattice moving in an inhomogenous environment under the applied current j . We predict the existence of a dynamic phase transition at some current j = j t (crystallization current) from the motion of the amorphous configuration at j j t to the motion of the crystal at j > j t . j t exceeds essentially the critical current j c for strongly disordered systems and approaches j c with the decrease of the degree of disorder. We find that j t diverges as temperature approaches the melting temperature of the undisturbed lattice.
SIMULATION OF THE NORMAL MENSTRUAL CYCLE IN KALLMAN'S SYNDROME BY PULSATILE ADMINISTRATION OF LUTEINIZING HORMONE-RELEASING HORMONE (LHRH)

The administration of small doses of LHRH at 2-hourly intervals over a 27 day period to a 24-year old patient with Kallman's syndrome resulted in ovulation as indicated by: (1) a biphasic temperature response, (2) anatomical changes in the ovaries demonstrated by ultrasound, and (3) the pattern of circulating gonadotropin and gonadal steroid concentrations.
The effect of hexachlorophene on staphylococcal colonization rates in the newborn infant: a controlled study using a single-bath method.

Three hundred and thirty-two infants admitted to the normal newborn nursery at Harbor General Hospital during January and February, 1972, were divided into two groups. Half received a single bath with 3 per cent hexachlorophene at 2 to 4 hours of age followed by thorough rinsing with water. The other half was bathed with water only. Cohort system and careful hand-washing technique with hexachlorophene were observed during the study period. Cultures of the anterior nares and cord were taken on the third day of life prior to discharge from the hospital. Twenty-one (12.6 per cent) of those bathed with water and nine (5.4 per cent) of those bathed with hexachlorophene were colonized with Staphylococcus aureus on discharge. Follow-up cultures 2 to 4 weeks after discharge showed that 6 of the 9 hexachlorophene-bathed infants and 14 of the 21 water bathed infants were still positive. An acceptably low staphylococcal carrier rate (9 per cent) was found in the infants discharged from the nursey during this study. It appears that a single bath with 3 per cent hexachlorophene in the early hours of life followed by thorough rinsing can be expected to effect an additional, significant reduction in the rate of staphylococcal colonization.
Finite difference methods for computation of flow into local exhaust hoods

Local exhaust hoods play an important role in controlling exposures. Airflow into these hoods may be approximated by Laplace's equation. Previous experimental work by other authors along with other data tend to support this assumption. Currently, theoretical models are available for computing the flow into plain and flanged slots and flanged rectangles and circles. These models are analytical solutions of Laplace's equation and are possible because the velocity potentials at a given point in space can be calculated. As the geometry of configurations under study becomes more complex, closed-form solutions to Laplace's equation become more difficult to find. In such situations numerical methods of solution are called for. A finite difference method for computing the airflow is presented and was developed using the plain and flanged slot configurations. The method generally is useful for solving problems in which the location and shape of the flow boundary and the values of the velocity potential or its norm...
Two diastereomers of 2-[[β-(N-phenylamino)-α-methylphenethyl]-methylamino] -N, N-dimethylacetamide

The structures of two diastereomers ((1R,2R) and (1R,2S)) of the title compound have been determined. The molecular conformation of the (1R,2R) isomer is heavily influenced by strong intramolecular hydrogen bonding between the secondary and tertiary amine groups (N(1)…N(2) 2.629(8) A; N(4)…N(5) 2.628(8) A). In the (1R,2S) isomer no intramolecular interaction is observed, but somewhat weaker intermolecular hydrogen bonding does occur between the secondary amine and the carbonyl group of a neighboring molecule (N(1)…O(1) 2.960(6) A) related by a 21 screw operation along thea-axis (x1/40). No close intermolecular contacts are observed for the (1R,2R) isomer. Crystal data for (1R,2R); monoclinic,P21 (No. 4),a=18.588(5),b=16.743(4),c=6.062(1) A, β=97.26(2)o,V=1871.5(8) A3, Z=4,D cale=1.16 g/cm3. Crystal data for (1R,2S): orthorhombic,P212121 (No. 19),a=8.008(2),b=9.985(3),c=23.458(5)A,V=1875.8(6) A3, Z=4,D cale=1.15 g/cm3.
Sediment Distribution in the Oceans: The Atlantic

Seismic reflection and refraction data from about 750,000 km of traverse in the Atlantic Ocean are used to construct a sediment isopach map. Sediment distribution is found to be locally and regionally complex but is largely controlled by sea-floor spreading and proximity to continental sources, although other factors (for example, CaCO 3 compensation level) are important. The thinnest sediments are confined to the axial zone of the mid-Atlantic ridge primarily because of the youth of this region. Sediments progressively thicken down the flanks and into the basins—a pattern in accord with sea-floor spreading theories. Considerable regional variation is observed in the distribution of sediments. Average sediment thickness is about 1.0 km for the North Atlantic and about 0.7 km for the South Atlantic, a difference fundamentally attributed to the relative youth of the southern basin. Sediment thickness in the eastern basins is roughly 65 percent of that in the western basins and is largely the result of differences in oceanic circulation, glaciation, and continental drainage patterns. Large areas of thin sediments (
Intermittent reinforcement and criminality.

The learning theory concept of intermittent reinforcement was the focus of this investigation. It seemed reasonable that even though the offender was apprehended and punished, the criminal experiences his antisocial behavior relatively more rewarding than punishing. That is, a criminal's ratio of successfully completed crimes versus arrests might be fairly high. For the past four years at the conclusion of each research study this author has interviewed each inmate S in an attempt to determine the ratio of actual offenses that he has committed as compared to the number for which he has been arrested. The results of the interview, of course, were contingent upon the veracity of S. The questions concerning the extent of S's criminality were couched in the midst of a general personal history. If S's answers did not concur with his history in his record file, his ratio of criminaliry was not included. There were 169 Ss: 12 from the Chillicothe study (Persons, 1965), 41 from Fairfield School for Boys (Persons, 1966). SO from Training Institute of Central Ohio (Persons, 1968), and 36 from the Florida State Penitentiary. For 6 Ss interview replies did not coincide with their records, hence they were excluded. The small number of falsifications may be due to the fact that a large number of Ss had been psychotherapy patients of the author. Of the remaining 163 Ss only 14 claimed that they had not committed any offenses with which they had not been officially charged. That is, only 8.6% stated they had committed no more crimes than those for which they had been apprehended, while 91.4% admitted to violations for which they had not been caught. Each S's ratio was the number of stated actual crimes compared with his number of recorded arrests. The mean ratio of actual offenses to arrests for each institution was: Chillicothe 5 :1, Fairfield 11:1, TIC0 8:1, Florida 6:l. Thus, the admitted schedule of reinforcement was quite high. The higher mean ratio for the Fairfield sample probably can be accounted for by two factors: the bravado of the younger Ss and because most of them were arrested for car theft, which is a more repeatable offense. These 163 Ss from four different institutions, both state and federal, have experienced a greater amount of success than failure for their criminal behavior. Even if each of the samples contains a certain amount of exaggeration and mis-estimation, the applicability of intermittent reinforcement can still be argued because the ratio represents S's perceived success in criminal activity.
Scheiner's Halo: Evidence for Ice Ic in the Atmosphere.

Refraction of sunlight at the angle of minimum deviation between octahedral faces of crystals of ice Ic in the upper atmosphere could produce a halo around the sun or the moon at 27.46°. Crystals of hexagonal ice having low-index faces cannot produce a halo of this radius. It is therefore suggested that Scheiner9s halo, which has been reported at least four times since 1629 at 28° from the sun, is due to ice Ic. If this is correct, it is apparently the first evidence that ice Ic occurs naturally and that liquid water can freeze to ice Ic.
Electromagnetically Induced Coherent Backscattering: Concepts and Experiments

We demonstrate a coherent backward wave oscillation using forward propagating fields. This is achieved by using an ultra-dispersive medium. The physics has much in common with propagation of ultraslow light. Experimental progress will be discussed.
Fast restoration of finite objects degraded by finite PSF

Abstract The problem of restoring a class of continuous, finite random objects degraded by finite space invariant PSF and additive noise is considered. For infinite images this problem is solved easily via Fourier domain Wiener filtering. For finite intervals, this solution is no longer valid. Here we show that a modification of the image data by the boundary observations gives a solution of the Wiener filtering problem in such a way that the restored object is obtained exactly in terms of a Fourier series expansion which can be implemented in practice via a fast Fourier transform algorithm. Examples of two-dimensional images are given.
A performance, safety and cost comparison of reusable and disposable endoscopic biopsy forceps: a prospective, randomized trial

Abstract Background: Many gastroenterologists believe that disposable forceps are more expensive than reusable forceps. It has been shown, however, that cross contamination and spread of infection are possible with reusable forceps. We conducted a prospective, randomized study to evaluate the performance, safety and cost of reusable versus disposable biopsy forceps. Methods: Endoscopists were randomly assigned reusable or disposable biopsy forceps during upper and lower endoscopy. Forceps were evaluated for ease of passage through the endoscope, ease of opening and closing, adequacy of sample, and overall evaluation following the endoscopy using an ordinal scale. The cost per biopsy session was calculated using the following formula: (Acquisition cost + Reprocessing costs)/Number of biopsy sessions. Results: Disposable forceps received a predominantly excellent rating versus a predominantly good rating for reusable forceps. Disposable forceps were also found to be more cost-effective than reusable forceps with an average savings of $5.94 per biopsy session. Examination of reusable forceps revealed residual patient debris despite "adequate" cleansing. Conclusions: Disposable forceps outperformed reusable forceps and were found to be more cost-effective. Residual patient debris on reusable forceps may pose a risk of cross contamination and the spread of infection. (Gastrointest Endosc 2000;51:257-61.)
Correlation between surfactant protein B mRNA expression and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome

The aim of this study was to investigate whether surfactant-associated protein B (SP-B) mRNA deficiency is involved in the pathogenesis of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). A total of 60 unrelated neonates who died of RDS were recruited as the RDS group and subgrouped into a ≤32-, a 32–36+6- and a ≥37-week group (n=20 per group) on the basis of gestational age. In addition, 60 neonates who succumbed to other diseases were enrolled as controls. The lung tissues were collected within 30 min after death. In situ hybridization was conducted to detect SP-B mRNA expression in the lung. The frequency of SP-B mRNA deficiency was also calculated. Among the RDS groups, the SP-B mRNA levels were significantly higher compared to those in the control group (t=7.812, P 0.105). Among the control groups, the SP-B mRNA levels increased with the increase in gestational age (F=50.124, P<0.001). In the ≤32-week group, the number of cells positive for SP-B mRNA in RDS patients was markedly reduced as compared to that of the controls (t=3.185, P<0.01). In the 32–36+6-week group, the number of cells positive for SP-B mRNA in RDS patients was significantly smaller compared to that of the controls (t=9.342, P<0.001). In the ≥37-week group, the number of cells positive for SP-B mRNA in RDS patients was markedly smaller compared to that in the controls (t=4.238, P<0.001). Among RDS neonates, SP-B mRNA deficiency was noted in 35 patients with a frequency of 58.3%. In the control group, SP-B mRNA deficiency was noted in 8 patients with a frequency of 13.3%, which was markedly lower compared to that in the RDS group (χ2=26.421, P<0.001). The results of the present study therefore suggest that SP-B mRNA deficiency is involved in the pathogenesis of RDS.
Ictal patterns in temporal lobe epilepsy recorded by epidural screw electrodes

Abstract In a consecutive series of 11 patients with a history of medically refractory temporal lobe epilepsy, we studied the appearance of ictal patterns detected by epidural screw electrodes (ESE) placed in an effort to obviate depth electrode recording. All had prior scalp-sphenoidal monitoring with aignificant obscuration of ictal EEG by movement and muscle artifact. Six to 10 ESE were placed at bilateral temporal locations of the 10% system. Ictal findings in 4–15 partial seizures from 8 patients with mesiobasal (MBTLE) and 3 patients with neocortical (NCTLE) epilepsy were correlated with imaging and histology. Five of 8 patients with MBTLE had discrete high frequency discharges at onset, evolving within 10 s to focal theta at ESE, before appearing at scalp electrodes. All had Class 1A outcome with mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS). Three of 8 patients with MBTLE and MTS had less discrete onsets, with Class 1A, 1B and 3A outcomes. Two patients with NCTLE had lesions; a grade II oligoastrocytoma with rhythmic delta at ESE and Class 4 outcome, and an anterior temporal cavernous angioma with variable onsets, some of which were high frequency, with a Class 1A outcome. The third NCTLE patient demonstrated focal theta as an ictal pattern, had no lesion and a Class 1A outcome. Ictal onsets may be well localized in selected patients by ESE. A majority of patients with MTS display well defined high frequency ictal discharges.
The effect of low-dose methotrexate on bone metabolism and histomorphometry in rats.

Objective. To ascertain the effects of low-dose methotrexate (MTX) on bone metabolism and histomorphometry in rats. Methods. Female Sprague-Dawley rats (6 months old, n = 42) were divided into the following 4 groups: intraperitoneal (IP) injections of MTX, with and without ovariectomy, and IP saline (controls), with and without ovariectomy. Injections were given for 16 weeks. The MTX dose was equivalent to a standard dose for rheumatoid arthritis in humans that would yield similar serum MTX levels (0.6 ± 0.1 μmoles). Results. Bone formation (assessed by serum alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin levels and histomorphometry) was significantly lower in the MTX groups, and bone resorption (assessed by urinary hydroxyproline levels and histomorphometry) was increased in the MTX groups. Bone mass was significantly diminished in the MTX groups. Conclusion. Prolonged administration of lowdose MTX in rats causes significant osteopenia via suppression of osteoblast activity and stimulation of osteoclast recruitment, which results in increased bone resorption.
Gold, diamonds and blood: International state‐corporate crime in the Democratic Republic of the Congo 1

Since the beginning of the First Congolese War in 1996, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has devolved into uncontrolled genocidal warfare between ethnically based factions within an unresolved civil war due to international involvement on behalf of its neighbours (e.g., Uganda and Rwanda), transnational corporations (e.g., AngloGold Ashanti) and those corporations’ Western trading partners (Metalor Technologies and the nation of Switzerland). Central to the conflict is the control of rich mineral fields of the nation. Neighbouring nations and transnational corporations have exploited the political and military chaos of the DRC to expropriate illegally the state’s natural resources, especially the rich mineral deposits of the north and northeast. This case study examines the nature of these international crimes, theoretically explores the multiple causal factors and draws upon criminological theory to discuss solutions to the problems.
Yucatan after the wind: Human and environmental impact of hurricane Gilbert in the central and Eastern Yucatan Peninsula

Hurricane Gilbert made its landfall on the Yucatan peninsula on September 14, 1988, destroying valuable resort property in Cancun, Isla Mujeres, and Cozumel. Salt flats (salinas) in northern Quintana Roo and Yucatan were flooded by the storm surge and coastal marine ecosystem were devastated. Inland, the hurricane caused damages to houses, power lines, and farming land, but increased opportunities for garden hunting on destroyed fields. Twenty percent of tropical rain forest suffered losses of canopy and in the deciduous forests of north-central Yucatan noxiuous insects populations increased. Although damaging in its ultimate effects, hurricane Gilbert tested the resilience of Maya Indians and their readiness for post-disaster accommodation.
The inactivation of yeast enolase by 2,3-butanedione

Abstract Yeast enolase has been reacted with 2,3-butanedione in borate buffer and the number of arginine residues modified has been measured as a function of enzymatic activity. Activity losses are linear with respect to arginine modification, with complete inactivation being correlated with the alteration of one arginine per subunit. The tryptic peptide whose arginine is modified has been isolated using O-(triethylaminoethyl)-cellulose chromatography and paper electrophoresis and is a dipeptide, leucyl-arginine. Protection against loss of activity is afforded by the addition of substrate, 2-phosphoglyceric acid, or a competitive inhibitor, 3-aminoenolpyruvate-2-phosphate (AEP), and Mg; elimination of the Mg, a prerequisite for substrate or inhibitor binding, eliminates the protection afforded by substrate. It is suggested that a single arginine residue per subunit of enolase is necessary for enzymatic activity and is located at or near the substrate binding site (active site). The binding of a chromophoric competitive inhibitor, AEP, to native and butanedione-reacted enolase was examined by spectrophotometric titrations. Compared to the native enzyme, the butanedione-inactivated enolase binds AEP, but with an extinction coefficient for the inhibitor that is about two-thirds of the native value; the binding affinities are comparable. The strong binding of the modified enzyme for AEP suggests that the arginine, although critical for enzymatic activity, is not significantly involved in the overall binding of the inhibitor.
Imaging green fluorescent protein fusion proteins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abstract Tagging expressed proteins with the green fluorescent protein (GFP) from Aequorea victoria [1] is a highly specific and sensitive technique for studying the intracellular dynamics of proteins and organelles. We have developed, as a probe, a fusion protein of the carboxyl terminus of dynein and GFP (dynein–GFP), which fluorescently labels the astral microtubules of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae . This paper describes the modifications to our multimode microscope imaging system [2,3], the acquisition of three-dimensional (3-D) data sets and the computer processing methods we have developed to obtain time-lapse recordings of fluorescent astral microtubule dynamics and nuclear movements over the complete duration of the 90–120 minute yeast cell cycle. This required low excitation light intensity to prevent GFP photobleaching and phototoxicity, efficient light collection by the microscope optics, a cooled charge-coupled device (CCD) camera with high quantum efficiency, and image reconstruction from serial optical sections through the 6 μ m-wide yeast cell to see most or all of the astral molecules. Methods are also described for combining fluorescent images of the microtubules labeled with dynein–GFP with high resolution differential interference contrast (DIC) images of nuclear and cellular morphology [4], and fluorescent images of the chromosomes stained with 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) [5].
Effects of antihistaminic drugs on feline brain monoamine metabolism

Abstract Diphenhydramine and phenindamine were administered in various doses to cats and the time course of changes in monoamine metabolite levels in cerebrospinal fluid was determined. Diphenhydramine at a sedative dose did not alter 5-hydroxytryptamine or dopamine metabolism. Excitant doses of diphenhydramine elevated 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid levels, while homovanillic acid levels remained unchanged. At a convulsant dose, diphenhydramine lowered rectal temperature while elevating both 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid and homovanillic acid levels. Phenindamine, which reportedly produces only central nervous system (CNS) excitation and convulsions, caused excitation, tremor and stereotypy, while elevating 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid and homovanillic acid levels in cerebrospinal fluid. These data suggest that antihistaminic-induced sedation is not due to an alteration in brain 5-hydroxytryptamine or dopamine metabolism and that only 5-hydroxytryptamine metabolism is increased during CNS excitation. Stereotypic behavior after phenindamine may occur through a dopaminergic system as reflected by elevated levels of homovanillic acid in cerebrospinal fluid.
Electrophysiological identification of principal and intercalated cells in the rabbit outer medullary collecting duct.

Intracellular microelectrode techniques were used together with inhibitors of Na+ transport (amiloride) and H+ transport (acetazolamide and SITS1) to identify principal cells and intercalated cells in the outer stripe of the rabbit outer medullary collecting duct. The principal cell (n=9) had a basolateral membrane voltage (V bl) of −64.7±3.2 mV, a fractional resistance of the apical membrane (fR a=R a/R a+R bl) of 0.82±0.02, and a K+-selective basolateral membrane. Luminal amiloride hyperpolarizedV bl by 10.3±2.1 mV and increasedfR a to near unity (n=7). Bath acetazolamide and SITS were without effect on these parameters. The intercalated cell (n=5) had aV bl of −25.0±3.2 mV, afR a of 0.99±0.01, and a Cl−-selective basolateral membrane. Bath acetazolamide or SITS hyperpolarizedV bl by 26.4±8.2 mV. Luminal amiloride did not alterV bl of this cell. The differential effects of the inhibitors also indicate that the principal and intercalated cells are probably not directly coupled electrically.
Peptidoleukotrienes induce an endothelium-dependent relaxation of guiena pig main pulmonary artery and thoratic aorta☆

Abstract The purpose of our investigation was to assess the role of the endothelium in the vasomotor effects of leukotrienes. Norepinephrine-preconstricted rings isolated from guinea pig main pulmonary artery and thoraic aorta responded to LTC 4 and LTD 4 with a concentration-dependent relaxation. In endothelium-denuded rings, both LTC 4 and LTD 4 caused a concentration-dependent contraction. The LTD 4 receptor antagonist ICI 198, 615 inhibited both LTC 4 - and LTD 4 -induced relaxation and contraction. Inhibition of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase with AT-125 prevented the effects of LTC 4 , but not those of LTD 4 . The relaxant effect of LTD 4 was not modified by indomethacin, but was abolished by methylene blue. We conclude that: 1)LTD 4 induces a receptor-mediated endothelium-dependent relaxation of cavian pulmonary artery and aorta; 2) the vasorelaxant effect of LTC 4 requires its conversion to LTD 4 ; 3) the vasorelaxant effect of LTD 4 is unrelated to PGI 2 release, and is probably due to the release of an “EDRF”; 4) the removal of the endothelium reveals a direct receptor-mediated vasoconstricting effect of leukotrienes.