cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Practical Guide to Conducting an Item Response Theory Analysis

Item response theory (IRT) is a psychometric technique used in the development, evaluation, improvement, and scoring of multi-item scales. This pedagogical article provides the necessary information needed to understand how to conduct, interpret, and report results from two commonly used ordered polytomous IRT models (Samejima’s graded response [GR] model and reduced GR model). Throughout this article, simulated data from a multi-item scale is used to illustrate IRT analyses. The simulated data and IRTPRO version 2.1 point-and-click commands needed to reproduce all analyses in this article are available as supplemental online materials at http://jea.sagepub.com/maint. The intent of this article is to provide an overview of essential components of an IRT analysis to enable increased access to this powerful tool for applied early adolescence researchers.
Comparison of total resistive work of breathing in two generations of ventilators in an animal model

Spontaneous breathing through an endotracheal tube and ventilator circuit is associated with an increased work of breathing (WOB). Recently, pediatric ventilators have introduced improved features to optimize patient-ventilator interactions. We performed an experiment utilizing an animal model to compare total resistive WOB of two widely used ventilators, the Siemens Servo Ventilator 300 (SV300) with patient-optimized features, such as flow-triggering and rapid response time, and the Siemens 900C (S900C) without those features. A total of 120 experiments of 10 minutes duration each were performed in 6 anesthetized, intubated lambs. In each experiment, the animal was randomized to either pressure support ventilation (PSV) of 5 cm H2O, or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) with 0 cmH2O end expiratory pressure (ZEEP) while supported by the SV300 or the S900C. Each animal was used as its own control. WOB was measured with a Bicore monitoring device as WOB of the animal (WOBp), WOB of the ventilator (WOBv), and the pressure time product (PTP) for each breath during the experiment. Oxygen consumption (VO2) of the animal was measured using breath-by-breath gas analysis with a customized metabolic monitoring system. A Wilcoxon signed rank sum test was used for analysis. All comparisons between the ventilators for both CPAP and PSV showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). WOBp was reduced by 47% during pressure support ventilation (PSV) and by 47% during CPAP when the SV300 was used compared to the S900C. We conclude that WOB is significantly lower in animals ventilated with the SV300 than with the S900C ventilator, and we speculate that ventilators with the features of the SV300 may offer advantages in ventilating pediatric patients. Pediatr Pulmonol. 1996; 22:58–66. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Rickets then and now.

Scince the introduction of irradiated ergosterol into our food supply, nutritional vitamin D-deficiency rickets has become an uncommon disease. However, skeletal disorders due to abnormalities of vitamin D function still occur. These disorders can now be classified more exactly into two groups: those in which there is a deficiency of the active metabolite of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and those in which there is an abnormality of renal tubular function resulting in renal hypophosphatemia despite normal vitamin D metabolism. The various entities of these two groups are described and the theoretical basis of their treatment given.
Effect of freezing on dehydrogenase activity and reduction of triphenyl tetrazolium chloride.

Abstract Comparisons of activities of various dehydrogenases isolated from frozen and unfrozen tissues of Hedera helix indicate that freezing does not result in denaturation of the various dehydrogenases examined. Preincubation in 2, 4-dinitrophenol mimiced the effects of freezing on reduction of TTC. Additions of various substrates and cofactors to previously frozen tissues increased the amount of TTC reduction. It is suggested that the high correlation between the amount of freezing injury in plant tissue and the ability to reduce TTC is due to physically and metabolically imposed substrate limitations rather than denaturation of specific dehydrogenases.
Deletion analysis of the mannopine synthase gene promoter in sunflower crown gall tumors and Agrobacterium tumefaciens

We have used deletion mutagenesis to analyze a TR-DNA promoter from the octopine-type Ti plasmid pTiB6806. The promoter for the gene encoding mannopine synthase (mas) was cloned upstream of the bacterial kanamycin-resistance gene neomycin phosphotransferase II (NPT II). Bal31 deletion mutagenesis was used to generate deletion derivatives of the mas/NPTII gene beginning 1353 bp upstream of the initiation of transcription and extending to 120 bp downstream from the mRNA start site. Deletions that left intact 318 bp upstream of transcription initiation had no detectable effect on the ability of tumors harboring the deletion to synthesize correctly initiated mRNA or to grow on the kanamycin analogue G418. Deletion to-138 destroyed the ability of sunflower crown gall tumors to grow on G418 although low levels of the mas/NPTII transcript were detected in one tumor line. Deletions that left only 57 bp upstream of transcription initiation allowed neither growth on G418 nor detectable mas/NPTII synthesis, even though the CCAAT and TATAA homologies were intact. The mas promoter is functional in Agrobacterium tumefaciens and we present data concerning the effects of the Bal31 deletions on the growth of A. tumefaciens on kanamycin.
Economics of Virtue in Dietrich von der Glezze’s der borte: A Wife Errant and a Husband Caught

This article is a Gender Theory-informed reading of a thirteenth-century German narrative entitled der borte. Der borte (1270–1290) was written by the little known, Dietrich von der Glezze and it deals with familial transgressions, perversions of knightly virtues, as well as same-sex physical encounters. Previous research maintains that this short verse narrative has not received much scholarly attention due to its queerness. However, I suggest that what has not received much attention is not the small measure of homoeroticism that is featured in it but rather the concept of desire quantification and how it justifies convention transgression. I claim the accepted view of der borte is week and prejudicial to an obviously heterosexual text. The core intent of the text has been missed by current scholarship, where the concept of desire quantification and how it is used to justify transgressions of social and religious conventions is the focus of Dietrich’s narrative.
Imidazolium-containing, hydrophobic–ionic–hydrophilic ABC triblock copolymers: synthesis, ordered phase-separation, and supported membrane fabrication

Novel ABC triblock copolymers containing hydrophobic, imidazolium ionic liquid (IL)-based ionic, and non-charged hydrophilic blocks were synthesized by direct sequential, ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of three chemically immiscible norborene monomers. The resulting ABC triblock copolymers were found by small-angle X-ray scattering to phase-separate into different nanostructures in their pure melt states, depending on their block sequence and compositions. Supported composite membranes of these triblock copolymers were successfully fabricated with defect-free, ≤20 microns thick top coatings. Preliminary CO2/light gas transport studies demonstrated the potential of this new type of IL-based block copolymer material for gas separation applications.
Hybrid FSO/RF symbol mappings: Merging high speed FSO with low speed RF through BICM-ID

In this paper, we investigate designing of hybrid free space optical (FSO)/ radio frequency (RF) symbol mappers using bit-interleaved coded modulation with iterative decoding (BICM-ID) with asymmetric data rates between the FSO and the RF links. Data bits are first encoded with a channel code and the coded bits after an interleaver are mapped to hybrid FSO/RF symbols instead of separate conventional RF symbols and on-off keyed FSO transmissions. Iterative decoding is used at the receiver. An orthogonal evolutionary (OE) algorithm to obtain optimal symbol mappings is used. Two cost functions to be used in the OE algorithm are proposed. For high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) regime, analytical error bound expressions are used and at the low SNR regime, extrinsic information transfer (EXIT) chart is used for the cost function. The proposed mappings achieve significant gains over conventional mappings. For a hybrid FSO/RF link with an FSO and RF channel use ratio of 10∶1, the proposed mapping achieves an optical SNR gain of more than 7 dB over conventional mapping. A good agreement between simulation and analysis results is obtained for the proposed scheme at high SNR.
Simulating ultra-wideband imaging for the early detection of tissue injury

Various medical imaging techniques exist to detect the early development of tissue damage. However, a widely commercialized device that can be easily used and is cost effective is still needed. Through a literature review, we examined ultrasound, microwave tomography, and ultra-wideband (UWB) technology. Out of these techniques, UWB is the most promising since it has the capability to detect small adjustments in dielectric properties, which can change with minor alterations in perfusion and internal pressure. These minor alterations are vital in detecting the onset of ischemia, which precedes many serious conditions affecting tissue health. In addition to its ability in detection, UWB also has the potential to become a widely accessible technology to hospitals. Using software called XFdtd, we simulated ultrawideband pulses propagating through planes designed to resemble tissue in its dielectric properties. After testing several sizes of the horn antenna and configurations for the wire and port, the antenna's near field was finally able to reach the distance necessary to penetrate the tissue model. The resulting graph of voltage versus time was generated from the received antenna signal and it will be compared to the graphs that result after the dielectric properties of the model have been changed to simulate tissue injury. Through this manipulation of the tissue model, the sensitivity and selectivity of UWB in measuring small fluctuations in perfusion can be determined. In this future work with XFdtd, we want to show that UWB is a novel and viable technique in detecting early tissue injury.
Topical steroid therapy in ulcerative colitis.

Forty-one cases of idiopathic chronic ulcerative colitis in varying stages were treated with prednisolone in cod liver oil given intrarectally. The patients were also given the usually prescribed treatment for ulcerative colitis. All but 3 showed definite objective and subjective improvement regardless of duration or severity of disease. Thirty per cent improved when the steroid alone was given topically. Another 30 per cent improved on topical therapy given independently of prior systemic steroid treatment. Twenty-five per cent improved on combined local and systemic steroid therapy. Advantages and details of the method described are discussed.
Human herpesviruses-encoded dUTPases: a family of proteins that modulate dendritic cell function and innate immunity.

We have previously shown that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded dUTPase can modulate innate immune responses through the activation of TLR2 and NF-kappaB signaling. However, whether this novel immune function of the dUTPase is specific for EBV or a common property of the Herpesviridae family is not known. In this study, we demonstrate that the purified viral dUTPases encoded by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), human herpesvirus 6A (HHV-6A), human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) differentially activated NF-kappaB through ligation of TLR2/TLR1 heterodimers. Furthermore, activation of NF-kappaB by the viral dUTPases was inhibited by anti-TLR2 blocking antibodies (Abs) and the over-expression of dominant negative constructs of TLR2, lacking the TIR domain, and MyD88 in human embryonic kidney 293 cells expressing TLR2/TLR1. In addition, treatment of human dendritic cells and PBMCs with the herpesviruses-encoded dUTPases from HSV-2, HHV-6A, HHV-8 and VZV resulted in the secretion of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, TNF-alpha, IL-10 and IFN-gamma. Interestingly, blocking experiments revealed that the anti-TLR2 Ab significantly reduced the secretion of cytokines by the various herpesviruses-encoded dUTPases (p<0.05). To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating that a nonstructural protein encoded by herpesviruses HHV-6A, HHV-8, VZV and to a lesser extent HSV-2 is a pathogen-associated molecular pattern. Our results reveal a novel function of the virus-encoded dUTPases, which may be important to the pathophysiology of diseases caused by these viruses. More importantly, this study demonstrates that the immunomodulatory functions of dUTPases are a common property of the Herpesviridae family and thus, the dUTPase could be a potential target for the development of novel therapeutic agents against infections caused by these herpesviruses.
Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Overexpression Decreases Endothelial Cell Oxidant Stress and Increases Bioavailable Nitric Oxide

Objective— Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), the principal source of NADPH, serves as an antioxidant enzyme to modulate the redox milieu and nitric oxide synthase activity. Deficient G6PD activity is associated with increased endothelial cell oxidant stress and diminished bioavailable nitric oxide (NO·). Therefore, we examined whether overexpression of G6PD would decrease reactive oxygen species accumulation and increase bioavailable NO· in endothelial cells. Methods and Results— Adenoviral-mediated gene transfer of G6PD increased G6PD expression, activity, and NADPH levels in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs). BAECs overexpressing G6PD demonstrated a significant reduction in reactive oxygen species accumulation when exposed to hydrogen peroxide, xanthine-xanthine oxidase, or tumor necrosis factor-α compared with BAECs with basal levels of G6PD. BAECs overexpressing G6PD maintained intracellular glutathione stores when exposed to oxidants because of increased activity of glutathione reductas...
Conformational isomers of neutral trans‐di­nitro­cobalt(III) complexes

The reaction of Co(acac)3 with N-(2-amino­ethyl)-1,3-propane­di­amine in the presence of NaNO2 results in the preparation of an unexpected di­nitro­cobalt(III) compound, (11-amino-4-methyl-5,8-di­aza­undeca-2,4-dien-2-olato-κ4­N5,8,11,O)-di­nitrocobalt(III), [Co(C10H20N3O)(NO2)2], containing the tetra­dentate anion of 11-amino-4-methyl-5,8-diazaundeca-2,4-dien-­2-ol. Two isomers of the compound were obtained by recrystallization of the crude product. In one isomer, the two trans nitro groups are staggered, and in the other they are eclipsed.
Communications: Response of First-Feeding Spring Chinook Salmon to Four Potential Chemical Modifiers of Feed Intake

Abstract The feed intake of first-feeding spring chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) changed significantly when the amino acid glycine or the ammonium-containing trimethylamine was added to experimental diets in a 2-week feeding trial. Glycine enhanced feed consumption, whereas trimethylamine (which occurs in rancid fish meals and oils) decreased it. This effect of trimethylamine may indicate that the fish were sensitive to it as an indicator of the freshness of their feed; this possible sensitivity may play a role in the apparent aversion that salmonids and other fish show toward highly oxidized meals and oils.
Laser-Doppler Velocimeter Measurement of Annulus Wall Boundary Layer Development in a Compressor Rotor

Detailed measurement of the flow field in the tip region of a compressor rotor was carried out using LDV. The axial and tangential components of relative velocities were measured upstream, inside the passage, and at the exit of the rotor, up to about 20 percent of the blade span from the blade tip. The annulus-wall boundary layer is well behaved at the leading edge and far downstream of the rotor. But inside the passage, complex interactions between the leakage flow and the annulus-wall boundary layer result in unconventional profiles with wide deviations from models employed for analyses.
DISTRIBUTION OF AMINO ACIDS IN THE CELLULAR FRACTIONS OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS.

WhenStaphylococcus aureus cells were labeled with a single radioactive amino acid for 20 minutes, the highest activity, except for alanine, leucine, and glycine, was found in the free pool. Significant amounts of the above amino acids and also valine and methionine were incorporated into the protein — cell wall fraction. Cells previously labeled with a single amino acid underwent a net loss of radioactivity when transferred to buffer, glucose, or complete medium. An exception was glycine. The greatest loss in activity occurred in the free pool. While some amino acids (alanine, cystine) were transferred from the free pool to the protein — cell wall fraction under all conditions tested, others (glutamic acid, proline) were transferred only under conditions of growth. Cells labeled with certain single amino acids and then transferred to a complete medium lost a significant portion of the label. The most extreme case noted was proline, but other amino acids also effluxed from the cell under these conditions.
Cytoprotection by Amifostine during Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Advanced Refractory Hematologic Malignancies

Abstract This study evaluated whether amifostine protects against mucositis and other toxicities in patients with advanced, refractory, or recurrent hematologic malignancies undergoing high-dose chemotherapy and total body irradiation. Thirty-five patients (20 with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, 12 with Hodgkin disease, and 3 with acute myelogenous leukemia) who underwent autologous stem cell transplantation were conditioned with total body irradiation 2 Gy twice daily on days −8 through −6; cyclophosphamide 6 g/m2, etoposide 1.8 g/m2, and carboplatin 1 g/m2 on days −5 through −3; and amifostine 500 mg/m2 on days −8 through −2. Prior institutional experience in patients treated without amifostine was used as a historical comparison (no-amifostine group). Severe mucositis occurred in 14 (40%) of 35 patients in the amifostine group, compared with 33 (94%) of 35 in the no-amifostine group (P
Black messiah: The father divine peace mission movement

(1977). Black messiah: The father divine peace mission movement. Quarterly Journal of Speech: Vol. 63, No. 4, pp. 428-438.
Normative population theory.

Utilitarian and contractarian solutions to the problem of optimal population are examined and shown to have unacceptable implications. As argued by Parfit, for instance, utilitarianism may imply large numbers of people at a very low standard of living. An analogy is drawn between optimal population for a society and the optimal structure of an individual life. The ideal life need not maximize cardinal utility, because an individual may prefer a shorter life with less, more intense utility to a very long life with higher total utility (“Methuselah's Paradox”). The optimal population is what an individual would prefer if he had to sequentially live out each life in his choice.
Mass-Transfer Properties of Microbubbles. 1. Experimental Studies

Synthesis-gas fermentations have typically been gas-to-liquid mass-transfer-limited due to low solubilities of the gaseous substrates. A potential method to enhance mass-transfer rates is to sparge with microbubble dispersions. Mass-transfer coefficients for microbubble dispersions were measured in a bubble column. Oxygen microbubbles were formed in a dilute Tween 20 solution using a spinning disk apparatus. Axial dispersion coefficients measured for the bubble column ranged from 1.5 to 7.2 cm2/s and were essentially independent of flow rate. A laser-diffraction technique was used to determine the interfacial area per unit gas volume, a. The mass-transfer coefficient, KL, was determined by fitting a plug-flow model to the experimental, steady-state, liquid-phase oxygen-concentration profile. The KL values ranged from 2.9 x 10(-5) to 2.2 x 10(-4) m/s. Volumetric mass-transfer coefficients, KLa, for microbubbles with an average initial diameter of 60 microns ranged from 200 to 1800 h-1. Enhancement of mass transfer using microbubbles was demonstrated for a synthesis-gas fermentation. Butyribacterium methylotrophicum was grown in a continuous, stirred-tank reactor using a tangential filter for total cell recycle. The fermentation KLa values were 14 h-1 for conventional gas sparging through a stainless steel frit and 91 h-1 for microbubble sparging. The Power number of the microbubble generator was determined to be 0.036. Using this value, an incremental power-to-volume ratio to produce microbubbles for a B. methylotrophicum fermentation was estimated to be 0.01 kW/m3 of fermentation capacity.
Xylitol in the prevention of oral diseases

Special needs populations such as the mentally disabled or developmentally disabled present a unique challenge for the dental professionals providing dental treatment. Among those challenges is oral health promotion through primary prevention of dental caries and periodontal disease. There are many barriers to adequate oral care for these special needs patients that include cost, physical limitations, low levels of perceived need and lack of dental knowledge by residents and staff, if the person resides in an institution. Primary prevention to maintain oral comfort and function for these patients is a priority to support their quality of life. Typical oral health problems of these patients include hyposalivation, root-surface caries, poor oral hygiene, a high prevalence of periodontal disease and dental caries. The purpose of this paper is to review information for the inclusion of xylitol in primary preventive regimens as an adjunct for the prevention of oral diseases for special needs patients.
Fabrication of Interdigitated Carbon Structures by Laser Pyrolysis of Photoresist

A technique to produce carbon by pyrolysis of a positive photoresist on a silicon substrate using a laser beam (laser pyrolysis) is described. The characteristics of the two-dimensional carbon microstructures produced aredetermined by the motion and power of the laser beam as it traverses the surface of the photoresist. This approach has advantages over conventional photolithography, which was used to pattern photoresists that were then converted to carbon by thermal pyrolysis. Examples of Raman spectra and carbon structures obtained by laser pyrolysis are presented.
Working with cognitively impaired drivers: legal issues for mental health professionals to consider.

INTRODUCTION: Mental health professionals are gatekeepers of patient confidentiality. Yet, confidentiality held too strictly, by allowing a potentially dangerous driver to assume control of a car, endangers society. Recent court cases have mandated that mental health professionals must warn those who may be potentially harmed by patients. In spite of this, disagreements linger as to whether it is the responsibility of governmental agencies or mental health professionals to decide who is unfit to operate a vehicle because of cognitive impairment. Methods: This article addresses the legally relevant considerations when working with cognitively compromised individuals who operate a motor vehicle. Legal issues surrounding confidentiality, patient rights, foreseeable risk, and the duty to warn and protect are presented in order to understand their relationship to recent court rulings. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY: The impact on the mental health care industry includes not only concerns about increased insurance premiums or costs due to alleged negligence or litigation expenses secondary to failure to ensure the safety of an impaired client under their care. Mental health care providers are aware that the welfare of clients with impairment to cognitive decision making ability may require unique considerations for safety such as ensuring safe and appropriate transportation. Language: en
A Positive Signature for the Recognition of Gravitational Radiation

THE state of the art in present gravitational wave (GW) experiments is one of Holmesian sleuthing, in which one states, “I know of nothing else which can be causing these signals”. Here I suggest a method by which the effects of GW driving an antenna can be cleanly separated from all other physical inputs. Simply put, for GW and for GW alone, the proper acceleration of the ends of the antenna and the proper strain in the elastic parts of the antenna are not exactly 90° out of phase.
Addicted to pillaging in cyberspace

Internet addiction is associated with software piracy.Deviant peer association is associated with all forms of piracy.There is a huge learning curve in regard to the effect of Internet addiction on criminal behavior. The present exploratory study sought to address a gap in the current literature on problematic Internet use by investigating the relationship between Internet addiction and digital piracy. The main research question guiding this study was whether IA was correlated with digital piracy. The expectation was that IA would indeed be correlated with digital piracy and increase odds of perpetration. Secondly, taking into account that previous literature on both IA and digital piracy emphasizes the importance of online relationships (Acier & Kern, 2011; Fitzpatrick, 2008; Marcum, Higgins, Wolfe, & Ricketts, 2011), it was expected that deviant peer association would increase the odds of pirating. Finally, taking into account that previous research on both IA and digital piracy has largely shown that these problems affect a greater proportion of males (Andreou & Svoli, 2013; Gunter, Higgins, & Gealt, 2010; Hinduja, 2012; Lam, Peng, Mai, & Jing, 2009; Shaw & Black, 2008), it was expected that being male would increase the odds of pirating.
Hemispheric differences in stimulus identification

Subjects were presented with either verbal (letters) or nonverbal (outline forms) stimuli to their left or right cerebral hemispheres. Verbal items presented with a lateral masking stimulus were identified more quickly and accurately when presented to the right hemisphere rather than to the left. When the letters were presented without a masking stimulus, weak hemispheric effects were obtained. Nonverbal forms demonstrated faster reaction time and fewer errors for right-hemisphere presentations under both masked and unmasked conditions. Retinal locus of the display item was also varied and produced faster responding with fewer errors when the stimulus was presented foveally rather than peripherally under all display conditions. These effects were attributed to the use of a manual response procedure that effectively reduced the ability of subjects to employ names for the stimulus objects.
Evaluation of excess carbon 14 and strontium 90 data for suitability to test two‐dimensional stratospheric models

From reports by the Atomic Energy Commission concerning the atmsopheric distribution of radionucleides following the nuclear bomb tests of 1958--1959 and 1961--1962, excess carbon 14 data from the period 1959--1970 and strontium 90 data from 1963--1967 are reviewed for possible use as inert tracers to test two-dimensional stratospheric-tropospheric models. Contrary to some views expressed in the literature, it is concluded that the carbon 14 data are suitable to test (1) the altitude (at 4 latitudes) of the transition region between troposphere and stratosphere with respect to transport of an inert tracer, (2) some aspects of transport between the northern and southern hemispheres, (3) horizontal and vertical transport as the vertical profile between 4.5 and 33 km and at 31{degree}N evolves from a skewed Gaussian in 1963 to an almost stair-step profile in 1966, and (4) the long-term one-dimensional aspect of a two-dimensional model over the period 1966--1970. More tentatively, it is concluded that the strontium 90 data may be used as a model for the distribution and gross settling rate of the natural stratospheric aerosol layer between 15 and 25 km. Data from difficultly obtained laboratory reports and suggested initial conditions and boundary conditions are included as a microfiche supplementmore » to this paper. {copyright} American Geophysical Union 1989« less
Effect of State of Order on the Photoconductivity of Auramine

Abstract The diagram of energy levels associated with generation, transport, and trapping of charge carriers in the dye auramine is investigated for four states of order of the solid ranging from loosely packed sublimed films to good single crystals. Within small classical corrections, all states yielded identical diagrams, consistent with the use of the localized model for photoconductivity in this material.
High-throughput analysis of algal crude oils using high resolution mass spectrometry.

Lipid analysis often needs to be specifically optimized for each class of compounds due to its wide variety of chemical and physical properties. It becomes a serious bottleneck in the development of algae-based next generation biofuels when high-throughput analysis becomes essential for the optimization of various process conditions. We propose a high-resolution mass spectrometry-based high-throughput assay as a ‘quick-and-dirty’ protocol to monitor various lipid classes in algal crude oils. Atmospheric pressure chemical ionization was determined to be most effective for this purpose to cover a wide range of lipid classes. With an autosampler-LC pump set-up, we could analyze algal crude samples every one and half minutes, monitoring several lipid species such as TAG, DAG, squalene, sterols, and chlorophyll a. High-mass resolution and high-mass accuracy of the orbitrap mass analyzer provides confidence in the identification of these lipid compounds. MS/MS and MS3 analysis could be performed in parallel for further structural information, as demonstrated for TAG and DAG. This high-throughput method was successfully demonstrated for semi-quantitative analysis of algal oils after treatment with various nanoparticles.
Sexual and institutional issues when one spouse resides in the community and the other lives in a nursing home

Later life marriages often include one partner caregiving another. In some situations, institutionalization of a mate may become a viable option. One issue requiring attention when one mate resides in a nursing home and the other lives in the community is that of sexuality between the couple. Four issues are discussed: intimacy/sexual needs of the nursing home resident and the communitydwelling spouse, sexually inappropriate behaviors as related to sexuality between a nursing home resident and his/her spouse, and the role of the nursing home in facilitating relationships between these couples. Clinical implications of these issues are also explored.
Degradation, structure and properties of fibrous nonwoven poly(glycolic acid) scaffolds for tissue engineering

Biodegradable polymer scaffolds have been used to engineer new tissues or organs by culturing cells on them. The degradation, structure and properties of fibrous nonwoven poly(glycolic acid) (PGA) scaffolds (2 mm thick and 10 mm in diameter) were studied over 9 weeks in tissue culture medium at 37°C under mixing condition. After 3 days of in vitro culture, the mass of the scaffolds increased slightly (5.6%) due to hydration and/or adsorption, but it decreased thereafter. After 9 weeks, only 12.5% of the mass were retained. The melting point of the scaffolds decreased from 218.1°C to 186.0°C in the first 3 weeks, as measured with differential scanning calorimetry ( DSC ). No melting peak could be identified for later times (6 weeks and 9 weeks). The crystallinity of the scaffolds doubled over the first 11 days, but decreased thereafter. The glass transition temperature of the degrading scaffolds (36–39°C) was lower than that of the dry starting scaffolds (40°C) presumably due to the plasticizing effect of absorbed water and other low molecular weight molecules. The PGA scaffolds without cells lost their structural integrity and mechanical strength completely in 2 to 3 weeks. In contrast, the neocartilage constructs regenerated from the PGA scaffolds and bovine chondrocytes kept their structural integrity throughout the in vitro culture study. After 12 weeks of in vitro culture, the biomechanical properties of the neocartilage constructs reached the same orders of magnitude as those of normal bovine cartilage.
Acetylcholine receptor degradation measured by density labeling: Effects of cholinergic ligands and evidence against recycling

Abstract The methodology of density labeling of proteins by biosynthetic incorporation of 2 H, 13 C, 15 N-amino acids into newly synthesized polypeptide chains allows the direct measurement of the turnover rate of the acetylcholine receptor in cultured chick skeletal muscle. In this study, receptors synthesized in medium containing 2 H, 13 C, 15 N-amino acids were resolved from 1 H, 12 C, 14 N-receptors by velocity sedimentation in sucrose-deuterium oxide gradients, and their proportions were determined by computer analysis of the gradient profiles. The kinetics of turnover of acetylcholine receptors are identical for developing chick muscle fibers grown in medium containing 2 H, 13 C, 15 N-amino acids or 1 H, 12 C, 14 N-amino acids, and the high degree of substitution of normal aminoacyl residues by 2 H, 13 C, 15 N-residues does not affect the turnover rate of the denser receptor. Comparison of the turnover rates in continuous and pulse-labeling experiments gave independent confirmation of these results. The application of a potent, essentially irreversible blocking agent, α-bungarotoxin, increases the median lifetime of receptors from 17 hr for the native unbound receptor to 22 hr for the α-bungarotoxin-receptor complex. As predicted, the total number of α-bungarotoxin binding sites increased in the continued presence of α-bungarotoxin due to extension of receptor lifetime. To determine whether other cholinergic agents affect the turnover rate of the receptor, measurements were performed on cultures grown in the presence of 10 −4 M d-tubocurare of 10 −4 M carbachol, a reversible antagonist and a reversible agonist, respectively, of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. The receptor degradation rates of the drug-treated cells were identical to control values. The total number of α-bungarotoxin binding sites was reduced by 30% in the presence of carbachol, indicating that this agent affects the rate of synthesis of the acetylcholine receptor. Data formerly interpreted as suggesting a cycling of receptor-containing plasma membrane out of and back into the sarcolemma are now understood to reflect the alteration in receptor lifetime upon complexing with α-bungarotoxin. The intracellular "hidden" receptor sites were found to remain inside the myotubes and thus do not signify an intracellular pool of recycling plasma membrane.
Coronal mass ejections: Solar cycle aspects

Abstract Research in the area of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) is now mature, since their discovery coincided with the first coronagraph that was flown in space in 1971. However, the continuity of space coronagraphs and similar instruments has allowed the detection and measurement of CMEs over almost three consecutive solar cycles. Their importance in the space weather field is well established, and some researchers believe the phenomenon may also be important for the longer-term space climate studies. In this review, we summarize the solar cycle variation of the main properties of CMEs detected by previous and ongoing missions. These include rate of detection, apparent angular width, detected mass, apparent speed, and apparent latitude. Their behavior in time is presented and discussed.
Diltiazem was as effective as diuretics or β-blockers, or both, at preventing cardiovascular mortality and morbidity

Source Citation Hansson L, Hedner T, Lund-Johansen P, et al., for the NORDIL Study Group. Randomised trial of effects of calcium antagonists compared with diuretics and β-blockers on cardiovascular...
Capillary electrophoresis chiral separation of basic pharmaceutical enantiomers with different charges using sulfated ?-cyclodextrin

A negatively charged cyclodextrin, sulfated β-cyclodextrin [β-CD-(SO4−)4], was used as a chiral selector for capillary electrophoresis separations of basic pharmaceutical enantiomers. The charges of the basic enantiomers were controlled by adjusting the buffer pH. At pH 2.5, basic compounds are positively charged and interact stronger with the negatively charged CD than with neutral CDs, owing to the extra electrostatic interaction. This additional interaction is very useful for chiral separations of the enantiomers that interact weakly with the neutral CDs. For example, chiral separations of acebutolol, metanephrine, normetanephrine, nafronyl, labetalol, and nadolol were achieved at this pH. For labetalol and nadolol that have two chiral centers, three of the four isomers were separated. The capillary surface was dynamically coated with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) to reduce the possible interactions between solutes and the capillary wall, to improve efficiency and reduce the electroosmotic flow (EOF) for enhancing resolution. PVA reduced the interactions between the analytes and the chiral selector; nevertheless, peak tailing was observed owing to the electrodispersion for the compounds that interact too strongly with the anionic CD. At pH 11.6, most of the basic test compounds (except those having phenol groups) are neutral and have weaker interactions with the negatively charged CD. The separation efficiency increased dramatically for all analytes at higher pH owing to the absence of electrodispersion. The existence of the neutral PVA polymer in the buffer solution increased the solubility of the neutral hydrophobic amines and reduced the solute–CD complexation. Chiral separations of a large number of compounds were achieved at a single concentration of the charged cyclodextrin. ©1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Micro Sep 11: 11–21, 1999
Risk Factors for Coronary Heart Disease in Hispanic Populations: A Review

Epidemiological studies of coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors among Hispanics were examined. Hispanics as compared with Anglo Americans and blacks appear to have somewhat lower mortality rat...
Large in-plane displacement microactuators based on electro-thermal bimorphs with folded multiple segments

A mechanism for achieving large in-plane displacement is proposed, fabricated and tested. A key distinguishing feature of this mechanism is that it employs bimorph actuator beams, which have traditionally been used for achieving out-of-plane displacements only. A combination of rigid beams and bimorphs amplifies in-plane displacements and minimizes out-of-plane displacements produced by the bimorphs. A test structure with thermal bimorphs and an embedded resistive heater is fabricated; a maximum displacement of 135 μm is measured at just 3.8 V dc. The mechanism may also be implemented using bimorphs and multimorphs based on piezoelectric effect, electroactive polymers, shape memory alloys, magnetostriction, and electrostriction. Possible applications include movable MEMS stages, integrated Michelson interferometers, temperature sensors, and movable microneedles.
Approximate Semidefinite Matrices in a Linear Variety

We both characterize and give a convergent algorithm for finding a matrix in a linear variety of matrices that is nearest (in the Frobenius norm) to the positive semidefinite (PSD) matrices. Our motivation is from matrix completions, and in that setting our observations take an especially useful form that we use to bound, and sometimes give closed-form formulae for, the distance from the set of completions to the PSD matrices in terms only of specified data.
Taking Care of Unfinished Business and the Business of the 21st Century What an Institute for Advanced Study in Civil Rights, Preferably in the Academic Deep South, Should Examine

This article examines the work of an imaginary Institute for Advanced Study in Civil Rights as a model of changed oriented knowledge production, preferably in a major research university in the Dee...
Cloning and sequence of the Xenopus laevis homologue of the midkine cDNA

Abstract The Xenopus laevis (XI) homologue of the midkine-encoding gene (MK) has been isolated and sequenced from a X. laevis cDNA library made from the head region of stage-22 embryo. The nucleotide and deduced amino-acid sequences show a high degree of conservation with the avian and mammalian MK and pleiotrophin (PTN) genes and gene products. Highly conserved domains may indicate important regions for the function of the MK and PTN proteins.
Investigating the TNP-OVA and direct popliteal lymph node assays for the detection of immunostimulation by drugs associated with anaphylaxis in humans.

Using current animal models, it is not possible to identify low-molecular-weight compounds (LMWCs) that are likely to be associated with anaphylaxis. It is generally accepted that the ultimate effector mechanism involves drug-induced IgE antibody. The objective of the present study was to determine if diclofenac, zomepirac and glafenine, which are associated with anaphylaxis in humans, have immunostimulating potential in the murine TNP-OVA (trinitrophenyl-ovalbumin) popliteal lymph node assay (PLNA), and more specifically to determine if the immunostimulation caused by these LMWCs results in IgE antibody production. These LMWCs were chosen because both zomepirac and glafenine were removed from the market due to high association with anaphylaxis, and diclofenac, which remains on the market, is frequently associated with anaphylaxis. In addition to conducting a TNP-OVA PLNA, the immunostimulating potential of these compounds was examined in the direct PLNA. When co-administered with TNP-OVA, all three LMWCs caused dose-dependent (0.25, 0.50, 1.00 and 1.25 mg) increases in popliteal lymph node (PLN) weight and cellularity that were observed beginning with the 0.25-mg dose. In addition, beginning with the 0.25-mg dose, all three compounds caused dose-dependent increases in TNP-OVA specific IgM and IgG(1) antibody-forming cells (AFCs). Diclofenac induced an isotype switch and caused a dose-dependent increase in the number of IgE AFCs with no detectable IgG(2a) AFCs and minimal high-dose-only IgG(2b) AFCs. Zomepirac induced IgE, IgG(2a) and IgG(2b) AFCs following the injection of 0.50 mg only, and glafenine induced IgE, IgG(2a) and IgG(2b) AFCs following the injection of 0.50-1.00 mg. In the direct PLNA, diclofenac caused dose-dependent increases in PLN weight and cellularity that were observed beginning with dose of 0.50 mg, whereas zomepirac failed to increase any PLN parameter and glafenine only increased the PLN weight. These results suggest that diclofenac, zomepirac and glafenine are immunostimulating LMWCs in the TNP-OVA PLNA with the potential to induce IgE antibody against a co-administered hapten-conjugate. Furthermore, these results suggest that the TNP-OVA PLNA offered significant advantages over the direct PLNA. Although it is not realistic to suggest that a single assay, based on a low number of test compounds, can identify all LMWCs with the potential to cause anaphylaxis in humans, these observations do demonstrate the potential utility of the PLNAs in examining LMWC-induced immunomodulation and support further development and investigation of the assays.
Reflection of Magnetostatic Forward Volume Waves by a Shallow-Grooved Grating on a YIG Film

The magnetostatic forward volume wave (MSFVW) reflection characteristics of a uniform grating of shallow grooves etched on the planar surface of an epitaxial YIG film are treated using an approach which integrates field theory with the coupled-mode approach. The MSFVW reflectivity per groove is found to be comparable to the reflectivity of magnetostatic surface waves (MSSW's) and thus is found to be significantly large considering that the volume waves are reflected by surface-localized and shallow grooves.
Differentiation of Self: An Examination of the Concept

Differentiation of self is a concept that has been used interchangeably with the similar concepts of individuation and psychological differentiation. The construction of a sound empirical knowledge base for differentiation of self has been hindered by the lack of conceptual-operational fit found in many studies. Using a modification of the concept analysis approach proposed by Walker and Avant (1988), a detailed description of differentiation of self is presented, delineating it from similar concepts. Differentiation of self is defined as the ability to distinguish between thoughts and feelings in an emotional relationship system. As the cornerstone concept in the Bowen theory (1985b), knowledge about differentiation of self has important clinical implications for nurses and other health professionals who strive to improve the assessment and intervention process in their work with individuals and families.
EGL-36 Shaw Channels Regulate C. elegans Egg-Laying Muscle Activity

The C. elegans egl-36 gene encodes a Shaw-type potassium channel that regulates egg-laying behavior. Gain of function [egl-36(gf)] and dominant negative [egl-36(dn)] mutations in egl-36 cause reciprocal defects in egg laying. An egl-36::gfp reporter is expressed in the egg-laying muscles and in a few other tissues. Expression of an egl-36(gf) cDNA in the egg-laying muscles causes behavioral defects similar to those observed in egl-36(gf) mutants. Gain of function EGL-36 subunits form channels that are active at more negative potentials than wild-type channels. The egl-36(gf) alleles correspond to missense mutations in an amino terminal subunit assembly domain (E138K) and in the S6 transmembrane domain (P435S), neither of which were previously implicated in the voltage dependence of channel activation. Altogether, these results suggest that EGL-36 channels regulate the excitability of the egg-laying muscles.
A moment methodology for coagulation and breakage problems: Part 2 Moment models and distribution reconstruction

Abstract Population balances for simultaneous coagulation and breakage (and their analogs, e.g., polymerization and depolymerization) are employed in describing many systems (e.g., aerosols, powders and polymers), and many unit operations including reactors, crystallizers and size reduction/enlargement equipment. The population balance equations for homogeneous coagulation rate, power-law breakage rate and self-similar daughter particles are solved in moment form under a polynomial interpolative closure rule. Limiting steady-state analytical approximations for the distribution function of the very small particles are incorporated into basis sets enabling reconstruction of the distributions from their moments utilizing a nonlinear regression technique.
Therapeutic Properties of Oral Ambruticin (W7783) in Experimental Pulmonary Coccidioidomycosis of Mice

Oral administration of ambruticin (W7783) (by gavage) was lifesaving in mice infected intranasally with arthrospores of Coccidioides immitis. Doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg of body weight, given twice daily by different schedules for from 17 to 60 days, eradicated the fungus from 71 to 100 percent of the infected mice. Lower doses (5 or 10 mg/kg once or twice daily by an intermittent 50-day regimen) prevented death in all instances but produced many fewer biologic cures. The animals tolerated all these doses well but were adversely affected by doses of 200 mg/kg given daily. Resistance to the drug was not induced by prolonged treatment Dose-related fungicidal and fungistatic properties in vitro correlated with doses that were life-sustaining or curative (or both) in vivo.