cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of pH on bile sensitivity amongst various strains of Listeria monocytogenes under aerobic and anaerobic conditions.

Listeria monocytogenes is a dangerous bacterium that causes the food-borne disease listeriosis and accounts for nearly 20 % of food-borne deaths. This organism can survive the body's natural defences within the digestive tract, including acidic conditions and bile. Although the bile response has been analysed, limited information is available concerning the ability of L. monocytogenes to resist bile under anaerobic conditions, especially at acidic pH, which mimics conditions within the duodenum. Additionally, it is not known how the bile response varies between serotypes. In this study, the survival of strains representing six serotypes was analysed under aerobic and anaerobic conditions following exposure to bile. Exposure to bile salts at acidic pH increased toxicity of bile, resulting in a significant reduction in survival for all strains tested. However, following this initial reduction, no significant reduction was observed for an additional 2 h except for strain 10403S (P = 0.002). Anaerobic cultivation increased bile resistance, but a significant increase was only observed in virulent strains when exposed to bile at pH 5.5. Exposure to pH 3.0 prior to bile decreased viability amongst avirulent strains in bile in acidic conditions; oxygen availability did not influence viability. Together, the data suggested that being able to sense and respond to oxygen availability may influence the expression of stress response mechanisms, and this response may correspond to disease outcome. Further research is needed on additional strains to determine how L. monocytogenes senses and responds to oxygen and how this varies between invasive and non-invasive strains.
Ultrashort echo-time MRI as a substitute to CT for skull aberration correction in transcranial focused ultrasound: in vitro comparison on human calvaria

Clinical transcranial MR-guided focused ultrasound (TcMRgFUS) brain treatment systems compensate for skull-induced beam aberrations by adjusting the phase and amplitude of individual ultrasound transducer elements. These corrections are currently calculated based on a pre-acquired CT scan of the patient’s head. The purpose of the work presented here is to demonstrate the feasibility of using ultrashort echo-time (UTE) MRI instead of CT to calculate and apply aberration corrections on a clinical TcMRgFUS system.
Copper toxicity and lipid peroxidation in isolated rat hepatocytes: effect of vitamin E.

ABSTRACT: We investigated the role of lipid peroxidation as the mechanism mediating copper toxicity in isolated rat hepatocytes and the modulating effect of vitamin E. Hepatocytes, isolated from rats fed diets containing deficient (E—), sufficient (E+), and excess (E++) amounts of vitamin E, were incubated with CuCl2 (0-2400 μM) for 150 min. Dose and time-dependent decreases in hepatocyte viability (determined by trypan blue exclusion and lactate dehydrogenase release) due to copper toxicity correlated with production of malonyldialdehyde in E - and E+ hepatocytes. However, malonyldialdehyde generation did not accompany copper toxicity in E++ cells. Copper toxicity was enhanced in E— compared to E+ and E++ hepatocytes as assessed by cell viability studies and ultrastructural plasma membrane bleb formation. In vitro vitamin E repletion of E— hepatocytes restored resistance to copper and decreased malonyldialdehyde production proportionately. Thus vitamin E deficiency appeared to increase the susceptibility of hepatocytes to copper toxicity. We conclude that lipid peroxidation may not be the mechanism by which copper is toxic to isolated hepatocytes but that the site of injury may be thiol-rich cellular proteins.
Clearing a Path through Jesus of the Deep Forest: Intercultural Perspectives on Christian Praise and Public Witness in Afua Kuma’s Akan Oral Epic

First, an ideal is articulated, that African “mother-tongue” theologies would be good not only for Africa, intraculturally, but also for theologies of the global North, interculturally. Second, a h...
Preignition phenomena in small A-50/NTO pulsed rocket engines.

Preignition phenomena in small Aerozine- 50/nitrogen tetroxide pulsed rocket engines shown partly due to hydrazine nitrate accumulation
Pericardial effusion causes interstitial pulmonary edema in dogs.

The pulmonary effects of pericardial effusion were studied in eight anesthetized dogs, with emphasis on lung mechanics, O2 exchange, and extravascular thermal lung volume (ETV) accumulation, while warm saline was instilled into the pericardium to elevate pericardial pressure. The results were compared with those from four time-controlled and sham-operated dogs. ETV, as measured by a double-indicator technique, increased from 8.1 +/- 0.8 ml/kg at a pericardial pressure of 0 mm Hg to 12.9 +/- 2.1 ml/kg at 11.0 mm Hg (p less than .01). In the control group, ETV increased from 6.5 +/- 0.7 to 8.2 +/- 0.5 ml/kg over an equal time span. This increase in ETV in the experimental dogs was inversely related to pulmonary compliance, which decreased by 29% as ETV increased (p less than .05), whereas in the time-controlled group of animals it decreased by 8.8%. Arterial PO2 did not deteriorate during the protocol in either group. Histologic examination showed increased interstitial fluid, but neither alveolar fluid nor septal edema, and gravimetric measurements of lung liquid were also consistent with interstitial fluid accumulation in experimental but not control animals. These findings are concordant with the clinical observation that alveolar edema is rarely seen in the presence of pericardial tamponade. Conceivably, progression from interstitial to alveolar edema did not occur both because of the low pulmonary blood flow that occurs as part of pericardial tamponade physiology and/or because the hydrostatic pressures were not elevated enough to produce higher rates of fluid transudation.
Distribution of agglutinating antibodies to Listeria monocytogenes among vertebrates.

INVESTIGATIONS of the host–parasite relationship of Listeria monocytogenes to man and to several species of domestic ungulates have revealed that serum antibodies reactive with the bacterium may be found in a high percentage of apparently normal individuals1. The proper interpretation of these immunological reactions has been a persisting question in serology, particularly since the species concerned are subject to clinical listeriosis. Do the antibodies demonstrate a high level of inapparent infection by a ubiquitous organism wherein few of the attacked individuals experience the clinical disease, or do they arise from antigenic stimuli other than L. monocytogenes and manifest cross-reactivity because heterogenetic antigen systems are involved ?
Floral and paleoenvironmental history from the late Pliocene to middle Pleistocene in and around central Japan

Abstract Floral and paleoclimatic change from the late Pliocene to middle Pleistocene in and around central Japan is described based on the plant macrofossil records. From the later stage of the Pliocene to middle Pleistocene, Tertiary elements became extinct and modern elements including middle-temperate to subarctic elements emerged instead. The floral change succeeded stepwise. Before 3 m.y. B.P., Tertiary elements flourished under the warmest climate through the late Pliocene and Pleistocene. The first climatic deterioration began at about 3 m.y. B.P. By 2.5 m.y. B.P., 17 extinct members were eliminated and middle- and cool-temperate elements appeared instead. Around the Plio-Pleistocene boundary, 1.6 m.y. B.P., the first severe cold stage was indicated by the first occurrence of subarctic elements. After 1.1 m.y. B.P., climatic fluctuation occurred at less than 100,000 year intervals. A severe cold stage is recognized at a horizon above the Jaramillo event, about 0.8 m.y. B.P. Some plant species, including Metasequoia glyptostroboides, became extinct during the later stage of the early Pleistocene. The remnants of Tertiary elements became extinct during the later stage of the middle Pleistocene, later than about 0.5 m.y. B.P. Plio-Pleistocene plant extinction in and around central Japan is attributed to climatic deteriotation in combination with the geomorphological changes caused by uplift of the mountains around the sedimentary basin.
Preparation of derivatives leading to 2-amino-2-deoxy-d-guluronic acid

Abstract Inversion of configuration at C-3 and C-4 of 2-amino-2-deoxy- D -glucose, via an anchimerically assisted cleavage of a 3,4-epoxide, has been explored as a route for the preparation of derivatives of 2-amino-2-deoxy- D -guluronic acid. It is shown that catalytic oxidation of the benzyl 3- O -acetyl-2-[(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-2-deoxy- D -glucopyranosides over platinum is accompanied by solvolysis of the 3- O -acetyl group in the product. On the other hand, oxidations could be achieved by the action of N,N′ -dicyclohexylcarbodiimide-phosphoric acid-methyl sulfoxide, without affecting the substituents at C-3 and C-4, on benzyl 3- O -acetyl-2-[(benzyloxycarbonyl)-amino]-2-deoxy-4- O -(methylsulfonyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside (giving specifically the 6-aldehyde), and also on benzyl 3,4-anhydro-2-[(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-2-deoxy-β- D -galactopyranoside over platinum (giving the uronic acid). The latter acid could be transformed readily by aqueous acetic acid into benzyl β- D -gulopyranosiduronic acid 2,3-carbamate.
Analytical methods in environmental effects-directed investigations of effluents

Effluent discharges are released into aquatic environments as complex mixtures for which there is commonly either no knowledge of the toxic components or a lack of understanding of how known toxicants interact with other effluent components. Effects-directed investigations consist of chemical extraction and iterative fractionation steps directed by a biological endpoint that is designed to permit the identification or characterization of the chemical classes or compounds in a complex mixture responsible for the observed biological activity. Our review of the literature on effects-directed analyses of effluents for non-mutagenic as well as mutagenic endpoints showed that common extraction and concentration methods have been used. Since the mid-1980s, the methods have evolved from the use of XAD resins to C18 solid-phase extraction (SPE). Blue cotton, blue rayon, and blue chitin have been used specifically for investigations of mutagenic activity where polycyclic compounds were involved or suspected. After isolation, subsequent fractionations have been accomplished using SPE or a high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) system commonly fitted with a C18 reverse-phase column. Substances in active fractions are characterized by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and/or other spectrometric techniques for identification. LC-MS methods have been developed for difficult-to-analyze polar substances identified from effects-directed studies, but the potential for LC-MS to identify unknown polar compounds has yet to be fully realized. Salmonella-based assays (some miniaturized) have been coupled with fractionation methods for most studies aimed at identifying mutagenic fractions and chemical classes in mixtures. Effects-directed investigations of mutagens have focused mostly on drinking water and sewage, whereas extensive investigations of non-mutagenic effects have also included runoff, pesticides, and pulp mill effluents. The success of effects-directed investigations should be based on a realistic initial objective of each project. Identification of chemical classes associated with the measured biological endpoint is frequently achievable; however, confirmation of individual compounds is much more difficult and not always a necessary goal of effects-directed chemical analysis.
The role of radiation therapy in the treatment of small cell undifferentiated bronchogenic cancer

Abstract The current enthusiasm for polychemotherapy in small cell undifferentiated bronchogenic carcinoma obscures the necessity for primary control by radiation therapy. One hundred and sixty-three patients with this diagnosis were treated in the periods 1965-67 (56) and 1974-76 (107). In the earlier period patients received radiation alone or radiation plus single-agent chemotherapy. In the latter period, all patients were treated with multiple-agent chemotherapy in addition to radiation therapy. Median survival time was extended approx. 4 weeks for the latter group of patients at the cost of much morbidity and occasional lethality. In the patients that were autopsied from both series, only 5/30 were free of disease within the treatment portals and all had received more than 4000 rad tumor dose regardless of adjuvant therapy. A total of 14 autopsies were performed on patients treated by chemo-immunotherapy alone during the 1974-76 period. All of these revealed disease in the primary site and mediastinum although some had no evidence of distant metastasis. Tumor volume is sufficiently large within the primary site and regional lymphatics that presently available chemoimmunotherapy without high dose irradiation is unlikely to sterilize loco-regional disease. Elective radiation to the whole brain was administered to 25 patients and only 3 developed cerebral metastases. Of the remaining 82 patients who were treated concurrently, 25 developed cerebral metastasis and then received radiation therapy to the whole brain, 10 of these patients subsequently died.
Antiphospholipid antibodies and retinal vascular disease.

Background. Antiphospholipid antibody retinopathy is a rare and poorly defined clinical entity in which the proper diagnosis has important ocular and systemic implications. The clinical course of five patients with antiphospholipid antibody retinopathy is described and the role of such antibodies in idiopathic retinal venous occlusive disease is investigated.Methods. Five case reports are presented highlighting the presentation, course, therapy, associations and outcomes of patients with antiphospholipid antibody retinopathy. In addi tion, twenty additional patients presenting with idiopathic retinal venous occlusive disease were tested for the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies.Results. All five patients with antiphospholipid antibody retinopathy had diffuse retinal vascular occlusion. All five patients presented with associated rheumatologic disease, includ ing three with lupus or lupus-like disease. Antibodies to antiphospholipid were not detected in any of the twenty patients with idiopathic reti...
Engineering and environmental geophysics get top billing at SAGEEP

Some say that, by the turn of the century, environmental and engineering geophysics will overtake oil and mineral exploration geophysics in total dollars spent for services. Ours is indeed an evolving science that every year encompasses more—from regional environmental assessments to road and bridge studies—promising to deliver many of the solutions to tomorrow’s problems. For those of us interested in the new applications of geophysics, Sageep ’92, which took place 27–29 April in Oak Brook, Illinois, was hugely rewarding. The sponsoring Society of Engineering and Mineral Exploration Geophysicists (Semeg) is to be commended for this, their fourth conference devoted to noninvasive technology for engineering and environmental site characterization.
Local-moment ferromagnetism and unusual magnetic domains in Fe 1/4 TaS 2 crystals

Single crystals of ${\text{Fe}}_{1/4}{\text{TaS}}_{2}$ have been studied by using magneto-optical (MO) imaging and radio-frequency magnetic susceptibility, $\ensuremath{\chi}$. Real-time MO images reveal unusual slow dynamics of dendritic domain formation, the details of which are strongly dependent upon magnetic and thermal history. Measurements of $\ensuremath{\chi}(T)$ show well-defined local-moment ferromagnetic transition at $T\ensuremath{\approx}155\text{ }\text{K}$ as well as thermal hysteresis for $50lTl60\text{ }\text{K}$. This temperature range corresponds to the domain-formation temperature as determined by MO. Together these observations provide strong evidence for local-moment ferromagnetism in ${\text{Fe}}_{1/4}{\text{TaS}}_{2}$ crystals with large temperature-dependent magnetic anisotropy.
The Policy Implications of Internet Connectivity in Public Libraries

Abstract The provision of public Internet access and related networked services by public libraries is affected by a number of information policy issues. This article analyzes the policy dimensions of Internet connectivity in public libraries in light of the data and findings from a national survey of public libraries conducted by the authors of this article. After providing a summary of the study methodology and findings, this article examines key policy issues that include the nature of sufficient bandwidth and broadband, the perpetuation of the digital divide of Internet access in libraries, the role of libraries as e-government access points, the complexities of funding Internet access, the impacts and contradictions of filtering, and the chilling effect of homeland security legislation in public libraries. This article concludes with a discussion of how examining these policy issues can lead to a better understanding of public libraries and the Internet access they offer within the context of public policy.
Contagious equine metritis: Antibody response of experimentally infected pony mares

Abstract Intrauterine inoculation of pony mares with the bacterium that is the causative agent of contagious equine metritis (CEM) resulted in clinical disease. A humoral immune response could be detected by agglutination and complement fixation (CF), and in some cases precipitating antibody was found by immunodiffusion tests. Agglutinating antibody was the most reliable serological indicator of overt infection and was detected in 8 of 28 mares after initial intrauterine inoculation of 3–4 × 105 bacteria. Seventy percent of mares given a second inoculation and all mares given a third inoculation of 3–4 × 105 bacteria produced detectable agglutinating antibody. Only two of five mares given the third inoculation developed detectable complement-fixing antibody. Only one mare showed evidence of reinfection after a second or third intrauterine inoculation. All of the mares given a single intrauterine inoculum of ≥ 8 × 108 bacteria produced agglutinating antibody 10 to 30 days postinoculation (DPI) and 86% gave a positive CF test 10 to 20 DPI. Only mares with an agglutination titer of 320 or more produced precipitating antibody. Sera were considered positive in agglutination tests if they were reactive at a dilution of greater than 4 and positive in CF tests if they were reactive at a dilution of 4 or greater. Pony serum frozen at −70°C was anticomplementary (AC). Treatment at 56°C abolished AC activity and revealed enhancing or procomplementary activity with guinea pig complement. Procomplementary activity could be abolished by treatment of heated pony serum with formaldehyde, which increased CF titers ≥ threefold in weakly reactive sera.
Unilateral catecholamine depletion of the corpus striatum and amphetamine-induced turning: an ontogenetic study.

Unilateral intrastriatal microinjections of α-methyl-p-tyrosine followed by systemic amphetamine treatment produced turning ipsilateral to the side of the injection in rats from 12 days of age to maturity, but not in rats younger than 12 days. These results are consistent with other findings that indicate rapid development of the striatal dopaminergic system and dopaminergic component of the amphetamine stereotypy in the second postanatal week.
A covalent HIV vaccine: is there hope for the future?

A vaccine is necessary to arrest the HIV pandemic. Inducing the synthesis of neutralizing antibodies by B lymphocytes is the cornerstone for successful vaccination against other viruses. The envelope protein gp120, a central player in the lifecycle of HIV, is a major target for vaccine development. However, the infection was not prevented in clinical trials of a gp120 candidate vaccine that induced robust anti-gp120 antibodies. Candidate vaccines that induce cytotoxic T-cell responses to infected cells were also ineffective. HIV-1 diversifies the structure of its envelope rapidly, thereby eluding host immunity. Like the natural immune responses occurring after HIV infection, the antibodies induced by various experimental vaccines were directed mostly at mutable envelope epitopes. gp120 contains structurally conserved neutralizing epitopes that are essential for maintenance of viral infectivity, but they do not stimulate the production of sufficiently neutralizing antibodies. Evidently, the virus hides its vulnerable components from the immune system. Yet, these are the components that must be targeted to successfully treat and prevent infections caused by diverse HIV-1 strains across the world. Hope for developing an effective HIV vaccination can be found if these milestones are met: a structurally constant gp120 epitope recognized by antibodies is identified and an immunogen that selectively induces synthesis of neutralizing antibodies to the epitope is developed.
Schistosoma mansoni: Tyrosine, a putative in vivo substrate of phenol oxidase

Abstract l -Tyrosine, l -[3,4]dihydroxyphenylalanine ( l -DOPA), and dopamine are known to be in vitro substrates for Schistosoma mansoni phenol oxidase. Since all three compounds are present in the female schistosome, it is not clear which one serves as the substrate for phenol oxidase in intact S. mansoni. However, the concentration of l -tyrosine in the female schistosome (252 ng/mg worm) is 4-fold higher than the Km of phenol oxidase for this amino acid while the concentrations of l -DOPA and dopamine (0.954 and 0.790 ng/mg worm, respectively) are 100- and 500-fold lower than the Km of these substrates. Tri- l -tyrosine methyl ester is oxidized at less than 3% of the rate of l -tyrosine methyl ester. A tyrosine:lysine peptide and chymotrypsinogen are not oxidized. Female S. mansoni do not incorporate l -tyrosine into proteins to a significantly greater extent than l -leucine. The results suggest that free l -tyrosine is the substrate for S. mansoni phenol oxidase in vivo.
Sexual function in males before and after renal transplantation

In an attempt to define changes in sexual function before and after renal transplantation, a questionnaire was distributed to adult male patients with functioning kidney transplants. Significant changes in sexual performance were shown during the transition from the healthy state to end-stage renal failure and, finally, to the post-transplant state. Both potency and libido showed marked parallel impairment with the development of end-stage renal failure, followed by moderate recovery after renal transplantation. This study indicates that the majority of men with functioning kidneys can look forward to a return of sexual activity comparable to pre-illness level. However, sexual impairment may persist in some patients after transplantation, emphasizing the need for further evaluation in this group of patients.
Transition metal mediated surface modification of porous silicon

Abstract Porous silicon has received considerable attention lately due to its unique optical properties and use in sensor applications. The utility of this material can be further advanced with the aid of new surface chemical modification methods. Here we describe two transition metal mediated reactions that allow for the mild and chemoselective functionalization of porous silicon. The first method utilizes rhodium carbene chemistry to modify porous silicon surfaces with esters and amides. The second technique exploits a pt-based Karstedt's catalyst to affect the hydrosilylation of porous silicon with alkenes. The mildness and selectivity of the hydrosilylation is highlighted by modification of n-type porous silicon matrix with an 8-residue cyclic peptide.
Light-harvesting pigment-protein complex deficiency in Hosta (Liliaceae)

A yellow-leaved plastome mutant of Hosta (Hosta sieboldii Ingram complex, Liliaceae) known as ‘Wogan Gold’ lacks normal granal stacks, but has numerous stroma lamellae extending throughout the chloroplast. The chlorophyll a/b ratio is 0.76 in the mutant and 2.9 in wild type. The mutant contains a qualitatively normal pattern of other photosynthetic co-pigments. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed a deficiency in the photosystem (PS) II light-harvesting complex. Since PS II is localized mainly in the granal region, the absence of the light-harvesting complex may explain the loss of granal stacking in this mutant.
The triangular wave test for electrocardiographic devices: A historical perspective

Abstract Baseline wander makes interpretation ECG recordings difficult, especially the assessment of ST deviation. Eliminating baseline wander without distorting the ST segment is a problem. The traditional high pass filter with a 0.5 Hz low frequency cutoff effectively suppresses baseline but introduces considerable distortion in the level of the ST segment. This distortion results from phase nonlinearities that occur when frequency content and wave amplitude change abruptly, as occurs where the end of the QRS complex meets the ST segment. Since the 1980s nonlinear, digital filters have been designed that can increase the low frequency cutoff without the introduction of phase distortion. The triangular wave test, first described in the 1990 AHA Recommendations, is an objective method for measuring the ability to suppress baseline wander without affecting the ST segment. This methodology was adopted in 3 American National Standards (Diagnostic ECG in1991; Ambulatory ECGs in 1998; and Cardiac Monitors in 2002)
Boundary skin friction and sediment transport about an animal-tube mimic

A flume study was made of fluid flow, boundary skin friction, and sediment transport about an animal-tube mimic. The effect of a tube on momentum transfer depends most strongly on its height. A tube increases the net boundary skin friction locally and tends to promote sediment entrainment near its base. Flow in this region appears to be governed by the same similarity laws that apply to cylinders with much larger body Reynolds number. Particles travelling as suspended load may be deposited immediately downstream of the tube. The net sedimentological effect of any tube (i.e. deposition or scour) will depend both on its height and on the boundary shear stress imposed by the external flow. The near-wake region of a tube is dominated by a strong cross-stream exchange of momentum. Wake perturbations decay downstream seemingly in accordance with similarity laws which also govern mounted, two-dimensional structures.
An analysis of alternating‐direction methods for parabolic equations

Alternating-direction solution procedures for parabolic partial differential equations can be developed using finite-difference, finite-element, and collocation approximations in space. Each of these methods derives from a common alternating-direction formulation. Furthermore, each method leads to an O[(Δt)2] error which is in addition to the discretization error associated with standard multidimensional solutions. However, when dealing with equations having spatially varying coefficients, some alternating-direction formulations lead to yet other errors which are O(Δt). These latter errors, and thus the accuracy of the method, depend on the structure of the mass matrix associated with the approximating method.
Status of the PALM-3000 high order adaptive optics instrument

We report on the status of PALM-3000, the second generation adaptive optics instrument for the 5.1 meter Hale telescope at Palomar Observatory. PALM-3000 was released as a facility class instrument in October 2011, and has since been used on the Hale telescope a total of over 250 nights. In the past year, the PALM-3000 team introduced several instrument upgrades, including the release of the 32x32 pupil sampling mode which allows for correction on fainter guide stars, the upgrade of wavefront sensor relay optics, the diagnosis and repair of hardware problems, and the release of software improvements. We describe the performance of the PALM-3000 instrument as a result of these upgrades, and provide on-sky results. In the 32x32 pupil sampling mode (15.8 cm per subaperture), we have achieved K-band strehl ratios as high as 11% on a 14.4 mv star, and in the 64x64 pupil sampling mode (8.1 cm per subaperture), we have achieved K-band strehl ratios as high as 86% on stars brighter than 7th m_v.
Septic Shock: On the Importance of Being Tolerant

A study by Figueiredo et al. (2013) in this issue of Immunity demonstrates that administration of anthracyclines induces autophagy in vivo and has a powerful protective effect in a mouse model of sepsis.
Targeting of mammography screening according to life expectancy in women aged 75 and older.

Objectives: To examine receipt of mammography screening according to life expectancy in women aged 75 and older. Design: Population-based survey. Setting: United States. Participants: Community dwelling U.S. women aged 75 and older who participated in the 2008 or 2010 National Health Interview Survey. Measurements: Using a previously developed and validated index, women were categorized according to life expectancy (>9, 5�9, <5 years). Receipt of mammography screening in the past 2 years was examined according to life expectancy, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, access to care, preventive orientation (e.g., receipt of influenza vaccination), and receipt of a clinician recommendation for screening. Results: Of 2,266 respondents, 27.1% had a life expectancy of greater than 9 years, 53.4% had a life expectancy of 5 to 9 years, and 19.5% had a life expectancy of less than 5 years. Overall, 55.7% reported receiving mammography screening in the past 2 years. Life expectancy was strongly associated with receipt of screening (P < .001), yet 36.1% of women with less than 5 years life expectancy were screened, and 29.2% of women with more than 9 years life expectancy were not screened. A clinician recommendation for screening was the strongest predictor of screening independent of life expectancy. Higher educational attainment, age, receipt of influenza vaccination, and history of benign breast biopsy were also independently associated with being screened. Conclusion: Despite uncertainty of benefit, many women aged 75 and older are screened with mammography. Life expectancy is strongly associated with receipt of screening, which may reflect clinicians and patients appropriately considering life expectancy in screening decisions, but 36% of women with short life expectancies are still screened, suggesting that new interventions are needed to further improve targeting of screening according to life expectancy. Decision aids and guidelines encouraging clinicians to consider patient life expectancy in screening decisions may improve care.
Separation of rhodium and iridium by multiple fractional extraction

Abstract Mixtures of the chloro complexes of rhodium(III) and iridium(IV) were resolved by a nine stage multiple extraction technique. The solutes are partitioned in a hydrochloric acid-tributyl phosphate system. Rhodium is concentrated in the raffinate while iridium is concentrated in the extractant. 99% of the rhodium and 94% of the iridium are recovered free of the other metal. Experimental results agree reasonably well with the results predicted by a theoretical treatment of the distribution data.
Post-Impoundment Investigation of Gravity-Driven Irrigation Ponds in Central Bolivia

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the viability of rain-fed farm ponds for sustaining agriculture in semi-arid, southeastern Cochabamba, Bolivia. Farm ponds store runoff from foothills in the study area, delivering it by gravity flow to lowlands. A typical pond has a 1,000 m3 storage capacity and serves four families. The ponds have become a common farming practice in the study area. They increase agricultural output by supplementing a sparse rainfall pattern. The ponds and complementary structures such as rock check dams have also alleviated soil erosion in the study area.
The effect of surface heterogeneity on the adsorption isotherm at very low coverage

Abstract Two extensions are presented for Ross' theoretical model of surface heterogeneity. First, consideration is given to the variation of vibrational energy of an adsorbed molecule on different surface patches, each of which is characterized by a particular adsorption potential. Second, consideration is given to the function used for describing the distribution of the adsorption potential. Both extensions are tested on data by Steele and Halsey for adsorption of argon on heterogeneous carbon (black pearls). There does not appear to be any significant advantage in taking into account variations of vibrational energy from patch to patch. Further, the inclusion of negative adsorption potentials in the Gaussian distribution function does not introduce any difficulties; data reduction using the Gaussian distribution is as good as that obtained with the log-normal distribution which includes only positive adsorption potentials.
Riluzole increases high-affinity glutamate uptake in rat spinal cord synaptosomes.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the anti-convulsant agent, riluzole, on high-affinity glutamate uptake as measured in rat spinal cord synaptosomes. The rate of glutamate uptake was significantly increased in the presence of 0.1 microM and 1.0 microM riluzole, but not at the higher concentrations examined. Kinetics analysis demonstrated that riluzole (0.1 microM) decreased the apparent K(m) by 21% and increased the V(max) by 31%. Glutamate uptake also was significantly increased in spinal cord synaptosomes obtained from rats treated with 8 mg/kg (i.p.) of riluzole and sacrificed 4 h later. The increase in glutamate uptake in vitro was not affected by pretreatment either with H7, an inhibitor of PKA and PKC, or with the PKC activating phorbol ester, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate. Previous studies have shown that some of the actions of riluzole are mediated by G proteins sensitive to pertussis toxin. Surprisingly, treatment of synaptosomes with pertussis toxin alone increased the rate of glutamate uptake, while having no effect on uptake in the presence of riluzole. However, pretreatment with cholera toxin was found to completely block the effects of riluzole on glutamate uptake. These results reveal an additional mechanism by which riluzole can affect glutamatergic neurotransmission, and provides further support that riluzole may prove beneficial in the treatment of traumatic central nervous system injuries involving the excitotoxic actions of glutamate.
Opening the Pore of ASIC1a

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are voltage-independent proton-gated ion channels expressed throughout neurons of the mammalian central and peripheral nervous systems. These channels are organized as homo- or hetero-trimers. Each subunit has two transmembrane segments (TMs) connected by a large extracellular region with the N- and C- termini on the intracellular side. The underlying mechanism coupling proton binding in the extracellular region to pore opening is unknown. To define structural rearrangements associated with gating and desensitization in the outer vestibule of the pore of ASIC1a, we explored the reactivity toward methanethiosulfonate (MTS) reagents of channels bearing Cys substitution in individual residues of the tract I426-Q436. Mutant channels were expressed in Xenopus oocytes and the activity was studied with the two-electrode voltage clamp technique. We found that positively-charged MTS reagents trigger pore opening of G428C in the absence of extracellular acidification. Scanning mutagenesis and double-mutant cycle analysis indicated that the covalently modified side chain of Cys at position 428 interacts with Tyr424 in the region preceding TM2. A Tyr424 to Phe substitution disrupted proton-dependent gating, although pore opening was triggered by MTSET. Our results suggest that the region preceding TM2 provides functional coupling between the extracellular proton-binding sites and the ion pore. Strikingly, Y424C-G428C monomers were associated by inter-subunit disulfide bonds and were insensitive to MTSET. Conformational restrictions on the outer vestibule of the pore arising from these inter-subunit 424-428 disulfide bonds do not prevent the channel from cycling through the resting, open and desensitized states. Our studies suggest that the opening of the ion conductive pathway involves coordinated rotation of the TM2 helices.
Acid-catalyzed rearrangements of tricyclo[4.3.2]Propellane derivatives

Abstract The acid-catalyzed rearrangements of three model tricyclo[4.3.2] propellane derivatives have been explored. In each case the observed products are proposed to arise via a concerted 1,2-shift of the cyclobutane bond having an antiperiplanar alignment with the leaving group (i.e., stereoelectronic control).
Motivational factors in decision theories : the role of self-protection

This article reviews the standard economic and cognitive models of decision making under risk and describes the psychological assumptions that underlie these models. It then reviews important motivational factors that are typically underemphasized by the standard theories, including the motivation to protect one's self-image from failure and regret. An integrated view of decision making is offered on the basis of a more comprehensive set of psychological assumptions
Polarographic Analysis of Some Sulfonic Acids

Sulfonic acids gave fine polarographic waves. Alkyl sulfonic acids have a half-wave potential of −1.6 v., while the half-wave potential of aromatic sulfonic acids can vary with substituents.
The Effect of Spectral Quality of Light on Visual Performance and Fatigue

There is a large but inconclusive amount of literature on the effects of the color of light on single visual functions, such as visual acuity. The amount of dependable information on the effects of the spectral quality of illumination on work performance is negligible. It was the purpose of the present study to investigate this problem. The work test involved recognition of very fine details (letters) and was designed to reproduce the essential features of conveyor inspection. The standard duration of work was 2 hours. Output, results of a large array of tests of visual functions, subjective reactions (complaints), and subjective preferences were considered as criteria in judging the relative superiority or inferiority of the three illuminants compared (ordinary inside frosted lamps; “natural white” lamps with a white, slightly bluish coating; and Verd-A-Ray lamps having a greenish coating). The illumination intensity (5 ft.-c, 100 ft.-c, and 300 ft.-c) on the work place was made identical for all three lamps. Statistically significant differences between the illuminants were established with reference to a number of criteria of performance and fatigue. The differences were, in general, in favor of the illuminant with greenish coating. The present study used commercially available illuminants. Further systematic studies designed to determine the optimal spectral characteristics of light are needed.
Multi-Finite Buffer Method for Direct Solution of Discrete Chemical Master Equation

Many biological reaction networks are intrinsically stochastic due to random thermal fluctuations. Stochasticity is significant when the copy number of participating molecular species are small. The discrete Chemical Master Equation (dCME) provides a general framework to study the underlying stochastic processes of biological networks. Although the direct solution of dCME is advantageous over approximation methods such as the Langevin and the Fokker-Planck equations, it is challenging to obtain exact solution to the dCME. The Finite Buffer dCME Method provides an optimal algorithm to enumerate the underlying state space, and has been used to compute the exact solutions of dCME for several problems. In this study, we extend the finite buffer method by introducing multiple buffer queues for more effective construction of the state space and for quantitative control of errors, when buffer sizes are limited. By introducing the concept of open Independent Birth-Death (IBD) units, which are non-intersecting sets of reactions grouped by common synthesis and degradation reactions, we can enumerate the state space optimally and assess errors for each open IBD from the probability of buffer depletion, when the buffer size is limited. We also describe theoretical estimation of the error bound for any given buffer size of an IBD, so its buffer size can be optimized. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach in computing time-evolving and steady state probability landscapes, as well as first passage time distribution using the birth-death process, the bistable Schlogl model, the bistable toggle switch model, and the phage lambda lysogenic-lytic switching model as examples. We also compare our results with those using other methods.
Studies of photoexcitations in conducting polymers mixed with C60

Abstract We have studied photoexcitations in mixed compounds of C 60 with derivatives of poly ( p -phenylenevinylene) and poly(phenyleneacetylene) using a variety of CW and picosecond (ps) transient spectroscopies. The CW techniques used include photoinduced absorption (PA), photoluminescence (PL) and optically detected PA (ADMR), whereas the ps transient techniques used were time-resolved PA, PL and stimulated emission (SE). Compared with the pristine polymers, all mixed C 60 compounds have shown enhancement of PA bands associated with charged photoexcitations. These PA bands have shown a single spin-half ADMR resonance, identified as due to spins on the polymer chains; no spin-half ADMR signal from photogenerated C 60 − has been observed. In the ps time domain we have observed a pronounced reduction of the transient PL and SE in the mixed compounds. Due to the similarity found between the ps transient and CW PA bands, we have identified the ps photoexcitations in the mixed compounds as polarons (P + −P − ) on the polymer chains, which are indirectly photogenerated as a result of exciton dissociation in C 60 − related defect centers. The ultrafast charge transfer, claimed to exist between the polymer chains and C 60 molecules, has not been observed in the ps time domain.
Multiobjective analysis in water resource planning and management: A framework for policy evaluation

A multiobjective framework for the planning and management of a regional water resource system is presented, considering the conflicting objectives of environmental quality and the cost of water resource development. The regional water resource system is a complex, large-scale system and includes a number of proposed and existing water resource facilities (both water supply projects and wastewater treatment plants.) Treatment alternatives available at each wastewater treatment plant include secondary treatment, tertiary treatment, and recycling of treated effluent (at industrial plants only).
Conventional Wisdom on Risk Communication and Evidence from a Field Experiment

A recent comprehensive review of the literature identified a number of facts and principles governing risk communication. This paper evaluates several of these propositions using recent evidence from a field experiment in communicating the risks from radon in homes. At this point in the research, data relate primarily to the response of risk perceptions to different information treatments and different personal characteristics. The effect of various causal factors is sensitive to the particular test of risk perception applied. No information treatment was clearly superior for all tasks. An important implication of these findings is that risk communicators must determine what specific task or tasks the information program should enable people to do.
Hybrid feedforward and feedback controller design for nuclear steam generators over wide range operation using genetic algorithm

In this paper, a simplified model with a lower order is first developed for a nuclear steam generator system and verified against realistic environments. Based on this simplified model, a hybrid multi-input and multi-out (MIMO) control system, consisting of feedforward control (FFC) and feedback control (PEC), is designed for wide range conditions by using the genetic algorithm (GA) technique. The FFC control, obtained by the GA optimization method, injects an a priori command input into the system to achieve an optimal performance for the designed system, while the GA-based FBC control provides the necessary compensation for any disturbances or uncertainties in a real steam generator. The FBC control is an optimal design of a PI-based control system which would be more acceptable for industrial practices and nuclear power plant control system upgrades. The designed hybrid MIMO FFC/FBC control system is first applied to the simplified model and then to a more complicated model with a higher order which is used as a substitute of the real system to test the efficacy of the designed control system. Results from computer simulations show that the designed GA-based hybrid MIMO FFC/FBC control can achieve good responses and robust performances. Hence, it can be considered as a viable alternative to the current control system upgrades.
Plasma motions in planetary magnetospheres.

Interplanetary space is pervaded by a supersonic 'solar wind' plasma; five planets, in addition to the earth, have magnetic fields of sufficient strength to form the cometlike cavities called 'magnetospheres'. Comparative studies of these structures have indicated the specific environmental factor that can result in dramatic differences in the behavior of any pair of magnetospheres. Although planetary magnetospheres are large enough to serve as laboratories for in situ study of cosmic plasma and magnetic field behavior effects on particle acceleration and EM emission, much work remains to be done toward relating magnetospheric physics results to the study of remote astrophysical plasmas.
Structural modelling using a simple information measure

The structure of a system of N variables is defined to be the set of N dependency relationships giving, for each variable, the set of other variables upon which it is statistically dependent. Because statistical dependence is indicated by the transmission measure of information theory, this set can be found by finding the smallest subset of variables for which T (subset : variable) is a maximum. Sampling considerations of this method are discussed, and the results of 21 experiments with it are given. The results are compatible with those of other structural modelling methods.
A comparison of NES2 and traditional neuropsychological tests in a neurologic patient sample

The Neurobehavioral Evaluation System (NES), a computer-assisted battery of behavioral tests, has been widely used to detect central nervous system dysfunction in occupational and environmental settings and has recently been adapted for testing of neurological patients. The purpose of the present study was to assess the relationship between NES tasks and the traditional neuropsychological tests from which many of the NES tests were developed. For this purpose, comparisons were made between scores on NES tests and traditional neuropsychological tests designed to measure functioning in the same cognitive domains in a sample of patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD). As has been found in prior studies with normal subjects, correlations between traditional and NES2 tests varied from low to moderate. Correlations tended to be low when the modality of stimulus presentation or responses was different in the NES tests from the traditional tasks (e.g., verbal rather than visual) or when divergent and highly specific cognitive functions were being measured by the tests.