cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Harvesting of Granulocytes using a Hydroxyethyl Starch Solution

The need for sophisticated component therapy has resulted in improved techniques for obtaining concentrates of platelets and granulocytes. The use of single donors as a source for these products is advisable to avoid multiple sensitizations. Obtaining concentrated granulocytes represents a problem because of the difficulty in separating granulocytes from red blood cells by differential centrifugation or sedimentation since the specific gravities are similar. Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) makes the separation more effective. A solution made of 250 ml of 6 per cent HES, 250 ml of distilled water, and 15 g of sodium citrate in 30 ml distilled water provided a satisfactory anticoagulant solution for this purpose. The granulocytes collected averaged 49 per cent of the total available in the processed blood; the platelets averaged 82 per cent. A satisfactory yield could thus be obtained from a single donor, and this could be repeated several times in a month. The value of ABO, Rh, and HL-A compatibility between donor and recipient probably increases the viability and safety of this procedure. The Haemonetic No. 30 Cell Separator provided an easy and rapid method for this procedure.
Cognitive behavior modification: ‘Motivated learning’ reading treatment with subprofessional therapy-technicians

Abstract A method of treating reading deficits based upon an extrinsic motivational system previously employed successfully with a single subject was extended to eighteen additional subjects. The junior-high age subjects included retarded children in special classes, several emotionally disturbed children, and culturally deprived children. The method of training used in the original study was designed to be simple to administer and simple to record the performance of the child. Thus, it was hypothesized that subprofessional personnel could be employed to administer the treatment. Adult volunteers and high school seniors were used as the therapy-technicians. The eighteen Ss were given 38.2 hr of training in daily half-hour sessions, during which period the average reinforcement earned was $22.29. The mean number of single word reading responses was 94,425. The rate of reading accelerated over the period of training even though the reading material became more difficult. This occurred during a period when progressively less (about one-fourth as much) reinforcement was given per reading response. A mean of 593.5 new words were learned and 70.9 per cent of these were retained in a long-term test. The attention, attendance, cooperation, and diligent work behavior of the various children were maintained in good strength throughout the duration of the study. The results suggest that research be conducted to develop methods for treatment of behavioral deficits that can be widely applied by subprofessional therapy-technicians supervised by clinical psychologists.
Can distribution explain double jeopardy patterns

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide clear insights into the influence of product availability, and thus distribution on double jeopardy (DJ) patterns, for frequently‐purchased products (FPP). This paper also aims to provide important strategies in order to maximize the efficiency of retailers' stocking decisions and manufacturers' branding efforts by discussing distribution dynamics in a set of experiments developed in light of related theoretical discussions.Design/methodology/approach – This study provides an in‐depth literature review of DJ, distribution, out‐of‐stock and consumer behavioural brand loyalty in many marketing and supply chain decisions. A practical simulation is developed to test the main hypotheses in the study in light of the theoretical discussion.Findings – The study's results indicated that distribution might explain DJ patterns. In addition, distribution might create behavioural brand loyalty when FPP are widely available (excessive availability) in the market.Researc...
Vascular abnormalities correlate with decreased soft tissue volumes in idiopathic clubfoot.

Background Lower extremity vascular anomalies have been described for patients with clubfoot but few imaging studies have investigated effects on soft tissues such as fat and muscle. To make these assessments we need noninvasive, noncontrast agents to more safely image children.
Sources of Error in UV Radiation Measurements

Increasing commercial, scientific, and technical applications involving ultraviolet (UV) radiation have led to the demand for improved understanding of the performance of instrumentation used to measure this radiation. There has been an effort by manufacturers of UV measuring devices (meters) to produce simple, optically filtered sensor systems to accomplish the varied measurement needs. We address common sources of measurement errors using these meters. The uncertainty in the calibration of the instrument depends on the response of the UV meter to the spectrum of the sources used and its similarity to the spectrum of the quantity to be measured. In addition, large errors can occur due to out-of-band, non-linear, and non-ideal geometric or spatial response of the UV meters. Finally, in many applications, how well the response of the UV meter approximates the presumed action spectrum needs to be understood for optimal use of the meters.
Mutational analysis of the structure and biogenesis of the photosystem I reaction center in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803.

Abstract We have utilized the unicellular cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 to incorporate site-directed amino acid substitutions into the photosystem I (PSI) reactioncenter protein PsaB. A cysteine residue (position 565 of PsaB) proposed to serve as a ligand to the [4Fe-4S] center Fx was changed to serine, histidine, and aspartate. These three mutants--C565S, C565H, and C565D--all exhibited greatly reduced accumulation of PSI reaction-center proteins and failed to grow autotrophically, indicating that this cysteine most likely does coordinate Fx, which is crucial for PSI biogenesis. Interestingly, the strain C565S accumulated significantly more PSI than the other two cysteine mutants and displayed photoreduction of the [4Fe-4S] terminal electron acceptors FA and FB. Mutations were also introduced into a leucine zipper motif of PsaB, proposed to participate in reaction-center dimerization. The mutants L522V, L536M, and L522V/L536M all exhibited wild-type characteristics and grew autotrophically, whereas the L522P mutation prevented PSI accumulation. These data do not provide support for a major structural role of the leucine zipper in reaction-center dimerization or in assembly of Fx. However, the amino acid substitutions incorporated were conservative and might not have perturbed the leucine zipper.
SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE IN HOME HAEMODIALYSIS (HHD) OF CHILDREN

In a 6 year period 23 children age 5 to 14 yrs were trained for regular HHD usually with the mother as partner. Cimino fistulae, parallel-flow dialyzers and bed scales were used almost uniformly. The mean number of dialysis sessions(3x/wk) from start to discharge was 55(41-71). The mean distance between center and home was 150 km. HHD was supervised mainly by phone calls and home visits by nurses, technicians and the psychosocial team. 3% of all dialysis sessions after discharge were done on holidays and 16% after readmission to hospital for problems of vascular access(54%), overhydration/hypertension(12%),transfusions(5%),subsequent training (13%),social(6%), and other reasons (11%). One child died. School performance of most pts was comparable to that of healthy children. Tolerance to the considerable stress varied depending on the family structure. 16 pts were transplanted within 1-59(mean 15) months after start of HHD. In conclusion, HHD is an acceptable transient treatment form, which in our experience is possible in about half the children with end-stage renal failure. It requires cooperative, emotionally stable patients and parents and continuous support by an expert dialysis team.
Marketing Plans for E-commerce Projects

A marketing plan is a valuable tool for ensuring that an e-commerce project balances the creativity of its core team with the realities of the business setting and its target customers. The key to building a useful marketing plan is a thorough marketing research effort that builds a well-founded understanding of a company's target markets, product design, and industry. A company considering an e-commerce offering would be well advised to consider incorporating marketing approaches engendered by the Internet boom including bricks and clicks approaches, viral marketing, permission marketing, and m-commerce. This chapter offers an overview of these approaches and a practical guide for conducting the research and analysis required to build a comprehensive and credible e-commerce marketing plan. Keywords: click through rate (CTR); customer relationship management (CRM); market validation; marketing plan; one-to-one marketing; SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis; viral marketing
OM-85 BV, an immunostimulant in pediatric recurrent respiratory tract infections: a systematic review

Background: This study was conducted to assess the effi cacy of OM-85 BV (Broncho-Vaxom) in the prevention of pediatric recurrent respiratory tract infections (RTIs). Available evidence suggests that defi ning recurrent RTIs as ≥3 infections per fall-winter semester is both medically and epidemiologically justifi ed. Therefore, this criterion was chosen as a primary endpoint. Methods: Trials were identifi ed through consultation of bibliographic databases and other channels. Eleven non-blinded studies plus one dealing with primary prevention were excluded and eight randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. The data were compared at 6 months, which represented the end of most studies. The complete database was examined according to the guidelines of the Cochrane collaboration. Results: The mean age of children and the number of R TIs in the preceding year were comparable at admission. Of the patients in the OM-85 BV treated population (n=435), 32% had recurrent RTIs (that is, ≥3 RTIs/6 months) vs. 58.2% in the placebo treated population (n=416; P<0.001). Sensitivity analysis showed that this was not driven by any particular trial. The results of this review were also positive for the active treatment regarding the secondary variables, which were represented by the number of patients with at least one RTI and the mean number of RTIs. Conclusions: This meta-analysis shows, as observed in several individual trials, that the population tr eated with OM-85 BV had signifi cantly and consistently fewer cases of recurrent RTIs. The data suggest that the effect is greater in patients at increased risk of recurrent RTIs. World J Pediatr 2010;6(1):5-12
Twin-Arginine Translocation of Active Human Tissue Plasminogen Activator in Escherichia coli

When eukaryotic proteins with multiple disulfide bonds are expressed at high levels in Escherichia coli, the efficiency of thiol oxidation and isomerization is typically not sufficient to yield soluble products with native structures. Even when such proteins are secreted into the oxidizing periplasm or expressed in the cytoplasm of cells carrying mutations in the major intracellular disulfide bond reduction systems (e.g., trxB gor mutants), correct folding can be problematic unless a folding modulator is simultaneously coexpressed. In the present study we explored whether the bacterial twin-arginine translocation (Tat) pathway could serve as an alternative expression system for obtaining appreciable levels of recombinant proteins which exhibit complex patterns of disulfide bond formation, such as full-length human tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) (17 disulfides) and a truncated but enzymatically active version of tPA containing nine disulfides (vtPA). Remarkably, targeting of both tPA and vtPA to the Tat pathway resulted in active protein in the periplasmic space. We show here that export by the Tat translocator is dependent upon oxidative protein folding in the cytoplasm of trxB gor cells prior to transport. Whereas previous efforts to produce high levels of active tPA or vtPA in E. coli required coexpression of the disulfide bond isomerase DsbC, we observed that Tat-targeted vtPA and tPA reach a native conformation without thiol-disulfide oxidoreductase coexpression. These results demonstrate that the Tat system may have inherent and unexpected benefits compared with existing expression strategies, making it a viable alternative for biotechnology applications that hinge on protein expression and secretion.
Communication structures for asynchronous algorithms on distributed MIMD computers

Addresses communication in asynchronous algorithms implemented on distributed MIMD processors. The communication factor significantly affects the convergence rate and performance of these algorithms, and therefore requires special attention in distributed MIMD implementations. A sufficient condition to avoid starvation due to the communication cost is given. Several communication schemes for this problem/spl minus/suitable for current distributed multiprocesser architectures/spl minus/are presented and discussed with respect to their efficiency and correctness. These schemes may be used for efficient implementation of various asynchronous algorithms. >
Bone augmentation techniques.

Background: The advent of osseointegration and advances in biomaterials and techniques have contributed to increased application of dental implants in the restoration of partial and completely edentulous patients. Often, in these patients, soft and hard tissue defects result from a variety of causes, such as infection, trauma, and tooth loss. These create an anatomically less favorable foundation for ideal implant placement. For prosthetic-driven dental implant therapy, reconstruction of the alveolar bone through a variety of regenerative surgical procedures has become predictable; it may be necessary prior to implant placement or simultaneously at the time of implant surgery to provide a restoration with a good long-term prognosis. Regenerative procedures are used for socket preservation, sinus augmentation, and horizontal and vertical ridge augmentation.Methods: A broad overview of the published findings in the English literature related to various bone augmentation techniques is outlined. A comprehensi...
Cybersim: geographic, temporal, and organizational dynamics of malware propagation

Cyber-infractions into a nation's strategic security envelope pose a constant and daunting challenge. We present the modular CyberSim tool which has been developed in response to the need to realistically simulate at a national level, software vulnerabilities and resulting malware propagation in online social networks. CyberSim suite (a) can generate realistic scale-free networks from a database of geo-coordinated computers to closely model social networks arising from personal and business email contacts and online communities; (b) maintains for each host a list of installed software, along with the latest published vulnerabilities; (c) allows to designate initial nodes where malware gets introduced; (d) simulates using distributed discrete event-driven technology, the spread of malware exploiting a specific vulnerability, with packet delay and user online behavior models; (e) provides a graphical visualization of spread of infection, its severity, businesses affected etc to the analyst. We present sample simulations on a national level network with millions of computers.
Mode coupling in nonequilibrium granular flow systems

Abstract In this paper we examine the role of mode coupling in nonequilibrium granular flow systems and derive mode coupling equations for equal-time multi-linear correlation functions in general nonequilibrium systems. By applying N-ordering analysis and projection operator techniques, the hierarchy of equations obtained is simplified which permits the equal-time multilinear averages to be calculated systematically. The linear and equal-time bilinear nonequilibrium correlation functions are calculated explicitly for a steady-state system characterized by a small linear shear flow and uniform number and internal energy densities.
MECHANISMS OF ENDOTOXIN TOLERANCE : II. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ENDOTOXIN TOLERANCE AND RETICULOENDOTHELIAL SYSTEM PHAGOCYTIC ACTIVITY IN MAN

Healthy male volunteers were rendered tolerant to the pyrogenic and toxic activities of bacterial endotoxin by daily intravenous injections. Five subjects were given 0.5 microg Salmonella typhosa endotoxin for 7 days; four subjects were given Pseudomonas endotoxin, increasing over a period of 30 days from 25 to 250 microg. Reticuloendothelial system (RES) phagocytic activity was assessed by serial measurements of the clearance of I(131)-labeled aggregated human serum albumin. In no subject was an increase in RES phagocytic activity detectable. Such negative findings could not be attributed to decreased RES blood flow.-Additional studies on the pyrogenic responses of man to various schedules of endotoxin administration revealed: (a) Hyperreactivity of some subjects to a second injection of endotoxin administered 24 hours after the initial dose; (b) prevention of such hyperreactivity by plasma from donors tolerant to a heterologous endotoxin, but not from normal donors; (c) reduced reactivity to a second injection of endotoxin given 7 days after the initial dose; (d) reversal of induced tolerance by administration of half the dose of endotoxin followed 2 hours later by the second half; (e) reversal of induced tolerance 24 hours after administration of a heterologous endotoxin; (f) enhanced dermal reactivity to endotoxin induced inflammation during tolerance. The observations are consistent with the hypothesis that tolerance to the pyrogenic activity of endotoxin in man is not based upon generalized enhancement of RES phagocytic activity or exhaustion of host reactivity but rather involves the participation of specific antibody which assists the RES in the clearance and inactivation of the endotoxin molecule.
A Monopole Search Using an Accelerator Detector

A neutrino detector at the Brookhaven AGS has been used to investigate the feasibility of using an already constructed apparatus for GUT monopole searches. A flux limit (90% CL) of, Fm < 5.2 × 10−12 cm−2 s−1 sr−1, was found. The limitations of such an approach are discussed.
Non-Euclidean-normed Statistical Mechanics

Abstract This analysis introduces a possible generalization of Statistical Mechanics within the framework of non-Euclidean metrics induced by the L p norms. The internal energy is interpreted by the non-Euclidean L p -normed expectation value of a given energy spectrum. The presented non-Euclidean adaptation of Statistical Mechanics involves finding the stationary probability distribution in the Canonical Ensemble by maximizing the Boltzmann–Gibbs and Tsallis entropy under the constraint of internal energy. The derived non-Euclidean Canonical probability distributions are respectively given by an exponential, and by a q -deformed exponential, of a power-law dependence on energy states. The case of the continuous energy spectrum is thoroughly examined. The Canonical probability distribution is analytically calculated for a power-law density of energy. The relevant non-Euclidean-normed kappa distribution is also derived. This analysis exposes the possible values of the q - or κ -indices, which are strictly limited to certain ranges, depending on the given L p -norm. The equipartition of energy in each degree of freedom and the extensivity of the internal energy, are also shown. Surprisingly, the physical temperature coincides with the kinetically defined temperature, similar to the Euclidean case. Finally, the connection with thermodynamics arises through the well-known standard classical formalisms.
Alga-Produced Malaria Transmission-Blocking Vaccine Candidate Pfs25 Formulated with a Human Use-Compatible Potent Adjuvant Induces High-Affinity Antibodies That Block Plasmodium falciparum Infection of Mosquitoes

A vaccine to prevent the transmission of malaria parasites from infected humans to mosquitoes is an important component for the elimination of malaria in the 21st century, yet it remains neglected as a priority of malaria vaccine development. The lead candidate for Plasmodium falciparum transmission-blocking vaccine development, Pfs25, is a sexual stage surface protein that has been produced for vaccine testing in a variety of heterologous expression systems. Any realistic malaria vaccine will need to optimize proper folding balanced against cost of production, yield, and potentially reactogenic contaminants. Here Chlamydomonas reinhardtii microalga-produced recombinant Pfs25 protein was formulated with four different human-compatible adjuvants (alum, Toll-like receptor 4 [TLR-4] agonist glucopyranosal lipid A [GLA] plus alum, squalene-oil-in-water emulsion, and GLA plus squalene-oil-in-water emulsion) and compared for their ability to induce malaria transmission-blocking antibodies. Alga-produced recombinant Pfs25 plus GLA plus squalene-oil-in-water adjuvant induced the highest titer and avidity in IgG antibodies, measured using alga-produced recombinant Pfs25 as the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) antigen. These antibodies specifically reacted with the surface of P. falciparum macrogametes and zygotes and effectively prevented parasites from developing within the mosquito vector in standard membrane feeding assays. Alga-produced Pfs25 in combination with a human-compatible adjuvant composed of a TLR-4 agonist in a squalene-oil-in-water emulsion is an attractive new vaccine candidate that merits head-to-head comparison with other modalities of vaccine production and administration.
Twinship and risk of postmenopausal breast cancer.

Background: Intrauterine exposure to high levels of endogenous estrogens has been hypothesized to increase the risk of breast cancer. Because estrogens and other pregnancy hormones are substantially elevated in twin pregnancies, and possibly more so in dizygotic twin pregnancies, we evaluated the association between aspects of twin membership (i.e., belonging to a twin pair) and the risk of breast cancer. Methods: In a cohort of 29 197 postmenopausal Iowa women with no prior diagnosis of cancer (except for nonmelanoma skin cancer), breast cancer risk factors were determined by use of a mailed questionnaire in 1986 (baseline); twin membership, sex of the twin, and zygosity were determined by use of a follow-up questionnaire in 1992. Results: Within the cohort, 1.8% (n = 538) of the women reported being a twin; of these, 24% (n = 130) were monozygotic twins, 63% (n = 337) were dizygotic twins, and 13% (n = 71) did not know their zygosity. From 1986 through 1996, 1230 breast cancers in the cohort were ascertained by linkage to the Iowa Cancer Registry. Compared with singletons, women who belonged to a twin pair were at elevated risk of breast cancer (multivariate-adjusted risk ratio [RR] = 1.72; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.22‐2.42), with adjustment for educational level, family history of breast cancer, height, body mass index, body fat distribution, age at menarche, age at first live birth, use of hormone replacement therapy, and alcohol use. Multivariate-adjusted risk was elevated (in comparison with singletons) if the sex of the other twin was female (RR = 1.82; 95% CI = 1.20‐2.75); however, this risk was limited to female dizygotic twins (RR = 2.14; 95% CI = 1.21‐3.79), since no excess risk was evident for monozygotic twins (RR = 1.04; 95% CI
Muscle loss and bone loss: master and slave?

Among the ever-growing list of benefits associated with physical activity, bone and muscle health remain near the top. Exercise improves muscle strength, and simultaneously enhances bone architecture and fracture resistance. The strong association between these two parameters has been explored in greater detail in recent years, to begin to understand the extent to which muscle might play a governing role in bone adaptation. This role has practical implications, for if muscle does govern bone, then physical activity exercises should be targeted to primarily maximize muscle strength, and the bone will follow. Despite early claims of a cause–effect relation, based on anecdotal evidence, individual case studies, or orthopaedic experience, experimental data directly addressing this issue have been scarce.[1] Perhaps the lack of progress in this arena can be linked to a paucity of suitable animal models. With the exception of tail suspension studies, which have their own limitations (e.g., fluid shift), it has been difficult to experimentally (and non-surgically) reduce and subsequently restore muscle function without directly affecting the adjacent bone. More recently, development of the Botox reversible muscle-paralysis model of disuse[2] has circumvented many of these concerns, and has ushered in the potential to more directly address some cause-effect questions regarding the regulatory role of muscle forces on bone properties. Moreover, the recent generation of high resolution in vivo μCT technology has permitted the opportunity to track small changes in bone and muscle size noninvasively over long periods of time, i.e., through muscle paralysis and subsequent recovery. In this issue of Bone, two independent groups report the results of several elegant Botox-induced muscle paralysis experiments in mice, which monitor longitudinal changes noninvasively in muscle size and bone mass over a 12–16 wk post-paralysis period.[3, 4] These two studies highlight some interesting, novel, and remarkably consistent findings that address the role of muscle size/function on bone mass and architecture.
Telomerase RNA stem terminus element affects template boundary element function, telomere sequence, and shelterin binding

The stem terminus element (STE), which was discovered 13 y ago in human telomerase RNA, is required for telomerase activity, yet its mode of action is unknown. We report that the Schizosaccharomyces pombe telomerase RNA, TER1 (telomerase RNA 1), also contains a STE, which is essential for telomere maintenance. Cells expressing a partial loss-of-function TER1 STE allele maintained short stable telomeres by a recombination-independent mechanism. Remarkably, the mutant telomere sequence was different from that of wild-type cells. Generation of the altered sequence is explained by reverse transcription into the template boundary element, demonstrating that the STE helps maintain template boundary element function. The altered telomeres bound less Pot1 (protection of telomeres 1) and Taz1 (telomere-associated in Schizosaccharomyces pombe 1) in vivo. Thus, the S. pombe STE, although distant from the template, ensures proper telomere sequence, which in turn promotes proper assembly of the shelterin complex.
Introduction of the Foreign Transposon Tn4560 in Streptomyces coelicolor Leads to Genetic Instability near the Native Insertion Sequence IS1649

We report an altered pattern of genetic instability for Streptomyces coelicolor when the bacterium harbored a foreign transposon, Tn4560. Deletions, amplifications, and circularizations of the linear 8.7-Mb chromosome occurred more frequently at sites adjacent to native insertion elements, notably IS1649. In contrast, deletions, amplifications, and circularizations of a wild-type strain happened at heterogeneous sites within the chromosome. In 50 strains examined, structural changes removed or duplicated hundreds of contiguous S. coelicolor genes, altering up to 33% of the chromosome. S. coelicolor shows a bias toward one type of genetic instability during this particular assault from the environment, the invasion of foreign DNA.
Phase II Study of Lenalidomide and Rituximab As Salvage Therapy for Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Purpose Lenalidomide is an immunomodulatory drug active as salvage therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We combined lenalidomide with rituximab to improve response rates in patients with relapsed or refractory CLL.
Observations on the Bisulfite Reductase (P582) Isolated from Desulfotomaculum nigrificans

The bisulfite reductase (P582) from Desulfotomaculum nigrificans was purified to homogeneity as judged by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. By colorimetric methods of analysis, the products of bisulfite reduction by this enzyme were determined to be trithionate, thiosulfate, and sulfide. Of these, trithionate was consistently found to be the major product, whereas the latter two were formed in lesser quantities. When [35S]bisulfite was incorporated as substrate, no labeled sulfide was detected. Furthermore, when trithionate and thiosulfate were isolated from reaction mixtures and chemically degraded, 35S was found in all three sulfur atoms of trithionate; however, only the inner sulfur atom of thiosulfate was radioactive. From these data we conclude that the bisulfite reductase of D. nigrificans reduces bisulfite to trithionate and that thiosulfate and sulfide are endogenous side products of the reaction.
Endogenous adenosine inhibits CNS terminal Ca2+ currents and exocytosis

Bursts of action potentials (APs) are crucial for the release of neurotransmitters from dense core granules. This has been most definitively shown for neuropeptide release in the hypothalamic neurohypophysial system (HNS). Why such bursts are necessary, however, is not well understood. Thus far, biophysical characterization of channels involved in depolarization-secretion coupling cannot completely explain this phenomenon at HNS terminals, so purinergic feedback mechanisms have been proposed. We have previously shown that ATP, acting via P2X receptors, potentiates release from HNS terminals, but that its metabolite adenosine, via A(1) receptors acting on transient Ca(2+) currents, inhibit neuropeptide secretion. We now show that endogenous adenosine levels are sufficient to cause tonic inhibition of transient Ca(2+) currents and of stimulated exocytosis in HNS terminals. Initial non-detectable adenosine levels in the static bath increased to 2.9 microM after 40 min. These terminals exhibit an inhibition (39%) of their transient inward Ca(2+) current in a static bath when compared to a constant perfusion stream. CPT, an A(1) adenosine receptor antagonist, greatly reduced this tonic inhibition. An ecto-ATPase antagonist, ARL-67156, similarly reduced tonic inhibition, but CPT had no further effect, suggesting that endogenous adenosine is due to breakdown of released ATP. Finally, stimulated capacitance changes were greatly enhanced (600%) by adding CPT to the static bath. Thus, endogenous adenosine functions at terminals in a negative-feedback mechanism and, therefore, could help terminate peptide release by bursts of APs initiated in HNS cell bodies. This could be a general mechanism for controlling transmitter release in these and other CNS terminals.
A Structural Model of the Mobility Table

We propose a multiplicative (log-linear) model for mobility tables (or other cross-classifications) which is helpful in locating cells where counts are especially dense or sparse. This specification eliminates the confounding of main effects and interaction effects, which has plagued many other methods of measuring and interpreting association in mobility tables, especially those methods based on the model of simple statistical independence. The model yields a parsimonious set of parameters which describe the table, and goodness of fit can be assessed with standard inferential procedures. For each cell of the table the model yields a useful measure of association, which we call the new mobility ratio. We illustrate the model by reanalyzing the classic British mobility table of 1949, and we use that example to compare our measure of association with other mobility measures. Occupational mobility is a fundamental indicator of the temporal aspect of social stratification (Duncan, b). The centrality of occupational roles in the organization of contemporary and especially industrial societies is coupled with strong commonalities across time and space in the differential access of occupational incumbents to social (including economic and political) rewards (Treiman). In this way occupational incumbency may be viewed as a proxy or index of social standing and occupational mobility as an index of social mobility. The terms "proxy" and "index" are used deliberately, for we would not wish to reify the concept of occupational status nor tc discourage the analysis of other aspects of social inequality.
Microcredit and Micro and Small Enterprise Development in Belize, Central America: A Qualitative Study of the Small Farmers and Business Bank, Ltd.

ABSTRACT This paper analyzes, in case study form, the Small Farmers and Business Bank, Ltd. (SFBB) of Belize, Central America. Using in-depth, qualitative, semi-structured interviews of fifteen SFBB micro and small enterprise (MSE) borrowers, a preliminary assessment of the SFBB and its impact on MSE firm-level and national development is discussed. RESUMEN. Este documento analiza un estudio de caso del banco Small Farmers and Business Bank, Ltd. (SFBB) de Belice, America Central. En base a extensas entrevistas cualitativas semi-estructuradas, mantenidas con quince micro y pequenas empresas prestatarias del SFBB, se realizo una evaluacion preliminaria sobre el SFBB y su impacto sobre las empresas del tipo micro y pequenas empresas, y se discute el desarrollo nacional. RESUMO. Este trabalho analisa, por meio de um estudo de caso, a Small Farmers and Business Bank, Ltd. (SFBB) de Belize, America Central. Atraves de entrevistas qualitativas, semi-estruturadas e consistentes real-izadas com 15 micro e pequena...
Photosensitization of the rat endometrium following 5‐aminolevulinic acid induced photodynamic therapy

Background and Objective The impact of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on the endometrium following topical application of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) was studied in a rat model. Study Design/Materials and Methods Fluorescence microscopy revealed peak ALA to protoporphyrin IX (Pp IX) conversion 3–6 hours after application. Significantly higher Pp IX levels were observed in the endometrial glands compared with endometrial stroma and myometrium. Results Histological studies showed PDT-induced endometrial destruction with atrophy 7–10 weeks after treatment. Reproductive performance studies demonstrated significant implantation failure in the treated uterine horns compared with controls. The number of implantation sacs in the treated and untreated horns was 0.4 ± 0.3 and 8.9 ± 1.0, respectively (P < 0.01). Conclusion We conclude that the high rate of Pp IX conversion in the endometrial glands can be exploited to treat dysfunctional uterine bleeding with PDT. In addition, this concept may also be applied to study endometrial regeneration and embryo implantation mechanisms. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Outcomes of dorsal capsulodesis and tenodesis for treatment of scapholunate instability.

Purpose The ideal treatment for scapholunate (SL) instability has not yet been established. This study examined the results of 2 procedures for the primary treatment for chronic SL dissociation of dorsal capsulodesis and flexor carpi radialis tenodesis. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted that examined dorsal capsulodesis and tenodesis procedures performed for chronic SL instability between January 1995 and February of 2003. Twenty-nine patients were identified with isolated chronic SL instability. Of the 29 patients, 14 had a dorsal capsulodesis procedure and 15 had a tenodesis procedure. The follow-up period averaged 38 months in the capsulodesis group and 36 months in the tenodesis group. Results were reviewed clinically and radiographically. Groups were compared with a Student t test. Results Postoperative wrist motion decreased in both groups after surgery. Final wrist range of motion was 64% of the unaffected side in the capsulodesis group and 63% of the unaffected side in the tenodesis group. Postoperative grip strength remained unchanged in both groups; grip strength measured 91% of the unaffected side in the capsulodesis group and 87% of the unaffected side in the tenodesis group. The average Mayo wrist scores were 77 in the capsulodesis group and 74 in the tenodesis group. One frank failure occurred in the tenodesis group resulting in a wrist fusion. There was no statistical difference in the overall wrist motion, grip strength, or wrist scores between the capsulodesis and tenodesis groups. Conclusions Dorsal capsulodesis and tenodesis provided improvement in symptoms for patients with chronic SL instability. Both procedures appear to provide similar results in the treatment of this difficult problem. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic III.
Perceived Conflict Patterns and Relationship Quality Associated With Verbal Sexual Coercion by Male Dating Partners

The study of verbal sexual coercion in heterosexual relationships is controversial because nonphysical coercive tactics are often viewed as socially acceptable. It was hypothesized that, within couples, verbal sexual coercion will occur within a larger context of destructive conflict tactics and diminished relationship quality. Female undergraduates in consensually sexual dating relationships (N = 193) provided self-report data on male partner verbal sexual coercion perceived conflict behaviors, and relationship quality. About 21% reported current partner verbal sexual coercion. Results reveal positive associations between feeling pressured into unwanted sex and perceptions of partner psychological abuse and destructive verbal conflict patterns. Also as expected, partner verbal sexual coercion is negatively associated with relationship satisfaction and sexual functioning. The authors conclude that women's experiences of verbal sexual coercion in heterosexual relationships may reflect broader problems in the dyadic context.
Commuter Rail Circulator Route Network Design and Its Implications for Transit Accessibility

The success of a commuter rail system depends on cultivating a ridership base on which to expand the system. Cultivating this ridership depends on offering a quality transportation option to commuters. Characteristics of commuter rail systems in the United States present significant challenges. Commuter rail has been implemented only on existing rail right-of-way (ROW) and infrastructure in the United States. Existing rail ROW does not often coincide with current commercial and residential demand centers and necessitates the use of a circulator system to improve the accessibility of the system. The commuter rail circulator network design problem (CRCNDP) addresses a particular aspect of the commuter rail trip, seeking to improve the performance of the entire system through accurately modeling the portion of the trip from rail station to the final destination. This final leg includes the trip on the circulator vehicle and the walking trip from the circulator stop to the final destination. A detailed descri...
Volitional and Accidental Nonadherence to Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treatment Plans: Initial Investigation of Associations with Quality of Life and Disease Activity

Objective To examine rates of volitional and accidental nonadherence, and explore potential differential associations of each with disease activity and quality of life (QOL), in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods One hundred families (100 parents, 78 adolescents) recruited from a large Midwestern children's hospital reported on the child's medication nonadherence and QOL. Healthcare providers supplied disease activity ratings. Results Most adolescents (73.1%) and parents (70.1%) reported engaging in accidental nonadherence, whereas a smaller group (35 and 30%, respectively) reported engaging in volitional nonadherence to the child's prescribed medication regimen. Frequency of accidental nonadherence was unrelated to disease activity or any specific QOL area examined, whereas greater frequency of volitional nonadherence was associated with greater disease activity and poorer parent reported psychosocial QOL. Conclusions Nonadherence and the relationship with disease severity and QOL may be more complex for children with IBD than understood through previous work.
Forecast oriented classification of spatio-temporal extreme events

In complex dynamic systems, accurate forecasting of extreme events, such as hurricanes, is a highly underdetermined, yet very important sustainability problem. While physics-based models deserve their own merits, they often provide unreliable predictions for variables highly related to extreme events. In this paper, we propose a new supervised machine learning problem, which we call a forecast oriented classification of spatio-temporal extreme events. We formulate three important real-world extreme event classification tasks, including seasonal forecasting of (a) tropical cyclones in Northern Hemisphere, (b) hurricanes and landfalling hurricanes in North Atlantic, and (c) North African rainfall. Corresponding predictor and predictand data sets are constructed. These data present unique characteristics and challenges that could potentially motivate future Artificial Intelligent and Data Mining research.
University Trustees and the Entrepreneurial University: Inner Circles, Interlocks, and Exchanges

Using data from an NSF-supported project, this study examines how Association of American Universities (AAU) trustees connect research universities to the knowledge economy, the types of corporations to which they connect universities, and the density of these connections. Using internet-based research, we also examine what is exchanged between universities and corporations via these trustees. We conclude that AAU trustees are bridges between universities and corporations central to the knowledge economy and show the density of these connections has been greatly underestimated. We argue that trustees are a mechanism for building university-industry relations, and that universities (faculty and administrators) partner (engage in exchanges) with many trustees’ corporations to use research and education for entrepreneurial activity in a variety of fields. We suggest that density of connections and the nature of exchanges indicate that the boundaries that separated the university from both the economic sector and the state are being redrawn.
A Tactile Sensor for Ultrasound Imaging Systems

Medical ultrasound systems are capable of monitoring a variety of health conditions while avoiding invasive procedures. However, this function is complicated by ultrasound contrast of the tissue varying with contact pressure exerted by the probe. The knowledge of the contact pressure is beneficial for a variety of screening and diagnostic procedures involving ultrasound. This paper introduces a solid-state sensor array, which measures the contact pressure distribution between the probe and the tissue marginally affecting the ultrasound imaging capabilities. The probe design utilizes the dielectrostriction mechanism, which relates the change in dielectric properties of the sensing layer to deformation. The concept, structure, fabrication, and performance of this sensor array are discussed. The prototype device is highly tolerant to overloads (>1 MPa tested) and provides stress measurements in the range of 0.14–10 kPa. Its loss of ultrasound transmissivity is less 3 dB at 9-MHz ultrasound frequency. This performance is satisfactory for clinical and biomedical research in ultrasound image formation and interpretation, however, for commercial product, a higher ultrasound transmissivity is desired. Directions for improving the sensor ultrasound transparency and electrical performance are discussed. The sensor array described in this paper has been specifically developed for ultrasound diagnosis during breast cancer screening. However, the same sensing mechanism, the similar configuration, and the sensor array structure can be applied to other applications involving ultrasound tools for medical diagnostics.
A quantum mechanical "jack in the box": rapid rearrangement of a tetrahedryl-tetrahedrane via heavy atom tunneling.

A bridged tetrahedryl-tetrahedrane (“TT”) was, theoretically, recognized as the holder of the chemical record for the shortest C–C single bond in a stable molecule. However, owing to its strained nature, this molecule is prone to rearrange to a carbene via ring contraction. Although TT was predicted to be stable to rearrangement at very low temperatures, our calculations find that, due to carbon quantum mechanical tunneling, even at 0 K it will immediately rearrange, with a half-life of only 4 ms. TT provides an excellent example of why tunneling effect should be considered in the stability analysis of a theoretically conceived molecule, even at cryogenic temperatures.
The V.P.I. Gas Turbine and Turbomachinery Research Laboratory

A recently completed facility for high-speed turbomachinery and gas turbine related research is described. A test cell houses a 3000 hp turboshaft engine which is capable of driving research rotors in a direct-coupled mode at speeds to 17,000 rpm. Gearboxes provide for reverse drive and speeds from 8000 to 24,000 rpm. An automatic governing system controls gas generator and load speeds, and provides overspeed protection. Research instrumentation includes on-rotor telemetry equipment for transmission of data from research rotors.Copyright © 1977 by ASME
Direct identification of diverse alicyclic terpenoids in Suwannee River Fulvic Acid.

The chemical complexity of dissolved organic matter (DOM) obstructs our ability to definitively recover source compounds from within DOM, an objective which has the capacity to alter our understanding of carbon sequestration on a global scale. To advance compositional studies of DOM we have applied a previously published reduction method to an environmental standard, Suwannee River Fulvic Acid (SRFA). The reduction products, comprising 12% of the prereduced carbon, were then separated by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOF-MS). Results indicate that the majority of observed reduced compounds corresponded to alicyclic hydrocarbons in the size range C10 to C17. Cyclic terpenoids are the only biomolecule class with contiguous, alicyclic carbon backbones of this size. These terpenoid reduction products contain series offset by CH2 and exhibit great isomeric diversity, features previously inferred from ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry and NMR studi...
Liquid slip flow in a network of shale noncircular nanopores

Abstract Nanoscale pores in shale make the interaction of fluid molecules and pore walls more important than in conventional reservoirs, where the pores are orders of magnitude larger. Vast experimental observation in recent literature shows higher-than-expected liquid flow in nanopore systems. Therefore, conventional flow equations such as Darcy’s law may not be valid for shale systems because of the difference in the controlling physics of liquid flow. Two main characteristics of liquid flow in shale are pore geometry and liquid slip at the inner pore wall. By looking more closely at SEM images of shale samples, many angular- to slit-shaped geometry have been observed. The behavior of liquid flow in noncircular pores significantly deviates from the Hagen–Poiseuille flow equation used in circular pores. Additionally, liquid flow in microscale pores reasonably assumes a no-slip boundary condition on pore inner walls, which needs to be modified to slip boundary condition in nanoscale pores. In this study, we examined numerous SEM images of shale samples to summarize different pore shapes and sizes. We then used computational fluid dynamic (CFD) modeling for various geometric and slip conditions to develop a generalized flow equation to capture pore geometry and slip effect. The developed flow equation is used in pore-network modeling simulation to study effective liquid permeability in a shale system. Our study confirms that the assumption of simplified circular pore causes apparent permeability to be significantly overestimated. The discrepancy between the realistic multigeometry pore model and the simplified circular pore model becomes more pronounced when pore sizes reduce and liquid slip on the inner pore wall is taken into account.