cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 16140: Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome is Associated With Mortality After Transcatheter or Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement With a Greater Impact on Diabetic Patients

Background: An inflammatory response after cardiac surgery is associated with worse clinical outcomes, but recent trials to attenuate it have been neutral. Patients with aortic stenosis (AS) and diabetes have increased mortality after surgical (SAVR) or transcatheter (TAVR) aortic valve replacement, but some data suggest diabetics do better with TAVR. We evaluated the association between systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and mortality after TAVR and SAVR and whether diabetes influenced this relationship. Methods: Patients (n=747) with severe AS treated with TAVR (n=264) or SAVR (n=483) between 1/2008 and 12/2013 were included. SIRS was defined by 4 criteria 12 to 48 hours after AVR: 1) white blood cell (WBC) count 12; 2) heart rate (HR) >90; 3) temp 38°C; or 4) respiratory rate >20. We evaluated the relationship between SIRS criteria met and intermediate (6 mo) all-cause death (60 died by 6 mo). Inverse propensity weighting (IPW) was performed on 44 baseline and procedural variables to minimize confounding. Results: All 4 SIRS criteria were met in 6% of TAVR patients and 11% of SAVR patients (p=0.02); this was associated with increased mortality (IPW adjusted HR 2.77; 95% CI 2.04-3.76; p 2, p Conclusions: SIRS is associated with increased mortality after SAVR or TAVR. It occurs more commonly after SAVR and has a greater impact on mortality in diabetic patients. These findings may have implications for treatment decisions in patients with AS, may help explain differences in outcomes between different AVR approaches, and identify diabetic patients as a high risk sub-group to target in clinical trials with therapies to attenuate SIRS.
An interactive constraint-based approach to Sudoku

SOLVER is built to maximize the interactions between the human users and CP techniques. It allows users to apply various consistency algorithms to specific constraints or the entire puzzle, and interactively make assignments and domain reductions. We also designed a ‘hint’ functionality that uses increasingly complex propagation algorithms in a controlled manner to guide and train the users to play the game.
Actions with Indirect Effects (Preliminary Report)

Abstract We define and study a high-level language for describing actions that extends the language A introduced by Gelfond and Lifschitz. The new language, AR 0 , allows us to describe actions with indirect effects (ramifications) and simple forms of nondeterminism. A translation from AR 0 into a formalism based on circumscription is proved to be sound and complete.
Psychological factors influencing weight loss maintenance: an integrative literature review.

Purpose: Weight loss is critical in the fight against obesity yet only about 20% of individuals maintain weight loss long term. This review examines the psychological factors influencing weight loss maintenance. Data sources: An electronic search was used to identify studies from 2003 to 2009 in the following databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, PsycARTICLES. Conclusion: Evidence indicated avoiding dichotomous thinking, eating to regulate mood, and disinhibited eating were associated with weight loss maintenance. Increased dietary restraint, perceived benefits outweighing costs, lower/stable levels of depression, and more positive body image were also associated with weight loss maintenance. Results were inconclusive on unrealistic weight loss expectations and failure to achieve weight loss goals. Implications for practice: Practitioners can play a pivotal role in screening clients for these factors and recommending treatment to increase the likelihood of successful weight loss maintenance.
Sodium Determination Using Ion Selective Electrodes, Mohr Titration, and Test Strips

Sodium content of foods can be determined by various methods, including an ion-selective electrode (ISE), the Mohr or Volhard titration procedure, or indicator test strips. Some of these methods are official methods of analysis for specific products, and all these methods are faster and less expensive procedures than analysis by atomic absorption spectroscopy or inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. This laboratory exercise allows one to compare sodium analysis of several food products by ISE, Mohr titration, and Quantab® Chloride Titrators.
Studies of phosphorus metabolism by isolated nuclei: VI. Labeled components of the acid-insoluble fraction☆

Abstract Rat liver nuclei isolated by sedimentation in dense sucrose have been found capable of incorporating inorganic orthophosphate into several components of the nuclear acid-insoluble fraction. Compounds which have been found to be labeled are RNA, phosphatidic acids, and inorganic polyphosphate. The phosphorylation is aerobic and is maximal at pH 7.1 and 35 °; it proceeds actively with time and is presumably supported by an endogenous complement of substrates, etc. 32P1 incorporation into the acid-insoluble fraction is relatively insensitive to DNP and exogenous nuoleosides and highly sensitive to NaCN, chelating agents, DNase, and exogenous nuclear histones. The action of DNase may be reversed in part by addition of polyethylene sulfonate. A divalent cation is required in both isolation and incubation media for maximal formation of acid-insoluble products by the nuclei.
The Value and Reform of Budget Institutions

In a recent paper, we presented empirical evidence to show that strong budget institutions (rules and procedures of the budget process) were associated with more fiscal discipline even when the politics was unfavorable to such discipline. What then are the conditions under which budget institutions themselves may be improved (reformed)? We find, tentatively, that fiscal deficits do not focus the attention of policymakers on undertaking reforms. To the contrary, the larger is the deficit, the lower the likelihood of reforms. It is as if large deficits imply strong claims on the budget and, hence, create unwillingness to compromise and impose self-discipline. Countries will tend, therefore, to move to two outcomes: small fiscal deficits and good institutions or large deficits and weak institutions. The findings do suggest that economic shocks (if they are large enough) can help build a constituency for improving budget institutions.
Selection of somatic cell hybrids between HGPRT--and APRT--cells.

Publisher Summary The chapter discusses the techniques of selection of somatic cell hybrids between hypoxanthine-guanine phosophoribosyltransferase (HGPRT) and adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT) cells. The analysis of mammalian somatic cell hybrids has provided new and fruitful approaches to the study of gene mapping, genetic complementation and dominance tests, differentiated cell functions, and malignancy. The chapter describes a system utilizing a media called GAMA that can be used for the isolation of hybrids between HGPRT- and APRT mutant cell lines. One hybridization experiment is presented to illustrate the use and effectiveness of GAMA selections. As controls, the parental lines, V79-HG – and CAK-AP – , were fused to themselves, and a total of 10 6 cells was seeded into GAMA. The chapter discusses several precautions concerning the use of GAMA. First the amount of hypoxanthine present in the medium is important. Second, the cell density used in the initial plating of cells into GAMA is somewhat critical. Third, cells should not be transferred directly from GAMA to DMEM however should go through a transitional cultivation in DMEM plus adenine and guanine. The GAMA medium for the selection of hybrids between HGPRT – and APRT – cells should permit additional flexibility in the production of mammalian somatic cell hybrids.
Low-energy electron diffraction investigation of epitaxial growth: Pt and Pd on Pd(100)

We investigate the epitaxial growth of Pt and Pd and Pd(100) via spot profile analysis using conventional low-energy electron diffraction (LEED). We resolve a central-spike and diffuse component in the spot profiles, reflecting the layer-occupations and pair-correlations, respectively. Kinetic limitations inhibit layer-by-layer growth at low temperatures. Our data suggest diffusion switches on at ca. 150 K for Pt and ca. 170 K for Pd indicating activation barriers to surface diffusion of ca. 10 and ca. 13 kcal/mol, respectively. To clarify the role of diffusion in determining the resulting film morphology, we develop a growth model that incorporates the adsorption-site requirement and predicts intensity oscillations. We present a new procedure to experimentally determine out-of-phase scattering conditions. At these energies, ring-structure is evident in the profiles during Pd growth between ca. 200 and 400 K. We report ring intensity oscillations as a function of coverage, which demonstrate the filling of individual layers.
Free and immobilized glucose isomerase from Streptomyces phaeochromogenes.

Properties were determined of the glucose isomerase from Streptomyces phaeochromogenes NRRL B-3559. The enzyme exhibited a temperature optimum of 80 C and a pH optimum of about 8. The effect of various buffers on activity of the enzyme and the optimum pH were studied. Michaelis constants for glucose and Mg2+ were 0.25 and 0.025 m, respectively. Co2+ enhanced enzyme activity. A functional polyacrylamide-entrapped glucose isomerase was prepared. The conditions for entrapment and use of the bound enzyme were examined.
Chimeric cells of maternal origin do not appear to be pathogenic in the juvenile idiopathic inflammatory myopathies or muscular dystrophy

Introduction Microchimeric cells have been studied for over a decade, with conflicting reports on their presence and role in autoimmune and other inflammatory diseases. To determine whether microchimeric cells were pathogenic or mediating tissue repair in inflammatory myopathies, we phenotyped and quantified microchimeric cells in juvenile idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (JIIM), muscular dystrophy (MD), and noninflammatory control muscle tissues.
Human Development in the Context of Social Change: Introduction

Two prominent perspectives have guided most research on social change and human development: Vygotsky's cultural–historical perspective and Elder's life-course perspective. Whereas Vygotsky's perspective focuses on the largely unidirectional influence of enduring societal transformation on human development, Elder's focuses more on individual experiences in circumstances related to dramatic and often unexpected historical events. In addition to the two traditional perspectives, a pluralist–constructivist perspective has emerged in the study of social change that is occurring in most parts of the world primarily because of globalization and technological development. This perspective emphasizes the coexistence and integration of diverse values and lifestyles and their significance for developing comprehensive competencies that help children function in various settings. This introduction provides an overview of research from each of these perspectives and discusses some major issues in the articles in this special section.
Identification of accelerants, fuels and post-combustion residues using a colorimetric sensor array

A linear (1 × 36) colorimetric sensor array has been integrated with a pre-oxidation technique for detection and identification of a variety of fuels and post-combustion residues. The pre-oxidation method permits the conversion of fuel vapor into more detectable species and therefore greatly enhances the sensitivity of the sensor array. The pre-oxidation technique used a packed tube of chromic acid on an oxide support and was optimized in terms of the support and concentration. Excellent batch to batch reproducibility was observed for preparation and use of the disposable pre-oxidation tubes. Twenty automotive fuels including gasolines and diesel from five gasoline retailers were individually identifiable with no confusions or misclassifications in quintuplicate trials. Limits of detection were at sub-ppm concentrations for gasoline and diesel fuels. In addition, burning tests were performed on commonly used fire accelerants, and clear differentiation was achieved among both the fuels themselves and their volatile residues after burning.
Association of beclin 1 expression with response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy in patients with locally advanced rectal carcinoma

Beclin 1 is an essential regulator of autophagy that is induced in response to cellular stress and serves to maintain cell survival in established tumors. We recently demonstrated that Beclin 1 suppression can sensitize colorectal cancer cells to radiation-induced DNA damage and apoptosis. Therefore, we hypothesized that the level of Beclin 1 expression may be associated with radiation sensitivity in vivo. We determined the association of Beclin 1 expression in pretreatment rectal cancer tissues with response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation in surgical resection specimens. Stages II and III (n = 96) rectal adenocarcinoma patients were treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by surgical resection with curative intent. Beclin 1 was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and the expression level was dichotomized at the median value with categorization into low and high groups. We identified 56 (58.3%) and 40 (41.7%) patients whose tumors had high- versus low-level Beclin 1 expression, respectively. Rectal cancers with high versus low Beclin 1 expression were significantly less likely to be downstaged after chemoradiation treatment (45% [25/55] vs. 58% [22/38]; p = 0.02). In a multivariable analysis adjusted for age, sex, histological grade and baseline tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage, the impact of Beclin 1 expression on tumor downstaging remained statistically significant (p = 0.03). The association of the level of Beclin 1 expression with the rate of tumor downstaging after chemoradiation is consistent with in vitro data, and suggests that Beclin 1 may be a predictive biomarker for the efficacy of chemoradiation in patients with rectal cancer.
Modifications of Lebowich's Soap-Wax Technic

Lebowich's technic is outlined for simultaneous dehydration and infiltration of tissues by a medium composed of stearic acid, 56° C. paraffin, diethylene glycol, and monoethanolamine. The prices and places where these materials may be purchased are given.Tissue for sectioning is placed in acetone, C.P., for 1 hour, then put directly into the soap-wax medium at 60° C. under reduced pressure, and finally embedded in new soap-wax.Modifications include a simplification of the apparatus used by Lebowich. A preserving jar fitted with a rubber stopper serves as a vacuum chamber, and use of an aspirator accomplishes the reduction of pressure. With invertebrate embryos up to 1000 μ diameter no reduction of pressure is needed. Embryos are fixed, washed, placed in acetone, infiltrated in soap-wax, and embedded.By this soap-wax method the alcohols, xylene, and overnight drying of affixed ribbons are eliminated. Tissue may be fixed, sectioned, stained, and permanently mounted within 6 to 8 hours.
Age and anthropometric determinants of radial bone mass in premenopausal Caucasian women: a cross-sectional study.

A sample of 181 healthy premenopausal Caucasian women, 20 to 50 years of age, was part of a cross-sectional study on the determinants of radial bone mineral content (BMC), bone width (BW) and areal bone mineral density (BMD) at two sites, the distal (Dis) or 5 mm-site (about 50% cancellous tissue) and the mid-radial (Mid) site (over 90% cortical tissue), as measured by single photon-absorptiometry. Women in their 20s (n=45) had significantly lower DisBMC and DisBW values than women in their 30s (n= 65) or 40s (n=71). No such trends were noted for any of the mid-radial measurements with increasing age. With age, height and weight included in the same regression equation, age remained the only significant positive predictor of all three distal variables, while height was the only significant positive predictor of the mid-radial variables. Body weight was not associated with any of the bone variables in this model. A low lean body mass (LBM) or low body mass index (BMI) was consistently correlated with significantly lower bone values at both radial sites. These data suggest that peak bone mass (PBM), for the distal and largely cancellous portion of the radius, was achieved later in adulthood (30s) than the mid-radial or mostly cortical portion of the radius in which PBM was achieved much earlier, probably in late adolescence.
Loss of Prostaglandin E2-induced Extra Cortical Bone After its Withdrawal in Rats

The object of this study was to determine the fate of PGE2-(Prostaglandin E2) induced new cortical bone mass after withdrawal of PGE2 administration. Seven-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were given subcutaneous injections of 1, 3 and 6 mg PGE2/kg/day for 60 days and then withdrawn for 60 and 120 days (on/off treatment). Histomorphometric analyses were performed on double-fluorescent-labeled undecalcified tibial shaft sections (proximal to the tibiofibular junction). In a previous report we showed that after 60, 120 and 180 days of daily PGE2 (on)treatment, a new steady state was achieved marked by increased total bone area (+16%, +25% and +34% with 1, 3 and 6 mg PGE2/kg/day) when compared to age-matched controls. The continuous PGE2 treatment stimulated periosteal and endocortical lamellar bone formation, activated endocortical woven trabecular bone formation and intracortical bone resorption. These responses increased cortical bone mass since the bone formation exceeded bone resorption. The current study showed that after withdrawal of PGE2 for 60 and 120 days, the extra endocortical bone, which was induced by the first 60-days treatment, was resorbed, but the new subperiosteal bone persisted resulting in a tibial shaft with larger cross sectional and marrow areas. Despite that, there was still the same amount of bone mass in these shafts as in age-related controls. A new steady state was achieved after 60 days of withdrawal, in which the bone mass and bone formation activity approximated that of age-related controls. It was concluded that maintaining the extra PGE2-induced cortical bone mass depends on continuous daily administration of PGE2.
Determination of excess volumes in cyclohexane + benzene and + n-hexane with a vibrating-tube densimeter

Abstract Excess volumes have been measured by means of a vibrating-tube densimeter for cyclohexane + benzene at 298.15 K, and cyclohexane + n -hexane at 283.15, 298.15, and 313.15 K. The pressure coefficient of the excess enthalpy was calculated from the excess volumes of cyclohexane + n -hexane, and compared with directly measured enthalpies. The two sets of results are in good agreement.
The Barefoot Doctors of China: From Political Creation to Professionalization

The Barefoot Doctor policy of the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) has recently been changed. Rather than remaining a permanent corp of paraprofessionals, Barefoot Doctors (BFD) are to be upgraded, certified, and paid wages for full-time medical work in a process of slow professionalization. This article includes a brief historical description of BFD policy evolution and a literature review that notes problems in the equitable implementation of the original policy. An update in information is added based on original material collected in 1979 and 1981, providing a current picture of efforts to implement the new professional focus. While BFDs everywhere are taking the certification examinations, there are almost no signs of other features of the new policy.
Reduplication and syllabification in Ilokano

Abstract This article presents an analysis of the productive morphophonemic phenomena in a dialect of Ilokano (N. Philippines). The analysis bears on three theoretical points. First, we argue that the rules creating well-formed syllable structure, hence syllabification itself, must apply cyclically. Second, a reduplication pattern of this dialect provides support for the theory of Prosodic Morphology (McCarthy and Prince (forthcoming)). The template for reduplication can be straightforwardly characterized in prozodic terms, but not segmentally. Third, we suggest that Ilokano exhibits ‘antitransfer’, i.e. the copying of a glide as a vowel in reduplication, and discuss the implications of Ilokano antitransfer for the theory of reduplication proposed by Steriade (1988).
Spontaneous Settlement Housing in Latin America A Critical Examination

Spontaneous settlements have been perceived by many authors as a solution to the housing problem in the underdeveloped world. This article contends that their descriptions of spontaneous settlements miss key variables and are often misleading. In particular it argues that calling spontaneous settlement housing a solution results in the legitimation of social segregation in planning and the inadequate formulation of the housing problem.
β-Phosphatoxyalkyl Radical Reactions: Competing Phosphate Migration and Phosphoric Acid Elimination from a Radical Cation−Phosphate Anion Pair Formed by Heterolytic Fragmentation

β-Phosphatoxyalkyl radical reactions were studied experimentally and computationally. The 1,1-dibenzyl-2-(diphenylphosphatoxy)-2-phenylethyl radical (1) reacted to give the migration product 2-benzyl-2-(diphenylphosphatoxy)-1,3-diphenylpropyl radical (2) and the elimination product 2-benzyl-1,3-diphenylallyl radical (3) in a variety of solvents. A modest kinetic solvent effect for reactions of 1 was found. Variable temperature studies in THF and acetonitrile gave Arrhenius functions with similar log A terms; the entropies of activation are ∼−5 eu. A deuterated analogue of radical 1 reacted in THF and acetonitrile with rate constants indistinguishable from those of 1, but the ratio of products 2:3 increased for the deuterated radical requiring kinetic isotope effects (KIEs) in reactions following the rate-limiting step. In aqueous acetonitrile solutions, the β,β-dibenzylstyrene radical cation (4) was detected as a short-lived intermediate, and the rate constants for formation of 3 and 4 indicated that both...
Exploring the overlap between victimization and offending among women in sex work

AbstractThis study examines reported victimization and reported offending of women involved in sex work in the United States in order to identify demographic and behavioral overlap between women who presented to the justice system as victims and offenders, and between women identified as trafficked persons or as prostitutes. Results indicate significant offending and victimization experiences among women in the sex industry. Among women who presented both victimization and offending (victim-offenders)—compared to those who were exclusively victims or exclusively offenders and those without such experiences—substance abuse problems, injuries, and multiple arrests were proportionally higher. Distinctive behavioral differences between trafficked women and prostitutes were not evident. Policy implications for the justice system are discussed.
Applicability of the Newton-Kantorovich method and optimization theory to dispersion relations of the Chew-Mandelstam type

Abstract The mathematical structure of the Chew-Mandelstam type dispersion relations is examined to determine if the Newton-Kantorovich method of solution can be applied. Constructive methods for finding the solutions without the N/D factorization are worked out. Our numerical techniques for solving non-linear integral equations with Cauchy kernels on the basis of the Newton-Kantorovich method and our optimization procedure are applicable to a wide variety of problems in the S-matrix theory.
Arachidonic acid and its metabolites increase cytosolic free calcium in bovine luteal cells.

Abstract We studied the effects of arachidonic acid and its metabolites on intracellular free calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i) in highly purified bovine luteal cell preparations. Corpora lutea were collected from Holstein heifers between days 10 and 12 of the estrous cycle. The cells were dispersed and small and large cells were separated by unit gravity sedimentation and flow cytometry. The [Ca2+]i was determined by spectrofluorometry in luteal cells loaded with the fluorescent Ca2+ probe. Fura-2. Arachidonic acid elicited a dose-dependent increase in [Ca2+]i in both small and large luteal cells, having an effect at concentrations as low as 5μM; and was maximally effective at 50μM. Several other fatty acids failed to exert a similar response. Addition of nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) or indomethacin failed to suppress the effects of arachidonic acid. In fact, the presence of both inhibitors resulted in increases of [Ca2+]i, with NDGA exerting a greater stimulation of [Ca2+i than indomethacin. Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) as well as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) increased [Ca2+ in the small luteal cells. These results support the idea that arachidonic acid exerts a direct action in mobilizing [Ca2+]i, in the luteal cells. Furthermore, they demonstrate that the cyclooxygenase (PGF2α and PGE2) and lipoxygenase products of arachidonic acid metabolism also play a role in increasing [Ca2+]i in bovine luteal cells. Since the bovine corpus luteum contains large quantities of arachidonic acid, these findings suggest that this compound may regulate calcium-dependent functions of the corpus luteum, including steroid and peptide hormone production and secretion.
Culture of isolated renal tubules: a method of assessing viability of normal and damaged cells.

Recovery from acute tubular necrosis (ATN) depends in part upon the survival and proliferation of epithelial cells in the proximal tubule. After i.v. injection of mercuric chloride in rats or rabbits, less than one-seventh of the proximal tubule cells remain viable. However, these cells proliferate and reline the basement membrane to restore the normal cell population in five days. Cell cycle time is only 14hr [1]. Why some cells are able to survive and proliferate in an environment which kills most tubule cells is not clear. It would seem that a change or adaptation has occurred in the proliferating cells, but this change has not been demonstrated or proven experimentally. One hypothesis is that the proliferating cells have reverted to an "embryonic state". This has also not been documented, though the regenerating kidney has been shown to have increased anaerobic glycolysis and HMP-shunt activity similar to some embryos [2]. To demonstrate differences in growth requirements or viability of normal and regenerating tubule cells, it was decided to remove normal and regenerating tubules from kidney slices with as little damage as possible and place them in controlled tissue culture conditions. Fetal proximal tubules were to be cultured and compared to regenerating tubules. The conditions were chosen to give maximal cell visualization and to be most conducive to culture of epithelial cells [3]. Time lapse photography was chosen as a criterion for viability of cells. This method is more sensitive than all others for in vitro viability [4].
Effects of amino-acid chemistry and soil properties on the behavior of free amino acids in acidic forest soils

Abstract Free amino acids (FAAs) in soil solution are increasingly recognized as a potentially important source of nitrogen (N) for plants, yet we are just beginning to understand the behavior of FAAs in soil. I investigated the effects of amino-acid chemistry and soil properties on mineralization, microbial assimilation and sorption of amino-acid N in soils from three ecosystems representing the two endpoints and mid point of a temperate forest fertility gradient ranging from low mineral N availability/high FAA oak forests to high mineral N availability/low FAA maple-basswood forests. Soils were amended with six 15N-labeled amino-acid substrates that ranged widely in chemical properties, including molecular weight, C:N ratio, average net charge, hydrophobicity, and polarity: Arginine (Arg), Glutamine (Gln), Glutamate (Glu), Serine (Ser), Glycine (Gly) and Leucine (Leu). Mineralization of amino-acid N accounted for 7–45% (18% avg.) of the added label and was most strongly affected by soil characteristics, with mineralization increasing with increasing soil fertility. Mineralization of amino-acid N was unrelated to amino-acid C:N ratio, rather, I observed greater N mineralization from polar FAAs compared to non-polar ones. Assimilation of amino-acid N into microbial biomass accounted for 6–48% (29% avg.) of the added label, and was poorly predicted by either intrinsic amino-acid properties or soil properties, but instead appeared to be explicable in terms of compound-specific demand by soil micoorganisms. Sorption of amino-acid N to soil solids accounted for 4–15% (7% avg.) of the added label and was largely controlled by charge characteristics of individual amino acids. The fact that both positively- and negatively-charged amino acids were more strongly sorbed than neutral ones suggests that cation and anion exchange sites are an important factor controlling sorption of FAAs in these acid forest soils. Together, the findings from this study suggest that there may be important differences in the behavior of free amino acids in sandy, acidic forest soils compared to generalizations drawn from finer-textured grassland soils, which, in turn, might affect the availability of some FAAs in soil solution.
Fura-2 used as a probe to show elevated intracellular free calcium in platelets of Dahl-sensitive rats fed a high salt diet

Elevated intracellular free calcium concentration [Ca2+]i in vascular smooth muscle cells has been implicated in the pathophysiology of hypertension. Platelet [Ca2+]i was measured using the fluorescent indicator, Fura-2, in Dahl sensitive (DS) and resistant (DR) rats given high (8% NaCl) and low (0.4% NaCl) salt diets, as well as in the spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. The aim of this study was to show whether [Ca2+]i is elevated in salt induced hypertension. Platelet [Ca2+]i and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were higher (p less than 0.001) in DS rats given a high than low salt diets. In contrast, no changes in platelet [Ca2+]i and SBP were observed in DR rats. In SHR, platelet [Ca2+]i and SBP were higher (p less than 0.001) than in the WKY rats. Platelet [Ca2+]i correlated with SBP in all groups of rats (r = 0.929; p less than 0.001, n = 38). The parallel increase in SBP and [Ca2+]i in the DS high salt rats and the SHR suggests that an increased [Ca2+]i is involved in the pathophysiology of hypertension in the two models which differ with respect to the pathogenesis of their hypertension. This increase in [Ca2+]i therefore seems to reflect an abnormality in [Ca2+]i handling in hypertension regardless of its cause.
Observed classroom quality profiles in state-funded pre-kindergarten programs and associations with teacher, program, and classroom characteristics

Abstract In the past decade in the United States, pre-kindergarten programs for four year olds have expanded rapidly as a potentially powerful intervention intended to promote school readiness for children at-risk for future school failure. This paper describes in detail multi-dimensional profiles of observed quality across 692 classrooms in 11 states representing 80% of these available programs and examines teacher, program, and classroom characteristics associated in these profiles. Cluster analysis enabled the detection of patterns that fit profiles of high and low overall emotional and instructional support along with “mid-range” patterns in which emotional support is somewhat higher than instructional support. Associations between teacher characteristics and program characteristics were generally not significant. However, the poorest quality profile was associated with classroom poverty level, suggesting that the children who need the highest quality educational experiences have teachers who are struggling the most to provide it.
An educational intervention for advance directives

In spite of the passage of the Patient Self-Determination Act in 1991, research indicates that providing information alone has not brought about a significant increase in the completion rates of advance directive (AD) documents. The purpose of this pilot study was to design, implement, and evaluate an interactive multimedia CD-ROM educational program on AD. Study subjects consisted of 31 volunteer elderly men and women in a senior citizens center. An Interactive multimedia CD-ROM program was developed in phase I of the study. Subjects were administered on-line pretests and posttests. The effectiveness of the CD-ROM intervention was measured by AD attitude and knowledge changes. A program satisfaction scale was used, and an observer rated the subjects' use of the computer program. Subjects had a statistically significant change in posttest knowledge scores and a high degree of satisfaction and ease in using the computer program. The use of an interactive multimedia CD-ROM program with a touch-sensitive monitor to operate a computer-based AD program for senior citizens shows future promise.
Liver-directed adeno-associated virus serotype 8 gene transfer rescues a lethal murine model of citrullinemia type 1

Citrullinemia type 1 (CTLN1) is an autosomal recessive disorder of metabolism caused by a deficiency of argininosuccinate synthetase. Despite optimal management, CTLN1 patients still suffer from lethal metabolic instability and experience life-threatening episodes of acute hyperammonemia. A murine model of CTLN1 (fold/fold) that displays lethality within the first 21 days of life was used to determine the efficacy of adeno-associated viral (AAV) gene transfer as a potential therapy. An AAV serotype 8 (AAV8) vector was engineered to express the human ASS1 cDNA under the control of a liver-specific promoter (thyroxine-binding globulin, TBG), AAV8-TBG-hASS1, and delivered to 7-10 days old mice via intraperitoneal injection. Greater than 95% of the mice were rescued from lethality and survival was extended beyond 100 days after receiving a single dose of vector. AAV8-TBG-hASS1 treatment resulted in liver-specific expression of hASS1, increased ASS1 enzyme activity, reduction in plasma ammonia and citrulline concentrations and significant phenotypic improvement of the fold/fold growth and skin phenotypes. These experiments highlight a gene transfer approach using AAV8 vector for liver-targeted gene therapy that could serve as a treatment for CTLN1.
Variable reaction coordinate direct RRKM theory

Various aspects of the direct implementation of the variable reaction coordinate formalism for evaluating the kinetics of barrierless reactions are considered. A new discussion of the decoupling of the conserved and transitional modes within this formalism is provided with sample results for NCNO suggesting an optimum simple procedure for implementing this decoupling. The effort involved in replacing analytic potentials with direct ab initio determinations in the Monte Carlo-based evaluation of the transitional mode partition functions is illustrated through sample calculations for Cl - +CH 3 Cl, CN+O 2 , CN+NO, and 1 CH 2 +CO. Some procedures for improving the convergence properties of such direct statistical evaluations are also suggested. A brief summary is given of a procedure for directly evaluating the effects of anharmonicities and certain rovibrational couplings on the density of states for the complex. The results from our previous direct variable reaction coordinate RRKM theory study for the dissociation of singlet ketene are slightly revised on the basis of the improved decoupling scheme. The results for both the dissociation rate constant and vibrational distributions are in quantitative agreement (i.e., within 20% throughout the energy ranges considered) with the corresponding recent experimental results. Finally, a possible procedure for making greater use of the ab initio data, and perhaps also obtaining improved convergence, is summarized.
Optical Waveguide Circuits For Printed Wire-Board Interconnections

Integrated waveguide media based on standard polyimide process technology are described for implementation of intraboard and interboard optical interconnections. High-density router, splitter, and combiner building-block components have been developed in polyimide channel waveguides that are basically compatible with the materials and processes required for printed wire-board and multichip package fabrication. Fanout distribution circuits using 8x8 star and 1x4 tree topologies have been constructed for implementing a 1x32 global fanout control bus in a SIMD multiprocessor system. A 128 linear perfect shuffle routing circuit has been demonstrated and characterized; to our knowledge, this circuit (approximately 2300 components in 5.3x2.6 mm2) is the largest-dimension perfect shuffle and the highest-integration-level optical circuit ever reported.
A high yield photochemical preparation of 4 - nitrocatechol- UL -14C

4-Nitrocatechol -UL- 14C was synthesized in 48, 9% yield by the photolysis of 4-nitrophenol -UL- 14C in aqueous hydrogen peroxide.
Cytological studies of chick embryo cells infected with the virus of primary atypical pneumonia.

Abstract Elementary bodies have been found by electron microscopy in the nonciliated epithelial cells of the chick embryo bronchus infected with the virus of primary atypical pneumonia. Infected bronchi were selected by immunofluorescence reactions employing convalescent human serum and fluoresceinlabeled anti-human gamma globulin rabbit serum. The cytoplasm of the infected cells also contained numerous multilaminated structures, but there was little cell damage otherwise evident, nor was there any demonstrable involvement of the nuclei or the cell walls.
Chemokines in acute anterior uveitis.

PURPOSE. The aim of this study was to define the expression of chemoattractant cytokines (chemokines) in human aqueous humor, obtained from patients with idiopathic acute anterior uveitis (AU). The chemokines assayed included macrophage inflammatory proteins-1a and -1s (MIP-1a and -1s), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interferon-inducible protein-10 (IP-10), and regulated on activation, normal T-expressed and secreted (RANTES). METHODS. We studied fifteen patients (7 females) with idiopathic acute AU, at various stages of disease activity, and two control subjects undergoing elective cataract extraction. Aqueous humor was collected under aseptic conditions, after obtaining informed consent. Chemokine concentrations were measured using specific ELISA. Correlation was sought between chemokine concentrations and disease activity, evaluated by slit lamp biomicroscopy and graded using a standardized scale of disease severity. RESULTS. IL-8 was detected (35.9 ± 13.6, mean ± SE)...
Effect of geometry on droplet formation in the squeezing regime in a microfluidic T-junction

In the surface tension-dominated microchannel T-junction, droplets can be formed as a result of the mixing of two dissimilar, immiscible fluids. This article presents results for very low Capillary numbers and different flow rates of the continuous and dispersed phases. Through three-dimensional lattice Boltzmann-based simulations, the mechanism of the formation of “plugs” in the squeezing regime has been examined and the size of the droplets quantified. Results for $$ Re_{\text{c}} \ll 1$$ show the dependence of flow rates of the two fluids on the length of the droplets formed, which is compared with existing experimental data. It is shown that the size of plugs formed decreases as the Capillary number increases in the squeezing regime. This article clearly shows that the geometry effect, i.e., the widths of the two channels and the depth of the assembly, plays an important role in the determination of the length of the plugs, a fact that was ignored in earlier experimental correlations.
Ontogeny of human fetal lymph nodes

Developing lymph nodes from 30 human embryos and fetuses with crown-rump lengths (CRL) of 18 mm (5.6 wk) to 245 mm (26 wk) were examined by light microscopy. The nodes were embedded in araldite, and the sections examined were approximately 1 mu in thickness. The development of nodes was divided into three stages: 1. the lymphatic plexus and connective tissue invagination (30 mm to 67 mm CRL); 2. the early fetal lymph node (43 mm to ,5 mm CRL); and 3. the late fetal lymph node (CRL greater than 75 mm). The lymphatic plexus was formed by connective tissue invaginations and bridges which divided a lymph sac into a meshwork of channels and spaces. Connective tissue invaginations were endothelially-lined and were surrounded by lymphatic space. Reticular cells, macrophages, and blood vessels were found in these invaginations. Early fetal lymph nodes were formed from invaginations when the cellular density and lymphocyte content increased. The lymphatic space surrounding the early node was the developing subcapsular sinus. With further development the early node became packed with lymphocytes, increasing the cellular density and size of the node. The connective tissue surrounding the subcapsular sinus condensed to form the capsule. Afferent lymphatic vessels pierced the capsule. Capillaries, veins, postcapillary venules, and occasional arteries were found in early and late nodes.
If Prolog is the Answer, What is the Question? or What it Takes to Support AI Programming Paradigms

Knowledge programming, which makes use of the explicit representation and interpretation of knowledge to create intelligent programs, requires specialized languages and tools to help programmers. Prolog, an implementation of a logic programing language, provides some of these tools; it and other languages have been argued to be the "best" way to do such knowledge programming. This paper raises questions which suggest that any single paradigm of programming (e.g., logic programming or object-oriented programming) benefits by being integrated in a single environment with other paradigms of programming. Integration of these paradigms with each other, and within a flexible, user-friendly computing environment is also necessary. Such an environment must provide source level debugging and monitoring facilities, analysis and performance tuning tools, and an extended set of user communication programs.
Nonchemically amplified positive photoresist for synchrotron radiation x-ray lithography

Iodine containing diazoquinone photoactive compounds (PAC) were synthesized and formulated with novolak and other resins in an effort to develop a positive photoresist for the synchrotron beam line at IBM's Advanced Lithography Facility. The studies focused on the effect of synchrotron radiation on the PACs themselves and in various halogenated resins. These materials were tested by exposing the resist materials to various doses of radiation and then measuring the loss of diazo from the PAC. An enhanced sensitivity x-ray (ESX) photoresist system was developed by combining an iodinated PAC with a novolak resin. ESX was compared to a conventional DQ/novolak photoresist system TNS. ESX was able to print at approximately half the dose needed for TNS. Features as small as 175 nm resolved. These set of experiments demonstrate the potential of significantly improving the photospeed of DQ/novolak photoresist system by utilizing a more x-ray efficient PAC.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Criminal Rewards The Impact of Parent Alienation Syndrome on Families

Since 1985, the claim of parent alienation syndrome (PAS) has represented the extreme collusion of male entitlement, the mental health profession, and family courts. PAS is a pseudoscientific theor...
Characterization of Regional Deformation and Material Properties of the Intact Explanted Vein by microCT and Computational Analysis

Detailed mechanical information of the vein is important to better understand remodeling of the vessel in disease states, but has been difficult to obtain due to its thinness, unique geometry, and limitations of mechanical testing. This study presents a novel method for characterizing deformation of the intact explanted vein under physiological loads and determining its material properties by combining high-resolution imaging and computational analysis. High-resolution CT (microCT) was used to image an iodine-stained, excised porcine internal jugular vein sample under extension to 100 and 120% of in situ length, and inflation and 2, 10, 20 mmHg of pressure, inside a microCT-compatible hydrostatic loading chamber. Regional strains were measured with the finite element (FE) image registration method known as Hyperelastic Warping. Material properties were approximated with inverse FE characterization by optimizing stiffness-related coefficients so to match simulated strains to the experimental measurements. The observed morphology and regional strain of the vein were found to be relatively heterogeneous. The regional variability in the measured strain was primarily driven by geometry. Although iodine treatment may result in tissue stiffening, which requires additional investigation, it is effective in allowing detailed detection of vein geometry. The feasibility and utility of using microCT and computational analysis to characterize mechanical responses and material properties of the vein were demonstrated. The presented method is a promising alternative or addition to mechanical testing for characterizing veins or other similarly delicate vessels in their native anatomical configuration under a wide range of realistic or simulated environmental and loading conditions.
ON THE INFLUENCE OF SEVERE INTERNAL DIFFUSIONAL LIMITATIONS ON OPTIMUM TEMPERATURE OPERATIONS CRITERION AND POLICIES IN DEACTIVATING FIXED-BED AND BATCH REACTORS

Developpement d'un critere general de fonctionnement a temperature optimale pour chacun de ces reacteurs. L'influence sur la politique de fonctionnement a temperature optimale et sur l'efficacite du catalyseur est demontree au moyen d'un exemple
Hubble Space Telescope Observations and Photoionization Modeling of the LINER Galaxy NGC 1052

We present a study of available Hubble Space Telescope (HST) spectroscopic and imaging observations of the low-ionization nuclear emission-line region (LINER) galaxy NGC 1052. The WFPC2 imagery clearly differentiates extended nebular Hα emission from that of the compact core. Faint Object Spectrograph (FOS) observations provide a full set of optical and UV data (1200-6800 A). These spectral data sample the innermost region (086 × 086 ~ 82 × 82 pc) and exclude the extended Hα emission seen in the WFPC2 image. The derived emission-line fluxes allow a detailed analysis of the physical conditions within the nucleus. The measured flux ratio for Hα/Hβ, FHα/FHβ = 4.53, indicates substantial intrinsic reddening, E(B-V) = 0.42, for the nuclear nebular emission. This is the first finding of a large extinction of the nuclear emission-line fluxes in NGC 1052. If the central ionizing continuum is assumed to be attenuated by a comparable amount, then the emission-line fluxes can be reproduced well by a simple photoionization model using a central power-law continuum source with a spectral index of α = -1.2 as deduced from the observed flux distribution. A multidensity, dusty gas gives the best fit to the observed emission-line spectrum. Our calculations show that the small contribution from a highly ionized gas observed in NGC 1052 can also be reproduced solely by photoionization modeling. The high gas covering factor determined from our model is consistent with the assumption that our line of sight to the central engine is obscured.
Renal cryoablation: a new treatment in need of careful clinical investigation

The effectiveness of renal cryoablation is difficult to determine in the absence of specific clinical research protocols, and the role of this technique in the treatment of small renal masses cannot yet be defined as a paradigm shift.
Effects of aging on time-gated isolated word-recognition performance.

This investigation was designed to study real-time isolated monosyllabic word-recognition performance and the feasibility of applying time-gated NU-6 word-recognition test materials for real-time a...