cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Porphyrin and Ligand Protons as Internal Labels for Determination of Ligand Orientation in ESEEMS of Low-Spin d5 Complexes in Glassy Media: ESEEM Studies of the Orientation of the g Tensor with Respect to the Planes of Axial Ligands and Porphyrin Nitrogens of Low-Spin Ferriheme Systems

The proton sum frequency peak(s), I(ν+), in the ESEEM spectra of low-spin ferriheme complexes provide single-crystal-like information concerning the orientation of the g tensor in samples in frozen glassy media. In this work we have investigated two model heme complexes, [OEPFe(imidazole)2]+ and [OEPFe(4-(dimethylamino)pyridine)2]+ (OEP = octaethylporphyrinate). Both experimental intensities and frequency shifts from twice the 1H Larmor frequency of the observed signals were measured at various points across the EPR spectrum and compared to the expected spectra, simulated using the known crystal structure data, isotropic hyperfine coupling constants, and g strain. In each case the z magnetic axis direction was defined as perpendicular to the mean plane of the porphyrinate, and it was found that gzz is the largest g value in both cases. The in-plane magnetic axis directions could also be determined from the ESEEM data, and it was found that the orientations of gxx and gyy differ, depending on the orientati...
Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy: Oncologic Outcomes and Management of Distal Ureter; Review of the Literature

Introduction. Laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy (LNU) is being increasingly performed at several centers across the world. We review oncologic outcomes after LNU procedure and the techniques for the management of distal ureter. Materials and Methods. A comprehensive review of the literature was performed on the oncological outcomes and management of distal ureter associated with LNU for upper tract transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). Results and Discussion. LNU for upper tract TCC is performed pure laparoscopically (LNU) or hand-assisted (HALNU). The management of the distal ureter is still debated. LNU appears to have superior perioperative outcomes when compared to open surgery. Intermediate term oncologic outcomes after LNU are comparable to open nephroureterectomy (ONU). Conclusions. Excision of the distal ureter and bladder cuff during nephroureterectomy remains controversial. Intermediate term oncologic outcomes for LNU compare well with ONU. Initial long-term oncologic outcomes are encouraging. Prospective randomized comparison between LNU and open surgery is needed to define the role of these modalities in the current context.
Structure and function of the bacterial chromosome.

Abstract In bacteria there appear to be two distinct levels of DNA condensation: the organization of independently supercoiled domains of DNA (averaging 100 kbp in size) and the organization of shorter segments of DNA (60–120 bp) with abundant DNA-binding proteins.
Diel flight periodicities of some Dytiscidae (Coleoptera) associated with California rice paddies

. Diel flight periodicities of Eretes sticticus (L.), Hygrotus medialis (LeConte), Laccophilus mexicanus atristernalis Crotch, Liodessus affinis (Say) and Thermonectus basillaris (Harris) were monitored with a rotary net machine and a black light trap. All were affected to some extent by air temperature, light intensity, and wind velocity. Most flights occur at temperatures of 23–24°C when there is no wind. Flights appear to be limited by temperatures as low as 16°C and as high as 32°C, and variously by wind velocities of 8 kph or more. The relative size and the geographical range of each species may influence its period of peak flight. Larger species tended to initiate flights later in the evening, and had a longer period during which peak flight could occur.
Frizzled-8 receptor is activated by the Wnt-2 ligand in non-small cell lung cancer

Background: Wnt-2 plays an oncogenic role in cancer, but which Frizzled receptor(s) mediates the Wnt-2 signaling pathway in lung cancer remains unclear. We sought to (1) identify and evaluate the activation of Wnt-2 signaling through Frizzled-8 in non-small cell lung cancer, and (2) test whether a novel expression construct dominant negative Wnt-2 (dnhWnt-2) reduces tumor growth in a colony formation assay and in a xenograft mouse model. Methods: Semi-quantitative RT-PCR was used to identify the expression of Wnt-2 and Frizzled-8 in 50 lung cancer tissues from patients. The TCF reporter assay (TOP/FOP) was used to detect the activation of the Wnt canonical pathway in vitro. A novel dnhWnt-2 construct was designed and used to inhibit activation of Wnt-2 signaling through Frizzled-8 in 293T, 293, A549 and A427 cells and in a xenograft mouse model. Statistical comparisons were made using Student’s t-test. Results: Among the 50 lung cancer samples, we identified a 91% correlation between the transcriptional increase of Wnt-2 and Frizzled-8 (p<0.05). The Wnt canonical pathway was activated when both Wnt-2 and Frizzled-8 were co-expressed in 293T, 293, A549 and A427 cells. The dnhWnt-2 construct we used inhibited the activation of Wnt-2 signaling in 293T, 293, A549 and A427 cells, and reduced the colony formation of NSCLC cells when β-catenin was present (p<0.05). Inhibition of Wnt-2 activation by the dnhWnt-2 construct further reduced the size and mass of tumors in the xenograft mouse model (p<0.05). The inhibition also decreased the expression of target genes of Wnt signaling in these tumors. Conclusions: We demonstrated an activation of Wnt-2 signaling via the Frizzled-8 receptor in NSCLC cells. A novel dnhWnt-2 construct significantly inhibits Wnt-2 signaling, reduces colony formation of NSCLC cells in vitro and tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model. The dnhWnt-2 construct may provide a new therapeutic avenue for targeting the Wnt pathway in lung cancer.
Measuring the Silver Composition of Nanocolloids by Inductively Coupled Plasma–Optical Emission Spectroscopy: A Laboratory Experiment for Chemistry and Engineering Students

The increased worldwide exploitation of nanomaterials has reinforced the importance of introducing nanoscale aspects into the undergraduate and graduate curriculum. To meet this need, a novel nano-laboratory module was developed and successfully performed by science and engineering students. The main goal of the experiment was to accurately quantify the total silver composition of a nanocolloid with modern inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) instrumentation in conjunction with two well-established methods that are heavily employed in both research and industrial settings. Specifically, undergraduate and graduate students estimated the total silver composition of Creighton colloidal nanoparticles via the external calibration method (16.3 ± 4.7 mg L-1) and the standard addition method (14.9 ± 4.2 mg L-1) at two emission wavelengths (328.068 and 338.898 nm). The assessment of basic laboratory skills and the class assignments showed that the students successfully mastered the various aspects of sample/standard preparation, the operation of the ICP-OES instrument, and the data analysis. Students’ interest and experience in this laboratory were highly rated in the anonymous student evaluations.
Miocene Bats from the Lower Valentine Formation of Northeastern Nebraska

Two specimens of Microchiroptera are described from the middle Miocene locality known as “Annies Geese Cross” in the lower Valentine Formation in Knox Co., Nebraska. They occurred among remains of vertebrates and plants indicative of a subtropical sluggish-stream paleocommunity. An edentulous dentary probably represents the widespread genus Myotis . A skull fragment exhibits a unique double infraorbital foramen and is named as a new genus and species of Vespertilionidae.
Neurophysiologic Patterns of Learning in Decision Groups

Recent advances in neurophysiological methods are providing IS researchers with new research opportunities. We deployed electroencephalograms (EEG) analyses to compare learning within two organizational forms: computer-mediated and face-to-face decision teams. We collected demographic, psychometric, simultaneous parallel EEG, and performance data from 118 undergraduate students who performed the Ethical Decision Challenge© as part of a face-to-face or a computer-mediated team. Organizational learning was derived from performance data registered at three points during the experiment: (1) individually prior to group discussion, (2) collectively as a group consensus, and (3) individually following the group discussion. The results revealed a significant difference between learning ability between face-to-face and computer-mediated team members, thus supporting propositions of media richness theory. Further, a comparison of brain patterns between face-to-face team members and computer-mediated team members revealed a significant difference in neural activity. Our findings also confirm the role of the left temporal lobe in learning and performance.
COMPARTMENTALIZATION OF THE DEVELOPING MACRONUCLEUS FOLLOWING CONJUGATION IN STYLONYCHIA AND EUPLOTES

The development of the macronucleus following conjugation in the hypotrichous ciliates Euplotes and Stylonychia has been examined with the electron microscope. Banded polytene chromosomes can be seen in thin sections of the macronuclear anlagen during the early periods of exconjugant development. As the chromosomes reach their maximum state of polyteny, sheets of fibrous material appear between the chromosomes and transect the chromosomes in the interband regions. Individual bands of the polytene chromosomes thus appear to be isolated in separate compartments. Subsequently, during the stage when the bulk of the polytenic DNA is degraded (1), these compartments swell, resulting in a nucleus packed with thousands of separate spherical chambers. Individual chromosomes are no longer discernible. The anlagen retain this compartmentalized condition for several hours, at the end of which time aggregates of dense material form within many of the compartments. The partitioning layers disperse shortly before replication bands appear within the elongating anlagen, initiating the second period of DNA synthesis characteristic of macronuclear development in these hypotrichs. The evidence presented here suggests that the "chromatin granules" seen in the mature vegetative macronucleus represent the material of single bands of the polytene chromosomes seen during the earlier stages of macronuclear development. The possibility is also discussed that the degradation of DNA in the polytene chromosomes may be genetically selective, which would result in a somatic macronucleus with a different genetic constitution than that of the micronucleus from which it was derived.
Lipase-mediated acidolysis of tristearin with CLA in a packed-bed reactor: A kinetic study

Solvent-free acidolysis of tristearin with CLA has been carried out in a packed-bed reactor. An immobilized lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosa (Lipozyme TL IM) was employed as the biocatalyst. Elevated temperatures (75°C) were utilized to eliminate solid substrates. The reaction kinetics were modeled by using a rate equation of the general Michaelis-Menten form. Both the extent of incorporation of CLA and the extent to which FFA were released were investigated. Positional analysis of the purified TAG obtained after a pseudo space time of 0.6 h indicated that CLA was preferentially incorporated at the sn-1,3 positions of the glycerol backbone, although 10% of the sn-2 positions were occupied by CLA residues. At a pseudo space time of 0.6 h, 38% of the initial CLA was incorporated in acylglycerols; the associated extent of hydrolysis was 8.3%.
A putative loop E motif and an H-H kissing loop interaction are conserved and functional features in a group C enterovirus RNA that inhibits ribonuclease L.

A phylogenetically conserved RNA structure within the open reading frame of poliovirus and other group C enteroviruses functions as a competitive inhibitor of the antiviral endoribonuclease RNase L. Hence, we call this viral RNA the RNase L competitive inhibitor RNA (RNase L ciRNA). In this investigation we used phylogenetic information, RNA structure prediction software, site-directed mutagenesis, and RNase L activity assays to identify functionally important sequences and structures of the RNase L ciRNA. A putative loop E motif is phylogenetically conserved in the RNA structure and mutations of nucleotides within the putative loop E motif destroyed the ability of the RNA molecule to inhibit RNase L. A putative H-H kissing loop interaction is phylogenetically conserved in the RNA structure and covariant polymorphisms that maintain the Watson-Crick complementarity required for the kissing interaction provide evidence of its importance. Compensatory mutations that disrupted and then restored the putative k...
Stresses on the professional nurse caregiver

Staff retention is a goal of all home health care agencies for the obvious reasons—decreased availability of replacements and the cost of the educational/orientation process. Home health care presents very specific stressors. This article describes those stressors found through a very recent survey and suggests ways to minimize them. This is important as home health care grows in this country.
Insights into the mechanism of Rad51 recombinase from the structure and properties of a filament interface mutant

Rad51 protein promotes homologous recombination in eukaryotes. Recombination activities are activated by Rad51 filament assembly on ssDNA. Previous studies of yeast Rad51 showed that His352 occupies an important position at the filament interface, where it could relay signals between subunits and active sites. To investigate, we characterized yeast Rad51 H352A and H352Y mutants, and solved the structure of H352Y. H352A forms catalytically competent but salt-labile complexes on ssDNA. In contrast, H352Y forms salt-resistant complexes on ssDNA, but is defective in nucleotide exchange, RPA displacement and strand exchange with full-length DNA substrates. The 2.5 A crystal structure of H352Y reveals a right-handed helical filament in a high-pitch (130 A) conformation with P61 symmetry. The catalytic core and dimer interface regions of H352Y closely resemble those of DNA-bound Escherichia coli RecA protein. The H352Y mutation stabilizes Phe187 from the adjacent subunit in a position that interferes with the γ-phosphate-binding site of the Walker A motif/P-loop, potentially explaining the limited catalysis observed. Comparison of Rad51 H352Y, RecA–DNA and related structures reveals that the presence of bound DNA correlates with the isomerization of a conserved cis peptide near Walker B to the trans configuration, which appears to prime the catalytic glutamate residue for ATP hydrolysis.
The role of business impact analysis and testing in disaster recovery planning by health maintenance organizations.

(2001). The Role of Business Impact Analysis and Testing in Disaster Recovery Planning by Health Maintenance Organizations. Hospital Topics: Vol. 79, No. 1, pp. 16-22.
Simulations of Clay Mineral Swelling and Hydration: Dependence upon Interlayer Ion Size and Charge

The dependence of the crystalline swelling and hydration properties of clay minerals on interlayer ion size and charge was investigated using molecular dynamics computer simulations of Na-, Cs-, and Sr-substituted montmorillonites. For all clays studied, layer spacings measured as a function of water content exhibited plateaus at the one-layer hydrate spacing. Calculated immersion energies exhibited minima for integer-layer hydrates up through the three-layer hydrate, with apparent global minima identified with the one-layer hydrate for Cs−montmorillonite and with the two-layer hydrates for the Na− and Sr−montmorillonites. In addition, for Sr−montmorillonite, layer spacings jumped discontinuously between one-layer and two-layer separations and showed a second plateau at the two-layer hydrate spacing. The immersion energy curve for Sr−montmorillonite showed similar discontinuities. These results provide evidence for a constant water content swelling transition between one-layer and two-layer spacings. This...
G-6A Polymorphism of Angiotensinogen Gene Modulates the Effect of Blood Pressure on Carotid Intima-Media Thickness: The Bogalusa Heart Study

Background The adverse association between blood pressure and carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT), a surrogate measure of subclinical atherosclerosis, is well-known. However, whether the G-6A polymorphism of the angiotensinogen (AGT) gene, a candidate gene of hypertension and vascular remodeling, modulates this relationship is unknown. Methods In 662 white and black subjects aged 25 to 43 years (73.4% white, 39.7% male), common carotid IMT was measured by B-mode ultrasonography. Results The variant A-6 allele frequency was higher in blacks than in whites (0.850 v 0.448, P < .0001). In a bivariate analysis, there were no differences in mean arterial blood pressure and common carotid IMT between carriers and noncarriers of the G allele in whites, blacks, or the total sample, after adjusting for gender, age, and race. In a multivariable regression analysis that included the status of the G allele (carriers versus noncarriers) along with gender, age, mean arterial blood pressure, body mass index, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides:HDL cholesterol ratio, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, smoking, and race (in the total sample), mean arterial blood pressure was significantly and adversely associated with common carotid IMT in whites, blacks, and the total sample. This adverse positive relationship between mean arterial blood pressure and common carotid IMT was noted among noncarriers but not carriers of the G allele (comparison of slopes, P = .02) in the total sample. Although the interaction was not significant (P = .2 and P = .05 in whites and blacks, respectively), a trend similar to that in the total sample was found in both races. Conclusions In a recessive manner, the genetic variant (G-6A) of the AGT gene modulates the association between blood pressure and carotid IMT in young adults.
Optimization Of Engine Heat Transfer Mechanisms For Ground Combat Vehicle Signature Models

A thermodynamic model for predicting the behavior of selected internal thermal sources of an M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle is described. The modeling methodology is expressed in terms of first principle heat transfer equations along with a brief history of TACOM's experience with thermal signature modeling techniques. The dynamic operation of the internal thermal sources is presented along with limited test data and an examination of their effect on the vehicle signature.
Cation defects and conductivity in transparent oxides

High quality doped zinc oxide and mixed transition metal spinel oxide films have been deposited by means of sputter deposition from metal and metal oxide targets, and by spin casting from aqueous or alcoholic precursor solutions. Deposition conditions and post-deposition processing are found to alter cation oxidation states and their distributions in both oxide materials resulting in marked changes to both optical transmission and electrical response. For ZnO, partial reduction of the neat or doped material by hydrogen treatment of the heated film or by electrochemical processing renders the oxide n-type conducting. Continued reduction was found to diminish conductivity. In contrast, oxidation of the infrared transparent p-type spinel conductors typified by NiCo2O4 was found to increase conductivity. The disparate behavior of these two materials is caused, in part, by the sign of the charge carrier and by the existence of two different charge transport mechanisms that are identified as free carrier conduction and polaron hopping. While much work has been reported concerning structure/property relationships in the free carrier conducting oxides, there is a significantly smaller body of information on transparent polaron conductors. In this paper, we identify key parameters that promote conductivity in mixed metal spinel oxides and compare their behavior with that of the free carrier TCO’s.
Pyogenic liver abscess complicating biliary stricture due to chronic pancreatitis.

Background: Chronic pancreatitis uncommonly causes common bile duct stricture, and common bile duct stricture rarely leads to pyogenic liver abscess. Methods: We describe a 51-year-old man who deve...
Vaccine development: NKT-cell adjuvants in conjugate.

Two studies demonstrate that natural killer T-cell adjuvants, covalently attached to either carbohydrate or peptide epitopes, yield effective vaccines.
Electronic structure of polymeric μ-cyclopentadienyl–indium complexes

Abstract The electronic structures of oligomeric and polymeric μ -cyclopentadienyl (Cp)–indium complexes were examined by tight-binding band calculations. On the basis of the band structures, we discuss the delocalization of electrons along the axis of the polymer chain. In order to discuss the application of this polymeric complex to nano/molecular electronic devices, it is important to consider its interaction with a metal electrode. Therefore, we also examined the electronic structures of an oligomeric Cp–In complex adsorbed on a metal slab (Pt or Au).
Communication anxiety and the acquisition of message‐production skill

There is reason to believe that the interfering, off‐task thoughts that accompany anxiety may place anxious individuals at a disadvantage in the skill‐acquisition process. Previous research indicates that the course of skill acquisition is characterized by the power function P = BNα. This study sought to examine the relationship between state anxiety and three parameters defining individuals’ learning curves: α, the learning‐rate parameter; B, the γ‐intercept of the learning curve; and r2, a measure of the fluctuations in performance quality from trial to trial. The results indicated that communication anxiety is associated with lower values ofα, higher B values, and lower r2 values.
Perinatal outcome after prenatal diagnosis of placental abnormalities and abnormal alpha-fetoprotein levels

ITIES AND ABNORMAL ALPHA-FETOPROTEIN LEVELS WILLIAM DOBAK, NORA DOYLE, DIAN FOGLE, METHODIUS TUULI, CHRISTINE L. PROUDFIT, PATRICE L. BASANTA-HENRY, TAMULA M. PATTERSON-THOMAS, CHRISTOPHER D. HARVEY, KHADEJA HAYE, EMAD I. ATTA, Emory University, Gynecology & Obstetrics, Atlanta, Georgia OBJECTIVE: Elevated levels of alpha-fetoprotein have been associated with obstetric complications such as neural tube defects, growth restriction, abruption, preterm delivery, fetal demise and preeclampsia. Prior studies have shown that the higher the level of alpha-fetoprotein, the greater the risk for adverse outcome. We sought to identify among patients with abnormal placentas, the correlation of alpha-fetoprotein levels with adverse perinatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Cases of placental abnormalities diagnosed prenatally on ultrasound were identified. Alph-fetoprotein levels for each patient were abstracted from results of the serum quadruple screen. Information on maternal demographics, prenatal sonographic findings, pregnancy complications, antenatal intervention, and perinatal outcomes were obtained by reviewing the medical records and our perinatal database. Perinatal outcomes among patients with both placental abnormalities and high alpha-fetoprotein levels (O2MOM) and those with only placental abnormalities were compared. Chi square, Fisher’s exact test, ANOVA, T –test and logistic regression analysis were performed where appropriate with p less than 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: In the 6 year period from November 2000 – June 2006 , 184 patients with abnormal placentas were diagnosed prenatally. Of these 71 had AFP values for analysis. Preterm birth (31.4%, p!0.05) and incidence of IUFD (8%, p!0.05) were significantly higher in the group with high AFP values as compared to those with normal AFP. No significant differences in chronic hypertension or cesarean delivery rate between the two groups was noted. CONCLUSION: Placental abnormalities are associated with an increased risk of pregnancy complications, the most common being IUGR, fetal loss, and preterm delivery. From our study the presence of high alpa-fetoprotein levels further increases these risks. Prenatal diagnosis of these two abnormalities may allow for identification and appropriate interventions to reduce these adverse perinatal outcomes. More studies are needed.
The A-B, B-C, A-C mediation paradigm: Recall of A-B following A-C learning

Three interpretations of the fact that paired-associate (PA) performance on A-C in the A-B, B-C, A-C paradigm is usually superior to A-C performance in the A-B, D-C, A-C paradigm were evaluated. A total of 60 Ss, 20 per cent condition, learned successively three PA lists conforming respectively to an A-B, B-C, A-C (Cond. B-C), an A-B, B-C, E-F (Cond. E-F) and an A-B, D-C, A-C (Cond. D-C) paradigm. Recall of A-B following A-C learning was then measured in all conditions. The expected levels of recall according to the mediational interpretation were Cond. B-C > Cond. E-F > Cond. D-C. The data were in accord with this expectation. Alternative interpretations, interference ( Mandler and Earhard, 1964 ) or direct-association ( Schwenn and Underwood, 1965 ) were not supported by the data.
Role of dopamine D1 receptors in novelty seeking in adult female Long-Evans rats.

Abstract Adult Long-Evans ovariectomized female rats received injections of the DA D1 antagonist SCH 23390 (0, 0.03 and 0.3 mg/kg, i.p.) and were observed in an open field apparatus (OFA) with a novel object. Results indicate that a significant effect of SCH 23390 was found on several measures of novelty seeking and activity, with the high dose producing a significant decrease in (1) approaches to and (2) rears while approaching the novel object, (3) latency to interact with the novel object, (4) in time interacting with the novel object, (5) anxious behavior (as measured by rears) and (6) locomotor activity (LMA), as compared to both the saline and low dose. Interestingly, the effects of SCH 23390 on approaches and rears were not significant when LMA was factored into the analysis (repeated measures ANCOVA), however, marked results were still found on time interacting with the novel object. These data demonstrate that SCH 23390 produced dose-dependent effects on novelty seeking that were independent of LMA, implicating D1 receptors in the incentive-motivational aspect of novelty seeking in adult gonadectomized female rats.
A New Editor-in-Chief at the Helm!

If asked to list three events that happened in 1941, depending on your age (and memory), you might come up with perhaps one, or draw a total blank. Let me help by informing you first that the Yankees took the World Series (again!) from the Brooklyn Dodgers 4 to 1. More significantly, President Franklin Roosevelt declared war on Japan on December 8, 1941, a day after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Germany in turn declared war on the United States on December 11, 1941, adding to how momentous a year that was for Americans. Very serious times without question, but there is a brighter side to 1941 insofar as endocrinologists and The Endocrine Society are concerned. The first issue of what was originally the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology (or JCE) appeared in January 1941 as the second journal of our Society, then known as the Association for the Study of Internal Secretions. For you endocrinologists who lament that the public has little idea what an endocrinologist is or does, consider that it could be much worse if you still were described as a specialist in internal secretions! The JCE started as a monthly publication at a cost of $6.50 per year, the price of a single movie ticket today (at least for senior citizens). Our Society’s first journal was Endocrinology, initially appearing in January 1917, and it was the growing submission of clinical papers to the latter that led to the birth of the JCE. As far as I can tell, there was no single Editor-in-Chief (EIC) of the JCE, but rather a starstudded “Editorial Committee” that included the famous Dr. Fuller Albright. Articles in that first issue included one by George Thorn on the use of steroids for adrenal insufficiency and one by Lawson Wilkins on treatment with desiccated thyroid of hypothyroidism in children. January 1952 saw the “M” added to the JCE and publication of the first issue as the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. January 2010 now marks another milestone for the Society and the JCEM. After 5 outstanding years as EIC, Dr. Paul Ladenson has stepped down. These past 5 years have seen remarkable enhancements in the Journal that have led to both its greater popularity with the readership and tangible evidence of its importance in the field. That importance was demonstrated again this past year by a significant rise in the Journal’s “impact factor,” which is a measure of the frequency of citation of JCEM articles. Dr. Ladenson’s achievements were facilitated, nourished, and enhanced by an exceptional group of Associate Editors, Editorial Board members, and reviewers. On behalf of the Journal and the Society, I thank the departing Editors and Editorial Board members for their dedication. The quality and hard work of this team notwithstanding, the Journal would not have achieved its success by their efforts alone. Importantly, it has been the submission of outstanding manuscripts from clinical investigators and clinicians like you that has shaped the Journal into a repository of the best in endocrine scientific inquiry and commentary. Indeed, our authors have heeded Benjamin Franklin’s admonition in Poor Richard’s Almanac:
Effect of Solvent Polarity, pH, and Metal Complexation on the Triple Fluorescence of 4-(N-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecyl)benzonitrile

Triple fluorescence is observed for 4-(N-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecyl)benzonitrile (DMABN-Cyclam) in ethanol, corresponding to a locally excited (LE) singlet state, a twisted intramolecular cha...
East-West Asymmetry of Positive and Negative Mesons at the Geomagnetic Equator

The intensities of positive and negative $\ensuremath{\mu}$ mesons at zenith angles of 45\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} in the east-west plane and at the vertical have been measured at atmospheric depth 548 g ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ near the geomagnetic equator. The data are analyzed through use of the empirical production spectrum and unidimensional equation for $\ensuremath{\mu}$-meson production employed by Sands and by Olbert. A careful theoretical discussion is given, taking into account in detail the various effects arising both from the variation of the geomagnetic cutoff with direction of incidence of the primaries and from the curvature of the trajectories of the mesons in the earth's magnetic field after their production in the atmosphere. It is found that, to bring the 45\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and vertical data into accord, it is necessary to assume an rms angle of production of the parent $\ensuremath{\pi}$ mesons of 14\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. It is then possible to express the production spectrum, at any geographical location, by the single equation $G({R}^{\ensuremath{'}})=A{[{R}^{\ensuremath{'}}+a({M}_{c})]}^{\ensuremath{-}n}$, where ${M}_{c}$ is the cutoff magnetic rigidity for the primaries in a given direction of incidence at that location. The data do not indicate the presence of any appreciable number of negatively charged particles in the primary cosmic radiation.
Analysis of early failures after lumbar decompressive laminectomy for spinal stenosis.

Objective To determine why some patients have no improvement after surgical treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis. Design We conducted a retrospective study of patients who were referred to our institution between 1990 and 1993 because their symptoms were unchanged or worsened after lumbar decompressive laminectomy. Material and Methods For the 45 study patients (25 women and 20 men; mean age, 70.8 years), preoperative and postoperative clinical status, preoperative and postoperative imaging studies, and operative reports were analyzed. Results Preoperatively, only 23 patients (51%) had the clinical syndrome of neurogenic claudication, and 15 (33%) had midline low-back pain without a radicular component. Three other patients had peripheral neuropathy, and three had atypical leg pain. Only 10 patients had radiographic evidence of severe lumbar canal stenosis; the others had moderate, mild, or no stenosis. In 10 patients, surgical decompression was inadequate. Only three patients had the triad of neurogenic claudication, radiographically confirmed severe lumbar stenosis, and adequate decompression of the lumbar canal and lateral recesses. Conclusion The most common pattern in patients with early failure after lumbar laminectomy was the absence of actual neurogenic claudication coupled with the absence of severe stenosis on preoperative imaging studies. The most common technical error was inadequate neural decompression. These data suggest that the outcome may be improved by more careful selection of patients and by performance of an adequate surgical decompression.
Empirical optimization for a sparse linear solver: a case study

This paper describes initial experiences with semi-automated performance tuning of a sparse linear solver in LS-DYNA, a large, widely used engineering application. Through a collection of tools supporting empirical optimization, we alleviate the burden of performance tuning for mapping today's sophisticated engineering software to increasingly complex hardware platforms. We describe a tool that automatically isolates code segments to create benchmark subsets for the purposes of performance tuning. We present a collection of automatically generated empirical results that demonstrate the sensitivity of the application's performance to optimization parameters. Through this case study, we demonstrate the importance of developing automatic performance tuning support for performance-sensitive applications.
Tunable and Transferrable Bar Feeder Damping Design for Advanced Manufacturing

The economical production of high-value, low-volume, machined components is an important subtopic of advanced manufacturing. Bar feeders, a well-established technology for adding a high degree of automation to CNC turning centers by feeding 12′ lengths of stock through the machine spindle, have limitations in this realm. They rely on supporting the entire length of the stock in a continuous fluid bearing in order to suppress potential vibrations. Although this results in excellent vibration suppression, long tooling changeovers make them impractical for small batch sizes. Additionally, the expense of the tooling can render them cost-prohibitive. Thus a bar feeder technology is desired that provides comparable vibration suppression for a wide variety of stock sizes without the need for size-specific tooling changes. In this, a movable point support having tunable viscoelastic properties is studied for controlling the vibration of varying lengths of bar stock in a given speed range. The transverse vibration of mounted bar stock is modeled as a Bernoulli-Euler beam. The effects of the support position, viscoelastic model, and their associated parameters on the resonant frequencies, damping ratios, and vibration response of the bar stock are studied. Such a study will be instrumental in developing passive/active vibration control strategies for future bar feeders.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Synthesis of tetramethylammonium-cis-acetylphenyltetracarbonylrhenate(I), a stable acyclic alkylacylmetal complex

Abstract Decarbonylation of N(CH3)4+ cis-(CO)4Re(COCH3)(COC6H5)− (I) at 70°C gives a 97 3 mixture of N(CH3)4+cis-(CO)4Re(C6H5)(COCH3)− (II) and N(CH3)4+ cis-(CO)4Re(CH3)(COC6H5− (III) which equilibrate with one another at 40°C.
Optical-thermal light-tissue interactions during photoacoustic imaging

Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) has grown rapidly as a biomedical imaging technique in recent years, with key applications in cancer diagnosis and oximetry. In spite of these advances, the literature provides little insight into thermal tissue interactions involved in PAI. To elucidate these basic phenomena, we have developed, validated, and implemented a three-dimensional numerical model of tissue photothermal (PT) response to repetitive laser pulses. The model calculates energy deposition, fluence distributions, transient temperature and damage profiles in breast tissue with blood vessels and generalized perfusion. A parametric evaluation of these outputs vs. vessel diameter and depth, optical beam diameter, wavelength, and irradiance, was performed. For a constant radiant exposure level, increasing beam diameter led to a significant increase in subsurface heat generation rate. Increasing vessel diameter resulted in two competing effects – reduced mean energy deposition in the vessel due to light attenuation and greater thermal superpositioning due to reduced thermal relaxation. Maximum temperatures occurred either at the surface or in subsurface regions of the dermis, depending on vessel geometry and position. Results are discussed in terms of established exposure limits and levels used in prior studies. While additional experimental and numerical study is needed, numerical modeling represents a powerful tool for elucidating the effect of PA imaging devices on biological tissue.
Biomass prediction using generalized allometric regressions for some northeast tree species

Abstract Generalized allometric equations for several tree species were developed to assess the feasibility of using such equations for sites other than those for which they were developed. Regressions relating weight of stem, branch, and total above ground biomass to DBH (diameter at breast height, 1.3 m) were compiled for six species from the literature and used to generate new generalized regressions by species and plant part. Mean differences between values predicted by the generalized regressions and estimates from original regressions for total above ground weight were generally within the range of errors of estimate reported for individual regressions. The generalized regressions do not introduce bias into the results with increasing dbh. Differences between the generalized regressions and the original regressions for stem and branch weights of all species were considerably higher. Tests of generalized regressions against field data for sugar maple and aspen indicate excellent prediction by a generalized maple regressions but somewhat less accurate predictions by generalized aspen regressions.
An enhanced sign test for dependent binary data with small numbers of clusters

The classical sign test is proper for hypotheses about a specified success probability, when based on independent trials. For such a hypothesis we introduce a new exact test that is appropriate with clustered binary data. It combines a permutation approach and an exact parametric bootstrap calculation. Simulation studies show it to be superior to a sign test based on aggregated cluster level data. The new test is more powerful than or comparable to a standard permutation test whenever (1) the number of clusters is small or (2) for larger cluster numbers under strong clustering. The results from a chemical repellency trial are used to illustrate three legitimate test methods.
Race and repeats: The impact of officer performance on racially biased policing

Abstract This study explored the impact of the repeat phenomenon on racial disparities in police motor vehicle stops. The repeat phenomenon is the existence of a small proportion of people or places (officers, citizens, places, victims) that account for a much larger proportion of events. While this phenomenon has been identified and discussed in other areas of criminal justice and criminology, little attention has been given to its existence in officer behavior. This study examined the impact of repeat officers on the level of racial disparity in a population of motor vehicle stops in a midwestern city during a portion of the year 2001. Results indicated that officer performance has a significant impact on the level of racial disproportionality in motor vehicle stops. Areas of future research addressing possible theoretical explanations for racial disparity in motor vehicle stops are also explored.
An ergonomics evaluation of cashier work activities at checker-unload workstations.

Abstract The ergonomic suitability of the ‘over-the-counter’ (OTC) or ‘checker unload’ workstation for grocery-scanning operations has been questioned by a number of ergonomists, safety and health professionals, and retail food industry executives in the USA. There is concern that requiring cashiers to remove grocery items directly from the customer's cart for scanning exacerbates the risk of musculoskeletal disorders associated with this job. For this reason, a study was conducted to determine whether supermarket cashiers are exposed to increased biomechanical stress due to the use of checker-unload workstations for standing work. The work activities of 12 grocery cashiers from three supermarkets were recorded on videotape. Postures and movements associated with the scanning task were visually evaluated and compared with those of 10 grocery cashiers using a front-facing, customer-unload workstation examined in a previous study. The results indicate that use of the checker-unload workstation places additional stresses on the cashier beyond those imposed by customer-unload checkstands. Specifically, the task of removing groceries directly from the cart for scanning increases the frequency of long reaches, awkward shoulder postures, and lifts. These stresses can be mitigated by eliminating checker-unload operations and providing checkstands with conveyor belts for delivering groceries to the cashier. Implementing additional workstation modifications and encouraging cashiers to adopt alternative work practices also may reduce the frequencies of awkward postures and stressful motions associated with this checkstand design.
A Screening Model for Evaluating the Degradation and Transport of MTBE and Other Fuel Oxygenates in Groundwater

Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) has received high attention since it contributed to cleaner air but adversely contaminated thousands of underground storage tank sites. Because MTBE is very soluble in water, it is difficult to remove from solution by conventional remediation techniques, therefore, biodegradation of MTBE has become a remediation alternative. In order to understand the transport and transformation processes, in this paper, we present a closed form analytical solution, which can be applied as a screening tool. The possible reaction pathways of first-order reactions are described as a reaction matrix. The singular value decomposition is conducted analytically to decouple the partial differential equations of the multi-species transport system coupled by the reaction matrix into multiple independent subsystems. Therefore, the complexity of mathematical description for the reactive transport system is significantly reduced and the analytical expressions can be derived.
Ultra-lightweight Symmetric-key Cipher for Resource Constrained Systems

In this paper, we present a new ultra lightweight reconfigurable security primitive that consumes orders of mag- nitude less energy than current state of the art ciphers. The essential idea is to use a matrix of randomly connected look- up tables (LUTs) to form the input-output mapping, whose configuration serves as the shared secret key. We apply our lookup table-based cipher (LUTC) to the NIST randomness benchmark suite and demonstrate that it passes all tests. Finally, we compare the energy and area overhead to existing symmetric key ciphers including AES, HIGHT, and PRESENT, and show orders of magnitude reduction in energy.
Quantitative study of the deformation at Southern Explorer Ridge using high-resolution bathymetric data

Abstract We present preliminary results of a morphological study of the summit of the Southern Explorer Ridge (SER). The SER is an inflated intermediate-rate spreading center located in the northeast Pacific off the West coast of Canada, that hosts a large hydrothermal vent complex known as “Magic Mountain”. A quantitative assessment of faulting on the axial summit graben floor close to the ridge summit is accomplished through the analysis of high-resolution, near-bottom, bathymetric data. These data were acquired using a multibeam system mounted on an autonomous underwater vehicle operated a few tens meters above the seafloor. Structural mapping reveals numerous subvertical fissures and normal faults that nucleated from tension fissures. The ratio between the length and the maximum scarp height of normal faults is not constant contrary to what is generally observed on subaerial faults, highlighting the probable importance of fault segment linkage and fault growth processes within the relatively thin brittle layer. Populations of small faults exhibit an exponential size-frequency distribution that reflects the importance of linkage in the fault growth history and the relatively large amount of tectonic strain (3.7 to 18.4%) accommodated by the normal faults. We propose that the 500 to 600-m wide and ∼ 60-m deep asymmetric axial summit graben of the SER formed due to magma chamber deflation as well as normal faulting that initiated on the present eastern border of the graben. We find a well-defined geographic distribution in the types of lava flows, which indicates a general decrease of the eruption rate through time. We also find that the “Magic Mountain” hydrothermal field is located in the vicinity of the large eastern axial summit graben bounding fault whose dimensions suggest it may reach to the brittle ductile-transition depth. This fault likely has provided an efficient physical pathway for fluids from the subsurface to the seafloor for a significant period of time thus allowing the hydrothermal system to grow and mature.
Ascorbic acid and L-gulonolactone oxidase in lagomorphs.

Abstract 1. 1. The activity of l -gulonolactone oxidase (EC 1.1.3.8) in the liver of eastern cottontail rabbits ( Sylvilagus floridanus ) is about 10-fold greater in winter than in summer. 2. 2. l -gulonolactone oxidase activity is low and tissue ascorbate high during all seasons in snowshoe hares ( Lepus americanus ). 3. 3. Liver contents of ascorbate fall to low levels in L. americanus fed on rabbit chow in the laboratory. 4. 4. The activity of l -gulonolactone oxidase in liver of Sylvilagus and Oryctolagus is depressed by feeding high levels of l -ascorbic acid. 5. 5. The New Zealand White breed of domestic rabbit ( Oryctolagus cuniculus ) has considerably higher levels of l -gulonolactone oxidase and liver ascorbate than does the Dutch breed. 6. 6. In a wild population of Oryctolagus sampled in Australia l -gulonolactone oxidase levels were intermediate between those of the two domestic breeds and more variable than either.
On the determination of an optimum microwave [Correction]

For the above-named work (ibid., vol. BME-13, pp. 76-87, April 1966) the magnitude of the current 2I should be replaced with I for the extreme left image in Fig. 2. In addition the multiplying factor 2 should be removed from the secoind term in the electric field equationis (6) and (7). The contribution to the total field by these terms is sufficiently small that the computer results remain valid.
Influence of Particle Size on Bacterial Community Structure in Aquatic Sediments as Revealed by 16S rRNA Gene Sequence Analysis

Bacterial communities associated with sediment particles were examined using PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Particle size influenced community structure, with attached bacterial assemblages separating into 63- to 125-, 125- to 1,000-, and 1,000- to 2,000-μm fractions. Differences were particularly pronounced for the Verrucomicrobia-Planctomycetes, whose numbers were significantly reduced on coarser particles.