cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Food Contaminants, Residues, and Chemical Constituents of Concern

Consumer concerns and government regulations focused on the safety of foods dictate the need for analysis of various food contaminants, residues, and chemical constituents of concern.These compounds include pesticide residues, mycotoxins, antibiotic residues, GMOs, allergens, food adulterants, packaging material hazardous chemicals, environmental contaminants, and certain other chemicals.This chapter covers the screening methods and quantitative methods that are commonly used for the detection and quantification of several food hazards, in addition to some recently developed methods for the detection of newly identified and emerging food hazards.Included are both rapid screening methods and more time consuming quantitative methods required to meet the needs of industry and government, in an effort to ensure a safe and reliable food supply.Sampling and sample preparation are covered because they can be a significant challenge due to the low levels of the chemicals and the complex food matrices.Methods referred to in this chapter include many techniques covered in other chapters (e.g., high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, immunoassays, enzyme inhibitor assays), and others not previously covered (DNA methods using polymerase chain reaction, certain colorimetric assays).This chapter on chemical contamination is intended to compliment that of Chap. 35 on Food Forensic Investigations.
Language in the Nondominant Hemisphere

During the past 25 years, brain research has focused on the language contributions of the right or nondominant hemisphere. The presence of significant and unique right hemisphere (RH) contributions to language processing and production are now generally accepted. This article provides an overview of the diverse range of RH language contributions with a focus on prosody, lexical semantics, and discourse and pragmatics. A history of the research prior to the 1970s and a critical evaluation of research methodologies are also provided. Future research directions and the role of therapy intervention models in clarifying issues of RH language are discussed.
A values clarification project in Southern Mexico.

(1979). A Values Clarification Project in Southern Mexico. Health Education: Vol. 10, No. 3, pp. 18-21.
Characterization and modeling of soft X-ray lasers

This paper describes our theoretical, numerical, and experimental development of short-pulse-duration, high brightness, and enhanced coherence X-ray lasers (XRLs) as sources suitable for applications as imaging diagnostics for laser plasmas.
Studies on the purification of acid prostatic phosphatase

Abstract 1. 1. Characteristics are given for facilitating 5000-fold purification of prostatic acid phosphatase. 2. 2. A purification starting with 40 human glands is described. 3. 3. Foaming as a purification technique is used and described. A relatively great purification is obtained with foaming. 4. 4. Experiments designed to demonstrate surface inactivation are presented. A study of methods of minimizing denaturation due to glass surface was made, and methods compatible with assay and isolation are presented.
Extending equation-based congestion control to high-speed and long-distance networks

TCP-friendly rate control (TFRC), an equation-based congestion control protocol, has been a promising alternative to TCP for multimedia streaming applications. However, TFRC using the TCP response function, has the same poor performance as TCP in high-speed and long-distance networks. In this paper, we propose high-speed equation-based rate control (HERC), as an extension of TFRC by replacing the TCP response function with a high-speed response function. HERC could be used for applications, such as high-definition video streaming, and remote collaboration involving high-resolution visualization, which prefer a high-speed and relatively smooth sending rate. The impact of a general high-speed response function on the throughput and smoothness of HERC is studied analytically and verified by using simulation. Our result indicates that by using the response function of a high-speed TCP variant and tuning HERC parameters accordingly, HERC can compete fairly with high-speed TCP flows in the same network, while maintaining the desired smoothness of TFRC.
Michael D. Behiels and Matthew Hayday, eds. Contemporary Quebec: Selected Readings and Commentaries

Understanding what the province of Quebec hopes to achieve and whether the rest of Canada is willing to accept Quebec’s goals is, indeed, a hefty topic of discussion. Just how much so is clearly re...
Recent Advances in Cavity Enhanced Spectroscopy

Broad bandwidth cavity enhanced spectroscopy provides a way to measure a wide absorption spectrum in parallel with very high sensitivity. Recent work, by use and other, in the field will be reviewed.
Concurrent Multiscale Modeling of Embedded Nanomechanics

We discuss concurrent multiscale simulations of dynamic and temperature-dependent processes found in nanomechanical systems coupled to larger scale surroundings. We focus on the behavior of sub-micron Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS), especially micro-resonators. The coupling of length scales methodology we have developed for MEMS employs an atomistic description of small but key regions of the system, consisting of millions of atoms, coupled concurrently to a finite element model of the periphery. The result is a model that accurately describes the behavior of the mechanical components of MEMS down to the atomic scale. This paper reviews some of the general issues involved in concurrent multiscale simulation, extends the methodology to metallic systems and describes how it has been used to identify atomistic effects in sub-micron resonators.
On the first factor of the class number of prime cyclotomic fields

Abstract Let H(l) be the first factor of the class number of the field Q (exp 2πi/l), l a prime. The best-known upper and lower bounds on H(l) are improved for small l. The methods would also improve the best-known bounds for large l. It is shown that H(l) is the absolute value of the determinant of an easily written down matrix whose only entries are 0 and 1. The upper bounds obtained on H(l) significantly improve the Hadamard bound on the determinant of this matrix. Results of Lehmer on the factors of H(l) are explained via class field theory.
Induction of Virus-Specific Antibody Production by Lamina Propria Lymphocytes following Intramuscular Inoculation with Rotavirus

The relative capacities of intramuscular (im) or oral inoculation of mice with live or inactivated rotavirus to induce a virus-specific humoral immune response in gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) was evaluated. At 4-5 weeks after oral inoculation with live virus, virus-specific IgA was detectable in serum, intestinal contents, and GALT organ culture. Five weeks after im inoculation with live or inactivated virus, virus-specific IgA was detected in GALT organ culture at levels approximately 10-fold less than those found after oral inoculation with live virus. Therefore, neither replication of virus in small intestinal epithelial cells nor presentation of virus at the intestinal mucosal surface was necessary for the induction of virus-specific antibodies by GALT. Possible mechanisms by which im inoculation of virus induces production of virus-specific antibodies by GALT are discussed.
Neer Award 2006: Biomechanical assessment of inferior tuberosity placement during hemiarthroplasty for four-part proximal humeral fractures.

Tuberosity malpositioning commonly occurs and is associated with a decline in clinical function after prosthetic shoulder reconstruction for proximal humeral fractures. This study assesses the biomechanical effects of inferior tuberosity position on glenohumeral joint forces and humeral head position at multiple positions. Eight fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were tested. Hemiarthroplasty was performed with preservation of anatomic tuberosity height and with 10 mm and 20 mm of inferior tuberosity displacement. The rotator cuff, deltoid, pectoralis major, and latissimus dorsi muscles were statically loaded. Contact forces and humeral head position were recorded within a functional range of motion. Glenohumeral joint forces shifted significantly superiorly ( P P
Conditionally replicating adenovirus-mediated gene therapy in bladder cancer: An orthotopic in vivo model

Abstract Introduction The effects of a conditionally replicating adenovirus on various bladder cancer lines were explored, a truncated bone sialoprotein (BSP) promoter controlling the E1a/b lytic-regulating sequence was used, since BSP protein is found in many osteotropic neoplasms, including bladder cancer. Methods Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis was used to determine expression patterns of BSP and Coxsackie adenovirus receptor, a receptor known to interact with adenovirus, on multiple lines of bladder cancer (253J, 253J B-V, RT4, transitional cell carcinoma, T24, UMUC3, and WH). Ad-BSP-E1a was tested in vitro for lytic activity on 4 of these cell lines. The 253J B-V cell line was used and inoculated into female nude mice either subcutaneously in the flank or orthotopically into the bladder, and treated with control or Ad-BSP-E1a virus. Results BSP is expressed in RT4, transitional cell carcinoma, and WH. Meanwhile, Coxsackie adenovirus receptor was expressed in all lines except T24. Ad-BSP-E1a had the most impact on 253J and 253J B-V cells; cell density declined significantly when compared to phosphate-buffered saline and Ad-BSP-TK “dummy” virus-treatment groups. The 253J B-V tumors treated with Ad-BSP-E1a revealed a decreased percent change of size in the subcutaneous model when compared to controls at week 3. The orthotopic murine model showed decreased end tumor mass in the Ad-BSP-E1a treated group over controls. Histologic examination of in vivo tumors showed evidence of fibrosis and apoptosis in the Ad-BSP-E1a treated groups using hematoxylin-eosin, trichrome, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining. Control groups only had viable tumor in in vivo models. Conclusion Adenovirus therapy of orthotopic murine bladder tumors is feasible. Ad-BSP-E1a is effective in treating very aggressive yet sensitive bladder tumor cells. Further study of this conditionally replicating adenovirus treatment (Ad-BSP-E1a) with chemotherapeutic combination is warranted, and future translation of such combination therapy into human beings is a possibility.
Synapse regeneration and signals for directed axonal growth in the central nervous system of the leech.

In each segmental ganglion of the leech there is one S interneuron which extends an axon anteriorly and posteriorly halfway along the connectives to make electrical synapses exclusively with the tips of the next S-cell axons. Fluorescent dyes of low molecular weight such as Lucifer Yellow [Stewart, W. W. (1978). Cell 14, 741–759] pass selectively from one S-cell axon to the next. An S-cell axon that has been severed regenerates along its distal stump to synapse with its usual target, the adjacent S-cell axon [Muller, K. J., and Carbonetto, S. T. (1979). J. Comp. Neurol. 185, 485–516]. In experiments reported here, Lucifer Yellow injected into a regenerated S cell passes exclusively into the target S cell, indicating that the injured cell regenerates a synapse specifically with its usual target. When the target of a severed S-cell axon is selectively eliminated by the intracellular injection of protease, the severed axon regenerates along its distal stump in a normal fashion, stopping at the usual site of synapse without making detectable alternative connections. Similarly, intact S cells are apparently unaffected by the protease killing of their target; they neither grow nor retract and form no aberrant synapses. In contrast, when its target is killed, an intact axon can be triggered to sprout at its tip by injuring another branch of the same cell. The sprouted axons grow along the pathway formerly occupied by the killed cell and make no detectable synapses. It appears that cellular injury turns on general growth processes within the neuron that are expressed only by axonal branches that have lost contact with their target.
Dose behind various immobilization and beam-modifying devices

The purpose of this investigation was to quantify the degradation of skin sparing associated with using beam modifiers such as compensators, immobilization devices, and custom blocks for high energy photon beams. The degradation of skin sparing was quantified by measuring dose build-up curves with an extrapolation chamber for 6 and 15 MV photon beams. Uniform thickness compensators made of gypsum and lead, thermoplastic mask material, immobilization cradle foam, and cerrobend custom blocks were placed in geometries that mimic relevant clinical situations. Compensators, whether made of gypsum or lead, placed in the linear accelerator`s wedge slot did not significantly effect the depth dose curve`s build-up region. Immobilization devices such as cradle foam or thermoplastic placed in contract with the patient degrade the skin sparing expected from high energy photon beams proportional to their thickness and density. Measurements behind custom blocks show that surface and near surface doses for a blocked field are best described by build-up curves for an equivalent size open field. These results allow explanation and possibly prediction of skin reactions on patients in which compensators, foam immobilization cradles, thermoplastic masks, or custom blocks are used. These results also provide a baseline by which substitute materials can be evaluated.more » 9 refs., 6 figs., 2 tabs.« less
Dealing with Anger About Pain Management

A68-YEAR-OLD NAVAL MILITARY MAN was transferred to an inpatient hospice unit with pain and delirium from an acute care hospital. One month previously he had been admitted to the hospital with confusion, dysphagia, and a new neck mass. A tracheostomy was performed and laryngeal adenocarcinoma with superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome was diagnosed. Radiation therapy to the neck and mediastinum was initiated. His hospital course was complicated by an upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage and persistent bleeding diathesis, right pleural effusion, left lower lobe pneumonia, and an ischemic right lower extremity due to an occluded femoralpopliteal graft. His past medical history was remarkable for Stage I adenocarcinoma of the lung resected 4 years prior to admission, hypertension, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) and severe peripheral vascular disease. He was married and lived with his wife. He has four adult children. He had a significant smoking and alcohol history. Examination showed a lethargic man who appeared to be in moderately severe distress. The tracheostomy was visible, but deviated by an obvious neck mass. His skin showed multiple ecchymoses. His extremities were mottled and he moaned, particularly when he was moved. His mental status was clouded but he was intermittently able to converse. The medical assessment was that the man was close to dying (days to weeks). The patient was able to verbalize that he had diffuse pain, particularly worse with movement. Intermittent opioids gave relief with some sedation. The patient’s wife insisted that no analgesics be administered. She was argumentative and hostile, particularly to the physician staff. Two sons supported this point of view. Two daughters, privately, supported the giving of adequate analgesia. Nursing staff felt angry and frustrated at not being able to relieve the patient’s physical pain.
Gender Association of Musical Instruments and Preferences of Fourth-Grade Students for Selected Instruments

The purpose of this study was fourfold: (a) to measure possible changes in gender association of musical instruments from earlier research, (b) to estimate current preferences of fourth-grade stude...
Studies on the arginase activity of the skin.

Arginase is an enzyme which catalyzes the conversion of arginine into or-nithine and urea. The finding of arginine, among other amino acids, on the surface of the skin and in sweat has been held as tentative evidence that urea is formed in the sweat glands by the action of arginase on arginine (1, 2). That arginase is present in the skin has been demonstrated in mice (3).
Degradation of Metal−Nitrilotriacetate Complexes by Chelatobacter heintzii

Nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) is a synthetic chelating agent that can form strong water-soluble complexes with a wide range of radionuclide and metal ions and has been used to decontaminate nuclear reactors and in the processing of nuclear materials. The co-disposal of NTA or other synthetic chelating agents with radionuclides may result in increased dispersal of radionuclides in soil and subsurface environments. Understanding the influence of aqueous geochemistry on NTA degradation is essential to predict the mobility and fate of inorganic contaminant−NTA complexes in the subsurface. Chelatobacter heintzii (ATCC 29600) was shown to degrade 14C-labeled NTA to 14CO2 with first-order kinetics at concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 5.23 μM (0.01−1 μg of NTA mL-1). The degradation of various metal−NTA complexes was investigated under conditions in which the NTA was predominantly present as the metal−NTA complex. The order for the rates of degradation was HNTA2- > CoNTA- = FeOHNTA- = ZnNTA- > AlOHNTA- > CuNTA- >...
THE CONCURRENT VALIDITY OF STANDARDIZED ACHIEVEMENT TESTS BY CONTENT AREA USING TEACHERS' RATINGS AS CRITERIA

To assess the concurrent validity of standardized achievement tests using teachers' ratings (and rankings) of pupils' academic achievement as criteria, 42 teachers evaluated each of their students (n = 1,032) in each of five major curricular areas prior to the administration of a battery of standardized achievement tests. The teachers were directed to rate each student's proficiency disregarding attendance, attitude, deportment, and so on. Within-class correlation coefficients were computed to eliminate rater leniency bias. The standardized achievement tests were found to have substantial concurrent validity in reading, math, language arts, science, and social studies. The normalized teacher ranks yielded significantly higher validity coefficients than did the ratings, although the magnitude of the difference was small. The concurrent validity coefficients for language arts, reading, and math were significantly higher than those in science and social studies.
The Cdc42 inhibitor secramine B prevents cAMP-induced K+ conductance in intestinal epithelial cells

Cyclic AMP- (cAMP) and calcium-dependent agonists stimulate chloride secretion through the coordinated activation of distinct apical and basolateral membrane channels and ion transporters in mucosal epithelial cells. Defects in the regulation of Cl- transport across mucosal surfaces occur with cystic fibrosis and V. cholerae infection and can be life threatening. Here we report that secramine B, a small molecule that inhibits activation of the Rho GTPase Cdc42, reduced cAMP-stimulated chloride secretion in the human intestinal cell line T84. Secramine B interfered with a cAMP-gated and Ba2+-sensitive K+ channel, presumably KCNQ1/KCNE3. This channel is required to maintain the membrane potential that sustains chloride secretion. In contrast, secramine B did not affect the Ca2+-mediated chloride secretion pathway, which requires a separate K+ channel activity from that of cAMP. Pirl1, another small molecule structurally unrelated to secramine B that also inhibits Cdc42 activation in vitro, similarly inhibited cAMP-dependent but not Ca2+-dependent chloride secretion. These results suggest that Rho GTPases may be involved in the regulation of the chloride secretory response and identify secramine B an inhibitor of cAMP-dependent K+ conductance in intestinal epithelial cells.
Design consideration of monolithic millimeter-wave barrier varactor diode frequency multiplier arrays

A new device structure for highly efficient frequency tripling in the millimeter and submillimeter wavelength regions is presented. The Barrier-Intrinsic-N+ (BIN) diode structure [1,2] is modified for highly efficient millimeter- and submillimeter-wave frequency tripling device to be employed into the monolithic back-to-back diode frequency tripler array. The modified BIN diode structures have series resistances of a few ohms and cut-off frequencies in the terahertz range. The modified BIN diode structures have weaker C-V nonlinearities than the BIN diode structure does, however, the modified BIN structures have much higher intrinsic cut-off frequencies than does the BIN counterpart. The C-V nonlinearity, capacitance ratio, breakdown voltage, series resistance and cut-off frequency of this new device structure will be discussed in this paper. In addition, the calculated high-frequency performance of this device using a large-signal nonlinear circuit model will be presented in this paper. The operation and performance of the monolithic diode-grid frequency tripler arrays employing large numbers of the modified BIN diodes will also be discussed in this paper.
Private residential urban forest structure and carbon storage in a moderate-sized urban area in the Midwest, United States

Abstract In conjunction with urbanization and its importance as a major driver of land-use change, increased efforts have been placed on understanding urban forests and the provisioning of ecosystem services. However, very little research has been conducted on private property and little is known about the structure and function of privately owned urban forests. This research examines the structure of and carbon storage services provided by private residential urban forests in a moderate-sized Midwestern city. The primary research questions are as follows: What is the structure of private urban forests, and how does it vary across parcels? How much carbon is stored in tree and soil pools of private urban forests, and how does carbon vary across parcels? Ecological inventories were conducted on 100 residential parcels within 14 Neighborhood and Homeowners Associations of varying size and development age. Tree species richness, diversity, density, and diameter distribution were determined on a per parcel basis and for the entire tree population sampled. Further, tree and soil carbon storage were determined for each parcel. Results of this research demonstrated large variability in per-parcel tree metrics. Twelve of the parcels sampled had two or fewer trees, while eleven had greater than 50 trees. Further, tree carbon storage ranged from no carbon to 11.22 kg C m−2. Alternatively, soil carbon storage was less variable and averaged 4.7 kg C m−2, approximately 1.9 times higher than the average carbon stored in trees (2.5 kg C m−2). Management efforts aimed at maintaining or enhancing carbon storage and other ecosystem services should focus on both soil protection and maximizing services in living biomass. Our results demonstrate that sustaining tree-produced ecosystem services requires maintenance of large old trees and species diversity, not only in terms of relative abundance, but also relative dominance, and in combination, species–specific size distributions.
Topical minoxidil (3%) in extensive alopecia areata, including long-term efficacy

This study was conducted to further evaluate the safety and efficacy of 3% topical minoxidil in the treatment of extensive alopecia areata. Patients were assigned to one of two treatment regimens in a double-blind manner. One group applied 3% minoxidil to the scalp twice daily for 64 weeks; the other group applied placebo for the initial 12 weeks and then switched to 3% minoxidil for the remaining 52 weeks. Thirty male and female subjects, ages 7 to 63 years, with extensive alopecia areata affecting 25% to 100% of the scalp were enrolled, fifteen subjects to each treatment group. Twenty-four of the thirty subjects had greater than 75% scalp hair loss. At 12 weeks the group treated with 3% minoxidil had slightly more hair growth than the placebo group, but the difference was not statistically significant. At 64 weeks, thirteen of twenty subjects (65%) who began with less than full scalp involvement (25% to 99% scalp hair loss) had terminal hair growth that was incomplete or cosmetically acceptable; of these, nine (45%) were cosmetically acceptable, a response that is significant in patients with severe alopecia areata. No hair growth or only slight growth was seen in all nine patients with 100% scalp hair loss at baseline. Thus the extent of hair loss at baseline was correlated with response at 64 weeks. Twenty-one of the patients continued treatment for a second year. Of these, thirteen showed further growth, three had no further growth, and five who had cosmetically acceptable hair growth during the first year had some hair loss. None of the patients went into complete remission during the 2-year period, which suggests that minoxidil does not alter the course of alopecia areata. Topical minoxidil was easy to use and well tolerated. There was no significant effect on vital signs, electrocardiograms, and results of laboratory studies. The only side effect noted was growth of abnormal facial hair in five subjects.
Formation of aluminum nitride thin films as gate dielectrics on Si (100)

Abstract Aluminum nitride (AlN) films were prepared on p-type Si (1 0 0) substrates using plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) with AlCl 3 as the precursor and an NH 3 /Ar/H 2 plasma as the reactant. The compositional depth profiles of the AlN films were analyzed by Auger electron spectroscopy (AES); hydrogen (H) and chlorine (Cl) impurities were determined from Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS) and elastic recoil detection-time of flight (ERD-TOF). To study the formation of the interfacial layer, cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images were obtained of AlN films before and after annealing. As-deposited films were annealed using a rapid thermal process (RTP) at 700°C for 5 min in ambient N 2 . The AlN films were nitrogen-rich, and the concentrations of H and Cl incorporated in the AlN were 2.01 and 0.25 at%, respectively. An approximately 0.4-nm-thick interfacial layer was generated after the annealing process, and the nitrogen-rich AlN films contributed to the formation of the interlayer.
Mixed connective tissue disease in siblings.

Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) was diagnosed in a brother and sister, and 18 additional family members spanning three generations were studied to detect evidence of autoimmune disease. Symptoms or signs of MCTD without complete expression of the disease were found in 8 relatives of the original cases. Antibodies to ribonucleoprotein and high-titer antinuclear antibodies were found only in the affected siblings. Tests for rheumatoid factor were positive in 9 of 17 relatives of the patients; the titers ranged from 1:160 to 1:2560. The brother and sister with MCTD had an identical HLA genotype— 11,12/2,12. The same genotype was inherited by 3 of their siblings, who had impressive rheumatic complaints. This report emphasizes the association between inflammatory connective tissue disease and a specific HLA type within a single kindred.
A comparison of white-light cystoscopy and narrow-band imaging cystoscopy to detect bladder tumour recurrences.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether narrow-band imaging (NBI) cystoscopy enhances the detection of non-muscle-invasive bladder tumours over standard white-light imaging (WLI) cystoscopy, as surveillance WLI is the standard method used to diagnose patients with recurrent bladder tumours, but they can be missed by WLI cystoscopy, possibly accounting for early recurrences. PATIENTS AND METHODS We evaluated 427 patients for recurrent bladder tumours by WLI cystoscopy, followed by NBI cystoscopy as a further procedure, using the same video-cystoscope. Recurrent tumours visualized by WLI or NBI cystoscopy were mapped, imaged, biopsied and subsequently treated by transurethral resection (TUR) or fulguration. Biopsies or TUR specimens obtained by WLI and NBI were examined separately for presence of tumour. RESULTS In all, 103 patients (24%) had tumour recurrences; 90 (87%) were detected by both WLI and NBI and another 13 (100%) only by NBI cystoscopy. NBI detected extra papillary tumours or more extensive carcinoma in situ in 58 (56%) patients found to have recurrences. The mean number of recurrent tumours visualized on WLI cystoscopy was 2.3, vs to 3.4 seen on NBI cystoscopy (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION NBI cystoscopy improved the detection of recurrent non-muscle-invasive bladder tumours over standard WLI cystoscopy.
Determinants of Savings, Remittances, and Spending Patterns among U.S. Migrants in Four Mexican Communities

In this paper we attempt to overcome several weaknesses of earlier field studies of the effect of international migration on sending communities. In general, these studies fail to employ representative samples of migrants, specify theoretical models of decision-making, or control for a variety of individual and household characteristics likely to affect how migrants dispose of their earnings, including sample selectivity. Representative samples of Mexican migrants from four sending communities are used to estimate a theoretical model that controls for a variety of individual, family, and trip characteristics; other stages of the analysis also control for sample selectivity. The findings suggest that migrant decision-making is strongly and consistently determined by social capital and community membership, with other variables playing ancillary roles in different decision processes. The propensities to save, remit, and invest productively generally rose as ties to the United States increased, and were generally higher in communities with well-developed local economies.
Human heart citrate synthase: Purification, properties, kinetic and immunologic studies

Abstract Citrate synthase from human heart was purified by affinity chromatography with Sepharose-ATP. The molecular weight (100 000) and presence of two presumably identical subunits do not differ from other mammalian citrate synthases. However, the kinetic constants, and immunologic characteristics of the enzyme, differed from findings from other mammalian citrate synthases. The Km values for acetyl CoA (0.4 μ m ) and oxaloacetate (0.25 μ m ) were about an order of magnitude lower than that previously found for other mammalian (and eucaryotic) citrate synthases. The kinetic constants for the reverse reaction, Km for citrate (420 μ m ) and CoA (70 μ m ) were of similar magnitude to the values for other mammals. Anti-human heart antiserum developed a single precipitin line in an Ouchterlony plate against a heart extract, no precipitin line with brain, and a precipitin line with spurs against liver and kidney extract. Following myocardial infarction in men, the enzyme appeared in peripheral blood rarely and in low concentration in contrast with earlier experiences with experimental infarction in dogs.
Simultaneous determination of catecholamines and polyamines in PC-12 cell extracts by micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography with ultraviolet absorbance detection.

Abstract A method for simultaneous determination of polyamines and catecholamines in cell extracts by micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography with UV detection at 254 nm was established at the first time. The polyamines (putrescine, spermidine and spermine) and catecholamines (dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine and epinephrine) were extracted from PC-12 cells and were derivatized with 6-aminoquinolyl-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate. Different derivatization conditions such as temperature, ratio of derivatization reagents and incubation time were investigated to find the best reaction condition which gave the highest detection sensitivity for polyamines and catecholamines. The influence of running buffer and additives on the separation such as pH, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) concentrations and various additives was also investigated. Separation was achieved within 20 min with good repeatability in a 100 mM boric acid buffer containing 10 mM SDS and 10 mM 18-crown-6 at a pH of 9.5. The detection limit ranged from 1.0×10−7 to 9.0×10−7 M, which is sufficient for determination of polyamines and catecholamines in many cell extracts. This technique can be easily applied to polyamine-related anticancer drug studies or clinical follow-ups after each dosage of these anticancer drugs, since these drugs not only have great inhibition on polyamine levels in blood, but also have a large influence on catecholamine levels in blood.
Painlevé IV: A numerical study of the fundamental domain and beyond

The six Painleve equations were introduced over a century ago, motivated by rather theoretical considerations. Over the last several decades, these equations and their solutions, known as the Painleve transcendents, have been found to play an increasingly central role in numerous areas of mathematical physics. Due to extensive dense pole fields in the complex plane, their numerical evaluation remained challenging until the recent introduction of a fast ‘pole field solver’ (Fornberg and Weideman, 2011). The fourth Painleve equation has two free parameters in its coefficients, as well as two free initial conditions. After summarizing key analytical results for PIV, the present study applies this new computational tool to the fundamental domain and a surrounding region of the parameter space. We confirm existing analytic and asymptotic knowledge about the equation and also explore solution regimes which have not been described in the previous literature.
Hypoplastic left heart syndrome: valuing the survival.

Abstract Objective: To examine the survival, developmental status, quality of life, and direct medical costs of children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome who have undergone stage I, II, and III reconstructive surgery. Methods: A total of 106 children underwent staged repair for classic hypoplastic left heart syndrome between February 1990 and March 1999 (stage I: 106; stage II: 49; stage III: 25; 4 converted to heart transplantation). Survival was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method. In a cross-sectional study, parents assessed quality of life by completing the Infant/Toddler Child Health Questionnaire or Child Health Questionnaire Parent Format-28; they assessed developmental progress by completing the Ages and Stages Questionnaire. The ratio-of-costs-to-charges method was used to derive hospital costs, and payments were used to capture physician time and wholesale pricing for outpatient medications. Results: Institutional 1-year and 5-year actuarial survivals were 58% and 54%. Birth weight, the need for preoperative inotropic drugs, and surgical experience were predictors of survival. Norwood I patients achieved fewer developmental benchmarks than those who survived to subsequent stages. Child Health Questionnaire Parent Format-28 mean summary scores for physical and psychosocial health were 48.5 ± 6.3 and 42.8 ± 9.9. The median inpatient costs for stage I, II, and III repairs were $51,000, $33,892, and $52,183, respectively. Monthly outpatient and readmission costs were less than 10% of total costs. Conclusion: A prospective, large-scale study of the comprehensive outcomes of staged repair and transplantation is needed. This study will need to address the longer-term developmental and quality-of-life outcomes, as well as the long-term cost effectiveness of these procedures. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2000;119:720-31)
Preventive medicine teaching cases in the preclinical undergraduate medical curriculum

The implementation of the Case-Based Series in Population-Oriented Prevention (C-POP) at the University of California at Davis Medical School is described. The implementation and planning for the integration of a case-based curriculum into a previously didactic-focused preventive medicine course are discussed. Issues include flexibility of the curriculum, student acceptance of case-based learning, and effect of preceptor availability and training on the successful implementation of the C-POP curriculum.
Parasolitary nucleus: A source of GABAergic vestibular information to the inferior olive of rat and rabbit

At least two subnuclei of the inferior olive, the β-nucleus, and the dorsomedial cell column (dmcc), contain vestibularly responsive neurons that receive a dense descending projection that uses γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) as the transmitter. In contrast to the GABAergic innervation of other olivary subnuclei, the terminal boutons that terminate on neurons in the β-nucleus and the dorsomedial cell column remain intact after cerebellectomy, ruling out both the cerebellum and the cerebellar nuclei as afferent sources. By using both immunohistochemical as well as orthograde and retrograde tracer methods, we have identified the source of the GABAergic pathway to the β-nucleus and dmcc in both rat and rabbit. Under physiologic recording of single olivary neurons to guide electrode placement, we injected the bidirectional tracer, wheat germ agglutinin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) into the β-nucleus and dmcc of the inferior olive. These injections retrogradely labeled neurons in the parasolitary nucleus (Psol) near the vestibular complex. Psol neurons were identified as GABAergic with an antibody to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). In the rat, Psol neurons are small (5–7 μm in diameter) and number approximately 1,800. In the rabbit, they are slightly larger (6–9 μm in diameter) and number approximately 2,200. WGA-HRP injections in conjunction with GAD immunohistochemistry double labeled a high percentage of neurons in both the rat and rabbit Psol. Injection of the orthograde tracer Phaseolus vulgaris-leucoagglutinin into the area of the Psol revealed a projection from this region to both the β-nucleus and dmcc. Subtotal electrolytic lesions of this division of the Psol caused a substantial reduction in GAD-positive synaptic terminals in both the ipsilateral β-nucleus and dmcc. The location of these GABAergic neurons, bordering both the nucleus solitarius and caudal vestibular complex, emphasizes the importance of the Psol in the processing of both vestibular and autonomic information pertinent to postural control. J. Comp. Neurol. 392: 352–372, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The geomorphic influences of beaver dams and failures of beaver dams

Abstract Uncounted millions of beaver ponds and dams existed in North America prior to European contact and colonization. These ponds acted as sediment traps that contained tens to hundreds of billions of cubic meters of sediment that would otherwise have passed through the fluvial system. Removal of beavers by overtrapping in the 16th–19th centuries severely reduced their number and the number of ponds and dams. Dam removal altered the fluvial landscape of North America, inducing sediment evacuation and entrenchment in concert with widespread reduction in the wetlands environments. Partial recovery of beaver populations in the 20th century has allowed reoccupation of the entirety of the pre-contact range, but at densities of only one-tenth the numbers. Nevertheless, modern beaver ponds also trap large volumes of sediment in the high hundred millions to low billions of cubic meters range. Failure of beaver dams is a more common phenomenon than often assumed in the literature. During the past 20 years, numerous cases of dam failure have been documented that resulted in outburst floods. These floods have been responsible for 13 deaths and numerous injuries, including significant impacts on railway lines.
A Computerized Automatic Inspection System For Complex Printed Thick Film Patterns

Computerized systems for industrial inspection of simple forms or limited variables have been wide spread. However, the automated inspection of complex patterns is still limited. This paper describes an in-process inspection system for the thick film screen printing process where high density complex signal patterns are printed on ceramic substrate. The cost of the process necessitates a high production yield. The quality requirement is stringent, and the alternative, manual inspection, is both inefficient and ineffective. Using existing digitizing tube technology coupled with a mini computer, the system scans and detects defects based on programmable parameters. The computer controlled stage transport allows full coverage of the object under inspection. An algorithm is developed to automatically align the object and the master images. The system represents a successful application of imaging technolopy to industrial inspection of complex and noisy pat-terns. It is fully automated and human engineered such that an operator with a minimum of skills and train-ing can operate a cluster of up to three systems, The high depree of confidence in its inspection efficiency and the throughput rate render the system a viable industrial inspection tool.© (1978) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Insulin Content of Fetal Rat Pancreases Grown in Organ Culture and Subsequently Transplanted into Maternal Hosts

Portions of pancreases from 19.5-day fetal rats were grown in organ culture on two types of liquid media: low glucose, containing 162 to 170 mg. glucose/100 ml.; high glucose, containing 1,031 to 1,073 mg. glucose/100 ml. Following four days of organ culture, the tissues were extracted and assayed for insulin content (immunoassay). Other cultures were transplanted to maternal hosts at two sites: beneath the capsule of the kidney and into the anterior chamber of the eye. Ten days later, the transplants were removed and assayed for insulin content. Large quantities of immunologically active insulin were present in the culture media following forty-eight and ninety-six hours of incubation. Expiants exhibited a four- to sixfold increase in insulin content following four days in vitro. Pancreatic expiants cultured on the high glucose medium contained less extractable insulin than similar ex-plants cultured on the low glucose medium. When cultured expiants were transplanted to hosts with normal blood glucose levels, the total extractable insulin content of the grafts was 55 per cent to 130 per cent greater than that at the time of transplantation. When cultures were transplanted to alloxan diabetic hosts, the total extractable insulin content of the grafts was less than that found in grafts to normal hosts. A small but statistically significant drop in blood glucose level was observed in hyperglycemie diabetic maternal hosts receiving transplants of organ cultured pancreas. These results indicate the continued growth and functional responsiveness of the islet beta cells during organ culture and following subsequent transplantation.
The +2 NTP binding drives open complex formation in T7 RNA polymerase.

Transcription initiation as catalyzed by T7 RNA polymerase consists primarily of promoter binding, strand separation, nucleotide binding, and synthesis of the first phosphodiester bond. The promoter strand separation process occurs at a very fast rate, but promoter opening is incomplete in the absence of the initiating NTPs. In this paper, we investigate how initiating NTPs affect the kinetics and thermodynamics of open complex formation. Transient state kinetic studies show that the open complex, EDo, is formed via an intermediate EDc, and the conversion of EDc toEDo occurs with an unfavorable equilibrium constant. In the presence of the initiating NTP that base-pairs with the template at position +2, the process of open complex formation is nearly complete. Our studies reveal that the nucleotide that drives open complex formation needs to be a triphosphate and to be correctly base-paired with the template. These results indicate that the melted template DNA in the open complex is positioned to bind the +2 NTP. The addition of +1 NTP alone does not stabilize the open complex; nor is it required for +2 NTP binding. However, there appears to be cooperativity in initiating NTP binding in that the binding of +2 NTP facilitates +1 NTP binding. The dissection of the initiation pathway provides insights into how open complex formation steps that are sensitive to the promoter sequence upstream from the initiation start site modulate the affinity of initiating NTPs and allow transcription initiation to be regulated by initiating NTP concentration.
On wh-words in English*

1. It is a well-known fact that in English wh-words occur both in interrogative sentences and in certain complex sentences (e.g. in relative clauses), and that whenever this is the case, the members of each such set of wh-words found are identical in form and have related meanings. For example, the interrogative pronoun in sentence (1) is identical in form to the relative pronoun in sentence (2); furthermore, these pronouns have a related meaning in that both refer to ‘human (subjects)’: (1) Who cut the pie? (2) The man who came yesterday cut the pie
Electrophysiological responses to muscarinic receptor stimulation in cultured hippocampal neurons.

Abstract Electrophysiological recordings of responses to muscarinic receptor stimulation in cultured embryonic hippocampal neurons have been largely unsuccessful to date. In this study muscarinic receptor binding was demonstrated in 2-week-old embryonic rat hippocampal cultures. Using whole-cell patch-clamp recording we found that 1–5 μM carbachol produced multiple effects including depolarization, increased action potential firing rate, increased synaptic activity and a reduction in the amplitude of medium-duration afterhyperpolarizations. Voltage-clamp analysis revealed a time-dependent current relaxation with hyperpolarizing steps from a holding potential of about -40 mV which was inhibited by 10 μM muscarinic or 50 μM carbachol and had characteristics similar to those of the m-current. Both atropine and pirenzepine inhibited all of these effects indicating that these cholinergic actions were mediated by muscarinic receptors. This study shows that muscarinic responses obtained classically in hippocampal brain slices can also be produced in cultured hippocampus.
Liver arginase activity in the sockeye salmon, Oncorhynchus nerka.

Abstract 1. 1. Liver arginase levels in adult sockeye salmon show characteristics similar to that of higher animals. 2. 2. Results show that sockeye liver arginase has a pH optimum of 9·5, is partially dependent on Mn2+ ions and has a temperature optimum of 45°C.