cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High expression levels of insulin-like growth factor-I receptor predict poor survival among women with clear-cell renal cell carcinomas.

Currently, tumor stage and grade remain the only widely accepted prognostic indicators of clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (CC-RCC). As such, there is a need to identify other prognostic markers because behavior of CC-RCC cannot always be determined by stage alone. Recent studies of human CC-RCC cell lines suggest that insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) may have some prognostic value for patients with CC-RCC. Using a population-based cohort of 48 female patients with CC-RCC and long-term follow-up, we tested the hypothesis that the immunohistochemical detection of IGF-IR expression in CC-RCC is associated with poorer cancer-specific survival after adjustment for stage and age at diagnosis. Kaplan-Meier analysis suggested that patients with CC-RCC that exhibited greater than 50% IGF-IR expression experienced a significantly poorer cancer-specific survival compared with patients with CC-RCC that exhibited less than 50% IGF-IR expression. The difference in survival was apparent at 2 years and remained throughout follow-up. Based on a Cox proportional hazard model that adjusted for stage and age at diagnosis, patients with tumors that exhibited greater than 50% IGF-IR staining were 4 times more likely to die of CC-RCC compared with patients whose tumors exhibited less than 50% staining (HR = 4.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]; 1.1-17.1). A smoothing spline with 4 degrees of freedom supported the results from the categorical analysis. Evidence from this population-based pilot investigation is consistent with laboratory data suggesting that expression of IGF-IR may have some prognostic implication for patients presenting with CC-RCC; however, confirmation in a larger study is needed.
Collaborating to nurse the heart and spirit.

S ometimes, in our busy lives, we forget how important the role of nursing the heart and spirit really is. In honor of Valentine’s Day I asked some of my nursing colleagues to share stories that they felt demonstrated this theme. These stories show that collaboratingdwhether with patients to help improve their own care or with other health care providers to enhance patient caredcan lift the hearts and spirits of both patients and the nurses who care for them. Some details of these stories have been changed to protect patient anonymity. Two of the stories shared illustrate how patients can let nurses know what is needed to help make them feel secure and cared for. In the first story, the nurse’s compassion and humanity help to calm a frightened patient:
Private Meditations and Public History in Daniel Defoe's A JOURNAL OF THE PLAGUE YEAR

In A Journal of the Plague Year (1722), Daniel Defoe's narrator, H. F., makes the claim that “What I wrote of my private Meditations I reserve for private Use, and desire it may not be made publick...
Lead Poisoning and Thalassemia Trait or Iron Deficiency: The Value of the Red Blood Cell Distribution Width

• The cause of microcytosis and anemia in lead poisoning was investigated using red blood cell distribution width as a screening parameter in 21 consecutive patients with lead poisoning and seven nonrandomly selected patients with iron deficiency and lead poisoning. Of the 21 consecutive patients, 11 had microcytosis as defined by a mean corpuscular volume of less than 72 fL, nine had thalassemia trait (α or β), one had both α thalassemia trait and iron deficiency, and one had iron deficiency. The red blood cell distribution width was less than 17.0 in those with thalassemia trait and greater than 17.0 in the iron-deficient subjects. Results of our study suggest that microcytosis in children with lead poisoning is due to coexistent iron deficiency or thalassemia trait. The red blood cell distribution width may be of value in the rapid assessment of the cause of microcytosis in children with lead poisoning. ( AJDC . 1990;144:1231-1233)
In-vitro detection of 2,4- and 2,6-TDA as degradation products of a polyesterurethane foam☆

Abstract The polyesterurethane (PU) foam, also known as Scotfoam or Microthane foam, was found to produce 2,4- and 2,6-toluene diamine (TDA) in the aqueous extracts following approximately 3·5 months of incubation in phosphate buffer pH 7·4 at 37°C. PU foams were first exhaustively extracted in methylene chloride at 37°C and subsequently subjected to mild hydrolysis in phosphate buffer pH 7·4 at 37°C. The amount of 2,4- and 2,6-TDA at 37°C at different time intervals were determined using high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV photodiode array detector and gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS). Following exhaustive washing of the foam, measurement of 2,4- and 2,6-TDA showed total cumulative levels of 2·81 ± 0·85 μ g/g of 2,4-TDA and 2·0 ± 0·47 μ g/g of 2,6-TDA in the foam buffer extracts over 3·5 months of incubation at 37°C. The linear kinetics obtained for TDA formation with time ( R (2,4) = 0·964 and R (2,6) = 0.982) indicates hydrolysis of the PU foam, not contamination from manufacturing process or analytical procedure used.
Performance enhancement of small antennas using metamaterials —challenges and future directions

In this review paper we take a critical look at the problem of performance enhancement of small antennas using metamaterials. We first review the definitions of metamaterials that have been used in the literature, and then introduce our own classification of metamaterials in the microwave regime - that are artificial dielectrics - by dividing them into two broad sub-categories. Representative examples of antenna / metamaterial composites are presented and the paper concludes some thoughts on future directions of Metamaterial Research, focusing on the aspect of performance enhancement of small antennas.
Dual regulation of mucoidy in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and sigma factor antagonism

Summary The conversion to mucoid, exopolysaccharide alginate-overproducing phenotype in Pseudomonas aeruginosa during chronic respiratory infections in cystic fibrosis patients occurs via mutations that activate the alternative sigma factor AlgU (s E ). In this study, we demonstrate that conversion to mucoidy can be caused via a second, algU-independent pathway, in which alginate production and transcription of the critical algD promoter depend on another alternative s factor, RpoN (s 54 ). The algD promoters dependent on s 54 and s E showed a complete overlap resulting in identical mRNA 5 0 ends. The two pathways were not independent, as s 54 also repressed s E -dependent transcription of algD both in vitro and in vivo. The negative regulatory effect of s 54 on s E dependent algD expression was based on s 54 binding to the algD promoter and its interference with s E dependent transcription. This phenomenon, referred to here as s factor antagonism, reflects the unique properties of s 54 , which lacks an intrinsic ability to form open transcription initiation complexes. We propose that this peculiar feature of s 54 has evolved in part to allow its recruitment as a repressor of certain promoter subsets. The repression of algD by s 54 also depends on environmental conditions, supporting the notion that s factor antagonism plays a physiological role in controlling alginate production in P. aeruginosa during adaptation to different ecological sites (e.g. biofilm development, stress and other growth conditions) and unique environments in the chronically infected host.
Calcium from extracellular concretions in the gills of freshwater unionid mussels is mobilized during reproduction

At least 20–60% of the dry weight of unionid gills occurs as inorganic calcium concretions. These concretions are a calcium store mobilized during reproduction. The concretion content in gills of reproductively active animals decreases, as determined by morphological study and chemical isolation. While mobilization is occurring, maternal blood phosphate and bicarbonate remain normal, and calcium declines. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that concretion calcium, from the gills, leaves the maternal animal and may serve as a calcium source for glochidial shell formation in the calcium poor freshwater environment.
Error correction circuits for bio-implantable electronics

Methods are reviewed for achieving high data rates in bio-implantable devices. Particular attention is given to cortical stimulator arrays for restoring vision. Error-correction codes (ECC) are shown to be essential to obtain reliable operation in next-generation high-rate implants. A survey of reported ECC implementations is presented, and power-vs-performance tradeoffs are revealed after re-scaling to remove differences in technology and clock speed. Recommendations are offered for realizing high-rate ECC circuits within the tight power constraints of implantable device applications.
Integrated Catalytic Conversion of γ-Valerolactone to Liquid Alkenes for Transportation Fuels

Efficient synthesis of renewable fuels remains a challenging and important line of research. We report a strategy by which aqueous solutions of γ-valerolactone (GVL), produced from biomass-derived carbohydrates, can be converted to liquid alkenes in the molecular weight range appropriate for transportation fuels by an integrated catalytic system that does not require an external source of hydrogen. The GVL feed undergoes decarboxylation at elevated pressures (e.g., 36 bar) over a silica/alumina catalyst to produce a gas stream composed of equimolar amounts of butene and carbon dioxide. This stream is fed directly to an oligomerization reactor containing an acid catalyst (e.g., H ZSM-5, Amberlyst-70), which couples butene monomers to form condensable alkenes with molecular weights that can be targeted for gasoline and/or jet fuel applications. The effluent gaseous stream of CO 2 at elevated pressure can potentially be captured and then treated or sequestered to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from the process.
New insights into 2-methoxyestradiol, a promising antiangiogenic and antitumor agent.

Purpose of review2-Methoxyestradiol (2ME2) is a natural metabolite of estradiol with antiangiogenic and antitumor activities. The ability of 2ME2 to target both tumor cells and neovasculature in preclinical models led to ongoing evaluations of 2ME2 in clinical trials. This brief review focuses on re
Are physicians discussing prostate cancer screening with their patients and why or why not? a pilot study

BACKGROUND Prostate cancer screening (PCS) is controversial. Ideally, patients should understand the risks and benefits of screening before undergoing PSA testing. This study assessed whether primary care physicians routinely discuss PCS and explored the barriers to and facilitators of these discussions.
The impact of solution chemistry on Mytilus edulis calcite and aragonite

Magnesium/calcium, Sr/Ca, and Na/Ca atom ratios were determined in the calcite and aragonite regions of Mytilus edulis shells which were grown in semi-artificial ‘seawater’ solutions having varying Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca, and Na/Ca ratios. These ratios were measured by instrumental neutron activation, atomic absorption, and electron microprobe analytical techniques. Strontium/calcium ratios in both calcite and aragonite were linearly proportional to solution Sr/Ca ratios. Magnesium/calcium ratios in calcite increased exponentially when solution Mg/Ca ratios were raised above the normal seawater ratio; whereas in aragonite, Mg/Ca ratios increased linearly with increases in solution Mg/Ca ratios. Sodium/calcium and sulfur/calcium ratios in calcite covaried with Mg/Ga solution ratios. Conversely, in aragonite, Na/Ca ratios varied linearly with solution Na/Ca ratios. Magnesium is known to inhibit calcite precipitation at its normal seawater concentration. We infer from the results of the work reported here that Mytilus edulis controls the Mg activity of the outer extrapallial fluid, thus facilitating the precipitation of calcitic shell. Increases in sulfur content suggest that changes in shell organic matrix content occur as a result of environmental stress. Certain increases in Mg content may also be correlated to stress. Sodium/calcium variations, and their absolute amounts in calcite and aragonite, are best explained by assuming that a substantial amount of Na is adsorbed on the calcium carbonate crystal surface. Strontium/calcium ratios show more promise than either Mg/Ca or Na/Ca ratios as seawater paleochemistry indicators, because the Sr/Ca distribution coefficients for both aragonite and calcite are independent of seawater Ca and Sr concentrations.
Chondroitinase-ABC Digestion and Dynamic Loading Increase Tension-Compression Nonlinearity in Tissue-Engineered Cartilage

Native articular cartilage exhibits tension-compression nonlinearity (TCN), where the compressive modulus is lower than its relatively high tensile modulus [1–2]. TCN produces in restricted lateral expansion of the tissue upon axial compression. We previously demnostrated that osmotic swelling can be used to measure the TCN of engineered cartilage by placing the tissue in an initial state of tensile strain. Incremental application of compression can be used to study the tissue’s mechanical properties as it transitions from tension to compression [3]. Although engineered cartilage is able to achieve the Young’s modulus (EY) and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content of native tissue, the collagen content and dynamic modulus (G*) consistently underperform the native tissue. Removing GAG with chondroitinase ABC (cABC) has been shown to significantly decrease the tissue properties immediately after digestion but the properties rebound, with improved collagen content and G* compared to undigested controls [4]. Furthermore, we have previously shown that cABC digestion significantly increases TCN in engineered cartilage [3]. Dynamic loading (DL) has been shown to significantly increase the mechanical properties without significantly altering biochemical composition of engineered cartilage, however the mechanism through which DL modulates the mechanical strength of engineered cartilage may be due in part to improved extracellular matrix (ECM) organization [5]. We therefore hypothesize that cABC digestion and DL will improve the tensile properties of engineered cartilage.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Meal patterns of rats encountering variable food procurement cost

Abstract Abstract. Meal patterns of rats (Rattus norvegicus) in a habitat with variable foraging costs were examined in a laboratory paradigm where individuals could initiate meals at any time by completing a predetermined number of bar presses (the procurement price) and then could eat any amount. In one phase the procurement price was constant from meal to meal; in another phase the procurement price varied from meal to meal randomly among a geometric series of five possible prices. The middle price of each variable-price schedule was equal to the price in one of the fixed-price schedules. As the fixed price, or the mean of the variable prices, increased across schedules, meal frequency decreased and meal size increased; daily intake was constant. Within variable-price schedules there was no effect of the just-paid price on the size of the meal, except in the highest-price schedules, when meal frequency was low and somewhat larger meals followed higher prices. Meals were no more variable in size within variable- than fixed-price schedules. The prandial correlations were not reliable, but the within-schedule variability in meal size was partially accounted for by diurnal variation, the effects of which were independent of procurement price. The results suggest that a global, rather than local, cost assessment, with a time window of about 24 h, influences the feeding patterns of rats. In the same way, food intake appears to be regulated over a global, rather than meal-to-meal, time frame, and thus, models that account for meal initiation in terms of the size of the prior meal or inter-meal interval, and meal size in terms of load, are inadequate to describe meal patterns in the freely feeding rat.
Socioeconomic Inequality in the American Religious System: An Update and Assessment

American sociology has long documented and theorized persistent inequalities between religious communities in the United States; in addition, socioeconomic inequalities between religious groups have played an important role in many sociological theories about religion and society. Since the publication of numerous important works published in the mid-20th century, however, the social stratification of American religion has been a curiously understudied topic. This research note is an attempt to update our descriptive knowledge about socioeconomic inequalities between American religious groups. Using General Social Survey data to track educational, income, and job status inequality over a 16-year period, from the early 1980s to the late 1990s, we find that socioeconomic inequality in the American religious system has been quite persistent and stable, suggesting that significant mobility within this system in the mid-20th century may be declining, thus producing a more stable system of stratification.
Children and the Environment: Aesthetic Learning

(1994). For Parents Particularly: Children and the Environment: Aesthetic Learning. Childhood Education: Vol. 70, No. 5, pp. 302-304.
Characterization of low thermal conductivity PAN-based carbon fibers

The microstructure and surface chemistry of eight low thermal conductivity (LTC) PAN-based carbon fibers were determined and compared with PAN-based fibers heat treated to higher temperatures. Based on wide-angle x ray diffraction, the LTC PAN fibers all appear to have a similar turbostratic structure with large 002 d-spacings, small crystallite sizes, and moderate preferred orientation. Limited small-angle x ray scattering (SAXS) results indicate that, with the exception of LTC fibers made by BASF, the LTC fibers do not have well developed pores. Transmission electron microscopy shows that the texture of the two LTC PAN-based fibers studied (Amoco T350/23X and /25X) consists of multiple sets of parallel, wavy, bent layers that interweave with each other forming a complex three dimensional network oriented randomly around the fiber axis. X ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis finds correlations between heat treated temperatures and the surface composition chemistry of the carbon fiber samples.
Selective distribution of N-acetylasparthlglutamate immunoreactivity in the extrapyramidal system of the rat

N-Acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG), a neuron-specific dipeptide, was found by immunocytochemistry to be localized in specific compartments of the extrapyramidal system of the rat. Cellular and neuropil NAAG-like immunoreactivity (NAAG-IR) was evident throughout the pallidum, entopeduncular nucleus, subthalamic nucleus, and all subdivisions of the substantia nigra. By contrast, only a minority of cells of the caudate-putamen and those of the accumbens nucleus stained positively for NAAG. In general, neuronal NAAG-IR was widespread in all ventroposterior output zones of the extrapyramidal system, while cellular immunostaining was greatly reduced in the corticostriate receptive zones. These data suggest that NAAG may serve some neuronal communication function in the extrapyramidal processing circuits and output projections to the thalamus and midbrain. Additionally, neuronal NAAG immunolabeling differentiates corticostriate receptive zones from pallidal and nigral subdivisions of the extrapyramidal system in the rat.
An automated fluorometric method for the determination of 5-hydroxytryptamine in extracts from biological materials.

Abstract 5-Hydroxytryptamine may be determined in tissue extracts containing 0–100 ng of the free amine per ml by an automated fluorometric method based on reaction with ninhydrin.
The steroidogenic ability of various cell types of the equine ovary

Abstract The fully developed follicular wall consisting of theca interna and granulosa cells after antrim formation, granulosa cells alone, corpus hemorrhagicum, corpus luteum, corpus albicans and stromal tissue were collected from ovaries of different mares. All cell preparations were incubated with progesterone-4- 14 C and some were also incubated with 17-hydroxyprogesterone-4- 14 C androstenedione-4- 14 C or testosterone-4- 14 C to study the relative activities of the different enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of estrogens from progesterone. Because of the differences in amount of extracellular fluid and connective tissue the yields of the different metabolites were expressed per mg DNA as well as per unit weight of tissue. The follicular walls showed active 17α-hydroxylase, 17,20-lyase, 17β-dehydrogenase and aromatizing enzyme systems. Granulosa cells alone showed a similar pattern except that the aromatizing system did not seem to be proportionately as active. The recently ovulated corpus hemorrhagicum showed high 17α-hydroxylase, 17,20-lyase and 17β-dehydrogenase activities but little aromatizing activity, while the corpora lutea showed 17α-hydroxylase and (17-hydroxyprogesterone)-20-oxido-reductase activities but low 17,20-lyase and no measurable formation of estrogens. When androstenedione or testosterone were substrates, both follicular walls and corpora lutea produced estrogens in similar amounts; the decreased lyase activity in the luteal cells, therefore, appears to account for the lack of estrogen production from C 21 precursors.
Na+- Cl-- and HCO-3 dependent Base Uptake in the Ciliary Body Pigment Epithelium

Abstract Segments of whole ciliary body dissected from Dutch belted rabbits were incubated for 60 min at 36°C in a 30 μM Ca 2+ Ringer's. The inner limiting membrane with its adherent non-pigmented epithelium then was mechanically removed from the surface. The newly-exposed viable layer of pigmented cells was then loaded with the fluorescent probe 2′-7′-bis (carboxymethyl)-5(6) carboxyfluorescein by incubating the segments for 45 min at RT with the cell permeable acetoxymethoxy form of the dye. These loaded tissues were perfused in a flow-through chamber, mounted on the heated stage of a microscope equipped for quantitative epifluorescence, and the intracellular pH (pH 1 ) of small groups of cells was derived from the ratio of emission intensities generated by excitations at 490 and 440 nm, respectively. In N[2-hydroxyethyl] piperazine-N″-[2 ethane sulfonic acid] (Hepes)-buffered Ringer's the intracellular pH was 7·23 ± 0·21 (± S.D., n = 20). Replacement of 28 mM Hepes by 28 mM HCO - 3 /5 % CO 2 led to a 0·14 ± 0·04 increase in pH 1 . This increase required the presence of Na + and Cl - and was inhibited by 0·2 mM diisothiocyanatostilbene-2-2′-disulfonic acid. These observations as well as characteristic pH 1 responses to the removal or introduction of Na + or Cl - indicated the presence in the pigmented cells of a Na + - and Cl- - dependent HCO - 3 transporter responsible for base uptake.
Solution structures of alkali metal sym-(R)dibenzo-14-crown-4-oxyacetates

Solution structures of alkali metal sym-(R)dibenzo-14-crown-4-oxyacetates with R = C10H21 (L1X) and R = H (L2X) have been probed by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Analysis of the diastereotopic nonequivalence changes, ΔδAB, especially for atoms remote from the sidearm attachment site, provides insight into the preferred orientation of the sidearm in solution. Cooperative metal ion complexation by the crown ether portion of the ligand and the sidearm is evident for all of the salts in CDCl3. Solvent dependence of the structure is noted for the L2X salts. In DMSO-d6 and D2O, the degree of interaction between the cation and the crown ether moiety varies with the identity of the alkali metal cation. Three different metal ion coordination arrangements are deduced for L2Li in CDCl3, DMSO-d6, and D2O. The Li+ is complexed by both the polyether unit and the carboxylate group of the sidearm in CDCl3. In D2O, the Li+ is coordinated to the polyether unit and through one or more water molecules to the carboxylate group of the sidearm. In DMSO-d6, the Li+ does not associate with the crown ether unit.
Factors Influencing Follow-Up to Newborn Hearing Screening for Infants Who Are Hard of Hearing

Purpose To document the epidemiological characteristics of a group of children who are hard of hearing, identify individual predictor variables for timely follow-up after a failed newborn hearing screening, and identify barriers to follow-up encountered by families. Method The authors used an accelerated longitudinal design to investigate outcomes for children who are hard of hearing in a large, multicenter study. The present study involved a subgroup of 193 children with hearing loss who did not pass the newborn hearing screening. The authors used available records to capture ages of confirmation of hearing loss, hearing aid fitting, and entry into early intervention. Linear regression models were used to investigate relationships among individual predictor variables and age at each follow-up benchmark. Results Of several predictor variables, only higher levels of maternal education were significantly associated with earlier confirmation of hearing loss and fitting of hearing aids; severity of hearing lo...
Monte Carlo Modeling and Analysis of Pressure Sensor Measurements During Suborbital Flight

The response of an ionization pressure sensor onboard a rotating suborbital spacecraft is investigated with data analysis and direct simulation Monte Carlo computations. The sensor housed in a chamber was connected to the spacecraftsurfacewith a tubeand recorded asymmetricram-wakepressurepulsesduring thenonthrusting period ofthemission.Three-dimensionalMonteCarlocomputationsoftheexternalandinternale owsareperformedusing a domain that includes the spacecraft and the pressure apparatus. Freestream parameters correspond to altitudes between 130 and 275 km. The e ux and composition at the sensor tube entrance is found to depend on the tube’ s orientation with the freestream during the spacecraft rotation. The predicted external pressure pulse differs from measurementsbecauseof internale ow effects. Thee owstructureisthree-dimensional at the tubeentry region and becomes axisymmetric a few tube diameters inside. The temperature, density, and surface pressure distributions inside the tube and chamber are found to depend on the tube orientation with the freestream and demonstrate the coupling between external and internal e ows. The predicted pressure pulse is in good qualitative agreement with measurements. Differences in magnitude are attributed to the uncertainty in the freestream parameters.
Comments on Mark A. Clarke's “On the Nature of Technique: What Do We Owe the Gurus?”: A Reader Reacts …: Notes from a Nominal Guru

He goes on to say that gurus are "charismatic leaders who offer important insights and helpful advice to the battle-weary" (592). Never, in my wildest flights of egotism, have I thought of myself as charismatic leader; rarely have I seen myself, Moses like, pronouncing the truth from on high, even if on high is only the raised platform of an auditorium. Without false modesty, let me say that I conceive of myself as a teacher, like Clarke. (I had the ill fortune to have had a good idea 20 years ago. Everyone is entitled to one good idea in a lifetime; the lucky ones have it late in life so that it does not haunt them for long.) Not only does Clarke nominate me for this honor, but he lists me first and credits me with introducing him to the work of Francis Christensen-now deceased. To the extent that his nomination increases my income from paid talks and consultancies, I am grateful to him-even willing to provide him a finder's fee. To the extent that the
Range and Doppler resolution of a frequency-scanned filter

The paper is an analysis of a radar-signal-processing system?the frequency-scanned filter?which is designed to extract both range and velocity information from a single echo. The transmitted signal is a pulse train, which can be represented as a sequence. The echo is processed in a tapped delay line, with the taps weighted according to another sequence. The tap output is modulated by phase-coherent oscillators and summed to form the output. It can be shown that the output is the ambiguity function of the two sequences. By using some well known properties of the ambiguity function, both range and velocity can be estimated from the output, and the errors inherent in this estimation are also calculated. It should be noted that the system is time varying owing to the action of the modulators; this property is emphasised when the system is connected to operate as a frequency analyser. It is also shown that, except for some small and, in practice, insignificant differences, the frequency-scanned filter is equivalent to a bank of matched filters.
Redox cycling of resorufin catalyzed by rat liver microsomal NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase.

The O-dealkylation of 7-alkoxyresorufins to the highly fluorescent compound, resorufin (7-hydroxyphenoxazone), provides a rapid, sensitive, and convenient assay of certain forms of liver microsomal cytochrome P450. The results of this study indicate that NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase catalyzes the reduction of resorufin (and the 7-alkoxyresorufins) to a colorless, nonfluorescent compound(s). The reduction of resorufin by NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase was supported by NADPH but not NADH, and was not inhibited by dicumarol, which established that the reaction was not catalyzed by contaminating DT-diaphorase (NAD[P]H-quinone oxidoreductase). In addition to the rate of reduction, the extent of reduction of resorufin was dependent on the concentration of NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase. The maintenance of steady-state levels of reduced resorufin required the continuous oxidation of NADPH, during which molecular O2 was consumed. When NADPH was completely consumed, the spectroscopic and fluorescent properties of resorufin were fully restored. These results indicate that the reduction of resorufin by NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase initiates a redox cycling reaction. Stoichiometric measurements revealed of 1:1:1 relationship between the amount of NADPH and O2 consumed and the amount of H2O2 formed (measured fluorometrically). The amount of O2 consumed during the redox cycling of resorufin decreased approximately 50% in the presence of catalase, whereas the rate of O2 consumption decreased in the presence of superoxide dismutase. These results suggest that, during the reoxidation of reduced resorufin, O2 is converted to H2O2 via superoxide anion. Experiments with acetylated cytochrome c further implicated superoxide anion as an intermediate in the reduction of O2 to H2O2. However, the ability of reduced resorufin to reduce acetylated cytochrome c directly (i.e., without first reducing O2 to superoxide anion) precluded quantitative measurements of superoxide anion formation. Superoxide dismutase, but not catalase, increased the steady-state level of reduced resorufin and considerably delayed its reoxidation. This indicates that superoxide anion is not only capable of reoxidizing reduced resorufin, but is considerably more effective than molecular O2 in this regard. Overall, these results suggest that NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase catalyzes the one-electron reduction of resorufin (probably to the corresponding semiquinoneimine radical) which can either undergo a second, one-electron reduction (presumably to the corresponding dihydroquinoneimine) or a one-electron oxidation by reducing molecular O2 to superoxide anion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Assessment and Evaluation of GIScience Curriculum using the Geographic Information Science and Technology Body of Knowledge

Academic institutions are increasingly being held accountable for the quality of education which is, in turn, leading to an increased emphasis on curriculum assessment. This is especially true of geographic information science & technology (GIS&T), in which a rapidly growing profession demands that educational programs produce highly qualified graduates. In response to these demands, the University Consortium of Geographic Information Science (UCGIS) has developed the Geographic Information Science and Technology Body of Knowledge, to identify the broad spectrum of knowledge, skills and techniques that make up the GIS&T domain. An intended use of this document is to support the development and assessment of GIS&T curricula. The authors address the potential benefits of using the Body of Knowledge through an evaluation of the learning objectives and curriculum of sample courses at two universities. They find that the Body of Knowledge enables robust specification of objectives and curricula, and provides t...
Conversion of estrone to 2- and 4-hydroxyestrone by hamster kidney and liver microsomes: Implications for the mechanism of estrogen-induced carcinogenesis

As part of an ongoing investigation of the role of metabolic activation of estrogens in the genesis of cancers such as estrogen-induced renal tumors in hamsters, we have 1) determined steroid-17 beta-oxidoreductase activity of microsomes and cytosol prepared from hamster kidney and liver; 2) compared the rates of 2-, 4-, and 16 alpha-hydroxylations of estrone by microsomes from hamster kidney and liver; and 3) determined the rates of inactivation of 2- and 4-hydroxyestrone by catechol-O-methyltransferase from hamster kidney and by purified enzyme. Microsomal steroid-17 beta-oxidoreductase activity in hamster kidney and liver was low and favored the conversion of estrone to estradiol. Cytosolic steroid-17 beta-oxidoreductase activity was only barely detectable in both liver and kidney. Using hepatic microsomes, the rate of 2-hydroxylation of estrone was comparable to that found previously using estradiol as substrate, whereas 4-hydroxylation of estrone was double that of estradiol. Using renal microsomes, ...
Experimentally Determined Port Discharge Coefficients From Large-Bore Reciprocating Engines

This paper describes the collection and analysis of discharge coefficients from the ports of large-bore two-stroke cycle engines. The literature includes some information on discharge coefficients from very small ports. The literature was found to not include data collected from very large ports, such is in Cooper, Clark, and Worthington two-stroke cycle engines. The methodology was to construct and then use a flow bench that was sized for large-bore engine cylinder liners. The flow bench is designed to experimentally determine the discharge coefficients of large bore engine ports. The discharge coefficients are an integral part of determining the air flow rate through an engine, and in modeling and predicting the airflow through an engine system. This information can be used by designers to better match turbochargers and aftercoolers to engines. Large bore engine cylinders are typically are 35–56 cm (14–22 in.) in diameter, and have power outputs ranging 745–3730 kW (1,000–6,000 hp). In general, the majority of these engines were built in the 1940–1950’s. The importance of predicting the airflow rate through these engines has become paramount due to increasingly stringent EPA emission regulations. The data shows that there is a vast difference between the discharge coefficients of the three primary engines used in the natural gas industry.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Fast algorithm for extraction of worst-case image degradation due to flare

Unwanted scattered light affects image-quality, OPC behavior and becomes increasingly problematic with decreasing wavelength. A software system has been written that incorporates a pattern-matching algorithm to locate regions in the mask geometry that closely resemble a problematic shape. Our goal is to improve manufacturing of a full-chip layout by identifying locations worst impacted by flare. The Pattern Matcher match factor shows good agreement in predicting flare sensitivity for several flare measurement layouts. The software is able to generate and process patterns capturing short-range, mid-range and long-range flare effects.
Scanning, holistic encoding, and the word-superiority effect.

The role of holistic encoding induced by scanning in the superior identifiability target letters in orthographic strings (words) enjoy over those in strings of unrelated letters was examined in two experiments. Both the set of potential targets and the critical position in the letter arrays were predesignated. One group in each experiment was induced to scan each array from left to right in a dot-counting task. A dot could precede the array to its left and/or appear with the array to its right. Only this group displayed the word superiority. For the second group in the first experiment, any dot(s) present always appeared with the array. The second group in the second experiment was shown no dots but, rather, performed the letter-identification task only. The absence of a word-superiority effect in other studies is related to holistic encoding stemruing from scanning requirements, and the implications for positional uncertainty explanations of the phenomenon are discussed.
Four-photon Coherent States: Properties and Generation

Abstract We present a detailed discussion of a type of four-photon coherent state defined as right eigenstates of the operator â 4 where â is the usual annihilation operator. There are actually four sets of states that need to be considered, namely those containing as the lowest number states ¦0>, ¦1>, ¦2>, or ¦3>. These correspond to the possible unique superpositions of the ordinary coherent states ¦±α> and ¦±iα>. We discuss the nonclassical properties of these states such as photon antibunching and squeezing. The usual second order squeezing does not exist for these states but higher order squeezing and square field amplitude squeezing do exist. Also discussed are the quasiprobability distributions, namely the P-function, the Q-function and the Wigner function. Finally, a method of generating these states based on the competition between a four-photon parametric process and incoherent losses from four-photon absorption is presented.
Engineered nanoparticle surfaces for improved mass spectrometric analyses

Engineering of nanoparticle surface functionality provides controlled interactions with biomolecules such as cell membrane lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. Concurrently, this surface chemistry control also opens up new avenues for improving mass spectral analyses. In this Minireview, we highlight some of the emerging work that integrates surface-engineered nanoparticles with mass spectrometry to improve the analysis of a wide variety of chemical and biological systems.
Plasmodium berghei: High pressure liquid chromatographic analysis of nucleotides from erythrocyte-free malarial parasites

Abstract Isolation and analysis of the nucleotides from the malarial parasite, Plasmodium berghei, are described. This was accomplished by reducing contaminating leukocytes and platelets by settling in 6% dextran-Krebs glucose. Contaminating red cells (either parasitized or nonparasitized) were lysed by a technique using a dilute saponin solution in a Krebs-glucose medium. The parasites were collected by centrifugation and destroyed by addition of 10% trichloroacetic acid. The acid was extracted with Alamine-Freon TF and the nucleotides analyzed using high pressure liquid chromatography with microparticle anion exchange columns. The following compounds were separated and quantitated: ATP, GTP, CTP, UTP, ADP, GDP, CDP, UDP, AMP, GMP, CMP, UMP, and NAD. In nanomoles of nucleoside triphosphate isolated, the order of highest to lowest concentration was: ATP > UTP > GTP > CTP, while the order of diphosphates was: ADP > CDP > UDP > GDP, and the monophosphates: NAD > AMP > CMP > UMP > GMP. The order in amount of nucleotides present was: nucleoside triphosphates > nucleoside monophosphates > nucleoside diphosphates. The statistical analysis of the nucleoside triphosphates showed little deviation from sample to sample. A comparison of the sample from the host mouse red blood cell shows significant concentrations only of ATP, ADP, and NAD, indicating that contamination from host blood cells was unlikely.
Normal values and methodologic recommendations for signal-averaged electrocardiography in children and adolescents

Abstract Signal-averaged electrocardiography was performed in 153 normal children and adolescents (1 day to 18.3 years old) to examine the effects of age, sex, and race on different electrocardiographic variables, and to evaluate whether the current methods for analysis of the signal-averaged electrocardiogram are applicable to small children. Tracings with inaccurate automatic determination of the QRS end point or high noise levels were excluded. Filtered QRS duration, root-meansquare voltage, and low-amplitude signal duration were measured using 25, 40, and 80 Hz filters. All variables were significantly different (p 15 years. These differences gradually resolved with increasing age. Sex differences were present for some variables in adolescents only, and there was no significant race-related difference. Because of the shorter QRS duration, the terminal activities were more accurately reflected at the terminal duration of 30 ms in infants and 35 ms in children aged at least 1 year to
Coaxial-hybrid-iron (CHIRON) type twisters

To obtain the high fields at short periods characteristic of CHIRON wiggler type free electron lasers (FELs), we have designed a circularly polarized radiation source or twister that operates on the same principle. As in the wiggler, the field sources are poles produced on surfaces of iron saturated by externally applied axial magnetic fields. Because of the much higher saturation magnetization of iron, the pole densities are greater than can appear on permanent magnet surfaces and therefore can produce higher magnetic fields. Such structures are compared to permanent magnet twisters with regard to field strength, bulk and ease of manufacture.
Predicting Perceptions of Fear at School and Going to and From School for African American and White Students: The Effects of School Security Measures

This article uses the School Crime Supplement of the National Crime Victimization Survey to investigate the factors related to White and African American students' perceived levels of fear of harm, while at school and while commuting to and from school. Of particular interest were the effects of school security measures, including metal detectors, security guards, locked doors, and surveillance cameras. After controlling for the effects of previous victimizations, security measures, and other contextual and demographic variables, there were no differences in levels of fear across gender and race groups. However, certain predictors of fear differentially affected White and African American students. Previous victimization experiences, including bullying, and the presence of metal detectors increased levels of fear for all groups. Security guards in schools increased levels of fear for White students but not for African American students. African American students attending school in suburban and rural areas were more fearful compared to their central city counterparts, whereas White students were more fearful if they attended school in urban areas. Implications for policy are discussed.
Is cholesterol excreted by the gall-bladder mucosa ?

ConclusionsThe normal gall bladder mucosa secretes calcium in large amounts and cholesterol in negligible amounts.
Measuring the benefits of local publilc goods: environmental quality in Gaston County, North Carolina

Local governments across the United states have been confronted with a growing range of federal and state-mandated environmental protection programmes. It is found that an application of contingent valuation to a local environmental policy is internally valid by theoretically and empirically examining the economic determinants of responses to a hypothetical referendum. The resulting option price estimate is statistically reliable and has a reasonable order of magnitude. Results indicate that respondents are willing to pay for improvements in water quality,but not air qualilty. It is found that informatiion from various external sources helps to explain risk perceptions, and these perceptions, in turn influence willingness to pay. The aggregate benefits of an air and water polllution control programme to Gaston County are estimated to be $13.07 million annually with a 90% confidence interval of $11.07 million and $16.12 million.
Diagnostic problem solving of school psychologists: Scientific method or guesswork?

Abstract The diagnostic problem solving of school psychologists was investigated through the use of a computer simulation of a typical school referral problem and a verbal retrospective think-aloud protocol. Participants in five equal groups that represented varying levels of education and experience included practicing doctoral and nondoctoral school psychologists, educational diagnosticians, and school psychology graduate students in doctoral and masters-level training programs(N = 125). The results suggested that education and experience were unrelated to diagnostic performance generally, and diagnostic accuracy specifically. Experienced professionals and less experienced trainees were more alike than different in their diagnostic problem-solving process. Practitioners were significantly more efficient than students. Implications for training are addressed and directions for future research are outlined.
The taxonomic status of Lineola longa

Studies on the morphological and physiological characteristics of two strains of Lineola longa showed that these aerobic bacteria form endospores, are Gram-positive and have peritrichous flagella. On the basis of these observations it was concluded that L. longa is, in fact, a Bacillus species. This conclusion was strengthened by the fact that both strains exhibited nutritional characteristics often encountered among the aerobic sporeforming rods, such as requirements for biotin and thiamine in the growth medium. The base ratio of the DNA purified from L. longa was found to be within the range reported for a number of species of Bacillus. Additional investigation of the nutritional behavior of L. longa indicated that neither strain studied used glucose as an oxidizable substrate or as a carbon source. However, fatty acids and amino acids were readily utilized for growth. L. longa, on the basis of its morphological and physiological properties, could not be identified with any of the established species of Bacillus. It is suggested, therefore, that L. longa be recognized as a new species within the genus Bacillus and that it be renamed Bacillus macroides.
Two-dimensional photocurrent mapping of mercuric iodide detector crystals

Abstract We have employed two-dimensional photocurrent mapping to determine the material uniformity of a 1 cm 3 cube of mercuric iodide configured as a detector. The sample was mapped over the cross-sectional face of the crystal between the two Pd contacts used to bias the sample. We have examined the dependence of the photocurrent response on detector bias, and also observed non-uniformities within the detector area. A model predicting the photocurrent as a function of position between the contacts has been related to the experimental results and is also presented.