cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantitative immunohistochemistry by measuring cumulative signal strength accurately measures receptor number.

We previously demonstrated that quantitative immunohistochemistry (Q-IHC) performed by measuring the cumulative signal strength of the digital file encoding an image can be used to determine the absolute amount of chromogen present per pixel. We now show that Q-IHC so performed can be used to accurately determine the amount of peptide hormone receptor of interest in archived tissues. To do this we transfected Balb 3T3 fibroblasts with the cDNA encoding the human receptor for gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), and selected six cell lines stably expressing between 10(2) and 10(6) receptors/cell. These cell lines were fixed in formalin, embedded in paraffin, and treated with antipeptide antibodies against the GRP receptor, followed by DAB chromogen to identify bound antibody. Images were acquired using a 4.9 million pixel digital scanning 24-bit RGB camera, saved in TIFF format, and used for subsequent analysis. Q-IHC was performed after digitally dissecting out the relevant portion of the image for analysis, and processing using a program written in C (available at http://www.uic.edu/com/dom/gastro/Freedownloads.html). Under the conditions defined here, chromogen quantity as determined by Q-IHC tightly correlated with GRP receptor number (r(2)=0.867) in these cell lines. Using the conversion factor identified as a result of these studies, we then determined GRP receptor number on eight randomly selected, archived human colon cancers. Overall GRP receptor expression in colon cancer depended on the degree to which cells within any particular tumor were differentiated, with well-differentiated cells expressing the greatest numbers of receptors (approximately 55,000 +/- 10,000 sites/cell). These studies indicate that Q-IHC can be used to determine receptor quantity in archived tissues and other samples of limited quantity.
Coccoliths from Desoto Canyon Region, Gulf of Mexico: ABSTRACT

Coccolith assemblages from the northwest slope of the Florida coast indicate sedimentation rates and temperature variations during the past. Time counts of Gephyrocapsa oceanica from 4 cores produced correlative curves that reflect the sedimentation rate. Ratios of the frequencies of Ceratolithus species and Discolithina species indicate that these genera were affected by similar parameters; a ratio of Discolithina morphotypes yields an apparent temperature curve. A magnetic intensity change correlates with a significant decrease in coccolith frequency. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1828------------
Improved Pulse-Width Modulated Control of Switched Reluctance Motors

In this paper, a feedback control for switched reluctance motors (SRMs) using pulse-width modulated (PWM) amplifiers is designed. It is shown how approximate feedback linearization based on the integral manifold approach can be achieved for the averaged dynamics of the closed-loop system. A first-order correction to the duty-ratio of the PWM logic is included to compensate for the SRM stator transients that cause torque ripple and, consequently, trajectory tracking errors. Both the average and true system dynamics are simulated for a sinusoidal position tracking objective. The correction term is shown to significantly improve the position tracking performance of the true switching system.
Wind-tunnel study of aerodynamic stability and response of a cable-stayed bridge deck

Abstract The results of a wind-tunnel study of the aerodynamic response and stability of a cable-stayed bridge deck are presented. A bridge section model was employed in smooth flow and the effects of relaxing the Froude number similarity and modifying the bridge geometry by the removal of traffic barriers were investigated. It was verified that the Froude number similarity can be relaxed. The results showed that the bridge deck was unstable in torsion. Removal of the traffic barriers resulted in improved bridge deck aerodynamic behavior, i.e. an increase in the critical wind speed for torsional flutter and a decrease in the vortex-induced response.
Making It Their Own: Creating Meaningful Opportunities for Student Employees in Academic Library Services

Library patrons have many requests for library services and resources. With limited budgets and library staff who are already stretched thin, how can academic libraries ever hope to understand and meet the growing variety of patron needs and desires? This article will outline a successful strategy of utilizing students to pitch, pilot, and implement academic library services as well as gather feedback from fellow students about their expectations for the academic library.
Studies on the nutritional and physiological effects of thermally oxidized oils.

The present results indicated that the thermal oxidation products from the polyunsaturated fatty acids, primarily linoleic acid, are responsible for much of the loss of nutritional value in thermally oxidized edible oils. Oils which have a high linoleic acid content are more likely to undergo thermal oxidative damage than those with lower linoleic contents. Also the ratio of linoleic acid to total unsaturation has some effect on the nutritive stability of the oil when it has been thermally oxidized. An oil with a high iodine value but with a low linoleic acid value appears to be more stable to thermal oxidation than an oil with an iodine value one half as great but with most of the unsaturation in the oil caused by linoleic acid.
Adsorption of rare earth elements onto Carrizo sand: Experimental investigations and modeling with surface complexation

Rare earth element (REE) adsorption onto sand from a well characterized aquifer, the Carrizo Sand aquifer of Texas, has been investigated in the laboratory using a batch method. The aim was to improve our understanding of REE adsorption behavior across the REE series and to develop a surface complexation model for the REEs, which can be applied to real aquifer-groundwater systems. Our batch experiments show that REE adsorption onto Carrizo sand increases with increasing atomic number across the REE series. For each REE, adsorption increases with increasing pH, such that when pH 6.0, 98% of each REE is adsorbed onto Carrizo sand for all experimental solutions, including when actual groundwaters from the Carrizo Sand aquifer are used in the experiments. Rare earth element adsorption was not sensitive to ionic strength and total initial REE concentrations in our batch experiments. It is possible that the differences in experimental ionic strength conditions (i.e., 0.002- 0.01 M NaCl) chosen were insufficient to affect REE adsorption behavior. However, cation competition (e.g., Ca, Mg, and Zn) did affect REE adsorption onto Carrizo sand, especially for light rare earth elements (LREEs) at low pH. Rare earth element adsorption onto Carrizo sand can be successfully modeled using a generalized two-layer surface complexation model. Our model calculations suggest that REE complexation with strong surface sites of Carrizo sand exceeds the stability of the aqueous complexes LnOH 2 , LnSO4 , and LnCO3 , but not that of Ln(CO3)2 or LnPO4 in Carrizo groundwaters. Thus, at low pH (7.3), where major inorganic ligands did not effectively compete with surface sites for dissolved REEs, free metal ion (Ln 3 ) adsorption was sufficient to describe REE adsorption behavior. However, at higher pH (7.3) where solution complexation of the dissolved REEs was strong, REEs were adsorbed not only as free metal ion (Ln 3 ) but also as aqueous complexes (e.g., as Ln(CO3)2 in Carrizo groundwaters). Because heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) were preferentially adsorbed onto Carrizo sand compared to LREEs, original HREE-enriched fractionation patterns in Carrizo groundwaters from the recharge area flattened along the groundwater flow path in the Carrizo Sand aquifer due to adsorption of free- and solution-complexed REEs. Copyright © 2005 Elsevier Ltd
Modeling of spiral wound pervaporation modules with application to the separation of styrene/ethylbenzene mixtures

Abstract A mathematical model is derived to simulate the performance of spiral wound membrane modules for the pervaporative separation of binary liquid mixtures. Permeation through the polymer membrane is described by a detailed solution–diffusion model. Flory–Huggins theory is used to predict solubility of the penetrants, while the composition and temperature dependence of the diffusion coefficients are described by phenomenological relations. Unknown parameters of the solution–diffusion model are determined from sorption and flux data using nonlinear least-squares estimation. Standard correlations are used to estimate the mass transfer resistance due to the liquid boundary layer on the feed side of the module. The solution–diffusion model is coupled to differential mass, momentum and energy balances on the feed and permeate sides of the module to predict separation performance. The resulting model is two-dimensional as the feed-side and permeate-side stream properties vary in both the feed and permeate flow directions. Required input data to the model includes the feed flow rate, composition and temperature, the outlet permeate pressure, the membrane properties and the module dimensions. A numerical solution technique based on the use of the shooting method in the permeate flow direction and numerical integration in the feed flow direction is proposed. The model yields predictions of the feed-side and permeate-side stream properties as a function of both spatial coordinates. The separation of styrene and ethylbenzene with a polyurethane membrane is used to illustrate the modeling approach. A single module and a 10-module system with interstage heating are simulated to demonstrate potential uses of the pervaporation model.
Sustained Delivery of Nicotinamide Limits Cortical Injury and Improves Functional Recovery Following Traumatic Brain Injury

Previously, we have demonstrated that nicotinamide (NAM), a neuroprotective soluble B-group vitamin, improves recovery of function following traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, no prior studies have examined whether NAM is beneficial following continuous infusions over 7 days post-TBI. The purpose of this study was to investigate the preclinical efficacy of NAM treatment as it might be delivered clinically; over several days by slow infusion. Rats were prepared with either unilateral controlled cortical impact (CCI) injuries or sham procedures and divided into three groups: CCI-NAM, CCI-vehicle, and sham. Thirty minutes following CCI, Alzet osmotic mini-pumps were implanted subcutaneously. NAM was delivered at a rate of 50 mg/kg/day for 7 days immediately post-CCI. On day 7 following injury, the pumps were removed and blood draws were collected for serum NAM and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) analyses. Starting on day 2 post-CCI, animals were tested on a battery of sensorimotor tests (bilateral tactile adhesive removal, locomotor placing, and limb-use asymmetry). Continuous infusion of NAM resulted in a significant serum elevation in NAM, but not NAD+. Statistical analyses of the tactile removal and locomotor placing data revealed that continuous administration of NAM significantly reduced the initial magnitude of the injury deficit and improved overall recovery compared to the vehicle-treated animals. NAM treatment also significantly decreased limb-use asymmetries compared to vehicle-treated animals. The overall extent of the cortical damage was also reduced by NAM treatment. No detrimental effects were seen following continuous infusion. The present results suggest that NAM delivered via a clinically relevant therapeutic regimen may truncate behavioral damage following TBI. Thus our results offer strong support for translation into the clinical population.
Some characteristics of esterases in extracts of the freshwater sponge, Spongilla sp.

Abstract 1. Non-specific esterase activity is found in protein extracts of Spongila sp. 2. Disc-electrophoresis of these extracts displayed four distinct esterase bands. 3. A further characterization of these esterases was made with a radio-isotope assay on acetylcholinesterase and the use of specific inhibitors. 4. Although the presence of cholinesterase in Spongilla sp. seems probable, the measured acetylcholinesterase activity is too low to account for a cholinergic nervous system.
Effects of a metalloproteinase that truncates P-selectin glycoprotein ligand on neutrophil-induced cardiac dysfunction in ischemia/reperfusion.

This study was designed to test the effects of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) in the presence and absence of a P-selectin blocker, mocarhagin, in provoking cardiac dysfunction in isolated perfused rat hearts following ischemia and reperfusion. Control rat hearts not subjected to ischemia were perfused without blood cells for 80 min. Additional control rat hearts were perfused with 100×106PMNs in the presence and absence of 0.2μg/ml mocarhagin over a 5-min perfusion followed by a 45-min observation period. No significant reduction in coronary flow (CF), left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), or the first derivative of LVDP (dP/dtmax) was observed at the end of the observation period in any non-ischemic group. Similarly, global ischemia (I) for 20 min followed by 45 min of reperfusion (R) produced no sustained effects on the final recovery of any of these parameters in any group of hearts perfused in the absence of PMNs. I/R hearts perfused with PMNs exhibited decreases of 50–60% in all measurements of cardiac function (P<0.001). These PMN perfused I/R hearts also exhibited marked increases in cardiac myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity indicating a significant PMN infiltration, and enhanced P-selectin expression on the coronary microvascular endothelium. All cardiodynamic effects as well as MPO accumulation and PMN infiltration were attenuated markedly by the metalloproteinase, mocarhagin, which inhibits P-selectin-mediated cell adhesion by cleaving its high-affinity receptor, PSGL-1, present on neutrophils. These results provide evidence that neutrophils provoke post-reperfusion cardiac dysfunction, and that this may be largely due to P-selectin-induced adherence of neutrophils to the endothelium.
Persistence of Perennial Cool-Season Grass and Legume Cultivars under Continuous Grazing by Beef Cattle

Persistence of highly productive forage species in pastures is essential to maximize economic returns from grazing livestock. However, most forage cultivars are neither developed nor evaluated under grazing. The objective of this study was to evaluate several cool-season forage species and cultivars to determine their tolerance to continuous grazing. Three grazing experiments were established in 1996 in central Iowa: (i) 20 cultivars and populations of alfalfa (Medicago saliva L.), (ii) 15 cultivars representing five cool-season legume species, and (iii) 25 cultivars and germplasms of six cool-season grass species. Beef cattle (Bos taurus) continuously grazed the experiments for about four months in 1997 and 1998. Alfalfa yield was measured in adjacent plots. Stand survival ratings were taken each year. Among the alfalfa entries, grazing-tolerant Alfagraze' showed high persistence but moderate yield. Several new alfalfa populations combined excellent grazing tolerance with yield equal to the best hay-type cultivar. Kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum Bieb.) and white clover (T. repens L.) persisted better than alfalfa, birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.), and red clover (T. pratense L.), with no loss of stand after two grazing years. Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) persisted well, though considerable variation was present among orchardgrass cultivars after the second grazing year. Reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) and smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) stands were reduced to <10% after one grazing year. Although the severe, continuous grazing used in these experiments is not recommended, it clearly and quickly differentiates among species and cultivars for grazing tolerance.
Parathion administration in the monkey: Time course of inhibition and recovery of blood cholinesterases and visual discrimination performance☆☆☆

Abstract The effects of parathion [ O,O -diethyl O - p -nitrophenyl phosphorothionate] administration on activities of acetyl-cholinesterase (AChE) in blood and pseudocholinesterase (ChE) in plasma were studied in bonnet ( Macaca radiata ) and rhesus ( M. mulatta ) monkeys. In addition, the effects of parathion administration on performance of learned visual discrimination tasks were studied in rhesus monkeys. Peak inhibition of AChE and ChE occurred about 6 hr after administration of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/kg parathion po. The degree of peak inhibition was greater for ChE than for AChE, was dose-related for both enzymes, and was of about the same magnitude in both species, even though control values for AChE and ChE differed in the two species. Activities of both enzymes returned to control values within 2 wk at all dose levels. Administration of 2.0, 1.5, and 1.0 mg/kg parathion abolished performance of the learned tasks 5 hr later and for as long as 3–7 days. When performance of the tasks returned after the 2.0 mg/kg dose, the level of performance remained below pretreatment values for up to 3 wk. A dose of 0.5 mg/kg did not affect performance. Comparison of the present findings with other work showed that reversal of blood AChE and ChE inhibition after parathion administration occurred more rapidly in monkey than in man but required more time in monkey than in mouse. It was observed that scopolamine and methyl scopolamine also blocked visual discrimination performance.
The pressure dependence of the rate constant for the reaction: HO + CO → H + CO2

Relative rate measurements of the reactions of the HO-radical with CO [HO + CO → H + CO2 (1)] and with isobutane [HO + iso-C4H10 → H2O + t-(or iso-)C4H9 (3)] have been made through the photolysis of dilute mixtures of HONO with CO, iso-C4H10, NO2, and NO in simulated air at 700 and 100 torr pressure and 25 ± 2°C. In situ, long path, FT-IR analysis of the reactants and products provided essentially continuous monitoring of the reactions during the course of the experiments. The kinetic analysis of the data coupled with Greiner's estimate of k3 give new estimates of k1 = 439 ± 24 ppm−1 min−1 in air at 700 torr and k1 = 203 ± 29 ppm−1 in air at 100 torr. The results confirm the recent conclusions of Cox and Sie and their co-workers that the rate constant for reaction (1) is pressure dependent. Modeliers of the chemical changes which occur in the troposphere should adopt a new value for the rate constant k1 which is about a factor of two larger than that in current use by most groups.
Purified canine CD34+Lin- marrow cells transduced with retroviral vectors give rise to long-term multi-lineage hematopoiesis.

Abstract Human CD34+ cells have been shown to retain long-term hematopoietic engrafting potential in preclinical and clinical studies. However, recent studies of human and murine CD34- stem cells suggest that these are functionally important early progenitors. Using autologous transplantation, we investigated whether canine CD34 and CD34- marrow cells could be transduced and give rise to long-term hematopoiesis. CD34+Lin- and CD34-Lin- cell populations purified by fluorescence-activated cell sorting were separately cocultivated with retroviral vectors LN (CD34+Lin-) and LNY (CD34-Lin-), which carry the neomycin (neo) gene. After myeloablative total body irradiation (920 cGy), 3 dogs received transplants of both CD34+Lin- cells and CD34-Lin- cells and 2 dogs received only CD34-Lin- cells. Untransduced autologous marrow cells were given to ensure hematopoietic recovery. Using CFU-C assays, transduction efficiencies of CD34+Lin- cells ranged from 6% to 18% with no CFU-C formation from CD34-Lin- cells. PCR-based detection of the neo gene from WBCs was used to detect transduced cells weekly after transplantation. Additional PCR studies in 3 dogs given both CD34+Lin- and CD34-Lin- cells were performed on monocytes, granulocytes, and T cells (2 dogs, one at 7.5 months and the other at 9 months) and granulocytes (1 dog at 12 months). LN was detected up to 12 months posttransplantation in WBCs and mono-myeloid and lymphoid populations from 3 dogs receiving transplants of transduced CD34+Lin- cells. LNY was not detected at any time after transplantation in 5 dogs that received transduced CD34-Lin- cells. Whereas canine CD34+Lin- marrow cells contributed to long-term multilineage hematopoiesis, progeny of CD34-Lin- progenitor cells were not detected after transplantation in these experiments. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2001;7(10):543-51.
Stratifications and Kinetic Changes in the Ingesta of the Bovine Rumen

Summary Samples of ingesta from the top and bottom of the rumen of three 2-year-old fistulated steers were taken at hourly intervals over a 12-hour period that included two feedings. The samples were analyzed for crude fiber, ash, ether extract, total nitrogen, ammonia, nonprotein nitrogen, water-soluble sugars, alcohol-soluble sugars, volatile fatty acids, and the digestion of cellulose in vitro. In all instances except alcohol-soluble sugars, significant or highly significant differences were observed between the top and bottom samples. Concentrations of all factors measured except ether-extract and the amount of cellulose digestion in vitro were significantly higher in top samples. These data together with the significant time fluctuations indicate that hay and grain particles follow distinctly different physical pathways in traversing the rumen. In a control experiment, duplicate samples were taken from both the top and the bottom of the rumen of a normal (unfistulated) mature Holstein cow by rumenotomy 3 hours after the morning feeding. These data show the same stratification as that seen in the samples from the steers. In additional analyses, pH and titratable alkalinity to pH 5.0 were significantly higher in bottom than in top samples. Observation of stratification in the rumen of the normal mature cow is evidence that the phenomenon is not an artifact resulting from fistulation.
Training distance to failure in young racing quarter horses fed sodium zeolite A

Summary Fifty-three yearling Quarter Homes were placed in race training at 18 months of age. They had been fed varying amounts of sodium zeolite A (SZA) since six months of age. SZA increased plasma silicon concentrations, but was not detrimental to performance as indicated by faster average race times for treated homes. Medium and high treatment groups also covered more distance and completed more training and racing cycles (strides) before injury, indicating SZA may be beneficial in preventing racing related injuries. There was a correlation (R2) of.54 between plasma silicon concentration and the distance traveled before injury in the group of homes which was prone to injury. Thus, feeding SZA may help prevent athletic injury to the horse by providing bioavailable silicon.
The Prevention of Kink Band Formation at Free Edges of Unidirectional Composite under Compressive Load

Compressive strength of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites is related to many factors such as fiber and matrix constituent properties, interfacial bond properties, specimen geometry, free-edges, fiber waviness, voids, stress concentrations, among others. In this paper, an analytical study has been performed to investigate the effects of free-edges on the compressive strength of a uniaxial composite laminate; matrix nonlinearity and fiber waviness are also incorporated in the model. Results of this study indicate the compressive strength of fibers located along a free-edge is much less than that of internal fibers, implying that compressive failure should be initiated at free-edges, which is in agreement with experimentally observed behavior. Furthermore, also as expected, matrix nonlinearity and initial fiber curvature result in dramatic decreases in compressive strength of free-edge fibers. However, results indicate that. theoretically, a thin layer of matrix placed over free-edge fibers should st...
Concurrent panniculectomy with open ventral hernia repair has added risk versus ventral hernia repair: An analysis of the ACS-NSQIP database

Summary Background Recent studies have assessed the risks and benefits of performing concurrent panniculectomy (PAN) in the setting of hernia repair, gynecologic surgery, and oncologic resections with conflicting results. The aim of this study is to assess the added risk of ventral hernia repair and panniculectomy (VHR-PAN) using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) data sets. Methods The 2005–2011 ACS-NSQIP databases were queried to identify all patients undergoing VHR alone or VHR-PAN. Propensity scores were used to account for potential selection bias given the non-randomized assignment of concurrent panniculectomy and the retrospective nature of this study. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess the impact of concurrent PAN on complications. Results A total of 55,537 patients were identified. Propensity matching yielded two groups of patients: VHR ( n = 1250) and VHR-PAN ( n = 1250). Few statistically significant differences existed between matched cohorts. Overall, wound complications ( P P = 0.044), incidence of reoperation ( P P P P ≤ 0.001), venous thromboembolism (OR = 2.48, P = 0.043), and overall medical morbidity (OR = 2.08, P P = 0.018). Conclusions This analysis quantifies the added risk of performing a panniculectomy concurrent with ventral hernia repair, demonstrating higher incidence of wound complications (superficial infections), unplanned reoperations, and VTE. Level of Evidence : Prognostic/risk category, level II.
Positive selection vectors based on xylose utilization suppression.

Abstract High levels of xylose isomerase activity in wild-type Escherichia coli strains results in a Xyl− phenotype. This phenomenon was exploited for the development of a versatile positive selection system. The xylA promoter was deleted with the exonuclease BAL 31 and the resulting structural gene was inserted into the SmaI site ofpUC9, yielding the prototype vector, pLX100. In this construct xylA expression is placed under the transcriptional control of thelac promoter. Transformation of any wild-type E. coli strain with pLX100 results in high levels of xylose isomerase and a Xyl− phenotype. Decreasing the activity below a critical level (approx. 100 u) restores the Xyl+ phenotype. pLX100 contains contiguous restriction sites for HindIII,PstI,BamHI and XhoI, suitable for positive selection cloning experiments. E. coli transformants containing pLX100 cannot grow in minimal medium with xylose unless a DNA fragment is inserted into any one of the unique restriction sites. This makes the plasmid an ideal positive-selection cloning vector.
Effect of amitraz treatments on honey bees and on the honey bee tracheal mite

Evaluation de l'effet de 2 presentations de l'amitraze (aerosol et bandelettes plastiques a effet retard) sur la persistance de A. woodi chez A. mellifica, en fonction de la dose appliquee et de la duree du traitement
NUT midline carcinoma: an imaging case series and review of literature

NUT midline carcinoma is a rare and aggressive tumor that has primarily been reported in children and young adults. The tumor is characterized by a rearrangement on the nuclear protein in testis (NUT) gene, located on chromosome 15q14, resulting in the BRD4-NUT fusion oncogene. This carcinoma most commonly presents in the midline and displays an invariably lethal clinical course. To highlight the imaging features of NUT midline carcinoma. IRB approval was obtained for chart review. We retrospectively reviewed the chart and imaging studies of three children. All three cases were diagnosed by karyotyping and confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Cross-sectional imaging including CT, MRI and, in one patient, PET was available for review. Two out of three children presented with midline and multifocal disease. The third case had a medial left thigh mass and no metastatic disease at initial presentation. The common imaging features include heterogeneous low density on CT and T1 hypointensity and low-level T2 hyperintensity on MRI with heterogeneous enhancement. All cases were confirmed pathologically and by molecular studies. NUT midline carcinoma usually presents in the midline, either in the head, neck or chest. We present three cases with the bulk of the tumor below the diaphragm, which is seen in the minority of patients with NUT midline carcinoma, according to the available literature. Metastatic disease is common at initial presentation and can be quite extensive. The most striking feature of this disease is its aggressive nature with exponential interval growth of tumor.
Stimulant Treatment in Maryland Public Schools

Objective. A statewide school survey was performed to provide naturalistic data on the prevalence of medication administered to Maryland public school students for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to clarify the concern of some state legislators about stimulant treatment for youths. Methods. In April 1998, school nurses supervised a survey of all Maryland public school students medicated during school hours for ADHD. The data collected on these students included: type of medication administered, gender, school level, race/ethnicity, special education and Section 504 status, and the specialist of the prescriber. Results. Of the 816 465 students surveyed, 20 050 (2.46%) received methylphenidate and 3721 (0.46%) received other medications for ADHD. Other major findings were: 1) methylphenidate constituted 84% of all the medication administered for ADHD; 2) the male:female ratio of the medication9s recipients was 3.5:1 and 4.3:1 in elementary and secondary school, respectively; 3) black and Hispanic students received methylphenidate at approximately half the rate of their white counterparts; 4) 45% of all students receiving methylphenidate had special education status and an additional 8% had Section 504 status; and 5) nurse practitioners were the prescribers of 3% of the methylphenidate prescribed to Maryland students. Conclusions. This large, population-based, point prevalence study of medication administered to students for ADHD adds new and updated findings on prevalence variations, rates for minority and special education/Section 504 students, and specialty prescriber rates.
Symposium: Immunologic Suppression of Primary Rh Antibody Formation*

Passive antibody specifically suppresses an immune response by binding to the antigenic determinant, and appears to do so by competing with potential antibody forming cells for available antigen. This concept is consistent with most of the evidence in the literature. In the course of naturally occurring immune responses, circulating antibody contributes to the progressive rise in antibody affinity with time after immunization by suppressing the antibody production of cells bearing relatively lower affinity antibody.
Adenosylcobalamin enzymes: Theory and experiment begin to converge ☆

Adenosylcobalamin (coenzyme B12) serves as the cofactor for a group of enzymes that catalyze unusual rearrangement or elimination reactions. The role of the cofactor as the initiator of reactive free radicals needed for these reactions is well established. Less clear is how these enzymes activate the coenzyme towards homolysis and control the radicals once generated. The availability of high resolution X-ray structures combined with detailed kinetic and spectroscopic analyses have allowed several adenosylcobalamin enzymes to be computationally modeled in some detail. Computer simulations have generally obtained good agreement with experimental data and provided valuable insight into the mechanisms of these unusual reactions. Importantly, atomistic modeling of the enzymes has allowed the role of specific interactions between protein, substrate and coenzyme to be explored, leading to mechanistic predictions that can now be tested experimentally. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Radical SAM enzymes and Radical Enzymology.
Bistability in photonic crystal defects

We present an analytical theory and computational experiments to demonstrate optical testability in a class of non-linear photonic crystal devices. Lengths of our devices are smaller than the wavelength of light, they can operate with only a few mW of power, and can be faster than 1ps.
Encapsulation of PROLI/NO in biodegradable microparticles

Biodegradable hydrophilic polymers poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) and polyethylene oxide-co-lactic acid (PELA) were used to encapsulate a small hydrophilic prodrug (PROLI/NO) as a strategy to deliver nitric oxide (NO) by inhalation. The microparticles were prepared using double emulsion and solvent evaporation, followed by freeze-drying. The NO release kinetics were characterized by three parameters: the maximum concentration of NO per unit weight of microparticles, C(max) (nM mg(-1)); the window of time for which the concentration exceeded 50% of C(max), W(50) (min); and the initial rate of release, R(i) (nM mg(-1) min(-1)). PLGA-based microparticles did not encapsulate PROLI/NO. PELA-based microparticles demonstrated an entrapment efficiency rate of 43%, a mass median diameter of 2.3 micro m, and NO release in a physiological buffer characterized by C(max) = 123, W(50) = 4.11, and R(i) = 78.7. Addition of gelatin as a hydrophilic binding moiety in the first emulsion allowed PLGA-based microparticles to encapsulate PROLI/NO; however, the mass median diameter was too large for inhalation (23.5 micro m). It is concluded that the hydrophilic polyethylene glycol-moiety in PELA allows for efficient encapsulation of PROLI/NO, and PELA-based microparticles might be a strategy to generate a stable inhalable form of NO.
Effects of macrophyte secondary chemicals on food choice and digestive efficiency of Cebidichthys violaceus (Girard), an herbivorous fish of temperate marine waters

Abstract Laboratory experiments using prepared seaweed food strips coated with the extracts of two dietary and four nondietary macrophytes provided evidence that the feeding of cold-water hervivorous fish is deterred chemically by at least one brown algal species. Neither polar nor nonpolar extracts of the dietary algae Iridaea splendens (Turn.) Bory and Ulva lobata (Kutz) S. et G. or the nondietary macrophytes Laurencia spectabilis Post. & Rupr., Macrocystis integrifolia Bory and Phyllospadix scouleri Hook applied to the food strips reduced feeding by the stichaeid fish Cebidichthys violaceus (Girard). Only food strips coated with a polar extract of the nondietary fucoid brown alga Fucus gardneri Silv. significantly reduced feeding by C. violaceus . Moreover, the polar extract of F. gardneri but not that of the laminarian brown alga M. integrifolia coated on the dietary alga Ulva lobata reduced the digestibility of this alga when force-fed to C. violaceus . Specifically, the assimilation of N by C. violaceus was significantly reduced. These results partially explain food choice in this herbivorous fish and help explain why fucoid algae are not eaten by north temperate herbivorous fishes.
Gas chromatographic behavior and chemical structure of methyl parathion and methyl paraoxon in relation to their homologs

Abstract Gas chromatography of methyl parathion and methyl paraoxon homologs on nonpolar phases shows that oxons elute before thions while the trend is reversed on polar phases. The pattern of elution of homologs shows linear relationship to chemical and thermodynamic properties as obtained from plots of retention value versus number of carbon atoms or number of methyl groups, and a plot of reciprocal of temperature versus log of retention time on polar and nonpolar phases shows straight relationships.
François Villon and His Monetary Bequests

FRANgOIS VILLON was born virtually an English citizen, or rather a citizen of the combined nations of England and France. For while the Dauphin Charles was attempting to establish himself south of the Loire, Henry VI of England had enacted in 1422 the following scene in Paris establishing the authority of both his seal and his coinage, an authority which was to remain unchallenged in the city until 1436.
Structural response of LVR flexible pavements at Mn/ROAD project

Pavement surface deflection basins provide valuable information for the structural evaluation of flexible pavements. Surface deflection measurements are rapid, inexpensive, and nondestructive and are used frequently as an indicator of pavement structural capability and performance potential. In this study, falling weight deflectometer testing results on the conventional flexible pavements (asphalt concrete surface, granular base/subbase) and aggregate-surface/surface-treated test sections in the low-volume road loop at the Minnesota Road Research Project (Mn/ROAD) were analyzed to evaluate the effect of granular material quality on the pavement structural response. Asphalt concrete (AC) modulus and subgrade ``break-point`` modulus were back-calculated using algorithms previously developed at the University of Illinois. The surface deflections were normalized to the same AC modulus and subgrade modulus. The analyses show a limited effect of granular material quality on the pavement deflection response in the case of conventional flexible pavements. Because of higher granular layer stresses, the granular material quality effects on the pavement surface deflection response of surface-treated/aggregate-surface pavements are significant. Increased AC thickness reduces the effect of granular base quality on the pavement deflection response.
Purification and properties of a cyclic AMP-independent protein kinase from calf thymus nuclei.

A phosphoprotein kinase (ATP : protein phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.37) from calf thymus nuclei was purified by DEAE-cellulose chromatography, hydroxyapatite, and Sepharose 6B gel filtration. The enzyme is a cyclic AMP-independent protein kinase by the following criteria: (a) the protein kinase did not bind cyclic AMP; (b) no inhibition of activity was obtained with the heat-stable protein kinase inhibitor from rabbit skeletal muscle; (c) the regulatory subunit of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase had no effect on activity; and (d) no inhibition was obtained with antibody to cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase. The nuclear cyclic AMP-independent protein kinase readily phosphorylated protamine on serine and to a lesser extent on threonine. Homologous nucleoplasmic RNA polymerase (EC 2.7.7.6) is a better substrate than arginine-rich histone, phosvitin or casein. Physical characteristics of the enzyme are described.
How Well Does Water Activity Determine Homogeneous Ice Nucleation Temperature in Aqueous Sulfuric Acid and Ammonium Sulfate Droplets

Abstract Frozen fraction measurements made using a droplet free-fall freezing tube apparatus are presented and used, along with other recent laboratory measurements, to evaluate how well both the water activity idea and the translated melting-point curve idea of Koop et al. predict homogeneous freezing-point temperatures for aqueous ammonium sulfate and sulfuric acid solution droplets. The new freezing-point temperature datasets agree with the previous lowest-temperature results for both solutes. The lowest measured freezing-point temperatures for aqueous ammonium sulfate solutions agree with a curve shaped like the translated melting-point curve. However, those for aqueous sulfuric acid solutions are significantly lower than predicted by the translated melting-point curve idea, and a single water activity freezing-point temperature curve does not represent the lowest-temperature freezing-point temperature data for both solutes. A linear extrapolation of the new aqueous sulfuric acid solution freezing dat...
Comparative anatomy and systematics of woody Saxifragaceae. Aphanopetalum Endl.

Abstract The floral and vegetative anatomy of the small Australian genus Aphanopetalum were studied. Wood is described for the first time and is characterized by predominantly solitary pores, scalariform vessel element perforation plates with low bar numbers, imperforate tracheary elements with distinctly bordered pits, sparse axial parenchyma, and a combination of homocellular and heterocellular rays. Starch occurs in both axial and ray parenchyma of the wood. Stems possess unilacunar, one-trace nodes and the uncommon feature of an endodermis with well-defined Casparian strips. Leaves have anomocytic stomata, a bifacial mesophyll and semicraspedodromous venation or a combination of semicraspedodromous and brochidodromous venation. The tetramerous flowers are apetalous or have minute petals. The compound, half-inferior gynoecium consists of essentially totally united carpels. The pattern of floral vascularization resembles different Saxifragaceae sensu lato in that the compound sepal-plane and petal-plane traces give rise to staman bundles as well as sepal, petal, and carpel wall venation in their respective planes. The ventral ovarian bundles are fused into a single ventral complex that subdivides at the top of the ovary to form ventral bundles and to supply the one ovule in each locule. Vegetative and floral features provide compelling evidence to suggest that Aphanopetalum has its nearest relatives among the Saxifragaceae sensu lato rather than Cunoniaceae. The genus is probably best treated as forming its own subfamily (or family) among the saxifragaean alliance.
Early T-cell precursor leukemia/lymphoma in adults and children

Early T-cell precursor-ALL (ETP-ALL) is a subtype of T-ALL with a poor prognosis in children. We analyzed ETP-ALL compared to conventional T-ALL/LBL in both adults and children to determine any differences in clinical outcomes, based on the following parameters: induction failure, relapse, and survival. Patients with ETP-ALL have a higher risk of relapse, especially in children (in all patients, HR=4.08, p=0.127, and children, HR=11.63, p=0.025). ETP-ALL seems to have an increased risk of adverse outcomes, particularly in children. Larger studies are needed to better determine the prognosis of this subtype of T-ALL.
Gender, solidarity and the paradox of microfinance: reflections from Bolivia

Microfinance seeks to create small communities of women borrowers who stand in solidarity with each other, providing the social capital necessary to create an economic safety net and to facilitate economic action among individual borrowers. However, because microfinance concurrently emphasizes the economic rationality of participants, it undermines the very sense of community it strives to create. Utilizing feminist geographic scholarship and drawing from examples of a women-only microfinance NGO in urban Bolivia, this article argues that within the practice of microfinance the reliance on romantic notions of community and the desire for organizational sustainability and efficiency weaken the social networks vital to the operation and sustainability of the practice and create an irreconcilable paradox. A feminist geographic approach to unpacking the practice of microfinance within my case study indicates how microfinance perpetuates systems of power and oppression, but also how a more nuanced understandin...
Nontraumatic Emergent Neuroradiology: Review and Self-Assessment Module

Objective The educational objectives for this case-based self-assessment module on imaging of nontraumatic emergent neuroradiology are to use case examples to teach the imaging features of CT and MRI of emergent neuroradiologic diagnoses and to improve the reader's understanding of the pathophysiology and clinical management of each clinical scenario. Imaging plays a critical role in assessing patients with acute neurologic symptoms. CT is quick and easy to perform in an emergency setting and is often the technique of choice for any neurologic emergency situations. Clinical correlation is crucial for accurate diagnosis and triaging patients for further evaluation. Persistent or progressive neurologic symptoms despite negative CT should prompt other imaging studies. Conclusion At the end of this self-assessment module, readers will be able to generate a concise list of differential diagnoses for imaging findings that often are encountered in patients with nontraumatic neurologic emergency.
Assessment of Political Power in the Israeli Knesset

Immediately after the election to the tenth Israeli parliament (Knesset), 21 students of political science, 24 Knesset members, and 7 parliamentary correspondents were each asked (a) to assess the political power ratios of the 10 parties represented in the Knesset and (b) to judge the ideological similarity between them. As ascertained by Saaty’s analytic hierarchy scaling technique, the power ratio judgments proved sufficiently consistent to justify the construction of individual ratio scales of perceived political power. The ideological proximities were adequately represented by two-dimensional ideological spaces. Analyses of the derived power measures showed that the higher the political sophistication of the subject, the higher the combined power attributed to the religious parties and the lower the combined power assigned to the two largest parties Likud and Labor. The derived power measures were then compared to the predictions of six power indices, three of which only consider the seat distributions. Of the six models, the generalized Banzhaf power index best accounted for the perceived power of 62% of the subjects, whereas the classical Shapley-Shubik index provided the best fit for 31% of the subjects. The generalized power indices were found only partly satisfactory with a need for further revision.
Radiographic techniques and interpretation of the acute abdomen

Radiography is a familiar and available imaging modality for the evaluation of patients with acute abdominal distress. Potential causes for acute abdominal distress include the hepatobiliary system, spleen, urogenital tract, and gastrointestinal tract. Radiographic signs associated with specific conditions are described, including gastric-dilation volvulus, urinary bladder rupture, ureteral rupture, urethral rupture, pancreatitis, and small intestinal obstruction. Additionally, contrast procedures that can be beneficial in evaluating the patient with acute abdomen, including positive contrast cystography, urethrography, excretory urography, and peritoneography, are described.
Sensitivity to pulse phase duration in cochlear implant listeners: Effects of stimulation mode

The objective of this study was to investigate charge-integration at threshold by cochlear implant listeners using pulse train stimuli in different stimulation modes (monopolar, bipolar, tripolar). The results partially confirmed and extended the findings of previous studies conducted in animal models showing that charge-integration depends on the stimulation mode. The primary overall finding was that threshold vs pulse phase duration functions had steeper slopes in monopolar mode and shallower slopes in more spatially restricted modes. While the result was clear-cut in eight users of the Cochlear CorporationTM device, the findings with the six user of the Advanced BionicsTM device who participated were less consistent. It is likely that different stimulation modes excite different neuronal populations and/or sites of excitation on the same neuron (e.g., peripheral process vs central axon). These differences may influence not only charge integration but possibly also temporal dynamics at suprathreshold levels and with more speech-relevant stimuli. Given the present interest in focused stimulation modes, these results have implications for cochlear implant speech processor design and protocols used to map acoustic amplitude to electric stimulation parameters.