cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determination of mercury(II), monomethylmercury cation, dimethylmercury and diethylmercury by hydride generation, cryogenic trapping and atomic absorption spectrometric detection

Abstract Mercury(II), monomethylmercury cation (MeHg), dimethylmercury (Me 2 Hg) and diethylmercury (Et 2 Hg) were simultaneously determined from aqueous samples by hydride generation volatilization, trapping and separation on a chromatographic column, and detection by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in a heated quartz furnace. Simplex optimization showed us the most effective choice of hydride formation and purge conditions. Absolute detection limits are 50 pg for the three organomercury compounds and 110 pg for Hg(II). Calibration curves are linear from 0.05 to 5 ng, and the reproducibility range for 1 Hg of the four analytes is 3–7%. Large differences among measured MeHg concentrations in a recent interlaboratory study using different measurement methods confirm that a new, completely independent method for determining mercury compounds in environmental samples is important. The method was applied to estuarine samples of the marsh grass Spartina alterniflora and eelgrass ( Zostera marina L.) and found Hg(II), MeHg (eelgrass only) and Me 2 Hg. Our difficulties in determining Me 2 Hg suggest that it is more common in the aquatic environment than commonly believed.
Components of verbal learning in children: Analysis by selective reminding

Abstract Free recall verbal learning by 5- and 8-year-old children was analyzed by selectively reminding them only of items not recalled on the preceding trial (instead of continuing to present the entire list before each recall trial) to show learning by retrieval from long-term storage without presentation. Concurrent analysis of long-term storage, consistent and random retrieval from long-term storage, and recall from short-term storage indicates that, while 5-year-olds showed slower acquisition than 8-year-olds, lower recall by 5-year-olds also was due to less effective retrieval from longterm storage. Repeated retrieval, without any further presentation after an item has been recalled just once, indicates that lower recall by 9-year-old children than by adults also reflects retrieval difficulty, since these children showed storage and retention of almost as many items as adults by eventual spontaneous retrieval without further presentation.
The Epithelial-Connective Tissue Junction as Seen after Enzymatic Digestion

Fixed decalcified paraffin-embedded sections were incubated with bacterial collagenase alone, or with calcium chloride or sodium citrate added. The soft tissue collagens were not digested by collagenase or by collagenase and citrate, although the latter prevented the surface epithelium from staining. The results of the various technics were compared and attempts were made to measure the epithelial-connective tissue junction.
Anti-IgE therapy

IgE has a central role in the initiation of allergic hypersensitivity reactions. Pioneered by the development of humanized monoclonal antibodies directed against IgE, anti-IgE therapy represents an original approach to the treatment of allergic disease and has demonstrated promise in preventing the symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and food allergy. The primary mechanism of action of anti-IgE therapy is the reduction in serum levels of IgE and FcepsilonRI expression on mast cells and basophils.
Approximate convex decomposition of polyhedra and its applications

Decomposition is a technique commonly used to partition complex models into simpler components. While decomposition into convex components results in pieces that are easy to process, such decompositions can be costly to construct and can result in representations with an unmanageable number of components. In this paper we explore an alternative partitioning strategy that decomposes a given model into ''approximately convex'' pieces that may provide similar benefits as convex components, while the resulting decomposition is both significantly smaller (typically by orders of magnitude) and can be computed more efficiently. Indeed, for many applications, an approximate convex decomposition (acd) can more accurately represent the important structural features of the model by providing a mechanism for ignoring less significant features, such as surface texture. We describe a technique for computing acds of three-dimensional polyhedral solids and surfaces of arbitrary genus. We provide results illustrating that our approach results in high quality decompositions with very few components and applications showing that comparable or better results can be obtained using acd decompositions in place of exact convex decompositions (ecd) that are several orders of magnitude larger.
131. Physician Adherence to Sexual Health and STI/HIV Screening Recommendations During Routine Adolescent Health Visits

evaluable responses (response rate: 53.2%). There were no differences between responders and non-responders with regards to provider type or gender; although suburban PCPs were less likely to respond than urban PCPs (p .004). Reported screening “most or all of the time” by PCPs was only 14% for HIV; screening was higher for other adolescent conditions, including depression (33%), substance abuse (32%), and violence (21%). The proportion of providers who responded correctly to items regarding the following CDC recommendations were: HIV screening for all patients 13 years and older (40%); screening not only limited to individuals at increased risk (51%); and screening at least annually for high risk patients (55%). Only 44% correctly responded that written consent for HIV screening was not required by state law. Of 20 potential HIV screening barriers assessed, mean number of reported barriers to HIV screeningwas 4.8 (SD / 2.9). The 5most commonly cited barriers included: difficulty in discretely screening adolescents for HIV when accompanied by parents/guardians (71%); pretest counseling significantly lengthens time required to screen for HIV (51%); discomfort with offering HIV screening to patients due to concern for breach of confidentiality when billing for service (49%); difficulty in ensuring appropriate follow-up for test results (48%); post-test counseling significantly lengthens time required to screen for HIV (44%). In a multivariable regression model, the only factor associated with HIV screening “most or all of the time” during routine adolescent visits was urban practice site (OR 10.7, 95% CI 3.1, 37.1). Provider type, gender, race, HIV screening guideline knowledge, and endorsing 5 barriers were not associated with HIV screening practices. Conclusions: These results suggest that knowledge of HIV screening recommendations and policies is low among pediatric PCPs. While providers practicing in urban areas were more likely to screen for HIV, than those in suburban areas overall screening rates were low and several barriers were commonly identified. Future interventions should target increasing knowledge and addressing specific barriers including negotiating confidentiality, counseling time and requirements, and practical strategies for follow-up for results. Sources Of Support: Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia.
The novel triterpenoid 2-cyano-3,12-dioxooleana-1,9-dien-28-oic acid (CDDO) induces apoptosis of human diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cells through a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ-independent pathway

Objective Ligands for the transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) are emerging as a new class of antitumor agents. Herein, we investigated the triterpenoid CDDO, a PPARγ ligand, for its potential as an anticancer agent on human diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cells. Methods The ability of CDDO to induce apoptosis in human DLBCL cells of both the germinal center and activated B-cell subtypes was determined by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, 3 H-thymidine incorporation, and Annexin-V/propidium iodide staining. Small molecule antagonists of PPARγ, transfection assays, DNA binding assays, immunofluorescence, Western blotting, and NF-κB inhibitors were utilized to determine the contribution of PPARγ and NF-κB to the cytotoxic effects of CDDO. Results Human DLBCL cells express PPARγ and PPARγ is activated by CDDO. In both subtypes of DLBCL cells CDDO inhibited proliferation, was cytotoxic, and induced apoptosis. The ability of CDDO to kill DLBCL cells was found to be independent of PPARγ activation. Interestingly, CDDO exposure resulted in activation of the p50 and p65 subunits of NF-κB. Moreover, the combination of CDDO with NF-κB inhibitors resulted in enhanced DLBCL cell death, indicating that NF-κB activation was a prosurvival signal. Conclusion These findings support the potential of CDDO, alone or in combination with NF-κB inhibitors, as a novel therapy for patients with DLBCL.
Morphology of gram-positive filamentous bacteria identified in dental plaque by fluorescent antibody technique

Abstract In a preliminary study of specimens of dental plaque from fourteen adults, it was possible to identify by the indirect immunofluorescent method the presence and incidence of organisms reacting specifically with antisera prepared against the following species: Actinomyces israelii ( 14 14 ), Actinomyces naeslundii ( 8 14 ), Actinomyces odontolyticus ( 4 14 ), Nocardia dentocariosus ( 6 14 ), Odontomyces viscosus ( 7 14 ), Bacterionema matruchotii ( 14 14 ), and Leptotrichia buccalis ( 10 14 ). Of these, only Leptotrichia buccalis had identical morphology in plaque material and in culture. Bacterionema matruchotii appeared only as atypically long filaments without branching, while all the others were identified as coccobacillary forms in contrast to the filamentous, branching forms observed in culture media.
FEMORAL AND OBTURATOR NEUROPATHIES

Femoral, saphenous, and obturator neuropathies have diverse causes, many of which are iatrogenic. They have overlapping, but distinct, clinical features. Electrodiagnostic testing can distinguish between these disorders and others in the differential diagnosis. Imaging studies may demonstrate the origin of the neuropathy in some cases. Conservative treatment is usually sufficient, but occasionally surgical exploration of the affected nerve is indicated.
Enzymatic assembly of slow reacting substance.

When basophils or mast cells are stimulated by a specific antigen they release chemical mediators, including a potent broncho-constrictor, slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A). The structure of SRS from a mouse mastocytoma1,2 and rat basophilic leukaemia (RBL-1) cells3 has been identified as a thioether of arachidonic acid and glutathione2,3 [not a thioether of cysteine as was originally thought1]. SRS has been named leukotriene (LT) C and may be formed by a novel lipoxygenase pathway which also synthesizes 5,6-oxido-7,9,ll,14-icosatetraenoic acid (LTA) and 5,12-dihydroxy-6,8,10,14-icosatetraenoic acid (LTB)1,4. Homogenates of RBL-1 cells, when incubated with 14C-arachidonic acid, form 5-hydroxy-icosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) and 5,12-dihydroxy- and 5,6-dihydroxy-icosatetraenoic acid5. The latter is the spontaneous breakdown product of the labile intermediate LTA4. Formation of both compounds is stimulated by calcium. We have now produced biologically active SRS in a cell-free system generated from RBL-1 cells. Glutathione was essential for SRS synthesis and calcium stimulated its formation.
Stochastic estimation of the nonlinear response of earth dams to strong earthquakes

Abstract The paper develops a simple and rational piece-wise linear random vibration procedure to estimate statistics of the nonlinear hysteretic response of earth dams to strong nonstationary stochastic excitation characterized by a Kanai-Tajimi spectrum. The method utilizes published data relating soil modulus and damping to the level of induced shear strain and incorporates a realistic inhomogeneous shear beam model of the dam. It is shown that the method is technically superior and computationally simpler than currently used iterative linear deterministic methods of analysis. Results are presented in the form of variation with time and distribution with depth from the crest of statistical measures of displacements, accelerations, shear strains and seismic coefficients on potentially sliding masses. The influence of the intensity and frequency characteristics of the excitation on the nonlinear response of a broad range of earth dams is graphically illustrated and a set of normalized graphs are presented whereby one can readily obtain preliminary estimates of key response quantities to be experienced by an earth dam during a potential earthquake motion of known rms acceleration and predominant frequency.
Prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal adhesions.

Early recognition and treatment of acute abdominal pain along with advances in anesthesia, surgery, and perioperative care have decreased the morbidity and mortality associated with surgical treatment of intestinal diseases in horses. The improved outcome in horses undergoing exploratory celiotomy for surgically related intestinal diseases has resulted in more horse owners opting to pursue surgical treatment. Correspondingly, the clinical significance of long-term postoperative complications, such as postoperative adhesion formation, has concurrently become more apparent [1–3]. Despite numerous research and clinical investigations, adhesions continue to present clinical complications and challenges to the surgeon. Adhesions may form between apposing intestinal surfaces (serosal-serosal adhesions) (Fig. 1), from the intestine to the abdominal wall (serosalperitoneal adhesions), or between the omentum and intestine or peritoneum (omental adhesions). Fortunately, most postoperative adhesions are clinically silent and do not result in postoperative complications [4–6]. Adhesions become a clinical problem when fibrinous adhesions mature to restrictive fibrous adhesions and compress or anatomically distort the intestine, resulting in intestinal narrowing and preventing the normal passage of ingesta. Adhesions may also cause excessive tension on mesenteric attachments, resulting in signs of abdominal pain. Serosal or omental adhesions that do not directly distort or narrow the intestine may form blind loops or potential spaces in which intestine may become entrapped or incarcerated, predisposing these segments to obstruction or strangulation.
The effects of family caps on the subsequent fertility decisions of never-married mothers

Family caps seek to reduce fertility among welfare recipients by denying additional cash assistance to recipients who have children while on welfare. A necessary condition for family caps to be an effective policy tool is that welfare recipients respond to financial incentives in making decisions that affect subsequent fertility outcomes. This paper uses data from the 2001 and 2004 panels of the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) to examine whether welfare mothers respond to the incentive provided by the Aid to Families with Dependent Children/Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (AFDC/TANF) system in determining whether or not to have a second child. The results show no evidence that family caps have an effect on the subsequent childbearing of never married women.
Tragedy and Farce in Roth's: The Human Stain

Abstract Philip Roth has called his recent three novels “a thematic trilogy.” They all deal, he explains, with the “historical moments in postwar American life that have had the greatest impact on my generation”: the McCarthy era, the Vietnam War, and 1998, the year of Bill Clinton's impeachment (McGrath, “Interview” 8).1 In American Pastoral (1997), a handsome, honest, hardworking businessman and Jewish athletic hero, Seymour (“Swede”) Levov, is ruined by the actions of daughter Merry, an anti-Vietnam War activist, who “brings the war home” to folks in New Jersey by setting off a bomb in the local post office.
Prediction of infinite dilution solvent activity coefficients in polymer solutions: comparison of prediction models

The modified group-contribution lattice-fluid equation of state (GCLF-EOS), which is capable of predicting accurately vapor-liquid equilibria in polymer-solvent solutions, was developed by calculating group contributions for the adjustable parameters from the equilibrium properties of low molecular weight compounds only. The modified GCLF-EOS has been used to predict the solvent activity coefficients at infinite dilution of solvents, and its prediction results have been compared with those of the original GCLF-EOS, the UNIFAC-free volume (FV), the entropic-FV, and the revised GC-Flory EOS. Extensive statistical analyses were performed using all the currently available experimental data. The modified GCLF-EOS provided the best performance in the prediction of infinite dilution activity coefficients. The modified GCLF-EOS requires only the structures of the solvent and polymer in terms of their functional groups as input information.
Measuring instantaneous fluid dynamic forces on bodies, using only velocity fields and their derivatives

We present an exact expression for the evaluation of instantaneous forces on a body in an incompressible cross-flow which only requires the knowledge of the velocity and vorticity field in a finite and arbitrarily chosen region enclosing the body. This expression is particularly useful for experimental techniques like Digital Particle Image Velocimetry (DPIV) which provide instantaneous, 2-D velocity and vorticity fields but not pressure fields. The present formula is tested on a numerical flow simulation using a high-resolution vortex method and experimentally with DPIV on a circular cylinder flow.
Assessment of grassland phytomass with airborne video imagery

Airborne video imagery was evaluated for assessing phytomass production within grass plots fertilized with five rates of nitrogen. Video imagery was taken with two black-and-white video cameras—one visible light and the other visible/near-infrared light sensitive. Red (0.644–0.656-μm) and infrared (0.815–0.827-μm) narrowband filters were used with the visible and visible/near-infrared light sensitive cameras, respectively. Hand-held red and infrared radiometric reflectance and phytomass measurements were made on the day that imagery was obtained. Red and infrared digital video data were obtained from the plots using an image processor. The plots were studied on two dates: 15 April and 22 May 1985. On 15 April, three phytomass levels could be distinguished within the infrared video image. Moreover, a infrared/red ratio video composite produced on an image processor enhanced differences among nitrogen treatments to the extent that generally four levels of phytomass could be identified. Coefficients of determination (r2), obtained by regressing red, infrared, and infrared/red reflectance, and red, infrared, and infrared/red digital video data on phytomass measurements were significant statistically. Imagery acquired on 22 May, however, showed few differences among treatments. This may have been caused by plant phenological and canopy architectural differences among the grass species. Nevertheless, video imagery should be a useful tool to assess phytomass production on rangelands when grasses are actively growing.
Comparison of Thermal Stresses Calculated from Asphalt Binder and Asphalt Mixture Creep Tests

Low-temperature cracking is a significant distress in asphalt pavements built in the northern United States and Canada. As temperature decreases, thermal stresses develop in the restrained asphalt surface layer; and when the temperature reaches a critical temperature, cracking occurs. The current guides use thermal stress as a critical input parameter in the low-temperature performance model. In this paper, statistical and graphical analyses are performed to compare thermal stresses that develop in an idealized asphalt pavement calculated from mixture creep data obtained using indirect tensile test (IDT) and bending beam rheometer (BBR) test. In addition, the idea of obtaining thermal stresses from binder BBR creep data is further investigated. Thermal stresses calculated using IDT and BBR mixture creep data, respectively, are similar. Thermal stresses calculated from binder creep data are significantly different than thermal stresses calculated from mixture creep data. The effect of physical hardening is investigated for a limited number of materials, and the effect on thermal stresses is significant.
Adaptation of the Career Portfolio at the University of California, San Diego: A Case Study

This chapter describes the planning, development, testing, and launching phases of UCSD's online career portfolio, as well as a summary of its impact and discussion of its future.
Adsorption of gentamicin onto a bilayer lipid membrane

Abstract Addition of the aminoglycoside antibiotic, gentamicin (GM), to one side of a bilayer lipid membrane (BLM) results in a potential difference across the membrane. Evidence is presented that the membrane potential is caused by the adsorption of GM, bearing four positive charges, on the BLM surface. The experimental results are subjected to a quantitative analysis based on the double-layer theory and the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The adsorption is saturated (i.e., the BLM is fully covered) at the bulk GM concentration of about 80 μmol/l. At this point, the calculated GM-induced increase in the BLM surface charge density is σ = 0.0054 C m −2 , which is equivalent to one positive charge per 50 lipids or one molecule of GM per 200 lipids.
Inactivating Pit-1 mutations alter subnuclear dynamics suggesting a protein misfolding and nuclear stress response

Pit-1, a POU-class nuclear DNA-binding transcription factor, specifies three of the parenchymal cell types in anterior pituitary ontogeny. Using fluorescent fusions and live cell imaging, we have compared the dynamic behavior of wild-type and inactivating Pit-1 point mutations. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) and real-time extraction data indicate that wild-type Pit-1 has a dynamic mobility profile, with t(1/2s) approximately 5-7 s when expressed from low to high amounts, respectively. Biochemically, Pit-1 is approximately 50% retained according to direct observation during extraction, indicating a dynamic interaction with nuclear structure. An analysis of transiently expressed Pit-1 carrying two different debilitating mutations reveals that they translocate normally to the nucleus, but exhibit two different levels of mobility, both clearly distinguishable from wild-type Pit-1. At low expression levels, the t(1/2s) of Pit(W261C) and Pit(A158P) are extremely rapid (0.3 and 0.6 s t(1/2s), respectively). At higher expression levels, unlike wild-type Pit-1, both mutant proteins become immobilized and insoluble, and fractionate completely with the insoluble nuclear matrix. Relative to wild-type, over expression of mutated Pit-1 elicits a nuclear stress response indicated by increased levels of heat shock inducible heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), and reorganization of heat shock factor-1. The decreased mobility of Pit(A158P) relative to Pit(W261C) at low expression levels correlates with its ability to partially activate when expressed at low levels and its ability to bind cognate DNA. At high expression levels, lower Pit(A158P) activation correlates with its immobilization and insolubility. These data suggest a link between specific rates of intranuclear mobility and Pit-1 transcription function, perhaps to insure sufficient interactions with chromatin, or in the case of non-DNA binding Pit-1, interaction as a repressor. These data imply inactivating mutations can lead to an intranuclear sorting away from transcription related pathways, and at least in part to a misfolded protein pathway. Taken together, caution is suggested when interpreting point (or other) mutational analyses of transactivator function, as new compartmentation, especially in the context of expression levels, may cloud the distinction between defining functional molecular domains and intranuclear processing of misfolded proteins.
Comparative mapping of BTA15 and HSA11 including a region containing a QTL for meat tenderness

The starting point of the present study was the reported identification of a chromosomal region on bovine Chromosome (Chr) 15 (BTA15) carrying loci affecting meat tenderness. A comparative linkage map of BTA15 and human Chr 11 (HSA11) was constructed to identify potential positional candidate genes and to provide a resource of genetic markers to support marker-assisted selection (MAS). Relative rearrangements between the bovine and human genomes for these chromosomes are the most complex observed in comparative mapping between the two species, with nine alternating blocks of conserved synteny between HSA11 and bovine Chrs 15 and 29. The results of this study were the addition of nine genes to the HSA11/BTA15 comparative linkage map, and development of five microsatellite markers within the quantitative trait locus (QTL) interval. One gene with known effects on muscle development (MYOD1) was mapped to the interval. A second gene (CALCA) involved in regulation of calcium levels, a key factor in postmortem tenderization, also mapped within the interval. Refinement of the comparative map and QTL position will reduce the interval on the human transcription map to be scanned in search of candidates, reducing the effort and resources required to identify the allelic variation responsible for the genetic effect.
Children’s Play: Where We Have Been and Where We Could Go

The purpose of this article is to raise the profile of play so that it is an important domain of concern for serving children with delays and disabilities, just as are the other five domains specified in federal law. A rationale for the integration of the behavioral perspective and the constructivist perspective is presented to contribute clarity to what play is and how it is used. Definitions are offered of what play is, how play is learned, and what individuals in the field have learned about play within each perspective. Critical future directions for research are discussed.
The Effect of Prepubertal Androgen Exposure on Adult Penile Length

AbstractPurpose: Recent studies in the rat suggest that early exposure to exogenous testosterone accelerates the loss of androgen receptors and compromises eventual penile length. To determine whether this is true in men we measured adult penile length of patients treated in childhood for sexual precocity.Materials and Methods: We examined 21 men with sexual precocity due to true precocious puberty (12) or congenital adrenal hyperplasia (9) who had been followed at our institution since childhood. Penile lengths were compared with data from normal men.Results: Mean stretched penile length plus or minus standard deviation was 12.7 plus/minus 2.6 cm. in all patients, 12.1 plus/minus 2.6 cm. in those with true precocious puberty and 13.6 plus/minus 1.6 cm. in those with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. These lengths were not significantly different from those of normal men (12.4 plus/minus 2.7 cm.).Conclusions: In contrast to findings in rats, exposure to endogenous testosterone during gestation and/or childh...
DNA Bending Is Induced by Binding of the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ2 Heterodimer to Its Response Element in the Murine Lipoprotein Lipase Promoter

Abstract The peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ2 (PPARγ2) is a critical transcriptioinal regulator of adipogenesis. Lipoprotein lipase is one of the earliest genes induced following exposure of pre-adipocytes to PPARγ2 ligands such as the thiazolidinediones. A unique PPARγ2 DNA recognition element was mapped to the region between −171 to −149 bp of the murine LPL promoter, based on transfection analysis of deletion constructs and gel retention assays using bacterially expressed, affinity purified recombinant proteins. Circular permutation analysis determined that binding of the PPARγ2/retinoic acid X receptor (RXR) heterodimer to its LPL promoter recognition element induced DNA bending at an angle of approximately 46°. Parallel studies using an optimal PPAR recognition element obtained a comparable bending angle of 56°. This is the first demonstration that binding of a PPAR protein to its recognition element causes a distortion of the DNA configuration. It indicates that PPARγ2 utilizes a common mechanism shared by other nuclear hormone receptor proteins reported to induce bending at their DNA binding sites.
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of 2,4-diamino-5-methyl-6-substituted-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines as dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors

2,4-diamino-5-methyl-6-(substituted-phenyl)thiopyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines 4-11 were synthesized as dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) inhibitors against opportunistic pathogens that afflict patients with AIDS. Synthesis was achieved from 2,4-diamino-5-methypyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine and substituted phenylthiols under modified conditions reported by Gangjee et al. Some of these compounds were potent and selective against DHFR from both Toxoplasma gondii and Mycobacterium avium compared to mammalian DHFR. Compound 11 with a 1-naphthyl substituent is 16-fold more potent and equally selective against Toxoplasma gondii DHFR as the clinically used trimethoprim.
Intramolecular amino delivery reactions for the synthesis of valienamine and analogues

Abstract Iodocyclization and [3,3] sigmatropic rearrangement reactions of N -substituted carbonimidothioates are used to prepare valienamine ( 1 ), 7- nor -valienamine ( 8 ), and the valienamine-based pseudo -disaccharide 12 .
Predicting elastic modulus of particle filled composites

A multi-particle unit cell model of PMMA/ATH composite with different volume fractions was employed to study the influence of interphase properties and inter-particle distance on elastic modulus. The model constitutes amorphous polymer matrix, rigid fillers and interphase between filler and matrix. Polymer matrix was modelled using a thermodynamically consistent dual-mechanism viscoplastic model, whereas fillers were assumed as linear elastic. In numerical simulations, the interphase between filler and matrix was modelled through a user defined interphase model and matrix material was modelled through a user defined material model.
Abrasion of plastics

Abstract Preliminary data on the effect of the nature of a plastic on its abrasive resistance and the effects of grit size and cutting rate are presented. Abrasion tests were performed on an instrumented pin on cylinder apparatus having removable segments for observing the coated abrasive surface in the scanning electron microscope (SEM); this allowed for direct correlation between measurements of coated abrasive performance and SEM observations of surface morphology. The materials studied were (a) a linen-impregnated phenolic resin, (b) polymethyl methacrylate (Plexiglas) and (c) polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon). The polymers tested exhibited characteristics which set them apart from one another as far as abrasive wear is concerned. All three showed cutting and scratching of the surface during early stages of abrasion. The phenolic was found to “self-clean” the abrasive by knocking free the previously abraded particles. Frictional heating was sufficient to raise the surface temperature of Plexiglas above its glass transition temperature at high cutting rates introducing significant rate effects. The Teflon fibers were cold-worked by the rolling action at the surface producing a major plastic deformation contribution.
Influence of nitrogen source on low temperature growth of verotoxigenicEscherichia coli

The influence of organic and inorganic nitrogen sources on low temperature growth of Shiga-like verotoxin-producingEscherichia coli(VTEC) was studied. Seven verotoxigenic strains were studied in complex and minimal medium systems. Results indicate that verotoxigenic strains require an organic nitrogen source (amino acids or peptides) for growth at 6.5°C. Minimal medium systems containing ammonium sulfate as the nitrogen source and glucose as the carbon source did not support the growth of any strain at 6.5°C. However, glucose and fructose minimal media systems with ammonia sulfate as the source of nitrogen supported growth at 9.5°C. Amino acids and/or peptides could serve as the source of nitrogen, carbon and energy for growth of some VTEC at 6.5°C. These results suggest that VTEC can readily grow at 6.5°C owing to the availability of organic nitrogen sources and sugars in foods.
Fast parallel computation of longest common prefixes

Suffix arrays and the corresponding longest common prefix (LCP) array have wide applications in bioinformatics, information retrieval and data compression. In this work, we propose and theoretically analyze new parallel algorithms for computing the LCP array given the suffix array as input. Most of our algorithms have a work and depth (parallel time) complexity related to the LCP values of the input. We also present a slight variation of Karkkainen and Sanders' skew algorithm that requires linear work and poly-logarithmic depth in the worst case. We present a comprehensive experimental study of our parallel algorithms along with existing parallel and sequential LCP algorithms. On a variety of real-world and artificial strings, we show that on a 40-core shared-memory machine our fastest algorithm is up to 2.3 times faster than the fastest existing parallel algorithm, and up to 21.8 times faster than the fastest sequential LCP algorithm.
Is staging of cancer of value

Complete and accurate classification of all cases of cancer is essential for planning optimal management, estimating prognosis, communicating about individual patients or groups of patients, comparing results of various treatments and evaluating cancer control programs. For most types of cancer, the stage, or the anatomic extent of the cancer, is as important as other characteristics such as the primary site of the tumor, the histologic cell type, and the grade of the malignancy. The TNM system of staging recommended by the American Joint Committee on Cancer and the International Union against Cancer is used throughout the world, and there is convincing evidence of its value in selecting treatment and estimating prognosis. For example, Stage I squamous cell or adenocarcinoma of the lung is almost always amenable to surgical resection and five-year survival rates of about 70% are being reported by many cancer centers. In contrast, stage III lung cancer is usually not resectable and the five-year survival rate of this group is less than 10%.
Critical literacy in the early childhood classroom: unlearning histories, unpacking privilege

In her newly released book, Critical Literacy in the Early Childhood Classroom, Candace Kuby, my doctoral advisor, explores the tension that early childhood educators feel as they create space for ...
Gender differences in emotional development: A review of theories and research

Theories, data, methodological and conceptual problems concerning the study of gender differences in the development of defenses, emotional expression, recognition, and experiences are reviewed Data indicate gender differences in several areas of emotional functioning, including nonverbal sensitivity, expressiveness, self-reports of anger, fear, and sadness, the quality of defenses, and cognitive correlates of recognition abilities Studies suggest that with development, boys increasingly inhibit the expression and attribution of most emotions, whereas girls increasingly inhibit the expression and recognition of socially unacceptable emotions, e g, anger These differences may be a function of different socialization processes for males and females, which may be adaptations to innate gender differences in temperament, or adaptations to existing sociocultural pressures The present paper argues that emotions motivate and regulate adaptive behaviors, and that researchers must explore gender differences in emotional development as a function of different familial, sociocultural, and interpersonal roles to which males and females must adapt
Body Weight Influence on Egg Production

Abstract Five hundred seventy-six Single Comb White Leghorn pullets were divided into three body size categories at 20 weeks of age and assigned to laying cages for a 52-week production period. Average body weight of the heavy, medium, and light size groups were 1377, 1256, and 1131 g, respectively. Size of bird did not affect age at 50% production, hen-day or hen-housed production. Livability of the heavy birds was significantly lower (16.2 and 15.6%) than livability of the medium and light birds, respectively. Body weight differences at 20 weeks of age continued through 72 weeks of age. Heavy birds produced heavier eggs, consumed more feed per hen day, and consumed more feed per dozen eggs than the medium and light birds, while the medium birds had greater means than the light birds for each of these categories. The heavy birds also consumed 3.66% more feed/g egg mass than the light birds. The results of this experiment indicate that chickens can produce at lighter body weights than in the past, therefore, nutritional programs which produce lighter pullets may be desirable.
Fiscal Responsibility and Health Care Reform

It has been clear for some time that the primary hurdle to enacting health care reform is figuring out how to pay for it. Virtually all Republicans and some Democrats have been unwilling to sign on...
A Landscape Parametric Profile Approach for Rat Brain Image Analysis

This paper develops the use of the landscape parametric profile as a descriptive and interpretative method of analyzing metabolic activity data obtained by neuroimaging techniques such as 2-deoxyglucose autoradiography. The method is suggested as an initial survey-type approach that can be used to map regional activity throughout the coronal planes of a rat brain and to compare relative differences in the patterns of activity between different brains. Images are acquired using preexisting image analysis software and then transformed to landscape parametric profiles derived from each matrix array. The image profile analysis tasks are done using commercially available software for matrix computations such as MATLAB. An effective way of interpreting activity differences between brains is presented by plotting the results from a randomized blocks ANOVA significance test combined with the average profiles of different subjects within the same experimental group. The method greatly reduces the computational burden associated with image averaging and statistical comparison of brains from different subjects while preserving the richness in topographic metabolic information. One significant advantage of the method is that it results in figures that are readily depicted and interpretable in black and white.
Bringing the World into the Classroom: POS302-L--The Race and Ethnicity Seminar Discussion List

to spend the semester with the 18 students enrolled in my race, ethnicity, and social inequality seminar. They read and commented on the students' work, submitted papers of their own for the students to read, and commented on each other's work as well. It was a truly remarkable experience made possible through the use of POS302-L, an Internet discussion list created for the seminar on the Illinois State University RS6000 computer.
Mechanical Dysfunction in Extreme QT Prolongation

Background Although cardiac mechanical dysfunction has not been reported in congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS), theoretically abnormal cardiac repolarization may confer a substrate for mechanical dysfunction via calcium overload during the prolonged plateau period. We report the first clinical descriptions of a patient who supports this hypothesis. Methods Clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic evaluations were performed on a newborn presenting to Milwaukee Children's Hospital and subsequently referred to Mayo Clinic's LQTS Clinic. Mutational analysis of the 10 known LQTS-susceptibility genes was performed using denaturing high performance liquid chromatography and DNA sequencing. Results Presenting with fetal bradycardia from 2:1 atrioventricular block, a male Caucasian infant manifested extreme QT prolongation (QT interval corrected for heart rate: 800 milliseconds), 2:1 atrioventricular conduction, and macroscopic T-wave alternans after birth. At 6 weeks of age, the infant demonstrated 20 seconds of torsades de pointes. The family history was unremarkable, screening electrocardiograms of first-degree relatives revealed normal findings, and mutational analysis of all known LQTS-susceptibility genes was negative. Echocardiographically, the infant demonstrated globally abnormal systolic and diastolic dysfunction before the onset of arrhythmias. Conclusions This infantile presentation of QT extremis and cardiac dysfunction provides support for the hypothesis of mechanical perturbations stemming from abnormal repolarization. Future studies are needed to investigate whether or not the typical patient with congenital LQTS exhibits any evidence for mechanical dysfunction.
Emotional well-being of heart failure patients and their caregivers.

Abstract Background: Heart failure (HF) dramatically affects the lives of both patients and their caregivers, yet limited research exists examining the relationship between emotional well-being of HF patients and their caregivers. Therefore, we conducted a study to (1) describe and compare the emotional well-being of HF patients and their caregivers, (2) determine if gender differences exist in emotional well-being of patients and caregivers, and (3) identify factors associated with emotional well-being of HF patients. Methods: The emotional well-being of 103 patient-caregiver dyads was assessed using the mental health subscale of the SF-12. Results: Patients were 57.6 ± 12.1 years, predominantly Caucasian (76.7%) and male (67.0%). Caregivers were 59.5 ± 17.6 years, predominantly females (70.9%) and spouses of patients with HF (82.6%). Patients had significantly lower (poorer) emotional well-being scores than caregivers. Both gender and age were associated with patients' emotional well-being; male and younger participants had higher (better) scores than female and older patients ( P Conclusion: We found that the emotional well-being of caregivers is associated with the emotional well-being of HF patients. Our findings suggest the need to focus on supporting caregivers and providing them with the strategies they need to support their loved ones with HF.
Connected distance-based rasterization of objects in arbitrary dimension

In this paper we investigate an approach for constructing a connected digitization of an object [email protected]?R^n by taking the integer points within an offset of S of a certain radius. We consider the cases when S is a curve, surface, and an arbitrary path-connected object. We determine the minimal value of the offset radius which guarantees connectivity of the digitization. We also derive conditions under which the offset digitization of a disconnected object is always connected.
Estimation of carrier leakage in InGaN light emitting diodes from photocurrent measurements

Carrier transport in double heterostructure (DH) InGaN light emitting diodes (LEDs) was investigated using photocurrent measurements performed under CW HeCd laser (325 nm wavelength) excitation. The effect of electron injector thicknesses was investigated by monitoring the excitation density and applied bias dependent escape of photogenerated carriers from the active region and through energy band structure and carrier transport simulations using Silvaco Atlas. For quad (4x) 3-nm DH LED structures incorporating staircase electron injectors (SEIs), photocurrent increased with SEI thickness due to reduced effective barrier opposing carrier escape from the active region as confirmed by simulations. The carrier leakage percentile at -3V bias and 280 Wcm -2 optical excitation density increased from 24 % to 55 % when In 0.04 Ga 0.96 N + In 0.08 Ga 0.92 N SEI thickness was increased from 4 nm + 4 nm to 30 nm + 30 nm. The increased leakage with thicker SEI correlates with increased carrier overflow under forward bias.
Speaking across the divide: a Functional Grammar analysis of feminist and masculist reproductive rights rhetoric

This article applies Systemic Functional Grammar and Critical Discourse Analysis to assess the linguistic choices of feminist and masculist reproductive rights rhetoric. It explains these methodologies and provides a discursive history of the reproductive rights movement. Publications of advocacy groups and the mass media are analysed as data of current rhetorical trends. These interpretations conclude that female-affirmative rhetoric offsets contemporary feminist efforts by marginalising men and excluding considerations of paternity. This article suggests that in solely emphasising women's procreative rights, such feminist rhetoric potentially renders women to the role of primary parental agent, reinforces traditional sex-stereotypes, and incites inter-sex antagonism.
BENDING OF A CYLINDRICALLY ORTHOTROPIC CURVED BEAM WITH LINEARLY DISTRIBUTED ELASTIC CONSTANTS

The solution is found in a series form. An illustrative example shows the distortion of the stress distribution from the usual constant-modulus case. As a related problem, we also consider the case of a ring with linearly varying elastic constants through the thickness under internal and/or external pressure
A Conceptual Model for Enhancing Community Competitiveness in the New Economy

The author develops a conceptual model that specifies six types of “community capital” assets—polity, physical, financial, human, cultural, and social—that U.S. cities, particularly those left behi...
Defending the NLRB: Improving the Agency’s Success in the Federal Courts of Appeal

Commentators have made innumerable recommendations to improve the National Labor Relations Board’s administration of the National Labor Relations Act. Yet one subject that has been largely ignored in these discussions is the fact that no matter how good the administrative enforcement of the NLRA is, or could be, it will mean very little if the NLRB cannot defend its decisions in the courts of appeals. The stakes of this inquiry are high. Because the NLRB cannot enforce its own orders, any losing party can delay compliance with a Board order by seeking review before an appellate court. This delay itself can substantially undermine employees’ labor rights - particularly when a case involves representational issues, in which employees’ support for a union often diminishes as time passes. Yet the problems associated with delay are exacerbated if losing parties believe they have a good chance of winning before the courts. Although some parties may challenge a Board order no matter their chances, others may seriously weigh the costs and benefits of further litigation. For these parties, the prospect of reversing a Board order may lead to additional challenges, more delay, and ultimately an inability of employees to enjoy their labor rights. This article addresses this issue by proposing several reforms intended to improve the Board’s success in the courts of appeals. These reforms include attempting to improve the format and substance of NLRB decisions, increasing the emphasis on the standard of review, considering limited types of forum shopping, increasing the use of rulemaking, reducing delay, and requesting more injunctive relief. None of these strategies, if enacted, would be a silver bullet that would solve all of the difficulties that the Board faces in court. In the aggregate, however, they could improve the Board’s standing in the eyes of federal appellate courts, thereby improving the Board’s long-term success. Moreover, a renewed focus on the need to win before the courts of appeals could enhance the Board’s success in the short term by improving some of its individual decisions, thereby making them better candidates for court enforcement.