cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An X-ray single crystal investigation of iron-rich alloys of iron and aluminum-I. Phase relations in alloys containing between 14 and 23 at.% aluminum

Abstract An X-ray diffraction examination of alloy single crystals of Fe containing between about 14 and 23 at.% Al has revealed the existence of an intermediate temperature region in which long range ordered phases based on the stoichiometric compounds Fe 3 Al and FeAl coexist in equilibrium. This result is in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions which assume the Fe 3 Al type phase disorders by a first order transformation in alloys containing less than about 25 at.% AI. The K -state phenomenon in the Fe-Al alloys is discussed in terms of a revised segment of the Fe-Al phase diagram based on the present results.
Predictors of Early Stent Occlusion Among Plastic Biliary Stents

A major disadvantage of plastic biliary stents is their short patency rates. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of early stent occlusion among patients receiving conventional plastic biliary stents. Early stent occlusion was defined as worsening cholestatic liver test results of a severity sufficiently significant to warrant ERCP with stent exchange prior to the planned stent exchange, or as symptoms of cholangitis. The association of cumulative stent diameter, demographics, stricture location, procedure indication, Charlson comorbidity index, history of prior early stent occlusion, presence of gallbladder, and performance of sphincteromy with the occurrence of early stent occlusion was studied using logistic regression and multivariate analysis. Our patient cohort comprised 343 patients (mean age 59.3 years) who underwent 561 ERCP procedures with the placement of one or more plastic biliary stents (mean number of stents per procedure 1.2, mean total diameter of stents per procedure 12 Fr). Early stent occlusion occurred in 73 (13 %) procedures. Female gender was protective against early stent occlusion (adjusted OR 0.54, 95 % CI 0.32–0.90, p = 0.02), while hilar stricture location was independently associated with a significantly increased risk of early stent occlusion (adjusted OR 3.41, 95 % CI 1.68–6.90, p = 0.0007). Early occlusion of conventional biliary stents occurred in 13 % of cases. While female gender decreased the risk of early stent occlusion, hilar stricture location was a significant predictor of early stent occlusion. Our results suggest that physicians should consider early elective stent exchange in patients with hilar strictures.
Cross section for production of low-energy electron-positron pairs by relativistic heavy ions

Starting with the lowest-order unscreened QED matrix element for electron-positron pair production by heavy charged particles, the paper calculates the cross section for this process differential in all independent variables and valid for all pair energies small compared to the incident particle energy. Integration over the possible emission angles of one of the pair members gives an expression that is valid for low-energy pairs that can be compared with previous work based on the Weizsaecker-Williams method. Integration over the possible angles of the other pair member then yields an expression identical to one derived by Racah. The high energy-transfer limit of the expression for the cross section integrated over electron and positron angles is found to be identical to that of Kelner in the unscreened case.
Reconsidering the vertical dyad linkage model of leadership.

Four hundred and thirty-three managerial dyads were studied in order to test aspects of Graen's role-making model of leadership. Subordinates' negotiating latitude was found to be positively related to their job satisfaction and negatively related to their job problems, but to be uncorrelated with numbers of hours spent working. Leaders' negotiating latitude was not significantly associated with rated effectiveness of subordinates. Other predictions from the model were also unsupported. Conceptual and methodological suggestions for future research are offered.
Explaining How to Play a Game: The Development of Informative Writing Skills

Students in grades 5, 7, 9, 11, and college were first taught to play a board game by watching a demonstration film and then were given the task of writing directions for the game. These written ex...
Internal and External Conflict and Violence Cross-Cultural Evidence and a New Analysis

A general theory of conflict and violence (Ross, forthcoming) can help in understanding the relationship between internal and external conflict. Looking at a sample of 90 preindustrial societies supports the proposition that the two have a moderate, positive relationship. More important, however, the analysis identifies conditions under which the two forms of political conflict are associated, and those under which they are differentiated. The strength and patterns of cross-cutting ties are very different in societies in which internal and external conflict covary and societies in which internal and external conflict are independent. Similarly, the structural features of society are central determinants of whether targets of overt aggression are within a society, located outside it, or both. Finally, dispositional (psychocultural) characteristics found in a society are the best predictors of overall conflict levels, but are not useful in distinguishing between internal and external targets. In the conclus...
Substrate-Induced Changes in the Ammonia Channel for Imidazole Glycerol Phosphate Synthase†

IGP synthase is a glutamine amidotransferase that incorporates ammonia derived from glutamine into the unusual nucleotide, N1-[(5‘-phosphoribulosyl)-formimino]-5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide (PRFAR) to form 5‘-(5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide) ribonucleotide (AICAR) and imidazole glycerol phosphate (IGP). A common feature of all glutamine amidotransferases is the upregulation of glutamine hydrolysis in the presence of an acceptor substrate. A refined assay system was developed to establish that Saccharomyces cerevisae IGP synthase shows a 4900-fold stimulation of glutaminase in the presence of the substrate acceptor PRFAR. The structure and function of IGP synthase acceptor substrate binding site were probed with competitive inhibitors that are nucleotide substrate and product analogues. In addition, these analogues were also used to establish that the normal steady-state turnover cycle involves a random sequential mechanism. Upregulation of the glutaminase active site occurs when these comp...
Does Visual Package Clutter Obscure the Communicabilty of Food Package Shape

ABSTRACT Most visual package research in marketing to date tests only the main effects of certain visual package elements in artificially isolated experimental contexts, though, in the store, these elements are presented to the shopper in active visual circumstances. Most food packages are highly cluttered with a number of visual and text elements all competing for the shopper's limited attention; this calls into question the external validity, and therefore the usability for practitioner purposes, of these results. Given that marketers often rely on a single visual element as the sole carrier of some particular promotional message, it is critical to ascertain whether single visual elements can break through such visual clutter to effectively deliver their promotional messages to the shopper. In this study, we manipulate the level of background activity of packages while testing the ability of one visual package element—its overall shape—to affect one particular piece of package information of concern to ...
Intrinsic and extrinsic effects of mafG deficiency on hematopoietic recovery following bone marrow transplant

Objective MafG is the small subunit of the transcription factor NF-E2 that controls terminal megakaryocyte maturation and platelet release. Studies were conducted to evaluate the intrinsic and extrinsic effects of mafG deficiency on bone marrow engraftment kinetics. Materials and Methods We used mafG knockout mice either as donors or recipients in bone marrow transplantations with wild-type mice and compared the engraftment kinetics to transplantations using wild-type donors and recipients. We measured peripheral cell counts, the presence of circulating donor-derived cells by flow cytometry, changes in the cellularity of the bone marrow and splenic weight on day 5, 7, 14, and 1 month post-transplantation. Results Compared to wild-type recipients, mafG recipients had delayed platelet and leukocyte recovery and lower spleen weight at early time points after transplantation. Intrinsic effects: When mafG-deficient bone marrow served as donor source, we observed more rapid recovery of bone marrow cellularity and increased splenic hematopoiesis. The finding of increased short-term hematopoietic stem cells and progenitors in the mafG-deficient bone marrow could explain the accelerated hematopoietic recovery after transplantation. Furthermore, the expression of Bach 2, which can form a heterodimer with mafG protein, was found to be greatly reduced, while Notch 1 expression was increased in mafG-deficient mice. Extrinsic effects: When mafG-deficient mice were transplant recipients, there were delays in recovery of normal levels of marrow and splenic hematopoiesis as well as circulating leukocytes and platelets. Conclusions Our study demonstrates that mafG expression has intrinsic and extrinsic effects on hematopoietic engraftment following bone marrow transplantation.
Electronic interface for high-frame-rate electrically addressed spatial light modulators

A new high-speed driver has been developed for the magneto-optic spatial light modulator (SLM). The driver allows the output of an image sensing device such as a CCD array to drive the SLM. Using digital circuitry, high frame rates are made possible. Furthermore, the digital nature of the interface allows real-time digital image processing to be performed on input imagery; the input image can be processed by a 3 X 3 kernel. For example, functions such as noise filtering, edge detection, or thresholding can be performed in real-time. Adaptive filters or multiple filter operations on the same data are also possible. Processed imagery can be displayed on the SLM at over 400 frames/second. In addition, the interface can be applied to other electrically-addressed SLMs. The potential for higher frame rates is possible with faster electronic components.
Pacific Halibut Bycatch in the Washington, Oregon, and California Groundfish and Shrimp Trawl Fisheries

Abstract Pacific halibut Hippoglossus stenolepis bycatch rates (catch in numbers or weight per trawling hour) in the Washington, Oregon, and California bottom trawl fisheries were estimated by using observer data collected between 1985 and 1990. Pacific halibut were caught during all months of the year. Differences in catch rates were significant between five trawling strategies and two calendar periods (November–June versus July–October). Pacific halibut bycatch rates were lowest for the trawling strategy for ocean shrimp Pandalus jordani (0.09–0.14 fish/h) and highest for the nearshore mixed-species trawling strategy (0.81–1.46 fish/h). In the deepwater trawling strategy for Dover sole Microstomus pacificus, bycatch rates were high (1.38 fish/h) in July–October at depths between 163 and 320 m and intermediate (0.37–0.50 fish/h) during the rest of the year and at greater depths. The strategy for bottom rockfish Sebastes spp. had relatively low bycatch rates except in July–October at intermediate depths (...
Factor structure of the Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory scales in psychiatric inpatients

Abstract This study examined the factor structure of the Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory (MACI) Personality Patterns and Clinical Syndromes scales in 331 individuals undergoing short-term hospitalization in a Midwestern psychiatric facility. After Principal Axis factoring the solution was subjected to a promax rotation with Kaiser Normalization. This yielded a three-factor solution accounting for 82% of the total variance. The dimensions were called Demoralization, Acting Out, and Detached. Weighted MACI factor scores for the dimensions of this analysis correlate with the Clinical scales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Inventory-Adolescent (MMPI-A) and support the validity of the findings.
Gestational Age at Enrollment and Continued Substance Use Among Pregnant Women in Drug Treatment

Substance use during pregnancy is associated with poor obstetrical and neonatal outcomes. Although intervention for substance use including alcohol improves pregnancy outcomes, a substantial number of women continue to use drugs or consume alcohol during treatment. To determine whether gestational age at entry into treatment (specifically first trimester enrollment) was associated with lower risk of continued substance use, we analyzed the North Carolina Treatment Outcomes and Program Performance System, an administrative database of drug treatment clinics, between 2000 and 2004. There were 847 pregnant women using substances who met our inclusion criteria. Demographic and other risk factor data were collected. We conducted logistic regression and a Generalized Estimating Equation analysis. Gestational age at enrollment was not associated with continued substance use (odds ratio [OR] = 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.51, 1.51). Women who had child care provided, were less likely to continue substance use (OR = 0.64; 95% CI = 0.48, 0.84), whereas those referred from the criminal justice system were more likely to continue (OR = 1.53; 95% CI = 1.01, 2.30). Although earlier gestational age at enrollment in treatment does not predict greater abstinence at any time point, this data does suggest that the provision of childcare may improve treatment success.
Using a Genetic Algorithm to Learn Behaviors for Autonomous Vehicles

Abstract : Truly autonomous vehicles will require both projective planning and reactive components in order to perform robustly. Projective components are needed for long-term planning and replanning where explicit reasoning about future states is required. Reactive components allow the system to always have some action available in real-time, and themselves can exhibit robust behavior, but lack the ability to explicitly reason about future states over a long time period. This work addresses the problem of creating reactive components for autonomous vehicles. Creating reactive behaviors (stimulus-response rules) is generally difficult, requiring the acquisition of much knowledge from domain experts, a problem referred to as the knowledge acquisition bottleneck. SAMUEL is a system that learns reactive behaviors for autonomous agents. SAMUEL learns these behaviors under simulation, automating the process of creating stimulus-response rules and therefore reducing the bottleneck. (AN)
Comparison of systolic and diastolic 3D SSFP for arterial dimensions and coronary artery origins in patients with congenital heart disease

Background 3D steady-state free precession (SSFP) sequences allow for acquisition of isotropic datasets without the need for IV placement and contrast administration. Similar to MR angiography, they can be post-processed using multiplanar reconstruction, allowing for cross-sectional vessel measurements. They are also ECG-gated, allowing for visualization of coronary artery origins, which cannot be reliably evaluated by MRA. Arteries are preferentially measured in systole to obtain maximal diameter. However, because of motion blurring, this may be a suboptimal phase for diagnosis of coronary origins. We hypothesized that systolic SSFP (sSSFP) would provide larger measurements of arterial vessel diameter than either diastolic SSFP (dSSFP) or MRA sequences, yet provide adequate image quality for diagnosis of coronary artery origins.
Conformational studies of alanine oligopeptides by nuclear magnetic resonance

We have studied the nmr spectra of the series of alanine oligopeptides containing a methoxyethoxyethoxyacetyl blocking group on the N-terminal residue and a morpholino blocking group on the C-terminal residue. Spectra were measured in chloroform–trifluoroacetic acid solvent systems. For oligomers with chain lengths of five or more, “double peaks” are observed for the α-CH protons. Addition of trifluoroacetic acid causes the peaks to coalesce. The amount of trifluoroacetic acid necessary for coalescence increases from the pentamer to the nonamer. These findings are general since alanine oligomers with different blocking groups exhibit similar “double peak” phenomena. We explain the “double peak” phenomenon in terms of specific folded forms of the oligopeptides which arise from intramolecular hydrogen bonding. Additional evidence for such hydrogen bonding is presented based upon infrared studies. Slight aggregation probably occurs for the pentamer and hexamer which may stabilize the folded forms.
Cognitive–behavioral therapy: tailored to the individual

Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on the cognitive, affective, and behavioral components of the pain experience. Cognitive-behavioral strategies can be used to treat chronic pain and chronic intermittent pain. The strategies concentrate on emotional, behavioral, and social responses, helping patients to increase their feelings of control or feelings of self efficacy regarding control.
Effects of physostigmine on the afterdischarge and slow postsynaptic potentials of bullfrog sympathetic ganglia

Abstract 1. The effects of anticholinesterases (anti-ChEs) (physostigmine, prostigmine and TEPP) on the afterdischarges and the extracellular and intracellular slow potentials of bullfrog sympathetic ganglia were studied. 2. The anti-ChEs augmented the early afterdischarge, the late negative potential and the slow excitatory postsynaptic potential. This indicated that the nature of the early afterdischarge was cholinergic (muscarinic) and that the late negative potential or the slow excitatory postsynaptic potential generated the early afterdischarge. 3. Since the anti-ChEs increased the positive potential, the depression of the early afterdischarge observed in the presence of an antiChE was explained to be caused by the increased inhibitory effect of the enhanced positive potential. 4. Prostigmine and tetraethyl pyrophosphate did not show any appreciable effects on the late afterdischarge, the late late negative potential nor the late slow excitatory postsynaptic potential. This indicated that the nature of the late afterdischarge was non-cholinergic and that the late late negative potential or the late slow excitatory postsynaptic potential generated the late afterdischarge. 5. Physostigmine reversibly depressed the late afterdischarge, the late late negative potential and the late slow excitatory postsynaptic potential. The depressant action of physostigmine was not due to its anti-ChE action.
Longimicins A-D: novel bioactive acetogenins from Asimina longifolia (annonaceae) and structure-activity relationships of asimicin type of annonaceous acetogenins.

Bioactivity-directed fractionation of the ethanol extract of Asimina longifolia led to the isolation of four novel bioactive annonaceous acetogenins: longimicins A−D (1−4). Compounds 1−4 represent...
Temperature-dependent electron capture detector response to common alternative fluorocarbons.

The relative electron capture detector (ECD) response to alternative fluorocarbons (AFCs) using gas chromatography are found to be at least 1 order of magnitude lower than that for CFC-12. Detection limits for the chlorofluorocarbons CFC-12, HCFC-22, HCFC-123, and HCFC-124 are found to be 2.5, 90, 30, and 90 pg, respectively. Those for the hydrofluorocarbons are significantly poorer; 14 and 45 ng for HFC-125 and HFC-134a, respectively. HFC-152a was not detected using ECD. Since atmospheric concentrations of these compounds are in the low part-per-trillion level, GC-ECD is apparently not sensitive enough to be used for AFC analysis without substantial preconcentration. Two columns are evaluated for the AFC separation. The Poraplot Q WPLOT column showed good separation ability, though column bleed limits detection performance. A Carboxen 1004 packed column exhibits much lower interference. But separations are time consuming and peak broadening adversely affects limits of detection. Mechanisms for the ECD re...
Third-strand in situ hybridization (TISH) to non-denatured metaphase spreads and interphase nuclei.

A methodology has been developed for binding oligodeoxyribonucleotide ’third strands’ to duplex DNA targets in fixed but not additionally denatured metaphase spreads and interphase nuclei under conditions found to be optimal in solution. Third-strand in situ hybridization (TISH) at pH 6.0 of a psoralen- and biotin-modified 16-nucleotide homopyrimidine third strand to a unique multicopy target sequence in human chromosome 17 α-satellite (D17Z1 locus) is described. UVA-photofixed third strands, rendered fluorescent by fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled avidin, are reproducibly centromere-specific for chromosome 17, and visible without amplification of the signal in lymphocyte and somatic cell hybrid spreads and interphase nuclei. Two third-strand-specific D17Z1 haplotypes were identified. TISH has potential diagnostic, biochemical, and flow cytometric applicability to native metaphase and interphase chromatin.
Use of archived biopsy specimens to study gene expression in oral mucosa from chemotherapy-treated cancer patients.

Objectives Oral mucositis caused by cancer chemotherapy can result in significant clinical complications. There is a strategic need to accelerate the delineation of the pathobiology. This proof-of-principle study was designed to demonstrate the feasibility of studying archived oral mucosal specimens to further delineate oral mucositis pathobiology. Materials and Methods Twenty-nine formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of 25-year-old oral mucosa autopsy specimens from cancer chemotherapy patients were studied. Standardized technology was utilized, including RNA isolation and amplification, array hybridization, and gene expression analysis. Results A predominance of DNA damage in buccal mucosal basal keratinocytes was observed. Data comparing basal cells from buccal vs. gingival mucosa identified differential gene expression of host responses in relation to pathways relevant to oral mucositis pathogenesis, including responses to cancer-associated inflammation. Conclusions This proof-of-principle study demonstrated that archived oral mucosal specimens may be a potentially valuable resource for the study of oral mucositis in cancer patients.
DELIVERY OF LIPOSOMAL FATTY ACID BINDING PROTEIN 4 SIRNA FOR THE TREATMENT OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN APOLIPOPROTEIN E-DEFICIENT MICE

Fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) deficiency protects apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE−/−) mice against developing atherosclerosis, suggesting that FABP4 may be a potential drug target for treating atherosclerosis. We developed a liposomal siRNA delivery system for silencing FABP4 as a
Technological Change and Co‐Determination in Sweden

Technological Change and Co-Determination in Sweden. Ake Sandberg. Gunnar Broms. Arne Grip. Lars Sundstoem. Jesper Steen. and Peter Ullmark. In the series Labor and Social Change, Paula Rayman and Carmen Siriani, eds. Philadelphia: Temple University Press. 1992.
CTA and MRA in Mesenteric Ischemia: Part 1, Role in Diagnosis and Differential Diagnosis

OBJECTIVE. CT angiography and MR angiography are the main techniques for the noninvasive diagnosis of mesenteric ischemia. High clinical suspicion and knowledge of the differential diagnostic possibilities in this clinical setting are essential for the correct interpretation of the scans.CONCLUSION. CT angiography and MR angiography are well suited for the workup of patients when mesenteric ischemia is suspected.
Real-space local polynomial basis for solid-state electronic-structure calculations: A finite-element approach

We present an approach to solid-state electronic-structure calculations based on the finite-element method. In this method, the basis functions are strictly local, piecewise polynomials. Because the basis is composed of polynomials, the method is completely general and its convergence can be controlled systematically. Because the basis functions are strictly local in real space, the method allows for variable resolution in real space; produces sparse, structured matrices, enabling the effective use of iterative solution methods; and is well suited to parallel implementation. The method thus combines the significant advantages of both real-space-grid and basis-oriented approaches and so promises to be particularly well suited for large, accurate {ital ab initio} calculations. We develop the theory of our approach in detail, discuss advantages and disadvantages, and report initial results, including electronic band structures and details of the convergence of the method. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
Computed tomography and plain radiography in experimental fracture healing

We evaluated the relative contribution of plain radiographs and computed tomography to the assessment of fracture healing under experimental circumstances. In 15 sheep, we performed midshaft femoral osteotomies and internal fixation of the resultant segmental fractures. Radiographs were obtained preoperatively and immediately postoperatively. Animals were sacrificed at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 24 weeks, and 36 weeks after surgery, and the femoral specimens radiographed. After removal of the internal fixation devices, computed tomographic scans of the specimens were performed. By 3 weeks, callus was visible, but at 6 weeks, a trabecular pattern in the callus was seen on plain films but not on computed tomography. There was progressive organization of the callus on both studies. At 24 weeks, computed tomography demonstrated fracture lines not seen due to overlying callus on plain films and also more accurately showed incomplete union. By 36 weeks, healing was essentially complete according to both modalities, although there still were small gaps in the callus detectable on computed tomography but not on plain films. Computed tomography may be of value in the evaluation of fractures of long bones in those cases in which clinical examination and plain radiographs fail to give adequate information as to the status of healing.
EFFECT OF THYROGLOBULIN IMMUNIZATION ON THYROID FUNCTION AND MORPHOLOGY IN THE GUINEA PIG.

The effect of thyroglobulin immunization on thyroxine secretion rate and peripheral utilization of thyroid hormones has been studied, along with morphologic changes in the thyroid, adrenals and hypophysis. Thyroglobulin immunization decreased the thyroxine secretion rate as well as the disappearance rate of thyroid hormones from the blood. The protein-bound iodine was also slightly elevated in immunized animals. A significant increase in the weight of the pituitary, adrenals and thyroid was noted in immunized animals. The thyroid glands of immunized animals showed an interstitial inflammatory cell reaction characteristic of chronic thyroiditis. The increase in weight of the adrenals was associated with an increase in the size of cells of the zona fasciculata, whereas the increase in pituitary weight was associated with cellular degeneration and replacement by nonfunctional connective tissue. Possible explanations for the anomalous situation of decreased peripheral utilization of thyroid hormones and decre...
Organizational Decline and Effectiveness in Private Higher Education.

The central purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between organizational decline and three domains of effectiveness (i.e., academic, morale, and external adaptation) in private colleges and universities. The study differed from earlier inquiries in terms of its measurement of the organizational decline construct and its reliance on faculty perceptions of organizational effectiveness. The results clearly demonstrate that the relationship between decline and effectiveness is not uniform across the three types of private institutions (i.e., Research Universities, Comprehensive Colleges, Liberal Arts Colleges). For example, organizational decline has a negative effect on effectiveness in the academic domain only at Liberal Arts Colleges. Similarly, the magnitude of decline necessary to have a negative effect on effectiveness varies among the three institutional types. The implications of these findings for future research and for the management of decline in private higher education are discussed.
Street Children in Film

In examining the depiction of street children in three classic films: Kids, Pixote, and Salaam Bombay, I argue that the respective directors play upon our protean concepts of “the street” and “the ...
Late gadolinium-enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance identifies postinfarction myocardial fibrosis and the border zone at the near cellular level in ex vivo rat heart.

Background— Using a resolution 1000-fold higher than prior studies, we studied (1) the degree to which late gadolinium-enhancement (LGE) cardiac magnetic resonance tracks fibrosis from chronic myocardial infarction and (2) the relationship between intermediate signal intensity and partial volume averaging at distinct “smooth” infarct borders versus disorganized mixtures of fibrosis and viable cardiomyocytes. Methods and Results— Sprague-Dawley rats underwent myocardial infarction by coronary ligation. Two months later, rats were euthanized 10 minutes after administration of 0.3 mmol/kg intravenous gadolinium. LGE images ex vivo at 7 T with a 3D gradient echo sequence with 50×50×50 μm voxels were compared with histological sections (Masson trichrome). Planimetered histological and LGE regions of fibrosis correlated well ( y =1.01 x −0.01; R 2=0.96; P <0.001). In addition, LGE images routinely detected clefts of viable cardiomyocytes 2 to 4 cells thick that separated bands of fibrous tissue. Although LGE clearly detected disorganized mixtures of fibrosis and viable cardiomyocytes characterized by intermediate signal intensity voxels, the percentage of apparent intermediate signal intensity myocardium increased significantly ( P <0.01) when image resolution was degraded to resemble clinical resolution consistent with significant partial volume averaging. Conclusions— These data provide important validation of LGE at nearly the cellular level for detection of fibrosis after myocardial infarction. Although LGE can detect heterogeneous patches of fibrosis and viable cardiomyocytes as patches of intermediate signal intensity, the percentage of intermediate signal intensity voxels is resolution dependent. Thus, at clinical resolutions, distinguishing the peri-infarct border zone from partial volume averaging with LGE is challenging.
Vacancy loss at grain boundaries in quenched polycrystalline gold

Vacancy loss at a variety of grain boundaries in 99.999 wt.% pure polycrystalline gold quenched from 930°C and aged at 60°C was studied by transmission electron microscopy. The vacancy precipitate (stacking-fault tetrahedra) free zones, which formed in the regions adjacent to grain boundaries due to vacancy loss at these sinks during quenching, were analyzed. The vacancy sink efficiency of both small-angle and non-special large-angle grain boundaries was found to be high in the presence of the large chemical potential of the quenched-in vacancies. While there is some evidence that the sink efficiency at small angles is somewhat smaller than at large angles, the results are not inconsistent with a constant vacancy sink efficiency for all of the small-angle and non-special large-angle boundaries observed. On the other hand, the sink efficiency of the special Σ = 3 coherent twin boundary is significantly lower than for the non-special boundaries. The results are discussed relative to other work in the field, and it is concluded that: (1) both small-angle and non-special large-angle boundaries operate as highly effective sinks at high vacancy chemical potentials; (2) the sink efficiency tends to fall off as the chemical potential decreases or the boundary becomes more special, i.e., more ordered.
Separator isoelectric focusing: An improved method of protein analysis and purification

Abstract Addition of small amphoteric substances or separators to the carrier ampholytes used in isoelectric focusing improves the separation of protein components. The technique has been applied to partially oxidized human hemoglobin, goat anti-bovine pancreatic oxidized ribonuclease, human γ-globulin, and barley β-amylase. Each of these proteins is a complex mixture of species which can be resolved selectively and reproducibly by this method. Superior separation is provided by this technique when compared to focusing in commercially available narrow-range ampholytes. Addition of separators usually results in the flattening of the pH profile of the gel. Inspection of the protein patterns indicates that no new protein bands arise, although different patterns of existing components are obtained by choice and concentration of separator as well as by concentration of carrier ampholytes. This technique, thus, offers the advantage of making conventional isoelectric focusing more versatile.
Effects of post-processing treatment on sorption isotherm of an effectively hydrophilic zeolite β

The effects of post-processing treatments on infiltration and defiltration of liquids in acid-leached zeolite β were investigated. The infiltration pressure, which reflects the effective degree of hydrophobicity of the nanopore surface, and the defiltration pressure, which dominates the system hysteresis, can be controlled in broad ranges by adjusting anion species and liquid composition, and/or performing hydrothermal or silicon addition treatment. These experimental results have important relevance to developing liquid spring and active control techniques.
Effect of some physico-chemical conditions on an immunoassay for viable Escherichia coli

Viable Escherichia coli can be detected by an immunoassay in which live bacteria captured on antibody-coated paramagnetic beads are induced to synthesize the enzyme β-galactosidase, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of the slightly fluorescent substrate 4-methyl umbelliferyl-β-d-galactoside to the highly fluorescent product 7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin for detection. The effects of bacterial strain, presence of dead bacteria, and some environmental stresses on assay performance were evaluated.
A Test for Interactions between Varroa destructor (Acari: Varroidae) and Aethina tumida (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) in Colonies of Honey Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Field surveys indicate that declining colonies of honey bees, Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae), suffer simultaneously from multiple stress factors, raising concern that multiple stressors could be interacting to compound bee stress in an additive or synergistic fashion. We tested two null hypotheses: 1) Varroa destructor Anderson & Trueman (Acari: Varroidae) (=varroa) and Aethina tumida Murray (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) do not interact such that the number of one affects the number or density of the other and 2) bee damage from one does not change in response to changing levels of the other. In a split-split plot design replicated in 2 yr and two states, experimental apiaries were established and each manipulated to achieve one of five average ± SE colony adult A. tumida populations: 0; 285 ± 6; 721 ± 5; 1,544 ± 14; or 3,175 ± 90. Within each apiary, the population of varroa mites in each colony was manipulated to achieve one of three average ± SE colony mite populations: 763 ± 121; 1,111 ± 155; or 1,856 ± 300. On a one-way basis, there was a predictable increase in measures of bee morbidity with increasing densities of each pest. Colony varroa mite levels decreased as apiary-wide A. tumida levels increased. In contrast, colony levels of the honey bee mite, Acarapis woodi (Rennie) (Acari: Tarsonemidae), increased as colony varroa levels increased. Concerning measures of bee morbidity, varroa and A. tumida did not interact such that damage by one was affected by changing levels of the other. A treatment threshold established for varroa before the arrival of A. tumida has not changed during the years since A. tumida has become established in the region.
Blending Narratives: A Storytelling Strategy for Social Studies

Blending narratives allows students to combine their personal experiences with specific social studies content to tell a story. Each story created and told by students is uniquely different. The pr...
T-2 toxin impairment of enteric reovirus clearance in the mouse associated with suppressed immunoglobulin and IFN-γ responses

Abstract Trichothecenes are exquisitely toxic to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and leukocytes and thus are likely to impair gut immunity. The purpose of this research was to test the hypothesis that the Type A trichothecene T-2 toxin interferes with the gut mucosal immune response to enteric reovirus infection. Mice were exposed i.p. first to 1.75 mg/kg bw T-2 and then 2 h later with 3 × 107 plaque-forming units of reovirus serotype 1, strain Lang (T1/L). As compared to vehicle-treated control, T-2-treated mice had dramatically elevated intestinal plaque-forming viral titers after 5 days and failed to completely clear the virus from intestine by 10 days. Levels of reovirus λ2 core spike (L2 gene) RNA in feces in T-2-treated mice were significantly higher at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days than controls. T-2 potentiated L2 mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner with as little as 50 μg/kg of the toxin having a potentiative effect. T-2 exposure transiently suppressed induction of reovirus-specific IgA in feces (6 and 8 days) as well as specific IgA and IgG2a in serum (5 days). This suppression corresponded to decreased secretion of reovirus-specific IgA and IgG2a in Peyer's patch (PP) and lamina propria fragment cultures prepared 5 days after infection. T-2 suppressed IFN-γ responses in PP to reovirus at 3 and 7 days as compared to infected controls whereas IL-2 mRNA concentrations were unaffected. PP IL-6 mRNA levels were increased 2-fold 2 h after T-2 treatment, but no differences between infected T-2-exposed and infected vehicle-treated mice were detectable over the next 7 days. Overall, the results suggest that T-2 toxin increased both the extent of GI tract reovirus infection and fecal shedding which corresponded to both suppressed immunoglobulin and IFN-γ responses.
Metal speciation by flow-injection analysis.

Abstract A two-channel switching valve is incorporated in the flow-injection manifold for on-line control of the metal speciation of Fe(II)/Fe(III) and Cr(III)/Cr(VI). 1,10-Phenanthroline is used for the iron determinations and diphenylcarbazide for chromium. The absorbances are measured at 512 and 540 nm, respectively. When a 30-μl injection loop is used, the response is linear for 0.5–30.0 ppm Fe and 0.5–40.0 ppm Cr. The relative standard deviation in each case is approximately 1%. The method allows at least 180 injections per hour.
Stable isotopes confirm a foraging dichotomy in juvenile loggerhead sea turtles

Differential habitat use and foraging behaviors at various life-stages within a population can have profound consequences for survivorship, stage duration, and time to maturity. While evidence for plasticity within a given life-stage in marine species is mounting, factors that contribute to this diversity remain poorly understood. We used stable isotope analysis of consumer and prey tissues to describe the trophic niche width of juvenile loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) that have been tracked and previously shown to have significant variation in movement behaviors (oceanic versus neritic). Results of a Bayesian mixing model indicated that whereas benthic invertebrates dominated the recent diet of neritic turtles (determined through blood plasma), pelagic prey items contributed substantially to the diets of oceanic turtles. Analysis of temporally protracted diet composition (determined through red blood cells) reflected contributions from pelagic prey for all turtle groups, indicating that all turtles fed in the pelagic zone during overwintering periods. These results imply that the previous satellite tracking results reflect the turtles' prior foraging habits. Our study highlights the need for an integrative management approach of North Atlantic juvenile loggerheads and validates the use of stable isotopes for determining their differential habitat use.
Regulation of the regulatory gene for the arabinose pathway, araC.

Abstract The promoter of the araC gene was fused to the structural genes of the lac operon using the techniques described in the preceding paper. The resulting fusion strains were used to study the regulation of the araC gene by assaying the fused lac gene products. It was found that the expression of the fused lac genes was repressed by the product of the araC gene and was regulated by the cyclic AMP catabolite control system. This implies that the araC gene itself is repressed by its own product and is catabolite regulated. These findings introduce a new level of complexity in the regulation of the arabinose pathway of Escherichia coli.
Endothelial Cell Transplantation onto Polymeric Arteriovenous Grafts Evaluated Using a Canine Model

Prosthetic arteriovenous grafts (AVC) placed for hemodialysis access fail in humans due to the thrombogenicity of the flow surface and development of cellular intimal hyperplasia, particularly at the venous anastomosis. The poor patency rates of prosthetic A VC result in significant morbidity and mortality in dialysis patients. Consequently, investigators have been evaluating methods to improve the patency of prosthetic grafts by examining endothelial cell transplantation as a means of creating an antithrombogenic lining on artificial polymers. A canine model was developed to study the effects of cell transplantation of autologous, fat-derived microvessel endothelial cells (MVEC) onto the luminal surface of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) grafts. Microvessel endothelial cells were isolated from falciform ligament fat, with each dog receiving its own endothelial cells. Isolated cells were subsequently placed into the lumen of the graft (4 mm by 20 cm ePTFE). The graft lumen was pressurized to 5 po...
Effects of guaifenesin on nasal mucociliary clearance and ciliary beat frequency in healthy volunteers

Study objective Mucociliary clearance is an important host defense function of the upper respiratory tract that requires the coordinated beating of cilia and results in the transport of mucus to the oropharynx. Guaifenesin is a commonly prescribed drug that is reported to improve the clearance of respiratory secretions. We hypothesized that guaifenesin increases nasal mucociliary clearance related to increases in ciliary beat frequency (CBF) and that a direct relationship exists between nasal CBF and nasal mucociliary clearance. Design Double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study. Participants Ten healthy volunteers with a previous history of sinus disease. Interventions Subjects received guaifenesin or placebo on days 1 to 7 or days 14 to 21. Measurements and Results In vivo saccharine transit time (STT) was measured by noting the time in minutes required for the subject to taste a saccharin particle placed on the inferior turbinate of the naris. The CBF was determined by video microscopy on ten separate groups of beating ciliated nasal mucosal cells obtained by brushing immediately after each STT determination. We found that there was no significant change between the guaifenesin- or placebo-treated groups from baseline values of STT (p=0.94) or CBF (p=0.46). Regression analysis demonstrated no relationship between STT and CBF for repeated measures within subjects (mean r 2 =0.18; mean p=0.66) and between STT and CBF when all paired measurements were combined across subjects (r 2 =0.47; p=0.46). Conclusion We conclude that guaifenesin exerts no measurable effect on in vivo nasal mucociliary clearance or ex vivo nasal ciliary motility in healthy volunteers with previous sinus disease. In addition, there appears to be no relationship between nasal STT measured in vivo and CBF measured ex vivo. The lack of correlation is most likely due to variations in CBF related to sampling artifacts introduced by the nasal brushing process.
Development in the Upper Mississippi Basin: 10 years after the Great Flood of 1993

Abstract Flooding in the Upper Mississippi River Basin during the summer of 1993 caused between US$ 12 and 16 billion worth of damage. Since 1993, millions of dollars of new development have poured into the flood-impacted areas contrary to the recommendations of Interagency Floodplain Management Review Committee, among others. Tracking development has been difficult. A diverse set of regulations and land use controls have caused varying amounts of development in the Upper Mississippi River Basin, with Missouri leading the way with over 17.31 km 2 of new development. This study documents the changes in the basin affected by the 1993 floods 10 years after the event by conducting an analysis to identify new development within the 500-year floodplain and in the floodwater inundated areas. This study used Landsat satellite data to identify areas experiencing development.
Norepinephrine Stimulated Increase of Cyclic AMP Levels in Developing Mouse Brain Cell Cultures

Norepinephrine causes a four- to sixfold increase in the intracellular level of cyclic AMP (adenosine 3', 5'-monophosphate) reaggregated brain cell cultures derived from embryonic mouse brain. The cyclic AMP level of adult brain is increased by norepinephrine; however, embryonic mouse brain does not show a cyclic AMP response. The aggregate cultures thus demonstrate an event of differentiation very similar to that seen in vivo.
Dopaminergic Mechanisms Regulating Prolactin Secretion in Patients With Prolactin-Secreting Pituitary Adenoma. Long-Term Studies After Selective Transsphenoidal Surgery

Abstract Twenty-seven female patients with prolactin-secreting pituitary microadenoma, were studied at different intervals following selective transsphenoidal removal of the tumor. Postoperatively, all patients had normal prolactin (PRL) levels and regular menstrual cycles were restored. Sixteen of 27 patients showed positive responses to TRH and metoclopramide (MCP) within 1 mo after surgery. On the contrary, 9 patients showed extremely low PRL levels and exhibited negative responses to provocative stimuli immediately after surgery. The long-term evaluation of these patients demonstrated that normal neuroendocrine relationships were restored after several months since positive PRL responses to TRH and MCP could be elicited in such patients. The remaining 2 patients who showed basal PRL levels in the upper range of normal, exhibited negative responses to TRH and MCP. These patients had progressively increasing basal PRL levels, with negative responses to provocative stimuli. In addition, 8 patients with normal responses to TRH and MCP exhibited 10–20 mo after surgery a normal decrease in PRL levels following administration of carbidopa plus L-Dopa. Negative responses to carbidopa plus L-Dopa were instead obtained in 6 postoperative patients with elevated PRL levels and negative responses to TRH and MCP. These results suggest that: 1) Hyperprolactinemia induced by “autonomous” pituitary adenomas increases hypothalamic dopamine (DA) secretion, which in turn inhibits PRL secretion by nonadenomatous lactotropes. 2) Total selective removal of the microadenoma acutely decreases PRL concentration, but a functional inhibition of the normal lactotrope can persist for a period of few months following surgery in a certain number of patients. 3) Prolonged reduction of PRL concentration is accompanied to a normal DA tone with reestablishment of normal neuroendocrine relationships.