cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of a method for determining the leachability of organic compounds from solid wastes

This study was undertaken to develop a method for assessing the potential mobility (leachability) of purgeable and semivolatile organic priority pollutants from solid waste materials. The objective was to develop a methodthat would (1) model the leachability that might occur in a municipal landfill environment, (2) be relatively simple and easily implemented by production-type laboratories at a relatively low cost, and (3) give reproducible results. The solid wastes studied included aqueous sludges, organic chemical wastes, and inorganic solids. The leaching media studied included distilled water, acetate and citrate buffers, reducing agents, and surfactants. A tumbling device designed by the National Bureau of Standards was used to achieve reproducible mixing of the specimen and the leaching medium with a minimum of particle-size reduction. The device tumbles the mixture of the specimen and leaching medium end over end in a closed container, and is applicable to nearly all solid waste materials. Previous studies reported in the literature on solid waste leaching tests have generally emphasized the leachability of toxic metals. In order to permit a comparison of our results with previously reported results, the leachates generated were analyzed for metals as well as for organic compounds. Metals were determined by inductively coupled argon plasma spectroscopy (ICAP) and by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Purgeable organics were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method 624. Phenols, pesticides, and neutral organics were determined by GC-MS using EPA Method 625 with minor modifications. Studies on the precision of the leachability, metal analyses, and GC-MS analyses were performed as an important part of the overall analytical program. The solid waste leaching procedure developed was shown to be reproducible, easy to use, and suitable for many types of wastes and analytes. Distilled water was found to be as effective as other media studied for leaching organic compounds. Citrate buffer was often much more aggressive than acetate buffer for leaching metals. The aggressiveness of citrate buffer was highly metal and specimen dependent. The degree to which the procedure reproduces the leaching of components in a codisposal environment, which would depend upon the leaching medium used and site-specific conditions, is unknown at this time.
Site-directed mutation of the trigger calcium-binding sites in cardiac troponin C

The trigger Ca2+-binding sites in troponin C, those which initiate muscle contraction, are thought to be the first two of four potential sites (sites I-IV). In cardiac troponin C, the first Ca2+-binding site is inactive, and initiation of contraction in cardiac muscle appears to involve only the second site. To study this phenomenon and associated Ca2+-dependent protein conformational changes in cardiac troponin C, the cDNA for the chicken protein was incorporated into a bacterial expression plasmid to allow site-specific mutagenesis. Ca2+-binding site I was activated by deletion of Val-28 and conversion of amino acids 29-32 to those found at the first four positions in the active site I of fast skeletal troponin C. In a series of proteins, Ca2+-binding site II was inactivated by mutation of amino acids Asp-65, Asp-67, and Gly-70. All mutated proteins exhibited the predicted calcium-binding characteristics. The single mutation of converting Asp-65 to Ala was sufficient to inactivate site II. Ca2+-dependent conformational changes in the normal and mutated proteins were monitored by labeling with a sulfhydryl-specific fluorescent dye. Activation of Ca2+-binding site I or inactivation of site II, eliminated the large Ca2+-dependent increase in fluorescence seen in the wild type protein and there was, instead, a Ca2+-dependent decrease in fluorescence. All mutant proteins could associate with troponin I and troponin T to form a troponin complex. Activation of Ca2+-binding site I changed the characteristics of contraction in skinned slow skeletal muscle fibers such that the response to Ca2+ was more cooperative. Inactivation of Ca2+-binding site II abolished Ca2+-dependent contraction in skinned muscle fibers. The data provide a direct demonstration that Ca2+-binding site II in cardiac troponin C is essential for triggering muscle contraction and support the hypothesis that site I functions to modify the characteristics of contraction.
A Study of Scientific Reasoning in a Peripheral Context: The Discovery of the Raman Effect.

This paper is an attempt to reconstruct how C.V. Raman, a peripheral scientist in the early 20th century colonial India, managed to develop a research programme in physical optics from his remote c...
Sediment resuspension over the continental shelf east of the Delmarva Peninsula

Abstract Resuspension of sediment over the continental shelf east of the Delmarva Peninsula has been examined using records of light-beam attenuation, near-bottom current speed and surface-wave height spectra collected during 1988 and 1989. These data give evidence of a factor of three variation in the bottom stress threshold required for sediment resuspension at the outer shelf. This appears to be related to resuspension history as the largest thresholds are observed after lengthy periods without resuspension. Episodes of shelf-wide sediment resuspension are evidenced only during very intense atmospheric storms. A 7-month-long set of records from the 90 m isobath show storm-induced sediment resuspension on only three occasions. The failure of storms of modest intensity to effect resuspension at the outer shelf is largely due the decline of surface-wave currents with depth. High-frequency currents, presumably due to internal waves, are shown to be an important agent in initiating sediment motion at the shelf edge. On a number of occasions, supertidal currents pushed the near-bottom current speed measured near the seafloor at the 131 m isobath above the estimated level required for sediment resuspension. Numerous clouds of turbid water detected by the light-beam attenuation records could not be attributed to local sediment resuspension. A probability analysis indicates that some, but not all, of these could have resulted from sediment resuspension by bottom fishing.
A novel porous collagen scaffold around an implantable biosensor for improving biocompatibility. I. In vitro/in vivo stability of the scaffold and in vitro sensitivity of the glucose sensor with scaffold

A new 3D porous and biostable collagen scaffold has been developed to improve the biocompatibility of implantable glucose sensors by minimizing tissue reactions while stimulating angiogenesis around the sensors. The novel collagen scaffold was crosslinked using nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) to enhance biostability. NDGA-treated collagen scaffolds were stable without physical deformation in the subcutaneous tissue of rats for 4 weeks. In contrast, glutaraldehyde (GA)-treated collagen scaffolds were extremely damaged following implantation. Both types of scaffolds (NDGA- and GA-crosslinked) were stable in vitro in the presence of collagenase with 70% retention of original weight after 4 weeks of incubation. The response current (i.e. sensitivity) of sensors with porous scaffolds was not significantly changed when compared with control sensors (no scaffold), while the response time (T95%) was slightly delayed after a glucose concentration increase from 5 to 15 mM. Above this range, the sensors coated with scaffolds had only a slightly lower sensitivity than the control sensors. These results indicate that we have developed a stable NDGA-crosslinked collagen scaffold for biosensors, and that the scaffold does not impair the function of our sensor. We plan to use this scaffold to enhance the function and lifetime of the implantable biosensors by providing a controlled local environment around the sensors with the help of various drugs and growth factors (dexamethasone, VEGF, PDGF). © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Neighborhood Coethnic Immigrant Concentrations and Mexican American Children’s Early Academic Trajectories

We use data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 1998–1999 as well as neighborhood data from the 2000 U.S. Census to examine relationships between neighborhood Mexican immigrant concentration and reading (n = 820) and mathematics (n = 1,540) achievement among children of Mexican descent. Mixed-effects growth curves show that children living in immigrant-rich communities enter school at an achievement disadvantage relative to children in neighborhoods with fewer coethnic immigrant families. However, these disparities are driven by lower-SES families’ concentration in immigrant-heavy neighborhoods as well as these neighborhoods’ structural disadvantages. Controlling for children’s generation status and socioeconomic status, as well as neighborhood-level measures of structural disadvantage, safety, and social support, neighborhood immigrant concentration demonstrates a modest positive association with mathematics achievement among children of Mexican immigrant parents at the time of school entry. However, we do not find strong positive associations between Mexican American children’s rate of achievement growth over the elementary and middle school years and their neighborhoods’ concentration of Mexican immigrants.
The mechanical properties of ionic polymer-metal composites

ABSTRACT In this study, we investigated the mechanical properties of various type ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) and Pt, Au, Pd, and Pt electroded ionic liquid (IL-Pt) IPMCs, by testing tensile modulus and dynamic mechanical behavior. The SEM was utilized to investigate the characteristics of the dope d electroding layer, and the DSC was probed in order to look into the thermal behavior of various types of IPMCs. Au IPMCs, having a 5~7 O doped layer and nano-sized Au particles (ca. 10 nm), showed the highest tensile strength (56 MPa) and modulus (602 MPa) in a dried condition. In a thermal behavior, Au IPMC has the highest T g (153 o C) and T m (263 o C) in both the DMA and DSC results. The fracture behavior of various types IPMCs followed base materials behavior, Nafion TM , which is represented as the semicrystalline polymer characteristic. Keywords: Ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC); Tensile strength and modulus 1. INTRODUCTION During recent years, after first reporting as an active polymeric material by Oguro
Lapped Tight Frame Transforms

We propose a new class of equal-norm tight frames termed lapped tight frame transforms (LTFTs). These can be seen as a redundant counterpart to bases known as lapped orthogonal transforms (LOTs) introduced by Malvar and Cassereau, as well as an infinite-dimensional counterpart to harmonic tight frames (HTFs). To construct LTFTs, we seed them from LOTs and show that, in a specific case, the process preserves the equal norm. As both their basis counterpart LOTs as well as their finite-dimensional one HTFs, LTFTs possess many desirable properties, such as equal norm and efficient implementation.
Microvascular Free Flap Reconstruction in Pediatric Lower Extremity Trauma: A 10-Year Review

Background: Limb-threatening wounds of the adult distal lower extremity pose a challenge to the microvascular surgeon and are the subject of a sizable body of literature. The microsurgical management of these injuries in the pediatric population has some unique features but has not previously been the subject of a separate study. Methods: A review was performed of all pediatric patients (<18 years of age) who received lower extremity free flaps for trauma at the University of Kentucky Medical Center between 1992 and 2002. Charts were reviewed and patients were contacted via telephone and given a standardized questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to identify factors predictive of worse outcome or complications. Results: Twenty-six patients (28 flaps) met the selection criteria. The most common mechanism of injury was all-terrain vehicle accidents (n = 6), followed by motorcycle accidents, lawnmower injuries, and gunshot wounds. The latissimus dorsi muscle flap was chosen in 15 cases, with four other muscle flaps chosen for the remaining 13 cases. There were 12 Gustillo 3B or 3C fractures of the tibia. External fixation was used in 10 cases and internal fixation was used in two. Four patients had a bone gap greater than 4 cm. Three were successfully treated with distraction osteogenesis. The postoperative complication rate was 62 percent, with infection and partial skin graft loss being the most common complications. Three flaps were lost. Growth disturbances were seen in two patients. Patients receiving free flaps within 7 days after injury were seen to have a statistically significant lower rate of complications than those undergoing the procedure beyond the first week. Follow-up ranged from 2 to 11 years, with a mean follow-up of 4.5 years. All limbs were successfully salvaged, and all patients were ambulatory at the time of the survey. Conclusions: There is a significant role for the microvascular surgeon in the management of limb-threatening injuries in children. If the unique features of this population are taken into consideration, a high rate of limb salvage and good function can be expected.
Metal substitutions at the diiron sites of hemerythrin and myohemerythrin: contributions of divalent metals to stability of a four-helix bundle protein

Abstract A general method is described for substitution of Mn(II) and Co(II) into the diiron sites of hemerythrin and myohemerythrin. Characterizations of these metal-substituted proteins show that their structures closely resemble those of the native proteins. In particular, the four-helix bundle structure appears to be maintained. The apomyohemerythrin retains most of the native helix content but is considerably less stable to denaturation than are the metal-containing proteins. The relative affinities of M(II) for apohemerythrin--namely, Co greater than Fe greater than Mn--parallel the stabilities of the M2myohemerythrins to denaturation by guanidinium chloride. These results indicate that for myohemerythrin (i) the majority of the helical structure found in the native protein does not require incorporation of M(II) and (ii) stabilization of the native structure relative to the fully unfolded structure appears to be due predominantly to M(II)-protein interactions, at least for M = Fe and Co. Incorporation of M(II) also generates unfolding cooperativity in myohemerythrin. This cooperativity can be attributed to interhelical interactions, which are prevented in the apoprotein by solvation of the seven metal ligand residues. The results are consistent with a minimal model for folding/unfolding of myohemerythrin and hemerythrin subunits consisting of the sequential equilibria, N in equilibrium with I in equilibrium with D, between native, intermediate, and fully unfolded states, respectively. The properties of apomyohemerythrin make it a candidate for the intermediate state, I.
Home blood pressure monitoring in clinical practice: a review

Home blood pressure monitoring is a convenient and inexpensive technique to monitor blood pressure in hypertensive patients. There are convincing data that home blood pressure monitoring is a good predictor of future cardiovascular risk, perhaps better than office blood pressure. Home blood pressure measurement can be standardized using validated instruments and systematic protocols; normative criteria have established home blood pressure >135/85 mm Hg as hypertensive. Home blood pressure monitoring has been shown to improve compliance and blood pressure control, and to reduce health care costs. Ongoing studies are evaluating management of hypertension based on home blood pressure readings compared with traditional office-based readings. Home blood pressure monitoring is particularly useful for evaluation of white coat hypertension and masked hypertension. In this article, we discuss the methodology for measuring blood pressure at home, its comparison to the other measurement techniques, the advantages and disadvantages, cost benefit analyses, and ongoing clinical trials to help define the role of home blood pressure monitoring in the clinical management of hypertension.
The isotopic abundance of26Mg and limits on26Al in the early solar system

Abstract The isotopic composition of Mg is investigated in meteoritic, lunar and terrestrial feldspar samples and standard reagents using a mass spectrometer with on-line data processing. Isotopically enriched standards were run demonstrating a resolution of better than five parts in 10 4 for the 26 Mg/ 24 Mg ratio. No 26 Mg/ 24 Mg anomalies are found in any samples analyzed to within experimental errors. (These analyses include some samples run by Clarke, de Laeter, Schwarcz and Shane [1] and found by them to have 26 Mg/ 24 Mg anomalies of 4–6 parts in 10 3 relative to terrestrial values.) There is at the present time no positive evidence indicating the existence of 26 Al in the early solar system. From these results, limits are placed on the amount of 26 Al(τ ½ = 7.4 × 10 5 yr) and the resulting heating effects in the solar system at the time of crystallization of the meteorites. It is clear that when the meteorites solidified, 26 Al was not an important heat source; however, this would not rule out the possibility that a few million years prior to solidification 26 Al was a major heat source.
Cyanoketone competition with estradiol for binding to the cytosolic estrogen receptor

Abstract Cyanoketone, an inhibitor of many steroidogenic processes, has been found to inhibit binding of estradiol to its receptor in a competitive manner. The K i observed was 1.2 × 10 −6 M. This action may explain some of cyanoketone's effects in vivo .
Intermediate phase of the one dimensional half-filled Hubbard-Holstein model.

We present a detailed numerical study of the Hubbard-Holstein model in one dimension at half filling, including full finite-frequency quantum phonons. At half filling, the effects of the electronphonon and electron-electron interactions compete, with the Holstein phonon coupling acting as an effective negative Hubbard onsite interaction U that promotes on-site electron pairs and a Peierls charge-density wave state. Most previous work on this model has assumed that only Peierls or U > 0 Mott insulator phases are possible at half filling. However, there has been speculation that a third metallic phase exists between the Peierls and Mott phases. We present results confirming the intermediate metallic phase, and show that the Luttinger liquid correlation exponent K� > 1 in this region, indicating dominant superconducting pair correlations. We explore the full phase diagram as a function of onsite Hubbard U, phonon coupling constant, and phonon frequency. Electron-phonon (e-ph) interactions can give rise to a number of interesting effects in low-dimensional materials, including superconductivity as well as charge-density wave and insulating phenomena. Frequently these materials feature strong electron-electron (e-e) interactions as well, leading to very rich phase diagrams that combine lattice, charge, and spin (magnetic) orderings. We will focus specifically on materials where the electrons are coupled to localized vibrational modes, which may be of relatively high frequency. This type of e-ph interaction is most studied in molecular crystal materials, including the quasi-one- and quasi-two-dimensional organic superconductors[1] and fullerene superconductors [2]. In all of these materials, a fundamental question is whether the effects of e-e and e-ph interactions compete or cooperate with each other. In this Letter, we examine this issue within one of the most basic models. We find that despite the two interactions each separately favoring insulating states, together they can mediate an unexpected metallic phase with superconducting (SC) pair correlations. The model we consider is the one-dimensional (1D) Hubbard-Holstein model (HHM), with Hamiltonian H = −t X j,� (c †+1,� cj,� + h.c.) + U X j nj,"nj,# (1)
Replacement of HA-MRSA by CA-MRSA Infections at an Academic Medical Center in the Midwestern United States, 2004-5 to 2008

We noted anecdotally that infections designated as health care-associated (HA-) MRSA by epidemiologic criteria seemed to be decreasing in incidence at the University of Chicago Medical Center (UCMC) after 2004. We compared MRSA patients seen at any site of clinical care at UCMC and the isolates that caused their infections in 2004-5 (n = 545) with those in 2008 (n = 135). The percent of patients with MRSA infections cultured > 2 days after hospital admission decreased from 19.5% in 2004-5 to 7.4% in 2008 (p = 0.001). The percent in 2004-5 compared with 2008 who had a hospitalization (49.1% to 26.7%, p = 0.001) or surgery (43.0% to 14.1%, p<0.001) in the previous year decreased. In 2008 a greater percent of patients was seen in the emergency department (23.1% vs. 39.3%) and a smaller percent both in intensive care units (15.6% vs. 6.7%) and in other inpatient units (40.7% vs. 32.6%) (p<0.001). The percent of patients with CA-MRSA infections by the CDC epidemiologic criteria increased from 36.5% in 2004-5 to 62.2% in 2008 (p<0.001). The percent of MRSA isolates sharing genetic characteristics of USA100 decreased from 27.9% (152/545) to 12.6% (17/135), while the percent with CA-MRSA (USA300) characteristics increased from 53.2% (290/545) to 66.7% (90/135). The percent of infections that were invasive did not change significantly. Our data suggest that HA-MRSA infections, both by epidemiologic and microbiologic criteria, relative to CA-MRSA, decreased between 2004-5 and 2008 at UCMC.
Genetic dissection of autoimmune type I diabetes in the BB rat

The BB rat is among the best models of insulin−dependent diabetes mellitus — with onset and pathogenesis closely resembling the human disease. One unusual feature is a severe T−cell lymphopenia, which appears to be inherited as a recessive trait controlled by a single gene, Lyp. Based on genetic analysis of several crosses, we show that development of diabetes involves at least three genes: Lyp, which is tightly linked to the neuropeptide Y (Npy) gene on chromosome 4, a gene linked to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on chromosome 20, and a third unmapped gene for which the Fischer rat strain carries an allele conferring resistance.
The unique nature of communications regulation: Evidence and implications for communications policy analysis

The numerous policy changes taking place following the passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 necessitate an examination of the nature of communications regulation. Specifically, it is necessary to reexamine whether the prevailing analytic perspective adequately accounts for the fundamental differences between communications regulation and the regulation of other industries. This article outlines three fundamental differences and discusses their implications for effective communications policy analysis.
A comparison of ENO and TVD schemes

The numerical performance of a second-order upwind-based TVD scheme is compared with that of a uniform second-order ENO scheme on shock capturing. The cases considered include flows with Mach numbers of 2.9, 5.0, and 10.0. For cases with Mach numbers of 5.0 and 10.0, the computed ENO results are inferior to the corresponding TVD results.
An aggregate modeling and measurement approach for power estimation of through-the-wall target returns

With recent advances in both algorithm and component technologies, through-the-wall sensing and imaging is emerging as an affordable sensor technology in civilian and military settings. One of the primary objectives of through-the-wall sensing systems is to detect and identify targets of interest, such as humans and cache of weapons, enclosed in building structures. Effective approaches that achieve proper target radar cross section (RCS) registration behind walls must, in general, exploit a detailed understanding of the radar phenomenology and more specifically, knowledge of the expected strength of the radar return from targets of interest. In this paper, we investigate the effects of various wall types on the received power of the target return through the use of a combined measurement and electromagnetic modeling approach. The RCS of material-exact rifle and human models are investigated in free-space using numerical electromagnetic modeling tools. A modified radar range equation, which analytically accounts for the wall effects, including multiple reflections within a given homogeneous or layered wall, is then employed in conjunction with wideband measured parameters of various common wall types, to estimate the received power versus frequency from the aforementioned targets. The proposed technique is, in principle, applicable to both bistatic and mono-static operations.
Implementation of an education and skills programme in a teledermatology project for rural veterans.

In July 2009 we implemented a store-and-forward teledermatology project to provide dermatology care to veterans living in underserved rural areas of the Pacific Northwest region of the US. We also ...
A search for trade-offs among life history traits inDrosophila melanogaster

Are there underlying developmental and physiological properties of organisms that can be used to build a general theory of life history evolution? Much of the theoretical work on the evolution of life histories is based on the premise of negative developmental and genetic correlations among life history traits. If negative correlations do not exist as a general rule then no general theory taking them into account is possible. Negative genetic correlations among life history traits can come about by antagonistic pleiotropy. One cause of antagonistic pleiotropy is cost allocation trade-offs. Since cost allocation trade-offs are due to underlying physiological constraints they are expected to be common to closely related groups. A second form of antagonistic pleiotropy is specialization of genotypes to different niches. This type of antagonistic pleiotropy is expected to be specific to each population. We looked for trade-offs in life history traits of longevity and fecundity inDrosophila melanogaster. We used a half-sib mating design and raised the offspring at two temperatures, 19°C and 25°C. Correlations between longevity and fecundity showed some evidence of antagonistic pleiotropy at high temperature with no evidence of any trade-offs at low temperature. Correlations of early and late fecundity traits did show evidence of cost allocation trade-offs at both temperatures. Antagonistic pleiotropy was also found for cross-environmental correlations of fecundity traits. We conclude that, although life history trade-offs can not be generally assumed, they are frequently found among functionally related traits. Thus, we provide guidelines for the development of general theories of life history evolution.
Elevated maternal and fetal serum interleukin-6 levels are associated with epidural fever

Abstract Objective: The study was performed to explore the evidence for a noninfectious inflammatory cause for epidural fever. Study Design: A secondary analysis of a prospective randomized trial was performed. At epidural placement, afebrile term nulliparous women were randomized to receive acetaminophen 650 mg or placebo every 4 hours. Maternal serum was collected every 4 hours until delivery. Cord blood samples were collected at delivery. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques. Student t tests, χ 2 , repeated measure analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficients, and linear regression modeling were used as appropriate. Results: Twenty-one subjects received placebo, and 21 received acetaminophen. The rate of fever more than 100.4°F was identical in the placebo and acetaminophen groups (23.8%). Maternal serum IL-6 levels before delivery were significantly higher in mothers who had a fever (596.0 vs 169.1 pg/mL, P P Conclusion: Epidural fever is associated with maternal and fetal inflammation in the absence of neonatal infection. Higher levels of cytokines in maternal serum suggest that the maternal compartment is the primary inflammatory source. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;187:834-8.)
Church-Agency Relationships in the Black Community

This article examines referral exchange relationships between black churches and local community health agencies by examining whether organizational and clergy characteristics influence clergy in black churches to refer parishioners to, and receive referrals from, community mental health agencies. We are interested in identifying the typical characteristics of churches and their clergy that tend to participate in these exchanges. The most significant indicators in predicting the probability of church referrals are the extent of interorganizational links and the size of a church. The data do not, however, suggest a reflective relationship; organizational factors do not significantly predict whether a church receives client referrals from community Agencies. We speculate that the lack of reciprocity in this pattern may be caused by a conflict in the levels of rationality within community agencies.
THE SYNTHESIS OF ALPHA-THIOPHENE OLIGOMERS VIA ORGANOBORANES

Abstract Oligomers containing from 2 to 6 thiophene units attached by their 2 and 5 positions were synthesized unambiguously by iodine oxidation of a suitable ate complex obtained by stepwise reactions of 9-BBN with methanol, a 2-lithiothiophene, boron trifluoride etherate, and a second 2-lithiothiophene. This is a one-pot procedure, carried out under nitrogen between −80 °C and 0 °C.
Patterns of Immune Response in Chronic Pulmonary Histoplasmosis

Humoral and cellular immunity were evaluated in patients with chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis. Results of histoplasmin skin tests and in-vitro histoplasmininduced lymphocyte transformation agreed in the great majority of individuals. As a group, patients with chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis exhibited histoplasmin-induced lymphocyte transformation that was no different from normal subjects with positive skin tests. However, a wide spread of transformation values was observed, from reactivity greater than that in skin-test positive, normal subjects to absence of transformation. Six of 10 patients with active disease were found to have histoplasmin-induced transformation greater than the mean of normal subjects with positive skin tests. Two patients with active disease had negative skin tests and depressed in-vitro lymphocyte responsiveness not only to histoplasmin but also to Candida extract and phytohemagglutinin. A consistent correlation between titers of CF or precipitin antibody in autologous serum and histoplasmin-induced transformation values could not be demonstrated. Impaired responsiveness of lymphocytes to histoplasmin was a temporary phenomenon in one patient whose transformation was retested over a period of a year.
Subunit Dependence of Na Channel Slow Inactivation and Open Channel Block in Cerebellar Neurons

Purkinje and cerebellar nuclear neurons both have Na currents with resurgent kinetics. Previous observations, however, suggest that their Na channels differ in their susceptibility to entering long-lived inactivated states. To compare fast inactivation, slow inactivation, and open-channel block, we recorded voltage-clamped, tetrodotoxin-sensitive Na currents in Purkinje and nuclear neurons acutely isolated from mouse cerebellum. In nuclear neurons, recovery from all inactivated states was slower, and open-channel unblock was less voltage-dependent than in Purkinje cells. To test whether specific subunits contributed to this differential stability of inactivation, experiments were repeated in NaV1.6-null (med) mice. In med Purkinje cells, recovery times were prolonged and the voltage dependence of open-channel block was reduced relative to control cells, suggesting that availability of NaV1.6 is quickly restored at negative potentials. In med nuclear cells, however, currents were unchanged, suggesting that NaV1.6 contributes little to wild-type nuclear cells. Extracellular Na+ prevented slow inactivation more effectively in Purkinje than in nuclear neurons, consistent with a resilience of NaV1.6 to slow inactivation. The tendency of nuclear Na channels to inactivate produced a low availability during trains of spike-like depolarization. Hyperpolarizations that approximated synaptic inhibition effectively recovered channels, suggesting that increases in Na channel availability promote rebound firing after inhibition.
Poly(Arylene Ether Sulfone) Copolymers and Related Systems from Disulfonated Monomer Building Blocks: Synthesis, Characterization, and Performance – A Topical Review

Research and development efforts have been focussed over the last five years towards the preparation of new, but potentially commercially viable low-cost copolymers for use as proton exchange membrane for fuel cell and other membrane applications. Our primary efforts centered on the direct synthesis of disulfonated copolymers via step-polycondensation methods. These novel series of disulfonated copolymers include optionally fluorinated poly(arylene ethers), poly(thioethers), polyimides, polybenzimidazoles, and polybenzoxazoles, as well as multiblock copolymer systems. The first generation of alternative proton exchange membranes (PEMs) has focused on wholly aromatic, disulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) random copolymers. Detailed herein are the development and current state of these disulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) copolymers and their fuel cell performance in both hydrogen-air PEMFCs and direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC).
Vegetable protein and atherosclerosis.

A number of studies purport to demonstrate that animal protein (usually casein) is more cholesteremic and atherogenic than vegetable protein (usually soy protein). These findings are generally true, but the effect of any single dietary component may be influenced by any other one. Thus, when the carbohydrate is dextrose, casein is more cholesteremic in rabbits than is soy protein, but when the carbohydrate is raw potato starch, the two proteins are equivalent. Similarly, a casein-cellulose diet is more cholesteremic and atherogenic for rabbits than is one containing soy protein and cellulose. Substitution of alfalfa for cellulose renders the two proteins virtually the same. In man, too, vegetable protein appears to be less cholesteremic than animal protein. The difference persists even in the face of saturated fat. In seeking a mechanism to explain the differences in atherogenicity, we have hypothesized that a high ratio of lysine to arginine may be important. The lysine/arginine ratio of casein is 2.0 and that of soy protein is 0.90. Addition of enough lysine to a soy protein diet to raise the lysine/arginine ratio to 2.0 also increases the atherogenicity of that diet.
Ambient temperature plastic crystal fast ion conductors (PLICFICS)

Abstract Polymer-salt type solid electrolytes are currently in favor because the electrolyte can change shape under mechanical stress without failure. A disadvantage, however, is that anion transport numbers are not zero. We think the former advantage can be had without the latter disadvantage by using an appropriate anion rotator phase in which the cation, or one of the cations, is mobile. Li2SO4 is the prototype material of this type but is limited to high temperature applications. We describe a low temperature material - a double salt of LiBF4 and methoxyethyldimethyl ethyl ammonium - fluoroborate - which may conduct by the same mechanism as Li2SO4 since it exhibits a strong disordering transition at -90°C, and a relatively small entropy of fusion. At 75°C this substance conducts almost as well as the best polyethylene oxide + Li salt combination reported to date. Some variants on the structural theme and their properties and performance will also be described.
Applying modern collaboration methods to distributed engineering projects

Developing state of the art instrumentation for astronomy is often best done by geographically disparate teams that span several institutions. These efforts necessarily require costly face-to-face meetings and site visits. The benefits of the World Wide Web, video conferencing, and modular design techniques, however, have recently increased the efficiency and lowered the costs of these efforts. In this paper we discuss how these methods were applied during the development an emerging collaboration to produce common detector systems© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The implications of differences in cultural attitudes and styles of communication on peer reporting behaviour

States that peer reporting of co‐worker wrongdoing is attracting research attention. Attempts to extend the current research by suggesting that differences in cultural attitudes and styles of communication may affect reports of unethical behaviour by employees. Identifies some organisational and methodological concerns.
Being well vs. doing well: Self-esteem and school performance among immigrant and nonimmigrant racial and ethnic groups

It has frequently been suggested that the academic achievement of minority students may be hindered by low self-esteem in a white-dominated society. Some researchers and theorists, however, have questioned such assumptions. The self-esteem-academic achievement issue is further complicated by the relatively strong performance of children of immigrants in general, and of children of Asian immigrants in particular. A substantial literature suggests that these children face insecurities and difficulties that are inconsistent with high self-esteem. In examining data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, we find that Asians do show the lowest levels of reported self-esteem of the major raciallethnic groups, but also the highest grade-point averages. Black adolescents, on the other hand, show the highest levels of reported selfesteem, but show relatively low grade-point averages. In further examination, we demonstrate that despite this apparent inconsistency between school performance and reported self-esteem, the two do have a positive relationship. Immigrant parental status, we suggest, has a complex relationship to school performance and psychological well-being that can help to explain the apparent paradox. One of the most vexing problems in educational achievement is the continuing stratification of academic performance by major racial and ethnic groups. Gaston Caperton, president of the College Board, a national association of educational institutions that administers major standardized tests, has observed that “chronic underachievement among minority students is one of the most critical problems facing our country today” (quoted in Wilgoren, 1999). Since education has long been recognized as the primary route to upward mobility in American society (Blau and Duncan, 1967), racially stratified educational performance contributes greatly to the perpetuation of a
Cytochrome c release from mitochondria in the aging heart: a possible mechanism for apoptosis with age

There is a loss of myocytes in the aging heart due to necrosis and apoptosis. Oxidative stress, an apoptosis-inducing signal, may also increase in the aging heart. Cytosol and mitochondria isolated from the left and right ventricle of the hearts of 6-, 16-, and 24-mo-old male Fischer 344 rats were used to measure key markers of apoptosis and to assess oxidative stress. Cytosolic cytochrome c content was significantly elevated in the 16- and 24-mo-old animals compared with the 6-mo-old animals. Furthermore, Bcl-2, an antiapoptotic protein, showed a strong tendency to decrease with age, whereas Bax, a proapoptotic protein, remained unchanged. Apoptotic protease-activating factor 1 levels and caspase-3 activities were not different among the three age groups. Indicative of the chronic oxidative stress with age, heart mitochondria from old animals showed increases in manganese superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity and increases in lipid peroxidation. This is the first study to report cytochrome c release from the mitochondria and alterations in Bcl-2 with age in vivo, providing a potential mechanism for the increase in apoptosis seen in the aging heart.
Cortisol in alcoholics with a disordered aggression control

Considerable evidence exists that the limbic system and the hypothalamus play an important role in the HPA axis disturbances found in depressive disorders. Evidence also exists that the limbic system plays a role in the modulation of aggressive behavior. Yet the HPA function of individuals with a disordered regulation of aggression has received little scrutiny. Because aggressive behavior has been observed to be extensively correlated with heavy alcohol use, we explored the HPA function of alcoholics who had had a life-long history of violence. Basal 0700h cortisol was measured in 4 consecutive wk following cessation of drinking in 19 alcoholics with a history of depression, and 17 alcoholics with a history of violent behavior, eight of whom had been incarcerated because of the severity of their violent acts. When compared with alcoholics with no problem in mood or aggression regulation, significant cortisol increases were found in the group of patients who had been incarcerated for violent acts and not in any other group. This increase persisted for 4 wk after cessation of drinking. A variety of variables, including several measures of alcohol consumption, amounts of benzodiazepines used for detoxification, and liver function tests, failed to show significant associations with cortisol. Data are interpreted as indicating that individuals displaying severe forms of violence could have a dysregulated HPA function revealed by exposure to excessive amounts of alcohol.
Confidence intervals and standard errors for ratios of normal variables

Occasionally, one has needfor confidence intervals or tests of significance for ratios of normal variables. For instance, tests of significance on the therapeutic safetyratio are needed in pharmacology. This ratio is the doseof a compound that is "lethal" to 50% of subjects tested (LDso) divided by the dose that is "effective" for 50% of treated subjects (EDso) . The bigger this ratio is, the largerthe lethaldoseis compared withthe effective dose and, therefore, the safer the drug. Although it is probablysafeto assume thatestimates suchas EDso and LDso haveapproximately normal distributions, thedistribution of the ratioof twonormal variables is quite complex. This distribution has been investigated first by Geary (1930), then more extensively by Fieller (1932), and more recently by a number of researchers (see, e.g., Hinkley, 1969; Marsaglia, 1965; Paulson, 1942; Shanmugalingam, 1982). Because of Fieller's extensive early work, the generaltheoryof the distribution of the ratio of two normal variables is called "Fieller's Theorem" by some authors (see, e.g., Davies, 1961). FieUer's Theorem. A goodapproximation to the confidence interval for a ratio of normal variables can be solvedin the following manner. For normal variables y and x, call their ratio v, where y are normally distributed, which is certainly tenable when x andyare means; the effects of nonnormality on thedistribution of a ratio has not to our knowledge been investigated. Because d in Equation 2 is normally distributed, Equation 2 divided by the square root of Equation 3 is distributed as Student's t (See Kendall & Stuart, 1979, pp. 137-138, for a derivation). Squaring both sides we can write
The Organization of Gullet Organelles in Paramecium bursaria

SUMMARY. A stock of Paramecium bursaria is described in which the peniculus contains only 8 columns of cilia and associated “granules”. The gullet system is composed of organelle complexes almost exclusively, and incorporates no underlying or transecting extensions of “pellicular fibrillar systems”. A brief discussion is presented on the value of the peniculus as a taxonomic criterion in separating “aurelia” and “bursaria” groups in Paramecium.
Prostaglandin Pathway Gene Therapy for Sustained Reduction of Intraocular Pressure

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is a rate-limiting enzyme in prostaglandin (PG) biosynthesis. In the eye, loss of COX-2 expression in aqueous humor–secreting cells has been associated with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) is the main treatment goal in this disease. We used lentiviral vectors to stably express COX-2 and other PG biosynthesis and response transgenes in the ciliary body epithelium and trabecular meshwork (TM), the ocular suborgans that produce aqueous humor and regulate its outflow, respectively. We show that robust ectopic COX-2 expression and PG production require COX-2 complementary DNA (cDNA) sequence optimization. When COX-2 expression was coupled with a similarly optimized synthetic PGF2α receptor transgene to enable downstream signaling, gene therapy produced substantial and sustained reductions in IOP in a large animal model, the domestic cat. This study provides the first gene therapy for correcting the main cause of glaucoma.
Ischemic post-conditioning and vasodilator therapy during standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation to reduce cardiac and brain injury after prolonged untreated ventricular fibrillation

Abstract Aim of the study We investigated the effects of ischemic postconditioning (IPC) with and without cardioprotective vasodilatory therapy (CVT) at the initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on cardio-cerebral function and 48-h survival. Methods Prospective randomized animal study. Following 15min of ventricular fibrillation, 42 Yorkshire farm pigs weighing an average of 34±2kg were randomized to receive standard CPR (SCPR, n =12), SCPR+IPC ( n =10), SCPR+IPC+CVT ( n =10), or SCPR+CVT ( n =10). IPC was delivered during the first 3min of CPR with 4 cycles of 20s of chest compressions followed by 20-s pauses. CVT consisted of intravenous sodium nitroprusside (2mg) and adenosine (24mg) during the first minute of CPR. Epinephrine was given in all groups per standard protocol. A transthoracic echocardiogram was obtained on all survivors 1 and 4h post-ROSC. The brains were extracted after euthanasia at least 24h later to assess ischemic injury in 7 regions. Ischemic injury was graded on a 0–4 scale with (0=no injury to 4 ≥50% neural injury). The sum of the regional scores was reported as cerebral histological score (CHS). 48h survival was reported. Results Post-resuscitation left ventricular ejection (LVEF) fraction improved in SCPR+CVT, SCPR+IPC+CVT and SCPR+IPC groups compared to SCPR (59%±9%, 52%±14%, 52%±14% vs. 35%±11%, respectively, p p p Conclusions IPC and CVT during standard CPR improved post-resuscitation LVEF but only IPC was independently neuroprotective and improved 48-h survival after 15min of untreated cardiac arrest in pigs.
Bounds on the maximum modulus of solutions to quasilinear parabolic equations by means of a modified Lyapunov method

On obtient des bornes L∞ aux solutions des equations paraboliques d'ordre 2 de la forme ∂u/∂t=⊇•Μ(x,t,u,⊇u)+(x,t,u), (x,t)∈Q, ou toutes les quantites sont reelles, Q=Ω×(0,T), Ω un ouvert borne de R n , 0<T≤∞ et ou l'application non lineaire peut avoir une nature non locale