cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ISOLATION OF Clq‐BINDING IMMUNE COMPLEXES BY AFFINITY CHROMATOGRAPHY AND DESORPTION WITH A DIAMINOALKYL COMPOUND

The applicability of affinity chromatography to the isolation of Clq-binding immune complexes (IC) in sera was explored. Purified human Clq was covalently coupled to agarose or adsorbed to IgG-agarose resins. Sera containing preformed virus-antibody complexes or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) sera were passed through the columns and Clq-bound IC, eluted off with 1,4-diaminobutan at mild basic conditions, were analysed by immunodiffusion, crossed immunoelectrophoresis, gel filtration and electron microscopy. Under conditions of antibody treatment which caused almost 100 per cent inhibition of virus plaque formation, about 30 per cent of formed 14C-labelled equine arteritis virus-antibody complexes was bound specifically to and desorbed from Clq-IgG agarose columns. Studies with RA-sera indicated the presence of both IgM-IgG and intermediate size IgG, Clq-binding, complexes in 3 out of 5 tested seropositive sera. In two sera only intermediate size IC were demonstrable. The results obtained in these two IC model systems suggested that the described methods could be useful for isolation of Clq-binding IC in general.
Cell-free modulation of proinsulin synthesis

In vivo, glucose preferentially stimulates proinsulin biosynthesis; at least part of this process is independent of new RNA synthesis and is accompanied by increases in the overall rate of polypeptide chain initiation. The cell-free translation of proinsulin messenger RNA is very sensitive to changes in the protein-synthesizing system. Proinsulin synthesis is preferentially inhibited by the addition of increasing quantities of polyadenylate-containing RNA from the fetal bovine pancreas or by the addition of the drug, aurintricarboxylic acid, which blocks polypeptide chain initiation. These results suggest that proinsulin messenger RNA completes less efficiently for rate controlling initiation factors. We propose that glucose stimulates proinsulin biosynthesis by allowing the less competitive proinsulin messenger RNA to be translated more efficiently.
USMLE Step 1 Examination Legal Vulnerability

Since the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the courts have ruled that sponsors of job entry assessment procedures must demonstrate the absence of discrimination against minorities. If an assessment discriminates, the courts may prohibit the use of the assessment unless the assessment is linked to ajob analysis and exhibits validity. In 1994, the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) instituted a three-step USMLE examination program as a single pathway for medical licensure. The Step I examination is not linked to a physician job analysis, exhibits lower scores for minority groups, and lacks construct validity. To avoid the chaos and expense of a protracted legal challenge, the FSMB and the NBME may need to revise the Step I examination, or discontinue it as a requirement of medical licensure.
Is toxoplasmosis prophylaxis necessary in cardiac transplantation? Long-term follow-up at two transplant centers.

Cardiac transplant recipients are often given prophylactic treatments to prevent opportunistic infections such as Pneumocystis carinii . Toxoplasmosis prophylaxis is commonly prescribed for transplant recipients who have not been exposed to this disease but receive a heart from an exposed donor. We reviewed the collective 28-year experience at two urban transplant programs with 596 patients, and found no cases of toxoplasmosis, but all patients received trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole to prevent Pneumocystis pneumonia. We conclude that specific anti-toxoplasmosis prophylaxis is unnecessary in heart transplant recipients.
Maintenance of Acidic Lateral Intercellular Spaces by Endogenous Fixed Buffers in MDCK Cell Epithelium

The lateral intercellular spaces (LIS) of MDCK cell epithelia grown on permeable supports are about 0.4 pH units acidic to the bathing solutions, presumably because of buffering by the fixed negative charges on the surface of the lateral cell membranes. To test the hypothesis that fixed buffers are responsible for the acidity, a theoretical and experimental approach was developed for the determination of the concentration and pK of the fixed buffer constituted by the glycocalyx. The pH of the solution in the LIS was measured by ratiometric fluorescence microscopy while the buffer concentration or composition of the bathing solutions was altered. In addition, the divalent cation Sr2+ was added to the perfusion solutions to displace protons from the fixed buffer sites for the determination of the fixed buffer properties. We conclude that the LIS contain 3.7 mm of pK 6.2 fixed buffer and that this buffer is responsible for the acidic microenvironment in the LIS.
Whistler mode propagation in the ionosphere in the presence of a longitudinal static electric field

Abstract The effect of a longitudinal electrostatic field on whistler mode propagation has been studied in a region of the ionosphere where the influence of particle collisions and ion motion may be significant. As an illustration, the propagation in two cases of interest has been considered; one deals with the E-region in the neighborhood of 100 km height, and the other with the F-region in the neighborhood of 250 km. It is shown that the presence of a weak static electric field E0 tends to reduce the attenuation of the forward whistler mode when the magnetostatic field B0 and the electrostatic field E0 are in the same direction. Moreover for a sufficiently large value of E0 the whistler mode may experience an amplification. On the other hand, when E0 and B0 are in opposite directions an increase in |E0| tends to increase the attenuation of the wave. The variation of the attenuation constant, phase constant, and the phase velocity of the whistler mode with the signal frequency and with the electrostatic field is also discussed in detail.
Heat capacity and thermodynamic functions of MnxFe1−xCl2•4H2O, x=0.51

Abstract The heat capacity of Mn x Fe 1− x Cl 2 · 4H 2 O for x = 0.51 ± 0.005 has been experimentally determined from 1.4 to 300°K. The smoothed heat capacity and thermodynamic functions ( H 0 T  H 0 10 ) and ( S 0 T  S 0 10 ) are reported over the temperature range 10 to 300 K. The value of S 0 10 is given based on theoretical fits to the experimental data below 10 K. The error in the tabulated values arising from the heat capacity data above 10 K is thought to be less than 1%. Mn x Fe 1− x Cl 2 · 4H 2 O, x = 0.51 is isostructural with MnCl 2 · 4H 2 O, but exhibits a Schottky anomaly similar to FeCl 2 · 4H 2 O. Separating the lattice and Schottky heat capacities yields a T 3 lattice constant of 1.413 ± 0.028 · 10 −3 J/mole-K 4 and a Schottky doublet-triplet mean separation of 18.0 ± 0.5 K. The lattice constant is, within the quoted uncertainty, identical to the T 3 lattice constant of MnCl 2 · 4H 2 O. The Schottky level separation, however, is significantly greater than the 7.6 K separation found in FeCl 2 · 4H 2 O. This is presumably due to the change in chloride coordination from trans to cis in the present case. A cooperative transition just below the extent of the present data is thought to involve both the 5 2 spin Mn 2+ and the quasi - 1 2 spin Fe 2+ ions.
Analysis of Interfacial Debonding in Three-Dimensional Composite Microstructures

This paper is aimed at analyzing stresses and fiber-matrix interfacial debonding in three-dimensional composite microstructures. It incorporates a 3D cohesive zone interface model based element to simulate interfacial debonding in the commercial code ABAQUS. The validated element is used to examine the potential debonding response in the presence of fiber-fiber interactions. A two-fiber model with unidirectional fibers is constructed and the effect of relative fiber spacing and volume fraction on the stress distribution in the matrix is studied. In addition, the effect of fiber orientation and spacing on the nature of initiation and propagation of interfacial debonding is studied in a two-fiber model. These results are expected to be helpful in formulating future studies treating optimal fiber orientations and payoff in controlling fiber spacing and alignment.
Cattle and environmental sample-level factors associated with the presence of Salmonella in a multi-state study of conventional and organic dairy farms.

The objective of this study was to evaluate associations between cattle-level factors and environmental samples with the isolation of Salmonella from dairy farms in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and New York. The study farms included 129 conventional and organic farms enrolled without regard to previous history of Salmonella infection. Herds were sampled at two-month intervals over a one-year period. Cattle groups more likely to be associated with Salmonella shedding (compared to preweaned calves) were cows designated as sick by farm personnel (OR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.7, 3.7), cows within 14 days of calving (OR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1, 2.8), and cows due for culling within 14 days (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.0, 3.4). State of origin was also associated with the presence of Salmonella in samples from cattle and the farm environment; Midwestern states were more likely to have Salmonella-positive samples compared to New York. Cattle treated with antimicrobials within 14 days of sampling were more likely to be Salmonella-negative compared with nontreated cattle (OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.1, 3.4). Farms with at least 100 cows were more likely to have Salmonella-positive cattle compared with smaller farms (OR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.4, 4.6). Season was associated with Salmonella shedding in cattle, and compared to the winter period, summer had the highest odds for shedding (OR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.5, 3.7), followed by fall (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.2, 3.1) and spring (OR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2, 2.6). Environmental samples significantly more likely to be Salmonella-positive (compared to bulk tank milk) included, in descending order, samples from sick pens (OR = 7.4, 95% CI: 3.4, 15.8), manure storage areas (OR = 6.4, 95% CI: 3.5, 11.7), maternity pens (OR = 4.2, 95% CI: 2.2, 8.1), haircoats of cows due to be culled (OR = 3.9, 95% CI: 2.2, 7.7), milk filters (OR = 3.3, 95% CI: 1.8, 6.0), cow waterers (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.4, 5.7), calf pens (OR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.3, 5.3), and bird droppings from cow housing (OR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.3, 4.4). Parity, stage of lactation, and calf age were not associated with Salmonella shedding.
How Do Hydrogen Bonds Break in Small Alcohol Oligomers

Author Institution: Department of Chemistry and Theoretical Chemistry Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI 53706
Popular support for the new christian right

Abstract The emergence and success of conservative Christians in partisan politics have provoked alternative explanations. These include geography, religious values, social status, party identification, alienation, and symbols. The author divides them into rational and nonrational categories. The latter includes alienation and dislocation. Analysis of the 1984 American National Election Study shows that support for the Christian Right came from religious and political beliefs and responses to political symbols, not from social strain.
Surgery for acromegaly: evolution of the techniques and outcomes.

This paper presents an overview of the evolution of pituitary surgery for acromegaly. It begins with the first case, attempted in 1893, through the initial transsphenoidal successes in 1907–1910, to the development of effective craniotomy approaches, and ultimately to the resurrection of the transsphenoidal approach in the 1970s and thereafter. Today, the minimally endoscopic transnasal endoscopic approach is fast becoming the norm. Indications for surgery include active acromegaly, visual loss and other forms of mass effect, pituitary tumor apoplexy, and failure of other therapies (medical, radiation). Contraindications include advanced age, debility or other medical conditions increasing the risk of general anaesthesia or surgery. Surgery for acromegaly has the advantage of immediate lowering of the growth hormone excess, with endocrine remission rates of 70% for microadenomas and 50% for macroadenomas. When surgery fails to obtain remission, a program of therapy is designed for the patient to include adjunctive medical therapy (dopamine agonists, somatostatin analogs, and growth hormone receptor antagonists), radiation therapy or radiosurgery (Gamma knife, Cyberknife, etc.).
Part-Based Multiderivative Edge Cross-Sectional Profiles for Polyp Detection in Colonoscopy

This paper presents a novel technique for automated detection of protruding polyps in colonoscopy images using edge cross-section profiles (ECSP). We propose a part-based multi-derivative ECSP that computes derivative functions of an edge cross-section profile and segments each of these profiles into parts. Therefore, we can model or extract features suitable for each part. Our features obtained from the parts can effectively describe complex properties of protruding polyps including the shape of the parts, texture, and protrusion and smoothness of the polyp surface. We evaluated our method against two existing polyp image detection techniques on 42 different polyps, including those with little protrusion. Each polyp has a large variation of appearance in viewing angles, light conditions, and scales in different images. The evaluation showed that our technique outperformed the existing techniques in both accuracy and analysis time. Our method has a higher area under the free-response receiver operating characteristic curve. For instance, when both techniques have a true positive rate for polyp image detection of 81.4%, the average number of false regions per image of our technique is 0.32 compared to 1.8 of the best existing technique under study. Additionally, our technique can precisely mark edges of candidate polyp regions as visual feedback. These results altogether indicate that our technique is promising to provide visual feedback of polyp regions in clinical practice.
Perinatal left ventricular performance in fetal sheep: interaction between oxygen ventilation and contractility.

Left ventricular (LV) output nearly triples at birth, in association with increases in serum catecholamines. Similar increases in catecholamines in utero, however, do not increase output. We hypothesized that catecholamines increase contractility in utero, but that output cannot increase until LV loading conditions are changed by oxygen ventilation. To address this hypothesis, we studied nine fetal sheep acutely placed in a warm water bath (40°C). Conductance and manometric catheters were placed in the LV to generate pressure-volume loops during caval occlusion in the nonventilated and oxygen-ventilated states, each under control, dobutamine, and propranolol conditions. Contractility was estimated by the end-systolic pressure-volume relationship, preload by end-diastolic volume, and afterload by arterial elastance. Oxygen ventilation increased LV output 1.4-fold, despite a decrease in contractility to about three-fourths of the nonventilated value. Heart rate remained constant, whereas preload increased and afterload decreased significantly. During oxygen ventilation, dobutamine increased output to 2.3 times the control, nonventilated value, associated with increases in contractility and heart rate and no change in preload and afterload. Although dobutamine increased contractility and heart rate similarly in the nonventilated and oxygen ventilated states, output increased significantly more during ventilation. Similarly, propranolol decreased contractility and heart rate equally in both states, but output decreased far more during ventilation. Thus, oxygen ventilation is associated with advantageous changes in LV load such that the positive inotropic and chronotropic effects of dobutamine are translated into greater increases in LV output.
“Quasifundamental” Variation in the Price Level and the Inflation Rate

Abstract This paper describes a class of overlapping-generations economies that have “quasifundamental” (QF) equilibria—equilibria in which the price level and inflation rate are positively correlated with a “fundamental” random variable, despite the existence of an alternative, Pareto-dominant equilibrium in which the price level and/or inflation rate are constant. In QF equilibria the inflation rate is “excessively variable” using either quantitative or welfare-based variability measures. These equilibria also provide rational-expectations adjustment processes under which the low-inflation monetary steady state is dynamically stable. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: E31, E32, E41.
Performance of high - sensitivity OOK, PPM, and DPSK communications using high-power slab-coupled optical waveguide amplifier (SCOWA) based transmitters

We investigate the overall communications performance of high-power SCOWA-based transmitters with various modulation formats. Transmitter power efficiency and receiver sensitivity are considered, and compared to baseline measurements using standard EDFA-based master-oscillator power-amplifier transmitters.
An in vitro demonstration of peroxisome proliferation and increase in peroxisomal β-oxidation system mRNAs in cultured rat hepatocytes treated with ciprofibrate

Using the normal adult rat hepatocytes, plated on rat tail collagen-coated dishes and fed a chemically defined medium, we demonstrate here that ciprofibrate at 0.1 mM concentration, increases significantly the mRNA levels of fatty acyl-CoA oxidase, enoyl-CoA hydratase/3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase bifunctional protein, and thiolase (the three enzymes of the β-oxidation system), and causes peroxisome proliferation. Increase in mRNA levels of these genes was evident within 1 h and was maximal 24 h after the addition of ciprofibrate. In hepatocytes cultured in the absence of ciprofibrate, the basal levels of these enzymes were low and further declined with time. Concomitant treatment of hepatocytes with cycloheximide did not inhibit or superinduce the mRNA levels, indicating that this induction may represent a primary (direct) effect of this compound on the expression of these genes and does not apparently involve short-lived repressor protein(s).
Effect of hydrogen on disorder in amorphous silicon

Abstract In this work the effects of posthydrogenation on amorphous silicon network disorder are investigated. The bond angle distribution as determined from Raman linewidths actually increased slightly when the H concentration was increased from 0·2 to 7 at. % rather than decreasing as expected. The H appears to introduce compressive stress on a number of bonds. Furthermore, H incorporation did not significantly alter the band-tail state density either. The H bonding in a-Si does not decrease the number of weak bonds significantly.
Dusty Detonation Simulations with Adaptive Unstructured Finite Elements

A nonequilibrium reacting flow methodology has been combined with a conservative, monotonic, two-phase, compressible flow solver to allow numerical simulations of gas detonations subject to inert particles. This flow solver incorporates unstructured dynamically adaptive meshes with the finite element method-flux-corrected transport scheme for both the gas and particle phases. A simple two-step induction parameter model was used to model the combustion of the gas phase coupled with a point-implicit scheme for the energy release equation. This combustion model was then used to simulate two-dimensional detonation macroscopic features of hypothetical fuel oxygen diluent mixture for a few sample cases. These simulations employed particles of various diameters and mass loadings resulting in both successful and failed detonations.
Selected Resources on the Fukushima Disaster

On March 11, 2011, a massive 9.0 earthquake and resulting tsunami struck the east coast of Japan. The damage from this event caused catastrophic failure at several of the reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The release of radiation from the reactors has sparked health concerns in both Japan and around the world. As this is an ongoing crisis, the facts regarding radiation releases and current disposition of hazardous particles are difficult to ascertain. As authorities continue the hard work of bringing this crisis under control, the public health concerns continue to mount. Since the disaster, governmental and nongovernmental health agencies have risen to the challenge of providing reliable information to consumers. The Internet provides the means to be well informed regarding the evolving crisis and obtain information to make informed decisions during this period.
Public Opinion Toward Sexuality Education: Findings Among One South Florida County

As part of a community plan to implement abstinence-based sexuality education, this study assessed opinions toward sexuality education among residents. Respondents (N = 1,090) were selected by random digit dialing. The survey, adopted from previous national studies, assessed attitudes towards sexuality education. Chi-square tests of significance were used to determine relationships between demographic variables and participants’ attitudes. Results demonstrated overwhelming support and were successfully used as part of a larger initiative to replace an abstinence-only curriculum with an abstinence-based one. This study details those findings and demonstrates the benefit of using local data to bring about community change.
Determining nonmethane hydrocarbon

In May 1987, an intercomparison exercise for the determination of nonmethane hydrocarbon gases in the marine atmosphere was conducted. A preliminary account of the results was presented at the 1987 AGU Fall Meeting (see the abstract “Non-Methane Hydrocarbons in the Remote Marine Atmsophere: Results of an Intercomparison Exercise,” in Eos, November 3, 1987, p. 1220). It has subsequently become evident that miscalculations occurred (in the conversion of units) that resulted in incorrect mixing ratios for some data sets as presented. A corrected report is in progress and will be published as soon as possible.
Is early adolescence really a stage of development

(1983). Is early adolescence really a stage of development? Theory Into Practice: Vol. 22, Early Adolescence: A New Look, pp. 79-84.
Shape optimization with multiple loading conditions and mesh refinement

The capability to handle multiple, static loading conditions has been added to two-dimensional-shape optimization with adaptive mesh refinement. The strain energy density variations for each mesh were normalized, and then maximum values from all loading conditions were used for refinement. Several sample test cases were considered: a two-dimensional bracket with two in-plane loading cases and a folded, stamped-sheet metal part representing an upper suspension control arm and a folded, stamped-sheet metal part representing a brake pedal support bracket
Object recognition from a global geometric perspective: invariants and metrics

The general problem of single-view recognition is central to many image understanding and computer vision tasks. In previous work, we have shown how to approach the general problem of recognizing three dimensional geometric configurations from a single two dimensional view. Our methods make use of techniques from algebraic geometry, notably the theory of correspondences, and a novel "equivariant" geometric invariant theory. The machinery gives us a way to understand the relationship that exists between the 3D geometry and its "residual" in a 2D image. Exploiting this, one can compute a set of fundamental equations in the 3D and 2D invariants, which generate the ideal of the correspondence, and which completely describe the mutual 3D/2D constraints. We have chosen to call these equations "object/image equations". They can be used in a number of ways. For example, from a given 2D configuration, we can determine a set of non-linear constraints on the geometric invariants of 3D configurations capable of producing the given 2D configuration, and thus arrive at a test for determining the object being viewed. Conversely, given a 3D geometric configuration (features on an object), we can derive a set of equations that constrain the images of that object. One difficulty has been that the usual numerical invariants get expressed as rational functions of the geometric parameters. As such they are not always defined. Moreover their definition tends to rely on special position assumptions that treat the features asymmetrically. This leads to degeneracies and numerical difficulties in algorithms based on these invariants. We show how to replace these invariants by certain toric subvarieties of Grassmannians where the object/image equations become "resultant-like" expressions for the existence of a non-trivial intersection of these subvarieties with certain Schubert varieties in the Grassmannian. We also explain how to obtain a shape space by making use of the Chow coordinates of these varieties. We call this approach the "global invariant" approach. It greatly increases the robustness and numerical stability of the methods. Finally we will show how the recognition problem for point configurations in full perspective can be decoupled into a linear and non-linear part, and we will use this decoupling to give the most general solution possible to this recognition problem. We also will consider various natural metrics on our analog of the shape space for this problem and show how they can be derived from certain natural metrics on the Grassmannians, namely the Fubini-Study metrics.
Role of stem cells in human uterine leiomyoma growth

Background: Uterine leiomyoma is the most common benign tumor in reproductive-age women. Each leiomyoma is thought to be a benign monoclonal tumor arising from a single transformed myometrial smooth muscle cell; however, it is not known what leiomyoma cell type is responsible for tumor growth. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that a distinct stem/ reservoir cell-enriched population, designated as the leiomyoma-derived side population (LMSP), is responsible for cell proliferation and tumor growth. Principal Findings: LMSP comprised approximately 1% of all leiomyoma and 2% of all myometrium-derived cells. All LMSP and leiomyoma-derived main population (LMMP) but none of the side or main population cells isolated from adjacent myometrium carried a mediator complex subunit 12 mutation, a genetic marker of neoplastic transformation. Messenger RNA levels for estrogen receptor-a, progesterone receptor and smooth muscle cell markers were barely detectable and significantly lower in the LMSP compared with the LMMP. LMSP alone did not attach or survive in monolayer culture in the presence or absence of estradiol and progestin, whereas LMMP readily grew under these conditions. LMSP did attach and survive when directly mixed with unsorted myometrial cells in monolayer culture. After resorting and reculturing, LMSP gained full potential of proliferation. Intriguingly, xenografts comprised of LMSP and unsorted myometrial smooth muscle cells grew into relatively large tumors (3.6761.07 mm 3 ), whereas xenografts comprised of LMMP and unsorted myometrial smooth muscle cells produced smaller tumors (0.5460.20 mm 3 ,p ,0.05, n=10 paired patient samples). LMSP xenografts displayed significantly higher proliferative activity compared with LMMP xenografts (p,0.05). Conclusions: Our data suggest that LMSP, which have stem/reservoir cell characteristics, are necessary for in vivo growth of leiomyoma xenograft tumors. Lower estrogen and progesterone receptor levels in LMSP suggests an indirect paracrine effect of steroid hormones on stem cells via the mature neighboring cells.
An analysis of propulsion options for transport of lunar materials to earth orbit

This paper describes the results of analyses of space-based transportation systems for the transport of extraterrestrial materials from their point of origin on the lunar surface to final delivery point in earth orbit and transport of equipment and supplies for extraterrestrial processing to the operational site. The emphasis has been on the use of near-term (pre-year 2000) propulsion systems, such as advanced chemical (H2, O2) and nuclear-electric systems. More exotic systems (mass drivers, nuclear-thermal rockets, etc.) were also considered to evaluate the potential to be gained by use of post-year 2000 technologies. Finally, the effects of using extraterrestrial propellants (e.g., H2 from lunar polar water-ice for chemical systems) were compared to those of propulsion systems deriving all or part of their propellants from the earth.
IDENTIFICATION OF A NEW STRUCTURAL VARIANT OF α SPECTRIN IN A DOUBLE HETEROZYGOUS FORM OF HEREDITARY PYROPOIKILOCYTOSIS (HPP)

Studies of erythrocyte spectrin were performed in a patient with hemolytic anemia and her family to understand the biochemical and genetic basis of HPP. The proband had decreased stability of her red cells when exposed to 45°C, typical of HPP. Her cytoskeleton exhibited instability to shear stress. There was an increase in the amount of spectrin dimers in a crude 4°C spectrin extract (58% compared to control value of 6±4%) indicating a decrease in spectrin dimer-dimer association. A structural analysis of her spectrinα I domain by limited tryptic digestion revealed a decrease in the normal 80000 dalton fragment and an increase in fragments of 74000, 61000, 55000, 21000 and 16000 daltons. A 25% decrease, relative to control in the spectrin to band 3 ratio on SDS-PAGE demonstrated partial spectrin deficiency in the membrane. On a discontinuous Percoll-Renograf in gradient, the patient exhibited the presence of cells at higher densities than that found with control cells. Both parents are asymptomatic carriers with increased amounts of spectrin dimers at levels that are intermediate between the control and the patient. The father's digest had increased amounts of the 74000 dalton peptide, while the mother's digest had increased amounts of the 61000, 55000, 21000 and 16000 dalton fragments. The biochemical and genetic basis of this severe HPP is probably a double heterozygous state, one of which is a previously undescribed molecular defect of spectrin.
Resonant Scattering of Radiation from Collision-Damped Two-Level Systems

The power spectrum of the radiation emitted by a driven collision-damped two-level system is evaluated. The driving field, which is treated classically, is assumed to oscillate harmonically near the atomic resonance frequency, and its intensity is allowed to assume arbitrary values. The collisions are assumed to be strong, i.e., to instantaneously thermalize the state of the atom. The limiting forms of the power spectrum of the radiated field are discussed for the cases of low and high excitation of the atomic system.
Regiospecific synthesis of bromojuglone derivatives

Abstract A large yield highly regiospecific one step procedure for the synthesis of 2- and 3-bromo-5-acetoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone has been achieved from the reaction between N-bromosuccin-imide and 1,5- and 1,8-diacetoxynaphthalene, respectively.
Aquashade(R) Treatment of Channel Catfish Ponds

Abstract Three channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) ponds were treated with 4 mg/liter of the dye, Aquashade(R), and three ponds served as controls. The dye imparted a blue color to waters, but it did not appreciably affect Secchi disk visibilities. Decline in Aquashade(R) concentrations with time resulted primarily from seepage—concentrations decreased by about 0.75 mg/liter each month from April to August. Chlorophyll a concentrations and coverage of pond bottoms with underwater weeds did not differ significantly between dye-treated and control ponds. Average dissolved-oxygen concentrations were higher at dusk in control ponds than in treated ponds, but concentrations of dissolved oxygen at dawn did not differ between treated and untreated ponds. A fish kill, unrelated to the treatment, resulted in loss of fish-production data from one of the treated ponds. Net fish production averaged 3,010 kg/hectare in the three control ponds and 3,641 kg/hectare for two of the dye-treated ponds. Because no improvem...
Cu(II) halide and primary amine complexes of guanine and xanthine

Abstract Guanine (Gua) and xanthine (Xan) complexes of copper halides of types Cu(Gua)Cl2 Cu(Gua)Br2, Cu(Xan)2Cl2·2H2O and Cu(Xan)2Br2 were synthesized by the interaction of the ligand and respective metal halide in methanol. In addition, Cu(Guan)(CH3NH2)2·2H2O and Cu(Xan)(CH3NH2)2·2H2O were prepared by reacting CuSO4·5H2O with the respective purine in the indicated primary amine. IR spectra of the halide complexes suggest that their stereochemistry is distorted tetrahedal, in keeping with previously reported complexes of this type. The amine compounds exhibit significant carbonyl IR shifts, indicating hydrogen bonding is present between purine carbonyl and the primary amine. Room-temperature magnetic susceptibilities are normal for related Cu(II) complexes. Comparison of these compounds with known complexes suggests the possibility of N(7)–N(9) purine bridging between copper atoms leading to polymer formation.
A New Dynamism in World Politics: Increasingly Skillful Individuals?

Our inquiry is the first phase of a project designed to explore systematically whether individuals are becoming more equipped to play a central role in world affairs. It hypothesizes that individuals have undergone a skill revolution, leading them to be more analytically competent, emotionally capable, and politically effective in assessing events, developing alternatives, and executing effective political action. The first phase is confined to the skills of elites: we tested the predicted generational changes by analyzing the skills of three types of individuals—elected officials in the U.S. Congress, witnesses at congressional hearings, and contributors to the daily press in three countries—in two widely separated epochs as they evaluated events across three issue areas—foreign affairs, international trade, and human rights. In doing so we randomly selected nearly one thousand paragraph-sized statements and coded them according to the methodology prescribed by the Integrative Complexity Coding Manual. All in all, our findings supported the hypothesis: the skill level of the sampled individuals was found to have increased over several generations by a statistically significant (P < .001) average greater than 10 percent. Each issue area also showed gains in the same direction between the two epochs and across all types of elites; and all of these results also met the 95 percent confidence level for statistical significance. Inasmuch as this finding does not negate the possibility of a long-term trend toward more capable publics, it points to the need for further research into the dynamics whereby world politics may become increasingly sensitive to demands at the micro level.
Universal precautions in the era of HIV/AIDS: perception of health service providers in Yunnan, China.

With a rising HIV/AIDS epidemic, it has become especially important for health service providers in China to understand and correctly adhere to universal precautions. Using qualitative interview data, perspectives from both health administrators and service providers working at all levels of China’s health care system were examined. Service providers admitted selective adherence and non-adherence to universal precautions in their daily medical practice, and gave their explanations for such behaviors. Lack of time to put on protective gear, gear’s interference with medical procedures, lack of administrative support, heavy workload in hospitals, inaccurate risk assessment, and beliefs that compliance with universal precautions is unnecessary, time consuming and costly were mentioned as reasons behind noncompliance. Effective universal precaution interventions need to target both administrators and providers, and address both structural barriers and individual attitudinal and behavioral factors.
Elimination of Replication Block Protein Fob1 Extends the Life Span of Yeast Mother Cells

Abstract A cause of aging in yeast is the accumulation of circular species of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) arising from the 100–200 tandemly repeated copies in the genome. We show here that mutation of the FOB1 gene slows the generation of these circles and thus extends life span. Fob1p is known to create a unidirectional block to replication forks in the rDNA. We show that Fob1p is a nucleolar protein, suggesting a direct involvement in the replication fork block. We propose that this block can trigger aging by causing chromosomal breaks, the repair of which results in the generation of rDNA circles. These findings may provide a novel link between metabolic rate and aging in yeast and, perhaps, higher organisms.
Humic acids reduce the photo‐induced toxicity of anthracene to fish and daphnia

The effects of dissolved humic materials (DHM) on the photo-induced toxicity of anthracene to fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) and daphnia (Daphnia magna) were studied in a laboratory system under simulated sunlight. In the fathead minnow toxicity tests, four concentrations of anthracene (0, 6.6, 13.1 and 19.1 μ g/L) and five concentrations of DHM (0, 0.5, 1.0, 3.0 and 6.0 mg C/L) were achieved. In the daphnia toxicity tests, four concentrations of anthracene (0, 5.58, 10.49 and 21.03 μ g/L) and four concentrations of DHM (0, 0.8, 2.7 and 6.9 mg C/L) were achieved. DHM significantly reduced acute photo-induced toxicity in both organisms. Median lethal times (LT50) were directly related to DHM concentration and inversely related to water anthracene concentration across the tested ranges of each variable. The presence of DHM also reduced anthracene bioaccumulation, and LT50 values for both fish and daphnia were inversely related to body anthracene concentration. Findings presented in this study demonstrate that the photo-induced toxicity of anthracene is primarily a fugacity-dependent phenomenon, that selective attenuation of the active wavelengths of solar ultraviolet radiation by DHM also results in a decreased level of acute toxicity and that a common mode of acute photo-induced toxicity between fish and daphnia exists.
Preoperative cardiac evaluation of lung resection candidates.

Cardiac complications are second only to pulmonary complications as a cause of perioperative morbidity and mortality after lung resection surgery. Preoperative evaluation should focus on clinical risk factors in the history, physical examination, functional status, and electrocardiogram to identify patients at high risk who require further investigation or intervention. Because these patients need to have surgery performed within a month or two of their diagnosis to minimize the chance of the disease spreading, it is important to avoid unnecessary or prolonged delays to evaluate or treat other medical comorbidities.
A comparison of the characteristics of two murine-toxic proteins from Pasteurella pestis.

Abstract Two murine toxic proteins of relatively equivalent specific toxicity, previously isolated from an avirulent strain of Pasteurella pestis , have been further characterized. Molecular weights determined on Sephadex G-200 columns were 240 000 for Toxin A and 120 000 for Toxin B. Whereas this information, together with the sedimentation values, amino acid composition and ultraviolet spectra suggests a polymeric relationship between the two toxins, the 30% higher tryptophan content in Toxin A is not in accord with this notion. The selective inhibition of Toxin A formation in vivo on the addition of tryptophan analogues may be related to this difference in tryptophan content. Other differences include the increased lability of Toxin A and the high absorption of Toxin B in the 200 to 230 mμ ultraviolet range. These latter differences, along with the previously reported responses to -SH and other denaturing reagents, may be reflecting primarily differences in tertiary structure and amino acid sequences. Toxin B has been found to be identical with the earlier isolated plague murine toxin.
Identification of Amino Acid Residues that Control Functional Behavior in GluR5 and GluR6 Kainate Receptors

Abstract GluR5 and GluR6 kainate receptors differ in their responses to a variety of agonists, despite their relatively high primary sequence homology. We carried out a structure–function study to identify amino acids underlying these divergent responses. Patch clamp analysis of chimeric GluR5-GluR6 receptors indicated that several functionally dominant sites were localized to the C-terminal side of M1. All nonconserved amino acids in the region between M3 and M4 of GluR6 were then individually mutated to their GluR5 counterparts. We found that a single amino acid (N721 in GluR6) controls both AMPA sensitivity and domoate deactivation rates. Additionally, mutation of A689 in GluR6 slowed kainate desensitization. These functional effects were accompanied by alterations in binding affinities. These results support a critical role for these residues in receptor binding and gating activity.
EFFECT OF TRIIODOTHYRONINE ON EPIDERMAL GROWTH FACTOR CONCENTRATION IN NEONATAL MOUSE EPIDERMIS AND BINDING KINETICS IN WHOLE SKIN ORGAN CULTURE AND MEMBRANE PREPARATIONS

Littermate Swiss-Webster mouse pups were divided into control and T3 treated (500 ng sc/d × 5d) groups. Following sacrifice on the 5th day, dorsal skins were dissected and floated for 90 min in phosphate buffered saline (PBS), pH 7.3, containing .01M dithiothreitol. Epidermal sheets were separated, homogenized and assayed for EGF by homologous RIA. T3 treatment increased EGF levels (307±25 vs 159±10 pg EGF/mg Lowry protein; mean±SEM, p< .01). Circular sections (area 0.7 cm2) of dorsal skin were suspended in 400 μl PBS+2.5% glucose containing T200,000 cpm I125-EGF. Analysis of binding curves showed increased uptake of label in skin of T3-treated pups after 30 and 60 min incubation (1.26 and 1.27 × controls (p<.01). Binding data were normalized per mg wet weight of skin. Membranes were prepared from homogenate supernatants by centrifugation (2 spins for 30 min at 40,000 g) with resuspension of pellets in PBS+0.5% BSA. 75-125 μg membrane protein were incubated for 30 min with I125-EGF. There was increased binding in the T3 group after passage of membranes over millipore filters (1.40 × control, p<.03). Summary and conclusions: 1) In vivo T3 treatment elevates EGF levels in neonatal mouse epidermis. 2) T3 increases I125-EGF binding to whole skin in organ culture and to crude skin cell membrane preparations. 3) The increase in skin EGF induced by T3 may be due to T3 induction of EGF receptor binding.
A non-stationary hazard function of leaving unemployment for employment

Abstract This paper introduces a non-stationary hazard of exiting unemployment for employment. The source of the non-stationarity is the duration dependent intensity of offer arrivals subject to a Poisson process. Based on these non-stationary offer arrivals and simplifying assumptions, a closed form non-stationary hazard of exiting unemployment is derived using a sequential search model.
Tracking second thoughts: continuous and discrete revision processes during visual lexical decision.

We studied the dynamics of lexical decisions by asking participants to categorize lexical and nonlexical stimuli and recording their mouse movements toward response buttons during the choice. In a previous report we revealed greater trajectory curvature and attraction to competitors for Low Frequency words and Pseudowords. This analysis did not clarify whether the trajectory curvature in the two conditions was due to a continuous dynamic competition between the response alternatives or if a discrete revision process (a "change of mind") took place during the choice from an initially selected response to the opposite one. To disentangle these two possibilities, here we analyse the velocity and acceleration profiles of mouse movements during the choice. Pseudowords' peak movement velocity occurred with 100ms delay with respect to words and Letters Strings. Acceleration profile for High and Low Frequency words and Letters Strings exhibited a butterfly plot with one acceleration peak at 400ms and one deceleration peak at 650ms. Differently, Pseudowords' acceleration profile had double positive peaks (at 400 and 600ms) followed by movement deceleration, in correspondence with changes in the decision from lexical to nonlexical response buttons. These results speak to different online processes during the categorization of Low Frequency words and Pseudowords, with a continuous competition process for the former and a discrete revision process for the latter.
The power of the “medicine”: adolescents define the term

Focal points The ideas that adolescents have about the nature of “medicines” are poorly understood A series of focus groups exploring adolescents' use of complementary and alternative medicine revealed that individuals classify therapeutic entities into categories and assign general properties to substances in each category Individuals' classification of a substance as a “medicine” varied, with criteria including whether it was synthetic or natural, whether a doctor supplied it, and whether it was formulated as a pill The concept that adolescents have of “medicines” seems to be influenced by family members, mass media and personal experience These findings are important for prescribers and pharmacists in optimising concordance with young patients
Effects ofBathyplectes curculionis andBathyplectes anurus [Hym.: Ichneumonidae] on the growth and development ofHypera postica [Col.: Curculionidae]

Observations, linear measurements, dissections, and histological preparations were made of parasitized and nonparasitized larvae of the alfalfa weevil,Hypera postica (Gyllenhal), on a daily basis. The observed developmental period lasted from 24 h after oviposition byBathyplectes curculionis (Thomson) orBathyplectes anurus (Thomson) until parasite larvae emerged from their hosts.
Over-the-counter drug use by medicare beneficiaries in nursing homes: implications for practice and policy.

OBJECTIVES: To examine over-the-counter (OTC) medication use by Medicare beneficiaries in nursing homes and to assess evidence of substitution of OTC medications for prescription (Rx) medications by residents with no Rx coverage and Medicaid. DESIGN: Cross-sectional multivariable analysis. SETTING: Medicare beneficiaries included in the nationally representative Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey in 2001. PARTICIPANTS: Seven hundred eighty-nine Medicare beneficiaries with 1 or more months in a nursing home. MEASUREMENTS: Proportions of residents using Rx and OTC medications per resident-month and counts of drugs used within selected therapeutic classes. RESULTS: Study subjects were high users of Rx (98%) and OTC (94%) drugs. The average resident was administered 8.8 unique medications per month (5.9 Rx and 2.9 OTC medications). Twelve therapeutic classes accounted for 93.9% of OTC medication use by residents, but Rx use was also high in some of these same classes. For example, 70.3% of all subjects used nonopioid OTC analgesics, and 19.0% used nonopioid Rx analgesics, and 13.8% used OTC antacids/antiulcer agents, whereas 35.8% used Rx products in this class. The highest overlap was in the category of cough and cold medications, of which 19.3% used OTCs and 20.1% used Rx drugs. Multivariate regression analyses applied to users of drugs in each these three therapeutic classes found no evidence that Rx coverage influenced the choice of OTC versus Rx-only medications. CONCLUSION: OTCs represent an important component of the therapeutic regimens of nursing home residents, but utilization rates are insensitive to drug coverage. That may change with the implementation of the Medicare Part D drug benefit.