cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seismic crustal imaging using fin whale songs

Fin whale calls are among the strongest animal vocalizations that are detectable over great distances in the oceans. We analyze fin whale songs recorded at ocean-bottom seismometers in the northeast Pacific Ocean and show that in addition to the waterborne signal, the song recordings also contain signals reflected and refracted from crustal interfaces beneath the stations. With these data, we constrain the thickness and seismic velocity of the oceanic sediment and basaltic basement and the P-wave velocity of the gabbroic lower crust beneath and around the ocean bottom seismic stations. The abundant and globally available fin whale calls may be used to complement seismic studies in situations where conventional air-gun surveys are not available.
Transportal Technetium-99m Labeled Macroaggregated Albumin Scintigraphy to Quantify Occult Intrahepatic Microvascular Portosystemic Shunting.

Abstract Nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) of the liver may lead to noncirrhotic portal hypertension with subsequent development of portosystemic shunts. While extrahepatic and macrovascular shunts are readily visualized with imaging or endoscopy, there is no standard technique to detect intrahepatic microvascular portosystemic shunting and quantitatively assess shunt burden. We present a case of a 53-year-old female with suspected NRH and hepatopulmonary syndrome with inconclusive liver biopsies and absent portosystemic shunts per abdominal imaging. A percutaneous transportal infusion of Technetium-99m labeled macroaggregated albumin (99mTc-MAA) successfully identified intrahepatic microvascular portosystemic shunting and quantified a lung shunt fraction of more than 30%. NRH was subsequently confirmed with a surgical wedge biopsy and the patient was successfuly treated with a liver transplant. Transportal 99mTc-MAA could be used to both identify and quantify otherwise occult microvascular portosystemic shunts in patients with clinical sequelae of portal hypertension.
HPV Vaccine Improvement QI Project

Background: HPV infects one-fourth of people in the USA. The HPV vaccine protects against 9 oncogenic strains of HPV, including HPV-16 & 18, which cause 70% of cervical cancers. It is the only available vaccine that prevents cancer, including cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. The American Cancer Society recommends the vaccine for boys and girls ages 9-45, yet less than 50% are vaccinated. This resident-led quality improvement project aimed to increase the vaccine initiation and completion rate of eligible patients in …
Are We Ready to Lose the Opportunities Unleashed by COVID19 Crisis

As every crisis, current COVID19 pandemic caused economic setback, brings not only heavy losses for all the countries, but opportunity to succeed also. The opportunity and success not require heavy governmental spending but termination of various practices harming both business climate and public morale. Deep deregulation and respect of freedom of contract, termination of violation of freedom of private choice under pretext of ‘fighting discrimination’ will benefit the courageous society and will pave the way for lasting prosperity.
Elion, Gertrude Belle (1918-1999)

This article has no abstract. Keywords: Elion, Gertrude Belle (antimetabolites used as drugs)
Prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome in one of dizygotic twins.

P. S., a 40-year-old woman, gravida 6, para 4, abortus 1, with four normal living children, was referred for genetic studies because of advanced maternal age. The patient’s blood type was AB, Rh negative, and her husband’s was Rh positive. The family history was negative for birth defects and twin pregnancies. There was no history of exposure to drugs, chemicals, infection, or radiation during this pregnancy. At week 17 of gestation, ultrasound examination revealed a twin gestation and amniocentesis was performed on each sac. RHOGAM* was administered following the procedures. Amniotic cell cytogenetic studies revealed that Twin A was female and afflicted with trisomy 21 and Twin B was normal and male. The patient elected termination of the pregnancy; cytogenetic studies of the aborted fetuses confirmed the amniocentesis findings.
Serum-mediated stimulation of protein synthesis in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells.

Abstract Ehrlich ascites tumor cells, grown in suspension cultures, could be cultivated for a period of time in serum-free medium, in which they stopped growing but remained viable. Their rate of protein synthesis was about ½ that of growing cells. Following serum addition protein synthetic rates in these cells rose to values characteristic of growing cells. These high rates were sustained and the cells went on to divide; thus stimulation of protein synthesis was the initial part of a growth response. Accompanying the increase in protein synthetic rate was a marked redistribution of ribosomes, with ribosomes in the inactive monomer pool entering the polyribosomes. The faster sedimenting polyribosomes increased to a greater extent than the slower sedimenting ones, suggesting that mRNAs became more completely loaded with ribosomes. During this process the pools of ribosomal sub-units remained constant. Rates of protein synthesis calculated as per polyribosomal ribosome increased; thus, both the rates of initiation of translation and the rates of peptide chain elongation were enhanced following serum addition. The role of increased RNA synthesis in serum stimulation of protein synthesis was investigated by testing the ability of cells previously treated with actinomycin, cordycepin, or 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine to respond to serum. The results are best interpreted as showing that in each case the mRNA pool was significantly diminished, but that cells stimulated with serum were able to translate it with about double the efficiency of serum-starved cells. The possible mechanisms by which serum growth factor or factors may regulate the efficiency of translation are discussed.
Kinetics and Mechanism of the Ferrate Oxidation of Thiosulfate and Other Sulfur-Containing Species

The kinetics of the reaction of ferrate, FeO42-, with several sulfur-containing species in aqueous media have been investigated, and the results are reported. It was found that, when the reductant ...
Buying into green

Is green procurement—the purchase of products and services that have a lesser effect on the environment—just another in a long series of federal mandates, seemingly aimed at making your job more difficult? Or is it perhaps the solution to a variety of woes plaguing federal facilities? An aggressively managed green procurement program can reduce waste and pollutants, improve water quality, save resources, and increase worker productivity and health. In short, green procurement should be the heart of sustainability, affecting all aspects of the program, and reaching far beyond the facility boundaries. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Umyuangcaryaraq “Reflecting”: Multidimensional Assessment of Reflective Processes on the Consequences of Alcohol Use among Rural Yup’ik Alaska Native Youth

Background and aims: Concerns in some settings regarding the accuracy and ethics of employing direct questions about alcohol use suggest need for alternative assessment approaches with youth. Umyuangcaryaraq is a Yup’ik Alaska Native word meaning “Reflecting.” Objectives: The Reflective Processes Scale was developed as a youth measure tapping awareness and thinking over potential negative consequences of alcohol misuse as a protective factor that includes cultural elements often shared by many other Alaska Native and American Indian cultures. This study assessed multidimensional structure, item functioning, and validity. Methods: Responses from 284 rural Alaska Native youth allowed bifactor analysis to assess structure, estimates of location and discrimination parameters, and convergent and discriminant validity. Results: A bifactor model of the scale items with three content factors provided excellent fit to observed data. Item response theory analysis suggested a binary response format as optimal. Evide...
Characterization of the 130-bp repeat enhancer element of the rat ribosomal gene: functional interaction with transcription factor E1BF

Abstract The 130-bp repetitive element (RE) of the rat rDNA (ribosomal RNA-encoding gene) intergenic spacer stimulated the synthesis of rRNA four- to sixfold, in comparison with that of the promoter alone, both in vivo and in vitro, when ligated to the rat rDNA promoter. The addition of increasing amounts of highly purified E1BF (enhancer-1 binding factor), which binds to the rat rDNA promoter and an upstream nonrepetitive enhancer element [Zhang and Jacob, Mol. Cell. Biol. 10 (1990) 5177–5186], to an in vitro transcription system resulted in enhancement of rDNA transcription from the recombinant plasmids containing the promoter or promoter-RE. However, E1BF-mediated stimulation of transcription under the influence of the RE continued at higher concentrations of E1BF than did the control transcription from the promoter alone. The binding affinity of E1BF for the RE was comparable to its affinity for the nonrepetitive far upstream enhancer element previously characterized in our laboratory. The sequences protected by E1BF in the RE differed from those protected by UBF (upstream control element-binding factor), a well characterized pol I transcription factor. These data suggest that E1BF belongs to a class of transcription factors which interact with the promoter and spacer cis-acting RE to modulate rDNA transcription.
Similar Conformations of Hairpins with TTT and TTTT Sequences NMR and Molecular Modeling Evidence for T · T base pairs in the TTTT hairpin

The conformations of the d[G(1)C(2)G(3)C(4)-T(a)T(b)T(c)T(d)-G(5)C(6)G(7)C(8)] (T4) and d[G(1)C(2)G(3)C(4)-T(a)T(b)T(c)-G(5)C(6)G(7)C(8)] (T3) DNA hairpins have been studied. The 1H and 31P signals of the two hairpins have been nearly completely assigned by means of two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy in D2O (NOESY (two-dimensional nuclear Overhauser effect and exchange spectroscopy) at mixing times of 5, 50, 100, 300 and 500 ms, double-quantum-filtered correlation spectroscopy (DQF-COSY) and 1H-31P reverse chemical shift correlation (RCSC), and one-dimensional NOE spectra in 90% H2O. Conformational analysis using distance geometry (DG), molecular mechanics (MM) and molecular dynamics (MD) gave model conformations, which were evaluated by comparison of experimental and simulated 2D NOESY spectra. For the T4 sequence in T4, both NMR data and modeling indicated a T(a) · T(d) wobble base pair. Although two types of T(a) · T(d) base pairs are possible, the one with T(a)NH-T(d)O4 and T(a)O2-T(d)NH H-bonds was calculated to be more stable. Because the T(a) · T(d) base pair of T4 extends the stem, there are only two residues (T(b) and T(c)) in the loop. Although there are three residues in the T3 loop, the T(c) base projects into the solvent. The resulting; conformational models have very similar loop folding patterns (FP): the bases of the two adjacent residues that begin the loop [T(b)T(c) of T4 and T(a)T(b) of T3] have a minor groove/major groove orientation with the first residue each having a trans α torsion angle; and the phosphodiester group that links the residues at the 3′ end of the loop and the 5′ top of the stem [T(c)pT(d) of T4 and T(c)pG(5) of T3] has a gauche+, gauche+ζ, α conformation with a trans γ angle for the second residue in both. These or similar features appear to be present in most of the few other hairpins studied previously by conformational methods. Thus, we believe that the conformations of the loops in T3 and T4 hairpins have greater similarities than previously recognized.
Silence detection for multimedia communication systems

Silence detection and removal is an essential building block of any multimedia video conferencing system. It reduces the bandwidth requirements of the underlying network transport service and helps to maintain an acceptable end-to-end delay for audio. We analyze the requirements for a silence detection algorithm hosted on a multimedia communication system, and propose a novel low-complexity algorithm operating in the non-linear µ-law domain. After discussing the constraints which are imposed by the architecture of the system hardware (computer, packet-based network), we show that several recently proposed silence detection algorithms fail to meet all of these constraints. A new approach is then introduced, based on the small- and large-signal behavior of the speech waveform in the µ-law domain. The new algorithm is compared with a recent design that meets several of our requirements; experimental results indicate that it performs significantly better in the particular environment at hand.
A simulation-based embedded probe technique for human-computer interaction evaluation

There is growing interest in developing video-based methods to evaluate the usefulness and usability of computerised tools in healthcare. In this paper, we propose a human-computer interaction evaluation method that protects the confidentiality of patient information and reduces litigation risks for participants by embedding and analysing performance on "probes" in complex scenarios with high face validity in a simulated setting. We describe the application of the method to a series of three studies of bar code medication administration (BCMA) software, used to reduce medication errors in the Veteran's Administration.
Recovery of streams from episodic acidification in northern Sweden.

Between 1990 and 1999, SO42- deposition in northern Sweden decreased by over 50%. To determine if a corresponding amelioration of stream acidity has occurred, we analyzed trends in anthropogenically driven episodic acidification in five streams during the same time period, using the Boreal Dilution Model (BDM) (Bishop, K. H.; Laudon, H.; Kohler, S. Water Resour. Res. 2000, 36, 1873−1884). Although there was no significant change in the annual average streamwater chemistry, the anthropogenically driven episodic acidification associated with spring flood runoff decreased by between 40% and 80%. A strong correlation between winter SO42- deposition and the anthropogenic component of episodic acidification in these five streams suggests that future reductions of acid deposition will further improve the spring flood acidification situation in northern Sweden. These results argue that reduced emissions of acid precursors have generated significant improvements in the surface water chemistry during episodes assoc...
Effects of constituent particles and sensitization on surface spreading of intergranular corrosion on a sensitized AA5083 alloy

Abstract Surface spreading of intergranular corrosion (IGC) on Al–4.4Mg alloys in NaCl solution was modeled at the micrometer scale, using a continuum granular scale model as a function of the degree of sensitization (DoS). The model utilizes electrochemical, metallurgical, and physical inputs. Al–4.4Mg alloys become susceptible to IGC after precipitation of highly anodic β-phase precipitates along the grain boundaries. In addition, cathodic constituent particles form a galvanic couple with the matrix. Local corrosion is triggered at anodic β-phase precipitates proximate to the constituent particles, which subsequently triggers the corrosion of un-attacked β-phase precipitates often aligned on grain boundaries. The fraction of surface intergranular sites corroded and intergranular surface cluster length increased sharply at a certain degree of sensitization. Specifically, IGC spreading was extensive when the DoS level was greater than 24 mg/cm2 and was linked to a decrease in the spacing between the nearest β-phase precipitates below a threshold distance.
Percutaneous coronary intervention for acute coronary syndromes: no difference in 30-day efficacy or safety of high- and low-dose aspirin; double-dose clopidogrel reduces 30-day risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction or stroke compared with standard dose but increases risk of major bleeding.

Commentary on: SR Mehta, JF Tanguay, JW Eikelboom, et al.; CURRENT-OASIS 7 trial investigators. Double-dose versus standard-dose clopidogrel and high-dose versus low-dose aspirin in individuals undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for acute coronary syndromes (CURRENT-OASIS 7): a randomised factorial trial.Lancet2010;376:1233–43.
Impacts of Celastrus-primed soil on common native and invasive woodland species.

Invasive plant species have been shown to alter soil environments resulting in changes in soil chemistry, biota, and nutrient cycling. Few studies have focused on how soil changes affect co-occurring native species or plants of different growth forms. This study, located in Connecticut, USA, focused on the soil effects of the liana, Celastrus orbiculatus (oriental bittersweet), a prominent invader of eastern North America, using two different approaches. In a litter addition experiment, addition of C. orbiculatus leaf litter to uninvaded field soils showed an increase in soil nutrients, pH, and nitrogen mineralization over 2 years across a range of soil and forest community types. In a complimentary common garden-pot experiment, a suite of common, ecologically similar, native and invasive lianas and shrubs were grown in soils primed with C. orbiculatus. Invaded soil was compared to uninvaded field and control potting soils. The change in soil attributes was not significantly different when grown with native or invasive plants; however, soils grown with lianas had a greater decrease in nutrients than those grown with shrubs. Although soils from locations with C. orbiculatus were higher in nutrients than uninvaded soils, plant growth, as measured in root:shoot, root and stem biomass, relative growth rate of volume, and final biomass were not different in invaded and uninvaded soils for either lianas or shrubs. However, lianas had similar growth patterns in nutrient-sparse potting soil, while shrubs growing in potting soil had lower growth. Thus, negative impacts of invaded soils on plant growth are not universal, and the plant community may show a varied response to C. orbiculatus-primed soils depending on the level of resource competition.
Sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy studies on molecular conformation of liquid polymers poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(propylene glycol) at different interfaces

The conformation of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly(propylene glycol) (PPG) molecules at various interfaces has been investigated by sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy. The interfaces studied include interfaces between pure liquid PEG (or PPG) or aqueous PEG (or PPG) solutions and air, fused silica, or solid polymers such as polystyrene (PS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). Depending on the hydrophobicity of the solid contacting media, the liquid polymers show different conformations at different interfaces, which can be correlated to molecular interactions at these interfaces. The favorable interaction between hydrophobic media and the hydrophobic segments, methylene or methyl groups, of polyethers causes an ordered conformation with these groups standing up at the interface. The unfavorable interaction between hydrophilic media and hydrophobic segments of the polyethers induces interfacial methylene or methyl groups to have a random structure or to lie down at the interfac...
Production and scattering in simple models II: Two-body channels

Abstract A simple soluble model with three coupled two-particle channels is discussed. The model is intended to simulate the I = 1 2 , s-wave part of the associated production processes π + N → Δ + K, π + N → Σ + K, and elastic πN scattering. The cusps are exhibited explicitly, and their sizes are easily seen to be small for reasonable values of the coupling constants. The influence of the two-body inelastic channels on πN elastic scattering is discussed and contrasted with that of three-body inelastic channels.
Direct evidence for chemically distinct regions within nation films on electrodes

Abstract Electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical experiments on the complexes [(bpy)2(py)RuII(OH2)]2+ and [(trpy)(bpy)RuII(OH2)]2+ (py is pyridine; bpy is 2,2'-bipyridine; trpy is 2,2',2“-terpyridine) with Nation films coated on electrodes demonstrate that the complexes partition amongst three chemically distinct regions or phases. As Ru(II) the complexes reside both in an electroinactive phase and, based on the pH dependence of the Ru(III)/(II) couples, e.g., [(bpy)2(py)RuIII(OH)]2+/[(bpy)2(py)RuII(OH2)]2+, in two electroactive phases. Partitioning amongst the three phases depends on the pH of the external solution and on the oxidation state and proton content of the complex. Addition of alcohols releases the complex from the electroinactive phase but at the expense of loss of the bound water molecule and binding to the sulfonate sites by anation and, therefore, to a fourth distinct chemical or physical state in which the complex can exist within Nation films.
Anxiety and compliance among women at high risk for breast cancer.

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between symptoms of depression and general anxiety, patient’s feelings of vulnerability to cancer, the anxiety experienced specifically in relation to various cancer-screening procedures, and compliance with these procedures among women at familial risk for breast cancer. The data were obtained from 430 patients from the High Risk Clinic at the UCLA Revlon Breast Center who completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and answered questions about their perceived vulnerability to breast cancer; the anxiety they experienced regarding undergoing pap smear tests, mammograms, and breast self-examinations (BSEs); and their compliance with these cancer-screening procedures. Correlations were used to estimate the association between feelings of anxiety and compliance. We found that women attending programs targeting those at familial risk for breast cancer suffer from significant symptoms of general anxiety. General anxiety was found to be related to anxiety regarding specific screening practices but not to women’s perceived vulnerability to cancer. In general, neither general nor screening-specific anxiety were found to be related to patients’ compliance with screening practices; however, significant associations were found between patient’s feelings of anxiety regarding BSEs and their actual performing them. BSE appears to be the only procedure for which compliance is negatively associated with procedure-specific anxiety. We offer possible explanations for this relation and discuss the possible psychological impact that recommendations regarding BSEs may have on highly anxious at-risk women.
Buprenorphine/Naloxone dose and pain intensity among individuals initiating treatment for opioid use disorder.

Abstract Background Opioid use disorder and pain often co-occur, complicating the treatment of each condition. Owing to its partial agonist properties, buprenorphine/naloxone (BUP/NX) may confer advantages over full agonist opioids for treatment of both conditions. The optimal dose of BUP/NX for comorbid pain is not known. We examined dose and other factors associated with pain intensity among patients initiating BUP/NX for opioid use disorder. Methods We studied 1106 patients initiating BUP/NX treatment for opioid use disorder from 2003 to 2010. Information on pain level, diagnoses, and treatment were extracted from medical records. Eligible patients had at least one self-reported pain intensity numerical rating score (NRS) within 30days before BUP/NX initiation (baseline) and at least one between 15 and 90days after BUP/NX initiation (during treatment). The primary outcome was NRS decrease (2 or greater) from baseline to during treatment. We used generalized estimating equations to model odds of the primary outcome with BUP/NX dose as the independent variable of interest in the subset of patients with a baseline NRS≥2. Results The sample was 94% male and 73% White. Mean age was 50. Psychiatric and non-opioid substance use comorbidities were common. The following demographic and clinical correlates were associated with a decrease in pain intensity: age 18–29 (compared to 30–39 and 40–49); absence of PTSD diagnosis and absence of a chronic pain diagnosis. BUP/NX dose was not associated with decreased pain intensity in bivariate or multivariable analysis. Conclusions BUP/NX maintenance treatment was generally consistent with improvements in pain intensity; however, factors other than BUP/NX dose contribute to improved pain intensity among those initiating the medication.
A Homeodomain Protein Binding Element in the Bone Sialoprotein Promoter is Critical for Tissue-Specific Expression in Bone

Bone sialoprotein (BSP) expression is restricted to cells associated with the mineralization of bones and teeth. We previously identified a homeodomain binding element in a 2.5 kb fragment of the murine Bsp promoter that is required for osteoblast-selective expression in cell culture. To examine the role of this element (called OSHE1; osteoblast-specific homeodomain element 1) in the tissue-specific expression of Bsp in vivo, we generated transgenic mice using the wild-type 2472 bp promoter or the same promoter containing a 2 bp mutation in OSHE1. Promoter constructs driving both luciferase and lacZ reporter genes were microinjected into fertilized eggs from (C57BL/6 X SJL)F1 mice. Four lines containing the wild-type promoter and 5 lines containing the mutated promoter were established, and the tissue specificity of &#103 -galactosidase staining and luciferase expression was examined. &#103 -gal staining was observed in osteoblasts of calvaria and trabecular regions of tibia and femur in 12-day-old mice w...
GAUGE INVARIANCE AND THE LORENTZ PONDERMOTIVE FORCE

>If one introduces into the Weyl theory of gauge invariance the two additional conditions that gauge land therefore length), except for an arbitrary phase factor, be integrable along the path of a particle, and that the change in dimensions of a particle be a minimum, one immediately obtains the Lorentz pondermotive force for a charged particle in . an electromagnetic field and the Bohr-Sommerfeld quantum integral. (auth)
Development of A Decision Support System Using Fuzzy Sets

This paper presents the theoretical basis for the development of a fuzzy decision support system and its implementation on microcomputers. The system utilizes a fuzzy set arithmetic, called fuzzy weighted average (FWA), to evaluate a group of alternatives. The system allows the user to select the criteria (and sub-criteria if needed) on which the evaluation is to be based. Once the criteria are selected, the user is prompted for ratings (in terms of natural language) of each alternative. The ratings are represented by fuzzy sets in the system. The FWA operation is used to combine all ratings in different stages. For each alternative a final fuzzy set that represents an overall evaluation would be obtained. A simple ranking index model is adopted in the system to select the best alternative. The process is implemented in FORTRAN 77 on a microcomputer. The solution to a selected example problem is presented and discussed.
Stimulated Rayleigh scattering and amplitude-to-phase conversion as a source of length-dependent phase noise in OEOs

Optical fiber-length-dependent flicker phase noise has been identified as a major limit to the reduction of phase noise in optoelectronic oscillators (OEOs). We demonstrate that in our system the largest contributor to low-frequency flicker noise is from Rayleigh scattering through the fiber combined with amplitude-to-phase conversion in the RF amplifiers.
Impermeability of human cells to silver sulphadiazine: a biological experiment

Summary Silver sulphadiazine, an effective antimicrobial agent, does not block the development of intracellular trachoma agent. Sodium sulphadiazine, on the other hand, inhibits the developmental cycle of this agent. The results are taken to indicate that silver sulphadiazine cannot penetrate into the intact mammalian cell. This greatly reduces the remote possibility that this agent is able to interact with the cellular DNA and thereby induce genetic and carcinogenic changes.
Effects of Extrusion Temperature and Plasticizers on the Physical and Functional Properties of Starch Films

Cornstarch, at 20% moisture content (dry basis, d.b.), was mixed with glycerol at 3:1 ratio to form the base material for extruded starch films. Stearic acid, sucrose and urea, at varying concentrations, were tested as secondary plasticizers for the starch-glycerol mixture. The ingredients were extruded at 110 and 120°C barrel temperatures to determine the effects of extrusion temperature, plasticizer type and their concentrations on the film-forming characteristics of starch, as well as their effects on selected physical and functional properties of the films. The physical and mechanical properties of the films were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and tensile testing, while the glass transition and gelatinization properties were analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The interactions between the functional groups of starch and plasticizers were investigated using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The water vapor permeability (WVP) properties of starch films were determined using ASTM standard E96-95. Scanning electron micrographs exhibited the presence of native and partially melted starch granules in the extruded films. The tensile stress, strain at break and Young's modulus of starch films ranged from 0.9 to 3.2 MPa, 26.9 to 56.2% and 4.5 to 67.7 MPa, respectively. DSC scans displayed two glass transitions in the temperature ranges of 0.1 to 1°C and 9.6 to 12°C. Multiple melting endotherms, including that of amylose-lipid complexes, were observed in the thermoplastic extrudates. The gelatinization enthalpies of the starch in the extruded films varied from 0 to 1.7 J/g, and were dependent largely on the extrusion temperature and plasticizer content. The shift in the FTIR spectral bands, as well as the appearance of double-peaks, suggested strong hydrogen bonding interactions between the starch and plasticizers. The WVP of starch films ranged from 10.9 to 15.7 g mm h-1 m-2 kPa-1, depending on the extrusion temperature and the type of plasticizer used.
DNA.RNA helicase activity of RAD3 protein of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Abstract The RAD3 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is required for excision repair of UV-damaged DNA and is essential for cell viability. The RAD3 protein exhibits a remarkable degree of sequence homology to the human excision repair protein ERCC2. The RAD3 protein is a single-stranded DNA-dependent ATPase and a DNA helicase capable of denaturing long regions of duplex DNA. Here, we demonstrate that RAD3 also possesses a potent DNA.RNA helicase activity similar in efficiency to its DNA helicase activity. The rad3 Arg-48 mutant protein, which binds but does not hydrolyze ATP, lacks the DNA.RNA unwinding activity, indicating a dependence on ATP hydrolysis. RAD3 does not show any RNA-dependent NTPase activity and, as expected, does not unwind duplex RNA. This observation suggests that RAD3 translocates on DNA in unwinding DNA.RNA duplexes. That the rad3 Arg-48 mutation inactivates the DNA and DNA.RNA helicase activities and confers a substantial reduction in the incision of UV-damaged DNA suggests a role for these activities in incision. We discuss how RAD3 helicase activities could function in tracking of DNA in search of damage sites and effect enhanced excision repair of actively transcribed genes.
MDEA/Piperazine as a solvent for CO2 capture

Abstract The solvent blend methyldiethanolamine/piperazine (MDEA/PZ) has been investigated as an alternative for CO2 capture from coal-fired power plants. MDEA/PZ offers advantages over monoethanolamine (MEA) and MDEA alone because of its resistance to thermal and oxidative degradation at typical absorption/stripping conditions. We measured thermal degradation rates of MDEA and PZ of −7±20 mmolal/day and −9±5 mmolal/day, respectively, in a loaded 7 m MDEA/2 m PZ solvent blend at 120 ∘C. At 135 ∘C, the PZ degradation rate in the loaded solvent blend is −44±2 mmolal/day, which follows the appearance of unidentified diamine compounds. When sparged with 98% O2 at 55 ∘C, 7 m MDEA/2 m PZ with 1 mM Fe2+ produced 0.011±0.001 mmoles formate/L-hr. At the same conditions, 7 m MDEA produced 0.024±0.007 mmoles formate/L-hr. We determined that the resistance to oxidative degradation follows the order: MDEA/PZ>MDEA>PZ. The formation of amides in oxidatively degraded samples can be as much as twice the amount of formate produced. In the absence of PZ, MDEA forms amides at an order of magnitude greater rate. The volatility of MDEA in 7 m MDEA/2 m PZ at 40 and 60 ∘C with low CO2 loading is 6 to 11 ppm and 19 to 30 ppm, respectively. PZ activity decreases by nearly an order of magnitude in the solvent blend as loading of CO2 is increased to a one-to-one ratio with PZ, giving a PZ volatility at 40 ∘C of 2 to 16 ppm. We calculated a CO2 capacity of approximately 0.75 moles CO2/kg amine+water, as compared to a capacity of 0.5 moles CO2/kg amine+water for MEA under comparable conditions in an absorber/stripper configuration.
Histone H2A Monoubiquitination Represses Transcription by Inhibiting RNA Polymerase II Transcriptional Elongation

Solving the biological roles of covalent histone modifications, including monoubiquitination of histone H2A, and the molecular mechanisms by which these modifications regulate specific transcriptional programs remains a central question for all eukaryotes. Here we report that the N-CoR/HDAC1/3 complex specifically recruits a specific histone H2A ubiquitin ligase, 2A-HUB/hRUL138, to a subset of regulated gene promoters. 2A-HUB catalyzes monoubiquitination of H2A at lysine 119, functioning as a combinatoric component of the repression machinery required for specific gene regulation programs. Thus, 2A-HUB mediates a selective repression of a specific set of chemokine genes in macrophages, critically modulating migratory responses to TLR activation. H2A monoubiquitination acts to prevent FACT recruitment at the transcriptional promoter region, blocking RNA polymerase II release at the early stage of elongation. We suggest that distinct H2A ubiquitinases, each recruited based on interactions with different corepressor complexes, contribute to distinct transcriptional repression programs.
Decreased expression of Ii-derived p25 and of P67/69 in hairy leukemic cells

Hairy leukemic cells had altered expressions of accessory proteins (Ii, Ip, p70, p25) which associated intracellularly with class II MHC molecules. Immunoprecipitates from [35S]methionine, pulse-chase labeled leukemic cells, B-lymphoblastoid cells, and Burkitt's lymphoma cells were examined after 2-dimensional, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The class II MHC-associated Ii chain was present in all three cell types, but the Ii-derived p25 protein was not found in HCL cells. Ip, the sialic acid-derivatized form of Ii, was well expressed in BLCL and Raji cells, but weakly in HCL cells. P70 was strongly expressed in BLCL and Raji cells, but negligibly in HCL cells. These alterations might reflect deficient mechanisms for antigen processing and presentation by these leukemic cells.
The Babri Masjid and the secular contract

This study examines the social-historical roots of the politicisation of the Babri Masjid. It suggests that the contemporary symbolic manipulation of this historic structure, culminating in its phy...
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly in Global Forest Politics

Tropical Forests, International Jungle: The Underside of Global Ecopolitics. By Marie-Claude Smouts. Translated from the French by Cynthia Schoch. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2003. 280 pp., $59.95 (ISBN: 1-4039-6203-0). Marie-Claude Smouts's Tropical Forests, International Jungle represents an interesting contribution to the growing literature on international environmental politics in the field of international relations (IR), as well as to our understanding of global forest politics—one of the more neglected topics in the field. Critical of traditional IR approaches, which she deems too abstract and excessively focused on the concepts of state, power, and sovereignty, Smouts seeks to demonstrate the value of applying a sociological approach to environmental politics. Her research centers on empirical investigations of transnational patterns of action that shape the emergence of global discourses, and the ethical and political implications of rules and instruments created at the global level and forced upon local actors. Although not explicitly acknowledged, Tropical Forests, International Jungle is part of the larger constructivist challenge to mainstream international relations. Unfortunately, because Smouts does not elaborate on current debates in the field, her study falls short with respect to the theoretical contribution it claims to make. Those who have followed this arena or have worked with the organizations that appear in the book may also find the sometimes cynical and unbalanced treatment of these protagonists regrettable. Nonetheless, Smouts provides captivating insights into key facets of global forest politics, thanks primarily to her fieldwork. Tropical Forests, International Jungle correctly asserts that, despite today's technological capabilities and long-running international dialogues, we have neither adequate knowledge of the quantity and quality of tropical forests, …
Using Heterogeneous Computing to Implement a Trust Isolated Architecture for Cyber-Physical Control Systems

Cyber-physical control systems are networked through traditional IT infrastructures and prone to malware that can dangerously disrupt physical processes. We propose a trustworthy autonomic interface guardian architecture (TAIGA) that physically isolates trusted defense mechanisms from the untrusted production controller while acting as an intermediary for all controller I/O. Trusted modules adhere to stringent trust requirements that prevent malicious intrusion. In contrast to existing security measures, TAIGA observes the physical process instead of the cyber components by directly monitoring both supervisory and plant behavior. Harnessing heterogeneous computing on a Xilinx Zynq-7000 configurable SoC, TAIGA is applied to ensure stability of a rotary inverted pendulum by preemptively detecting malicious plant behavior and switching to a trusted high-assurance backup controller. Simulated attacks on the system show an increased resilience to reconfiguration and network integrity attacks, thereby strengthening the overall security of the system.
Hypothermia protects against gut ischemia/reperfusion-induced impaired intestinal transit by inducing heme oxygenase-1.

Abstract Purpose. Gut ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) elicits an inflammatory response that impairs intestinal transit. We have previously shown that regional intraischemic hypothermia (IH) protects against moderate gut I/R-induced mucosal injury, is associated with decreased NF-κB activity and inducible nitric oxide synthase induction and preserves heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression. HO-1 provides cytoprotection in various models of oxidant stress. We, therefore, tested the hypothesis that IH protects against gut I/R-induced impaired intestinal transit via HO-1 induction. Materials and methods. At laparotomy (lap), Sprague—Dawley rats had duodenal catheters placed followed by sham or gut I/R (superior mesenteric artery occlusion for 75 min) with or without regional IH (15°C). Each animal was placed on a heating blanket maintaining systemic normothermia (37°C). At 12 or 24 h of reperfusion, small intestinal transit was determined by quantitating the distribution of a tracer (FITC dextran) in the intestine 30 min after instillation (expressed as geometric center of distribution). Ileal samples were obtained for histology and HO-1 expression, assessed by Western immunoblot at 12 and 24 h of reperfusion. In separate experiments, rats were pretreated with an HO-1 inhibitor Sn protoporphyrin IX (25 μmol/kg, ip), 1 h before superior mesenteric artery occlusion and transit measured as above. Results. Rats treated with I/R had increased histological injury and impaired intestinal transit at both 12 and 24 h compared with sham. Rats treated with I/R+IH exhibited histological injury and transit comparable with sham controls. I/R induced HO-1 expression at 12 and 24 h of reperfusion and IH augmented this I/R-induced HO-1 expression. Sn protoporphyrin IX abrogated IH protection against histological injury and impaired transit. Conclusion. We conclude that intraischemic regional hypothermia protects against histological injury and impaired intestinal transit caused by severe gut I/R injury. Hypothermic protection under these conditions is in part due to HO-1 expression.
ECOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION OF DEER HABITAT IN THE TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST, ALASKA

Abstract Ecologists and wildlife managers often rely on habitat classifications that are based on existing resource inventories and expert opinion. In the Tongass National Forest of southeastern Alaska, as in many managed ecosystems, forest types are defined primarily on the basis of structural characteristics, like tree stocking, size, and composition. While useful in management for timber production, this method of ide.gifying forest types produces a classification with limited relevance to wildlife management. Sitka Black-tailed Deer (Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis) are an important component of the ecology and economy of this region. We classified forests by applying cluster analysis to a suite of 12 environmental variables of ecological importance to deer, sampled on a 180-km2 study area. The analysis ide.gified an ecological typology that consisted of 3 old- and 5 2nd-growth forest types and 1 non-forest cover type. We found that the structural classification currently in use confounded post-logging ...
Understanding and treating psychopathology in schools: Introduction to the special issue

Investigating psychopathology in school-aged children is a topical discussion given the recent increased focus of the U.S. government and professional psychology on this issue. In the last 5 years, the Surgeon General of the United States (Satcher, 2000) and the President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health (2003) both addressed the need for schools to actively participate in the treatment of children's mental health disorders. Further, psychologists were charged with transforming mental health care for children and families by promoting collaboration between schools, families, and communities; identifying empirically supported interventions; and enhancing culturally competent care for children and teens (P. Tolan & K. Dodge, 2005). To achieve these goals, mental health professionals in the schools need to be able to understand and effectively treat psychopathology in the school setting. School-based treatment of psychopathology should be based on effective collaboration and grounded within the cultural context of the student population. A comprehensive understanding takes into account the biological basis of these disorders and factors influencing risk and resiliency. Treatment needs for these students often combine traditional therapies and psychopharmacology. Within a comprehensive system of care, specific disorders such as Reactive Attachment Disorder, Early Onset Bipolar Spectrum Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, depression, and anxiety can and should be treated in schools. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 43: 413–417, 2006.
Selective elimination of cerebellar output in the genetically dystonic rat

The genetically dystonic (dt) rat, an autosomal recessive mutant, exhibits a progressive motor syndrome that resembles the generalized idiopathic dystonia seen in humans. Even with supportive measures, dt rats die before reaching maturity. A total cerebellectomy that includes the dorsal portions of the lateral vestibular nuclei (dLV) eliminates the dystonic motor syndrome of the dt rats, greatly improves motor function, and prevents early death. The selective elimination of cerebellar nuclei was used to determine the cerebellar components critical to the mutant's motor syndrome. Bilateral electrolytic and/or excitatory amino acid lesions of the medial cerebellar nucleus, nucleus interpositus, lateral cerebellar nucleus and dLV were created in separate groups of 15-day-old dt rats. Rats were observed for the presence of abnormal motor signs (falls, twists, clasps, pivots) and tested on several measures of motor performance (activity, climbing, righting, homing, hanging) before surgery and again on Postnatal Day 20. All nuclear lesions produced significant improvements in motor function and decreases in the frequency of abnormal motor signs. Electrolytic lesions of the dLV were associated with the greatest improvements.
Influence of coronary artery disease on pulmonary uptake of thallium-201.

Abstract An increased pulmonary thallium-201 concentration has been observed in exercise stress thallium perfusion imaging in patients with coronary artery disease. To understand the cause of this lung uptake, studies were performed in experimental animals and in patients undergoing stress thallium perfusion imaging. The extraction fraction of thallium-201 by the lungs was measured in a group of eight dogs using a dual isotope technique. Basal thallium-201 extraction fraction at rest was 0.09 ± 0.009. After administration of isoproterenol, it decreased to 0.06 ± 0.02 (difference not significant). After balloon obstruction of the left atrium (which increased mean left atrial pressure and pulmonary transit time) and after administration of acetylcholine as a bolus injection (which prolonged pulmonary transit time only) it increased to 0.19 ± 0.02 (p Lung thallium-201 activity was measured in 86 patients who had undergone cardiac catheterization and stress-redistribution myocardial perfusion imaging. The initial/final lung activity ratio was 1.41 ± 0.03 in patients with no significant coronary artery disease, 1.52 ± 0.03 (difference not significant) in patients with single vessel coronary disease, 1.60 ± 0.05 (p
1273 THE PULMONARY EXCRETION RATE OF CARBON MONOXIDE (VeCO) AND THE BLOOD CARBOXYHEMOGLOBIN LEVEL (COHb) IN PREMATURES AND NORMAL TERMS

Using a flow-through collection system and a highly sensitive (1 ppb CO per 2.5 ml sample) reduction gas detector, we measured VeCO and COHb (1-2 λ whole blood) in 20 normal terms (38-42 wks) and 23 prematures (28-36 wks) breathing room air in the first week of life. The mean VeCO (16.7±5.0 μl/kg/hr) of the prematures was greater than that (13.9±3.5 μ1/kg/hr) of the normal terms (p < .05). VeCO varied among the prematures (range 5.6 to 28.1 μ1/kg/hr) and was not related simply to gestational age. Based on a linear relationship between room air CO (RACO) and COHb (p < .0005), each infant's COHb was corrected (COHbc) for RACO (.36 - 3.10 ppm). The mean COHbc (.58±.18% sat.) of prematures (range .29-1.19%) was greater than that (.45±.11% sat.; n=15) of normal terms (p < .025). The 8 prematures who required phototherapy had higher VeCO (19.5±5.5 vs 15.1±4.1 μ1/kg/hr; p < .05) and higher COHbc (.71±.21 vs.51±.12% sat.; p < .01) means compared to those of the prematures who did not. These data suggest that 1) prematures have a wide range of CO production rates, 2) this range is not the result of known hemolytic disease or related simply to gestational age, and 3) other factors associated with prematurity but variable among individual prematures may be contributing to increased CO production rates in certain infants.
Ethylketocyclazocine and bremazocine analgesia in neonatal rats

Abstract In three experiments we examined the analgesic potency of kappa opioid receptor agonists in 2- and 16-day-old rats. Ethylketocyclazocine (1–50 mg/kg) produced similar dose- and time-dependent increases in the latency to retract a hind paw from a noxious thermal stimulus in rats of both ages. Bremazocine (0.001–10 mg/kg), a kappa agonist with reported antagonist activity at mu receptors, was also effective in producing analgesia in 2-day-old rats. The dose-effect relationship for bremazocine was nonmonotonic. Bremazocine analgesia (0.1 mg/kg) was reversed by both naltrexone and MR2266, a putative kappa opioid antagonist. These results are discussed in terms of the functional integrity of a kappa analgesic system in the developing rat.