cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
β-Lactam Antibiotics

The β-lactam classes of antibacterials are preeminent in the treatment of bacterial infection due to their unparalleled clinical efficacy and clinical safety. Following the discovery of the penicillins, successive β-lactam drug discovery has added the cephalosporin, penem cephamycin, clavulanate, monobactam, nocardicin, and carbapenem subclasses. The driving force behind much of this era of discovery is the staggering ability of pathogenic bacteria to adapt previous generations of the β-lactam by the acquisition and expression of resistance mechanisms. Although many factors contribute to β-lactam resistance, alterations to the molecular targets of the β-lactams (the penicillin binding proteins) and the use of enzymes (the β-lactamases) capable of the hydrolytic deactivation of the β-lactams are paramount. This review traces the historical development of β-lactam drug discovery, with emphasis on the most recent progress in the medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, and microbiology of the β-lactams leading to the discovery of new generation β-lactam antibacterials effective against the Gram-negative and -positive bacterial pathogens of current medical concern. Keywords: β-lactam; β-lactamase; penicillin; cephalosporin; monobactam
Social capital and power: Entrepreneurial elite and the state in contemporary China

Unlike the idea of civil society, the concept of social capital has yet to be widely used in the field of Chinese studies. Based on a case study of entrepreneurial organizations in Suzhou, this paper illustrates the unique and complex process of social capital formation in reform-era China among the newly emergent Chinese business elite. Entrepreneurs use social capital to influence state policymaking and to forge a relationship between entrepreneurial organizations and the state that involves a dynamic process of power negotiation. The findings shed some light on how to revise thinking about civil society and the state in contemporary China.
COMPONENTS OF VARIANCE ANALYSIS AS A STRUCTURAL AND DISCRIMINAL ANALYSIS FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTS

An approach to the study of the covariance structure and the discriminating properties of psychological tests is proposed for cases in which the tests can be classified hierarchically and suitably scaled. The method makes use of a Model II analysis of variance, with certain modifications, and provides statistical tests which are not available for the more general methods of factor analysis.
Influence of polysorbate 80 and cyclopropane fatty acid synthase activity on lactic acid production by Lactobacillus casei ATCC 334 at low pH

Lactic acid is an important industrial chemical commonly produced through microbial fermentation. The efficiency of acid extraction is increased at or below the acid's pKa (pH 3.86), so there is interest in factors that allow for a reduced fermentation pH. We explored the role of cyclopropane synthase (Cfa) and polysorbate (Tween) 80 on acid production and membrane lipid composition in Lactobacillus casei ATCC 334 at low pH. Cells from wild-type and an ATCC 334 cfa knockout mutant were incubated in APT broth medium containing 3 % glucose plus 0.02 or 0.2 % Tween 80. The cultures were allowed to acidify the medium until it reached a target pH (4.5, 4.0, or 3.8), and then the pH was maintained by automatic addition of NH₄OH. Cells were collected at the midpoint of the fermentation for membrane lipid analysis, and media samples were analyzed for lactic and acetic acids when acid production had ceased. There were no significant differences in the quantity of lactic acid produced at different pH values by wild-type or mutant cells grown in APT, but the rate of acid production was reduced as pH declined. APT supplementation with 0.2 % Tween 80 significantly increased the amount of lactic acid produced by wild-type cells at pH 3.8, and the rate of acid production was modestly improved. This effect was not observed with the cfa mutant, which indicated Cfa activity and Tween 80 supplementation were each involved in the significant increase in lactic acid yield observed with wild-type L. casei at pH 3.8.
ITONUS: Expert system for machining on a lathe

A microcomputer-based expert system for the diagnosis of lathe machining operations has been developed using the EXSYS shell on an IBM AT. Interviews with a journeyman machinist resulted in an initial knowledge base of rules containing basic concepts and relationships concerning set-up and control of lathe machining. The system provides the user with analysis and advice regarding the diagnosis and certain set-up aspects of common lathe operations, and has shown that it is feasible to elicit and mimic at least a portion of an expert machinist's knowledge and special skills.
EFFECTS OF DENSITY OF LARVAE ON THE BIOLOGY OF THE GYPSY MOTH, PORTHETRIA DISPAR

The crowding of larvae of Porthetria dispar in laboratory cultures induced physiological and morphological differences. Larvae which were crowded developed faster than isolated larvae, but the development of instars varied in a characteristic manner. In crowded larvae (1) instar I was longer, (2) instars II–IV were shorter, (3) in males the penultimate and last instar were shorter, (4) in females the penultimate and last instar were longer, (5) in both sexes the pupal period was shorter. The pupal weights from crowded larvae were less, indicating a loss of fecundity. Crowding larvae increased the percentage of larvae which had increased survival. Phalaris tuberosa tended to cause high mortality in Rhopaea. Trifolium than the coloration of adults reared in isolated cultures. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG WIRKUNGEN DER LARVENDICHTE AUF DIE BIOLOGIE DES SCHWAMMSPINNERS, PORTHETRIA DISPAR In Laboratoriumszuchten gedrangt aufgezogene Schwammspinner-Raupen entwickelten sich schneller als einzeln gehaltene. Die in dichten Freilandpopulationen beobachtete raschere Entwicklung ist daher wahrscheinlich eine dichteabhangige Wirkung. Die gesteigerte Entwicklungsrate der gedrangt aufwachsenden Larven war nicht das Ergebnis einer allgemeinen Wachstumsbeschleunigung aller Stadien. Das Stadium 1 gedrangter Raupen dauert langer, wahrend die Stadien II–IV kurzer waren. Bei den Mannchen waren das vorletzte und letzte Stadium kurzer, bei Weibchen langer. Die Puppenzeit war bei dicht aufwachsenden Larven in den beiden Geschlechtern kurzer, auch wenn die Puppen dann isoliert gehalten wurden. - Zusammenpferchung erhohte den Prozentsatz der Raupen, die ein zusatzliches Larvenstadium durchliefen. Raupen, die zusatzliche Hautungen durchmachten, haben ein langeres erstcs Stadium und wiesen hohere Puppengewichte auf. Auf Grund des verlangerten ersten Stadiums und eines veranderten Spinnverhaltens wurde kurzlich vermutet, das diese Raupen sich leichter zerstreuen. Das Auftreten eines hoheren Prozentsatzes von Larven mit uberzahligen Stadien konnte ein Mechanismus zur Sicherung des Abwanderns aus Gebieten sein. wo die Nahrungsvorrate erschopft sind. Hohere Fruchtbarkeit konnte dazu beitragen, die geringere Uberlebenschance abwandernder Raupen auszugleichen. Die Falter von gedrangt aufgezogenen Raupen waren heller gefarbt. Dies steht im Gegensatz zu anderen Arten, von denen bei hoher Dichte eine Verdunkelung der Farbung angegeben wird.
A TWO-PHASE RIVERINE SPILL MODEL

ABSTRACT This paper presents a riverine spill model that computes the concentration of oil components in both the oil phase and the water phase by mathematically simulating the processes that affec...
The SOA platform for small businesses: a conceptual framework

The ever expanding service economy presents small businesses with unique challenges as well as new opportunities. Due to high development and maintenance costs, a sophisticated IT infrastructure is difficult to attain by small businesses. Through assessment of real-world use-cases, we have identified managerial and informational challenges facing small businesses. Moreover, from a synthesis of a single use-case, we propose an on-demand delivery of IT services to small businesses, the nature of which transcends both organisational and geographical boundaries. Our proposed on-demand IT services system involves a service-oriented architecture (SOA), which is structured to align business processes and information technology/systems. Moreover, our proposed SOA approach is supported by two underlying technologies: virtualisation and application service provider (ASP). The net result of our approach is one that offers small businesses access to a sophisticated IT infrastructure that might otherwise be unattainable. We conclude this paper with managerial implications and future research.
Intel’s Tera-scale Computing Project: The first five years, the next five years

The Intel tera-scale computing research project is an effort to advance computing technology for the next decade. By scaling todaypsilas multi-core architectures to 10s and 100s of cores and embracing a shift to parallel programming, the goal is to enable applications and capabilities only dreamed of today. In his keynote Justin Rattner will talk about the hardware and software research vision for the program. He will address hardware challenges with scaling multi-core architectures to integrate programmable cores and fixed-function accelerators, flexible cache and memory hierarchy, and high bandwidth on-die networks to ensure high throughput. On the software front, he will talk about thread-aware execution environments to provide high scalability and energy-efficiency across the cores and parallel programming tools for mere mortal programmers. The talk will also highlight future applications like integrated real-time physics and visualization and non-textual media mining which along with many others benefit from high degrees of concurrency.
Multiple Photoelectron Processes and their Relationship to Electron Energy Spectra

Some processes are discussed in which more than one electron is ejected by an atom which absorbs a photon. Illustrations are given from the measured photoionization cross-sections in the production of X e2+, X e3+, Cd2+, and Zn2+ by monochromatic vacuum ultraviolet radiation of energy less than 85 eV . Of photons absorbed at 63 eV, 30% produce doubly charged ions in Xe and Cd, and 20% do so in Zn, all by direct emission. The role which double electron emission and single and multiple Auger electron emission may play in electron energy measurements is brought out, and the relationship with atomic theory is briefly discussed.
Sediment mass balance of a large estuary, Long Island Sound

Abstract Acoustic reflection profiles and bottom sampling are used to measure the volume of sediments accumulated in Long Island Sound. There is present 1.0 × 10 10 m 3 of sediment of which 5.3 × 10 9 m 3 is marine mud and 4.9 × 10 8 m 3 is probably of pre-marine, lacustrine origin. The balance consists of reworked sand derived from glacial drift. The acoustically determined sub-bottom structure of the Sound and available sea level data indicate that the Sound basin was occupied by a large lake for at least 6000 years and has been an arm of the sea since 8000 years b.p. The volume of lacustrine sediment is accounted for by direct riverine input over 6000 years but the volume of marine mud present substantially exceeds the riverine supply over 8000 years. The Sound is shown to act as a trap for sediments originating on the continental shelf.
GLUCOSE METABOLITE PATTERNS AS MARKERS OF FUNCTIONAL DIFFERENTIATION IN FRESHLY ISOLATED AND CULTURED MOUSE MAMMARY EPITHELIAL CELLS

Abstract In the mammary gland of non-ruminant animals, glucose is utilized in a characteristic and unique way during lactation [11]. By measuring the incorporation of glucose carbon from [U- 14 C]glucose into intermediary metabolites and metabolic products in mammary epithelial cells from virgin, pregnant, and lactating mice, we demonstrate that glucose metabolite patterns can be used to recognize stages of differentiated function. For these cells, the rates of synthesis of glycogen and lactose, the ratio of lactate to alanine, and the ratio of citrate to malate are important parameters in identifying the degree of expression of differentiation. We further show that these patterns can be used as markers to determine the differentiated state of cultured mammary epithelial cells. Cells maintained on plastic substrates lose their distinctive glucose metabolite patterns while those on floating collagen gels do not. Cells isolated from pregnant mice and cultured on collagen gels have a pattern similar to that of their freshly isolated counterparts. When isolated from lactating mice, the metabolite patterns of cells cultured on collagen gels are different from that of the cells of origin, and resembles that of freshly isolated cells from pregnant mice. Our findings suggest that the floating collagen gels under the culture conditions used in these experiments provide an environment for the functional expression of the pregnant state, while additional factors are needed for the expression of the lactating state.
The analysis of alkyl-capped alcohol ethoxylates and alcohol ethoxycarboxylates from alcohol ethoxylates by atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry

Alcohol ethoxylates (AEs) are nonionic surfactants. They are industrially important compounds that have historically been difficult to analyze, with the best results to date achieved through derivatization (e.g., silylation) followed by analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Recently, mass spectrometric techniques such as field desorption (FD), time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS), fast atom bombardment (FAB), electrospray ionization (ESI) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) have been employed to analyze surfynol(R) 4xx. In an effort to produce low-cost alkyl-capped AEs and anionic detergents from AEs, a fast and reliable measure of the product yields and conversions from AEs is required in research. We found that the product yields and conversions from reactions of AEs, obtained by the employment of atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI), were in good agreement with those obtained from proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-NMR). Therefore, APCI can be used as a validated tool for studying AE reactions. Mixtures that contain either silylated or unsilylated ethoxylates and/or carboxylates yield the same APCI mass spectra. Copyright -Copyright 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A class of vertex-transitive digraphs, II

Abstract (1). We determine the number of non-isomorphic classes of self-complementary circulant digraphs with pq vertices, where p and q are distinct primes. The non-isomorphic classes of these circulant digraphs with pq vertices are enumerated. (2). We also determine the number of non-isomorphic classes of self-complementary, vertex-transitive digraphs with a prime number p vertices, and the number of self-complementary strongly vertex-transitive digraphs with p vertices. The non-isomorphic classes of strongly vertex-transitive digraphs with p vertices are also enumerated.
Gametogenesis in culture by gametocytes of Plasmodium falciparum

CONTINUOUS culture of human malaria parasites, Plasmodium falciparum, in human red blood cells was first reported by Trager and Jensen1 and subsequently by Haynes and co-workers2. The culture system described by Trager and Jensen supports the asexual multiplication of P. falciparum and the formation of gametocytes (the precursors of the gametes). Gamete formation by cultured P. falciparum, without which the parasites are unable to infect mosquitoes, has not been previously described. We report here that gametocytes of P. falciparum grown from parasites maintained by continuous culture in vitro are able to develop to the point at which they can be stimulated to undergo gametogenesis (exflagellation).
Fulminant herpes hepatitis in an immunocompetent pregnant woman: CT imaging features

Fulminant hepatitis due to herpes simplex virus (HSV) is rare in immunocompetent adults. Most reported cases have clearly established pregnancy as a condition that can predispose to disseminated HSV infection. We report a case of a 25-year-old previously healthy pregnant woman who presented with fatigue, fever, and anicteric hepatitis. Triphasic contrast-enhanced computed tomography demonstrated a miliary pattern of multiple, hypovascular, subcentimeter lesions scattered throughout the liver. Familiarity with the clinical findings and computed tomographic appearance may prompt early recognition of fulminant HSV hepatitis and allow differentiation from other hepatic disease during pregnancy.
Optimum frequencies of a passive microwave radiometer for tropospheric path-length correction

Radio-astronomical observations require accurate calibration of tropospheric path length. Such calibration can be achieved by microwave radiometers operating near the 22-GHz water vapor line. However, the performances of current passive microwave radiometers are meteorology-profile dependent. This is shown due mainly to incorrect frequency combinations and to saturation of brightness temperatures. By properly selecting an optimum frequency pair and removing the saturation effect, the dependency is alleviated and can be further adjusted by surface measurements alone. Hence, a universal calibration equation is applicable to all environmental conditions. Optimum frequency pairs are systematically searched. Simulation analysis indicates that calibration for the tropospheric water-vapor path-length error is better than 0.3 cm at zenith and better than 2 cm for an elevation angle as low as 10\deg .
Experiments on parity admixture in nuclear states

Abstract Parity admixtures in nuclear states in 175 Lu, 181 Ta and 203 Tl were investigated by studying the circular polarization asymmetry of gamma rays from unpolarized sources. The following values were found for the degree of circular polarization in the three isotopes, respectively: P =(+0.2±0.3)× 10 −4 , P = (−0.1±0.4) × 10 −4 and P = (−0.2±0.3) × 10 −4 . In 181 Ta, the quoted error represents the total error from internal and external consistency requirements, the latter contribution was found by including several recent sets of data. All values are consistent with estimates of the weak interaction contribution in nuclear forces.
School Enrollment Changes and Student Achievement Growth: A Case Study in Educational Disruption and Continuity.

Students in the United States change schools often, and frequent changes are associated with poor outcomes along numerous dimensions. These moves occur for many reasons, including both promotional ...
Natural evolution of broadly neutralizing antibodies.

Wu et al. couple next-generation sequencing with structural analysis to illuminate the key processes that enable the natural evolution and selection of broadly neutralizing antibodies to HIV-1, providing a potential roadmap for the development of HIV-1 vaccine strategies to accelerate the induction of protective antibodies.
Measurement of consummatory behavior in honey bees

Consummatory behavior in honey bees can be measured by recording contact of the proboscis with sucrose solution in the food cup of an automatic feeder, and the behavior can be instrumentalized by arranging for contact of the proboscis with the food cup to activate the feeder. Illustrative free-operant and discrete-trials data are presented.
Rapid growth cone translocation on laminin is supported by lamellipodial not filopodial structures

To determine the relationship between growth cone structure and motility, we compared the neurite extension rate, the form of individual growth cones, and the organization of f-actin in embryonic (E21) and postnatal (P30) sympathetic neurons in culture. Neurites extended faster on laminin than on collagen, but the P30 nerites were less than half as long as E21 neurites on both substrata. Growth cone shape was classified into one of five categories, ranging from fully lamellipodial to blunt endings. The leading margins of lamellipodia advanced smoothly across the substratum ahead of any filopodial activity and contained meshworks of actin filaments with no linear f-actin bundles, indicating that filopodia need not underlie lamellipodia. Rapid translocation (averaging 0.9-1.4 microns/min) was correlated with the presence of lamellipodia; translocation associated with filopodia averaged only 0.3-0.5 microns/min. This relationship extended to growth cones on a branched neurite where the translocation of each growth cone was dependent on its shape. Growth cones with both filopodial and lamellipodial components moved at intermediate rates. The prevalence of lamellipodial growth cones depended on age of the neurites; early in culture, 70% of E21 growth cones were primarily lamellipodial compared to 38% of P30 growth cones. A high percentage of E21 lamellipodial growth cones were associated with rapid neurite elongation (1.2 mm/day), whereas a week later, only 16% were lamellipodial, and neurites extended at 0.5 mm/day. Age-related differences in neurite extension thus reflected the proportion of lamellipodial growth cones present rather than disparities in basic structure or in the rates at which growth cones of a given type moved at different ages. Filopodia and lamellipodia are each sufficient to advance the neurite margin; however, rapid extension of superior cervical ganglion neurites was supported by lamellipodia independent of filopodial activity.
Context of Thought and Context of Utterance: A Note on Free Indirect Discourse and the Historical Present

: Based on the analysis of narrations in Free Indirect Discourse and the Historical Present, I argue (building in particular on (Banfield, 1982) and (Doron, 1991)) that the grammatical notion of context of speech should be ramified into a Context of Thought and a Context of Utterance. Tense and person depend on the Context of Utterance, while all other indexicals (including here, now and the demonstratives) are evaluated with respect to the Context of Thought. Free Indirect Discourse and the Historical Present are analyzed as special combinatorial possibilities that arise when the two contexts are distinct, and exactly one of them is presented as identical to the physical point at which the sentence is articulated.
Subependymomas: an analysis of clinical and imaging features.

OBJECTIVE: Subependymomas are slow-growing, benign tumors usually found incidentally in the fourth ventricle at autopsy. They are typically associated with the ventricular system and become apparent clinically only when symptoms of hydrocephalus or mass effect develop. We review clinical, histological, and contemporary radiographic presentations of 16 subependymomas, including 2 intraparenchymal tumors. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated eight patients with pathologically proven subependymomas. Initial magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy were reviewed when available. Imaging was also available on eight outside subependymoma cases reviewed by our radiology department. RESULTS: Twelve of these subependymomas were intraventricular, one was in the posterior fossa, two were intraparenchymal, and one was an intramedullary spinal cord tumor. These lesions were hypo- to hyperintense on T1- and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, with minimal to moderate enhancement. Initial complaints included headache, seizures, tingling sensations, and weakness. Among our eight patients who underwent gross total resection with no adjuvant therapy, no recurrences have been noted on follow-up magnetic resonance imaging. CONCLUSION: Subependymomas are rare, representing only 0.51% of all central nervous system tumors operated on during an 8-year period at the University of Utah. Clinical symptoms were associated with tumor location: intracranial masses caused headaches, seizures, and neurological complaints, and spinal cord locations resulted in neurological deficit. The authors review the clinical presentation, management, and contemporary radiographic appearance of this rare tumor.
Effect of exposure to lead on maturation of intestinal iron absorption of rats.

The influence of lead on iron absorption was investigated at various stages of development in rat pups exposed to lead first through mothers’ milk and later in their solid diet. Hematocrit, hemoglobin, iron absorption, and tissue iron concentration were measured on d 14, 20, 23, 29, 35, 42, and 63 after birth. Both hematocrit and hemoglobin in the lead‐exposed group were significantly below control levels at all periods earlier than d 42 and 63, respectively. Absorption of iron ([ 59 Fe]‐ferrous citrate in 10 ‐4 M FeSO 4 ) from intestinal loops measured over ½ h remained at preweaning levels (10–12% of total activity added to the loop) for at least 1 wk after weaning in the lead‐exposed rats, whereas in control animals iron absorption fell to adult levels (3–4%) at weaning. Spleen weight was significantly elevated in lead‐exposed rats compared with control rats at all ages beyond d 14. However, spleen iron content (micrograms of Fe per gram of tissue) was not significantly elevated in the lead‐exposed gro...
SCINTIGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF SKELETAL DISEASE AND ITS APPLICATION TO THE HORSE

Bone scintigraphy is a valuable aid in the evaluation of lameness in horses. This review describes the principles of bone radiolabeling, scanning, and scan interpretation. Examples are used to illustrate how bone imaging can contribute significantly to a diagnosis after equivocal physical examination or radiographic findings.
Abilities Measured by the Purdue Elementary Problem Solving Inventory.

Data from the Purdue Elementary Problem-Solving Inventory for 364 second-graders were analyzed. The inventory was designed to assess 12 distinct problem-solving skills. A principal axis factor solution with varimax and then oblique rotations was computed from tetrachoric item intercorrelations. 6 psychologically interpretable factors emerged. These 6 factors corresponded to 6 of the hypothesized 12 component abilities involved in the test. Items representative of these factors appeared to assess the ability to sense that a problem exists, define the problem specifically, notice details, see implications, make remote associations, and select the best solution to a problem.
Laser microchemistry: Local nucleation mechanisms for photodeposition

Abstract The laser-surface interaction involved in UV photodeposition of metal films is described. Surface prenucleation and atom flux non-uniformities are shown to be responsible for the high spatial resolution of the technique.
Fabrication development and irradiation testing of fuelled beryllium oxide

Abstract The results of a fabrication and irradiation testing program for the development of fuelled BeO specimens with optimum properties for all-ceramic, gas-cooled reactor applications are described. Techniques for fabricating specimens containing spheroidal fuel particles, approximately 150 μ in diameter, of UO2 and of (Th,U)O2 were investigated. The particles of mixed oxides were derived both from mechanical mixtures of powders and from the product of a sol-gel process. Specimens containing 30 vol % UO2 as 140 to 190-μ spheroidal particles were prepared by conventional blending and cold pressing-and-sintering techniques and were irradiated at approximately 1100° C to a heavymetal burnup of 1.6 at % in a helium sweep-gas experiment. The density of the specimens was 93 % of theoretical. Fuel-particle preparation consisted of spheroidization of granulated UO2 powder by an airtumbling technique followed by partial sintering for microstructural control. Steady-state values of release rate to birth rate ( R B ) ranged between 1.3 × 10−3 for Kr87 and 1.9 × 10−2 for Xe133. The specimens swelled slightly during irradiation and exhibited both macro- and microcracking in addition to other microstructural changes. A technique in which fuel particles are coated with appropriate quantities of BeO powder prior to cold pressing and sintering was developed for producing specimens with essentially ideal dispersions and a minimum of surface-exposed fuel. The fractional release of Xe188 for specimens prepared by this technique and irradiated at approximately 95° C for 5 × 1014fissions was less than 1 × 10−6 after postirradiation heating for 3 h at 1100° C in hydrogen. The applicability of sol-gel material, developed at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, as a fuel addition to BeO was investigated. Uniform solid solution (Th,U)O2 particles 98 % of theoretical density can be prepared by heating dried gels to only 1100° C in air. Special techniques were developed for spheroidizing this material in the proper size range for BeO-based fuel elements and specimens with high fuel loadings and controlled microstructures were prepared.
Presence of pharmaceuticals in benthic fauna living in a small stream affected by effluent from a municipal sewage treatment plant

Abstract Aquatic organisms can be affected not only via polluted water but also via their food. In the present study, we examined bioaccumulation of seventy pharmaceuticals in two benthic organisms, Hydropsyche sp. and Erpobdella octoculata in a small stream affected by the effluent from a sewage treatment plant (STP) in Prachatice (South Bohemia region, Czech Republic). Furthermore, water samples from similar locations were analyzed for all seventy pharmaceuticals. In water samples from a control locality situated upstream of the STP, ten of the seventy pharmaceuticals were found with average total concentrations of 200 ng L−1. In water samples collected at STP-affected sites (downstream the STP′s effluent), twenty-nine, twenty-seven and twenty-nine pharmaceuticals were determined at average total concentrations of 2000, 2100 and 1700 ng L−1, respectively. Six of the seventy pharmaceuticals (azithromycin, citalopram, clarithromycin, clotrimazole, sertraline, and verapamil) were found in Hydropsyche. Four pharmaceuticals (clotrimazole, diclofenac, sertraline, and valsartan) were detected in Erpobdella. Using evaluation criterion bioconcentration factor (BCF) is higher than 2000 we can assign azithromycin and sertraline as bioaccumulative pharmaceuticals. Even pharmaceuticals present at low levels in water were found in benthic organisms at relatively high concentrations (up to 85 ng g−1 w.w. for azithromycin). Consequently, the uptake of pharmaceuticals via the food web could be an important exposure pathway for the wild fish population.
Serum prealbumin levels in alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency (PiZ)

Abstract The relationship between low serum prealbumin levels and alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency (PiZ) was investigated. Pi typing was done by acid starch gel electrophoresis followed by crossed antigen-antibody electrophoresis and/or immunofixation. Serum prealbumin levels were determined by radial immunodiffusion. While the serum concentration of prealbumin was low in nine of the fifteen PiZ children, this could be explained by the presence of liver disease in eight of those patients; one patient was asymptomatic. In contrast, only one of the twelve adult PiZ patients exhibited a low prealbumin level, also due to liver disease. We conclude that there is no direct association between PiZ alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency and low serum prealbumin levels in children or adults.
Effect of dibutyryl cyclic AMP and analogs on the rate of contractions of myocytes in culture.

2O,6N-butyryl, 3′, 5′-cyclic monophosphate (dibu cAMP) when added to fetal rat heart cells in culture inhibits myocyte contraction. This inhibition is 100, 84 and 51% complete when the dibu cAMP concentration used is 2, 0.2 and 0.02 mM, respectively. The potency of dibu cAMP derivatives in myocyte contraction inhibition follows the order, dibu cAMP> 6N-bu cAMP> 2O-bu cAMP=AMP>butyrate. The inhibition caused by the first three chemicals is greater than 70%.
Contribution of Stocked Legal‐sized Trout to the Sport Fishery of Three Small Wisconsin (U.S.A.) Lakes*

Legal-sized trout stocked in spring in three lakes in Wisconsin U.S.A. provided a short-term, popular, sport fishery. Frequently, half or more of the stocked fish were caught in the first month of the Fishing season, and few were caught thereafter. Separate estimates of the percentage of numbers (and weight) returned in the first month of the fishing season were 46 (47), 73 (76), 62 (113), and 31 (22) for rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) and 64 (81) for brook trout (Salvelinus foutinalis). Most anglers interviewed at two of the lakes were fishing primarily for trout, including in one case 95% of the anglers interviewed over the 9-month season, even though the trout fishery persisted for less than 2 months. Fishing pressure also was highest at the opening of the angling season and declined exponentially thereafter. Of an estimated total of 7,906 angler-hours in one lake, 67% occurred in the first month of the season and 79% in the first 2 months. Because the trout were harvested rapidly, relatively little of the productive capacity of the lakes were channelled into production of trout flesh. Therefore, the stocked trout provided a put-and-take fishery at tittle expense to the existent warmwater fishery.
THE EFFECT OF EXPERIMENTER FACIAL ORIENTATION DURING IMITATION MAINTENANCE1

The training and maintenance of imitative responding has become an important therapeutic process with language-handicapped children, as indicated by Garcia and DeHaven (American Journal of Mental Deficiency, 1974, 79, 169–178). Typically a training “package” is used, that might entail the use of operant shaping, fading, reinforcement, and punishment techniques designed to increase correct imitation and decrease incorrect responding. Only recently have studies begun to concentrate on the components of these training “packages”. Steinman (Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 1970, 3, 159–167) highlighted the roles played by less conspicuous but functionally important components of these packages. The present study attempted to provide a systematic extension of this work within an applied context. Using subjects who were responding at high levels during an imitation-maintenance procedure, experimenter facial orientation (experimenter's eyes and head oriented towards the subject's face and head), was systematically manipulated for experimentally determined “types” of imitative behavior. Differential responding within these parameters provided an evaluation of facial orientation as a functional component within this training package. Three retarded children participated in the study. Two types of topographically different imitative responses were defined for experimental purposes (“standing” and “sitting”). Each subject progressed through four conditions of the study, which called for the reinforcement of all imitative responses. But during preselected conditions, experimenter facial orientation was removed from the therapeutic package for one of the two topographical types of imitation. Results indicated that imitation of the two topographical types of models was dependent on the presence of experimenter facial orientation within the experimental procedure.
Complications of ultrarapid opioid detoxification with subcutaneous naltrexone pellets.

Rapid and ultrarapid opioid detoxifica- tion (ROD and UROD) centers promise quick, pain- less, same-day detoxification treatment for patients with opioid addiction. The goal of ROD and UROD is to provide a rapid transition from opioid dependency to oral naltrexone therapy. The patient is given gen- eral anesthesia and high-dose opioid antagonists. This induces a severe withdrawal but spares the pa- tient the experience. In theory, the process is com- plete within four to five hours. The patient awakens without opioid dependency and is started on oral nal- trexone. Any subsequent, persistent withdrawal symptoms are treated symptomatically. A novel, un- approved approach is to compound a pellet of nal- trexone and implant it in the subcutaneous tissue. In theory, this should result in continuous therapeutic levels for this drug, and avoid issues with noncom- pliance. Case series: This article reports six cases of complications from the same detoxification center that performed UROD with naltrexone pellet implan- tation, including pulmonary edema, prolonged with- drawal, drug toxicity, withdrawal from cross-addic- tion to alcohol and benzodiazepines, variceal rupture, aspiration pneumonia, and death. Conclusions: The risks of this procedure are great and further studies should assess its safety and the novel use of naltrex- one. Key words: opioids; heroin; addiction; detoxifi- cation; rapid detoxification; ultrarapid detoxification; naltrexone. ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2002; 9:63-68
Gel casting of resorbable polymers: 1. Processing and applications

Abstract A gel casting technique based on resorbable, synthetic, α-polyesters (or lactide-glycolide polymers) is described for producing medical implants such as bone graft substitutes and timed-release carriers for medication. This solution-based method enables production of thicksection solid and microporous materials, and blending of polymers and paniculate fillers. Implant degradation rate, for example, may be adjusted by variation of polymer type, molecular weight range, crystallinity and morphology. Gel casting conditions are reported for solid and microporous materials and processing characteristics are interpreted in terms of established crystallization and dissolution behaviour of polymers.
Tracing the path out of homelessness: The housing patterns of families after exiting shelter

Housing patterns of homeless families after shelter exit were explored in order to study the role of subsidized housing in the achievement of residential stability. Families (n = 233), interviewed prior to their first entry into emergency shelter, were reinterviewed five years later. At follow-up, 80% were in their own apartments and only 3% were still in shelter. Of 114 families who obtained subsidized housing after their first shelter exit, 83 were still there an average of 3.3 years later. Nearly half (51) of the 119 families who left shelter without a subsidized apartment returned to shelter, but a majority obtained subsidized apartments and achieved stability after a subsequent shelter stay. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Roundoff analyses and sparse data

Techniques are emerging which automatically determine the effects of rounding error upon numerical methods of a certain type. Meaningful testing presupposes a reasonable basis for comparison. Typically, the error's effects upon a given method are compared either (i) with the effects of perturbing the computational problem or (ii) with the effects of rounding error upon a competing method. We show that the result of a type (ii) comparison often remains valid when the two methods are adapted for "sparse" data, though the comparison might be based upon a model of error propagation which requires that special care be taken. This observation sometimes provides a rationale for preferring comparisons (ii), since the results of type (i) comparisons may well not carry over to sparse data.
Does the Law Matter? Federal District Court Decision-Making in Fair Housing Cases, 1968–89☆☆☆

Abstract The dominant tendency in judicial research is to ignore the role of legal cues in favor of extralegal cues that influence judges' voting behavior. I argue that there is common ground between the two. This study explores federal district court decision-making within one civil rights policy domain: fair housing. Differences between litigant status, higher authority mandates, and the context of the dispute provide partial explanations for judicial outcomes. The results of this study indicate that research should reexamine the role that legal factors play because these cues are consistently significant for increasing the probability that a judge will decide to protect or expand fair housing rights.
Ethnic, Economic, and Social Psychological Factors in the Source of Medical Care.

Research into the utilization of services is important theoretically as well as practically. From a review of the literature bearing on the use of health services, it may be seen that three alternative models of the determinants of such behavior emerge: 1) unequal access; 2) culture of poverty; 3) cultural and social psychological differences related to ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Data are presented on source of medical care for an area probability sample of Los Angeles County. These data indicate that complex cultural factors are important determinants of this aspect of the utilization of services. The implications of these findings for pluralism in the organization of services are discussed.
Measuring slope to improve energy expenditure estimates during field-based activities

This technical note describes methods to improve activity energy expenditure estimates by using a multi-sensor board (MSB) to measure slope. Ten adults walked over a 4-km (2.5-mile) course wearing an MSB and mobile calorimeter. Energy expenditure was estimated using accelerometry alone (base) and 4 methods to measure slope. The barometer and global positioning system methods improved accuracy by 11% from the base (p < 0.05) to 86% overall. Measuring slope using the MSB improves energy expenditure estimates during field-based activities.
n-Card Tricks

Curtis Cooper (cooper@ucmo.edu) earned his B.A. from Culver-Stockton College and his M.S. and Ph.D. from Iowa State University. He is a professor at the University of Central Missouri. Curtis enjoys running and tennis and is an avid Nebraska football fan. He is the editor of The Fibonacci Quarterly and the problem editor of The College Mathematics Journal. He and colleague Steven Boone lead the University’s GIMPS team that found the 43rd and 44th Mersenne primes within 9 months,
Comparison of n Achievement Scores Elicited from Picture and Sentence Cues

St~mmary.-Stories written to cues presented either as pictures or sentence leads briefly describing the pictures were compared. Stories written to pictures elicited higher n Achievement scores and a greater number of A1 stories than stories written to sentence leads. It was further found that cues which weakly elicit n Achievement stories evoked substantially lower ?J Achievement scores and fewer A1 stories when presented as a sentence lead.
A neutral pH acrylamide gel electrophoretic system for histones and other basic proteins

Abstract An acrylamide gel electrophoretic system which is capable of resolving the five major histone fractions at pH 7.1 is described. Inclusion of urea in the gel decreases the mobility (relative to histone H1) of histones H2a, H2b, and H3, which indicates that in the absence of urea, histone H4 is somewhat extended (similar to H1) while H2a is the most compact. The system is generally applicable to the electrophoretic analysis, at neutral pH. of any other basic protein, as demonstrated by the electrophoresis of lysozyme, ribonuclease, and cytochrome c.
Present day biosensors and associated signal processing

The functional features of the most widely used biosensors and the associated signal processing are discussed. These include semiconductor thermal sensors, such as thermally sensitive diodes or transistors, piezoelectric and optical pressure sensors, magnetically sensitive sensors (Hall effect) and optical motion sensors, and mechanical stress sensitive devices such as strain gauges as vibration sensors. Also presented is a typical electronic circuit that amplifies conditions and extracts the signal reliably from any of the abovementioned biosensors. >
Finding the optimal combination therapy for the treatment of newly diagnosed AML in older patients unfit for intensive therapy

There is no standard of care for older patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) unfit for intensive therapy, and prognosis with currently recommended low-intensity therapies (decitabine, azacitidine, and low-dose cytarabine [LDAC]) remains poor. One promising strategy is to combine low-intensity treatments with novel agents. Gemtuzumab ozogamicin, tipifarnib, and barasertib have been investigated in phase 2/3 or 3 trials combined with LDAC, and phase 3 trials are currently investigating sapacitabine plus decitabine, and volasertib plus LDAC in AML. This review discusses current treatment recommendations and the development of combination therapies for older patients unfit for intensive therapy.
Enhancing the reactivity of uranium(VI) organoimido complexes with diazoalkanes

Diphenyldiazomethane effects a two-electron oxidation of the uranium(IV) monoimido complex (C5Me5)2U(N-2,4,6-t-Bu3C6H2) to give the uranium(VI) mixed bis(imido) complex, (C5Me5)2U(N-2,4,6-t-Bu3C6H2)(N–NCPh2), which undergoes a rare cyclometallation reaction upon mild thermolysis to afford a uranium(IV) bis(amide) complex that results from net addition of a C–H bond of an ortho tert-butyl group across the NUN core.
Exponential relaxation of optical emissions in sprites

[1] The optical emissions in a large number of bright sprites observed over one storm in 1998 exhibit a relaxation that is closely exponential in time. This feature was unexpected but might be explained by the presence of quasi-constant electric fields over times of several milliseconds, in which case the optical relaxation would be a direct indication of the exponentially changing electron density. The relaxation rates for sprites appear to have an upper bound that is consistent with the dissociative electron attachment rates expected at sprite altitudes. The experimental results are consistent with existing large-scale electrodynamic models of sprites as well as with the streamer mechanism as the underlying physical process for sprite ionization.
Revising an HTO or UKA to TKA: Is it More Like a Primary TKA or a Revision TKA?

Forty-nine patients revised from UKA to TKA and 43 from HTO to TKA were matched to 43 aseptic, both component revision TKAs (rTKA) and 97 primary TKAs. At a mean of 4.8 years, the KSS and function scores in the UKA to TKA, HTO to TKA and primary TKA cohorts were similar. Total operative times were significantly higher in the HTO to TKA and rTKA groups. LOS was shorter in the primary TKA cohort. The rate of complications and reoperations were higher in HTO to TKA and rTKA compared to UKA to TKA and primary TKA. Thus, revising an HTO and UKA both had functional outcomes more similar to a primary TKA, however, the complication rate of revising an HTO was similar to an rTKA.
Direct Manipulation of Small-Scale Motions in a Plane Shear Layer

The effect of direct, small-scale excitation on the evolution of a plane shear layer that forms at the edge of a backward facing step is investigated experimentally using high resolution particle image velocimetry. High frequency actuation that is over an order of magnitude higher than the characteristic (natural) formation frequency of the layer is effected by a spanwise array of synthetic jets that are placed on the step surface upstream of its edge. The actuation has profound effects on the evolution of both large- and smallscale motions within the shear layer by inducing an increase in small-scale dissipation and concomitant suppression of turbulence production. While the fundamental instabilities that lead to the formation of large scale motions are typically suppressed, low-frequency amplitude-modulation of the actuation waveform induces the formation of large scale motions and entrainment which, in addition to the small-scale actuation, lead to enhancement of the turbulent shear stresses throughout the shear layer. The present findings suggest strategies for controlled suppression or enhancement of mixing in the near field of the shear layer.