cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Opsonins for Bacteroides fragilis in Immune Sera Collected from Experimentally Infected Mice

Serum collected from mice experimentally infected with Bacteroides fragilis 23745 (immune serum) was analyzed for its ability to opsonize the in vitro ingestion of this organism by mouse peritoneal macrophages. B. fragilis was shown to be phagocytized most efficiently in the presence of immune serum although normal mouse serum demonstrated reduced, but significant, opsonic activity. Phagocytosis was greater in the presence of serum collected from animals inoculated twice with the organism than in the presence of serum from once-inoculated animals. The increased opsonic activity of serum from twice-inoculated animals compared to singly inoculated animals was associated with increases in immunoglobulin G1(IgG1), IgG2a, and IgG2b but not IgM. Adsorption analysis of immune serum with homologous or heterologous bacterial antigens indicated that both antibody and complement act synergistically in opsonizing B. fragilis, although either alone may effectively opsonize this organism. Further evaluation of antibody-mediated opsonization revealed that prior treatment of heat-inactivated immune serum with the reducing agent 2-mercaptoethanol caused a slight, but significant, decrease in opsonic activity, thus indicating that IgM is a minor opsonizing antibody for B. fragilis. When ingestion of a B. fragilis stock strain (23745) was compared to a recent clinical isolate (C-1), it was observed that the stock strain was more easily phagocytized in the presence of normal mouse serum, thus suggesting a possible anti-opsonic-phagocytic property of the clinical strain. In addition, the clinical isolate was phagocytized to a significantly greater degree in an aerobic than an anaerobic environment. Subsequent analysis of in vitro killing of B. fragilis 23745 by peritoneal macrophages reflected the previous results in that optimal killing occurred in the presence of immune serum, although normal serum promoted phagocytic killing to an intermediate degree. Thus, these studies implicate both antibody and complement, either alone or in combination, in the opsonization of B. fragilis. Moreover, the virulence of clinical B. fragilis strains may relate to their refractoriness to opsonization and phagocytosis.
The blood group U antigen is not located on glycophorin B

Erythrocytes from twelve individuals with the S-s-U- phenotype and from ten with the S-S-U+ phenotype were analyzed and compared to control cells with S+/s+U+ determinants. No red cell abnormality was detected in S-s-U+ or S-s-U- carriers. Sialic acid content was similar (P greater than 0.05) for S-s-U+ and S-s-U- erythrocytes (74.6 +/- 7.14 and 71.4 +/- 8.53 nmol/10(9) red blood cells, respectively) but significantly less (P less than 0.001) than controls with 89.5 +/- 11.4 nmol/10(9) red blood cells, n = 16. Fluorographs of SDS-polyacrylamide gels showed no glycophorin B in membranes from S-s-U+ and S-s-U- erythrocytes labeled with NaB3H4. Glycophorins were extracted from red cell membranes in chloroform/methanol, labeled with 125I and analyzed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Periodic acid Schiff stain and autoradiographs of these gels also showed absence of glycophorin B in both S-s-U+ and S-s-U- cells. These findings suggested that the U antigen is not located on glycophorin B. This hypothesis was tested by determining blood group antigenicity on red cell membranes and on extracted sialoglycoproteins by the hemagglutination inhibition technique. Although U and S/s activities were detected in control red cell membranes, extracted glycoproteins demonstrated S/s activity but no U activity. Together the data indicate that both S-s-U+ and S-s-U- erythrocytes lack glycophorin B and that the U antigen is not located on glycophorin B. This deletion does not seem to affect the structure-function of the red cell.
The Effects of Earnings Guidance on Investors’ Perceptions of Firm Credibility in a Two-Firm Setting

This study investigates how a peer firm's earnings guidance affects investors' credibility assessments of a target firm. Results suggest that when both a target firm and a peer firm provide earnings guidance, contrast effects occur such that the more accurate the earnings guidance of the target firm relative to the peer, the greater are investors' credibility assessments for the target. However, such contrast effect diminishes as the target firm's earnings guidance becomes more accurate. On the contrary, when a peer provides earnings guidance but the target firm does not, assimilation effects as opposed to contrast effects dominate investors' credibility judgments.
Mycobacterium fortuitum peritionitis in a patient undergoing chronic peritoneal dialysis

Peritonitis, due to Mycobacterium fortuitum, developed in a 15-yr-old young man undergoing chronic peritoneal dialysis. Although of low pathogenic potential, this rapidly growing non-tuberculous mycobacterium does cause human disease particularly in the compromised host and should be considered as a potential cause of peritonitis in the chronic peritoneal dialysis patient.
Effects of chronic ethanol treatment on the angiotensin II-mediated p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphorylase a activation in rat hepatocytes.

Abstract We have demonstrated previously that 24 h of ethanol treatment potentiates angiotensin II (ANG II)–stimulated p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity in hepatocytes. This potentiation of p42/p44 MAPK by ethanol exhibited agonist selectivity. To compare the effects of acute (24 h) versus chronic (6 weeks) ethanol treatment, ANG II-induced intracellular signaling was examined in (1) rat hepatocytes treated with ethanol for 24 h and (2) hepatocytes obtained from rats fed ethanol for 6 weeks. In hepatocytes obtained from rats fed ethanol for 6 weeks, ANG II-stimulated phosphorylase a was reduced, and this activity was calcium dependent and p42/p44 MAPK independent. Surprisingly, ANG II-stimulated p42/p44 MAPK activation was not affected in hepatocytes obtained from rats fed ethanol chronically (6 weeks). However, chronic (6 weeks) ethanol treatment decreased ethanol potentiation of p42/p44 MAPK by about 56.3% ± 3.6% for p42 MAPK and 61.3% ± 11.7% for p44 MAPK. Furthermore, ethanol had no effect on the expression of angiotensinogen and c- myc mRNA in hepatocytes. A decrease in ANG II-activated phosphorylase a , but not in p42/p44 MAPK activation, after chronic (6 weeks) ethanol treatment leads to the conclusion that they may not be dependent on each other.
The Mathematics of Behavioral Change Recidivism and Construct Validity

This paper describes a new method of calculating the failure rate of programs involving behavioral change. The method overcomes a threat to construct validity implicit in the previous calculation method. Using it, one can estimate the failure rate as well as the fraction of program participants who are ultimately expected to remain successful. We illustrate the use of the method with data from a cohort of parolees. However, it should be of interest to those engaged in evaluating other programs that attempt to change individual behavior.
How to handle an international sports event in the context of SARS epidemic: the hygiene and security plan elaborated for the Montreux Volley Masters 2003, Switzerland

Abstract Introduction: The emergence of the SARS epidemic within Europe imposed taking specific measures for an international event to take place with all the necessary precautions and measures. Methodology: To ensure the safety of international visitors and of the local population, the Public Health services of the canton of Vaud elaborated an operational Plan of Hygiene and Security (HSP) for the Swiss Montreux Volley Masters receiving the Chinese women's team. Results: The HSP was operational in time and no epidemic followed this international encounter to the satisfaction of the organizers, the health authorities and team players, as well as the large public assisting to this event. The Chinese team won the Montreux Volley Masters. Discussion: A well-prepared and operational Hygiene and Security Plan can be adapted to different situations or for specific, identifiable groups of people, and it can prevent the cancellation of an international event in the context of a world epidemic. The HSP is an example of the collaboration between private and public entities. The confidence between organizers and foreign visitors and strict respect for the plan were the reasons for the success of the implementation of the measures. Conclusion: Goodwill and confidence are the keys for a safe public event bringing together thousands of people in the context of a world epidemic.
Comparison of the Human and Bovine Milk N-Glycome via High-Performance Microfluidic Chip Liquid Chromatography and Tandem Mass Spectrometry

The isolation of whey proteins from human and bovine milks followed by profiling of their entire N-glycan repertoire is described. Whey proteins resulting from centrifugation and ethanol precipitation of milk were treated with PNGase F to release protein-bound N-glycans. Once released, N-glycans were analyzed via nanoflow liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry following chromatographic separation on a porous graphitized carbon chip. In all, 38 N-glycan compositions were observed in the human milk sample while the bovine milk sample revealed 51 N-glycan compositions. These numbers translate to over a hundred compounds when isomers are considered and point to the complexity of the mixture. High mannose, neutral, and sialylated complex/hybrid glycans were observed in both milk sources. Although NeuAc sialylation was observed in both milk samples, the NeuGc residue was only observed in bovine milk and marks a major difference between human and bovine milks. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first MS based confirmation of NeuGc in milk protein bound glycans as well as the first comprehensive N-glycan profile of bovine milk proteins. Tandem MS was necessary for resolving complications presented by the fact that (NeuGc:Fuc) corresponds to the exact mass of (NeuAc:Hex). Comparison of the relative distribution of the different glycan types in both milk sources was possible via their abundances. While the human milk analysis revealed a 6% high mannose, 57% sialylation, and 75% fucosylation distribution, a 10% high mannose, 68% sialylation, and 31% fucosylation distribution was observed in the bovine milk analysis. Comparison with the free milk oligosaccharides yielded low sialylation and high fucosylation in human, while high sialylation and low fucosylation are found in bovine. The results suggest that high fucosylation is a general trait in human, while high sialylation and low fucosylation are general features of glycosylation in bovine milk.
Integrated learning: A viable alternative to gifted programs

This article provides an innovative model for educating gifted young children, the Integrated Developmental Model. The model is based upon Rogoff's theoretical framework, “Apprenticeship in Thinking.” By utilizing the Integrated Developmental Model, children's learning is optimized in a social context. Growth is stimulated in an environment where children are actively engaged in exploration, facilitated by teachers who challenge, propose problems and guide children's discovery. Multi‐age classrooms facilitate learning at the “zone of promixal development.” The Integrated Development is responsive to their curiosity, their high energy levels, their exceptional planning skills and their abilities to initiate, execute and evaluate activities. In addition, the Integrated Developmental Model avoids the difficulties associated with identification of the gifted, negative effects of labeling and the numerous concerns regarding social adjustment of gifted children. Examples of activities reflective of the Integrat...
A NEW APPLICATION OF TRANSCUTANEOUS BILIRUBINOMETER

Transcutaneous bilirubinometer (Tc Bilimeter, Minolta Co) has not gained in popularity partly because variation in skin colors (racial difference) and phototherapy affect its reading. Nevertheless it is small, portable and easy to use. We apply this handy machine for direct reading of bilirubin from serum collected in the cuvette (normally used for American Optical bilirubinometer). Blood was collected by heal puncture in a capillary tube, centrifuged and the supernatant serum was collected in a cuvette to be read. Tc Bilimeter was pressed against the cuvette on a white paper background, and a reading (digital number) obtained. A simultaneously collected blood sample was sent for total serum bilirubin determination by conventional diazo method. A total of 66 paired Tc bilimeter readings and total serum bilirubin levels from 36 newborn infants were compared. Linear regression analysis revealed y=0.9x+0.79. r=0.85, standard error of estimate 1.86 p<0.001. There is a good correlation between direct meter reading and total serum bilirubin level within a standard error of less than 2 mg which is acceptable by most laboratory standard. The fact that a direct digital reading from this machine can be used as a predicted serum bilirubin value without having to use conversion tables is extremely convenient and time saving. We conclude that this Tc bilirubinometer can be used as a reliable bedside tool to measure bilirubin directly from serum rather than from skin.
DSF nuclear receptor acts as a repressor in culture and in vivo.

Abstract Loss-of-function mutations affecting the dissatisfaction (DSF) nuclear receptor alter both sexual behavior and the sex-specific nervous system in Drosophila. As a step toward understanding the way DSF controls development and function of the nervous system, we have analyzed the regulatory activities of the DSF protein. DSF prefers an atypical DNA half site, AAGTCA. Wild-type DSF, but not the point mutant DSF7, monomerically binds and represses reporter constructs bearing this site. DSF also contains an atypically long, 356-amino-acid hinge separating its DNA-binding domain (DBD) and ligand-binding domain (LBD). The hinge contains at least two functions: a region that drastically lowers DNA-binding efficiency in vitro, and an amino-terminal repressive domain. The DBD and LBD of DSF, along with major portions of the hinge, are highly conserved in other insects. Ectopic expression of DSF in Drosophila imaginal discs results in developmental disruptions in disc-derived tissues, disruptions which are largely suppressed when DSF is fused to the VP16 activation domain, consistent with a repressive role for DSF. Finally, when tethered to DNA, DSF's hinge and LBD regions act as strong transcriptional repressors in multiple larval and pupal tissues, including many DSF-expressing tissues. These results suggest DSF can repress transcription in vivo, that repression is largely responsible for its ectopic expression phenotypes, and that repression may be a key component of normal DSF function.
Effect of CAD on Radiologists’ Detection of Lung Nodules on Thoracic CT Scans: Analysis of an Observer Performance Study by Nodule Size

Rationale and Objectives To retrospectively investigate the effect of a computer-aided detection (CAD) system on radiologists' performance for detecting small pulmonary nodules in computed tomography (CT) examinations, with a panel of expert radiologists serving as the reference standard. Materials and Methods Institutional review board approval was obtained. Our dataset contained 52 CT examinations collected by the Lung Image Database Consortium, and 33 from our institution. All CTs were read by multiple expert thoracic radiologists to identify the reference standard for detection. Six other thoracic radiologists read the CT examinations first without and then with CAD. Performance was evaluated using free-response receiver operating characteristics (FROC) and the jackknife FROC analysis methods (JAFROC) for nodules above different diameter thresholds. Results A total of 241 nodules, ranging in size from 3.0 to 18.6 mm (mean, 5.3 mm) were identified as the reference standard. At diameter thresholds of 3, 4, 5, and 6 mm, the CAD system had a sensitivity of 54%, 64%, 68%, and 76%, respectively, with an average of 5.6 false positives (FPs) per scan. Without CAD, the average figures of merit (FOMs) for the six radiologists, obtained from JAFROC analysis, were 0.661, 0.729, 0.793, and 0.838 for the same nodule diameter thresholds, respectively. With CAD, the corresponding average FOMs improved to 0.705, 0.763, 0.810, and 0.862, respectively. The improvement achieved statistical significance for nodules at the 3 and 4 mm thresholds ( P = .002 and .020, respectively), and did not achieve significance at 5 and 6 mm ( P = .18 and .13, respectively). At a nodule diameter threshold of 3 mm, the radiologists' average sensitivity and FP rate were 0.56 and 0.67, respectively, without CAD, and 0.67 and 0.78 with CAD. Conclusion CAD improves thoracic radiologists' performance for detecting pulmonary nodules smaller than 5 mm on CT examinations, which are often overlooked by visual inspection alone.
Rate of New Shell Acquisition by Hermit Crabs in a Salt Marsh Habitat

ABSTRACT We predicted that measurable numbers of new snail shells are transferred daily to hermit crabs in habitats where gastropods frequently prey upon other gastropods. The rate of new shell acquisition by hermit crabs, Pagurus longicarpus, was monitored daily in northeastern Gulf of Mexico salt marshes where crown conchs, Melongena corona, prey heavily upon marsh periwinkles, Littorina irrorata. Periwinkle shells, marked while housing live snails, appeared on P. longicarpus at daily rates ranging from 1 to >20 for selected areas of approximately 60 m2 in three marshes. The maximum number (22.8) of new periwinkle shells appearing among P. longicarpus in the immediate area (300 m2) represented 16.5% of crabs present there each day.
Recombination events that span sites within neighbouring gene loci of Neurospora.

Evidence is given that me-7 and me-9 are separate but contiguous gene loci.The pattern of polarized recombination throughout the me-7 me-9 region indicates the location of a recombinational discontinuity between the known me-7 alleles and the known me-9 alleles.Recombination events may include sites in both genes but such events are not preferentially associated with parental combinations of flanking markers.Recombination events extending into both genes provide an extra criterion for the ordering of the sites within the me-7 locus. The order so obtained confirms that deduced from the flanking markers of me+ recombinants from me-7 × me-7 crosses.In me-7 × me-9 crosses but not in me-7 × me-7 crosses, the map order derived on the assumption that single exchanges are more frequent than apparent triple exchanges is the reverse of that derived from prototroph frequencies. It is concluded that the former criterion is more likely to have provided the correct order and the anomalous prototroph frequencies reflect the polarity of gene conversion within me-7.
Gas and drop behavior in reacting and non-reacting air-blast atomizer sprays

A detailed study of the two-phase flow produced by a gas-turbine air-blast atomizer is performed with the goal of identifying the interaction between the two phases for both nonreacting and reacting conditions. A two-component phase Doppler interferometry is utilized to characterize three flowfields produced by the atomizer: (1) the single-phase flow, (2) the two-phase nonreacting spray, and (3) the two-phase reacting spray. Measurements of the mean and fluctuating axial and azimuthal velocities for each phase are obtained. In addition, the droplet size distribution, volume flux, and concentration are measured. The results reveal the strong influence of the dispersed phase on the gas, and the influence of reaction on both the gas and the droplet field. The presence of the spray significantly alters the inlet condition of the atomizer. With this alteration quantified, it is possible to deduce that the inertia associated with the dispersed phase damps the fluctuating velocities of the gas. Reaction reduces the volume flux of the droplets, broadens the local volume distribution of the droplets in the region of the reaction zone, increases the axial velocities and radial spread of the gas, and increases the anisotropy in the region of the reaction zone.
Determination of Subnanosecond Fluorescence Lifetimes with a UHF Television Tuner and a cw or Mode-Locked Laser

An inexpensive ultra-high-frequency (UHF) television tuner and an argon-ion laser are employed for the determination of excited-state lifetimes of a series of common fluorophores. Fluorescence lifetimes are determined in the frequency domain; the results are in good agreement with previously reported values and demonstrate the utility of the new approach for subnanosecond measurements. Binary mixtures of rhodamine 6G and rose bengal can also be resolved with the use of this novel instrument design.
The Role of Supervision in the Retention of Public Child Welfare Workers

Abstract Contrary to common belief, having a manageable caseload size may not be critical to the retention of child welfare MSW social workers. In this study of the retention of 765 title IV-E MSWs in public child welfare, support from supervisors emerged as a pivotal factor in employee retention. With analyses regressing retention and intent to leave public child welfare agencies, support from supervisors emerged as a predictor, but caseload size did not. The preliminary findings of qualitative interviews corroborated these results. This study corroborates literature indicating that support from supervisors enhances retention of specially trained child welfare workers.
Characterization of the Pulmonary Lesions Induced in Rats by Human Recombinant Interleukin-2

Histologic, electron microscopic, and immunohistochemical studies were made to analyze the structural features and the cellular composition of the pulmonary lesions produced in rats by the administration of interleukin-2 (IL-2). This agent induced pulmonary edema; thickening of alveolar septa; damage to endothelial cells in capillaries and venules, marked interstitial infiltration by cytotoxic T lymphocytes, lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells (as demonstrated by cell counting in preparations stained immunohistochemically with peroxidase- and fluorochrome-labeled antibodies); and injury to bronchiolar and alveolar epithelial cells. Granular and agranular lymphocytes often were closely apposed to endothelial cells in capillaries and venules. Contacts between lymphocytes and type II alveolar epithelial cells also were observed. Damaged type II alveolar epithelial cells showed nuclear and cytoplasmic features that are considered indicative of apoptosis (confirmed by nick...
Extraordinary infrared transmission of a stack of two metal micromeshes

Two Ni microarrays, stacked in registry with zero open area through the assembly and a subwavelength spacing between the mesh, exhibit transmission resonances through the mid-infrared region that are similar to those of a single mesh. Propagating surface plasmons are coupled between the meshes with this arrangement producing narrower resonances that are isolated from direct transmission. The dispersion behavior of the transmission resonances is well-modeled by propagating surface plasmons if allowances are made for a splitting of the surface plasmon dispersion curve in momentum space because of the coupling of the front and back surfaces of each mesh and perhaps between the meshes. These techniques will be useful for passing infrared radiation through nanospaces enclosed within the mesh stack.
The Status of the European Pine Shoot Moth In Connecticut

The European pine shoot moth, Rhyacionia buoliana Schiff., has become a serious enemy of red pine in Connecticut, and its status in relation to forest plantings of this tree is discussed.
MagnaportheDB: a federated solution for integrating physical and genetic map data with BAC end derived sequences for the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe grisea

We have created a federated database for genome studies of Magnaporthe grisea, the causal agent of rice blast disease, by integrating end sequence data from BAC clones, genetic marker data and BAC contig assembly data. A library of 9216 BAC clones providing >25-fold coverage of the entire genome was end sequenced and fingerprinted by HindIII digestion. The Image/FPC software package was then used to generate an assembly of 188 contigs covering >95% of the genome. The database contains the results of this assembly integrated with hybridization data of genetic markers to the BAC library. AceDB was used for the core database engine and a MySQL relational database, populated with numerical representations of BAC clones within FPC contigs, was used to create appropriately scaled images. The database is being used to facilitate sequencing efforts. The database also allows researchers mapping known genes or other sequences of interest, rapid and easy access to the fundamental organization of the M.grisea genome. This database, MagnaportheDB, can be accessed on the web at http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/fungal_genomics/mgdatabase/int.htm.
The effect of Maxwell slip on the aerodynamic collision and rebound of spherical particles

Abstract A theoretical model is developed which predicts the relative velocity as a function of the gap distance between two small spheres colliding in a fluid. In lieu of the conventional no-slip fluid boundary conditions, a Maxwell slip-flow approximation is employed when the distance between the particles reduces to the same order of magnitude as the mean free path of the fluid molecules. A major consequence of this slip flow is that it reduces the lubrication fluid force and permits particles with sufficient inertia to make contact in a finite time. This effect is shown to be especially important during the collision of aerosols. The relative velocity of the spheres upon impact is compared to a critical impact velocity in order to predict whether the spheres will stick together or bounce apart. This study of the interaction between particles in relative motion has important application in inertial filtration and coagulation.
WiLSWorld 2004: Virtual Chase: In Hot Pursuit of Electronic Solutions

Reports on selected presentations at the WiLSWorld conference, held in July 2004 at the University of Wisconsin‐Madison.
The Standard Potential of Glucose Oxidase

Glucose oxidase was titrated with Cr(II) and with Ti(III) over a pH range from 5.0 to 6.0, and a temperature range of 25° to 40°C. The two inorganic reagents were used, rather than just one, to ensure that there was no specific interaction between the enzyme and the reagent. Simultaneously, it was shown that the stoichiometry of the enzyme‐inorganic reductant reaction was identical to that of the enzyme‐glucose reaction and that the reduction products were identical in each case. Thus, it is shown that the potentials found are truly those which apply in the enzymatic oxidation of glucose. Glucose could not be used as reductant in the potentiometric studies because neither the enzyme nor the glucose reacts at the electrode. The values of (median reduction potential at pH 7) are −0.061v at 40°C, −0.028v at 30°C, and −0.008v at 25°C.
The Treatment for Recurrent Laryngeal Papillomas in Children

Objective: To discuss the therapeutic methods for laryngeal papillomas in children. Methods: 52 children with laryngeal papillomas were randomly divided into three groups; all of them received surgery first. Group one (18cases) was given α- interferon treatment after operation; Group two (17cases) was given throat pharynx local injections of mealses vaccine and intramuscular α- interferon; Group Three (17cases) was taken pidotimod (Cell immunity regulator) and measles vaccine injection (same to group two). Postoperative periodic review of them was done regularly. Result: The recurrence rate reach to 77.8% after three month of surgery. 17 patients with recurrent problem received several times of operations during three years of follow-up. The recurrence rate of Group two and Group three postoperative three months are 17.6% and 25.5%, postoperative one year are 41.8% and 41.7%. There was significant difference in the recurrence rate between Group two and three with Group one after three months of surgery. But no significant difference found in the same term of reoccurrence between Group two and Group three after three month or half year of surgery. Conclusion: α- interferon, measles vaccine and pidotimod can regulate the immunity. The Systemic application immunity regulator combines with throat pharynx local injections of mealses vaccine,which can reduce the recurrent rate of laryngeal papillomas, prolong the recurrent time, reduce operation, and improve the children's life quality.
Monomolecular Film Properties of Protective and Enteric Film Formers I. Effect of Polymer Side Chain on Surface Pressure-Area Isotherms

Polymeric film formers of pharmaceutical interest have been investigated using surface monolayer techniques. Surface pressure-area curves were obtained and evaluated for monomolecular films of several half-esters of poly (methyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride) at the air-water interface. The ester side chain was found to contribute significantly to the surface properties of the polymer.
The Idea of Democracy in the Modern Era

The Idea of Democracy in the Modern Era. By Ralph Ketcham. Lawrence: University Press of Kansas, 2004. 312p. $35.00. Democracy today suffers from hermeneutic exhaustion in contemporary political contexts. It is regularly proclaimed as both a principle of war and a principle of peace, as a necessary component of free market capitalism and the name of resistance to economic globalization, as that which legitimates the power of the nation-state and that which perpetually threatens to undermine that power. As such, democracy risks becoming one of those worn-out coins that Friedrich Nietzsche invokes, “drained of sensuous force” ( Philosophy and Truth, 1979, 84).
4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal–Protein Adducts and Apoptosis in Murine Lung Cells after Acute Ozone Exposure

Ozone is a photochemically generated pollutant that can cause acute pulmonary inflammation and induce cellular injury and may contribute to the development or exacerbation of chronic lung diseases. Despite extensive investigation, the mechanisms of ozone and oxidant-induced cellular injury are still uncertain. Ozone has been reported to cause the formation of aldehydes in biological fluids that could explain many of the cellular effects caused by ozone. One of the most toxic aldehydes formed during oxidant-induced lipid peroxidation is 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE). HNE reacts primarily with Cys and secondarily with Lys and His amino acids, altering protein function and forming protein adducts that can be detected using specific adducts. In this study, we investigated whether ozone could cause the formation of HNE by assaying for HNE-protein adducts in cells isolated by lung lavage from C3H/HeJ mice exposed to 2.0 and 0.25 ppm ozone for 3 hr. Since oxidative stress and HNE have been shown to cause apoptosis we also examined the lung lavage cells for evidence of apoptosis following ozone exposure. Using a specific polyclonal antibody against HNE-amino acid adducts, two principle HNE-protein adducts were detected by Western analysis in cells obtained after ozone exposure at approximately 86-90 and 32 kDa. In addition to cell necrosis, apoptosis of lung cells was significant 3 hr after ozone exposure as detected using a Cell Death ELISA procedure and confirmed with DNA ladder and morphological analysis. The apoptotic cell injury peaked at 6 hr postexposure and decreased by 24 hr. Taken together, these results demonstrate that HNE is formed in vivo following ozone exposure and HNE appears to form specific protein adducts in lung cells. Furthermore, ozone can cause lung cell injury by an apoptotic mechanism in addition to a necrotic mechanism. Since HNE is toxic to cells and is formed as a result of ozone exposure, it may contribute to the lung cell injury following ozone exposure.
Investigations into the application of the relational model to data translation

Experience with data translation over the last two years has resulted in a definite set of requirements for the normalized representation of data when used as an intermediate form during the process. The logical requirements pertain to the ability to represent a class of data structures including networks. The implementation requirements include the specification of two physical representations termed as the Restructurer Internal Form and the Interchange Form.Recent investigations with the Normal Forms of the relational model have shown that1. they satisfy the logical requirements2. a complete normalization to the third Normal Form requires excessive dependency data and results in reducing the restructuring operation to an identity transformation.3. normalization is not conducive to localizing the restructuring operations in the translator4. the first Normal Form used as a vehicle for translation poses problems with specification of keys and in handling networks.To alleviate the difficulties of normalization, a Modified Normal Form, similar to the First Normal Form, was designed and investigated. On the basis of the accessing, manipulation and processing requirements in the current model of data translation, it is concluded that a software system must be designed to work with the relational Normal Forms and their modified versions.
Radiation and Impedance Characteristics of a Circular Loop Antenna Driven by Fractional Order Electronics

Fractional calculus techniques (non-integer order systems) have been successfully applied in many fields of electronics and engineering. In this paper the effects of including fractional order electronic components on the radiated antenna pattern of a circular loop antenna is presented. A fractional order “RLC” impedance matching circuit is placed between the generator and the equivalent circuit of a loop antenna. The input impedance of the antenna and the antenna gain are controllable through varying the fractional orders of an inductive element and a capacitive element (Fractors) in the matching network. The circuit is presented and solved analytically, and some numerical simulations follow. We discuss the effects of fractional order components on the resulting radiation patterns. In particular, the amplitude of the antenna gain is controlled by the fractional order parameters. This effect could be exploited in future for antenna beam-forming applications when using an array of antenna elements. Further, the input impedance of the antenna circuit can also be controlled by the fractional order components. The introduction of fractional order variables provides for higher degrees of freedom, enabling a flexible approach to tuning antennas for optimal performance.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
The Home Ground‐Water Supply Picture As We See Ita

Drinking water for more than 50 million Americans is supplied from individual wells, springs, rain-water catchments or unprotected surface-water sources. The choice of water source is usually controlled by individual economic factors, and climatic, geologic and geographic considerations. This segment of the nation's population lives in the rural and suburban areas of the United States remote from existing community water supply distribution lines. The United States Public Health Service has shared, for many years, the concern of the various State Health Departments regarding the sanitary quality of individual water supplies. It has been generally concluded by public health officials, both Federal and State, that safe water supplies are not available to many homes in the United States. The rapid technological advances in industry, agriculture and transportation in recent years have intensified the potential of pollution of the environment, both chemically and biologically. The spread of pollution is accompanied by the increased hazard of water-borne disease and associated illnesses. During the summer of 1969 the Bureau of Water Hygiene*, Environmental Health Service, with the cooperation of the Georgia State Health Department, conducted a systematic survey of individual water supplies in 4 counties in the State of Georgia. The results of the survey indicate that more than ⅓ of the water supplies sampled are potentially hazardous to the users, and that there is a definite relationship of the geologic environment and type of water supply to the nature of the contamination.
Homocysteine, Vitamin Deficiency and Prevention of Arteriosclerosis

Abstract The homocysteine theory of arteriosclerosis was discovered by study of children with homocystinuria caused by different enzymatic disorders of homocysteine metabolism. Deficiency of cystathionine synthase, a pyridoxal phosphate dependent enzyme, causes elevated levels of plasma homocysteine. Deficiency of methyl transferase, a folic acid and cobalamin dependent enzyme, causes elevated levels of plasma homocysteine and cystathionine. Arteriosclerosis was discovered to be associated with homocysteinemia in both of these inherited dirorders. Because of different metabolic consequences of these two diseases, it was possible to conclude that homocysteine causes arteriosclerosis by damaging the endothelial cells and producing hyperplasia of smooth muscle cells and other connective tissue changes. Deficiency of a third enzyme, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, also causes homocystinuria and arteriosclerotic plaques, providing independent evidence to support this conclusion. Further evidence to support this conclusion came from studies with animals showing that injection of homocysteine causes arteriosclerotic plaques and thrombosis that closely resemble the vascular changes in children with homocystinuria. The homocysteine theory of arteriosclerosis relates the pathogenesis of the disease in the general population to dietary deficiencies of vitamin B6, folic acid, and vitamin B12. Deficiencies of these vitamins are produced by losses incurred during processing and preservation of basic foodstuffs. Population surveys have concluded that elevated levels of plasma homocysteine are an independent risk factor for arteriosclerosis, heart disease, and stroke. Elevated homocysteine levels have in turn been related to widespread deficiencies of folic acid and vitamin B6 within susceptible populations. The decline in mortality from coronary heart disease in the U.S. during the past three decades is attributed to increased vitamin B6 and folic acid that were introduced into the food supply through voluntary fortification and supplementation. A properly designed intervention trial is needed to show a major reduction in cardiovascular disease risk and complications by a diet and supplementary nutrients that reduce levels of homocysteine in the plasma.
New materials for uncooled IR imaging: nickel manganite thin films grown by spin spray

Ceramic thermistors like VOx, amorphous Si, and NiMn2O4 are used for thermal sensing applications such as microbolometers and infrared sensors. These materials should have large temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR), high sensitivity, and low noise for these applications. Nickel manganite films have large TCR (>-3%/K) and good environmental stability, so that the properties are robust during subsequent processing. To improve the ability to prepare manganite spinels on pre-existing circuitry, new techniques that enable low-temperature depositions need to be developed. To address this, the spin spray technique was adopted in this work; this approach is both low cost and permits low process temperatures (<100oC). Spin spray deposition is accomplished using two dilute water-based solutions: a reaction solution and oxidizing solution. The reaction solution consists of metal salts like nickel chloride and manganese chloride while the oxidizing solution contains pH buffer, pH adjuster, and oxidizing agent. To grow films, the solution was nebulized by a nitrogen carrier gas and sprayed onto a rotating silicon substrate with a 1μm thick SiO2 buffer layer. As-deposited nickel manganite films were identified as nanocrystalline spinel by TEM analysis. The TCR values of nickel manganite film and nickel copper manganite film were about -3.6 %/K and -2.9 %/K respectively. Adding Cu allowed the electric resistivity to be tuned to less than 1000 Ω-cm. The normalized Hooge parameter was around 1.7x10- 21 cm3.© (2011) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Cyanopsin, a visual pigment of retinal origin.

IN 1953, Wald1 reported in vitro synthesis of a new photosensitive pigment. This was made by combining the opsin obtained from extracts of chicken iodopsin2 with 11-cis retinene2 in place of the native 11-cis retinene1. The pigment thus formed absorbed maximally at 620 nm instead of the native 562 nm, and was named cyanopsin. It had a number of properties which made it a good candidate for a visual pigment, although it had not been extracted directly from any retina and could not therefore be associated convincingly with the visual system of any animal. Such a pigment has yet to be extracted from a retina; but, in addition to discovering whether a pigment like cyanopsin exists in nature, and, in particular, in cones, it would be satisfying to observe whether there exists a natural iodopsin in situ to which the 620 pigment is related by a simple change of prosthetic group.
Parametric sensitivity analysis of complex process flowsheets using sequential modular simulation

Abstract An algorithm for parametric sensitivity analysis of complex process flowsheets has been developed for use with sequential modular simulators. The method reduces the calculational effort when several sensitivities are calculated from the same flowsheet. A study of the efficiency of these methods is presented in the context of two example problems. Computational savings of order 100 are reported relative to sensitivity analysis by the continuation (restart) method. The method presented allows direct analysis of dependent variable variations which can be used to examine the effects of model prediction error. Furthermore, the algorithm lends itself to a structural analysis to quickly identify which variables in a flowsheet yield zero sensitivities and may be eliminated a priori from the sensitivity calculation.
A review of rivastigmine: a reversible cholinesterase inhibitor.

Abstract Background: Rivastigmine tartrate is a reversible cholinesterase inhibitor indicated for the symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate dementia. It was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) on April 21, 2000. Objective: The purpose of this review was to summarize the background on dementia of the Alzheimer type and the pharmacokinetic properties, efficacy and tolerability profiles, clinical applications, adverse effects (AEs), drug interactions, and pharmacoeconomics of rivastigmine. Methods: A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE (1995–2002), EMBASE Geriatrics and Gerontology (1995–2002), the National Institutes of Health Alzheimer's Disease Education and Resource Center Combined Health Information Database, and Google. Search terms included rivastigmine, Exelon, ENA 713 , and ENA-713 . The bibliographies of retrieved articles also were searched for relevant articles. Results: In clinical trials, rivastigmine has improved or maintained cognitive function, global function (ie, activities of daily living [ADLs]), and behavior in patients with mild to moderate AD for up to 52 weeks. AEs are generally mild to moderate and primarily affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Clinically significant drug interactions with rivastigmine have thus far not been reported. Treatment with rivastigmine for up to 2 years may reduce the cost of caring for patients with AD. Cost savings are minimal during the first year, particularly for those with mild disease, but increase during the second year of treatment. Cost savings occur earlier for those with moderate AD. Most savings are realized from a delay in the need for institutionalization. Conclusions: Rivastigmine has been shown to improve or maintain patients' performance in 3 major domains: cognitive function, global function (ADLs), and behavior. The efficacy and tolerability of rivastigmine have been proved by numerous clinical trials, with the most prominent AE being GI irritation.
Elevated catecholamine metabolites in patients with Costello syndrome

Costello syndrome is a rare congenital anomaly syndrome with a predisposition to specific tumors, including neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. The increased risk for solid tumors led to the proposal of a tumor screening protocol. A screening test for neuroblastoma consists of measuring catecholamine metabolites in urine, an assay that may also be used for diagnostic confirmation of a suspected catecholamine secreting tumor. We report eight patients with Costello syndrome with elevated catecholamine metabolites, vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) and/or homovanillic acid (HVA), in urine. Each patient had additional laboratory and/or imaging studies. None of the patients was found to have a neuroblastoma or another catecholamine secreting tumor. In two cases, the assays were performed because the patients were symptomatic with diaphoresis and hypertension, respectively, and in the other six cases the assays were performed in order to screen for neuroblastoma. The pathophysiology for the catecholamine metabolite abnormality in these patients with Costello syndrome remains unclear. However, it appears that in this patient group an elevation above the normal limit, defined as 2 standard deviations (SD) above the mean for age, is more likely to be a variant, rather than a sign of a neuroblastoma. Thus, it may be prudent not to use this assay as a screening test, and to take the frequently elevated results into consideration when interpreting diagnostic assays.
Physically-based hydraulic erosion

Terrain morphology has been on the radar of Computer Graphics for more than twenty years and various techniques for its modeling have been presented. These approaches range from fractal and multifractal terrain generation to physically-based models of erosion and weathering. Of all the weathering phenomena that can be observed in Nature, hydraulic erosion has the most visual importance. We will focus on hydraulic erosion in our presentation and we will describe a technique that is rooted in a generalized solution to modeling hydraulic erosion using ideas from fluid mechanics. The simulations show the terrain morphogenesis and can be used for animations as well as for static scene models generation.
Computer-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy for child anxiety: Results of a randomized clinical trial.

Objective This study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and effects of Camp Cope-A-Lot (CCAL), a computer-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety in youth. Method Children (49; 33 males) ages 7-13 (M = 10.1 ± 1.6; 83.7% Caucasian, 14.2% African American, 2% Hispanic) with a principal anxiety disorder were randomly assigned to (a) CCAL, (b) individual CBT (ICBT), or (c) a computer-assisted education, support, and attention (CESA) condition. All therapists were from the community (school or counseling psychologists, clinical psychologist) or were PsyD or PhD trainees with no experience or training in CBT for child anxiety. Independent diagnostic interviews and self-report measures were completed at pre- and posttreatment and 3-month follow-up. Results At posttreatment, ICBT or CCAL children showed significantly better gains than CESA children; 70%, 81%, and 19%, respectively, no longer met criteria for their principal anxiety diagnosis. Gains were maintained at follow-up, with no significant differences between ICBT and CCAL. Parents and children rated all treatments acceptable, with CCAL and ICBT children rating higher satisfaction than CESA children. Conclusions Findings support the feasibility, acceptability and beneficial effects of CCAL for anxious youth. Discussion considers the potential of computer-assisted treatments in the dissemination of empirically supported treatments.