cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clonidine binds to imidazole binding sites as well as α2-adrenoceptors in the ventrolateral medulla

Binding sites labeled by [3H]p-aminoclonidine ([3H]PAC) were characterized in bovine brain membranes prepared from the ventrolateral medulla, the probable site of the antihypertensive action of clonidine and analogs. Comparison was made with [3H]PAC binding to membranes prepared from frontal cortex, which has been studied extensively. Saturation binding isotherms for [3H]PAC were similar in the two regions, although Bmax values were approximately two-fold lower in ventrolateral medulla relative to frontal cortex. Norepinephrine and other phenylethylamines displaced [3H]PAC from a maximum of 70% of the total sites in the ventrolateral medulla. The remaining 30% were norepinephrine-insensitive, non-adrenoceptor sites which displayed high affinity for imidazole compounds. Ligand selectivity differed markedly between ventrolateral medulla and frontal cortex, since some imidazole compounds which potently inhibited [3H]PAC binding in the ventrolateral medulla had no effect in frontal cortex. Imidazole binding sites may mediate, in part, the hypotensive action of clonidine and other imidazole compounds in the ventrolateral medulla. These sites may also participate in the functions of a putative endogenous clonidine-like substance.
SU-E-J-196: In-Vivo Tumor Blood-Oxygen Content Measurement via Interstitial Optical Transmission Spectroscopy.

Purpose: To demonstrate the application of in‐vivo diffuse optical transmission spectroscopy in quantifying oxygen saturation in interstitial tissue, and to use this technique to examine reoxygenation dynamics in real‐time as tumors responds to radiotherapy.Methods: Two 200 micron core fiber optics were threaded through two 21 gauge hypodermic needles: one coupled to an OceanOptics QE65000 spectrometer, and the other to an Ocean Optics HL‐2000‐HP 20W light source. These needles were fixed approximately 3 mm apart, and inserted into nude mice with human head‐ and‐neck tumor xenografts. The oxygen saturation was then measured as a function of time after irradiation at intervals of 0.5, 1, 2, 6, 12, and 24, to measure the tumors' prompt oxygen saturation response to radiation. Results: Blood volume, deoxy and oxy‐hemoglobin concentrations were measured through least‐squares fitting of transmission spectra. Furthermore, various configurations of interstitial fiber optic probes were explored to optimize signal strength. Improvement of the optical coupling to the biological system and a concurrent increase in source intensity are the main two focuses for boosting signal strength. Conclusions: This work has the potential to give an understanding of the time‐scales of hypoxia and reoxygenation in vivo as tumors respond to radiation injury. This technique is of particular interest for hypofractionated therapies particularly treatments of only two or three treatments, where optimizing treatment timing can increase the tumorcidal effect of the remaining fractions.
Emergence and Development of Bulgaria's Environmental Movement

An environmental movement emerged in Bulgaria in the late 1980s around which regime dissent coalesced. Success was achieved in bringing an end to the communist state, but environmental problems were not resolved. Environmental issues now must be tackled within a developing pluralistic political system and its new political elite and within a struggling market economy. As Tarrow suggests in his "cycles of protest" thesis, new repertoires of political action are available to the environmental movement along with new political opportunities for it to seize. This study of the Bulgarian environmental movement suggests that even when a social movement secures significant success, far from bringing an end to activity, the movement is likely tofind that there are unresolved and even new issues to address that must be pursued under significantly changed political, social, and economic conditions.
Preparation of Organosoluble Silica−Polypeptide Particles by “Click” Chemistry

The synthesis of organo-soluble hybrid particles with a hydrophobic, α-helical polypeptide shell and silica core has been achieved by combining ring-opening polymerization and click chemistry. Alky...
HYBRIDGEN: A MODEL FOR THE STUDY OF QCD HYBRID STATES

We study the mixing of excited states of a Hydrogen atom in a cavity with de-excited states plus a confined photon as a model for the coupling of quark-antiquark and quark-antiquark-gluon hybrid states in QCD. For an interesting range of parameters, the results are analytic. We find a case for which wavefunctions (and hence decay patterns) may be at odds with mass with respect to identification of a state as hybrid or not.
The Effects of Sex Offender Registration and Notification on Judicial Decisions

This study examined whether South Carolina’s sex offender registration and notification (SORN) policy was associated with changes in judicial decision making concerning adult sex crime cases. Outcomes pertained to reduced charges (e.g., sex to nonsex crimes) and final case dispositions. Statewide crime data from 1990 to 2004 corresponded with three time periods of interest: the 5 years immediately preceding enactment of SORN (Year Group 1; 1990—1994), the first 4 years of SORN implementation (Year Group 2; 1995—1998), and the subsequent 6 years of SORN implementation, which included Internet notification (Year Group 3; 1999—2004). Univariate and generalized estimating equations methods were used to model patterns of charging and disposition decisions with respect to year groups. Results indicated that defendants were more likely to have charges reduced from sex to nonsex crimes over time, with a 9% predicted probability of reduced charges in Year Group 1, a 15% predicted probability in Year Group 2 (corre...
Faith and Health: Meanings of Faith for Chinese Elders with Diverse Religious Backgrounds

This paper examines the relationship between religious faith and health among immigrant Chinese older adults. A sample of 30 immigrant Chinese older adults was drawn from Christian churches, Buddhist temples, and Falungong activity centers to study their different attitudes and behaviors regarding illness and health. Findings revealed differences in explanations for causes of illness based on religious backgrounds. Buddhist and Christian elders showed little behavioral difference in health and medical treatments. Falungong believers emphasized faith and exercise in healing. We argue that religious faith can be both a health-promotion and health-risk factor. A lack of social services and health care benefits for Asian immigrant elders could lead to various faith-related activities, which could negatively affect elders’ health and wellbeing.
Being useful: achieving indigenous youth involvement in a community-based participatory research project in Alaska

Objectives. To report on a participatory research process in southwest Alaska focusing on youth involvement as a means to facilitate health promotion. We propose youth-guided community-based participatory research (CBPR) as way to involve young people in health promotion and prevention strategizing as part of translational science practice at the community-level. Study design. We utilized a CBPR approach that allowed youth to contribute at all stages. Methods. Implementation of the CBPR approach involved the advancement of three key strategies including: (a) the local steering committee made up of youth, tribal leaders, and elders, (b) youth-researcher partnerships, and (c) youth action-groups to translate findings. Results. The addition of a local youth-action and translation group to the CBPR process in the southwest Alaska site represents an innovative strategy for disseminating findings to youth from a research project that focuses on youth resilience and wellbeing. This strategy drew from two community-based action activities: (a) being useful by helping elders and (b) being proud of our village. Conclusions. In our study, youth informed the research process at every stage, but most significantly youth guided the translation and application of the research findings at the community level. Findings from the research project were translated by youth into serviceable action in the community where they live. The research created an experience for youth to spend time engaged in activities that, from their perspectives, are important and contribute to their wellbeing and healthy living. Youth-guided CBPR meant involving youth in the process of not only understanding the research process but living through it as well. Keywords: Alaska Native; Yup’ik Eskimo; youth-guided; community-based participatory research; youth prevention; translational science (Published: 8 May 2012) Citation: Int J Circumpolar Health 2012, 71 : 18413 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/ijch.v71i0.18413
Suppressive effect of δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on herpes simplex virus infectivity in vitro

Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was found to reduce the infectivity of herpes simplex virus and was without effect against adenovirus type 2 or poliovirus. The effective THC concentration resulting in an 80% decrement in virus viability was dependent upon the presence or absence of serum in the incubation mixture, as a 5% serum concentration decreased the drug activity by approximately 50-fold. THC-mediated inactivation of herpes simplex virus was both time and dose dependent and did not result in virion disassembly or clumping. The THC-related effect was not influenced by the pH of the suspending medium, suggesting that the mechanism of inactivation differed from that associated with the thermal inactivation of the virus. Thus, the data suggest that THC preferentially reduces the infectivity of the enveloped herpes simplex virus, and that this activity is modulated by the presence of serum proteins.
Methods for Evaluating Interactive Information Retrieval Systems with Users

This paper provides overview and instruction regarding the evaluation of interactive information retrieval systems with users. The primary goal of this article is to catalog and compile material related to this topic into a single source. This article (1) provides historical background on the development of user-centered approaches to the evaluation of interactive information retrieval systems; (2) describes the major components of interactive information retrieval system evaluation; (3) describes different experimental designs and sampling strategies; (4) presents core instruments and data collection techniques and measures; (5) explains basic data analysis techniques; and (4) reviews and discusses previous studies. This article also discusses validity and reliability issues with respect to both measures and methods, presents background information on research ethics and discusses some ethical issues which are specific to studies of interactive information retrieval (IIR). Finally, this article concludes with a discussion of outstanding challenges and future research directions.
Quadrupole ion traps and trap arrays: geometry, material, scale, performance.

Quadrupole ion traps are reviewed, emphasizing recent developments, especially the investigation of new geometries, guided by multiple particle simulations such as the ITSIM program. These geometries include linear ion traps (LITs) and the simplified rectilinear ion trap (RIT). Various methods of fabrication are described, including the use of rapid prototyping apparatus (RPA), in which 3D objects are generated through point-by-point laser polymerization. Fabrication in silicon using multilayer semiconductor fabrication techniques has been used to construct arrays of micro-traps. The performance of instruments containing individual traps as well as arrays of traps of various sizes and geometries is reviewed. Two types of array are differentiated. In the first type, trap arrays constitute fully multiplexed mass spectrometers in which multiple samples are examined using multiple sources, analyzers and detectors, to achieve high throughput analysis. In the second, an array of individual traps acts collectively as a composite trap to increase trapping capacity and performance for a single sample. Much progress has been made in building miniaturized mass spectrometers; a specific example is a 10 kg hand-held tandem mass spectrometer based on the RIT mass analyzer. The performance of this instrument in air and water analysis, using membrane sampling, is described.
Gait and participation outcomes in adults with cerebral palsy: a series of case studies using mixed methods.

Abstract Background There is a paucity of information on long-term outcomes of adults with cerebral palsy (CP) who received orthopedic interventions in childhood. Clinical effectiveness research requires assessment of outcomes that account for personal and environmental factors that may mediate the effects of treatment, in addition to body structures & function, activity, and participation. Objective/hypothesis The purpose of this study is to provide a descriptive analysis of characteristics associated with gait and participation outcomes in a series of case studies of adults with CP. Methods Participants had follow up gait analysis and clinical evaluation in adulthood and assessment of outcomes with the FIM ® instrument, the SF-36 ® Health survey, the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, and semi-structured questions. Results Twenty-two out of 26 participants (mean age = 25 years; GMFCS level I ( n = 9); II ( n = 3); III ( n = 11); IV ( n = 3)) maintained or improved childhood gait abilities, with levels of participation in society similar to age matched peers. Higher level of severity and personal choices impacted gait abilities in the four who declined. Majority of participants lost range of motion in hip flexion and knee extension, had pain, reported a fitness program, and increased in weight status. Personal factors and environmental factors played a role in both gait and participation outcomes. Conclusion Promotion of fitness activities and social advocacy are warranted for adults with CP. Clinical effectiveness research of long-term impact of orthopedic interventions should account for treatment effects on body structures & function, activity, participation, and modifying effects of personal, and environmental factors.
An exploration of the spiritual and psychosocial variables associated with husband-to-wife abuse and its effect on women in abusive relationships

OBJECTIVES: The purpose was to: 1) determine which aspects of religious belief incompatibility were associated with husband-to-wife abuse; 2) determine whether religious coping was independently associated with functional status among victims of spousal abuse; and 3) whether degree of abuse correlated with degrees of religious belief incompatibility or functional status among abused wives. METHOD: Couples were asked to complete a structured interview concerning marital satisfaction, argument frequency, alcohol use, witnessing violence as a child, spirituality, functional status, and domestic violence. RESULTS: In four areas of spiritual belief (sense of being judged, closeness to God, congregational benefits, forgiveness), religious belief incompatibility significantly predicted abuse. Perceived congregational help and religious coping were associated with improved social support. Finally, abuse severity and duration correlated with functional status but not with degree of religious belief incompatibility. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of religious belief incompatibility may account for more variance in husband-to-wife abuse than non-spiritual predictors alone. Although the presence of abuse was associated with poorer functional status in women, religious coping was only linked to improved social support. Language: en
Substrate Gating Confers Steroid Specificity to Estrogen Sulfotransferase

Abstract Estrogen sulfotransferase (EST) exhibits a high substrate specificity and catalytic efficiency toward estrogens such as estradiol (E2) but insignificant ability to sulfate hydroxysteroids such as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). To provide the structural basis for this estrogen specificity, we mutated amino acid residues that constitute the substrate-binding site of EST. Among these mutants, only Tyr-81 decreased E2 and increased DHEA sulfotransferase activities. Substitution for Tyr-81 by smaller hydrophobic residues increasedK m (E2) for E2 activity, whereas thek cat(E2) remained relatively constant. The Y81L mutant exhibited the same DHEA activity as wild-type hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase, for whichK m (DHEA) remained relatively constant, and k cat(DHEA) was markedly increased. The side chain of Tyr-81 is directed at the A-ring of the E2 molecule in the substrate-binding pocket of EST, constituting a steric gate with Phe-142 sandwiching E2 from the opposite side. The present mutagenesis study indicates that the 3β-hydroxyl group of the DHEA molecule is excluded from the catalytic site of EST through steric hindrance of Tyr-81 with the C-19 methyl group of DHEA. Thus, this stricture-like gating caused by steric hindrance appears to be a structural principle for conferring estrogen specificity to EST.
SuperNews: multiple feeds for multiple views

The IBM intranet hosts a range of news "feeds," or distribution services, from internal and external sources. To read the news of the day, users need to visit a number of Web sites, each with a different categorization, navigational structure, and layout. Transfer of technology from the MIT Media Laboratory to IBM enabled the design of SuperNews, a prototype application that aimed to improve IBM employees' experience in reading the news. SuperNews merged heterogeneous news feeds and presented a consistent interface to users. Users could choose to read news on the Web, in e-mail, or as engaging visualizations. Using text processing technology, SuperNews discovered meta-information in articles and created new ways to browse the news collection. SuperNews also allowed users to publish their own columns, as well as annotate and recommend articles to their colleagues. Starting with a range of uncoordinated feeds, SuperNews transformed the solitary reading of news into an engaging and visually appealing community experience.
Role of Hydrogen-Bonded Intermediates in the Bimolecular Reactions of the Hydroxyl Radical

Because of their importance in atmospheric and combustion chemistry, the rate coefficients and mechanisms of gas-phase reactions of the OH radical have been studied extensively, and the kinetic dat...
Modification of focal cortical epileptogenic discharge by afferent influences.

SUMMARY Studies of epileptogenic spike triggering in cortical spike foci produced by penicillin were done using macro- and microelectrode recording techniques in order to analyze the cellular abnormalities in such foci and the mechanisms of precipitation and control of interictal spike discharge. Surface spikes in this model system are the summation of slow intracellular depolarizations termed “depolarization shifts” (DS's). These slow depolarizations are most likely graded responses of cell membranes to synaptic inputs. The extent to which basic abnormalities in the function of cell membranes vs. alterations of synaptic drive onto the involved neurons contribute to DS generation is not clear. Alterations in the latency of DS triggering during closely spaced stimulation suggest that “presynaptic” factors (in terms of the epileptic neuronal aggregate) are of importance. Limitation of the frequency of interictal surface spiking was not usually due to cathodal or anodal block in the population of neurons studied. Neurons within the area of the focus were involved to varying degrees in DS generation. Cells which are inhibited during DS generation may be involved in limiting the frequency and spread of interictal spike discharge. REASUMEA Il s'agit d'une eAtude du mode de deAclenchement des pointes dans les foyers eApileptogeGnes provoqueAs par la peAnicilline; eAtude baseAe sur des enregistrements avec des macro- et des microeAlectrodes permettant d'analyser les anomalies du fonctionnement cellulaire dans de tels foyers et le meAcanisme de preAcipitation et de controCle des deAcharges de pointes intercritiques. Les pointes recueillies aG la surface dans un pareil modeGle repreAsentent la sommation de deApolarisations intracellulaires lentes dites “changement de deApolarisation” (C.D.). Ces deApolarisations lentes repreAsentent probablement des reAponses gradueAes des membranes cellulaires aG des affeArences synaptiques. On ne peut toutefois preAciser dans quelle mesure des anomalies fondamentales du fonctionnement des membranes cellulaires ou des alteArations du bombardement synaptique sur les neurones inteAresseAs jouent un roCle respectif dans la production de ces C.D. Des modifications dans la latence des C.D. provoqueAes par des stimulations rapprocheAes suggeGre que des facteurs “preAsynaptiques” (en termes d'agreAgats de neurones eApileptiques) jouent un roCle important. La limitation de la freAquence des pointes intercritiques recueillies en surface n'est pas due aG un blocage cathodique ou anodique de la population neuronique eAtudieAe. Les neurones contenus dans l'aire eAtudieAe sont inteAresseAs aG des degreAs diffeArents dans la production des C.D. Les cellules qui sont inhibeAes pendant les C.D. pauvent jouer un roCle dans la limitation de freAquence et d'eAtendue des deAcharges de pointes intercritiques.
A stochastic analysis of a nonisothermal packed bed reactor

Monte Carlo techniques have been used to simulate the stochastic responses of the nonisothermal packed bed reactor. Random variables with specified ensemble means, ensemble standard deviations, and probability distributions (normal, uniform, or autocorrelated) were introduced as inputs and parameters into the model equations, and the equations were solved repeatedly to provide a sample of the outputs. Sample means and sample standard deviations both in the steady and unsteady state were evaluated and the probability distributions of the output temperature and concentration characterized. Confidence limits for a specified confidence coefficient have been determined from which overdesign factors could be computed.
31P NMR spectra of intact red blood cells: Quantitation of UDPGlucose and UDPGalactose

The combined levels of uridine diphosphogalactose (UDPGal) and uridine diphosphoglucose (UDPGlu) were measured directly by 31P NMR spectroscopy in intact fully oxygenated erythrocytes. Quantitative analysis was obtained using a sealed capillary of methylene diphosphonate (MDP) calibrated with standard solutions of UDPGlu and UDPGal of known concentration prepared in KRB/BSA. The combined peaks of UDPGlu and UDPGal were integrated after subtraction of the underlying broad component originating from membrane phospholipids. The average concentration of 27.16 +/- 5.18 nmole/ml or 8.08 +/- 1.36 mumole/100 g hemoglobin obtained for these metabolites correlated well with their total determined by HPLC of trichloracetic acid (TCA) extracts of the same samples.
New evidence of the nonequilibrium nature of the "slow modes" of diffusion in polyelectrolyte solutions.

The time-dependent behavior of the dissolution of polyelectrolyte powders in pure water and moderate ionic strength aqueous solvent was monitored by flowing dissolving material through an online filter, and then through a multiangle light scattering unit, a refractometer, and a capillary viscometer. When the polyelectrolytes were dissolved in solutions of moderate ionic strength, their dissolution behavior was similar to that of neutral polymers. When dissolved in pure water, however, there was consistently a small population of aggregates that appeared at the beginning of the dissolution process, which then rapidly diminished. For large pore filtration, the aggregates reached a final low level, and slowly disappeared over the span of many days, whereas for small pore filtration the aggregates disappeared completely over a scale of minutes. The real-time data, together with size exclusion chromatography analysis, shed light on previously unanswered questions concerning the nonequilibrium nature of this small population of polyelectrolyte aggregates in low ionic strength solutions, and its relation to the “extraordinary phase” of diffusion (or “slow modes”). Further evidence is also provided that both angular scattering maxima due to interpolyion correlations and the maximum of reduced viscosity vs polyion concentration (“electroviscous” effect) at low ionic strength are equilibrium properties that are unrelated to these aggregates. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biopoly 53: 19–39, 2000
Acute Inhalation Exposure to Vaporized Methamphetamine Causes Lung Injury in Mice

Methamphetamine (MA) is currently the most widespread illegally used stimulant in the United States. Use of MA by smoking is the fastest growing mode of administration, which increases concerns about potential pulmonary and other medical complications. A murine exposure system was developed to study the pulmonary affects of inhaled MA. Mice were exposed to 25-100 mg vaporized MA and assessments were made 3 h following initiation of exposure to model acute lung injury. Inhalation of MA vapor resulted in dose-dependent increases in MA plasma levels that were in the range of those experienced by MA users. At the highest MA dose, histological changes were observed in the lung and small but significant increases in lung wet weight to body weight ratios (5.656 +/- 0.176 mg/g for the controls vs. 6.706+/- 0.135 mg/g for the 100 mg MA-exposed mice) were found. In addition, there was 53% increase in total protein in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, greater than 20% increase in albumin levels in the BAL fluid, greater than 2.5-fold increase in lactate dehydrogenase levels in the BAL fluid, and reduced total BAL cell numbers (approximately 77% of controls). Levels of the early response cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-6 were dose-dependently increased in BAL fluid of MA-exposed mice. Exposure to 100 mg MA significantly increased free radical generation in the BAL cells to 107-146% of controls and to approximately 135% of the controls in lung tissue in situ. Together, these data show that acute inhalation exposure to relevant doses of volatilized MA is associated with elevated free radical formation and significant lung injury.
A review of biomarker compounds as source indicators and tracers for air pollution.

An overview of the application of organic geochemistry to the analysis of organic matter on aerosol particles is presented here. This organic matter is analyzed as solvent extractable bitumen/ lipids by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The organic geochemical approach assesses the origin, the environmental history and the nature of secondary products of organic matter by using the data derived from specific molecular analyses. Evaluations of production and fluxes, with cross-correlations can thus be made by the application of the same separation and analytical procedures to samples from point source emissions and the ambient atmosphere. This will be illustrated here with typical examples from the ambient atmosphere (aerosol particles) and from emissions of biomass burning (smoke). Organic matter in aerosols is derived from two major sources and is admixed depending on the geographic relief of the air shed. These sources are biogenic detritus (e.g., plant wax, microbes, etc.) and anthropogenic particle emissions (e.g., oils, soot, synthetics, etc.). Both biogenic detritus and some of the anthropogenic particle emissions contain organic materials which have unique and distinguishable compound distribution patterns (C(14)-C(40)). Microbial and vascular plant lipids are the dominant biogenic residues and petroleum hydrocarbons, with lesser amounts of the pyrogenic polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and synthetics (e.g., chlorinated compounds), are the major anthropogenic residues. Biomass combustion is another important primary source of particles injected into the global atmosphere. It contributes many trace substances which are reactants in atmospheric chemistry and soot paniculate matter with adsorbed biomarker compounds, most of which are unknown chemical structures. The injection of natural product organic compounds into smoke occurs primarily by direct volatilization/steam stripping and by thermal alteration based on combustion temperature. Although the molecular composition of organic matter in smoke particles is highly variable, the molecular tracers are generally still source specific. Retene has been utilized as a tracer for conifer smoke in urban aerosols, but is not always detectable. Dehydroabietic acid is generally more concentrated in the atmosphere from the same emission sources. Degradation products from biopolymers (e.g., levoglucosan from cellulose) are also excellent tracers. An overview of the biomarker compositions of biomass smoke types is presented here. Defining additional tracers of thermally-altered and directly-emitted natural products in smoke aids the assessment of the organic matter type and input from biomass combustion to aerosols. The precursor to product approach of compound characterization by organic geochemistry can be applied successfully to provide tracers for studying the chemistry and dispersion of ambient aerosols and smoke plumes.
The biological tropisms of the cerebral cortex

Of the many notable contributions of Dr. Luis Barraquer-Ferre to medicine, we have been especially interested m his studies of the semeiology of the frontal lobe. In these he has followed the lead of the distinguished Barraquer-Roviralta, who in 1921 first described the grasp reflex of the foot. We have found the monograph of Barraquer-Ferre (1946), summar­izing his many earlier papers, especially valuable. In paying tribute to his distinguished contributions we would like to discuss his recent description of "'Forced Circling Gait in Progressive Circles" (1939, 1951). Circling gait
Organ Extraction From Executed Prisoners: Confucian Considerations

The troubling issue of organ extraction from executed prisoners raises questions regarding legitimacy when situated within China's prevailing sociocultural context of Confucian beliefs and values. ...
Underdiagnosis of sleep apnea syndrome in U.S. communities.

We hypothesize that clinical recognition rates for obstructive sleep apnea-hypoapnea syndrome (OSAHS) are influenced by comorbidity and demographic factors. Data on medical disorders, symptoms of sleep disorders, and cardiovascular risk factors gathered from 15,699 individuals in the Sleep Heart Health Study were compared. Participants were classified into three groups: those with a self-reported physician diagnosis of OSAHS, those with self-reported physician-diagnosed and -treated OSAHS, and those reporting both frequent snoring and daytime sleepiness (two-symptom group). Among all participants, 4.1% reported two symptoms (range across sites: 1.55 to 7.23%), whereas 1.6% reported a physician diagnosis of OSAHS (range: 0.66 to 2.88%) and 0.6% reported physician diagnosis and treatment (range: 0.11 to 0.88%). Recognized OSAHS groups were similar to the two-symptom group in age, having a sleeping partner, measured blood pressure, total cholesterol, and race. In a logistic model that included age along with characteristics found to vary significantly among the three groups (gender, body mass index [BMI], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, hypertension), only male gender and BMI were increased in those with physician-diagnosed and -treated OSAHS. We conclude that disparities (especially in women and in those with lower BMI) exist between current recognition rates for OSAHS and the estimated prevalence by symptom report across the United States.
Capital Replacement Under Variable Discounting

This paper presents a theoretical model for dealing with uncertainity in capital investment. Utilizing the problem of recurring capital replacement, an optimum strategy is derived under variable discounting. A linear approximation to the variable discount function is given as an illustration.
High-pressure solution behavior of the polystyrene-toluene-ethane system

The effect of supercritical ethane on the high-pressure phase behavior of the polystyrene-toluene system is experimentally investigated. Adding 17.8 wt. % ethane to the polystyrene-toluene solution lowers the temperature of the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) curve by 162°C, 22.5 wt. % lowers the temperature of the curve by 231°C, and with 24.9 wt. % the curve is shifted to such low temperatures that it merges with the upper critical solution temperature curve. In practice this means that polymer solutions can be separated at lower temperatures where thermal degradation of the polymer is less. Also, more than 99 wt. % of the polystyrene is recovered in the polymer-rich phase after the solution phase splits. Patterson's corresponding states treatment is used to model the LCST data.
An economic analysis of bank-issued market-indexed certificate of deposit – an option pricing approach

In this paper, we develop valuation models for market-indexed certificate of deposits (market-indexed CD) based on option pricing model. We show that the payoff of an uncapped market-indexed CD can be duplicated by the combination of a zero coupon bond and a call option on the index. Furthermore, we find that the profit of issuing a non-callable market-indexed CD is negative and it is equivalent to the value of a put option on the underlying index with an exercise price equal to the initial index value. Based on the findings in the paper, we conclude that in order to make a profit, a market-indexed CD must have at least one of the following features: a call provision, a guaranteed payoff lower than par value, a cap on the return, or a participation ratio less than 100%.
REGION, RELIGIOUS COMMITMENT, AND LIFE SATISFACTION AMONG BLACK AMERICANS

Using data from the National Survey of Black Americans (NSBA), this research examines three sets of hypotheses regarding the effects of religious commitment on life satisfaction. Further, given evi...
Residual energy deposition in dental enamel during IR laser ablation at 2.79, 2.94, 9.6, and 10.6 μm

The objective of this study was to measure the residual heat deposition during laser ablation at those IR laser wavelengths best suited for the removal of dental caries. The principal factor limiting the rate of laser ablation of dental hard tissue is the risk of excessive heat accumulation in the tooth, which has the potential for causing damage to the pulp. Optimal laser ablation systems minimize the residual energy deposition in the tooth by transferring deposited laser energy to kinetic and internal energy of ejected tissue components. The residual heat deposition in the tooth was measured at laser wavelengths of 2.79, 2.94, 9.6 and 10.6 micrometer and pulse widths of 150 ns - 150 microsecond(s) . The residual energy was at a minimum for fluences well above the ablation threshold where it saturates at values from 25 - 70% depending on pulse duration and wavelength for the systems investigated. The lowest values of the residual energy were measured for short (less than 20 microseconds) CO 2 laser pulses at 9.6 micrometer and for Q-switched erbium laser pulses. This work was supported by NIH/NIDCR R29DE12091 and the Center for Laser Applications in Medicine, DOE DEFG0398ER62576.
Distinct populations of antigen-presenting cells are required for activation of suppressor and contrasuppressor T cells by type III pneumococcal polysaccharide

Abstract Type III pneumococcal polysaccharide (S3) coupled to spleen cells (S3-SC) has been shown to activate S3-specific T S and Tcs in mice. T S activation required I-J identity between carrier SC and T S donors whereas I-A identity was required for Tcs activation. The carrier SC therefore presumably function as APC for T S and Tcs activation by S3 since they are apparently not represented by APC present in the T S and Tcs donors. The properties of the APC required for activation of S3-specific T S and Tcs were determined by coupling S3 to various spleen cell sub-pulations and assessing the ability of the various S3-SC populations to activate T S and Tcs. The results indicate that T S and Tcs are preferentially activated when S3 is presented on distinct cell types. S3-specific T S were activated when S3 was coupled to plastic adherent cells. These cells are nonadherent to anti-Ig and nonfunctional in cyclophosphamide (Cy)-treated mice and their function is eliminated following treatment of cells with either anti-I-A or anti-I-J and C. In contrast, S3-specific Tcs were activated when S3 was coupled to anti-Ig adherent SC which bear I-A and the B cell marker J11d. These cells are functional in Cy-treated mice and their function is resistant to treatment with anti-I-J and C. Thus presentation of S3 on distinct cell types results in the preferential activation of T cells having opposing immunoregulatory function.
Accurate screening of amines by the Wetted Wall Column

Abstract To screen amine solvents accurately for CO 2 capture, a Wetted Wall Column (WWC) was used to measure equilibrium CO 2 partial pressure and CO 2 absorption/desorption rate at variable CO 2 loading from 40 to 100 °C. The solvents included 10 m diglycolamine (DGA ® ), 4.8 m 2-amino-2-methyl-propane (AMP), 8 m N-methyl-1,3-propanediamine (MAPA), 7 m/2 m and 5 m/5 m methyldiethanolamine (MDEA)/piperazine (PZ). With a semi-empirical VLE model assuming a lean/rich CO 2 loading corresponding to 500 Pa/5000 Pa CO 2 partial pressure, cyclic capacity and heat of CO 2 absorption was determined. Liquid film mass transfer coefficients are reported for each solvent, which allows estimation of packing area required for 90 removal via a simple absorber design. The results show that the capacity of DGA ® and MAPA is 10–20% less than 7 m MEA with a 5 to 15% slower rate. 4.8 m AMP has a capacity twice as great as 7 m MEA, but the rate is lower by 45%. 7 m/2 m MDEA/PZ has a similar capacity to 8 m PZ but slightly slower rate. 5 m /5 m MDEA/PZ has a capacity 20% greater than 8 m PZ and a comparable rate. The heat of CO 2 absorption in the primary amines is about 80 kJ/mol CO 2 . The value for PZ and its blend with MDEA is about 70 kJ/mol CO 2 .
In Vitro Meniscus Integration Potential is Inversely Correlated With Tissue Maturation State

Meniscal surgeries are amongst the most common procedures performed in orthopedics today. Clinical solutions are few and have limited success, and so partial meniscectomy is a common outcome. While tears are common in older patients, few young patients present with meniscus damage. It is unclear whether juvenile menisci are less susceptible to damage or more given to endogenous repair. Early in development, the menisci are well vascularized throughout their radial expanse, while in adults, vascularity is restricted to the peripheral rim of the tissue, near the synovial margin [1]. Tears in this vascular region often do heal in adults, while those in the avascular inner regions of the tissue do not [2]. This has led to the inference that vascularity is essential for meniscus healing and this manner of thinking has directed numerous repair strategies toward that end [3].Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Measurement of P‐coumarate hydroxylase activity as a qualitative test for sorghum cultivar Fe‐efficiency 1

Abstract A qualitative test for p‐coumarate hydroxylase, measuring solution reductant levels one hour after addition of p‐coumaric acid to a CaCO3 buffered nutrient solution containing Fe‐stressed sorghum, was examined as a possible biochemical assay for sorghum cultivar Fe‐efficiency screening. P‐coumarate hydroxylase is an important enzyme in the biochemical synthesis of caffeic acid, while caffeic acid has been identified as a major reductant released by certain Fe‐efficient plants while under Fe‐stress. All ten sorghum cultivars tested in this study contained the enzyme and could not be differentiated for Fe‐efficiency on this basis. The enzyme was highly active during testing on plants grown in CaCO3 buffered nutrient solution (pH 7.5), but the enzyme appeared to be inactivated in pH 3 nutrient solution.
Valproic acid ameliorates C. elegans dopaminergic neurodegeneration with implications for ERK-MAPK signaling

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a currently incurable neurodegenerative disorder that affects the aging population. The loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra is one of the pathological features of PD. The precise causes of PD remain unresolved but evidence supports both environmental and genetic contributions. Current efforts for the treatment of PD are directed toward the discovery of compounds that show promise in impeding age-dependent neurodegeneration in PD patients. Alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) is a human protein that is mutated in specific populations of patients with familial PD. Overexpression of α-Syn in animal models of PD replicates key symptoms of PD, including neurodegeneration. Here, we use the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system, whereby α-Syn toxicity causes dopaminergic neurodegeneration, to test the capacity of valproic acid (VA) to protect neurons. The results of our study showed that treatment of nematodes with moderate concentrations of VA significantly protects dopaminergic neurons against α-Syn toxicity. Consistent with previously established knowledge related to the mechanistic action of VA in the cell, we showed through genetic analysis that the neuroprotection conferred by VA is inhibited by cell-specific depletion of the C. elegans ortholog of the MAP extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), MPK-1, in the dopaminergic neurons. These findings suggest that VA may exert its neuroprotective effect via ERK-MAPK, or alternately could act with MAPK signaling to additively provide dopaminergic neuroprotection.
Influence of solvent reorientation dynamics upon the kinetics of some electron-exchange reactions

Abstract The role of solvent reorientation dynamics is explored for outer-sphere electron transfer by examining the solvent-dependent rates for electrochemical exchange of selected organometallic redox couples. The observations are consistent with the anticipated variations in the solvent reorientation frequency. The implications of these findings to other reactions involving only small bond distortions are noted.
PERSONS IN NATURE: TOWARD AN APPLICABLE AND UNIFIED ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS

. Two major contenders for the role of robust environmental ethics claim our allegiance. One is Baird Callicott's, based on the land ethic formulated by Aldo Leopold; the other is that of Holmes Rolston, 111, sharply distinguishing environmental from social (human) ethics. Despite their many strengths, neither gives us the vision we need. Callicott's ethic leaves too much out of his picture; Rolston's leaves too much disconnected between nature and humankind. A really usable environmental ethic needs to be both comprehensive and integrated. For that, we need a worldview that includes the human in nature but also affirms the unique values of personhood.
Carnitine supplementation improves myocardial function in hearts from ischemic diabetic and euglycemic rats

Abstract Background . Nonischemic myocardial dysfunction in patients with diabetes mellitus appears to be attenuated with long-term l-carnitine therapy. The effect of acute l-carnitine supplementation on rat hearts from euglycemic and diabetic animals subjected to ischemia and reperfusion is investigated in this study. Methods . Study rats had diabetes mellitus induced by streptozocin (65 mg/kg intraperitoneally), and control rats had injection of saline solution (n = 12 per group). About 1 month later, the hearts were suspended on a Langendorff apparatus and perfused with either standard buffered Krebs-Henseleit solution or this standard solution supplemented with l-carnitine (5 mmol/L). After stabilization, normothermic, zero-flow ischemia was instituted for 20 minutes followed by 60 minutes of reperfusion. There were four study groups (n = 6 per group): hearts that were from euglycemic rats and that were perfused with standard buffered Krebs-Henseleit solution (E-STD); hearts that were from diabetic animals and that were perfused with the same standard buffered solution (DM-STD); hearts taken from diabetic animals and perfused with l-carnitine–enriched solution (DM-CAR); and hearts taken from euglycemic rats and perfused with the enriched solution (E-CAR). Results . At 60 minutes of reperfusion, left ventricular developed pressure was significantly better in hearts from both groups (diabetic and euglycemic) with carnitine supplementation (DM-CAR versus DM-STD and E-CAR versus E-STD, p p Conclusions . These findings suggest that acute l-carnitine supplementation significantly improves the recovery of the ischemic myocardium in diabetic and euglycemic rats.
Engineering Management-a personal perspective

Based on my experience as an engineer and educator, I believe that "engineering leadership" rather than "engineering management" should be the goal of engineers in key roles and the focus of their management education. I would also like to see programs in technical organizations led by engineering leaders rather than nontechnical managers. I believe that it is more beneficial to enhance the leadership potential of an engineer than to educate the nontechnical manager in technology.
Malakoplakia of the frontal and ethmoid sinuses mimicking a mucocele

Malakoplakia is a rare, chronic inflammatory condition characterized by defective macrophage function. The majority of cases involve the genitourinary tract, but isolated cases have been reported from other organ systems including one prior report involving the maxillary sinus. We present a case of malakoplakia expanding the frontal and ethmoid sinuses mimicking a mucocele at presentation. The diagnosis was made at the time of surgery based on the histopathologic finding of von Hasemann cells and Michaelis-Guttmann bodies. Sinus-specific clinical aspects will be discussed including diagnostic and treatment considerations. Laryngoscope, 2009.
Social influences on dispersal and the fat-tailed dispersal distribution in red-cockaded woodpeckers.

‘‘Fat-tailed’’ distributions of dispersal distances involve long movements that do not appear to follow the normal distributioncharacterizing most short dispersals. Theorists have offered 2 nonexclusive explanations for such distributions. They suggest thatthe fat tail is a product of a single perturbed dispersal function, or that there may be multiple movement modes that widen dis-persal distributions, or kernels, when considered simultaneously. We evaluated dispersal distances in the cooperatively breedingred-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) using a 22-year data set. Results illustrated that dispersal distances differed betweenjuvenile and helper dispersers but not between sexes. Results further showed fat-tailed dispersal distributions in all social and sexclasses. Then within juvenile females, we used radiotelemetry to document 2 fundamentally different dispersal strategies: Wood-peckers forayed from a natal area until breeding vacancies were located, and they made jumps to distant locations where birdscontinued to search for settlement options. Jumping was a behavior that added long-distance movements to the dispersal kerneland fattened the tail of the distribution. Our results are congruent with growing evidence that dispersal of animals typically doesnot represent a single process and that dispersers may switch between movement modes based on a complex relationship ofinternal state, landscape characteristics, motion capacity, and navigational ability. Rare and cryptic movement modes such asjumping may also account for the fat tail in the dispersal distance distributions of other species. Key words: dispersal, fat taildistribution, kurtosis, movement ecology, Picoides borealis, red-cockaded woodpecker. [Behav Ecol]