cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Capillary electrophoresis stereoselective determination of R-(+)-and S-(-)-pentobarbital from serum using hydroxypropyl-γ-cyclodextrin, solid-phase extraction and ultraviolet detection

Abstract Pentobarbital is a sedative hypnotic which is used in the treatment of people suffering from anxiety related conditions and to manage elevated intracranial pressures and cerebral ischemia due to neurosurgical procedures. This paper develops and validates a rapid and sensitive method for the determination of S -(−)- and R -(+)-enantiomers in serum using capillary electrophoresis (CE) and UV detection. Stereoselective resolution was accomplished using 40 m M hydroxypropyl-γ-cyclodextrin contained in 50 m M phosphate buffer pH 9.0. The method involves a solid-phase extraction of both the enantiomers and the internal standard, aprobarbital, from serum using C 18 Bond-Elut cartridges. The CE system consists of a 52 cm×75 μm I.D. fused-silica capillary maintained at a run voltage of 15 kV with sample detection performed at 254 nm. The detection and quantitation limits for S -(−)- and R -(+)-pentobarbital are 1 μg/ml from serum. Linear calibration curves from 1 to 60 μg of both S -(−)- and R -(+)-enantiomers show a coefficient of determination of more than 0.999. The precision and accuracy of the method calculated as R.S.D. and error are 0.20–2.20% and 0.00–4.40%, respectively for R -(+)-pentobarbital and 0.30–2.19% and 0.30–6.40%, respectively for S -(−)-pentobarbital.
Location- and Orientation-Dependent Progressive Crack Propagation in Cylindrical Graphite Electrode Particles

Crack propagation in graphite electrodes has been discovered to facilitate the growth of solid electrolyte interphases (SEI) that greatly affect the long-term capacity of lithium-ion batteries. In order to maintain the charge capacity of these batteries over a number of years, crack propagation must be understood and minimized. Using cohesive zone models in finite element calculations, we have studied crack propagation in cylindrical graphite anodes by considering the progressive growth of preexisting defects during cyclic charging. We have found that for a defect to grow, it must be situated far from the center of the particle in order to be placed under high tensile stress, and it must also be closely aligned with the radial direction so the components of stress normal to the defect are high enough to cause crack propagation. Such defects begin to grow during the delithiation - not the lithiation phase of the charging cycle due to the state of high tensile hoop stress that occurs in the outer region of the particle during lithium de-intercalation. Upon subsequent cycles, the cracks progressively grow further, until complete failure of the particle is observed. Our simulations show that for typical charging conditions, defects situated within 88% of the particle’s radius from the center, and those mis-aligned from radial lines by more that 26 � , will not propagate. A failure diagram that demarcates safe and unsafe crack growth regimes is presented as a function of the location and orientation of defects. We also discuss the influence of particle size, crack microstructure, and charging rate on the failure map. The main results dealing with location-dependent failure are qualitatively the same when fully anisotropic material behavior is considered as opposed to an isotropic assumption.
An optimal energy storage capacity calculation method for 100MW wind farm

In the recent years, wind energy generation has been focused as a clean and inexhaustible energy and penetration level have increased throughout the world. But the wind power generation is not stable and cannot supply constant electrical output. Since the wind power output depends on wind, as a natural source, the electrical output always fluctuates due to the weather, site conditions and other possible factors. This variability brings with it challenges when one attempts to integrate large-scale wind power scheme into grids, since to maintain satisfactory grid operation, energy supply and demand must remain in balance at all time. Inserting energy storage system into large scale wind farm to eliminate the fluctuation become a solution for developing large scale renewable energy system connected with grid.
In vitro guide RNA/mRNA chimaera formation in Trypanosoma brucei RNA editing

The post-transcriptional processing of various mitochondrial transcripts in kinetoplastids, kRNA editing, adds and removes uridines, producing mature messenger RNAs. This editing seems to be directed by 'guide' RNAs (gRNAs) which are complementary to portions of the mature message. The editing mechanism has been proposed to entail transesterification. Detection of chimaeric gRNA-mRNA molecules, intermediates predicted by transesterification, support this model. We report here the in vitro formation of such chimaeras where endogenous gRNAs are covalently linked to added synthetic mRNA. Addition of gel-purified gRNAs to the standard reaction mix increases chimaera formation. This increase is not observed when the gRNA 3'-hydroxyl group is chemically modified, identifying this terminal hydroxyl as the reactive group. These results provide the first experimental evidence for an in vitro RNA editing event and support the involvement of transesterification as a chemical mechanism.
Centralized content in a decentralized IT environment: plone and content management at Texas A&M University

This paper discusses the development and creation of the content management system at Texas A&M University. Texas A&M does not have a centralized IT department so there is often conflicting information passed to the users depending on the site they visit. This paper explores the steps necessary when moving all technical content into a central location for easier management and tracking. In addition to discussing the above mentioned topics this paper explores some of the pros and cons of the content management system (CMS) developed at Texas A&M (TAMU).
Parathyroid hormone stimulates translocation of protein kinase C isozymes in UMR-106 osteoblastic osteosarcoma cells

Abstract Studies with antagonists have provided evidence that protein kinase C (PKC) is involved in several of the actions of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on bone. PTH increases total PKC activity in bone and bone cells. The current studies investigated whether PTH can activate specific PKC isozymes, as demonstrated by translocation of these isozymes from cytosolic to membrane fractions. The isozymes selected for study, α, βI, δ, e, and ζ, were shown previously by us to be present in normal osteoblasts and several osteosarcoma-derived osteoblastic cells. UMR-106 cells, a widely used osteoblastic cell line, were selected for the current study. PKC isozymes in whole cell lysates and cell fractions were visualized by western blotting; isozyme distribution was also visualized by immunofluorescence. The total amounts of the isozymes and their relative distribution between membrane and cytosolic fractions in untreated cells were stable over a range of passages (5–20 from initial plating). In untreated cells, the concentrations of PKC α, βI, and ζ were higher in the cytosol, and PKC δ and e were higher in the membrane fraction. Treatment with 1 or 10 nmol/L PTH for 1 or 5 min stimulated translocation of PKC α and βI, with variable effects on the other isozymes. Treatment with phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu), 1 μmol/L for 5 min, elicited similar effects to those of PTH on PKC α and βI. Treatment with PDBu for 48 h resulted in a downregulation of PKC α, whereas a 48 h treatment with PTH did not cause downregulation. The results indicate that PTH can affect specific PKC isozymes, providing a mechanism for differential regulation of cellular actions through this pathway.
Direct spectrophotometric determination of indium in tin

Indium is separated from tin by an anion-exchange process in 0.5M hydrochloric acid solution. Subsequently, the indium is extracted into 1,2- dichlorobenzene as its complex with 5,7-dichloro-8-quinolinol. The complex forms and extracts quantitatively in the pH range 3-7. The yellow, organic phase is measured spectrophotometrically at 415 m mu ; its absorbancy is directly proportional to the indium content of the aqueous phase up to a total of 1.5 mg of indium per 50 ml. This procedure quantitatively separates the two metals, allows one to determine the indium content of indium (<5%)--tin alloys with a relative error less than 0.7%, and considerably reduces color fading errors. (auth)
Elemental variation in prehistoric Unionoida shell: Implications for ceramic provenance

Abstract As part of ongoing efforts to refine ceramic-provenance methodology, we examine the universality of freshwater mussel shell chemistry as reported in an earlier study. We find that samples of prehistoric shell from several locations in eastern North America are chemically distinct from the modern sample of shell from Missouri that was previously used to develop a formula for adjusting elemental abundances in shell-tempered pottery. The observed elemental differences may be attributable to the use of prehistoric versus modern shell, or they may relate to watershed-specific geological chemistry. Regardless of the source of these differences, we suggest that future provenance studies involving shell-tempered wares would be well served by complementary analyses of locally derived prehistoric shells to better the effects of shell tempering on ceramic chemistry.
Reading, Literacy, and Education

In his article "Reading, Literacy, and Education" Mikko Lehtonen outlines a contextual approach to literacy. He asks how the changing relations of culture and economy, transformation of nation states and national cultures and changing notions concerning affect and cognition, transform notions of literacy and reading. Relying on the results of a recent Finnish research project on new reading communities and new ways of reading, Lehtonen highlights substantial continuities in the reading habits of the so called Google generation when compared to other generations of readers. Print media is not, however, connected self-evidently to cognitive reading among the said generation. Lehtonen concludes that the currently dominant ways of understanding reading are not necessarily the most useful when researchers aim at understanding the present ways of reading. Lehtonen calls for such research that would deepen the understanding of what media generations are, how the reading of printed texts happen in multimodal contexts, and what affordance various media forms, including print media, have for readers. Mikko Lehtonen, "Reading, Literacy, and Education" page 2 of 9 CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture 15.3 (2013): Thematic Issue Literacy and Society, Culture, Media, and Education. Ed. Kris Rutten and Geert Vandermeersche
Microleakage comparison of thermafil versus vertical condensation using two different sealers

The effect of two different sealers on the quality of the apical seal in roots obturated with Thermafil obturators (Tulsa Dental Products, Tulsa, Okla.) and vertical condensation was tested. Fifty extracted human maxillary anterior teeth were treated with the use of a step-back technique. Teeth were placed into five groups of 10 teeth each. One group served as the positive control. The root canals were obturated using either Thermaseal (Tulsa Dental Products) or Kerr (Kerr Manufacturing Co., Romulus, Mich.) sealer, and Thermafil or vertical condensation. All roots were placed in 1% methylene blue dye for 2 weeks. The roots were cleared, and the degree of linear dye penetration was measured using a Unitron light microscope with a Microcode II digital readout (Boeckeler Instruments, Tucson, Ariz.). The study showed that under in vitro conditions, the Thermafil technique was equivalent in linear leakage to vertical condensation. There were no statistical differences in the mean apical dye penetration between the two sealers or the two obturation techniques.
Vibration and power flow analysis of periodically reinforced plates

In this paper an analytical method is proposed to investigate the vibration and power flows of periodically reinforced plate with general boundary conditions. Both the plate and stiffening beams are modeled as 3D structural components, and the couplings at the interfaces are specified in terms of 3D elastic joints. The displacement function for each stiffening beam is expressed as a modified Fourier cosine series, and the transverse and in-plane displacements for the plate are similarly expressed as the 2D versions of the modified Fourier cosine series expansions. The unknown Fourier coefficients are calculated using the Rayleigh-Ritz technique. The key advantages of the proposed method include: 1) it is capable of dealing with arbitrary boundary and coupling conditions, 2) it allows modeling any number of reinforcing beams with arbitrary lengths, and 3) the structural intensity, power flows, and kinetic energy distributions are readily calculated analytically from the displacement functions through appropriate mathematical (differential) operations, to name a few. The power flow characteristics of periodically reinforced plates are studied against various influencing factors, such as, plate and beam boundary conditions, coupling conditions, excitation locations, and dislocations resulting from minor misplacement of a reinforcing beam.
Measurement of diameters of estuarine bacteria and particulates in natural water samples by use of a submicron particle analyzer

Diffusion coefficients and mean diameters of estuarine bacterial isolates and particulates from Bayboro Harbor water, St. Petersburg, FL, were measured by photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) employing a Coulter N4 Submicron Particle Analyzer. Mean diameters of formalin-killed bacteria by PCS agreed with those obtained from Nomarski Interference and epifluorescence microscopy. Diffusion coefficients of motile bacteria were 1.3–4.4 times greater than for formalin-killed bacteria, and PCS-estimated diameters were accordingly smaller. Analysis of Bayboro Harbor water by PCS indicated a highly variable distribution of particle diameters in unfiltered water samples. Filtration through 3-, 1-, 0.4-, and 0.2-μm Nucleopore filters resulted in progressively smaller, reproducible particle diameter distributions, which again agreed with measurements made by epifluorescence microscopy.
Existence and uniqueness of solution in Sobolev space for an unsteady crystal growth problem with zero surface tension

Abstract We study an initial value problem for a two-dimensional dendritic crystal growth model with zero surface tension. If the initial data is in Sobolev space H 2 ( R ) , it is proved that an unique local solution exists in proper Sobolev space.
Serine and glycine transport in fetal ovine hepatocytes.

Abstract The role of hepatic serine and glycine transport in the regulation of the biosynthesis of serine by the fetal liver has not been studied. The goal of this study was to characterize serine and glycine transport and utilization at physiologic concentrations in primary cultures of fetal ovine hepatocytes. Primary culture of hepatocytes from mid gestation (≈90 days) and term (≈135 days) fetal sheep were studied after overnight serum free culture. At both gestational ages, the initial rate for sodium dependent 300 μM serine transport (1697±131 pmoles/min/mg protein at mid, 1765±544 at term) was fourfold greater than sodium dependent 300 μM glycine transport (309±54 at mid, 579±252 at term). At physiologic concentrations (300 μM), 69±7% of serine and 49±8% of glycine transport was sodium dependent. At term, sodium dependent serine transport has a V max of 1751±348 pmoles/min/mg protein and a K m of 159±111 μM. Sodium independent serine transport has a V max of 904±185 and a K m of 416±188 μM. Sodium dependent glycine transport has a V max of 410±69 and a K m of 2290±895 μM while sodium independent glycine transport exhibits non-saturable kinetics. Glycine (300 μM) sodium dependent transport was not inhibited by methyl-AIB while sodium dependent 300 μM serine transport was inhibited (31%). n -Ethylmaleimide inhibited sodium dependent serine and glycine transport by 36±9% and 37±2% respectively in term hepatocytes. Cysteine inhibited sodium dependent serine transport by 37%. Sodium independent glycine transport at 300 μM was higher in low glucose (1.1 mM) medium (881±76 pmoles/min/mg protein) compared to high glucose (5.5 mM) medium (510±60 P =0.004). There were no significant differences in serine or glycine incorporation into RNA, DNA, glycogen or lipid and protein. The predominance of serine transport over glycine at physiologic concentrations suggests that inward cellular amino acid transport of serine and glycine is not likely to be a regulatory mechanism that would favor serine biosynthesis in fetal ovine hepatocytes.
Sleep: an important factor in stress‐health models

A growing body of literature supports the notion that psychological stress negatively impacts physical health. In parallel to this programme of stress/health investigations, researchers are demonstrating the deleterious health effects of poor sleep. The current study simultaneously examines the association of both stress and sleep with health. Two hundred and eighteen subjects completed an anonymous survey packet that included stress, sleep and health measures. Psychological stress (as assessed by both life-events and by self-perceived stress), daytime sleepiness and poor sleep quality, but not sleep quantity, were all negatively associated with health. A regression model that integrated both stress measures was a statistically signifi cant predictor of health. Adding the sleep measures to the stress-health model accounted for a statistically signifi cantly greater proportion of the variance in health scores, with the stress + sleep model accounting for 39‐56 per cent of the variance in health scores depending on the health measure used. These results suggest that studies of stress and health may benefi t from the inclusion of sleep measures and that, from a practical standpoint, poor sleep might be best understood not simply as a sequela of psychological stress but rather as a factor that should be actively addressed as part of the treatment programme. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electric field variations during substorms: OGO-6 measurements

The OGO-6 electric field measurements make it clear that the general pattern of high latitude electric fields in magnetic time-invariant latitude coordinates is not highly variable and that when unusual variations, or field distributions, occur they are relatively isolated in time and spatial extent. Thus, electric field changes on a global scale cannot, in general, be evoked as a direct cause of substorms. Polar traverses along the 18(h) to 6(h) magnetic time meridian show that the sum of potential drops across the evening auroral belt and morning auroral belt approximately equals the potential drop across the polar cap. The integrated polar cap potential drop ranges from 20 to 100 keV and values in the center of this range are most common under conditions of moderate magnetic disturbance. Roughly near 18(h) magnetic local time, a latitudinally narrow strip at the transition between auroral belt and polar cap fields exhibits unusually large field fluctuations immediately following the sudden onset of a negative bay at later magnetic local times. It appears likely that this spatially isolated correlation is related to an effect rather than a cause of substorm enhancement.
The role of an upstream promoter interaction in initiation of bacterial transcription

The bacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP) recognizes promoters through sequence-specific contacts of its promoter-specificity components (sigma) with two DNA sequence motifs. Contacts with the upstream ('-35') promoter motif are made by sigma domain 4 attached to the flap domain of the RNAP beta subunit. Bacteriophage T4 late promoters consist solely of an extended downstream ('-10') motif specifically recognized by the T4 gene 55 protein (gp55). Low level basal transcription is sustained by gp55-RNAP holoenzyme. The late transcription coactivator gp33 binds to the beta flap and represses this basal transcription. Gp33 can also repress transcription by Escherichia coli sigma70-RNAP holoenzyme mutated to allow gp33 access to the beta flap. We propose that repression is due to gp33 blocking an upstream sequence-independent DNA-binding site on RNAP (as sigma70 domain 4 does) but, unlike sigma70 domain 4, providing no new DNA interaction. We show that this upstream interaction is essential only at an early step of transcription initiation, and discuss the role of this interaction in promoter recognition and transcriptional regulation.
Pulsed Dielectric Surface Flashover at Atmospheric Conditions

Dielectric flashover along insulators in vacuum has been sufficiently researched in the past. Less studied, but of similar importance, is surface flashover at atmospheric pressures and the impact of various electrode geometries, humidity, and type of gas present. Previous research has shown distinct arc behavior in air and nitrogen for an electrode geometry in which the electric field lines curve above the dielectric surface. Specifically, flashover experiments in nitrogen have shown that the arc path will follow the electric field lines, not the dielectric surface. As a result, it was concluded that the arc development path, whether along the electric field line or the surface of the dielectric, is related to the oxygen content in the atmospheric background. It is believed that this dependence is due to the arc's production of UV radiation in an oxygen rich environment. Further testing, in a pure nitrogen environment with UV illumination of the surface prior to the pulse application, has shown that UV plays a significant role in the arc development path. There is a near linear relationship between the percentage of liftoffs and the time delay between UV application and flashover. Additional studies have also shown a relationship between the UV intensity and the percentage of liftoffs. Based on these results we will discuss the physical mechanisms primarily involved in unipolar flashover at atmospheric pressure. Additional experimental results regarding the effects of humidity on the liftoff phenomenon will be presented as well.
The role of Glu39 in MnII binding and oxidation by manganese peroxidase from Phanerochaete chrysoporium.

Manganese peroxidase (MnP) is a heme-containing enzyme produced by white-rot fungi and is part of the extracellular lignin degrading system in these organisms. MnP is unique among Mn binding enzymes in its ability to bind and oxidize MnII and efficiently release MnIII. Initial site-directed mutagenesis studies identified the residues E35, E39, and D179 as the Mn binding ligands. However, an E39D variant was recently reported to display wild-type Mn binding and rate of oxidation, calling into question the role of E39 as an Mn ligand. To investigate this hypothesis, we performed computer modeling studies which indicated metal−ligand bond distances in the E39D variant and in an E35D−E39D−D179E triple variant which might allow Mn binding and oxidation. To test the model, we reconstructed the E35D and E39D variants used in the previous study, as well as an E39A single variant and the E35D−E39D−D179E triple variant of MnP isozyme 1 from Phanerochaete chrysosporium. We find that all of the variant proteins are i...
A pilot study of noradrenergic and HPA axis functioning in PTSD vs. panic disorder

The biological literature in the anxiety disorders has focused on comparisons between patient groups and normal volunteers, with relatively little comparative study of the anxiety disorders. We therefore conducted this pilot study to compare a group of patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (n=7) to a contiguously studied panic disorder group (n=17) and healthy control subjects (n=16) on baseline levels of cortisol and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG), and response to clonidine challenge. Despite the small sample size, highly significant differences were found on the following measures: PTSD patients had lower cortisol, lower MHPG, reduced MHPG volatility to clonidine challenge, and marginally reduced cortisol volatility compared to patients with panic disorder. These biological findings support existing clinical, epidemiologic, family study, and clinical trial findings that distinguish these two disorders as distinct syndromes.
Prevalence of Malingering in Patients With Chronic Pain Referred for Psychologic Evaluation in a Medico-Legal Context

Abstract Greve KW, Ord JS, Bianchini KJ, Curtis KL. Prevalence of malingering in patients with chronic pain referred for psychologic evaluation in a medico-legal context. Objective To provide an empirical estimate of the prevalence of malingered disability in patients with chronic pain who have financial incentive to appear disabled. Design Retrospective review of cases. Setting A private neuropsychologic clinic in a southeastern metropolitan area. Participants Consecutive patients (N=508) referred for psychologic evaluation related to chronic pain over a 10-year period (1995–2005). Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Prevalence of malingering was examined using 2 published clinical diagnostic systems (Malingered Pain-Related Disability and Malingered Neurocognitive Dysfunction) as well as statistical estimates based on well validated indicators of malingering. Results The prevalence of malingering in patients with chronic pain with financial incentive is between 20% and 50% depending on the diagnostic system used and the statistical model's underlying assumptions. Some factors associated with the medico-legal context such as the jurisdiction of a workers' compensation claim or attorney representation were associated with slightly higher malingering rates. Conclusions Malingering is present in a sizable minority of patients with pain seen for potentially compensable injuries. However, not all excess pain-related disability is a result of malingering. It is important not to diagnose malingering reflexively on the basis of limited or unreliable findings. A diagnosis of malingering should be explicitly based on a formal diagnostic system.
Genetic analysis of structural elastic fiber and collagen genes in familial adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a genetic disorder of unknown etiology. Scoliosis is a clinical feature of inherited connective-tissue disorders including Marfan syndrome. Mutations within the gene of FBN1 (fibrillin 15), a component of the extracellular matrix, are now linked to Marfan syndrome and similar clinical phenotypes. This study investigated the potential association of structural genes encoding for extracellular matrix components of FBN1, elastin, and one of the polypeptides of type-I collagen (COL1A2) with familial adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Eleven pedigrees, including 96 individuals, were identified in which adolescent idiopathic scoliosis segregated in an apparent autosomal dominant pattern. Fifty-two individuals were determined to be affected with scoliosis. Genomic DNA was analyzed by genetic linkage utilizing four intragenic markers for the structural genes FBN1, elastin, and COL1A2. Collectively, our results exclude the structural genes of FBN1. elstin, and COL1A2 as candidate genes within these families. However, when viewed individually, specific markers cannot be excluded within all of the families. This information complements previously reported data that fibrillin production and matrix incorporation from scoliotic fibroblasts in vitro are normal in more than 80% of patients studied.
Dynamic beam shaping with freeform optics

In this work we construct coherent superpositions of Gaussian and vortex modes which can be described to occupy the complex-plane. We demonstrate how these fields can be experimentally constructed in a digital, controllable manner with a spatial light modulator. Once these fields have been generated we illustrate, with three separate techniques, how the constituent components of these fields can be extracted, namely by measuring the intensity of the field at two adjacent points; performing a modal decomposition and a new digital Stokes measurement.
Expansion of the eukaryotic proteome by alternative splicing

The collection of components required to carry out the intricate processes involved in generating and maintaining a living, breathing and, sometimes, thinking organism is staggeringly complex. Where do all of the parts come from? Early estimates stated that about 100,000 genes would be required to make up a mammal; however, the actual number is less than one-quarter of that, barely four times the number of genes in budding yeast. It is now clear that the 'missing' information is in large part provided by alternative splicing, the process by which multiple different functional messenger RNAs, and therefore proteins, can be synthesized from a single gene.
An Airflow Case Study Over the San Juan Mountains of Colorado.

Abstract On 12 February 1973 an airflow case study was documented across the San Juan Mountains in south-west Colorado. The main observation system was an NCAR Queen Air aircraft. Several supplementary observations were available from the weather modification project being conducted in the area. The airflow data were synthesized and compared with previous laboratory simulation results over the same area. The orographic cloud contained a number of imbedded convective clouds which had an important effect on the airflow and vertical diffusion processes. A precipitation efficiency was derived using a technique which avoided most of the critical assumptions of previous attempts.
Therapeutic plasma exchange a potential strategy for patients with advanced heart failure

Background: Previous reports had emphasized the importance of humoral immunity in heart failure in humans, primarily determined by the presence of circulating antibodies. However, there is little or no information about the frequency of anticardiac antibodies present in failing human myocardium. Methods: Clinical data and myocardial tissue samples were analyzed to determine the role of humoral immunity in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) in different settings. Results: Anticardiac antibodies were found present in failing hearts but not in normal control hearts. Further, the level of expression of these anticardiac antibodies changed with the severity of the disease state; and in patients with acute heart failure, we found selective activation of B cells. Finally, treatment of CHF patients with therapeutic plasma exchange, a strategy that removes circulating antibodies, resulted in a reduction in anticardiac antibody deposition and improvements in cardiac function. Conclusion: These data collectively suggest a role of humoral immunity in the progression of heart failure. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Cognitive development and the language of mental states

(1987). Cognitive development and the language of mental states. Discourse Processes: Vol. 10, The Language of Thinking: Mental State Words, pp. 193-199.
Thermal reaction of pentachlorophenol and its salts

Abstract Studies were done on the thermal reaction of pentachlorophenol and its sodium, lithium and potassium salts. Thermal reactions were characterized using isothermal and dynamic thermogravimetry and a variety of chemical analysis techniques. Large differences were observed between pentachlorophenol and different pentachlorophenate salts. Oxygen and various levels of bases had little effect on the thermal reaction. The yield of octachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin varies depending on the type of inorganic ion and the temperature. The other major product was a polymer formed by condensation of the initial starting material (phenol), an intermediate, or the final product (dioxin). Preliminary evidence indicated it was very similar to the structure of octachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin.
The impact of buyer perceptions and situational factors on internet usage

The internet is rapidly gaining prominence in business-to-business marketing. As a result, there is a strong need to understand the role that it plays in inter-firm relationships. This paper addresses this issue by examining internet usage from the perspective of industrial buyers. We draw upon conceptual material, as well as a survey of 100 industrial buyers, to examine factors that may affect a buyer's likelihood of using the internet. The findings suggest that an industrial buyer's likelihood of using the internet is affected by the buyer's perceptions of value and trust, as well as situational factors such as product type, decision stage, and the buyer's overall internet experience. These findings have implications for how industrial marketers design their websites and integrate their internet strategies with their more traditional marketing programmes.
Bladder-anal reflex.

Aims The purposes of this study were to evaluate the bladder–anal reflex (BAR) latency in asymptomatic women and determine the pathway of the reflex using selective anesthesia and neuromuscular block. Methods Urinary incontinence, voiding dysfunction, and pelvic organ prolapse are common problems in women. Evaluation of pelvic nerve function often augments the clinical assessment of these women. Urethral–anal and clitoral–anal reflex testing have been reported as methodologies to assess patients with neurogenic disorders. A bladder–anal reflex is also obtainable but has not been reported previously in the literature. Twenty-two subjects and two patients were recruited for evaluation of the BAR. Results This study has allowed us to estimate reference ranges for BAR latency and threshold. We defined the upper limit of these reference ranges as two standard deviations above their respective means. For the BAR latency, the upper limit of the reference range is 91 msec. Any latency value above this limit should be considered abnormal. The upper limit for the BAR threshold reference range is 37.7 mA. Lower thresholds are not thought to be clinically meaningful due to the presence of several low sensory thresholds in this asymptomatic normal population. Conclusions The BAR was obtainable in asymptomatic women and compatible with known anatomy and innervation of the lower urinary tract. Neurourol. Urodynam. 22:683–686, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Notch versus the proteasome: what is the target of γ-secretase inhibitor-I?

γ-Secretase inhibitors are new anti-cancer agents targeting Notch signaling. Their specificity for Notch is as yet unclear. Han and colleagues investigated the effects of Z-LeuLeuNleu-CHO on growth of breast cancer cells. The results demonstrated a reduction in cell viability primarily via proteasome inhibition independent of Notch activity. Currently, γ-secretase inhibitors in clinical trials are structurally distinct from Z-LeuLeuNleu-CHO. Their effects on the proteasome are yet to be determined. However, findings from Han and colleagues pose two critical questions: Is the level of proteasomal activity in breast tumors the driving force for growth? What does the Notch pathway contribute to this growth?
Interatomic potentials from experimental phonon spectra II. General results

A method described in the previous paper to extract interatomic potentials from phonon spectra is applied to a variety of simple, noble, and transition metals. The interatomic pair potentials for Rb, Pb, Ag, Au, Cr, Mo, W, V, Nb, Ta, Ni, Pd, and Pt are reported and discussed in the light of other available potentials. Eine in einerfruheren Arbeit beschriebene Methode, um interatomare Potentiale aus den Phononenspektren zu gewinnen, wird auf eine Anzahl Edel- und Ubergangsmetalle sowie einfacher Metalle angewendet. Die interatomaren Paarpotentiale fur Rb, Pb, Ag, Au, Cr, Mo, W, V, Nb, Ta, Ni, Pd und Pt werden mitgeteilt und im Zusammenhang mit anderen verfugbaren Potentialen diskutiert.
π− scattering in the mandelstam representation

Analytic properties of the partial wave amplitude for the K−+p→Σ+π reaction are investigated in the total energy space by making use of the Mandelstam representation. The unitarity condition requires the study of the pion-hyperon as well as the kaon-nucleon scattering. The latter interaction will not be important for the long-range part of the interaction, so we neglected the effect of it in this paper. The long-range part of the interaction due to the single-baryon exchange can explain the observed low-energy pion-hyperon resonances. The low-frequency of the Σ-hyperon in theI=1,p3/2 resonance is interpreted by an accidental cancellation of the long-range potential, and hence the universality of the strong pion-baryon interaction still holds for the ΣΣπ interaction. TheI=0 andI=2,p3/2 resonances can be interpreted by the attractive long-range interaction in the pion-hyperon scattering.
Oxidative stress and HNE conjugation of GLUT3 are increased in the hippocampus of diabetic rats subjected to stress

Recent studies demonstrate that cellular, molecular and morphological changes induced by stress in rats are accelerated when there is a pre-existing strain upon their already compromised adaptive responses to internal or external stimuli, such as may occur with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. The deleterious actions of diabetes and stress may increase oxidative stress in the brain, leading to increases in neuronal vulnerability. In an attempt to determine if stress, diabetes or stress+diabetes increases oxidative stress in the hippocampus, radioimmunocytochemistry was performed using polyclonal antisera that recognize proteins conjugated by the lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE). Radioimmunocytochemistry revealed that HNE protein conjugation is increased in all subregions of the hippocampus of streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats, rats subjected to restraint stress and STZ diabetic rats subjected to stress. Such increases were not significant in the cortex. Because increases in oxidative stress may contribute to stress- and diabetes-mediated decreases in hippocampal neuronal glucose utilization, we examined the stress/diabetes mediated HNE protein conjugation of the neuron specific glucose transporter, GLUT3. GLUT3 immunoprecipitated from hippocampal membranes of diabetic rats subjected to stress exhibited significant increases in HNE immunolabeling compared to control rats, suggesting that HNE protein conjugation of GLUT3 contributes to decreases in neuronal glucose utilization observed during diabetes and exposure to stress. Collectively, these results demonstrate that the hippocampus is vulnerable to increases in oxidative stress produced by diabetes and stress. In addition, increases in HNE protein conjugation of GLUT3 provide a potential mechanism for stress- and diabetes-mediated decreases in hippocampal neuronal glucose utilization.
The Politics of Social Risk: Business and Welfare State Development

The Politics of Social Risk: Business and Welfare State Development. By Isabela Mares. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2003. 342p. $65.00 cloth, $24.00 paper. Since the 1970s, the power resources model has been the dominant approach to comparative studies of welfare state development. The strength of labor unions and left-wing political parties has been used to explain cross-national variation in both the structure and substance of modern social policies. However, in recent years, a number of scholars have challenged this labor-centered perspective by questioning the notion that capitalists uniformly oppose social insurance or that passage of meaningful reforms can only occur when business interests are politically marginalized.
Why mechanical design cannot be like VLSI design

It is widely agreed that the design methods and computer support of VLSI design are generally more mature than those of mechanical items. Why is this so, and is there any hope of the gap being significantly closed? This paper argues that there are fundamental reasons, that is, reasons based on natural phenomena, that keep mechanical design from approaching the ideal of VLSI design methods. The argument is accompanied by examples and brief histories of the evolution of VLSI design methods and attempts to systemize mechanical design. Brief attention is also given to the paradoxical fact that VLSI design itself is currently receding from the ideal and taking on the flavor and problems of mechanical design. This paper is based on several reports and working papers with limited circulation. The one relied on primarily is Whitney et al. (C.S. Draper Lab Report R-2577, Dec., 1993). The author wishes to acknowledge the contributions of his co-authors of that report. He also acknowledges the many discussions he had with people mentioned in the footnotes who enriched his approach to this topic.
CONSTRAINTS ON SCALAR-FIELD DARK ENERGY FROM GALAXY CLUSTER GAS MASS FRACTION VERSUS REDSHIFT DATA

We use the Allen et al. Chandra measurements of the X-ray gas mass fraction of 26 rich clusters to place constraints on the scalar-field dark energy model with an inverse power-law potential energy density. The constraints are consistent with, and typically more constraining than, those from other cosmological tests, and they mildly favor the Einstein cosmological constant limit of the dark energy model. Subject headings: cosmological parameters — cosmology: observations — X-rays: galaxies: clusters
Development of a New Active Personal Dosimeter for Use in Space Radiation Environments

A new solid state detector, known as Medipix, developed by a consortium of academic institutions has been evolved from a technology originally created for use at the LHC at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland. This technology is being harnessed for use as an active personal dosimeter for space radiation applications. The pixel based technology embeds the entire required readout electronics for each pixel withing the pixel's 55 micron square footprint. That allows the seamless tiling of multiple arrays of detectors. Prototypes have been exposed to heavy ion beams at the HIMAC facility in Japan and at the Texas A&M cyclotron in the US. The results are very encouraging. Extensive experience is being gained in using the detectors with appropriate converters for simultaneous neutron dosimetry as well. Ultimate versions may be deployed that are both wireless and self-contained, as well as having a package size comparable to current passive personal dosimeters. Prospect are excellent for building them into spacesuits, which would provide ground-based real-time monitoring of the detailed doses being taken by crew members during such high-risk periods as EVAs. These dosimeters could also be used as active area monitors in a variety of both space and ground-based applications.
Evolutionary Approach to Managing E-Resources

SUMMARY Over the past five years the Wayne State University Library System has become a national leader in the transition from print to electronic, with nearly 60% of the $7 million annual materials budget going to pay for electronic resources. Learning how to manage these resources has been an evolutionary process. This article discusses the WSULS experience with regards to: (1) the transition from print to electronic, (2) the current state of e-resources management, and (3) future directions in utilizing staff and technology to address e-resource issues.
Analysis of the acidity index and integrated intragastric acidity in 645 patients presenting with gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms.

Objective. In a recent study of patients receiving proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy, a new parameter, the acidity index, was described as being less complicated to calculate and of comparable accuracy (r=0.93) to integrated intragastric acidity (IA) in assessing intragastric pH control. The aim of this study was to correlate AI with IA using a large database of ambulatory 24-h pH-metry studies in untreated patients presenting with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms. Material and methods. We retrospectively analyzed 645 studies obtained from 1995 to 2001. Daytime (0800 h–2200 h), night-time (2200 h–0800 h) and 24-h IA and AI were calculated according to age, gender and the presence or absence of GERD, and correlations between these parameters were assessed using linear regression with F-statistic values, p-values and Akaike's Information Criterion values. GERD was defined as total esophageal pH time <4.0, 5 cm above the lower esophageal sphincter, for ≥4.2% of the day. IA and AI were calcul...
Development and evaluation of a method for calculating the Healthy Eating Index-2005 using the Nutrition Data System for Research.

Objective To develop and evaluate a method for calculating the Healthy Eating Index-2005 (HEI-2005) with the widely used Nutrition Data System for Research (NDSR) based on the method developed for use with the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrient Dietary Data System (FNDDS) and MyPyramid Equivalents Database (MPED). Design Cross-sectional. Setting Non-institutionalized, community-dwelling adults aged 70 years and above. Subjects Two hundred and seventy-one adults participating in the Geisinger Rural Aging Study (GRAS) and 620 age- and race-matched adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001–2002 (NHANES) were included in the analysis. The HEI-2005 scores were generated using NDSR in GRAS and compared to scores generated using FNDDS and MPED in NHANES. Results Similar total HEI-2005 scores (mean 62·0 ( se 0·75) in GRAS v . 57·4 ( se 0·55) in NHANES) were estimated, and the individual components most strongly correlated with total score in both samples were compared. Cronbach’s coefficient α values of HEI-2005 were 0·52 in GRAS and 0·43 in NHANES. Conclusions Since NDSR is commonly used for educational purposes, in clinical settings and in nutrition research, it is important to develop methodology for assessing diet quality through the use of HEI-2005 with this dietary analysis software application and its accompanying food and nutrient database. Results from the present study show that HEI-2005 scores can be generated with NDSR using the method described in the present study and the detailed USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion technical report as guidance.
Nucleotide sequence and properties of the murine γ3 immunoglobulin heavy chain gene switch region: implications for successive Cγ gene switching

During B lymphocyte differentiation, immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region (CH) genes undergo a unique series of DNA recombination events culminating in the CH class switch. CH switch (S) regions are located 2 kb 5' of each CH gene except delta (i.e. mu, gamma 3, gamma 1, gamma 2b, gamma 2a, epsilon and alpha). We describe the structural features of the gamma 3 switch region. Hybridization experiments show that S gamma 3 has remarkable homology to both S mu and other S gamma regions while S mu possesses limited homology to the other S gamma sequences. However, S mu possesses extensive sequence homology with S epsilon and S alpha. The nucleotide sequence of S gamma 3 reveals higher densities of S mu repetitive sequences (GAGCT and GGGGT) and another S region common sequence (YAGGTTG) than observed for S gamma 1, S gamma 2b or S gamma 2a. In addition, the conservation of S mu like repetitive sequences in S gamma regions is correlated with the 5' leads to 3' gamma gene order (i.e. S gamma 3 greater than S gamma 1 greater than S gamma 2b greater than S gamma 2a). A model is presented which suggests that the unique features of S gamma 3 may allow for successive switches from C mu to any C gamma gene.