cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Who gets clean water? Aid allocation to small water systems in Pennsylvania

: Research on the condition of drinking water provision in the United States documents the inequitable financial impact of environmental regulations on small water systems (those serving 3,300 or fewer people). While a variety of federal and state financial assistance programs are available for water systems, few quantitative analyses have evaluated the success of these programs in alleviating the problems of small systems. A case study of the largest aid initiative for water supply infrastructure in Pennsylvania provides the empirical framework through which to analyze government funding opportunities for water systems. This study examines the allocation practices of the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) to water systems of varying sizes. Utilizing data from PENNVEST applications and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the distribution of PENNVEST award recipients and denied applicants by size characteristics are compared. The study indicates that very small water systems (those serving 500 or fewer) do not apply for or receive funds with the same frequency as their larger counterparts. Understanding the allocation of awards from PENNVEST offers insight into the ability of small communities to access capital for water supply infrastructure.
Site of in vivo Regulation of Tree Stem Elongation by Bark-Banded Morphactins

Morphactin ester applied as a bark band to stems of Monterey pine seedlings (Pinus radiata D. Don) at first stimulated and then inhibited the rate of stem elongation over a 20-day period. The inhibition was caused by a direct action of morphactin on the shoot rather than by indirect action on the root system. 14C labelled morphactin applied to the bark accumulated in the shoot apices and the amount accumulated could be related to the inhibition of growth. More than 70% of labelled material isolated from roots and shoot apices was in the form of a metabolite similar to the carboxylic acid derivative of the morphactin ester. A preparation of 14C labelled acid derivative applied to the bark was translocated to the shoot apex and to the roots and inhibited stem elongation.
Targeted anti-estrogens to treat and prevent diseases in women

Abstract The estrogen receptor has been successfully targeted with the anti-estrogen tamoxifen to treat all stages of breast cancer. Because tamoxifen is a partial agonist, it exhibits target-site specificity: it acts as an anti-estrogen in the breast to inhibit tumor growth, while exhibiting estrogenic effects on bones and lipid metabolism. Therefore, tamoxifen has the added benefit of maintaining bone density and reducing the risk of myocardial infarction in postmenopausal women. However, undesirable side effects of tamoxifen preclude its use as a hormone replacement therapy for otherwise healthy women. New anti-estrogens are currently being developed that may prevent osteoporosis, breast and endometrial cancer, and reduce the risk of myocardial infarction.
Shape optimizations and static/dynamic characterizations of deformable microplate structures with multiple electrostatic actuators

Micromirrors used in many optoelectronic devices can be considered as microplates. The functions and accuracy of the micromirrors depend on the static and dynamic deflection shapes of microplates. The objective of this study is to develop an efficient method for predicting the shapes of the microplates subjected to unsymmetrical electrostatic forces produced by electrostatic actuators such that micromirrors can be effectively optimized and controlled in their real time operation. The non-classical boundary conditions which result from the microfabrication process were modeled with artificial springs at the edges. A classical energy method using boundary characteristic orthogonal polynomials was applied to formulate the equations of motion of the microsystem. Based on this method, influence functions were built and least squares method was used to optimize the desired deflection under electrostatic forces from the electrostatic actuators. Softening effect of the electrostatic stiffness was also evaluated and considered in the simulation. Static deflections and dynamic responses were compared with those from finite element analysis (FEA) using Reduced Order Modeling (ROM) method. This study found that the static and dynamic responses of microplates predicted from the proposed method were highly consistent with those calculated from FEA. However, the proposed method is simpler and more efficient than FEA and can be conveniently used for any non-classical boundary condition situations. These features make the proposed method useful to effectively control and optimize the shape of a microplate with multiple electrostatic actuators.
Effects of prostaglandins and thromboxane A2 on the coronary circulation of adult dogs and puppies

Abstract Intracoronary injections of prostaglandin endoperoxide (PGH 2 ), prostacyclin (PGI 2 ) and thromboxane A 2 (TXA 2 ) were given to adult dogs and puppies three months or younger. Both PGH 2 and PGI 2 caused dose-related coronary vasodilation in the adult as well as well as in the puppy dogs; and PGH 2 was about twice as potent as PGI 2 . The threshold dose of PGH 2 for coronary vasodilation, 0.01–0.02 μg, was the same for the adult and puppy dogs although control coronary blood flow of the adult dog was 3–10 times higher. In the puppy, maximal coronary vasolidation was effected with high doses (1.0 μg or more) of PGI 2 , but not with PGH 2 . TXA 2 prepared from PGH 2 up to 1.0 μg, had no effects on the coronary circulation of the adult dog. In contrast, both the vasoconstricting and platelet aggregating actions of TXA 2 were demonstrated in the puppy. Mechanisms for the observed age-dependent differences of the coronary circulation to PGH 2 quantitatively, and to TXA 2 qualitatively, remain to be determined.
A variable temperature NMR study of carbonyldiphenylacetylene tris(π-cyclopentadienylrhodium) and its bis(pentafluorophenyl) derivative

Abstract The temperature-dependent 1H and 13C NMR spectra of (h5-C5H5)3Rh3 (CO)C6H5CCC6H5 support the view that this molecule is fluxional in solution at room temperature but is in a frozen conformation at −88°; NMR data of (h5-C5H5)3Rh3 (CO) C6F5CCC6F5 indicate that this molecule appears to be static at room temperature and fluxional at elevated temperatures. The NMR data are consistent with structures, which have been determined by X-ray methods.
Surface and interfacial tension of polymer liquids –a review

The surface tension of a polymer liquid is a property of considerable practical importance. Within the past decade the experimental difficulties in accurately measuring the surface tension of viscous polymer melts have been overcome, and a considerable body of data is now available. This review discusses the measurement techniques which have proved useful, the results which have been obtained, and theoretical approaches which have been applied to them. A tabulation of surface and interfacial tension values which have been published up to mid-1971 is included.
Scrotal Swelling in the Neonate

Discovery of scrotal swelling in a neonate can be a source of anxiety for parents, clinicians, and sonologists alike. This pictorial essay provides a focused review of commonly encountered scrotal masses and mimics specific to the neonatal setting. Although malignancy is a concern, it is very uncommon, as most neonatal scrotal masses are benign. Key discriminating features and management options are highlighted to improve the radiologist's ability to diagnose neonatal scrotal conditions and guide treatment decisions. Neonatal scrotal processes ranging from common to uncommon will be discussed.
Relativistic calculations of the spectroscopic properties of low-lying states of ICI

Abstract Relativistic quantum calculations which include spin-orbit interactions and correlations were carried out for the low-lying states of ICl. Spectroscopic properties (R3, ωe, Te) were calculated for these states. Based on the energies and wave functions both the absorption and emission spectra of ICl in the region below 45000 cm−1 were interpreted. These calculations confirm the predissociation of the B0+ state and the existence of a second minimum (B′0+) in the 0+(II) state. Properties of the 0 − (I)( 3 Π 0 − ) state which is yet to be observed were also predicted. The calculated properties for the 2(I)( 3 Π 2 ) state are in very good agreement with the properties obtained by the very recent characterization of the A′ state by optical three-photon resonance. The continuous and diffuse absorption spectra of ICl in the region below 45000 cm−1 were interpreted and assigned to the appropriate electronic transitions.
MODAL TESTING OF A LIGHTWEIGHT CEMENTITIOUS STRUCTURE

In 2001, Team UAH built a boat called Survivor. They strategically tuned their hull by lowering its natural frequency to a few Hertz so that the forcing function created by the paddlers, at slightly greater than one Hertz, drove the boat toward resonance. When the flexible hull deformed in response to the applied torsional and bending moments, very large stresses and strains developed. The team strived to keep all of the materials elastic so that the structure was absolutely resilient, enabling the strain energy stored in the
Equivalence‐restricted open‐shell SCF theory

A method is presented for generating open-shell equivalence-restricted SCF orbitals in high-symmetry situations using Roothaan–Hartree–Fock programs which are adapted for lower symmetry.
The concentration and deposition of nitrate, sulfate and ammonium as a function of wind direction from precipitation samples

Abstract The loge concentrations of nitrate, sulfate and ammonium are normally distributed. The t-test (using the loge transformed data) indicates the mean concentration of nitrate and sulfate in hourly precipitation samples, obtained at Brookhaven National Laboratory on Long Island, east of the New York Metropolitan region, to be greatest (⩾ 95 % confidence level) when associated hourly averaged wind direction is from the southwest, west and northwest regions (each region is a 45° interval of wind direction). Ammonium concentration is significantly greater when winds are from the southwest and west. Nitrate deposition is significantly greater when winds are from the southwest and west. Sulfate deposition is significantly greater when winds are from the southwest and west with a secondary peak in the southeast. Ammonium deposition behaves in a similar fashion to sulfate deposition. Moving statistics (using the untransformed data) confirm these findings and provide additional information on the behavior of the species distribution as a function of wind direction. For each species the relative standard deviations, calculated after normalizing the loge concentrations in each region to their respective means, are systematically smaller in the west. This is consistent with the expectation of lower variability about the axis of pollutant input from the main source region. At better than a 99.9 % confidence level the F-test indicates nitrate concentrations to be more variable than sulfate concentrations. This indicates nitrate to be of local origin and sulfate to be transported over long distances and more uniformly mixed in comparison. These results indicate that the Lagrangian history of a storm system may be represented from data taken in the Eulerian reference frame. The moving statistics indicate the association of concentration and precipitation rate to be directionally and species dependent.
Simulation of pathogen inactivation in whole and fresh-cut cantaloupe (Cucumis melo) using electron beam treatment

Abstract Cantaloupes ( Cucumis melo ) have been implicated in several recent Salmonella outbreaks. Electron beam irradiation at the required dose can effectively inhibit pathogens while maintaining produce quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate pathogen inactivation in cantaloupes for optimization of electron beam treatment using dose distributions from Monte Carlo simulation and computed tomography (CT) scan data. 3D geometry and component densities of whole cantaloupes and fresh-cut cantaloupes packed in plastic trays, extracted from CT-scan data, were entered into a radiation transport code (MCNP5) to simulate dose distributions. Lucite (4.2 cm) was used as an electron absorber when simulating high energy (10 MeV) irradiation to make the penetration depth similar to the lower energy (1.35 MeV) electron simulations. For surface irradiation of the whole cantaloupe with a 1.35 MeV e-beam source, the penetration depth was ∼0.7 cm, well beyond the cantaloupe rind. For an entrance dose of 1 kGy, the log-reductions for Salmonella ( D 10 -value of 0.359) were 3.30 ± 0.43 and 3.58 ± 0.58 at the depths of 0.2 and 0.4 cm, respectively. The dose uniformity ratio ( D max / D min ) up to 0.2 cm was improved from 1.81 to 1.15 with one beam rotation around the fruit. Surface irradiation using a 10 MeV e-beam source showed far less microbial reduction, only 1.58 ± 0.93 and 1.32 ± 0.84 at 0.2 and 0.4 cm, respectively. Irradiation of fresh-cut cantaloupe with a 10 MeV e-beam source showed that the maximum dose of 1.1 kGy occurred at the 3.5 cm depth and the minimum dose of 0.81 kGy took place at 5.5 cm depth, with an average 2.99 ± 0.79 log reduction around the whole package. These results provide valuable information for optimizing irradiation treatment planning for fresh produce.
Duplex real-time reverse transcriptase PCR to determine cytokine mRNA expression in a hamster model of New World cutaneous leishmaniasis

The Syrian hamster, Mesocricetus auratus, has distinct immunological features and is uniquely susceptible to intracellular pathogens. Studies in hamsters are limited by the relative unavailability of tools to conduct immunological studies. To address this limitation we developed duplex real-time reverse transcriptase (RT) PCR assays for the relative quantification of the mRNAs of hamster cytokines, chemokines, and related immune response molecules. Real-time RT-PCR primers and probes were synthesized for analysis of interleukin (IL)-4, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-12p40, TGF-β, IL-13, IL-21, chemokine ligand (CCL) 22, CCL17, Chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 4 and FoxP3 expression. Standard curves and validation experiments were performed for each real-time RT-PCR assay, allowing us to use the comparative Ct (2-ΔΔCt) method to calculate changes in gene expression. Application of the real-time RT PCR assays to a biological model was demonstrated by comparing mRNA expression in skin and lymph node tissues between uninfected and Leishmania panamensis infected hamsters. The duplex real-time RT PCR assays provide a powerful approach for the quantification of cytokine transcription in hamsters, and their application to a model of cutaneous leishmaniasis suggests that a balanced type 1 and type 2 cytokine response contributes to the chronic, nonprogressive course of disease. These new molecular tools will further facilitate investigation into the mechanisms of disease in the hamster, not only for models of leishmaniasis, but also for other viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections.
Determinants of commodity price risk exposure in the restaurant industry: an analysis by commodity price cycles.

Abstract The objectives of the present study were to (1) investigate the level and the extent of commodity price risk exposure in the restaurant industry and (2) identify the determinants of risk exposure. The risk exposure was estimated by 60-month rolling regressions based on equity returns. The determinants of equity risk exposure were proposed based on a discounted cash flow model. The results found that 35.39% of sample restaurant firms are exposed to commodity price risk. The level of equity risk exposure was estimated to be 1.148 during commodity price booms and 1.031 during slumps. Empirical testing was consistent with the model prediction that operating leverage and financial leverage are effective tools in managing risk exposure, but the effects are asymmetric during commodity price booms and slumps. Financial leverage was found to be more effective than operating leverage.
Role of a biomedical laser specialist

As hospitals acquire a greater variety of laser systems and related instrumentation, many institutions are realizing the benefits of having an in-house biomedical laser specialist. The responsibilities of this specialized position may include: assisting laser procedures and research projects, operating and maintaining laser instrumentation, acting as medical laser safety officer, developing training and education programs, and directing hospital laser programs. This paper will describe the training and education profile of a biomedical laser/electro-optic specialist. The benefit of their expertise to a hospital laser program will be discussed as it relates to: increased laser utilization, greater laser safety awareness, lower maintenance costs, and research and educational projects.
Evaluation of lean NOx reduction catalysts for controlling emissions from diesel engines

This paper investigates the efficacy of lean-burn NO x reduction catalysts using hydrocarbon as the reductant. A system was constructed to deliver diesel fuel ahead of a monolith catalyst treating the exhaust from a late-model diesel engine loaded with an engine dynamometer. One of the three prototype catalysts showed significant NO x reduction capability of about 15% during steady-state and transient conditions. Another catalyst showed reduction only under steady-state conditions, and the third catalyst showed no reduction under either condition. The system was not optimized so the observed 9 to 13% fuel economy penalty should be regarded as an upper limit.
Sonography for appendicitis: Nonvisualization of the appendix is an indication for active clinical observation rather than direct referral for computed tomography

Purpose. To determine the prevalence of perforated and nonperforated appendicitis in patients with nonvisualization of the appendix on ultrasound (US) performed for suspected appendicitis, and to evaluate the value of CT in these patients. Methods. We analyzed 400 consecutive patients undergoing US for suspected appendicitis. Of these patients, 260 had nonvisualization of the appendix, but otherwise normal scans. We analyzed the clinical outcome in these patients to determine the prevalence of appendicitis, referrals for CT, and the contribution of CT in these patients. Results. Of the 400 patients, 140 (35%) had either a normal (80 patients, 25%) or an abnormal appendix (60 patients, 15%); 260 (65%) had nonvisualization of the appendix. Overall 75 patients had appendicitis (18.8%) and 17 (4.3%) had appendicitis with perforation. Of the 260 patients with nonvisualization of the appendix, 14 patients (5.4%) had appendicitis and 2 were perforated (0.8%). The prevalence of perforated and nonperforated appendicitis in this group was significantly lower than the overall group (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). Of these 260 patients, 101 patients (38.8%) had CT within 48 hours and 79 (78.2%) had normal scans. Conclusions. Patients with nonvisualization of the appendix on US, but otherwise normal scans, are at significantly lower risk for appendicitis, either perforated or nonperforated. Active clinical observation should be considered in these patients, rather than direct referral for CT. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 40:455–461,2012
Yellow staining caused by 4,4'-methylenedianiline exposure. Occurrence among molded plastics workers.

• Workers engaged in a molded plastics operation were studied to determine the etiology of yellow staining reactions involving the skin, nails, and hair. A walk-through survey of the facility, medical interviews, physical examinations, and blood and urine tests were performed. 4,4'-Methylenedianiline (MDA), a component chemical of the manufacturing process, produced intense yellow discoloration of nitrocellulose paper in the laboratory and appeared to volatilize readily under ambient conditions. Thirty-five (65%) of 54 process workers showed varying degrees of staining while 11 workers employed in other parts of the factory showed no staining. Yellow staining was restricted to areas of the body where direct contact with MDA appeared likely. Laboratory studies did not provide evidence of systemic toxic effect. Because MDA is a known hepatotoxin for man, with carcinogenic properties in animal test systems, it is important to recognize yellow staining as a cutaneous marker of exposure to this chemical. ( Arch Dermatol 1985;121:1022-1027)
Resonating valence bonds and mean-field d-wave superconductivity in graphite

We investigate the possibility of inducing superconductivity in a graphite layer by electronic correlation effects. We use a phenomenological microscopic Hamiltonian which includes nearest-neighbor hopping and an interaction term which explicitly favors nearest-neighbor spin singlets through the well-known resonance valence bond (RVB) character of planar organic molecules. Treating this Hamiltonian in mean-field theory, allowing for bond-dependent variation of the RVB order parameter, we show that both $s$- and $d$-wave superconducting states are possible. The $d$-wave solution belongs to a two-dimensional representation and breaks time-reversal symmetry. At zero doping there exists a quantum critical point at the dimensionless coupling $J∕t=1.91$ and the $s$- and $d$-wave solutions are degenerate for low temperatures. At finite doping the $d$-wave solution has a significantly higher ${T}_{c}$ than the $s$-wave solution. By using density functional theory we show that the doping induced from sulfur absorption on a graphite layer is enough to cause an electronically driven $d$-wave superconductivity at graphite-sulfur interfaces. We also discuss applying our results to the case of the intercalated graphites, as well as the validity of a mean-field approach.
Activation of cryptic promoters of human c-myc genes in microinjected Xenopus laevis oocytes.

Abstract The human cellular oncogene c-myc contains two promoters at the 5′ end of its first non-coding exon. Cryptic promoters located within the first intron are also activated to synthesize aberrant c-myc mRNAs in some Burkitt lymphomas with a t(8: 14) chromosome translocation in which a part of the gene structure, often the 5′ non-coding exon, is truncated. We have shown elsewhere that microinjected plasmid DNA carrying a normal, intact human c-myc gene directs efficient faithful transcription from its own two promoters in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Here, I have investigated the expression of different recombinants carrying various constructs of the c-myc, gene in frog oocytes in order to understand the activation mechanism of those cryptic promoters. Aberrant c-myc transcripts initiating from cryptic promoters within the first intron are undetectable when the intact or truncated c-myc gene construct is used. However, the cryptic promoters can be activated in Xenopus oocytes if the truncated c-myc gene construct is fused with simian virus 40 sequences containing a 21 base-pair repeat and the replication origin. Xenopus oocytes will be useful for further investigation of enhancing elements involved in the translocated and activated c-myc genes in Burkitt lymphoma cells.
Amiodarone and optic neuropathy.

inc the is The case report literature would suggest that amiodarone can produce a toxic optic neuropathy. Patients receiving amiodarone have lost vision. However, a quandary exists when any drug is implicated as a cause of optic neuropathy—a drug toxicity can be mimicked by idiopathic anterior ischemic neuropathy. The 2 entities can have overlapping characteristics. Key features of toxic optic neuropathies are simultaneous bilaterality, progression at dose-related rates, and occurrences at higher incidences than can be explained by idiopathic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. Significant reversibility on discontinuation of the drug, if it occurred consistently, would also be an important feature. Ethambutal provides a good example of such a toxic agent. Idiopathic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, in contrast, is usually unilateral at onset (with estimates of simultaneous or subsequent contralateral involvement ranging from 10%-73%), attacks an optic nerve only once (though that initial visual loss can progress stepwise for up to 3 weeks), and causes vision loss that is not completely reversible (with 6 months follow-up, 43% improved≥3 lines of vision). Awide variety of etiologies have been attributed to idiopathic anterior optic neuropathy as follows: cardiovascular (nocturnal hypotension, sleep apnea), immunologic (Chlamydia seropositivity), genetic (glycoprotein 1bα gene), metabolic (hyperhomocystinemia), and local pathologic conditions (“crowded” optic disc, optic disc traction from vitreous adhesions). The prior annual incidence estimates of amiodaronetoxic optic neuropathy have been based on the retrospective case report literature. Those range from 0.36% (a 5-year incidence of 1.79%) to 2%. The incidence estimates for idiopathic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy in patients ≥50 years are far less—0.0023% to 0.03% (10 year incidence 0.3%). Three lines of data have recently raised doubts that amiodarone is toxic to the optic nerves: (1) pharmaceutical sales of amiodarone; (2) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) records of amiodarone-associated optic neuropathy; and (3) a prospective, double-masked, randomized trial. on
NGOs in India's elite newspapers: a framing analysis

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are deeply embedded within the socio-political landscape of India. NGOs were instituted by the Indian government specifically for the purpose of nation-building at the time of national independence in 1947 (Muttalib, 1987). In recent times however, NGOs have come under much scrutiny because of the expanding neoliberal agenda, and global discourse surrounding NGOs often involves questions of accountability. Communication scholars have studied NGOs in various contexts, but what remains unexplored is the question of how NGOs are portrayed within the media, which in contemporary society constitutes the public sphere or space of public opinion. It is important to look at the media because public legitimacy can have serious consequences for an NGO's ability to garner funds, influence policy, and build trust in beneficiary communities. This study thus asks the research question: How are NGOs framed in the Indian media? A qualitative analysis was employed to identify news fra...
Theta Modulation in Optics

The experiments reported in this paper are similar to the famous Abbe experiments. However, they were done for quite different reasons, namely, to perform certain information processing operations by optical means. Our technique, called theta modulation, allows production of a color image from a black and white film, on which the color object is recorded in encoded form. Furthermore, nonlinear characteristics (H & D curves) of any shape can be realized. A special application of theta modulation, called multiplex storage, will be described. By this technique, more than one image can be recorded in the same area on a piece of film. Subsequently, the individual images can be recovered with a minimum of crosstalk.
Effects of titanium implantation on cavitation erosion of cobalt-based metal-carbide systems

Abstract Cavitation erosion tests were performed on unimplanted and titanium-implanted samples of a cobalt-based superalloy and a 6wt.%CoWC carbide. Erosion of unimplanted superalloy samples began with crack propagation through the carbides and debonding at the carbide-matrix interfaces, after which material loss from both matrix and carbide phases took place. Implantation of the alloy resulted in diminished carbide-matrix debonding and matrix phase erosion. Consequently, the erosion resistance of the alloy was significantly increased by implantation, as shown by comparison of cumulative mass loss data for unimplanted and implanted samples. Implantation also produced an improvement in the erosion resistance of the cemented carbide material, again because of increased durability of the matrix phase.
Comparing Negative and Positive Campaign Messages Evidence From Two Field Experiments

Considerable research indicates that personal contact from political campaigns can mobilize people to vote, but little attention has been given to whether the tone of the message matters. Studies of message tone have mostly been confined to mass media campaigns and ignored the growing role grassroots techniques play in contemporary political campaigns. Two randomized field experiments were conducted to determine the importance of message tone in grassroots contact. We find evidence that personally delivered messages can be effective at influencing voting preferences, but neither experiment uncovered a systematic difference between the effects of negative and positive messages on voter turnout or political attitudes.
Retinol-Binding Protein: The Serum Transport Protein for Vitamin A

Introduction THE transport of retinol (vitamin A alcohol) from retinoid (vitamin A and its analogs) stores in the liver to target tissues is accomplished exclusively by means of a specific transport protein, retinol-binding protein (RBP). RBP was first isolated in 1968 by Kanai et al. (1) and subsequently has been extensively studied in humans and rats. RBP is a single polypeptide chain with a molecular weight of about 21,000 and has one binding site for one molecule of all-trans retinol. In the blood, RBP circulates as a 1:1 molar complex with another serum protein, transthyretin (formerly called prealbumin). The formation of the RBP-transthyretin complex is thought to reduce the glomerular filtration and renal catabolism of RBP. Normal levels of RBP in human serum range between approximately 40 to 60 μg/ml. Within individuals, RBP levels are highly regulated and remain constant except in extremes of vitamin A nutriture or in disease. The topic of RBP was comprehensively reviewed by Goodman in 1984 (2). ...
Unexpected complexity of the dm1 mutation revealed in the structure of three H-2D/L-related antigens.

The H-2L-dm1 and H-2Ddm1 MHC antigens of the B10.D2 (H-2dm1) mutant mouse strain (formerly known as M504 or H-2da) have been compared to the H-2Ld and H-2Dd antigens of the B10.D2 (H-2d)mouse strain. Ldml and Ld are 45 000 Mr antigens and both are reactive with anti-H-2."28" (k/r anti-h2) serum and unreactive with anti-H-2.4 (k/b anti-a) serum which detects private determinants of the Ddm1 and Dd antigens. However, the tryptic peptide compositions of these two antigens are different and, based on the number of major tryptic peptides which coelute during ion-exchange chromatography, the estimated peptide homology between Ldm1 and Ld is 80 percent. A newly defined antigen (mr = 39 000), designated gp39dm1, was found in glycoprotein extracts of the dm1 strain but not of the d strain. This antigen coprecipitates with Ldm1 but does not coprecipitate with Ddm1 indicating that it lacks the H-2.4 determinant. In comparison with Ldm1, gp39dm1 appears to contain far fewer Arg and Lys residues and is most likely not a simple proteolytic fragment of Ldm1. Finally, peptide maps of the Ddm1 antigen show that the majority of its Arg peptides are identical to Dd Arg peptides, whereas at least five of its Lys peptides and three of its Arg peptides correspond not to Dd peptides but to Ld and Ldm1 peptides. These data raise the possibility that the Ddm1 antigen is a hybrid molecule and they have also revealed an unexpected level of complexity in the dm1 mutant phenotype.
Dental Erosion Resulting from Chewable Vitamin C Tablets

A patient had severe dental erosion that was attributed primarily to the daily chewing of vitamin C tablets for three years. Tests were done to demonstrate the acidity of vitamin C tablets and the demineralization of enamel by a solution made with a tablet. The causes for dental erosion and the varying patterns of erosion are reviewed.
Phenotypic Heterogeneity and Cytotoxic Activity of Con A and IL-2-Stimulated Cultures of Mouse Thy-1+ Epidermal Cells

Short-term and long-term culture of mouse Thy-1+ epidermal cells (EC) were established in order to characterize their phenotypic and functional properties. Concanavalin A (Con A) and Interleukin 2 (IL-2) stimulated Thy-1+ EC mediated non-MHC directed cytotoxicity preferentially against the NK-sensitive target, YAC-1 vs the NK-resistant target, P815; these cells also mediated antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), indicating the presence of IgG-FcR on at least some of them. Freshly isolated Thy-1+ EC failed to lyse YAC-1 targets; however, this activity was observed after 9 d of culture with Con A and IL-2. While dendritic Thy-1+EC, in vivo, do not express the T-cell markers, L3T4 and Lyt-2 short-term cultured cells displayed phenotypic heterogeneity with small but significant percentages of Lyt-2+ and L3T4+ cells appearing transiently. The phenotype of the effect or cell(s), which mediates cytotoxic activity, was determined by utilizing flow cytometery to sort short-term cultured EC into positively and negatively stained populations. Cells which express L3T4, or which lack asialo GM1, did not lyse YAC-1 targets; maximum cytotoxic activity was found within populations of cells which are asialo GM1+, Lyt-2-, and asialo GM1+, Lyt-2+. These studies indicate that Thy-1+ cells derived from mouse epidermis when cultured in the presence of Con A and IL-2 have the capacity to generate a phenotypically heterogeneous population, some cells of which are capable of mediating cytotoxic activities.
The Fundamental Solution for a Shallow Shell With an Arbitrary Quadratic Midsurface

The complex-valued differential operator associated with the linear Marguerre equations for a constant thickness, elastically isotropic shallow shell with an arbitrary quadratic midsurface consists of the biharmonic operator minus the imaginary unit i times a constant coefficient second-order differential operator. The fundamental solution of this differential operator is denoted by g(r, θ; κ), where r and θ are polar coordinates and κ is the (dimensionless) Gaussian curvature of the midsurface at the origin. Via a double Fourier transform, a plane wave or Whittaker representation is obtained for g(r, θ; κ). From this is extracted a series representation for g(r, θ; κ) in powers of r2 , with coefficients depending on ln r, θ, and κ. The results are shown to agree with the known special cases for κ = 1, 0, and −1.
ON THE COUNTERACTION OF PERIODIC TORQUES FOR ROTATING SYSTEMS USING CENTRIFUGALLY DRIVEN VIBRATION ABSORBERS

Abstract A class of mechanical systems is considered which rotate about a fixed axis and are subjected to applied, angle-periodic torques. Of interest here is the counteraction of these torques by means of centrifugally driven masses which move along prescribed paths relative to the rotating system. The linear theory for these centrifugal pendulum vibration absorbers has been thoroughly understood for many years, and some work on thenon-linear aspects of the dynamics has been carried out. These studies have focused on the effects that certain paths have for prescribed torques, but have not considered the construction of paths directly from the torques. Herein a classification of the torques is provided, which can be exactly counteracted by a single point absorber or by a pair of identical point absorbers moving out-of-phase with respect to each other. In additon, a technique is given for generating the absorber path(s) for these torques and the method is demonstrated with five examples. Also, design strategy is described by which one can use sets of absorbers to cancel a general periodic torque. These results provide a basis for the design of absorber path configurations and will be relevant to future work in which optimal paths are considered for more general torques.
Recombinant human erythropoietin: physiology, pathophysiology of anemia in renal failure, and economic aspects related to dosing.

The anemia associated with renal failure has been studied for over 150 years. It results primarily from inadequate production of erythropoietin such that plasma levels in dialysis patients are only 25
Beta-Neutrino-Alpha Directional Correlation

The decay involving a beta-alpha cascade is treated. The beta-neutrino- alpha directiorl correlation is immediately derived from the beta-neutrino-gamma angular correlation. The result for allowed beta transitions in the decay scheme j( BETA )j/sub 1/( alpha )j/sub 2/ is given. (W.D.M.)
Activation of the T24 bladder carcinoma transforming gene is linked to a single amino acid change

Several different transforming genes have been observed in the DNA of a variety of tumours and tumour cell lines of human and rodent origin by the ability of these genes to induce morphological transformation in NIH 3T3 cells1-5. The transforming gene found in a human bladder carcinoma cell line, T24, is H-ras-1, the human homologue of the Harvey sarcoma virus oncogene (v-H-ras)6-9. In the present study we have compared the H-ras-1 genes cloned from T24 and normal human DNA. The H-ras-1 gene cloned from T24 DNA induces transformation in NIH 3T3 cells, while the same gene cloned from normal cellular DNA does not. The functionally significant difference between the transforming and normal genes appears to be a single base mutation, which produces an amino acid change in the sequence of the proteins that the genes encode.
Response to and production of prostaglandin by murine thymus, spleen, bone marrow, and lymph node cells.

Abstract Prostaglandins influence cellular immune responses of mice and men. We demonstrated that the proliferation of cells from the spleen, lymph node, bone marrow, and thymus of young adult C57BL/6 mice may be inhibited by exogenous and endogenous prostaglandin E 2 . Thymocytes produced very little prostaglandin in the presence or absence of mitogen; lymph node cells showed no increase in prostaglandin (PG) production with mitogen; bone marrow cells and splenocytes demonstrated fourfold and tenfold increases in production of prostaglandin in the presence of concanavalin A. Bone marrow and thymus cells were more sensitive to PG suppression. The sensitivity of the various cell populations, the quantities of supernate IPG, and augmentation by indomethacin suggest that PG may modulate cell function in the bone marrow, thymus, and spleen, but not in unchallenged lymph node.
Learning from the “family preservation” initiative

Abstract The current controversy over the family preservation initiative raises questions about its effectiveness, value, and appropriateness. Our central thesis is that there is an urgent need to move beyond “either/or” thinking and try to ascertain what we have learned from this initiative and what remain as questions for future knowledge building efforts. Our purpose in this brief essay is to offer a few reflections on the family preservation experience to date, to complement the more thorough research reviews and critical analyses that appear elsewhere in this special issue.
Effects of horizontal refractivity gradients on the accuracy of laser ranging to satellites

Numerous formulas have been developed to partially correct laser ranging data for the effects of atmospheric refraction. All the formulas assume the atmospheric refractivity profile is spherically symmetric. The effects of horizontal refractivity gradients are investigated by ray tracing through spherically symmetric and three-dimensional refractivity profiles. The profiles are constructed from radiosonde data. The results indicate that the horizontal gradients introduce an rms error of approximately 3 cm when the satellite is near 10 deg elevation. The error decreases to a few millimeters near zenith.
Pseudosteady states in semicontinuous emulsion copolymerization

The appearance of pseudo-steady states in semicontinuous emulsion copolymerization is studied. Different correlations between the monomer feed rate and the polymerization reaction rate proposed in the literature for homopolymerization systems can be derived from a unified view as presented in this work. The theoretical analysis for copolymerization systems predicts that the individual consumption rates of both monomers involved assume a constant value if the monomer addition rates are kept constant. Different cases for either fixed radical concentration or seeded polymerization with water-soluble or sparingly water-soluble monomers are considered. The assumptions and results of the analysis are tested against experimental data from the seeded copolymerization of vinyl acetate/n-butyl acrylate.
Acute renal failure in neonates: Incidence, etiology and outcome

Acute renal failure (ARF) occurs in as many as 8% of neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units. Most often, ARF is recognized because of oliguria (urinary flow rate less than 1 ml/kg per hour) although nonoliguric neonatal ARF is being detected with increasing frequency. Among urinary indices utilized to differentiate oliguric neonatal ARF from prerenal oliguria, a fractional excretion of sodium greater than 3% or a renal failure index (RFI) greater than 3 are helpful in confirming ARF. Such indices must be viewed with caution in very premature infants who may have a physiologically high sodium excretion rate and in neonates with the nonoliguric form of ARF. The mortality of oliguric neonatal renal failure may be as high as 60% in medical ARF and even higher in neonates with congenital heart disease, or with anomalies of the genitourinary system. In contrast, nonoliguric renal failure in neonates has an excellent prognosis. Long-term abnormalities in glomerular filtration rate and in renal tubular function are common in survivors of neonatal ARF.
Effects of Isobutylene on Isobutane Isomerization over H-Mordenite

Reaction kinetics studies were conducted of isobutane conversion over H-mordenite at 473 K using a system comprised of two reactors connected in series. The first reactor was loaded with Pt/Sn catalyst and controlled the olefin concentration in the feed to the second reactor containing H-mordenite by varying the dehydrogenation–hydrogenation equilibrium between butanes and butenes. The presence of isobutylene increases the rate of isobutane isomerization and increases the rates of side reactions such as coking and oligomerization/β-scission processes which lead to C3, C5, and C6products. The kinetic data for the production of C3, C4, C5, and C6species were described by a kinetic model involving olefin adsorption/desorption, oligomerization/β-scission, and hydride transfer steps. The rates of oligomerization/β-scission steps involving C4species are faster than the rates of hydride transfer for our reaction conditions.
Association of the GAA1013-->GAG polymorphism of the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) gene with premature pubarche.

Objective A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), the G variant in codon 1013 (GAA1013→GAG) of the insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) receptor ( IGFIR ) gene, has been associated with higher IGF-1 concentrations in Caucasian subjects. Because elevated serum levels of IGF-1 have been described in children with premature pubarche (PP) and in adolescent girls with hyperandrogenism, we tested the a priori hypothesis that the frequency of the A→G variant would be overrepresented among children with PP. Design Case–control association study. Setting University-based pediatric endocrinology practice. Patient(s) Sixty-nine children (63 girls and 6 boys) with PP, 52 adolescent girls with hyperandrogenism, and 92 healthy subjects. Intervention(s) Blood was obtained for genotype analysis, glucose measurement, and hormone (A, insulin, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and T) determinations. Main Outcome Measure(s) Frequency of the SNP in the IGF1R gene and correlation of this SNP with hormone concentrations. Result(s) Distribution of the G allele was statistically significantly different between the children with PP and the healthy control subjects, independent of insulin sensitivity. Conclusion(s) This common SNP in the IGF1R gene may be associated with PP caused by premature adrenarche in children. Because PP has been associated with higher IGF-1 concentrations, these data suggest a potential molecular basis for prior clinical observations of elevated IGF-1 concentrations in children with PP.
Bioremediation as a technology: Experiences with the Exxon Valdez oil spill

Abstract The results from our oil spill bioremediation project have demonstrated convincingly that fertilizers can be applied to oiled beaches to overcome nutrient limitations, thereby enhancing biodegradation of the oil. In Prince William Sound, the natural biodegradation rate of oil on the beaches was found to be quite high, primarily because of small concentrations of ammonia and phosphate in seawater that are introduced into the beach material with each tide. However, the addition of fertilizers was capable of increasing this biodegradation as much as two to three fold above background activity. In addition, the extent of enhanced degradation was such that beaches became visually cleaner and aesthetically improved.
Bilateral renal agenesis in three consecutive siblings

We report here an unusual recurrence of bilateral renal agenesis (BRA) in three consecutive siblings. Chromosome analysis was normal, as were renal ultrasound studies on both parents and their surviving child. Ultrasound was employed prenatally to diagnose Potter's syndrome in both of the recurrences, and autopsy confirmed BRA in otherwise normal fetuses. Recurrence of BRA points to the usefulness of ultrasound in monitoring subsequent pregnancies in couples who have had one such occurrence. Ultrasound studies should also be performed in non-affected family members to detect the presence of asymptomatic anomalies of the genitourinary system, but a negative family study does not preclude recurrence of BRA.
Theorizing a Coalition-Engendered Education: The Case Of the Boston Women’s Health Book Collective’s Body Education:

Concurring with Cunningham’s assessment of the need for a counterhegemonic vision of critical pedagogy in adult education thought and practice, this article theorizes a coalition-engendered education as a specific type of emancipatory pedagogy common in North America. Examining the Boston Women’s Health Book Collective’s body education as an exemplar of coalitionengendered education, this article compares and contrasts coalition-engendered education with the more familiar Freirean critical pedagogy, drawing important implications for both the theory and practice of adult education.
Time course of the hepatic adaptation to TPN: interaction with glycogen depletion

In response to chronic (5 days) TPN, the liver becomes a major site of glucose disposal, removing ∼45% (4.5 mg·kg−1·min−1) of exogenous glucose. Moreover, ∼70% of glucose is not stored but released...
Drug therapy in borderline patients

The response of McLean inpatients meeting interview criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) to drug therapy was studied by retrospective chart review. Diagnostic criteria for Major Depression and Schizophrenia were also applied to the charts. Patients meeting criteria for both BPD and Major Depressive Disorder showed improvement both on tricyclic antidepressants and on antipsychotics. Patients with Schizophrenic Disorder or with some schizophrenic symptoms responded to antipsychotics while patients not fitting in either group tended not to improve on either type of drug therapy.
PS1-56: Beyond Barriers: Systemic Constraints Limiting Sexual Health Care for Breast Cancer Survivors

Background/Aims Sexual health problems represent one of the most frequently experienced and longest-lasting effects of breast cancer treatment, but research suggests that providers rarely discuss sexual health with their patients. Existing research examining barriers to addressing the sexual health concerns of cancer patients has focused on discrete characteristics of the provider-patient interaction without considering the broader context in which these interactions occur. Drawing on focus group discussions with breast cancer survivors, we explore how foundational cultural and structural characteristics of the healthcare system may be preventing breast cancer survivors from addressing their sexual health concerns.