cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Insulin resistance in Hispanic large-for-gestational-age neonates at birth.

Content: Intrauterine exposure to maternal diabetes and large size at birth are known risk factors for the subsequent development of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Although Hispanic youth have been shown to have a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome, it is unknown whether metabolic abnormalities and a predisposition for glucose intolerance are present at birth. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine whether abnormalities in insulin sensitivity exist at or soon after birth in large-for-gestational-age neonates born to Hispanic women with and without gestational diabetes. Design/Patients/Setting: Forty-two term Hispanic neonates were enrolled for cross-sectional studies at 24–48 h after birth and included nine large-for-gestational-age neonates delivered of women with gestational diabetes (large-for-gestational-age-IDM), 12 large-for-gestational-age but not IDM neonates, 11 poorly grown (at the fifth to 10th percentile), and 10 appropriate-for-gestational-age neonates. Insulin ...
Nondestructive Evaluation of Corrosion by Fractal Geometry

Fractal geometry is finding its application in the nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of corrosion by characterizing the corrosion surface with fractal dimensions. It was found that corrosion surfaces can be well described by multifractals. Two algorithms were used to obtain the fractal dimensions of a corroded aluminum alloy surface, one being box-counting and another being coherent light scattering. Fractal dimensions were related with the damage caused by corrosion and fatigue.
Educational, Social and Ethical Implications of Technological Innovation.

Abstract: Implementation of the new information technologies in education will create numerous, powerful consequences for society: some direct and deliberate, others indirect and unintended. Outcomes likely, regardless of the method of implementation used, include greater general knowledge of the citizenry, a decrease in the costs of formal schooling, the centralization and standardization of curriculum development, the necessity for a massive educational change to a new model of teaching/learning, the separation of ‘education’ (multiple right‐answer learning) and ‘training’ (restricted range of right‐answer learning), the emergence of a new definition of ‘intelligence’, and higher overall rates of societal change compiled with increasing cultural homogenization. Implications highly dependent on implementation strategy chosen include variations in which social groups will be the initial primary consumers, the extent to which human interaction is reduced in the learning process, the equity (or inequity) wi...
Separation of protein conformers by differential ion mobility in hydrogen-rich gases.

Proteins in solution or the gas phase tend to exhibit multiple conformational families, each comprising distinct structures. Separation methods have generally failed to resolve these, with their convolution producing wide peaks. Here we report full separation of >10 conformers for most ubiquitin charge states by the new approach of differential ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) employing H2/N2 gas mixtures with up to 85% H2. The resolving power (up to 400) is five times the highest previously achieved (using He/N2 buffers), greatly increasing the separation specificity. The peak widths match the narrowest obtained by FAIMS for any species under same conditions and scale with the protein charge state (z) and ion residence time (t) as z−1/2 and t−1/2, as prescribed for instrumental (diffusional) broadening. This suggests resolution of specific geometries rather than broader ensembles.
Seeking the truth in Kathmandu ; fieldwork as an essential component in remote sensing studies

Abstract Remote sensing data are a valuable source of information about conditions at or near the surface of the Earth if their interpretation truly reflects those conditions. One of the best ways to promote representative classifications is to gain first hand experience of ground conditions. Attempts to measure urban growth in Kathmandu improved significantly following a field trip to the city. Ground truth data were collected for accuracy assessments, spectrally confusing features were identified, and the urban land-use class was defined more appropriately in terms of Nepalese land-use patterns, rather than from the perspective of suburban Northern Virginia.
Periotest method: implant-supported framework fit evaluation in vivo.

Abstract Statement of problem. In implant prosthodontics an accurate fit of the framework to the supporting implants is paramount. However, microgaps occur, unknown to the clinician until complications arise that implicate errors in fit. Therefore prosthodontics would welcome a tool or instrument that provides an objective evaluation of the fit at the implant prosthodontic interface. Purpose. This clinical investigation determined whether a correlation existed between the laboratory laser measurement of the abutment analog-framework fit and the intraoral abutment-framework fit as measured by the Periotest method. Material and methods. Fifteen subjects received implant-supported remote fixed partial denture supported by five (11 subjects) or six (4 subjects) implants in the mandibular jaw opposed by a complete maxillary denture. Laser videography was used to quantify the fit of the framework to its respective master cast with six measurements, while the fit of the framework in the mouth was quantified with the Periotest method. Data were statistically analyzed with correlation analyses and multiple regression. Results. The overall correlation coefficient between the two methods was r = 0.51. Regression analysis of variance revealed that the intercept of the laser videography measurement was significant ( p ≤ 0.05). The mean Periotest values and standard deviation for the abutment-framework interface were negative (-7.3 ± 1.2). The variance in part for the Periotest values was explained by the misfits in the vertical axis (ΔZ, + 0.471) and in the misfit direction of the centroids in the x-y plane (X-YVD, -0.244). Conclusion. There was no single variable among the six measurement variables that strongly correlated with the Periotest method in the identification of misfit at the bearing surface as indicated by the Periotest value measurements. The misfit laser variables that were weakly correlated to the Periotest values should be observable clinically with greater scrutiny. (J Prosthet Dent 1998;79:648-57.)
Mitochondrial ABC transporters function: The role of ABCB10 (ABC-me) as a novel player in cellular handling of reactive oxygen species

Mitochondria are one of the major sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cell. When exceeding the capacity of antioxidant mechanisms, ROS production may lead to different pathologies, such as ischemia-reperfusion injury, neurodegeneration, anemia and ageing. As a consequence of the endosymbiotic origin of mitochondria, eukaryotic cells have developed different transport mechanisms that coordinate mitochondrial function with other cellular compartments. Four mitochondrial ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters have been described to date in mammals: ABCB6, ABCB8, ABCB7 and ABCB10. ABCB10 is located in the inner mitochondrial membrane forming homodimers, with the ATP binding domain facing the mitochondrial matrix. ABCB10 expression is highly induced during erythroid differentiation and its overexpression increases hemoglobin synthesis in erythroid cells. However, ABCB10 is also expressed in nonerythroid tissues, suggesting a role not directly related to hemoglobin synthesis. Recent evidence points toward ABCB10 as an important player in the protection from oxidative stress in mammals. In this regard, ABCB10 is required for normal erythropoiesis and cardiac recovery after ischemia-reperfusion, processes intimately related to mitochondrial ROS generation. Here, we review the current knowledge on mitochondrial ABC transporters and ABCB10 and discuss the potential mechanisms by which ABCB10 and its transport activity may regulate oxidative stress. We discuss ABCB10 as a potential therapeutic target for diseases in which increased mitochondrial ROS production and oxidative stress play a major role.
Teacher team commitment, teamwork and trust: exploring associations

Purpose – To investigate relationships between teamwork, trust and teacher team commitment.Design/methodology/approach – Research has confirmed the value‐added effects of organizational commitment in terms of job performance, organizational effectiveness, and employee retention. This study focused on teacher teams as the unit of analysis, and posited associations between teamwork, viewed as team skills, trust and teacher team commitment. Data were derived from responses of elementary school teachers to an instrument including established measures of teamwork component skills, affective‐ and cognition‐based trust, and team commitment.Findings – Teamwork was found to be a significant predictor of teacher team commitment. Respondents showing higher levels of teamwork skills perceived higher levels of team commitment. Results, while not entirely confirmatory, suggested the importance of trust in the commitment equation.Research limitations/implications – This research was limited by the study sample of elemen...
CONTINUOUS INTRA-ARTERIAL INFUSION OF THE PELVIS VIA THE SUPERIOR GLUTEAL ARTERY.

Abstract A method of insertion of a catheter into the hypogastric artery from one of its parietal branches (superior gluteal artery) is described. The advantages of this approach are listed.
Characterization of glycopeptides from HIV-ISF2 gp120 by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry

Previously, we have characterized the HIV-ISF2 gp120 glycopeptides using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI/MS) and nanospray electrospray ionization (ESI). Although we characterized 25 of 26 consensus glycosylation sites, we could not obtain any information about the extent of sialylation of the complex glycans. Sialylation is known to alter the biological activity of some glycoproteins, e.g., infectivity of some human and nonhuman primate lentiviruses is reduced when the envelope glycoproteins are extensively sialylated, and thus, characterization of the extent of sialylation of complex glycoproteins is of biological interest. Since neither MALDI/MS nor nanospray ESI provided much information about sialylation, probably because of suppression effects inherent in these techniques, we utilized online nanocapillary high performance liquid chromatography (nHPLC) with ESI/MS to characterize the sites and extent of sialylation on gp120. Eight of the known 26 consensus glycosylation sites of HIV-ISF2 gp120 were determined to be sialylated. Two of these sites were previously uncharacterized complex glycans. Thirteen high mannose sites were also determined. The heterogeneity of four of these sites had not been previously characterized. In addition, a peptide containing two consensus glycosylation sites, which had previously been determined to contain complex glycans, was also determined to be high mannose as well.
Increased hepatic Δ6‐Desaturase activity with growth hormone expression in the MG101 transgenic mouse

Growth hormone (GH) has many metabolic effects, but its mechanism(s) of action are not fully understood. We studied the short-term effects of endogenously produced GH on liver Δ6-desaturase activity and adipose and liver lipid fraction fatty acid composition in transgenic mice. MG101 transgenic mice ages 73–114 d received zinc to activate the ovine GH transgene for 7 d. Nontransgenic littermates, used as controls, also received zinc. Liver lipids were fractionated into phospholipids (PL), cholesteryl esters, and triglycerides (TG), and retroperitoneal adipose fractionated into PL and TG for fatty acid analysis. Liver microsomes were assayed for Δ6-desaturase activity. Animals expressing the ovine growth hormone transgene had a 2.5-fold higher liver Δ6-desaturase activity than controls. Arachidonate and docosahexaenoate were significantly higher in liver PL of GH transgenic animals compared to controls, but both were decreased in adipose PL in the GH animals. We conclude that increased production of GH affects both production and organ distribution of highly unsaturated fatty acids. The changes in arachidonate in various lipid pools following transgene expression may mediate the systemic actions of GH.
Global climate change and introduced species in United States forests

Introduced species already cause billions of dollars of damage annually in United States forests, plus massive ecological damage whose economic value has often not been estimated. The variety of impacts is staggering and includes herbivory, predation, disease, parasitism, competition, habitat destruction, hybridization, and changed disturbance regimes and nutrient cycles. How global climate change will affect these impacts has scarcely been assessed. Range changes of existing introduced species will be prominent, as many species' biogeographic ranges are set primarily by climate. Similarly, some species that might otherwise not have survived will be able to establish populations in a changed climate. It is more difficult to predict what the impacts of the introduced species will be. What is most needed are studies of the combined impacts of changing climate, CO2, and nutrients. Certain aspects of the biology of introduced species, such as evolution and autonomous dispersal, greatly complicate the prediction of spread and impact of introduced species.
Unusual complication: superior mesenteric artery syndrome and closed loop gastroduodenal obstruction after adjustable gastric banding

Unusual complication: superior mesenteric artery syndrome and closed loop gastroduodenal obstruction after adjustable gastric banding Liisa L. Bergmann, B.S., Peter Zimmerman, M.D., Jonathan D. Kaunitz, M.D.* University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California Department of Radiology, University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California Radiological Service, Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Los Angeles, California Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive Diseases, University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California Medical Service, Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Los Angeles, California Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases 7 (2011) 237–239
Management of deep postoperative shoulder infections: is there a role for open biopsy during staged treatment?

Background Despite the gold standard treatment of 2-stage exchange arthroplasty, reinfection after periprosthetic shoulder infections and periarticular osteomyelitis can be as high as 37%. This study describes a protocol to detect persistent deep shoulder infection before revision arthroplasty. Methods Patients who presented with periprosthetic shoulder infections and osteomyelitis after previous surgery were treated with a standardized protocol of irrigation and debridement (I&D), removal of implants, antibiotic cement spacer placement, and pathogen-directed antibiotic therapy for 6 weeks. After completion of antibiotics and resolution of clinical symptoms, specimens were obtained from an open biopsy performed in the operating room, followed by revision arthroplasty at a later date if final cultures were without evidence of infection. If evidence of infection persisted, then another course of I&D and antibiotic treatment was performed. American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon scores were used to evaluate clinical outcomes. Results Eighteen patients were included between 2005 and 2012. The most common pathogens isolated were Propionibacterium acnes (44%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (39%), and S aureus (22%). Four patients (22%) had evidence of persistent infection on specimens from open biopsy and required subsequent rounds of I&D before replantation. The infecting pathogen in 75% of patients with persistent infection was P acnes , and 38% of patients with P acnes infection had recurrence. Mean follow-up of 24 months showed no signs of recurrent infection in any patient and an average American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon score of 71. Conclusion Despite prior staged treatment for deep postoperative shoulder infections, specimens obtained from open biopsy before replantation detected a persistent infection rate of 22% in all patients and 38% in patients with P acnes infection, which may indicate a role for this procedure in the prevention of recurrent infections.
Implications of the Dirac CP phase upon parametric resonance for sub-GeV neutrinos

We perform an analytic and numerical study of parametric resonance in a three-neutrino framework for sub-GeV neutrinos which travel through a periodic density profile. Commensurate with the initial level of approximation, we develop a parametric resonance condition similar to the exact condition for two-neutrino systems. For a castle-wall density profile, the ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{e}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}$ oscillation probability is enhanced significantly and bounded by ${\mathrm{cos}}^{2}{\ensuremath{\theta}}_{23}$. The $CP$ phase $\ensuremath{\delta}$ enters into the oscillation probability as a phase shift. For several cases, we examine the interplay between the characteristics of the castle-wall profile and the $CP$ phase and determine which profiles maximize the separation between oscillations with $\ensuremath{\delta}=0,\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}\frac{\ensuremath{\pi}}{2},\ensuremath{\pi}$. We also consider neutrinos which travel along a chord through the Earth, passing from the mantle to core and back to mantle again. Significant enhancement of the oscillation probability is seen even in the case in which the neutrino energy is far from the MSW resonant energies. At 500 GeV, the difference between oscillation probabilities with $\ensuremath{\delta}=0$ and $\ensuremath{\delta}=\frac{\ensuremath{\pi}}{2}$ is maximized.
Optical offset pointing of radio interferometers: applications at the Combined Array for Research in Millimeter-wave Astronomy

Optical telescopes and cameras are often used to determine the initial pointing model for radio antennas. After this initial determination, the optical systems are typically not used. The Combined Array for Research in Millimeter-wave Astronomy (CARMA) has implemented optical oset pointing as a standard calibration option for science observations. We report on the proof of concept testing, the method, and the typical improvements obtained over traditional radio pointing. We conclude with a brief discussion of future directions, which may oer further improved pointing at CARMA and at other facilities that require increased pointing accuracy.
A graph-structural approach for the generalization of data management systems

Abstract This paper describes a new technique for representing complex data structures as labeled graphs and matrices instead of the conventional tree representation. Graph (matrix) representation gives a generalized and effective means of understanding, visualizing, and analyzing data systems. Some procedures are given to perform efficient query capability, i.e., to permit the user to select entities efficiently from his file that are the values of some Boolean functions.
A novel architecture for Web service composition

Web services enable application-to-application interactions over networks. They have functional, behavioral, non-functional, and semantic characteristics. Web service composition is the mechanism for combining and reusing existing Web services to create new Web services. In this paper, we propose a novel architecture for Web service composition. The proposed architecture extends the standard Web services business model to explicitly support Web services composition. It also enables the description of Web services with all four of their characteristics (i.e. functional, behavioral, non-functional, and semantic characteristics). Furthermore, it uses formal methods (that take into account all of these characteristics) to enable the matching, selection, and assembling of the Web services that are needed in the composition process. The architecture is made up of three components: a business model, a composition framework, and a description framework. The business model introduces three new entities: a Web service composer, a Web service composition registry, and a third-party Web service provider. The Web service composer has the overall responsibility of the composition process and is realized by the composition framework. The composition framework uses matchmaking, categorization, and assembly techniques to carry out the actual composition, taking into account all of the characteristics. The description framework provides the languages required to describe the Web services in both the business model and the composition framework. It also integrates the languages in a common semantic domain of HOL (an expressive high-level logic). These languages are SAWSDL (a semantic and functional language), MSC (a formal behavioral language), and NFSL (an XML-based non-functional language). NFSL is a simple new language that we propose, while SAWSDL and MSC are existing languages.
Older women, breast cancer, and social support

One in ten women over the age of 65 will develop breast cancer. Despite this high incidence of breast cancer among older women, social support for them is often inadequate. This paper describes a qualitative study of the impact of a breast cancer diagnosis on older women from racially/ethnically diverse populations and their subsequent need for social support. Forty-seven older African American, Asian American, Caucasian and Latina women between the ages of 65 to 83 participated in a larger study examining the impact of breast cancer on women from racially/ethnically diverse populations and the meaning and nature of social support. The women completed an in-depth qualitative interview on the psychosocial impact of breast cancer and the meaning and nature of social support. The results indicate that there are variations in reactions to a breast cancer diagnosis among older women, and that these reactions impact their experiences with seeking social support at diagnosis and during treatment. Respondents were concerned about their aging bodies, potential dependency on others, and loss of autonomy. At the same time, the severity of cancer treatment and existing co-morbidities often meant they needed to learn to receive support, and to reach out if they had no support. The implications of these findings underscore the older cancer patient’s need to strengthen her supportive networks at the time of diagnosis, during treatment, and post-treatment.
Behavior of gold nanoparticles in an experimental algal–zooplankton food chain

The release of engineered nanomaterials offers a significant concern due to their unexpected behavior in biological systems. In order to establish the level of threat from releasing nanomaterials into ecosystems, simplified food webs are an effective method to determine toxicity and bioassessment. A study is presented examining the behavior of citrate-capped gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) introduced into a model food chain consisting of a phytoplankton food (Ankistrodesmus falcatus) and a zooplankton grazer (Daphnia magna). UV–Vis spectroscopy is used to monitor the behavior of AuNPs in the presence of algae (Ankistrodesmus) and Daphnia over the span of 5 days. Transmission electron microscopy shows the attachment of gold aggregates to the surface of the Ankistrodesmus. Bright field microscopy shows significant accumulation of AuNPs in the gut of Daphnia via uptake of contaminated Ankistrodesmus and directly from water. No toxicity was evident for Daphnia exposed to AuNPs at the concentration used (880 µg L−1).
Numerical Study of Two-Phase Granular Flow for Process Equipment

This paper reports on a research program of modeling multi-phase granular flow. Both single-phase granular flow and two-phase liquid/granular flow in a pressure vessel were considered. For the latter case, detailed results based on a viscous/Mohr-Coulomb closure were compared to existing formulations. Idealized test cases indicated that the numerical procedure is sound. Subsequent simulations of two-phase flow using realistic geometries and boundary conditions showed that the pressure distribution in the solid phase is fundamentally different for the Mohr-Coulomb system than for the conventional system. The effect of the angle of internal friction, geometry, and other parameters is discussed.
Canine T-zone lymphoma: unique immunophenotypic features, outcome, and population characteristics.

Background Canine T-cell lymphoma (TCL) is clinically and histologically heterogeneous with some forms, such as T-zone lymphoma (TZL), having an indolent course. Immunophenotyping is an important tool in the classification of TCL in people, and can be equally useful in dogs. Hypothesis/Objectives We hypothesized that loss of expression of the CD45 antigen is a specific diagnostic feature of TZL. Animals Twenty dogs with concurrent histology and immunophenotyping by flow cytometry were studied in depth. An additional 494 dogs diagnosed by immunophenotyping were used to characterize the population of dogs with this disease. Methods Lymph node biopsies from 35 dogs with TCL were classified by 2 pathologists using WHO criteria. Twenty lymph nodes were from dogs with CD45− TCL and 15 were from CD45+ TCL. The pathologists were blinded to the flow cytometry findings. Outcome information was sought for the 20 dogs with CD45− lymphoma, and population characteristics of the additional 494 dogs were described. Results All 20 CD45− cases were classified as TZL. The 15 CD45+ cases were classified as aggressive TCL and are described in an accompanying paper. TZL cases had a median survival of 637 days. Examination of 494 additional dogs diagnosed with TZL by immunophenotyping demonstrated that 40% of cases are in Golden Retrievers, are diagnosed at a median age of 10 years, and the majority have lymphadenopathy and lymphocytosis. Conclusions TZL has unique immunophenotypic features that can be used for diagnosis.
A Fault-Tolerant Strong Conjunctive Predicate Detection Algorithm for Large-Scale Networks

In large-scale networks where a continuously on-going monitoring program is needed, using traditional predicate detection algorithms might cause the system to have a single point of failure. This paper presents an on-line distributed algorithm that detects strong conjunctive predicates and we show that it is resilient to node failures. Our algorithm assumes a pre-constructed spanning tree in the system, and detects all satisfactions of the predicate in a hierarchical manner. Our algorithm is able to detect predicates at each level in the hierarchy, thus becoming resilient to node failures because of the capability to detect a partial predicate of the global predicate. This hierarchical detection manner also provides a finer-grained monitoring in those large-scale networks where grouping is established and the monitoring happens at the group level. Furthermore, comparing with other detection algorithms, our algorithm incurs a low space/time cost, which is distributed across all the nodes in the network, and a low message complexity. This makes our algorithm applicable in a resource-constraint network.
Influence of current leads on critical current for spin precession in magnetic multilayers

Abstract In magnetic multilayers, a dc current induces a spin precession above a certain critical current. Drive torques responsible for this can be calculated from the spin accumulation Δ μ . Existing calculations of Δ μ assume a uniform cross-section of conductors. But most multilayer samples are pillars with current leads flaring out immediately to a much wider cross-section area than that of the pillar itself. We write spin-diffusion equations of a form valid for variable cross-section, and solve the case of flat electrodes with radial current distribution perpendicular to the axis of the pillar. Because of the increased volume available for conduction–electron-spin relaxation in such leads, Δ μ is reduced in the pillar by at least a factor of 2 below its value for uniform cross-section, for given current density in the pillar. Also, Δ μ and the critical current density for spin precession become nearly independent of the thickness of the pinned magnetic layer, and more dependent on the thickness of the spacer, in better agreement with measurements by Albert et al. (Phys. Rev. Lett. 89 (2002) 226802).
Electrochemistry of nitrite reductase model compounds 6. Voltammetric and spectroelectrochemical studies of iron(II) nitrosyl complexes with porphyrins, hydroprophyrins and porphinones

Abstract The effect of hydroporphine and porphinone macrocycles on the voltammetry and spectroscopy of Fe(P)(NO) was examined. Two oxidation and two reduction waves were observed for all the complexes examined. The variation in the half-wave potentials fell into two categories: those where the E 1 2 of the complex varied linearly with the E 1 2 of the free-based, and those where the relationship was non-linear. Linear relationships were observed where the electron transfer was primarily macrocycle-centered, while non-linear relationships were observed for metal-centered processes. Of the four waves observed, the first reduction and second oxidation of Fe(P)(NO) was non-linear, while the second reduction and first oxidation waves were linear. Comparison with the voltammetry of Fe(P)(Cl) showed the same relationships. The first reduction and second oxidation waves were non-linear while the second and third reductions and the first oxidation waves were linear. For the linear relationships, where the E 1 2 of the complex was proportional to the E 1 2 of the free-based, the energy of the LUMO or HOMO controlled the redox potential so that the porphyrin molecular orbital was involved substantially in the redox product, if not itself oxidized or reduced. This would indicate that the first reduction of Fe(P)(NO) was centered on the Fe(NO) moiety, while the second reduction led to the formation of a porphyrin radical anion. The variation in oxidation redox potentials was consistent with previous formulations of Fe(P)(NO)+ as a π-cation radical (except for Fe(OEP)(NO)+). The variations in the E 1 2 of the second oxidation wave would indicate that the oxidation was centered on the Fe(NO) moiety. The variation in the half-wave potentials of Fe(X-TPP)(NO), where X was a substituent at the three- or four-position on the phenyl ring, also confirmed this interpretation. The slope of the E 1 2 values for the first wave was 0.045 V, while a value of 0.072 V was observed for the second wave. It has been previously shown that slopes of about 0.068 V were indicative of porphyrin reduction, while lower values were generally observed for metal reduction. The formation constants for pyridine with Fe(P)(NO) were also determined. For the porphyrins and hydroporphyrins, the values were small (about 0.3 to 1.1), which were consistent with other iron nitrosyl porphyrins and chlorins. The porphinone and porphinedione complexes, though, showed a much greater affinity for pyridine, with formation constants of 4.8±0.2 and 88±3. These values are one to two orders of magnitude larger than the values observed for other iron-porphyrins nitrosyl complexes, and indicate a chemical advantage for the porphinedione (heme d1) in dissimilatory nitrite reductases, where the heme is coordinated by an imidazole in the fifth position. A weak complex (K = 9) was observed between Fe(2,4-OEiBC)(NO)+ and pyridine.
Models for enhanced boiling heat transfer by unusual Marangoni effects under microgravity conditions

Abstract A new approach is suggested to enhance boiling heat transfer through introduction of unusual surface tension effects. The surface tension of aqueous solutions of alcohols with a chain length longer than four carbon atoms offers a positive gradient with temperature when the temperature exceeds a certain value. Moreover, the positive gradient near the boiling point has a very large value. This will generate a considerable driving force for bubble departure. As a result, in the nucleate boiling of these solutions, the Marangoni effect around the bubble surface will not impede the bubble detachment from the heater surface but rather will provide an additional driving force for the bubble departure. This effect combines with the buoyancy under normal gravity and acts as a main driving force of bubble departure in microgravity. Models for predictions of the bubble detachment diameters, the nucleate boiling heat transfer coefficient, and the critical heat flux are developed.
Fluorine-containing 1,1-dicyanoethylenes: their preparation, diels-alder reactions, and derived norbornenes and norbornanes

Abstract Several new 1,1-dicyanoethylenes, which are potent dienophiles, were prepared in two or more steps by the condensation of fluorocarbonyl compounds with malononitrile. These include (NC) 2 CC(Cl)R f (R f is CF 3 , C 2 F 5 , and C 3 F 7 ) obtained from perfluorocarboxylic acid esters, KCH(CN) 2 and PCl 5 , and CF 3 (CF 2 Cl)CC(CN) 2 from CF 3 COCF 2 Cl and malononitrile. Reaction of cyclopentadiene with these new dienophiles, and also with the known (CF 3 ) 2 CC(CN) 2 , ClHCC(CN) 2 , and Cl 2 CC(CN) 2 , gave dicyanonorbornenes. Addition of chlorine, bromine, or hydrogen to the norbornenes gave norbornanes. Many of these compounds are exceptionally toxic. For example, 2,2-dicyano-5,6-dichloro-3,3-bis(trifluoromethyl)norbornane has an approximate lethal dose for rats of only 0.2 mg/kg, indicating it to be one of the most potent synthetic oral toxins known.
BMP‐2 induction and TGF‐β1 modulation of rat periosteal cell chondrogenesis

Periosteum contains osteochondral progenitor cells that can differentiate into osteoblasts and chondrocytes during normal bone growth and fracture healing. TGF-β1 and BMP-2 have been implicated in the regulation of the chondrogenic differentiation of these cells, but their roles are not fully defined. This study was undertaken to investigate the chondrogenic effects of TGF-β1 and BMP-2 on rat periosteum-derived cells during in vitro chondrogenesis in a three-dimensional aggregate culture. RT-PCR analyses for gene expression of cartilage-specific matrix proteins revealed that treatment with BMP-2 alone and combined treatment with TGF-β1 and BMP-2 induced time-dependent mRNA expression of aggrecan core protein and type II collagen. At later times in culture, the aggregates treated with BMP-2 exhibited expression of type X collagen and osteocalcin mRNA, which are markers of chondrocyte hypertrophy. Aggregates incubated with both TGF-β1 and BMP-2 showed no such expression. Treatment with TGF-β1 alone did not lead to the expression of type II or X collagen mRNA, indicating that this factor itself did not independently induce chondrogenesis in rat periosteal cells. These data were consistent with histological and immunohistochemical results. After 14 days in culture, BMP-2-treated aggregates consisted of many hypertrophic chondrocytes within a metachromatic matrix, which was immunoreactive with anti-type II and type X collagen antibodies. In contrast, at 14 days, TGF-β1+BMP-2-treated aggregates did not contain any morphologically identifiable hypertrophic chondrocytes and their abundant extracellular matrix was not immunoreactive to the anti-type X collagen antibody. Expression of BMPR-IA, TGF-β RI, and TGF-β RII receptors was detected at all times in each culture condition, indicating that the distinct responses of aggregates to BMP-2, TGF-β1 and TGF-β1+BMP-2 were not due to overt differences in receptor expression. Collectively, our results suggest that BMP-2 induces neochondrogenesis of rat periosteum-derived cells, and that TGF-β1 modulates the terminal differentiation in BMP-2 induced chondrogenesis. J. Cell. Biochem. 80:284–294, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Longitudinal study of child immunization determinants in China.

This paper exploits longitudinal data and methods to study the determinants of child immunization in 1990s China. Many countries such as China are experiencing rapid economic transitions characterized by declining public health expenditures, privatizing health-care sectors, increased inequality and high income growth. It is still poorly understood how such changes affect utilization of preventive health care. Data from three waves of the China Health and Nutrition Survey were used to examine the immunization effects of child, household, and community health facility characteristics, as well as changes of such effects over time. Results indicate that gender and wealth differentials in immunization increased during China's transition, though these effects were small. The most important determinants were service price and maternal education. Wealth effects were minimal, indicating that the long-run effect of economic transition on immunization rates may depend crucially on the extent to which more rapid economic growth leads to increased educational investments. Methodologically, the paper finds substantial bias from standard cross-sectional models in contrast to panel data approaches, adding to the case for expanded collection of longitudinal health data in developing countries.
The Autographa californica M nucleopolyhedrovirus fibroblast growth factor accelerates host mortality

The fibroblast growth factor (vfgf) gene encoded by Autographa californica M nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) has been shown to share functional properties with cellular fgfs; it is a secreted protein, binds heparin, and stimulates motility of insect cells. We previously reported that viruses containing or lacking vfgf produced similar yields of budded virus and had similar kinetics of viral DNA and protein syntheses in cultured cells. In this study, we characterized these viruses in two permissive hosts, Spodoptera frugiperda and Trichoplusia ni, using two insect developmental stages and two infection routes, by feeding and intrahemocoelic injection. In addition, we constructed an AcMNPV bacmid overexpressing vfgf under polyhedrin promoter control and characterized it in both cell culture and insects. Deletion of vfgf had no effect on the infectivity of AcMNPV. However, lack of vfgf delayed the time of death in two host species when the virus was delivered by feeding but not by intrahemocoelic injection. The virus overexpressing vfgf produced less budded virus than the control virus in cultured cells. In insect bioassays, the infectivity of this virus was greater than that of the parental virus in both insect species and significantly accelerated time of death of both hosts tested. Our results suggest that the AcMNPV vfgf may play a role in dissemination of virus infection from the midgut in the insect species tested.
Lipid components of human ferroxidase-II.

Abstract Cholesterol and phospholipids remain tightly associated with the ferroxidase-II protein from human serum following extensive purification. Purified ferroxidase-II preparations show a consistent ratio of protein, phospholipid, and cholesterol. Thin-layer chromatographic analyses indicate that phosphatidyl choline accounts for 70% of the bound phospholipid. Treatment of purified ferroxidase-II with phospholipase C or A results in a loss of ferroxidase activity which parallels the hydrolysis of phospholipid. A lipid-depleted form of ferroxidase-II can be prepared by gel-filtration following treatment with phospholipase C. However, hydrolysis, not removal, of the lipid is sufficient for the loss of ferroxidase activity. These studies indicate that the bound lipid components are essential to the maintainence of the catalytic activity of ferroxidase-II.
Going into reverse.

Reversible computation: how feasible is a computer that is both logically and physically reversible?
Tc-99m Sestamibi Imaging of a Pancreatic VIPoma and Parathyroid Adenoma in a Patient With Multiple Type I Endocrine Neoplasia

Technetium-99m sestamibi is known to localize in primary malignant and metastatic tumors. Specifically, brain, breast, thyroid, parathyroid, lung, and kidney tumors have been imaged. The Verner Morrison syndrome, which is caused by excessive vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), consists of watery diarrhea, hypokalemia, and achlorhydria. This condition is rarely associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia. The authors present a case of multiple endocrine neoplasia type I with visualization of a pancreatic VIPoma and parathyroid adenoma with Tc-99m MIBI.
Apnea in the Neonatal Period

Neonatal apnea is a disorder with many possible etiologies and a wide range of severity. Apnea can be an expected complication of prematurity, or it can be the first sign of a lifethreatening disorder, such as sepsis or pulmonary disease. It is the responsibility of the clinician to evaluate the patient thoroughly for associated disorders, to treat any disorders detected, and then to introduce preventative therapies for apnea in the order that will produce the desired benefit at the lowest possible risk of morbidity for the patient.
Expenditure-based segmentation of sport tourists.

Destinations throughout the USA and world compete against each other for the opportunity to host professional and amateur sporting events. The primary motivation for these destinations is the anticipated economic impact generated by sport tourists' expenditures while attending sporting events. Although the economic impact of sporting events has been widely studied, the analysis of individuals' expenditures has been neglected. Since tourists' expenditures are considered one of the most important variables in the economic analysis of a destination's tourism industry, segmenting tourists based on expenditures is a valuable alternative to more common segmentation approaches. In this study, sport tourists attending a Professional Golfers' Association of America tournament were divided into three groups (low, medium, and high spenders) based on their total per day spending. The mean per day total expenditures of the low-spender segment were $69.21, the medium spenders' mean total per day expenditures were $219....
Etiopathogenesis of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: Role of Obesity, Insulin Resistance and Mechanisms of Hepatotoxicity

Incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is increasing with an estimated prevalence of 20–30% in developed nations. This is leading to increased incidence of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular cancer. It is critical to understand the etiology and pathogenesis of any disease to create therapeutic targets and develop new treatments. In this paper we discuss the etiology and pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis with special focus on obesity, role of insulin resistance, and molecular mechanisms of hepatotoxicity.
Reactions of Organomagnesates and Aryl Halides: Metalation and Nucleophilic Substitution

Reactions with aryl halides (ArX) of preparations obtained in diethyl ether from an R2Mg compound and a cryptand, an alkali-metal alkoxide, or tetrabutylammonium bromide lead to ArH and ArR. ArH results from magnesium−halogen exchange, and ArR results from aryne formation. Reactions of similar preparations with pyridine lead to formation of larger amounts of substitution product, and those with 2-cyclohexen-1-one to larger amounts of 1,4-addition product, than do reactions of R2Mg alone.
Teaching Database design through an Entity-Relationship approach

This paper will describe how the Entity-Relationship approach is used in teaching an advanced Database course at Northern Illinois University. The Entity-Relationship approach provides a framework for the course to study basic issues in Database design and implementations in the major commercial Database Management Systems.
Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 is overexpressed in senescent and quiescent human fibroblasts.

Abstract Cellular insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) mRNA and IGFBP-3 levels in conditioned medium were consistently higher in cultures of late passage normal (old) fibroblasts and prematurely senescent fibroblasts derived from Werner syndrome (WS) during quiescence induced by serum depletion and during the renewed growth ensuing after serum repletion, compared to cultures of early passage normal (young) fibroblasts. Molar ratios of IGFBP-3/IGF-II were always higher in senescent cultures and maintained a hierarchy of old > WS > young human diploid fibroblasts. Transfection into fibroblasts of the normal full-length IGFBP-3 cDNA in an expression vector resulted in a significant reduction in colony formation compared to cells transfected with an empty expression vector (no cDNA) or with IGFBP-3 cDNA altered by a 273 base pair (bp) deletion. Addition to old and young cultures of recombinant human IGFBP-3 and IGF-I at 1:1 or 5:1 molar ratios inhibited IGF-I-mediated DNA synthesis by ≈ 70–80%. These data indicate that IGFBP-3 may play an important role in the quiescent and senescent growth arrest of HDF.
Electron density evolution of post-pulse high power microwave plasma

Plasma generation along the dielectric interface between the vacuum medium of the source and the atmospheric environment of the antenna is one of the limiting factors in power thresholds of high power microwave, HPM, systems. The maximum repetition rate for HPM platforms are ultimately determined by the relaxation times of this low-temperature surface plasma. While the microwave scattering parameters can be determined during the HPM pulse from the transmitted and reflected pulse itself, additional diagnostics effort has to be expended to capture post-pulse plasma relaxation and microwave scattering parameters. For this, a Bethe hole-type multi-standard waveguide coupler was designed and fabricated to inject a continuous low power signal into the main waveguide structure that carries the main 3 MW, 3 µs pulse at 2.85 GHz in an S-band waveguide structure. To facilitate flashover the waveguide is terminated by a Lexan window into a controlled atmospheric chamber with absorbing walls that mimic radiation into free space. The coupler injects 1W of continuous power at 10 GHz to measure the scattering parameters many microseconds after the pulse extinguishes. Using a model developed from a 1D plane wave excitation, the plasma's electron density can be inferred from these power measurements. Then, from the temporal analysis of the electron density, the kinematic and chemical behavior of the plasma in relation to the recombination and attachment properties of the gas are inferred. Tested conditions include three gas types: N 2 , air, Ar, ranging in pressure from 10 to 155 torr. The transmission coefficients range from −40 to −10 dB corresponding to an electron density of ∼1014 to ∼1011 cm−3 for these pressures, respectively. The decay of this plasma has been experimentally determined to be on the order of tens of microseconds with the density falling off proportional to t−1, t−2, exponential, or a linear combination thereof, depending on the dominant electron loss path. Reported here, are the design parameters of the waveguide coupler along with the post-pulse evolution of the electron density and recombination physics that it entails.