cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Proposed Judicial Test Based on Hybrid Duty in the Lender-Borrower Relationship

My Note proposes a judicial test to hold predatory lenders liable for originating a mortgage that led to foreclosure. This remedy will only apply to borrowers/homeowners that have incurred a foreclosure at no fault of their own. Lender's are subject to a new hybrid duty that combines several principles to protect the borrower against predatory practices. This hybrid duty contain a blend of three distinct legal doctrines. First, a standard of disclosure similar to medical informed consent shifts a lender's standard to a borrower-based standard. This subjective standard encourages the lender-borrower relationship to become much closer and personal. Second, doctrine of suitability, usually applied in securities, requires the lender to originate mortgages with a reasonable basis, which is measured by the particular situation of the borrower. This helps to limit predatory practices that relate directly to the terms of the mortgage. Third, agency principles govern the interactions in the lender-borrower relationship to ensure that lenders act in the best interest of the borrower. The cause of action is based on the structure of medical informed consent. Historically, medical informed consent dealt with similar issue in the physician-patient relationship relating to disclosures. Informed consent shifted policy towards a pro-patient standard of disclosure, which provides support for proposed judicial test and hybrid duty. The proposed judicial note sets safeguards against opening lender to overbroad liability. The most relevant is a lender's rebuttable presumption that a borrower's foreclosure was self-induced. This limits borrower's recovery to the true victims of predatory lending, rather than irresponsible borrowers.
VALINE-ISOLEUCINE METABOLISM IN ACETOBACTER SUBOXYDANS AND THE INHIBITION OF GROWTH BY VALINE

Kerwar, Suresh S. (Oregon State University, Corvallis), Vernon, H. Cheldelin, and L. W. Parks. Valine-isoleucine metabolism in Acetobacter suboxydans and the inhibition of growth by valine. J. Bacteriol. 88:179–186. 1964.—Extracts of Acetobacter suboxydans can synthesize valine and isoleucine via acetolactate and acetohydroxybutyrate, respectively. The amounts of these amino acids synthesized from different intermediates were determined. The pathways appear to be identical to those described for yeast, Neurospora, and Escherichia coli. When exogenous valine was added to a synthetic growth medium inoculated with A. suboxydans, no growth of the culture was observed. The inhibitory effect of valine was reversed by the addition of isoleucine. The site and mechanism of valine inhibition were investigated. Threonine deaminase was inhibited by valine and isoleucine but not by leucine. Repression of the deaminase by isoleucine but not by valine was indicated. The data reported in this paper suggest that valine prevented growth of the organism through false feedback inhibition of threonine deaminase, thereby limiting isoleucine biosynthesis.
Identification of subunits of gonococcal RNA polymerase by immunoblot analysis: evidence for multiple sigma factors.

Abstract Heparin-agarose and single-stranded DNA-cellulose chromatography were used to purify RNA polymerase 25-fold from Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and the activity of the polymerase was characterized in altered assay systems. The core subunits (beta, beta', and alpha) were tentatively identified as major proteins copurifying with polymerase activity. The identification of the core subunits was confirmed by Western (immunoblot) analysis with polyclonal antisera to Escherichia coli core RNA polymerase. Gonococcal sigma factor heterogeneity was examined by Western blot analysis with polyclonal antiserum to the major E. coli sigma factor, sigma 70, to the E. coli heat shock sigma factor, sigma 32, and with a monoclonal antiserum to Salmonella typhimurium NtrA (sigma 54). Purified RNA polymerase and whole-cell extracts from type 1, type 4, heat-shocked, and anaerobically grown gonococci were examined. Four putative gonococcal sigma factors were detected in purified RNA polymerase preparations and in whole-cell extracts from all cell types. Two of these bands appeared as a doublet, which had an estimated Mr of 80,000. A single lower-Mr band, estimated to be 40,000, was also present. All three of these bands reacted with antisera to E. coli sigma 70 and to E. coli sigma 32. A fourth gonococcal protein reacted solely with a highly specific monoclonal antibody to sigma 54 and had an Mr of 90,000. We conclude that N. gonorrhoeae may contain multiple sigma factors, which it may use to regulate gene expression.
Studies of oxidative energy deficiency: I. Achondroplasia in the rabbit

Abstract Defective oxidative energy formation with the absence of phosphorylation at the cytochrome oxidase region (site III) of the terminal respiratory system has been demonstrated to be present in isolated mitochondrial preparations from the livers of newborn achondroplastic rabbits. Normal-appearing littermates did not exhibit the defect. Terminal electron transport and oxidative activities of the terminal respiratory system as well as mitochondrial ATPase activity (coupling factor I) were similar in both normal and achondroplastic tissue preparations. No significant differences were detectable in the morphology of liver mitochondria from normal and achondroplastic littermates by electron microscopy examination.
Deriving Measures of Software Reuse in Object Oriented Systems

The analysis and measurement of current levels of software reuse are necessary to monitor improvements. This paper provides a framework for the derivation of measures of software reuse and introduces several definitions, attributes, and abstractions of potentially measurable reuse properties. The framework is applied to the problem of measuring reuse in object oriented systems which support “leveraged” reuse through inheritance. I describe the importance of the perspective of the observer when analyzing, measuring, and profiling reuse. Three perspectives are examined: the server perspective, the client perspective, and the system perspective. Candidate reuse metrics are proposed from each perspective.
Quantitative Determination of Dyes in Textile Fibers: Part IV: Determination of Disperse and Cationic Dyes in Polyester Fibers by Selective Extraction

The dye content of polyester fibers on fiber blends containing both disperse and cationic dyes is determined by extracting the disperse dyes with chlorobenzene, followed by extraction of the cationic dye with DMF containing 55 g/l. ZnCl2, 8 ml/l. conc HCl (37%), and 20 g/l. 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methylphenol.
Allelopathic activity among Cyanobacteria and microalgae isolated from Florida freshwater habitats

We evaluated allelopathic interactions between strains of Cyanobacteria and green algae isolated from south and central Florida. Allelopathy, including inhibition or stimulation of growth, was assessed by cocultivation of each of the isolated strains, as well as by evaluation of extracts prepared from the isolates. All of the strains of Cyanobacteria, and four of the six isolates of green algae, showed some allelopathic activity (i.e. inhibition or stimulation of the growth of other strains). Of these, the most pronounced activity was observed for the cyanobacterial isolate Fischerella sp. strain 52-1. In the cocultivation experiments this cyanobacterium inhibited the growth of all tested green algae and Cyanobacteria. The crude lipophilic extracts from Fischerella sp. strain 52-1 isolated from both the biomass and the culture liquid inhibited photosynthesis of the green alga Chlamydomonas sp. in a concentration- and time-dependent manner and caused extensive loss of ultrastructural cell organization. Preliminary chemical characterization of compounds extracted from Fischerella sp. strain 52-1 indicated the presence of indole alkaloids, and further characterization has confirmed that these compounds belong to the hapalindoles previously isolated from other species of Fischerella and related genera. Further chemical characterization of these compounds, and further investigation of their apparent role in allelopathy is ongoing.
Escherichia coli dnaK null mutants are inviable at high temperature.

DnaK, a major Escherichia coli heat shock protein, is homologous to major heat shock proteins (Hsp70s) of Drosophila melanogaster and humans. Null mutations of the dnaK gene, both insertions and a deletion, were constructed in vitro and substituted for dnaK+ in the E. coli genome by homologous recombination in a recB recC sbcB strain. Cells carrying these dnaK null mutations grew slowly at low temperatures (30 and 37 degrees C) and could not form colonies at a high temperature (42 degrees C); furthermore, they also formed long filaments at 42 degrees C. The shift of the mutants to a high temperature evidently resulted in a loss of cell viability rather than simply an inhibition of growth since cells that had been incubated at 42 degrees C for 2 h were no longer capable of forming colonies at 30 degrees C. The introduction of a plasmid carrying the dnaK+ gene into these mutants restored normal cell growth and cell division at 42 degrees C. These null mutants showed a high basal level of synthesis of heat shock proteins except for DnaK, which was completely absent. In addition, the synthesis of heat shock proteins after induction in these dnaK null mutants was prolonged compared with that in a dnaK+ strain. The well-characterized dnaK756 mutation causes similar phenotypes, suggesting that they are caused by a loss rather than an alteration of DnaK function. The filamentation observed when dnaK mutations were incubated at a high temperature was not suppressed by sulA or sulB mutations, which suppress SOS-induced filamentation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Images
Specification of commercial reverse osmosis modules and predictability of their performance for water treatment applications

Abstract Techniques for specifying membranes in commercial modules and reverse osmosis systems involving such modules, and for predicting data on performance of the modules so specified are illustrated with particular reference to water treatment applications. Four commercial modules (Roga-4000, Westinghouse, Raypak and Du Pont-B9) were studied in. this work for such specification and prediction. Experimental reverse osmosis data using NaCl-H2O feed solutions were used for obtaining data on membrane specifications. Equations of system analysis were used for prediction of data on module performance. Three sets of calculated data are reported for the operating pressure of 2758 kPa gauge (400 psig). The first set of data shows good agreement between calculated and experimental results on the performance of the modules with aqueous sucrose feed solutions. The second set of data shows the variations in solute separation and membrane productivity for each of the four- modules studied as functions of volumetric fraction product water recovery and membrane compaction for a 3000 ppm NaCl-H2O feed solution. The third set of data shows the variations in solute separation as a function of solute transport parameter at different levels of mass transfer coefficient on the high pressure side of the membrane for very dilute aqueous feed solutions.
Neurotensin gene expression increases during proestrus in the rostral medial preoptic nucleus: potential for direct communication with gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons.

Neurotensin (NT)-containing neurons in the rostral portion of the medial preoptic nucleus (rMPN) of the brain may play a key role in regulating the pattern of secretion of GnRH, thereby influencing the reproductive cycle in females. The major goals of this study were to determine whether NT messenger RNA (mRNA) levels in the rMPN exhibit a unique pattern of expression in temporal association with the preovulatory LH surge and to assess whether NT neurons may communicate directly with GnRH neurons. We analyzed NT gene expression in rats using in situ hybridization over the day of proestrus and compared this with diestrous day 1. We also determined whether the high-affinity NT receptor (NT1) is expressed in GnRH neurons using dual-label in situ hybridization and whether this expression varies over the estrous cycle. We found that NT mRNA levels in the rMPN increase significantly on the day of proestrus, rising before the LH surge. No such change was detected on diestrous day 1, when the LH surge does not oc...
Mesons in the large-N collective field method☆

Abstract The large-N limit of SU(N) matrix quantum mechanics has been studied recently as a model for large-N Yang-Mills theory. Here we solve this model with fundamental representation fermions (“quarks”) added. The “meson” spectrum is given by an integral equation and exhibits asymptotically linear “Regge trajectories” with the same spacing as that of the “glueballs”.
Bi-integrable couplings of a new soliton hierarchy associated with a non-semisimple Lie algebra

We construct bi-integrable couplings for a new soliton hierarchy from zero curvature equations associated with a non-semisimple loop algebra. We demonstrate the Liouville integrability of the hierarchy by showing that the bi-integrable couplings generated are bi-Hamiltonian.
Thermomechanical behavior of amorphous tactic methacrylate polymers

Dynamic mechanical spectra of amorphous stereoregular poly(methyl methacrylate)s and poly(t-butyl methacrylate)s with assigned microtacticities are presented and discussed. An intermolecular argument is invoked to account for the higher glass transition temperature of syndiotactic vis a vis isotactic PMMA, in spite of the higher density of the latter at 30 C. An argument is presented to show that the ratio of glassy-region relaxation temperature to glass transition temperature is not only a measure of the degree of coupling of the beta and glass transition processes, but also of the degree to which intermolecular factors influence these processes. The greater extent of the low-temperature irreversibilities observed in the thermomechanical spectra of poly(t-butyl methacrylate)s is attributed to the brittle character induced by the bulky side groups which presumably weaken cohesive forces.
Delineation of acute myocardial infarction with dysprosium DTPA-BMA: influence of dose of magnetic susceptibility contrast medium.

Objectives. The contrast enhancement of acutely infarcted myocardium produced by the nonionic magnetic susceptibility-enhancing agent dysprosium diethylenetriamine pentaacelic acid-bis-methylamide (DyDTPA-BMA [S-043 Injection]) was assessed in the current study to establish the lowest dose that would yield optimal contrast between normal and acutely infarcted myocardium. Background. Magnetic susceptibility contrast agents enhance differences between normal and ischemic tissue by reducing the signal of the normally perfused tissue to which they distribute. Methods. Acute myocardial infarctions were produced by ligation of the left coronary artery. At 3 to 4 h after occlusion, a dose of 0.1, 0.3 or 0.5 mmol/kg of DyDTPA-BMA was injected intravenously into eight rats each in group 1, 2 or 3, respectively; a fourth group of seven rats served as a control group. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) transverse relaxation time (T2)-weighted images (electrocardiographically gated to every 5th beat, echo delay time [TE]= 60 ms) were acquired before and for 1 h after administration of contrast agent. Results, Images obtained before the injection of contrast agent showed moderate differences in signal intensity between normal and infarcted myocardium (p < 0.05). The contrast enhancement and the duration of delineation between infarcted and normal myocardium produced by this agent were dose dependent. At doses of 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 mmol/kg, DyDTPA-BMA produced signal loss in normal myocardium: 63 ± 5%, 41 ± 4% and 28 ± 4% of the baseline values, respectively, without any significant reduction in signal intensity of the infarcted region. The reduction in signal of normal myocardium and delineation of the infarct persisted for 5 min at a dose of 0.1 mmol/kg, for 20 min at a dose of 0.3 mmol/kg and for 40 min at a dose of 0.5 mmol/kg. No change in signal intensity or signal intensity ratio between normal and infarcted myocardium was observed in the control group during the same observation period. Conclusions. These results suggest that low doses of this agent, comparable to those of longitudinal relaxation time (T1)-enhancing agents, can delineate acutely infarcted myocardium. A dose of 0.3 mmol/kg of DyDTPA-BMA (S-043 Injection) provides reasonably persistent demarcation of acute myocardial infarction. Because this dose dramatically suppresses the NMR signal of normal myocardium, it shows the infarcted region as a region of high intensity (bright spot) on NMR images.
Effect of Subjects' Sex and Sex-Role Attitudes on Real and Perceived Performance Using Gender-Related Stimuli with Traditional and Nontraditional Female Experimenters

Summary.-Actual and perceived performance of male and female college students was investigated using male-oriented and female-oriented words with a "traditional" or a "nontraditional" role-playing female experimenter. Subjects' attitudes toward women, as measured by the Attitudes Towards Women Scale were also considered. On Bem's inventory subjects, especially those with a more traditional attitude, perceived the "nontraditional" experimenter as being more masculine and the "traditional" experimenter as being more feminine than those with other attitudes. More male-oriented words were recalled with the "nontraditional" experimenter and more female-oriented words were recalled with the "traditional" experimenter. Men underestimated their performance more with the "nontraditional" experimenter. Women underestimated their performance with the "nontraditional" experimenter and overestimated their performance with the "traditional" experimenter. Implications for the workplace were discussed. In the last 10 years there has been an increase in the number of women in managerial positions: in 1977, 18% of all managers were women (Baron, 1977), while as of 1987, 37% of all managers were women (Baum, 1987). Studies have shown that many male executives do not feel comfortable with a female boss. They feel that women in managerial positions have a bad effect on employees' morale (Bowman, Worthy, & Greyser, 1965; Rosen & Jerdee, 1975). In this regard, there have been contradictory findings as to how employees feel about working for a female manager (Brown, 1979; O'Leary, 1974); some studies indicate a negative gender-bias (Bart01 & Butterfield, 1976; Jacobson & Effertz, 1974; Petty & Lee, 1975), while others show none (Day & Stogdill, 1972; Osborne & Vicars, 1976). Moreover, any observed gender-bias in the workplace may be influenced by the sex or other characteristics of the employees (Terborg, Peters, Ilgen, & Smith, 1977). Dubnos (1985) found, for example, that men's attitudes toward women managers have been consistently negative, while women's attitudes have become more positive. Male and female sex-roles are still differentiated in our society. Women who are socialized by the traditional sex-role model tend to overvalue the personality and performance of men and devalue those of their own sex.
A comparative investigation of ethical decision making: information systems professionals versus students

As information technology evolves, it continues to raise new ethical challenges. In recognition of this, the business and academic communities have focused increased attention on ethics. Professional codes of ethics have been enacted by the ACM, AITP, and other computing organizations to provide guidance to information systems (IS) professionals in resolving ethical dilemmas. In addition, the IS'95 model curriculum and the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) guidelines for business education both recognize the importance of ethics in business educational programs.This paper explores an important question that has been neglected by previous research: do IS professionals differ significantly from students in terms of their perceptions about ethical issues? Two studies were conducted and they revealed a number of ethical decision-making differences between professionals and students. This result, along with an additional finding that participants showed little consensus about most ethical scenarios, suggests that ethical decision making is often difficult and that both students and professionals can benefit from ethical training and education. The findings also have important implications for IS research.
Influence of Microdamage on Fracture Toughness of the Human Femur and Tibia

Abstract The relationship between microdamage accumulation and bone fragility is not well understood. Previous work has demonstrated a positive relationship between microdamage and age in human cortical bone. Prior investigations have also demonstrated that fracture toughness decreases with age in the same bone. Based on these findings, the objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that a decrease in fracture toughness can be attributed to an increase in microdamage density. Microdamage parameters (density, surface density, and average crack length) were measured from bone taken from the shaft of the human femur and tibia and correlated with results from fracture toughness tests of the same bone. Results indicated that there was a weak but significant inverse relationship between fracture toughness and microdamage parameters for tension loading of the femur. These findings suggest that in vivo microdamage observable at the transmitted light level (100×) plays a secondary role to other contributory factors to decreased fracture toughness with age. Results also indicate that this relationship depends on bone ductility that apparently differs between the femur and the tibia. This study, in addition to prior investigations, suggests that crack size (microscopic vs. submicroscopic) and crack origin or type (in vivo vs. stress induced de novo) may influence the relationship between microdamage and bone toughness.
Climate change impacts on dryland cropping systems in the Central Great Plains, USA

Agricultural systems models are essential tools to assess potential climate change (CC) impacts on crop production and help guide policy decisions. In this study, impacts of projected CC on dryland crop rotations of wheat-fallow (WF), wheat-corn-fallow (WCF), and wheat-corn-millet (WCM) in the U.S. Central Great Plains (Akron, Colorado) were simulated using the CERES V4.0 crop modules in RZWQM2. The CC scenarios for CO2, temperature and precipitation were based on a synthesis of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC 2007) projections for Colorado. The CC for years 2025, 2050, 2075, and 2100 (CC projection years) were super-imposed on measured baseline climate data for 15–17 years collected during the long-term WF and WCF (1992–2008), and WCM (1994–2008) experiments at the location to provide inter-annual variability. For all the CC projection years, a decline in simulated wheat yield and an increase in actual transpiration were observed, but compared to the baseline these changes were not significant (p > 0.05) in all cases but one. However, corn and proso millet yields in all rotations and projection years declined significantly (p < 0.05), which resulted in decreased transpiration. Overall, the projected negative effects of rising temperatures on crop production dominated over any positive impacts of atmospheric CO2 increases in these dryland cropping systems. Simulated adaptation via changes in planting dates did not mitigate the yield losses of the crops significantly. However, the no-tillage maintained higher wheat yields than the conventional tillage in the WF rotation to year 2075. Possible effects of historical CO2 increases during the past century (from 300 to 380 ppm) on crop yields were also simulated using 96 years of measured climate data (1912–2008) at the location. On average the CO2 increase enhanced wheat yields by about 30%, and millet yields by about 17%, with no significant changes in corn yields.
Bicubic subdivision-surface wavelets for large-scale isosurface representation and visualization

We introduce a new subdivision-surface wavelet transform for arbitrary two-manifolds with boundary that is the first to use simple lifting-style filtering operations with bicubic precision. We also describe a conversion process for re-mapping large-scale isosurfaces to have subdivision connectivity and fair parameterizations so that the new wavelet transform can be used for compression and visualization. The main idea enabling our wavelet transform is the circular symmetrization of the filters in irregular neighborhoods, which replaces the traditional separation of filters into two 1D passes. Our wavelet transform uses polygonal base meshes to represent surface topology, from which a Catmull-Clark-style subdivision hierarchy is generated. The details between these levels of resolution are quickly computed and compactly stored as wavelet coefficients. The isosurface conversion process begins with a contour triangulation computed using conventional techniques, which we subsequently simplify with a variant edge-collapse procedure, followed by an edge-removal process. This provides a coarse initial base mesh, which is subsequently refined, relaxed and attracted in phases to converge to the contour. The conversion is designed to produce smooth, untangled and minimally-skewed parameterizations which improves the subsequent compression after applying the transform. We have demonstrated our conversion and transform for an isosurface obtained from a high-resolution turbulent-mixing hydrodynamics simulation, showing the potential for compression and level-of-detail visualization.
Evaluation of a hospital-based tobacco treatment service: outcomes and lessons learned

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of smoking cessation interventions for hospital patients has been well described, but we know little regarding implementation and outcomes of real-world programs. OBJECTIVE: To describe the services provided and outcomes of an academic medical center-based tobacco treatment service (UKanQuit) located in the Midwestern United States. METHOD: This is a descriptive observational study. Both quantitative and qualitative data of all patients treated by UKanQuit over a 1-year period were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 513 patients served, average interest in quitting was 7.9, standard deviation (SD) 2.9 on a scale of 0 to 10. More than 1 in 4 had been given an in-hospital medication to ameliorate withdrawal prior to seeing a counselor. Counselors recommended medication changes for 1 in 3 patients, helped 73% set a goal for quitting or reducing tobacco use, and fax referred 56% to quitlines. Six-month follow-up (response rate, 46%) found a 7-day abstinence rate of 32% among respondents for an intent-to-treat abstinence rate of 15%. Post-discharge, 74% made at least one serious quit attempt, 34% had used a quit smoking medication, but only 5% of those referred to the quitline reported using it. CONCLUSIONS: In a hospital setting, interest in quitting is high among smokers who requested to see a tobacco counselor but administration of inpatient medications remains low. Many smokers are making unassisted quit attempts post-discharge because utilization of cessation medications and quitline counseling were low. Fax-referral to quitline may not, on its own, fulfill guideline recommendations for post-discharge follow-up. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010;. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Limit theorems for age and density dependent stochastic population models

Consider a population consisting of m different types of individuals living in a fixed region with area A. We construct a stochastic population model in which the death rate is affected by the age of the individual and the birth rate is affected by both the age of the individual and the population density PA (t), i.e., the population size divided by the area A of the given region. (In the multiple case PA (t) is a vector.)
Imide-containing phthalonitrile resin

Abstract A new imide-containing phthalonitrile resin has been synthesized and studied by thermal analysis. The initially formed di(amic acid) phthalonitrile intermediate, which was synthesized from reaction of 4-(3-aminophenoxy)phthalonitrile with 3,3',4,4'-benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride, is readily converted into the imide linkages before commencing with the polymerization reaction. The monomer was polymerized in the presence of a minute quantity of 1,3-bis(3-aminophenoxy)benzene by an addition polymerization reaction. Thermal properties were determined by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis.
The Use Of Fluorescence Quenching To Measure Oxygen Concentration

The method of fluorescence quenching is used to measure the concentration of molecular oxygen. The method is rapid, reversible, and does not consume oxygen. The method may provide the basis for a unique biomedical sensor. The key to developing such a device lies in the choice of a fluorophor/polymer composite matrix having the desired optical and transport properties. Experimental results will be presented for certain parameters essential for assessing device development. The properties of interest include the kinetics of fluorescence quenching, the biomolecular rate constants, the temperature dependence of oxygen solubility and diffusivity in the composite matrix, and the oxygen diffusion coefficient. Poly(dimethyl siloxane) [PDMS] was chosen as the polymer host because it is biocompatible, hydrophobic, has a high diffusivity for the simple gases, and is easily bonded to fused silica. 9,10-diphenyl anthracene [9,10-D] was selected since it is readily soluble in a number of organic solvents, has an excitation spectrum in the near UV, an emission spectrum in the visible, a long fluorescence lifetime, and a high quantum yield. When incorporated into PDMS, the optical spectra of 9,10-D does not alter appreciably. The response time of the device is determined by the solution/diffusion kinetics of oxygen in PDMS. The solubility of oxygen in PDMS decreases with increasing temperature and an enthalpy of solution of off = -3.0 kcal/mole. (1) The diffusion of oxyzen in PDMS is found to obey an Arrhenius relation over the temperature range of 5'C to 450C with D = Do exp (-ED/RT) (2) where Do = 0.115 cm 2 /s (3) and ED = 4.77 kcal/mole. (4) Results of these studies indicate that an appropriate device, based on a fluorophor/polymer composite, for the measurement of oxygen concentration should be sensitive over those ranges which are important for physiological monitoring.
Mutagenicity of walnut creek and Troy (Alabama) wastewater treatment plant influent and effluent.

Abstract Samples from Walnut Creek, upstream of the Troy Wastewater Treatment Plant (TWWTP), and the influents to and effluents from the TWWTP were assayed for mutagenicity using the Salmonella typhimurium fluctuation test. Samples were prepared with metabolic activation (channel catfish S9 and rat S9 enzymes) and without using TA100 and TA98 strains of Salmonella. Results indicated that catfish S9 enzymes (FS9) were more capable of activating base-pair substitution mutagens in upstream samples than rat S9 enzymes (RS9). For influent samples, RS9 activated higher levels of base-pair and frameshift mutagens than FS9. The comparison of changes from influent to effluent samples showed a significant reduction in base-pair and no change in frameshift mutagens with FS9; conversely, no change in base-pair and a significant reduction in frameshift mutagens with RS9 were found. For direct-acting compounds (without enzymatic activation), a significant increase in frameshift mutations was found in effluent compared ...
Influence tactics as a function of gender, insult, and goal

A laboratory procedure evaluated three theoretical frameworks commonly used to explain gender differences in influence behaviors: the intrapersonal, which predicted main effects for gender; social context, which predicted main effects for situational variables; and sex stratification, an extension of expectation states theory, which predicted gender by situation interactions. Results supported the latter theory, indicating that goals (self-interest or altruism) and target behavior (insulting or not insulting) differentially affected women's and men's behavior. The relative use of reward, coercion, and request influence strategies was examined. Males and females increased their use of each strategy type differentially across trial blocks. Females used request and males used reward increasingly across trial blocks. Only males who were insulted showed an increase in coercion. Contrary to stereotypes, results suggest that males and females may hold similar preferences for strategies they use most to least often, but may switch their choices at different rates.
Comparison of the Solution Luminescence Properties and Solid-Matrix Luminescence Properties of 2-Amino-1-Methyl-6-Phenylimidazo[4,5-B]Pyridine

Abstract The solution fluorescence properties of 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) were compared with the solid-matrix luminescence properties of PhIP. The fluorescence properties were obtained in ethanol and several binary solutions of ethanol:water. An ethanol solution of PhIP gave a very strong fluorescence signal and the ethanol:water solutions only showed a small increase in the fluorescence signal. Acidic solutions of PhIP in ethanol:water (7:3) showed a major decrease in fluorescence intensity with at HCl of 10−4 M and greater, but NaOH solutions of PhIP did not affect the fluorescence intensity to any great extent. Both acidic and basic solutions gave fluorescence emission spectra that were shifted to longer wavelengths. Solid-matrix room-temperature fluorescence (SMRTF) and solid-matrix room-temperature phosphorescence (SMRTP) were readily obtained on filter paper. SMRTP showed some distinct advantages over SMRTF and gave a limit of detection of 0.2 ng on filter paper. Severa...
Man-made superlattice crystals

Multiple closely spaced layers of GaAs1-xPx, which approximate a one-dimensional crystalline superlattice, have been created by periodically pulsing PH3 into an AsH3-PH3-Ga-HCl vapor-growth apparatus. The phosphorus mole fraction varies between maximum and minimum values with a period typically less than 200A. Structures with up to 150 such layers have been produced. The crystal growth process and methods of characterization are discussed briefly.
State Initiative in Learning Disabilities Illinois' Project SCREEN Report II: Definition and Illinois Practice

This paper describes a theoretical monograph on the definition of learning disabilities and reports an interview study of cooperative directors of special education within the State of Illinois. It is the second in a four-part series reporting Illinois' unique initiative in the area of learning disabilities. The first paper in the series (Senf & Comrey 1975) described the essential thrust of Project SCREEN, the development of a multifaceted, group screening instrument for kindergarten and first grade use. The definitional section of this paper espouses the position that learning disabilities, as a construct implying child-centered deviance, cannot long survive and that the real issue lies with the delivery of services to children experiencing difficulties in the interaction with the school rather-than in the wording of the specific definition of learning disabilities. The interview study of Illinois special education cooperative directors focused on (1) the definition of learning disabilities, screening a...
Pilomyxoid astrocytoma of the spinal cord with cerebrospinal fluid and peritoneal metastasis

Pilomyxoid astrocytoma (PMA) is a recently described rare tumor which is a variant of pilocytic astrocytoma (PA). It exhibits a more aggressive behavior than PA. Spinal cord PMA has been reported in two articles in the past and none of the reported case had extraneural metastasis. We report on a female child with cervical cord PMA with diffuse leptomeningeal metastasis involving the brain and spinal cord. Two years later she presented with peritoneal carcinomatoses which was consistent with metastatic tumor via a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. This case confirms the aggressive behavior of PMA and makes clinicians aware of the possibility of extraneural, peritoneal metastasis through a VP shunt.
A polymeric membrane electrode for the detection of perchlorate in water at the sub-micro-molar level

A highly sensitive polymeric membrane electrode was synthesized for the detection of perchlorate in water. The membranes were characterized for thickness, potentiometric responses, and response time. Factors such as interfering anions, humic acid, and pH that may affect the performance of the electrode were investigated. The membrane electrode exhibited favorable selectivity toward perchlorate over interfering anions such as chloride, nitrate, sulfate, and bicarbonate in water and had a response time of ca. 5 s over the perchlorate concentration (activity) range of 10−6 to 10−1 M and a Nernstian slope of 58.5 ± 0.4 mV at room temperature. The potentiometric response of the electrode was pH independent in the range of 3.0 to 11.0 and had a perchlorate detection limit of 7.0 × 10−7 M (or 70 ppb). The polymeric membrane electrode was able to detect perchlorate ion at the sub-micro-molar level under conditions mimicking those of natural water systems.
Selective disruption of PPARγ2 impairs the development of adipose tissue and insulin sensitivity

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) is a nuclear receptor that plays a pivotal role in obesity and diabetes. PPARgamma has two isoforms, PPARgamma1 and PPARgamma2. We investigated the functional differences between PPARgamma1 and PPARgamma2 by selectively disrupting PPARgamma2 in mice. In contrast to the embryonic lethality of PPARgamma-deficient mice, PPARgamma2(-/-) mice survived. Although normal development was identified in other tissues we examined, PPARgamma2(-/-) mice exhibited an overall reduction in white adipose tissue, less lipid accumulation, and decreased expression of adipogenic genes in adipose tissue. In addition, insulin sensitivity was impaired in male PPARgamma2(-/-) mice, with dramatically decreased expression of insulin receptor substrate 1 and glucose transporter 4 in the skeletal muscle, but thiazolidinediones were able to normalize this insulin resistance. Consistent with in vivo data, PPARgamma2(-/-) mouse embryonic fibroblasts showed a dramatically reduced capacity for adipogenesis in vitro compared with wild-type mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Taken together, our data demonstrate that PPARgamma2 deficiency impairs the development of adipose tissue and insulin sensitivity. PPARgamma2(-/-) mice may provide a tool to study the role of PPARgamma2 in obesity and diabetes.
Response to chilling stress in plant cells. II: Redistribution of intracellular calcium

We have investigated the possibility that the rapid low temperature effects upon cyclosis and subcelluar structure might be due to a breakdown in compartmentation of intracellular calcium, leading to an increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+. Changes in fluorescence of chlortetracycline (CTC), a probe for membrane-bound Ca2+ were monitored in the corners of individual trichome cells (effective spot size ca. 800 square microns) with the aid of a Zeiss epifluorescence microscope linked to a Zeiss Zonax analyzing system. A consistent decrease in signal was observed as cells of chilling-sensitiveLycopersicon esculentum Mill. (cv.Ace) were cooled below their threshold temperature for chilling sensitivity. On rewarming, as the temperature rose above the chilling threshold, there was an increase in fluorescent signal. In contrast, trichomes ofDigitalis purpurea (chilling-resistant) showed no such changes. The uncoupling agent, CCCP, and the Ca2+-chelator, EGTA, induced marked decreases in the fluorescent signal in cells from both species. A more direct approach to testing the hypothesis was to examine the effect of modulating cytoplasmic Ca2+ with the aid of the Ca2+ -ionophore A 23187 and a Ca2+ concentration series in EGTA buffer. Above 10−8 M external free Ca2+, streaming began to be inhibited, full inhibition occurring at 5 x 10−6M Ca2+. The strand structure started to disappear when the Ca2+ rose above 10−7M. Disappearance of strands was accompanied by an increase in the number of cells with vesiculated cytoplasm, an effect analogous to that of chilling temperatures on these cells. The phenothiazines, trifluoperazine and chlorpromazine (10−5M) had similar effects. However but such effects were not seen with R 24571 or N(6-aminohexyl)5-chloro-1-napthalenesulfonamide (W 7) until concentrations were reached that orders of magnitude above their IC50 for calmodulin.
Ultrastructural features of the murine cutaneous microvasculature after exposure to polychlorinated biphenyl compounds (PCBs) and benzo-(a)-pyrene (BAP)

Exposure to polychlorinated biphenyl compounds (PCBs) has resulted in a variety of cutaneous effects in several species. When mice were exposed to PCBs through the diet and to benzo-(a)-pyrene (BAP) by topical application, hyperkeratinization occurred in the epidermis and hyperkeratinized cysts occasionally formed, but alterations were also observed in the dermis and in small cutaneous blood vessels, particularly capillaries and venules. The luminal borders of the endothelial cells often became irregularly ruffled, and pinocytotic vesicles increased in number and varied considerably in size. Subjacent to the endothelium and pericytes, the basal laminae were either replicated many times or extensively thickened. These effects were attributable to PCBs but not to BAP with the methods and dosages employed. Although endotheliocytosis has been reported in birds exposed to PCBs, vascular effects have not been previously described in mammals treated with these compounds.
Parvovirus-B19-associated complications in renal transplant recipients

Parvovirus B19 is a common human pathogen, causing erythema infectiosum in children, hydrops fetalis in pregnant women, and transient aplastic crisis in patients with chronic hemolytic anemia. Immunosuppressed patients can fail to mount an effective immune response to B19, resulting in prolonged or persistent viremia. Renal transplant recipients can develop symptomatic B19 infections as a result of primary infection acquired via the usual respiratory route or via the transplanted organ, or because of reactivation of latent or persistent viral infection. The most common manifestations of B19 infection in immunosuppressed patients are pure red cell aplasia and other cytopenias. Thus, this diagnosis should be considered in transplant recipients with unexplained anemia and reticulocytopenia or pancytopenia. Collapsing glomerulopathy and thrombotic microangiopathy have been reported in association with B19 infection in renal transplant recipients, but a causal relationship has not been definitively established. Prompt diagnosis of B19 infection in the renal transplant recipient requires a high index of suspicion and careful selection of diagnostic tests, which include serologies and polymerase chain reaction. Most patients benefit from intravenous immunoglobulin therapy and/or alteration or reduction of immunosuppressive therapy. Conservative therapy might be sufficient in some cases.
Reactions of alkenes, alkynes, and alkoxyallenes with new polymer-supported electrophilic reagents

Preparation of new polymer-supported electrophilic reagents that efficiently promote 1,2-haloacetoxylations of alkenes and alkoxyallenes is described. Under very mild conditions and in high yields, alkenes are transformed into α-halo acetates while alkoxyallenes lead to vinyl iodides. In contrast to these results, terminal alkynes commonly afford synthetically valuable 1-iodo-alkynes.
Minimal triangulation of the 4-cube

It is known that the 4-dimensional cube can be triangulated by a set of 16 simplices. This note demonstrates that the 4-dimensional cube cannot be triangulated with fewer than 16 simplices.
Teaching ethics in engineering and computer science: A panel discussion

At a conference, two engineering professors and a philosophy professor discussed the teaching of ethics in engineering and computer science. The panelists considered the integration of material on ethics into technical courses, the role of ethical theory in teaching applied ethics, the relationship between cases and codes of ethics, the enlisting of support of engineering faculty, the background needed to teach ethics, and the assessment of student outcomes. Several audience members contributed comments, particularly on teaching ethical theory and on student assessment.
The Homeless Man

Recent studies bearing on the characteristics of the homeless man are reviewed. It is suggested that isolation of culturally determined personality factors of the homeless person be explored.
Home testing and monitoring devices: A description of an interactive lab experience

Abstract Objective An interactive laboratory experience was designed to improve perceived student knowledge and confidence when recommending and educating patients about home testing products. Methods Twenty-two small groups of students were assigned to 1 of 11 stations and afforded 30 minutes to evaluate home testing products. One student was assigned to teach the class what was learned, which included what the product measures, the process by which the test produces a result, what might interfere with the test result, and how a patient should be taught to use the home test. A patient case scenario was also discussed, and selected case questions required audience response. Students completed a pre- and post-laboratory experience survey (5-point Likert scale) to determine if they felt useful and applicable information was learned, if the utilized format enhanced their learning, and if their confidence in recommending and educating patients about home testing products improved. Results Two hundred twenty-two students (88%) completed the survey prior to the home testing interactive experience, where 211 (84%) completed the post-survey. All post-survey results significantly improved when compared to results obtained from the pre-interactive lab survey, [median response 4 (IQR 4–5)]. More than two-thirds (77%) of students felt the laboratory format enhanced perceived knowledge and confidence in their ability to apply product information. Conclusion This innovative learning activity is an effective teaching strategy that improves students' perceived knowledge of home testing products and perceived confidence in their applying learned information to patient case scenarios.
Accelerometer sensitivity calibration by phase differences of a single-channel laser interferometer: theory

Two methods based upon the digitized modulation phase of a single channel laser interference photo signal are derived to compute the displacement amplitude of an accelerometer. One is an analytical method that can easily calculate the displacement amplitude of an accelerometer from digitized modulation phase by simple algebraic equations as long as these modulation phases are in the same 2π argument and the signal is noise free. The other method is using least squares to curve fit the digitized modulation phases of a laser interference signal with noise. The advantages of these methods are that, without changing any experimental setup, one can use the existing primary calibration laser interferometer system that follows the ISO 16063-11 and the phase mismatch and amplitude mismatch of a two-beam laser system can be avoided. From frequency range 2 Hz to 10000 Hz and displacement amplitude range 0.02 μm to 10000 μm, the computer simulated results show that the relative errors of curve fitted displacement amplitude and starting time phase angle are insensitive to different noise levels and the relative error of starting time phase angle is much smaller than that of displacement amplitude.