cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Laboratory studies to characterize the efficacy of sand capping a coal tar-contaminated sediment.

Abstract Placement of a microbial active sand cap on a coal tar-contaminated river sediment has been suggested as a cost effective remediation strategy. This approach assumes that the flux of contaminants from the sediment is sufficiently balanced by oxygen and nutrient fluxes into the sand layer such that microbial activity will reduce contaminant concentrations within the new benthic zone and reduce the contaminant flux to the water column. The dynamics of such a system were evaluated using batch and column studies with microbial communities from tar-contaminated sediment under different aeration and nutrient inputs. In a 30-d batch degradation study on aqueous extracts of coal tar sediment, oxygen and nutrient concentrations were found to be key parameters controlling the degradation rates of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). For the five PAHs monitored (naphthalene, fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, and pyrene), degradation rates were inversely proportional to molecular size. For the column studies, where three columns were packed with a 20-cm sand layer on the top of a 5 cm of sediment layer, flow was established to sand layers with (1) aerated water, (2) N 2 sparged water, or (3) HgCl 2 -sterilized N 2 sparged water. After steady-state conditions, PAH concentrations in effluents were the lowest in the aerated column, except for pyrene, whose concentration was invariant with all effluents. These laboratory scale studies support that if sufficient aeration can be achieved in the field through either active and passive means, the resulting microbially active sand layer can improve the water quality of the benthic zone and reduce the flux of many, but not all, PAHs to the water column.
Can a single molecule trap the electron

Abstract We suggest that it might be possible to trap the electron in a cavity of a macrocycle molecule, in the same way this trapping occurs cooperatively, by several solvent molecules, in hydroxylic liquids. Such an encapsulated electron is a ‘molecular capacitor,’ in which the excess electron is largely decoupled from valence electrons in the trap. A specific design for such a trap that is based on calix[4]cyclohexanol is discussed in detail. It is shown theoretically that one of the conformations of this molecule forms the optimum trap for the electron. The resulting species strikingly resembles the solvated electron.
Convergent and discriminant validity of selected masculinity and femininity scales

Using Campbell and Fiske's (1959) multitrait-multimethod matrix technique and Jackson's (1975) multimethod factor analysis, convergent and discriminant validity were investigated for masculinity and femininity scales from the Adjective Check List, Bem Sex Role Inventory, and PRF ANDRO Scale as compared with measures of dominance and nurturance. Results indicated very good convergent and discriminant validity for the masculinity and femininity scales from the Adjective Check List and Bem Inventory, but not for the PRF ANDRO Scale. Implications of these results for research on sex roles and psychological androgyny are discussed.
Transition on a slender cone in hypervelocity flow

An experimental exploratory study of laminar, transitional and turbulent boundary layers on a slender, sharp cone at zero incidence in hypervelocity flow was conducted in the shock tunnel T5, whose high operating pressure permits achieving the necessary high Reynolds numbers at high total enthalpy. Surface heat transfer rate and resonantly enhanced flow visualization were used to determine transition location and flow structure. Results suggest that the transition mechanism at the conditions tested is via the Tollmien–Schlichting instability, but since no detailed information about the noise spectrum in the facility is available, a definite conclusion is not possible. A strong, gas-dependent increase of the transition Reynolds number evaluated at the reference temperature on specific total enthalpy was observed. This effect increases monotonically with decreasing the dissociation energy of the gas.
A possible indirect sympathomimetic action of metformin in the arterial vessel wall of spontanously hypertensive rats

The antidiabetic drug metformin (MF) typically achieves only micromolar levels in plasma with normal therapeutic use. However, it is also known to accumulate in various tissues up to several times higher after standard oral dosing and we now have evidence from both in vivo and in vitro experiments with spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) that millimolar levels stimulate release of norepinephrine (NE) from vascular sympathetic nerve endings (SNEs). As shown in the present work with SHR tail arterial tissue (rich in SNEs), the known vasodilator effect of millimolar levels of MF on the smooth muscle (even if contracted with a nonadrenergic agonist), is attenuated by the presence of the SNEs unless phentolamine (an alpha receptor blocker) is present. We reasoned that the mechanism for this apparent NE-releasing action of MF is not exocytotic release as that would require depolarization of the neuronal cell membranes in SNEs, and MF at millimolar levels is known to repolarize (not depolarize) membranes of other cells. Thus, we tested the possibility that MF releases NE by an indirect sympathomimetic-like action. Such an action should be amplified by monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g. iproniazid) and blocked by NE-carrier inhibitors (e.g. desipramine). Accordingly, we found that the abovementioned attenuating effect of intact SNEs on MF's relaxation of SHR tail arterial tissue (compared to tissues in which SNEs were experimentally removed with 6-hydroxydopamine) was amplified nearly 3-fold by iproniazid (p<0.05) and blocked by desipramine (p<0.05). These results support an indirect sympathomimetic action of MF and raise the question whether commonly used antidepressants with properties similar to iproniazid and desipramine might alter MF's beneficial vasodilatory (and thus antihypertensive) effectiveness in diabetic patients with hypertension.
Phonetic structures of Montana Salish

Abstract Montana Salish is an Interior Salishan language spoken on the Flathead Reservation in Northwest Montana by an estimated population of about 40 speakers. This paper describes the basic phonetic characteristics of the language based on data from five speakers. Montana Salish contains a number of typologically unusual consonant types. Including glottalized sonorants, pre-stopped laterals, and a series of pharyngeals distinguished by secondary articulations of glottalization and/or labialization. The language also allows long sequences of obstruent consonants. These and more familiar phonetic characteristics are described through analysis of acoustic, electroglottographic, and aerodynamic data, and compared with related characteristics in other languages of the world.
THE BATTLE FOR CONVOY OG 69, 20–29 JULY 1941

(2003). THE BATTLE FOR CONVOY OG 69, 20–29 JULY 1941. The Mariner's Mirror: Vol. 89, No. 1, pp. 71-81.
Oxidation of Calmodulin Alters Activation and Regulation of CaMKII

Increases in reactive oxygen species and mis-regulation of calcium homeostasis are associated with various physiological conditions and disease states including aging, ischemia, exposure to drugs of abuse, and neurodegenerative diseases. In aged animals, this is accompanied by a reduction in oxidative repair mechanisms resulting in increased methionine oxidation of the calcium signaling protein calmodulin in the brain. Here, we show that oxidation of calmodulin results in an inability to: (1) activate CaMKII; (2) support Thr(286) autophosphorylation of CaMKII; (3) prevent Thr(305/6) autophosphorylation of CaMKII; (4) support binding of CaMKII to the NR2B subunit of the NMDA receptor; and (5) compete with alpha-actinin for binding to CaMKII. Moreover, oxidized calmodulin does not efficiently bind calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) in rat brain lysates or in vitro. These observations contrast from past experiments performed with oxidized calmodulin and the plasma membrane calcium ATPase, where oxidized calmodulin binds to, and partially activates the PMCA. When taken together, these data suggest that oxidative stress may perturb neuronal and cardiac function via a decreased ability of oxidized calmodulin to bind, activate, and regulate the interactions of CaMKII.
Impact of decision aids in a sustained implementation at a breast care center

Abstract Objective We examined the reach and impact of five decision aids (DAs) routinely distributed to breast cancer patients as part of a shared decision making demonstration project. Methods From 2005 to 2008, we surveyed patients’ change in knowledge and decisional conflict (DC) before and after their review of DAs. Using bivariate tests, we identified significant predictors of change in knowledge or decisional conflict and entered significant predictors into a multivariate regression model. Results We distributed 1553 DAs to 1098 patients and received 549 completed surveys. The DAs were associated with increased knowledge and decreased DC. For knowledge, significant predictors of above-average change included: lower baseline knowledge and viewing the surgery decision aid. For decisional conflict, significant predictors of above-average change included: higher decisional conflict; viewing any of the early-stage cancer DAs; and Hispanic ethnicity. Conclusions DAs used in routine care were associated with significant knowledge gains and reductions in decisional conflict. Some subsets of patients (those reporting low baseline knowledge, high DC, or Hispanic ethnicity) may benefit more than others. Practice implications Breast cancer patients benefit overall from routine distribution of DAs. Our exploratory findings may be useful in generating hypotheses to identify target populations who would most benefit from reviewing DAs.
Quantification and characterization of the bystander effect in prostate cancer cells following adenovirus-mediated FasL expression.

Inducing Fas-mediated apoptosis in prostate cancer (PCa) is a promising new therapeutic approach with the potential to overcome delivery issues currently problematic in cancer gene therapy. We have previously demonstrated that a Fas Ligand (FasL) expressing adenovirus (AdGFPFasLTET) was able to induce Fas-mediated apoptosis in a panel of PCa cell lines regardless of their Fas-sensitivity as determined by the agonistic Fas antibody CH-11. We now report that AdGFPFasLTET-infected cells produce apoptotic bodies and cellular debris that continues to elicit FasL-mediated bystander killing in uninfected neighboring cells. Using light microscopy, we demonstrate that AdGFPFasLTET-infected cells release apoptotic bodies and cellular debris into the local environment and that this material will induce bystander killing in Jurkat, PPC-1, and PC-3 target cells, but not in DU145 and K-562 cells. The bystander killing mechanism is mediated through Fas/FasL interaction because it is significantly inhibited if target cells are pretreated with the pan spectrum caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK or the Fas neutralizing antibody ZB-4. Coincubation of PPC-1 target cells with apoptotic bodies and cellular debris (effector material) induce nearly complete target cell killing at a ratio of 1:1 target to effector. Collectively, these data indicate that AdGFPFasLTET-infected PCa cells release apoptotic and cellular debris capable of inducing bystander killing in PCa and supports the development of FasL as a gene therapy agent.
The Effect of Nb-Ti on Cold Rolling Texture and Recrystallization Texture of B4003M

In this study, the effect of different compositions of the stabilized elements of Nb-Ti for cold rollling textures and the recrytalization textures of B4003M has been investigated. Cold rolling texture at 80% reduction displayed by the Nb-Ti added specimen is the weakest of all. When annealing at 900°C for 10 min, the recrystalli -zation textures displayed by the Nb-added, Ti-added, Nb-Ti-added and Nb-Ti-free alloys are compared. Results show that: {111} recrystallization texture in Nb-added alloy is the strongest, whereas it in the Nb-Ti-free alloy is the lowest. The mutual effect of Nd and Ti on refining the grain size is more obvious than the single element effect, while Nd is more effective than Ti.
Microarray analyses of laser-captured hippocampus reveal distinct gray and white matter signatures associated with incipient Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder that threatens to reach epidemic proportions as our population ages. Although much research has examined molecular pathways associated with AD, relatively few such studies have focused on the disease's critical early stages. In a prior microarray study we correlated gene expression in hippocampus with degree of Alzheimer's disease and found close associations between upregulation of apparent glial transcription factor/epigenetic/tumor suppressor genes and incipient AD. The results suggested a new model in which AD pathology spreads along myelinated axons (Blalock et al., 2004). However, the microarray analyses were performed on RNA extracted from frozen hand-dissected hippocampal CA1 tissue blocks containing both gray and white matter, limiting the confidence with which transcriptional changes in gray matter could be distinguished from those in white matter. Here, we used laser capture microdissection (LCM) to exclude major white matter tracts while selectively collecting CA1 hippocampal gray matter from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) hippocampal sections of the same subjects assessed in our prior study. Microarray analyses of this gray matter-enriched tissue revealed many transcriptional changes similar to those seen in our past study and in studies by others, particularly for downregulated neuron-related genes. Additionally, the present analyses identified several previously undetected pathway alterations, including downregulation of molecules that stabilize ryanodine receptor Ca2+ release and upregulation of vasculature development. Conversely, we found a striking paucity of the upregulated changes in the putative glial and growth-related genes that had been strongly overrepresented in the prior mixed-tissue study. We conclude that FFPE tissue can be a reliable resource for microarray studies of brain tissue, that upregulation of growth-related epigenetic/transcription factors during incipient AD is predominantly localized in and around white matter (supporting our prior findings and model), and that novel alterations in vascular and ryanodine receptor-related pathways in gray matter are closely associated with incipient AD.
Disruption of orbitofrontal cortex laterality in offspring from multiplex alcohol dependence families.

Background Increased susceptibility for developing alcohol dependence (AD) might be related to structural differences in brain circuits that influence the salience of rewards and / or modify the efficiency of information processing. The role of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) in regulating emotional processing is increasingly being recognized along with its association with impulsive behavior. Methods Magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure the OFC in 107 high- and low-risk offspring (mean age 17.6 ± 4.69 years) from either multiplex AD families or control families. Region of interest measures including segmented values were obtained by reliable raters using BRAINS2 software. Statistical analyses were adjusted for intracranial volume, age, socioeconomic status (SES), IQ, and handedness. The Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ) was administered to determine scale scores for Control. Genotyping was performed for the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene. Results High-risk offspring from multiplex for AD families showed decreased right/left OFC volumes in comparison with control subjects. Smaller volume in the right hemisphere was significantly associated with variation in the 5-HTT and BDNF genes. White matter (WM) ratios showed a positive correlation with MPQ Control scale scores, indicating that reduced OFC WM is related to greater impulsivity. Conclusions Offspring from multiplex families for AD manifest genetic susceptibility by exhibiting disruption in the laterality of the OFC volume that is related to greater impulsivity (lower Control scale scores). This disruption in OFC laterality is related to variation in genes associated with neuronal growth.
Influence of Sodium Chloride and Dibasic Sodium Phosphate Salt Matrices on the Anatase–Rutile Phase Transformation and Particle Size of Titanium Dioxide Powder

The influence of sodium chloride (NaCl) and dibasic sodium phosphate (Na2HPO4·2H2O, DSP) on the phase transformation and particle size of titanium dioxide powder had been investigated. The salt matrix was shown to suppress both the amorphous to anatase transition and the anatase to rutile transition. DSP was particularly effective. Irrespective of the additives, transformation versus time curves of the anatase to rutile conversion were observed to be sigmoidal, and were interpreted in terms of a first order, nucleation-growth controlled phenomenon. Analysis of these curves using appropriate rate laws yielded activation energies for nucleation of ∼4.3 eV for NaCl salt matrix and ∼8.6 eV for DSP salt matrix, compared with ∼3.2 eV for a sample with no salt. Activation energies for the growth or propagation stage were ∼5 and ∼8.9 eV for NaCl and DSP powders, respectively, compared with ∼3.8 eV for no salt. In the solid state, salt matrices suppressed the particle growth as well. These behaviors, in general are thought to be governed by the presence of salt impurities, especially anions chemisorbed at the surface.
Globalizing East African Culture: From Junk to jua kali Art

Despite Africa’s experience of economic decline, poverty, political instability and disease, keen observers of the cultural landscape have reckoned that cultural productivity in the region is on the rise, leading scholars to refer to the phenomenon as an African Renaissance. This is particularly the case in Kenya where a contemporary art movement is flourishing through both local art worlds and global networks. But the question remains: how in the midst of poverty and political instability can there be so much cultural productivity? Based on field research involving participant observation and interviews with more than 200 artists and cultural workers in Kenya’s capital city, I argue that it is largely due an ‘emergent cultural practice’given the Kiswahili term jua kali . By virtue of jua kali artists ‘making do’ with minimal resources and maximum ingenuity, imagination, originality and entrepreneurial acumen, they are creating art forms or bricolage , which has been largely ignored by art historians, sociologists, and even African scholars. Using jua kali tactics or ‘makeshift creativity,’ artists appropriate art materials, production space, skills training and even marketing sites. The clearest evidence of jua kali ingenuity is what Kenyan artists call ‘junk art’ made from global garbage garnered from local dump sites and junk yards, and then recycled into original works of art, thus reflecting global flows. This genre of contemporary African art has entered what Appadurai calls the mediascape and defies the stereotypical myths of ‘tribal art’ and ‘the primitive other’. These hegemonic myths still pervade most Western art markets, but jua kali artists—members of Kenya’s rising ‘creative class’—are striving to debunk them by their works with increasing success.
An Analysis of Health Care Disparities and Subsequent Public Policy Initiatives

Racial and ethnic health disparities are a major clinical, public health, and societal problem in the United States. This article provides a historical analysis of the identification and progression of health disparities between Whites and minorities from 1989 to 2011. Key causes of health disparities are addressed, including the lack of culturally competent care, health insurance, and medical homes. Federal legislation that mandated federal health agencies to implement a plan to eliminate disparities is discussed.
Passenger travel CO2 emissions in US urbanized areas: Multi-sourced data, impacts of influencing factors, and policy implications

Abstract Policies that encourage reduced vehicle-miles traveled and the use of more efficient transportation modes are typically considered as means to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In support of motivating, developing, and evaluating such policies, the impacts various transportation infrastructure and use, population density, and policy variables have on passenger travel related carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) – the primary GHG – emissions are assessed and resulting policy implications are discussed. A methodology for integrating data from multiple sources in a consistent manner is developed and implemented, producing a rich dataset consisting of 146 of the largest urbanized areas in the US. The magnitudes of the impacts that changes in certain variables have on CO 2 emissions in select urbanized areas are quantified. The results indicate that the variable used as a proxy for the presence of policies aimed at addressing environmental concerns and travelers’ attitudes and behaviors towards such concerns influences the impacts changes in transportation characteristics and population density have on CO 2 emissions. Depending on these effects, the impacts of changes in average private vehicle occupancy and freeway lane-miles per capita are found to be the largest. In addition, changes in average travel time have a substantial impact on CO 2 emissions. While the explanatory effect of transit share is found to be statistically significant, the magnitudes of the impacts of changes in this variable are less appreciable in comparison to those of the above variables, which is understandable in light of the fairly low values of transit share and transit service utilization across most US urbanized areas. Furthermore, the impacts of changes in population density are the smallest among all the variables that are found to have statistically significant explanatory effects. However, this finding does not undermine the role land-use policies could play as increased density could have a direct or an indirect effect on reduced travel times and increased transit use, which in turn contribute to reduced CO 2 emissions. In addition to quantifying the impacts, several policy implications stemming from the findings are identified and discussed. Notably, the relative magnitudes of the impacts corresponding to the different variables are found to vary appreciably across urbanized areas, implying that policies aimed at reducing CO 2 emissions should focus on different sets of variables depending on the overall characteristics of the specific urbanized area and any existing policies aimed at reducing CO 2 emissions.
Altered networks in bothersome tinnitus: a functional connectivity study

The objective was to examine functional connectivity linked to the auditory system in patients with bothersome tinnitus. Activity was low frequency (< 0.1 Hz), spontaneous blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) responses at rest. The question was whether the experience of chronic bothersome tinnitus induced changes in synaptic efficacy between co-activated components. Functional connectivity for seed regions in auditory, visual, attention, and control networks was computed across all 2 mm3 brain volumes in 17 patients with moderate-severe bothersome tinnitus (Tinnitus Handicap Index: average 53.5 ± 3.6 (range 38-76)) and 17 age-matched controls. In bothersome tinnitus, negative correlations reciprocally characterized functional connectivity between auditory and occipital/visual cortex. Negative correlations indicate that when BOLD response magnitudes increased in auditory or visual cortex they decreased in the linked visual or auditory cortex, suggesting reciprocally phase reversed activity between functionally connected locations in tinnitus. Both groups showed similar connectivity with positive correlations within the auditory network. Connectivity for primary visual cortex in tinnitus included extensive negative correlations in the ventral attention temporoparietal junction and in the inferior frontal gyrus and rostral insula - executive control network components. Rostral insula and inferior frontal gyrus connectivity in tinnitus also showed greater negative correlations in occipital cortex. These results imply that in bothersome tinnitus there is dissociation between activity in auditory cortex and visual, attention and control networks. The reciprocal negative correlations in connectivity between these networks might be maladaptive or reflect adaptations to reduce phantom noise salience and conflict with attention to non-auditory tasks.
Historical perspectives of The American Association for Thoracic Surgery: Isaac Alexander Bigger, Jr (1893-1955).

FIGURE 1. Isaac Alexander Bigger, Jr, MD. (Photo courtesy of the Special Collections and Archives, Tompkins-McCaw Library, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Va.) Isaac A. Bigger, Jr, the 26th president of The American Association for Thoracic Surgery (Figure 1), was born in Bethel, South Carolina on June 25, 1893, to Isaac Alexander Bigger, a highly respected surgeon, and Mary Neel Johnston Bigger. He was 1 of 5 children, including 3 sisters and an older brother, who became a general practitioner. As was not uncommon for that era in the south, his earliest education was provided by a governess, Mary Brown, starting at the age of 7, and during his homeschooling, he spent time in his father’s office, known as the ‘‘doctor’s shop,’’ which was part of the family home. He often accompanied his father on house calls, and it is thought that these experiences with his father were the greatest influences in developing the very special bedside manner for which he was later known in his own practice. Bigger’s formal education began in 1909 at Erskine College in South Carolina. His first year was reportedly an unhappy one for him, and after the conclusion of the school year, he transferred to Davidson College in North Carolina, which was a hundred miles closer to home. He was a student at Davidson intermittently from 1910 to 1913, although his studies were interrupted by severe bouts of bronchial asthma, a condition that would plague him for the rest of his life. Bigger entered medical school at the University of Virginia in the fall of 1914. In his third year, he was elected to the Raven Society, honoring outstanding student performance and the expectation of future contributions, and was elected to the 13 society, honoring student leaders for unselfish service and unusual achievement. After graduation, Bigger stayed on for a 3-year surgical residency that included gynecology and orthopedics, followed by an appointment to the position of Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Virginia. While on the faculty, he was elected to Sigma Xi in 1927, a national honorary scientific society embracing all branches of science. After a half dozen years on the faculty at Virginia, Bigger accepted a position as Associate Professor of Surgery at Vanderbilt University. It was there that he became interested in the evolving field of thoracic surgery. Hewas strongly en-
Defensive responses to predatory seastars by two specialist limpets, Notoacmea insessa (Hinds) and Collisella instabilis (Gould), associated with marine algae

Abstract The limpets Notoacmea insessa (Hinds) and Collisella instabilis (Gould), which are associated specifically with certain algae, were tested for defensive responses to seastars. Contact with predatory seastars elicited responses by both species of limpets, in contrast to previous work reporting a lack of defensive responses by specialist limpets associated with plants. Non-predatory seastars normally did not elicit defensive responses. The form of the response by Notoacmea insessa differed, depending on whether the limpet was on or off its grazing scar. When the limpet was off its grazing scar, the most common response was movement away from the point of contact. When on the scar, the limpet usually elevated its shell and rocked from side-to-side, but rarely moved from the scar. The responses of Collisella instabilis almost always involved rapid movement away from the point of contact and tended to be more vigorous than those of Notoacmea insessa .
Anatomical Evidence for MT and Additional Cortical Visual Areas in Humans

We stained human visual cortex for myelin, cytochrome oxidase, and the monoclonal antibody CAT-301 in an attempt to demonstrate and map MT (V5) and other visual cortical areas in humans. Both flattened and unflattened cortical tissue was examined. A likely candidate for area MT (V5), which we refer to as MT, was demonstrated using all three stains. Myelin and CAT-301 labels for MT were demonstrated to be coincident by comparing results from the two stains in adjacent sections. In all three stains, MT was an oval area approximately 1.2 x 2.0 cm, located 5-6 cm anterior and dorsal to the foveal V1-V2 border. The position and size of MT as defined by the present anatomy are consistent with MT (V5) as defined by functional measures in humans. In addition, flattened cortical tissue stained for cytochrome oxidase revealed a distinctive staining topography in several cortical areas, including areas V1, V2, MT, PX, and VX. Similar studies in flattened cortex of macaque and green monkeys demonstrated distinctive dark cytochrome oxidase staining in MT, PX, MTc, and V3.
Easy fabrication of a tunable high-pass birdcage resonator

A practical design for a high-pass birdcage resonator is presented. Precision seamless telescoping tubes were used for easy tuning of resonant frequency by adjusting the length of the coils. Three probes, of 4.4, 5.0, and 25.0 cm in diameter, respectively, were constructed and tested. An empirical formula is given that can be used to calculate the capacitance needed for a given frequency when the desired physical dimension and the number of elements of the coil are specified. A simple three-step procedure is suggested for easy fabrication of resonators that are routinely tunable over tens of megahertz.
Synthesis, characterization, and reactions of 2′-, 3′-, and 5′-(2-bromoethyl)-AMP: Potential affinity labels for nucleotide binding sites in enzymes

Two new adenosine analogs, 2′-(2-bromoethyl) adenosine monophosphate and 3′-(2-bromoethyl) adenosine monophosphate, were synthesized, purified by semipreparative high-pressure liquid chromatography, and completely characterized. A new synthesis of 5′-(2-bromoethyl) adenosine monophosphate is presented which facilitates the preparation of radioactive reagent with label either in the ethyl group or the purine ring of the nucleotide derivative. The reactive moiety of these derivatives, a bromoalkyl group, has the ability to react with the nucleophilic side chains of several amino acids. The second-order, pH-independent rate constants for reaction with the side chains of the amino acids cysteine, lysine, histidine, and tyrosine were determined as 3×10−4, 6×10−6, 3×10−7, and <1×10−7 M−1 sec−1, respectively. These data could be use in estimating the rate enhancement observed in modification of a protein by these affinity-labeling reagents. 5′-(S-(2-hydroxyethyl)cysteine) adenosine monophosphate, the derivative expected from exhaustive digestion of protein in which a cysteinyl residue is modified by 5′-(2-bromoethyl) adenosine monophosphate, and S-2-hydroxyethyl)cysteine, the derivative anticipated upon acid hydrolysis of such a modified protein, were synthesized, characterized, and their elution positions from an amino acid analyzer determined. These bromoethyl AMP derivatives are potential affinity labels for enzymes that bind 2′-, 3′-, or 5′-nucleotides such as TPN, coenzyme A, or ADP, respectively.
Save the child's esophagus: Management of major disruption after repair of esophageal atresia

Abstract Purpose: Given the bias that the native esophagus is the best conduit between the oropharynx and the stomach, the authors report a "conservative" approach to massive esophageal leak, which may be considered "radical" by others. Major disruption of the anastomosis after primary repair of esophageal atresia is a recognized and feared complication. Historically, management has been the performance of cervical esophagostomy and gastrostomy. The aim of this report is to describe the authors' approach to this difficult and serious complication. Methods: A 15-year retrospective analysis was performed of all patients having esophageal atresia. Data collection focused on the management of all patients with clinically significant esophageal disruption. Radiographically detected (clinically asymptomatic) leaks were managed by continuation of drainage by thoracostomy tubes already in place and are not included. Reoperative thoracotomies were performed, which included primary repair (2), placement of pleural patch alone (2), pleural patch with intercostal muscle flap buttress (2), and operative debridement and drainage alone (1). Results: It was noted that seven patients had clinically significant esophageal disruption requiring reoperation, with circumferential disruptions ranging from 15% to 85%. Presentation included persistent pleural collection (4) and pneumothorax (3). Both patients who underwent primary repair had no evidence of leakage on follow-up esophagograms, neither did one with a pleural patch alone and one with an intercostal muscle flap. Five of the seven patients were tolerating oral feedings at the time of follow-up (range, 6 months to 8 years). One of the two others (both currently inpatients), has a recurrent leak associated with mediastinitis, and the other (who had primary repair) has a presumed neurological impairment of eating. Conclusion: Clinically significant disruption of primary esophageal repair should not warrant a cervical esophagostomy and placement of a gastrostomy tube, thus precluding eventual use of the native esophagus. The authors have shown that management by reoperation with primary repair, intercostal muscle flap with or without pleural patch, and/or drainage allows the patient to maintain the native esophagus and yields a generally good outcome after a prolonged healing time.
Damped regional-scale stress inversions: Methodology and examples for southern California and the Coalinga aftershock sequence

We present a new focal mechanism stress inversion technique to produce regional-scale models of stress orientation containing the minimum complexity necessary to fit the data. Current practice is to divide a region into small subareas and to independently fit a stress tensor to the focal mechanisms of each subarea. This procedure may lead to apparent spatial variability that is actually an artifact of overfitting noisy data or nonuniquely fitting data that does not completely constrain the stress tensor. To remove these artifacts while retaining any stress variations that are strongly required by the data, we devise a damped inversion method to simultaneously invert for stress in all subareas while minimizing the difference in stress between adjacent subareas. This method is conceptually similar to other geophysical inverse techniques that incorporate damping, such as seismic tomography. In checkerboard tests, the damped inversion removes the stress rotation artifacts exhibited by an undamped inversion, while resolving sharper true stress rotations than a simple smoothed model or a moving-window inversion. We show an example of a spatially damped stress field for southern California. The methodology can also be used to study temporal stress changes, and an example for the Coalinga, California, aftershock sequence is shown. We recommend use of the damped inversion technique for any study examining spatial or temporal variations in the stress field.
Amiodarone Is Poorly Effective for the Acute Termination of Ventricular Tachycardia

Study objective It is hypothesized that intravenous (IV) amiodarone is poorly effective for the acute termination of sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia because of the relatively slow onset of its Vaughn-Williams class III effect to prolong myocardial depolarization and the refractory period. This study is designed to determine the effectiveness and safety of IV amiodarone for the termination of sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. Methods A retrospective case series was collected at 4 urban university-affiliated hospitals from September 1996 to April 2005 after institutional review board approval with waiver of informed consent. Emergency department (ED) patients treated with IV amiodarone for ventricular tachycardia were identified by ED treatment and hospital pharmacy billing records, International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision discharge codes, and ECG characteristics. All consecutive patients who received at least 150 mg amiodarone in 15 minutes or less for spontaneous sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia were eligible for inclusion. Sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia was defined as a tachycardia with uninterrupted duration or rapid recurrence despite automatic internal cardiac defibrillator therapy for at least 5 minutes before amiodarone treatment, monomorphic morphology, rate greater than 120 beats/min, QRS duration greater than 120 ms, and subsequently determined to be ventricular tachycardia by ECG criteria (eg, atrioventricular dissociation), implanted device interrogation, or formal electrophysiology study. Measured outcomes included sustained termination of ventricular tachycardia within 20 minutes of initiation of amiodarone infusion and any documented adverse effects. Rates of successful termination and adverse effects and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. The presence or average values of potentially confounding predictors in patients with and without ventricular tachycardia termination after amiodarone were also calculated and compared. Results Thirty-three patients were identified and included. Five patients received electrical therapy within 20 minutes of initiation of amiodarone infusion, and the response to amiodarone was unknown. Twenty-seven of the remaining 28 patients received 150 mg amiodarone, and the rate of successful ventricular tachycardia termination was 8 of 28, 29% (95% CI 13 to 49). Two of 33 patients, 6% (95% CI 1 to 20), required direct current cardioversion for presyncope or hypotension temporally associated with amiodarone treatment. Conclusion IV amiodarone, as currently administered, is relatively safe but ineffective for the acute termination of sustained ventricular tachycardia.
Politicizing Sociology through a Bill of Rights Learning Module.

The exercise described in this article was designed to help students reflect on their existing political beliefs and gauge the way acting on these beliefs may sway the alloca tion of social resources. It is intended help students move nascent perspectives on is sues of social justice into more firmly held stances. The innovative aspect of this exer cise is that it removes the professor from being in the role of "moral authority" as it asks students to identify fundamental human rights and the types of resources an affluent society should provide to all of its mem bers.
Mobility assessment of facioscapulohumeral dystrophy patients

Eleven FSHD patients (PG: seven males, 40 11 years, 84 24 kg, 1.75 0.11 m) and 11 control subjects (CG: seven males, 32 12 years, 71 24 kg, 1.73 0.36 m) participated in the study. The number of years since first symptoms occurred (SY) was recorded. Manual muscle testing was performed on upper and lower limbs to determine a clinical severity factor (CF [2]), ranging from 0.5 (facial weakness) to 5 (wheelchair bound). A stereophotogrammetric system was used to reconstruct the 3D position of 39 skin markers placed by a single operator. Two force plates were also used. The shoulders’ range of motion (ROM) was computed during repeated arm flexion (FROM),
The impact of rheumatoid arthritis on the household work performance of women

We conducted a study to assess whether and to what degree household work disability exists in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to examine the role of health versus family and personal factors as predictors of household work disability. In addition, the participation of other family members and paid employees in household work was evaluated. One hundred forty-two women with RA and 58 female friends/neighbors completed questionnaires which assessed household work performance and health, family, and personal variables. Performance was measured in 4 ways: the current amount of time spent on household work, the proportion of the household work done, and the changes in time and proportion since just before the onset of RA. Functional status was measured via the Health Assessment Questionnaire. Pain, anxiety and depression, and general health perception were measured via the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales. The results indicate that household work disability exists in women with RA, but is substantial only in women with moderate-to-severe disease. In families in which the wife/mother has moderate-to-severe RA, the other family members spend 7 hours more per week on household work than in control families, but there was no increase in the use of paid household employees. Health factors were the strongest predictors of household work disability, but family and personal factors also had significant effects. Household work disability in women with moderate or severe RA merits more attention because of the importance of household work to family functioning and the negative effects that changes in this area can produce.
Noise induced hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction in the guinea pig

This study analysed the acoustic and vestibular functional and morphological modifications in guinea pigs after acoustic trauma. Animals were exposed to noise (6 kHz, at 120 dB SPL for 60 minutes) and then auditory brainstem responses (ABR) and vestibuloocular reflex (VOR) were measured at 6 hours, 1 day, 3, 7, and 21 days after noise. Western blotting and immunostaining for 4-hydroxy-2-noneal (4-HNE) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were performed in the cochlear and vestibular regions at 1 and 7 days after noise exposure. A significant decrease of VOR gain was observed on day 1 and the recovery was completed at day 21. ABR threshold values reached a level of 80 dB at day 1 after trauma reaching a value of about 50 dB SPL on day 21. 4-HNE expression, a marker of lipid peroxidation was strongly increased in the cochlea. In the vestibule, 4-HNE immunoreactivity was faint. However, VEGF was up-regulated both in the cochlea and vestibule. In conclusion, the expression of VEGF in both cochlear and vestibular structures suggests a reparative role with potentially therapeutic implications.
Court holds that adviser recommending that its clients invest in Bayou Funds, which turned out to be Ponzi schemes, is not liable for violating Federal Securities Antifraud Statute

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to address the potential liability of investments advisers who recommend investments that are later revealed to be Ponzi schemes.Design/methodology/approach – The paper considers a recent opinion issued by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, as well as a recent enforcement action taken by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission relating to a recent large Ponzi scheme.Findings – The paper finds that the court held that the investment adviser was not liable for federal securities fraud because the plaintiff failed to prove the investment adviser acted with the requisite state of mind.Practical implications – The paper highlights potential outcomes for investment advisers when private investors or the government seek to hold advisers liable under various statutes and regulations.Originality/value – The paper will be valuable to any investment adviser, and particularly to those who recommend investments that are later revealed to be Po...
Mannitol Biosynthesis in Pyrenochaeta terrestris II. D-Mannitol-l-phosphatase

Cell-free extracts of mycelial mats of Pyrenochaeta terrestris contained an enzyme which hydrolyzed mannitol-l-phosphate to mannitol and inorganic phosphate. Greatest mannitol-1-phosphatase activity occurred early in the growth period when the mannitol content of the mats was at a maximum. The enzyme was active over a broad pH range with optimum activity between pH 6.5–7.0 in 0.05 M Tris-maleate buffer. Maiinitnl-1-phosphatase was inhibited by reagents known to inhibit enzymes containing -SH groups. A 10-fold purification was attained by a combination of (NII4)2 SO4 fractionation and gel filtration on Sephadex G-100. The partially purified enzyme required Mg−2 for activity and did not hydrolyze a number of sugar phosphates. Km values for mannitol-l-phosphate and Mg−2 with the partially purified extract were 3 × 10−3 M and 1 × 10−4 M respectively.
Has the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act Achieved Its Stated Goals

AbstractThis paper examines the impact of CBERA (Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act) trade provisions to determine whether the program has achieved its stated goals. A major program enhancement had a negative impact across small beneficiaries, but countries with large manufacturing sectors were able to expand preferential export shares with negligible increases in total exports relative to GDP. Additional evidence supports the view that tariff preferences did not promote economic development in CBERA-eligible countries. Greater utilization of CBERA trade provisions will require expanding coverage to include all products of export interest to beneficiaries and reducing costs associated with administrative regulations and rules of origin.
Fault-fin landscape

The expression ‘fault-fin landscape’ is proposed for topography marked by sets of blade-like fins and walls of rock, controlled by deformation band shear zones, which project metres above upland surfaces of porous sandstone. Dramatic examples occur along monoclines of Navajo Sandstone in the Colorado Plateau region of southern Utah, USA. The fins express differential rates of erosion of porous (20–25%) host sandstone relative to deformation band shear zones (<1% to 5% porosity), which are made highly resistant by collapse of porosity, cataclasis of quartz grains, and silica precipitation.
Developing CEM design standards to improve light rail vehicle crashworthiness

In recent years extensive effort has been devoted to the development of crashworthiness standards for rail cars spanning modalities from light rail to heavy rail and commuter rail applications. Each mode provides different challenges to the designer, whether it is designing against collisions with similar rail car designs, dissimilar vehicle designs such as freight rail vehicles or other obstructions such as pedestrians and street running automobiles. Structural standards in the U.S. and internationally are being developed to address these modes and provide a sensible approach to occupant protection. The advent of crash energy management (CEM) science as a means for better controlling the energy in a collision is being applied universally in rail car applications, yet there is variability on CEM design approaches to account for the variability in obstructions. This paper focuses on the development of CEM design for light rail vehicles in the U.S. based on efforts of the ASME Rail Transit Vehicle Standards Committee. A comparison is made between current LRV standardization efforts and recent commuter rail specifications that include CEM.