cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using MODFLOW and RT3D to simulate diffusion and reaction without discretizing low permeability zones.

Abstract Low permeability zones (LPZs) are major sources of groundwater contamination after active remediation to remove pollutants in adjacent high permeability zones (HPZs). Slow back diffusion from LPZs to HPZs can extend management of polluted sites by decades. Numerical models are often used to simulate back diffusion, estimate cleanup times, and develop site management strategies. Sharp concentration gradients of pollutants are present at the interface between HPZs and LPZs, and hence accurate simulation requires fine grid sizes resulting in high computational burden. Since the MODFLOW family of codes is widely used in practice, we develop a new approach for modeling pollutant back diffusion using MODFLOW/RT3D that eliminates the need for fine discretization of the LPZ. Instead, the LPZ is treated as an impermeable region in MODFLOW, while in RT3D the LPZ is conceptualized as a series of immobile zones coupled with a mobile zone at the HPZ/LPZ interface. Finite volume discretization of diffusion and reaction within the LPZ is then modeled as mass transfer and reaction among several immobile species. This results in a simulation domain with significantly fewer grid cells compared to that required if all LPZs are discretized, providing potential for improved computational efficiency. Cases, including a layer of HPZ over an LPZ, a thin/thick lens of LPZ embedded in HPZ, and multiple lens of LPZs embedded in HPZ are tested by the new approach for tracer and reactive scenarios.
Nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) regulation of IL-1β-induced retinal vascular inflammation.

Chronic low-grade retinal inflammation is an essential contributor to the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). It is characterized by increased retinal cell expression and secretion of a variety of inflammatory cytokines; among these, IL-1β has the reputation of being a major driver of cytokine-induced inflammation. IL-1β and other cytokines drive inflammatory changes that cause damage to retinal cells, leading to the hallmark vascular lesions of DR; these include increased leukocyte adherence, vascular permeability, and capillary cell death. Nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) is a transcriptional regulator of inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules and is expressed in retinal cells. Consequently, it may influence multiple pathogenic steps early in DR. We investigated the NFAT-dependency of IL-1β-induced inflammation in human Muller cells (hMC) and human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (hRMEC). Our results show that an NFAT inhibitor, Inhibitor of NFAT-Calcineurin Association-6 (INCA-6), decreased IL-1β-induced expression of IL-1β and TNFα in hMC, while having no effect on VEGF, CCL2, or CCL5 expression. We also demonstrate that INCA-6 attenuated IL-1β-induced increases of IL-1β, TNFα, IL-6, CCL2, and CCL5 (inflammatory cytokines and chemokines), and ICAM-1 and E-selectin (leukocyte adhesion molecules) expression in hRMEC. INCA-6 similarly inhibited IL-1β-induced increases in leukocyte adhesion in both hRMEC monolayers in vitro and an acute model of retinal inflammation in vivo. Finally, INCA-6 rescued IL-1β-induced permeability in both hRMEC monolayers in vitro and an acute model of retinal inflammation in vivo. Taken together, these data demonstrate the potential of NFAT inhibition to mitigate retinal inflammation secondary to diabetes.
Consumption in the city: The turn to interiority in contemporary postfeminist television:

In this article, I discuss a postfeminist ‘turn to interiority’ which takes place in US postfeminist television from 2005 onwards. Drawing on the theoretical critiques of postfeminist retreatism and girlie femininity, this turn is characterised by a concern with interior spaces – reviving domesticity and the importance of finding and securing a home – as well as internalised consumption – replacing forms of material consumption with the quest for self-actualisation, particularly through eating and expressions of the authentic self. I analyse this shift through a comparative analysis of the television shows Sex and the City, Girls and The Mindy Project. I argue that the turn to interiority is a product of the US cultural context, but also that this examination evidences the malleability and longevity of postfeminist ideology. Accordingly, I argue for the continuing importance of critical scholarship on postfeminism as an insight into the failures and pervasiveness of neoliberal politics.
Impulsive (Flash) Phase of Solar Flares: Hard X-Ray, Microwave, EUV and Optical Observations

Recent observations of impulsive hard X-ray, microwave, EUV and optical emissions during solar flares are briefly reviewed in order to deduce the characteristics of the impulsive (flash) phase phenomenon in small solar flares particularly from the point of view of the acceleration of electrons and their role in producing the various impulsive phase emissions. Observed and deduced characteristics of the various electromagnetic emission sources are summarized (Table II). The deduced characteristics of the electron acceleration process (Table III) indicate a process with high acceleration efficiency. The observations are found to be consistent with a model in which electrons are accelerated in a series of short pulses each lasting for ≲ 1 s and the accelerated electrons provide the energy necessary for all the observed electromagnetic emissions produced during the flash phase of small solar flares. Models of the impulsive phase emissions in which energetic electrons play a prominant role are examined and crucial tests to check the accuracy of these models are indicated (Table IV).
Dietary restriction enhances germline stem cell maintenance

Dietary restriction (DR) increases lifespan in species ranging from yeast to primates, maintaining tissues in a youthful state and delaying reproductive senescence. However, little is known about the mechanisms by which this occurs. Here we demonstrate that, concurrent with extending lifespan, DR attenuates the age-related decline in male germline stem cell (GSC) number in Drosophila. These data support a model whereby DR enhances maintenance of GSCs to extend the reproductive period of animals subjected to adverse nutritional conditions. This represents the first example of DR maintaining an adult stem cell pool and suggests a potential mechanism by which DR might delay aging in the tissues of higher organisms.
Preservation microfilming for archives and manuscripts

Cooperative microfilming projects offer one way to cope with the vast amount of archival materials that need preservation. Deciding whether to film a collection as part of a cooperative project depends on evaluation of the collection's intrinsic and intellectual value and how it fits into the repository's collection management program. Planning the filming project is a complex process of determining staff, space, time, and equipment needs, as well as contracting for microfilming services.
GPIHBP1 Two Get Tangled

The role of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (chylomicrons and very low-density lipoproteins [VLDL]) in promoting cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been an area of debate over many years.1 Epidemiological and genetic evidence supports the idea of raised triglycerides, or triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) and their remnants, as a pathogenesis of CVD. However, human intervention trials have failed to show conclusive effects, perhaps because other risk factors are often associated with elevated triglycerides, such as insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus, or because plasma triglycerides might be a marker of CVD rather than an independent risk factor. Both fasting and nonfasting plasma triglyceride levels vary widely, with concentrations of 2 to 10 mmol/L (177–885 mg/dL) conferring an association with increased risk of CVD and concentrations >10 mmol/L conferring increased risk of acute pancreatitis.2 Large-scale clinical trials on well-defined subject populations are needed to shed light onto the role of triglycerides in CVD risk. Article, see p 624 Triglyceride-rich chylomicrons are generated in the postprandial state by intestinal enterocytes, secreted into the intestinal lymph, and then released into circulation through the thoracic duct.3,4 After reaching the bloodstream, the triglycerides within chylomicrons and VLDL are hydrolyzed by lipoprotein lipase (LpL) along the luminal surface of capillaries, mainly in heart, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue. This process allows release of fatty acids that can be used as an energy source or stored for safekeeping to be used in times of energy deprivation. However, recent studies in mice have demonstrated that adipocyte-derived LpL plays a smaller role in adipose tissue triglyceride accumulation than previously thought.5 Two hypotheses, which are not mutually exclusive, have been put forward to explain how the smaller fraction of LpL bound to the luminal endothelium in larger arteries, as compared with the majority bound to the capillary endothelium, might promote …
Severe congenital pulmonary stenosis with pulmonary valvular dysplasia syndrome. Diagnostic and surgical experience in 3 children.

Abstract The clinical and pathological findings in 3 patients with severe pulmonic stenosis associated with pulmonary valvular dysplasia are presented. The distinguishing physical features and characteristic electrocardiographic, vectorcardiographic, and angiographic findings are described. Pulmonary valvulotomy alone was unsuccessful in the permanent surgical relief of this form of pulmonary stenosis in 2 patients. A third patient, who was treated by pulmonary valvulotomy and insertion of a right ventricular outflow tract patch, has obtained lasting, satisfactory relief.
Police stress: State-Trait Anxiety in relation to occupational and personal stressors

This study combined a standardized measure of stress with a questionnaire about job stressors, individual job and career variables, and personal variables. Seventy-nine police officers from three different departments in the United States participated in the study. In general, the officers scored low on the Spielberger et al. (1983) State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The stressors in police work identified by them were primarily administrative matters and relationships with nonpolice. Officers who focused on the job's compensations experienced less stress than those who relished the excitement of the job, crime fighting, or people centered policing. More stress was experienced by officers who were inclined to think more frequently about the possibility of being injured and by officers adapting to changes in their work or family.
Direct Protein Delivery to Mammalian Cells Using Cell-permeable Cys2-His2 Zinc-finger Domains

Due to their modularity and ability to be reprogrammed to recognize a wide range of DNA sequences, Cys2-His2 zinc-finger DNA-binding domains have emerged as useful tools for targeted genome engineering. Like many other DNA-binding proteins, zinc-fingers also possess the innate ability to cross cell membranes. We recently demonstrated that this intrinsic cell-permeability could be leveraged for intracellular protein delivery. Genetic fusion of zinc-finger motifs leads to efficient transport of protein and enzyme cargo into a broad range of mammalian cell types. Unlike other protein transduction technologies, delivery via zinc-finger domains does not inhibit enzyme activity and leads to high levels of cytosolic delivery. Here a detailed step-by-step protocol is presented for the implementation of zinc-finger technology for protein delivery into mammalian cells. Key steps for achieving high levels of intracellular zinc-finger-mediated delivery are highlighted and strategies for maximizing the performance of this system are discussed.
Laser Beam Directed at the Lunar Retro-Reflector Array: Observations of the First Returns

On 1 August between 10:15 and 12:50 Universal Time, with the Lick Observatory 120-inch (304-cm) telescope and a laser operating at 6943 angstroms, return signals from an optical retro-reflector array placed on the moon by the Apollo 11 astronauts were successfully detected. After the return signal was first detected it continued to appear with the expected time delay for the remainder of the night. The observed range is in excellent agreement with the predicted ephemeris. Transmitting between 7 and 8 joules per pulse, we found that each return signal averaged more than one photoelectron. This is in good agreement with calculations of the expected signal strength.
Corpus Corvus: Stereoscopic 3D Mixed Reality Dance Performance

Corpus Corvus is a mixed reality performance artwork that utilizes stereoscopic projection, motion capture animation, an integrated physical/media choreographic vocabulary, and electroacoustic composition to explore the Pacific Northwest Native American myth of the raven as god and thief who steals the sun and creates the universe. Formally, the work explores the relationship between movement of a physical body and stereoscopic animation in a physical/digital three-dimensional image field. The animation is generated from motion capture data and kinesthetic media composition processes based on physical choreography. Through precise temporal alignment and stereoscopic theatrical effect, the projected animation is perceived to surround the performing body in physical space. The art/research process contextualizing Corpus Corvus is a practice-based exploration and discovery of an emerging poetics that extends the human sensory system into immersive media perceptual hyperspaces. This paper illuminates the process of research, manifestation, and discovery that informs the artwork and its poetics.
Human Rabies with Initial Manifestations that Mimic Acute Brachial Neuritis and Guillain-Barré Syndrome.

Introduction: Human rabies can be overlooked in places where this disease is now rare. Its diagnosis is further confused by a negative history of exposure (cryptogenic rabies), by a Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) type of presentation, or by symptoms indicating another diagnosis, eg, acute brachial neuritis (ABN). Case presentation: A 19-year-old Mexican, with no past health problems, presented with a two-day history of left shoulder, arm, and chest pain. He arrived in Louisiana from Mexico five days prior to admission. Of particular importance is the absence of a history of rabies exposure and immunization. On admission, the patient had quadriparesis, areflexia, and elevated protein in the cerebrospinal fluid, prompting a diagnosis of GBS. However, emerging neurological deficits pointed towards acute encephalitis. Rabies was suspected on hospital day 11 after common causes of encephalitis (eg, arboviruses) have been excluded. The patient tested positive for rabies IgM and IgG. He died 17 days after admission. Negri bodies were detected in the patient's brain and rabies virus antigen typing identified the vampire bat as the source of infection. Conclusion: Rabies should be suspected in every patient with a rapidly evolving GBS-like illness—even if there is no history of exposure and no evidence of encephalitis on presentation. The patient's ABN-like symptoms may be equivalent to the pain experienced by rabies victims near the inoculation site.
Spatial heterogeneity of daphniid parasitism within lakes.

Spatially explicit models show that local interactions of hosts and parasites can strongly influence invasion and persistence of parasites and can create lasting spatial patchiness of parasite distributions. These predictions have been supported by experiments conducted in two-dimensional landscapes. Yet, three-dimensional systems, such as lakes, ponds, and oceans, have received comparatively little attention from epidemiologists. Freshwater zooplankton hosts often aggregate horizontally and vertically in lakes, potentially leading to local host–parasite interactions in one-, two-, or three-dimensions. To evaluate the potential spatial component of daphniid parasitism driven by these local interactions (patchiness), we surveyed vertical and horizontal heterogeneity of pelagic Daphnia infected with multiple microparasites in several north temperate lakes. These surveys uncovered little evidence for persistent vertical patchiness of parasitism, since the prevalence of two parasites showed little consistent trend with depth in four lakes (but more heterogeneity during day than at night). On a horizontal scale of tens of meters, we found little systematic evidence of strong aggregation and spatial patterning of daphniid hosts and parasites. Yet, we observed broad-scale, basin-wide patterns of parasite prevalence. These patterns suggest that nearshore offshore gradients, rather than local-scale interactions, could play a role in governing epidemiology of this open water host–parasite system.
Fractional factorial design

Fractional factorial designs are among the most important statistical contributions to the efficient exploration of the effects of several controllable factors on a response of interest. Fractional factorials are widely used in experiments in fields as diverse as agriculture, industry, and medical research. A key feature of fractional factorials that is not shared by more ad hoc methods for reducing the size of experiments is that the statistical properties are known in advance of experimentation. Consequently, an experimenter can investigate alternatives that enable the goals of the experiment to be met with the least cost, shortest time, or most effective use of resources. On occasion, an experimenter might decide not to conduct an experiment as originally planned once the statistical properties of the design are known. This article highlights the fundamental concepts, design strategies, and statistical properties of fractional factorial designs. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Reset Your Button and Drive into Computer-Assisted Math

If you can find the on-off switch and can insert a diskette, you're ready to start enriching your classroom with computer programs.
Quantiferon TB gold test: The new standard for screening of latent tuberculosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis?

We read with interest the report by Ponce de Leon et al ,1 where the authors argued that tuberculin skin testing (TST) may not be an optimal test for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. We would like to contribute to these findings, based on our clinical experience with a new screening tool called the QuantiFERON TB-Gold (QFT-G) Test. Although screening policies vary considerably between countries, it is generally recommended that all patients with rheumatoid arthritis should undergo screening for Mycobacterium tuberculosis latent infection before the initiation of treatment with biological agents, especially tumour necrosis factor (TNF)α inhibitors. …
Rethinking the Political Economy of Import Substitution Industrialization in Brazil: A Clientelist Model of Development Policymaking

Import substitution industrialization was the postwar development policy of choice in Latin America, and the diagnosis of its weaknesses heavily influenced subsequent policy recommendations. Yet few attempts have been made to test the predominant sectorally based explanation of ISI's failings against alternatives. This article develops a model of direct (clientelistic) linkages between politicians and their supporters and tests it against the standard sectoral model based on indirect linkages. Examining three features of process (economic sector influence, legislative voting, and exchange rate policy) and analyzing the distributional implications of the overall policy in Brazil, this article demonstrates that a clientelist model provides a more complete and coherent account of the empirical record. By demonstrating that variation in linkage type alters the political constraints on policy choice, the analysis also provides new insight into enduring puzzles, including the better performance in East Asia.
Multi-Agent Simulation of Human Behavior in Naval Air Defense

The AEGIS Cruiser Air-Defense Simulation Program models the operations of a combat information center team performing air defense for a U.S. Navy battle group. It uses multi-agent system technology and is implemented in Java. Conceived primarily to assist personnel in air-defense training and doctrine formulation, the simulation provides insight into the factors (skills, experience, fatigue, aircraft numbers, weather, etc.) that influence performance, especially under intense or stressful situations, and the task bottlenecks. It simulates air contacts (aircraft and missiles) as well as the actions and mental processes of the watchstanders. All simulated events are logged, to permit performance analysis and reconstruction for post-scenario training. Validation of the simulation was done with the help of expert practitioners of air defense at the AEGIS Training & Readiness Center (ATRC), San Diego, California, USA.
Comparison of methods for tubulin quantitation in HeLa cell and brain tissue extracts

Abstract Polymerization-competent extracts of suspension-cultured HeLa cells and porcine brain tissue were assayed for tubulin content. Five different methods were used to assay identically prepared extracts: two types of sodium dodecyl sulfate-containing acrylamide gels, a DEAE retention assay, a colchicine-binding assay, and a radioimmunoassay. The colchicine-binding and radioimmunoassay results were in close agreement and are therefore considered reliable assays for tubulin content in cell extracts. The DEAE retention assay gave slight overestimates, but the gel methods seriously overestimated tubulin content. Based on data from colchicine binding and radioimmunoassay, the proportion of soluble cell protein which is tubulin is 4.3% for HeLa cell extracts and 12.1% for brain tissue extracts.
Entropy-based spectrum sensing in cognitive radio

In this paper, we present a simple technique for detection of primary users in cognitive radio networks with unknown noise and interference levels. We will show that the likelihood ratio test for detecting the primary user can be approximated to a formulation that compares the estimated entropy of the received signal to a suitable threshold. This formulation is also intuitive since for a given variance, the entropy of a stochastic signal is maximized if it is Gaussian. If the received signal contains the primary user's digitally modulated component, the entropy is reduced. Although the proposed approach is applicable under any scenario, we will specifically consider matched-filter-based detection in this paper, with its underlying assumption that the cognitive radio knows the primary user signaling waveform. We will consider the case where the Gaussian noise and interference levels in the region are unknown, which renders traditional matched-filtering and energy-based detection approaches unfeasible. The probabilities of successful detection and false alarm are characterized for both classical and Bayesian scenarios.
Lipid-derived free radical production in superantigen-induced interstitial pneumonia

We studied the free radical generation involved in the development of interstitial pneumonia (IP) in an animal model of autoimmune disease. We observed an electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrum of α-(4-pyridyl-1-oxide)-N-tert-butylnitrone (POBN) radical adducts detected in the lipid extract of lungs in autoimmune-prone mice after intratracheal instillation of staphylococcal enterotoxin B. The POBN adducts detected by ESR were paralleled by infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils into the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. To further investigate the mechanism of free radical generation, mice were pretreated with the macrophage toxicant gadolinium chloride, which significantly suppressed the radical generation. Free radical generation was also decreased by pretreatment with the xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitor allopurinol, the iron chelator Desferal, and the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitor 1400W. Histopathologically, these drugs significantly reduced both the cell infiltration into the alveolar septal walls and the synthesis of pulmonary collagen fibers. Experiments with NADPH oxidase knockout mice showed that NADPH oxidase did not contribute to lipid radical generation. These results suggest that lipid-derived carbon-centered free radical production is important in the manifestation of IP and that a macrophage toxicant, an XO inhibitor, an iron chelator, and an iNOS inhibitor protect against both radical generation and the manifestation of IP.
Release of genetically modified micro‐organisms into the environment

Biotechnology in general, and recombinant DNA technology in particular, has the capacity to change the health and wealth of every individual, but like other major advances in science and technology such as nuclear power and electronics it can also be exploited to mankind's detriment. For this reason and the fact that recombinant DNA technology involves altering the molecules encoding life itself, the subject has given rise to a high level of public debate. Centuries of experience with the release of conventional micro-organisms for sewage treatment, agriculture and food production have shown that the release of large numbers of foreign organisms into an environment does not necessarily cause ecological damage. In fact few of these organisms survive for long periods. The threat of horizontal gene transfer from recombinant organisms to indigenous ones is however very real and mechanisms exist whereby, at least theoretically, any genetically engineered trait can be transferred to any prokaryotic organism and many eukaryotic ones. The rapid spread of antibiotic-resistant organisms since the widespread introduction of antibiotics graphically demonstrates that such a threat is real. There have now been several experiments to determine the effect of environmental release of micro-organisms, both in enclosed areas and in unenclosed sites. Proposals for the use of genetically modified micro-organisms that contain specific gene deletions have had a relatively smooth passage through government approval agencies and public enquiries and some products have been approved for commercial use. In addition a strain of bakers' yeast with an altered control element has also been approved for commercial use in the UK. Genetically modified viruses, especially those containing foreign genes have not received such favourable treatment and have been the subject of heated national and international debate. Many microbiologists are convinced, however, that the use and release of carefully constructed genetically engineered organisms will result in significant benefit, but with little risk to the environment. Ecologists, however, are not so sanguine and in the current ‘green’ political atmosphere their opinions are very influential. Thus most developed countries now have in force a series of very cautious regulations and guidelines for the release of genetically modified micro-organisms.
Guardian: a router mechanism for extreme overload prevention

Disasters such as the 9/11 attacks, as well as major and unpredictable events, can cause extreme network overload. By "extreme overload" we mean, first, that the offered load at a link is significantly higher than the link's capacity, and second, that the average throughput per session is too low. Under such conditions, the network can suffer from a form of "livelock" in which even though links are fully utilized, most users cannot complete their transfers. The underlying reasons are that the network carries many retransmitted packets, and that it services flows that are finally aborted by users or applications. To prevent extreme network overload, we propose a router mechanism called Guardian. Guardian is a form of admission control module that is automatically activated when it detects the onset of extreme overload at a network link. Guardian's objective is to allow at least some sessions to complete, rejecting new TCP or UDP sessions that would probably not manage to acquire a minimum acceptable throughput. Guardian does not require signalling, and it can be implemented using standard techniques for session counting and caching. This paper describes on-going work. As such, we focus on the motivation for the proposed mechanism, and on Guardian's main design.
Rocky Flats Closure Project: Lessons Learned in Worker Stakeholder Engagement

The Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site (EPA Superfund site near Denver, Colorado) produced plutonium components for nuclear weapons for the U.S. defense program. The facility shut down in 1989 and clean up began in 1992. To ensure safe remediation of inactive nuclear sites, site owners have begun to consult stakeholders more widely in recent years. The closure of Rocky Flats aimed to set the standard for stakeholder involvement in doing the work safely, complying with regulations/standards, in a cost-effective manner. We have studied, using ethnographic methods, the extent to which workers at Rocky Flats were involved in communication and decision making strategies. Our results point out that workers can have perceptions of the site remediation process that differ from management and even other workers and that a significant number of workers questioned the commitment by management to engage the worker as stakeholder. The most effective remediation efforts should involve careful consideration of the insights and observations of all workers, particularly those who face immediate and high-level health and safety risks.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Smart technology classroom in the stacks: promoting free government apps in an academic library

Purpose – This purpose of this article is to suggest that it is possible and desirable to use iPads as a teaching tool in a dedicated classroom in the stacks at an academic library. It examines recent research on smart device use among college students and outlines a pilot program that was developed at Southern Oregon University in the Government Information Department. Design/methodology/approach – The article includes a literature review of recent research that has been done about smart technology usage in the library and highlights information gained by a hands-on approach in a pilot program. Findings – The use of smart technology in a classroom in the stacks is an effective way to engage students in the research process. Using free government apps is a no cost solution to covering a variety of topics and disciplines. Students can gain new insights in how to make their smart technology work for them while conducting research. A supplemental iPad check-out program can enable students to have new meaning...
Polyethylene beads as supports for enzyme immobilization

Acid oxidation of polyethylene beads generated surface carboxylic groups which were reacted with excess ethylenediamine via carbodiimide promoted reactions. Glucose oxidase was covalently immobilized on the amine substituted beads using either glutaraldehyde, triazine trichloride, or dimethylsuberimidate as crosslinkers. The kinetic properties, pH-profile and the stability of the immobilized enzymes were reported.
Studies in spectral line formation—IV. Singly ionized calcium

Abstract The integral equations for the source functions of the Ca II H and K lines, and the lines of the infrared triplet, are formulated and solved in the case of transfer through a homogeneous atmosphere. Methods for estimating the thermalization lengths of these lines are discussed and criteria for source function equality are investigated.
ACL reconstruction using a novel hybrid scaffold composed of polyarylate fibers and collagen fibers

The objective was to perform an initial in vivo evaluation of a novel braided hybrid polyarylate and collagen fiber scaffold for the reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The braided hybrid scaffold is composed of 75% poly(desaminotyrosyl-tyrosine dodecyl dodecanedioate)(12,10), [p(DTD DD)] fibers and 25% type I bovine collagen fibers. The scaffold is designed to temporarily bear mechanical loads and gradually degrade as neoligament tissue is deposited. Scaffolds were electron beam sterilized and used to reconstruct the ACL in five Finnish Dorset crossed-bred sheep in this feasibility study. At 4 (n = 1) and 12 (n = 4) weeks post-op, scaffolds were retrieved and analyzed for cellular ingrowth and strength retention. There was extensive cell infiltration and vascularity, which increased with time. Tissue ingrowth occurred throughout the cross section in the midsubstance of the scaffolds. After 12 weeks all scaffolds were intact. Femur-scaffold-tibia complex (FSTC) explanted at 12 weeks had a yield load of 42 ± 22 N and a stiffness of 9 ± 3 N mm(-1). All scaffolds were well tolerated in the intraarticular space and induced tissue ingrowth, including new blood vessels, fibroblasts, inflammatory cells, and newly deposited collagen, throughout the cross section of the scaffold. Tissue ingrowth is critical to the success of a degradable scaffold for ACL reconstruction. Long-term studies in a large animal model are required to determine the efficacy of these novel hybrid scaffolds for ACL reconstruction.
Subcellular heterogeneity of sodium current properties in adult cardiac ventricular myocytes.

Background Sodium channel α-subunits in ventricular myocytes (VMs) segregate either to the intercalated disc or to lateral membranes, where they associate with region-specific molecules. Objective To determine the functional properties of sodium channels as a function of their location in the cell. Methods Local sodium currents were recorded from adult rodent VMs and Purkinje cells by using the cell-attached macropatch configuration. Electrodes were placed either in the cell midsection (M) or at the cell end (area originally occupied by the intercalated disc [ID]). Channels were identified as tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive (TTX-S) or TTX-resistant (TTX-R) by application of 100 nM of TTX. Results Average peak current amplitude was larger in ID than in M and largest at the site of contact between attached cells. TTX-S channels were found only in the M region of VMs and not in Purkinje myocytes. TTX-R channels were found in both M and ID regions, but their biophysical properties differed depending on recording location. Sodium current in rat VMs was upregulated by tumor necrosis factor-alpha. The magnitude of current increase was largest in the M region, but this difference was abolished by application of 100 nM of TTX. Conclusions Our data suggest that (a) a large fraction of TTX-R (likely Na v 1.5) channels in the M region of VMs are inactivated at normal resting potential, leaving most of the burden of excitation to TTX-R channels in the ID region; (b) cell–cell adhesion increases functional channel density at the ID; and (c) TTX-S (likely non-Na v 1.5) channels make a minimal contribution to sodium current under control conditions, but they represent a functional reserve that can be upregulated by exogenous factors.
ESR study on the structure of the ethylene radical cation stabilized in frozen SF6 and some fluoroalkanes: An evidence for a twisted structure

ESR spectra of the ethylene radical cation were detected at cryogenic temperatures in SF6, C2F6 and C3F8. From the unusually small hyperfine couplings estimated for1H and13C, it has been shown that the ethylene radical cation has a non-planar structure with a torsional angle in the range of 8°–23°. Upon annealing the sample at a temperature above 93 K, the ethylene radical cation in SF6 changed into a monofluoroethyl radical through charge recombination with fluoride anion or SF 6 − .
The lymphoid tissue distribution of cells reactive with chicken anti-mouse immunoglobulin serum

Abstract Chicken anti mouse immunoglobulin antiserum (CαMIg) ∗ recognizes a cell surface molecule on several mouse T lymphomas. This molecule shares antigens with mouse immunoglobulins and appears to have a heavy and light chain, as determined by acrylamide gel electrophoresis. When used in immunofluorescence CαMIg also recognizes cells in sections of normal mouse lymphoid organs. It recognizes a few cells in the thymic cortex, all cells in the thymic medulla and all cells in the diffuse cortex of mouse lymph nodes. These cells are probably not B cells because they are not recognized by rabbit anti mouse immunoglobulin, which does recognize cells in lymph node follicles, known to be B cell domains. The cells recognized by CαMIg are also recognized by rabbit anti mouse thymocyte absorbed with nu/nu spleen cells, an antiserum specific in immunofluorescence for mouse T cell domains.
Evidence for an antiphase type of structure in Pu metal and its alloys

Abstract The frequent irreproducibility of results from physical property measurements made on Pu metal suggests the existence of different states below room temperature. Heat capacity measurements yield evidence which can be interpreted as confirmation for an antiphase type of structure in Pu and its alloys. Other evidence from many different physical property measurements can be analyzed to give support for the presence of a long period superlattice. Existing thermoelectric power data point out the importance of specimen cycling and holding times at temperatures below 76°K on the appearance of what can be diagnosed as low temperature transitions. There appears to be a time-temperature dependence in the reported experimental results for many of the low temperature physical properties of Pu. Fermi surface-Brillouin zone boundary interactions are suggested as the explanation for the low temperature behavior of Pu metal and its alloys. They are considered to be the source of the resistivity maximum, new phases and an antiphase type of structure.
A nondestructive technique for detecting internal discolorations in potatoes

A technique of nondestructively detecting internal discoloration in potatoes by light transmittance has been described. Preliminary investigations with hollow heart indicated that the discolored tissue exhibited a selective absorption of energy at 710 mώ. A measurement of the optical density difference between wavelengths at 800 mώ. and 710 mώ is used as the indication of discoloration. This measurement indicates discolorations associated with hollow heart, blackspot, and greening ; however, the apparatus used in this study was designed to examine potatoes for hollow heart. Results of limited tests showed that the method detected the presence of hollow heart 98 per cent of the time in a group of Irish Cobbler potatoes containing 61 per cent hollow heart. In a test with Katahdin potatoes 81 per cent of all discolored tubers were detected including potatoes with decay, greening, blackspot and hollow heart.
Effects of l-canavanine on arginine catabolism in manduca sexta (sphingidae: lepidoptera)

Abstract 1. 1. Hemolymph ornithine concentrations in tobacco horn worm larvae fed a 2.5 mM l -canavanine plus 25 mM l -arginine-supplemented artificial diet (CAAM) were higher than those in larvae fed diets supplemented with 2.5 mM canavanine (CAV), 25 mM arginine (ARG), or controls (CON). 2. 2. Ornithine concentrations in CAV-treated larvae were significantly greater than the control or ARG treatment, but less than the CAAM treatment during the latter part of the wandering larval stage and during the pharate pupal stage. 3. 3. Urea concentrations were greater during the active feeding stage with the CAAM- and ARG-treated larvae having significantly higher levels than control or CAV-treated larvae. 4. 4. Urea concentrations in all treatments never exceeded 36.5% of the ornithine concentration. 5. 5. Canavanine concentrations were higher in CAV-treated larvae than in CAAM-treated larvae. 6. 6. During active feeding, arginine concentrations for all treatments were similar, but were lower in CAV- and CAAM-treated larvae during the pharate pupal stage.
Spirometry and Maximal Respiratory Pressure References From Healthy Minnesota 65- to 85-Year-Old Women and Men

Objective To obtain spirometry and maximal respiratory pressure (MRP) reference values for elderly persons. Design Survey. Setting General community. Participants Four hundred seventy-one healthy ambulatory white women and men age 65+ years. Methods A stringent spirometry quality assurance program exceeded American Thoracic Society recommendations. A "healthy" subgroup of 176 women and 112 men between the ages of 65- and 85 years were identified by excluding those with conditions that negatively influenced FEV1 in a multiple regression analysis. Reference equations and normal ranges for FEV1, FVC, FEF25-75%, peak flow, and maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MRPs) were determined from the healthy group with good quality maneuvers. Results Less than 10% of the subjects were unable to perform three acceptable spirometry maneuvers and ten MRP maneuvers. When the age and height corrected FEV1s from this group were compared with other spirometry reference studies, mean values from the women were nearly identical to those from Morris, while these men had substantially lower FEV1 values (by 0.3- to 0.5L) than elderly men in Crapo's study. Mean peak flow was over 20% higher when compared with previous studies, suggesting greater initial expiratory effort by our subjects. The maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) values were about 20% higher than those reported by the Cardiovascular Health Study, perhaps because five MIP maneuvers were always performed. Conclusion Spirometry and MRP reference values used for elderly patients should come from population studies using similar techniques and with large numbers of subjects over age 65 years.
Zonal Jets as Meridional Transport Barriers in the Subtropical and Polar Lower Stratosphere

Abstract Applications of recent results from dynamical systems theory to the study of transport and mixing in incompressible two-dimensional flows lead to the expectation that, independent of the background potential vorticity (PV) distribution, weakly perturbed zonal jets are associated with barriers that inhibit meridional transport. Here the authors provide evidence in support of this expectation based on the analysis of isentropic winds in the lower stratosphere as produced by the Canadian Middle Atmosphere Model (CMAM), a comprehensive general circulation model. Specifically, barriers to meridional transport are found to be associated with the (eastward) austral polar night jet, for which the meridional gradient of background PV is large, and also for the (westward) boreal summer subtropical jet, for which the background PV gradient is quite small. The identification of the meridional transport barriers is based on the computation of finite-time Lyapunov exponents (FTLEs), which characterize the amou...
Optimal lot sizing with CNC machines

An algorithm is presented for determining the optimal machining parameters for each of a set operations required to produce a product in the economic lot sizing context using a CNC Machine Tool. The cost components considered are: (1) inventory carrying cost, (2) cost of machine and operator time, (3) the cost of tools consumed and (4) the set up cost for producing each lot. The optimizing criterion is minimum total cost comprising the above components on a unit time basis. It is shown that the optimal machining parameters could be outside what is considered the efficiency range in traditional machining economics.
Belonging and Doing: Political Churches and Black Political Participation

The importance of the political church in Black political participation has brought to the attention of scholars the differences among Black churches and their effect on Black mobilization. The Black church has on many occasions transformed itself into a politicized organization. These political churches become settings that encourage political knowledge and skills (Tate, 1993) and communicate political activity as a norm (Calhoun-Brown, 1996). The earlier work on political churches has established the importance of these organizations for voter turnout and other forms of political participation. What has been left unexamined is the nature of the political churches themselves. This project disentangles these churches by looking at the heterogeneity within the structures of the political churches. In general, we seek to understand which of the internal activities of the political church tend to foster acts of political participation. We hypothesize that cost- underwriting activities and obligation-creating activities within the church setting have the greatest impact on participation. By examining a robust and expansive operationalization of the political church construct, we find that these types of political church activities matter more than other activities. In specifying how churches may work to directly affect the participation of their members, we seek to expand the scope of general comprehension of political churches.
Nonlinear interactions in electrophoresis of ideally polarizable particles

In the classical analysis of electrophoresis, particle motion is a consequence of the interfacial fluid slip that arises inside the ionic charge cloud (or Debye screening layer) surrounding the particle surface when an external field is applied. Under the assumptions of thin Debye layers, weak applied fields, and zero polarizability, it can be shown that the electrophoretic velocity of a collection of particles with identical zeta potential is the same as that of an isolated particle, unchanged by interactions [L. D. Reed and F. A. Morrison, “Hydrodynamic interaction in electrophoresis,” J. Colloid Interface Sci. 54, 117 (1976)]. When some of these assumptions are relaxed, nonlinear effects may also arise and result in relative motions. First, the perturbation of the external field around the particles creates field gradients, which may result in nonzero dielectrophoretic forces due to Maxwell stresses in the fluid. In addition, if the particles are able to polarize, they can acquire a nonuniform surface ...
Warbled Tone Masking in Bone Conduction Audiometry.

Warbled tones are compared with narrow-band, wide-band, and complex noises with respect to their efficacy as air-conducted maskers. Bone-conducted pulsed tones of 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz were ...
The isolated digital cord in Dupuytren's contracture: Anatomy and clinical significance

This article describes the isolated occurrence of Dupuytren's pathologic fascial cords within digits of the hand. Thirty-seven cords were found in 32 patients with nearly half (45.6%) occurring in digits other than the small finger. Almost all patients (97.3%) had other clinical evidence of Dupuytren's disease. Cords were either single (83.8%) or double (16.2%) and originated from the periosteum at the base of the proximal phalanx in conjunction with adjacent ligaments and intrinsic tendons. They proceeded in an oblique direction to displace and then cross the neurovascular bundles before inserting on the bone and/or flexor tendon sheath of the middle phalanx. The average loss of extension of the proximal interphalangeal joint that resulted from these cords was 46°, and surgical excision of the involved cords resulted in an average improvement of 24° (53%).