cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Robotic Mitral Valve Repair for Anterior Leaflet and Bileaflet Prolapse

Background Centers have expanded indications for robotic mitral valve repairs to include complex pathologic features. We studied our results after robotic mitral valve repair for anterior leaflet or bileaflet prolapse. Methods Data were collected contemporaneously on 289 patients operated on from May 2000 to September 2006. Every patient underwent preoperative transesophageal echocardiography. Follow-up consisted of serial echocardiograms, clinic visits, and phone conversations with patients and their physicians. Results A total of 66 patients (anterior leaflet, n=14; and bileaflet, n=52) were identified. Mean age was 52.6 ± 7.1 years, and 57 (86%) patients had New York Heart Association functional class II or III symptoms. Cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp times were 171 ± 52 and 132 ± 39 minutes, respectively. The 30-day and late mortality rates were 3% (n = 2) for each time point. There were no device-related or perfusion-related complications or sternotomy conversions. Complications included 2 strokes (3%), 2 bleeding reexplorations (3%), and 10 pleural effusions requiring intervention (15%). The length of hospital stay for surviving patients was 5 ± 3 days, and time to extubation averaged 9.5 ± 13 hours. A total of 6 (9%) patients required valve reoperation. Mean follow-up was 795 ± 495 days, and echocardiographic mitral regurgitation (n = 60) was none or trace (n = 35, 58.3%), mild (n = 19, 31.6%), moderate (n = 2, 3.3%), and severe (n = 4, 6.7%). Conclusions Robotic mitral valve repair for anterior leaflet and bileaflet prolapse is feasible and safe. Outcomes and degree of late mitral regurgitation are similar to series using conventional techniques. Long-term follow-up is required to formally address the efficacy of robotic repair techniques.
Isolation of long-chain aliphatic alcohols from beeswax using lipase-catalyzed methanolysis in supercritical carbon dioxide

Aliphatic alcohols of chain lengths of 24-34 carbons have been found to be beneficial in treating hypercholesterolemia. Approximately 40% of beeswax is long-chain esters which can be transesterified in supercritical carbon dioxide to give these alcohols and fatty acid methyl esters. The methanolysis reaction was catalyzed by an immobilized lipase from Candida antarctica in flowing supercritical carbon dioxide and the alcohols were then isolated from the fatty acid methyl esters by precipitation from heptane. The alcohols were found in the following percentages: tetracosanol, 9.1; hexacosanol, 14.0; octacosanol, 18.4; triacontanol, 37.2; dotriacontanol, 21.1; tetratriacontanol, 0.3. The utility of the method was demonstrated by isolating fatty alcohols from jojoba oil and a mixture of triglycerides and waxes isolated from corn bran.
Growth and allocation by a keystone wetland plant, Panicum hemitomon, and implications for managing and rehabilitating coastal freshwater marshes, Louisiana, USA

This paper attempts to establish linkages between growth by a keystone wetland plant, Panicum hemitomon Schultes, and the independent and interactive effect of nutrient and hydrologic regime to inform management and rehabilitation of thick-mat floating marsh (TMFM). To do so a manipulative glasshouse experiment employing created TMFM similar to that under consideration for field trials and two levels each of N, P and hydrology was conducted. P. hemitomon grew vigorously under saturated (flooding level with the surface of the mat) when compared to inundated (+15 cm flooding) hydrologic conditions, and under enriched (50 g m−2 year−1) when compared to non-enriched (25 g m−2 year−1) N. Further, and as inferred from net CO2 assimilation, shoot biomass and rhizome biomass and length, N-enriched conditions seemed to lessen inundation stress. For all variables the interaction between N and hydrology was non-significant and there was no observable effect of P. We were unable to infer root or mat buoyancy from root specific gravity measurements but it was evident at harvest that saturation or minimal flooding is required for vigorous root and rhizome growth. This study provides insight to the notion that decreased mat buoyancy (and increased flooding level) resulting from sediment deposition associated with Mississippi River diversions could adversely affect TMFM sustainability, but more clearly demonstrates the need to maintain saturated hydrologic conditions for achieving the type of root and rhizome growth we feel is required for TMFM rehabilitation.
Teaching and Learning African American History in a Multiracial Classroom

The author explores the challenges of teaching and learning African American history, a history fraught with uncomfortable implications about contemporary race relations and race-based inequalities. Drawing on various theories of anti-oppressive education, and using data from an ethnographic study conducted in one history classroom, the author explores possibilities and limitations in that realm. With its focus on a racial minority group whose history is not fully explored in traditional history courses, the course provided a curricular context for students to explore issues of racial difference and inequality. Consistent with much of the research and theoretical literature, teacher and student discourse revealed difficulties in teaching and learning multicultural content in a classroom setting where students enter with a range of experiences with and beliefs about race and racism.
Computer applications in cellular research: three-dimensional brain reconstructions

Computer applications in cellular research range from relatively straightforward data reduction to complex modeling. Programs exist for interpreting Coulter counter data, for assisting microscopic cytological assessments when fluorescent antibodies are used, and for relating observed uptake of labels to cell-cycle parameters. Models of cellular populations range from simple cycling systems supportive to data reduction (e.g. for label uptake) to complex models incorporating feedbacks and cellular differentiation, which are being used to explore better strategies for treating leukemia and cancer. The greatest need is for better experimental information. Programs enabling reliable automatic analysis of bone-marrow sections or smears probably will be difficult to develop but of great value to experimental hematology. Programs to reconstruct three-dimensional anatomies of cellular systems should provide valuable insights and, as indicated in the following report of current research, are feasible now.
The role of stat1b in zebrafish hematopoiesis

STAT1 mediates response to interferons and regulates immunity, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and sensitivity of Fanconi Anemia cells to apoptosis after interferon signaling; the roles of STAT1 in embryos, however, are not understood. To explore embryonic functions of STAT1, we investigated stat1b, an unstudied zebrafish co-ortholog of human STAT1. Zebrafish stat1a encodes all five domains of the human STAT1-alpha splice form but, like the human STAT1-beta splice variant, stat1b lacks a complete transactivation domain; thus, two unlinked zebrafish paralogs encode protein forms translated from two splice variants of a single human gene, as expected by sub-functionalization after genome duplication. Phylogenetic and conserved synteny studies showed that stat1b and stat1a arose as duplicates in the teleost genome duplication (TGD) and clarified the evolutionary origin of STAT1, STAT2, STAT3, STAT4, STAT5A, STAT5B and STAT6 by tandem and genome duplication. RT-PCR revealed maternal expression of stat1a and stat1b. In situ hybridization detected stat1b but not stat1a expression in embryonic hematopoietic tissues. Morpholino knockdown of stat1b, but not stat1a, decreased expression of the myeloid and granulocyte markers spi and mpo and increased expression of the hematopoietic progenitor marker scl, the erythrocyte marker gata1, and hemoglobin. These results suggest that zebrafish Stat1b promotes myeloid development at the expense of erythroid development.
Nonlinear deformation and progressive failure of multiwalled carbon nanotubes under internal radial pressure

An analytical molecular structural mechanics model has been developed for the nonlinear deformation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) under internal radial pressure. Two sources of nonlinearity (i.e., nonlinear in-plane behavior of tube walls and nonlinear van der Waals interactions between layers) are considered. The nonlinear in-plane hoop force resultant-strain relationships of nanotube layers have been derived based on the modified Morse potential, and nonlinear van der Waals interaction has been considered by using the universal graphite potential. Two sets of Morse potential parameters are examined, the effect of van der Waals forces on load transfer between layers in MWCNTs are studied, and the ultimate pressure capacities of MWCNTs under internal pressure have been predicted based on a progressive failure analysis.
Concentration and purification of human chorionic somato-mammotropin (HCS) by affinity chromatography: application to radioimmunoassay.

Abstract Columns of Sepharose-coupled antibody to HCS have been used to purify labeled and unlabeled hormone by affinity chromatography prior to radioimmunoassay. The method permits concentration and 85–95% recovery of HCS from large volumes of biologic fluid or tissue extract, resulting in a five hundredfold increase in ultimate sensitivity for the hormone (2 μμg/ml). This has enabled demonstration of previously undetected HCS in plasma and tumor extracts of certain patients with bronchogenic carcinoma.
Teachers as raters of aberrant behavior

Abstract This study estimated the validity and interrater reliability for the Devereux Child Behavior Rating Scale when completed by classroom teachers. The behavior of 90 preadolescent males who were diagnosed as either normal, hyperactive, or emotionally disturbed was rated by two classroom teachers using the DCB. Interrter reliability estimates found between teachers' rating were not significantly different than those reported with mental health professionals. A stepwise discriminant analysis was used to evaluate the utility of teachers' ratings in predicting group membership. Results indicated teachers' ratings on the DCB differentiated significantly between diagnostic categories.
Solution conformations of the peptide backbone for DPDPE and its β-MePhe4-substituted analogs

The solution structures of DPDPE, a conformationally restricted pentapeptide with the sequence H-Tyr1-D-Pen2-Gly3-Phe4-D-Pen5-OH, and its four beta-MePhe4-substituted analogs were examined by a combined approach including the NMR measurements in DMSO and water as well as independent energy calculations. It was concluded that several low energy conformers of DPDPE backbone satisfy the NMR data obtained in this study as well as in previous studies by other authors. These possible solution conformers of DPDPE in both DMSO and water share virtually the same type of cyclic backbone structure, with the Gly3 residue in a conformation close to a gamma-turn, and the Phe4 residue in a conformation close to alpha-helical torsion angles. They differ in the space arrangements of the flexible Tyr1 moiety. The solution structures of the beta-MePhe4-substituted analogs of DPDPE are interesting. For analogs with an S-configuration at the C alpha atom in the Phe4 residue, the cyclic backbone conformations resemble those of DPDPE itself, whereas for analogs with an R-configuration at the C alpha atom, the backbone conformation is somewhat different. This observation is in line with the high biological potencies and selectivities displayed by the former compounds but not by the latter ones. It was noted also that as far as the peptide backbone conformers are concerned, some of the possible DPDPE conformers in water are similar to the previously suggested model for the delta-receptor-bound conformation of DPDPE, becoming virtually identical to this conformation by rotating the side chains of the Tyr1 and the Phe4 residues.
More about orbitally excited hadrons from lattice QCD.

This is the second of two papers describing the calculation of spectroscopy for orbitally excited states from lattice simulations of quantum chromodynamics. New features include higher statistics for {ital P}-wave systems and first results for the spectroscopy of {ital D}-wave mesons and baryons, for relatively heavy-quark masses. We parametrize the Coulomb gauge wave functions for {ital P}- and {ital D}-wave systems and compare them to those of their corresponding {ital S}-wave states.
A Snapshot of the Expression Signature of Androgen Receptor Splicing Variants and Their Distinctive Transcriptional Activities

BACKGROUND The diversity and complexity of the human androgen receptor (AR) splicing variants are well appreciated but not fully understood. The goal of this study is to generate a comprehensive expression signature of AR variants in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), and to address the relative importance of the individual variants in conferring the castration-resistant phenotype.
Speaking the unspeakable: an exploratory study of college women's sex communication in Shanghai, China

The centrality of communication in safer sex promotion is widely recognized. Chinese young women face unique challenges when it comes to sex communication. Little is known about Chinese college women's experience related to condom use and sexual communication. This study collected qualitative data (n = 101) in a Shanghai university through participant responses to open-ended interview questions and the researcher's reflexive journal during an interpersonal sexual health intervention. Guided by a sexual scripting perspective, the analysis yielded important insight into these college women's experience of communicating about sex and condom use. Significance for prevention practice and theory development is discussed.
Photo-catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide to organic acids by a recombinant cyanobacterium incapable of glycogen storage

Deletion of the gene encoding glucose-1-phosphate adenylyltransferase (ΔglgC) in the non-nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, disables glycogen synthesis, arrests cellular biomass accumulation under nitrogen deficiency, and redirects photosynthetically fixed carbon to organic acids (α-ketoglutarate and pyruvate) that appear in the extracellular medium.
How to decrease p27Kip1 levels during tumor development

p27Kip1, a cyclin-cdk inhibitor, is a tumor suppressor. An overwhelming amount of data correlate p27 abundance to tumor prognosis in humans. Mouse models have supported the importance of decreasing p27 to tumor incidence. Inactivation of most tumor suppressors occurs at the level of gene mutation or silencing, but p27 is regulated posttranscriptionally, and how its level is reduced in cancer is largely unknown. Reports on a series of allelic mice with p27 mutations affecting different posttranscriptional regulatory pathways are emerging and being used to examine which pathways are necessary for p27 turnover associated with tumor development, with surprising results.
High-Rate Laboratory Filtration with Buchner Funnels.

A method is described for greatly increasing the efficiency of Buchner funnels by utilizing a much larger fraction of the filter paper surface. The method also makes it possible to use Millipore filters efficiently on Buchner funnels.
On the Pseudoscalar Mesotron Theory of β -Decay

The calculations of Sakata which indicate that the pseudoscalar mesotron theory can successfully account for both mesotron decay and $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay are shown to be in error. While the pseudoscalar mesotron theory gives the correct spin and parity selection rules for $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay, it also gives $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay lifetimes too long by a factor of ${10}^{6}$ and having an inverse seventh power dependence on the upper limit of the $\ensuremath{\beta}$-spectrum. As these same conclusions can be made when the mesotron field is strongly coupled to nuclear particles, it would seem that they are sufficient to show that pseudoscalar mesotrons are not responsible for $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay.
FTIR instrumentation for atmospheric observations

During the last six years, extensive observations of atmospheric emitted radiance in the spectral region from 3.6 - 20 micrometers with resolving powers of 1000 - 4000 have been made, both from the ground and nadir viewing from NASA high altitude aircraft. Two recent field experiments in which both instruments participated are the FIRE II/SPECTRE experiment Nov. - Dec. 1991 in Coffeyville, KS and the STORMFEST experiment Feb. - Mar. 1992 in Seneca, KS. Experience with these instruments has led to instrument designs for advanced sounders on geostationary and polar orbiting satellites. Applications include remote sensing of atmospheric temperature and water vapor for improved weather forecasting, measurement of cloud radiative impact for improvement of global climate modelling, and trace gas retrieval for climate and air pollution monitoring.
Stability analysis of a class of systems with parameter uncertainties and with state saturation nonlinearities

For linear systems with parameter uncertainties and subject to state saturation, we establish results concerning the global asymptotic stability of an equilibrium. In addition to providing a means for a qualitative analysis, these results also enable us to address the stabilizability of such systems by means of linear state feedback. Systems of the type considered herein capture two important phenomena commonly encountered in the modelling process: (i) system parameter uncertainties (which in the present case are modelled by means of interval matrices), and (ii) operation of systems over a wide range (which in the present case is accounted for by state saturation nonlinearities). We demonstrate the applicability of the present results by means of several specific examples.
Monomeric MnIII/II and FeIII/II Complexes with Terminal Hydroxo and Oxo Ligands: Probing Reactivity via O−H Bond Dissociation Energies

Non-heme manganese and iron complexes with terminal hydroxo or oxo ligands are proposed to mediate the transfer of hydrogen atoms in metalloproteins. To investigate this process in synthetic systems, the monomeric complexes [MIII/IIH31(OH)]-/2- and [MIIIH31(O)]2- have been prepared, where MIII/II = Mn and Fe and [H31]3- is the tripodal ligand, tris[(N‘-tert-butylureaylato)-N-ethyl)]aminato. These complexes have similar primary and secondary coordination spheres, which are enforced by [H31]3-. The homolytic bond dissociation energies (BDEsO-H) for the MIII/II−OH complexes were determined, using experimentally obtained values for the pKa(M−OH) and E1/2 measured in DMSO. This thermodynamic analysis gave BDEsO-H of 77(4) kcal/mol for [MnIIH31(O−H)]2- and 66(4) kcal/mol for [FeIIH31(O−H)]2-. For the MIII−OH complexes, [MnIIIH31(OH)]- and [FeIIIH31(OH)]-, BDEsO-H of 110(4) and 115(4) kcal/mol were obtained. These BDEsO-H were verified with reactivity studies with substrates having known X−H bond energies (X = C...
Chloride inhibition of nitrite uptake for non-teleost Actinopterygiian fishes

Abstract Fish that transport environmental chloride with a gill uptake mechanism (gill epithelial Cl − /HCO 3 − cotransport exchange system), also transport nitrite into plasma through the same mechanism. Because of the relationship between nitrite uptake and the gill chloride uptake mechanism, nitrite uptake can provide insight regarding the method of chloride uptake for fish. This study was designed to determine if non-teleost fishes concentrate nitrite in their plasma, and to determine if chloride inhibits nitrite uptake in non-teleost fish. To determine if bowfin Amia calva , spotted gar Lepisosteus oculatus , alligator gar Atractosteus spatula , and paddlefish Polyodon spathula concentrate environmental nitrite in their plasma, individuals were exposed to concentrations of 0, 1, 10, or 100 mg/L nitrite-N. After exposure, all species had plasma nitrite-N concentrations greater than environmental levels. To determine if chloride inhibits nitrite uptake for spotted gar, alligator gar, and paddlefish, fish were exposed to 1 mg/L nitrite-N and 20 mg/L chloride as calcium chloride, or to 1 mg/L nitrite-N only. Chloride effectively prevented nitrite from being concentrated in the plasma of all species. It appears that non-teleost fish concentrate nitrite in their plasma via their chloride uptake mechanism and that this is an ancestral characteristic for teleost.
Blocking Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Transmission with Drugs: The Gametocytocidal and Sporontocidal Properties of Current and Prospective Antimalarials

Drugs that kill or inhibit the sexual stages of Plasmodium could potentially amplify or synergize the impact of other interventions by blocking transmission to mosquitoes. Primaquine and other 8-aminoquinolines have long offered such potential, but safety and other concerns have limited their use. Although transmission-blocking properties are not often a priority of drug discovery efforts, a number of interesting gametocytocidal and/or sporontocidal drug candidates have emerged in recent years. Some still bear significant technical and safety concerns, while others have passed clinical trials and are on the verge of entering the antimalarial armamentarium. Recent advances in our knowledge of gametocyte differentiation, gametogenesis and sporogony have also led to the identification of a large array of potential new targets for drugs that might interfere with malaria transmission. This review examines the properties of existing and prospective drugs, mechanisms of action, counter-indications and their potential role in regional malaria elimination efforts.
Sustainable Piling Made of Recycled Polymers: State of the Art Review

There has been increasing interest in the use of recycled polymer composites as a replacement for timber piling in coastal and waterfront environments. This trend is expected to grow because polymeric piling is more attractive than timber when life cycle costs are factored in, and also because polymeric piling is a creative method for the recycling and reuse of tons of plastic waste. However, composites face obstacles because they do not have a long track record of use in civil engineering structures. Polymeric piling is typically made of high density polyethylene (HDPE) and reinforced with fiber reinforced polymer E-glass (FRP) or steel. This paper summarizes the current state of the art in polymeric piling practice, including (1) the mechanical properties of piling made of recycled polymers; (2) the durability of recycled polymers in aggressive soils; (3) the compressive creep of recycled HDPE and FRP; (4) drivability; (5) design considerations such as skin friction, end bearing, and buckling; and (6) load testing of polymeric piles.
Brain death: II. Neuropathological correlation with the radioisotopic bolus technique for evaluation of critical deficit of cerebral blood flow.

An innocuous intravenous portable radioisotopic test using technetium 99m pertechnetate was employed to demonstrate the deficit of cerebral blood flow associated with brain death. The results are compared to those of bilateral carotid and vertebral angiography in 20 patients. Absence of a bolus tracing from the head in the presence of a control tracing of a bolus from the femoral artery in two successive studies one hour apart reliably correlated with the clinical and electroencephalographic findings signifying cerebral death in comatose, apneic patients. Angiography indicated absence of intracranial circulation in 10 patients. Stasis filling or retrograde emptying of arterial vessels (or both) occurred in 7 patients. There was no evidence of venous filling in any of these 17 patients; all of them had either an absent head bolus or an "intermediate tracing." Results indicate that either form of tracing represents a critical decrease of cerebral blood flow. Two other patients had evidence of severely impaired abnormal posterior fossa circulation without angiographic evidence of cerebral circulation; both of these patients had an absent head bolus. An additional patient had an unusually small head bolus, and angiography revealed extravasation of radiopaque material but no evidence of intracranial circulation. We conclude that the bolus technique is a helpful adjunct in diagnosing brain death.
Ewing sarcoma: radiation dose and target volume.

Background The outcome of children and adolescents with Ewing sarcoma is impacted by many prognostic factors and often measured by estimates of: event-free, relapse-free, disease-free, or overall survival. However, the preferred assessment following radiation therapy is local control. Procedure A review of large group experiences over the past several decades was undertaken to assess the optimal radiation dose and volume for patients with localized, osseous Ewing sarcoma. New approaches and techniques to improve local control were also investigated. Results With multidisciplinary therapy, 5-year overall local control rates range from 58 to 93%. Following definitive irradiation, they are 53–86%. Recommended radiation therapy doses are 55.8–60.0 Gy. In the postoperative setting, gross disease requires 55.8 Gy; microscopic disease requires 45 Gy. Altered fractionation schemes have not improved local control. The appropriate irradiated volume is an involved field to the pretreatment tumor volume plus 2.0–2.5 cm margin, followed by a boost to the post-induction chemotherapy tumor volume with margin. Good radiation quality control with central review improves local control. Use of an involved radiation field requires accuracy in defining tumor volume. Techniques to improve local control include risk-adapted multidisciplinary therapy, intraoperative boost radiation, and high radiation doses as delivered by 3-dimensional conformal radiation. Intensity modulated and proton beam radiotherapy may offer an advantage at special sites. Conclusions Innovative uses of radiation in the multidisciplinary setting will continue to provide excellent local control, improved function, and quality of life for young patients with localized Ewing sarcoma of bone. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Activation of the Gal1 Gene of Yeast by Pairs of 'Non-Classical' Activators

Eukaryotic transcriptional activators work by recruiting to DNA the transcriptional machinery, including protein complexes required for chromatin modification, transcription initiation, and elongation. Which of these complexes must be directly recruited to trigger transcription? We test various "non-classical" transcription activators (comprising a component of the transcriptional machinery fused to a DNA binding domain) for their abilities to activate transcription of a chromosomally integrated reporter in yeast. Among these newly constructed fusion proteins, none efficiently activated transcription when working on its own. However, in several instances transcription was activated by a pair of such fusion proteins tethered to adjacent sites on DNA. In each of these cases, one fusion protein bore a component of the SAGA complex, and the other bore a component of the Mediator complex. Transcription was also activated by certain tripartite fusion proteins comprising a Mediator and a SAGA component fused to a DNA binding domain. The results are consistent with the finding that the classical activator Gal4, working at the GAL1 promoter, activates transcription by (at least in part) independently recruiting SAGA and Mediator.
Degenerations of 6-dimensional nilpotent lie algebras over C

(1990). Degenerations of 6-dimensional nilpotent lie algebras over C. Communications in Algebra: Vol. 18, No. 10, pp. 3493-3505.
The effect of oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations on bacterial soft rot of potatoes. I. King Edward potatoes inoculated withErwinia carotovora var.atroseptica

MatureKing Edward potatoes were wounded, inoculated withErwinia carotovora var.atroseptica and stored at +10°C and 100% r.h. in controlled concentrations of oxygen and carbon dioxide for up to 18 days. After incubation in air or in 5% O2 in N2 rots were brown, dry and restricted; more extensive, soft spreading rots were produced in potatoes stored in 5% O2+16% CO2, in 1% O2+20% CO2, in 1% O2 and in N2, the most extensive rots occurring in the anaerobic conditions. In addition toE. carotovora var.atroseptica, pectolytic clostridia could also be recovered from the spreading rots. The experiments demonstrate the extent to which the concentration of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the environment may effect the sensitivity of tubers to bacterial attack.
A new‐institutionalist perspective on ISO 14000 and Responsible Care

This paper examines why US firms are lukewarm towards ISO 14000 while the US chemical industry has enthusiastically adopted Responsible Care. It also briefly explores why European and Asian firms are eagerly adopting ISO 14000. Employing a new-institutionalist framework it argues that firms have incentives to adopt beyond-compliance voluntary programs only if they perceive excludable benefits exceeding excludable costs. Institutions, the central conceptual pillar in a new-institutionalist framework, are important in shaping perceptions of benefits and costs and the extent of their excludability. US regulators can encourage adoption of ISO 14000 by granting attorney–client privileges and enhancing levels of regulatory relief. Firms, in turn, need to appreciate the political constraints of the EPA on this issue. They could relax these constraints by addressing the apprehensions of EPA’s key constituents. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
CYP2E1 activity before and after weight loss in morbidly obese subjects with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Previous studies suggest that hepatic cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) activity is increased in individuals with chronic alcoholism, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and morbid obesity, and may contribute to liver disease. We studied 16 morbidly obese subjects with varying degrees of hepatic steatosis and 16 normal-weight controls. Obese subjects were evaluated at baseline, 6 weeks, and 1 year after gastroplasty, a procedure that leads to weight loss. Hepatic CYP2E1 activity was assessed by determination of the clearance of chlorzoxazone (CLZ), an in vivo CYP2E1-selective probe. Liver biopsy tissue was obtained during surgery for histopathology. Both the total and unbound oral CLZ clearance (Cl(u)/F) was elevated approximately threefold in morbidly obese subjects compared with controls (P 50% of hepatocytes, compared with those with steatosis in < or =50% of hepatocytes (P =.02). At postoperative week 6 and year 1, the median body mass index (BMI) of subjects who underwent gastroplasty decreased by 11% and 33%, total oral CLZ clearance declined by 16% (P <.01) and 46% (P <.05), and Cl(u)/F decreased by 18% (P <.05) and 35% (P =.16), respectively. Moreover, those subjects with a year 1 BMI <30 kg/m(2) exhibited a median Cl(u)/F that was 63% lower (P =.02) than the respective clearance for all other subjects. In conclusion, hepatic CYP2E1 activity is up-regulated in morbidly obese subjects. A positive association between the degree of steatosis and CYP2E1 activity preoperatively and between the extent of obesity and CYP2E1 activity postoperatively, suggests that CYP2E1 induction is related to or caused by hepatic pathology that results from morbid obesity.
Photoconductivity in polyacetylene

Abstract The results of steady state photoconductivity experiments on cis- and trans-(CH)x are interpreted in terms of charged solitons, photogenerated either directly (threshold hv = 4Δ/π) or indirectly through coupling of the lattice to electron-hole pair excitations (hv ⩾ 2Δ). The transient photocurrent, after laser pulse excitation, decays as a power law, I(t) ≅ t−0.6, suggesting dispersive transport of the photogenerated carriers.
Postpartum contraception: the New Mexico Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System.

Abstract Objective To examine factors associated with postpartum contraception, including the relationship between ethnicity and postpartum contraceptive use. Methods We used data from the New Mexico Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, which monitors selected maternal events occurring before, during and after pregnancy. Results Our findings in 4096 women revealed that women who are aged ≥35 years, unmarried and lacking a postpartum visit have increased risk of no postpartum contraception. The odds of postpartum contraception were over three times greater in women with a postpartum visit [adjusted odds ratio (OR)=3.06, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.17–4.31) and over 50% greater in married women (adjusted OR=1.57, 95% CI: 1.16–2.11). Hispanic women were more likely than were Native Americans to use postpartum contraception (OR=1.25, 95% CI: 0.95–1.64). Conclusion Focused contraception counseling, especially in the postpartum setting, is important to help ensure the well-being of women and children.
Farmers' Markets: Costs Compared With Supermarkets, Use Among WIC Clients, and Relationship to Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Related Psychosocial Variables

Abstract Objective To determine fruit and vegetable (FV) costs at farmers' markets (FMs) and grocery stores, determine Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children participants' FV intake and psychosocial predictors, and compare FM users and nonusers. Methods Prices were collected biweekly from grocery stores and FM vendors. Participants were recruited from Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children clinic to complete a survey of FV intake, psychosocial variables, and FM usage. Results The FM cost was greater. A total of 377 participants (51%) used FMs. The FM users more often ate vegetables as snacks and > 1 vegetable per day ( P Conclusions and Implications Despite higher costs, FMs were often used. The FM users had a better vegetable intake pattern.
Comparison of the incidence of Listeria on equipment versus environmental sites within dairy processing plants

This study was undertaken to compare the incidence of Listeria contamination of processing equipment with that of the general dairy processing environment. A total of 378 sponge samples obtained from 21 dairy plants were analyzed for Listeria using three different enrichment media. Use of extended microbiological analysis allowed us to identify 26 Listeria positive sites which would have not been identified had a single test format been employed. Eighty (80) of 378 sites (21.2%) were identified as Listeria positive. Listeria innocua was isolated from 59 of the 80 (73.8%) positive samples, L. monocytogenes was identified in 35 (43.8%) of the positive samples, and L. seeligeri was isolated from 5 (6.3%) of the Listeria positive samples. Positive equipment samples were obtained from 6 of the 21 (28.6%) plants and 19 of the 21 (90.5%) plants had positive environmental sites. Seventeen of the 215 (7.9%) samples from equipment were positive for Listeria species. Eleven of these sites, including 3 holding tanks, 2 table tops, 3 conveyor/chain systems, a pasta filata wheel, a pint milk filler and a brine pre-filter machine, were positive for L. monocytogenes. Nineteen of the 21 (90.5%) plants had positive environmental sites. Sixty-three of the 163 (41.1%) samples from environmental sites were Listeria positive and 24 were positive for L. monocytogenes. Two-tailed student t-test analysis of the mean frequencies indicated that the level of contamination was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in 'environmental' (49.7%) as opposed to 'equipment' samples (7.0%). Our study indicates that environmental contamination with Listeria does not necessarily translate into contamination of equipment within the same plant, and that greater emphasis needs to be placed on the cleaning and sanitizing of the plant environment.
Educational and Occupational Aspirations Among Mothers Caring for a Child with Smith-Magenis Syndrome

This study explored educational and occupational goals of mothers caring for a child with Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS). Data were collected from 97 mothers (Mage = 41.31 years, SDage = 9.60) via online survey. Results showed that 63.0% of mothers earned an undergraduate or professional degree, while 55.0% desired to further their education. Those who gave birth to their first child during young adulthood were more likely to complete an undergraduate or graduate degree than those who were younger when their first child was born (χ2 = 34.53, p = .003). Overall, 34.1% reported low occupational satisfaction, while 36.5% reported high satisfaction. Approximately 45% desired to change occupations. Caregiver well-being, satisfaction, self-efficacy, depressive symptoms, and fatigue together predicted occupational satisfaction beyond the influence of education obtained or household income (∆R2 = .28, ∆F(5,74) = 4.93, p = .001). Independently, occupational satisfaction was directly influenced by caregiver satisfaction (B = .23, p = .04) and well-being (B = .09, p = .01). Mothers caring for a child with SMS express distinct challenges in meeting educational and occupational goals while balancing caregiver demands. Clinical and research implications are discussed.
Formulation, analysis, and hardware implementation of chaotic dynamics based algorithm for compression and feature recognition in digital images

In this paper we will discuss the utilization of a set of waveforms derived from chaotic dynamical systems for compression and feature recognition in digital images. We will also describe the design and testing of an embedded systems implementation of the algorithm. We will show that a limited set of combined chaotic oscillations are sufficient to form a basis for the compression of thousands of digital images. We will demonstrate this in the analysis of images extracted from the solar heliospheric observatory (SOHO), showing that we are able to detect coronal mass ejections (CMEs) in quadrants of the image data during a severe solar event. We undertake hardware design in order to optimize the speed of the algorithm, taking advantage of its parallel nature. We compare the calculation speed of the algorithm in compiled C, enhanced Matlab, Simulink, and in hardware.
Study of carbon-smectite composites and carbons obtained by in situ carbonization of polyfurfuryl alcohol

Abstract A sodium form of Wyoming smectite was intercalated with hydroxyaluminum cations and saturated with furfuryl alcohol; polymerization and carbonization were done to obtain carbon-smectite composites. Carbons were obtained from the smectite inorganic matrices by washing them with HCl and HF. The synthesized materials were studied by X-ray diffraction, inverse gas chromatography, DTA, and adsorption of nitrogen and methane. Analyses of data indicate the inorganic matrix acts as a limiting pore size former in the carbons washed from smectite precursors.
The potential of dry winding for rapid, inexpensive manufacture of composite overwrapped pressure vessels

Abstract We are proposing a methodology for reducing manufacturing time and cost of composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs). Dry winding methodology promises to increase bonding speed enabling rapid vessel winding (10 min vs. 3 h with today's wet winding approach) with no need for oven curing. Faster winding is likely to reduce vessel cost due to higher throughput enabling increased productivity from expensive winding machines as well as reduced labor cost per vessel. Tape manufacture in large scale in a central facility minimizes tape handling and distribution costs. Finally, high ratio of fiber to resin reduces resin cost as well as the wall thickness for any necessary strength, increasing the packaging efficiency of the vessel and reducing weight.
Polarizing Microscopy Identification of Chemical Diagenesis in Archaeological Cementum

Cementum increment analysis can potentially retrieve relatively complete, high-precision seasonality and mortality profiles from archaeological mammalian tooth assemblages. However, cementum exhibits many similarities to bone in composition, histology, ultrastructure, and even microstructure. Consequently, the mineralized dental tissue may be prone to the same processes of post-depositional chemical alteration that affect bone. This article reviews the issues surrounding chemical diagenesis in cementum and presents a new application to archaeological ungulate cementum of a polarizing microscopy technique that has previously been utilized to identify the effects of chemical diagenesis in archaeological bone and human cementum (Geusa et al., 1999; Gilbert, 1989; Watson, 1975; Zeder, 1978). It is argued that the post mortem leaching of collagen and the diagenetic growth of apatite crystallites can develop into banded features that mimic seasonal cementum increments. This pattern of diagenesis is demonstrated in multiple locations on a macroscopically well-preserved Upper Pleistocene-age archaeological tooth, which was previously interpreted by the author to exhibit biogenic seasonal cementum increments (Stutz, 1993; Stutz et al., 1995). It is suggested that if researchers seek to retrieve seasonality and mortality data from archaeological cementum, the microscopy analysis protocol must include screening of a pilot sample for the frequency and extent of chemical diagenesis.
Signal processing techniques for oscillatory potential extraction in the electroretinogram: automated highpass cutoff frequency estimation.

Oscillatory potentials (OPs) are typically isolated from the electroretinogram (ERG) via linear, time-invariant, bandpass filtering. The use of a highpass cutoff frequency that is too low results in a- and b-wave contamination of the OP signal, while a cutoff frequency that is too high removes significant OP signal energy. Two methods for automated highpass cutoff frequency estimation were developed and evaluated. An OP amplitude analysis method exploited a trend in variation of maximum OP amplitude with cutoff frequency. A second method fit a time-varying exponential model to the rising edge of the b-wave and selected a cutoff frequency based on minimizing the error between the residual ERG signal (the signal formed by subtracting the OP signal from the original ERG signal) and the exponential fit. The performance of each method was evaluated at 11 luminances (0.001–100 scot cd·s/m2) in ten wild-type adult mice by comparing the automated selections to expert-selected highpass cutoff frequencies. It was noted that cutoff frequency selection was not critical at the lower luminance levels, but strongly influenced the OP signal shape for higher luminances. At the highest luminance, errors between the OP amplitude and exponential model versus expert selection were –6.3 ± 13 and –8.2 ± 7.3 Hz, respectively. ANOVAs showed that estimations made by the OP amplitude analysis method were generally statistically indistinguishable from the expert identifications. Furthermore, both OP amplitude analysis and exponential fitting error analysis provided excellent fits to the manual selections for the four highest stimulus luminance values.
Coercive subtyping for the calculus of constructions

We present a coercive subtyping system for the calculus of constructions. The proposed system λCCOover≤ is obtained essentially by adding coercions and η-conversion to λC≤[10], which is a subtyping extension to the calculus of constructions without coercions. Following [17, 18], the coercive subtyping c : A η B is understood as a special case of typing in arrow type c : A → B such that the term c behaves like an identity function. We prove that, with respect to this semantic interpretation, the proposed coercive subtyping system is sound and complete, and that this completeness leads to transitivity elimination (transitivity rule is admissible). In addition, we establish the equivalence between λCCOover≤ and CCsη, this fact implies that λCCOover≤ has confluence, subject reduction and strong normalization. We propose a formalization of coercion inference problem and present a sound and complete coercion inference algorithm.
September 11, 2001 Two Quasi-Experiments on the Influence of Threats on Cultural Values and Cosmopolitanism

This article investigates whether the September 11 attack had an impact on cultural values and the level of cosmopolitanism of US university students. Extending a model proposed by Esses, Dovidio a...
Air-clad silicon pedestal structures for broadband mid-infrared microphotonics

Toward mid-infrared (mid-IR) silicon microphotonic circuits, we demonstrate broadband on-chip silicon structures, such as: (i) straight and bent waveguides and (ii) beam splitters, utilizing an air-clad pedestal configuration which eliminates the need for typical mid-IR-lossy oxide cladding. We illustrate a sophisticated fabrication process that can create high-quality pedestal structures in crystalline silicon, while preserving its mid-IR transparency. A fundamental waveguide mode is observed between λ=2.5 μm and λ=3.7 μm, and an optical loss of 2.7 dB/cm is obtained at λ=3.7 μm. Our pedestal silicon structures show 50:50 mid-IR power splitting enabling the further development of mid-IR silicon microphotonics.
Proximity relationships between residue 6 of troponin I and residues in troponin C: further evidence for extended conformation of troponin C in the troponin complex.

Skeletal muscle troponin C (TnC) adopts an extended conformation when crystallized alone and a compact one when crystallized with an N-terminal troponin I (TnI) peptide, TnI1-47 [Vassylyev et al. (1998) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 95, 4847−4852]. The N-terminal region of TnI (residues 1−40) was suggested to play a functional role of facilitating the movement of TnI's inhibitory region between TnC and actin [Tripet et al. (1997) J. Mol. Biol. 271, 728−750]. To test this hypothesis and to investigate the conformation of TnC in the intact troponin complex and in solution, we attached fluorescence and photo-cross-linking probes to a mutant TnI with a single cysteine at residue 6. Distances from this residue to residues of TnC were measured by the fluorescence resonance energy transfer technique, and the sites of photo-cross-linking in TnC were determined by microsequencing and mass spectrometry following enzymatic digestions. Our results show that in the troponin complex neither the distance between TnI res...
Anharmonicity effects on zero point energies of weakly bound molecular clusters

Calculations have been carried out for a series of weakly bound clusters with the evaluation of the harmonic intermolecular vibrational energies and the fully anharmonic zero point energies (ZPE) associated with the weak intermolecular vibrational modes. The potential surfaces of weakly bound complexes often display considerable anharmonicity, but there can be offsetting effects that make for only small differences between harmonic and fully anharmonic ZPE. As well, the existence of nearby multiple minima on the potential surface can lead to sizable differences, and hence, the range of anharmonicity effects in weakly bound clusters is substantial.
Infrared thermography in oral and maxillofacial surgery

A highly sensitive infrared thermographic camera was evaluated in a variety of physiologic and pathologic conditions associated with the head and neck. Although it may have clinical applications, particularly in the field of facial pain and the temporomandibular joint, such wide variations in normal values were noted that any standardization was extremely difficult.