cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measurements of methylmercury, ethylmercury, and inorganic mercury species in a whole blood standard reference material: SRM 955c—Toxic Elements in Caprine Blood

Trace elemental speciation analysis is assuming more critical importance in nutritional and toxicological assessments, and despite the necessity to quantitatively differentiate elemental species in environmental and clinical samples, there are a limited number of reference materials suitable for this purpose. A whole blood certified reference material, SRM 955c Toxic Elements in Caprine Blood was developed for the determination of toxic metals in whole blood including mercury. The certification of methylmercury, ethylmercury, and inorganic mercury was carried out by triple spike speciated isotope dilution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (TS-SID-GC/ICP-MS) and represents the first whole blood material certified for three mercury species. The certified values (±expanded uncertainty) of methylmercury, ethylmercury, inorganic mercury and total mercury in SRM 955c are 4.5 ± 1.0 µg L−1, 5.1 ± 0.5 µg L−1, 9.0 ± 1.3 µg L−1, and 17.8 ± 1.6 µg L−1 respectively.
The genetics of phenotypic plasticity. XIII. Interactions with developmental instability

In a heterogeneous environment, natural selection on a trait can lead to a variety of outcomes, including phenotypic plasticity and bet-hedging through developmental instability. These outcomes depend on the magnitude and pattern of that heterogeneity and the spatial and temporal distribution of individuals. However, we do not know if and how those two outcomes might interact with each other. I examined the joint evolution of plasticity and instability through the use of an individual-based simulation in which each could be genetically independent or pleiotropically linked. When plasticity and instability were determined by different loci, the only effect on the evolution of plasticity was the elimination of plasticity as a bet-hedging strategy. In contrast, the effects on the evolution of instability were more substantial. If conditions were such that the population was likely to evolve to the optimal reaction norm, then instability was disfavored. Instability was favored only when the lack of a reliable environmental cue disfavored plasticity. When plasticity and instability were determined by the same loci, instability acted as a strong limitation on the evolution of plasticity. Under some conditions, selection for instability resulted in maladaptive plasticity. Therefore, before testing any models of plasticity or instability evolution, or interpreting empirical patterns, it is important to know the ecological, life history, developmental, and genetic contexts of trait phenotypic plasticity and developmental instability.
The role of the polyol pathway in methaemoglobin reduction in human red cells.

Summary. The relationship of methaemoglobin reduction to the polyol or sorbitol pathway, which accounts for 2–3% of glucose metabolism at physiological glucose concentrations in human red cells, was investigated. In partially methaemoglobinized cells (3–7% methaemoglobin), the metabolic alterations previously observed at high glucose concentrations did not occur. Partial inhibition of the polyol pathway with 3.3-tetramethyleneglutaric acid (TMG) resulted in an increase in the pyruvate concentration when compared to non-treated cells with the same percentage of methaemoglobin. When methaemoglobin production was totally inhibited with carbon monoxide, the metabolic alterations previously observed at a glucose concentration of 50 mm occurred at physiological glucose concentrations. These data suggest that the NADH produced by the polyol pathway may provide reduced pyridine nucleotide required for physiological rates of methaemoglobin reduction.
Enantioselective synthesis of (R)- and (S)-N-Boc-morpholine-2-carboxylic acids by enzyme-catalyzed kinetic resolution: application to the synthesis of reboxetine analogs

The (R)- and (S)-N-Boc-morpholine-2-carboxylic acids 9 and 10 were prepared using an enantioselective synthesis employing a highly selective enzyme-catalyzed kinetic resolution of racemic n-butyl 4-benzylmorpholine-2-carboxylate (11) as the key step. Acids 9 and 10 were then converted efficiently and stereoselectively to reboxetine analogs 3 and 4.
A SOLID-STATE CHRONOTRON FOR DIGITIZING TIME DELAYS

Abstract This solid-state chronotron measures the relative time delay between two shaped photomultiplier pulses, and quantizes this time delay into seven time intervals with widths of 3 to 7 nsec. These intervals represent the difference in time of flight of two particles in a large scattering experiment, and may be varied at will by charging front panel cables. The quantized time delay is then stored in a buffer storage until readout, at which time the system is recycled. Because the chronotron was used with a system having a 40-μsec cycle time, a maximum repetition rate of 100 kc/s was selected. However, this rate could be increased considerably if necessary. The time intervals are formed by splitting the two shaped photomultiplier signals into parallel diode coincidence circuits, with the time delay of each coincidence circuit set for the center of its respective time interval. Since the coincidence circuits are identical, both the position and width of each time interval are determined only by the delay cables. Thus the coincidence circuit with the greatest output voltage indicates the correct time interval. To detect this voltage the stretched output of each coincidence circuit has a common ramp voltage added to it, and together these signals begin driving a bank of blocking oscillators. As soon as one blocking oscillator triggers, all others are disabled and the blocking oscillator that triggered sets up its binary coded number in the buffer storage. As the ramp generator always insures that one blocking oscillator triggers there is never a hole between time intervals, even if the edges of the intervals drift, because when one interval expands its neighbors will contract. Long-term stability of the time interval centers is a few tenths of a nanosecond, and the 24-hr stability of the edges of the intervals is ±0.5 nsec. With the aid of a TV monitor used in checking the system, the chronotron can be held within the above limits indefinitely by simple daily adjustments.
Multiphoton Ionization Spectroscopy of Atomic Fluorine

The study of the electronic spectrum of atomic fluorine is extremely difficult since all the single-photon transitions from the ground state require wavelengths that are below the LiF window cutoff at 106 nm. This situation presents an ideal application for the techniques of multiphoton excitation, followed by either fluorescence or ionization detection. We report here the first observation of resonantly enhanced multi-photon ionization (REMPI) of atomic fluorine in a 3+2 photon process.
Synthesis and characterization of halogeno- and pseudo-halogeno-thallium(III) porphyrin complexes. Variation of the co-ordination geometry as a function of the axial ligand

Several thallium(III) porphyrin complexes [Tl(por)X] with the axial ligand x = MeCO2, CF3CO2, Cl, Br, l, CN, SCN or N3, have been obtained via ligand-exchange reactions from the corresponding thallium(III) trifluoroacetates. All compounds were characterized by 1H NMR, UV/VIS spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Fourteen compounds were investigated in detail by X-ray crystallography to obtain information on the influence of the axial ligand on the macrocycle core conformation in main-group metalloporphyrins and to establish the molecular stereochemistry of thallium(III) porphyrins with cyano, acetato, thiocyanato, bromo, iodo and azido groups as axial ligands.
Circadian Rhythms of Locomotion and Reproductive Behavior in Adult Velvetbean Caterpillars

Circadian rhythms of locomotion for ♂, ♀, and pairs adult velvetbean caterpillars, Anticarsia gemmatalis Hubner, were determined with a vibration-sensitive actograph. Males and pairs exhibited diurnal ambulatory activity during the 1st 6 days postemergence; however, became nocturnal within 48 h. Activity of pairs peaked on days 3–5, and 74% of lifetime activity was expressed during the 1st week. In bisexual populations, initial levels of feeding were maintained for almost 2 weeks. Mating occurred throughout the scotophase on days 2–3, declined on the 4th day, and resurged in late scotophase during the next 8–10 days. Copulation required an avg 102 min. Almost 50% of the subsequently mated ♀ “called” from sites where they were silhouetted between ♂ and the night light. Under optimum environmental conditions, essentially 100% of the ♀ were inseminated and 1–6 spermatophores were transferred/female. Males never mated more than twice. Oviposition peaked on the 5th day and a mean of 402 eggs was deposited during the lifetime of a mated female. The effective reproductive life of this species was 12–14 days.
Research process. Reporting results of the research

The preparation of a manuscript to report a research project is the final stage of the research process. Recommendations are made in this article related to preparing to write, getting started, guarding against problems and frustrations by making early decisions, and developing each component of the manuscript. This article is the last in a series of six on the research process, in which the collective purpose has been to offer guidance regarding the spectrum of skills required to produce quality research reports.
Is Traumatic Memory Special

Nyberg, L., Cabeza, R., & Tulving, E. (1996). PET studies of encoding and retrieval: The HERA model. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 3, 135 148. Parkin, A.J., Bindschaedler, C, Harsent, L., & Met zler, C (1996). Verification impairment in the generation of memory deficit following rup tured aneurysm of the anterior communicat ing artery. Brain & Cognition, 32, 14-27. Payne, D.G., Elie, C.J., Blackwell, J.M., & Neu schatz, J.S. (1996). Memory illusions: Recalling, recognizing, and recollecting events that never occurred. Journal of Memory and Language, 35, 261-285. Rajaram, S., & Roediger, H.L., III. (1997). Remem bering and knowing as states of consciousness during retrieval. In J.D. Cohen & J.W. Schooler (Eds.), Scientific approaches to consciousness (pp. 213-240). Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum. Reyna, V.F., & Brainerd, CJ. (1995). Fuzzy-trace theory: An interim synthesis. Learning and In dividual Differences, 7, 1-75. Roediger, H.L., III, & McDermott, K.B. (1995). Cre ating false memories: Remembering words not presented in lists. Journal of Experimental Psy chology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 21, 803-814. Schacter, D.L., Chiu, C.Y.P., & Ochsner, K.N. (1993). Implicit memory: A selective review. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 16, 159-182. Schacter, D.L., Curran, T., Galluccio, L., Milberg, W., & Bates, J. (1996). False recognition and the right frontal lobe: A case study. Neuropsycho logia, 34, 793-808. Schacter, D.L., Koutstaal, W., Johnson, M.K., Gross, M.S., & Angell, K.A. (1997). False rec ollection induced via photographs: A compari son of older and younger adults. Psychology & Aging, 12, 203-215. Schacter, D.L., Norman, K.A., & Koutstaal, W. (in press). The cognitive neuroscience of construc tive memory. Annual Review of Psychology. Schacter, D.L., Reiman, E., Curran, T., Yun, L.S., Bandy, D., McDermott, K.B., & Roediger, H.L., III. (1996). Neuroanatomical correlates of ver idical and illusory recognition memory: Evi dence from positron emission tomography. Neuron, 17, 267-274. Schacter, D.L., Savage, C.R., Alpert, N.M., Rauch, S.L., & Albert, M.S. (1996). The role of hippo campus and frontal cortex in age-related memory changes: A PET study. NeuroReport, 7, 1165-1169.
Mammalian circadian signaling networks and therapeutic targets

Virtually all cells in the body have an intracellular clockwork based on a negative feedback mechanism. The circadian timekeeping system in mammals is a hierarchical multi-oscillator network, with the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) acting as the central pacemaker. The SCN synchronizes to daily light-dark cycles and coordinates rhythmic physiology and behavior. Synchronization in the SCN and at the organismal level is a key feature of the circadian clock system. In particular, intercellular coupling in the SCN synchronizes neuron oscillators and confers robustness against perturbations. Recent advances in our knowledge of and ability to manipulate circadian rhythms make available cell-based clock models, which lack strong coupling and are ideal for target discovery and chemical biology.
Insights into the pathology and treatment of spondyloarthritis: from the bench to the clinic.

Objective The spondyloarthritides are a set of chronic inflammatory diseases that consists of 5 interrelated subsets (ankylosing spondylitis [AS], psoriatic arthritis [PsA], reactive arthritis, arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease, and undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy). The aim of this review was to evaluate the classification, genetic susceptibility, pathology, and response to treatment of spondyloarthritis (SpA). Methods Searches were conducted of the PubMed database for articles focusing on the classification, pathology, and treatment of SpA. Results The 5 subsets of SpA share many clinical, immunohistochemical, and genetic features, including the common presence of human leukocyte antigen-B27 and the absence of rheumatoid factor. Evidence suggests that the pathology of SpA is mediated by immune cells. In particular, tumor necrosis factor-alpha appears to be an important driver of inflammation and damage in SpA. A number of different SpA classification criteria have been developed, including the Modified New York Criteria for AS, the European Spondyloarthropathy Study Group criteria, the Amor criteria, as well as criteria for PsA, notably the Moll and Wright criteria and the Classification of Psoriatic Arthritis criteria. Suboptimal efficacy and adverse effects often limit the use of conventional pharmacologic treatments for SpA, including nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, such as methotrexate and sulfasalazine. Recent evidence has demonstrated that targeted biologic response modifiers, such as TNF-α antagonists, are well tolerated and efficacious treatments for SpA. Conclusions Significant advances have occurred in our understanding of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and classification of the spondyloarthritides and effective treatments are available.
Stereochemical course of the methylation of the polygalacturonic acid carboxyl groups of pectin

Abstract The steric course of the methyl group transfer to polygalacturonic acid to form the methyl ester group in pectin was studied using S -adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) carrying a methyl group made chiral by labeling with 1 H, 2 H, 3 H, in an asymmetric arrangement. The incubation of the two diastereomers of this substrate with a particulate enzyme preparation obtained from Phaseolus aureus (mung bean) shoots gave the corresponding pectins. These were degraded in a series of stereochemically unambiguous reactions that converted the methoxy group into the methyl group of acetate, which was then analyzed for its configuration. The results indicate that the transfer of the methyl group from the sulfur of AdoMet to the oxygen of the carboxyl group proceeds with inversion of configuration of the methyl group.
Among- and Within-Transect Variability in Estimates of Shad Abundance Made with Hydroacoustics

Abstract We examined variance and distribution of gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum and threadfin shad D. petenense using hydroacoustic techniques at three sites in Lake Texoma, Texas–Oklahoma, in August 1991. Density estimates among transects were significantly different at one site during the day and two sites at night. Fish densities were uniformly distributed among transects within sites during day and night surveys, except at one site during the day where the distribution was random. Fish were aggregated into small (≤19 m), dense clumps (up to 45 fish/m2) separated by 25 m or more during the day. In contrast, at night there were fewer, larger aggregations (≥135 m), which were closer together (≤19 m) than during the day. Coefficients of variation for density estimates within transects exceeded 100% over short subsampling intervals (7.5 m) within transects during day and night samples but decreased as subsampling interval length increased. Withintransect variation was significantly lower for night surve...
Cost Effectiveness Analysis of Pharmacokinetically-Guided 5-Fluorouracil in FOLFOX Chemotherapy for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Abstract Background Dosing chemotherapy based on BSA results in marked interindividual variability in drug exposure. A randomized trial showed increased OS and decreased toxicity with PK-guided compared with BSA-based 5-FU dosing in patients with mCRC. The objective of this study was to compare the cost effectiveness of PK-based 5-FU dosing with BSA-based 5-FU dosing in patients with mCRC receiving FOLFOX (5-FU, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin). Materials and Methods We developed a Markov model to evaluate the cost effectiveness of PK FOLFOX compared with BSA FOLFOX. Progression risks and cause-specific mortality were extrapolated from the fitted survival models. Costs for administration and management of adverse events were estimated based on 2013 Medicare reimbursement rates and average sale prices. Results PK FOLFOX provided 2.03 QALYs at a cost of $50,205 compared with BSA FOLFOX, which provided 1.46 QALYs at a cost of $37,173. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was $22,695 per QALY. The ICER remained Conclusion At a $50,000 per QALY threshold, PK FOLFOX is cost effective for mCRC. Because of the cost effectiveness profile and OS advantage with PK FOLFOX, it should be evaluated further in comparative effectiveness studies.
Path analysis of IQ during infancy and early childhood and an index of the home environment in the Colorado Adoption Project

Abstract A parent-offspring adoption path model, which includes a measured index of the home environment, was formulated to assess the extent to which relationships between the environmental index and children's behavior are mediated by genetic and environmental influences of the parents. In addition to the direct effect of the home environment on children's behavior, three types of indirect effects mediated by parental phenotype are considered: a pure environmental effect, a pure genetic effect, and a combined environmental-genetic effect. To illustrate its application, the model was fitted to parental and offspring IQ data collected in the Colorado Adoption Project and an environmental index based on Caldwell and Bradley's (1978) Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment (HOME). Four sets of data, including the HOME index and offspring IQ measured longitudinally at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years of age, were analyzed. The results suggest that in infancy (ages 1 and 2), the HOME reveals a direct environmental effect on children's IQ as well as indirect effects mediated via parental IQ. Surprisingly, during early childhood (ages 3 and 4), the relationship between the HOME and children's IQ is due only to indirect parental mediation. Moreover, other than at year 1, the mediation is purely genetic.
Decay accelerating factor of complement is anchored to cells by a C-terminal glycolipid.

Membrane-associated decay accelerating factor (DAF) of human erythrocytes (E/sup hu/) was analyzed for a C-terminal glycolipid anchoring structure. Automated amino acid analysis of DAF following reductive radiomethylation revealed ethanolamine and glucosamine residues in proportions identical with those present in the E/sup hu/ acetylcholinesterase (AChE) anchor. Cleavage of radiomethylated 70-kilodalton (kDa) DAF with papain released the labeled ethanolamine and glucosamine and generated 61- and 55-kDa DAF products that retained all labeled Lys and labeled N-terminal Asp. Incubation of intact E/sup hu/ with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC), which cleaves the anchors in trypanosome membrane form variant surface glycoproteins (mfVSGs) and murine thymocyte Thy-1 antigen, released 15% of the cell-associated DAF antigen. The released 67-kDa PI-PLC DAF derivative retained its ability to decay the classical C3 convertase C4b2a but was unable to membrane-incorporate and displayed physicochemical properties similar to urine DAF, a hydrophilic DAF form that can be isolated for urine. Nitrous acid deamination cleavage of E/sup hu/ DAF at glucosamine following labeling with the lipophilic photoreagent 3-(trifluoromethyl)-3-(m-(/sup 125/I)iodophenyl)diazirine ((/sup 125/I)TID) released the (/sup 125/I)TID label in a parallel fashion as from (/sup 125/I)TID-labeled AChE. Biosynthetic labeling of HeLa cells with (/sup 3/H) ethanolamine resulted in rapid /sup 3/H incorporation into both 48-kDamore » pro-DAF and 72-kDa mature epithelial cell DAF. The findings indicate that DAF and AChE are anchored in E/sup hu/ by the same or a similar glycolipid structure and that, like VSGs, this structure is incorporated into DAF early in DAF biosynthesis prior to processing of pro-DAF in the Golgi.« less
An exact solution in the stability of m. h. d. Couette flow

The MHD stability problem for dissipative Couette flow in a narrow gap between corotating, conducting cylinders with an axial magnetic field is solved exactly. Results are presented for an arbitrary magnetic field; in particular, previous results on the zero and infinite magnetic field limits are verified.
Palmitoylation of Amyloid Precursor Protein Regulates Amyloidogenic Processing in Lipid Rafts

Brains of patients affected by Alzheimer's disease (AD) contain large deposits of aggregated amyloid β-protein (Aβ). Only a small fraction of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) gives rise to Aβ. Here, we report that ∼10% of APP undergoes a post-translational lipid modification called palmitoylation. We identified the palmitoylation sites in APP at Cys¹⁸⁶ and Cys¹⁸⁷. Surprisingly, point mutations introduced into these cysteines caused nearly complete ER retention of APP. Thus, either APP palmitoylation or disulfide bridges involving these Cys residues appear to be required for ER exit of APP. In later compartments, palmitoylated APP (palAPP) was specifically enriched in lipid rafts. In vitro BACE1 cleavage assays using cell or mouse brain lipid rafts showed that APP palmitoylation enhanced BACE1-mediated processing of APP. Interestingly, we detected an age-dependent increase in endogenous mouse brain palAPP levels. Overexpression of selected DHHC palmitoyl acyltransferases increased palmitoylation of APP and doubled Aβ production, while two palmitoylation inhibitors reduced palAPP levels and APP processing. We have found previously that acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) inhibition led to impaired APP processing. Here we demonstrate that pharmacological inhibition or genetic inactivation of ACAT decrease lipid raft palAPP levels by up to 76%, likely resulting in impaired APP processing. Together, our results indicate that APP palmitoylation enhances amyloidogenic processing by targeting APP to lipid rafts and enhancing its BACE1-mediated cleavage. Thus, inhibition of palAPP formation by ACAT or specific palmitoylation inhibitors would appear to be a valid strategy for prevention and/or treatment of AD.
Interactive effects of age and interface differences on search strategies and performance

We present results from an experiment that studied the information search behavior of younger and older adults in a medical decision-making task. To study how different combination of tasks and interfaces influenced search strategies and decision-making outcomes, we varied information structures of two interfaces and presented different task descriptions to participants. We found that younger adults tended to use different search strategies in different combination of tasks and interfaces, and older adults tended to use the same top-down strategies across conditions. We concluded that older adults were able to perform mental transformation of medical terms more effectively than younger adults. Thus older adults did not require changing strategies to maintain the same level of performance.
Judith W. Page and Elise L. Smith, Women, Literature, and the Domesticated Landscape: England's Disciples of Flora, 1780-1870

Women, Literature, and the Domesticated Landscape: England's Disciples of Flora, 1780-1870Judith W. Page and Elise L. Smith Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 2011xvii +314, 72 illustrations. ISBN 978-0-521-...
Perspectives on the practice of community music therapy in rural primary schools of Malawi

The author, a board-certified music therapist, and two colleagues, a literacy specialist and a special educator, travelled to Malawi, Africa in 2013 to explore the incidences of disabilities in the schools outside of the capital city of Lilongwe. Preliminary information was collected on the educational system, the types of strategies and supports that were in place for students with special needs, and the use of music as a resource in the classrooms and the communities. A community music therapy framework was employed to contextualize the possibilities available for providing sustainable music resources to facilitate an increase in accessibility for students with disabilities and to empower classroom communities to support the needs of those with disabilities.
Computerized analysis of mammographic parenchymal patterns using fractal analysis

Mammographic parenchymal patterns have been shown to be associated with breast cancer risk. Fractal-based texture analyses, including box-counting methods and Minkowski dimension, were performed within parenchymal regions of normal mammograms of BRCA1/BRCA2 gene mutation carriers and within those of women at low risk for developing breast cancer. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to assess the performance of the computerized radiographic markers in the task of distinguishing between high and low-risk subjects. A multifractal phenomenon was observed with the fractal analyses. The high frequency component of fractal dimension from the conventional box-counting technique yielded an Az value of 0.84 in differentiating between two groups, while using the LDA to estimate the fractal dimension yielded an Az value of 0.91 for the high frequency component. An Az value of 0.82 was obtained with fractal dimensions extracted using the Minkowski algorithm.
The c-Mpl ligand (thrombopoietin) stimulates tyrosine phosphorylation of Jak2, Shc, and c-Mpl.

c-Mpl is a member of the cytokine receptor superfamily, expressed primarily on hematopoietic cells. Recently, the c-Mpl ligand was cloned and found to have thrombopoietic activity. In this paper we report that ligand binding induced tyrosine phosphorylation in BaF3 cells engineered to express the murine Mpl receptor (BaF3/mMpl). Phosphorylation occurred within 1 min at cytokine concentrations sufficient for proliferation of receptor-bearing cells. Using specific antibodies for immunoprecipitation and Western blotting, several of these phosphorylated proteins were identified. Shc and Jak2, known cytokine signaling molecules, and the c-Mpl receptor were shown to be major substrates for tyrosine phosphorylation. In contrast, phospholipase C-γ and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase displayed little and no tyrosine phosphorylation, respectively, after thrombopoietin stimulation. Co-immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated that Jak2 became physically associated with c-Mpl relatively late in the observed time course (20-60 min), significantly later than tyrosine phosphorylation of Jak2 (1-5 min). These results suggest that c-Mpl induces signal transduction pathways similar to those of other known cytokines. Additionally, in light of its late physical association with c-Mpl following ligand binding, Jak2 may not be the initiating tyrosine kinase in the thrombopoietin-induced signaling cascade.
Household exposures to drinking water disinfection by-products: whole blood trihalomethane levels

Exposure to drinking water disinfection by-products (DBPs), such as trihalomethanes (THMs), has been associated with bladder and colorectal cancer in humans. Exposure to DBPs has typically been determined by examining historical water treatment records and reconstructing study participants' water consumption histories. However, other exposure routes, such as dermal absorption and inhalation, may be important components of an individual's total exposure to drinking water DBPs. In this study, we examined individuals' exposure to THMs through drinking, showering, or bathing in tap water. Thirty-one adult volunteers showered with tap water for 10 min (n = 11), bathed for 10 min in a bathtub filled with tap water (n = 10), or drank 1 l of tap water during a 10 min time period (n = 10). Participants provided three 10 ml blood samples: one sample immediately before the exposure; one sample 10 min after the exposure ended; and one sample 30 min (for shower and tub exposure) or 1 h ( for ingestion) after the exposure ended. A sample of the water (from the tap, from the bath, or from the shower) was collected for each participant. We analyzed water samples and whole blood for THMs (bromoform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and chloroform) using a purge-and-trap/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry method with detection limits in the parts-per-quadrillion range. The highest levels of THMs were found in the blood samples from people who took 10 min showers, whereas the lowest levels were found in the blood samples from people who drank 1 l of water in 10 min. The results from this study indicate that household activities such as bathing and showering are important routes for human exposure to THMs.
Stereospcific enzymatic hydrolysis of phosphorus-sulfur bonds in chiral organophosphate triesters

Abstract The bacterial phosphotriesterase has been shown to be capable of catalyzing the hydrolysis of a P-S bond in organophosphate triesters. The V max values for the hydrolysis of the insecticides, acephate (O, S-dimethyl N-acetlphosphoramidothioate) and methamidophos (O, S-dimethyl phosphoramidothioate) are 140 and 6 min −1 , respectively. The (S P )-enantiomers are hydrolyzed at a rate that is 100-fold faster than the (R P )-enantiomers.
Male‐Female Power Differences at Work: A Comparison of Supervisors and Policymakers*

This study estimates differences in access to power positions and the degree to which supervisors and policymakers exercise work power among women and men. The relative importance of sex and other relevant characteristics in determining the acquisition of supervisor and policymaker positions is assessed. Furthermore, the attainment of supervisory authority and strategic power of male and female supervisors and policymakers is analyzed. The results of logistic regression analyses suggest that regardless of other characteristics men have significantly more access to supervisor and policymaker positions than women. Nevertheless, ordinary least squares regression analyses demonstrate that once individuals are in supervisory or policy-making positions, sex is not an important determinant of the degree of work power. Additional results indicate that occupational status (evaluated by Duncan's Socio-Economic Index) but not sex segregation by occupation affects the acquisition of work power.
Sequential delivery of immunomodulatory cytokines to facilitate the M1-to-M2 transition of macrophages and enhance vascularization of bone scaffolds

In normal tissue repair, macrophages exhibit a pro-inflammatory phenotype (M1) at early stages and a pro-healing phenotype (M2) at later stages. We have previously shown that M1 macrophages initiate angiogenesis while M2 macrophages promote vessel maturation. Therefore, we reasoned that scaffolds that promote sequential M1 and M2 polarization of infiltrating macrophages should result in enhanced angiogenesis and healing. To this end, we first analyzed the in vitro kinetics of macrophage phenotype switch using flow cytometry, gene expression, and cytokine secretion analysis. Then, we designed scaffolds for bone regeneration based on modifications of decellularized bone for a short release of interferon-gamma (IFNg) to promote the M1 phenotype, followed by a more sustained release of interleukin-4 (IL4) to promote the M2 phenotype. To achieve this sequential release profile, IFNg was physically adsorbed onto the scaffolds, while IL4 was attached via biotin-streptavidin binding. Interestingly, despite the strong interactions between biotin and streptavidin, release studies showed that biotinylated IL4 was released over 6 days. These scaffolds promoted sequential M1 and M2 polarization of primary human macrophages as measured by gene expression of ten M1 and M2 markers and secretion of four cytokines, although the overlapping phases of IFNg and IL4 release tempered polarization to some extent. Murine subcutaneous implantation model showed increased vascularization in scaffolds releasing IFNg compared to controls. This study demonstrates that scaffolds for tissue engineering can be designed to harness the angiogenic behavior of host macrophages towards scaffold vascularization.
Progress in development of herpes simplex virus gene vectors for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract Arthritis is presently incurable and poorly treatable, but there are good grounds for expecting gene therapy to improve matters considerably. Although local ex vivo delivery of anti-arthritic genes to the synovial lining of joints has shown considerable promise, intraarticular gene delivery may be desirable. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) may be a viable vector for in vivo transfer of anti-arthritic genes to joints. HSV has the advantages of high infectivity, large carrying capacity and high titer. The large packaging capacity would permit the inclusion of multiple anti-arthritic genes and necessary regulatory elements. Recombinant vectors produced by this laboratory infect synovial cells efficiently, permitting prolonged expression of transgenes in vitro and in vivo without evidence of cytotoxicity. Further improvements to this vector system include taking advantage of an endogenous HSV `stealthing' gene, ICP47, which interferes with formation of antigen–class I complexes. Inclusion of inducible promoters to appropriately regulate expression of anti-arthritic genes should further improve this system.
Mechanical properties of (ethylene acrylate copolymer)‐modified polypropylene/TiO2 blends

An ethylene-(methyl acrylate) (EMA) copolymer produced from a tubular reactor was found to be effective in toughening polypropylene, even at low concentrations. The addition of a small amount of TiO2 pigment enhanced the EMA toughening effect. Microscopy and thermal analysis helped to reveal the possible EMA toughening mechanisms. The effects of two processing methods, dry blending and melt blending, on the mechanical properties of the formulation were also studied. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 13:65–70, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Resonant satellites in the photoionization of atomic Na

Using many-body perturbation theory, we have the calculation for resonance structure into the main lines and satellite lines in photoionization for neutral sodium. This resonance structure results from the interference between a main line or a satellite line and a resonant Auger process. The coupled equation method has been improved to calculate this interference by the summation of specific classes of diagrams of perturbation theory to infinite order. The theoretical results are in good agreement with experiment.
Terbium luminescence as a probe of the calcium binding site of trypsin and α-chymotrypsin

Abstract The large enhancement of the green luminescence of terbium ion which occurs on binding to porcine and bovine trypsins and to bovine α-chymotrypsin has been used to study the calcium binding sites of these enzymes. Excitation spectra, taken at low protein concentrations to minimize absorption effects, demonstrate that in each case, energy transfer occurs between the side chain of a tryptophan residue and bound Tb3+. Association constants for the binding of Tb3+ to the single binding site on each of the three proteins have been measured at 25 °C and pH 6.6. Ca2+ ions compete with Tb3+ for the single binding site, and association constants for Ca2+ were determined by Tb3+ displacement. The ratio of binding strengths of Ca2+ to α-chymotrypsin, bovine trypsin, porcine trypsin, and elastase is 1:12:24:23. Addition of Tb3+ to the homologous bacterial enzyme α-lytic protease caused no luminescence enhancement.
Toward a Theory of Practice (but not yet there)

P. Heering and R. Wittje, editors, Learning by Doing: Experiments and Instruments in the History of Science Teaching. Stuttgart: Franz Steiner Verlag, 2011. 362 pp. €49.00, ISBN 978-3-515-09842-7 K...
A HIGH AIRFLOW DRYING EXPERIMENTAL SET-UP TO STUDY DRYING BEHAVIOR OF POLYMER SOLVENT COATINGS

A High Airflow Drying Experimental Set-up (HADES) has been constructed to simulate conditions encountered in industrial dryers. In this experiment the drying gas flows parallel to the coating in a narrow gap (6 × 10−3 cm). Measured heat transfer coefficients (HTCs) on HADES range from 7 W/m2 K at 0.072 m/s to 26 W/m2 K at 0.72 m/s. The range of HTCs could easily be extended by using higher gas flow rates or narrower gap. The drying results obtained in HADES compare well with model predictions for poly (vinyl acetate)/toluene and show expected trends for changes in drying temperature and flow rate. Experimental drying results for poly (methyl methacrylate)/acetone show an anomalous drying behavior where residual solvent content is minimized at intermediate drying gas flow rate. This phenomenon is likely due to formation of a glassy skin at the surface of the drying coating.
Synaptosomes as a Platform for Loading Nanoparticles into Synaptic Vesicles

Synaptosomes are intact, isolated nerve terminals that contain the necessary machinery to recycle synaptic vesicles via endocytosis and exocytosis upon stimulation. Here we use this property of synaptosomes to load quantum dots into synaptic vesicles. Vesicles are then isolated from the synaptosomes, providing a method to probe isolated, individual synaptic vesicles where each vesicle contains a single, encapsulated nanoparticle. This technique provided an encapsulation efficiency of ~16%, that is, ~16% of the vesicles contained a single quantum dot while the remaining vesicles were empty. The ability to load single nanoparticles into synaptic vesicles opens new opportunity for employing various nanoparticle-based sensors to study the dynamics of vesicular transporters.
Synthesis and Electrochemical Behavior of Mixed Organoboron/Organomercury Compounds

As part of our ongoing interest in the synthesis and reduction chemistry of organoboron species, we have investigated the synthesis of mixed organoboron/organomercury complexes by reaction of the Li(THF)4 salt of dimesityl-1, 8-naphthalenediylborate with 1, 2-(HgCl)2C6F4 and 1, 3-(HgCl)2C6F4, respectively. The resulting tetranuclear B2Hg2 complexes (2 and 3, respectively) were characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray analysis. The cyclic voltammogram of complex 2, which features a B–Hg–Hg-B core connected by an ortho-phenylene (Hg–Hg connection) and two peri-naphthalenediyl linkers (B–Hg connection), shows significant coupling of the two electroactive boryl units, presumably via a direct σ interaction of the vacant p orbitals of the four neighboring Lewis acids. This conclusion is supported by DFT calculations, which show that the LUMO of 2 spans the four Lewis acids, with a major in phase contribution from the boron 2p orbitals and the mercury 6p orbitals.
Sensation-seeking and anxiety as factors in social drinking by men.

SUMMARY. Subjects with high sensation-seeking cousumed more alcohol than those with low sensation-seeking (accounting Jor only a w'ry small pcreeltac o) the variance), regardless o) whether they expected a party a)terwar6s'. There was no relationship between anxiety let,el ad drinking behavior.
Genetic silencing of sGC β1 in cancer: role of epigenetic regulation

Background The nitric oxide (NO) receptor soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) is composed of two subunits of a1,2 and b1,2, sGCa1b1 being the major heterodimer that catalyzes the formation of second messenger cGMP. NO-cGMP signaling plays a critical role in numerous processes, and retarded signaling function by either limited NO bioavailability, or decrease in expression or activity of sGC correlates with several disease states including hypertension, neurodegenerative disorders, inflammation, and cancer. Our analysis of human databases revealed a statistically significant reduction of sGC transcript levels in multiple human cancer specimens including glioma and breast cancers. We have recently demonstrated that restoration of sGC expression levels in glioma cell lines significantly reduced cell proliferation, colony formation, and growth of orthotopically implanted glioma cells in mice, suggesting a potent anti-tumor property for the sGC. However, the mechanism underlying the genetic silencing of sGC in cancer is unknown.
Deconvolution in the class of non-stationary repetitive signals

A multipath propagation system excited by a repetitive signal is described. The complete medium transfer function is considered as a parallel combination of paths having transfer functions with the same magnitude and shape but different linear phase functions. The total transfer function strongly depends on the phase assumptions and on the scaling of the component paths. Different echo (delay) structure is produced at the output for different path transfer functions. Simulation of this system with repetitive excitation shows that a slight change in the fundamental excitation frequency can cause large changes in the system output. The advantages and disadvantages of homomorphic deconvolution of multipath repetitive signals are discussed, and results of deconvolving real data (vehicle exhaust sounds) are presented. >
Noise-correlating radar based on retrodirective antennas

A new retrodirective antenna-based search radar system has been introduced. The suggested system uses a noise correlation technique to detect the presence and the direction of the target. Simulation and analytical results show an order of magnitude improvement in acquisition time of the radar when compared with a phased array antenna-based radar system with the same specifications, except transmit power. To the best knowledge of the authors, no radar of a comparable acquisition time has been designed to this date. Power versus acquisition time tradeoff has been compared with a phased array radar for evaluating performance of the system. The radar is self-tracking due to retrodirectivity of the antenna array, and is much easier to implement, as it does not require any phase shifters etc.
Handbook of Language and Ethnic Identity.

Handbook of Language and Ethnic Identity. Joshua A. Fishman. ed. New York: Oxford University Press. 1999. xii. 468 pp.
Predicting Coating Failure using the Central Limit Theorem and Physical Modelling.

In service, coatings are assaulted by huge numbers of ultraviolet photons, moisture molecules, pollutant molecules, thermal or other stresses with additional, occasional insults. Individually, these arrive at indeterminate times and locations so either Monte Carlo simulations or the statistics of random processes can be used to estimate the accumulation of damage. These damage results can then be used to calculate the deterioration in coating properties using well-known and robust physical models. In this way, not only can appearance properties like gloss and yellowing be modelled, but also the coating integrity via its fracture toughness or barrier properties, via electrochemical impedance. Additional physical detail or processes may be included, at several points, to produce a more complete predictive simulation or interpretative scheme. Simple calculations of how accelerated weathering affects coating service lifetime demonstrate how inconsistencies may arise between accelerated testing and natural exposure.
Learning progressions and teaching sequences: a review and analysis

Our paper is an analytical review of the design, development and reporting of learning progressions and teaching sequences. Research questions are: (1) what criteria are being used to propose a ‘hypothetical learning progression/trajectory’ and (2) what measurements/evidence are being used to empirically define and refine a ‘hypothetical learning progression/trajectory’? Publications from five topic areas are examined: teaching sequences, teaching experiments, didaktiks, learning trajectories in mathematics education and learning progressions in science education. The reviewed publications are drawn from journal special issues, conference reports and monographs. The review is coordinated around four frameworks of Learning Progressions (LP): conceptual domain, disciplinary practices, assessment/measurement and theoretical/guiding conceptions. Our findings and analyses show there is a distinction between the preferred learning pathways that focus on ‘Evolutionary LP’ models and the less preferred but potent...
Ultrastructural and Immunohistochemical Characterization of an in Vitro Model of Human Epidermis: Its Potential for Sulfur Mustard Study

AbstractThe morphopathology of sulfur mustard dermal toxicity has been studied largely with in vivo models such as the hairless guinea pig and domestic weanling pig. Although these models have provided useful clues toward the understanding of mechanisms of sulfur mustard-induced dermal lesions, the correlation with human skin is not exact and the continuing availability of any animal model is problematic. In the interest of reducing research dependence on animal models, and to provide a laboratory model for sulfur mustard study with some level of correlation to human skin, we are evaluating an in vitro human epidermal model developed by Rhoads. The model was generated by seeding human keratinocytes onto Millipore Milli-Cm inserts precoated with type I collagen. The model, grown in culture for 7 days, presented a replicate display of epidermal structural components typically found in vivo. There was evidence of organotypic differentiation and stratification with characteristic cell types recognized to each...
The Riskiest Time for the Brain. Could the Nighttime Be the Right Time for Intervention

The natural circadian rhythm of blood pressure (BP) typically includes a nocturnal decrease of 10% to 20% in BP compared with daytime, awake values.1,2 However, in as many as 25% to 35% of hypertensive patients, there is a moderate-to-marked loss of this decline in nocturnal BP, a phenomenon that has been associated with excessive cardiac,3 renal,4 and cerebrovascular5 target organ damage. In addition, patients with hypertension who exhibit a nocturnal BP increase compared with daytime BP (so-called “risers”) have the worst prognosis for future stroke and cardiac events.6 In contrast, there is also some evidence that patients with marked nocturnal BP declines (so-called “extreme dippers”) are at greater risk for ischemic strokes and silent myocardial ischemia than patients whose decline in BP during sleep is normal.7 Both the etiologies and the consequences of an elevated nocturnal BP are diverse. Since Shimada et al8 first reported a study evaluating ambulatory BP monitoring in older patients with hypertension using MRI 15 years ago, there has been an ongoing issue with our general understanding of BP variability and the brain as a target organ, because most studies have had small sample sizes and have been performed in homogenous populations. In this issue of Hypertension , Schwartz et al9 have provided us with a large cross-sectional study from Minnesota and Mississippi of 263 black and 343 white subjects who underwent clinic …