cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Expression of interferon consensus sequence binding protein induces potent immunity against BCR/ABL-induced leukemia.

Mice deficient in the interferon consensus sequence binding protein (ICSBP) develop a disease resembling chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), which in humans is caused by the BCR/ABL oncoprotein. Interferon-α (IFN-α) induces ICSBP expression and is an effective therapy for CML. This study examined whether enforced expression of ICSBP might antagonize BCR/ABL-induced leukemia; results demonstrated that ICSBP-modified cells generated a protective CD8+ cytotoxic T-cell response against BCR/ABL-transformed BaF3 cells in a murine leukemia model. ICSBP expression represents a novel means of stimulating a host immune response to BCR/ABL+ leukemia cells and a potential strategy for immunotherapy of CML.
Spontaneous bursting and long-lived local correlation in normal and denervated tectum of goldfish.

The formation of fine retinotopic order by growing optic fibers in the goldfish is thought to be mediated by the correlated firing of optic fibers from neighboring retinal ganglion cells. Although the activity of the tectal cells must also be important for this activity-dependent refinement, few studies have analyzed the pattern and local correlation of the intrinsic activity of tectal neurons and the effect of denervation on this activity. To address this issue, spontaneous (nonoptic driven) activity was analyzed and cross-correlograms were computed between individual tectal neurons using single and double electrode extracellular recordings. Recordings were made in normally innervated tectum in which the contribution of optic activity was eliminated by short-term intraocular blockade with tetrodotoxin and in denervated tecta in which the optic nerve had been severed several weeks prior. Several observations were relevant to activitydependent refinement: First, coupling between neighboring tectal cells is weak. Second, the time duration for local correlation is relatively long, as long as 200 ms. Third, tectal neurons exhibit spontaneous bursting. Fourth, denervation increased the level of spontaneous activity in the tectum. The increased spontaneous activity and bursting following denervation implies that tectal neurons are more excitable when optic fibers are beginning to reinnervate the tectum. This could make it possible for optic fibers to drive tectal neurons at a time when their input to individual neurons is severely weakened by a lack of spatial convergence. The weak coupling between tectal cells and the consequent long-time constant for correlated activity implies a constraint on the duration of correlated retinal activity that is used for activitydependent refinement. Since optic fibers likely need to detect the postsynaptic activity of a local group of tectal neurons, rather than that of a single neuron, the long tectal time constant means that retinal activity need not be correlated with precision much better than 200 ms because the postsynaptic circuitry cannot generate shorter correlations. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
STEPS toward the right direction.

Cell therapy for stroke may benefit from translational from Hess and Kondziolka and a biostatistics data coor-research guidelines to aid its entry into the clinic as a dination center by Lu. These investigators highlight thesafe and effective treatment. Failures of clinical trials rationale for establishing such consortium and its pur-using neuroprotective drugs in stroke patients, despite pose for evaluating the therapeutic potential of cell ther-promising laboratory findings, led to conference meet- apy for stroke in the present commentary (2). In view ofings under the banner of Stroke Therapy Academic In- cell therapy being marketed as “medical tourism” arounddustry Round table, or STAIR, whose main goal was the world, and the lifting of the US federal ban on em-to formulate recommendations designed to enhance the bryonic stem cell research, which is likely to gain fur-success of translating preclinical research on neuropro- ther public attention and scrutiny with respect to thetection into clinical application. In 2007, a group of sci- safety and efficacy of this treatment, this raises the ur-entists from academia and industry with interest in cell gency for an orderly transition of laboratory findingstherapy and stroke, together with representatives from into the clinic. The preclinical STEPS group serves notthe National Institute on Neurological Disorders and as an impediment to clinical trials of restorative treat-Stroke (NINDS) and the Food and Drug Administration, ment, but rather as a consultative faculty of scientistsconvened to outline STAIR-like criteria called Stem cell and clinicians who possess the desire of optimizing theTherapeutics as an Emerging Paradigm in Stroke, or therapeutic potential and assuring the safety of cell ther-STEPS, that will serve as a guide in the conduct of labo- apy for stroke. Whereas the current affiliations of thisratory research and clinical trials of restorative therapies, STEPS consortium are limited to the US, the near-termin particular cell therapy for stroke (3). The preclinical goal is to receive memberships from academic, industry,arm of STEPS specifically calls for the use of appro- and legislative organizations worldwide working on re-priate species for stroke modeling, the need for standard- storative therapy.ization of functional tests and outcomes, the requirementfor cell imaging and tracking, the incorporation of safety
Evaluation of Sensory System Function Using Reflex Modification of the Startle Response

Methods to measure damage to sensory systems after toxicant exposure vary from rapid and subjective tests (e.g., pinna reflex) to time-consuming and objective tests (e.g., psychophysical tests). Reflex modification of the startle response represents an alternative technique in the assessment of sensory function. Advantages of this procedure include no prior training requirements, rapid and objective measurement of sensory thresholds, ability to differentiate sensory from nonsensory damage, and potential for predictive validity. This procedure also has been shown to be sensitive to a variety of neurotoxic compounds. Future research should concentrate on demonstrating the research potential of this technique for use in neurotoxicology.
Relative adrenal insufficiency in patients with acute spinal cord injury.

Introduction Relative adrenal insufficiency has been shown to occur in the settings of critical illness and septic shock, impairing the body’s ability to respond to stress. Studies have demonstrated that the treatment of adrenal insufficiency (AI) results in shock reversal, hemodynamic stability, and a subsequent decrease in mortality. Endocrine changes and AI have been reported in patients with spinal cord injuries during their extended courses of rehabilitation.
Religious Attributions and Proximity of Influence: An Investigation of Direct Interventions and Distal Explanations

Investigations into religious attributions have focused on attributer's immediate, «proximal» causes of events, paying little attention to underlying, «distal» explanations. In an effort to explain the relatively low incidence of religious attributions and further a new model of proximal-distal attributions, we present two experiments investigating the proximal and distal use of religious and nonreligious supernatural attributions. Participants in both studies were presented a series of sixteen vignettes that varied on several attribution-relevant dimensions. After reading each vignette, subjects gave an initial explanation for the event, and were then probed for any underlying explanations. Experiment I used an interview format that allowed participants maximum latitude when explaining the event's outcome. Consistent with our predictions, participants perceived God as having a greater distal than proximal influence, though this difference was not evident for attributions to Satan or nonreligious supernatural agents. Experiment 2 was performed via a microcomputer with a participant's initial attributional response branching to a set of appropriate distal explanations. Overall, the results suggest that attributer's perceive God working through indirect influences rather than direct intervention, with this effect being moderated by the attributer's level of religiosity. This pattern was evident in the use of God as a distal explanation as well as in the distal explanations to proximal attributions to God.
The anti-gonadotropic effects of cytokines: the role of neuropeptides

Abstract The inhibitory effect of inflammation and endotoxins on the secretion of reproductive hormones from the hypothalamo-pituitary axis is well documented. A comparison of the luteinizing hormone (LH) suppressing effects of several pro-inflammatory cytokines revealed that centrally administered IL-1β was the most potent inhibitor of pituitary LH secretion; interleukin (IL)-1α and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α were relatively less effective, whereas IL-6 was ineffective. This order of potency suggested that the anti-gonadotropic effects of an immune challenge are most likely attributable to the action of centrally released IL-1β, and this was supported by the demonstration that IL-1β suppressed hypothalamic luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) release. We used a multifaceted approach to identify the afferent signals in the brain that convey immune messages to hypothalamic LHRH neurons. Pharmacological studies with specific antagonists of opioid receptor subtypes demonstrated that activation of the μ1 receptor subtype was required to transmit the cytokine signal. Furthermore, icv IL-1β upregulated hypothalamic POMC mRNA and increased the concentration and release of β-endorphin, the primary ligand of μ1 receptors. We have obtained evidence that IL-1β also enhanced the gene expression and concentration of tachykinins, a family of nociceptive neuropeptides in the hypothalamus. Blockade of tachykinergic NK2 receptors attenuated IL-1β induced inhibition of LH secretion. Collectively, these results demonstrate that IL-1β, generated centrally in response to inflammation, upregulates the opioid and tachykinin peptides in the hypothalamus. These two groups of neuropeptides are critically involved in relaying the cytokine signal to neuroendocrine neurons and causing the suppression of hypothalamic LHRH and pituitary LH release.
The Longitudinal Effects of a Rape-prevention Program on Fraternity Men's Attitudes, Behavioral Intent, and Behavior

Abstract Rape myth acceptance, likelihood of raping, and sexually coercive behavior of 145 fraternity men randomly assigned to a control group or a rape-prevention program were surveyed. One third of 23 fraternities on a mid-Atlantic public university campus volunteered to participate in the study. The rape-prevention intervention consisted of “the men's program,” a victim empathy-based presentation titled “How to help a sexual assault survivor: What men can do.” Although no evidence of change in sexually coercive behavior was found, significant 7-month declines in rape myth acceptance and the likelihood of committing rape were shown among program participants. In the case of rape myth acceptance, the 7-month decrement remained lower in the participant group than in the control group. Implications of using these initial findings from the men's program for rape-prevention programming are discussed.
Medical Care for Patients with Diabetes: Epidemiologic Aspects

Objective : To describe the epidemiologic characteristics of physician care and self-care for adults with diabetes in the U.S. population. Design and Subjects : Data are drawn from the 1989 National Health Interview Survey, in which a personal household interview was administered to a representative sample of U.S. adults aged 18 years or older. The response rate was 96% (n = 84 572). All subjects identified as having diabetes previously diagnosed by a physician were asked a series of questions about their diabetes. Response rate for this representative sample of U.S. diabetic patients was 95% (n = 2405). Measurements : Self-reported information was obtained about various aspects of diabetes care, including care by physicians and self-care practices of the diabetic persons. Sociodemographic and clinical factors that may influence diabetes care were also determined. Results : More than 90% of diabetic adults had one physician for the usual care of their diabetes, but 32% made fewer than four visits to this physician each year. Most physician visits by diabetic patients were not made to diabetes specialists, and the visit rate to other health care professionals such as ophthalmologists, podiatrists, and nutritionists was low. About half of insulin-treated diabetic subjects used multiple daily insulin injections ; and 40% of patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, 26% of those with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) who were taking insulin, and 5% of those with NIDDM who were not taking insulin monitored their blood glucose level daily. Diabetes patient education classes had been attended by 35% of diabetic adults. Conclusions : These and other data indicate that medical care for diabetic patients and their self-care practices may not be optimal for prevention of diabetes complications. The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial showed that achieving and maintaining near-normal glycemia, with a concomitant 50% to 70% reduction in diabetes complications, may require close monitoring and ongoing support from a health care team, ample financial resources, and advanced patient knowledge and motivation. Providing this level of diabetes management to all diabetic persons may require major changes in the health care system and in patient self-care practices.
A method for quantification of gas plumes in thermal hyperspectral imagery

Several commercial and environmental applications require the detection and quantification of gaseous plumes from airborne platforms. Unlike active LIDAR imaging in a DIAL system, the signal received by a passive sensor depends not only on the gas concentration pathlength, but the temperature contrast between the gas column and the background as well. Further complicating the problem, the at-sensor radiance is a function of a non-linear combination of the gas concentration and temperature, both inherently unknown. A method is presented to estimate the gas concentration pathlength and temperature from LWIR Hyperspectral Imagery (HSI) without any assumptions about the gas properties or background radiance. A non-linear model is fit to the data using a Levenberg-Marquardt fitting procedure. This technique requires only a priori knowledge of the gas species present in the pixel of interest to reduce the complexity of the model. The resulting concentration pathlength and temperature are reported on a per-pixel basis. Results are shown for application to synthetic imagery created with the DIRSIG simulation. Concentration pathlength results are promising for a gas with strong, moderately broad features (Freon) but less so for a gas with weaker, narrow features (NH 3 ). In neither case is the solution to the gas temperature satisfactory. This is further demonstrated through examination of the residual space in which the minimization is performed where it is shown that a unique minimum is not present in the space.
Comparative study of radio pulses from simulated hadron-, electron-, and neutrino-initiated showers in ice in the GeV-PeV range

High energy particle showers produce coherent Cherenkov radio emission in dense, radio-transparent media such as cold ice. Using PYTHIA and GEANT simulation tools, we make a comparative study among electromagnetic (EM) and hadronic showers initiated by single particles and neutrino showers initiated by multiple particles produced at the neutrino-nucleon event vertex. We include all the physics processes and do a complete 3D simulation up to 100 TeV for all showers and to 1 PeV for electron- and neutrino-induced showers. We calculate the radio pulses for energies between 100 GeV and 1 PeV and find hadron showers, and consequently neutrino showers, are not as efficient below 1 PeV at producing radio pulses as the electromagnetic showers. The agreement improves as energy increases, however, and by a PeV and above the difference disappears. By looking at the 3D structure of the showers in time, we show that the hadronic showers are not as compact as the EM showers and hence the radiation is not as coherent as EM shower emission at the same frequency. We show that the ratio of emitted pulse strength to shower tracklength is a function only of a single, coherence parameter, independent of species and energy of initiatingmore » particle.« less
Promoting Occupational Therapy Service Development in Vietnam

Two occupational therapy educators from the United States visited Vietnam, each as a member of an interdisciplinary team to work with Vietnamese professionals who provide services to children and adults with disabilities. The purpose was to present information, conduct assessments, demonstrate techniques and provide a model for interdisciplinary team development. The article includes the authors’ observations of occupational therapy as a developing profession in two centers located in Hanoi and Hue.
Diagnostic errors in psychiatry.

Abstract Although the importance of nosology has been derided as "pigeonholing" by some American psychiatrists, the science of diagnosis has lately enjoyed a renaissance. Actually, whether or not a psychiatrist possessed diagnostic acumen had little effect on the outcome of treatment until the past two decades, because so much of treatment was nonspecific. But the increasing use of drugs, particularly neuroleptics, antidepressants, and lithium, has made precise diagnosis a necessity. In recent years, several authors have commented upon the misdiagnosis of manic-depressive patients—particularly catatonics 1 —as schizophrenics 2 and a multihospital cross-national study 3 has suggested that American psychiatrists overdiagnose schizophrenia and underdiagnose affective disorder. The Iowa group 4 has demonstrated that strict criteria result in a much lower rate of diagnosed schizophrenia than does the "agreement of experienced clinicians" so often set as the standard. With the compilation of diagnostic criteria for psychiatric disorder by Feighner et al., 5 it became clear that 80% or more of psychiatric patients can be definitely classified according to standards that permit accurate prediction of treatment and prognosis. But today, the vast majority of psychiatric diagnoses still are not made on the basis of scientific criteria, and the category of "undiagnosed psychiatric disorder," at least as used by clinicians, is virtually an empty set. To what extent strict criteria are used no one knows, but from anecdotal case reports in the literature they are probably not overutilized. The resulting margin for disagreement and for downright error is probably enormous. We propose now to review the kinds of erroneous diagnoses commonly made, the reasons for these errors, and their possible consequences. This report, based upon the experience of psychiatrists in private practice, deals with the diagnostic pitfalls encountered despite, or in some cases because of, the use of scientific diagnostic criteria.
Fast enantioseparations of basic analytes by high-performance liquid chromatography using cellulose tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate)-coated zirconia stationary phases

In this work, we study the influence of the mobile phase and column temperature on the enantioresolution of basic compounds on microparticulate porous zirconia coated with cellulose tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) (CDMPC). The chiral analytes are amino compounds, including a number of beta-blockers. Analytes are eluted with hexane-alcohol mobile phases. We investigated the effect of alcohol (type and concentration), basic eluent additives, and column temperature on the parameters that control resolution (column efficiency, retention and selectivity). Conditions for achieving an adequate separation in the least time have been determined for numerous racemic mixtures. For most solutes, baseline resolution of the enantiomeric pair was achieved in less than 1 min; 12 of 13 pairs were separated in less than 2 min.
Ganglioside structures and distribution: Are they localized at the nerve ending?

Gengliosides generally provide a small portion of the complex carbohydrate content of cell surfaces. An exception is the central nervous system where they comprise up to 5–10% of the total lipid of some membranes. This tissue is unique in that the quantity of lipid-bound sialic acid exceeds that of the protein-bound fraction. Over 30 different molecular species have been characterized to date. These range in complexity from sialosylgalactosyl ceramide with 2 sugars to the pentasialoganglioside of fish brain with 9 carbohydrate units. Virtually all cellular and subcellular fractions of brain that have been carefully examined contain gangliosides to one degree or another, but the majority of brain ganglioside is located in the neurons. Their mode of distribution within the neuron has not been entirely clarified by subcellular studies. Calculations based on reported values for axon terminal density and synaptosomal ganglioside concentration in the rat reveal that nerve endings contribute less than 12% of total cerebral cortical ganglioside. It is concluded that the plasma membranes of neuronal processes contain most of the neuronal ganglioside. These and other considerations suggest the possibility that gangliosides may be distributed over the entire neuronal surface.
Cost related sensitivity analysis for optimal operation of a grid-parallel PEM fuel cell power plant

Abstract Fuel cell power plants (FCPP) as a combined source of heat, power and hydrogen (CHP&H) can be considered as a potential option to supply both thermal and electrical loads. Hydrogen produced from the FCPP can be stored for future use of the FCPP or can be sold for profit. In such a system, tariff rates for purchasing or selling electricity, the fuel cost for the FCPP/thermal load, and hydrogen selling price are the main factors that affect the operational strategy. This paper presents a hybrid evolutionary programming and Hill–Climbing based approach to evaluate the impact of change of the above mentioned cost parameters on the optimal operational strategy of the FCPP. The optimal operational strategy of the FCPP for different tariffs is achieved through the estimation of the following: hourly generated power, the amount of thermal power recovered, power trade with the local grid, and the quantity of hydrogen that can be produced. Results show the importance of optimizing system cost parameters in order to minimize overall operating cost.
DNA sequence-dependent differences in TATA-binding protein-induced DNA bending in solution are highly sensitive to osmolytes.

Abstract The complex formed between the TATA-binding protein (TBP) and the “TATA box” of eukaryotic class II promoters is the foundation for assembly of the complex to which RNA polymerase II is ultimately recruited. TBP binds productively to canonical and diverse variant TATA sequences with >100-fold differences in transcription efficiency. Co-crystals of canonical sequences and >11 variant sequences bound to various TBP molecules all have ∼80° bends. In contrast, the bend angles for TBP·TATA complexes in solution, derived from distance distributions, are ∼80° for a canonical sequence but range from 30° to 62° for five variant sequences (1). We show in this study that the osmolytes used to crystallize TBP·TATA complexes induce profound increases in the DNA bends of two transcriptionally active TBP-bound variant sequences to a common angle of ∼80° but have little effect on a transcriptionally inactive variant. The effect of osmolyte on the TBP-induced DNA bend of a variant TATA box sequence is also manifest in the kinetics of association, demonstrating a functional consequence of an osmolyte-induced structural change.
Protein Target Quantification Decision Tree

The utility of mass spectrometry-(MS-) based proteomic platforms and their clinical applications have become an emerging field in proteomics in recent years. Owing to its selectivity and sensitivity, MS has become a key technological platform in proteomic research. Using this platform, a large number of potential biomarker candidates for specific diseases have been reported. However, due to lack of validation, none has been approved for use in clinical settings by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Successful candidate verification and validation will facilitate the development of potential biomarkers, leading to better strategies for disease diagnostics, prognostics, and treatment. With the recent new developments in mass spectrometers, high sensitivity, high resolution, and high mass accuracy can be achieved. This greatly enhances the capabilities of protein biomarker validation. In this paper, we describe and discuss recent developments and applications of targeted proteomics methods for biomarker validation.
Profiling of the dielectric function across Al/SiO2/Si heterostructures with electron energy loss spectroscopy

Abstract Al/SiO2/Si heterostructures which are typical of actual electronic devices have been studied with high-spatial-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy. Electron energy loss spectra were recorded over the low-loss region (0 to 100 eV) at 2.5 to 5 nm intervals across interfaces viewed in cross-section. The energy loss function was then obtained from experimental spectra after Fourier-log deconvolution of multiple scattering. Finally, the complex dielectric function and molar polarizability were determined at each point through a Kramers-Kronig transformation and analytical formulae. Profiles across heterostructures show that minima exist in the molar polarizability at the interfaces, which suggests that the interfaces have a lower intrinsic dielectric strength.
Status and trends in sediment toxicity in Puget Sound

Multiple sediment bioassay methods have been applied to determine the toxicity of surficial sediments in Puget Sound. Over 600 individual sediment samples have been tested for either lethality or a variety of sublethal effects. The results show that samples collected near urban areas bordering the Sound are often toxic. The toxic spots are often associated with past dumping, nearby landfills, storm drains, sewer overflows, or industrial discharges. Those sites from which the majority of the samples were toxic for over half of the types of tests were judged to be significantly toxic. These sites encompassed about 4.0 square miles of the bottom of the Sound representing about 0.2% of the total 1900 square miles of the U.S. portion of the Sound, or about 3% of the 140 square miles tested thus far. Remedial action planning has been correctly focused upon the toxic sites and adjacent sources.
Vitamin D deficiency in HIV-infected postmenopausal Hispanic and African-American women

We evaluated vitamin D status in HIV+ and HIV− postmenopausal African-American (AA) and Hispanic women. Most women (74-78%) had insufficient 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels, regardless of HIV status. 25OHD was lower in AA women and women lacking supplement use, providing support for screening and supplementation. Among HIV+ women, 25OHD was associated with current CD4 but not type of antiretroviral therapy. To evaluate vitamin D status and factors associated with vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in HIV-infected (HIV+) postmenopausal minority women. In this cross-sectional study, 89 HIV+ and 95 HIV− postmenopausal women (33% AA and 67% Hispanic) underwent assessment of 25OHD, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone, markers of bone turnover and bone mineral density by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. The prevalence of low 25OHD did not differ by HIV status; the majority of both HIV+ and HIV− women (74-78%) had insufficient levels (<30 ng/ml). Regardless of HIV status, 25OHD was significantly lower in AA subjects, and higher in subjects who used both calcium and multivitamins. In HIV+ women on antiretroviral therapy (ART), 25OHD was directly associated with current CD4 count (r = 0.32; p < 0.01) independent of age, ethnicity, BMI, or history of AIDS-defining illness. No association was observed between 1,25(OH)2D and CD4 count or between serum 25OHD, 1,25(OH)2D or PTH and type of ART. In postmenopausal minority women, vitamin D deficiency was highly prevalent and associated with AA race and lack of supplement use, as well as lower current CD4 cell count. These results provide support for screening and repletion of vitamin D in HIV+ patients.
A SAGE View of Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were initially defined by their capacity to differentiate into connective tissue cell lineages and support hematopoiesis. More recently, MSCs have demonstrated some degree of therapeutic efficacy in a broad range of diseases including neurological and auto-immune disorders, stroke, diabetes, and chronic inflammatory conditions. An emerging paradigm suggests that MSCs alter the tissue microenvironment via paracrine signaling to induce angiogenesis, alter immune cell function, block inflammation, and stimulate growth of host cells to affect tissue repair. However, these activities appear at odds with the term “mesenchymal stem cell”, which by definition implies a rare cell population that through a process of self-renewal yields progenitors that differentiate hierarchically into connective tissue cell types to maintain tissue homeostasis. Analysis of the MSC transcriptome via serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) revealed that populations express a diverse array of proteins that are important for mesoderm specification but that also regulate various biochemical processes important in bone and marrow, such as angiogenesis, hematopoiesis, cell communication, and neural activities. Moreover, different classes of these regulatory proteins were found to be expressed within distinct sub populations of MSCs. Therefore, MSC populations appear to be more heterogeneous than initially envisions. Evidence is provided that this functional heterogeneity contributes significantly to the therapeutic effects of MSCs.
Interfacial effects in thin films of polymeric semiconductors

The surface onto which polymeric semiconductors are cast from solution plays an important role in determining the electrical transport properties of the polymeric thin film. The authors use synchrotron-based x-ray diffraction to show that even moderate roughness (rms∼5 A) can affect the texture of semicrystalline poly(thiophene) thin films. Moreover, the authors use a novel optical characterization technique (surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy) to characterize the appearance of electronic states in the bandgap of thin films (∼20 nm) of regioregular poly(thiophene). Such states may be due to the heterointerface between the thin Au substrate and the polymer.
Where traditional Tories fear to tread: Mrs Thatcher's trade union policy

This article examines Conservative trade union policy under Mrs Thatcher. It discusses the policy's origins, aims and successes and draws out the theoretical implications of the discussion for policy analysis in the context of pressure group theory. The article argues that trade union policy provides an illustration of the importance of the intentions and discretion of policy‐makers and the dependence of groups on policy rather than the other way around.
Energy Band Structure of Lithium by the Tight-Binding Method

The energy band structure of lithium has been calculated by the tight-binding method. The crystal potential used in the Hamiltonian is the "muffin-tin" version of the Seitz potential. Bloch functions are constructed from the $1s$, $2s$, and $2p$ Hartree-Fock functions of the free atom and are used to set up the secular equation for the energy of a given point in the Brillouin zone. The matrix elements may be expressed as the sums over the crystal lattice points of a series of multicenter integrals with varying distances between the centers of the two atomic orbitals. For the majority of the matrix elements, in order to achieve convergence, all the integrals for which the two centers are separated by less than six times the lattice constant must be included. The multicenter integrals are evaluated by the technique of Gaussian transformation and the method for computing the matrix elements of the potential energy is described. The calculated energies along the [100], [110], and [111] axes of the Brillouin zone agree well with those calculated by a Green's-function method, by a modified plane-wave method, and by the composite-wave variational method of Schlosser and Marcus.
Overcoming antibody barriers to transplantation: ABO-incompatible and positive cross-match kidney transplantation at Mayo Clinic - Rochester

Abstract Over the past several years, protocols have been developed to allow patients with antibody against either donor blood group (ABO-incompatible) or donor HLA antigens (positive cross-match) to undergo successful kidney transplantation. Important factors determining the development of hyperacute rejection, humoral rejection and long-term graft survival have been defined. In this review, the clinical experience with ABO-incompatible and positive cross-match kidney transplantation at Mayo Clinic, Rochester are described with an emphasis on both patient management issues and gaps in our current knowledge in this emerging field.
Beverage alcohol as a constraint to development in the third world

The patterns of production and consumption of beverage alcohol throughout the Third World pose a constraint to economic and social development. A multidisciplinary academic literature has arisen in response to this phenomenon. It has done so over two rather distinct time periods. The first began to take shape during the 1970s and continued through the mid to late 1980s. It gave rise to a set of three rather discrete foci: 1) on developing theoretical frameworks across academic disciplines, 2) on identifying beverage alcohol's development impact, and 3) on the generating and implementing of alcohol policies. Since the 1980s the literature has maintained those foci, but contributions to the literature did a more complete job of integrating them into more complete (and less discrete) treatments.
Febrile Reaction to Inhaled Acetylcysteine

This report describes a hitherto unreported severe reaction to aerosolized acetylcysteine (Mucomyst). It was documented by bronchial provocation.
Avoidance behavior in rats with lesions in the septum, fornix longus, and amygdala

Normal rats and rats with lesions of the septum, amygdala, and fornix longus were tested on a passive avoidance task in an apparatus with an alternate escape route. Avoidance behavior was measured continuously for a 2-min test interval. Subjects with septal lesions failed to avoid passively; those with amygdaloid lesions were hyperexploratory and showed no avoidance preferences; those with fornix longus lesions actively retreated from the food-shock area; and normal control animals initially passively avoided, but subsequently actively retreated from the food-shock area. The results are discussed in terms of alterations in locomotor behavior and in motivational properties of the stimuli.
Effect of Eccentric and Concentric Muscle Conditioning on Tension and Electrical Activity of Human Muscle

The effects of seven weeks of eccentric or concentric muscle conditioning on muscle tension and. integrated electrical activity (IEMG) were investigated on human subjects by using a special electrical dynamometer as a testing and training apparatus. The eccentric conditioning caused, on the average, a greater improvement in muscle tension than did the concentric conditioning. In early conditioning those in the eccentric group experienced soreness in their exercised muscles. This caused a concomitant drop in maximum strength. After the disappearance of pain symptoms, ability to develop tension increased in a linear fashion. Neither method was able to cause statistically significant changes in the maximum IEMG associated with any type of muscle contraction. The regression lino expressing the relationship between IEMG ( μ.v. per sec.) and isometric tension (in percent of maximal voluntary contraction) was parabolic. In this relationship muscle conditioning failed to cause any significant changes in IEMG per ...
Consumer acceptance and storage stability of a cheese-flavored spread made from peanuts

Abstract The acceptability and storage stability of a cheese-flavored spread from peanuts were determined. Consumer test involving 416 respondents were conducted at six central locations in the Philippines. The spread was most acceptable to plder respondents in general and least acceptable to those under 20 years of age. Also, respondents earning more than P 24 000 found the spread least acceptable. Consumers were willing to pay a higher price for the cheese-flavoured spread than for peanut butter but lower than that for a dairy-based spread. Results indicate that the color and flavor of the cheese-flavored spread did not significantly change after storage at 30° C for 60 days.
Development of Contemporary Issues Courses: Pitfalls and Opportunities

The development and teaching of contemporary issues courses provide unique opportunities for expanding influence, service to the university, and professional development. During the last decade, there has been a proliferation of such courses centered on the issue of human exploitation of animals. The Ohio State University's general education curriculum, initiated in 1990, includes a requirement that senior students complete a 5-credit course in the category Issues of the contemporary world. Currently, 28 courses are offered in this category, and 5 are from the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. Our course, entitled Issues concerning the use of animals by humans, was the first from the college included in this category. The course has been offered continuously since 1990-4 quarters per year since 1992. Challenges included gaining approval of the course through a special oversight committee, enhancing visibility of the course outside the college, instructor education, and control of personal biases. The development of this type of course is, necessarily, a continuous process. Instruction of this course has been challenging, enlightening, and exceedingly rewarding. Instructors of similar courses at 11 other universities reported experiences similar to ours.
Enhancement of growth and ferrous iron oxidation rates of T. Ferrooxidans by electrochemical reduction of ferric iron

Thiobacillus ferrooxidans, the bacterium most widely used in bioleaching or microbial desulfurization of coal, was grown in an electrolytic bioreactor containing a synthetic, ferrous sulfate medium. Passage of current through the medium reduced the bacterially generated ferric iron to the ferrous iron substrate. When used in conjunction with an inoculum that had been adapted to the electrolytic growth conditions, this technique increased the protein (cell) concentration by 3.7 times, increased the protein (cell) production rate by 6.5 times, increased the yield coefficient (cellular efficiency) by 8.0 times, and increased the ferrous iron oxidation rate by 1.5 times at 29/sup 0/C, compared with conventional cultivation techniques. A Monod-type equation with accepted values for the maximum specific growth rate could not account for the increased growth rate under electrolytic conditions.
Risk, Need, and Responsivity: Unrealized Potential for the International Delivery of Substance Abuse Treatment in Prison:

Drawing from a strong Canadian and U.S. base of literature and an emergent base of scholarship from the United Kingdom, this article examines the delivery of substance abuse treatment in prisons and the determinants of prisoner access to and use of services. To date, multidisciplinary research provides evidence of supply-side programs driven by organizational factors that affect access and use; in contrast, there is a dearth of literature on demand-side programs driven by prisoners’ needs. Guiding this analysis is a model for service delivery that integrates supply- and demandside factors into a framework that traces the pathway of prisoners through programs, beginning with assessment and ending with treatment outcomes. At the core of this analysis is an expanded discussion of how prisoners’ specific needs should inform service delivery for greater reductions in rates of relapse and recidivism. Conclusions examine the legal and socioeconomic policy implications of programs that fail to provide services according to offenders’ specific needs in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
A polarized human endometrial cell line that binds and transports polymeric IgA.

We have demonstrated that a human endometrial cell line, HEC-1, maintains a high transepithelial electrical resistance, directionally transports fluids across the cell monolayer, and releases enveloped viruses at distinct plasma membrane domains: influenza virus is released at the apical surfaces and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) at the basolateral surfaces. In addition, we have examined the expression of domain-specific endogenous proteins, including the polyimmunoglobulin receptor. Multiple endogenous polypeptides were found to be secreted into the culture medium at basolateral surfaces, whereas no secretion of specific polypeptides was observed from apical cell surfaces. Distinct patterns of endogenous proteins were also observed on apical and basolateral cell surfaces, with a much more complex polypeptide pattern on the basolateral membranes. Using surface biotinylation and immunofluorescence, the polyimmunoglobulin receptor was found to be expressed on the basolateral surfaces of HEC-1 monolayers. The specific binding of poly-immunoglobulin A (pIgA) was found to occur on the basolateral surface, and was followed by transcytosis to the apical surface and release into the apical medium. The observed characteristics indicate that the endometrium-derived HEC-1 epithelial cell line can be employed as a model for studies of protein transport in polarized epithelial cells of human endometrial tissues, as well as for studies of the interaction of microorganisms with epithelial cells in the genital tract.
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in systemic lupus erythematosus

Levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) have been shown to rise in acute illnesses such as infections and some autoimmune diseases, but not in flares of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Our goal was to investigate the high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) response to infection versus disease flare in patients with SLE, and to compare this with the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) response in these patients. We aimed to determine the hsCRP level that distinguishes between infection and flare in SLE, and investigated the correlation between hsCRP and organ involvement in SLE. We reviewed electronic medical records of all patients with SLE admitted to Cedars Sinai Medical Center between 28 August 2001 and 27 April 2008. Patients were divided into three groups based on the reason for hospitalization: 1) lupus flare; 2) active infection; and 3) both lupus flare and active infection. Data were collected on patient demographics, medication use, microbial culture results, organ involvement in lupus flare, ESR and CRP le...
Ethnic Identity and Acculturative Stress as Mediators of Depression in Students of Asian Descent.

This study underscored the importance of addressing the well-being of college students of Asian descent, because these students had higher rates of depression and lower positive feelings about their ethnic group compared with students of European descent, as measured by the Affirmation subscale of the Ethnic Identity Scale. Affirmation mediated the depression difference between these groups. Within the Asian group, affirmation and depression were inversely correlated, and this relationship was mediated by acculturative stress.
Think Locally: A Prudent Approach to Electronic Resource Management Systems

A few articles have drawn some amount of attention specifically to the local causes of the success or failure of electronic resource management system (ERMS) implementations. In fact, it seems clear that local conditions will largely determine whether any given ERMS implementation will succeed or fail. This statement might seem obvious, but the truth and consequences of the statement are worthwhile to consider, and Northwestern University Library's recent experience in this context might prove useful for other libraries deliberating change.
A Unified Theory of Practice in Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education Evidence-Based Practices

Over the last decade, the field of early intervention/early childhood special education (EI/ECSE) has emerged as a primary service for infants and preschool children with disabilities and their families. Systems for providing early intervention for infants and toddlers exist in every state, and all state Departments of Education are responsible for special education for preschool children. In EI/ECSE, a unified theory of practice has emerged and draws from a range of psychological and educational theories. A strong, evidence-based set of practices that service providers and caregivers use to promote the development and well-being of infants and young children with disabilities and their families underlies this theory of practice. The purpose of this article is to describe the tenets of this theory and identify evidence-based practices associated with each.
Pectus Excavatum: Resolution After Surgical Removal of Upper Airway Obstruction

A six-year-old child with obstruction of the upper airway and a pectus excavatum defect ("funnel chest") is presented. Correction of the funnel-chest deformity was observed four years after the performance of a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy to relieve the obstruction of the upper airway. The relationship between chronic upper-airway obstruction and a pectus excavatum deformity is discussed, and the reversibility of such a deformity is documented.
Structural comparison of metarhodopsin II, metarhodopsin III, and opsin based on kinetic analysis of Fourier transform infrared difference spectra.

Fourier transform infrared difference spectra were measured at 30-s intervals after a complete bleach of rhodopsin (rho) samples at 20 degrees C and three different pH values. At each pH, all of the spectra could be fit globally to two exponential decay processes. Using a branched unimolecular kinetic model in which metarhodopsin II (meta II) is hydrolyzed to opsin and retinal both directly and through metarhodopsin III (meta III), we calculated rho-->meta II, rho-->meta III, and rho-->opsin difference spectra at each of the pH values and obtained estimates for the microscopic rate constants at each pH. Because of assumptions that had to be made about the branching ratio between the meta II decay pathways, some uncertainties remain in our calculated rho-->meta III difference spectrum at each pH. Nevertheless, our data covering long time ranges, especially those obtained at pH 8, place significant new constraints on the spectrum of meta III and thus on its structure. The rho-->meta II spectrum shows no significant pH dependence over the range examined (pH 5.5–8). However, the rho-->meta III and rho-->opsin spectra each include a limited subset of pH-dependent peaks, which are mostly attributable to titratable amino acid side chains. Our observations can be used to refine an earlier conclusion that the visual pigment refolds to a rhodopsin-like conformation during meta II decay (Rothschild, K.J., J. Gillespie, and W.J. DeGrip. 1987 Biophys. J. 51:345–350). Most of this refolding occurs in the same way at pH values ranging from 5.5 to 8 and whether meta II decays to meta III or opsin. Meta II displays unique spectral perturbations that are mostly attributable to a few residues, probably including three to four aspartic or glutamic acids and an arginine.