cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of hierarchically structured aluminas under controlled hydrodynamic conditions

Aluminas having hierarchical bimodal pore structures with regular arrayed macropores interconnected with mesopores were synthesized in a cone/plate apparatus that provided well-defined hydrodynamic conditions. A parametric synthesis study was performed to better understand the synthesis conditions required to form the hierarchical structures. The synthesis experiments demonstrated that the hierarchnical structure could only be formed under limited mixing conditions. The mesoporous structure, which was created by interstitial porosity between boehmite nanoparticles, was formed independently of the macropores and was not significantly impacted by the use of a surfactant, whereas the formation of the macropores required the presence of an alkoxide droplet within the synthesis mixture and the surfactant played no role other than to influence the hydrodynamic conditions during synthesis.
Cyanophycin granule polypeptide protease in a unicellular cyanobacterium

An assay was developed to measure the proteolysis of cyanophycin granule polypeptide in crude extracts of a unicellular cyanobacterium. The substrate was radioactively labeled cyanophycin granule polypeptide formed by an unicellular cyanobacterium grown in the presence of chloramphenicol. Substrate polypeptide displayed identical chemical properties with polypeptide isolated from non-chloramphenicol-treated cells. Solubilization of radioactivity as arginine indicated hydrolysis of polypeptide. Radioactively labeled aspartate and arginine from hydrolyzed polypeptide was related to nmol amino acid using a combination of paper chromatography, liquid scintillation analysis, and ninhydrin quantitation. Protease activity was found in extracts of nitrogen-limited cells harvested 16–24 h after a nitrogen source was added back. Optimal pH for protease activity was 8.0 and optimum temperature was 35°C. Protease activity in crude extracts followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics with a Vmax of 92 nmol arginine per 15 min/mg protein and a Km of 2.1×103 nmol arginine. Protease activity was inhibited by arginine and by high concentrations of aspartate.
Comparative studies of metabolic and affective anomalies in the lean and obese

Abstract (1) The in vivo fat mobilizing capacity of the obese is adequate and exceeds that of the lean at rest and under non-nutritional stimulation. A high correlation exists between body weight, the weight of adipose tissue, body surface area and the magnitude of adipokinesis, as well as total fat, triglyceride levels and VMA excretion. (2) Under usual nutritional stimulation, body surface area and lean body weight appear to be the determining factors of the absolute amounts of FFA production rates, pool sizes, lipid levels and VMA excretion. The often documented failure of the obese to increase FFA levels in starvation or other stimulation is a misleading phenomenon, explainable in kinetic studies by an inadequate restraint of fat mobilization at rest (vs the needs of lean body mass), providing energy even during prolonged fast, without the need to increase FFA production rate. (3) The full exhibition of fat mobilizing capacity of the large adipose tissue of the obese becomes apparent, however, under external stimulation, e.g. epinephrine. This indicates normal metabolic activity of the obese fat tissue. (4) The comparison of affective measures between the lean and obese showed a non-significant increase of anxiety and inward hostility in the obese patients. (5) Analysis of correlation between anxiety, inward/ outward hostility and the numerous biochemical data: (a) FFA production rate and pool size; (b) total fat and triglyceride; (c) VMA excretion both at rest and under stimulation (with epinephrine and starvation) give evidence of no correlation both in the obese and lean. (6) Emotional factors cannot be invoked to explain or contribute to metabolic anomalies of FFA and circulating lipids in the obese. Psychogenic influences are important in the genesis of obesity by overeating. The metabolic anomalies are secondary to an excessive mass of adipose tissue and are not distinguishable according to the specific psychogenic influence that may have contributed to the development of obesity.
Psychology, Ontology and Zen Soteriology

During the past few decades, Zen (Ch'an) Buddhism has been the most popular Buddhist school in the West and many scholars have expounded the essence of Zen. One of the most well–known expositions is D. T. Suzuki's psychological interpretation. Wu–nien in Zen is identified by him with the unconscious, and satori is seen as the psychological leaping of the unconscious. Other scholars contend that Zen has its ontological roots and should be understood ontologically rather than psychologically. Zen Buddhists are said to be pilgrims of the absolute, and Zen is seen as a search for pure being.
Athermal silicon microring electro-optic modulator.

We demonstrate a new class of passively temperature stabilized resonant silicon electro-optic modulators. The modulators consist of a ring resonator coupled to a Mach–Zehnder interferometer with tailored thermal properties. We demonstrate 2 GHz continuous modulation over a temperature range of 35 °C and describe the scalability and design rules for such a device.
Flower Formation in Excised Tobacco Stem Segments; II. Reversible Removal of IAA Inhibition by RNA Base Analogues

The RNA base analogues, 2-thiouracil, 6-azauracil and 8-azaguanine incorporated singly into the medium, increased the number of floral buds in excised stem segments of Nicotiana tabacum variety Wisconsin No. 38 cultured in vitro. Combined treatments with 2 and 3 base analogues were even more effective. The effects were prevented by the corresponding natural counterparts, uracil, uridine, and guanosine respectively. These nucleic acid constituents added to cultures without base analogues did not affect the number of floral buds formed. In stem segments from the lower internodes treatments with the analogues effected a transition from vegetative to floral bud formation, thus in a sense removing the floral gradient as defined by Chouard and Aghion.The inhibition of flower bud formation ordinarily achieved even with low concentrations of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) was counteracted by low concentrations of 2-thiouracil, 6-azauracil and 8-azaguanine. Reversal to vegetative bud formation was not achieved even with high IAA concentrations in the presence of the base analogues.Stem segments excised from young, vegetative tobacco plants never formed floral buds in vitro. Thus, the inhibiting effect of IAA and the promoting effect of base analogues seem to be on the expression and not on the induction of flowering. The regulatory action of the IAA and base analogues in flower bud formation is tentatively ascribed to their differential effects on RNA synthesis.
Patient preference and recall of results of EUS-guided FNA

Background There are no clear guidelines regarding the best way, in terms of timing and setting, to deliver results to patients who undergo EUS-guided FNA (EUS-FNA) of suspected pancreatic masses. Objective We aimed to study (1) whether patients undergoing EUS-FNA prefer to receive preliminary results immediately after the procedure or at a later date, after final results are known; and (2) to assess the accuracy of patients' recollection of information given to them regarding their FNA diagnosis. Design We enrolled patients presenting to our endoscopy center for EUS-FNA of suspected pancreatic masses and obtained data through 4 pilot surveys. Settings University-based endoscopy center. Patients Sixty patients who were referred for EUS-FNA of suspected pancreatic masses. Results A total of 57 of 59 patients (96.6%) wanted preliminary results the same day as the procedure. Twenty-eight of 60 (42.7%) knew they were having a biopsy, and 42 of 60 (70%) knew cancer was suspected. Of those who received preliminary results, 31 of 41 (75%) remembered the diagnosis correctly the next day, and 32 of 38 (84%) remembered the diagnosis correctly 1 week later. Limitations Single-center pilot study. Conclusions The majority of our patients wished to receive preliminary results the same day as the procedure. Although most patients remembered results correctly, 25% of patients did not remember the correct diagnosis the next day. Further work is needed to improve patient's understanding of the reasons for the EUS-FNA and recall of preliminary EUS-FNA results.
Socioeconomic Stereotypes Explaining Variation in Preferences for Taxing the Rich

Motivated by research showing that policy preferences are driven by social-interests rather than strict self-interest, this article examines if stereotypes of “the rich” shape Americans’ tax policy...
Two Notes on Ignatius and Justin Martyr

Ignatius, Magnes. 1: Γνοuς ὑμῶν τo πολυєύταĸτον τῆς ĸατὰ θeoν ἀγπης ἀγαλλιώμeνος προeιλόμην ἐν πίστeι ᾽Ιησοῦ Χριστοῦ προσλαλῆσαι ὑμῖν. So Ignatius begins his letter to the Magnesian Christians: When I learned [from the deputation of your church] with what admirable discipline your godly love [i.e. your love as Christians determined by the standards of God, κατὰ θeoν as in Paul's Rom. 8, 27 and 2 Cor. 7, 9. 10] is ordered, I resolved in my joy to send you a letter [προσλαλeῖν as in Ign., Ephes. 3] upon faith in Jesus Christ.
Oxygenation and deoxygenation methods for producing sharp 90 K and 60 K superconducting transitions in single crystal YBa2Cu3O6+x

Several oxygenation methods were developed for converting 90 K YBa2Cu3O6+x single crystals to 60 K single crystals. The temperature dependence of the dc magnetic susceptibility shows sharp superconducting transitions in the 90 K crystals and in 60 K crystals produced by the best method, with optimized parameters. Meissner fractions in the 60 K crystals are consistently lower, indicating, we believe, more flux pinning in them. Optical microscopy indicates that untwinned regions in the 90 K crystals remain generally untwinned upon conversion to 60 K crystals. Colors produced by crossed polarizers enable us to identify the a axis and b axis directions in the 90 K and the 60 K materials. Each untwinned region has the a axis oriented in the same direction on the opposite (001) faces of the crystal.
Information content of forecast errors

Abstract Prompted by theories of forecast announcement effects, this note tests for usable information content of forecast errors. Simple adjustments are found to improve out-of-sample forecast accuracy, even when the original forecast series exhibited only marginally significant bias.
Overwinter Survival of Fingerling Brook Trout with Single and Multile Fin Clips

Abstract In an evaluation of overwinter survival of fin-clipped and unmarked brook trout in a reclaimed pond in Maine, 10,000 fall fingerlings were divided into 20 treatment groups, 19 of which were marked by the removal of either single or multiple fins. Analysis of returns from creel and trap-net sampling indicated that: (1) survival of unmarked, unanesthetized trout was significantly higher than that of marked, anesthetized fish; (2) survival of trout with multiple fin excisions was lower than that of fish with single fin excisions; (3) removal of the adipose fin had little or no effect on survival; and (4) removal of a pectoral fin was no more detrimental than the removal of a ventral fin. Spring recaptures indicated that fish of all groups were equally vulnerable to both sampling methods. Overwinter survival was low for all groups.
Authorship Authentication Using Short Messages from Social Networking Sites

This paper presents and discusses several experiments in authorship authentication of short social network postings, an average of 20.6 words, from Facebook. The goal of this research is to determine the degree to which such postings can be authenticated as coming from the purported user and not from an intruder. Various sets of stylometry and ad hoc social networking features were developed to categorize short messages from thirty Facebook authors as authentic or non-authentic using Support Vector Machines. The challenges of applying traditional stylometry on short messages were discussed. The test results showed the impact of sample size, features, and user writing style on the effectiveness of authorship authentication, indicating varying degrees of success compared to previous studies in authorship authentication.
Thin layers and species-specific characterization of the phytoplankton community in Monterey Bay, California, USA.

During the summers of 2005 and 2006, experiments designed to understand the properties of densely concentrated, thin layers of plankton and the processes governing their dynamics were conducted in Monterey Bay, California, USA. Our goal was to elucidate the role that species-specific properties of phytoplankton play in thin layer dynamics. Using adaptive sampling, we collected water samples from inside and outside bio-optical features of the water column. Characterization of the phytoplankton was compiled from live and preserved samples, and analyzed within a framework of physical, optical, chemical and acoustical data. In both years, Monterey Bay was home to an extraordinarily diverse assemblage of phytoplankton and other protists. Bioluminescent dinoflagellates, and Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) taxa were common. In 2005, community assemblages were widespread, thus advection of water through the experimental mooring array did not result in floristic changes. In 2006 phytoplankton were very patchy in horizontal distribution, and advection of water through the array was at times accompanied by dramatic shifts in community composition. Individual taxa often exhibited disparate patterns of vertical distribution, with some found throughout the water column, whereas others were restricted to narrow depth intervals. Thin layers were observed in both years. In 2005, the dinoflagellate Akashiwo sanguinea formed intense thin layers near the pycnocline at night, and migrated to near surface waters at dawn. In 2006, layer composition was more complex, and related to the water mass present at the time of sampling. Optically detected thin layers of phytoplankton can be studied from the perspective of the impact their high biomass has on both ecological processes, and ocean optics. But thin layers can also be studied from the species-specific perspective of each organism, its role within the thin layer habitat, and the impact that life within a thin layer has on its life history and ecology. Several low-abundance taxa appeared to be restricted to narrow depth intervals in the water column, and constitute species-specific thin layers with the potential to have a large ecological impact even if their biomass is too low to dominate an optically defined thin layer. Concentration into thin layers may also facilitate obligatory relationships between taxa, such as the hypothesized interrelationships between cryptomonads, Myrionecta rubra, and Dinophysis spp., all of which were observed in this system. Complexity of vertical structure in Monterey Bay rivals that already demonstrated in topographically constrained, stratified systems, and presents challenges to our theoretical framework of phytoplankton ecology.
Characterization of a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor on mouse bone marrow cells

Abstract Calcitonin gene-related peptide, (CGRP), a vasoactive neuropeptide, is found throughout the peripheral nervous system, and CGRP receptors are present on mature lymphocytes. The current studies describe a CGRP receptor on isolated mouse bone marrow cells. The affinity, distribution and specificity of CGRP receptors were analyzed using radioligand binding assays. [125I]CGRP binding in mouse bone marrow cells was dependent on cell concentration and was stable from 5 to 60 min at room temperature. The average K d is 3.29 ± 1.24 nM and the average receptor density is 2796 ± 365 sites/cell . Competition binding analysis found rat α and β CGRP to be the most inhibitory, ( K i values 0.899 and 0.711 nM, respectively), followed by human α CGRP and the antagonist human CGRP8–37. The neuropeptides human and salmon calcitonin did not inhibit [125I]CGRP binding to bone marrow cells. The presence of CGRP receptors on mouse bone marrow cells provides further evidence for a direct role for CGRP in modulating the function and differentiation of cellular components of the immune and inflammatory systems.
Effects of actinomycin D and cycloheximide on RNA and protein synthesis in cleavage stage mouse embryos.

In the earliest stages of the development of mouse embryos, RNA synthesis can be blocked without inhibition of protein synthesis; but stopping protein synthesis depresses RNA synthesis.
Propagation of guided Lamb waves in bonded specimens using piezoelectric wafer active sensors

The nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of adhesively bonded structures is a complex process. Earlier work has confirmed that ultrasonic waves are influenced by the properties of the material in which they travel. Acousto-ultrasonic methods have been widely used by previous researchers to generate ultrasonic waves in plates and bonded structures for flaw detection, visualization, and measurements of the local properties of the jointed materials. This paper will present the methods and principles used for generation and propagation of ultrasonic guided waves (Lamb waves) using piezoelectric wafer active sensors (PWAS).
Gauge Invariance — A Brief Review

The gauge properties of exact solutions, and of optimal variational solutions for static magnetic fields are reviewed. Also various other topics are discussed, including the optimal choice of gauge, gauge factors, gauge invariance and current conservation, minimal variance gauges, and the Thomson bound.
A one-dimensional treatment of inviscid jet or duct flow

Approximate equations involving one space dimension are derived for variablearea jet or duct flow. At a given cross section, the radial velocity and the sound speed are represented by distributions satisfying necessary boundary conditions for continuity and momentum. By integrating the full equations of inviscid motion over the cross section, quasi-one-dimensional equations with time and axial distance as independent variables are obtained. The equations for duct flow are the same as the characteristic equations from a purely one-dimensional treatment, but with an additional term. The equations for jet flow are also in characteristic form. Sample solutions for four steady jet flows are compared with available results from experiment and with the method of characteristics; agreement is satisfactory. Possible extensions of the technique employed are discussed.
Variable slip-frequency strategy for reducing non-equal deviations output by paralleled single-sided linear induction motors

A predictive variable slip-frequency (PVSF) control strategy is presented to reduce non-equal output thrust deviation even though the existence of primary imbalancing input current is allowed. Besides current and speed sensors, the proposed strategy takes no additional sensors for that it only employs the real-time speed signal and the latest instantaneous slip-frequency to generate the predictive dynamical slip-frequency corresponding to deviation of thrust output by paralleled single-sided linear induction motors (SLIMs) groups. Owing to its insensitive to primary current d/q axes components for the generation of variant slip-frequency, the PVSF strategy owns a significant anti-noise ability since as big inertia system, the speed of parallel SLIM groups cannot vary abruptly. Both simulations and experimental results verify the feasibility of the proposed PVSF strategy.
Assist: a self modifiable assembler for instructional purposes

ASSIST - Assembler System for Student Instruction and Systems Teaching, is a self-modifiable IN-CORE Assembler F compatible System/360 assembler-interpreter. It allows students to replace portions of the assembler using a process which is economical and provides good diagnostics. It has the capability of assembling a subroutine written in assembler language, linking the routine to itself and then executing another program utilizing the newly linked subroutine. The replaceable subroutines perform many of the basic functions required in an assembler, e.g. symbol table management, general expression evaluator, etc. The new subroutine results are compared with standard results and thus explicit diagnostics are available. Performance figures are supplied.
Rotenone tolerance in mosquitofish

Abstract Resistant mosquitofish showed a 1·8-fold tolerance to rotenone over a susceptible strain. The 24-h LC 50 values for rotenone in susceptible and resistant mosquitofish were 0·017 ppm and 0·031 ppm, respectively. Results with sesamex, an inhibitor of mixed-function oxidase (mfo) enzymes, indicated that rotenone tolerance in mosquitofish is solely the result of increased levels of mfo enzymes.
Energy Expenditure Comparison between Adjusted and Unadjusted Apparel Equipment for Northern Mexican Anthropometry

The goal of this study was to compare energy expenditure between adjusted and unadjusted industrial apparel equipment for northern Mexican male anthropometry. The hypothesis was that by working in the neutral range of motion, workers would expend less energy, which may possibly increase productivity and yield, and offer a better sense of security and comfort to workers in their jobs. Based on the straight linear relationship between heart rate and energy expenditure, experimental results indicated that there was a statistically significant difference in heart rate between working with adjusted equipment (working in the neutral range of motion) and unadjusted equipment. The posture/position significantly affected the mean heart rate regardless of the subject and/or day of the week.
ADULT LIVER TRANSPLANTATION FOR METABOLIC LIVER DISEASE

Liver replacement provides an effective method of replacing a failing liver, and corrects the underlying defect in many metabolic conditions. Results of liver transplantation for metabolic diseases have been encouraging, with the exception of hereditary hemochromatosis, in which infectious and for which cardiac complications appear to increase posttransplant mortality. An improved understanding of the underlying genetic and molecular defect will lead to advances in medical therapy and perhaps will decrease the need for liver replacement. The prospects of gene therapy are being pursued for many metabolic disorders, however until this research leads to direct clinical application, liver transplantation remains the only effective option for many patients with metabolic liver disease.
Cytochrome P-450 Monooxygenases and Interactions of Psychotropic Drugs:

The authors review drug biotransformation. Phase I reactions are preconjugation processes that take place through cytochrome P-450—a hepatic mixed function oxidase (MFO) enzyme system with multiple isozymes to metabolize foreign substances. Phase II reactions are conjugation processes of the substrates. Based on the characteristics of the cytochrome P-450 microsomal enzyme systems, the authors explain the clinical phenomena of induction and inhibition of these enzymes when psychotropic agents interact. This article describes both MFO inducers (barbiturates) and inhibitors (cimeditine, fluoxetine and neuroleptic drugs). With this information, clinicians can enhance the ability to monitor drug interactions of psychotropic agents.
Effects of Clostridium perfringens alpha-toxin (PLC) and perfringolysin O (PFO) on cytotoxicity to macrophages, on escape from the phagosomes of macrophages, and on persistence of C. perfringens in host tissues.

ABSTRACT Clostridium perfringens is the most common cause of clostridial myonecrosis (gas gangrene). Polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) appear to play only a minor role in preventing the onset of myonecrosis in a mouse animal model of the disease (unpublished results). However, the importance of macrophages in the host defense against C. perfringens infections is still unknown. Two membrane-active toxins produced by the anaerobic C. perfringens, alpha-toxin (PLC) and perfringolysin O (PFO), are thought to be important in the pathogenesis of gas gangrene and the lack of phagocytic cells at the site of infection. Therefore, C. perfringens mutants lacking PFO and PLC were examined for their relative cytotoxic effects on macrophages, their ability to escape the phagosome of macrophages, and their persistence in mouse tissues. C. perfringens survival in the presence of mouse peritoneal macrophages was dependent on both PFO and PLC. PFO was shown to be the primary mediator of C. perfringens-dependent cytotoxicity to macrophages. Escape of C. perfringens cells from phagosomes of macrophage-like J774-33 cells and mouse peritoneal macrophages was mediated by either PFO or PLC, although PFO seemed to play a more important role in escape from the phagosome in peritoneal macrophages. At lethal doses (109) of bacteria only PLC was necessary for the onset of myonecrosis, while at sublethal doses (106) both PFO and PLC were necessary for survival of C. perfringens in mouse muscle tissue. These results suggest PFO-mediated cytotoxicity toward macrophages and the ability to escape macrophage phagosomes may be important factors in the ability of C. perfringens to survive in host tissues when bacterial numbers are low relative to those of phagocytic cells, e.g., early in an infection.
Clinical significance of isolated coronary bridges: Benign and frequent condition involving the left anterior descending artery

Review of 658 normal cineangiograms performed in the cardiac laboratory of the Cleveland Clinic during 1974 revealed myocardial bridging in 81 patients (12 % ). Maximal systolic compression was measured and compared to diastolic dimension above and below the obstruction by means of a programmable digital caliper. Systolic bridging involved the left anterior descending coronary artery in all cases and was mild in 26 patients, moderate in 55 patients, and severe in 11 patients. Seventy per cent of the patients were men and 30% were women. The majority had atypical symptoms although 15 patients were thought to have angina pectoris. Fiveyear survival rate was 97.5 % . No survivor had acute myocardial infarction during this follow-up period of 5 years. In the patient with normal coronary arteries and normal left ventricular function, myocardial bridging is benign. Myocardial bridging of coronary arteries was recognized and described by Black’ in 1796. If specifically sought at autopsy, such bridges are found in 5 % to 86% of hearts examined.2-4 These bridges also can be recognized arteriographically as a systolic compression of the vessel involved. A prevalence of 0.5% to 1.6% has been reported.5p6 It has been suggested that myocardial bridges, by reducing myocardial blood flow in systole, are responsible for cardiac ischemia,5*7 acute myocardial infarction (AMI),7-g ventricular fibrillation,‘O and sudden death.” Furthermore, it has been implied that myocardial bridging may have the same significant clinical morbidity and mortality as coronary atherosclerosis.12
Linking larval history to juvenile demography in the bicolor damselfish Stegastes partitus (Perciformes: Pomacentridae)

Otolith-based reconstructions of daily larval growth increments were used to examine the effect of variation in larval growth on size and age at settlement and post-settlement growth, survival and habitat prefer- ences of juvenile bicolor damselfish (Stegastes partitus Poey). During August 1992 and 1994, newly settled S. partitus were collected from Montastraea coral heads and Porites rubble piles in Tague Bay, St. Croix, U.S. V irgin Islands (17°45' N, 64°42' W). Daily lapillar otolith increments from each fish were counted and measured with Optimas image analysis software. S. partitus pelagic larval duration was 23.7 d in 1992 (n = 70) and 24.6 d in 1994 (n = 38) and larval age at settlement averaged 13.0 mm total length both years. Analysis of daily otolith increments demonstrated that variation in larval growth rates and size and age at settlement had no detectable effect on post-settlement survivorship but that larger larvae showed a preference for Montastraea coral at settlement. Late larval and early juvenile growth rates showed a significant positive relationship indicating that growth patterns established during the planktonic stage can span metamorphosis and continue into the benthic juvenile phase. Larval growth rates during the first two weeks post-hatching also had a strong effect on age to developmental competence (ability to undergo metamorphosis) in both 1992 and 1994 with the fastest growing larvae being 8 d younger and 0.8 mm smaller at settlement than the slowest growing larvae. These differential growth rates in early stage larvae established trajectories toward larval developmental competence and may prove important in biogeographical studies of larval dispersal.
Accreditation Issues Related to Adult Degree Programs

Understanding the fundamental tenets and structure of the accreditation process can assist institutions in the design of high-quality degree programs while affording adult students a reasonable level of consumer protection.
Simultaneous determination of polyamines and catecholamines in PC‐12 tumor cell extracts by capillary electrophoresis with laser‐induced fluorescence detection

A method to detect polyamines and catecholamines in PC-12 tumor cell extracts by capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence detection (CE-LIF) is described for the first time. Both derivatization conditions and buffer concentrations and pH were optimized. Under optimized conditions the polyamines (putresine, spermine, spermidine) and catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, serotonin) were derivatized with fluorescein isothiocyanate and separated at 25 kV in a fused-silica capillary (50 microm ID x 40 cm) with 0.1 M borate, pH 9.0, in less than 18 min. The influence of running buffer conditions, such as buffer pH and concentrations, were also investigated. Linearity of the analytes ranged from 0.05 to 1.0 micromol/L, and the detection limit (S/N = 3 ) ranged from 0.03 to 2.50 nmol/L. The concentrations of polyamines and catecholamines in PC-12 tumor cell extracts were determined with this method.
Late Gestation Rat Myometrial Cells Express Multiple Isoforms of Phospholipase A2 that Mediate PCB 50-induced Release of Arachidonic Acid with Coincident Prostaglandin Production

Previous reports have shown that ortho-substituted polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are uterotonic and activate phospholipase A 2 to release arachidonic acid (AA) from membrane phospholipids. AA serves as the precursor tovarious eicosanoids, which, in addition to AA itself, are capable of modulating uterine function. To examine whether PCBs stimulate phospholipase A 2 (PLA 2 ) to mobilize arachidonic acid from late-gestation rat uterus, primary cultures of gestation day 20 (gd20) rat myometrial cells (RMC) were labeled with 0.5 μCi 3 H-AA prior to a 10-, 20-, or 30-min exposure to 2,2',4,6-tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 50) (1-50 μM) or 0.1% DMSO (solvent control). PCB 50 stimulated the release of 3 H-AA from gd20 RMC in concentration- and time-dependent manners (p < 0.05). PCB 50 stimulation of RMC was attenuated with ethylene glycol bis(2-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N'N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) and nifedipine, suggesting that AA release was dependent on the influx of extracellular calcium through L-type voltage-operated calcium channels. PCB 50-induced release of AA from RMC was also attenuated with the PLA 2 -specific inhibitors methyl arachidonyl fluorophosphonate (MAFP), bromoenol lactone (BEL), and manoalide (p < 0.05). Stimulation of PLA 2 enzymes in response to PCB exposure occurred via p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation as indicated by the significant attenuation of PCB 50-induced AA release from RMC in the presence of SB 202190. In addition to stimulating AA release, PCB 50 induced a significant production of prostaglandins from gd20 RMC compared with controls (p < 0.05). These results suggest that myometrial cells express multiple PLA 2 isoforms that may serve as a target and effector for ortho-substituted PCB-mediated stimulation of uterine function through arachidonic acid and prostaglandin release.
Quasi-invariance of the Wiener measure on the path space over a complete Riemannian manifold

We prove a generalization of the Cameron–Martin theorem for a geometrically and stochastically complete Riemannian manifold; namely, the Wiener measure on the path space over such a manifold is quasiinvariant under the flow generated by a Cameron–Martin vector field.
Imaging elastic properties of biological tissues by low-frequency harmonic vibration

The elastic properties of soft tissues are closely related to their structure, biological conditions, and pathology. For years, physicians have used palpation as a crude elasticity measurement tool to diagnose diseases in the human body. Based on this simple concept, but using modern technology, several elasticity imaging schemes have been developed during the past two decades. In this paper, we present two elasticity imaging methods that use a low-frequency (Hz to kHz range) harmonic force to excite the tissue. The first method, called magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), uses a phase sensitive magnetic resonance technique to detect tissue motion. Excitation is usually performed with a mechanical actuator on the surface of the body, although other excitation methods are possible. In the second method, called vibro-acoustography, the radiation force from focused ultrasound is used for excitation in a limited region within the tissue. Tissue motion is detected by measuring the acoustic field emitted by the object in response to the vibration. The resulting images in both methods can be related to the dynamics of the object at the excitation frequency. The spatial resolution of MRE and vibro-acoustography images is in the millimeter and sub-millimeter ranges, respectively. Here, we present the theory and physical principles of MRE and vibro-acoustography and describe their performances. We also present results of experiments on various human tissues, including breast, brain, and vessels. Finally, we discuss potential clinical application of these two imaging methods.
Robust structural analysis of native biological macromolecules from multi-crystal anomalous diffraction data

Structure determinations for biological macromolecules that have no known structural antecedents typically involve the incorporation of heavier atoms than those found natively in biological molecules. Currently, selenomethionyl proteins analyzed using single- or multi-wavelength anomalous diffraction (SAD or MAD) data predominate for such de novo analyses. Naturally occurring metal ions such as zinc or iron often suffice in MAD or SAD experiments, and sulfur SAD has been an option since it was first demonstrated using crambin 30 years ago; however, SAD analyses of structures containing only light atoms (Zmax ≤ 20) have not been common. Here, robust procedures for enhancing the signal to noise in measurements of anomalous diffraction by combining data collected from several crystals at a lower than usual X-ray energy are described. This multi-crystal native SAD method was applied in five structure determinations, using between five and 13 crystals to determine substructures of between four and 52 anomalous scatterers (Z ≤ 20) and then the full structures ranging from 127 to 1200 ordered residues per asymmetric unit at resolutions from 2.3 to 2.8 A. Tests were devised to assure that all of the crystals used were statistically equivalent. Elemental identities for Ca, Cl, S, P and Mg were proven by f′′ scattering-factor refinements. The procedures are robust, indicating that truly routine structure determination of typical native macromolecules is realised. Synchrotron beamlines that are optimized for low-energy X-ray diffraction measurements will facilitate such direct structural analysis.
The Dedicatory Preface to Mary Roper Clarke Basset's Translation of Eusebius' Ecclesiastical History [with text]

AbstractMary Roper Clarke Basset (d. 1572) was one of the most prominent Catholic Englishwomen of the mid‐Tudor era. Granddaughter of Sir Thomas More and daughter of Margaret More Roper, Basset displayed her inheritance of Morean humanism by presenting Mary Tudor with a manuscript translation of Eusebius' Ecclesiastical History (c. 1547–1553) from Greek into English and Latin. This essay provides a consideration of the historical, pedagogical, and religious contexts of this translation in order to demonstrate the work's larger literary and historical significance. Basset's translation reveals her inheritance of More's pedagogical theories and religious resistance, her debt to Margaret Roper's translation practices, and the relevance of her work to the Edwardian Reformation. An edition of Basset's dedicatory preface to the translation follows. (J.G.)
Reliability and validity of the FIM for persons aged 80 years and above from a multilevel continuing care retirement community

Abstract Objective: Development of accurate functional assessment instruments will help clinicians evaluate treatment outcome and plan realistic rehabilitation goals for elderly patients. The reliability, validity, and appropriateness of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) were examined for a population aged 80 years and more from a multilevel, continuing care retirement community. Design: Forty-nine residents (average age 89.7 years, range 80 to 104 years; 46 women), were randomly selected. Setting: Subjects were grouped according to their residence in either an Independent community (18 subjects), Sheltered Care (16 subjects), or Skilled Nursing Facility (15 subjects). Measurements: Subjects were evaluated twice using the FIM. Motor and cognitive scores were converted into interval measures (logits) using Rasch Analysis with the BIGSTEPS statistical package. Parametric statistical procedures were utilized to further analyze data. Results: FIM motor and cognitive items formed 2 unidimensional and linear subscales. Hierarchical levels of FIM item difficulties were identified. Bladder management, bowel management, and grooming were misfitting motor items. Memory misfit for the cognitive subscale. High test-retest reliability for 45 repeated FIM assessment for the motor, (ICC = .9) and cognitive subscales (ICC = .8) was demonstrated. One way ANOVA for FIM ratings for the 3 groups demonstrated significant differences for both the motor subscale, F (2,46) = 34.71, p F (2,46) = 12.42, p Conclusion: Construct validity of the FIM was demonstrated. High test-retest reliability was demonstrated. Environmental context and operational definitions influenced FIM ratings. Subjects' FIM ratings, abilities, and time to complete the locomotor walking item correlated with their current residence in increasingly dependent environments. These findings suggest that with certain caveats, the FIM may be useful as a functional assessment instrument for persons who are 80 or more years old.
Expression of multiple classes of the Nuclear Factor-1 family in the developing human brain: Differential expression of two classes of NF-1 genes

Nuclear factor-1 (NF-1) is a multifunctional protein that participates in both transcription and replication. NF-1 proteins exist as a family of proteins that share some common structural and functional features but also demonstrate organ and cell type specific expression. Based upon these characteristics, the family of NF-1 proteins is divided into four classes, A, B, C and D. Several NF-1 binding sites have been identified in the regulatory sequences of the human polyomavirus, JCV, which multiplies most efficiently in glial cells derived from human fetal brain. Nuclear proteins from these cultures bind specifically to these NF-1 sites. It is not known, however, which member(s) of the NF-1 family is expressed in cells susceptible to JCV infection. We have examined glial cells as well as HeLa cells, which are not permissive to JCV, for NF-1 expression. By RT-PCR analysis, all four classes of NF-1 are expressed in human fetal glial cells and HeLa cells. However, by Northern analysis the expression of class...
Legislative Control of Administrative Discretion: The Case of Congress and Foreign Aid

ONE OF THE most significant developments in the evolution of American political institutions has involved the growth of administrative expertise in response to the specialized policy demands of a very complex, urbanized society. The corresponding legislative inability or unwillingness to react with counter-specialization of its own has necessitated the granting of broad discretionary authority to the executive. In fact, some measure of legislative delegation of discretionary power is accepted as a fundamental maxim of the contemporary governmental process. This article is concerned with the nature and implications of congressional limitations on what can generally be termed "administrative discretion," or the right of administrators to make decisions and spend money subject only to general and often vague guidelines established by Congress. The specific focus is the Agency for International Development (AID), until 1961 known as the International Cooperation Administration-(ICA)-the agency responsible for administration of the foreign aid program. The study covers executive-legislative relations governing foreign aid for a thirteen year period-1955 through 1967. It is hoped that this study will help pinpoint the exact nature of and causes for the conflict between the executive and legislative branches over the extent to which administrators should exercise legislative prerogatives. AID and the foreign aid program were selected for two reasons. First, foreign aid lacks a well-structured constituency. AID has not been the consistent spokesman for any
Non-targeted and delayed effects of exposure to ionizing radiation: I. Radiation-induced genomic instability and bystander effects in vitro

A long-standing dogma in the radiation sciences is that energy from radiation must be deposited in the cell nucleus to elicit a biological effect. A number of non-targeted, delayed effects of ionizing radiation have been described that challenge this dogma and pose new challenges to evaluating potential hazards associated with radiation exposure. These effects include induced genomic instability and non-targeted bystander effects. The in vitro evidence for non-targeted effects in radiation biology will be reviewed, but the question as to how one extrapolates from these in vitro observations to the risk of radiation-induced adverse health effects such as cancer remains open.
A Comparative Risk Approach to Assessing Point-of-Use Water treatment Systems in Developing Countries

Unsafe water is a leadingcause of death and disease in economically disadvantaged societies. The development of centralized large-scale water treatment and supply systems has proven to be a slow, expensive strategy to provide safe drinking water in many low-income countries. Governments and non-governmental organizations have therefore increasingly been promoting point-of-use water treatment technologies in communities without reliable municipal water supplies. These technologies aim to be low-cost sustainable solutions that rely on filtration, disinfection and safe storage to improve source water quality. This paper uses a comparative risk assessment methodology to quantify the health and water quality impact of a point-of-use water treatment program being implemented in rural Haiti by a non-governmental organization. An observational study was used to measure diarrhea incidence in 120 families in the village of Dumay in Haiti. Univariate and multivariate statistical methods were used to (i) quantify the impact of the water treatment system in reducing the incidence of diarrhea, controlling for socio-economic differences in the population, and (ii) study the interaction of socio-economic factors and source water quality with filter use in diarrhea reduction. As part of the water quality impact assessment study, the microbial content of source water and stored water in intervention and non-intervention households was measured using membrane filtration tests. The comparative risk approach used in this study is designed to provide insights and inputs into environmental decision-making issues relating to resource allocation between competing gastro-intestinal disease reduction initiatives such as point-of-use water treatment systems, high-quality source water development projects, and household safe storage mechanisms.
Redrawing the US Obesity Landscape: Bias-corrected estimates of state-specific adult obesity prevalence

Background State-level estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) underestimate the obesity epidemic because they use self-reported height and weight. We describe a novel bias-correction method and produce corrected state-level estimates of obesity and severe obesity. Methods Using non-parametric statistical matching, we adjusted self-reported data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) 2013 (n = 386,795) using measured data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (n = 16,924). We validated our national estimates against NHANES and estimated bias-corrected state-specific prevalence of obesity (BMI30) and severe obesity (BMI35). We compared these results with previous adjustment methods. Results Compared to NHANES, self-reported BRFSS data underestimated national prevalence of obesity by 16% (28.67% vs 34.01%), and severe obesity by 23% (11.03% vs 14.26%). Our method was not significantly different from NHANES for obesity or severe obesity, while previous methods underestimated both. Only four states had a corrected obesity prevalence below 30%, with four exceeding 40%–in contrast, most states were below 30% in CDC maps.
Adaptive routing and guidance approach for transportation evacuation

We propose an adaptive routing and guidance approach called Adjacent Node Score (ANS). This approach is integrated with an agent-based simulation model and avoids several common assumptions made in conventional evacuation models. ANS does not assume altruistic travelers and considers traffic interaction, variable link travel times, and their dependencies. This makes it more realistic than network flow models and stochastic routing algorithms. ANS can generate effective and good solutions at a low computational cost. It only requires local network information for routing and guidance. ANS can be easily implemented in practice. We test the ANS method on two networks and compare it with other four network routing strategies including the user-equilibrium condition, myopic, aggressive, and a naive strategy that is based on static network information. Experimental results show that ANS can disperse highly concentrated traffic flows and reduce network clearance time compared with other methods.
Incorporating Pets into Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation: A Case Study.

Purpose The use of animals in various healthcare settings dates as far back as the 19th century, and is still a widely practiced intervention even today. The use of animals in the acute rehabilitation setting is a common practice that benefits both the patient's therapy progression and allows the opportunity for financial reimbursement for the facility. As acute rehabilitation facilities continue to cope with ever changing rules and guidelines, the use of alternate modalities can help the facility overcome difficult challenges while focusing on the needs of the patients. The use of animal assisted therapy is illustrated with a stroke patient at an acute rehabilitation facility who benefited from implementing a pet therapy regimen when regular therapy modalities were not helping. Clinical Relevance Incorporating animal assisted therapy in acute rehabilitation settings is described to obtain greater satisfaction for patients and staff and to facilitate reimbursement for rehabilitation settings.
A Standard Micro-Cinematographic Apparatus

Motion pictures have been used frequently in science and education. Their greatest value for scientific investigations lies in their domination of time. Very rapid movements photographed with the slow motion camera, and very slow movements taken with the time lapse camera are translated into perceptible speeds.