cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Association of the Galactosyl Diglycerides of Brain with Myelination II. THE INABILITY OF THE MYELIN-DEFICIENT MUTANT, JIMPY MOUSE, TO SYNTHESIZE GALACTOSYL DIGLYCERIDES EFFECTIVELY

Abstract The brain of the jimpy mouse, a mutant with a severe deficiency of myelin in the central nervous system, has little ability to synthesize galactosyl diglyceride. Lipase and α- and β-galactosidase activity in the brain of the jimpy were the same as in normal littermates. Thus the very low concentration of monogalactosyl diglyceride found in the brain of the jimpy (19 nmoles per g, wet wt) compared with the normal (438 nmoles per g, wet wt) must be attributed to low synthesis by a galactosyltransferase pathway rather than to overly active degradative enzymes. The galactosyltransferase involved in the synthesis of psychosine and cerebroside was also reduced in the jimpy brain. The small amount of monogalactosyl diglyceride that is found in the jimpy is restricted predominantly to the microsomal fraction, whereas normal littermates of identical age had monogalactosyl diglyceride in both myelin and microsomal fractions of brain. The jimpy mouse appears to be unable to transfer galactosyl diglyceride from microsomes (site of synthesis) to myelin (site of deposition). The relative inability of the jimpy mouse to make and to transfer galactosyl diglyceride to myelin correlates well with relative absence of myelin in the jimpy and supports the contention that the galactosyl diglycerides are associated with the process of myelination.
A Nonfrontal Imaging Camera

This talk will describe a new approach to visual imaging called nonfrontal imaging. This has lead to the design of a new type of camera which has three salient characteristics: It can provide panoramic images of upto 360 degree views of a scene. Each object is in complete focus regardless of its location. The camera also delivers the coordinates of each focusable, visible scene point, in addition to and registered with a sharp image.
Preliminary evaluation of the apical seal of root canals filled with a Teflon-base material.

Root canals in extracted maxillary anterior teeth were filled with an experimental Teflon®-base material and then stored in a dye solution. Penetration of the dye into the canal space was measured and compared with the penetration of dye in control teeth that were filled with laterally condensed gutta-percha and a sealer. The sealing ability of the experimental material was found to be statistically significantly better than that of the control.
The establishing effects of client location on self-injurious behavior

Abstract Three functional assessments were conducted with a client with self-injurious behavior (SIB), which indicated that SIB appeared to be sensitive to attention as reinforcement. In addition, levels of SIB were much higher when the client was seated in his wheelchair. An additional analysis was conducted in which client location (in and out of wheelchair) was altered while reinforcement contingencies (attention) for SIB were held constant. Levels of SIB again were higher when the client was positioned in his wheelchair, even though the consequences for SIB were identical. The results of this final analysis suggested that the wheelchair.functioned as an establishing stimulus altering the efficacy of social positive reinforcement.
Portal versus systemic drainage of small bowel allografts: comparative assessment of survival, function, rejection, and bacterial translocation

Abstract Background Portal venous drainage of small bowel grafts is theoretically more physiologic than systemic drainage, but is technically more demanding. Comparisons in animal models have not demonstrated a clear advantage of one technique over the other, but clinical data are lacking. Study design Clinical records of 36 patients who underwent 37 small bowel transplantation procedures from January 1995 to August 2001 were reviewed. Portal drainage was performed in 19 patients (PD group). Systemic drainage was performed in 18 patients (SD group). Median followup was 531 days. Results PD and SD patients had similar ICU stays (median 7 versus 9 days) and endotracheal intubation durations (median 3 versus 5 days). All current survivors, with the exception of one patient in each group, are independent from parenteral nutrition. Liver function tests were similar in both groups. There was a twofold increase in tacrolimus dosage in the PD group to achieve similar trough levels indicating a “first-pass” hepatic clearance effect. Cumulative incidence of acute rejection episodes and OKT3-requiring rejection episodes were similar in both groups. To the contrary, a lower incidence of gram-negative rods of Enterococcus sp. in blood or bronchoalveolar lavage suggested that the clearance of translocated intestinal bacteria was more efficient in the PD group. Graft and patient survival rates were similar in both groups. Conclusions Systemic venous drainage of small bowel transplants is a dependable technique, associated with similar results as portal venous drainage, in terms of overall mortality, morbidity, rejection, function, and patient and graft survival. But attention should be paid to an impaired clearance of intestinal bacterial translocation after systemic drainage.
Concept Validation Experiment for Small Aircraft Transportation System Higher-Volume Operations

A human-in-the-loop simulation experiment was conducted at the NASA Langley Research Center's Air Traffic Operations Laboratory in an effort to comprehensively validate tools and procedures intended to enable the small aircraft transportation system higher-volume-operations concept of operations. These procedures were developed with the goal of increasing the rate of operations at nontowered, nonradar airports in near all-weather conditions. A key element of the new design is the establishment of a volume of airspace around designated airports at which pilots accept responsibility for self-separation. Flights operating at these airports are given approach-sequencing information computed by a ground-based automated system. The validation experiment was conducted to determine if a pilot could safely and proficiently fly an airplane while performing the newly developed procedures. Comparative measures of flight path error, perceived workload, and situation awareness were obtained for two types of simulated scenarios. Baseline scenarios were representative of today's system using procedure separation, in which air traffic control grants one approach or departure clearance at a time. Test scenarios represented the newly developed approach and departure procedures. Results from the experiment indicate that low-time pilots were able to fly the test procedures in a simulation environment and maintain self-separation as safely and proficiently as flying today's procedures.
Are educational differentials in adult mortality increasing in the United States

Two recent studies have compared the size of educational mortality differentials among adults in the 1980s to estimates for 1960. Both studies have concluded that educational differentials have increased for males. One study finds a similar increase for females. We reconsider this question by introducing a data source that is better suited to estimating recent differentials than either of the two that have been employed. We also evaluate the quality of the 1960 baseline estimates and introduce broader measures of inequality. We conclude that educational inequalities have widened for males but contracted for working-age females. For both sexes, inequality trends are more adverse for persons aged 65+ than for persons aged 25-64. The role of national health insurance in shaping these trends is briefly considered.
CADS-a computer aided design system for unification of finite element programs

Abstract CADS, a Computer Aided Design System, is a pre- and postprocessor for structural analysis and optimization programs based on the finite element method. It runs on the DEC VAX 11/780 minicomputer. The system supports six functional modules controlled by an Executive Monitor. All of these modules communicate with a data base through a data manager. The data base consists of two data files, one for model geometry and one for program output. CADS can be interfaced with relative ease with any given finite element program. The CADS modular organization and its capabilities are examined in detail. Several examples are used to illustrate its broad band of capabilities.
Pseudo-transference in interracial psychotherapy: An operant paradigm

Justifiable, defensive reactions of the black client in psychotherapy often are triggered by unconscious racist behaviors and stereotyped attitudes in the white therapist. Paradoxically, the therapist may misinterpret and label this pseudo-transference phenomenon on the part of the black client as pathological. An operant paradigm is employed to illustrate this sequential interaction. Implications in four critical areas are discussed: theory explication, research methodology, assessment models, and graduate training.
The effect of carbon tetrachloride administration on cholesterol metabolism in mice

Abstract There was a profound depression of liver cholesterol synthesis 17–19 h after the intruperitoneal administration of carbon tetrachloride-peanut oil mixture to mice which was accompanied by an equally drastic impairment of hexobarbital metabolism as evidenced by a marked prolongation in hexobarbital sleeping times. 48 h after the single dose of carbon tetrachloride liver cholesterol synthesis was at control levels. Liver cholesterol synthesis in mice given repeated injections of carbon tetrachloride over a 13- or 20-day period also was at control levels despite prominent changes in hepatocellular morphology and liver lipid composition and a significant prolongation of hexobarbital sleeping times. Prominent effects of carbon tetrachloride on liver fatty acid synthesis also were observed; 17–19 h after the administration of a single dose of carbon tetrachloride, liver fatty acid synthesis was severely decreased, 48 h after the injection of the single dose of carbon tetrachloride liver fatty acid synthesis was at control levels while in mice treated chronically with carbon tetrachloride liver fatty acid synthesis was significantly increased. The distribution of [14C]cholesterol in vivo following the administration of [2-14C]acetate was significantly different in mice chronically treated with carbon tetrachloride when compared to mice acutely poisoned with carbon tetrachloride. Kidney cholesterol specific radioactivities in mice treated chronically with carbon tetrachloride were significantly greater than those of control mice while the reverse occurred in acutely treated mice. The labelling pattern of cholesterol extracted from the small intestine, in conjunction with that of kidney cholesterol support the conclusion that carbon tetrachloride administration markedly alters the distribution of [14C]cholesterol following an in vivo pulse of [2-14C]acetate.
Analysis of gap junctions and formation plaques between reaggregating Novikoff hepatoma cells

Freeze-fracture techniques have been used to study gap junction formation between Novikoff hepatoma cells reaggregated for 0–60 min. Quantitative data have been obtained for the proportion of membrane “interfaces” containing formation plaques with and without gap junctions [FP(+)'s and FP(−)'s, respectively], for the areas and numbers of FP(+)'s and FP(−)'s, and for the numbers and densities of 9- to 11-nm particles in FPs. Methods have been devised to correct these data for FP(+)'s carried over from dissociation. Comparisons have also been made with undissociated Novikoff cells. The results show that new FP(−)'s and FP(+)'s first appear between 5 and 15 min of reaggregation, and increase gradually between 15 and 30 min. Interfaces with FP(−)'s develop more rapidly than those with FP(+)'s. Between 30 and 60 min, FP(−)'s begin to disappear while FP(+)'s continue to increase. The results suggest that many FP(−)'s are converted into FP(+)'s, but some FP(−)'s may “abort.” The mean areas of FP(−)'s and FP(+)'s, either per plaque or per interface, show no significant changes with reaggregation time, although there is an increased average number of FPs per interface at later times. There is a progressive increase with time in the number of total 9- to 11-nm particles in FPs per plaque and per interface, with densities of 9- to 11-nm particles also generally increasing. However, FP(+)'s, especially in 15-min samples, have a relatively constant density of unaggregated 9- to 11-nm particles, in spite of a large variation in aggregated particle density. A number of related analyses have led us to suggest that the 9- to 11-nm particles in FP(+)'s behave as though they are in a saturated solution, with the aggregated particles being analogous to a precipitate. Particle aggregation in FP(−)'s is considered analogous to precipitation from a supersaturated solution. The relation of the results to previous physiological data is discussed.
A Mathematical Model for Intercultural Interactions: Making Connections and Increasing Harmony

Methods for teaching intercultural communication skills are frequently based on identifying norms of communication in different cultures. Sociolinguistic theory is employed to create a parallel distributed processing (PDP) model, which is used to demonstrate the inadequacy of this normative approach to training. It is argued that communicators normally infer relational intentions from socially significant linguistic and discourse features. These features acquire their significance through use in well-defined social situations. The probabilogical inference process underlying negotiation of salient identities is modeled in terms of a type of PDP model of cognitive processing. A simulation of the relational inference process demonstrates the impact of marked and unmarked code choices on a hypothetical, simple cognitive system. Implications for the conduct of intercultural communication training are discussed.
Presynaptic NMDA Receptors: Newly Appreciated Roles in Cortical Synaptic Function and Plasticity

Many aspects of synaptic development, plasticity, and neurotransmission are critically influenced by NMDAtype glutamate receptors (NMDARs). Moreover, dysfunction of NMDARs has been implicated in a broad array of neurological disorders, including schizophrenia, stroke, epilepsy, and neuropathic pain. Classically, NMDARs were thought to be exclusively postsynaptic. However, substantial evidence in the past 10 years demonstrates that NMDARs also exist presynaptically and that presynaptic NMDA receptors (preNMDARs) modulate synapse function and have critical roles in plasticity at many synapses. Here the authors review current knowledge of the role of preNMDARs in synaptic transmission and plasticity, focusing on the neocortex. They discuss the prevalence, function, and development of these receptors, and their potential modification by experience and in brain pathology.
In Vitro Study of Flow Regulation for Pulmonary Insufficiency

Given the tolerance of the right heart circulation to mild regurgitation and gradient, we study the potential of using motionless devices to regulate the pulmonary circulation. In addition, we document the flow performance of two mechanical valves. A motionless diode, a nozzle, a mechanical bileaflet valve, and a tilting disk valve were tested in a pulmonary mock circulatory system over the normal human range of pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). For the mechanical valves, regurgitant fractions (RFs) and transvalvular pressure gradients were found to be weak functions of PVR. On the low end of normal PVR, the bileaflet and tilting disk valves fluttered and would not fully close. Despite this anomaly, the regurgitant fraction of either valve did not change significantly. The values for RF and transvalvular gradient measured varied from 4 to 7% and 4 to 7 mm Hg, respectively, at 5 lpm for all tests. The diode valve was able to regulate flow with mild regurgitant fraction and trivial gradient but with values higher than either mechanical valve tested. Regurgitant fraction ranged from 2 to 17% in tests extending from PVR values of 1 to 4.5 mm Hg/lpm at 5 lpm and with concomitant increases in gradient up to 17 mm Hg. The regurgitant fraction for the nozzle increased from 2 to 23% over the range of PVR with gradients increasing to 18 mm Hg. The significant findings were: (1) the mechanical valves controlled regurgitation at normal physiological cardiac output and PVR even though they failed to close at some normal values of PVR and showed leaflet flutter; and (2) it may be possible to regulate the pulmonary circulation to tolerable levels using a motionless pulmonary valve device.
In vitro culture and labeling of neural cell aggregates followed by transplantation.

Abstract Septal, cortical, or whole brain fetal (E15–17) cells were dissociated and cultured in serum-supplemented Dulbecco minimum essential medium under rotating culture conditions. Preincubation and exposure to cytosine arabinoside was utilized to produce “neuron-rich” cultures. Fluorescent latex microbeads were added to cultures at seeding time or early after aggregate formation. All cell types were found to incorporate the fluorescent beads, although apparently not to the same extent. Two- to fiveday-old aggregates tended to attach and grow neurites after their transfer to poly- l -lysine- or Matrigel-coated dishes under stationary conditions. Early aggregates transplanted to the hippocampus of adult rats developed into identifiable grafts, with fluorescent-labeled cells. We conclude that “young” neural cell aggregates maintain their ability to undergo two basic phenomena for cellular interaction, i.e., attachment and neuritic growth. Floating aggregates may provide a convenient cellular condition whenever culturing of neural cells is to be used before grafting them into a host animal.
The bondage number of a graph

Abstract A set D of vertices in a graph G is a dominating set if each vertex of G that is not in D is adjacent to at least one vertex of D. The minimum cardinality among all dominating sets in G is called the domination number of G and denoted σ(G). We define the bondage number b(G) of a graph G to be the cardinality of a smallest set E of edges for which σ(G−E)>σ(G). Sharp bounds are obtained for b(G), and the exact values are determined for several classes of graphs.
Analysis of management and site factors to improve the sustainability of smallholder coffee production in Tarrazú, Costa Rica

Abstract Many coffee agroecosystems in Latin America have been transformed with the goal of maximizing yields. In these intensively managed farming systems, inorganic fertilizers are commonly used, with important agronomic, economical and ecological consequences. This study reviews the relationship between fertilizer application, coffee yield and quality indicators and soil chemical properties in coffee farms of the Los Santos region in Costa Rica. The mean nitrogen (N) input rate in farms employing inorganic fertilizer was 212 ± 16.7 kg ha−1 y−1. Yield reported by farmers had a positive marginally significant relationship with nutrient application rates. Cup quality attribute responded positively to calcium oxide (CaO) applications. Variables related to production and quality indicators were number of fungicide applications, soil exchangeable calcium (Ca) and acidity, elevation of the terrain, and number of stems per plant. Soil exchangeable Ca was positively correlated with the ratio of crop yield per unit of applied N fertilizer. In those farms with higher N input rates, soil pH was significantly lower. We suggest that the N saturation hypothesis developed for temperate forests under N atmospheric deposition is applicable to this perennial agroecosystem. This hypothesis predicts changes in the soil chemistry and nutrient retention capacity, and a reduction of Net Primary Productivity (NPP).
Preparation of Metal Salts of Alkanesulfonic Acids

A series of lanthanum salts of the lower alkanesulfonic acids were prepared for the purpose of evaluating their antiperspirant, astringent, and/or deodorant activity.
GRANULOCYTE-MACROPHAGE COLONY-STIMULATING FACTOR OVERRIDES THE IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE FUNCTION OF CORTICOSTEROIDS ON RAT PULMONARY DENDRITIC CELLS

Pulmonary dendritic cells (DC) are present in extremely small numbers, but they are the most potent antigen-presenting cells in the lungs. Pure populations of DC can be isolated from the lung following collagen digestion, Percoll gradient centrifugation, removal of phagocytic cells and flow cytometric sorting for cells which exhibit high levels of surface major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules. Exogenous GM-CSF enhances this immunostimulatory capacity of the pulmonary DC. Soluble factors produced by type II airway epithelial cells and interstitial macrophages also enhance the immunostimulating capacity of pulmonary DC while alveolar macrophages suppress it. Thus, the function of DC may be regulated by locally produced cytokines. Corticosteroids are widely used as immunosuppressive agents in pharmacotherapy. While these agents are known to inhibit T cell proliferation and macrophage activation, their effects on DC are not known. We found that dexamethasone (Dex) pretreatment resulted in about a 50% reduction in the immunostimulatory capacity of rat pulmonary DC. This was associated with downregulation of MHC class II (Ia) expression. Dex-induced suppression of DC function could be restored with GM-CSF. We conclude that corticosteroids downregulate antigen-presenting capacity by direct suppression of pulmonary DC. This immunosuppressive effect of corticosteroids on DC may, however, be abrogated by exogenous GM-CSF. Corticosteroids and GM-CSF are therapeutic agents with potent direct immunomodulating effects on DC.
Out-of-plane current transport in Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 in the mixed state

Abstract We have investigated c -axis dissipation in single crystals of Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O 8 in the mixed state. We find that the c -axis DC electrical resistivity ϱ c depends strongly on the magnitude and orientation of the magnetic field. Variations in ϱ c are interpreted within the framework of different dissipation mechanisms.
Role of adenosine in mediating myocardial blood flow response to isoproterenol: observations in closed chest, sedated, domestic swine.

To test the hypothesis that adenosine is required to mediate the sustained increase in myocardial flow evoked by isoproterenol haemodynamic indices, myocardial blood flow (microspheres), and regional myocardial oxygen consumption were measured in eight closed chest, sedated pigs ( a ) at control, ( b ) after isoproterenol (6.9(2.8) ng·kg−1·min−l (mean (SD)) infused into the left anterior descending coronary artery, ( c ) repeat control, and ( d ) after a simultaneous infusion of the same dose of isoproterenol and adenosine deaminase (10 U·kg−1·min−1). Data were acquired at one and 10 minutes after each infusion and compared with control measurements. Heart rate was held constant by atrial pacing. Peak left ventricular dP/dt (mm Hg·s−1) increased significantly (control 2190(32) mean (SD)) at both one (2900(302)) and 10 minutes (3010(391)) of isoproterenol infusion alone. At one minute of simultaneous infusion there was no change (control 1970(447)) in left ventricular dP/dt (2290(521)), although dP/dt was significantly increased at 10 minutes of simultaneous infusion (2790(483)). Transmural flow (ml·min−1·g−1) increased significantly (control 1.49(0.46)) in the distal left anterior descending zone at one (1.94(0.48)) and 10 minutes (2.07(0.27)) of isoproterenol infusion alone. In contrast, flow failed to increase (control 1.65(0.27)) during the first minute of simultaneous infusion (1.73(0.38)), although it did increase significantly by 10 minutes (1.91(0.21). Finally, although myocardial oxygen consumption (ml·min−1·100 g−1) increased significantly (control 16.4(4.7)) at both one (20.1(4.7)) and 10 minutes (19.4(3.6)) of isoproterenol infusion alone, it failed to increase (control 18.2(3.8)) at one (19.3(4.6)) and 10 minutes (19.1(3.8)) of simultaneous infusion. The data indicate that destruction of interstitial adenosine by adenosine deaminase initially impairs the ability of the myocardium to adjust to an abrupt increase in myocardial oxygen demand induced by isoproterenol. Within 10 minutes, however, the absence of adenosine is compensated for by some other mediator(s) and so flow increases despite the destruction of the nucleoside. Accordingly, adenosine appears to play a role in mediating the immediate but not the sustained flow response to isoproterenol.
Integrating concepts of landscape ecology with the molecular biology of forest pathogens

Increasingly more research has focused on characterizing diversity within forest pathogen populations using molecular markers but few studies have characterized features of the landscape that help create or maintain this diversity. Forest diseases commonly occur in patchy distributions across natural landscapes which can be reflected in the genetic composition of the fragmented pathogen populations. This metapopulation structure has seldom been examined by forest pathologists but we believe it offers a potential means to understand the genetic ecology of pathogens in natural landscapes. Molecular markers can be used to detect, identify, and measure detailed differences among subpopulations of forest pathogens. Geographical information systems, spatial analysis and modeling, digital imagery of remotely sensed images, and other tools of landscape ecology provide the means to detect and interpret patterns associated with genotypic asymmetry. Integrating the tools and concepts of molecular biology and landscape ecology by focusing on metapopulation disease phenomena offers a way of conceptually linking molecules and ecosystems.
A freeze-fracture study of the nuclear envelope during spermiogenesis inMarsilea. Formation of a pore-free zone associated with the microtubule ribbon

The nuclear envelope was freeze-fractured at different stages during spermiogenesis inMarsilea. Nuclear pores were seen at all stages of development, but were excluded from a specialized region of the nuclear envelope that is in contact with the microtubule ribbon. The microtubule ribbon is associated with one edge of the nuclear envelope throughout nuclear shaping and chromatin condensation and the pore-free zone may be a region of the nuclear envelope that is important in these processes.
PROTEIN CONFORMATION WHEELS: CYTOCHROMES AND LYSOZYMES

Conformation wheels, directly relating the amino acid sequence to the local torsion angles in a protein molecule, are presented for cytochromes c, c2, c550, and c551 and for lysozymes from hen egg-white and T4 bacteriophage. The circular plots for the cytochrome molecules aid in visualizing the common three-dimensional folding (“cytochrome fold”) observed in this family of proteins. Conformation wheels for lysozymes from two different species reveal the characteristic differences in their folding patterns. These novel plots are also useful in storing and comparing the several sets of crystallographic data reported for lysozyme.
Neurofibromatosis type 1 and pregnancy

Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF-1) is an autosomal dominant condition which has markedly variable clinical expression, with manifestations ranging from mild cutaneous lesions to severe orthopedic complications and functional impairment. The current obstetrical literature indicates that women with NF-1 have increased complications associated with pregnancy. However, the majority of publications are case reports involving no more than 11 patients each, and are likely biased toward reporting on cases in which complications occurred. This study presents data on pregnancy outcome in 105 women with NF-1. The data were obtained from questionnaires completed by the study participants, and by review of their pregnancy and peripartum medical records. The 105 women had a total of 247 pregnancies, resulting in 182 live births, 44 first trimester spontaneous abortions, 21 elective terminations, and 2 ectopic pregnancies. There were two sets of twins. The cesarean section rate in our series (36%) was greater than the general population rate (9.1-23.5%). In 7 of these patients, the cesarean section was required because of maternal NF-1 complications. The study did not show the previously reported increased incidence of preeclampsia, preterm delivery, intrauterine growth restriction, pregnancy-induced hypertension, stillbirth, spontaneous abortion, or perinatal mortality. Sixty-four (60%) of the one hundred five women reported growth of new neurofibromas during pregnancy and fifty-five (52%) noted enlargement of existing neurofibromas. Nineteen women observed no changes in the size of their neurofibromas and no growth of new neurofibromas during pregnancy.
Effect of Ribosomal Wash Factors on Inhibition by Chloramphenicol

Abstract In vitro protein-synthesizing systems from Escherichia coli can be categorized as either chloramphenicol-sensitive or chloramphenicol-insensitive. The chloramphenicol-sensitive systems used in this study required the presence of factors removed from ribosomes with 1.0 m NH4Cl when chromatographically purified ribosomes were used for amino acid incorporation. These ribosomal wash factors inhibited but did not eliminate amino acid incorporation in chloramphenicol-insensitive systems. For both systems, addition of increasing amounts of the ribosomal wash factors increased the sensitivity to chloramphenicol inhibition.
Influence of long‐chain branching on the miscibility of poly(ethylene‐r‐ethylethylene) blends with different microstructures

The melt miscibility of two series of poly(ethylene-r-ethylethylene) (PEExx) polymers with different percentages (xx) of ethylethylene (EE) repeat units was examined with small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). The first series consisted of comb/linear blends in which the first component is a heavily branched comb polymer (B90) containing 90% EE and an average of 62 long branches with a weight-average molecular weight (MW) of 5.5 kg/mol attached to a backbone with MW = 10.0 kg/mol. The comb polymer was blended with six linear PEExx copolymers, all of which had MW ≈ 60 kg/mol and EE percentages ranging from 55 to 90%; they were denoted L55 to L90, with the number referring to the percentage of EE repeat units. The second series consisted of linear/linear blends; the first component, with MW = 220 kg/mol and 90% EE, was denoted L90A, and the second components were the same series of linear polymers, with MW ≈ 60 kg/mol and various EE compositions. The concentrations investigated were 50/50 w/w, except for the blend of branched B90 and linear L90 (both components were 90% EE), for which 25/75 and 75/25 concentrations were also examined. The SANS results indicated that for the comb/linear blends, only the dB90/L90 blends were miscible, whereas the other five blends phase-separated; for the linear/linear blends, dL90A/L83 and dL90A/L78 were miscible, whereas the other three blends were immiscible. These results indicate that long-chain branching significantly narrowed the miscibility window of these polyolefin blends. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 40: 466–477, 2002; DOI 10.1002/polb.10102
Open Versus Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: What Does Each Really Cost?

Endovascular repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) has emerged as an alternative to open repair (OR). The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes and specific costs of these procedures since commercialization. A retrospective analysis of 119 consecutive infrarenal AAA repaired via an EVAR or an OR between July 2000 and September 2001 was performed. Patient charts were reviewed. Diagnostic-related group (DRG) classification and payer mix were identified. The hospital cost accounting system was accessed to obtain actual variable direct cost (AVDC) for the two groups. Percentages of the mean AVDC for the two groups were compared in the following cost categories: graft, operating room, radiology procedures and supplies, pharmacy, respiratory therapy, clinical laboratories, surgical floor, and monitored unit. Hospital profit margins were determined. Fifty-five patients underwent EVAR and 64 patients underwent OR. Mean aneurysm size was 5.5 cm (EVAR) and 6.1 cm (OR). Mean intensive care unit (ICU) stay was 0.09 days for EVAR vs. 3.5 days for OR ( p p p p p p p p
Interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 cause barrier dysfunction in human airway epithelial cells

Emerging evidence indicates that airway epithelial barrier function is compromised in asthma, a disease characterized by Th2-skewed immune response against inhaled allergens, but the mechanisms involved are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Th2-type cytokines on airway epithelial barrier function. 16HBE14o- human bronchial epithelial cells monolayers were grown on collagen coated Transwell inserts. The basolateral or apical surfaces of airway epithelia were exposed to human interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-13, IL-25, IL-33, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) alone or in combination at various concentrations and time points. We analyzed epithelial apical junctional complex (AJC) function by measuring transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and permeability to FITC-conjugated dextran over time. We analyzed AJC structure using immunofluorescence with antibodies directed against key junctional components including occludin, ZO-1, β-catenin and E-cadherin. Transepithelial resistance was significantly decreased after both basolateral and apical exposure to IL-4. Permeability to 3 kDa dextran was also increased in IL-4-exposed cells. Similar results were obtained with IL-13, but none of the innate type 2 cytokines examined (TSLP, IL-25 or IL-33) significantly affected barrier function. IL-4 and IL-13-induced barrier dysfunction was accompanied by reduced expression of membrane AJC components but not by induction of claudin- 2. Enhanced permeability caused by IL-4 was not affected by wortmannin, an inhibitor of PI3 kinase signaling, but was attenuated by a broad spectrum inhibitor of janus associated kinases. Our study indicates that IL-4 and IL-13 have disruptive effect on airway epithelial barrier function. Th2-cytokine induced epithelial barrier dysfunction may contribute to airway inflammation in allergic asthma.
The (in)compatibility of diversity and sense of community

Community psychologists are interested in creating contexts that promote both respect for diversity and sense of community. However, recent theoretical and empirical work has uncovered a community-diversity dialectic wherein the contextual conditions that foster respect for diversity often run in opposition to those that foster sense of community. More specifically, within neighborhoods, residential integration provides opportunities for intergroup contact that are necessary to promote respect for diversity but may prevent the formation of dense interpersonal networks that are necessary to promote sense of community. Using agent-based modeling to simulate neighborhoods and neighborhood social network formation, we explore whether the community-diversity dialectic emerges from two principles of relationship formation: homophily and proximity. The model suggests that when people form relationships with similar and nearby others, the contexts that offer opportunities to develop a respect for diversity are different from the contexts that foster a sense of community. Based on these results, we conclude with a discussion of whether it is possible to create neighborhoods that simultaneously foster respect for diversity and sense of community.
IKKα at the Crossroads of Inflammation and Metastasis

The development of solid tumors is regulated by dynamic interactions between evolving neoplastic cells and their microenvironment. Luo et al. (2007) recently demonstrated that tumor-infiltrating immune cells expressing RANKL induce activation and nuclear localization of IKKα in prostatic epithelial tumor cells. This leads to repression of maspin, a critical suppressor of metastasis, and thus commits malignant prostatic epithelial cells to a metastatic fate.
Rhythmic seismic events triggered by ocean noise

Seismic events are often detected near volcanoes, but their timing is usually irregular.Stich et al. detected swarms of regularly repeating long-period events at the Deception Island volcano in Antarctica during Seismic events are often detected near volcanoes, but their timing is usually irregular. Stich et al. detected swarms of regularly repeating long-period events at the Deception Island volcano in Antarctica during
A user's approach to Harris public opinion survey data☆

Abstract For the social scientist, public opinion polls provide a rich source of data for secondary analysis. In recent years, researchers have focused on the development of social indicators in order to assess trends and the shifting concerns of the American electorate. The frequency with which public opinion polls are conducted, and the fact that many questions are repeated in different polls, make these data especially well-suited for analysis of social change. A large archival collection of public opinion data allows the social scientist to examine such explosive issues as racial tensions, abortions and gun control over many different points in time. This paper provides the reader with an overview of one such collection of public opinion—data collected for the last twenty years by Louis Harris and Associates. These data have been archived as a special collection at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A user's approach to accessing Harris data is emphasized including appropriate finding aids, newly compiled automated question retrieval system, cost and a choice of data formats for use with statistical programs.
Kinetics of trace element uptake by marine particles

Removal of four radiotracers (46Sc, 113Sn, 65Zn and 230Th) by natural particulates in Puget Sound seawater was carefully studied under controlled laboratory conditions. In order to analyze closely the sorption kinetics of these metals, and to determine the relative importance of different rate controlling processes, time dependent particulate and dissolved concentrations were obtained from about 1 min. to 100 days. Very fast sorption for each metal was followed by much slower and extended uptake. Overall metal sorption rates for the faster uptake reactions are proportional to their final distribution coefficient, Kd∞. Times to reach 90% of final fraction sorbed range from <1 min for Sn to about 6 days for Zn. Sorption rate variations for the different metals indicate particle residence time as a master variable in scavenging, and the rate versusKd∞ relationship allows Th to be used as an analogue for other scavenged metals. Linearizing the sorption data to an overall first order reaction model suggests that for our experiments four distinct processes exist with characteristic time periods of <1 min, ~20 min, ~4 hrs and several days. The results suggest that scavenging is affected by both surface chemical properties and biological activity. In general, stronger binding metals sorb rapidly via chemical and physical processes, while metals with weaker particle associations are taken up much more slowly and may be controlled biologically. Two uptake models and the theoretical limits of rate controlling processes such as surface reactions, diffusion and mass transfer are also discussed.
The Effects of Low Income Housing Tax Credit Developments on Neighborhoods

This paper evaluates the impacts of new housing developments funded with the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), the largest federal project based housing program in the U.S., on the neighborhoods in which they are built. A discontinuity in the formula determining the magnitude of tax credits as a function of neighborhood characteristics generates pseudo-random assignment in the number of low income housing units built in similar sets of census tracts. Tracts where projects are awarded 30 percent higher tax credits receive approximately six more low income housing units on a base of seven units per tract. These additional new low income developments cause homeowner turnover to rise, raise property values in declining areas and reduce incomes in gentrifying areas in neighborhoods near the 30th percentile of the income distribution. LIHTC units significantly crowd out nearby new rental construction in gentrifying areas but do not displace new construction in stable or declining areas.
Human response to measured sound pressure levels from ultrasonic devices.

Abstract Measurements of noise levels were made in the vicinity of ultrasonic devices used for cleaning, welding and drilling. These devices had operating frequencies from 15000 to 80000 cps. At levels of 80-90 db subjective intolerance was manifest; above 90 db ill effects and pain began. There was indication of narrow band sensitivity at 22400-28000 cps. The greater annoyance from ultrasonic drills was also related to the longer periods of actual operation.
On the use of conditional maximization in chemometrics

The purpose of this short communication is to illustrate the use of conditional maximization (CM) in chemometric applications. The CM algorithm is useful in reducing the computational complexity when a high-dimensional and complicated maximization problem arises from fitting chemometric models. It can also be efficiently combined with the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm for handling incomplete data, a problem that sometimes arises when only a part of the intended data can be collected. Three models from fluorescence spectroscopy are used for illustration.
Taking Stock: An Analysis of Negotiation Pedagogy across Four Professional Fields

This essay analyzes the results of an informal, though extensive, interview-based survey of how negotiation is taught in four distinct fields — law, business, public policy and planning, and international relations. Beyond their similarities, the author points out key underlying differences among the four areas; suggests ways in which insights might be transferred from one context to another; and speculates on some ideas that lie on the horizon for negotiation courses in the decade ahead.
A distribution-free procedure for comparing receiver operating characteristic curves from a paired experiment

SUMMARY A distribution-free permutation test procedure is proposed for comparing receiver operating characteristic curves based on continuous data from a paired design. The method tests the hypothesis that the two curves are identical for all operating points, unlike previously proposed methods which test the equivalence of the areas under the curves. The new test is shown by simulation to have very similar operating characteristics to the standard method based on comparisons of the areas when the curves are parallel, but markedly superior power when the curves cross, that is when the curves are different but have similar areas. The prospects of generalising the approach to unpaired experiments and to comparisons of ordinal rating data are discussed.
Dual Standards among Teachers This School is Good Enough for Other Kids but Not My Child

Some teachers would not send their children to the schools in which they taught because of school quality, school discipline, school desegregation.
Interstellar Carbon Monoxide toward zeta Ophiuchi

Interstellar CO A-X bands in the spectrum of zeta Oph were recorded at high Sound-to-Noise (S/N) with grating G160M of the Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph on the Hubble Space Telescope. Isotopic fractionation of CO is severe: CO-12/CO-13 = 167, C(16)O/C(18)O approximately equal to 1550 and C(16)O/C(17)O is greater than 5900 are found where C-12/C-13 = 70, O-16/O-18 = 500, and O-16.O-17 = 2600 are observed or expected. Standard models of the zeta Oph cloud predict CO-12/CO-13 is less than or approximately 70. The higher observed ratio suggests that photodissociation of CO, not the isotopic charge exchange reaction ((13)C(+) + CO reversible reaction (12)C(+) + (13)(CO), is the dominant influence on the CO-12/CO-13 ratio.
Thought self-leadership: The influence of self-talk and mental imagery on performance

Self-leadership theory can be described as the ‘process of influencing oneself ’as opposed to the influence of leaders over followers (Manz, 1983, 1986). We focus on and develop a model for a particular aspect of self-leadership — thought self-leadership — emphasizing two primary elements, self-talk and mental imagery. The major thrust of this model is that employees can influence or lead themselves by utilizing specific cognitive strategies that focus on individual self-dialogue and mental imagery. It is proposed that constructive thought management through the effective application of cognitive strategies can lead to enhanced individual and organizational performance.
Pediatric liver transplantation for inherited metabolic liver disease: a single-center experience.

Abstract Objective We performed single-center outcome comparison of pediatric recipients who underwent liver transplantation for either genetic or metabolic disease including the clinical impact of using heterozygote parents as living donors. Materials and Methods Pediatric liver transplant recipients from September 2007 to December 2010 were included. Patients were separated into 2 categories by etiology of liver disease: (1) genetic or metabolic liver disease (G/M) and (2) nongenetic or metabolic liver disease (non-G/M), which included all other remaining etiologies combined. Patient demographics, recipient and donor characteristics, graft type, operative data, recipient complications, allograft and patient survival were analyzed. Results Forty liver transplants were performed on 40 patients; 18 were transplanted for G/M; mean waiting time was 101 days for G/M group and 57 days for non-G/M group; 9 patients were listed as status 1, 5 were granted PELD/MELD exceptions; the overall mean PELD/MELD score was 21. Four G/M patients had hepatocellular carcinoma in the explant without microvascular invasion. Overall complications requiring either surgery or interventional radiology occurred in 14 patients—G/M ( n = 5); CMV viremia was seen in 11 patients (G/M, n = 1); detectable EBV DNA was detectable in 8 patients (G/M, n = 4), acute cellular rejection was seen in 10 (G/M, n = 5), postransplant lymphoproliferative disease occurred in 2 G/M patients; and 1 G/M patient showed significantly improved posttransplant neurologic motor function. Children with G/M who received a living donor liver transplant from heterozygote parents did well without any signs of expressing underlying metabolic disease. Posttransplant graft and patient overall survival at 12 months for G/M and non-G/M was 100%, and at 36 months, 83% and 100%, respectively. Conclusion The majority of children transplanted for either genetic or metabolic disease were status 1 or awarded UNOS exception points. Cadaveric split livers and live donors including obligate heterozygotes resulted in excellent allograft and patient survival outcomes. In metabolic and genetic liver diseases, close follow-up and timely transplantation can preclude malignant spread and prevent disease progression and consequences, as well as reverse neurologic sequelae.