cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Novel spliced variants of ionotropic glutamate receptor GluR6 in normal human fibroblast and brain cells are transcribed by tissue specific promoters

Abstract The members of the ionotropic glutamate receptor family, namely, a-amino-3-hydroxy-S-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate (AMPA), kainate, and N-methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptors, are important mediators of the rapid synaptic transmission in the central nervous system. We have investigated the splicing pattern and expression of the kainate receptor subunit GluR6 in human fibroblast cell lines and brain tissue. We demonstrate the expression of GluR6A variant specifically in brain, and four variants, namely, GluR6B, GluR6C, GluR6D and GluR6E in fibroblast cell lines. The variants GluR6D and GluR6E have not been described before, and appear to be specific for non-neuronal cells. Genomic analysis and cloning of the sequence preceding the transcribed region led to the identification of two tissue specific promoters designated as neuronal promoter PN and non-neuronal promoter PNN. We have used RNA ligase mediated RACE and in silico analyses to locate two sets of transcription start sites, and confirmed specific transcripts initiated by PN and PNN in brain cells and fibroblasts, respectively. The domain structure of variants GluR6D and GluR6E revealed the absence of three transmembrane domains. The lack of these domains suggests that the mature receptors arising from these variant subunits may not function as active channels. Based on these structural features in GluR6D and GluR6E, and the observations that GluR6B, GluR6C, GluR6D and GluR6E are exclusively expressed in non-neuronal cells, it is likely that these receptor subunits function as non-channel signaling proteins.
Reactivity of ester linkages and pentaammineruthenium(III) at the monolayer assembly/solution interface

The rate of base-mediated ester hydrolysis in monolayers of 11-mercaptoundecyl isonicotinate on gold is monitored by infrared spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The hydrolysis product, a surface-confined alcohol, can be converted to a trifluoroacetate, increasing the sensitivity of infrared monitoring. Pentaammineruthenium(II) can be attached to the pendant isonicotinate either prior to or after monolayer assembly, leading to monolayers with a highly-charged monolayer/solution interface and a built-in electrochemical probe. The rate of ester hydrolysis within the monolayer is controlled by steric factors associated with monolayer packing and by the amount of charge at the monolayer/solution interface. The stability of the pendant Ru(III) complex is very sensitive to pH and interfacial charge. These results are correlated with Gouy−Chapman double-layer theory.
Sterility of stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae), exposed to treated surfaces or diets.

Chemosterilants can be used instead of gamma irradiation to induce sterility in the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.), when the use of irradiation is either economically or logistically not feasible (Harris, 1962, J. Econ. Ent. 55 : 882–85; Castro, 1967, Chemical sterilization of the stable fly Stomoxys calcitrans L. with metepa and hempa, Ph.D. Dissertation, Univ. of Fla., Gainesville, Fla., 136 p.). They are effective, quick, and inexpensive when they are applied by exposing the insects to treated surfaces or to diets treated with a chemosterilant, and the exposure time or the concentration in the diet can be varied to insure a sterilizing dose. Such methods have been used with success by many investigators against a variety of insect species, but the sterilants usually have been those that were readily available (LaBrecque & Smith, 1967, Principles of insect chemosterilization, Appleton-Century-Crofts, New York, 347 p.). However, a continuing chemosterilant screening program has been conducted at our laboratory since 1958, during which over 7630 chemicals have been tested against the house fly, Musca domestica L.; 675 were found to have sterilant activity. In the present paper we report the evaluation of 218 of these house fly sterilants against stable flies.
Toward an Open Sense of Place: Phenomenology, Affinity, and the Question of Being

This article contributes to ongoing efforts in human geography to theorize place as a basis for progressive politics by linking recent work in phenomenology with contemporary interpretations of affinity politics. The phenomenological insight is that existence is a foundational kind of placing through which the world presents itself and that a place-based ontology can be developed by exploring the features of situatedness. Affinity politics involves creating noncoercive, cooperative, and spontaneous relationships through direct action and mutual aid. The argument presented here is that an embodied awareness of place is a kind of affinity politics aimed at possibilities for self-determination through deep relationships with other human and nonhuman beings. This open sense of place is revealed in the existential attunement to wonder and compassion, a mode of being that derives from attending to the world in utter watchfulness, without thinking, while engaging the edges of lifeworld to reveal existence as a s...
A Golgi-electron microscopic study of fusiform neurons in the hilar region of the dentate gyrus.

The fusiform cells of the dentate gyrus are located in a portion of the hilus within 100 μm of the granule cell layer. They have ovoid somata and bipolar dendrites that generally run parallel to the granule cell layer. The dendrites of these cells are either spiny or sparsely spiny. The spiny fusiform cell has numerous spines along its dendrites, which are contacted by terminals with the features of granule cell axon collaterals. This cell type also displays somal spines that are contacted by similar terminals. In contrast, the sparsely spiny fusiform cell displays only a few spines, which are contacted by multiple small axon terminals that synapse with both the stalk and end bulb of the spine. Most synaptic input for this cell type is made with the smooth surfaces of the soma and dendrites. A variety of terminals form synapses with the sparsely spiny fusiform cell, including terminals that resemble the fine axon collaterals of mossy fibers. The somata of these two cell types also display differences in the amount of Nissl bodies and the degree of nuclear infolding. The results indicate that spiny fusiform cells are similar to mossy cells, another hilar cell type that receives its major synaptic input from axon collaterals of mossy fibers from granule cells. The distribution of the dendrites of spiny fusiform cells and the pattern of granule cell axon collaterals suggest a high degree of convergence from granule cells. In contrast, the variety of axodendritic synapses for sparsely spiny fusiform cells suggests that more diverse inputs affect this cell's activity. Therefore, the structure and circuitry of these two hilar cell types are probably different. This study adds further evidence to indicate that the hilus contains a large variety of cell types with different neuronal connections.
Evaluation of peroxide initiators for radical polymerization-based self-healing applications

The suitability of various peroxide initiators for a radical polymerization-based self-healing system is evaluated. The initiators are compared using previously established crite- ria in the design of ring opening metathesis polymerization- based self-healing systems. Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) emerges as the best performing initiator across the range of evaluation criteria. Epoxy vinyl ester resin samples prepared with micro- capsules containing BPO exhibited upwards of 80% healing efficiency in preliminary tests in which a mixture of acrylic monomers and tertiary amine activator was injected into the crack plane of the sample after the initial fracture. V C 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 2698- 2708, 2010
Physicians' responses to medicare fee schedule reductions

BACKGROUND Relatively little empirical research has addressed physicians' responses to fee changes under the Medicare Fee Schedule. OBJECTIVES We analyzed Medicare claims data for ophthalmologists and orthopedic surgeons for the years 1991 through 1994 to evaluate the relative importance of profit-maximizing and target-income theories in determining physicians' supply responses to specific Medicare fee reductions. RESEARCH DESIGN This study was designed to estimate the impact of fee reductions for cataract extractions and major joint repair/replacement procedures through pooled cross-section time series data. RESULTS The supply function for cataract extractions has both strong own-price and cross-price effects, as well as a highly significant negative income effect. Yet, the magnitude of the income effect is small; thus, the substitution effect dominates the income effect. Similarly, in the supply functions for joint procedures, the own price has the expected positive sign, implying that as the fee declines, orthopedic surgeons will perform fewer joint surgeries. However, the cross-price variable has the correct sign only if treated as exogenous, and the variables measuring the income effect have the wrong sign, although their magnitude is small. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the Medicare Fee Schedule does have the potential to influence physicians' supply decisions, but these effects may vary by specialty and service.
The stability of collected human scent under various environmental conditions.

Human scent evidence collected from objects at a crime scene is used for scent discrimination with specially trained canines. Stor-age of the scent evidence is usually required yet no optimized storage protocol has been determined. Storage containers including glass, polyethylene,and aluminized pouches were evaluated to determine the optimal medium for storing human scent evidence of which glass was determined to be theoptimal storage matrix. Hand odor samples were collected on three different sorbent materials, sealed in glass vials and subjected to different storageenvironments including room temperature, )80C conditions, dark storage, and UVA ⁄ UVB light exposure over a 7-week period. Volatile organiccompounds (VOCs) in the headspace of the samples were extracted and identified using solid-phase micro-extraction–gas chromatography ⁄ massspectrometry (SPME–GC ⁄ MS). Three-dimensional covariance mapping showed that glass containers subjected to minimal UVA ⁄ UVB light exposureprovide the most stable environment for stored human scent samples
Alfvén Wave Transmission and Heating of Solar Coronal Loops

We discuss the problem of wave transmission from the solar photosphere into coronal loops. We conclude that wave energy can be efficiently transmitted into loops with a sufficiently twisted magnetic field. The value of the required twist is below but close to the threshold for kink instability.
The Philosophy of Chemistry Reformulating Itself: Nalni Bhushan and Stuart Rosenfeld’s Of Minds and Molecules: New Philosophical Perspectives on Chemistry

Abstract Philosophers of chemistry, following the lead of physicists, have been slow to realize that molecular descriptions issuing from quantum mechanics in the absence of chemical theory are fatally flawed. In the wake of this realization, new topics have begun to unfold—including new metaphysical issues, new concerns about the philosophy of chemistry’s place in the philosophy of science, and new accounts of how properties are observed, inferred, and presented. A recent collection of essays, Of Minds and Molecules: New Philosophical Perspectives on Chemistry edited by Nalini Bhushan and Stuart Rosenfeld, reveals what some of these new issues are and suggests new directions for the philosophy of chemistry.
S-Allyl Cysteine Inhibits Activation of Nuclear Factor Kappa B in Human T Cells

Reactive oxygen species are involved in signal transduction pathways leading to nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B) activation which has been implicated in the regulation of gene transcription. We recently reported that a garlic compound, S-allyl cysteine (SAC), protects bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells from oxidant injury induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). In this study we determined the effects of SAC on NF-kappa B activation in human T lymphocytes (Jurkat cells) induced by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF- alpha) and H2O2. Activated NF-kappa B in nuclear extracts was measured by an electrophoretic mobility shift assay using 32P-labeled probe. SAC consistently exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of NF-kappa B activation induced by both TNF-alpha and H2O2. Supershift with specific antibodies to NF-kappa B subunits confirmed that the inducible retarded bands observed in the EMSA and p65-p50 heterodimer of the NF-kappa B/Rel protein. Our data suggest that SAC may act via antioxidant mechanisms to block NF-kappa B activation in Jurkat cells.
Abstract 1956: Folate coated platinum nanoparticles: An effective strategy for targeting cancer therapy

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL PURPOSE: Platinum nanoparticles (Pt-NPs) are directly toxic to cancer, but also to normal cells. The purpose of this project is to demonstrate that Pt-NPs can selectively kill cancer cells by targeting their delivery through the folate receptor, the expression of which is greatly increased on cancer compared with normal cells. METHODS: Folate coated Pt-NPs were synthesized and used to treat normal (MC-3T3-E1) and malignant (ROS 17/2.8) bone cells in tissue culture. The Pt-NPs were characterized using transmission electron microscopy and zeta potential analysis, which indicated that they had a diameter of 3.5 ± 0.6 nm and were negatively charged. The effects of dose titrated NP preparations and controls, including the addition of free folate, were examined by optical, confocal and transmission electron microscopy. Cell counts were performed using a hemocytometer. RESULTS: Folate coated Pt-NPs were exquisitely toxic to both MC-3T3-E1 and ROS 17/2.8 cell lines causing 100% lethality in the initially tested concentration range (130 - 260 ug/mL). Dose dependent toxicity for both cell lines was evident at lower folate coated Pt-NP concentrations (2 - 22 ug/mL). At the lowest concentrations examined (<5.15 ug/mL), optical microscopy demonstrated selective delivery of the Pt-NPs to malignant ROS 17/2.8 cells as compared with normal MC-3T3-E1 cells. At these concentrations, selective toxicity to the ROS 17/2.8 cells was also demonstrated by confocal microscopic examination of actin elongation and cell alignment patterns as well as direct measures of cell survival. With prolonged exposure to folate coated Pt-NPs at 3.2 ug/mL, 98.5% of normal MC-3T3-E1 cells survived compared with just 32.8% survival of malignant ROS 17/2.8 cells (p < 0.0001). Consistent with the postulated mechanism of folate coated Pt-NP cell entry via the folate receptor, all toxic effects of folate coated Pt-NPs (at 3.2 ug/mL) were completely eliminated by the addition of high doses (10x normal) of free folate, postulated to saturate folate receptor binding sites. CONCLUSION: Folate coated Pt-NPs can be used to directly and selectively kill cancer cells by targeting their delivery through the folate receptor. To our knowledge, this is the first report to demonstrate that targeting a functionally over-expressed cancer cell receptor with its natural ligand linked to toxic NPs can impart selective cancer cytotoxicity. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1956. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1956
Hardware and software for intelligent robotic systems

A hardware and software methodology for the design of the three interactive levels of intelligent robotic systems is proposed. The organization level is modeled as an expert system, the coordination level as a loosely coupled parallel processing system and the execution level as a series of specific hardware components which execute specific tasks. Microprocessor-based configurations and discrete logic design techniques are utilized for the overall system hardware configuration. The proposed methodology, does not violate the system hierarchical structure. A case study demonstrates the feasibility of the approach.
Curcumin prevents intravesical tumor implantation of the MBT-2 tumor cell line in C3H mice.

Purpose: The development of an effective nontoxic intravesical agent that may be used immediately after bladder tumor resection to prevent the implantation of tumor cells would be a significant clinical advancement. We report the cytotoxic effects of curcumin on bladder tumor cell lines as well as its effects on the intravesical implantation of tumor cells in C3H mice.Materials and Methods: UMUC human and MBT-2 mouse bladder cancer lines were incubated with 0 to 100 μM. curcumin in dimethyl sulfoxide for 30 minutes and cell viability was determined by clonal assay. Additional culture dishes were incubated with curcumin and processed for electron microscopy. Using the C3H mice and the MBT2 tumor lines the effects of intravesical curcumin on tumor implantation after bladder injury was studied. The 10 group 1 mice served as nontreatment controls. In the 18 group 2 mice 30 minutes after tumor cell implantation 100 μM. curcumin in 0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide were instilled intravesically for 30 minutes. The 15 gro...
Doppler echocardiographic evaluation of pulmonary vascular resistance in children with congenital heart disease

Noninvasive assessment of pulmonary vascular resistance has not been well defined. Cardiac catheterization findings in 33 patients with congenital heart disease (mean age 1.4 years) were compared with Doppler echocardiographic parameters. The right ventricular pre-ejection period (RVPEP), ejection time (RVET), and the ration RVPEP/RVET correlated better with pulmonary vascular resistance than with pulmonary artery pressure. A highly significant correlation with a small standard error of estimate (SEE) was demonstrated between pulmonary vascular resistance and a newly derived parameter RVPEP/velocity time integral (VTI) [r = 0.87, p or = 0.6 seconds/ M selected patients with total pulmonary vascular resistance > or = 7.5 Wood Unit.M2 with 94% accuracy.
Light Regulation in Turkey Management 3. Male Reproductive Performance

Abstract CONSIDERABLE information has been published recently about the stimulatory effect of light on turkey reproductive activity. The publications of Margolf et al. (1947), Asmundson et al. (1946), Asmundson and Moses (1950), Harper and Parker (1957, 1961), Marr et al. (1956), Ogasowara et al. (1959), McCartney et al. (1956), Eaton et al. (1960), Garland et al. (1961), Leighton (1960) and Leighton and Shoffner (1961a, b) attest to the interest in photoperiod response. Light intensity, length of day, and alteration of day-length have been shown to be important in photo-stimulation. The female turkey is also dark-dependent, being relatively insensitive to stimulation unless previously exposed to a short-day period. Maximizing egg production by light management has potential in several ways, such as onset of early lay and increased persistency during the normal season, as well as encouraging off-season production. The provision of a suitable environment for early and extended lay may be of …
An ultrastructural re-examination of putative multilayered structures in Trentepohlia aurea

Due to recent interest in the significance of multilayered structures (MLSs) and MLS-like structures in green algal and land plant systematics and evolution, the putative MLSs ofTrentepohlia aurea swarmers were re-examined using conventional TEM of serial thin sections, and high-voltage electron microscopy (HVEM) of thick sections. Features not previously reported to occur in trentepohlialean algae include a structure connecting MLSs to adjacent basal bodies, the lamellar nature of the sub-microtubular layer of the MLS, and the presence of appendages on microtubules overlying the lamellar strip. Reasons are given for concluding that the MLSs ofTrentepohlia and other members of theTrentepohliales are possibly homologous to MLSs ofGlaucophyceae and the MLS-like structures ofFriedmannia. It is proposed that increased attention to the details of MLS structure may be crucial to an understanding of the divergence of main lines of green algal evolution.
The Role of Secondary Supports in Mediating Formal Services to Dementia Caregivers

Abstract Utilization studies have reported inconsistent results regarding the impact of informal support on the use of formal services by caregivers of dementia patients. However, these supports may be an important factor in overcoming the barriers to formal services. This study provides a preliminary investigation of the mediative function of professional and informal supports as it relates to the use of three types of respite services by dementia caregivers. The mediative function offers an explanation for how informal support may facilitate the use of some formal services, such as respite, by providing information, encouragement and instrumental activities. Professional mediators are likely to be effective in bringing about the use of in-home respite, but may not be as effective in overcoming the socioemotional barriers that may characterize services such as daycare. Informal support may be uniquely effective in facilitating some types of service, but the quality of referral may not be uniform. Additio...
Calculation of electric dipole transition moments using quasi‐degenerate variational perturbation theory and averaged coupled‐pair functional theory

Results are reported from calculations of electric dipole transition moments for various electronic transitions in Be, CH2, and A1H using multireference singles and doubles configuration interaction, quasi-degenerate variational perturbation theory, and multireference averaged coupled pair functional theory. A simple normalization scheme is used for the quasi-degenerate variational perturbation theory and multireference averaged coupled pair functional theory wave functions. In all cases, comparison is made with full configuration interaction results in the valence space. For Be and CH2, all methods are of comparable quality in calculating the transition moments and excitation energies, with averaged coupled-pair functional theory yielding slightly quicker convergence of the excitation energies and transition moments in most cases. For AlH, multireference singles and doubles configuration interaction is somewhat more accurate for the calculation of the transition moment. Factors that affect the accuracy of the methods are discussed. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The search for the active core of pituitary growth hormone.

Abstract The conclusion reached from studies involving the biologic characterization of fragments of pituitary growth hormone produced by chemical or enzymatic cleavage or by synthesis is that the entire native growth hormone molecule is not required to produce most and perhaps all of the metabolic effects of the hormone. Thus, the early speculation that the growth hormone molecule contains an active core or amino acid sequence responsible for its metabolic activities appears to be correct. In all studies with growth hormone fragments of known structure, the biologic activities of the hormone have been found in the N-terminal two thirds of the molecule (up to residue 134). Fragments of the C-terminal portion of the hormone molecule have usually been inactive. However, there is evidence suggesting that the C-terminal third of the native molecule may serve to stabilize or protect the hormone from enzymatic destruction in the circulation. The region of the hormone molecule consisting of residues 95–134 appears to compose part of the active core, since some natural and synthetic peptides spanning this region have biologic activity. However, these peptides have only weak activity compared to native growth hormone, suggesting that additional amino acid residues N-terminal to position 95 are required for full biologic activity. Thus, the active core of growth hormone may consist of a substantial portion of the N-terminal two thirds of the hormone molecule.
Results of homograft aortic valve replacement for active endocarditis

Abstract Since July 1985, cryopreserved homograft prostheses have been used for aortic valve replacement in 10 patients, aged 2 to 77 years, with active endocarditis. Five patients had positive bacterial cultures from excised valves, and all had clinical findings of uncontrolled infection while receiving appropriate antibiotics. Homograft valves (four) or valved conduits (six) were implanted for treatment of sepsis (6 patients), congestive heart failure (3) or recurrent emboli (1 patient), and complicating native (5 patients) or prosthetic valve (5) endocarditis. Staphylococci (6 patients), streptococci (3), and Candida (1) were infecting organisms. Preoperatively, Doppler echocardiography showed aortic regurgitation in all patients. At operation, 9 patients had gross vegetations, 9 had single or multiple abscess cavities. and 5 had pericarditis. Complex reconstruction of the aortic valve and annulus with homograft conduits was necessary in 6 patients (3 with previous aortoventriculoplasty). Two early deaths (ventricular failure, perioperative stroke) occurred. Mean follow-up of all operative survivors was 2.1 years (range, 0.6 to 3.6 years), and one late death resulted from arrhythmia. Homograft valve regurgitation increased in 1 patient, and 7 late survivors are asymptomatic. No patient has had recurrence of endocarditis. We conclude that cryopreserved homograft aortic valve/root replacement is an effective method for management of active endocarditis complicated by annular destruction.
Statistical assessment of gas/liquid mass transfer in slurry‐phase propylene polymerization process

A statistical approach was developed to investigate the effects of pressure, temperature, mixing speed and solid concentration on kLa for gaseous hydrogen, ethylene, and propylene in liquid n-hexane containing solid polypropylene powder in a 4-litre agitated reactor. The solubilities of the gases appeared to follow Henry's Law. Statistical correlations to predict kLa were proposed and response surfaces were constructed. kLa values appeared to reach a maximum around 15 mass% and sharply decrease above 30 mass%. The effects of pressure and temperature on kLa were found to depend on the gas-liquid system and operating conditions used. On a mis au point une methode statistique pour etudier les effets de la pression, de la temperature, de la vitesse de melange et de la concentration de solides sur kLa pour de l'hydrogene, de l'ethylene et du propylene gazeux dans du n-hexane contenant de la poudre de polypropylene solide dans un reacteur agite de 4 litres. Il semble que les solubilites des gaz suivent la loi d'Henry. On propose des correlations statistiques afin de predire kLa, et des surfaces de reponse sont construites. Les valeurs de kLa semblent atteindre un maximum autour de 15% en masse et diminuent considerablement autour de 30% en masse. On a trouve que les effets de la pression et de la temperature sur kLa dependaient du systeme gaz-liquide et des conditions de fonctionnement utilisees.
Accurate display timing using an enhanced BASIC for the Tandy Color Computer

The general suitability of the Tandy Color Computer as an inexpensive laboratory microcomputer is discussed. A program is described that adds several useful timing-related functions to the native BASIC in the Tandy Color Computer, thus allowing BASIC to be used for programming experiments involving tachistoscopic displays and reaction times.
Effective interactions between the N-H bond orientations in lithium imide and a proposed ground-state structure

Lithium imide $({\mathrm{Li}}_{2}\mathrm{NH})$ is a candidate material for hydrogen storage but its structure has proven difficult to fully characterize. The key problem is to identify the location of the hydrogen positions and $\mathrm{N}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{H}$ bond orientations in the structure. By searching an effective Hamiltonian in which the energy of lithium imide is expressed as a function of imide group orientations it is shown that nearest-neighbor imide groups prefer to orient antiparallel within a ${110}$ plane of the antifluorite host structure. Although this orientation is frustrated in the antifluorite structure we suggest a ground state for ${\mathrm{Li}}_{2}\mathrm{NH}$ which has the lowest energy of any known structure as calculated by density functional theory.
Kinetics of the interaction of azomethane with low-energy electrons on Ag(111)

Abstract The thermal and electron-induced chemistry of CH3N2CH3 on Ag(111) has been studied using temperature programmed desorption (TPD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). CH3N2CH3 adsorption on Ag(111) is completely reversible, with desorption peaks at 180 and 130 K for monolayer and multilayer, respectively. Electron irradiation on 1 ML of CH3N2CH3 results in almost quantitative electron stimulated desorption (ESD) of N2. ESD of CH3 and CH4, as well as traces of C2H6 and C2H2, is also observed. The retained fragments desorb in TPD mainly as H2 and CH4. At 54.7 ± 0.3 eV, the electron-induced decomposition (EID) cross section is about 7 × 10−17 cm2. The EID cross section increases with electron energy and has a threshold of about 10 eV. The EID is attributed to ionization of chemisorbed azomethane.
Permeability Control in Animal Cells by Polyenes: a Possibility

The polyenes amphotericin B and vitamin A enhanced the specific actions of rifampin, fusidic acid, and 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea against mouse L cells in tissue culture as measured by macromolecular synthesis and cell survival.
AAPCC database characterization of native U.S. venomous snake exposures, 2001-2005.

Background. Differences in victim demographics, clinical effects, managements, and outcomes among native viperid (rattlesnake, copperhead, and cottonmouth) and elapid (coral snake) species have not been systematically characterized. Methods. The database of the American Association of Poison Control Centers from 2001 through 2005 was analyzed. Results. Between 2001 and 2005, there were 23,676 human exposures (average = 4,735/year) to native venomous snakes in the United States reported to U.S. poison centers in all states except Hawaii: 98% were to viperid snakes and 2% to elapids. Overall, 77% of victims were male, 70% were adults >20 years, and 12% were aged less than 10 years. Sixty-five cases involved pregnant women, with rattlesnake bites resulting in moderate or greater effects in over 70%. The overall hospital admission rate was 53%. Outcomes were generally more severe with rattlesnake and copperhead envenomations and in children <6 years of age. The fatality rate of reported cases was 0.06%. Concl...
Risk and Development in Developing Countries

This paper examines the impact of risk management on economic develo pment in developing countries.Based on data from the World Bank, we use a sample of seventy eight developing economies and find that selected risk indicators do have an effect on economic development in these countries.We observe that the coefficient estimates of two explanatory variables do not have their anticipated sign due possibly to the severe degree of collinearity between them. Regression results show that over three -quarters of cross-developing country variations in purchasing power parity per capita gross national income can be explained by its linear dependency on the number of years over which the country was in a large rece ssion both for the 1991 -2000 and the 2001-2010 periods, the adult male mortality rate, the homicide rate, the risk preparation index, and the $2.50 a day poverty headcount ratio.The study's findings were objective in the sense that raw data was not "fitte d" in a bias way to support a certain view and stemmed directly from the data used in the World Bank report. Statistical results of such empirical examination will assist governments in developing countries identify risk management strategies that may be u
Measurement of attenuation coefficients in natural water columns

Light scattering and light absorption by particulates and humic substances in natural waters can significantly affect the photoreaction rates of chemicals in aquatic systems. These scattering and absorption processes are quantitatively described by the use of an empirical parameter, the diffuse attenuation coefficient, K. We have tested actinometric and radiometric methods for measuring the diffuse attenuation coefficient K which can be used to calculate the depth averaged rate constant (kpavg) in a specific water body. The two methods were found to give excellent agreement. We found the method using a chemical actinometer system to be the most practical and convenient for use in field studies, but that more studies in other water systems and with other test cheimcals are needed to more rigorously test the method. We calculated kpavg equal to 0.33 ±0.17d−1 for carbazole in a 1-m test pond.
The Creation of a Distinct Subcultural Identity and Denominational Growth

Scholars have long been concerned with the causes of differential growth in the membership of religious traditions and denominations. In this article I use data from three surveys, matched with census and membership data from U.S. states, to test Smiths 's recent theory of denominational growth and decline. I find that in the one denomination under study, the Presbyterian Church (USA), the states where membership hits declined the least are those states where the members of the denomination are both the most theological orthodox and have the strongest identity as theological liberals. Although seemingly paradoxical, it fits Smith's theory well. Liberal Protestants do not thrive where they are the most conservative, but rather where they have created a unique identity-a unique social niche-somewhere between evangelicalism and secularism.
Calculation of retention indices by molecular topology: chlorinated alkanes

A comparative study was undertaken to test the ability of several different topological indices to predict the retention indices of chlorinated benzenes on polar and non-polar stationary phases using both correlation coefficients and correctly predicted elution sequences as criteria of fit. The test was performed on three topological indices: connectivity indices, Wiener numbers, and Balaban indices. The regression analyses showed that the molecular connectivity model predicted the retention indices of chlorinated benzenes more successfully than either Wiener numbers or Balaban indices. The results also demonstrated that the major structural property controlling chromatographic behavior was the size of the chlorinated benzene. In addition, the use of the new non-empirical heteroatom parameterization scheme in the calculation of Wiener numbers and Balaban indices was successfully tested for the first time.
Forum Gospel and Enculturation: the Long Road1

The essential task of enculturation of the Gospel is not one of inserting an abstract entity called 'the Gospel' into a culture. Rather, the Gospel is and always has been radically enculturated, from the first preaching of Jesus through contemporary biblical interpretation. Enculturation means creating something new, and with a price to pay.
Determination of phase transition temperatures for atomistic models of lipids from temperature-dependent stripe domain growth kinetics.

Many lipid bilayers undergo a reversible order−disorder transition between the gel and liquid crystalline (LC) phases at a main phase transition temperature Tm that is an important characteristic p...
External urethral sphincter motoneuron properties in adult female rats studied in vitro.

The external urethral sphincter (EUS) muscle plays a crucial role in lower urinary tract function: its activation helps maintain continence, whereas its relaxation contributes to micturition. To de...
The elderly nutrition program: an effective national framework for preventive nutrition interventions.

Abstract Objective To guide national policy, Congress mandated the 1992 research evaluation of the Elderly Nutrition Program (ENP), the nation's oldest framework for providing community- and home-based preventive nutrition and health-related services to older persons. This article summarizes key findings on the program's influence on nutritional health, the targeting and costs of its nutrition services, and the study's policy implications. Design The research included a nationally representative sample of ambulatory and homebound ENP participants And a matched sample of nonparticipants drawn from the US Health Care Financing Administration's Medicare beneficiary listings. Interviews conducted in respondents' homes considered demographic and health characteristics and assessed anthropometry and physical functioning, nutrient intake and socialization patterns, and utilization of ENP program services (participants only). Administrative and service delivery data were gathered from all levels of the ENP infrastructure. Results The ENP program currently provides congregate and home-delivered meals and other nutrition- and health-related services to about 7% of the older population overall, including an estimated 20% of the nation's poor elders. Compared with nonparticipants, ambulatory and homebound ENP participants are better nourished (4% to 31% higher mean daily nutrient intakes; P P Conclusions ENP is a well-targeted, effective, and efficient federal program available to dietetics and other professionals for providing elderly persons with community-based and home- delivered nutrition and related services. The ENP infrastructure offers a potential model for preventive nutrition intervention programs in ambulatory and homebound at-risk older populations. J Am Diet Assoc. 2002; 102:234-240.
Excitation of H2 using continuously tunable coherent XUV radiation (97.3–102.3 nm)

Abstract Broady tunable EUV radiation from 97.3 to 102.3 nm has been generated by frequency tripling the second-harmonic output of a Nd:YAG-pumped dye laser in a pulsed argon source. About 7 × 10 9 photons per shot in a 1.7 cm −1 bandwidth are produced, corresponding to a conversion efficiency of ≈10 −6 . Four bands of the Lyman system and two bands of the Werner system of molecular hydrogen were excited. Detection of H 2 densities of ≈2 × 10 8 molecules/cm 3 in a ω″, J ″, level was accomplished using laser-induced fluorescence.
Reliability of III–V based heterojunction bipolar transistors

Abstract This paper reviews the reliability of III–V based heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs). These devices have many potential advantages over other solid-state microwave devices. However, because of the tradeoff between performance and reliability, they are not being used to any great extent in power microwave applications. In the type of III–V HBT device most fully developed, the AlGaAs/GaAs HBT, leakage currents play a major role in the dominant mode of degradation. Because low-frequency noise is related to these leakage currents it has been used extensively in the analysis of the performance and reliability limitations of these devices. The reliability of other types of III–V HBT devices, such as InGaP/GaAs and InP based devices, is also discussed.
Regression to the mean and football wagers

Football performances are an imperfect measure of abilities, and consequently exaggerate differences in abilities. The skills of those football teams that perform the best and the worst are not really that far from average; thus their future performances regress to the mean. Betting data indicate that gamblers do not fully account for this regression. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hospitalization for Infection and Risk of Acute Ischemic Stroke The Cardiovascular Health Study

Background and Purpose—Little is known about the acute precipitants of ischemic stroke, although evidence suggests infections contribute to risk. We hypothesized that acute hospitalization for infection is associated with the short-term risk of stroke. Methods—The case-crossover design was used to compare hospitalization for infection during case periods (90, 30, or 14 days before an incident ischemic stroke) and control periods (equivalent time periods exactly 1 or 2 years before stroke) in the Cardiovascular Health Study, a population-based cohort of 5888 elderly participants from 4 US sites. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated by conditional logistic regression. Confirmatory analyses assessed hazard ratios of stroke from Cox regression models, with hospitalization for infection as a time-varying exposure. Results—During a median follow-up of 12.2 years, 669 incident ischemic strokes were observed in participants without a baseline history of stroke. Hospitalization ...
Exact Small‐Sample Differential Item Functioning Methods for Polytomous Items With Illustration Based on an Attitude Survey

Exact nonparametric procedures have been used to identify the level of differential item functioning (DIF) in binary items. This study explored the use of exact DIF procedures with items scored on a Likert scale. The results from an attitude survey suggest that the large-sample Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel (CMH) procedure identifies more items as statistically significant than two comparable exact nonparametric methods. This finding is consistent with previous findings; however, when items are classified in National Assessment of Educational Progress DIF categories, the results show that the CMH and its exact nonparametric counterparts produce almost identical classifications. Since DIF is often evaluated in terms of statistical and practical significance, this study provides evidence that the large-sample CMH procedure may be safely used even when the focal group has as few as 76 cases.
Falsely Incompatible B-cell Flow Cytometry Crossmatch After Pronase Treatment: A Case Report

This report presents a falsely incompatible B cell crossmatch by flow cytometry in a lung transplant recipient. The patient was a 35-year-old Caucasian male with end-stage lung disease secondary to cystic fibrosis whose pretransplantation serologic workup did not disclose the presence of anti-HLA class II antibodies by single antigen bead testing. Unexpectedly, crossmatch of recipient sera with pronase-treated donor lymphocytes resulted in antibody binding to B cells only. The positive reactivity was reproducible in pronase-treated autologous B cells. Recipient sera did not react with nontreated donor or autologous lymphocytes. Herein, we describe our approach to this unexpected crossmatch result and consider the implications of false-positive crossmatch results on transplantation.
The potential of protein kinase C as a target for anticancer treatment

Many investigators have embarked upon the search for novel cellular targets for the treatment of cancer. A popular therapeutic strategy is to intervene with the components of cellular signalling systems that are altered during malignancy. The molecular heterogeneity of the protein kinase C (PKC) family and their functional divergence make them attractive targets for anticancer drug development. PKC can also influence the sensitivity of tumor tissue to conventional cytotoxic drugs. As discussed in this review, a complete understanding of the PKC signal transduction pathway is obligatory for the selective destruction of tumor tissue by exploiting PKC as either a target or a modulator of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
Mechanical anisotropy of nanostructured parylene films during sliding contact

Microscale sliding friction experiments were performed on nanostructured poly-chloro-p-xylylene (PPX-Cl, a.k.a, parylene) films. Oblique-angle vapour-phase deposition resulted in nanostructured columnar films tilted 57 ◦ ‐63 ◦ relative to the surface. The mechanical response to sliding was studied relative to the film structural anisotropy by examining contact friction and deformation in three sliding orientations: ‘with’, ‘against’ and ‘perpendicular’ to the tilt axis of the columns. Friction coefficients were uniformly high (0.5‐1.5) for all orientations. Neither frictional anisotropy nor depth hysteresis was observed for sliding perpendicular to the column tilt axis. However, sliding ‘with’ and ‘against’ the column tilt axis resulted in measurable friction anisotropy as well as depth hysteresis, with larger contact depths and higher friction coefficients for sliding ‘with’ the column tilt. In comparison, planar films did not exhibit either frictional anisotropy or depth hysteresis. The depth hysteresis during sliding parallel to the tilt axis is attributed to the lateral force contribution to the total contact loading. Contacts formed when the sliding orientation was perpendicular to the column tilt axis were nominally Hertzian, allowing estimation of elastic moduli of the films from the load‐displacement data during sliding. These films may have applications in the area of tissue engineering for directional cell sheet growth, MEMS developments for directional microfluidic pumps and sensors for deformation induced detection. (Some figures in this article are in colour only in the electronic version)
General symbolic definitions and subjective well‐being

In recent years evidence has suggested that demographic factors such as income and status have only a modest relationship to subjective well‐being. As a result, much attention has been paid to internal rather than external factors. Discrepancy perceptions approaches, particularly multiple discrepancy theory, link internal subjective factors with external conditions in explaining subjective well‐being. This study suggests that discrepancy perceptions are only one way people differ in defining reality, and that symbolic interaction theory provides a broader and better framework with which to examine subjective well‐being. Specifically, using the General Social Survey, this study tests whether differing general symbolic definitions have an independent influence on subjective well‐being. Results indicate that general symbolic definitions influence subjective well‐being, and this influence does not depend on their conditioning discrepancy perceptions or demographic life conditions.
Bone breakage in the Krapina hominid collection

The fragmentary condition of the Krapina Neandertal remains has been offered as one line of evidence for the hypothesis that these hominids were the victims of cannibals seeking marrow and brains. Two other hypotheses regarding the causes of the framentation have been raised: a substantial portion of the breakage in the Krapina collection is attributable to excavation damage; and the rest of the breakage is attributable to sedimentary pressure and to natural rock falls that occurred during the site's prehistory. The purpose of this paper is report on tests of these three hypotheses concerning the cause of breakage in the Krapina material. Microscopic inspection of all Krapina hominid specimens showed that 23% of the material was inadvertantly broken during excavation or during quarrying that took place at the end of the last century. The morphology of the prehistoric breakage is inconsistent with the cannibalism hypothesis and supports the hypothesis that prehistoric breakage was caused by sedimentary pressure and/or roof falls.
Proposed methodology for characterization of microroughness-induced optical scatter instrumentation

Measurements of optical scatter are often employed in production line diagnostics for surface roughness of silicon wafers. However, the geometry of the optical scatter instrumentation lacks universal standardization, making it difficult to compare values obtained by instruments made by different manufacturers. The bidirectional reflectance distribution function, on the other hand, is a well-defined quantity, and under conditions usually met with bare silicon wafers, can be related to the power spectral density of the surface roughness. In this paper, we present an approach for characterizing low level optical scatter instrumentation using a spatial frequency response function. Methods for calculating or measuring the response function are presented. Limitations to the validity of the spatial frequency response function are also discussed.