cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bone marrow irradiation chimeras in the BB rat: evidence suggesting two defects leading to diabetes and lymphopoenia.

A series of bone marrow irradiation chimeras were constructed in an attempt to determine the site of the defect(s) leading to diabetes and/or lymphopoenia in the BB rat. In BB rats that were lethally irradiated and reconstituted with T-cell-depleted Wistar-Furth (WF) rat bone marrow, the incidence of diabetes was reduced, and in animals treated with WF bone marrow at < 44 days of age, the disease was completely prevented. Such animals demonstrated normal lymphocyte counts in peripheral blood, and normal lymphocyte function (as indicated by mixed lymphocyte response), but retained an abnormal T-cell subset distribution only partially improved above that of diabetes-prone BB rats. The incidence of diabetes in these irradiated chimeras was significantly reduced compared to the indicence in BB rats irradiated at the same age but reconstituted with bone marrow from BB rats. In WF rats that were lethally irradiated and reconstituted with T-cell-depleted bone marrow from overtly diabetic BB rats, no diabetes was induced. Such animals demonstrated normal lymphocyte counts in peripheral blood, normal lymphocyte function, and normal T-cell subset distributions. Overall, these results suggest two defects leading to diabetes and/or lymphopoenia in the BB rat. One of these occurs at the level of the bone marrow stem cell while the other resides in the T-cell differentiative environment.
MODeLeR: multimedia object design learning resource

This paper contains a description of MODeLeR, a Multimedia Object Design Learning Resource. The impetus for the creation of MODeLeR was to provide an authentic learning environment for the study of object-oriented design to augment intermediate level programming classes. The Resource affords active, collaborative learning experiences in object modeling with the goal of helping students to gain design capabilities in UML and to appreciate the need for design that they often do not perceive since the programs they write are relatively small. Students typically create several different UML diagrams. This paper describes the MODeLeR environment and a pilot study in its use. This paper contains results of both a quantitative study and a qualitative evaluation of the Resource.
Visits for depression by elderly patients.

To the Editor:—The media attention this year announcing the “Baby Boomer” turning 60 underscores the findings of the article by Harman, Veazie, and Lyness, published in the September 2006 issue of JGIM.1 Knowing millions of Americans suffer from depression every year, and that in five short years the population of baby boomers will be age 65, I feel the need to provide successful interventions for this age group. Harman et al. revealed that 64% of all depression visits made by this population (65 and over) were to primary care providers, nearly evenly split between family/general practice and Internal Medicine.1 They also found very low referral rates for psychotherapy, which they feel is at least as effective as antidepressant medications. Living and working in a rural community in the Midwest, where “older Americans” continue home remedies and rituals, I would be surprised to see a survey (in this area) in which a case of depression was treated anywhere but a primary care setting. Considering the era these older Americans grew up in and the stigma attached to a mental illness, it does not seem an oddity that their symptoms would be detected and treated by their primary care provider rather than by a mental health provider. I agree that depression among elders is under-diagnosed and under-treated and, many times, is likely due to the presenting criteria of the patient. As a healthcare provider in a rural poverty-stricken area, I must keep the facts of this article in mind along with those from an article by Singh, Clements, and Singh in which they reported the feasibility and efficacy of physical exercise as a treatment for clinical depression in the elderly population.2 Psychotherapy is not readily available for many rural inhabitants. Keeping in mind that the standard treatment with antidepressants and psychotherapy has been proven efficacious in the elderly, I may have to seek alternative therapy with those patients who cannot or will not accept the gold standard treatment for depression.
Lactate accumulation following concussive brain injury: the role of ionic fluxes induced by excitatory amino acids

During the first few minutes following traumatic brain injury, cells are exposed to an indiscriminate release of glutamate from nerve terminals resulting in a massive ionic flux (e.g., K+ efflux) via stimulation of excitatory amino acid (EAA)-coupled ion channels. The present study was undertaken to elucidate the causal relationship between these ionic shifts and lactate accumulation in the injured brain, by examining the effects of ouabain (an inhibitor of Na+/K+-ATPase), Ba2+ (an inhibitor or non-energy-dependent glial K+ uptake) and kynurenic acid (KYN; a broad-spectrum EAA antagonist) on lactate accumulation. Two microdialysis probes were placed bilaterally in the rat parietal cortex. One was perfused with a test drug (1.0 mM ouabain, 2.0 mM Ba2+ or 10 mM KYN) and the other with Ringer's solution (control) for 30 min prior to injury. Following a 2.2-2.7 atm fluid-percussion injury, lactate levels in the dialysate increased (up to 116.6% above baseline) for the first 16 min and returned to baseline levels within 20 min after injury. This lactate accumulation was attenuated by preinjury administration of ouabain and KYN and was prolonged by Ba2+ administration. These findings indicate that lactate accumulations following concussive brain injury is a result of increased glycolysis which supports ion-pumping mechanisms, thereby, restoring the ionic balance which was disrupted by stimulation of EAA-coupled ion channels.
Risk adjustment in maternity care: the use of indirect standardization.

Purpose: Annual US national rates of family physicians providing maternity care are decreasing and rates of cesarean delivery are increasing. Family physicians tend to have lower cesarean delivery rates than obstetrician specialists, but this association is usually explained by an assumed lower pre-delivery risk for cesarean delivery. This study was developed to compare the estimated risk of cesarean delivery in patients of the two specialties. Methods: A retrospective cohort study within an urban teaching hospital compared 100 family-physician treated subjects to 300 subjects treated by obstetrician-specialists. Risk factors for cesarean delivery were identified, and an indirect standardization procedure was used to compare the pre-38 week of gestation risk of cesarean delivery in the two groups. Results: The patients treated by family physicians had a projected pre-38 week of gestation risk of cesarean delivery (17.4%) that was similar to the actual rate of cesarean delivery in the obstetrician-specialist group (16.7%). The Standardized Cesarean Delivery Ratio was 1.04. Conclusion: Lower cesarean delivery rates provided by family physicians may not be simply due to case-mix issues. Additional studies comparing the pre-delivery estimation of cesarean delivery risk would be helpful in measuring the relative levels of obstetric risk of patients treated by different maternity-care provider types.
The intracellular distribution of a bound acid phosphatase of rat liver as studied by gradient centrifugation.

Abstract Gradient centrifugation has been employed to study the intracellular distribution of an acid phosphatase of rat liver which presumably exists in a bound form but can be activated by various means. This distribution pattern resembles that of no other enzyme studied by this method with the possible exception of uricase.
Filtration Properties of Fly Ash from Fluidized Bed Combustion

Some of the features of the fluidized-bed combustion (FBC) process have a direct bearing on the particulate properties that most strongly influence filtering pressure drop. A laboratory program was conducted to experimentally determine the relative pressure drop characteristics of ashes from the TVA-EPRI 20-MW bubbling bed, atmospheric pressure FBC (AFBC) pilot plant and six pulverized-coal combustion (PC) units. The combined influences of measured particle and dust cake properties on filtering pressure drop were estimated with existing filtration theories. These theories predict a higher pressure drop for a dust cake produced with the AFBC ash than for one consisting of any of the PC ashes. Laboratory measurements were made of the flow resistance of idealized, simulated dust cakes to confirm these predictions. Field operating data from the fabric filters collecting some of the tested ashes were available to validate the laboratory results. The laboratory and field data show relatively good agreement. The...
Improving energy efficiency of cyber physical systems using multi-agent based control

This paper presents an intelligent control strategy for improving energy efficiency of a commercial building using a multi agent system architecture. The proposed MAS based control minimizes the amount of required energy while maintaining comfort for the occupants of a building. Models for thermal and electrical systems for a prescribed area of a building are developed and the generality of the solution to encompass any building with any internal structure. These models are controlled by an intelligent MAS system. The energy consumption using the proposed MAS approach will be compared to traditional controllers and energy consumption results will be compared with other benchmark indices.
PROGRESS TOWARD PREPARATION OF UNIVERSAL DONOR RED CELLS

Coupling of an inert polymer to the surface of red cells was examined as a potential means of covering blood group antigens and producing cells that could serve as universal donor cells for transfusion. Effective blockade of red cell antigens was achieved with N-hydroxysuccinimide-activated esters of polyethylene glycol. It was possible to block all antigens tested, but lower concentrations of reactants were required to block peptide-defined antigens than carbohydrate-defined antigens. Red cells remained intact after modification but were significantly damaged. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of antigenic blockade of red cells, but there is a need to reduce damage during coupling reactions to produce viable red cells.
Dietary fibre on cell proliferation in large bowel mucosal crypts near or away from lymphoid nodules and on mineral bioavailability

The effect of consumption for 24 weeks of different amounts (0%, 5% or 10% w/w) of fermentable (pectin and guar gum) or nonfermentable (cellulose and lignin) dietary fibres on cell proliferation and other parameters in large bowel mucosal crypts was studied in rats. In all 12 dietary groups, the crypts located over the distal aggregate of lymphoid nodules (ALN) had more colchicine arrested metaphase figures per midaxial crypt section (MC) and a longer crypt column height than crypts located three to four cm away from this ALN. These differences are attributed to the tropic influence of nodular cells in the ALN. Consumption of fermentable fibre decreased pH in the lumen of the caecum, and glucose, Zn and Cu in serum but increased Ca and Mg in serum. The decrease in caecal pH and serum glucose was significantly correlated with a decrease in MC. Increased intake of the nonfermentable fibre types increased faecal bulk but had no significant correlation with the other measured crypt parameters. Multiple regression analyses was used to model the relationships between the mucosal crypt criterion variables and the two measured predictor variables, caecal pH and serum glucose. Relationships between dietary fibre, ALN, MC, bioavailability of dietary minerals and risk of colorectal cancer are discussed.
Advanced techniques and concepts for ultra-high-speed optical networking

The overall spectral efficiency in optical transmission systems need to be enhanced by employment of advanced modulation and coding schemes as well as the advanced detection techniques. In parallel, novel networking concepts with the griddles and elastic bandwidth allocation are needed to increase the network dynamics and flexibility. In this paper we provide an overview of these techniques and concepts, which have been or may be used in the next generation high-speed optical network.
Assessing the catalyst processing for low temperature cofired ceramic-based direct methanol fuel cells

Abstract The low temperature cofired ceramic (LTCC) process has emerged as a promising technique to produce miniature direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). The currently manufactured LTCC-based DMFCs are mechanically assembled from separate components and do not take advantage of the integration merits. In order to reduce the number of stages for the production of LTCC-based DMFCs, two catalyst-loading procedures were investigated: postfiring and cofiring on the porous Ag electrodes. The performance of the catalyst on electrodes prepared by both methods was evaluated by XRD, TEM and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The postfired (PF) anode catalyst had a particle size of 5.6 nm as calculated by XRD, which was consistent with the TEM observation of 4.8 nm. XRD analysis confirmed the formation of a Pt–Ru alloy, but to a lesser extent in PF anode catalyst. The cofired (CF) anode catalyst revealed the presence of precipitated whiskers within the pores that consisted mainly of Ag and Pt–Ru alloy with a very small amount of Ru. The PF cathode catalyst film consisted of Ag and a small amount of Pt–Ag alloy, with some pore blockage by the catalyst film. The CF cathode catalyst displayed two morphologies: particles comprised of Pt precipitate and agglomerated particles comprised of Ag–Pt alloy. The electrochemical evaluation revealed that methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) on the CF catalyst anode outperformed the PF catalyst anode. This was attributed to the larger surface area, uniform catalyst composition, higher degree of alloying and ternary catalyst effects. The CF cathode catalyst also indicated superior oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance in terms of current density as compared with that of the PF catalyst. The experimental analysis indicated that the CF catalyst-loading method is superior to the PF for LTCC-based DMFC fabrication.
Respiratory electron transport activity and adenosine triphosphate in the oxygen minimum of the eastern tropical North Pacific

Abstract The vertical distribution of respiratory electron transport system (ETS) activity has been determined through the oxygen-deficient zone of the eastern tropical North Pacific. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentration has also determined in the Costa Rica Dome area. There is a distinct, local ETS activity maximum associated with the oxygen minimum but no corresponding ATP increase. It is suggested that the ETS activity maximum results from intracellular biochemical modifications of the ETS system in response to the stress imposed by the low oxygen concentrations, because it is not associated with an increase in ATP biomass. These distributions are also discussed in light of recent suggestions of a mid-depth bacterioplankton maximum.
Evolution of gene network activity by tuning the strength of negative-feedback regulation

Despite the examples of protein evolution via mutations in coding sequences, we have very limited understanding on gene network evolution via changes in cis-regulatory elements. Using the galactose network as a model, here we show how the regulatory promoters of the network contribute to the evolved network activity between two yeast species. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we combinatorially replace all regulatory network promoters by their counterparts from Saccharomyces paradoxus, measure the resulting network inducibility profiles, and model the results. Lowering relative strength of GAL80-mediated negative feedback by replacing GAL80 promoter is necessary and sufficient to have high network inducibility levels as in S. paradoxus. This is achieved by increasing OFF-to-ON phenotypic switching rates. Competitions performed among strains with or without the GAL80 promoter replacement show strong relationships between network inducibility and fitness. Our results support the hypothesis that gene network activity can evolve by optimizing the strength of negative-feedback regulation.
How are children different from adults

Several factors alter an individual's risk for an environmentally related illness. A major determinant is the age of the individual. The toxicodynamic processes that determine exposure, absorption, metabolism, excretion, and tissue vulnerability are all age related. This paper discusses each of these processes and their variability with age, and illustrates these points with examples of environmentally related disease cases.
Postoperative analgesics for children and adolescents: Prescription and administration

Abstract Pain was measured and analgesic treatment examined in 131 children and adolescents, 8–17 years of age, for 5 days after surgery. Analgesic data were converied to 10 mg intramuscular morphine-equivalent doses (IMMSEQ) and were designated appropriate or inappropriate for body weight. Analgesic onset, peak, and duration were calculated in relation to administration routes and the time pain assessments were made. Children reported moderately severe pain in many body locations. Initially, all but two children were prescribed and ultimately all but one received analgesics. Prescribed and administered doses were frequently less than doses recommended for weight. Two-thirds of the children were beyond analgesic action when pain was assessed. Weak to moderately strong associations were noted between IMMSEQ doses and pain intensity scores on each of the 5 postoperative days. Unfortunately, findings indicate that children continue to be undertreated when they experience postoperative pain.
Soil microbial biomass along a hydrologic gradient in a subsiding coastal bottomland forest: Implications for future subsidence and sea-level rise

Abstract Soil microbial biomass was analyzed in a rapidly subsiding coastal bottomland forest at three sites along an elevation change of ∼1 m and an associated hydrologic gradient of 400 m from rare (ridge site), to occasional (intermediate site), to frequent flooding (swamp site). Given the current rate of relative sea-level rise in this area (subsidence+global mean sea-level rise ∼1.2 cm y−1), this gradient may represent a space-for-time substitution for about one century of future sea-level rise. Along the hydrologic gradient, microbial biomass carbon (MBC) in the upper 20 cm of mineral soil was 157±26 (ridge), 134±14 (intermediate), and 90±20 (swamp) g C m−2. MBC was positively correlated with soil organic matter ( r 2 = 0.76 , P = 0.002 ) and the ratio of MBC to soil organic C ranged from 0.008 to 0.017 depending on soil depth and site. Generally, MBC decreased with increasing soil moisture from the ridge to the swamp site. Although MBC was statistically similar overall in the ridge and intermediate sites, the intermediate site had the largest fraction (45%) at 0–5 cm, whereas the ridge site had the largest fraction (40%) below 10–20 cm. Based on a space-for-time substitution model using non-linear regression analysis, we predict that MBC in the upper 20 cm of soil is likely to decrease by about one-third along the transect over the next century as a result of subsidence and sea-level rise.
The Aggregation Probability in Random Coagulation and Breakup Processes

A single parameter, denoted as the "aggregation probability", is introduced to represent the average potential of clustering in a suspension in which the aggregates are undergoing random and simultaneous coagulation and breakup by means of mechanical stirring. The parameter may be useful for obtaining quick estimates of the equilibrium cluster size distributions in such systems.
Determination of dynamic delamination toughness of a graphite‐fiber/epoxy composite using Hopkinson pressure bar

Modified dynamic three-point-bending and compact shearing test configurations based on Hopkinson pressure bar (HPB) and crack detection gage (CDG) (Vishay Intertechnology, Inc) were used for the determination of the dynamic mode I and mode II delamination-initiation toughness of a unidirectional graphite-fiber/epoxy composite made of P7051S-20Q-1000 prepregs (Toray Composites America). The transient loading history was recorded precisely by the HPB installed with a high-resolution digital oscilloscope, and the crack initiation and delay time were captured using the CDG. By means of dynamic finite-element analysis (FEA) of the impact processes with the loading history and crack initiation time as input, the critical dynamic stress intensity factors (DSIFs) (KIDC/KIIDC) were extracted from numerical results of the crack opening displacements (CODs). Results show that under the present transient loadings, the KIDC value is about 80–90% of the static one, while the KIIDC value is nearly unchanged. Dynamic failure mechanisms of the composite specimens were evaluated by fractography using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). POLYM. COMPOS., 26:165–180, 2005. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers
Nitrate and Nitrite Methods of Analysis and Levels in Raw Carrots, Processed Carrots and in Selected Vegetables and Grain Products

Methods for quantitative estimation of nitrate and nitrite were compared. Levels of these ions were measured in vegetables and grain products and effects of processing on nitrate and nitrite levels in carrots were measured. These data allow more accurate estimation of ingestion levels and suggest means to reduce exposure to these ions. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) had better precision and recoveries than either a classical Cd-Griess method nitrate or a Griess method for nitrite. Nitrate concentration by HPLC varied greatly within and between vegetables, ranging from 1 μmol/100g in mushrooms to 5000 μmol/100g in celery and averaging 9.7 ± 4.4 μmol/100g in grains. Nitrate levels in vegetables sold as “organic” were not different (p<0.05) from conventional vegetables. No nitrite was detected in either vegetables or grains. Nitrate was unevenly distributed in carrots with the core having the most. Storage of carrots at -18°C for 10 wk did not alter nitrate levels and no nitrite developed. Fifty-seven percent of nitrate was leached into cooking liquid when frozen carrots were boiled. Thirty-two percent of nitrate was lost during canning and 47% of the remainder was in the liquid. No nitrite developed during 10 wk of canned storage.
on the fundamental consanguineal numbers and their structural basis1

A rigorously grounded symbolic representation of the general consanguineal relation (a) yields succinct definitions for a number of historically important quantitative measures of consanguinity and (b) facilitates an examination of the algebraic relationships among these measures. Several formal devices—including standardized exponent variables, zero power factors, and a new concatenation operator called the “geneaproduct”—are introduced for their anticipated general usefulness in kinship analysis as well as for their specific utility in the explication of consanguineal numbers.
Modeling measurement error in tumor characterization studies

Etiologic studies of cancer increasingly use molecular features such as gene expression, DNA methylation and sequence mutation to subclassify the cancer type. In large population-based studies, the tumor tissues available for study are archival specimens that provide variable amounts of amplifiable DNA for molecular analysis. As molecular features measured from small amounts of tumor DNA are inherently noisy, we propose a novel approach to improve statistical efficiency when comparing groups of samples. We illustrate the phenomenon using the MethyLight technology, applying our proposed analysis to compare MLH1 DNA methylation levels in males and females studied in the Colon Cancer Family Registry. We introduce two methods for computing empirical weights to model heteroscedasticity that is caused by sampling variable quantities of DNA for molecular analysis. In a simulation study, we show that using these weights in a linear regression model is more powerful for identifying differentially methylated loci than standard regression analysis. The increase in power depends on the underlying relationship between variation in outcome measure and input DNA quantity in the study samples. Tumor characteristics measured from small amounts of tumor DNA are inherently noisy. We propose a statistical analysis that accounts for the measurement error due to sampling variation of the molecular feature and show how it can improve the power to detect differential characteristics between patient groups.
Selective Formation of Covalent Protein Heterodimers with an Unnatural Amino Acid

Summary We report a strategy for the generation of heterodimeric protein conjugates using an unnatural amino acid with orthogonal reactivity. This paper addresses the challenges of site-specificity and homogeneity with respect to the synthesis of bivalent proteins and antibody-drug conjugates. There are numerous antibody-drug conjugates in preclinical and clinical development, yet these are based either on nonspecific lysine coupling chemistry or on disulfide modification made difficult by the large number of cysteines in antibodies. Here, we describe a recombinant approach that can be used to rapidly generate a variety of constructs with defined conjugation sites. Moreover, this methodology results in homogeneous antibody conjugates whose biological, physical, and pharmacological properties can be quantitatively assessed and subsequently optimized. As proof of concept, we have generated anti-Her2 Fab-Saporin conjugates that demonstrate excellent potency in vitro.
Biological fate of organic priority pollutants in the aquatic environment

Abstract This is a review of the literature on the fate of the organic priority pollutants in the aquatic environment including biological wastewater treatment systems. Included is a brief discussion of the biological processes—mineralization, cometabolism, bioaccumulation and polymerization—and conditions under which biodegradation occurs. Observed biodegradation data from laboratory studies and biological treatment systems are summarized.
Telerobotics with whole-arm collision avoidance

The complexity of telerobotic operations in a cluttered environment is exacerbated by the need to present collision information to the operator in an understandable fashion. In addition to preventing movements which will cause collisions, a system providing some form of virtual force reflection is desirable. With this goal in mind Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has installed a kinetically similar master/slave system and developed a whole arm collision avoidance system which interacts directly with the telerobotic controller. LLNL has also provided a structure to allow for automated upgrades of workcell models and provide collision avoidance even in a dynamically changing workcell.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Activity Dependent Localization of Synaptic NMDA Receptors in Spinal Neurons

In cultured spinal neurons, NMDA receptors are absent from excitatory synapses under basal conditions, but can be made to appear at excitatory synapses following blockade of excitatory synaptic activity. The activity dependent synaptic localization of NMDA receptors is critically dependent on both the gradual, global accumulation of the NR2A and NR2B subunits and on a rapid, surface redistribution phase that is primed by the accumulation of NR2A and NR2B and inhibited by synaptic activity. Global changes in NR2A and NR2B accumulation and heterogeneous increases in synaptic NMDA receptor localization can also result from inhibitors of proteasomal processing, from manipulations of proteasomal subunit composition and from media conditioned by neurons undergoing synaptic scaling. While proteasomal processing is a mechanism shared with AMPA receptor scaling in cultured spinal neurons, diffusible factors, heterogeneity, and a rapid surface redistribution phase appear to be unique to activity dependent synaptic NMDA receptor localization.
Ricci flow on Kähler-Einstein surfaces

In this paper, we prove that if M is a Kahler-Einstein surface with positive scalar curvature, if the initial metric has nonnegative sectional curvature, and the curvature is positive somewhere, then the Kahler-Ricci flow converges to a Kahler-Einstein metric with constant bisectional curvature. In a subsequent paper [7], we prove the same result for general Kahler-Einstein manifolds in all dimension. This gives an affirmative answer to a long standing problem in Kahler Ricci flow: On a compact Kahler-Einstein manifold, does the Kahler-Ricci flow converge to a Kahler-Einstein metric if the initial metric has a positive bisectional curvature? Our main method is to find a set of new functionals which are essentially decreasing under the Kahler Ricci flow while they have uniform lower bounds. This property gives the crucial estimate we need to tackle this problem.
Thyrotropin and prolactin responses to ECT in schizophrenia and depression

Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and prolactin (PRL) plasma levels were studied during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in five schizophrenic patients in a simulated ECT (SECT) controlled experimental design. The data were compared to those obtained from a group of 10 depressed patients treated with ECT. In the schizophrenic group, both PRL and TSH increased significantly during ECT compared to SECT, as they did in the depressive group during ECT. Thus, the hormonal TSH and PRL profile during ECT is similar in schizophrenia and depression. It is concluded that the changes in TSH and PRL induced by ECT are specifically linked to the current or the seizure, and are not related to the type of psychopathology.
Synthesis of High Aspect Ratio Bisphenols and Polycarbonates Incorporating Bisaryl Units

Theoretical arguments linking monomer geometries to polymer fracture strengths and melt flow properties provide the rationale for design of a series of isomeric, high-aspect ratio bisphenols and new polycarbonates. An efficient synthesis of these monomers in addition to an optimal triphosgenation-based method for the synthesis of high molecular weight polycarbonates is presented. Preparation and polymerization of o-, meta-, and p-tetraaryl bisphenol A are reported, in addition to glass transition temperatures of the new polycarbonates. In accordance with expectations, the p- and m- isomers form ductile, amorphous high-heat films, while the o-isomer produces a relatively low-Tg brittle glass.
Unusual Turner mosaicism (45,X/47,XXX; 45,X/46,XXqi;45,X/46,XXr): Detection through deceleration from normal linear growth or secondary amenorrhea

Three patients with different types of Turner mosaicism including a 45,X line arepresented. Two patients were preadolescent girls who had normal linear growth during the first decade of their lives and inadequate growth thereafter. One of these girls has mosaicism of 45,X/47,XXX, and one is mosaic for 45,X/46,XXqi. The third patient, who has normal secondary sex characteristics but secondary amenorrhea, has 45,X/46,XXr mosaicism. It is apparent that detection of deceleration in linear growth in otherwise healthy preadolescent girls may be an important diagnostic clue for Turner mosaicism, as may secondary amenorrhea.
Insect Cold-hardiness and Ice Nucleating Active Microorganisms Including Their Potential Use for Biological Control

Abstract Since most insects are unable to survive internal ice formation a key factor in their overwintering survival is the regulation of the temperature at which they spontaneously freeze. To enhance their supercooling capacity overwintering insects eliminate endogenous ice nucleators, accumulate low-molecular-weight polyols and sugars, and synthesize hemolymph antifreeze proteins. A number of freeze-tolerant species contain proteins/lipoproteins or insoluble crystals that are ice nucleating active at relatively high subzero temperatures. Only recently have ice nucleating active bacteria and fungi been identified as normal flora in the gut of insects. These microorganisms are the most efficient class of heterogeneous ice nucleators that have been found in insects. Ice nucleating active microorganisms can regulate the supercooling capacity of insects when ingested or applied topically. These unique microorganisms may offer a novel means for the biological control of insect pests during the winter.
ReaxFF Reactive Force Field Development and Applications for Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Ammonia Borane Dehydrogenation and Combustion

Ammonia borane (AB) has attracted significant attention due to its high hydrogen content (19.6% by mass). To investigate the reaction mechanism associated with the combustion of AB, a reactive force field (ReaxFF) has been developed for use in molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The ReaxFF parameters have been derived directly from quantum mechanical data (QM). NVT-MD simulations of single- and polymolecular AB thermolysis were conducted in order to validate the force field. The release of the first equivalent H(2) is a unimolecular reaction, and MD simulations show an activation energy of 26.36 kcal mol(-1), which is in good agreement with experimental results. The release of the second H(2) is also a unimolecular reaction; however, the release of a third H(2) requires the formation of a B-N polymer. Similar simulations were conducted with a boron and oxygen system, since the oxidation of boron will be an integral step in AB combustion, and show good agreement with the established mechanism for this system. At low temperatures, boron atoms agglomerate into a cluster, which is oxidized at higher temperatures, eventually forming condensed and gas phase boron-oxide-species. These MD results provide confidence that ReaxFF can properly model the oxidation of AB and provide mechanistic insight into the AB dehydrogenation and combustion reactions.
Glacial erosion beneath ice streams and ice-stream tributaries: constraints on temporal and spatial distribution of erosion from numerical simulations of a West Antarctic ice stream

Geologic evidence such as subglacial troughs and grounding zone wedges indicate that soft-bedded, West Antarctic ice streams are capable of eroding, transporting and depositing large volumes of debris at high rates (˜100 m3 yr-1 per meter width). In order to understand the dynamics of ice streams and the geologic effects of their activity, it is important to understand the physical mechanisms that control these high rates of sub-ice-stream sediment generation and transport. Here, we use a numerical model of Ice Stream C run over c. 8500 model years to quantify the effects of a recently proposed, till-ploughing mechanism of till formation and redistribution beneath ice streams (Tulaczyk et al. 2001; Clark et al. in press). Our results show that this ‘transport-limited’ mechanism, in which till transport rates scale with ice velocity and erosion rates with spatial gradients of velocity, is consistent with existing constraints. For instance, our model results predict significantly higher (˜0.6 mm yr-1) average erosion rates beneath ice-stream tributaries, which are underlain by deep subglacial troughs, than beneath ice-stream trunks (˜0.2mm yr-1), whose subglacial troughs have a significantly smaller relief. We would not obtain this satisfactory result if subglacial erosion was parametrized in the model using the more traditional approach of scaling erosion rates with ice velocity (what we call the ‘production-limited’ parametrization). Because of the requirement of ice continuity, the magnitude of ice velocity generally increases downstream in polar ice streams, and so do the production-limited erosion rates. Pending further investigations, we propose that geologic and geomorphic effects of soft-bedded ice streams should be quantified using some form of a ‘transport-limited’ parametrization of subglacial erosion rates, e.g. the till-ploughing mechanism.
Curcumin aggravates CNS pathology in experimental systemic lupus erythematosus

Complement activation and inflammation are key disease features of systemic lupus erythematosus. Curcumin is an anti-inflammatory agent that inhibits the complement cascade. Therefore, we hypothesized that curcumin will be protective in CNS lupus. To assess the effect of curcumin on CNS-lupus, MRL/lpr mice were used. Brain MRI showed that curcumin (30mg/kg body wt. i.p. from 12-20 weeks) worsened regional brain atrophy. The volumes of the lateral and third ventricles are significantly increased (150%-213% and 107%-140%, without and with treatment respectively compared to MRL+/+ controls). The hippocampus was reduced further (83%-81%) by curcumin treatment. In line with increased brain atrophy, there were edematous cells (41% increase in cell size in MRL/lpr compared to MRL+/+ mice. The cell size was further increased by 28% when treated with curcumin; p<0.02) in the cortex. In line with increased atrophy and edema, there was a significant increase (p<0.02) in the mRNA and protein expression of the water channel protein, aquaporin 4 in these mice. The increase in the matrix proteins, glial fibrillary acidic protein and vimentin in lupus mice in the hippocampus was prevented by curcumin. Curcumin increased IgG deposits and decreased C3 deposits in brain with a corresponding increase in immune complexes and decrease in C3 concentration (by 60% in MRL/lpr mice Vs. MRL+/+ mice and a further 26% decrease when treated with curcumin) in circulation. Decrease in C3 could alter the transport of immune complexes leading to an increase in IgG deposits which could induce inflammatory pathways thereby leading to worsening of the disease. The neurological outcome as measured by maze performance indicates that the curcumin treated mice performed poorly compared to the untreated counterparts. Our results for the first time provide evidence that at the dose used in this study, curcumin aggravates some CNS disease manifestations in experimental lupus brain. Therefore, until a safe dose range is established by additional studies, and the validity of the findings is determined in human patients, caution may be warranted in the use of curcumin, even as adjuvant therapy for CNS lupus.
Marketing Review Quiz: An Academic Application of the Popular Quiz Game Format:

Adapting the popular quiz game format for use in the classroom can increase student involvement in marketing courses. Game preparation and play are described in detail, and both student and instructor benefits are presented.
A new probing technique for high-speed/high-density printed circuit boards

Bullock, in 1987 [Bull87] provided design-for-test (DFT) rules for probing printed circuit boards for in-circuit testing. Many of these rules stand in good stead even today. However, recent technical advances in operational board speed are leading some to believe that in-circuit testing cannot be performed on the high-speed sectors of boards soon to be designed. Due to the increasing usage of high-speed circuitry, there is worry in our industry that in-circuit testing will be marginalized with no good substitute available. It is the purpose of this paper to show how access can be maintained, even on highly dense gigabit logic boards
Model for the Mechanism Controlling the Expression of Competent State in Pneumococcus Cultures

Abstract Tomasz, Alexander (The Rockefeller University, New York, N.Y.). Model for the mechanism controlling the expression of competent state in pneumococcus cultures. J. Bacteriol. 91:1050–1061. 1966.—The phenotypic expression of competence allowing the cells to absorb genetically active deoxyribonucleic acid molecules from their environment was examined in pneumococcal cultures growing under a variety of environmental conditions. The most important single parameter affecting the time course of this expression process was found to be the cell concentration. Constant high levels of competence could be maintained in cultures growing in a continuous-dilution device. The expression of competence seems to occur through a specific induction process “catalyzed” by a macromolecular cell product—the activator substance. Under most growth conditions, the availability of endogenous activator seems to limit the expression of competence. An “autocatalytic” production of activator ensues during the activation of cells to the competent state. Evidence is presented for physiological influences affecting the cell's capacity to react with the activator. A physiological model is proposed for the control of the competent state in pneumococcus.
Chronic rhinitis in adults

Chronic rhinitis afflicts many American adults; the exact number is unknown because of the difficulty in establishing an exact diagnosis and because of the likely presence of overlap syndromes, including perennial allergic rhinitis, perennial nonallergic rhinitis with eosinophilia, and so-called vasomotor rhinitis. Nasal allergic reactions with release of pharmacologically active chemical mediators can participate in the pathogenesis of chronic rhinitis. In addition, reflex mechanisms probably play an important role in the initiation and maintenance of chronic nasal symptoms. Diagnosis is best achieved by a detailed history, with special attention to home, environmental, and occupation-related exposures and to selective epicutaneous skin tests and repeated smears of nasal secretions for detection of eosinophils. Therapy includes avoidance of all sorts of dust, fumes, sprays, and the like and appropriate attention to minimizing home environmental and occupational exposures. Pharmacotherapy is discussed elsewhere in this supplement.
Left ventricular intramural fibroma

Abstract The preoperative diagnosis of a left ventricular apical tumor was made in a 17 year old patient by means of left ventriculography and selective right and left coronary arteriography. The intramural ventricular fibroma was successfully resected utilizing total cardiopulmonary bypass. Surgery was followed by an uneventful postoperative recovery.
Ultrafast x-ray spectroscopic and scattering studies of nanoscale superionic phase transitions

Ultrafast x-ray absorption spectroscopy and diffraction techniques are used to directly record the superionic structural phase transition in nanoscale copper sulfide.
Globalization and the Transformation of Work in Rural Brazil: Agribusiness, Rural Labor Unions, and Peasant Mobilization

This article examines recent Brazilian rural labor and agricultural history. It identifies three broad periods for analysis in the postwar era: the 1940s to 1960s, the 1960s to 1980s, and a third period that dates roughly from the promulgation of Brazil's new constitution in 1988 to the present. Using primary and secondary sources the article analyzes recent agrarian transformations associated with globalization, including the organized response of workers and farmers to the loss of millions farm livelihoods. It explains the rise of an autonomous peasant movement in the late twentieth century and describes the recent development of a polemic between a peasant vision of expanded family farming and the agricultural capitalist model promoted by powerful agribusiness interests.
Dynamics and Control of Electrostatic Structures

This paper formulates the equations governing the dynamics and control of electrostatic structures. Using a Lagrangian mechanics approach, a potential energy function composed of a strain component, an electric component, and a gravitational component is defined. The resulting system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations are linearized about the electrostatic equilibrium leading to a linear system of ordinary differential equations characterized by mass, stiffness, damping, gyroscopic, and circulatory effects. In the absence offeedback control, the damping, gyroscopic, and circulatory effects vanish resulting in a symmetric system that admits normal mode vibration. Voltages applied over the charged subsurfaces (control points) of the electrostatic structure can control its shape. In the presence offeedback controls, control gains can be tailored to produce desirable levels of stiffness and damping. Two different control approaches are studied, one using control points that are attached to the electrostatic structure and one where the control points are fixed in space. Example problems illustrate the dynamics and control; specifically, circumstances that lead to instabilities, shape control using attached control surfaces, shape control using fixed control surfaces, and electrostatic damping.
The Importance of Perceived Task Difficulty in Goal Orientation—Assigned Goal Alignment

This study investigated the moderating effect of perceived task difficulty on the relationship between goal alignment and task performance. Using a sample of 131 participants, the relationship betw...
Glia maturation factor regulation of STAT expression: a novel mechanism in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Inflammatory cytokines are implemented in the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis. We previously demonstrated that glia maturation factor (GMF), a brain protein, isolated, sequenced and cloned in our laboratory, induce expression of proinflammatory cytokine/chemokine in the central nervous system (CNS). We found GMF-deficient (knockout) mice relatively resistant to EAE development after immunization with encephalitogenic MOG peptide 35–55. Consistent with these findings, the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in CNS of mice with EAE differed profoundly between wild type and GMF-knockout mice. In the present study we examined the expressions of six murine signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) genes, which are known to regulate the cytokine-dependent signal transduction pathways in autoimmune inflammation. The expressions of STATs genes were evaluated in the brains and spinal cords of wild type and GMF-knockout mice at the peak of EAE by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Compared to GMF-knockout mice, the expressions of STAT1, STAT2, STAT3, STAT4, STAT5, and STAT6 genes were significantly (P < 0.001) upregulated in the wild type mice exhibiting EAE symptoms. The results are consistent with the diminished development of EAE in the GMF-knockout mice. A significant suppression of STATs expression in GMF-knockout mice suggests GMF as an upstream effector of JAK/STAT signaling.
EPICS: Meeting Outcomes with Multidisciplinary Student Teams

Engineering Projects in Community Service — EPICS — is a service-learning program that was developed nearly twenty years ago at Purdue University. Under this program, undergraduate students in multidisciplinary teams earn academic credit for longterm projects that solve technology-based problems for local or global community service organizations. The EPICS model has been implemented at 23 universities in North American and on other continents. With its emphasis on the start-to-finish design of significant projects that will be deployed by the community customers, EPICS addresses many of the program outcomes mandated by ABET and the CEAB and, more broadly, to meet the Washington Accord graduate attributes. This paper describes the curricular and assessment procedures and documentation that have been developed to enhance and evaluate the students' abilities to meet outcomes including functioning on multidisciplinary teams; communicate effectively; and understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context.