cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aggression in Indian folk tales and personal violence (suicide and homicide).

Kakar (1974) rated 160 folk tales from seven provinces in India for the number of aggressive incidents per 1000 words. The present author obtained the suicide and homicide rates for the same seven provinces for 1980, through the help of Deepak Vohra of the Embassy of India, Washington, DC. The seven provinces were Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Orissa, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. For each province the suicide rate, homicide rate, and aggression index were, respectively: Gujarat (4.72, 2.92, and 0.46), U~ar Pradesh (3.57, 5.12, and 0.44), Bengal (12.95, 2.39, and 0.31), Orissa (8.90, 1.91, and 0.31), Rajasthan (1.83, 2.43, and 0.27), Tamil Nadu (9.96, 2.67, and 0.25), and Maharashtra (4.63, 2.62, and 0.23). The Spearman rho between the aggression index and the suicide rate was only 0.01 and between the aggression index and the homicide rate 0.31. Thus, there was no association in this study between aggression content of folk tales of a region and rates of personal violence as measured. REFERENCE
A murine ortholog of the human serpin SCCA2 maps to chromosome 1 and inhibits chymotrypsin-like serine proteinases

Abstract Squamous cell carcinoma antigens (SCCA) 1 and 2 are inhibitory members of the high-molecular-weight serine proteinase inhibitor (serpin) family. The biological functions of SCCA1 and 2 are unknown. One approach to determining the function of human proteins is to study orthologs in other species, such as the mouse. The purpose of this study was to determine whether orthologs to human SCCA1 or 2 exist in the mouse. We report the identification and characterization of a novel serpin, sqn5 (now designated Scca2 ). Comparative amino acid sequence analysis suggests that Scca2 is a member of the ov-serpin subfamily of serpins with highest homology to SCCA1 and SCCA2. Fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed that the Scca2 mapped near Bcl2 on mouse chromosome 1. This region is syntenic with the human locus for SCCA1 and SCCA2 on 18q21.3. The tissue expression patterns as determined by RT-PCR showed a restricted distribution. Scca2 was detected in the lung, thymus, skin, and uterus, as are SCCA1 and SCCA2. Unlike the SCCAs, however, Scca2 was detected also in the gastrointestinal tract. Enzyme-inhibition assays using a GST–SCCA2 fusion protein revealed that SCCA2 inhibited chymotrypsin-like serine proteinases, but not papain-like cysteine proteinases. SCCA2 inhibited CTSG at 1:1 stoichiometry and with a second-order rate constant of k ass = 1.7 × 10 5 M −1 s −1 . SCCA2 also inhibited human mast cell chymase but the stoichiometry was 2:1, and the second-order rate constant was k ass = 0.9 × 10 4 M −1 s −1 . This inhibitory profile is identical to that observed for human SCCA2. Based on these findings, Scca2 appears to be the murine ortholog of human SCCA2.
Linking Notch signaling, chromatin remodeling, and T-cell leukemogenesis.

Intercellular communication that controls the developmental fate of multipotent cells is commonly mediated by the Notch family of transmembrane receptors. Specific transmembrane ligands activate Notch receptors on neighboring cells inducing the proteolytic liberation and nuclear translocation of the intracellular domain of Notch (N(IC)). Nuclear N(IC) associates with a transcriptional repressor known as C-promoter binding factor/RBP-J kappa, suppressor of hairless, or LAG-1, converting it from a repressor into an activator. Through physical interactions with chromatin remodeling enzymes and potentially with components of the transcriptional machinery, N(IC) activates target genes that mediate cell fate decisions. As Notch1 is disrupted via a chromosomal translocation in a subset of human T-cell leukemia, leading to a truncated polypeptide resembling N(IC), deregulated chromatin remodeling and transcription may fuel uncontrolled cell proliferation in this hematopoietic malignancy. This review summarizes the mechanics of Notch signaling and focuses on prospective molecular mechanisms for how constitutively active Notch might derail nuclear processes as an initiating step in T-cell leukemogenesis. J. Cell. Biochem. Suppl. 35:46-53, 2000.
Comparison of Snow Deposition, the Snow Cover Energy Balance, and Snowmelt at Two Sites in a Semiarid Mountain Basin

Abstract Significant differences in snow deposition, development of the seasonal snow cover, and the timing of melt can occur over small spatial distances because of differences in topographically controlled wind exposure and canopy cover. To capture important intrabasin hydrological processes related to heterogeneous snow cover and energy inputs, models must explicitly account for these differences. The “SNOBAL” point snow cover energy and mass balance model is used to evaluate differences in snow cover energy and mass balance at two sites in a small headwater drainage of the Reynolds Creek Experimental Watershed (RCEW) in the Owyhee Mountains of southwestern Idaho. Though these sites are separated by only 350 m, they are located in distinctly different snow cover regimes. The “ridge” site (elevation 2097 m) is located on a broad shelf on the southern ridge of RCEW, and the “grove” site (elevation 2061 m) is sheltered by topography and forest canopy in a grove of aspen and fir trees just in the lee of th...
Conductivity of Kondo-type systems in the presence of crystal fields

By starting with the expression for the conductivity of Kondo-type systems in the presence of crystal fields as calculated by the Kubo formalism, we derive the expression found from the Boltzmann equation. To rewrite the compact Kubo expression in the more cumbersome expression found in the semiclassical Boltzmann approach, we use a generalization of the optical theorem to finite-temperature propagators. Also, we calculate the conductivity through third order in the coupling constant J=${V}^{2}$/${E}_{f}$ and obtain agreement with previous results.
Failures of Imagination: Stuck and Out of Luck in the American Metropolis

Ethical choice and action in the built environment are complicated by the fact that moral agents often get stuck as they pursue their goals. A common way of getting stuck has its roots in human cognition: the failure of moral imagination, which shows most clearly when moral agents stand on either side of a sharp cultural divide, like the traditional divide between city and suburb. Being stuck is akin to bad moral luck: it is a situation beyond the control of the moral agent for which that agent might nevertheless be held responsible.
Surface Over-Melt during Laser Polishing of Indirect-SLS Metal Parts

Laser polishing of indirect-SLS parts made from 420 stainless powder infiltrated with bronze has been achieved using CO2 and Nd:YAG lasers. Two mechanisms have been previously proposed for the reduction in surface roughness, namely: shallow surface melting (SMM) and surface over-melt (SOM). In SMM reflow of the molten surface minimizes the peak-valley height driven by capillary pressure and liquid curvature. On the other hand, during SOM the melting depth is such that the entire surface becomes liquid and formation of surface periodical structures dominates driven by a surface tension gradient. This surface morphology was identified by means of optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The onset of this regime is dictated by the energy density (i.e., ratio of laser power to scan speed and beam diameter) as well as the initial roughness Ra value prior to laser surface polishing. In contrast with SMM, onset of the latter mechanism increases the roughness Ra with speed reduction. A thermo-physical model is presented, signaling good agreement with roughness Ra and characteristic surface wavelength results obtained for varying laser beam scan speeds. Understanding the surface over-melt mechanism is critical for determining the optimum polishing conditions that minimize roughness.
Some general features of digital data acquisition systems

Digital data acquisition systems make use of a single measuring system to obtain data from many inputs and record the results for future use. Such systems usually accept analogue inputs and incorporate equipment for conversion to digital form. A typical system is described followed by details of the more novel techniques used in the major sub-units. The ways in which such systems are employed are also discussed.
Transient Responses Incorporating Products Formation

Applying the concept that microbes utilize the organic substances in the influent, generate metabolic products, and reutilize these products in a typical activated sludge system, a double substrate model is proposed. In this model, system dynamic equations on biomass, primary substrate, and metabolic products are developed. These equations relate the microbial kinetics and pertinent process variables. The developed model simulates the time‐dependent respones of the effluent COD, residual primary substrate, and metabolic products in the effluent under step input loadings.
The APC tumor suppressor is required for epithelial integrity in the mouse mammary gland.

Inactivation of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) tumor suppressor has been associated with mammary tumorigenesis in mouse models and through epidemiological studies of human breast cancers, but the normal role for APC in mammary development has not been thoroughly characterized. We report here that ApcMin/+ mice containing one functional allele of Apc have severely disrupted lobuloalveolar development during pregnancy and lactation, time points at which Apc gene expression is at its highest levels in normal mice. This phenotype was accompanied by altered proliferation during pregnancy and involution, increased apoptosis throughout lactation, the formation of preneoplastic lesions and changes in specific genes associated with each of these processes. Neither modifications in β-catenin localization, nor the expression of β-catenin transcriptional target genes, were observed in ApcMin/+ mammary tissues; however, tissues from lactating ApcMin/+ mice had a significantly altered epithelial architecture, including disrupted localization of junctional proteins and polarization. Consistent with these findings, APC knockdown in non-transformed mouse mammary epithelial cells in vitro resulted in altered monolayer formation and proliferation without changes in β-catenin-mediated transcription. These results suggest that APC expression is tightly regulated during mammary gland development and is required for normal mammary homeostasis and tumor suppression primarily through maintaining epithelial integrity. J. Cell. Physiol. 220: 319–331, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Negotiating Intractable Conflict: The Common Ground Dialogue Process and Abortion

This article describes a dialogue process used in several North American cities to address conflict over abortion. Participants report increased empathy and trust toward advocates far different positions after spending a day in small and large group interactions. Limitations of the process and its applicability to other divisive social issues are considered.
Rapid detection of polyethylene glycol sonolysis upon functionalization of carbon nanomaterials

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and related polymers are often used in the functionalization of carbon nanomaterials in procedures that involve sonication. However, PEG is very sensitive to sonolytic degradation and PEG degradation products can be toxic to mammalian cells. Thus, it is imperative to assess potential PEG degradation to ensure that the final material does not contain undocumented contaminants that can introduce artifacts into experimental results. Described here is a simple and inexpensive polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis method to detect the sonolytic degradation of PEG. The method was used to monitor the integrity of PEG phospholipid constructs and branched chain PEGs after different sonication times. This approach not only helps detect degraded PEG, but should also facilitate rapid screening of sonication parameters to find optimal conditions that minimize PEG damage.
Mixing of non-Newtonian fluids in steadily forced systems.

We investigate mixing in a viscoelastic and shear-thinning fluid---a very common combination in polymers and suspensions. We find that competition between elastic and viscous forces generates self-similar mixing, lobe transport, and other characteristics of chaos. The mechanism by which chaos is produced is evaluated both in experiments and in a simple model. We find that chaotic flow is generated by spontaneous oscillations, the magnitude and frequency of which govern the extent of chaos and mixing.
Penetration experiments for normal impact into geological targets

Abstract A laboratory procedure, which determines resultant forces on penetrators for normal impact into geological targets, is explored. Seven experiments were conducted with conical-nosed penetrators impacted by foundry core targets (a simulated soft sandstone). Rigid body velocity of the penetrators was measured with laser interferometry and maximum decelerations and resultant forces were obtained from these data. It is concluded that this laboratory procedure can help evaluate the validity or the weaknesses of theoretical models.
Evidence of V − centers in trivalent rare-earth doped MgS

A thermoluminescence (TL) peak near 80 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C is observed in MgS singly doped with a different trivalent rare-earth ion (${\mathrm{Sm}}^{3+}$, ${\mathrm{Ce}}^{3+}$, ${\mathrm{Tb}}^{3+}$) and exposed to ionizing radiation at room temperature. It appears that the ${V}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ center, as in alkaline-earth oxides, is the origin of the TL peak. A suggested mechanism of charge trapping to explain the observed results is that the electrons are trapped at the trivalent ions and the holes at the vacancies. On heating the sample over 100 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C, thermal destructions of the ${V}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ centers occur, and the released holes recombine with the trapped electrons at the ${\mathrm{Sm}}^{3+}$ (${\mathrm{Ce}}^{3+}$, ${\mathrm{Tb}}^{3+}$) ions, leading to the luminescence that is characteristic of ${\mathrm{Sm}}^{3+}$ (${\mathrm{Ce}}^{3+}$, ${\mathrm{Tb}}^{3+}$) ions.
Spectroelectrochemical titrations and cyclic voltammetry of methyl pheophorbide in acid: Possible role of pheophytin enol iminium in the primary process of PS II

Abstract In this paper we examine methyl pheophorbide (MP), a model of pheophytin l , with UV-visible spectroelectrochemistry and cyclic votammetry in aprotic solvent with varying molar equivalents of acid. Our results provide evidence for the formation of the monocation of MP and its electrochemically generated radical. The spectroelectrochemical experiments furnished information about the products at equilibrium at each applied potential. In addition, when only one equivalent of acid was used, an isosbestic point was observed from the spectra taken at different potentials, thus supporting the interconversion of MP monocation and the radical. While the E°′'s for the two redox couples of MP in acid free solution were −0.66 V and 0.88 V vs. the acetonitrile/calomel reference, after one mole of nonaqueous acid was added, the first E°′, shifted from −0.66 to −0.55 V. Protonation of MP, apparently to yield the monocation, facilitates reduction by 0.11 V. It is known that the chlorophyll pair in the excited state effects electron transfer to pheophytinL which is then followed by electron transfer to a quinone. In contrast, pheophytinM is apparently not involved in electron transfer. One key difference between these pheophytins is that the former may convert to the iminium form during enolization. In addition to a discussion of the electrochemical results, a hypothesis is advanced for a role of pheophytin enol iminium in the photosynthetic primary process.
Mechanical debulking versus balloon angioplasty for the treatment of true bifurcation lesions

AbstractObjectives. The purpose of this study was to compare the immediate angiographic and long-term results of debulking versus balloon angioplasty for treatment of true bifurcation lesions.Backg...
Measurement of particle dose distribution in a model of a human larynx and tracheobronchial tree

Abstract Monodisperse ammonium fluorescein aerosols were deposited in combined replica human larynx casts and single-pathway tracheobronchial (TB) models. These new TB models permit control of airflow rates in airways, are constructed following anatomical measurements, and are expendable for quantification of aerosol deposition. Larynx configurations corresponded to steady inspiratory flow rates of 15, 30 and 601/min. Particle sizes ranged from 1.9 to 6.7 μm. Total larynx and TB deposition measurements are expressed in terms of a single parameter, the particle Stokes number. Intratracheobronchial dose distributions indicated large tracheal losses attributed to the laryngeal jet. Some airway bifurcations were sites of enhanced deposition. Such “hot spots” indicate high dosage to human airway cells and have important inhalation toxicology and aerosol therapy implications. Findings are in agreement with aerosol deposition data from replica TB casts and human inhalation exposure tests, which suggest that the single-pathway TB model is suitable for use in studies of factors effecting aerosol behavior and deposition in the human.
Evaluation of etched borosilicate glass capillary columns in reversed phase open tubular liquid chromatography

The performance of etched borosilicate capillary columns with a bonded octadecyl stationary phase has been examined. Plate heights for three test compounds in columns with inner diameters between 6.5 and 14.6 μm were measured as a function of mobile phase velocity. The reduced plate height vs. reduced velocity curves were then fit to the Golay equation using nonlinear regression analysis. It was found that in addition to longitudinal diffusion in the mobile phase, longitudinal diffusion in the stationary phase was a significant contributor to broadening at low mobile phase flow rates. At higher flow rates, resistance to mass transfer in the stagnant mobile phase in the porous glass produced by the etching procedure became measurable.
Design, Construction, and Evaluation of a Stormwater Control Measure Treatment Train

Stormwater is a leading pollutant, which may be mitigated by stormwater control measures (SCMs) in urban, suburban and rural areas. While there have been many studies demonstrating the positive performance of SCMs, these measures are designed as individual components to meet regulatory requirements. When placed in series, SCMs can possibly prevent failure due to poor design, construction and maintenance by adding redundancy to the system. Stormwater manuals suggest placing SCMs in series, but there has been minimal research on how to accurately account for the benefits. The present research describes the design concept, construction and early-stage evaluation of a SCM treatment train that consists of a vegetated swale, bioinfiltration rain gardens and an infiltration trench. A SCM treatment train was designed to answer several questions, including quantifying the quality and quantity impact of SCMs in series, the maintenance requirements, if there is a minimum expected level for water quality, and the design recommendations.
Dual-Level Direct Dynamics of the Hydroxyl Radical Reaction with Ethane and Haloethanes: Toward a General Reaction Parameter Method

The dynamics of hydroxyl radical reactions with ethane, fluoroethane, and chloroethane have been examined in terms of variational transition state theory augmented with multidimensional semiclassical tunneling corrections. Differences in reactivity for hydrogen abstraction from both the primary and the secondary carbon atoms are examined in terms of energetic and entropic effects on the location of the dynamical bottleneck. Interpolated variational transition state theory is used to calculate reaction rate constants at the [G2(MP2)//MP2/6-31G(d,p)]/SCT level of theory. A vibrational-mode correlation analysis is performed; i.e., the character of the vibrational modes are identified as a function of the reaction coordinate and a statistical diabatic model is used to provide qualitative analysis of a possible vibrational-state specific chemistry for this reaction. A significant enhancement of the reaction rate is predicted for the excitation of the pertinent C−H stretching mode of the reactant hydrocarbon mo...
Cholesterol and Cholesteryl Esters of Eggs from Various Avian Species

Abstract A method was developed to analyze the cholesterol and cholesteryl esters of egg yolk by gas liquid chromatography (GLC). After the cholesteryl ester fraction was isolated by chromatography on a silica gel (Hi-Flosil) column, individual esters were quantitatively separated and determined by GLC on glass columns packed with SP-2340. The cholesterol content and nature of the cholesteryl esters in eggs from various avian species were determined. Birds were classified according to feeding habits as follows: 1) domestic fowl eating grain and plant materials –White Leghorn chicken, Silver-penciled Plymouth Rock chicken, turkey, Japanese quail; 2) wild plant-eating birds–ring-necked dove, grackle, peacock; 3) wild birds eating aquatic plants and animals–mallard duck, black duck; 4) wild aquatic carnivorous birds–laughing gull, brown pelican, great black-backed gull, black-crowned night heron; 5) wild mammal-eating birds–barn owl. Although egg size varied from 7 to 121 g, total cholesterol content ranged only from 12 to 25 mg/g yolk. Cholesterol present as ester ranged from 1 to 26% in the 14 birds studied. Most of the cholesterol present as ester was esterified to 18:1 or 18:2 fatty acids. Analysis of yolk lipid indicated that the fatty acids were comprised mainly of 16- and 18-carbon fatty acids. The predominant order of concentration in all species was 18:1>16:0>18:2. There was no consitent pattern in egg cholesterol content or in the percentage of cholesteryl esters in the species studied. Differences existed, however, in the composition of the cholesteryl esters and in the composition of egg yolk fatty acids that distinguished one bird species with particular feeding habits from another.
53Mn-53Cr Dating of Fayalite Formation in the CV3 Chondrite Mokoia: Evidence for Asteroidal Alteration

Fayalite grains in chondrules in the oxidized, aqueously altered CV3 chondrite Mokoia have large excesses of radiogenic chromium-53. These excesses indicate the in situ decay of short-lived manganese-53 (half-life = 3.7 million years) and define an initial53Mn/55Mn ratio of 2.32 (±0.18) × 10–6. This ratio is comparable to values for carbonates in CI and CM chondrites and for several classes of differentiated meteorites. Mokoia fayalites formed 7 to 16 million years after Allende calcium-aluminum–rich inclusions, during hydrothermal activity on a geologically active asteroid after chondritic components had ceased forming in the solar nebula.
Preliminary chemical correlation between chromites and the containing rocks

It is proposed that chemical analyses of chromites be expressed in terms of normative chromite, (Mg, Fe)Cr204 , spinel, (Mg, Pe)Al204, and magnetite, Fe3O4, with the ratio of MgO to total FeO, thus: Cr60Al35Mt5 (Mg61Fe39). Since the magnetite and FeO can be readily calculated by difference, the formula in most instances can be shortened to Cr60Al35(Mg61). All spinel analyses must be reduced to this form for plotting on the triangular prism of composition described by Stevens, and for ready comparison with the silicates associated with them.
Dietary protein requirement of juvenile golden shiners (Notemigonus crysoleucas) and goldfish (Carassius auratus) in aquaria

Abstract Two feeding trials were conducted to establish the dietary protein level required to optimize weight gain, feed efficiency, survival, protein efficiency ratio (PER) and whole-body protein of juvenile golden shiners and goldfish. The individual average initial weight of both golden shiners and goldfish was 0.2 g. Semipurified diets contained 21.2, 25.3, 28.9, 31.1 or 34.5% protein from a combination of fish meal and casein. Estimated available energy of the diets averaged 2.8 kcal/g, based on digestible energy values of these feed ingredients for catfish. Golden shiners and goldfish were raised in flow-through aquaria with a water temperature of 25±2°C for 6–8 weeks. Weight gain and feed efficiency were best in fish fed diets containing 28.9% protein or more in all experiments. The PER values declined in fish fed diets containing more than 28.9%. Survival was independent of diet, and whole-body protein was not a reliable indicator of protein requirement. There were no differences in requirements attributable to fish species. Quantitative protein requirements of golden shiners and goldfish were similar to those reported for other warmwater species. The calculated dietary energy/protein ratio that supported best performance of these baitfish (9.7 kcal/g) was similar to that reported for other warmwater species. Because golden shiners and goldfish fed diets containing 29% protein showed optimal performance in the absence of natural food, the use of feeds containing 32% protein in pond culture of these fish does not seem warranted, especially because they derive significant amounts of nutrients from pond biota.
Additional indicator plants for potato spindle tuber virus

Thirteen hybrids ofLycopersicon esculentum Mill. (tomato) and threeLycopersicon species proved susceptible to sap inoculation with the potato spindle tuber virus (PSTV). These hosts showed the characteristic symptoms of epinasty and rugosity of the leaves, vein necrosis of leaves and petioles, and some stem necrosis. No local lesions were observed. These hybrids and species can possibly then be used as additional hosts showing systemic symptoms of the virus in addition to the most commonly used indicator, tomato cultivar Rutgers.
Educational Implications of Costello Syndrome: The Team Approach.

Since the 1990s the number of children with disabilities placed within the general education classroom has steadily increased. Many of these children are provided special education services under the generic disability title “intellectual disability.” Over the past decade, there has been a significant amount of research concerning rare genetic syndromes that result in separating developmental disabilities into categories using similar origins and characteristics. Costello syndrome is one of these rare syndromes. Although information is available to medical practitioners, it has seldom been communicated to educators. The authors have taken the available data and, using a team approach, made recommendations for involving medical and health professionals in educating students with Costello syndrome.
Investigations into the capabilities of switchgrass to phytoremediate atrazine contamination in surface water runoff

Extensive use of the agricultural herbicide atrazine has led to contamination of numerous ground and surface water bodies. Research has shown that it can have a variety of negative impacts on numerous non-target organisms in the environment. Phytoremediation is one strategy that has been studied to remove atrazine contamination. This paper investigates the hypothesis that switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) can exude metabolites of atrazine after uptake and degradation, which has been suggested by prior research. Pots planted with switchgrass were treated with a 4 ppm solution of atrazine spiked with [C]atrazine. After 4 days, switchgrass plants were transplanted to new pots with fresh sand. Four days later, the pots were sacrificed, and sand and plant samples were extracted. Plant and sand samples were analyzed for the presence of atrazine and its major metabolites. The percentage of atrazine present was observed to decrease over the course of the study while the metabolites were observed to increase. The presence of the metabolite cyanuric acid in a phytoremediation system is reported for the first time. INTRODUCTION The triazine herbicide atrazine has been one of the most widely used herbicides in the agricultural industry for control broadleaf weeds, mainly in corn, sorghum, and sugarcane
Determination of ethylene oxide in surgical materials by vacuum extraction and gas chromatography.

A method for the determination of ethylene oxide sterilized plastic is described. The ethylene oxide is extracted from the plastic by vacuum and condensed in a cold trap. The gas is subsequently analyzed by GLC. Other methods are compared.
Palaeo-oceanography: Deepwater variability in the Holocene epoch

The conversion of surface water to deep water in the North Atlantic results in the release of heat from the ocean to the atmosphere, which may have amplified millennial-scale climate variability during glacial times1 and could even have contributed to the past 11,700 years of relatively mild climate (known as the Holocene epoch)2,3,4. Here we investigate changes in the carbon-isotope composition of benthic foraminifera throughout the Holocene and find that deep-water production varied on a centennial–millennial timescale. These variations may be linked to surface and atmospheric events that hint at a contribution to climate change over this period.
Entry of sodium-24 in isolated rabbit atria.

ACETYLCHOLINE has been shown to increase potassium permeability in myocardial tissues1–3. Its effect on transport of sodium, however, is inconclusive. Earlier flux studies3,4 and, more recently, microelectrode studies5–7 suggest that acetylcholine (ACh) may have an effect on entry of sodium during the rising phase of the action potential. This communication deals with the effect of ACh on the rate of net entry of sodium-24 in isolated rabbit atria under different stimulus frequencies. The results presented may explain some of the findings of other investigators working on the effect of ACh, using the microelectrode technique.
Limitations and Complications in the Utilization of Stereotaxic Core Breast Biopsy

: Stereotaxic core biopsy of the breast is becoming an increasingly utilized tool for the diagnosis of breast disease without surgery. It can increase the speed and decrease the cost and deformity associated with diagnosis. However, some shortcomings in the procedure exist and radiologists and patients should be aware of these. Lesions that are in thin areas of the breast or close to the skin may be difficult t o biopsy with this technique. Lesions near the chest wall or in the axilla may be inaccessible with some equipment, especially prone tables. Small lesions may be totally removed, making localization of the area for wider surgical excision difficult if they are malignant. Some types of calcifications may be difficult t o sample. Certain histologies require wider surgical excision when diagnosed with core biopsy. These include ductal atypia and radial scars. Areas of invasion associated with duct carcinoma in situ (DCIS) may be missed on core sampling. Major complications are rare and include bleeding and infection. Minor complications are ecchymosis, pain, and inability t o return t o normal activities for a day or more.
Simultaneous Measurement of ΔpH and Electron Transport in Chloroplast Thylakoids by 9-Aminoacridine Fluorescence

Electron transport and the electrochemical proton gradient across the thylakoid membrane are two fundamental parameters of photosynthesis. A combination of the electron acceptor, ferricyanide and the ΔpH indicator, 9-aminoacridine, was used to measure simultaneously electron transport rates and ΔpH solely by changes in the fluorescence of 9-aminoacridine. This method yields values for the rate of electron transport that are comparable with those obtained by established methods. Using this method a relationship between the rate of electron transport and ΔpH at various uncoupler concentrations or light intensities was obtained. In addition, the method was used to study the effect of reducing the disulfide bridge in the γ-subunit of the chloroplast ATP synthase on the relation of electron transport to ΔpH. When the ATP synthase is reduced and alkylated, the threshold ΔpH at which the ATP synthase becomes leaky to protons is lower compared with the oxidized enzyme. Proton flow through the enzyme at a lower ΔpH may be a key step in initiation of ATP synthesis in the reduced enzyme and may be the way by which reduction of the disulfide bridge in the γ-subunit enables high rates of ATP synthesis at low ΔpH values.
Relation of body mass index to frequency of recurrent preterm birth in women treated with 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate

Objective The standard weekly dose of 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17OHP-C; 250 mg/wk) to reduce the risk of recurrent preterm birth was adopted without regard to patient characteristics. We examined the relationship between prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational age at birth after 17OHP-C prophylaxis. We hypothesized that rates of births before 32, 35, and 37 weeks of gestation would be increased in women with a BMI of 25 kg/m 2 or greater. Study Design A retrospective cohort study was conducted from a deidentified database of women treated with 17OHP-C for prior spontaneous preterm birth. The frequency of recurrent preterm delivery before 32, 35, and 37 weeks of gestation was investigated for women with a BMI less than 25 kg/m 2 compared with women with a BMI of 25 kg/m 2 or greater. The adjusted relative risk of preterm delivery was estimated through a modified Poisson regression approach. Results Of 390 women who met inclusion criteria, 60 (15.4%) delivered before 32 weeks, 89 (22.8%) before 35 weeks, and 156 (40.0%) before 37 weeks. A total of 174 women had a BMI less than 25 kg/m 2 (mean [SD], 21.2 [2.5]) and 216 had a BMI of 25 kg/m 2 or greater (mean [SD], 33.5 [6.7]). Risk of birth before 32 weeks was 1.7 times higher on average (adjusted relative risk, 1.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.05–2.77) in overweight women than in women with a BMI less than 25 kg/m 2 , adjusting for age, race, smoking, and short cervix. There was no difference in the risk of preterm birth before 35 or 37 weeks. Conclusion Among pregnant women receiving 17OHP-C prophylaxis for a prior preterm birth, recurrent preterm birth before 32 weeks was significantly more common in those women whose prepregnancy BMI was 25 kg/m 2 or greater than in women with BMI less than 25 kg/m 2 . This observation is consistent with pharmacological studies suggesting that dosing regimens of 17OHP-C may affect efficacy.
Environment-dependent optical scattering of cuprous oxide microcrystals in liquid dispersions and Langmuir–Blodgett films

Optical properties of semiconductor materials are important for their broad applications, especially when the materials are nano- and micrometer crystals. Here we show that cuprous oxide microcrystals have three extinction peaks that are environment sensitive in the visible-near infrared region. The extinction peaks show a linear blue shift with the increase in refractive index of the surrounding medium. The environment-dependent shift of extinction spectra can also be observed for cuprous oxide in cast films and Langmuir–Blodgett films. The sensitivity of environment-dependent optical behavior depends on the energy of the extinction peaks. Both experimental work and theoretical calculation on the environment-dependent spectra of cuprous oxide microcrystals provide valuable knowledge on these functional semiconductor materials for various applications.
Effects of oral erythromycin on esophageal pH and pressure profiles in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Erythromycin, a possible motilin agonist, is a potent gastrokinetic agent that may increase the lower esophageal sphincter pressure. Therefore, we assessed the effects of erythromycin in two dosages (250 and 500 mgper os four times a day) on esophageal pH and pressure profiles in reflux patients using prolonged ambulatory monitoring systems. Studies were blinded, placebo-controlled with randomized crossover design. Patients took each drug for three days prior to studies, with erythromycin serum levels obtained the day of esophageal studies. Erythromycin 250 mg four times a day had no effect on esophageal contraction pressures or peristalsis during the day or meal periods. In the supine position, however, erythromycin significantly (P=0.012) decreased esophageal contraction velocity and showed a strong trend (P=0.059) towards increasing the percentage of peristaltic waves. Despite these potentially beneficial effects on esophageal clearance, no significant difference in acid exposure times during 24-hr pH studies were observed between placebo and low-dose erythromycin. High-dose erythromycin (500 mg four times a day) was associated with drug levels in the typical antibiotic efficacy range (normal 1–3 µg/ml; patients 1.7–7.0 µg/ml), but, here again, there was no significant difference in all acid reflux parameters between placebo and erythromycin phases. Therefore, “standard” doses of erythromycin have no important clinical effects on esophageal pressures or acid reflux parameters.
The Relationship Between Functional Class and Cardiac Performance in Patients with Chronic Aortic Insufficiency

We have evaluated the relationship of New York Heart Association functional class (FC) assessment to rest and exercise hemodynamics and resting left ventricular (LV) functional data in 75 consecutive patients with isolated, chronic aortic insufficiency. Although there was a tendency for hemodynamic and angiographic variables to worsen as FC increased there was considerable overlap between patients assigned to the various groups. Statistically significant differences were seen only for resting left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and pulmonary artery wedge (PAW) pressure which were higher in FC 3/4 patients than in FC 1 or 2 patients. The results of our study suggest that FC assignment cannot be used to accurately define underlying LV performance or hemodynamics in an individual patient with chronic aortic insufficiency. However, since severe abnormalities are unlikely to be present in asymptomatic patients, routine detailed frequent investigation does not seem warranted in this group. As FC worsens, the likelihood of left ventricular dysfunction increases. Thus, the presence of symptoms is an indication for more extensive evaluation.
Study on CD variation in the vicinity of the exposure field edge in EUV lithography

Intra-field CD uniformity control is one of hurdles in EUV lithography. Reflection imaging system intrinsic to EUV causes CD non-uniformity especially in exposure field edge. To analyze dominant contributors to make this intra-field CD non-uniformity in EUV lithography, influence of flare from adjacent fields and in-band and out of band refection from reticle masking blind(REMA) and mask black border were investigated through intensive sampling of CD measurement. Also mask border condition and REMA open settings are split into various settings to find out the impacts from each contributor. Two ASML EUV scanners, alpha demo tool(ADT) and pre-production tool(PPT) are used for the experiment. Fortunately, DUV out of band(OoB), reflection of REMA and the flare from adjacent fields are found to be not significant in NXE3100. The results presented here lead us to the conclusion that the EUV refection from mask black border is the main contributor and CD non-uniformity of the field edge can be overcome through optimized REMA setting.
Ethnicity and Volunteerism in an Inner-City Housing Project

I have conducted ethnographic field work in Casabe, a housing project for the elderly in a low-income neighborhood in New York City, since it opened its doors in 1983. Prompted by the chairman of the board, who had expected more resident involvement in programs and projects, I carried out a needs-assessment survey in 1984. I then designed a network intervention program to increase resident involvement and monitored its implementation. This continuous evaluation allowed us to adjust the intervention program as it progressed. Nevertheless, the program was less than completely successful, in part because our intervention failed to overcome ethnic divisions rooted in the culture of the nation. (For more information on the project, see Judith Freidenberg, "Participatory Research and Grassroots Development: A Case Study from Harlem," City and Society 5,1[June 1991]:64-75.)
Effect of Freezing Temperature on Weight Loss and Quality Characteristics of Beef Liver, Kidney, Heart, and Tongue

Temperature at which variety meats were frozen (—126°C, -34°C, - 18°C, -8°C) had little effect on weight loss, color, appearance, odor or tenderness of beef liver, kidney, heart and tongue, before, during or after thawing and retail display. Freezing of variety meats at -34°C, as opposed to -126°C: (a) appeared to minimize weight losses associated with thawing, retail display and/or application of pressure; (b) did not materially affect color of meat surfaces during retail display; (c) might improve overall appearance enough to increase retail caselife; and (d) did not affect off-odor incidence or tenderness of variety meats.
Two related viral genes are located on a single superhelical DNA segment of the multipartite Campoletis sonorensis virus genome

Abstract Campoletis sonorensis virus (CsV) (Polydnaviridae) is a large eucaryotic DNA virus with a structurally complex genome consisting of 28 or more superhelical (SH) DNA segments. Little is known of the relationship between different SH DNAs, but some SH DNAs do cross hybridize, indicating a relatedness between certain SH DNAs. In a previous study of viral expression in parasitized Hellothis virescens larvae, several partially homologous viral mRNAs were also identified ( G. W. Blissard, S. B. Vinson, and M. D. Summers, 1986, J. Virol. 57, 318–327 ). To study the organization of the viral genome and the relationship between two partially homologous viral mRNAs, we analyzed cDNA clones and a cloned SH DNA segment of the CsV genome. Of the two CsV mRNAs examined (1.6 and 1.0 kb), both mRNAs were abundant at 48 hr after parasitization and the 1.6-kb mRNA was detected as early as 2 hr after parasitization. Nucleotide sequence analyses of cDNA clones representing the two partially homologous CsV mRNAs (1.6 and 1.0 kb) show that the two CsV mRNAs share five regions of imperfect homology (68 to 88%) which include a large part of each mRNA. These data indicate that the two mRNAs are transcribed from two separate but closely related CsV genes. Comparison of predicted amino acid sequences shows that the two related viral genes encode proteins with divergent amino acid sequences. Northern and Southern hybridization analyses using cloned cDNAs as probes showed that one CsV mRNA (1.6 kb) is homologous to CsV SH DNAs W, R, and M, while the other mRNA (1.0 kb) shows strong homology only to SH DNA W. By cloning and Southern hybridization mapping of the 15.8-kbp SH DNA W, we demonstrate that the genes for the related 1.6- and 1.0-kb mRNAs are located on different regions of this single 15.8-kbp SH DNA. Alignment of nucleotide sequences from a cloned viral genomic DNA and a cDNA demonstrates that the CsV gene encoding the 1.6-kb mRNA is a spliced gene containing at least two introns. Conservation of splice junctions between the two mRNAs suggests that the 1.0-kb mRNA is also spliced. These data represent the detailed analysis of two closely related CsV mRNAs abundantly expressed in parasitized H. virescens larvae, the first observation of related viral genes in a eucaryotic DNA virus, the demonstration of splicing in the Polydnaviridae, and the cloning and mapping of one of the largest SH DNA segments of the CsV genome.
CSF levels of oligomeric alpha-synuclein and beta-amyloid as biomarkers for neurodegenerative disease

Protein misfolding and aggregation is a critically important feature in many devastating neurodegenerative diseases, therefore characterization of the CSF concentration profiles of selected key forms and morphologies of proteins involved in these diseases, including β-amyloid (Aβ) and α-synuclein (a-syn), can be an effective diagnostic assay for these diseases. CSF levels of tau and Aβ have been shown to have great promise as biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease. However since the onset and progression of many neurodegenerative diseases have been strongly correlated with the presence of soluble oligomeric aggregates of proteins including various Aβ and a-syn aggregate species, specific detection and quantification of levels of each of these different toxic protein species in CSF may provide a simple and accurate means to presymptomatically diagnose and distinguish between these diseases. Here we show that the presence of different protein morphologies in human CSF samples can be readily detected using highly selective morphology specific reagents in conjunction with a sensitive electronic biosensor. We further show that these morphology specific reagents can readily distinguish between post-mortem CSF samples from AD, PD and cognitively normal sources. These studies suggest that detection of specific oligomeric aggregate species holds great promise as sensitive biomarkers for neurodegenerative disease.
Auditory Discrimination Deficits in Boys Who Stutter: A Preliminary Investigation

Abstract Our purpose was to examine the basic level of auditory processing skills in school-age children who stutter. We administered three auditory processing tasks—dichotic digits, temporal patte...
A note on multiplier algebras on reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces

We construct a simple reproducing kernel space whose multiplier algebra does not satisfy a "corona theorem".
Modelling of the interphase in polymer-matrix composite material systems

Abstract The interphase, or transition region between fibre and matrix in composite material systems, is known to play an essential role in the performance of composite components. In fact, it has recently been discovered that the interaction and cooperative action of the constituents in the system control the durability of such systems, in stark contrast to other behaviour characteristics such as stiffness and quasi-static (or ‘instantaneous’) properties wherein the constituents contribute to the properties, essentially, in proportion to their presence. Hence, this ‘systems effect’ has become the focus of much attention, and the object of modelling efforts. However, modelling the interphase with properly set boundary value problems is a considerable challenge, especially because the properties in these transition regions are often a function of spatial position, i.e., they are non-uniform as a function of position. The author has constructed models of the interphase region which admit this non-uniformity, and has achieved solutions to several classes of these problems. The present paper will describe the general problem of the ‘systems effect’, discuss the practical issues of how the interface enters micromechanical models of strength and durability, and present models for the interphase region that include the variability of material properties in those transition regions. Special attention will be given to the contrasts between these considerations and the rule-of-mixtures concepts that currently pervade the field, and to the importance of these differences to the practical opportunities offered by the ability to properly model and “design’ interphase regions in polymer-matrix composites.
Effect of Irradiation Sources and Oxygen Concentration on the Photocatalytic Oxidation of 2-Propanol and Acetone Studied by in Situ FTIR

The photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) of 2-propanol and acetone was studied on TiO2 powder at high coverage (>2 monolayers) at various oxygen concentrations using in situ FTIR. Two UV irradiation sour...