cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of biodegradable polymers by inverse gas chromatography. II. Blends of amylopectin and poly(ε‐caprolactone)

Amylopectin (AP), a potato-starch-based polymer with a molecular weight of 6,000,000 g/mol, was blended with poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) and characterized with inverse gas chromatography (IGC), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Five different compositions of AP–PCL blends ranging from 0 to 100% AP were studied over a wide range of temperatures (80–260°C). Nineteen solutes (solvents) were injected onto five chromatographic columns containing the AP–PCL blends. These solutes probed the dispersive, dipole–dipole, and hydrogen-bonding interactions, acid–base characteristics, wettability, and water uptake of the AP–PCL blends. Retention diagrams of these solutes in a temperature range of 80–260°C revealed two zones: crystalline and amorphous. The glass-transition temperature (Tg) and melting temperature (Tm) of the blends were measured with these zones. The two zones were used to calculate the degree of crystallinity of pure AP and its blends below Tm, which ranged from 85% at 104°C to 0% at Tm. IGC complemented the DSC method for obtaining the Tg and Tm values of the pure AP and AP–PCL blends. These values were unexpectedly elevated for the blends over that of pure AP and ranged from 105 to 152°C for Tg and from 166 to 210°C for Tm. The Tm values agreed well with the XRD analysis data. This elevation in the Tg and Tm values may have been due to the change in the heat capacity at Tg and the dependence of Tg on various variables, including the molecular weight and the blend composition. Polymer blend/solvent interaction parameters were measured with a variety of solutes over a wide range of temperatures and determined the solubility of the blends in the solutes. We were also able to determine the blend compatibility over a wide range of temperatures and weight fractions. The polymer–polymer interaction coefficient and interaction energy parameter agreed well on the partial miscibility of the two polymers. The dispersive component of the surface energy of the AP–PCL blends was measured with alkanes and ranged from 16.09 mJ/m2 for pure AP to 38.26 mJ/m2 when AP was mixed with PCL in a 50/50% ratio. This revealed an increase in the surface energy of AP when PCL was added. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 3076–3089, 2006
Thermodynamic constraints on the oxidation of biogenic UO2 by Fe(III) (Hydr)oxides.

Uranium mobility in the environment is partially controlled by its oxidation state, where it exists as either U(VI) or U(IV). In aerobic environments, uranium is generally found in the hexavalent form, is quite soluble, and readily forms complexes with carbonate and calcium. Under anaerobic conditions, common metal respiring bacteria can reduce soluble U(VI) species to sparingly soluble UO2 (uraninite); stimulation of these bacteria, in fact, is being explored as an in situ uranium remediation technique. However, the stability of biologically precipitated uraninite within soils and sediments is not well characterized. Here we demonstrate that uraninite oxidation by Fe(III) (hydr)oxides is thermodynamically favorable under limited geochemical conditions. Our analysis reveals that goethite and hematite have a limited capacity to oxidize UO2(biogenic) while ferrihydrite can lead to UO2(biogenic) oxidation. The extent of UO2(biogenic) oxidation by ferrihydrite increases with increasing bicarbonate and calcium...
Towards a computational method of scaling a robot's behavior via proxemics

Humans regulate their social behavior based on proximity to other social actors. Likewise, when a robot fulfills the role of a social actor it too should regulate its interaction based on proximity. This paper describes work in progress to establish methods for autonomous modification of social behavior based on proximity and to quantify human preferences between methods of scaling a robot's social behaviors based on distance from a human. The preliminary results of a 72 participant human study examine the reaction to scaling with linear methods and perception-based methods. Results indicate significantly higher ratings in multiple areas (comfort, natural movement, safety, self-control, intelligence, likability, submissiveness p<.05) when using a perception-based scaling function, as opposed to a linear or no scaling function. Work in progress is analyzing the biometric measures collected.
Dust devil sediment flux on Earth and Mars: Laboratory simulations

Abstract Laboratory simulations using the Arizona State University Vortex Generator (ASUVG) were run to simulate sediment flux in dust devils in terrestrial ambient and Mars-analog conditions. The objective of this study was to measure vortex sediment flux in the laboratory to yield estimations of natural dust devils on Earth and Mars, where all parameters may not be measured. These tests used particles ranging from 2 to 2000 μm in diameter and 1300 to 4800 kg m −3 in density, and the results were compared with data from natural dust devils on Earth and Mars. Typically, the cores of dust devils (regardless of planetary environment) have a pressure decrease of ∼0.1–1.5% of ambient atmospheric pressure, which enhances the lifting of particles from the surface. Core pressure decreases in our experiments ranged from ∼0.01% to 5.00% of ambient pressure (10 mbar Mars cases and 1000 mbar for Earth cases) corresponding to a few tenths of a millibar for Mars cases and a few millibars for Earth cases. Sediment flux experiments were run at vortex tangential wind velocities of 1–45 m s −1 , which typically correspond to ∼30–70% above vortex threshold values for the test particle sizes and densities. Sediment flux was determined by time-averaged measurements of mass loss for a given vortex size. Sediment fluxes of ∼10 −6 –10 0 kg m −2 s −1 were obtained, similar to estimates and measurements for fluxes in dust devils on Earth and Mars. Sediment flux is closely related to the vortex intensity, which depends on the strength of the pressure decrease in the core (Δ P ). This study found vortex size is less important for lifting materials because many different diameters can have the same Δ P . This finding is critical in scaling the laboratory results to natural dust devils that can be several orders of magnitude larger than the laboratory counterparts.
Motherhood, Race, and Gender: The Rhetoric of Women's Antislavery Activism in the Liberty Bell Giftbooks

Motherhood has often been understood as an important rhetorical appeal for nineteenth-century women. In this essay I argue that rhetorical constructions of motherhood grounded in a myth of “true motherhood” can be understood to function as both a persona and topos in nineteenth-century women's rhetoric, and motherhood worked in complex ways in relation to race. By examining the Liberty Bell, an antislavery giftbook series. I suggest that rhetorical constructions of motherhood worked on a dialectic of sameness and difference to create a unification of persona across race while highlighting the difference in conditions created by slavery. This relationship between sameness and difference enabled the persuasion of white female readers to work to end slavery.
S‐DEMETHYLATION OF NITROGEN HETEROCYCLES

When 3-chloro-4,5-diaminopyridazine (2) was treated with sodium methylmercaptide in refluxing N,N-dimethylformamide, two heterocycles were formed and isolated, neither of which was the expected 3-methylthio-4,5-diaminopyridazine (3). A thorough spectral analysis of these heterocycles showed them to be 4-methylthioimidazo[4,5-d]pyridazine (5) and imidazo[4,5-d]pyridazine-4-thione (6). N,N-Dimethylformamide was found to provide the one carbon unit required for the formation of 5. The origin of 6 was shown to be a result of S-demethylation of 5. S-Demethylation of 3 could also be effected with sodium methylmercaptide in methyl sulfoxide without the occurrence of annulation. In methyl sulfoxide the process of demethylation was accelerated and occurred at lower temperature.
Deoxyradicinin, a novel phytotoxin from Alternaria helianthi

Abstract A novel major metabolite which possesses phytotoxic and antifungal properties has been isolated from culture filtrates of Alternaria helianthi and its structure elucidated as deoxyradicinin.
Sex-role stereotyping, a function of age and education, as measured by a perceptual-projective device

The sex-role attitudes of 89 married male factory workers were measured using the Hall Sex Role Stereotyping Test. The test involves the presentation of pictures showing ambiguous figures performing tasks which are commonly assigned to one sex or the other. After a limited exposure time, subjects are asked to describe the task and to tell the sex of the person performing it. The hypothesis that men with college training stereotype less than those without was borne out for this sample. The second hypothesis, that older men stereotype more than younger, was not borne out. In fact, the mean nonstereotyping scores for older men within each level of education were higher than for younger, although the difference was not significant.
Escherichia coli F plasmid transfers to and replicates within Legionella pneumophila: an alternative to using an RP4-based system for gene delivery.

Abstract Derivatives of the self-transmissible F plasmid of Escherichia coli can be introduced into Legionella pneumophila by conjugation and maintained within only upon selection. In L. pneumophila. F-based replicons seem to exist as extrachromosomal elements since they were readily lost when F-containing L. pneumophila was grown on nonselective medium. The F-based plasmids were not self-transmissible in L. pneumophila. The mating defect may be due to an inability to form the F pilus since F-containing strains of L. pneumophila could neither be infected with the pilus-specific phage M13 nor transduced with fl-packaged ColE1 replicons. Currently, the most commonly used transfer system for introducing genetic information into L. pneumophila employs E. coli donors with a chromosomally integrated copy of RP4::Mu to mobilize plasmids bearing the RK2 origin of transfer (oriT). Use of this system to deliver TnphoA for mutagenesis of the L. pneumophila chromosome led to transconjugants that all contained cryptic DNA alterations that involved the plasmid RP4 and phage Mu. No TnphoA transposition was observed in L. pneumophila. The fact that F-mediated conjugation can be used to efficiently transfer plasmids containing the oriT of F to L. pneumophila provides an important alternative to the RP4-based plasmid transfer system and may avoid DNA anomalies in transconjugants that impede genetic analysis. Furthermore, our results demonstrate the promiscuous nature of the F conjugal transfer and replication systems.
Surface Flow Outlets to Protect Juvenile Salmonids Passing Through Hydropower Dams

We reviewed results of research conducted by engineers and biologists over the past 50 years related to development of surface flow outlets (SFOs) for juvenile salmonids that migrate downstream past hydropower dams. An SFO is a nonturbine, water-efficient passage route with an overflow structure through which flow and fish pass over a dam. Our review covered 69 SFOs in Europe and North America. We identified five main types of SFOs—low-flow bypass/sluices, high-flow sluices, forebay collectors, powerhouse retrofits, and surface spills. Most low-flow bypass/sluices are sited in Europe and on the east coast of North America, where mean annual project discharge and power production were 95 m 3 /s and 15 MW, respectively. The other four SFO types are found on the west coast of North America with 2184 m 3 /s mean annual discharge and 788 MW mean power output. A conceptual framework based on fish behavior and hydraulics for different regions of a hydropower project was developed to evaluate SFO performance. Bas...
The direction of cultural distance on FDI: attractiveness or incongruity?

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine whether the direction of cultural distance in individualism, power distance, uncertainty avoidance, and masculinity affects bilateral foreign direct investment (FDI) activities.Design/methodology/approach – Panel data that include bilateral FDI between 21 OECD countries, and for FDI from these OECD countries to 14 non‐OECD countries between 1980 and 2000 were used. In addition, hypotheses were tested by using Hofstede's cultural dimensions for FDI between 1980 and 1989 and then by applying the GLOBE (Global Leadership and Organizational Behavior Effectiveness) cultural indices for FDI between 1990 and 2000.Findings – It was found that difference in individualism between two countries encourages FDI while difference in power distance discourages FDI. In addition, based on Hofstede's cultural scores, the direction of cultural distance matters when a host and a source country differ in uncertainty avoidance and masculinity. However, the finding is mixed with ...
Kupffer cell: Hepatocyte cocultures release nitric oxide in response to bacterial endotoxin

Abstract Nitric oxide (NO ) is a short-lived intermediate in a biochemical pathway where l -arginine is converted to l -citrulline and nitrite/nitrate (NO2−/NO3−). This highly reactive molecule is the biologically active component of this inducible pathway in macrophages. Using a rat Kupffer cell:hepatocyte (KC:HC) coculture model, we have previously shown that this combination of cells produces large quantities of both citrulline and NO2−/NO3−) if exposed to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) but we did not determine whether nitric oxide was produced or released. We had also shown that this l -arginine metabolism was associated with a profound decrease in total protein synthesis. In these experiments, we show that KC:HC cocultures release nitric oxide into the culture supernatant if exposed to LPS. NO production by these cells requires l -arginine and is inhibited by NG-monomethyl- l -arginine. In addition, the time course for NO release by KC:HC cocultures parallels the previously reported time course for NO2−/NO3− synthesis and the decrease in protein synthesis, supporting the hypothesis that NO is the reactive nitrogen intermediate of the pathway responsible for this inhibition of protein synthesis. Finally, we show that KC:HC cocultures release more NO than KC alone in response to LPS, and we propose that the combination of KC and HC acts as a functional unit capable of generating large amounts of NO from l -arginine in gram-negative sepsis.
Spectral efficiency measured by heterochromatic flicker photometry is similar in human infants and adults

Abstract Spectral efficiency functions based on heterochromatic flicker photometry (HFP) were measured for three adults and 42 infants using a rapid visually-evoked potential (VEP) method. A 5°-diameter, broadband standard (0.6 cd/m 2 ) was presented in square-wave counterphase (15 Hz) with one of 13 monochromatic lights (420–660 nm; 20 nm steps). The intensity of the monochromatic light was continuously varied while extracting the phase-locked VEP amplitude of the fundamental component. HFP functions measured psychophysically by the method of adjustment were also obtained for the adults. Adult HFP functions from the two methods were found to be essentially the same. Both of these functions were compared to Vos'-modified 2° V (λ) function and to the 10 ° CIE V (λ) function. The mean adult data were slightly better fit to the 2° V (λ) function than to the 10° CIE V (λ) function, although there was an elevation in sensitivity at 420 and 440 nm. Infant HFP functions were similar to Vos' modified V (λ) except for an elevation in efficiency at short wavelengths. The mean infant HFP function agreed better with the 10°CIE V (λ) function than Vos'-modified V (λ) function, but infant sensitivity was elevated by 0.4 log units at 420 nm compared to the 10° CIE observer. The elevation found at short wavelengths for both adults and infants is attributed to individual and age-related variation in the density of the ocular media, and to reduced macular pigment screening resulting from use of a 5° field size. An infant spectral efficiency function based on the HFP data collected in this study was modeled. This function may serve to equate stimuli with respect to luminosity for the average infant.
Resistant enterococci : a prospective study of prevalence, incidence, and factors associated with colonization in a University Hospital

Objective To determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal tract colonization with antibiotic-resistant enterococci at ward entry and to study the incidence and risk factors for nosocomial acquisition of colonization with resistant enterococci. Design A prospective cohort study conducted between February 1 and March 15, 1993. Methods Rectal cultures were obtained within 24 hours of admission or transfer onto the study wards and repeated at weekly intervals and at the time of discharge. Patients harboring antibiotic-resistant enterococci at the time of admission or after admission were compared to patients who were not colonized with these organisms. Clinical and epidemiologic risk factors for colonization were abstracted prospectively by daily chart review. Following a univariate analysis of risk factors associated with colonization, a multivariate statistical analysis using three separate models was done. Setting A 1,125-bed, tertiary-care teaching hospital in North Carolina. Patients A total of 350 patients admitted to two general medical wards and the medical intensive care unit during the study period. Results Antibiotic-resistant enterococci were isolated from 52 patients: 19 were colonized at admission to the study, and 33 later acquired resistant strains. At the time of admission, 5.4% of the patients were colonized with ampicillin-resistant enterococci (ARE), including 1.1% that were colonized with vancomycin-resistant enterococci. Prior hospitalization was associated with colonization with ARE at admission (P = .01). Independent risk factors for nosocomial acquisition of ARE included treatment with more than three antibiotics, empiric use of antibiotics, use of third-generation cephalosporins, and the use of enteral tube feedings. Antibiotics used prophylactically were not associated with resistant enterococcal colonization. Conclusions Our data help to elucidate the epidemiology of gastrointestinal tract colonization with resistant enterococci. We hypothesize that surveillance and control programs will be more likely to succeed if targeted at patients receiving more than three antibiotics, empiric antibiotics, and enteral tube feedings (Infect Control and Hosp Epidemiol 1996;17:36-41).
Effect of feeding calcium cyclamate to rats.

Calcium cyclamate (cyclohexyl calcium sulphamate) is present as a sweetener in a number of soft drinks. When it is fed to rats over a long period it can decrease the rate of growth, possibly by affecting the adrenals.
Generation of antibody diversity in rabbits

Most rabbit B lymphocytes use the same VH gene in V(D)J gene rearrangements and undergo somatic diversification by gene conversion and hypermutation. Recent experiments have shown that V(D)J genes in essentially all rabbit B cells diversify shortly after birth and that this diversification occurs in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue. Still to be determined is whether this diversification is developmentally programmed or is driven by exogenous microbial antigens.
Spectral hypergraph theory of the adjacency hypermatrix and matroids

Abstract We define a matroid from an m -uniform hypergraph. Spectral properties of the adjacency hypermatrix which can be deduced from the matroid are investigated. In particular, relationships between the coordinates of eigenvectors are revealed in terms of circuits of the matroid. It is expected that these relationships will lead to a better initial input vector on the interior of the positive cone for numerical calculations of Z -eigenvalues using the SS-HOPM method and for H -eigenvalues when using the NQZ method.
DNA synthesis in vitro in lysates of Escherichia coli.

Abstract A system using crude lysates of Escherichia coli PolA − for in vitro synthesis of DNA has properties similar to those described previously for washed DNA · membrane complexes, i.e. short-lived synthesis of DNA, 2–3-fold stimulation by ATP, semiconservative form of synthesis, and most of the product in the size distribution of Okazaki fragments. The proximate substrate is shown to be the deoxynucleoside triphosphate. The lysate system can be fractionated into a particulate membrane · DNA complex and a soluble portion, each of which is inactive by itself, but which upon mixing restores activity. The particulate fraction provides template as well as essential protein(s). The soluble fraction contains DNA polymerases II and III both of which are capable of the necessary polymerase function, and a factor that is required for the stimulation of DNA synthesis by ATP. The stimulatory activity can also be assayed by restoration of activity to an aged lysate, which has lost the ATP-dependent synthesis; the activity is not a kinase, and is not an ATP-dependent nuclease, at least of the type currently known. The ATP-dependent stimulatory factor has been partially purified but further purification or characterization of it has been limited by its extreme instability. Both the stimulatory factor and ATP are required for semiconservative synthesis in the lysate, and for synthesis of the short fragments. Similar to results in vivo and in permeable cells the new DNA appears to contain RNA, as judged by the evidence for RNA · DNA junctions from modified nearest neighbor experiments. However, the nucleotides at the RNA · DNA junctions in the lysate system are not specific, in contrast to results in permeabilized Escherichia coli .
Ultrahigh-efficiency microwave signal transmission using tandem-contact single quantum well GaAlAs lasers

Recent advances in high speed semiconductor lasers[l] have made possible the use of optical transport and control in microwave systems such as phased arrayed radar[21, various microwave subcarrier multiplexed networks scheines[3J as well as cable television distribution[4). For a typical laser with a differential efficiency of 0.4mW/mA and emitting xmw of CW power, a microwave power of (-8+2Olog10x)dBm is required in a 50k) system for full optical modulation. This is much higher than typical received signal powers from microwave antennae, and considerable cost is incurred in providing the necessary amplification at the undersirable location of an antenna horn.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Necrotizing meningoencephalitis of Pug Dogs associates with dog leukocyte antigen class II and resembles acute variant forms of multiple sclerosis

Necrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME) is a disorder of Pug Dogs that appears to have an immune etiology and high heritability based on population studies. The present study was undertaken to identify a genetic basis for the disease. A genome-wide association scan with single tandem repeat (STR) markers showed a single strong association near the dog leukocyte antigen (DLA) complex on CFA12. Fine resolution mapping with 27 STR markers on CFA12 further narrowed association to the region containing DLA-DRB1, -DQA1 and, -DQB1 genes. Sequencing confirmed that affected dogs were more likely to be homozygous for specific alleles at each locus and that these alleles were linked, forming a single high risk haplotype. The strong DLA class II association of NME in Pug Dogs resembles that of human multiple sclerosis (MS). Like MS, NME appears to have an autoimmune basis, involves genetic and nongenetic factors, has a relatively low incidence, is more frequent in females than males, and is associated with a vascularly orientated nonsuppurative inflammation. However, NME of Pug Dogs is more aggressive in disease course than classical human MS, appears to be relatively earlier in onset, and involves necrosis rather than demyelination as the central pathobiologic feature. Thus, Pug Dog encephalitis (PDE) shares clinical features with the less common acute variant forms of MS. Accordingly, NME of Pug Dogs may represent a naturally occurring canine model of certain idiopathic inflammatory disorders of the human central nervous system.
Radius and Structure Models of the First Super-Earth Planet

With improving methods and surveys, the young field of extrasolar planet studies has recently expanded into a qualitatively new domain—terrestrial (mostly rocky) planets. The first such planets were discovered during the past year and a half, judging by their measured masses of less than 10 M⊕ ("super-Earths"). They are introducing a novel physical regime that has not been explored before, as such planets do not exist in our solar system. Their compositions can be completely terrestrial, or they may harbor an extensive ocean (water and ices) above a rocky core. We model the structure and properties of the first super-Earth (mass ~7.5 M⊕), discovered in 2005, illustrating the possible compositions and providing radius evaluations in view of future detection of similar planets by transits. We find that there exists a threshold in radius above which a super-Earth most certainly has an extensive water content. In the case of GJ 876d, this threshold is at about 12,000 km. Our results show that unique characterization of the bulk composition of super-Earths will be possible with future transit studies.
Role of a circle's center in visual interpolation.

Abstract Basic geometric patterns like straight lines and circles seem fundamental to human perception and mental imagery. In this study we examined subjects’ ability to interpolate circular curves—to derive the whole circle from an arc of 180° or less. Specifically, we tested how the center point is utilized during such visual interpolation. Naturally, a mechanism that interpolates by extending the curvature of the visible arc will be unaffected by the presence or absence of the center point. On the other hand, a mechanism that achieves the same end by completing the circle from estimates of the center and radius will be significantly aided by the presence of the center. We found that when the visible arc was long (180°), presenting the circle’s center did not affect the precision with which subjects localized the invisible section. However, when the visible arc was relatively short (90° or 45°), displaying the center point significantly increased spatial precision. Thus, both computational mechanisms appear to exist.
Half-life and DNA strand scission products of 2-deoxyribonolactone oxidative DNA damage lesions.

Reactive oxygen species lead to oxidative damage of the nucleobase and sugar components of nucleotides in double-stranded DNA. The 2-deoxyribonolactone (or oxidized abasic site) lesion results from oxidation of the C-1‘ position of DNA nucleotides and has been implicated in DNA strand scission, mutagenesis, and covalent cross-linking to DNA binding proteins. We previously described a strategy for the synthesis of DNA-containing deoxyribonolactone lesions. We now report an improved method for the site specific photochemical generation of deoxyribonolactone sites within DNA oligonucleotides and utilize these synthetic oligonucleotides to characterize the products and rates of DNA strand scission at the lactone lesion under simulated physiological conditions. A C-1‘ nitroveratryl cyanohydrin phosphoramidite analogue was synthesized and used for the preparation of DNA containing a photochemically “caged” lactone precursor. Irradiation at 350 nm quantitatively converted the caged analogue into the deoxyribonol...
Structural relaxation in dense hard-sphere fluids

The long-time decay of the shear-stress autocorrelation function is shown to be quantitatively related to the decay of correlations between the orientation of “bonds” connecting colliding pairs of particles. Within computational uncertainties, we find that orientational correlations in high-density fluids decay as a “stretched” exponential in time, with an exponent that is independent of density. However, at low densities the decay is exponential. In two-dimensional systems the decay is exponential, even at high density.
Fundamentals of Managing Reference Collections, by Carol A. Singer. Chicago, IL: ALA Editions, 2012, xii +167 p. $60.00. ISBN 9780838911532

As indicated by the title, this book lays out the fundamentals for managing today's reference collection, whether print, online, or a hybrid. Carol A. Singer provides basic information needed by a ...
Pattern Avoidance and Rational Smoothness of Schubert Varieties

Abstract Letwbe an element of the Weyl groupSn, and letXwbe the Schubert variety associated towin the flag manifoldSLn( C )/B. Lakshmibai and Sandhya showed thatXwis smooth if and only ifwavoids the patterns 4231 and 3412. Using two tests for rational smoothness from Carrell and Peterson, we show that rational smoothness ofXwis characterized by pattern avoidance for typesBandCas well. A key step in the proof of this result is a sequence of rules for factoring the Poincare polynomials for the cohomology ring ofXw, generalizing the work of Gasharov. Patterns can also be used to characterize actual smoothness of Schubert varieties
Glutathione S-transferase-1 in Aedes aegypti larvae: Purification and properties

Abstract Glutathione S-transferase (GSH-trans) was purified from Aedes aegypti larvae using S-hexyl-glutathione affinity chromatography and anion exchange chromatography. GSH-trans is composed of two subunits each with a molecular weight of 26.8 kD, and has an isoelectric point of 5.0. Rabbit antiserum directed against larval GSH-trans was specific for a single protein throughout larval and pupal development as determined by Western blotting. Enzyme kinetic data support a sequential mechanism. GSH-trans enzyme activity varied during larval and pupal development. The amount of GSH-trans-1 protein (measured using a radioimmunoassay) also varied during development. GSH-trans-1 enzyme activity was minimum at 72 h after hatching, and reached a maximum at 120 h, while the enzyme amount was minimum at 24 h and steadily increased to reach a maximum by 96 h then declined. This lack of correlation between enzyme activity and enzyme amount suggests that other GSH-trans isozymes exist.
Agricultural disaster payments in the southeastern US: do weather and climate variability matter?

Governments around the world are forced to react to disasters caused by weather. The agricultural sector is particularly susceptible to weather extremes and adverse climate conditions. In the US, agricultural disaster payments account for a significant part of total agricultural subsidies. The payments, and their distribution, are more important in the areas most affected by disastrous weather events, usually coinciding with areas of pronounced impact of the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO). In this article, the impact of weather and climate, as well as some economic variables, on disaster payments is analysed using county level data from four states in the southeastern United States. The results suggest that weather and climate variables explain most of the crop disaster payments at the county level while socioeconomic variables do not, suggesting that advancements in weather and climate forecasts could be helpful in planning for disaster compensation.
Serotonergic Elements of the Mammalian Pituitary

Serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] is a constituent of the mammalian pituitary gland. We have used light and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry to locate immunoreactivity in the pituitary glands of mice and bats. In addition, we have compared the distribution of endogenous 5-HT immunoreactivity with that of exogenous [3H]5-HT taken up by elements of the pituitaries and detected by radioautography. 5-HT immunoreactivity was found in neurites in the posterior and intermediate lobes of the glands. These neurites also took up [3H]5-HT. The neural elements reactive with antisera to 5-HT or which labeled with [3H]5-HT differed in their distribution from neurites that labeled with [3H]dopamine or [3H]norepinephrine; moreover, lesioning of catecholaminergic neurites with 6-hydroxydopamine had no effect on the serotonergic structures. 5-HT immunoreactivity was also found in endocrine cells of the anterior lobes of the pituitaries of both species. No 5-HT was detected in neural elements of the anterior lobe, and in fact, no staining with nerve-specific antibodies to neurofilament proteins was found in the anterior pituitary. The ultrastructure of the granules of the 5-HT-immunoreactive endocrine cells suggested that they might be a subset of gonadotrophs, the cell type previously shown to take up exogenous [3H] 5-HT. 5-HT immunoreactivity was found within the granules of these cells. In bats, 5-HT immunoreactivity was present in the anterior pituitaries of active animals when 5-HT levels were high, but was greatly diminished in glands of hibernating animals when the 5-HT content was low. It is concluded that some cells that may be gonadotrophs contain endogenous 5-HT and also have an uptake mechanism for the amine. The function of 5-HT in the anterior pituitary remains to be determined, but 5-HT has previously been shown to inhibit the secretagogue action of LHRH on gonadotrophs.
The yeast EDC1 mRNA undergoes deadenylation-independent decapping stimulated by Not2p, Not4p, and Not5p

A major mechanism of eukaryotic mRNA degradation initiates with deadenylation followed by decapping and 5′ to 3′ degradation. We demonstrate that the yeast EDC1 mRNA, which encodes a protein that enhances decapping, has unique properties and is both protected from deadenylation and undergoes deadenylation-independent decapping. The 3′ UTR of the EDC1 mRNA is sufficient for both protection from deadenylation and deadenylation-independent decapping and an extended poly(U) tract within the 3′ UTR is required. These observations highlight the diverse forms of decapping regulation and identify a feedback loop that can compensate for decreases in activity of the decapping enzyme. Surprisingly, the decapping of the EDC1 mRNA is slowed by the loss of Not2p, Not4p, and Not5p, which interact with the Ccr4p/Pop2p deadenylase complex. This indicates that the Not proteins can affect decapping, which suggests a possible link between the mRNA deadenylation and decapping machinery.
Modeling physical layer protocols using communicating finite state machines

We illustrate the usefulness of communicating finite state machines in modeling a number of physical layer protocols that include (i) an asynchronous start-stop protocol and (ii) a protocol for synchronous transmission with modems. Each protocol is modeled as a network of four finite state machines that communicate by exchanging messages over unbounded, FIFO channels. (Two machines are used to model the protocol itself, while the other two are used to model its interface to the upper data link protocol in the protocol hierarchy.) We outline a methodology to verify communication boundedness and progress for each protocol model. The methodology is based on three techniques that were proposed earlier to verify networks of communicating finite state machines; they are network decomposition, machine equivalence, and closed covers.
Beyond achievement and attainment studies—revitalizing a comparative sociology of education

Studies of academic achievement and educational and occupational mobility constitute mainstream educational sociology. The key questions and main findings within these research traditions are identified, emphasizing both stable cross‐national generalizations as well as cross‐national contexts which lead to variable outcomes. To illustrate, family background is clearly related to academic achievement cross‐nationally, but there is much cross‐national variation in the relationship between achievement and aspirations. A comparative cross‐national perspective adds to our understanding of how and why standard educational variables are related to one another. To revitalize the sociology of education, however, requires going beyond its established research traditions. In this spirit the second part of this paper explores questions about the changing logic of citizenship and its ‘terms of inclusion’ implications for schooling. I also examine the rise of valorized diversity and its influence on the changing charac...
Synthesis and characterization of the thermodynamic and electrochemical properties of tetra-alkyl phosphonium oxalate ionic liquids

Ionic liquids (ILs) are attractive alternatives to water, high temperature molten salts or conventional organic solvents for electrodeposition of technologically important metals. Designing ILs containing functional groups specifically targeted to interact with or even chelate metals, such as carboxylate, may increase the metal solubility and affect thermodynamic and electrochemical properties. This paper reports the synthesis and characterization of three ionic liquids comprised of one or two tetra-alkyl phosphonium cations paired with a hydrogen oxalate or oxalate anion, with the general formula [(PRRRR′)x][C2O4H2−x], R = 4,6 and R′ = 4, 14. These compounds were characterized by 1H, 13C, 31P NMR, and Raman spectroscopy. Electrochemical windows, electrical conductivities, densities and viscosities were also determined experimentally. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed decomposition temperatures above 200 °C and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis revealed that the two [(P66614)x][C2O4H2−x] salts have similar glass transition temperatures while [(P4444)2][C2O4] has a melting point above room temperature. Raman and powder X-ray diffraction spectroscopy confirm that Nd2O3 dissolves and complexes with [P66614][C2O4].
Impact of IgA Constant Domain on HIV-1 Neutralizing Function of Monoclonal Antibody F425A1g8

With the majority of HIV infections resulting from mucosal transmission, induction of an effective mucosal immune response is thought to be pivotal in preventing transmission. HIV-specific IgA, but not IgG, has been detected in the genital tract, seminal fluid, urethral swabs, urine, and vaginal wash samples of HIV-negative sex workers and HIV-status discordant couples. Purified mucosal and plasma IgA from some individuals with highly exposed, persistently seronegative status can neutralize infection and present cross-clade neutralization activity, though present at low levels. We generated a CD4-induced human mAb, F425A1g8, and characterized the impact of its isotype variants on HIV neutralizing activity. The result showed that, in contrast to little neutralization by the F425A1g8 IgG1 in the absence of sCD4, the IgA1 variant of the Ab displayed significant independent neutralization activity against a range of HIV clade B isolates in the absence of sCD4. Studies of the neutralizing function of IgA isotypes, and the functional relationship between different antigenic epitopes and IgA Abs, may also suggest strategies for the intervention of virus transmission and spread within the mucosa of the host, as well as serve to inform the design of vaccine strategies that may be more effective at preventing mucosal transmission. This research clearly suggests that IgA isotype, because of its unique molecular structure, may play an important role in HIV neutralization.
Awareness, Perception, and Knowledge of Heart Disease Risk and Prevention Among Women in the United States

Context One of 2 women in the United States dies of heart disease or stroke, yet women are underdiagnosed and undertreated for these diseases and their risk factors. Informed decisions to prevent heart disease and stroke depend on awareness of risk factors and knowledge of behaviors to prevent or detect these diseases. Objective Assess (1) knowledge of risks of heart disease and stroke and (2) perceptions of heart disease and its prevention among women in the United States. Design and setting Telephone survey conducted in 1997 of US households, including an oversample of African American and Hispanic women. Participants One thousand respondents 25 years or older; 65.8% white, 13.0% African American, and 12.6% Hispanic. Main outcome measures Knowledge of heart disease and stroke risks, perceptions of heart disease, and knowledge of symptoms and preventive measures. Results Only 8% of the respondents identified heart disease and stroke as their greatest health concerns; less than 33% identified heart disease as the leading cause of death. More women aged 25 to 44 years identified breast cancer as the leading cause of death than women 65 years or older. Women aged 25 to 44 years indicated they were not well informed about heart disease and stroke. Although 90% of the women reported that they would like to discuss heart disease or risk reduction with their physicians, more than 70% reported that they had not. Conclusions Most women do not perceive that heart disease is a substantial health concern and report that they are not well informed about their risk. Age influenced knowledge to a greater extent than ethnicity. Programs directed at young women that address the effects of lifestyle behaviors on long-term health are needed. Better communication between physicians and patients is also warranted.
Pelvic fractures following irradiation for endometrial carcinoma

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the incidence and etiologic factors of pelvic fractures following radiation therapy for endometrial carcinoma. Methods and Materials: Tumor registry and radiation oncology records of patients treated for endometrial carcinoma at The Toledo Hospital between April 1989, and December 1992, were reviewed. Patients identified as having pelvic fractures without the presence of metastatic disease underwent total body mineral density measurement with dual x-ray densitometry. Results: Two of 75 patients (2.7%) were found to have pelvic fractures an average of 29 months from the completion of postoperative irradiation. One patient, who received preoperative irradiation, was also identified as having developed a fracture of the pelvis and was included in the analysis. All patients were treated prone with 10–15 MV photons in four fields daily. All three fracture patients received 45 Gy external beam radiation therapy. The two postoperative patients each received a single vaginal brachytherapy application delivering 20 Gy to 0.5 cm deep to the vaginal mucosa with a vaginal cylinder containing 30 mgRaeq 137 Cs. The preoperative patient received a single brachytherapy application with tandem and colpostats delivering 20 Gy to point A. Only one of the three fracture patients had the entire pubis included in the field of external beam treatment. One patient was taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, one patient thyroid hormone replacement, and one patient was taking both types of medication. Conclusion: The etiology of pelvic fractures after irradation is multifactorial. A complete medication history should be obtained, and care should be exercised in positioning the radiation fields to avoid inclusion of the entire pubis prior to the iniation of the radiation treatment.
Role of Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase in Anti-IgM- and Anti-IgD-Induced Apoptosis in B Cell Lymphomas

Cross-linking of surface Ig receptors with anti IgM (anti-μ heavy chain, anti-μ), but not anti-IgD (anti-δ heavy chain, anti-δ), Abs leads to growth arrest and apoptosis in several extensively characterized B cell lymphomas. By poorly understood mechanisms, both Igs transiently stimulate c-Myc protein expression. However, ultimately, only anti-μ causes a severe loss in c-Myc and a large induction of p27Kip1 protein expression. Because phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) has been established as a major modulator of cellular growth and survival, we investigated its role in mediating anti-Ig-stimulated outcomes. Herein, we show that PI3K pathways regulate cell cycle progression and apoptosis in the ECH408 B cell lymphoma. Anti-μ and anti-δ driven c-Myc protein changes precisely follow their effects on the PI3K effector, p70S6K. Upstream of p70S6K, signaling through both Ig receptors depresses PI3K pathway phospholipids below control with time, which is followed by p27Kip1 induction. Conversely, anti-δ, but not anti-μ stimulated PI3K-dependent phospholipid return to control levels by 4–8 h. Abrogation of the PI3K pathway with specific inhibitors mimics anti-μ action, potentiates anti-μ-induced cell death and, importantly, converts anti-δ to a death signal. Transfection with active PI3K kinase construct induces anti-μ resistance, whereas transfection with dominant negative PI3K augments anti-μ sensitivity. Our results show that prolonged disengagement of PI3K or down-regulation of its products by anti-μ (and not anti-δ) determines B cell fate.
Filtering and Control of Jump Processes

This paper presents results in the filtering and control of jump processes. The paper is divided into three parts. The first part consists of a precise definition of jump processes and a characterization of the set of all martingales generated by a jump process. Essentially, a jump process is any piecewise-constant process with values in an arbitrary state space such that all the jumps are totally inaccessible and such that every sample path has only a countable number of discontinuities. The generated martingales are described by exhibiting a set of “basis” martingales and showing that all the other martingales are stochastic integrals of the basis martingales.
Immunosuppression with Cyclophosphamide Does Not Prevent Demyelination or Result in Uncontrolled Viral Replication in Coronavirus SD Infected Mice

Coronavirus SD following intracerebral inoculation has been shown to precipitate demyelination in the brains and spinal cords of weanling mice (1). Demyelination occurs at a time when virus cannot be isolated and some areas of demyelination are associated with a perivascular inflammatory response. Also, IgG is present in demyelinated areas. Since demyelination may be immunologically mediated, this study evaluates the effect of immunosuppression with cyclophosphamide (CY) on demyelination and viral replication.
The famine syndrome: Its definition for relief and rehabilitation in Bangladesh

The present definition of famine which emphasizes epidemic malnutrition and starvation deaths should expand to include the broader spectrum of earlier symptoms. An example from Dacca City confirms the presently accepted definition, but a second example from a famine affected area of rural Bangladesh illustrates the potential of monitoring earlier indicators. Concurrent with the change in emphasis in defining famine will come the move from belated doles of food relief towards prevention and rehabilitation through rural development.
Children's Obligatory and Discretionary Moral Judgments.

This study examined children's obligatory moral judgments (which reflect a moral requirement) and discretionary moral judgments (which reflect moral worthiness, but not a requirement). 72 children participated across grades 2, 5, and 8 (mean ages, 8-3, 11-0, and 13-11). Children were interviewed in response to stimulus stories that controlled for the degree of agent's cost (low and high) for performing positive moral acts (giving money for food to an impoverished, hungry person) and negative moral acts (not stealing money for food). Results showed that negative moral acts were more often conceived as obligatory than positive moral acts. In addition, the results support the proposition that children's concepts of obligation underlie judgments to codify law, that justice reasoning builds on concepts of welfare, and that with increasing age discretionary moral reasoning incorporates such character traits as benevolence, sacrifice, and supererogation. Discussion includes consideration of how the study's conceptualization and analysis can provide guidance to a moral-developmental research program.