cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metal emissions from Kilauea, and a suggested revision of the estimated worldwide metal output by quiescent degassing of volcanoes

Abstract Measurements of a large suite of metals (Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn and several others) and sulfur at Kilauea volcano over an extended period of time has yielded a detailed record of the atmospheric injection of ordinarily-rare metals from this quiescently degassing volcano, representative of an important type. We have combined the Kilauea data with data of recent studies by others (emissions from volcanoes in the Indonesian arc; the large Laki eruption of two centuries ago; Etna; estimates of total volcanic emissions of sulfur) to form the basis for a new working estimate of the rate of worldwide injection of metals to the atmosphere by volcanoes. The new estimate is that volcanoes inject a substantially smaller mass of ordinarily-rare metals into the atmosphere than was stated in a widely cited previous estimate [J.O. Nriagu, A global assessment of natural sources of atmospheric trace metals, Nature 338 (1989) 47–49]. Our estimate, which is an upper limit, is an annual injection mass of about 10,000 tons of the metals considered, versus the earlier estimate of about 23,000 tons. Also, the proportions of the metals are substantially different in our new estimate.
Reaction Based Fluorescent Probes for Hydrogen Sulfide

A reaction based fluorescence turn-on strategy for hydrogen sulfide (H2S) was developed. This strategy was based on a H2S-specific Michael addition-cyclization sequence. Other biological thiols such as cysteine and glutathione did not pursue the reaction and therefore did not turn on the fluorescence/consume the substrates. The probes showed good selectivity and sensitivity for hydrogen sulfide.
An Atmospheric-Pressure Glow Discharge Ionization Source:

In this work, a novel atmospheric-pressure glow discharge source is explored. This discharge operates in the 1 kV range at typically 50-250 μA current in atmospheric-pressure helium. The characteristic I vs. V curve for a glow discharge is observed, and the discharge can operate in the positive or negative modes. The background ions observed in the positive mode from the atmospheric-pressure ionization (API) cell in the mass spectrometer are characteristic of water clusters from background water in the cell, and almost no helium background ions are detected. This atmospheric-pressure glow discharge source has been used to ionize various small biologicals, drugs, peptides, and explosives analogs that have been introduced into the API cell via a direct insertion probe. The resulting mass spectra exhibit generally the MH+ with minimal or no fragmentation in the positive mode, indicating that ionization of the analyte occurs softly through proton transfer from water clusters. Detection limits in the low-pg range have been obtained in both the positive and negative modes.
Pathways of cholesterol homeostasis in mouse retina responsive to dietary and pharmacologic treatments

Effects of serum cholesterol on cholesterol content in the retina are currently unknown. It is also unclear how cholesterol levels are controlled in the retina. High-cholesterol diet and oral administrations of simvastatin were used to modulate serum cholesterol in mice. These treatments only modestly affected cholesterol content in the retina and had no significant effect on retinal expression of the major cholesterol- and vision-related genes; the sterol-regulatory element binding protein pathway of transcriptional regulation does not seem to be operative in the retina under the experimental conditions used. Evidence is obtained that posttranslational mechanisms play a role in the control of retinal cholesterol. Retinal genes were only upregulated by oral administrations of TO901317 activating liver X receptors. Three of the upregulated genes could be of particular importance (apoD, Idol, and Rpe65) and have not yet been considered in the context of cholesterol homeostasis in the retina. Collectively, the data obtained identify specific features of retinal cholesterol maintenance and suggest additional therapies for age-related macular degeneration, a blinding disease characterized by cholesterol and lipid accumulations in chorioretinal tissues.
Characterization of a planctomycetal organelle: a novel bacterial microcompartment for the aerobic degradation of plant saccharides.

ABSTRACT Bacterial microcompartments (BMCs) are organelles that encapsulate functionally linked enzymes within a proteinaceous shell. The prototypical example is the carboxysome, which functions in carbon fixation in cyanobacteria and some chemoautotrophs. It is increasingly apparent that diverse heterotrophic bacteria contain BMCs that are involved in catabolic reactions, and many of the BMCs are predicted to have novel functions. However, most of these putative organelles have not been experimentally characterized. In this study, we sought to discover the function of a conserved BMC gene cluster encoded in the majority of the sequenced planctomycete genomes. This BMC is especially notable for its relatively simple genetic composition, its remote phylogenetic position relative to characterized BMCs, and its apparent exclusivity to the enigmatic Verrucomicrobia and Planctomycetes. Members of the phylum Planctomycetes are known for their morphological dissimilarity to the rest of the bacterial domain: internal membranes, reproduction by budding, and lack of peptidoglycan. As a result, they are ripe for many discoveries, but currently the tools for genetic studies are very limited. We expanded the genetic toolbox for the planctomycetes and generated directed gene knockouts of BMC-related genes in Planctomyces limnophilus. A metabolic activity screen revealed that BMC gene products are involved in the degradation of a number of plant and algal cell wall sugars. Among these sugars, we confirmed that BMCs are formed and required for growth on l-fucose and l-rhamnose. Our results shed light on the functional diversity of BMCs as well as their ecological role in the planctomycetes, which are commonly associated with algae.
Classroom Environmental Value Clarification.

(1975). Classroom Environmental Value Clarification. The Journal of Environmental Education: Vol. 6, No. 4, pp. 14-17.
Animal models of Lyme disease: pathogenesis and immunoprophylaxis

Valuable insights into the pathogenesis and immunoprophylaxis of Lyme disease are beginning to emerge from studies in animal models. This review highlights two animal models: the mouse, which has allowed us to investigate the role of both the immune response and spirochete phenotype in determining the outcome of the disease; and the Rhesus monkey, which manifests signs of nerve involvement, in addition to showing erythema migrans and arthritis.
Effect of exercise intensity and duration on regional function during and after exercise-induced ischemia.

BACKGROUNDTransient reversible myocardial dysfunction has been documented after episodes of exercise-induced ischemia. This study was undertaken to determine whether the duration or intensity of exercise affects the severity of postischemic dysfunction in this setting.METHODS AND RESULTSTen dogs were instrumented with ultrasonic microcrystals for measurement of wall thickening, with circumflex coronary artery flow probes, and with hydraulic occluders. Dogs performed low-intensity exercise, which was sufficient to increase coronary perfusion 50% above control, and high-intensity exercise, which was sufficient to double coronary blood flow. To investigate the effects of exercise intensity on postischemic dysfunction, we had dogs perform high-intensity exercise for 5 minutes in the presence of a stenosis. On the alternate day, dogs performed low-intensity exercise for 10 minutes in the presence of a stenosis. These two protocols provide equivalent coronary flow debts. Mean transmural blood flow during high-i...
A Nitrogen Powered Continuous Delivery, All‐Glass‐Teflon Pumping System for Ground‐Water Sampling from Below 10 Meters

A nitrogen powered, all-glass-Teflon, continuous delivery, noncontaminating pump system is described. Continuous flow rates up to 45 gal-hr-1 (2.84 1-sec-1) are obtainable. The system was developed and field tested to sample water wells with static heads greater than 32 ft (10 m) for measurements of trace level organics. The system is equally applicable to environments such as marine, lake, and other unconfined water or fluid systems. Also, the analysis can be extended to inorganic and microbial assays in that the sample obtained is unaltered with respect to chemical, physical, and biological properties.
Equatorially trapped Rossby waves in the presence of meridionally sheared baroclinic flow in the Pacific Ocean

TOPEX/POSEIDON altimeter data are analyzed for the 8.5-year period November 1992 to May 2001 to investigate the sea surface height (SSH) and geostrophic velocity signatures of quasi-annual equatorially trapped Rossby waves in the Pacific. The latitudinal structures of SSH and both components of geostrophic velocity are found to be asymmetric about the equator across the entire Pacific with larger amplitude north of the equator. The westward phase speeds are estimated by several different methods to be in the range 0.5–0.6 m s−1. These observed characteristics are inconsistent with the classical theory for first vertical, first meridional mode equatorially trapped Rossby waves, which predicts a phase speed of about 0.9 m s−1 with latitudinally symmetric structures of SSH and zonal velocity and antisymmetric structure of meridional velocity. The observations are even less consistent with the latitudinal structures of SSH and geostrophic velocity components for other modes of the classical theory. The latitudinal asymmetries deduced here have also been consistently observed in past analyses of subsurface thermal data and altimeter data and have been variously attributed to sampling errors in the observational data, a superposition of multiple meridional Rossby wave modes, asymmetric forcing by the wind, and forcing by cross-equatorial southerly winds in the eastern Pacific. We propose a different mechanism to account for the observed asymmetric latitudinal structure of low-frequency equatorial Rossby waves. From the free-wave solutions of a simple 1.5-layer model, it is shown that meridional shears in the mean equatorial current system significantly alter the potential vorticity gradient in the central and eastern tropical Pacific. The observed asymmetric structures of sea surface height and geostrophic velocity components are found to be a natural consequence of the shear modification of the potential vorticity gradient. The mean currents also reduce the predicted westward phase speed of first meridional mode Rossby waves, improving consistency with the observations.
ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC AND BIOMARKER PHENOTYPE OF HEART FAILURE WITH PRESERVED EJECTION FRACTION (HFPEF) IN OLDER INDIVIDUALS IN COMPARISON TO HYPERTENSION WITHOUT HEART FAILURE (HTN), ELDERLY WITH RISK FACTORS, AND HEALTHY AGING. IMPORTANCE OF MYOCYTE INJURY, FIBROSIS, LV HYPERTROPHY, AND DIASTOLIC LOAD

HFPEF, common in elderly, is considered secondary to hypertension (HTN) related “concentric (conc)” LVH (↑LVmass and ↑ mass/volume ratio -MVR) or conc remodeling (CR), and ? diastolic load, rather than to “eccentric (ecc)” LVH (↓ MVR). Also, there is
Two-Beam Instability in Electron Cooling

The drift motion of cooling electrons makes them able to respond to transverse perturbations of a cooled ion beam. This response may lead to dipole or quadrupole transverse instabilities at specific longitudinal wave numbers. While the dipole instabilities can be suppressed by a combination of the Landau damping, machine impedance, and the active damper, the quadrupole and higher order modes can lead to either emittance growth, or a lifetime degradation, or both. The growth rates of these instabilities are strongly determined by the machine x-y coupling. Thus, tuning out of the coupling resonance and/or reduction of the machine coupling can be an efficient remedy for these instabilities.
Growth Factor/Matrix-Induced Proliferation of Human Adult β-Cells

Proliferation of human β-cells in vitro is desirable for both transplantation and biological studies. In this study, human pancreatic islets obtained from cadavers were kept in tissue culture plates that favored cell attachment. When the cells attached to the matrix produced by the rat-bladder carcinoma cell line 804G, 5′-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling increased from 4.7 ± 2.5 to 13.2 ± 2.2%, while cells simultaneously labeled for insulin and BrdU increased from 0 to 32%. Addition of the growth factor hepatocyte growth factor/scatter (HGF/SF) increased BrdU labeling to 17.5 ± 1.8 and the percentage of double positive (BrdU + insulin) cells to 69%. This is the first in vitro demonstration that human β-cells grown in monolayer culture are able to replicate when exposed to selected matrices and growth factors. These experiments add further evidence that HGF/SF is an important mitogenic agent for human β-cells.
Tradeoffs in multichip module yield and cost with known good die probability and repair

Abstract The influences of known good die (KGD) probability, repair, and module testing on multichip module (MCM) yield and cost have been modeled and systematically analyzed. The current work extends our previous efforts on MCMs with single (one KGD probability) and dual (two KGD probabilities) populations to modules containing complex, multiple chip populations. Most of the analysis is performed on modules with multiple populations in the range of three to five (i.e., three to five distinct chip types). In order to develop a total cost picture for an MCM versus the respective KGD probabilities of the underlying chip populations, it was necessary to develop new algorithms or modify previously developed algorithms for the following items: number of modules (necessary to ensure at least one MCM works), KGD chip cost, and chip repair/replacement costs. In order to visualize the results and simplify calculations, averages over the respective subpopulations have been employed. The combination of these models and algorithms produces cost values in multiple (KGD) probability space that contain optimum or minimal points. Associated with the cost minimums are specific KGD probabilities for each chip type in the module population. Thus, one only pays for improved KGD probability up to the values that minimize overall module cost. Repair has a direct and significant impact on overall module yield and cost, with the first repair providing the largest improvement in both yield and cost reduction.
Screening for Salinity Tolerance in Alfalfa

A lack of salt-tolerant cultivars may be due in part to inadequate evaluation protocols used for selection. Our objective was to develop a greenhouse protocol that is simple and consistently separates genotypes for their relative ability to survive under saline conditions. In 2000 and 2001, 12 alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivars were seeded in 3.8- by 21-cm cone-shaped containers plugged with capillary matting and filled with silica sand. Six-week-old seedlings were submersed in a NaCI-nutrient solution starting at an electrical conductivity (EC) of 3.0 dS m -1 and increased 3.0 dS m -1 every 1 to 2 wk for 10 to 13 wk. Probit analysis was used to estimate the time and salt dose to reach 50 (LD 50 ) and 75% (LD 75 ) mortality. Probit results were compared with cultivar ranking for mean percentage plant mortality when overall trial mortality reached approximately 50 and 75%. Pearson's rank correlations between 2000 and 2001 at the LD 50 and LD 75 levels were r = 0.90 (P < 0.001) and r = 0.88 (P < 0.001), respectively. Rank correlations between 2000 and 2001 based on means when overall trial mortality levels were approximately 50 and 75% were r = 0.92 (P < 0.001) and r = 0.85 (P < 0.001), respectively. The correlations between mean percentage cultivar mortality rankings and the probit-based rankings were above r = 0.90 (P < 0.001) in both years. The high correlations verify that this protocol produces repeatable results and provides a method to effectively screen large numbers of plants for survival under saline conditions.
Peptide growth factors are multifunctional

The actions of many peptide growth factors include both stimulation and inhibition of cell proliferation, as well as effects unrelated to the control of cell growth. One peptide can have both stimulatory and inhibitory activity in a single cell, depending on the context of the other signal molecules present.
Olfactory sexual inhibition and the westermarck effect.

The Westermarck effect (sexual inhibition among individuals raised together) is argued to be mediated olfactorily. Various animals, including humans, distinguish among individuals by scent (significantly determined by MHC genotype), and some avoid cosocialized associates on this basis. Possible models of olfactory mechanisms in humans are evaluated. Evidence suggests aversions develop during an early sensitizing period, attach to persons as much as to their scents, and are more powerful among females than among males. Adult to child aversions may develop similarly, but more likely result from stimulus generalization. This hypothesis accords with current evidence and yields testable predictions (e.g., anosmia will prevent inhibition) that, should they be supported, will conclusively ground the Westermarck effect in a biological mechanism.
A tale of four substrates-EMI and thermal comparisons of different PCB materials

It is well known that EMI and thermal performance need to be considered together, as reducing the speed of a signal to reduce its emissions will in most situations increase the power dissipation in the driver for that signal. This paper compares the electrical (low and high frequency including EMI effects) and thermal properties of 4 substrates: (1) "standard" epoxy type (types FR-4, FR-N including thin substrates on rigidisers); (2) "flex" substrates; (3) LTCC (low temperature cofired ceramic) substrates; and (4) diffusion patterned substrates. This allows a designer to take as complete view as possible in the choice of a substrate for a given application. It also shows that it is possible to simulate a circuit including the substrate as part of a system to see the EMI and thermal effects.
Relativistic calculations of nuclear motional effects in many-electron atoms.

We assume that the nucleus is a relativistic point mass with no internal degrees of freedom and derive an expression for its motional contribution to the energies of atomic levels in {ital jj} coupling. Our formalism has been implemented in a computer program module SMS used in conjunction with the GRASP2 multiconfiguration Dirac-Fock package. Representative calculations are presented for some atoms and ions.
Note on tides in wells

In his report on Earth tides read at the 1939 Congress of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics, Mr. Lambert described four cases of observed tides in wells which are situated far enough inland to be unaffected by the tidal load of the coastal waters. Mr. Lambert suggests that these tides are the direct effect of the tide-producing forces and are a manifestation of Earth tides. Evidence for this conclusion he sees in some of the features which are suggested by the available observations, namely, the relatively large ratio of the solar semidiurnal to the lunar semidiurnal components, the marked diurnal inequality, etc.
Rapid, accurate electrocardiogram and apnea monitoring.

A new monitor pad with an attached lead system has been designed which provides accurate monitoring of respiration and cardiac activity. Over 1,350 patient days of monitoring experience were accumulated. During this time, a striking absence of skin irritation, injury, or maceration was noted. Optimum monitoring surveillance was maintained without hindering patient care, serial examinations, or procedures.
Non-local topographic influences on deep convection: An idealized model for the Nordic Seas

Issues relevant to the water mass transformation and circulation in the Nordic Seas are explored using a series of idealized numerical model calculations. The essential aspects of the model configuration are: a marginal sea with two sub-basins separated by a ridge; a sill separating the marginal sea from the open ocean; a region of sloping topography surrounding the marginal sea; surface heat loss; and eddy-resolving physics. A calculation with enhanced topographic slope along the eastern boundary, as is found in the Lofoten Basin, produces a hydrography and circulation that are similar to that observed in the Nordic Seas, including two poleward warm currents, a mid-depth thermocline in the eastern basin (the model’s Lofoten Basin), and deep convection in the western basin (the model’s Greenland Sea). It is shown that the key elements to the mid-ocean poleward warm current and the mid-depth thermocline in the eastern basin are: an asymmetry in the eddy heat flux from the boundary into the basin interior, here related to a region of steep bottom topography that makes the eastern boundary current more unstable than the western boundary current, and a mid-ocean ridge that partially, but not completely, inhibits exchange between eastern and western basins. This exchange can take place by baroclinic eddy fluxes or by flow through deep gaps in the ridge. The basin-scale hydrography and circulation in this idealized Nordic Seas are controlled to a large degree by eddy fluxes, which are themselves strongly influenced by regional features of the bottom topography that are located far from the convection sites.
The thermodynamic properties of UFe2:Agreement with the campbell correlation of laves phase compounds

The reported value of the heat of formation of UFe2 determined by acid solution calorimetry1 and the Gibbs energy of formation determined by high temperature emf cells2 seem to give results that are in unreasonably poor agreement. It was recently discovered3 that a well defined correlation exists between the heat of formation and the unalloyed radius ratio of AB2 type Laves compounds. When this test is applied it is found that the emf data of Yoshihara and Kauno for UFe2 gives very good correlation with the compounds formed between Pu and the Group Villa metals as shown in Fig. 1. Although these authors did not indicate that heats or entropies of formation could be calculated from their data, a third law calculation using Kopp’s law of the additivity of heat capacity4 shows that the entropy term derived from the observed Gibbs energy of formation
HIV/AIDS education in schools: the ‘unassembled’ youth as a curricular project

This paper describes the ways in which administrative structures of the state, techniques of self-government, and practices of social relations exist within HIV/AIDS curricular discourses, a critique enabled by a Foucauldian analytical frame. We argue that youth have been singled out as a particularly risky lot and are therefore prime candidates for HIV/AIDS education. We situate HIV/AIDS education as a method of neoliberal governmentality concerned with regulating the categories of health, risk, and disease in relation to youthful identities. Our aim is to expose the ways in which scientific savoir, values, freedom and restraint work in tandem and hold the potential to shape youthful lives in meaningful ways. We further hope to unmask a certain kind of politics of knowledge that goes, for the most part, unquestioned, because it is linked to normalized ideas about sexuality, morality, individual responsibility, risk, and health.
Which White Blood Cell Subtypes Predict Increased Cardiovascular Risk

Objectives We sought to determine the predictive ability of total white blood cell (WBC) count and its subtypes for risk of death or myocardial infarction (MI). Background An elevated WBC count has been associated with cardiovascular risk, but which leukocyte subtypes carry this risk is uncertain. Methods Consecutive patients without acute MI who were assessed angiographically for coronary artery disease (CAD) and were followed up long-term were studied. The predictive ability for death/MI of quartile (Q) 4 versus Q1 total WBC, neutrophil (N), lymphocyte (L), and monocyte (M) counts and N/L ratio were assessed using Cox regressions. Results A total of 3,227 patients was studied. Mean age was 63 years; 63% of patients were male, and 65% had CAD. In multivariable modeling entering standard risk factors, presentation, and CAD severity, the total WBC (hazard ratio [HR] 1.4, p = 0.01) and M (HR 1.3, p < 0.02) were weaker and N (HR 1.8, p < 0.001), L (HR 0.51, p < 0.001), and N/L ratio (HR 2.2, p < 0.001) were independent predictors of death/MI. When WBC variables were entered together, N/L ratio and M were retained as independent predictors. Risk associations persisted in analyses restricted to CAD patients or including acute MI patients. Conclusions Total WBC count is confirmed to be an independent predictor of death/MI in patients with or at high risk for CAD, but greater predictive ability is provided by high N (Q4 >6.6 × 103/μl) or low L counts. The greatest risk prediction is given by the N/L ratio, with Q4 versus Q1 (>4.71 versus <1.96) increasing the hazard 2.2-fold. These findings have important implications for CAD risk assessment.
Growth Rates and Mortality of the Louisiana Pine Snake (Pituophis ruthveni)

The genus Pituophis (Serpentes: Colubridae) contains three species of snakes in the United States (Collins, 1997): Pituophis catenifer, Pituophis melanoleucus, and Pituophis ruthveni. The Louisiana pine snake, P. ruthveni, was elevated to specific status by Reichling (1995) and is endemic to western Louisiana and eastern Texas (Conant and Collins, 1991; Reichling, 1995; Thomas et al., 1976). Rodriguez-Robles and De JesusEscobar (2000) agreed with the recognition of specific status for P. ruthveni, but few data have been collected on the natural history of P. ruthveni since its original description (Stull, 1929). The paucity of data on P. ruthveni is because of the snake’s limited distribution (Reichling, 1995; Thomas et al., 1976), low population density (Jennings and Fritts, 1983; Reichling, 1989), and secretive nature (Reichling, 1988). A radiotelemetry study initiated in 1993 (Rudolph and Burgdorf, 1997; Rudolph at al., 1998) confirms the basic conclusions about the ecology of P. ruthveni obtained from collection records. Pituophis ruthveni is primarily associated with pine forests in sandy soils within the historic range of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris). Telemetry data indicate a preference for welldeveloped herbaceous vegetation generally maintained by fire (Rudolph and Burgdorf, 1997). A close association with Baird’s pocket gopher (Geomys breviceps) is evident at all sites (Rudolph and Burgdorf, 1997). As part of a rangewide natural history study on P. ruthveni in Louisiana and Texas, we studied 30 naturally occurring (one juvenile, 16 adult males, and 13 adult females) and eight captive-bred (seven juveniles and one adult male) pine snakes in the field for up to 43 months. The objective of this paper is to characterize the growth of this rare and poorly known species. We also compare growth rates of P. ruthveni with data from other studies of Pituophis. Because of the extreme rarity of P. ruthveni, animals (N 5 38) implanted with transmitters were located in several study areas: Bienville, Sabine, and Vernon Parishes in Louisiana, and in Angelina, Jasper, Newton, and Sabine Counties in Texas. All sites are within his-
Technology in Teacher Education: Creating a Climate of Change and Collaboration

Abstract Technology3 is a grant that helped 3 groups of stakeholders (university faculty and supervisors, cooperating teachers, and teacher candidates) with 3 essential technology components (hardware, software, and technology learning support) through a 3-pronged approach based on training, modeling, and mentoring to use technology. Faculty had to revamp their syllabi to include technology; university supervisors had to supervise students' use of technology; cooperating teachers had to assist student teachers with their use of technology; and student teachers had to teach 8 technology-assisted lessons. Technology3 was evaluated with pretest and posttest self-assessments (Mankato Scale and attitudinal scales), an exit survey, changes in syllabi of methodology courses, and student teachers' lessons with technology. The findings suggest that even with modest self-reported skill and attitudinal changes, all 3 stakeholders showed changes in their use of technology. However, as reported in the literature, chan...
Different immunosuppressive regimens and recurrence of primary sclerosing cholangitis after liver transplantation

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is the fourth leading diagnosis in liver transplant recipients in the United States. The disease is known to recur in 15% to 30% of liver transplant recipients. We set out to investigate how different immunosuppression regimens affected natural history of PSC after liver transplantation at our center. We reviewed records of all patients who underwent a liver transplantation at our institution in between 1988 and 2000 and had a diagnosis of PSC at the time of liver transplantation. Primary sclerosing cholangitis recurred in 15 of 71 patients (21.1%) who had complete records and survived more than 30 days after liver transplantation. Although recurrence of primary sclerosing cholangitis was most often seen (but not statistically significantly so) in patients who received maintenance corticosteroids, the time to recurrence was not significantly different between those who were treated with maintenance, those who were not successfully weaned, and those who successfully weaned off corticosteroids within 3 months after liver transplantation. Orthoclone (OKT3) therapy (Ortho-Biotech, Inc., Raritan, NJ) was associated with a higher risk of primary sclerosing cholangitis recurrence (29% versus 10%, P < .05). Recurrence was not influenced by immunosuppression with either cyclosporine or tacrolimus. Coexistent inflammatory bowel disease was a cause of failure to wean off corticosteroids, was associated with a shorter time to recurrence of sclerosing cholangitis, and was responsible for significant comorbidity (colon cancer in 7.3%). Primary sclerosing cholangitis recurrence is commonly seen after liver transplantation. More immunosuppression seems to be detrimental to the outcome of our patients with sclerosing cholangitis: use of OKT3 was associated with a greater incidence of recurrence. Length of corticosteroid use did not affect timing or risk of recurrence, and because it has been proven that early corticosteroid withdrawal after liver transplantation is beneficial, we continue to recommend this practice. (Liver Transpl 2003;9:727-732.)
The structure of buoyant methane and propane diffusion flames

New measurements of the structure of turbulent, axisymmetric methane diffusion flames, with significant buoyancy effects, are reported—which include careful characterization of initial conditions and total radiative heat losses. These measurements, as well as existing measurements for propane flames, are used to evaluate k-e-g models of the process, considering several past proposals for treating effects of buoyancy on turbulence properties. Reasonably good agreement was obtained between predictions and measurements, using model constants established in the literature, for initial Reynolds numbers greater than 2900. It was found that including effects of buoyancy on turbulence properties had a relatively minor effect on mean flame structure; however, adequate specification of initial conditions is shown to be particularly important for buoyancy dominated flames having a low initial momentum.
GABAA receptor subunit immunoreactivity in primate visual cortex: distribution in macaques and humans and regulation by visual input in adulthood

Subunit proteins that make up functional GABAA receptors were localized immunocytochemistry in the primary visual cortex (area 17) of adult monkeys and humans. Immunoreactivity for the alpha 1, beta 2/3, and gamma 2 subunits is greatest in layers (II-III, IVA and IVC) of monkey area 17 that contain the highest density of GABA neurons and terminals. Immunostaining for each subunit is unevenly distributed in layers II and III, where patches of immunoreactivity correspond to regions of intense cytochrome oxidase (CO) staining, and in layer IVA, where intense immunoreactivity forms a honeycomb pattern identical to the CO staining pattern. Immunoreactivity for the subunits is localized principally within the neuropil, which, by simultaneous comparison with the distribution of microtubule-associated protein immunostaining, was found to include bundles of thin dendrites and zones of numerous dendritic segments. In addition, gamma 2 immunostaining surrounds the somata of a subpopulation of GABAergic neurons, immunoreactive for the calcium-binding protein parvalbumin. All three subunits are present in the somata and processes of neurons that occupy the white matter subjacent to monkey area 17. In human visual cortex, the alpha 1, beta 2/3, and gamma 2 subunits are distributed in a manner similar to that found in monkeys, with relatively intense immunostaining in layers IVC and IVA. In layer IVC, vertical stripes of intense receptor immunostaining (20–30 microns wide) alternate with wider stripes of pale immunostaining (30–60 microns wide). In the upper and lower halves of IVC beta, these stripes form lattices similar to those in layers IVC and IVA of monkeys. Following monocular deprivation by intravitreal injections of TTX in adult monkeys, immunoreactivity for each subunit in layer IVC consists of alternating intensely and lightly stained stripes. Comparison with the pattern of CO staining indicates that intense immunostaining for alpha 1, beta 2/3, and gamma 2 occurs in normal-eye stripes while abnormally light immunostaining is present in deprived-eye stripes. For all three subunits, immunoreactivity in deprived-eye stripes is reduced within 5 d of monocular deprivation and remains abnormally low for deprivations that extend to at least 30 d. These findings indicate that each of several GABAA receptor subunits adopt similar laminar and compartmental distributions in monkey and human area 17 and are likely to be expressed by the same neurons. The deprivation-dependent reduction in immunoreactivity for alpha 1, beta 2/3, and gamma 2 subunits suggests that all are regulated by visually driven activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Collaboration and Leadership for Effective Emergency Management

Collaboration is a necessary foundation for dealing with both natural and technological hazards and disasters and the consequences of terrorism. This analysis describes the structure of the American emergency management system, the charts development of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and identifies conflicts arising from the creation of the Department of Homeland Security and the attempt to impose a command and control system on a very collaborative organizational culture in a very collaborative sociopolitical and legal context. The importance of collaboration is stressed, and recommendations are offered on how to improve the amount and value of collaborative activities. New leadership strategies are recommended that derive their power from effective strategies and the transformational power of a compelling vision, rather than from hierarchy, rank, or standard operating procedures.
Proceedings from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Conference on the Uterine Fibroid Research Update Workshop

The purpose of the National Institutes of Health conference Fibroid Research Workshop in September 2007 was to bring Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development–funded fibroid investigators together to discuss basic science and clinical research advances on uterine leiomyomata. General topics included advances in epidemiology, etiology, therapeutic approaches, and clinical trial challenges; suggestions for advancement of basic understanding, clinical intervention, clinical trials, and future directions were highlighted.
Consistency Between Research and Clinical Diagnoses of Autism Among Boys and Girls with Fragile X Syndrome

Background Prior research suggests that 60–74% of males and 16–45% of females with fragile X syndrome (FXS) meet criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in research settings. However, relatively little is known about the rates of clinical diagnoses in FXS and whether such diagnoses are consistent with those performed in a research setting using gold standard diagnostic tools. Method This study explored whether boys and girls with FXS met criteria for ASD in a research setting using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), and then compared these data with the frequency of parent-reported clinical diagnoses. We also examined child and family characteristics as potential diagnostic predictors across settings. Participants included 35 females and 51 males with FXS (mean age: 10 years), who were from Eastern and Midwestern regions of the USA. Results About half of the children met criteria for ASD on either the ADOS or ADI-R, with ASD occurring three times more frequently in males than females (∼75% vs. ∼25%). In contrast, ∼25% of participants of both genders had received a clinical diagnosis of ASD. While cognitive and language skills predicted diagnostic outcome on the ADOS and ADI-R, these skills did not predict clinical diagnoses. Executive functions predicted clinical diagnoses, but not diagnoses per the ADOS or ADI-R. Conclusions ASD in FXS may be under-diagnosed in clinical/educational settings, which raises questions regarding access to ASD-related services.
High-Frequency Periodic Sources Underlie Ventricular Fibrillation in the Isolated Rabbit Heart

The mechanism(s) underlying ventricular fibrillation (VF) remain unclear. We hypothesized that at least some forms of VF are not random and that high-frequency periodic sources of activity manifest themselves as spatiotemporal periodicities, which drive VF. Twenty-four VF episodes from 8 Langendorff-perfused rabbit hearts were studied using high-resolution video imaging in conjunction with ECG recordings and spectral analysis. Sequential wavefronts that activated the ventricles in a spatially and temporally periodic fashion were identified. In addition, we analyzed the lifespan and dynamics of wavelets in VF, using a new method of phase mapping that enables identification of phase singularity points (PSs), which flank individual wavelets. Spatiotemporal periodicity was found in 21 of 24 episodes. Complete reentry on the epicardial surface was observed in 3 of 24 episodes. The cycle length of discrete regions of spatiotemporal periodicity correlated highly with the dominant frequency of the optical pseudo-ECG (R(2)=0.75) and with the global bipolar electrogram (R(2)=0.79). The lifespan of PSs was short (14.7+/-14.4 ms); 98% of PSs existed for <1 rotation. The mean number of waves entering (6.50+/-0.69) exceeded the mean number of waves that exited our mapping field (4.25+/-0.56; P<0.05). These results strongly suggest that ongoing stable sources are responsible for the majority of the frequency content of VF and therefore play a role in its maintenance. In this model, multiple wavelets resulting from wavebreaks do not appear to be responsible for the sustenance of this arrhythmia, but are rather the consequence of breakup of high-frequency activation from a dominant reentrant source.
Saturation mutagenesis using maize transposons

Transposon mutagenesis facilitates gene discovery by tagging genes for cloning. New genomics projects are now cataloging transposon insertion sites to define all maize genes. Once identified, transposon insertions are 'hot spots' for generating new alleles that are useful in functional studies.
Students and a "Culture of Resistance" in Provincetown's Schools.

Provincetown, Massachusetts is a popular multigendered tourist destination where openness to diversity is part of the school and wider community ethos. Youth encounter their hometown as a place whose cultural ethos they do not always embrace. Based on participant-observation fieldwork from 1995 to 2002, this article explores how students have developed a “culture of resistance” to dominant discourses of tolerance and acceptance. By deconstructing how schools are sites of intergroup conflicts over gender tolerance and public school ownership, student-resistance conduct is shown to be a response to perceived alienation from mainstream social norms and discourses.
Ciprofloxacin pharmacokinetics in burn patients.

Many drugs exhibit altered pharmacokinetic parameters in burn patients. We prospectively evaluated the pharmacokinetics of ciprofloxacin in eight burn patients with active infections. Each patient received a 400-mg dose of ciprofloxacin intravenously (i.v.) every 8 h, with each dose infused over 1 h by using a rate control device. Blood samples for analysis of plasma ciprofloxacin concentrations, determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, were obtained immediately predose, at the end of the infusion, and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 h after the end of the infusion. Urine was collected from 0 to 2, 2 to 4, and 4 to 8 h following the same dose, and an aliquot was saved for determination of the ciprofloxacin concentration. Urine was also collected for 24 h prior to this dose for measurement of creatinine clearance (CLCR). Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated by noncompartmental analysis. Mean maximum and minimum plasma ciprofloxacin concentrations were 4.2 +/- 1.1 and 0.70 +/- 0.55 microgram/ml, respectively. Mean values for clearance (CL), renal clearance (CLR), volume of distribution, terminal elimination rate constant, half-life (t1/2), and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) were 29.1 +/- 17.5 liters/h, 13.5 +/- 10.1 liters/h, 1.75 +/- 0.41 liters/kg, 0.222 +/- 0.098 h-1, 4.5 +/- 3.9 h, and 20.7 +/- 16.6 micrograms.h/ml, respectively. CL was higher and t1/2 was shorter than noted in previous studies of acutely ill, hospitalized patients. A good correlation was noted between creatinine clearance CL(CR) and both total ciprofloxacin CL (r = 0.85) and CLR (r = 0.84). A moderate inverse correlation was noted between percent body surface area burned and total ciprofloxacin CL (r = -0.55). An AUC/MIC ratio above 125 SIT-1 (where SIT is serum inhibitory titer), which has been strongly correlated with clinical response and time to bacterial eradication, was achieved in five of eight patients (63%) with a MIC of 0.25 microgram/ml. At a ciprofloxacin dosage of 400 mg i.v. every 12 h, an AUC/MIC ratio above 125 SIT-1 would have been achieved in only two of eight patients (25%). We conclude that ciprofloxacin CL is highly variable, but generally increased, in burn patients compared with that in acutely ill, general medical and surgical patients. Because of an increase in CL, a ciprofloxacin dosage of 400 mg i.v. every 8 h is more likely to produce the desired response in burn patients than the same dose given every 12 h.
The Decipherment of Ancient Maya Writing

The Decipherment of Ancient Maya Writing. Stephen Houston. Oswaldo Chinchilla Mazariegos. and David Stuart. eds. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 2001. 576 pp.
A Fuzzy-Tower-Based QoS Unicast Routing Algorithm

In this paper, a fuzzy-tower-based QoS unicast routing algorithm is proposed. Based on the charging principle, the network provider probability profit with regard to each class of user request is determined by a profit model. Using the fuzzy tower, the specific route between two network nodes is found, satisfying the user QoS requirement and approaching the maximum network provider probability profit. Simulation results have shown that the proposed algorithm is both feasible and effective.
Generalized threshold replenishment: an adaptive vector quantization algorithm for the coding of nonstationary sources

In this paper, we describe a new adaptive-vector-quantization (AVQ) algorithm designed for the coding of non-stationary sources. This new algorithm, generalized threshold replenishment (GTR), differs from prior AVQ algorithms in that it features an explicit, online consideration of both rate and distortion. Because of its online nature, GTR is more amenable to real-time hardware and software implementation than are many prior AVQ algorithms that rely on traditional batch training methods. Additionally, as rate-distortion cost criteria are used in both the determination of nearest-neighbor codewords and the decision to update the codebook, GTR achieves rate-distortion performance superior to that of other AVQ algorithms, particularly for low-rate coding. Results are presented that illustrate low-rate performance surpassing that of other AVQ algorithms for the coding of both an image sequence and an artificial non-stationary random process. For the image sequence, it is shown that (1) most AVQ algorithms achieve distortion much lower than that of nonadaptive VQ for the same rate (about 1.5 b/pixel), and (2) GTR achieves performance substantially superior to that of the other AVQ algorithms for low-rate coding, being the only algorithm to achieve a rate below 1.0 b/pixel.
A Policy Decision Process for Construction of Public Transportation City Model: Case Study of Jeju, Korea

The most suitable public transportation policies are planned and executed within the context of a long-term strategy due to their large time and money costs. Therefore, a public transportation city model should be developed after an adequate evaluation process to maximize social benefit and efficiency. The monetary evaluation methods that have been usually used to evaluate many alternative policies have some limitations in reflecting various factors, especially considering qualitative variables that are related to decision-making problems. On the contrary, the AHP (analytic hierarchy process) is a flexible model that deals with the qualitative variables and allows us to make decisions by personal judgment in a logical way. This paper includes implementation of the process to the construction of a 'JEJU' public transportation city model to verify the applicability of the AHP method. Since this method includes a multi-criteria analysis process and reflects expert opinions, it is therefore very useful for finding a more broadly acceptable solution for goal-oriented policy making.
Standardized Bioenergetic Profiling of Adult Mouse Cardiomyocytes

Mitochondria are at the crux of life and death and as such have become ideal targets of intervention in cardiovascular disease. Generally, current methods to measure mitochondrial dysfunction rely on working with the isolated organelle and fail to incorporate mitochondrial function in a cellular context. Extracellular flux methodology has been particularly advantageous in this respect; however, certain primary cell types, such as adult cardiac myocytes, have been difficult to standardize with this technology. Here, we describe methods for using extracellular flux (XF) analysis to measure mitochondrial bioenergetics in isolated, intact, adult mouse cardiomyocytes (ACMs). Following isolation, ACMs were seeded overnight onto laminin-coated (20 μg/ml) microplates, which resulted in high attachment efficiency. After establishing seeding density, we found that a commonly used assay medium (containing a supraphysiological concentration of pyruvate at 1 mmol/l) produced a maximal bioenergetic response. After performing a pyruvate dose-response, we determined that pyruvate titrated to 0.1 mmol/l was optimal for examining alternative substrate oxidation. Methods for measuring fatty acid oxidation were established. These methods lay the framework using XF analysis to profile metabolism of ACMs and will likely augment our ability to understand mitochondrial dysfunction in heart failure and acute myocardial ischemia. This platform could easily be extended to models of diabetes or other metabolic defects.