cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alteration in the IL-2 signal peptide affects secretion of proteins in vitro and in vivo.

Background Although hundreds of different signal peptides have now been identified, few studies have examined the factors enabling signal peptides to augment secretion of mature proteins. Signal peptides, located at the N-terminus of nascent secreted proteins, characteristically have three domains: (1) a basic domain at the N-terminus, (2) a central hydrophobic core, and (3) a carboxy-terminal cleavage region. In this study, we investigated whether alterations in the basic and/or the hydrophobic domains of a commonly used signal peptide from interleukin-2 (IL-2) affected secretion of two proteins: placental alkaline phosphatase (AP) and endostatin. Methods A series of modifications in the basic and/or hydrophobic domains of the IL-2 signal peptide were made by polymerase chain reaction with endostatin or AP plasmids as templates. Transfection of wild-type or modified IL-2 signal peptides fused in-frame with endostatin or AP were done with Superfect in vitro or by the hydrodynamic method in vivo. Results Increasing both the basicity and hydrophobicity of the signal peptide augmented the secretion of AP and endostatin by approximately 2.5- and 3.5-fold, respectively, from MDA-MB-435 cells in vitro. Over a range of DNA concentrations and times, the most effective IL-2 signal peptide increased AP levels in the medium compared to the wild-type IL-2 signal peptide. Comparable results from these modified IL-2 signal peptides were found to increase AP levels in the medium from bovine aortic endothelial cells. Moreover, the combined changes in basic and hydrophobic domains of the IL-2 signal peptide augmented serum levels of endostatin and placental AP by 3-fold when the optimal plasmid constructs were injected in vivo. Conclusions Modification of the IL-2 signal peptide augments protein secretion both in vitro and in vivo. As a result, optimizing the signal peptide should be considered for increasing the therapeutic levels of secreted proteins. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reconfiguring territoriality and energy security: global production networks and the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline

This article utilizes a Global Production Network (GPN) approach to explore how the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipeline in the Caspian Sea is shaping regional social, economic, political, and environmental development. The BTC pipeline now delivers more than one million barrels of oil per day from the Azeri–Chirag–Gunashli fields in the Caspian Sea off the coast of Baku, Azerbaijan, through Georgia, to the port of Ceyhan on the Mediterranean Sea. The article explores the kind of social and environmental space the BTC pipeline helps create, the kind of regulatory mechanisms it gives rise to, and the sorts of conflicts that occur within the territories that the pipeline traverses. The article shows that the GPN associated with the BTC results in a “mixed” sort of development that brings with it a suite of different costs and benefits, and also that it reconfigures the very territoriality of the Caspian Sea region and alters the concept of energy security.
Spontaneous rupture of urinary bladder

Abstract A case of a ruptured urinary bladder is reported because of the rarity of the pathologic condition. It also emphasizes the importance of surgical interference in acute abdominal disorders when certain signs, such as acute pain and generalized rigidity are present. The character of the fluid in the abdominal cavity, although it is no different in appearance than that frequently found in cases in which ascites occurs as a result of a variety of causes, suggested the possibility of urine from a ruptured bladder. The cause of rupture of the bladder in this case is not known. The patient said that he had voided 3 or 4 ounces (90 to 120 c.c.) of urine soon after the onset of the acute pain in the upper part of the abdomen, and that he had voided before retiring, eight or nine hours previously. The urine obtained by passage of a catheter three or four hours before operation evidently came from the abdominal cavity. The edges of the opening in the bladder were ragged and appeared necrotic. They were trimmed until healthy appearing tissue was reached. Unfortunately, the excised portion of the vesical wall was not preserved for microscopic study. Syphilitic ulcerations do have a tendency to occur in the midline, for instance, ulcerations in the midline of the anterior thoracic wall and sternum are seen occasionally. In such instances, syphilis is always to be ruled out as a possible etiologic factor. In this case, the rupture was in the midline, and obstruction of the neck of the bladder was not a factor, as it previously has been reported to be in some of the cases. 23
The Georgia family Q-sort: an observational measure of family functioning.

The development of a new observational measure of family functioning using a Q-sort methodology is described. The Q-sort is 5one way of obtaining observer measures of family that complements both microcoding and global ratings of family processes. Evidence for construct validity is presented along with a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of the Q-sort approach to family observation.
Individual Diagnosis and Remediation of Educational Handicaps Manifested by Learning Disabled Children

During the last decade, professionals in the area of learning disabilities have become increasingly aware that in some instances it may not suffice to use diagnostic data obtained from standardized tests to design or select the most appropriate clinical teaching strategy for each educationally handicapped child. As a possible solution to this problem, a new conceptual-methodological approach, known as the method of equivalence, is introduced. When used with existing diagnostic test instruments, this technique will enable the professional to specify the nature of educational handicaps in precise terms and also to suggest the use of the most appropriate clinical teaching strategy. The usefulness of this conceptual-methodological approach for LD is supported by recently obtained experimental findings using the Frostig Developmental Test of Visual Perception.
Acoustical Signature Analysis for Cargo and Freight Security Monitoring Systems

There is increasing concerns regarding national security risks associated with international freight and cargo shipments. The existing container-trailer security monitoring systems for transportation and logistics employ conventional methods and technologies such as video cameras, infrared sensors and ultrasonic proximity sensors (line of sight configuration). Disadvantages include high cost, failures owing to adverse weather conditions, inaccurate detection of cargo condition due to variable material/configurations in freight are some of the reasons for the limited success of conventional monitoring systems. This research applies signal processing techniques to the analysis of acoustical echo responses which leads toward the development of an intermodal container load status and security monitoring system. The drawbacks of the existing methods are reduced by introducing acoustical signature monitoring (ASM). Experimental results are given demonstrating that the concept of ASM is an effective technique for monitoring freight status for intermodal containers and trailers.
Optimal Financial Structure, Cost of Capital, and the Lease‐or‐Buy Decision

This note comments on the doubtful application of an economic concept of personal income to the non-personal business enterprise situation. This paper presents a series of models which we believe properly reflect the relevant relationships in the lease or buy evaluation. The models present the proper cash flow variables for such an analysis and they present the impact on asset net present value of cost of capital and market risk assessment. Finally, the models reflect the simultaneous effect on asset and financial structure of the acceptance of a particular investment opportunity.
Perception of Three-Dimensional Cues in Early Infancy.

Three experiments examined infants' processing of 3D information in static images. Three-month-olds familiarized with micropatterns that appeared to adults to be 3D blocks illuminated from the top subsequently preferred a test array that contained a micropattern that appeared to be a block illuminated from the bottom; however, they failed to detect comparable discrepancies in 2D images. Thus, 3-month-olds are sensitive to 3D cues in static images. In another experiment, infants failed to exhibit a preference between an array containing a single novel element among familiar elements and another array containing a single familiar element among novel elements. Thus, unlike discrepancies in fundamental features such as line-crossings, discrepancies in 3D cues failed to pop-out and engage infants' attention. These results reveal that 3-month-olds are sensitive to 3D cues in static images. However, discrepancies based on these cues may not engage infants' attention like those based on fundamental features.
Customer frustration in loyalty programs

Purpose – This article aims to examine the negative effects of loyalty programs from the perspective of frustration theory. It seeks to develop a model of customer frustration on the basis of frustration theory and an exploratory qualitative study.Design/methodology/approach – First, frustration is defined as a special form of dissatisfaction and a general model of frustration in business relationships is developed by evaluating the literature on frustration theory. Second, an explorative and qualitative focus group study among participants of a loyalty program for frequent travelers is conducted. A multi‐level iterative content analysis of the participants' statements reveals the existence of different categories of frustration incidents. Third, the findings of the study are used to develop a system of propositions that generate a specific model of customer frustration in loyalty programs.Findings – Seven categories of frustration incidents that were triggered by the loyalty program and lead to frustrati...
Echo character of off-platform carbonates

Abstract A comprehensive study of the nature and distribution of echo types recorded on short-ping (2–5 msec), high-frequency (3.5 kHz) echograms combined with analyses of 100 bottom samples from the off-platform carbonate environment of Northwest Providence Channel (NWPC), Bahamas, has defined qualitative relationships between echo types, sedimentary processes and sediment types. Seven distinct echo types have been observed and their areal distributions mapped. These seven types fall into three larger groups: (I) Distinct; (II) Indistinct; and (III) Hyperbolic. A strong correlation of echo character with sediment type exists for the one distinct (IB) and two indistinct (IIA and IIB) echo types observed. Muddy, pelagic sediments occur in regions characterized by distinct, sharp, continuous, parallel, sub-bottom reflectors (Type IB). Pelagic sediments interbedded with coarse-sediment gravity-flow deposits or slope breccia are characterized by indistinct, discontinuous, intermittent sub-bottom reflectors (Type IIA). Coarse current-winnowed sands or thick biolithoclastic turbidites found near the surface correlate with regions characterized by an indistinct, prolonged echo with no sub-bottom reflectors (Type IIB). Hyperbolic echoes were observed from both erosional and constructional features. The most common echo type (IIIA) in NWPC consists of large, irregular, overlapping hyperbolae with varying vertex elevations above the sea floor which originate from areas of large-scale submarine erosional topography. This echo type is much more common on the slope south of Little Bahama Bank than north of Great Bahama Bank, indicating different sedimentary processes operative along these two deep carbonate bank margins. In contrast, echoes consisting of discrete single hyperbolae with approximately equal vertex elevations above the sea floor (Type IIIG) correlate with in-situ constructional deep-water bioherms (lithoherms). This study demonstrates the usefulness of 3.5-kHz profiles in mapping near-surface off-platform carbonate sediments. The relationships between echo types and sedimentary processes and/or sediment types described here in a region with good bottom-sample control may serve as a model to facilitate rapid mapping of off-platform carbonates in areas where there is less control.
INSIGHT: Pit-1/GHF-1: a pituitary-specific transcription factor linking general signaling pathways to cell-specific gene expression.

Identification and ordering of the functional cellular components involved in transmitting a hormone signal from the cell membrane to the nuclear compartment have progressed quite rapidly in recent years. The availability of defined gene fragments ligated to reporter constructs has allowed investigators to map the critical promoter regions that mediate a particular hormone response. Using such minimally delimited hormone-responsive DNA elements in a variety of biochemical and recombinant DNA approaches, such as gel shifts and DNA ligand screening, the putative nuclear protein target(s) of specific hormone signaling pathways have been identified and their cDNAs cloned. Indeed, precisely these approaches were used to identify the CAMP-responsive DNA element (CRE: TGACGTCA) and to clone the nuclear factor [CAMP response element binding protein (CREB)], which together mediate many of the transcriptional responses of the PKA signaling pathway (for review, see Refs. 1 and 2). Although most of the CAMPregulated genes that were initially characterized contain a CRE, it became clear that other DNA motifs and nuclear factors (e.g. AP-2) distinct from the CRE and CREB, respectively, could also mediate the transcriptional effects of the cAMP/PKA pathway (1, 2). As if to validate the complexity by which the cAMP/PKA signal may be transduced, studies of two ancestrally related pituitary-specific genes, PRL (PRL) and GH (GH), have consistently implicated DNA binding sites for the POUhomeodomain protein, Pit-l/GHF-1 , as mediating the CAMP response (3-12). The results of Kapiloff et al. (13) which documented that Pit-l/GHF-1 was phosphorylated in vivo at Ser 115 and Thr 220 in response to CAMP or phorbol ester (TPA) treatment of GC rat
The normal working area in the horizontal plane A comparative analysis between Farley's and Squires' concepts

Squires' concept provided a substantial increase over Farley's concept in the one-handed, two-handed and total normal working areas and in the normal front range for all types of operators and resulted in a relatively small decrease in the normal side range in all but one instance. The minimum and maximum increases in the total normal working area were 398 and 1194 cm2, respectively, and the corresponding percentage increases were 24 and 43%, respectively. Considering the overall increase in the normal working area and the dynamic nature of the movement of the arm while the hand sweeps an arc in the normal horizontal working area, Squires' concept is recommended in preference to Farley's concept.
Job Satisfaction, Job Reward Characteristics, and Employees' Problem Drinking Behaviors.

Studies of job-based influences on employees' drinking have focused on the effects of structural and stress-producing features of jobs on alcohol consumption. Unexplored is the possibility of mediation of job-to-drinking effects via levels of job satisfaction. Using data from a large national probability sample of full-time workers, the current study tests a model that incorporates worker satisfaction as a mediating variable. Our analyses reveal that a complex interplay of stressors, rewards, and work-related affect influence employees' problematic drinking behaviors. Further, satisfied workers are significantly less likely to drink problematically. This lends support to the “spillover” model of work effects, namely, that work has important effects on the adjustment and behavior of workers in nonwork settings.
Manipulation of valve composition to elucidate the role of collagen in aortic valve calcification.

Extracellular matrix (ECM) disarray is found in calcific aortic valvular disease (CAVD), yet much remains to be learned about the role of individual ECM components in valvular interstitial cell (VIC) function and dysfunction. Previous clinical analyses have shown that calcification is associated with decreased collagen content, while previous in vitro work has suggested that the presence of collagen attenuates the responsiveness of VICs to pro-calcific stimuli. The current study uses whole leaflet cultures to examine the contributions of endogenous collagen in regulating the phenotype and calcification of VICs. A “top-down” approach was used to characterize changes in VIC phenotype in response to collagen alterations in the native 3D environment. Collagen-deficient leaflets were created via enzymatic treatment and cultured statically for six days in vitro. After culture, leaflets were harvested for analysis of DNA, proliferation, apoptosis, ECM composition, calcification, and gene/protein expression. In general, disruption of collagen was associated with increased expression of disease markers by VICs in whole organ leaflet culture. Compared to intact control leaflets, collagen-deficient leaflets demonstrated increased VIC proliferation and apoptosis, increased expression of disease-related markers such as alpha-smooth muscle actin, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin, and an increase in calcification as evidenced by positive von Kossa staining. These results indicate that disruption of the endogenous collagen structure in aortic valves is sufficient to stimulate pathological consequences in valve leaflet cultures, thereby highlighting the importance of collagen and the valve extracellular matrix in general in maintaining homeostasis of the valve phenotype.
EFFECTS OF GABAA MODULATORS ON THE REPEATED ACQUISITION OF RESPONSE SEQUENCES IN SQUIRREL MONKEYS

The present study investigated the effects of positive and negative GABA(A) modulators under three different baselines of repeated acquisition in squirrel monkeys in which the monkeys acquired a three-response sequence on three keys under a second-order fixed-ratio (FR) schedule of food reinforcement. In two of these baselines, the second-order FR schedule and the discriminative stimuli for the response sequence were manipulated ("chain-strained" and "tandem-strained"). In the third baseline condition, response-independent tail shock was presented during acquisition of the response sequence. All of these baselines maintained high error levels and produced slow rates of acquisition. Under both the chain-strained and tandem-strained conditions, the positive GABA(A) modulator triazolam (0.0032-0.1 mg/kg) and the negative GABA(A) modulators beta-CCE (ethyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate; 0.01-1 mg/kg), beta-CCM (methyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate; 0.0032-0.1 mg/kg), and FG-7142 (methyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxamide; 0.18-10 mg/kg) dose-dependently decreased overall response rate compared to administration of saline (control). Under the same two conditions, triazolam and the negative GABA(A) modulators also increased the percentage of errors; however, the effects on accuracy frequently depended on the baseline condition and the particular modulator. In contrast, triazolam only decreased errors and enhanced acquisition in the presence of concurrent response-independent tail shock when compared to saline administration under this condition. The neutral GABA(A) modulator, flumazenil (1 mg/kg), had no effect on rate or accuracy of responding when administered alone, but antagonized the rate-decreasing and error-increasing effects produced by the negative GABA(A) modulators. Together, these data suggest that the effects of both the positive and negative GABAA modulators on acquisition can be similar in squirrel monkeys (i.e., both types of modulator may produce rate-decreasing and error-increasing effects) and that their effects on acquisition depend, in part, on the environmental conditions maintaining acquisition.
Attenuation of p38 MAPK activity upon contact inhibition in fibroblasts

The molecular events, which govern growth control upon contact inhibition have not yet been clearly defined. Previous work has indicated that there is an increase in the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatases (MKPs) upon the attainment of contact inhibition in normal fibroblasts, concurrently with a decrease in ERK activity. To investigate the potential role of p38 and JNK in the transition to a contact-inhibited state, normal human fibroblasts (BJ) were grown to subconfluent and confluent densities. The total levels and phosphorylation states of p38 and JNK were assayed, and were compared to protein levels seen in HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells, which lack contact-inhibited growth control. Activation of JNK was not apparent in these cells, though p38 was found to be active in proliferating cells, but attenuated in contact-inhibited cultures. Such fluctuations in p38 activity were not seen in cultures of fibrosarcoma cells of increasing density. This alteration in p38 activity was also reflected by attenuated activation of the downstream transcription factor ATF-2 upon contact inhibition. Overexpression of MKP-1 in fibrosarcoma cells and fibroblasts reduced proliferation, while expression of a phosphatase-resistant p38 protein (p38N316) enhanced proliferation of normal fibroblasts. Taken together, these results suggest the involvement of negative regulation of p38 in contact-inhibited growth control.
The Mdm1 Locus and Maize Resistance to Maize dwarf mosaic virus

Jones, M. W., Redinbaugh, M. G., and Louie, R. 2007. The Mdm1 locus and maize resistance to Maize dwarf mosaic virus. Plant Dis. 91:185-190. Previously, Mdm1, a gene controlling resistance to Maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV), was identified in the inbred line Pa405. The gene was tightly linked to the restriction fragment length polymorphism marker umc85 on the short arm of chromosome 6. This chromosomal region is also the location of resistance genes to two other viruses in the family Potyviridae, Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) and Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV). A diverse collection of 115 maize inbred lines was evaluated for resistance to MDMV and SCMV, and for MDMV resistance loci on chromosome 6S. Forty-six resistant inbred lines were crossed to three MDMVsusceptible inbred lines to develop F2 populations. The F2 populations were inoculated with MDMV and scored for infection and symptom type. Environmental factors influenced both the rate and type of symptom development. Bulked segregant analysis of each F2 population indicated that, in 42 of 43 MDMV-resistant lines, chromosome 6S markers found in the resistant parent also were present in the bulked resistant but not the susceptible tissue. Markers previously associated with resistance to both SCMV and WSMV on chromosome 3 and to WSMV on chromosome 10 were associated with resistance in nine and seven of the F2 populations, respectively. These data suggest that Mdm1 or closely linked genes on chromosome 6S are associated with MDMV resistance in most germplasm, but that other loci also may affect resistance.
Stress-induced changes in the function of the parasympathetic nervous system are mimicked by blocking GABA in the CNS of the cat.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of blockade of receptors for γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the forebrain, on vagal activity to the stomach and heart. This was done by injecting bicuculline (50 μg) into the lateral ventricle of the brain and restricting the drug to the forebrain ventricles by cannulating the cerebral aqueduct. Studies were performed in chloraloseanesthetized cats and gastric motility was monitored using extraluminal force transducers, sutured to the antrum and pylorus. Cardiac vagal activity was determined by noting the sinus bradycardia that developed from activation of the baroreceptor reflex induced by phenylephrine. Administration of bicuculline into the lateral ventricle of 7 animals produced increases in the minute motility index of 5.3 ± 0.8 (antrum) and 13.9 ± 2.1 (pylorus). This was associated with inhibition of baroreceptor-induced vagal bradycardia (i.e. −38 ± 6.4 beats/min before bicuculline and −7.7 ± 5.7 beats/min after bicuculline). These data indicate that a GABAergic mechanism in the forebrain may be important for controlling vagal outflow to both the stomach and the heart.
Locomotor treadmill training with body-weight support prior to over-ground gait: promoting symmetrical gait in a subject with acute stroke.

AbstractBackground and Purpose: An asymmetrical gait pattern is frequently observed in persons recovering from stroke. Locomotor training with partial body-weight support (BWS) has been demonstrated to be effective for restoring ambulation abilities in persons poststroke. However, the optimal treatment parameters for this intervention have not been defined. The purpose of this case study was to report outcomes for a person in the acute period poststroke who experienced locomotor treadmill training with BWS prior to walking over ground. Method: The subject of this report was a 60-year-old male with a large right-sided infarct extending into the basal ganglia. Locomotor training with BWS began on day 10 following the infarct. The subject had five sessions, totaling 40 minutes of walking practice, prior to starting gait training over ground. Results: The subject walked with a single-point cane (contact guard to standby assistance) for a total of 1,000 feet at a speed of 0.94 m/s (185 ft/min) when discharged ...
Safety of topiramate for treating migraines

Introduction: Migraine is a very common medical disorder characterized by attacks of moderate-severe headache, nausea and disability. Topiramate is an effective, popular prophylactic migraine treatment, which is approved for use in adults and adolescents. Due to its multiple mechanisms of action, topiramate has multiple potential safety issues, including systemic and CNS adverse events, which may complicate therapy.Areas covered: This review evaluates common adverse events as seen in the pivotal trials of topiramate for migraine as well as those observed in postmarketing studies. These include weight loss, metabolic acidosis, renal calculi, acute angle closure glaucoma, visual distortions and cognitive slowing. Topiramate use during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of cleft lip. This review highlights both common and unusual safety issues associated with topiramate use, including important drug interactions and a comparison with other migraine prophylactic agents.Expert opinion: Topiramate i...
Primal-dual interior point approach for computing l 1 -solutions and l ∞ -solutions of overdetermined linear systems

This paper concerns solving an overdetermined linear systemA T x=b in the leastl 1-norm orl ∞-norm sense, whereA∈ℝ m×n ,m<n. We show that the primal-dual interior point approach for linear programming can be applied, in an effective manner, to linear programming versions of thel 1 andl ∞-problems. The resulting algorithms are simple to implement and can attain quadratic or superlinear convergence rate. At each iteration, the algorithms must solve a linear system with anm×m positive-definite coefficient matrix of the formADA T , whereD is a positive diagonal matrix. The preliminary numerical results indicate that the proposed algorithms offer considerable promise.
A SHOCK TUBE STUDY OF METHYL-METHYL REACTIONS BETWEEN 1200 AND 2400 K

The methyl-methyl reaction was studied in a shock tube using uv narrowline laser absorption to measure time-varying concentration profiles of CH3. Methyl radicals were rapidly formed initially by pyrolysis of various precursors, azomethane, ethane, or methyl iodide, dilute in argon. The contributions of the various product channels, C2H6, C2H5 + H, C2H4 + H2, and CH2 + CH4, were examined by varying reactant mixtures and temperature. The measured rate coefficients for recombination to C2H6 between 1200 and 1800 K are accurately fit using the unimolecular rate coefficients reported by Wagner and Wardlaw (1988). The rate coefficient for the C2H5 + H channel was found to be 2.4 (±0.5) × 1013 exp(−6480/T) [cm3/mol-s] between 1570 and 1780 K, and is in agreement with the value reported by Frank and Braun-Unkhoff (1988). No evidence of a contribution by the C2H4 + H2 channel was found in ethane/methane/argon mixtures, although methyl profiles in these mixtures should be particularly sensitive to this channel. An upper limit of approximately 1011 [cm3/mol-s] over the range 1700 to 2200 K was inferred for the rate coefficient of the C2H4 + H2 channel. Between 1800 and 2200 K, methyl radicals are also rapidly removed by CH3 + H ⟹ 1CH2 + H2. In this temperature range, the reverse reaction was found to have a rate coefficient of 1.3 (±0.3) × 1014 [cm3/mol-s], which is 1.8 times the room-temperature value. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Physician Characteristics and Knowledge of CKD Management

Background Many studies suggest that chronic kidney disease (CKD) care is suboptimal in the United States. However, it is not known whether knowledge of CKD management in primary care physicians (PCPs) might have an important role in the suboptimal care and whether PCP characteristics are associated with having adequate knowledge. Study Design Cross-sectional study. Setting & Participants Self-administered questionnaire sent to a random sample of 1,550 US PCPs in February 2007. Predictor or Factor PCP characteristics, including age, sex, degree (MD versus DO), primary specialty, board certification, patient volume, percentage of time in patient care spent in the inpatient versus outpatient setting, and number of patients referred to nephrologists in a month. Outcomes & Measurements Regression analyses of the association between physician characteristics and overall physician knowledge of CKD management, as well as individual subdomains of CKD knowledge related to recognition of CKD and management of hypertension in the setting of CKD. Results 470 of 1,453 (32.4%) eligible PCPs returned a completed survey. PCPs show significant variation in their ability to recognize CKD stages 2 to 4, but most have appropriate blood pressure goals in patients with CKD and are knowledgeable of the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in managing proteinuria. For each 10-year increase in age, the odds of showing satisfactory knowledge of CKD management decreased by 26% (odds ratio, 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.60 to 0.92). PCPs with the primary specialty of internal medicine had a more than 3-fold greater odds of showing a satisfactory level of knowledge compared with family practice specialists (odds ratio, 3.40; 95% confidence interval, 2.17 to 5.32). Limitations The study findings are limited by the potential presence of nonresponse bias, information bias, and results suggesting there are multiple knowledge subdomains that perhaps are not additive. Conclusion There is need to improve CKD knowledge in PCPs, especially regarding recognition of CKD at an early stage.
Design challenges in sub-100 nm high performance microprocessors

This article deals with design challenges for high performance microprocessors. Device challenges including gate leakage, junction tunneling, junction depth scaling, parasitic series resistance, and short channel effects. Microprocessor frequencies are increasing every generation from additional architectural and circuit complexity, which demands higher level of integration and die size increase. To address these scaling challenges, devices, circuits and design methodologies need to evolve. Scaling gate oxide thickness is important for controlling short channel effects.
Sediment trace metal contamination in the Ivory Coast, West Africa

To help expand our global perspective on trace metal contamination, concentrations of Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn were determined for sediments from the Ebrie Lagoon in the Ivory Coast, a developing West African nation. Excess loading of several metals, especially Hg, Pb, and Zn was found at several sites. The maximum concentration of Hg measured in sediments from the Ebrie Lagoon (2250 ng g−1) is about 30 times greater than natural levels. Similarly, Pb and Zn concentrations for the Ivorian lagoonal sediments are as high as 250 and 560 μg g−1, respectively, showing sizeable anthropogenic inputs. Trace metal sources to the Ebrie Lagoon include untreated sewage and industrial wastes.
Evidence of the empirical relevance of the infant industry argument for the protection of Brazilian ethanol production

Abstract The infant industry argument for protection of import competing industries has a long and almost entirely theoretical history in the literature. In this paper the empirical evidence of infant industry dynamics in the Brazilian ethanol industry is investigated. In Brazil ethanol has developed into a primary automotive fuel over the past 18 years. This import substitute is attractive because it allows decreased dependence on international oil supplies while at the same time it addresses environmental concerns because it is a clean-burning renewable fuel. While ethanol was initially a high-cost alternative to imported oil, observed cost reductions have led to an increased belief that this industry may in fact warrant the subsidization it has received because of infant industry reasons. The results of this study suggest that there is no empirical evidence of economies of scale and very little technical change. There appears to be no empirical validity to the infant industry argument for subsidization of the Brazilian ethanol industry.
Direct observation of the evolution of the soot carbonization process in an acetylene diffusion flame via real-time aerosol mass spectrometry

Abstract Real-time aerosol mass spectrometry was used to measure the size and composition of individual soot particles in an acetylene diffusion flame. This on-line data analysis technique permits for the first time direct observation of the evolution of the carbonization process, determination of the degree of carbonization of each measured particle, and measurement of the size distribution of both polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-containing and mature soot particles. The carbonization process is characterized by rapid exchange of hydrogen between the PAH and pyrolytic addition of small hydrocarbons to form larger PAH molecules. The hydrogen exchange rate builds until carbon–carbon bond rearrangement becomes facile. The structural rearrangement/dehydrogenation process is very rapid once started. Rapid carbonization permits unambiguous size measurement of both PAH-containing and mature soot particles. Rapid hydrogen exchange yields a low activation energy path for making radicals in the particle phase and permits the PAH-containing media to act as a hydrogen sink. The presence of substantial amounts of labile hydrogen in the PAH-containing particle is demonstrated by the presence of preferentially hydrogenated PAHs. The absence of ethynylated PAHs and the presence of the hydrogenated PAHs are the result of flame pyrolysis of the PAH-containing particles. Optical images of flame particles collected by an independent sampling method conclusively confirm the presence of the micron sized PAH-containing particles in the flame and strongly suggest that mature soot aggregates are formed directly from the micron-sized PAH-containing particles. The optical images and the size distribution data cast doubt on the currently accepted mechanisms for mature soot aggregate formation. A new mature soot aggregate formation mechanism found in the aerosol literature is presented. This mechanism readily explains our results and many of the universal characteristics of soot. The implications of these measurements are discussed.
Time-density analysis in the evaluation of CT pseudotumors

Abstract CT time-density analysis was clinically applied in two case situationsin which the etiology of apparent pseudotumors was in question. The enhancement characteristics of these pseudotumors were compared to those of normal tissues, which permitted their correct identification. Time-density analysis was a clinically useful technique in the investigation of unusual CT findings.
Ligand heterogeneity on monolayer-protected gold clusters.

This paper describes the effects of oxidative electronic charging of the Au cores of the monolayer-protected clusters (MPCs), Au140(S(CH2)5CH3)53 and Au38(SCH2CH2Ph)24, on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of their monolayer ligand shells. Previously unresolved fine structure in the 13C NMR hexanethiolate methyl and C5 methylene resonances is seen in spectra of solutions of monodisperse Au140(S(CH2)5CH3)53 MPCs, reflecting magnetically inequivalent ligand sites. Incremented increases in positive cluster core charge, effected by electrochemical charging, cause the spectral fine structure of the methyl resonance to coalesce, becoming a single peak at the Au1403+ charge state. The spectral changes are reversible; charging back to the original core charge state regenerates the methyl 13C resonance fine structure. Adding an equimolar quantity of a Au(I) thiolate complex, AuI[SCH2(C6H4)C(CH3)3], to an uncharged Au140(S(CH2)5CH3)53 MPC solution in d2-methylene chloride causes partial spectral coalescence....
EFFECTIVENESS OF PNEUMATIC CONVEYING SYSTEMS FOR COOLING SPRAY-DRIED FOOD PRODUCTS

— The cooling effectiveness during pneumatic transport of a spray-dried food product has been investigated. Differential equations which describe the product and air temperatures as a function of distance from the initial mixing point have been derived and solved. The predicted results have been compared to experimental data obtained in a conveying tube equipped with thermocouples. The results indicated the equilibrium temperature of the air-product mixture could be predicted and was a function of loading ratio. Increased loading ratio decreased the distance required to reach the equilibrium temperature. The effectiveness of product cooling after reaching the equilibrium temperature was a function of conditions at the conveying tube wall. Results indicated that a water spray over the exterior surface was more effective than forced-air circulation which, in turn, was more effective than natural air circulation.
Use of Exploratory Factor Analysis in Published Research Common Errors and Some Comment on Improved Practice

Given the proliferation of factor analysis applications in the literature, the present article examines the use of factor analysis in current published research across four psychological journals. ...
Intratracheal Inhalation vs Intratracheal Instillation: Differences in Particle Effects

Our laboratory has developed a method of intratracheal inhalation whereby rats can be exposed to high aerosol concentrations, resulting in high lung particle burdens in a short time period with deposition occurring directly in the lower respiratory tract, thus avoiding many drawbacks of larger nose-only or whole body inhalation systems. In this report, we compare the response of rats exposed by intratracheal inhalation to "fine" (approximately 250 nm) and "ultrafine" (approximately 21 nm) titanium dioxide particles with rats exposed to similar doses by intratracheal instillation. Animals receiving particles through inhalation showed a decreased pulmonary response, measured by bronchoalveolar lavage parameters, in both severity and persistence, when compared with those receiving particles through instillation. These results demonstrate a difference in pulmonary response to an inhaled vs an instilled dose, which may be due to differences in dose rate, particle distribution, or altered clearance between the two methods.
Differential thermal analysis and X‐ray diffraction studies of griseofulvin—succinic acid solid dispersions

Differential thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction techniques were employed to study the phase diagrams of griseofulvin-succinic acid systems. The complications of the formation of a thermally decomposed product of succinic acid, succinic anhydride, on the thermograms were discussed. The appearance of typical eutectic peaks and X-ray diffraction peaks of griseofulvin in the resolidified preparations containing 10% or less of griseofulvin indicates that the binary system is a simple eutectic mixture with negligible mutual solid solubilities. This result is partly different from that obtained previously by the microthermal microscope technique, which showed the existence of an extensive solid solution of griseofulvin in succinic acid. The formation of a solid solution was previously concluded to be primarily responsible for the enhanced dissolution of griseofulvin.
Temperature effects in mass spectrometry. Estimation of thermal energies of organic molecules

Thermal energies of gaseous organic molecules, relevant to unimolecular dissociations of odd- and even-electron ions, are estimated by ab initio/RRHO and empirical calculations. Thermal energies can be estimated with good accuracy by integration of molar heat capacities obtained from quadratic least-squares fits. Thermal energies in gaseous n-alkanes, alkanols, cholesterol, polyethylene glycols and oligopeptides are calculated and compared with estimates based on the equipartition principle.
A streakline method for computing two-dimensional vortical flows

Dinavahi, S.P.G., A streakline method for computing two-dimensional vertical flows, Applied Numerical Mathematics 11 (1993) 283-308. A forward time-stepping method is developed for computing free-streamline flows past two-dimensional bodies. The field vorticity is represented by vortex sheets. The kinematic boundary condition of no flow across the field vortex sheets is satisfied temporally by shifting the sheets normal to themselves as dictated by the local field velocities. The Helmholtz vorticity equation is reformulated as a dynamic boundary condition to be applied along the field vortex sheets. It is demonstrated that for a specified separation point, the solution evolves toward the Kirchhoff steady free-streamline flow. It is further demonstrated that in shedding vortex sheets from both corners of a polygonal contour with two corners, the method picks the forward corner as the separation point. For a circular polygonal contour with eleven corner points, five of which are allowed to shed vortex sheets, the method picks the corner point at 54 degrees from the forward stagnation point as the separation point. It is observed that this is close to 55.04 degrees, which is the forwardmost separation point allowed by the classical free-streamline theory for the circle.
Phagocyte-like NADPH oxidase promotes cytokine-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in pancreatic β-cells: evidence for regulation by Rac1

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important mediators of cellular signal transduction cascades such as proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. Chronic exposure of isolated β-cells to proinflammatory cytokines elevates intracellular oxidative stress leading to the demise of pancreatic β-cells culminating in the onset of diabetes. Although the mitochondrial electron transport chain is felt to be the primary source of ROS, several lines of recent evidence suggest that phagocyte-like NADPH oxidase plays a central role in cytokine-mediated ROS generation and apoptosis of β-cells. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the regulation of NADPH oxidase remain unknown. To address this, insulin-secreting INS 832/13 cells were treated with cytomix (IL-1β, IFN-γ, and TNF-α; 10 ng/ml each) for different time intervals (0–24 h). A significant, time-dependent increase in NADPH oxidase activation/intracellular ROS production, p47phox subunit, but not p67phox subunit, expression of the phagocyte-like NADPH oxidase were demonstrable under these conditions. Furthermore, siRNA-p47phox transfection or exposure of INS 832/13 cells to apocynin, a selective inhibitor of NADPH oxidase, markedly attenuated cytomix-induced ROS generation in these cells. Cytomix-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction in INS 832/13 cells was evident by a significant loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and upregulated caspase 3 activity. Cytomix treatment also caused a transient (within 15 min) activation of Rac1, a component of the NADPH oxidase holoenzyme. Furthermore, GGTI-2147 and NSC23766, known Rac1 inhibitors, not only attenuated the cytomix-induced Rac1 activation but also significantly prevented loss of MMP (NSC23766 > GGTI-2147). However, NSC23766 had no effect on cytomix-induced NO generation or caspase 3 activation, suggesting additional regulatory mechanisms might underlie these signaling steps. Together, these findings suggested that Rac1-mediated regulation of phagocyte-like NADPH oxidase contributes to cytokine-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction in the β-cell.
Flexible distributed architecture for semiconductor process control and experimentation

Semiconductor fabrication requires an increasingly expensive and integrated set of tightly controlled processes, driving the need for a fabrication facility with fully computerized, networked processing equipment. We describe an integrated, open system architecture enabling distributed experimentation and process control for plasma etching. The system was developed at MIT's Microsystems Technology Laboratories and employs in-situ CCD interferometry based analysis in the sensor-feedback control of an Applied Materials Precision 5000 Plasma Etcher (AME5000). Our system supports accelerated, advanced research involving feedback control algorithms, and includes a distributed interface that utilizes the internet to make these fabrication capabilities available to remote users. The system architecture is both distributed and modular: specific implementation of any one task does not restrict the implementation of another. The low level architectural components include a host controller that communicates with the AME5000 equipment via SECS-II, and a host controller for the acquisition and analysis of the CCD sensor images. A cell controller (CC) manages communications between these equipment and sensor controllers. The CC is also responsible for process control decisions; algorithmic controllers may be integrated locally or via remote communications. Finally, a system server images connections from internet/intranet (web) based clients and uses a direct link with the CC to access the system. Each component communicates via a predefined set of TCP/IP socket based messages. This flexible architecture makes integration easier and more robust, and enables separate software components to run on the same or different computers independent of hardware or software platform.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Ethical Problems in New Religion Field Research

Scholars studying living religious communities confront myriad questions about all levels of appropriate social interaction, and fortunately some lessons from the disciplines of sociology and anthropology help us navigate the work. However, those engaging in research on New Religions may have added burdens, as the marginalized communities we study may be further complicated by factors such as exclusivity or defensiveness, among others. As we work to balance critical academic study with engagement that is sensitive to practitioners, we may find ourselves in murky ethical situations. This essay, the second of a two-part series, discusses a range of unique ethical problems that those researching New Religions may confront, and for possible guidance it refers to specific examples faced by scholars in the past.
RF data communications considerations in advanced driver information systems

Advanced Driver Information Systems (ADIS)P, a subset of Intelligent Vehicle Highway Systems (IVHS), are considered. Some of the communications technologies that may be considered for IVHS/ADIS implementation are described, with an emphasis on wide-area RF data communications. The discussion covers communications between the infrastructure and the vehicle fleet, and not the connections between the roadside equipment and the traffic management center. The steps in designing an RF data system for IVHS/ADIS are reviewed, and design tradeoffs are discussed. >