cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Employment-Related Health Insurance and Service Delivery Needs of Persons With Disabilities:

The health care reforms underway in the United States will benefit persons with disabilities; however, the reforms may not fully support the employment-related needs of persons with disabilities. Secondary health insurance to wrap around primary coverage may be a viable policy solution to meet the needs. This article identifies and examines the employment-related health insurance, health care, and service delivery needs of employed and potentially employed persons with disabilities. We conducted six focus groups with 54 working-age, insured, employed, and potentially employed persons with disabilities in Massachusetts. Participants reported unmet needs, high out-of-pocket costs, or a burden to manage their health care, disability, and employment. The needs included services currently limited by insurance plans, long-term services and supports, other disability services, care coordination, and cost protections. The data suggest that the combined needs are highest for persons working full-time or near full-...
COX-2 inhibition prevents insulin-dependent diabetes in low-dose streptozotocin-treated mice.

Abstract Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is an autoimmune disease believed to be caused by an inflammatory process in the pancreas leading to selective destruction of the β cells. Inducible cyclooxygenase (COX-2) is expressed under inflammatory conditions and its product prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) is an important inflammation mediator. We report here that administration of the selective COX-2 inhibitor NS-398 prevents the onset of diabetes in mice brought on by multiple low-doses of streptozotocin (STZ). Histological observations indicated that STZ-mediated destruction of β cells was prevented by NS-398 treatment. Delayed (day 3) administration of NS-398 was also protective in this model. No protective effect was observed when NS-398 was administered prior to a high, toxic dose of STZ. These results demonstrate the critical importance of COX-2 activity in autoimmune destruction of β cells, and point to the fact that COX-2 inhibition can potentially develop into a preventive therapy against IDDM.
InAs/InGaAs quantum dots-in-a-well photodetectors

Novel InAs/ InGaAs quantum dots-in-a-well (DWELL) infrared photodetectors are discussed. These detectors, in which the active region consists of InAs quantum dots embedded in an InGaAs well quantum well, represent a hybrid between a conventional quantum well infrared photodetector (QWIP) and a quantum dot infrared photodetector (QDIP). Like QDIPs, the DWELL detectors display normal incidence operation without gratings or optocouplers while demonstrating reproducible "dial-in recipes" for control over the operating wavelength, like QWIPs. Using femtosecond spectroscopy, long carrier lifetimes have been observed in DWELL heterostructures suggesting their potential for high temperature operation. Moreover, the DWELL detectors also have demonstrated bias-tunability and multi-color operation in the mid wave infrared (MWIR, 3-5 mm), long wave infrared (LWIR, 8-12 mm) and very long wave infrared (VLWIR, >14 mm) regimes. We have recently realized LWIR 320x256 focal plane arrays (FPAs) operating at liquid nitrogen temperatures. One of the potential problems with these detectors is the low quantum efficiency, which translates into low responsivity and detectivity. Some solutions to mitigate these problems are suggested at the end of the paper
Badder than “Just a Bunch of SPEDs”: Alternative Schooling and Student Resistance to Special Education Rhetoric:

This study of a Northeastern alternative high school examines the salience of two discourses—one focused on students who have problems, the other on students who are problems—in the alternative schooling process. At Cromwell Alternative North (CAN), teachers and staff promoted a view of students as youth with “special needs.” In the students’ social world, having “special needs” was not awarded status like being a troublemaker was. Students at CAN therefore had to manage both discourses in their daily interaction with teachers and peers. Some students accepted special needs rhetoric, some rejected it. Most attempted to manage it creatively, being a problem in the eyes of peers and having problems in the eyes of teachers. Code switching between the two discourses, however, was not something all students could do. A handful of students—“shining stars”—managed both “SPED,” slang for special education students, and “bad” discourses to achieve the greatest social and academic successes at CAN.
Weak decays of charmed quarks and τ leptons

Abstract The experimental situation in the study of the decays of charmed mesons and baryons and τ leptons is reviewed.
Synthesis and activity of NH2- and COOH-terminal elastase recognition sequences on cotton.

: The application of peptide recognition sequences of elastase to fibers of wound dressings is a possible route to inhibiting high levels of destructive elastase in the chronic wound. For this reason we have synthesized the elastase recognition sequence Val-Pro-Val on both cotton cellulose, and carboxymethylated cellulose cotton (CMC) and prepared chromatography columns of these to examine elastase retention. The tripeptide was synthesized on cotton-based cellulose fibers both in sequence and as a tripeptide methyl ester. Glycine was employed as a linker of the recognition sequence to the cotton cellulose. Pre-treatment of cotton cellulose with cellulase improved the substitution level of glycine. The peptidocellulose conjugates were employed as a chromatographic stationary phase to assess elastase retention. The sequence Val-Pro-Val-OMe was amino-terminally anchored to carboxymethylated cotton and demonstrated retention of up to 58% of elastase when first applied to the column. Higher repetitive retention was demonstrated subsequently. Cotton gauze similarly modified with Val-Pro-Val-Gly cellulose was compared with untreated gauze for reduction of elastase activity in buffered saline. Solutions of elastase that were treated with Val-Pro-Val-Gly cellulose cotton gauze, demonstrated reduced elastase activity. This study demonstrates the use of elastase recognition sequences as sequestering agents of elastase when attached to cotton fibers and constitutes a model for the design of peptidocellulose analogs in dressing fibers for chronic wounds.
Observation of phenyl-fused porphyrinoids during the ESI mass spectrometric analysis of meso-pentafluorophenyl-substituted porphyrin and corrole.

The results of ESI(+) and ESI(−) mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry investigations of meso-tetrakisphenylporphyrin (TPP) and meso-trisphenylcorrole (TPC) in comparison with their meso-tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)-substituted analogs TFPP and TFPC are reported. The fragmentation patterns of TPP and TPC show the expected loss of meso-aryl radicals. Analyzing the meso-pentafluorophenyl substituted analogs TFPP and TFPC, we found ESI(−) to be an excellent ionization mode. Rich and well-defined HF-elimination fragmentation patterns unique to the presence of meso-tetrafluorophenyl groups and evocative for the formation of fragments with direct covalent o-phenyl-to-β-linkages are observed. A computation of the feasibility and relative energies of the resulting species corroborates the interpretation of the experimental findings. The computations indicate the presence of cooperative interactions between the linkages that direct the linkage formations to occur in a unidirectional fashion. MS/MS/MS experiments also provide indications for the regioselectivity of the fusions. Our observations further detail earlier reports of similar HF-eliminations and allow a generalization of the findings. The results presented may also point to strategies towards the bulk synthesis of novel porphyrinoid structures.
Isolation and mapping of replication-deficient, temperature-sensitive mutants of cowpea chlorotic mottle virus.

Abstract The isolation and characterization of replication-deficient, temperature-sensitive ( ts ) mutants of Cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV) are described. The mutants multiply in cowpea and soybean at 25° but not at 35°. One group of mutants maps on CCMV RNA component 3, and the rest map on RNA component 1. Mutants mapping on component 1 complement mutants mapping on component 3 to a level equal to wild-type virus multiplication.
Spline left fractional monotone approximation involving left fractional differential operators

[1] G.A. Anastassiou, Spline monotone approximation with linear diﬀerential operators, Approxi-mation Theory and its Applications, Vol. 5 (4) (1989), 61-67.[2] R. De Vore, G. Lorentz, Constructive Approximation, Springer-Verlag, Heidelberg, New York,1993.[3] K. Diethelm, The Analysis of Fractional Diﬀerential Equations, Lecture Notes in Mathematics,Vol. 2004, 1st edition, Springer, New York, Heidelberg, 2010.[4] L.L. Schumaker, Spline functions: Basic Theory, John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, 1981.
Etiology and incidence of rehospitalization after traumatic spinal cord injury: a multicenter analysis.

Abstract Cardenas DD, Hoffman JM, Kirshblum S, McKinley W. Etiology and incidence of rehospitalization after traumatic spinal cord injury: a multicenter analysis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2004;85:1757–63. Objectives To examine the frequency and reasons for rehospitalization in persons with acute traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) during follow-up years and to examine the association between rehospitalization and demographics, neurologic category, payer sources, length of stay (LOS), discharge motor FIM instrument score, and discharge residence. Design Survey design with analysis of cross-sectional data. Setting Model Spinal Cord Injury Systems (MSCIS) centers. Participants Data for 8668 persons with SCI from 16 MSCIS centers entered in the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center database between 1995 and 2002. Interventions Not applicable. Main outcome measures MSCIS Forms I and II were used to identify the annual incidence, medical complications, and etiologies of rehospitalizations reported at 1-, 5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-year follow-ups. Results The leading cause of rehospitalization was diseases of the genitourinary system, including urinary tract infections (UTIs). Diseases of the respiratory system tended to be more likely in patients with tetraplegia (C1–8 American Spinal Injury Association [ASIA] grades A, B, C); whereas patients with paraplegia (T1-S5 ASIA grades A, B, C) were more likely to be rehospitalized for pressure ulcers. The rate of rehospitalization was significantly higher at year 1, 5, and 20 for those who were discharged to a skilled nursing facility after acute rehabilitation. Lower motor score using the FIM was predictive of rehospitalization ( P =.000). The average LOS per rehospitalization at the year-5 follow-up was approximately 12 days, which is lower than in past MSCIS reports. Conclusions Despite improvements in SCI medical management, rehospitalization rates remain high, with an increased incidence in conditions associated with the genitourinary system (including UTIs), respiratory complications (including pneumonia), and diseases of the skin (including pressure ulcers). Acutely injured patients need close follow-up to reduce morbidity and rehospitalizations.
A mixed formulation for the finite element solution of contact problems

Abstract In this paper we present a finite element algorithm for the static solution of two-dimensional frictionless contact problems involving bodies undergoing arbitrarily large motions and deformations. A mixed penalty formulation is employed in approximating the resulting variational inequalities. The algorithm is applied to quadratic elements along with a rational scheme for determining the contacting regions. Several numerical simulations illustrate the applicability and accuracy of the proposed solution procedure.
The influence of tagging on the classification of lexical complements

A large corpus (about 100 MB of text) was selected and examples of 750 frequently occurring verbs were tagged with their complement class as defined by a large computational syntactic dictionary, COMLEX Syntax. This tagging task led to the refinement of already existing classes and to the addition of classes that had previously not been defined. This has resulted in the enrichment and improvement of the original COMLEX Syntax dictionary. Tagging also provides statistical data which will allow users to select more common complements of a particular verb and ignore rare usage. We discuss below some of the problems encountered in tagging and their resolution.
Accuracy of detection of myocardial viability and residual infarct vessel stenoses with rest Tl-201 and adenosine Tc-99m sestamibi imaging after coronary reperfusion in dogs with experimental acute myocardial infarction

Background We sought to determine whether a dual-isotope imaging strategy (rest thallium 201/stress technetium 99m sestamibi) might be useful for assessing myocardial viability and residual ischemia in the infarct zone very early after reperfusion.
Revision and systematic position of the intertidal genus Thinusa Casey (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae)

A systematic revision of the genus Thinusa is presented. Thinusa Casey is redescribed. Thinusa fletcheri Casey and T. maritima (Casey) are redescribed. Lectotype and paralectotypes are designated for T. divergens, T. nigra, T. robustula, T. fletcheri, T. obscura and T. maritima from Casey's syntype series deposited in the NMNH. A key is provided for separation of the known species of Thinusa and illustrations of diagnostic features are presented. Based on maxilla with membranous galea, labium with bifid ligula, distributional pattern of pores on mandibles and lacinia, and anterior margin of abdominal tergites III-VI deeply and broadly V-shaped, and athetine bridge, Thinusa is hypothesized to be related to the tribe Athetini rather than the tribe Phytosini. Phylogenetic relationships of the Thinusa are discussed.
Does thyroid disruption contribute to the developmental neurotoxicity of chlorpyrifos

Although organophosphate pesticides are not usually characterized as “endocrine disruptors,” recent work points to potential, long-term reductions of circulating thyroid hormones after developmental exposures to chlorpyrifos that are devoid of observable toxicity. We administered chlorpyrifos to developing rats on gestational days 17–20 or postnatal days 1–4, regimens that produce distinctly different, sex-selective effects on neurobehavioral performance. The prenatal regimen produced a small, but statistically significant reduction in brain thyroxine levels from juvenile stages through adulthood; in contrast, postnatal exposure produced a transient elevation in young adulthood. However, in neither case did we observe the sex-selectivity noted earlier for neurobehavioral outcomes of these specific treatment regimens, or as reported earlier for effects on serum T4 in developing mice. Thus, although chlorpyrifos has the potential to disrupt thyroid status sufficiently to alter brain thyroid hormone levels, the effect is small, and any potential contribution to neurobehavioral abnormalities remains to be proven.
The effects of gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) on the release of anterior pituitary hormones.

Abstract Several members of the secretin family of hormones have been demonstrated to alter anterior pituitary hormone secretion. Here we report the action of gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) on gonadotropin and somatotropin release. Intraventricular injection of 1 μg (0.2 nmole) GIP (2.5 μl) produced a significant decrease in plasma FSH at 30 ( p p p p in vitro with GIP, the peptide was found to induce both FSH and LH release. Highly significant release occurred with the lowest dose tested of 10 −7 M and there was a dose-response effect for both hormones. The slope of the dose-response curve was similar for both FSH and LH release. GIP was less potent than LHRH which produced a greater stimulation of both FSH and LH release at a dose of 10 −9 M than did 10 −7 M GIP. The two peptides had an additive effect on the release of both FSH and LH. Intraventricular injection of 1 μg of GIP resulted in significantly elevated GH levels at 60 min and the higher dose of 5 μg gave a more pronounced increase which was significant 30 and 60 min after injection. Plasma levels of Prl and TSH were unaltered by intraventricular GIP. There was no effect of the peptide on the in vitro release of GH, prolactin or TSH. Consequently, we conclude that GIP can act at relatively high doses and fairly slowly to stimulate GH release via hypothalamic action.
Fair distribution rule in a cooperative enterprise

Abstract In a cooperative enterprise in which the output is distributed based on the participants' effort level, the requirements of fairness limit the distribution rule to a class of convex combinations of the egalitarian rule and the merit rule.
On hazards of cancer from ultraviolet light.

Abstract Direct quantitative comparison cannot be drawn between experimental induction of cancer in laboratory animals with ultraviolet light and the hazard of skin cancer in man resulting from this agent. Reasons for this are: (1) the very different optics in the two cases, ultraviolet light penetrating to deeper tissues in mice than in man and hence producing different types of cancer; (2) quantitatively indeterminable biologic differences between man and experimental animals; (3) the fact that reliable statistics permitting comparison of incidence of skin cancer with incidence of exposure to ultraviolet B of sunlight are sparse and difficult to obtain. The cumulative carcinogenic effect of repeated doses, clearly shown in animal experiments, makes it important to consider this hazard in terms of repeated exposure, whether to sunlight or to artificial sources of ultraviolet light or to a combination of both, rather than in terms of the magnitude of single doses.
Relative growth of linear iterations and orthogonal polynomials on several intervals

Assume A ∈ C2 × 2 and y0 ∈ C2. Let {yn = yn (A, y0)} be defined by thelinear iteration yn = Ayn−1, n = 1, 2, …. Then for every p > 0 and for every norm ‖·‖ in C2, there is a constant C, depending only on p and ‖·‖, such that supρ(A)⩽1, y0 ≠ 0‖yL(A, y0)‖p∑Lk=0‖ yk(A, y0)‖p ⩽ CL, L = 1, 2,… , where ϱ(A) denotes the spectral radius of A. Applications to orthogonal polynomials {pn} with respect to a positive Borel measure α on several intervals are studied. In particular, the growth of orthogonal polynomials relative to their sums satisfies limn → ∞supx ∈ supp(α)|Pn(x)|p∑n−1k=0|Pk(x)|p = 0 , provided that the three-term recurrence coefficients of {pn} are asymptotically periodic.
Space-charge limit for a finite-size bunched beam in a circular conducting pipe

We derive the space-charge limit for a train of periodic finite-size charged bunches which are slightly displaced from the axis of a circular, perfectly conducting pipe. The general calculation assumes that the bunches, while periodic, may have arbitrary radial and longitudinal density distributions with respect to the beam axis. We present results for a few specific distributions, as well as the limits of unbunched and single-bunch beams. Finally, we show how the bunched beam space-charge limit along with the radial rms envelope equation for a bunched beam is applied to predict operational limits of periodic permanent magnet focusing klystrons, such as the SLAC 11.4 GHz 75 MW XP-3 device.
Capturing two elements in unavoidable minors of 3-connected binary matroids

Let M be a 3-connected binary matroid and let n be an integer exceeding 2. Ding, Oporowski, Oxley, and Vertigan proved that there is an integer f(n) so that if |E(M)|>f(n), then M has a minor isomorphic to one of the rank-n wheel, the rank-n tipless binary spike, or the cycle or bond matroid of K"3","n. This result was recently extended by Chun, Oxley, and Whittle to show that there is an integer g(n) so that if |E(M)|>g(n) and [email protected]?E(M), then x is an element of a minor of M isomorphic to one of the rank-n wheel, the rank-n binary spike with a tip and a cotip, or the cycle or bond matroid of K"1","1","1","n. In this paper, we prove that, for each i in {2,3}, there is an integer h"i(n) so that if |E(M)|>h"i(n) and Z is an i-element rank-2 subset of M, then M has a minor from the last list whose ground set contains Z.
Beyond the Blackbody Radiation Limit: High Sensitivity Thermal Detectors

The blackbody radiation limit has traditionally been set forth as the ultimate performance limit of thermal detectors. However, this fundamental limit assumes that the detector absorbs uniformly throughout the thermal spectrum. In much the same way as photon detectors can achieve very high D* because they do not absorb photon energies below their bandgap, so too can thermal detectors except that thermal detectors are not limited to cryogenic operation. In both cases, the enhanced theoretical D* is achieved because the radiation noise is reduced in a device that does not absorb at a uniform high level throughout the thermal emission band. There are multiple ways to achieve high D* in thermal detectors. One is to use materials that absorb only in a certain spectral range, just as in photon detectors. For example a detector made from PbSe, with proper optical coupling, absorbs only photons with wavelengths shorter than 4.9μm. The radiation limited detectivity of such a device can theoretically exceed 9 x 1010cmHz1/2/W in the MWIR. Even with Johnson and 1/f noise estimates included, it can still exceed 2.5x1010cmHz1/2/W in the MWIR. Another technique, applicable for narrowband thermal detectors, is probably even more powerful. Consider a thermal detector that is almost completely transparent. Here, the radiation noise has been reduced but the signal has been reduced even more. However, if the device is now placed inside an optical cavity, then at one wavelength and in one direction, the nearly transparent detector couples to the cavity resonance to absorb at 100%. Radiation from all other wavelengths and directions are rejected by the cavity or are absorbed only weakly by the detector. It is shown that theoretically, the D* of these devices are roughly proportional to the inverse square root of the spectral resonant width under certain conditions. It is also shown that even including Johnson noise and 1/f noise, the practically achievable D* approaches or exceeds 1011 cmHz1/2/W.
Predictive Pressure Control of a Monopropellant Powered Actuator

This work presents a model-based predictive control methodology applicable to systems with discrete input values (on/off) subject to a pure time delay. Specifically, the goal of this work is to develop a controller that will track a desired pressure for a monopropellant-powered pneumatic system with binary on/off input valves. The pneumatic actuator is pressurized by the catalytic decomposition of the liquid monopropellant hydrogen peroxide. The challenge is tracking a proportional output with a binary input, which means the output amplitude is not proportional to the input amplitude, but is proportional in time. This requires the controller to predict the future states for each of the two input candidates, on or off. The error between the predicted future states and the current desired states is calculated for each of the inputs. The control candidate that produces the smallest predicted Lyapunov function value is chosen. This results in the controller tracking a time delayed version of the desired pressure signal. Experimental results of the predictive controller demonstrate the effectiveness of this idea.© 2003 ASME
Geo-historical Trajectories of Democratic Transition: The Case of Nigeria

There has been a long-term, halting diffusion of the liberal democratic state. The literature on democratization, however, tends to underplay issues of geo-historical context. This paper addresses the relationship between geo-historical context and democratization through a case study of Nigeria. Key contextual factors of transition discussed include: international pressure for democratization, geo-political dynamics of pro-democracy coalitions, and local and trans-local political economic relationships. Nigeria under the military governments of Babangida and Abacha (1985–1998) was in a perpetual half-hearted state of transition to democracy. The country's status as a major oil exporter allowed it relative immunity from international pressure for democratization. Beyond repression and neo-patrimonialism, both governments deployed a distinctly spatial resistance strategy, that of state creation. The generals tried to shift attention away from regime failures and excesses, notably the illegitimacy of military rule and economic decline. Mobilization for state creation served to divide opposition to military government because it focused attention at the local scale, as new state movements competed for access to centrally controlled resources and political recognition of their ethno-regional group(s). This transition period produced several legacies for Nigeria's Fourth Republic (1999-). These include: a dysfunctional national state apparatus; problems of national disunity; and a stagnant economy. These legacies of transition present major obstacles to national development and the consolidation of a liberal democratic state. The Nigerian case points to a broader need for an understanding of geo-historical context in assessing prospects for the spread of democracy.
Rhabdomyosarcoma of the liver associated with long-term oral contraceptive use. Possible role of estrogens in the genesis of embryologically distinct liver tumors.

The authors report a case of rhabdomyosarcoma arising in a 34-year old woman with a 16 year history of oral contraceptive (OC) use. This is the 1st such reported case of hepatic rhabdomyosarcoma associated with OCs. The tumor did not grossly or microscopically involve biliary structures or the gall bladder. It was comprised mostly of undifferentiated spindle cells that were histologically similar to embryonal sarcoma. Foci of cells showing rhabdomyoblastic differentiation blended into poorly formed muscle bundles. no epithelial neoplasm was identified by either morphologic or immunohistochemical analysis. A review of the literature reveals that although the incidence is low mesenchymal neoplasms of the liver have been associated with OC use. Furthermore there is now evidence that a multipotential progenitor cell exists that can give rise to both epithelial and mesenchymal neoplasms. Thus there may be a common precursor cell on which estrogens could act and which could give rise to epithelial mesenchymal or mixed neoplasms. Finally the authors suggest that embryonal sarcomas or the liver can undergo further differentiation to more well-defined mesenchymal elements. (authors)
The role of pregnane neurosteroids in ethanol withdrawal: behavioral genetic approaches

Within the last 20 years, rapid nongenomic actions of steroid hormones have been demonstrated to occur via an interaction with ligand-gated ion channels. For example, the pregnane neurosteroid allopregnanolone (ALLOP) is a potent positive modulator of gamma-aminobutyric acid(A) (GABA(A)) receptors. The physiological significance of fluctuations in endogenous ALLOP levels has been investigated with regard to disease states and the effect of therapeutic agents on ALLOP levels. Because the pharmacological profile of ALLOP is similar to that of ethanol (EtOH), the modulatory effect of pregnane neurosteroids on EtOH dependence and withdrawal will be the focus of this review. Data on the effects of chronic EtOH exposure and withdrawal on pregnane neurosteroid levels, biosynthetic enzymes, and changes in neurosteroid sensitivity will be summarized. Results from genetic animal models indicate that seizure-prone animals have a persistent decrease in endogenous ALLOP levels during EtOH withdrawal in conjunction with tolerance to ALLOP's anticonvulsant effect. Manipulation of endogenous ALLOP levels with finasteride also markedly reduced the severity of chronic EtOH withdrawal. Gene mapping studies provide a hint for an interaction between genes for GABA(A) receptor subunits and the biosynthetic enzyme 5alpha-reductase. Overall, the results are suggestive of a relationship between endogenous pregnane neurosteroid levels and behavioral changes in excitability during EtOH withdrawal, consistent with recent findings in humans. While the findings with ALLOP emphasize the therapeutic potential of neurosteroid treatment during EtOH withdrawal, the gene mapping studies suggest that pregnane neurosteroid biosynthesis may represent a target for therapeutic intervention in the treatment of alcohol dependence.
Christian Junge (1912–1996)

Christian Junge, a pioneer in atmospheric chemistry, died at the age of 83 in Uberlingen, Germany, on June 18, 1996. Junge is generally credited with being the father of the modern discipline of atmospheric chemistry. From a fragmented series of chemical measurements at a few locations, he began shaping atmospheric chemistry into an integrated discipline that addresses the fundamental chemical and physical processes that control the sources, transport, reactions, fate, and consequences of particles and gases in the global atmosphere.
SU(5) with split fermion representations

Abstract We calculate the weak mixing angle, proton lifetime (to two loops) and the bottom quark to tau lepton mass ratio (to one loop) in the SU(5) model containing split fermions in the (5 + 5 )L and (10 + 10 )L representations. Three of the split models agree with the measured value of sin2θW and the bound on the proton lifetime. Two of these three models give τ(P→e+π0) = 3.3 × 1032yr. In all three models, the value of the bottom quark mass comes out somewhat larger (∼6 GeV) than that needed in the potential models.
Acute effects of alcohol on the human myocardium

Abstract The effect of acute alcoholic ingestion after 6 oz. of 84 proof Vodka was studied in 11 patients with a known history of chronic alcoholism. No patient had any evidence of vitamin deficiency nor any clinical evidence of heart or liver disease. The results would indicate no significant changes in pulse rate, blood pressure, cardiac output, stroke volume, arterial venous oxygen extraction or respiratory quotient. Despite the lack of these hemodynamic alterations, electrocardiographic changes as evidenced by flattened and inverted T waves occurred 30 minutes after the ingestion of alcohol in 2 of the patients. Metabolically the significant findings included a rise in blood lactate, a decline in arterial pyruvate, a marked fall in blood glucose, a decline in free fatty acids and a rise in triglycerides one half hour after the ingestion of alcohol. Phospholipid blood levels remained unchanged. Coronary arterial and venous contents of magnesium, copper and zinc were essentially unchanged 30 minutes after alcohol; three hours postingestion, peripheral venous contents exceeded that of the 30 minute arterial and coronary venous determination. Zinc was liberated by the heart following alcohol in the majority of patients. Serum alcoholic dehydrogenase activity closely followed that of blood zinc. The myocardial extraction of the substrates was consistent with the rise or decline in arterial blood levels with the exception of lactate and glucose; the former fell and the latter rose significantly. Both alcoholic dehydrogenase and isocitric dehydrogenase coronary venous enzyme activities also frequently exceeded that found in arterial blood in several patients. The implications of these findings were discussed. It is suggested that repeated exposure to acute alcoholism could result in permanent alterations in myocardial metabolism which could lead to the development of irreversible alcoholic cardiomyopathy.
Retention mechanisms in cyanopropyl normal bonded phase high-performance liquid chromatographic columns

Abstract The retention of polar solutes by a cyanopropyl bonded phase column using binary mixtures of hexane and polar solvents has been studied as a function of the selectivity of both solutes and solvents. Three solutes and three solvents were chosen to represent the apices of the selectivity triangle. This generated a 3 x 3 matrix of data and nine complete data sets. Normal phase retention in a cyanopropyl column can be adequately described by the adsorption-displacement model if localization and secondary solvent effects are taken into account. In order to incorporate all of the selectivity effects we have observed in a single description of a normal bonded phase column, we have developed a selectivity matrix which not only provides practical retention information, but also gives insight into the mechanisms responsible for the observed retention behavior. The selectivity matrix clearly identifies the important localization and solvent effects responsible for the unique selectivity of cyano-silica toward polar solutes, such as changes in stationary phase acidity-basicity owing to changes in mobile phase composition.
Corrections to “TPM Meets DRE: Reducing the Trust Base for Electronic Voting Using Trusted Platform Modules” $ $ [Dec 09 628-637]

In the above titled paper (ibid., vol. 4, no. 4, pp. 628-637, Dec. 09), the fourth sentence of the Abstract contains an error. The correct sentence is presented here.
Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents

After obesity rates in youth reached alarming rates, public health officials recognized the need for specific physical activity guidelines for children and adolescents. Numerous health care groups and sports and fitness organizations collaborated on the development of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans in 2008, which have been widely endorsed and include recommendations for the pediatric population. Children and adolescents should participate in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity 1 or more hours per day and muscle and bone-strengthening activities 3 or more times per week. Physical activities should be age appropriate, enjoyable, and varied and occur beyond what is required for typical activities of daily living. Adequate exercise in youth improves strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and body composition and therefore decreases cardiovascular risk factors. An improved cardiovascular profile provides a continued benefit in adulthood. Exercise also improves bone health, psychological well-being, cognition, and school performance and may decrease the risk of sports injury. Exercise habits established in childhood often continue into adulthood.
Atypical necrotizing scleritis after strabismus surgery.

An 88-year-old woman developed necrotizing scleritis after eye muscle surgery. Her initial clinical presentation suggested postoperative infection, but the inflammation continued to progress despite antimicrobial therapy. The scleritis completely resolved after initiation of systemic corticosteroids. Postoperative necrotizing scleritis is a rare complication that occurs at the site of previous ocular surgery. It occurs more frequently in women with underlying systemic autoimmune disease and after multiple ocular procedures. 1 , 2 We report an unusual case of necrotizing scleritis with inflammation that occurred after strabismus surgery. A specific autoimmune disease was not identified.
The molecular and cellular pathology of inflammatory muscle diseases

The inflammatory muscle diseases dermatomyositis, polymyositis and inclusion body myositis are of unknown cause, but immune mechanisms are strongly implicated. Progress in the past two years has led to an improved understanding of the main molecular events involved in the immunological synapse between muscle and autoinvasive T cells. In particular, we now have a better understanding of TCR gene rearrangement in endomysial T cells, regulation of MHC expression, activity of co-stimulatory molecules, and the signalling cascades activated by cytokines, chemokines and metalloproteinases. Recent reports of an upregulation of strong anti-apoptotic molecules on the surface of muscle fibers identifies the end result of these disease processes, loss of muscle cells, as through necrosis, and not apoptosis. Such progress in molecular immunopathology has generated the interest to apply semispecific immunotherapies with the hope of halting disease progression or improving the strength of patients unresponsive to currently available non-specific immunotherapeutic interventions.
Reflections for October

Loveness Mwinga (not her real name) steps out of my sparsely furnished clinic at Chikankata Hospital and into the bright Zambian sunshine. She is tired, having walked for 4 hours to make it to her follow-up appointment with the Epilepsy Care Team and collect her 3-months’ supply of phenobarbital. For all its potential side effects, the drug has been a lifesaver for Loveness. Before she began treatment, she experienced seizures almost weekly. Without warning, her convulsions would begin with falling backwards and then violent whole body spasms. She would awaken surrounded by cautious observers, urine and feces soaked, humiliated. The bush tea she was given to drink daily by the ng’anga (traditional healer), though costly, had done little to ease the problem. Loveness lived in fear of injury—a woman in the neighboring village had a seizure while drawing water from a nearby stream and drowned as onlookers, frightened that the angry spirits causing the seizure might leap onto them, debated whether it was safe to help her until it was too late to intervene. When the seizures continued to occur regularly despite the traditional medicines, Loveness’ husband relocated her to an older dwelling a few yards distant from …
Amphotericin B Pharmacokinetics in Humans

The pharmacokinetics of amphotericin B were studied in two patients at the conclusion of long-term therapy for disseminated histoplasmosis. The distribution kinetics of this drug were adequately described by a three-compartment mamillary model with a total distribution volume averaging 4 liters/kg. The elimination phase half-life of amphotericin B was approximately 15 days, reflecting slow release of amphotericin B from a peripheral compartment. In accordance with previous reports, renal excretion accounted for only 3% of total amphotericin B elimination. The pharmacokinetic model for one of the patients also was used to compare the simulated amphotericin B serum levels that would be expected if initial therapy followed two recommended regimens.
Depressive symptoms among older residents in assisted living facilities.

Responding to the dramatic growth in Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs), the present study focused on mental health among older residents in ALFs. We assessed the effects of physical health constraints (chronic conditions, functional disability, and self-rated health) and psychosocial resources (social network, sense of mastery, religiosity, and attitude toward aging) on depressive symptoms. A sample of 150 residents (Mage = 82.8, SD = 9.41) from 17 facilities in Florida was used for analyses. Higher levels of depressive symptoms were observed among older residents with a greater level of functional disability, poorer self-rated health, lower sense of mastery, less religiosity, and less positive attitude towards aging. In addition, the linkages between physical and mental health were modified by psychosocial resources. For older residents with more positive beliefs and attitudes (a higher sense of mastery, greater religiosity, and more positive attitudes toward aging), the adverse effects of functional dis...
Growth Factor Mediated Assembly of Cell Receptor-Responsive Hydrogels

The design of materials in which assembly, mechanical response, and biological properties are controlled by protein-polysaccharide interactions may mimic the biological environment, be responsive to appropriate biological cues, and find use in many biomedical applications. Here we report the assembly of hydrogels via the noncovalent interaction of heparin-functionalized, star-PEG polymers and the therapeutically relevant, heparin-binding protein VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor). The viscoelastic properties of these hydrogels, and the specificity of VEGF in crosslinking, were assessed via laser tweezer microrheology. The receptor-mediated delivery of VEGF, with concurrent erosion of the hydrogels, was indicated via radiometry assays of the hydrogels in the presence of VEGFR-2-modified particles, and the specificity of this interaction was indicated by a lack of erosion of the hydrogels when incubated with particles modified with a protein lacking affinity for VEGF. The VEGF delivered from the hydr...
Credibility of Sources of Communication on Products' Safety Hazards:

Fear-inducing communications about actual or potential safety hazards of products, are increasingly encountered. These emanate mainly from government agencies and reflect the belief that rational consumers will act to minimize potential risk. Research has shown that credibility of a message source is directly related to effectiveness and persuasion of one message. Although observers have assumed that use of government sources would maximize source credibility in the case of communications about products' safety hazards, recent analyses suggest that this may not be the case. The present research tests two hypotheses with respect to communications of hazard, that government agencies will not necessarily achieve the source with highest credibility among consumers, and that attitude change will be greater among consumers perceiving a source other than the government to be the most credible. Findings are repotted for three studies of different samples of consumers. One involved an experiment in which consumers...
Radio reflection imaging of asteroid and comet interiors II: Results and recommendations

Abstract We modeled orbital surface-penetrating radar of an asteroid and comet using two-dimensional finite-difference wavefield migration, in order to assess key target properties and experiment parameters required to fully image internal structure. Migration places radar echoes in their correct positions in a complex subsurface and is a complementary tool to travel-time tomography. The target shape was scaled from 433 Eros to 0.5-km mean diameter for an asteroid and 10 km for a comet. The interiors were populated with a power-law distribution of spherical blocks. We used an image structural similarity index to compare the internal surfaces reconstructed under different assumptions to a “best” image using optimum parameters. We found that successful internal imaging of the asteroid was not sensitive to whether the block interstices were regolith or void. Frequency dependence between 5 and 15 MHz was also minor. Internal interfaces could also be imaged if the attenuation was higher than that inferred within volcanic plains on Mars, but not as high as measured in a strongly fractured volcanic tuff on Earth. The overall imaging quality for the comet was statistically similar to the asteroid, but there was less variability due to smaller internal contrasts. A key finding is that imaging was vastly improved by using a second spacecraft as a radar receiver. A subsatellite with a different orbit will eventually provide a range of different illumination geometries over each part of the target. Finally, the results depend strongly on the specified internal velocity distribution, representing partial progress in complementary tomographic velocity estimation. The modeled impedance contrasts within the asteroid are larger than those typically encountered in exploration seismology and very much larger than in medical imaging, and so the velocity used to migrate the reflections must be close to the actual distribution. This again emphasizes the need for joint traveltime tomography and wavefield migration for asteroid imaging, which is optimized using two orbiters.
Consumer personality and other factors in situational brand choice variation

This paper examines drivers of intrapersonal variation in individual brand choice across consumption situations. Based on a consumer sample, it was established that individual choice of wine brands varied across three situations, depending on whether the wine was chosen for self-consumption, hosting friends or as a gift. Similarly, four of the six benefits desired by consumers in wine were found to vary. Quality and social benefits were more important in the ‘host’ and ‘gift’ situation, and value-for-money and emotional benefits were more important in the ‘self’ consumption scenario. While no situational variation was found for environmental and health benefits, these factors were found to influence brand choice as well. The results further point to drivers of differential brand choice particularly consumer personality (susceptibility to interpersonal influence and product-category involvement), consumer situational disposition (risk-taking, variety-seeking and curiosity), purchasing behaviour (spending per bottle and purchasing frequency) and demographics (age and gender). The findings will assist managers in tailoring brands to both consumers and consumption situations.
New euclidean theorems by the use of Laguerre transformations — Some geometry of Minkowski (2+1)-space

Examples of the use of Laguerre transformations to discover theorems in the Euclidean and Minkowski planes.
Acyl Enzyme Intermediates in Sortase-Catalyzed Pilus Morphogenesis in Gram-Positive Bacteria

In gram-positive bacteria, covalently linked pilus polymers are assembled by a specific transpeptidase enzyme called pilus-specific sortase. This sortase is postulated to cleave the LPXTG motif of a pilin precursor between threonine and glycine and to form an acyl enzyme intermediate with the substrate. Pilus polymerization is believed to occur through the resolution of this intermediate upon specific nucleophilic attack by the conserved lysine located within the pilin motif of another pilin monomer, which joins two pilins with an isopeptide bond formed between threonine and lysine. Here, we present evidence for sortase reaction intermediates in Corynebacterium diphtheriae. We show that truncated SrtA mutants that are loosely bound to the cytoplasmic membrane form high-molecular-weight complexes with SpaA polymers secreted into the extracellular milieu. These complexes are not formed with SpaA pilin mutants that have alanine substitutions in place of threonine in the LPXTG motif or lysine in the pilin motif. The same phenotype is observed with alanine substitutions of either the conserved cysteine or histidine residue of SrtA known to be required for catalysis. Remarkably, the assembly of SpaA pili, or the formation of intermediates, is abolished with a SrtA mutant missing the membrane-anchoring domain. We infer that pilus polymerization involves the formation of covalent pilin-sortase intermediates, which occurs within a molecular platform on the exoplasmic face of the cytoplasmic membrane that brings together both sortase and its cognate substrates in close proximity to each other, likely surrounding a secretion apparatus. We present electron microscopic data in support of this picture.
Enhancing Maternal Interactive Behavior and Child Social Competence in Low Birth Weight, Premature Infants

Effects of a comprehensive early intervention program for low birth weight, premature infants—the Infant Health and Development Program—on mother-child interaction were examined at 30 months (N= 683). Small significant positive effects were found: Intervention mothers had higher ratings on quality of assistance; intervention children had higher ratings on persistence and enthusiasm and on an overall child rating of competence and involvement and lower ratings on percentage of time off-task; intervention dyads were rated as more synchronous. Of a set of initial status variables indexing biological and environmental risk, only 2 treatment interactions were found. Intervention group black children had higher ratings on enthusiasm and lower percentage of time off-task. Independent of treatment, maternal ethnicity and education were significant predictors of maternal and dyadic ratings, while ethnicity and birth weight predicted child ratings. Implications for early intervention and center-based care are discussed.