cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms governing the destruction of nitrogeneous species during the fuel-rich combustion of pulverized coal

A 2kg/h downflow combustor was used to investigate the fuel rich combustion of Utahcoal char. Time resolved profiles of major and minor nitrogenous species, of char nitrogen concentrations, and of optical particle temperatures, allowed global heterogeneous kinetics of NO destruction to be evaluated. Similar data from the parent Utah bituminous coal at SR=0.8 and SR=0.4 yielded time resolved profiles of high concentrations of HCN, NO and NH 3 . The decay of NO in the coal post flame was not consistent with the heterogeneous rate determined from the char data. Rather, the data suggest that reactions in the gas phase dominate and that the destruction of NO, NH 3 and HCN can be quantitatively modeled using Fenimore's gas phase mechanism with the following rate constants: r 1 = d/dt [HCN]=−5.5×10 17 exp (−83,300/RT) [HCN] [H 2 O]/[H 2 ] 1/2 mole/cm 3 s r 2 = d/dt [NO]=−2.2×10 16 exp(−54,400/RT) [NO] [NH 3 /[H 2 ] 1/2 mole/cm 3 s and with d/dt [NH 3 ]- d/dt [NO]− d/dt [HCN]
Gender differences and color: Content and emotion of written descriptions

In this study gender language differences in the written description of color were analyzed. The total number of words used, number of tertiary level terms used, and normative emotionality were assessed. Women were found to use more words to describe color than men. An interaction effect among gender and age was found for the number of tertiary level words used. A main effect of gender for total mean emotionality was found that was not ameliorated by age or education level.
On the changing face of service composition in telecom

With the emergence of converged networks, Telecom operators are looking at composing Telecom functionality with 3rd party offerings to provide rich, innovative value-added services to their customers. In parallel, Internet Content providers like Google and Yahoo are rapidly moving towards adopting Web 2.0 technologies to enable a variety of end-user applications, and making them accessible to Telecom customers as well. This provides strong competition to similar paid-for services exposed on the Telecom portal. Telecom operators have recently started inspecting their service composition practises to see how it might be possible to exploit a Web 2.0 environment for rapid service creation. In this paper, we take a deeper look into service composition in a converged Web 2.0 Telecom ecosystem, consisting of Telecom functionality, 3rd party offerings and several categories of developers and users. We also propose a generic model for Telecom services in this ecosystem. Thereafter, we critically evaluate various existing service composition efforts for Telecom. Finally, we identify some open challenges and propose insights to address them.
Interaction of fish aryl hydrocarbon receptor paralogs (AHR1 and AHR2) with the retinoblastoma protein

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) mediates the toxic effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and related compounds. In some mammalian cell lines, TCDD induces G1 cell cycle arrest, which depends on an interaction between the AHR and the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor (RB). Mammals possess one AHR, whereas fishes possess two or more AHR paralogs that differ in the domains important for AHR-RB interactions in mammals. To test the hypothesis that fish AHR paralogs differ in their ability to interact with RB, we cloned RB cDNA from Atlantic killifish, Fundulus heteroclitus, and studied the interactions of killifish RB protein with killifish AHR1 and AHR2. In coimmunoprecipitation experiments, in vitro-expressed killifish RB coprecipitated with both AHR1 and AHR2. Consistent with these results, both killifish AHR1 and AHR2 interacted with RB in mammalian two-hybrid assays. These results suggest that both fish AHR1 and AHR2 paralogs may have the potential to influence cell proliferation through interactions with RB.
Quantitative analysis of resistance in cotton to three new isolates of the bacterial blight pathogen.

Genetic variability for virulence of the bacterial blight pathogen [Xanthomonas campestris pv malvacearum (Smith) Dye] on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) has been shown by the identification of 19 races of the pathogen based on disease reactions of a set of ten host differentials. This study was conducted to determine the inheritance of host resistance to three recently identified isolates of X. campestris pv malvacearum, which are virulent on the entire set of differentials. True leaves of Tamcot CAMD-E, LEBOCAS-3-80, Stoneville 825, and their f1, F2, and backcross progenies were wound-inoculated in the field with separate bacterial suspensions of the virulent HV3, HV7, and Sudan isolates of the pathogen. LEBOCAS-3-80 was replaced with S295, a new immune cultivar, for a greenhouse study in which both cotyledons and true leaves were inoculated. Disease reactions were rated on a scale of 1–10, and genetic models were proposed utilizing generation means analysis. Dominance, when significant, was in the direction of resistance in all but one cross-isolate combination. Digenic interaction components indicated a duplicate type. Narrow-sense heritability for resistance ranged from 0.59 to 0.68; therefore, primarily additive-genetic variability among the selected cutlivars was detected, indicating that breeding for improved resistance to these isolates is a practical goal.
Scalariform junctions in the malpighian tubules of the insects Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) and Aedes taeniorhynchus (Diptera: Culicidae).

The ultrastructure of scalariform junctions in the Malpighian tubules of the hemipteran Rhodnius prolixus and the dipteran Aedes taeniorhynchus is described. Both autocellular and intercellular scalariform junctions are illustrated. This is the first report of scalariform junctions in the Malpighian tubules of a dipteran. When combined with previous observations by other authors, the presence of scalariform junctions has now been reported in the Malpighian tubules of insects from five orders, including ametabolous, hemimetabolous, and holometabolous forms. The cell types in which scalariform junctions were found in R. prolixus and A. taeniorhynchus differ in the direction of ion and fluid transport. The cells share the capacity to transport KCl. These same cells also possess morphological features promoting close associations of mitochondria and plasma membranes in the apical region of the cell. The possible role of scalariform junctions is discussed in light of these observations.
Confocal Microscopic Images of a Compost Particle

Confocal scanning laser microscopy was used to microscopically observe a partially degraded compost particle. When compared to typical epifluorescence microscopy, significant heterogeneity in the biofilm was observed. In contrast to many reports, which assumed a uniform biofilm on the surface of a particle, individual colonies could be observed which penetrated the particle for significant depths. By analyzing these confocal images with the software NIH Image, the depth of the biofilm can be clearly observed. The implications of this nonhomogeneous biofilm are discussed.
Gamma irradiation effects on two species of the green alga Sirogonium with different chromosome types

Abstract Irradiation effects from 60Co at 3.0 kR and 15.0 kR on Sirogonium melanosporum (Randhawa) Transeau and Sirogonium sticticum (J.E. Smith) Kutzing were compared. Sirogonium melanosporum cells exposed to 3.0 kR showed a reduction of cell division from 13.0% to 5.0% with chromosomal fragments occurring in 23.0% of the cells. Chromosomal fragments were not detected in S. sticticum cells exposed to 3.0 kR. In S. melanosporum with 15.0 kR, no cell division was visible on the first day after treatment, but by the third day 1.0% of the cells were undergoing mitosis and chromosomal fragments were present in 52.0% of the dividing nuclei. In S. sticticum exposed to 15.0 kR, cytokinesis but no mitosis was observed on the first day after treatment. However, filaments contained giant cells (;500 μm long) and micro-cells ( 3 0 μ m long ). By days 4 and 13 there were 2.0% and 26.0% giant cells, respectively, when 15.0 kR was applied to actively dividing cells. When cell division was minimal during irradiation treatment, only 5.0% giant cells were produced by day 13. Giant cells contained nuclei over double the length and almost double the width of untreated cells, and observation of 3500 of these cells showed no nuclear division. By contrast, micro-cells lacked nuclei and did not survive. Cells other than giant cells or micro-cells divided actively to produce vigorous cultures of S. sticticum during a 6-month observational period. Filaments of S. melanosporum receiving 15.0 kR survived for only 3 months.
Technology Related Risks on Virtual Software Development Projects

Virtual software development projects have a greater reliance on technology than traditional co-located projects because of the need to leverage technology to facilitate or enhance communication among virtual team members. The goal of this research was to determine whether technology-related risks pose a greater risk to virtual projects than to traditional projects. Seven technology-related risks were identified from the literature, individual interviews with IT practitioners, and a focus group. Then 154 practitioners, primarily project managers, participated in an electronic survey that explored the impact of these factors. Results indicate two technology-related risks exhibited a significantly greater impact on virtual IT projects. Project managers need to be aware that 1 traditional project risks can have greater impact on virtual projects, and 2 of the technology-related risk factors, inexperience with the company and its processes and inadequate technical resources have been shown here to pose a greater threat to virtual projects than to traditional projects.
Genetic research into bipolar disorder: the need for a research framework that integrates sophisticated molecular biology and clinically-informed phenotype characterization

Research into the genetic basis of bipolar disorder (BD) has reached a turning point. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS), encompassing several thousand samples, have produced replicated evidence for some novel susceptibility genes; however, the genetic variants implicated so far account for only a fraction of disease liability, a phenomenon not limited to psychiatric phenotypes but characteristic of all complex genetic traits studied to date. It appears that pure genomic approaches, such as GWAS alone, will not suffice to unravel the genetic basis of a complex illness like BD. Genomic approaches will need to be complemented by a variety of strategies, including phenomics, epigenomics, pharmacogenomics, and neurobiology, as well as the study of environmental factors. This review highlights the most promising findings from recent GWAS and candidate gene studies in BD. It furthermore sketches out a potential research framework integrating various lines of research into the molecular biological basis of BD.
Competition among Li+, Na+, K+ and Rb+ Monovalent Ions for DNA in Molecular Dynamics Simulations using the Additive CHARMM36 and Drude Polarizable Force Fields

In the present study we report on interactions of and competition between monovalent ions for two DNA sequences in MD simulations. Efforts included the development and validation of parameters for interactions among the first-group monovalent cations, Li+, Na+, K+, and Rb+, and DNA in the Drude polarizable and additive CHARMM36 force fields (FF). The optimization process targeted gas-phase QM interaction energies of various model compounds with ions and osmotic pressures of bulk electrolyte solutions of chemically relevant ions. The optimized ionic parameters are validated against counterion condensation theory and buffer exchange–atomic emission spectroscopy measurements providing quantitative data on the competitive association of different monovalent ions with DNA. Comparison between experimental and MD simulation results demonstrates that, compared to the additive CHARMM36 model, the Drude FF provides an improved description of the general features of the ionic atmosphere around DNA and leads to close...
Impact of Gbit/s Fiber Optic Chip-To-Chip Interconnects On Digital Processing Systems

Exploiting Gbit/s photonic circuits and optical interconnect schemes for chip-to-chip communication promises to facilitate the development of large, highly parallel network computers that can solve computationally intensive tasks. The basic concept, potential applications, and key technological issues required to implement this approach are presented in this paper.
Electron microscopic localization of acid phosphatase and thiamine pyrophosphatase activities in the motoneurons of exercised mice.

Motoneurons in the spinal cords of exercised mice were investigated for acid phosphatase and thiamine pyrophosphatase by the electron microscope. In the control animals the acid phosphatase has been localized in lysosomes and in elongated vacuolar structures of the Golgi apparatus. The TPP-ase appears in vacuoles, vesicles and flattened cisternae of the Golgi apparatus.
Sensing capability for a delamination in carbon fiber reinforced polymer laminates via embedded with Terfenol-D particles

This paper examines the mechanics of delamination, ply variation, and the fabrication on the sensing ability for magnetostrictive particles embedded in a carbon fiber reinforced polymer laminate. An analytical method is used to determine how delamination and ply variation affect the mechanical state and magnetic properties of the embedded terfenol-d particles. Numerical models are also used to simulate the effect of delamination and ply variation on the mechanical state. For the analytical method, the mechanical properties observed are the net strain and stress in a local particle section resulting from magnetostriction. A one dimensional load line equation and material property data are used to obtain approximate solutions. The magnitudes of the stress and magnetostriction drop in the laminates are observed. Based on the local mechanical and magnetic state, the magnetic permeability can be selected from experimental data. The analytical method reveals that the effect of a delamination is to reduce the resistance to particle actuation in a local area, which allows for variation in stress and magnetostriction magnitudes in damaged areas vs. nondamaged areas. This variation in the mechanical state subsequently affects the magnetic permeability, which changes the reluctance in the local particle layer. These results are compared to a numerical model of terfenol-d embedded in carbon fiber reinforced polymer laminate, which reveal a drop in stress and increase in magnetostriction in the delamination region. Finally, these results are projected to experimental results from health monitoring scans of carbon fiber reinforced polymer laminates with varied ply count and a delamination.
Enhancing the virtual storytelling experience with metadata driven voice enabled conversational agents

This paper describes a software component deployed as a Web service which enhances a user's online experience with a Virtual Storytelling Library through the use of voice-enabled Web-based conversational agents. The agents extract query answering information from story-specific XML/RDFmetadata files and expand its coverage through inferences based on a variety of knowledge sources like the WordNet, Open Mind and by metasearching the Web for topics matching the story's content.
Favorable outlook for children with mediastinal neuroblastoma

Abstract Twenty-seven infants and children between the ages of 2 wk and 8 yr have been treated for mediastinal neuroblastoma, and 23 are alive, 20 more than 2 yr. Fourteen patients were under 1 yr of age, and eight were over 3 yr at diagnosis. Tumor was limited to the mediastinum in 11 children but had metastasized in 16 children to cervical nodes (10), bones (5), and epidural space (3). The primary tumor was completely excised in eight and incompletely in 16. The mass was not removed in three patients. Radiotherapy (1000–4200 R) was administered to 25 patients. Chemotherapy, usually with nitrogen mustard and long-term cyclophosphamide, was employed in 23. The four deaths occurred in children over 212 yr of age, all of whom had widespread tumor in bones at diagnosis, and in three the primary tumor was never excised. A large primary tumor, lymph node or epidural metastases, Horner's syndrome, erosion of ribs and thoracic vertebrae, and incomplete surgical excision did not adversely affect the prognosis.
Stability of the status hierarchy in a pigtail monkey group (Macaca nemestrina)

Multiple measures of dominance were compared using a total of forty-eight pigtail monkeys (Macaca nemestrina). A measure of ‘peck-order’ was selected and changes in the status hierarchy were studied during a 5-year period. The hierarchy was found to be remarkably stable and even the natural replacement of the alpha male produced only moderate changes in the rank order structure.
Altered ion transport and responsiveness to methacholine and hyperosmolarity in air interface-cultured guinea-pig tracheal epithelium.

Abstract Introduction: Challenge of guinea-pig tracheal epithelium with hyperosmolar solution alters ion transport and evokes the release of epithelium-derived relaxing factor (EpDRF). Cultured tracheal epithelial cells (CE) offer the potential to examine biochemical pathways related to EpDRF release, but whether the bioelectric properties and responses of fresh, adherent epithelial cells (FE) are modeled by CE has not been established. Methods: Tracheal epithelial cells grown in air-interface culture and fresh tracheal segments were mounted in Ussing chambers to determine short circuit current (Isc) and transepithelial resistance (Rt) and to compare responses to transport inhibitors, methacholine and hyperosmolarity. Results: Significant differences in basal Isc and Rt between FE and CE were observed (Isc, 41.3 ± 3.5 and 8.5 ± 0.8 μA/cm2, P d -mannitol (0.3–267 mosM) to increase osmolarity decreased Isc in FE, whereas in CE d -mannitol initially increased (0.3–84.3 mosM) and then decreased (84.3–267 mosM) Isc. Discussion: Cell culture causes substantial changes in the bioelectric and pharmacological properties of respiratory epithelium. Caution should be exercised when using CE as a substitute for FE in studies of ion transport- and cell volume-dependent processes.
Kinetics and Molar Mass Evolution during Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of n-Butyl Acrylate Using Automatic Continuous Online Monitoring

Homogeneous bulk atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of n-butyl acrylate (BA) was monitored by automatic continuous online monitoring of polymerization reactions (ACOMP). This allowed simultaneous monitoring of conversion, weight-average molar mass Mw, and intrinsic viscosity, from which the viscometric average molar mass Mv, and an index of polydispersity Mw/Mv, were also determined. For ATRP of BA, initiated by methyl 2-bromopropionate and catalyzed by copper bromide complexes with 4,4‘-di(5-nonyl)-2,2‘-bipyridine, ACOMP yielded an equilibrium constant, Keq(90 °C) = 5.8 × 10-10. The polymerizations exhibited first-order kinetics with respect to monomer and initiator concentrations, as expected for ATRP. These results set the stage for further detailed understanding of kinetics and mechanisms in ATRP reactions using ACOMP, where temperature and concentration dependences can be readily monitored.
Serum lactic dehydrogenase and isoenzyme changes in clinical cancer.

Total LDH and LDH isoenzyme values were measured in serum collected from patients at the time of hospital admission. Changes in isoenzyme values were not necessarily found to depend upon elevated total serum LDH levels. Many patients with normal levels of serum LDH had abnormal isoenzyme patterns usually related to a disease process. A large percentage of patients with neoplastic disease had statistically increased LDH 5 values. Many other patients with either acute and/or chronic disease failed to reflect changes in the isoenzyme values.
The suppression of morphological alterations in cells infected with Rous sarcoma virus.

Abstract The composition of the agar medium used to overlay chick embryo cells after infection with a low concentration of Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) determines whether the infected cells will undergo a recognizable morphologic alteration. If fetal calf serum is substituted in the overlay for ordinary calf serum, or if the concentration of ordinary calf serum is raised above 10 %, the formation of characteristic Rous sarcoma foci will be suppressed. The suppression of focus formation is not associated with a decrease in the number of infected cells, nor in the rate of virus production during the first 4 or 5 days of infection. Focus suppression by fetal calf serum occurs only when a minority of the cells in a culture is infected initially and is probably due to the promotion of an interaction between the uninfected and infected cells which permits the infected cells to retain their normal appearance. The serum components that are active in focus suppression are non-dialyzable and are inactivated at 80°. Fetuin, an alpha globulin occurring in high concentration in fetal calf serum, is one of the active components.
Rapid high-performance liquid chromatographic separation of barley malt α-amylase on cyclobond columns

Abstract A procedure for separation of α- and β-amylases was developed which results in their complete resolution in less than 20 min. A cyclodextrin stationary phase column was equilibrated in 10 mM phosphoric acid at pH 7.0. Purified barley malt α- or β-amylases, mixtures of both, or crude malt extracts were injected. β-Amylase did not bind to the column and was rapidly eluted with water or buffer. α-Amylases specifically bind to the immobilized dextrin. Optimal elution of α-amylase was achieved with a 10-ml gradient from 0 mg/ml β-cyclodextrin (cycloheptaamylose) in buffer to 12 mg/ml β-cyclodextrin in 15% aqueous methanol, followed by flushing with 20 ml of 12 mg/ml β-cyclodextrin in 15% aqueous methanol. Elution buffer containing β-cyclodextrin at pH values from 6.0 to 7.0 was not as effective in eluting α-amylase as was cyclodextrin in aqueous methanol. Inclusion of methanol in the gradient resulted in enhanced recoveries of α-amylase. α-Amylase did not bind to the column at pH values higher than 7.0. This procedure should be useful for rapid separation of plant α-andd β-amylases, separation of pullulanases or debranching enzymes from other carbohydrates, and purification of α-amylases.
Isolation of aerobic microbes from Ixodes scapularis (Acari:Ixodidae), the vector of Lyme disease in the eastern United States

The spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi Johnson, Schmid, Hyde, Steigerwalt & Benner is transmitted by Ixodes scapularis Say, a vector of Lyme disease. As a 1st step into investigating the possibility of biocontrol of the tick, we identified the microbiota associated with the ticks. We collected, identified, and determined the sex of ticks from foliage and deer. Seventy-three initial bacterial isolates were recovered from 43 ticks (27 adults and 16 nymphs). The bacteria isolated from nymphs were qualitatively different (mainly gram-negative cocci) from the bacteria isolated from adult ticks (gram-negative and gram-positive rods). To determine long-term viability, these isolates were stored for 6 mo under laboratory conditions. After storage, 63 surviving bacterial isolates were characterized using the Biology System of identification by substrate utilization. Forty-four isolates were identified to the species level. Our characterization efforts focused on the 40 spore-forming bacteria, which could prove useful in the biocontrol of ticks. Eleven species of Bacillus were identified. Bacillus thuringiensis-B. cereus was the predominant species group isolated. Six isolates from this group formed crystals.
Traumatic brain injury in children and adolescents: psychiatric disorders at one year.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children and adolescents is a major public health problem. Psychiatrists have a crucial role in the management of young persons who have a TBI.
Intra and Extra Cellular Loops of hENT1 are Dispensable for the Transport of Adenosine and Uridine

Abstract Background: Nucleoside transporters play an important role in regulating the extracellular concentration of Adenosine and salvaging nucleosides. They also play an essential role in the transport of anticancer and antiviral drugs. Nucleoside transporters have been classified into families known as Equiliberative (ENT) and Concentrative (CNT). Objective:ENTs belong to the SLC 29 transmembrane protein family, with 11 transmembrane domains with intracellular N- terminus and extracellular C terminus. In order to localize to the plasma membrane they must undergo correct processing, targeting and trafficking. Constructs were designed where the intracellular and extracellular loops were deleted and used to test the efficiency of Adenosine and Uridine transport in Xenopus laevis oocytes using radiolabelled substrates. Methods: Stage VI Xenopus oocytes were injected with 23ng hENT1 RNA, and incubated for 48 hrs at 18 degrees. 5 uM 14C-labeled Adenosine and Uridine were added to the tube containing 5 oocyte...
Clay mineralogy of contrasting mudflow and distal shelf deposits on the Mississippi River delta front

Mass movement processes are the most important transport agents on the modern delta front. Changes in relative abundances of kaolinite, illite, and smectite proved to be valuable descriptors for distinguishing mudflow deposits (derived from the shallow delta front) from outer shelf/upper slope sediments. Fine-grained sediments, rapidly deposited from the turbid distributary plumes in the upper delta front, are typically high in smectite relative to illite and kaolinite. Distal shelf and upper slope sediments display an increased abundance of kaolinite and illite at the expense of smectite. Shifts in abundances of clay minerals define the bases and internal stratigraphy of complex mudflows.
Estimating the Performance of Sound Restoration Hearing Protectors by Using the Speech Intelligibility Index

Despite advances in engineering noise controls and the use of administrative controls, miners are still dependent on hearing protection devices for prevention of noise-induced hearing loss. However, miners often raise concerns about the audibility of spoken communication when wearing conventional hearing protectors. Electronic technologies that selectively process and restore sounds from outside of hearing protectors have been suggested as a partial remedy to the audibility problem. To assess the potential benefits of this technology for miners, NIOSH tested the impact of nine electronic sound restoration hearing protectors on speech intelligibility in selected mining background noises. Because of the number of devices and potential settings of those devices, it was necessary to narrow the choices before conducting human subject testing. This was done by testing the nine devices on an acoustic test fixture (ATF) to acquire one-third-octave-band data, and then calculating the speech intelligibility index (SII) to determine estimates of performance across device, noise and setting. The estimates of speech intelligibility obtained with the SII are highly correlated with the intelligibility of speech under adverse listening conditions such as noise, reverberation, and filtering. The results of fixture based testing indicate that performance varies little between most devices, with few showing exceptionally good or poor estimated speech intelligibility. The most significant differences in estimated performance using the devices were between the different noise sources used, regardless of device or setting. The findings of this research were used to select the devices and settings for subsequent human subject based speech intelligibility testing. The human subject testing results largely concurred with the findings from the acoustic test fixture testing and calculation of speech intelligibility index. Specifically, variations in background noise led to the greatest differences in speech intelligibility.
Parent and teacher rating of bilingual language proficiency and language development concerns.

Educators of young children, including speech-language pathologists, are often uncertain as to how to effectively work with children from diverse backgrounds because they do not know enough about cultural and linguistic diversity and its impact on language development. The current study helps to address this gap by examining the validity of parent and teacher report in determining language proficiency and language ability in prekindergarten and kindergarten age children from Spanish–English bilingual backgrounds. Parents and teachers rated child language proficiency and ability in Spanish and English. Results indicate that teachers and parents were reliable informants on English language proficiency, but only the parents reliably rated children's Spanish proficiency. Both teacher and parent report were significantly correlated to child language ability. Teachers' ratings of ability correlated with morphosyntax performance while parents' ratings correlated with their child's broad language performance. For...
Adolescent Values for Childbearing

Abstract A questionnaire based on the authors' previous research was administered to 740 adolescent boys and girls to explore values associated with birth planning. The most important values included the opportunity to establish a close affiliative relationship and the effect of childbearing upon achieving educational and vocational goals. The results suggest that young people have formulated values in this area by the time they reach adolescence and that these values change with maturity.
Effects of particulate air pollution on cardiovascular health: a population health risk assessment.

Particulate matter (PM) air pollution is increasingly recognized as an important and modifiable risk factor for adverse health outcomes including cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, there are still gaps regarding large population risk assessment. Results from the nationwide Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) were used along with air quality monitoring measurements to implement a systematic evaluation of PM-related CVD risks at the national and regional scales. CVD status and individual-level risk factors were collected from more than 500,000 BRFSS respondents across 2,231 contiguous U.S. counties for 2007 and 2009. Chronic exposures to PM pollutants were estimated with spatial modeling from measurement data. CVD outcomes attributable to PM pollutants were assessed by mixed-effects logistic regression and latent class regression (LCR), with adjustment for multicausality. There were positive associations between CVD and PM after accounting for competing risk factors: the multivariable-adjusted odds for the multiplicity of CVD outcomes increased by 1.32 (95% confidence interval: 1.23–1.43) and 1.15 (1.07–1.22) times per 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 and PM10 respectively in the LCR analyses. After controlling for spatial confounding, there were moderate estimated effects of PM exposure on multiple cardiovascular manifestations. These results suggest that chronic exposures to ambient particulates are important environmental risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity.
Quinolone Activity against Anaerobes: Microbiological Aspects

Currently available quinolones are either inactive or marginally active against anaerobic bacteria. This review summarises the in vitro activity of currently available as well as experimental quinolones against clinically significant anaerobic bacteria. Quinolones with low activity against anaerobes include ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, levofloxacin, fleroxacin, pefloxacin, enoxacin, lomefloxacin and probably E 4868 and NM 441. Compounds with intermediate anaerobe activity include sparfloxacin, grepafloxacin, PD 131628 and AM 1155. Quinolones that are very active against anaerobes include clinafloxacin and DU 6859a. CP 99 219, a naphthyridone, is also very active against anaerobes. Toxicity problems have necessitated the withdrawal of some quinolones shown to have intermediate activity (temafloxacin and tosufloxacin) and the discontinuation of the development of some investigational agents (Win 57273 and BAY Y 3118) with high activity. Conclusions regarding the therapeutic value of quinolones against human anaerobic infections await further clinical toxicological and pharmacokinetic studies.
Flux-angle distribution of momentum and sensible heat over a vegetated surface

Abstract Turbulence was measured over an irrigated alfalfa crop under conditions of sensible heat advection and under non-advective conditions. Flux-angle distributions for momentum and sensible heat were developed from these measurements. The range of updraft angles decreased under advective as compared to lapse conditions indicating a decrease in significance of thermal turbulence under advection. Downdraft angeles associated with the transfer of momentum and sensible heat did not change significantly under advective conditions. The normalized flux-angle distributions not only provide information on the range of angles for which there is transfer of an entity but also indicate the proportion of flux transferred at each angle. Updrafts were found to be less efficient in transporting momentum under advective than under lapse conditions due, probably, to a decreased contribution from thermal turbulence. For sensible heat transfer, however, there was a significant contribution by updrafts to the net flux toward a vigorously transpiring crop under advective conditions.
Mechanical properties of a self-assembling oligopeptide matrix

We have begun studies of a novel type of biomaterial derived from a recently-discovered class of ionic self-complementary oligopeptides. These short peptides (typically 8, 16, 24, or 32 amino acid residues with internally-repeating sequences) self-assemble in aqueous salt solution into three-dimensional matrices capable of favorable interactions with cells, and offer promise for useful bioengineering design based on rational changes in sequence. In this paper we present preliminary results on mechanical properties, combining experimental and theoretical approaches, of one particular example of these peptide materials, EFK8. The static elastic modulus was measured using an apparatus designed to allow sample fabrication and mechanical testing in the same system with the sample in aqueous solution. The material microstructure was examined by SEM and the measurements interpreted with the aid of a model for cellular solids. Values for the elastic modulus increased from 1.59 +/- 0.06 to 14.7 +/- 1.0 kPa for peptide concentrations increasing from 2.7 to 10 mg ml-1. SEM photographs showed the microstructure to consist of a relatively homogeneous lattice with fiber thickness of 10-30 nm independent of peptide concentration, but with fiber density increasing with peptide concentration. This behavior is consistent with scaling predictions from the cellular solids model and yields an estimate for the individual fiber elastic modulus in the range of 1-20 MPa. We therefore have provided some initial physical principles for guiding improvement of the mechanical properties of these new materials.
Heterolytic Reduction of Fatty Acid Hydroperoxides by Cytochrome c/Cardiolipin Complexes: Antioxidant Function in Mitochondria

Cytochrome c (cyt c), a mitochondrial intermembrane electron shuttle between complexes III and IV, can, upon binding with an anionic phospholipid, cardiolipin (CL), act as a peroxidase that catalyzes cardiolipin oxidation. H(2)O(2) was considered as a source of oxidative equivalents for this reaction, which is essential for programmed cell death. Here we report that peroxidase cyt c/CL complexes can utilize free fatty acid hydroperoxides (FFA-OOH) at exceptionally high rates that are approximately 3 orders of magnitude higher than for H(2)O(2). Similarly, peroxidase activity of murine liver mitochondria was high with FFA-OOH. Using EPR spin trapping and LC-MS techniques, we have demonstrated that cyt c/CL complexes split FFA-OOH predominantly via a heterolytic mechanism, yielding hydroxy-fatty acids, whereas H(2)O(2) (and tert-butyl hydroperoxide, t-BuOOH) undergo homolytic cleavage. Computer simulations have revealed that Arg(38) and His(33) are important for the heterolytic mechanism at potential FFA-OOH binding sites of cyt c (but not for H(2)O(2) or t-BuOOH). Regulation of FFA-OOH metabolism may be an important function of cyt c that is associated with elimination of toxic FFA-OOH and synthesis of physiologically active hydroxy-fatty acids in mitochondria.
Endobronchial biopsy: a guide for asthma therapy selection in the era of bronchial thermoplasty.

Objective. Bronchial thermoplasty (BT) reduces airway smooth muscle in patients with severe asthma. We developed a novel standardized histologic grading system assessing inflammation and structural remodeling on endobronchial biopsy (EBBx) in severe persistent asthma and evaluated airway structure before and after BT. In addition, we correlated invasive and non-invasive inflammatory markers in severe persistent asthma. Methods. Thirty-three patients with severe persistent asthma underwent bronchoscopy, including bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and diagnostic EBBx. The control group (N = 41) underwent EBBx for other clinical indications. Biopsies were graded for airway inflammation and epithelial and submucosal structural features. We also evaluated airway histology in three patients before and after BT. Results. Compared to the control group, patients with severe persistent asthma more often had intraepithelial eosinophils and lymphocytes (67% vs. 17% and 61% vs. 27%; p < .001 and p = .005, respectively) and...
Development of Poly(imide-b-amic acid) Multiblock Copolymer Thin Film

The preparation of poly(imide-b-amic acid) multiblock copolymers was examined by blending solutions of soluble end-functionalized polyimide and polyamic acid homopolymers. The terminal end groups o...
Frequencies and Characteristics of Global Oceanic Precipitation from Shipboard Present-Weather Reports

Ship reports of present weather obtained from the Comprehensive Ocean-Atmosphere Data Set are analyzed for the period 1958-91 in order to elucidate regional and seasonal variations in the climatological frequency, phase, intensity, and character of oceanic precipitation. Specific findings of note include the following: 1) The frequency of thunderstorm reports, relative to all precipitation reports, is a strong function of location, with thunderstorm activity being favored within 1000-3000 km of major tropical and subtropical land masses, while being quite rare at other locations, even within the intertropical convergence zone. 2) The latitudinal frequency of precipitation over the southern oceans increases steadily toward the Antarctic continent and shows relatively little seasonal variation. The frequency of convective activity, however, shows considerable seasonal variability, with sharp winter maxima occurring near 38 deg. latitude in both hemispheres. 3) Drizzle is the preferred form of precipitation in a number of regions, most of which coincide with known regions of persistent marine stratus and stratocumulus in the subtropical highs. Less well documented is the high relative frequency of drizzle in the vicinity of the equatorial sea surface temperature front in the eastern Pacific. 4) Regional differences in the temporal scale of precipitation events (e.g., transient showers versus steady precipitation) are clearly depicted by way of the ratio of the frequency of precipitation at the observation time to the frequency of all precipitation reports, including precipitation during the previous hour. The results of this study suggest that many current satellite rainfall estimation techniques may substantially underestimate the fractional coverage or frequency of precipitation poleward of 50 deg. latitude and in the subtropical dry zones. They also draw attention to the need to carefully account for regional differences in the physical and spatial properties of rainfall when developing calibration relationships for satellite algorithms.
TCDD suppresses insulin-responsive glucose transporter (GLUT-4) gene expression through C/EBP nuclear transcription factors in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

TCDD is known to reduce significantly the level of the functionally active form of glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) in vivo in adipose tissue and muscles. To study the mechanistic basis of this phenomenon, we conducted transient transfection and DNA deletion analysis in 3T3-L1 cells using chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter plasmids containing the GLUT4 promoter joined to the bacterial CAT. It was found that in transfected control samples, CAT activity was significantly higher in cells transfected with p469CAT and p273CAT than those with p78CAT, indicating that the region between −78 and −273 contained elements that play major roles in transactivation of this gene. Treatment with TCDD decreased CAT activity with p469CAT and p273CAT, but not with p78CAT, indicating the same region to contain the element(s) affected by TCDD. A gel-shift (EMSA) analysis result indicated that TCDD shows the profound effect only on the nuclear proteins binding to the [32P]-labeled probe containing C/EBP response element equivalent of the −265 to −242 stretch of the GLUT4 promoter. The results of supershift analysis showed that TCDD caused a decrease in the tier of C/EBPα and an increase in that of C/EBPβ among the proteins bound to this C/EBP response element. We studied the effect of TCDD in cells overexpressing either C/EBPα, C/EBPβ, or C/EBPδ through transient transfection of p273CAT or p469CAT. The results clearly showed that the effect of TCDD to suppress the CAT activity of p273 or p469 disappeared in those cells overexpressing C/EBPα or C/EBPβ. These results implicate the C/EBP proteins to be the main mediator of suppressive action of TCDD on GLUT4 gene expression in 3T3-L1 cells. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 20:79–87, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20120
Empirical Likelihood in Causal Inference

This paper discusses the estimation of average treatment effects in observational causal inferences. By employing a working propensity score and two working regression models for treatment and control groups, Robins et al. (1994, 1995) introduced the augmented inverse probability weighting (AIPW) method for estimation of average treatment effects, which extends the inverse probability weighting (IPW) method of Horvitz and Thompson (1952); the AIPW estimators are locally efficient and doubly robust. In this paper, we study a hybrid of the empirical likelihood method and the method of moments by employing three estimating functions, which can generate estimators for average treatment effects that are locally efficient and doubly robust. The proposed estimators of average treatment effects are efficient for the given choice of three estimating functions when the working propensity score is correctly specified, and thus are more efficient than the AIPW estimators. In addition, we consider a regression method ...
Engineered improvements in DNA-binding function of the MATa1 homeodomain reveal structural changes involved in combinatorial control.

Abstract We have engineered enhanced DNA-binding function into the a1 homeodomain by making changes in a loop distant from the DNA-binding surface. Comparison of the free and bound a1 structures suggested a mechanism linking van der Waals stacking changes in this loop to the ordering of a final turn in the DNA-binding helix of a1. Inspection of the protein sequence revealed striking differences in amino acid identity at positions 24 and 25 compared to related homeodomain proteins. These positions lie in the loop connecting helix-1 and helix-2, which is involved in heterodimerization with the α2 protein. A series of single and double amino acid substitutions (a1-Q24R, a1-S25Y, a1-S25F and a1-Q24R/S25Y) were engineered, expressed and purified for biochemical and biophysical study. Calorimetric measurements and HSQC NMR spectra confirm that the engineered variants are folded and are equally or more stable than the wild-type a1 homeodomain. NMR analysis of a1-Q24R/S25Y demonstrates that the DNA recognition helix (helix-3) is extended by at least one turn as a result of the changes in the loop connecting helix-1 and helix-2. As shown by EMSA, the engineered variants bind DNA with enhanced affinity (16-fold) in the absence of the α2 cofactor and the variant α2/a1 heterodimers bind cognate DNA with specificity and affinity reflective of the enhanced a1 binding affinity. Importantly, in vivo assays demonstrate that the a1-Q24R/S25Y protein binds with fivefold greater affinity than wild-type a1 and is able to partially suppress defects in repression by α2 mutants. As a result of these studies, we show how subtle differences in residues at a surface distant from the functional site code for a conformational switch that allows the a1 homeodomain to become active in DNA binding in association with its cofactor α2.
Trusts in Latin America

The growing interest in investment in Latin America - particularly in commodities production and real estate development - has increased the use of trusts as investment vehicles throughout Latin America. Written for the English-speaking practitioner, the book covers Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela and provides a practical, clear, and thorough explanation of trusts as legal vehicles for investment in Latin American countries. Trusts in Latin America provides a comprehensive, comparative review of statutes, case law, and examples of trusts in Latin America, and also highlights differences between these countries and common-law systems.
From Relating to (Re)Presenting: Challenges and Lessons Learned From an Ethnographic Study With Young Children

This article advances the conversation on conducting ethical research with children by examining the process and products of a longitudinal ethnographic study about the implementation of a new bili...
RELATIONSHIP OF PULMONARY PARTICULATES IN ENGLISH SPARROWS TO GROSS AIR POLLUTION

English sparrows (Passer domesticus) were studied to assess the usefulness of this species as a relatively stationary air sampler and biological indicator of atmospheric pollutants significant to man. Histopathology of bird necropsy tissue revealed numerous granule-laden macrophages in the pulmonary stroma of birds taken from polluted atmospheres (inland sample) but not from unpolluted atmospheres (coastal sample). Electron microscopy demonstrated several different types of particles within pulmonary macrophages of inland birds but not in coastal birds. The results of this study suggest that the English sparrow might serve as a useful indicator of amospheric pollutants and as a model system for studying the effects of an adverse environment.