cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
History of Gay and Lesbian Physician Groups

In response to increasing social and political pressures gay and lesbian physicians first began to organize formally in the late 1970s, in local geographic groups. In 1981, the first national organization of gay and lesbian physicians (AAPHR) was founded. In the next decade this group, which subsequently adopted its current name of the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association, began to address successfully the myriad of issues facing gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered physicians and their patients.
Arizona Freight Network Evaluation Using Decision Support System

Since highway freight transportation is recognized as an important part of the overall transportation scenario, planning initiatives are needed at the state level to ensure adequacy and efficient performance of its freight transportation system. This freight planning is a complex phenomenon since both public and private sectors have a role to play in freight movements, and since commodity flow data is scarce and mostly disaggregated. Such a complex environment has focused planners' attention on the use of computerized decision support systems. This paper reports briefly on a decision support system (DSS) that was developed for Arizona Department of Transportation and illustrates how it can be utilized in evaluating a highway network under different scenario conditions related to regional and multi‐regional economic growth patterns. A traffic and safety analysis was carried out with the DSS for two alternative futures and results were compared with base year conditions. The results of analysis suggest that...
Large-Scale Extended Emission around the Helix Nebula: Dust, Molecules, Atoms, and Ions

We present new observations of the ionized gas, molecular gas, and cool dust in the Helix Nebula (NGC 7293). The ionized gas is observed in the form of an Himage, which is constructed using images from the Southern HSky Survey Atlas. The molecular emission was mapped using the H2 v =1 ! 0 S(1) line at 2.122 lm. The far-infrared (FIR) observations were obtained using ISOPHOT on the Infrared Space Observ- atory. The Hobservations are more sensitive than previous measurements and show the huge extent of the Helix, confirming it as a density-bounded nebula and showing previously unseen point-symmetric structures. The H2 observations show that the molecular gas follows the distribution of molecular material shown in pre- vious work. The molecular emission is confined to that part of the nebula seen in the classic optical image. Furthermore, comparison of the H2 emission strength with time-dependent models for photodissociation regions (PDRs) shows that the emission arises from thermal excitation of the hydrogen molecules in PDRs and not from shocks. The FIR observations, at 90 and 160 lm, represent mostly contributions from thermal dust emission from cool dust grains but include a small contribution from ionized atomic lines. Comparison of the FIR emission with the Hobservation shows that the dust and ionized gas are coincident and extend to � 1100 00 radius. This equates to a spatial radial extent of more than 1 pc (assuming a distance to the Helix of � 200 pc). Assuming that the outer layers of the circumstellar shell have spherical symmetry, radiative transfer modeling of the emission in Hgives a shell mass of � 1.5 M� . However, the modeling does not cover the outermost part of the shell (beyond � 600 00 radius), and therefore this is a lower limit for the shell mass. Moreover, the models suggest the need for very large dust grains, with � 80% of the dust mass in grains larger than 3.5 lm. Comparison of these new observations with previous observations shows the large-scale stratifi- cation of the Helix in terms of ionized gas and dust, as well as the coexistence of molecular species inside the ionized zones, where molecules survive in dense condensations and cometary knots.
Juvenile dermatomyositis update

Recent studies involving juvenile dermatomyositis indicate that the majority of affected children have symptoms suggestive of infection prior to disease onset, damage to skin and muscle each have a distinct pathophysiology, certain urinary muscle metabolites may be useful laboratory markers, and methotrexate used as first line therapy with corticosteroids is associated with greater height velocity and smaller increase in body mass index.
Representation theorems for linear second-order parabolic partial differential equations

in a substrip R, x (to , h), where 01 is a signed measure and where the integral converges absolutely. We further show that if a function U(X, t) is representable in the form (2) in a strip R, x (t, , T) and if the integral converges absolutely, then U(X, t) satisfies (1) in a substrip Ii, x (2, , h). These results will extend the earlier work of Tychonoff [l], Krzytariski [2], [3], Widder [4], Rosenbloom [5], and others, and the more recent work of Friedman [6], Krzyianski [7], and Aronson [8]. We then use these results to extend a uniqueness theorem of Krzyiariski [7], which in turn extended a uniqueness theorem of Widder [4], and also to extend a recent uniqueness theorem of Aronson [9]. This uniqueness theorem, Theorem 9, is a direct extension of a result of Rosenbloom [5].
Retinoids increase cell-cell adhesion strength, beta-catenin protein stability, and localization to the cell membrane in a breast cancer cell line: a role for serine kinase activity.

In this study we show that a breast cancer cell line (SKBR3) that expresses no E-cadherin and very low levels of beta-catenin protein and exhibits a poorly adhesive phenotype in Matrigel responds to retinoic acid (RA) by a marked increase in epithelial differentiation. Specifically, treatment of cells with all-trans-RA, 9-cis-RA, or a RA receptor alpha-specific ligand resulted in a large increase in cell-cell adhesive strength and stimulated the formation of fused cell aggregates in Matrigel. A retinoid X receptor-specific ligand was ineffective. Exposure of cells to 9-cis-RA for as little as 4 h was sufficient to maintain the adhesive phenotype for at least 4 days. The effects of 9-cis-RA required protein and RNA synthesis, but were not mediated by factors secreted by stimulated cells or by direct cell contact and did not require serum. These 9-cis-RA-induced morphological effects were completely reversed by growing cells in 50 microM Ca2+, suggesting a mechanism involving a 9-cis-RA-induced increase in ...
Hydrogen-assisted isomerizations of fulvene to benzene and of larger cyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Abstract The H-assisted isomerization of fulvene to benzene is characterized in detail using quantum chemistry, transition state theory, classical trajectory, and master equation calculations. This multistep isomerization involves 10 transition states, nine of which are found to contribute non-negligibly to the overall kinetics. Calculated temperature- and pressure-dependent rate coefficients are presented for H + fulvene → products, with care taken to quantify uncertainties in the theoretical predictions arising from various aspects of the calculation. The rate coefficients agree with past theoretical work within these estimated uncertainties. This fast isomerization proceeds via a cyclopropylcarbinyl intermediate––a substituted cyclopropyl group adjacent to a radical carbon––that provides a facile route for the carbon bonding rearrangement. Analogous H-assisted isomerization pathways involving cyclopropylcarbinyl intermediates are characterized using quantum chemistry calculations for four second-ring isomers of naphthalene: fulvalene, azulene, 1-methyleneindene, and 2-methyleneindene. These processes, and those for larger polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), may be characterized in a general way as occurring in five steps: H additions, H shifts, cyclopropylcarbinyl intermediate formation, cyclopropylcarbinyl intermediate ring opening, and H-atom regeneration. Trends in the energetics of each of these steps with respect to PAH size and composition are discussed.
Why the daughter of Herodias must dance (Mark 6.14-29)

To some modern scholars' disapproval, Mark's and Matthew's John the Baptist dies because of two women and a dance. Historically improbable, but theologically essential, the episode in Mark makes theology through narrative structure, juxtaposing the Baptist's death with the raising of Jairus's daughter through the dance of Herodias's daughter and paralleling Jairus's daughter's rising with Jesus' in Mark's original ending, 16.8. While the two daughters point to resurrection and Jesus' feeding the faithful, Herodias confirms John's identity as Elijah by acting the murderous Jezebel to Herod's sympathetic Ahab. Matthew and Luke embrace Mark's Elijanic identification of the Baptist but alter the Herod-Herodias story to accommodate different theological interests. Erasing the Herodian family altogether, John imitates Mark's structural placement of the Baptist as integral to the promise of resurrection.
A parallel Galerkin boundary element method for surface radiation and mixed heat transfer calculations in complex 3‐D geometries

This paper presents a parallel Galerkin boundary element method for the solution of surface radiation exchange problems and its coupling with the finite element method for mixed mode heat transfer computations in general 3-D geometries. The computational algorithm for surface radiation calculations is enhanced with the implementation of ideas used for 3-D computer graphics applications and with data structure management involving creating and updating various element lists optimized for numerical performance. The algorithm for detecting the internal third party blockages of thermal rays is presented, which involves a four-step procedure, i.e. the primary clip, secondary clip and adaptive integration with checking. Case studies of surface radiation and mixed heat transfer in both simple and complex 3-D geometric configurations are presented. It is found that a majority of computational time is spent on the detection of foreign element blockages and parallel computing is ideally suited for surface radiation calculations. Results show that the decrease of the CPU time approaches asymptotically to an inverse rule for parallel computing of surface radiation exchanges. For large-scale computations involving complex 3-D geometries, an iterative procedure is a preferred approach for the coupling of the Galerkin boundary and finite elements for mixed mode heat transfer calculations. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Graphene metrology and devices

Abstract The unusual electronic properties of graphene make it a prime candidate material for extending nanoelectronics and designing new types of switches. Graphene's unusual properties are a resu...
HLA-DR alleles determine responsiveness to Borrelia burgdorferi antigens in a mouse model of self-perpetuating arthritis.

Objective Arthritis is a prominent manifestation of Lyme disease, which is caused by infection with Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb). Chronic Lyme arthritis persisting even after antibiotic treatment is linked to HLA–DRB1*0401 (DR4) and related alleles. In contrast, patients whose Lyme arthritis resolves within 3 months postinfection show an increased frequency of HLA–DRB1*1101 (DR11). The aim of this study was to analyze the underlying mechanism by which HLA–DR alleles confer genetic susceptibility or resistance to antibiotic-refractory Lyme arthritis. Methods We generated DR11-transgenic (DR11-Tg) mice on a murine MHCII−/− background and compared their immune response to Bb antigens with the response of DR4-Tg mice after immunization with Bb outer surface protein A (OspA) or infection with live Bb. Results T cells from OspA-immunized and Bb-infected DR11-Tg mice had defective production of interferon-γ as compared with those from DR4-Tg mice. In contrast, DR11-Tg mice developed higher titers of anti-OspA and anti-Bb antibodies, respectively, than did DR4-Tg mice. Consistent with this observation, we found that the Bb-infected DR11-Tg mice had a decreased spirochetal burden as compared with the DR4-Tg mice, as measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Conclusion This study provides direct evidence that in the presence of HLA–DR11, the immune response against Bb antigens is directed toward a protective antibody response. In contrast, an inflammatory Th1 response is induced in the presence of DR4. These observations offer an explanation for the differential genetic susceptibility of DR4+ and DR11+ individuals to the development of chronic Lyme arthritis and, eventually, the progression to antibiotic-refractory Lyme arthritis.
Induction of sister chromatid exchanges by inhibitors of topoisomerases.

To investigate the role of topoisomerases in the production of sister chromatid exchanges, the effects of inhibitors of type I and II topoisomerases on baseline and mutagen-induced sister chromatid exchanges were compared. V79 cells were treated with VM-26 and m-AMSA, known inhibitors of type II topoisomerase, or with camptothecin, the only known inhibitor of type I topoisomerase. We observed that inhibitors of both type I and II topoisomerases induced high levels of sister chromatid exchanges at 10−6 M, and that the dose-response curves of these drugs were very similar. A clear heterogeneity in the distribution patterns of exchanges induced by inhibitors of topoisomerases was observed. We believe that this heterogeneity in response to these compounds is due to variation in sensitivity within the cell cycle. We also studied interactions of these agents with mitomycin-C and with PUVA (8-methoxypsoralen + UVA), both cross-linking agents and potent sister chromatid exchange inducers, and with x-rays, an agent that induces high levels of DNA strand breaks. No significant change in exchange levels was observed in interactions between topoisomerase inhibition and the levels induced by the agents studied. We conclude that double-strand break prevalence, known to be increased through inhibition of type II topoisomerase, is not the primary mechanism for induction of sister chromatid exchanges. We further conclude that acute inhibition of type I and type II topoisomerases does not influence substantially the induction of exchanges by other agents.
Worship in the Fourth Gospel: A Cultural Interpretation of John 14—17

Typical readers interpret John 14—17 as a Farewell Address, and for good reason. But that hardly exhausts its contents, for the form of a farewell address simply misses all that Jesus has to say about worship in the group. From the gospel's beginning we find a steady focus on temple, mountains for worship, feasts and their objects of prayer and celebration, and the like. But in John 14—17 we are told about prayer: Jesus' own prayer to God and his instructions to the disciples to petition “in my name.” If prayer is communication to God, God also communicates to his devotees, primarily in words. Hence we find exhortations to remain and to love; oracles of many sorts, such as warning, judgment, assurance, salvation and the like. We find a particular focus on the words of Jesus, things he said but were not understood, special revelations to a special group, all of which is facilitated by the Advocate/Spirit. Most importantly, the personnel of worship are clearly defined: the Patron Father who bestows benefact...
Microstructure and wear properties of laser-deposited functionally graded Inconel 690 reinforced with TiC

Abstract Functionally gradient material (FGM) can be tailored to the structural requirements of the final product. In this study, titanium carbide (TiC) reinforcement particles were embedded in Inconel 690 with laser direct deposition to build functionally gradient metal matrix composites (FGMMCs). The microstructures of the MMC and distribution of TiC particles were characterized with an optical microscope, SEM and X-ray diffraction. There was a near absence of internal voids in the deposited TiC-Inconel 690 MMC. With the volume percentage of TiC particles in the depositions varied from 0 to 49%, a drastic evolution in the microstructure was observed and the presence of TiC particles over 30% yielded a refinement of the matrix microstructure and introduction of a finely dispersed crystalline phase. High-temperature dissolution of TiC was not detected under the conditions used. Micro-hardness and wear resistance tests showed a significant improvement with increased TiC content.
The crises of East European communism: The grand failure of manipulated participation

Research on crises in European Leninist regimes has focused largely on the process of political disequilibrium that preceded outbreaks of social discontent, on the crisis‐resolution role played by the Soviet leadership, and, more recently, on the fundamental flaws in the Marxist project. A process model of crisis and change that focuses on the later stages of crisis ‐ in particular, efforts to restore political equilibrium ('resynchronization') through the expansion of participation ‐ suggests that one of the great failures of communist party rule in Eastern Europe was the inability to resynchronize following crisis. Rulers' stress on post‐crisis political participation as a form of resynchronization proved expedient in the short run but counter‐productive over the longer term. An examination of six systemic and five non‐systemic crises that occurred in Eastern Europe during 1953–81, with particular attention paid to the efficacy of the methods used by ruling coalitions to fit allocation to demands, indic...
Lifestyle risk factors and new-onset diabetes mellitus in older adults: the cardiovascular health study.

Background The combined impact of lifestyle factors on incidence of diabetes mellitus later in life is not well established. The objective of this study was to determine how lifestyle factors, assessed in combination, relate to new-onset diabetes in a broad and relatively unselected population of older adults. Methods We prospectively examined associations of lifestyle factors, measured using repeated assessments later in life, with incident diabetes mellitus during a 10-year period (1989-1998) among 4883 men and women 65 years or older (mean [SD] age at baseline, 73 [6] years) enrolled in the Cardiovascular Health Study. Low-risk lifestyle groups were defined by physical activity level (leisure-time activity and walking pace) above the median; dietary score (higher fiber intake and polyunsaturated to saturated fat ratio, lower trans -fat intake and lower mean glycemic index) in the top 2 quintiles; never smoked or former smoker more than 20 years ago or for fewer than 5 pack-years; alcohol use (predominantly light or moderate); body mass index less than 25 (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared); and waist circumference of 88 cm for women or 92 cm for men. The main outcome measure was incident diabetes defined annually by new use of insulin or oral hypoglycemic medications. We also evaluated fasting and 2-hour postchallenge glucose levels. Results During 34 539 person-years, 337 new cases of drug-treated diabetes mellitus occurred (9.8 per 1000 person-years). After adjustment for age, sex, race, educational level, and annual income, each lifestyle factor was independently associated with incident diabetes. Overall, the rate of incident diabetes was 35% lower (relative risk, 0.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.59-0.71) for each 1 additional lifestyle factor in the low-risk group. Participants whose physical activity level and dietary, smoking, and alcohol habits were all in the low-risk group had an 82% lower incidence of diabetes (relative risk, 0.18; 95% confidence interval, 0.06-0.56) compared with all other participants. When absence of adiposity (either body mass index Conclusion Even later in life, combined lifestyle factors are associated with a markedly lower incidence of new-onset diabetes mellitus.
Direct identification of products and measurement of branching ratios for the reactions of oxygen atoms with vinylfluoride, vinylchloride, and vinylbromide

Three O+vinylhalide reactions were studied to identify the reactive channels, determine the overall rate constants and to measure the specific rate constants for each important open channel. Products were identified by studying these reactions in high-intensity crossed molecular beams. Each O+C 2 H 3 X (X=F, Cl, or Br) reaction was found to proceed by three major routes producing: 1, CH 3 +XCO (X+CO); 2, CH 2 X+HCO; and 3, H 2 C 2 O+HX. Minor routes were also observed. Specific rate constants for routes 1 and 3 as well as overall rate constants were obtained for all three O+vinylhalide reactions and were used to calculate branching ratios for the major routes of these three reactions at 302°K. Possible mechanisms for these reactions are discussed.
Bridging the injured spinal cord with neural stem cells

Spinal cord injury (SCI) damages not only the gray matter neurons, but also the white matter axonal tracts that carry signals to and from the brain, resulting in permanent loss of function below injury. Neural stem cells (NSCs) have high therapeutic potential for reconstruction of the injured spinal cord since they can potentially form neuronal relays to bridge functional connectivity between separated spinal cord segments. This requires host axonal regeneration into and connectivity with donor neurons, and axonal growth and connectivity of donor neurons to host central nervous system (CNS) circuitry. In this mini-review, we will discuss key studies that explore novel neuronal relay formation by grafting NSCs in models of SCI, with emphasis on long-distance axonal growth and connectivity of NSCs grafted into injured spinal cord.
Spinal cord ischemia and atherosclerosis: a review of the literature

Introduction. A paucity of literature exists regarding spinal cord ischemia and atherosclerosis. Therefore, the present study aimed to review this literature in hopes of better understanding this pathology.Methods. Various search engines and databases were accessed using the following terms “atherosclerosis and spinal cord ischemia”, “atherosclerosis and vascular myelopathy”, “spinal cord ischemia” and “arteriosclerosis of spinal arteries”.Results. Twenty publications were found to be relevant to the present review. However, very few studies were identified that dealt specifically with atherosclerosis and spinal cord ischemia. The more valid cross-sectional studies indicated that local atherosclerosis in the spinal arterial network is minimal in comparison with the rest of the body. The anterior spinal artery appears to be one of the few arteries affected by atherosclerotic plaque formation. A greater propensity to affect the lower cervical spinal cord and a correlation with advancing age appears to exist...
Distribution of short chain n-fatty acids in retort water from green river oil shale

n-Fatty acids in the range of C2 to C10 were found in retort water from a simulated in situ retorting process of Green River oil shale. The distribution of these fatty acids shows no preference between molecules of odd and even numbers of carbon atoms. A comparison with retort water from an aboveground retorting proces suggests that differences in the distribution of these acids depend largely on the technique and operating conditions employed in the retorting process.
Oxygen requirement for growth of candida utilis on semisolid straw substrate

Semisolid fermentation has been used for production of enzymes, mushrooms, fermented food and animal feed. The main difference between the submerged liquid fermentation and the semisolid cultivation is that the substrate in the former is completely dissolved and homogeneous, whereas the latter employs insoluble substrate with relatively little liquid in the growth environment. In spite of its simplicity and ease of operation, due to heterogeneity of the fermentation mixture, the controls for microbial growth in semisolid fermentation, such as temperature, pH, aeration, agitation, and concentration of nutrient and products are not as simple as those for the homogeneous submerged culture. Because of these difficulties, there have been only a limited number of studies on the quantitative measurement of the growth parameters on semisolid substrate. Since the solubility of oxygen in water is extremely low, oxygen supply is often the limiting factor for cell growth in a submerged fermentation. In a semisolid fermentation, however, a thin water film is formed surrounding the insoluble substrate which makes the diffusion of oxygen into the water faster than in liquid fermentation. Therefore, the oxygen requirement level for semisolid fermentation is expected to be less than for liquid fermentation. In this study we have determinedmore » the oxygen demand level of C. utilis grown on semisolid straw by measuring the growth rate of the organism under various levels of oxygen supply.« less
Dynorphin-(1–13): The effect of in vivo treatment on opiate bindings in vitro

Mice were injected intracerebroventricularly with different doses of dynorphin-(1–13) in vivo and decapitated after different intervals of time; crude P2 fractions were then prepared and used for in vitro binding with [3H]dihydromorphine (DHM) and [3H][D-Ala2,D-Leu5]enkephalin. Dynorphin pretreatment was found to decrease DHM binding in vitro in a both time-dependent and dose-dependent manner. Its maximal effect lasted from 30 min to 3 h and recovery took place in 6–12 h. Analysis of the Scatchard plots showed that dynorphin decreased the number of high affinity-binding site for DHM, while KD of this site was essentially unaltered. Neither Bmax nor KD of low affinity site were much affected. A similar decrease in high affinity Bmax for DADLE was also obtained; however, the recovery was even more rapid. Extra washes of tissue did not significantly increase the binding, but preincubation of tissue in the presence of morphine reversed the dynorphin effect and increased DHM binding significantly to almost control levels. The probable mechanism of dynorphin in decreasing opiate receptor binding is discussed.
Rheological properties of amorphous and semicrystalline polylactic acid polymers

Abstract Corn starch fermentation provides an abundant supply of lactic acid. Polymerization of lactic acid into polylactic acid (PLA) produces a biodegradable thermoplastic polyester with excellent functional properties comparable to many petroleum-based plastics. PLA polymers are made into useful items using thermal processes, such as injection molding and extrusion. Therefore, its rheological properties, especially the shear viscosity ( η ), have important effects on the thermal processes, such as film blowing, paper coating, injection molding, sheet forming and fiber spinning. In this study, viscosities of two types of PLA resins (amorphous and semicrystalline) at 150 and 170°C and at various shear rates (30, 50, 70, 90, 110, 130, and 150 rpm screw speeds) were measured with a tube rheometer on an extruder. The viscosity data was calculated from the pressure profiles and the volume flow rate. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS. The effects of resin type, temperature and shear rate on melt viscosity were determined. Under the same processing conditions, semicrystalline PLA had a higher shear viscosity than amorphous PLA. As the temperature increased, the shear viscosity decreased for both types of PLA. The PLA melt was characterized as a pseudoplastic, non-Newtonian fluid. Power law equations adequately described the behavior of the PLA melts ( r 2 >0.99).
Impact of Denture Usage Patterns on Dietary Quality and Food Avoidance Among Older Adults

This study categorizes older adults living in rural areas by denture status, assesses the frequency of wearing dentures during meals, and determines whether denture status or use is associated with dietary quality or the number of foods avoided. A multi-ethnic population-based sample of adults ≥60 years (N = 635) in the rural United States was interviewed. Survey included denture use, removing dentures before eating, and foods avoided due to oral health problems. Dietary intakes were converted into Healthy Eating Index-2005 scores. Sixty percent wore removable dentures of some type; 55% never, 27% sometimes, and 18% always removed dentures when eating. More frequent removal was associated with lower dietary quality and more foods avoided. Those with severe tooth loss had the lowest dietary quality and avoided the most foods. Many rural older adults wear dentures. Learning how they adapt to denture use will offer insight into their nutritional self-management and help explain differences in dietary quality.
Convective storm structures and ambient conditions associated with severe weather over the northeast United States

AbstractThis study documents the convective storm structures and ambient conditions associated with severe storms (wind, hail, and tornado) over the northeastern United States for two warm seasons (May–August), including 2007 and a warm season comprising randomly selected days from 2002 to 2006. The storms were classified into three main convective organizational structures (cellular, linear, and nonlinear) as well as several subcategories. The same procedure was applied to the highly populated coastal zone of the northeastern United States, including New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York. The coastal analysis included six warm seasons from 2002 to 2007. Over the Northeast, severe wind events are evenly distributed among the cellular, linear, and nonlinear structures. Cellular structures are the primary hail producers, while tornadoes develop mainly from cellular and linear structures. Over the coastal zone, primarily cellular and linear systems produce severe wind and hail, while tornadoes ...
On Taking Everything into Account

Dobbert and colleagues are engaged in a noble, if impossible, endeavor. They seek to take everything into account-both small details and the whole picture-so as to explain at several levels simultaneously what goes on in the process of cultural transmission. The enterprise does not daunt them. As Dobbert has said elsewhere, "Because I have been trained in general systems theory and systems analysis, I have come to believe that very complex patterns can be minutely specified without resort to oversimplification" (1982:13). One way to respond to their endeavor-the way they seem to hope we will respond-is to say, "Yes, that's very good as far as it goes, but you still haven't taken into account X, Y, and Z." I cannot resist responding this way myself. However, after a few comments along those lines, I would like to discuss more generally the amazing human enterprise of model building.
Quenching of Semiconductor Quantum Dot Photoluminescence by a π-Conjugated Polymer

In this communication we discuss the possibility of hole transfer between a photoexcited semiconductor quantum dot and a π-conjugated polymer. This charge-transfer event will be investigated (exploited) on the basis of its implication toward a solar energy conversion scheme. Experimentally, we show that the steady-state photoluminescence (PL) of a solution of InP quantum dots is quenched by the introduction of solvated poly(3-hexylthiophene). Time-resolved PL experiments on these solutions are also presented. It was observed that the PL transients did not significantly change upon the addition of the conductive polymer. These new results indicate that said PL quenching is static in nature. This suggests that in solution, the quantum dot and the polymer exhibit a strong intermolecular interaction. As the two species encounter each other through diffusion, the polymer quenches the quantum dot photoluminescence without altering the population's PL lifetime. This new evidence suggests that the polymer and the...
Drug testing and the law

This article examines judicial and administrative rulings and legislation involving or related to the issue of drug testing in the workplace. It discusses the rights of employees in the public and private sector: constitutional rights; federal, state, and local statutory rights; rights of unionized employees; and common law rights. It analyzes both the current state of the law and future directions the law may take, as courts and administrative agencies decide more cases and governmental bodies continue to pass drug testing legislation.
Binding of colchicine to renal tubulin at 5°C

Previous reports in the literature state that the binding of colchicine to soluble tubulin is negligible at 0 – 4°C as measured by non-equilibrium binding methods. In contrast, we have detected significant binding of colchicine to tubulin at 5°C. Furthermore, for the first time equilibrium dialysis has been used to measure colchicine binding. The value of the dissociation constant was 1.8 μM at 5°C, and the stoichiometry of colchicine binding at 5°C equaled that at 37°C. Dissociation at 5°C of bound colchicine was negligible over a period of 23 h, and the estimated minimal half-time of dissociation was 150 h.
Localization of (3H2)vitamin A in mouse retina.

Abstract Following intraperitoneal injection of [ 3 H 2 ]vitamin A acetate, the accumulation of labeled material in mouse retinas was studied by autoradiographic techniques. Significant accumulations of label were observed in the pigment epithelium and photoreceptor cells. Isotope continued to accumulate for 2 days, then achieved a steady state which was maintained through 9 days. The major localization within the photoreceptor cells was in the outer segments; inner segments and nuclei showed lesser amounts of label but were significantly above background level. Although the concentration of label varied markedly from one region of the photoreceptor cells to another, the distribution within each region was homogeneous. Photoreceptor outer segments gave no evidence of localized banding of labeled material. A metabolic pathway for vitamin A within mouse photoreceptor cells involving inner segments and nuclei is suggested.
Transmission electron microscopy study of austempered nodular iron: Influence of silicon content, austenitizing time and austempering temperature

Abstract The structures produced by austempering nodular iron were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy to explain the influence of austempering temperature, austenitizing time and silicon content on the impact properties. No carbide precipitation was evident in a 2.88 wt. % Si nodular iron austenitized for 15 min at 950 °C and austempered for min at 370 °C. This iron had the highest impact strength. Austempering at 340 and 400 °C resulted in the formation of transition carbides in bainitic ferrite laths and a lower impact strength. In addition, both a lower silicon content and a longer austenitizing time promoted carbide formation in the bainitic ferrite during austempering at 370 °C.
LACTATE UPTAKE BY THE FETAL LIVER

Lactate is produced by the placenta and is an important metabolic substrate for fetal lambs. However, utilization of lactate by the fetal liver specifically has not been assessed. We measured net hepatic lactate uptake in 26 normoxemic fetal lambs at 128 (121-138) days gestation, with catheters chronically maintained in descending aorta, inferior vena cava, right or left hepatic veins and umbilical vein (UV). Lactate and hemoglobin concentrations and O2 saturations were measured in all vessels 3-7 days after surgery, and hepatic and umbilical blood flows measured by injecting radioactive microspheres into UV. VO2 of each liver lobe was 1.60 ± 1.65 ml/min. Net lactate provided to the fetus from the placenta was 4.55 ± 5.04 mg/min, and total lactate delivery to the liver was 44.4 ± 21.2 mg/min. Net lactate uptake by each liver lobe was 2.06 ± 2.22 mg/min, so that total hepatic lactate uptake was similar to that provided by the placenta. However, hepatic extraction was only about 10% of the lactate delivered. Lactate is thus an important substrate for the fetal liver; calculation of lactate: oxygen quotients indicated that lactate was used metabolically for processes other than oxidation as a substrate.
Single-photon emission computed tomography perfusion imaging: is using a "warranty period" warranted?

In business and legal transactions, a warranty is an assurance by one party to the other party that certain facts or conditions are true or will happen; the other party is permitted to rely on that assurance and seek some type of remedy if it is not true or followed. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warranty As single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) has reached scientific and clinical maturity, we have grown to expect that the results of this test when negative, reliably predicts an excellent patient outcome. Typically, less than 1% of patients with a normal study will have a “hard” cardiac event, defined as myocardial infarction or cardiac death, but that 1% can be shortened or lengthened based on the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD), cardiac symptoms, age, sex, the need for pharmacological stress, and coronary risk factors such as diabetes mellitus. The time variability was assessed by Hachamovitch et al,1 and termed the “warranty period” for a normal SPECT MPI, defined the time to 1% risk of a cardiac event per year. The study published in this issue of Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging by Carryer et al2 sought to explore the timing of follow-up SPECT study after a normal initial study and its prediction of cardiac events during a 5-year follow-up. They identified 3010 patients with a normal SPECT …
A constant current source for extracellular microiontophoresis.

Abstract A sophisticated constant-current source suitable for extracellular microiontophoresis of tract-tracing substances, such as Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin, Biocytin or Fluoro-Gold, is described. This design uses a flyback switched-mode power supply to generate controllable high-voltage and operational amplifier circuitry to regulate current and provide instrumentation. Design features include a fast rise time, ± 2000 V supply (stable output in
An asynchronous array architecture for 16 × 1 DCT-4/DST-4 on a 65nm Achronix SPD60 FPGA

Asynchronous (clock-free) digital VLSI is emerging for DSP that requires both high-throughput and low power consumption. Achronix FPGA technology is based on asynchronous quasi delay insensitive logic and offers maximum speeds of upto 1.5 GHz at the 65nm node, with lower-power devices based on INTEL 22nm CMOS technology expected in late 2011. Here, we explore the realization of DCT-4 and DST-4 algorithms, which are extremely important building blocks for modern multimedia, video and image processing systems. We employ 16×1 transforms using Astola's Algorithm, chosen for its uniform delay spread, modularity, and regularity, making this algorithm is well-suited for asynchronous FPGAs. Design examples ranging from 4-12 bit data word sizes are provided with experimental details, including speeds of operation in the range 523.3-337.1 MHz, respectively.
The American College of Surgeons’ role in surgical education of the future

Government groups and media reports charge that patient injuries and deaths are often attributable to medical and surgical errors, stirring heightened demands for accountability by health care professionals. As a result, surgical education and improved surgical competence are among the bellwether issues facing the American College of Surgeons. In this article, I will share with you some examples of how the College is addressing these matters and highlight some of the ways in which the Association of Program Directors in Surgery, the Association for Surgical Education, and other surgical education groups may work together to best manage these issues. Four specific topics are relevant to this discussion: (1) continuing medical education, (2) competence and maintenance of certification, (3) the need to provide residents and medical students with the skills they will need before entering practice, and (4) advocacy on behalf of funding for graduate medical education (GME).
Observation of inhibited spontaneous emission in a periodic dielectric structure.

Inhibition of the radiative decay of dye molecules embedded in an ordered aqueous suspension of polystyrene spheres has been measured using picosecond pump-probe techniques. The inhibition is interpreted in terms of excluded vacuum modes and compared with results based on the Wigner-Weisskopf formalism and a three-dimensional scattering model for the fcc colloidal structures.
Sialyl- and galactosyltransferases in the human chorionic gonadotropin-treated immature rat ovary.

General properties of glycoprotein sialyl- and galactosyltransferases in control and hCG-primed immature rat ovary were studied by using asialo and agalacto derivatives of fetuin, α1-acid glycoprotein, and purified O–glycosidically linked fetuin glycopeptide as exogenous substrates. Incorporation of the labeled sugars into the derivatives was determined by electrophoresis and precipitation with phosphotungstic acid and with a rabbit anti-fetuin γ-globulin fraction. Both enzyme activities were associated with particulate fractions, were enhanced by 0.3% Triton X–100, had pH optima between 6.3–6.6, and exhibited apparent Km values of 0.04–0.08 mM for the sugar nucleotides and 0.3–0.6 mM for the asialo–and asialoagalactofetuin derivatives. The galactosyltransferase required exogenous Mn+2 for activity. The specific activities of galactosyltransferase were similar in the control and hCG-primed ovaries, while the specific activity of sialyltransferase in the hCG–primed ovaries was consistently twice that in th...
Acute Compartment Syndrome: Clinical Course and Laboratory Findings in Pregnant Patients with McArdle's Disease

Dear Editor, Patients with McArdle's disease are often diagnosed secondary to exercise intolerance, myalgia, fatigue, poor endurance, and muscle swelling, among other symptoms. In these patients, the resting serum creatine kinase (CK) levels are known to be elevated. There is little information regarding the effects of labor and delivery on the disease. We would like to report our experience in patients with McArdle's disease that were followed during their pregnancy and in the peripartum period. Following delivery, one of the patients developed sudden severe ankle pain which was consistent with and subsequently confirmed as acute compartment syndrome. The rise in serum creatine kinase by itself was not diagnostic of postpartum compartment complication but when combined with clinical findings, the condition was recognized and treated. McArdle's disease is a genetic condition that is predominantly passed in an autosomal recessive fashion [1,2]. Patients with McArdle's disease have inadequate amounts of skeletal muscle specific glycogen phosphorylase, myophosphorylase which subsequently leads to elevation in CK levels [1,3,4]. These patients suffer from exercise intolerance characterized during anaerobic activities and intense aerobic activities [1,3,4]. A high-resting serum CK level after demanding physical exertion is characteristic of McArdle's disease [1]. A diet consisting mostly of complex carbohydrates in …
Development of Empathetic Responses With Multicultural Literature

This article reports a case study of a high school teacher's attempt to enhance students' development of empathy after guiding them to explore the cultural, political, and historical context of text. Empathy is defined as an other-oriented perspective that is congruent with another's sociocultural values, political ideology, and historical background. The students who participated in this study grew up in a small town with limited exposure to diversity in their lives and in their school curriculum. During a six-week unit, the teacher used simulation, lecture, poster analysis, and a movie to help students understand the context of a Chinese novella before they read the book. Students engaged in discussion and journal writing when they read the text. The data collected included videorecording of lessons, the investigator's field notes, teacher diary entries, students' assignments, and postinstructional interviews with individual students. The findings suggest that these students demonstrated five types of empathy: cognitive empathy, historical empathy, parallel emotional empathy, reactive emotional empathy, and crosscultural empathy. Students varied in their empathetic responses. Some refused to empathize with the characters; some accepted the characters' positions partially; only a few could and were willing to experience the feelings of the characters.
Standardization and Its Discontents: Translation, Tension, and the Life of Language in Contemporary Chinese Medicine

Various attempts at language standardization have been central in efforts to integrate Chinese medicine into a global, mainstream medical framework. At the same time, language has also proven critical in efforts to integrate Chinese medicine into personal frameworks of meaning as students around the globe grapple with multiple translations. In an effort to convey some of these diverse experiences of standardization and plurality of translations, this article offers four "snapshots" in the life of language standardization in Chinese medicine. These snapshots are derived from extensive, multisited ethnographic research conducted over four years in diverse settings in both China and the United States. The article thus offers an appreciation of standardization as an ongoing series of human encounters, a complex web of human networks shaping the always changing answers to seemingly simple questions about the motivations behind standardization, the methods used to create standards, and the implications of standards in an increasingly "global" Chinese medicine. As such, it contributes to an emerging "anthropology of translation" that underscores the role of human relationships, power, understanding, and interaction in translation.
A carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance investigation of the metabolic fluxes associated withy glucose metabolism in human erythrocytes

Abstract We have used [2- 13 C] d -glucose and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to investigate metabolic fluxes through the major pathways of glucose metabolism in intact human erythrocytes and to determine the interactions among these pathways under conditions that perturb metabolism. Using the method described, we have been able to measure fluxes through the pentose phosphate pathway, phosphofructokinase, the 2,3-diphosphoglycerate bypass, and phosphoglycerate kinase, as well as glucose uptake, concurrently and in a single experiment. We have measured these fluxes in normal human erythrocytes under the following conditions: (1) fully oxygenated; (2) treated with methylene blue; and (3) deoxygenated. This method makes it possible to monitor various metabolic effects of stresses in normal and pathological states. Not only has 13 C-NMR spectroscopy proved to be a useful method for measuring in vivo flux through the pentose phosphate pathway, but it has also provided additional information about the cycling of metabolites through the non-oxidative portion of the pentose phosphate pathway. Our evidence from experiments with [1- 13 C]-, [2- 13 C]-, and [3- 13 C] d -glucoses indicates that there is an observable reverse flux of fructose 6-phosphate through the reactions catalyzed by transketolase and transaldolase, even in the presence of a net flux through the pentose phosphate pathway.
Complications of Measles during Pregnancy

Twelve pregnant women and one woman who had just given birth were hospitalized with measles in Houston between 1988 and 1990. The most common and serious maternal complication was pneumonitis (seven patients). Other maternal complications included hepatitis (seven patients), premature labor (four patients), spontaneous abortion (one patient), and death (one patient). For four of 13 patients, all of whom had severe measles and pneumonitis due to measles virus, an adverse fetal outcome such as abortion or prematurity was associated with their conditions. Historical accounts describing maternal sequelae of measles have suggested more severe disease in pregnant women, although this observation has not always been confirmed by more recent reports in developed countries. The clinical course in our patients suggests that measles during pregnancy may be associated with serious complications.