cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Murine monoclonal antibodies specific for conserved and non-conserved antigenic determinants of the human and murine Ku autoantigens

The Ku autoantigen is a DNA binding factor consisting of 70 and ∼80 kDa proteins (p70 and p80, respectively) which form a heterodimer. The p70/p80 dimer appears to be crucial for the function of a 350 kDa DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) that phosphorylates certain transcription factorsin vitro. Previous studies have suggested that Ku is abundant in primate cells, but undetectable in most non-primate cells. However, it is unclear if this reflects low abundance of Ku (and possibly DNA-PK activity) in non-primate cells, a lack of antibodies crossreactive with non-primate Ku proteins, or both. Ku was first identified with human autoimmune sera, but the suitability of these sera for studying the distribution, abundance and function of Ku is limited by the polyclonal immune response to Ku and the presence of contaminating autoantibodies in most patients' sera. In the present studies, we determined the specificities of murine anti-Ku monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) using cellular Ku as well as recombinant human and murine Ku antigens. Immunofluorescence studies confirmed previous observations that Ku is undetectable in most nonprimate cells. However, small amounts of Ku could be detected in MOPC-315, but not L-929, cells by immunoprecipitating with mAb 162. In addition, autoantibodies to Ku were identified in the sera of ∼1/3 of MRL/lpr mice. The murine autoantibodies also immunoprecipitated a small amount of Ku (comparable to that seen with 162) from MOPC-315, but not L-929, cell lysates. Characterization of the mAb specificities by immunoblot analysis with Ku fusion proteins revealed that mAbs 111, S10B1, and N9C1 bound to distinct epitopes of human p80 (amino acids 610–705, 8–221, and 1–374, respectively). All three mAbs were unreactive with murine p80. MAbs N3H10 and S5C11 bound immediately adjacent to the DNA binding site of p70 (amino acids 506–541). Only N3H10 displayed comparable reactivity with human and murine p70 on immunoblots, but it immunoprecipitated murine Ku poorly. S5C11 crossreacted more weakly with murine p70 on immunoblots, whereas 162 was completely unreactive with human or murine Ku on immunoblots, despite immunoprecipitating Ku efficiently. Studies with mAbs N3H10 and 162 suggest that the level of Ku is considerably lower in nonprimate cells than cells of primate origin, and that L-929 cells express little or no Ku protein. These mAbs constitute a panel of immunological reagents reactive with defined regions of the Ku autoantigen which should be useful for examining the assembly and function of Ku.
Elevated levels of cellular and extracellular phospholipases from pathogenic Naegleria fowleri

Phospholipase A, sphingomyelinase and lysophospholipase activities were examined in cell homogenates and cell-free culture media of virulent and virulent-attenuated Naegleria fowleri and nonpathogenic Naegleria gruberi. Homogenates of virulent N. fowleri contained from 3 to 250 times the lipolytic activity of virulent-attenuated and non-pathogenic Naegleria spp. Similarly, the cell-free media of virulent N. fowleri cultures contained large quantities of phospholipase A, lysophospholipase and sphingomyelinase while comparable activities in the cell-free media of virulent-attenuated and nonpathogenic Naegleria spp. were only slightly, if at all, detectable. Lipolytic enzymes accumulated in the media of virulent N. fowleri cultures at various stages during growth but not in virulent-attenuated and nonpathogenic Naegleria cultures. In general, phospholipase A and sphingomyelinase accumulated during the log phase of growth while lysophospholipase appeared only in the late stationary phase. We conclude that pathogenic Naegleria contain potent lipolytic enzymes that are released selectively into the media during growth. These enzymes could contribute to the pathogenesis of Naegleria-induced primary amoebic meningoencephalitis.
Alar Rotation Flap for Small Defects of the Ala

Background.Surgical defects of the alar lobule can be difficult to repair with aesthetically pleasing results. Full-thickness skin grafts are often smoother than the sebaceous skin of the ala. Random patterned flaps from the cheek or proximal nose usually bridge and obliterate the supra-alar crease
Follicle-stimulating hormone stimulates ovarian synthesis of proteoglycans in the estrogen-stimulated hypophysectomized immature female rat.

FSH stimulates antrum formation, but the mechanisms involved have remained obscure. Because antral fluid contains proteoglycans, we have studied the incorporation of 35SC4 into ovarian proteoglycans in estrogen-primed hypophysectomized immature female rats in which antrum formation was stimulated by administration of ovine FSH, highly purified human FSH, and/or hCG. Two days after hypophysectomy and insertion of a silastic capsule containing diethylstilbestrol, graded doses of ovine FSH (NIH S-ll) were injected sc twice daily for 4 days. On day 4, 35SC4 (200–300 /μCi) was given ip and the animals were sacrificed 24 h later. The ovaries were homogenized, the 100,000 × g supernatants filtered through 0.025 μn Millipore filters, and the non-filterable radioactivity determined. The non-filterable radioactivity was macromolecular proteoglycans, because incubation with chondroitinases AC or ABC (with or without papain pretreatment) resulted in a 75% decrease in non-filterable radioactivity, and the degradation ...
Fabricating in-fiber gratings in single-crystal sapphire fiber

In this paper, we propose an innovative extremely harsh environment (up to 2000°C) distributed temperature sensor by fabricating in-fiber gratings in single crystal sapphire fibers. Temperature is sensed by changing grating optical spectral response. By cascading a set of gratings in the same single crystal sapphire fiber, distributed sensing can be achieved. A quantitative analysis on grating design, fabrication, and performance is presented. Some preliminary experimental results are also reported. Application of this unique in-fiber grating to extremely harsh environment temperature sensor will be performed in the near future.
Labor markets in Latin America: a look at the supply-side

Abstract This work asks whether there is a supply-side story to be told about labor market outcomes in Latin America. We present stylized facts about the connection between the demographic transition and changes in education (the size and quality of the labor force), with labor supply, inequality, and unemployment. The main conclusion is that the neglected topics of demographics and education improve our understanding of the overall decline in employment, the changing pattern of unemployment, and the rise in wage inequality. By adding them to the well-established demand and institutional factors behind these outcomes, we can obtain a clearer picture about labor markets in Latin America.
Simultaneous analyses and applications of multiple fluorobenzoate and halide tracers in hydrologic studies

An analytical method that employs ion chromatography has been developed to more fully exploit the use of fluorobenzoic acids (FBAs) and halides as hydrologic tracers. In a single run, this reliable, sensitive, and robust method can simultaneously separate and quantify halides (fluoride, chloride, bromide, and iodide) and up to seven FBAs from other common groundwater constituents (e.g., nitrate and sulfate). The usefulness of this ion chromatographic (IC) analytical method is demonstrated in both field and laboratory tracer experiments. Field experiments in unsaturated tuff featuring fractures or a fault show that this efficient and cost-effective method helps achieve the objectives of tracer studies that use multiple FBAs and/or diffusivity tracers (simultaneous use of one or more FBA and halide). The field study examines the hydrologic response of fractures and the matrix to different flow rates and the contribution of matrix diffusion in chemical transport. Laboratory tracer experiments with eight geologic media from across the United States--mostly from Department of Energy facilities where groundwater contamination is prevalent and where subsurface characterization employing tracers has been ongoing or is in need--reveal several insights about tracer transport behavior: (1) Bromide and FBAs are not always transported conservatively. (2) The delayed transport of these anionicmore » tracers is likely related to geologic media characteristics, such as organic matter, pH, iron oxide content, and clay mineralogy. (3) Any use of iodine as a hydrologic tracer should take into account the different sorption behaviors of iodide and iodate and the possible conversion of iodine's initial chemical form. (4) The transport behavior of potential FBA and halide tracers under relevant geochemical conditions should be evaluated before beginning ambitious, large-scale field tracer experiments.« less
SU‐E‐T‐111: Radiochromic Film Measurements of Small Field Surface Doses from Flattened and Unflattened 6MV and 10MV Beams

Purpose: To measure surface doses from small fields from flattened and unflattened 6MV and 10MV photon beams using radiochromic film.Methods: GAFCHROMIC EBT2 film was used in a solid water phantom to make surface dose measurements from photon beams generated by a Varian TrueBeam Stx linac. Four energies were included: 6MV and 10MV, as well as two corresponding flattening filter free beams (6FFF and 10FFF). The field sizes considered where 10, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 cm2. One 3×3 cm piece of EBT2 film was irradiated at the surface and at dmax in a solid water phantom for every energy and field size. Films were also placed at dmax and irradiated to obtain a calibration curve. All films were scanned in an EPSON V700 flatbed scanner and analyzed according to established protocols using in‐house developed software. Results: The measurements of surface dose for each field were normalized by the dose measured at dmax. Surface doses ranged from 10% for a 1 cm2 6MV field to 25% for a 10 cm2 6MV field. The ranges for other energies were 16–33%, 5–17%, and 10– 17% for 6FFF, 10MV, and 10FFF, respectively. As expected, the surface dose for both 6MV and 6FFF fields are higher than surface doses from 10MV and 10FFF fields. The surface dose relative to dmax is shown to be a monotonically increasing function of field size. Unflattened beams exhibit a higher surface dose in comparison to flattened beams and this discrepancy is larger for 6MV and 6FFF fields Conclusions: This work makes use of a simple technique for measuring surface doses from small fields relevant to SRS and SBRT, taking advantage of the high resolution offered by radiochromic film. The surface dose measured for a range of standard and small field sizes for flattened and unflattened beams has been presented.
Enhancement of the normal pancreas: comparison of manganese-DPDP and gadolinium chelate

The purpose of this paper was to compare manganese-DPDP (Mn-DPDP) and gadolinium chelate (Gd-DTPA) contrast agents for enhancement of the normal pancreas. A total of 14 patients with focal liver disease underwent Mn-DPDP and Gd-DTPA-enhanced 1.5T MR examinations using spoiled gradient-echo (FLASH) technique at tw separate times. Contrast agents were injected according to the currently recommended practices: GD-DTPA was injected as a rapid bolus injection in a dosage of 0.1 mmol/kg, and Mn-DPDP was injected as a slow IV injection in a dosage of 5 μmol/kg. Quantitative region of interest measurements were made in 11 patients, and percent contrast enhancement of the pancreas and pancreas-fat signal-to noise ratios (SNR) were determined for each agent. Images were also evaluated qualitatively by consensus reading of two investigators and overall scan quality was rated on a scale from 1 (poor) to 4 (very good). Enhancement of the pancreas immediately post Gd-DTPA was significantly higher than 15 min post Mn-DPDP (73.3 vs 36.3%;p = 0.003). On postcontrast images the pancreas-fat SNR measurements were 7.7 (i.e., pancreas higher in signal than fat) and 6.1 for Gd-DTPA and Mn-DPDP, respectively, which was significantly different (p < 0.001). Imagine quality was rated as 3.1 and 2.5 for Gd-DTPA- and Mn-DPDP-enhanced images respectively. The normal pancreas enhances significantly more with Gd-DTPA than with Mn-DPDP administered under the conditions of this study. Overall image quality is also greater on the Gd-DTPA-enhanced images.
AT-1.1: A thymus-specific alloantigen of chickens

A thymocyte-specific alloantigen, designated AT (avian thymus) −1.1, has been detected in Cornell C strain (CS) and Obese strain (OS) chickens, the latter being a strain derived from CS which develops a spontaneous form of autoimmune thyroiditis (SAT). Antisera specific for this antigen were developed first in a turkey immunized with thymocytes from an OS chicken and, later, in AT-1.1-negative CS chickens immunized with AT-1.1-positive thymocytes. AT-1.1 was detected in 50–70% of cells in a thymus cell suspension, but was not seen on peripheral blood lymphocytes, erythrocytes, or cells from bursa, spleen, kidney, liver, or brain. It was present on thymocytes of chickens at all ages tested, from 1 day to 6 months of age. AT-1.1 was not detected in six chicken lymphoid tumor cell lines tested, and birds expressing it were found to be negative for the presence of Marek's disease viral antigens. Pedigree studies on 287 (OS × CS)F2 chickens demonstrated that AT-1.1 is expressed in a dominant or codominant manner, and the gene coding for this antigen was not linked to the B (major histocompatibility) complex. The genetics and tissue distributions of AT-1.1 indicate that it differs from thymus cell surface antigens, avian or mammalian, previously described.
Effect of listener age and situation on the politeness of children's directives

Twenty-one children between the ages of 4∶6 and 5∶2 years made a speaker doll address other dolls that represented an adult, a peer, and a younger listener in command and request situations. Analyses of the politeness of the elicited directives revealed that the effect of the listener's age was greatest in the command situations,with the adult listener receiving the politest directives, followed by the peer and the younger child, respectively. The listener age effect diminished in the request situations, where the child had to ask a favor of the listener. In these situations, the children were very polite to all three listeners. The results are discussed in terms of status relationships between the speaker and the listener.
Dynorphin A Processing Enzyme: Tissue Distribution, Isolation, and Characterization.

Limited proteolysis of the dynorphin precursor (prodynorphin) at dibasic and monobasic processing sites results in the generation of bioactive dynorphins. In the brain and neurointermediate lobe of the pituitary, prodynorphin is processed to produce alpha and beta neo endorphins, dynorphins (Dyn) A-17 and Dyn A-8, Dyn B-13, and leucine-enkephalin. The formation of Dyn A-8 from Dyn A-17 requires a monobasic cleavage between Ile and Arg. We have identified an enzymatic activity capable of processing at this monobasic site in the rat brain and neurointermediate lobe of the bovine pituitary; this enzyme is designated "dynorphin A-17 processing enzyme." In the rat brain and neurointermediate lobe, a majority of the Dyn A processing enzyme activity is membrane-associated and can be released by treatment with 1% Triton X-100. This enzyme has been purified to apparent homogeneity from the membrane extract of the neurointermediate lobe using preparative iso-electrofocussing in a granulated gel pH 3.5 to 10, FPLC using anion exchange chromatography, and non-denaturing electrophoresis. The Dyn A processing enzyme exhibits a pI of about 5.8 and a molecular mass of about 65 kDa under reducing conditions. The Dyn A processing enzyme is a metalloprotease and has a neutral pH optimum. It exhibits substantial sensitivity to metal chelating agents and thiol agents suggesting that this enzyme is a thiol-sensitive metalloprotease. Specific inhibitors of other metallopeptidases such as enkephalinase [EC 3.4.24.11], the enkephalin generating neutral endopeptidase [EC 3.4.24.15], or NRD convertase do not inhibit the Dyn A processing enzyme activity. In contrast, specific inhibitors of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibit the activity. The purified enzyme is able to process a number of neuropeptides at both monobasic and dibasic sites. These characteristics are consistent with a role for the Dyn A processing enzyme in the processing of Dyn A-17 and other neuropeptides in the brain.
Non-parametric hazard rate estimation of hard failures with known mileage accumulation rates in vehicle population

Major automobile companies spend billions of dollars annually towards warranty costs. Engineers carry out field reliability studies to obtain appropriate feedback for design, manufacturing, and/or service fix that help to reduce the high warranty costs. Warranty claims data, however, are known to be messy and need to be carefully used during statistical modelling and analysis to extract useful feedback. Hazard rate estimation is an important step for reliability and design engineers in obtaining a meaningful feedback from warranty claims data. The methodology discussed in this paper uses mileage accumulation rates in the vehicle population to calculate the number of vehicles at risk of a warranty claim at the start of a month and to provide a non-parametric estimate of the hazard rate. Although there are many books and articles that discuss reliability and hazard rate analysis in such a situation, this article provides a simple and stepwise methodology with an application example for component/sub-system level hazard rate estimation when dealing with automobile warranty data.
Immunocytochemical localization of human papilloma virus and cytomorphologic correlation in smears and biopsies of cervical flat condylomata.

The cytomorphologic features in cervical biopsies and smears associated with human papilloma virus antigen (Ag) expression as demonstrated by immunoperoxidase staining techniques are presented. There was good concordance between cytology and biopsy results with respect to immunoperoxidase staining for human papilloma virus Ag. Cytomorphologic scoring of low-grade lesions (cervical intraepithelial neoplasias, grades 0 and I) showed atypical mitoses, macronucleated koilocytes, superficial cell keratohyaline granules, and multinucleation to be more frequent in Ag+ biopsy specimens. Chronic inflammation was more evident in Ag- biopsy specimens (P < 0.05). Parakeratosis was more frequent in Ag+ cytologic specimens. Koilocytosis was not a reliable indicator of Ag expression in either preparation. Human papilloma virus (HPV) Ag testing by immunoperoxidase techniques appears to be a useful adjunct for screening low-grade atypias of the cervix. Diagn Cytopathol 1986;2:320-325.
If You Provide It, Will They Read It? Response Time Effects in a Choice Experiment

Substantial effort is expended in the design of surveys, including the amount and type of information they contain. However, we often do not know how involved respondents are in reading and processing the informational content of a survey and making choices, and whether different levels of involvement result in systematic differences in estimated models. To address this issue, we recorded response times for each respondent of an internet-based choice experiment for stream restoration. Response times per survey section and for the entire survey were used as proxies for the amount of involvement in reading information provided or answering choice questions. Response times per survey section fell rapidly, possibly signaling learning, use of heuristics, or attempts to quickly dispel with the survey. Response times were found to be independent of demographics and attitudes. Log-likelihood ratio tests failed to reject the null hypotheses of equal coefficients and scale parameters across response time-partitioned data. However, there exists an association between response times and the increasing learning curve or difficult choice trade-offs, suggesting a heuristic response. Additional research on response time effects and survey design is needed, especially with the rise in electronic surveying media. D'enormes efforts sont investis dans la conception de sondages, notamment pour determiner la quantite et le type d'information presentee. Toutefois, nous ne savons pas combien de temps les repondants consacrent a la lecture et au traitement de cette information et au choix des reponses, ni si les divers degres de participation entrainent ou non des differences systematiques dans les modeles estimes. Pour s'attaquer a cette question, nous avons chronometre les personnes qui ont repondu a un sondage en ligne sur la restauration des cours d'eau. Nous avons utilise le temps de reponse pour chaque section et pour le sondage au complet comme mesure approximative de l'effort des participants pour lire l'information et repondre aux questions. Pour chaque section, le temps de reponse diminuait rapidement, soit en raison des connaissances heuristiques des repondants, soit en raison de leur desir d'effectuer le sondage le plus rapidement possible. Le temps de reponse s'est revele independant des caracteristiques demographiques et des attitudes des repondants. Des tests du rapport de vraisemblance n'ont pas rejete les hypotheses nulles de coefficients egaux et de parametres d'echelle de l'ensemble des donnees cloisonnees. Toutefois, il existe un lien entre le temps de reponse et la courbe d'apprentissage croissante ou la difficulte des choix, ce qui laisse supposer une reponse heuristique. Il faudrait effectuer davantage de recherche sur les effets du temps consacre pour repondre a un sondage et pour le concevoir, en raison du nombre croissant de sondages en ligne.
A bioluminescent immunoassay for methotrexate at the subpicomole level.

Abstract A bioluminescent immunoassay has been developed for measuring methotrexate. Methotrexate was covalently linked to firefly luciferase resulting in a product containing two methotrexates per mole of luciferase. This derivatized enzyme retained 60% of its catalytic activity. The luciferase-methotrexate was bound by antibody raised against methotrexate-hemocyanin. The rate of binding was essentially the same as binding of free methotrexate. When the enzyme conjugate was incubated with varying concentrations of free methotrexate and the antibody, the amount of the enzyme-conjugate bound was inversely proportional to the concentration of free methotrexate. Using this procedure it is possible to detect 2.5 pmoles of methotrexate. A double antibody technique had an increased sensitivity and as little as 0.5 picomoles could be measured reproducibly.
Computerized visual communication as an alternative communication system and therapeutic tool

Abstract Computerized visual communication (C-VIC) is an alternative communication system implemented on a Macintosh personal computer. This system is designed around the residual cognitive strengths of aphasie patients and relieves them of some of the processing burdens of natural language. For some patients, C-VIC has provided a qualitative increase in communicative abilities. Directions for future investigations into aphasia therapy using C-VIC are discussed in the context of current theories of language production.
Fluency Training in Phoneme Blending: A Preliminary Study of Generalized Effects

We examined the generalized effects of training children to fluently blend phonemes of words containing target vowel teams on their reading of trained and untrained words in lists and passages. Three second-grade students participated. A subset of words containing each of 3 target vowel teams (aw, oi, and au) was trained in lists, and generalization was assessed to untrained words in lists, trained and untrained words in target passages, and novel words in generalization passages. A multiple probe design across vowel teams revealed generalized increases in oral reading accuracy for target words presented in both lists and passages for all 3 students on 2 vowel teams and for 1 student on all 3 vowel teams. Generalized increases in oral reading fluency in both lists and passages were found for all 3 students on the vowel team that was trained to a fluency criterion, with two students showing increases prior to training on the other two vowel teams. Implications of these results for building fluency in prerequisite phonemic awareness skills as an intervention for promoting generalized oral reading fluency are discussed.
PWB Build‐up Technologies: Smaller, Thinner and Lighter

Ball grid arrays, chip‐sized grid arrays, direct chip attach and flip chip are packages which are increasingly penetrating the market. However, the challenge to PCB fabricators will be how to meet the need imposed by these packages in terms of increased circuit density. Shrinking traces and spaces certainly offer some relief, but traces below 3 mils on 2 mil core will not meet the signal integrity requirements of high speed logic. The real opportunity to increase density is the reduction of via diameters and the adoption of alternative via structures. Non‐drilled vias offer the newest opportunity to increase board density while also reducing costs and board thickness. This paper looks at twelve ‘build‐up technologies’ that all employ non‐drilled vias as well as buried and blind vias. The design rules, materials, manufacturing process, structures, reliability and applications of many of these will be examined and compared. Highlighted will be the application to PCMCIA card (PC card) design and fabrication....
Linear-induction-accelerator beam-energy-spread minimization: Cell models and timing optimization

The second axis (Axis II) of the Dual-Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test (DARHT) facility at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a linear induction accelerator (LIA) using 74 cells, each driven by a separate pulsed-power modulator. The summation of the injector and 74 cell voltages is the beam-energy temporal profile. The ability to perform precise multi-pulse radiography is heavily influenced by the temporal beam energy spread, related beam motion, and other focusing and target factors. Beam loading affects both the shape and magnitude of each cell's voltage during the pulse. Ideally, each pulsed-power modulator/cell pair is tuned such that the loaded-cell voltage is flat with minimal amplitude variation during the pulse. However, changes in operating parameters on Axis II (beam current, operating cell voltage) have altered the amount of flattop variation resulting in more energy spread than when commissioned. In this paper, we present an optimization and synthesis method which minimizes the beam's temporal energy spread by adjusting the timing of cell voltages, either advancing or retarding them, such that the injector voltage plus the summed cell voltages in the LIA result in a flatter energy profile. The method accepts as inputs the beam current, injector voltage, cell-voltages, and synthesizes loaded cell voltages as needed. Simulations and experimental data for both unloaded and loaded-cell timing optimizations are presented. For the unloaded cells, the pre-optimization baseline energy spread was reduced by over 30 % as compared to baseline. For the loaded-cell case, the measured energy spread was reduced by 49% compared to baseline.
Monte Carlo investigation of the resonating-valence-bond ground state and a lattice statistical model.

We have suggested that the properties of the resonating-valence-bond (RVB) ground state can usefully be studied first by a correspondence with a lattice statistics model, and second by embedding this RVB point into a larger family of lattice statistical models---the loop gas. The nature of this loop gas---correlations, phase transitions, and order parameters---is studied in this paper by means of Monte Carlo techniques, on lattices of up to 4608 sites or 9216 bonds. An ordered phase is identified with divergent susceptibility and an order parameter which has the topology of a circle. Since the model is two dimensional, the phase transition is expected to be of Kosterlitz-Thouless (KT) type. The RVB point is within this ordered KT phase.
Time-course of adiposity and fasting insulin from childhood to young adulthood in offspring of parents with coronary artery disease: the Bogalusa Heart Study.

Abstract PURPOSE: Obesity and the attendant insulin resistance/hyperinsulinemia related to coronary artery disease (CAD) morbidity and mortality are well documented. However, information is lacking on the time-course relation of adiposity and fasting insulin from childhood to young adulthood in offspring of parents with CAD, a surrogate measure of future risk. METHODS: Longitudinal analysis was performed on data collected from the Bogalusa Heart Study cohort with ( n = 271) and without ( n = 805) a parental history of CAD followed since childhood by repeated surveys from 1973 to 1991. RESULTS: Lowess smoothing and multivariate analyses using Generalized Estimating Equations revealed that body mass index, triceps, and subscapular skinfolds were consistently higher from childhood to adulthood in offspring of parents with CAD history. Insulin levels during childhood and adolescence were lower in the offspring with affected parents. On the other hand, higher levels of fasting insulin from offspring were associated with positive parental history of CAD after age 20 and this association remained significant even after adjusting for body mass index. There was no significant interaction with race or sex in these relationships. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the offspring at high risk for CAD develop excess body fatness beginning in childhood and then later manifest hyperinsulinemia in young adulthood. These observations have important implications for prevention.
Studies in cryoprotection II: Propylene glycol and glycerol.

Abstract Propylene glycol (PG), glycerol (G), or a combination of both were introduced into and eluted from 116 rabbit kidneys. The function of the kidneys was then studied on an ex vivo shunt by determining bloodflow and creatinine clearance. The cryoprotective agents (CPAs) were introduced and eluted at the rate of about 30 mM/min in an albumin-Ringer's lactate perfusate. In this system, 1.75 to 2.25 M cryoprotectant could be introduced and removed with no demonstrable loss of function. Significant injury was incurred at and above 2.5 M concentrations. When a combination of PG and G (equal proportions) was utilized, both 2.5 and 2.75 M total concentrations were tolerated by the kidney, with no loss of function. These studies demonstrate that in this very rigorous test system, cryoprotectant-induced injury can be significantly diminished by combining two agents of low toxicity. This suggests that osmotic injury may be enhanced by specific toxicities of cryoprotective agents, which can be minimized by using combinations, such as was done in these studies. Also, it has been shown that PG is at least as low in toxicity in the rabbit kidney as is G.
Review of Multilevel Modeling and Multilevel Studies in The Journal of Educational Research (1992-2002)

The authors provide (a) an introduction to multilevel modeling, a framework from which one may interpret and evaluate multilevel models and (b) a brief review of multilevel modeling studies published in The Journal of Educational Research over the last decade. To accomplish the 1st purpose, we offer an illustrated multilevel analysis of educational data, then present recommendations for consideration by readers who are interested in understanding and evaluating research that employs multilevel models. We then review 8 studies published in The Journal of Educational Research during 1992-2002 that incorporate multilevel modeling, one of which was written by the 1st author.
Opioid-hallucinogen interactions

Before the advent of neuroleptics, opioids such as morphine were used occasionally in the treatment of schizophrenia and other mental disorders. Recent interest in the possible therapeutic role of endogenous opioid peptides in various mental states has prompted a new look at the opioids. The present paper summarizes the research to date in the author's laboratory on opioid-hallucinogen interactions. A model behavioral state was induced in rats with N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) or lysergic acid diethylamide-25 (LSD). Several mu opioid agonists, antagonists, and synthetic enkephalin analogs interacted with DMT and LSD. Adult male Holtzman rats trained on a positive reinforcement fixed ratio four (FR4) behavioral schedule (i.e., a reward of 0.01 ml sugar-sweetened milk was earned on every fourth bar press) were used in these studies. DMT (3.2 and 10.0 mg/kg) given with a 0.9% NaCl pretreatment IP, disrupted established food rewarded FR4 bar pressing behavior in a dose related fashion. Pre-determined behaviorally ineffective doses of mu opioid agonists showed selective biphasic effects against DMT and LSD. Low doses antagonized the effects of both hallucinogens, whereas larger doses enhanced their effects. In contrast to the antagonistic effects of low doses of mu opioid agonists, the mu-kappa opioid antagonist (-)-naloxone enhanced the effects of DMT and LS. (-)-Naloxone enhanced the effects of DMT and LSD. Potentiation of DMT-induced behavioral disruption was attributed to a stereospecific opioid antagonist effect of (-)-naloxone in that the (+)-naloxone enantiomer failed to potentiate the effects of DMT. Further studies are indicated to determine hallucinogen-opioid interactions in various species, including man.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Management of biliary perforation in children

Background: To study the aetiology, management and outcome of biliary perforations in paediatric age group. Patients and Methods: In a retrospective study, the records of patients presented with biliary peritonitis due to biliary perforations, managed from March 2006 to July 2009, are reviewed. Results: Eight male patients with biliary peritonitis due to biliary perforation were managed. These patients were divided in two groups, A and B. Group A, (n = 3) patients, had common bile duct (CBD) perforation, and Group B (n=5) patients had gallbladder perforation. The presenting features were abdominal pain, fever, abdominal distension, vomiting, constipation, jaundice and signs of peritonism. The management of CBD perforations in Group A was by draining the site of perforation and biliary diversion (tube cholecystostomy). In Group B, the gallbladder perforations were managed by tube cholecystostomy in four patients and cholecystectomy in one patient, however, one patient had to be re-explored and cholecystectomy performed due to complete necrosis of gall bladder. There was no mortality in our series. All patients were asymptomatic on regular follow-up. Conclusion: Early optimal management of biliary perforations remarkably improved the very high mortality and morbidity that characterised this condition in the past.
LIVE-LOAD DISTRIBUTION FACTORS IN PRESTRESSED CONCRETE GIRDER BRIDGES

This paper presents an evaluation of flexural live-load distribution factors for a series of three-span prestressed concrete girder bridges. The response of one bridge, measured during a static live-load test, was used to evaluate the reliability of a finite-element model scheme. Twenty-four variations of this model were then used to evaluate the procedures for computing flexural live-load distribution factors that are embodied in three bridge design codes. The finite-element models were also used to investigate the effects that lifts, intermediate diaphragms, end diaphragms, continuity, skew angle, and load type have on distribution factors. For geometries similar to those considered in the development of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Load and Resistance Factor Design Specifications, the distribution factors computed with the finite-element models were within 6% of the code values. However, for the geometry of the bridge that was tested, the discrepancy was 28%. Lifts, end diaphragms, skew angle, and load type significantly decreased the distribution factors, while continuity and intermediate diaphragms had the least effect. If the bridge had been designed using the distribution factors calculated with the finite-element model rather than the code values, the required concrete release strength could have been reduced by 6.9 MPa (1,000 psi) or the live load could have been increased by 39%.
Combination of a virtual wave and the reciprocity theorem to analyse surface wave generation on a transversely isotropic solid

At some distance from a high-rate source in an elastic half-space, the dominant wave motion at the free surface is a Rayleigh surface wave. The calculation of surface waves generated by a concentrated force in a half-space is a basic problem in elastodynamics. By straightforward manipulations, the result can be used to obtain surface waves for other kinds of wave-generating body-force arrangements. For example, appropriate combinations of double-forces (or dipoles) can be used to represent the surface loading due to laser irradiation, or due to acoustic emission from the opening of a sub-surface crack or from sliding over a fault surface. The surface wave motion is usually obtained by the application of integral transform techniques and the subsequent extraction of the surface waves as the contributions from poles in the integral for the inverse transform. In this paper, we use a much simpler approach based on the elastodynamic reciprocity theorem. We consider a transversely isotropic solid whose axis of ...
Nematic Bubbles in Freely Suspended Liquid Crystal Films

Abstract Nematic bubbles form in smectic freely suspended liquid crystal films when they are heated well above the bulk smectic to nematic transition temperature. In thin films, nematic droplets form and cause rapid film rupture. In some films, individual layers are seen to sweep off the surface, depending on the temperature, the thickness and the substrate. In thick films, these droplets occasionally remain stable for long periods. The shape of the droplets (in plane and perpendicular to the plane) allows determination of the local surface tension. A variety of dynamics are seen as a precursor to film rupture. Occasionally, isotropic regions are seen to form on these thick films before they rupture.
Influences on Bythotrephes longimanus life-history characteristics in the Great Lakes

Abstract We compared Bythotrephes population demographics and dynamics to predator (planktivorous fish) and prey (small-bodied crustacean zooplankton) densities at a site sampled through the growing season in Lakes Michigan, Huron, and Erie. Although seasonal average densities of Bythotrephes were similar across lakes (222/m 2 Erie, 247/m 2 Huron, 162/m 2 Michigan), temporal trends in abundance differed among lakes. In central Lake Erie where Bythotrephes' prey assemblage was dominated by small individuals (60%), where planktivorous fish densities were high (14,317/ha), and where a shallow water column limited availability of a deepwater refuge, the Bythotrephes population was characterized by a small mean body size, large broods with small neonates, allocation of length increases mainly to the spine rather than to the body, and a late summer population decline. By contrast, in Lake Michigan where Bythotrephes' prey assemblage was dominated by large individuals (72%) and planktivorous fish densities were lower (5052/ha), the Bythotrephes population was characterized by a large mean body size (i.e., 37–55% higher than in Erie), small broods with large neonates, nearly all growth in body length occurring between instars 1 and 2, and population persistence into fall. Life-history characteristics in Lake Huron tended to be intermediate to those found in Lakes Michigan and Erie, reflecting lower overall prey and predator densities (1224/ha) relative to the other lakes. Because plasticity in life history can affect interactions with other species, our findings point to the need to understand life-history variation among Great Lakes populations to improve our ability to model the dynamics of these ecosystems.
A model of chronic hypotony in the rabbit.

• Background: Chronic hypotony is an important cause of functional failure after proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) surgery even if the retina is successfully reattached. The purpose of this study was to create a relevant model of chronic hypotony in the rabbit. • Methods: Eighteen pigmented rabbits weighing 3–4 kg were used in our experiment. We performed pars plana lensectomy on 14 eyes of 14 rabbits with a fragmatome and a vitreous cutter. At the end of surgery, we injected 0.2 ml of phosphatebuffered saline containing 100000 cultured rabbit dermal fibroblasts over the epiciliary area. As a control, we performed pars plana lensectomy alone on four eyes of four rabbits. The intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured on days 7, 14, 21, 28. Two rabbits were killed on day 7 and prepared for histology. Two additional rabbits were killed on day 14, and the remaining ten rabbits were killed on day 28. • Results: All 14 eyes following lensectomy and fibroblast injection had an IOP less than 5 mm Hg on each follow-up and a mean of 2.5±0.6 mm Hg (mean±SD) on day 28. Four control eyes with lensectomy alone had an IOP of 7.5±2.1 mm Hg on day 28 (P<0.05). On gross examination, we identified a variety of pathologic changes, including the development of a fibrous translucent epiciliary membrane that caused distortion of ciliary processes, iridociliary adhesion and anterior displacement of the peripheral retina on day 28. Microscopic examination of eyes obtained on day 28 showed changes in the ciliary epithelium that included absence or atrophy of the non-pigmented ciliary epithelium, atrophy and cystic vacuolization of the pigmented ciliary epithelium, and interstitital edema of the ciliary body stroma. • Conclusion: We have created a model of chronic hypotony with epiciliary membrane using cultured fibroblasts in the rabbit. This model may be useful to help elucidate the pathophysiology of chronic hypotony and to investigate potential treatments.
Myeloid differentiation factor-88 (MyD88) is essential for control of primary in vivo Francisella tularensis LVS infection, but not for control of intramacrophage bacterial replication

Abstract The means by which Francisella tularensis , the causative agent of tularemia, are recognized by mammalian immune systems are poorly understood. Here we wished to explore the contribution of the MyD88/Toll-like receptor signaling pathway in initiating murine responses to F. tularensis Live Vaccine Strain (LVS). MyD88 knockout (KO) mice, but not TLR2-, TLR4- or TLR9-deficient mice, rapidly succumbed following in vivo bacterial infection via the intradermal route even with a very low dose of LVS (5 × 10 1 ) that was 100,000-fold less than the LD 50 of normal wild-type (WT) mice. By day 5 after LVS infection, bacterial organ burdens were 5–6 logs higher in MyD88 knockout mice; further, unlike infected WT mice, levels of interferon-γ in the sera of LVS-infected MyD88 KO were undetectable. An in vitro culture system was used to assess the ability of bone marrow macrophages derived from either KO or WT mice to support bacterial growth, or to control intracellular bacterial replication when co-cultured with immune lymphocytes. In this assay, bacterial replication was similar in macrophages derived from either WT or any of the TLR KO mice. Bacterial growth was controlled in co-cultures containing macrophages from MyD88 KO mice or TLR KO mice as well as in co-cultures containing immune WT splenic lymphocytes and WT macrophages. Further, MyD88-deficient LVS-immune splenocytes controlled intracellular growth comparably to those from normal mice. Thus MyD88 is essential for innate host resistance to LVS infection, but is not required for macrophage control of intracellular bacterial growth.
A failure to find an effect of perceptual set on creativity

The effect of a perceptual set on creativity was tested. Subjects in 16 groups (N = 348) were exposed to one of four pretest conditions. One group received practice on the physiognomic perception test, previously shown to be one of the most successful correlates of creativity; another group was exposed to one of the least successful perceptual measures, figure-ground; and in two control conditions, subjects received either a verbal or no pretest. The effects of these pretests were measured by four unusual uses tests of creativity. These measure the number of ideas generated (fluidity) and their unusualness (divergent thinking). None of the pretests, including the perceptual tasks, affected any of the creativity scores. The implications of these null findings, including future directions for research, are discussed.
Protection against enteric disease caused by Escherichia coli--a model for vaccination with a virulence determinant?

ALTHOUGH vaccination has assisted the control of many bacterial diseases, parenteral vaccination against enteric disease is not as satisfactory as we could wish1. This is attributable to incomplete knowledge of both the pathogenesis of intestinal infections and the protective immune responses of the alimentary tract, with the result that vaccine development has been largely empirical. New knowledge of the specific determinants of microbial pathogenicity2 provides a sounder basis for the development of effective vaccines and the following report is an example of this approach to disease control.
Mucociliary clearance abnormalities in the HIV-infected patient: a precursor to acute sinusitis.

An increasing number of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) suffer from acute infectious sinusitis, and many suffer recurrent episodes at a higher rate than their non-HIV counterparts. This study investigates a mechanism underlying the increased incidence of sinusitis, that of prolonged mucociliary transport time (MTT). Nasal mucociliary clearance was examined in 30 HIV-infected patients and 30 matched, non-HIV controls using a nasal saccharin transport test. MTTs for the study group and the controls were 11.9 +/- 5.9 minutes and 7.4 +/- 3.7 minutes, respectively. This difference attained statistical significance (P < .05). Study group patients with a history of sinusitis had a mean MTT of 13.7 +/- 6.8 minutes. Those with complaints of "new onset" nasal obstruction since HIV conversion had a mean MTT of 13.5 +/- 6.8 minutes. Statistical significance (P < .05) was found comparing these times to controls, as well as to study patients without these symptoms. These data support an inherent delay of mucociliary clearance in HIV-infected patients which is chronic, possibly irreversible, and, in association with nasal obstruction, represents a major mechanism of both the high acute and recurrent sinusitis rate in this population. The cause of the mucociliary delay is still unclear and needs to be further investigated.
Productive disciplinary engagement as a recursive process: Initial engagement in a scientific investigation as a resource for deeper engagement in the scientific discipline

Engle and Conant (2002) show how productive disciplinary engagement (PDE) for students can be attained through learning environments structured to support problematizing subject matter, give students authority to address content problems, hold students accountable to others and disciplinary norms, and provide students with resources. This paper considers how one classroom's involvement in a scientific investigation embodied and extended the PDE framework. In this U.S. based classroom, 5th grade non-native and English language learning students engaged in scientific inquiry and contributed their findings to a greater scientific community. This paper proposes that these students experienced PDE at both initial and deeper levels, where students’ initial PDE in scientific activities served as a resource for PDE at a more discipline-specific level.
A fast, flexible and robust design method for noisy channel scalar quantization

This paper presents a new method for designing noisy channel scalar quantizers, which is fast, more robust to initial conditions, and more amenable to a variety of distortion criteria